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Tag: life hacks

  • Master the Art of Saying No and Balance Life on Your Terms | Entrepreneur

    Master the Art of Saying No and Balance Life on Your Terms | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In today’s world, there are a host of demands placed on us. Between our bosses, best friends and families, there’s no shortage of people asking us to commit time to various projects, events and activities. In some cases, we’re not only asked but rather told what our top priorities should be. This works just fine when we agree and feel aligned with those requests, but what about when we don’t?

    Failing to prioritize ourselves and our desires can leave us feeling overworked and burnt out. Perhaps more importantly, endlessly saying yes to others robs us of joy and fulfillment. It can prevent us from feeling passionate, empowered and energized. Our families and loved ones often pay the price.

    Today, many mental health experts encourage us to set boundaries with others. That can be a scary prospect, especially for those of us who were brought up to be people pleasers. If you want to set better boundaries with others but not torch your relationships, here are a few things you’ll want to do.

    Related: 5 Expert-Backed Strategies for Setting Boundaries at Work

    1. Figure out what you truly do (and don’t) want to do

    You’ll find it’s nearly impossible to set boundaries with others if you don’t first know what your boundaries even are. Sometimes, setting boundaries means telling others no. This is easier to do when we have a “greater yes” in mind. But that means we must know what our “greater yes” is.

    Anytime you’re asked to do something, consult with yourself before anyone else. Ask yourself: “How do I feel about this? What do I want to do? What do I feel is the best decision?” Once you’ve decided these things, you’re already in a better place to communicate. But just wait until you’re asked. Regularly have these discussions with yourself, even before you get asked.

    Become very aware of how much bandwidth and capacity you actually have during any given season. The more you spend regular time identifying your most important priorities and values, the more strongly you’ll feel about them and the easier it will become to articulate them.

    2. Make an agreement with yourself that it’s okay to disappoint other people

    Before you can have an effective conversation with others about your boundaries, it’s important to accept the possibility that they might be disappointed by what you say. Remember: That’s okay. People don’t have to agree with all your decisions, including those who love you. Someone else disliking your decision doesn’t make it wrong.

    Recognize that others may not respond favorably when you set boundaries. When you say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be able to do that this weekend,” others might do a variety of things ranging from asking follow-up questions to becoming upset or angry to attempting to convince you to change your mind. When you plan on these things happening before the conversation, it makes it easier to handle them if and when they occur. Understand that other people’s reactions are often more about them than about you. Those reactions don’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.

    Related: Why Setting Boundaries Is the Secret to Preserving Energy and Focusing on What Matters

    3. Communicate your position respectfully

    Verbally articulating our boundaries with others is an important part of the process. You get the opportunity to share how you feel about something presently happening, and you also get the opportunity to set expectations for the future.

    Perhaps you don’t like the nickname an acquaintance has given you. They think it’s a clever joke, but you find it offensive. Perhaps you are uncomfortable with how close a colleague often sits; you feel it’s an invasion of your personal space. Maybe your friends routinely stay far too late when you invite them into your home or your mother insists on visiting you every Sunday, but you no longer want her to.

    Whatever it is, sharing how you’re feeling about the behaviors, asks or demands of others is important. That’s because, when done well, it can lead to change. This allows the relationship to improve. Oftentimes, we’re afraid to set boundaries with others because of how they will react. We can assuage these fears by remembering that setting boundaries is not about others; it’s about us.

    There’s no need to criticize or attack others. Rather, we can simply share how we’ve been feeling and what we’d like to see change. It’s especially helpful to be specific. Instead of saying, “Mom, I just feel you’re too involved in our lives,” you can say, “Mom, I’d like to have some more time to myself to read, clean and spend time with the kids. You being at our home every Sunday has been tough on me. I’d like to ask that going forward, you only come twice a month instead of every weekend.”

    Related: How to Teach Your Employees to Set Boundaries Instead of Always Being ‘On’

    4. Learn to feel good about it

    I’ve noticed that many of us feel guilt or even shame when we try to set boundaries. These feelings discourage us from doing it. As you contemplate setting boundaries, instead of worrying about everyone else, remember to consider yourself first. It’s less important that everyone else around you is “okay” with it, and more important that you feel good about it. If someone or something is wreaking havoc on your life, you don’t have to simply “put up with it” at the expense of your happiness. It’s an act of bravery to ask (or say) what you want and need, and you should choose to feel good about having the courage to do that.

    Setting boundaries with others can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s a key part of building a better life. We only get one shot at this life, and every moment matters. When we spend months or years tolerating things that make us uncomfortable, our worlds tend to shrink. Identify what’s most important to you and take these steps to advocate for it. Believe it or not, you’ll often find that doing this leads to better and more honest relationships with those around you, not worse relationships.

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    Amy M Chambers

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  • How to Avoid Online Scams on Black Friday and Cyber Monday | Entrepreneur

    How to Avoid Online Scams on Black Friday and Cyber Monday | Entrepreneur

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    As Thanksgiving approaches, so do Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

    Last year, the National Retail Federation reported nearly 180 million unique shoppers over the five-day period between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, which exceeded estimates by more than 21 million. According to NRF’s data, 104.9 million of those shoppers visited stores and 127.8 million made their purchases online (some shopped both in-store and online).

    Of course, “Cyber Week” brings in major revenue: The 2021 sales stretch drove nearly $40 billion in online spending, per Adobe.

    But the onslaught of online deals doesn’t just draw eager shoppers — it also gives cybercriminals a prime opportunity to trick people out of their money.

    “Cyber Monday and Black Friday open the door for adversaries to make offers,” AJ Nash, vice president of intelligence at ZeroFox, says. “Maybe if it were a Wednesday in July, you’d go, Man, that seems too good to be true. But come Cyber Monday, you go, Oh, maybe it’s a doorbuster. Maybe somebody really is giving away this amazing thing for almost nothing.”

    Nash spent nearly two decades in the intelligence community, describing himself as a “traditional intel guy,” before he was recruited for a cyber-focused contract, then to the private sector.

    Entrepreneur sat down with Nash to discuss how cyber scams have become more sophisticated over the years and how you can protect yourself from even the craftiest cybercriminals.

    Related: Cyber Fraudsters Reap $2.3 Billion Through Email Wire-Transfer Scams

    “Technologies have made it easier to do a better job of impersonating.”

    Phishing, the process by which an attacker sends a fraudulent message to get someone to share sensitive information or to introduce malware, is one of the oldest tricks in the cybercrime book.

    But the “spray and pray approach,” where cyber criminals attempt to maximize the volume of their scam to get the biggest returns, has gotten an update over the years, Nash says.

    “Technologies have made it easier to do a better job of impersonating,” he explains. “It costs very little to buy a domain that looks very close to the real one. It’s a misspelling, or they use a lowercase ‘L’ to replace a capital ‘I.’ There’s a lot of different ways to set that up.”

    From bogus websites to texting schemes, cyber scammers are skilled in weaving webs that appear legitimate. A link sent through SMS might lead back to an authentic-looking site, for example.

    “The longer you go down those paths, if adversaries link things together and layer them, the more trust it creates,” Nash says. “If you believed the first thing, then everything else is going to reinforce that as a potential victim.”

    And the schemes themselves also run the gamut, though non-delivery scams, where shoppers are duped into purchasing something that never arrives, and gift card hoaxes, where people are tricked into paying with virtually untraceable gift cards or buying them, remain some of the most common.

    Another rich arena for scammers? Social media.

    “Social media is a huge opportunity,” Nash says, “setting up social media accounts and luring people in, especially if you’re dealing with social media platforms that aren’t doing a particularly good job of regulating what is a valid account versus what isn’t.”

    And if you do fall for a fraudulent post, all it takes is one click for disaster to ensue. Hit that link promising the deal of a lifetime to the first 500 customers, and you risk having your personal information stolen or your device compromised.

    Related: How to Avoid Getting Scammed by Influencers With Fake Followings

    How to avoid online scams on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

    So, how can you stay safe while shopping for some of the best (legitimate) deals of the year?

    First, never forget that if a bargain sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Nash says.

    Once you suspect you might be a target, do your own investigation. For example, if you receive an amazing offer with a link attached, don’t click it.

    Instead, take a good look at that web address, Nash suggests, searching for any alterations to an authentic retailer’s URL — whether it’s one of those misspellings or capitalization swaps. Copying the address into a word document and switching up the font can make it easier to spot discrepancies.

    You should also pay close attention to the message itself. Improper English and grammatical errors are red flags, Nash says.

    Another simple tactic? Type the deal into your browser to see if it comes up anywhere else.

    “If you start Googling it and you’re somehow the only person that seems to know where this thing is, there’s a good chance it doesn’t exist,” Nash explains. “You’re not that special. None of us are.”

    It’s also good practice to avoid giving out sensitive information as much as possible, even when websites seem legitimate. Consider using a separate credit card for online orders; some financial institutions even offer virtual credit cards. Both options can prevent cybercriminals from moving “laterally through the rest of your finances,” Nash says.

    Related: 11 Ways to Protect Your Business From Cyber Criminals

    Along the same lines, it’s important to make sure you’re using different usernames and passwords for all of your accounts.

    “If they trick you into the website and you give away your information, [for a] lot of folks, that means you give away everything because you didn’t just give away that one Visa or MasterCard,” Nash says. “It turns out that’s the only password and username used for everything. More than ever, this is the time of year to remember to randomize passwords and use password management and two-factor authentication.”

    If you do make a purchase and have doubts after the fact, it might not be too late to protect yourself. Start by seeing if you received a confirmation email with tracking information — if you didn’t, it’s a bad sign.

    “I had this happen to me, maybe 10 years ago,” Nash says. “I got a laptop — it was a little too good to be true, but not crazy good. And I got a tracking number that didn’t match up; the post office couldn’t figure it out, et cetera. Well, lo and behold, that laptop never made it to my house.”

    But depending on your payment method and the insurance terms associated (which you should check before you shop), you might be able to recoup that money, Nash notes.

    Keep these strategies in mind for a successful and safe Cyber Week this year.

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How to Flip Your Bad Personality Traits | Entrepreneur

    How to Flip Your Bad Personality Traits | Entrepreneur

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    All of us, at some point in our lives, have believed some aspect of our personalities could be improved upon. Maybe you got the message that you were too loud, or brash, or talkative. Maybe you were told you were overly reserved, or sensitive, or dreamy. Maybe your ideas are too impractical, or too regimented. Maybe you’re too loose with money, or too tight-fisted. Whatever the critique was, it probably made you feel crappy and self-conscious. But that’s okay, because a little self-reflection is good for everyone, and it’s important to be mindful how you’re coming across to others. And it also doesn’t mean you should try to eradicate that part of yourself. In fact, if it’s getting other people’s attention, it’s probably core to who you are. Here, we spoke with six entrepreneurs who made the mindset shift from feeling ashamed of their “bad” personality traits, to unlocking their potential.

    Image Credit: Pete Ryan

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    Frances Dodds

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  • ‘We Over Me’: How Mason Sawyer Persevered in the Face of Unspeakable Tragedy. | Entrepreneur

    ‘We Over Me’: How Mason Sawyer Persevered in the Face of Unspeakable Tragedy. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In the face of tragedy, some individuals crumble under the weight of grief and despair, while others find the strength to rise above their circumstances and inspire others. Mason Sawyer’s journey of resilience and perseverance is a shining example of the latter. In a recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, he recounts his harrowing experience and shares the lessons he learned along the way.

    Overcoming tragedy

    Mason’s life was forever changed in July 2021 when a car accident claimed the lives of his wife, two children, brother, and nephew, leaving only his son, Blue, alive. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Mason was unsure of how to navigate the immense pain he was feeling. It was during this dark period that he sought the help of a therapist, who introduced him to the mantra of “we over me.”

    This simple yet profound phrase became the guiding principle in Mason’s journey towards healing. By shifting his focus from his pain to the needs of others, he discovered a newfound strength within himself. Drawing inspiration from the message of Jesus, Mason realized that helping others could provide solace and purpose amid his own suffering.

    The power of selflessness

    One of the key insights Mason gained from his journey is the transformative power of selflessness. By shifting the spotlight away from his demons and focusing on helping others, he found a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This act of service not only helped him heal but also allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

    Mason’s story is a testament to the philosophy of stoicism, which teaches that most things in life are indifferent. While tragedy may strike unexpectedly, our response to these events truly matters. Mason’s resilience and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss exemplify the stoic mindset of accepting what cannot be changed and finding strength in the face of adversity.

    In sharing his message of resilience, perseverance, and love, Mason serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity. His journey reminds us that we possess the strength within us to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. By following Mason’s podcast and Instagram account, we can learn more about his story and mission, and perhaps find the inspiration we need to navigate our own trials and tribulations.

    About The Jeff Fenster Show

    Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

    Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • How to Reframe Your Inner Dialogue for Greater Fulfillment in Work and Life | Entrepreneur

    How to Reframe Your Inner Dialogue for Greater Fulfillment in Work and Life | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    What if I told you that there is an invaluable tool at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which can improve your happiness, support your well-being and fuel your success? What I am referring to is your internal dialogue. That inner voice we all have that can either propel us forward or keep us stuck. Those stories and beliefs that we carry with us like an invisible backpack, influencing our feelings, our behaviors, our work and our lives. While our inner dialogue has the potential to be an incredible ally, it also has the potential to be a bit of a bully.

    Beliefs and internal stories like: “I am not good enough.” “I am bad at this.” “I don’t belong here.” Those are a few examples of restrictive stories that could be holding you back from true happiness and success in your personal and professional life. Throughout my time practicing in healthcare and in Integrative Psychiatry, I talked with many patients who were unhappy due to unhealthy internal stories. These stories kept them from taking action to create better lives for themselves. I have also talked with many successful individuals and top leaders amid my speaking engagements and my Live Greatly podcast, and I have found that all people, even those who appear extremely confident and self-assured, experience fear, moments of self-doubt and uncertainty.

    According to Indeed’s Working on well-being 2022 report, where 2522 adults in the UK were surveyed, 1 in 5 senior managers/human resources leaders and over 1 in 10 employees said they “always” or “very frequently” feel like a fraud. A 2020 KPMG study of 750 women showed that 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome. While many people experience some of these feelings, a key thing that I have noticed for people who are happy and successful is that they have learned how to navigate their self-talk and those moments when limiting beliefs surface. They don’t let those feelings stop them from positive action and moving in the direction of their mission.

    Related: Me, Myself and I: 4 Ways to Harness That Nagging Voice in Your Head

    How to reframe your internal story

    So, how can you start to embrace a more empowering internal story? Well, it begins with self-awareness. How can you actively change something that you don’t even know exists? One way you can work on building self-awareness is with mindfulness. Mindfulness can be a helpful way to expand your awareness around your internal dialogue and your beliefs. You can begin to non-judgmentally notice your thoughts, feelings and responses by bringing your attention to the present moment and getting curious.

    You will likely notice some habitual thought patterns and behaviors. You may find that if things are going well or if you have gotten positive feedback, your inner voice may be cheering you on and telling you how great of a job you’re doing. However, if setbacks occur, if you make a mistake, if you are nervous or trying something new, then what happens?

    There is a powerful connection and interplay between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and a key thing to recognize is that a lot of your thoughts are simply not true. Some of your thoughts may be opinions or interpretations. Many thoughts are not facts, and some may be outright lies. We all have limiting beliefs that drive our behaviors, and if you are able to build awareness around these limitations, you can recognize that you don’t have to continue to live your life acting like they are true.

    You can intentionally choose a new path. You can choose a new response. You can choose to question the validity of your limiting beliefs and present yourself with more empowering possibilities that you can reinforce with new mindful actions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular therapeutic tool that expands on this and can be helpful in navigating limiting beliefs and patterns.

    Related: A Guide To Mindfulness: Why You Need To Start Training Your Mind (And How You Can Begin)

    How I overcame my own limiting beliefs

    I remember back when I was in college, and I had to partake in a mandatory communications class on public speaking. At the time, I saw no use for the class because I was terrified of public speaking. Based on where I was then and the beliefs I had about myself at that time, I could not have predicted that I would now be a keynote speaker speaking to large audiences on a regular basis and absolutely loving it.

    I was 18 years old at the time, and all I knew was that I didn’t like the feeling of being judged and I wanted to avoid being embarrassed at all costs. I ended up getting a good grade in the class, but based on how uncomfortable I felt speaking to the group, I left that communications class with a new limiting belief. “I am bad at public speaking.” That belief stuck with me pretty tightly for some time. It was by my side when I had to give speeches at weddings, and it popped up years later when I had an opportunity to start guest lecturing at a University.

    So, how did I overcome it? The first step was realizing that the limiting belief was there. The second was deciding that I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I knew that I had an important message I wanted to share that could really help the students I would be speaking to, so I leaned into the mission. When I left my first day of guest lecturing, I had a huge “aha” moment. I felt great, and I had absolutely loved talking to the group. The nerves faded away moments after I started, and I found myself excited to do it again. I realized that the belief that I had about me being bad at public speaking wasn’t true. Public speaking had just made me uncomfortable, which is part of doing something new.

    Since that time, there has been a question that I use if I find limiting beliefs or restrictive stories surfacing, and it is: “How can I view this in a way that is more empowering for me?” If you are looking to create more empowering stories for yourself, it can be helpful to choose approachable goals and small actions that can propel you forward toward a new, more empowering belief. Self-doubt and fear will likely still be there, but the key is not letting them stop you from becoming who you aspire to be.

    Related: Eight Ways Entrepreneurs Can Master Negative Internal Dialogue

    Disclaimer: This content purely represents the opinion of the author and is not medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations specific to you.

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    Kristel Bauer

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  • Why Successful People Engage in These 7 Types of Hobbies | Entrepreneur

    Why Successful People Engage in These 7 Types of Hobbies | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Not all hobbies are created equal. Over the last decade, I’ve obsessively studied success (and what successful people do) by reading a book/month on the topic, researching it (so I could write my own books on it) and being mentored by both CEOs and executive coaches. I’ve found nearly all successful people are intentional and deliberate about how they spend their time. When it comes to their hobbies, watching television or reading tabloids doesn’t rank high. Here’s what does.

    Related: Every Entrepreneur Needs a Hobby Separate From the Company — Here’s Why

    1. Creation, not consumption

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    Amy M Chambers

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  • How Music Can Transform Your Productivity Levels | Entrepreneur

    How Music Can Transform Your Productivity Levels | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As a child, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave concerts in public venues and private dressing rooms. He performed in his family’s apartment in London, where people would come to listen to the young music prodigy for an admission fee. He performed for the likes of Louis XV’s daughters, Princesses Adélaïde and Victoire, and the King and Queen themselves. In those days, the first music-listening device hadn’t been invented. (Thomas Edison would introduce the phonograph more than a century later, in 1877.) Live was the only way to listen.

    Today, music is radically more accessible. It’s everywhere, and there’s so much of it. Fun fact: It would take someone until the 27th century to listen to the 100 million or so songs currently available on Spotify alone. Music serves many purposes beyond entertaining the aristocracy. We use it to motivate us through a workout, to distract us during a root canal or to help us fall asleep.

    Step inside my office at Jotform, and you’ll often find me listening to classical music (if I’m writing) or rock and roll (if I’m catching up on emails). And I’m not alone: In one survey, 85 percent of respondents said they enjoy listening to music at work. Another 71 percent said they’re more productive when music is playing at the office, with pop, rock and country songs providing the biggest boost.

    Although the so-called “Mozart effect” has been debunked — studying music does not improve intelligence — researchers have found a curious link between music and productivity. With millions of choices at our fingertips, it’s important to understand the latest findings on music and productivity before you create your next playlist.

    Related: The Art of the Power Nap — How to Sleep Your Way to Maximum Productivity

    Your taste in music matters

    One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. One person’s motivational music is another person’s noise pollution. If you want to listen to music to boost your productivity, it’s important to choose songs that you enjoy.

    As Merriam Saunders, psychotherapist and Dominican University psychology professor, explained to Business News Daily, music has a dopaminergic effect on the brain, which means that it creates dopamine. Dopamine, in turn, stimulates the prefrontal cortex — the center of the brain responsible for planning, organizing, inhibition control and attention. In short, if your brain makes more dopamine, it can help you become more productive. But, Saunders noted, the key is choosing music you enjoy but have also listened to enough that you’re not focusing on the lyrics or beat.

    That explains why I find myself listening to the same playlist of songs I love over and over again while I work. The music puts me in a good mood (in other words, it gets the dopamine flowing), but I’ve listened to those songs so many times that I barely register the words. It’s almost Pavlovian, the way I click play and dive into my work.

    Related: There’s a Scientific Reason You Can’t Stop Thinking About Unfinished Tasks. Learning to Harness That Energy Will Make You More Productive.

    Your personality traits matter, too

    Your taste in music isn’t the only factor determining if a song helps or hurts your productivity. Your personality — introversion versus extroversion — also impacts if and how much you benefit from background music.

    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, chief innovation officer at ManpowerGroup and professor of business psychology at University College London and Columbia University, writes for Harvard Business Review: “If you are extroverted, you will tend to be naturally under-stimulated, which is why your performance will likely increase with background music or minor distractions. Conversely, being an introvert increases the probability that you find any background noise, including music, distracting, to the point of impairing your performance.”

    Of course, most of us fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between introversion and extroversion. But it’s helpful to understand that whereas more introverted people will benefit more from ambient tunes, extroverts can lean into more stimulating songs. Whereas an introvert might benefit from elevator music, an extrovert might thrive on ACDC.

    Related: The Science-Backed Case for Embracing Boredom in the Workplace

    Consider task complexity

    Before choosing a song, you should also consider the complexity of the task at hand. Chamorro-Premuzic explains if you’re comfortable doing something (because, for example, you’ve done it countless times), background music will help you focus. If you’re new to something and it’s complex, you should avoid background music, at least at the outset.

    We all have tasks that challenge and engage us and others that we complete on autopilot. In my new book, I conceptualize the two as meaningful work (or the “big stuff”) versus busy work. The purpose of writing the book was to give readers the tools to automate the latter and make more space for the former. Still, the fact remains that while we can slash busy work through automating, delegating or eliminating, we can’t entirely get rid of it. Invoices will always have to be sent. Meetings need to be scheduled. Inboxes must be organized. While carrying out the necessary busy work that links together the more meaningful parts of our day, music can help us complete it efficiently and effectively.

    Related: What Expert Mountaineers Can Teach You About Accomplishing Your Most Daunting Tasks

    Reminder: Work should be fun

    If you’re still not convinced to curate a new office playlist, consider this: Work should be fun. Research suggests that having fun on the job has a positive impact on engagement, creativity and purpose, all of which increase employee retention and reduce turnover.

    In researching Work Made Fun Gets Done, co-authors Bob Nelson and Mario Tamayo interviewed hundreds of employees across industries and career stages to better understand what people did to make work more fun.

    Their findings? Music was an effective strategy for ratcheting up the fun factor.

    So listen to music you like and music that suits your mood. If you’re looking for motivation, maybe a Queen ballad will do the trick. If you’re after a zen song to finish a stressful project, a relaxing piano composition might set the tone.

    Final thoughts

    Music can make work more enjoyable. It can help you manage your busy work. It can enable you to dig into more meaningful work. If you think about it, it’s one of the most accessible productivity tools out there—and it’s largely free. With the above strategies, hopefully you can choose among the 100-million-plus songs out there and craft your perfect productivity playlist.

    Related: Struggling With Productivity? You Just Need to Give Yourself Fewer Options.

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    Aytekin Tank

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  • Boost Your Content Creation Skills with These Must-Have Tech Products for Fall 2023 | Entrepreneur

    Boost Your Content Creation Skills with These Must-Have Tech Products for Fall 2023 | Entrepreneur

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    As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisper, there’s no better time to snuggle up and create some content — whether it’s that podcast you’ve been thinking about doing forever, or a video you’ve been meaning to edit, or something entirely new that will take your social media engagement to the next level. Here, we’ve put together a list of the tech products that will make you look like a pro, even when you’re wearing sweatpants in your living room.

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Sandmarc

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    Mario Armstrong

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  • Master the Stage — 7 Proven Ways to Stand Out As a Public Speaker | Entrepreneur

    Master the Stage — 7 Proven Ways to Stand Out As a Public Speaker | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a world where information is readily available, and competition is fierce, standing out as a speaker in a saturated industry can be a daunting task.

    However, with the right approach and a few strategic moves, you can set yourself apart and make a lasting impact. As a professional paid speaker who has spoken at several organizations and conferences over the last 10 years, there are a few hacks that I’ve learned along the way.

    Here are seven tips to help you shine in a crowded field.

    1. Find your unique voice

    The first step toward standing out is to discover what sets you apart from others.

    Identify your unique perspectives, experiences and expertise that make you different from the rest of the field. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through your presentations by being your authentic self. Authenticity is the key to capturing the attention and trust of your audience.

    2. Define your niche

    Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific niche within your industry.

    Specializing in a particular area allows you to develop deep knowledge and expertise, making you the go-to expert for that niche. This targeted approach helps you build a reputation and attract an audience that is genuinely interested in your expertise.

    There’s a saying that I love that says, “Instead of going a mile wide and three feet deep, try going three feet wide and a mile deep.”

    In other words, the deeper you go, the more your audience wants to know.

    Related: The Complete, 20-Step Guide to Ace Public Speaking

    3. Deliver exceptional content

    The quality of your content is crucial for standing out. Invest time into researching, developing and refining your presentations.

    Offer fresh perspectives, valuable insights and actionable takeaways for your audience. By consistently delivering high-quality content, you will build a reputation as a speaker worth listening to. If creating high-quality presentations is not one of your strong points, it’s okay to hire a professional who can make you and your presentation look top-notch so that you can focus on making sure your delivery is exceptional and memorable.

    4. Hone your storytelling skills

    Storytelling is a powerful tool for captivating any audience.

    Develop your storytelling skills to engage and inspire your listeners. Craft compelling narratives that connect with people on an emotional level. Well-told stories will make your message memorable and differentiate you from others in your field.

    Stories that gently tug on the heartstrings of the audience are always a win. Making a head connection (with information) is good, but making a heart connection (with authentic and emotional stories) is great.

    5. Embrace multimedia and technology

    In a digital age, incorporating multimedia elements into your presentations can make a significant impact.

    Utilize visuals, videos and interactive tools to enhance your message and engage your audience. Embracing technology and innovative presentation techniques will demonstrate your adaptability and help you stand out from traditional speakers.

    With all of the new artificial intelligence platforms and software that are now available, it’s a great time to see which ones are a good fit for you and your business. Taking a class or a course in AI isn’t a bad idea.

    Related: How to Grow Your Business With Public Speaking

    6. Network strategically

    Building a strong network is essential for any speaker.

    Attend industry events, conferences and seminars to connect with fellow professionals and potential clients. Seek out speaking opportunities where you can showcase your expertise. Collaborate with other influencers in your field to expand your reach and gain credibility. Make eye contact, shake as many hands as possible, and get as many business cards as possible so that you can follow up. The fortune is in the follow-up.

    7. Continuously improve

    Never stop learning and improving your skills as a speaker. Seek feedback from your audience, colleagues and mentors. Take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as workshops and courses, to refine your speaking abilities.

    By investing in self-improvement, you will continuously evolve as a speaker and stay ahead of the competition. There are always new techniques and strategies being created and developed that you can take advantage of.

    Standing out as a speaker in a saturated industry requires a combination of authenticity, expertise and strategic positioning. By finding your unique voice, focusing on a niche, delivering exceptional content, mastering storytelling, embracing multimedia, networking strategically and continuously improving, you can carve out your space and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

    Remember, it takes time and persistence, but with dedication and passion, you can rise above the noise and become a sought-after speaker in your field.

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    Jose Flores

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  • 8 Efficiency Hacks to Boost Productivity and Save Time | Entrepreneur

    8 Efficiency Hacks to Boost Productivity and Save Time | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As an entrepreneur juggling multiple businesses, I’ve come to understand the value of time and the necessity to work efficiently. Over the years, I’ve honed some handy techniques that have helped me greatly streamline my workflow, minimize distractions and maximize my productivity.

    Here are my eight favorite hacks for working efficiently, which I’m confident can help empower any entrepreneur to take charge of their time and achieve more with less. I use these methods every single day while running my cat brand tuft + paw, and they’ve worked exceptionally well for us.

    Related: 5 Simple Keys to Greater Productivity

    1. Batch emails to reclaim focus

    Email can easily become a constant source of interruption, stealing precious time from focused work. To combat this, adopt the habit of batching emails. Utilize tools like “batched inbox” to set specific times for email delivery, limiting it to twice a day. I like to dedicate focused time in the morning and the end of the day for email management, which frees up the rest of the day so I can concentrate on essential tasks and projects.

    2. Create email filters for “unsubscribe”

    Maintaining an organized inbox is so important for clear thinking. Set up email filters that direct any email containing the word “unsubscribe” into a separate “newsletter” folder. This declutters your primary inbox and your mind space, allowing you to prioritize and address critical emails more efficiently. When you have time, you can go through your newsletters and pick and choose what you want to read.

    3. Batch similar tasks together

    Context-switching between different types of tasks can be mentally taxing and inefficient. Embrace task batching by grouping like-tasks together in your to-do list or project management tool. For instance, on Asana, I schedule all email marketing tasks for Wednesdays and all my media buying tasks for Mondays. This approach can save you significant mental bandwidth and help you maintain focus on specific activities throughout the day.

    4. Silence Slack and phone notifications

    Phone distractions can be the biggest productivity killers, so for the love of God, turn off Slack and phone notifications while you’re working — there’s nothing like the “knock knock” sound of a Slack message for breaking your concentration and momentum. By silencing these notifications, you create an environment conducive to deep work. If you can maintain a deep work state for, say, 40% longer every day, you can see huge benefits for your business over time.

    Related: 10 Hacks to Save Time and Boost Productivity

    5. Prioritize communication and avoid being a blocker

    Quick, effective communication is vital for smoothly running a business. Structure your day so you’re not a blocker to anyone else doing their job. In my instance, I make it a top priority to address emails, chats and messages from my team at the beginning of the workday. By promptly responding to your team’s needs, you remove potential blockers that could hinder their progress. Once you’ve dealt with immediate communications, you can immerse yourself in deep, uninterrupted work.

    6. Limit meetings and opt for efficient alternatives

    Meeting fatigue is a real thing, so try to schedule as few meetings as possible. Meetings often consume significant amounts of time and, just as often, yield minimal results. Furthermore, most people hate meetings but still suggest them because they feel obligated. If someone suggests a meeting to me that seems unnecessary, I usually respond, “I’ve been trying to reduce meetings — any chance we could do this via email instead?” People are usually more than happy to oblige because they didn’t want a meeting either. It’s a win-win.

    7. Embrace asynchronous communication

    Today’s work world is so interconnected, but more often than not, these connections end up being distractions. To take tip #6 a step further, I recommended implementing an asynchronous communication platform wherever appropriate. Tools like Loom, where you can play back video messages at 2x speed, or threaded discussions in project management platforms are so much more efficient than live Zoom calls or continuous Slack chats. This allows recipients to process and respond to information at their convenience, promoting a more flexible and productive workflow.

    Related: 36 Insanely Useful Productivity Hacks

    8. Reserve Slack for urgent matters only

    Slack can be a fantastic tool for real-time communication, but it can also lead to constant interruptions. Only use Slack for urgent matters, and encourage your team to do the same. By setting this norm within your company culture, you create an environment where everyone can focus on their tasks without feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications. If every little message is urgent, then nothing is urgent.

    As entrepreneurs, time is one of our most valuable assets, and we need to treat it as such.

    By implementing time-saving practices, you can reclaim focus, minimize distractions and achieve higher levels of productivity. Remember, efficiency is not just about doing more work in less time, but rather about achieving better results with the time you have. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can unlock your true potential as an entrepreneur and, by extension, unlock the potential of your team.

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    Jackson Cunningham

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  • How to Know When to Persist, Pivot or Give Up and Pack it In | Entrepreneur

    How to Know When to Persist, Pivot or Give Up and Pack it In | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    This isn’t your standard “persevere and conquer” pep talk. You’ve heard it all — ‘Push through, never give up, you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.’ Sure, resilience is crucial, but let’s be real: That advice starts to ring hollow when you’re up against wall after wall and you experience rejection after rejection.

    At some point, you’re left wondering if the struggle is even worth it. Most articles don’t tell you that resilience isn’t just about bull-headed tenacity; it’s also about discernment – understanding that there’s a fine line between tenacity and futility. The wisdom lies in knowing when to dig in your heels and when it’s smarter to pivot. Often, a “no” is not a stop sign — it’s a detour sign that says, “Adjust course.”

    Related: Why Saying ‘No’ Can Actually Help Your Business or Startup

    The case of the unwavering pursuit

    In the mid-90s, my young and struggling advertising agency grappled with the constant challenges of an upstart company, such as personnel, cash flow and client acquisition. We were small but ambitious, armed with a unique approach for helping large companies market and sell their products to consumers through resellers, such as dealers or retail outlets.

    Undeterred by our size and confident in our approach, we had our sights set on the big, national players. One of those big players on my radar was Troy-Bilt. For two relentless years, I pursued them with the confidence that we had a unique marketing solution they couldn’t afford to ignore

    Given that they were just a two-hour drive away in Albany, NY, I took the liberty of making several unscheduled visits. To say the reception was lukewarm would be generous. At one point, I flat-out asked their V.P. of Marketing if I was becoming a nuisance and should just go away. His answer never wavered: “No need to leave; always good to talk, but we’ve got nothing for you.” Then, two years into this dance, the phone rang. It was them. “Scott, we’re ready to give you a shot.” That shot transformed into a multi-million-dollar annual program that sustained for several years.

    Related: 5 Ways to Master the Persistence That Makes a Great Entrepreneur

    The psychology of ‘No’: Your mindset dictates your response

    Rejection is far more than a bruise to your ego — it tests your emotional intelligence and resilience. Often, what hurts us most is not the rejection itself but our emotional response to it. We ruminate, second-guess and eventually let that “no” settle into our mindset as a prohibitive obstacle. But if we can shift our perception and see rejection not as a blockade but as feedback, we turn the tables.

    Mindset matters. A resilient mindset interprets a “no” as a “not yet” or “not this way.” It’s an invitation to revisit your strategy, adapt, change course and charge forward. Your next victory is as much about your mental calibration as it is about the external opportunity.

    Related: Never Underestimate the Power of Adversity: How Hardship Builds Resilience

    When to push forward and when to pivot

    Ah, the million-dollar question: When is a “no” really a “NO,” and when is it a “try again, but differently”? Even the most tenacious of us need to recognize that some doors are meant to remain closed. Perhaps you’re chasing a deal that isn’t the right fit or sticking to a strategy that’s clearly not working. In those moments, the wisdom to pivot is invaluable.

    The key here is data and intuition. Collect and analyze data on your efforts. Are you getting closer to a “yes” or further away? Your gut feeling, informed by experience, will often be your best guide. And remember, redirecting your energy doesn’t mean defeat — it means you’re savvy enough to focus on battles you can win.

    Related: The Art of the Pivot — 6 Steps to Reengineer Yourself for a Career Change

    Rejection is often not about you

    We often internalize rejection as a fault in our personality, skills or ideas. That’s rarely the entire story. External factors — economic downturns, corporate restructuring or internal politics — often contribute to that “no” more than you might think.

    So, when you hear that dreaded word, take a step back. Separate your personal attachment from the situation to objectively analyze why you were rejected. Was it the wrong time for the company? Were there budget constraints? Perhaps a change in leadership? If the rejection involves factors out of your control, don’t let it weigh down your self-worth or deter your progress. Instead, revise your strategy, recalibrate your pitch, and knock on the next door with renewed gusto.

    After you’ve paused to analyze the rejection, knowing full well that many variables could be out of your hands, it’s time to look forward. Start by refining your game plan. There’s an art to taking a “no” and letting it sculpt you into a better, more prepared individual. Pivot your approach, retool your game plan and consider “no” a constructive critique on the road to “yes.”

    Now, you’ve got to build some mental muscle. Rejection stings, but resilience is the salve. Put rejection in your rearview, as your focus needs to be on the road ahead. Every setback is just a setup for an even greater comeback.

    And please, for your own sake, don’t get tunnel-vision chasing one opportunity. Diversify your approaches; it’s like having multiple lines in the water when you’re fishing. One might not bite, but another will. Keep your connections fresh and your network dynamic. Your next opportunity could come from the most unexpected conversations.

    So, as you continue on this unpredictable path, never lose sight of your dream. Every great story — from Edison’s thousand attempts to create a light bulb to J.K. Rowling’s twelve rejections before Harry Potter saw the light of day — includes an anthology of “no’s.” Yours is no different. The ‘yes’ you’re searching for, the one that changes everything, could be just around the corner. And the lessons learned from each “no” along the way? That’s your roadmap, filled with detours that make the journey richer, not just longer, but only if you dare to persevere and the wisdom to pivot when needed.

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    Scott Deming

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  • Small upgrades people made to their homes which served as an epic life hack (20 GIFs)

    Small upgrades people made to their homes which served as an epic life hack (20 GIFs)

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    Zach Nading

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  • How to Develop Self-Awareness and Become a More Effective Leader | Entrepreneur

    How to Develop Self-Awareness and Become a More Effective Leader | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As a senior leader, the most effective tool at your disposal is your own self-awareness. Let me say that again: As a senior leader, the most effective tool at your disposal is your own self-awareness. I hold this belief in part because of how important self-awareness is in being more intentional, but I also believe that the other qualities of effective leadership can be built and refined through greater self-awareness.

    When I start working with a CEO as a new coaching client, they’re often very oriented on what they’re doing. And this makes sense — these CEOs are constantly measuring themselves by and being measured by their results. We quickly uncover together, though, that who they’re being is even more important. Want to get better at delegation? Look upstream at your perfectionism and need for control. Want to get better at feedback? Look upstream to your assertiveness or desire to be liked.

    As a starting point, I like to explore what I call the Three Horizons of Self-Awareness. These three horizons are: the sensations we experience, the stories we make up and the strategies we enact to get what we want.

    Related: Why a Self-Aware Leader Is a Good Leader

    The sensations we experience

    Sensations are what we perceive in the outside world, such as sights and sounds, and our inside world, such as feelings and emotions. This inside world is where we find the real goldmine of self-awareness. As adults, most of us are very used to living “from the neck up.”

    That is, we are great at analyzing and assessing with our brains but rarely check in on what’s happening with our bodies — which is a shame because there’s more to our neurology than our brains alone. We think of emotions as something that happens in our heads, but imagine how fear feels in your gut, or how anger flushes your cheeks, or how sadness constricts your breathing and mists your eyes.

    This is all incredibly valuable data, information that can let us know early that something important is happening. As a tactical way to build this muscle, I recommend that my clients write down what they notice, almost like an anthropologist studying themselves. This journaling practice is a great starting point for making the subjective feel more objective. I encourage my clients to keep this journal close, to record things in the moment or after some deep breaths and reflection.

    The stories we make up

    Stories are the foundation for how we make sense of the world. We could call these judgments or beliefs as well. Imagine that you get cut off by a car on the highway. In an instant, you might feel a flash of anger. Now imagine that you pull up next to the car and notice that the situation is different from what you expected. Maybe the driver is a teenager, obviously flustered and trying to concentrate. Maybe the driver is older but in the backseat is someone who, it appears, is injured. In either case, your stories about the situation would be updated in an instant.

    For better and worse, our stories form the basis for how we make sense of the world. They are our thoughts, and they help us explain how the world is, how someone else is and how we ourselves are.

    To get greater self-awareness around our stories, I find it’s best to simply start writing them down. Going back to a dedicated journal or notebook, start to articulate all the stories you’re making up, trying to get curious about how true they are. In the example, one story could have been, “This person is selfish,” and another could have been, “I feel angry because I’ve been disrespected.”

    Related: 3 Simple Ways to Be More Self-Aware as an Entrepreneur

    The strategies we enact

    Finally, our strategies are simply what we choose to do out in the world. At a core level, our strategies aren’t simply our actions, but how our actions connect to trying to get what we want. This third horizon of self-awareness is also where we have the most control.

    I believe we don’t have any control over our sensations — we feel how we feel when we feel that way. I believe we have some control over our stories — we can rewrite them in time, but most of them are so automatic and subconscious that, in the moment, they just show up. But I believe we have 100% control over the strategies we choose to use.

    To get a stronger understanding of your own strategies, start to develop a “greatest hits” album of your go-to moves. Start to write down what you notice yourself doing (e.g., engaging with more aggressiveness or being passive), and ask why you’re doing that enough times to get really clear on what your strategy is. Again, the benefit here comes from making a deliberate effort to practice writing down and noticing yourself across all three horizons.

    Tying it all together

    Here’s a simple example from a client; let’s call her Shruti. Shruti and one of her direct reports, who we’ll call John, disagreed on the formatting style of a document that was going to the CEO. In that moment, Shruti noticed her primary sensation was frustration, and her primary story was that John didn’t respect her or her point of view.

    Here’s an interesting thing she noticed next: Her first strategy was to shut down and let John do it his way, but not because she embraced curiosity and the possibility that John could be right. Oh no, Shruti was hoping the CEO would call John out on the poor formatting!

    It’s not just noticing what we do, but really getting curious and honest about the motivation behind it — how our strategies help to address our stories and sensations. In a quiet and indirect way, Shruti was trying to rescue back some of her self-respect by setting up a “gotcha!” moment with John. And, in doing so, she wasn’t being congruent with herself by taking a more intentional approach, such as assertiveness for what she wanted or curiosity to genuinely try things a different way.

    In this case and others, though, being self-aware of what is happening is the important first step in choosing a better path.

    Related: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Are Vital Skills for Any Entrepreneur

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    Jason R. Waller

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  • These 4 Popular Mantras Contain Valuable Lessons in Leadership | Entrepreneur

    These 4 Popular Mantras Contain Valuable Lessons in Leadership | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Some old sayings are popular because they stand the test of time. You’ve heard them from family and friends alike: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; treat others the way you want to be treated. There are four wise mantras that speak to the ebb and flow of business, containing vital lessons that will help you navigate the rough spots as you build your dream.

    1. Everything happens for a reason

    We don’t plan to fail or let someone take advantage of us or lose an account, but these things do happen. Going into the situation with our eyes open and willing to learn will prevent a bad decision from growing into a crisis. In business, everything is character-building. The heartbreaks teach you more than the wins.

    As a legally blind CEO and broadcaster, I interview people on my radio show. Since I can’t see note cards, I immerse myself in their story, memorizing the events of their lives and how they felt about these events. Blindness has allowed me to become a much better listener. Some of my guests have said, “You know my life better than I know my life.” Hosts usually sit across from their subject with a list of questions; I memorize my guest’s entire life story and every question comes from the heart. My way is the Nancy way, born from necessity, but it’s more effective.

    When you can’t see the way through a crisis, take time to sit down and make a chart. In the left column, list the tough circumstances — the negative events. In the right column, list the things you have accomplished of which you are most proud. You will be surprised at the victories you have gained. You will see that you pushed through the negative events that are now overshadowed by your successes.

    Related: I’m a Blind CEO — Here Are 3 Lessons I’ve Learned About Finding Alternative Ways to Be Your Most Productive Self.

    2. You can’t judge a book by its cover

    Running a company, one of the first things you learn is that people defy their outward appearances. You will consistently find yourself in a position to judge others: a new co-worker, a new client or a candidate in an interview. You may meet a new colleague with a disability. If you can’t see beyond labels to the skills and gifts a person may possess, you will miss out.

    I remember back when vision loss made it impossible to drive. I was a real estate agent, so I had to take the bus to get to my clients. Dressed in my best suit, I had my briefcase, carrying everything with me in case they wanted to make an offer. I sat in the front where the handicapped section was so I could hear the bus driver call out my stop to me. A woman came over to me yelling, “How dare you! This section is for disabled people! You don’t need this seat. What kind of diva do you think you are?”

    It was a most startling example of “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” She saw me as a young, polished executive. Disabled people don’t look like that woman, she thought.

    Biases and prejudices exist. If your company struggles in this area, you can start with awareness. Does your company promote women or people of color? Learn what disabled people can do and how they do it. In your workplace, inspire volunteerism. Pick a cause that needs support and help those groups by raising money, having someone come and speak at your organization or partnering with advocacy groups to encourage underrepresented people to apply to your company.

    3. Call it a day

    Has adversity ever made you more determined than ever to finish something? That’s a good trait when you’re working as a team to accomplish a goal, but there are times when you can give yourself permission to walk away. You can always return with a fresh pair of eyes. This happens to me when technology stops working, especially when it flips out in the afternoon.

    As a business leader, you might try to work in spite of emotional upheaval, whether its grief over a breakup or anger over a flat tire on the way to work. Times of frustration or sadness are the worst times to respond to emails that push your buttons or call a meeting based on your reaction to a specific situation. It’s important to only hit “send” on the email when you’re in a good place. Otherwise, leave it in the draft folder for at least a day.

    As an executive, you can give others permission to call it a day. Make it a point to check in with at least three people daily. Listen to the words they use and their tone of voice. You might save the company a client relationship or prevent an unwanted confrontation in the workplace.

    4. No pain, no gain

    This wise saying comes to us from the world of sports, but it translates well to the world of enterprise. To achieve any goal worth pursuing, there is going to be pain. You will feel the burn of testing your limits when you build a business.

    When you start out, you may envision the road to your career goals as a smooth journey, but the pain of it is working around busy schedules, bringing people with diverse ideas together and the heartache of replacing good people when they leave. If you can begin with a realistic set of expectations — knowing that the unexpected can surface at any moment — you will face your circumstances with a troubleshooting mindset, finding ways to work with your challenges instead of against them.

    When vision loss progressed to the point I could no longer drive, my clients had to adjust to driving us around. It wasn’t ideal, but I found a solution that worked.

    You can use pen/paper or a private blog to keep track of these watershed moments, the times you faced adversity and overcame the odds. You will look back and see your strength — the pain you felt and the overcoming moment when you pushed through. You will see what you learned, how you grew, and the insight you gained.

    Related: 5 Mantras of Successful Entrepreneurs You Can Use to Improve Your Life and Habits

    Conclusion

    There is a power in some of these wise statements that you can harness, depending on your company’s mission. You can even make your own mantra. After all, someone came up with these familiar truisms, likely after coming out of a bad situation. Whether your slogan is “To infinity and beyond” or “Look before you leap,” mantras can serve as reminders of what really matters, keeping you on the path to fulfilling your vision.

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    Nancy Solari

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  • The Most and Least Competitive Major Companies for Applicants | Entrepreneur

    The Most and Least Competitive Major Companies for Applicants | Entrepreneur

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    If you’ve ever wanted to work for one of your favorite companies — whether it be a tech giant like Apple or a fashion service like Stitch Fix — you might have navigated to its job posting on LinkedIn, seen that hundreds of applications were submitted within hours and wondered if you even had a shot.

    Not surprisingly, some of the biggest names in American business do tend to be the most competitive, but others aren’t exactly flooded with applicants. In fact, despite a gradually cooling job market in the U.S., economists maintain that employees are in a great position to negotiate and job hop, CNBC reported earlier this year.

    Related: After 526 Rejected Job Applications, I Broke Through. So Can You.

    So, what are your chances as an applicant at a household name company, really? What are the most — and least — competitive companies for job seekers? A new study from Resume.io set out to answer that question by analyzing data from LinkedIn.

    Based on the average number of daily job applicants to job postings, Resume.io determined the 20 companies where getting hired might be particularly difficult and the 20 where it might not be so hard after all.

    Related: ‘Annoying’ AI Chatbots Taking Over Fast Food Job Applications

    The No. 1 most in-demand company among applicants? That would be Netflix, which, despite its controversial (and successful) crackdown on password sharing earlier this year, is the most competitive major American company for job seekers, boasting 84.87 average daily applicants per job posting.

    Check out the full list from Resume.io below:

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Resume.io

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Resume.io

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How Leaders Can Build and Cultivate a Sustainable Business | Entrepreneur

    How Leaders Can Build and Cultivate a Sustainable Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The global business ecosystem is witnessing an unprecedented metamorphosis, pivoting from traditional models to ones that deeply embed sustainable entrepreneurship as a core ethos. This new paradigm weaves together the age-old, profit-centric motives of businesses with a renewed and impassioned commitment to the betterment of society and the nurturing of our environment. It’s not merely a passing trend or a superficial alignment with popular sentiment; it represents the dawning of a more conscious era of commerce.

    Exhaustive studies and surveys have repeatedly highlighted a discernible shift in both consumer preferences and investor priorities. A growing cohort now resonates more vibrantly with brands and corporations that reflect their own ethical, ecological and societal values, underscoring that the ‘business as usual’ model is outdated and potentially detrimental in the long run.

    Related: 5 Ways to Make Your Business More Sustainable

    My personal immersion into sustainable entrepreneurship wasn’t an impulsive leap but a meticulously thought-out transition kindled by a seminal Harvard Business Review article. This piece, lucid in its narrative and compelling in its arguments, accentuated the urgency and indispensability of synchronizing business strategies with conscious, purpose-driven goals. It was a moment of epiphany, underscoring that generating wealth and catalyzing societal progress aren’t mutually exclusive but can be harmoniously synergized.

    To put it succinctly, the evolving zeitgeist of the 21st-century business world demands a recalibration of objectives and methodologies. The compass is no longer pointing solely towards monetary profit. Instead, it indicates a more holistic destination: profit intertwined with purpose, fiscal growth in harmony with ecological sustainability and societal advancement.

    Catalysts driving sustainable entrepreneurship

    As I navigated the complex world of entrepreneurship, I was continually made aware of the evolving ethos of consumers. A comprehensive IPSOS report shed light on this sea change, highlighting that modern consumers increasingly align their brand loyalty with ethical and environmental values. As I’ve learned, integrating sustainability into one’s business ethos goes far beyond public relations. It is a formidable pillar that can solidify a brand’s market position, unveil operational efficiencies, and mitigate long-term risks. Moreover, with international policy frameworks pivoting toward environmental conservation, businesses have both a moral and economic incentive to adopt sustainable practices.

    Related: Are You Implementing the 3 Ps of Sustainability? Experts Say You Should.

    Personal hurdles, solutions and insights

    On my entrepreneurial path, I sought inspiration from vanguards in the sustainable business space. For instance, the ascent of Beyond Meat isn’t just a testament to its innovative plant-based products. It’s also emblematic of a broader societal shift towards eco-conscious consumption. These companies underscore the commercial potential and societal imperative of green technologies. Their success stories are a testament to the fact that with foresight, innovation and persistence, sustainable businesses can indeed thrive and lead the market.

    Like every entrepreneurial venture, my journey was punctuated with challenges and introspections. A recurrent query that often surfaced was the economic viability of wholeheartedly embracing sustainability. I turned to online educational platforms and discovered courses that seamlessly blended sustainability with business, reaffirming that an eco-conscious strategy can align seamlessly with profitability, provided it’s executed with authenticity and foresight.

    Related: Sustainability In the Supply Chain Is the Need Of the Hour

    Reflecting and looking ahead

    In reflection, the role of an entrepreneur in today’s complex and rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape goes beyond traditional definitions. Entrepreneurs are no longer just innovators or market leaders; they’ve become architects of change, embodying a vision that intertwines profit with purpose. At the core, we’re expected to wear multiple hats — that of business magnates, societal reformers, ethical watchdogs and even environmental stewards.

    This multifaceted role emerged sharply during my foray into sustainable entrepreneurship. Every challenge faced and every decision made underscores a deeper realization: Sustainability is not just a buzzword businesses should adopt for contemporary relevance. It’s a foundational principle, a beacon guiding every strategic decision, shaped equally by ethical mandates and forward-thinking business pragmatism.

    I’ve come to view sustainable entrepreneurship as a tapestry intricately woven with threads of ecological balance, social responsibility and economic viability. Each thread is as crucial as the other, and removing one would unravel the entire fabric. It is this delicate balance that drives the essence of modern entrepreneurship.

    However, it’s essential to acknowledge that adopting sustainability isn’t just about securing future market positions or hedging against potential regulatory shifts. It’s about genuine commitment. It’s about understanding that every product we create, every service we offer, and every market we enter has ramifications that ripple outwards, affecting communities, ecosystems and global paradigms.

    As we stand at this pivotal juncture, with the weight of impending climatic crises and socio-economic disparities bearing down upon us, the onus is on entrepreneurs to lead the charge. To pivot from traditional business models that prized profits above all else to holistic frameworks that value collective growth and shared prosperity.

    My message to fellow entrepreneurs is both an appeal and an exhortation: As we sculpt the businesses of tomorrow, let us engrain sustainability into our corporate DNA. Let every decision be a testament to a future that is not just economically robust but also socially equitable and environmentally resilient.

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    Henri Al Helaly

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  • Embracing Boredom: How It Can Boost Creativity | Entrepreneur

    Embracing Boredom: How It Can Boost Creativity | Entrepreneur

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    Research shows that for entrepreneurs, a dash of ennui can actually be an asset. Here’s how to turn boredom into an engine for creativity.

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    Aytekin Tank

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  • A Former NFL Plays Says ‘Indentity Shifting’ Is the Key to Success | Entrepreneur

    A Former NFL Plays Says ‘Indentity Shifting’ Is the Key to Success | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Anthony Trucks is a successful entrepreneur and former NFL player. His success formula revolves around taking immediate, decisive action and striving to get one percent better every day.

    On a recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, he shared his inspiring journey and provided valuable insights on achieving greatness. Here are some key moments from the interview.

    Always be in motion

    According to Trucks, success is not a result of luck or talent alone but rather the outcome of hard work and consistent action. He emphasizes the importance of being in motion and constantly seeking something more.

    “Humans are happiest when they’re in motion, when they’re seeking something,” he says.

    Adopt a new identity

    One of the critical concepts Trucks introduces is the idea of making an identity shift. He believes that to achieve success, individuals must declare a new identity and align their actions with that identity. He also highlights the significance of having a coach or mentor who can guide and support you on your journey, helping you reach your goals faster.

    Do ‘dark work’

    Truckst talks about the importance of dark work, which he describes as the behind-the-scenes effort necessary for success that often goes unnoticed. He encourages individuals to embrace their dark work by first going dark and then reading their dark work declaration out loud. This practice helps individuals draw on their inner strength and determination during defining moments.

    Get an accountability partner

    When faced with challenges, Trucks advises finding an accountability partner. He believes that having someone to hold you accountable and provide support can make a significant difference in maintaining momentum and achieving long-term success.

    Engage in intense exercise

    During the interview, Trucks also shares his experience with a challenging fitness program called “Seventy-Five Hard.” This program requires participants to complete 45 minutes of exercise every day, drink a gallon of water, and make no exceptions. He highlights the importance of discipline and identity-shifting to succeed in such demanding endeavors.

    About The Jeff Fenster Show

    Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

    Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • Gen Z Laughs When You Use ‘Out of Pocket’ and These Emojis | Entrepreneur

    Gen Z Laughs When You Use ‘Out of Pocket’ and These Emojis | Entrepreneur

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    The generational language gap is nothing new — and it’s causing some comical misunderstandings in the workplace.

    Gen Z is amused when their millennial and boomer colleagues use the phrase “out of pocket” to signal they’ll be stepping away during the work day because it means something entirely different for the younger set, Insider reported.

    Related: 3 Ways Gen Z CEOs are Crushing Stereotypes | Entrepreneur

    What’s the disconnect? Gen Z uses “out of pocket” to describe something that’s “inappropriate or wild,” according to a “cringe quiz” for Gen-Z office speak fluency published by The Washington Post last year. In the context of the younger generation’s definition, people who use the phrase to express they have a dentist appointment are instead suggesting they’ll be creating chaos from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

    The Washington Post‘s quiz featured other generational communication divides, including the word “slay” (which basically translates to doing something really well) and, perhaps unsurprisingly, several emojis that can leave wires crossed.

    Gen Z uses the skull emoji to convey they’re dying from laughter, the smiley face with a mild grin to show they’re not really happy and the painting nails emoji to express a range of meanings — “sass, pettiness or nonchalant confidence,” Lieke Verheijen, assistant professor of communication at Radboud University in the Netherlands, told the outlet.

    Related: 5 Simple Tips for Incorporating Gen Z Into Your Workplace

    Ending a sentence with a period might also be misinterpreted.

    The period “has lost its original purpose because rather needing a symbol to indicate the end of a sentence, you can simply hit send on your message,” Gretchen McCulloch, linguist and author of the book Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language, told NPR — so using it now “can indicate seriousness or a sense of finality.”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • Cardi B Avoided a Wardrobe Malfunction With This TikTok Hack, and I Think It’s Genius

    Cardi B Avoided a Wardrobe Malfunction With This TikTok Hack, and I Think It’s Genius

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    It’s not every day that Cardi B (or any celebrity, for that matter) is left with no other choice but to utilize a TikTok hack in order to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. But when the 30-year-old musician was on a plane without the assistance of stylist Kollin Carter, she resorted to the latest viral trend. Cardi’s makeup artist and former publicist Patientce Foster acted as her glam squad mid-flight, cinching in her metallic spaghetti-strap dress by wrapping a hair tie around a disc at the back to eliminate some of the excess fabric.

    Most TikTok users demonstrate the hack by turning their dresses inside out. Next, they take any circular object, from a bangle to an oversize hoop earring, and place it right where they want the material to become more formfitting. Double-twisting a hair tie around the item gathers the fabric at that exact spot, and once the dress is repositioned properly on the body, there’s a resulting ruched effect in the area. However, it actually makes for a pretty clean detail, and it definitely looks better than a makeshift job done with a needle and thread. Of course, the bonus is that it only takes about 30 seconds to pull off when you’re in a pinch.

    Upon reading Cardi’s caption before I pressed play on her X video — “would you try this??? Teamwork make the dream work!!!” — I have to admit, I was skeptical. Maybe it’s because I find emulating TikTok hacks (at least to the same level of visual perfection) to be challenging. The only trick that’s ever worked for me was buttoning my jeans through a belt loop to tighten the waist, and I’ve gained some weight since then, so achieving the off-kilter, deconstructed denim look is no longer necessary, and certainly not possible — at least with that pair.

    But the dress-cinching hack actually feels doable and has me wondering how I can manipulate some of my pieces to achieve a different style entirely, even if the design I’m working with already fits. As one user shows below, you can also employ this trick at the front, on either side, or to raise the hemline of your long maxi and perhaps give way to a shoe moment. For example, I could easily bring my Carrie Bradshaw Norma Kamali dress to knee-length height, especially since it’s already got shirred sides. You could probably also maneuver it at the bust, just to alter the shape of the neckline. While this TikTok hack obviously appears different depending on the dress, it’s safe to say it helped Cardi achieve her signature curve-enhancing aesthetic. She opted for voluminous curls and side-swept bangs to finish off the look.

    Ahead, see the viral TikTok dress hack in action, and decide how you might work it into your own wardrobe repertoire.

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    Sarah Wasilak

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