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  • Why People Fear Generative AI — and What to Do About It | Entrepreneur

    Why People Fear Generative AI — and What to Do About It | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    People are scared of generative AI, but the future is safe and bright if you prepare now.

    I recently published an expert roundup on the benefits of generative AI. Some people worried about bias and political agendas, while others thought jobs would disappear and technocrats would hoard all wealth. Fortunately, we can mitigate risks through transparency, corporate governance and educational transformation.

    Below, I’ll discuss the fears and dangers of generative AI and potential solutions for each:

    Biased algorithms can shape public opinion

    Bias is inherent in every system. Editors have always selected stories to publish or ignore. With the advent of the internet, search engines rewarded publishers for optimized content and advertising, empowering a class of search engine marketers. Then, social media platforms developed subjective quality standards and terms of service. Additionally, bias can arise from algorithm training with disproportionate demographic representation. As such, we’ll face the same problems, solutions and debates over safety and privacy with generative AI that we already face in other systems.

    Some people believe in legislative solutions, but those are influenced by lobbyists and ideologues. Instead, consider competition among ChatGPT, Bard, Llama and other generative AIs. Competition sparks innovation, where profits and market share drive unique approaches. As demand increases, the job market will explode with demand for algorithm bias auditors, similar to the growth of diversity training in human resources.

    It’s challenging to find the source of bias in a black-box algorithm, where users only see the inputs and outputs of the system. However, open-source code bases and training sets will enable users to test for bias in the public space. Coders may develop transparent white-box models, and the market will decide a winner.

    Related: The 3 Principals of Building Anti-Bias AI

    Generative AI could destroy jobs and concentrate wealth

    Many people fear that elite technocrats will replace workers with robots and accumulate wealth while society suffers. Consider how technology replaced jobs for decades. The cotton gin replaced field workers who toiled in the hot sun. Movable type replaced scribes who hand-wrote books, and ecommerce websites displaced many physical stores.

    Some workers and businesses suffered from these transformations. But people learned new skills, and employers hired them to fill talent gaps. We will need radically different education and training to survive. Some people won’t upskill in time, and we have an existing social safety net for them.

    Historically, we valued execution over ideas. Today, ideation may set humans apart from machines, where “ideators” replace knowledge workers. Our post-AI world will require critical thinkers, creatives and others to innovate and define ideas for AIs to execute. Quality assurance professionals, algorithm trainers and “prompt engineers” will have a vibrant future, too.

    There will also be a market for “human-made” products and services. People will hunger for a uniquely human touch informed by emotional intelligence, especially in the medical and hospitality industries. An episode of 60 Minutes ended with “100% human-generated content,” and others will follow.

    Generative AI may create an influx of spam

    Many marketers saw ChatGPT as a shortcut to content creation, publishing articles verbatim. The risky technique is just a cheap, fast, low-quality form of ghostwriting.

    In contrast, generated content may make digital marketing more equitable by reducing ghostwriting costs for bootstrapped entrepreneurs. The key is understanding Google E-E-A-T, which stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness. Your Google reputation and ranking hinge on your published work. So, people who improve and customize generated content will prosper, while Google flags purveyors of “copy-paste” as spammers.

    Rogue AI could pose cybersecurity risks

    A rogue coder could create harmful directives for an AI to damage individuals, software, hardware and organizations. Threats include malware, phishing schemes and other cybersecurity threats. But that’s already happening. Before the internet, we battled computer viruses targeting people, organizations and equipment. For-profit antivirus providers have served this market need to keep us safer.

    Zero-trust platforms like blockchain may detect anomalies and mitigate cybersecurity risks. In addition, companies will create standard operating procedures (SOPs) to protect their systems — and profits. Therefore, new jobs will materialize to develop new processes, governance, ethics and software.

    Related: Why Are So Many Companies Afraid of Generative AI?

    Stolen identities and reputation attacks could be imminent

    People already create deepfake videos of celebrities and politicians. Many are parodies, but some are malicious. Soon, humans will be unable to detect them. Historically, we’ve had this capability since PhotoShop was released, and teams are already in place to address misinformation and fake images at social media companies and news outlets.

    Regulations and policing will never prevent the creation of fake content. Nefarious characters will find tools on the black market and the dark web. Fortunately, there are solutions in the private sector already.

    Social media platforms will continue to block presumably fake content and stolen identities. And more solutions will come to fruition. Tools can already detect generated content and continue to improve. Some may become integrated with internet browsers that start issuing fake content warnings. Or celebrities may wear timestamped, dynamic QR codes for authentication when filming.

    The singularity may finally arrive

    The thought of a conscious AI megalomaniac crosses sci-fi geek minds everywhere. Find comfort knowing that it may already exist. After all, we can’t detect biological or technological consciousness. Yet, consciousness may emerge from complex systems like generative AI. Indeed, the simulation hypothesis suggests we’re in a simulation that an AI controls already.

    Related: Addressing the Undercurrent of Fear Towards AI in the Workforce

    History is full of dangerous technology. Warren Buffet compared AI to the atom bomb. If he’s right, then we’re as safe as we have been since 1945, when the U.S. government dropped a nuclear bomb for the first and last time. Systems are in place to mitigate that risk, and new systems will arise to keep AI safe, too. Our future will remain bright if enough people pursue cybersecurity and related fields. With that in mind, learn to use this technology and prepare for the shift towards AGI.

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    Dennis Consorte

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  • Get a Limited-Time Deal on Rosetta Stone Before Your Summer Travels | Entrepreneur

    Get a Limited-Time Deal on Rosetta Stone Before Your Summer Travels | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    If you’re traveling abroad for business or pleasure this summer, you probably already know it’s a good idea to learn the language of your destination. It’s much easier to navigate new places when you don’t have to struggle with language barriers, especially if you’re trying to do business.

    Now is a great time to start learning a new language because for a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on The Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone. This two-part bundle includes lifetime subscriptions to both Rosetta Stone and StackSkills Unlimited, so you can commit to learning something new every day this summer and beyond. Use coupon code ROSETTA10 to get it for $170.99 for a limited time.

    Rosetta Stone is the world’s leading language-learning app, trusted by top international organizations like NASA and TripAdvisor, and winner of PC Mag’s Editors’ Choice Award for five straight years. The intuitive, award-winning training method will have you reading, writing, and speaking new languages in a matter of weeks.

    You’ll start by matching words with images, just like how you learned your native language as a child, and work your way up to phrases and conversations by leveraging Rosetta Stone’s interactive software and proprietary speech-recognition technology, TruAccent™.

    In addition to learning a new language, you’ll also be able to fully commit to your overall education, as well. StackSkills Unlimited gives you access to a library of more than 1,000 courses from 350 of the web’s top instructors, covering topics as diverse as graphic design and marketing to IT, coding, and more.

    Commit to learning something new this summer. For a limited time, you can get the Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone for just $170.99 (reg. $900) when you use promo code ROSETTA10.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • 8 Tips to Help Entrepreneurs Find Success After Failure | Entrepreneur

    8 Tips to Help Entrepreneurs Find Success After Failure | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As an entrepreneur, failure is not something you want to experience. However, it’s a natural part of any business journey, and it’s wise to learn from it. Some of the biggest success stories have come from those who persevered through various failures to become the best in their respective fields.

    In this article, we’ll discuss how failure taught us, as entrepreneurs, some valuable lessons for achieving success in our ventures.

    Related: 10 Strategies for Entrepreneurs Dealing With Failure

    1. Embrace failure as a stepping stone

    When you fail, it can be hard to pick yourself up and keep going. It’s natural to feel discouraged, demotivated and even ashamed about the result. However, as an entrepreneur, you cannot let this feeling force you to give up. Instead, use it as motivation to keep going. Failure should be considered as a stepping stone to a successful venture. It’s essential to recognize that most entrepreneurs have failed in their businesses at some point in their journey.

    If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Failure is not the end; it’s the beginning of the next chapter.

    2. Find the root cause of failure

    Once you’ve embraced failure, how can you improve and ensure it doesn’t happen again? Analyzing the root cause of failure is crucial for entrepreneurs. For instance, if your business fails due to a lack of market demand or limited capital, it’s essential to apply these lessons to your next venture or business idea.

    It’s essential to analyze each aspect of your previous venture to have a more in-depth understanding. It would help if you had an inclusive, honest and critical view of your venture to understand the root cause of failure, avoid it the next time or improve.

    3. Risk vs. reward

    Being an entrepreneur requires one to be willing to take risks. However, it’s essential to evaluate the risks to ensure they are viable and worth it. Risk is inherent in any business venture. Knowing when to take the risk and when to hold back can be the key to success for an entrepreneur.

    For example, starting a business without prior experience or support can be a significant risk. It’s important to consider the many challenges of starting a business and the odds of success. You must weigh the risks against the potential reward and decide if it’s worth investing time, money and resources.

    4. Know your market

    Your target market plays a crucial role in the success of your venture. Entrepreneurs need to invest time in understanding their market, what their customers want and what their target audience likes. Knowing your market’s trends, behaviors and preferences will set you up for success.

    For instance, if a business idea is based on an unsustainable market, it’s bound to fail. Understanding what the market needs and adapting to meet those needs is essential to keep up with the competition and stay relevant.

    Related: Why You Must Embrace Failure to Succeed in Business

    5. Put your audience first

    It’s essential to put your audience first when starting a business. Entrepreneurs need to create products and services that meet their customer’s needs. Too often, businesses are built around the founders’ ideas and not centered around the audience’s demands.

    Your audience is what will make or break your business. If they feel listened to and value their feedback, you stand a better chance of creating a successful venture. It’s essential to have a customer-centric approach in everything you do.

    6. Take action

    There’s so much you can do with planning, research and strategy. At some point, you must take action to see if your idea turns into the successful venture you envision.

    It’s okay to be cautious and measure your steps, but eventually, you’ll need to start building the business. Putting your plan into action is the only way to create something from your idea. You’ll never know how successful your venture could be unless you give it a chance.

    7. Surround yourself with a supportive network

    Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, especially when starting or experiencing failures. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a real difference. A supportive network can help you overcome setbacks, provide necessary feedback and encouragement, and hold you accountable for your goals.

    You can find or create a supportive network by attending networking events, joining professional organizations or online communities, or contacting mentors in your field. You can also seek out co-founders, advisors or employees who share your vision and values.

    Having a supportive network helps you during tough times. It gives you access to new perspectives, opportunities and resources that can take your business to the next level. So, don’t be shy to ask for HELP and collaborate with others along your entrepreneurial journey.

    8. Failure is inevitable

    Accepting that failure is inevitable may not sound like a positive affirmation, but it’s an essential mindset for an entrepreneur. Whatever your experience or knowledge is, there will be setbacks and failures. How you react to these setbacks and what you learn from them will make you a successful entrepreneur.

    As an entrepreneur, failures are never fun, but they’re also not the end of the world. Embracing failure, understanding the root cause and taking action to avoid repeating it is essential for fostering success.

    Related: How to Overcome Failure and Build a Thriving Business

    Taking risks, knowing your market, putting your audience first and accepting that failure is inevitable are part of building a strong entrepreneurial mindset. The knowledge gained from these experiences puts you ahead of those who haven’t learned from their failures.

    In conclusion, we hope these insights help you approach your entrepreneurial journey with renewed vigor and success. Always keep in mind: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Go forth, conquer your fears, take risks, and don’t give up after a setback. With the right mindset and lessons learned, you can succeed in even the most challenging circumstances.

    Finally, always maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of failure. It’s not easy, but negativity will only hinder your ability to succeed. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Know that with each failure, you are one step closer to achieving your goals.

    Now go out there and take the business world by storm — failure and all!

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    Chris Kille

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  • How 8 Minutes A Day Will Change Your Customer Service | Entrepreneur

    How 8 Minutes A Day Will Change Your Customer Service | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    It’s hard to picture how a mere eight minutes a day (every day) could spell the difference between where your customer service is today and where it needs to be to work as a true competitive advantage for your business — to transform you into an icon of exceptional customer service, able to command customer loyalty and passion and, often, a price premium as well.

    Plugging the eight-minute gap between where your customer service level is today and where you want it to be is one of several ultra-brief repeating behaviors that I offer to my consulting clients as truly transformational. I’m what’s known as a customer service transformation consultant — I work with companies to bring them ever closer to the pinnacle of customer service excellence, helping clients in varied industries become “the Zappos of car dealerships” or “the Four Seasons of banking.”

    1. The Ritz-Carlton-inspired eight-minute customer service refresh

    If you want to be thought of as the “The Ritz-Carlton of Industry X” because of your great customer service, consider this: since 1983, the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company has held what they call a “lineup” every day (and at the start of every shift if there is more than one) without fail. I use the same technique but call it a “customer service refresh.” The reason to keep it at eight minutes is that when you start edging your way toward 10 minutes, or — shudder — fifteen, you’re well on your way to becoming just another meeting. (Note: depending on your company culture, a daily refresh may be impractical. If this is the case, do it weekly.)

    At the customer service refresh, you don’t talk about quarterly numbers, and you don’t talk about KPIs. You don’t talk about anything along those lines. Instead, you work on conveying and learning and being inspired by one of your company’s core customer service principles or behavioral guidelines.

    For example, at Monday’s customer service refresh, you might be discussing the “default to yes” principle: that as an organization and as individuals, you always strive to find a way to say “yes” to a customer — and that if you can’t say yes, to never flat-out say “no” without offering one to two reasonable alternatives. Ideally, employees will even share examples of applying the “default of yes” approach to real-life customer situations.

    On Tuesday, you will highlight another principle, maybe your approach to customer service recovery, which means helping and ultimately turning around the feelings of a customer. And so forth. Think of how much learning and reinforcement your entire company will have experienced in even one week, let alone one year!

    Related: 5 Life-Changing Customer Service Secrets You Can Learn From Five-Star Hotels

    2. The 10-5-3 sequence to make sure no customer is ignored

    A nearly universal desire among customers is for recognition: the feeling that they are being seen rather than disregarded or ignored. One quick and easy-to-implement way to make sure the latter never happens, at least when they’re on-premises, is the 10-5-3 sequence:

    • At 10 feet: Look up from what you are doing and acknowledge the guest with direct eye contact and a nod.

    • At 5 feet: Smile, with your lips and eyes.

    • At 3 feet: Verbally greet the guest and offer a time-of-day greeting (“Good morning”).

    The only exception is that at three feet if you notice your customer engaged with their cell phone, a fellow shopper, or a kid (or parent), it’s important to just walk on by; do not disturb this customer!

    Related: A Great Customer Experience Begins With Great Employee Engagement and Management. Here’s Why.

    3. The 3-ring rule

    Answer incoming phone calls before they get to a fourth ring, any time it’s humanly possible. Why? Because by the fourth ring, callers start to feel uneasy, doubting whether you’ll ever pick up, and beginning to assume that, if you finally do, you’ll be too distracted or to be much help. In consideration of this, many of the highest-touch brands, such as Nordstrom and all major luxury hotels, have taken the 3-ring rule to heart.

    It’s standard of the Forbes Travel Guide rating system; a hotel striving to attain four-star or five-star status will get points are taken off that may ultimately deny them their desired star rating if they lag too often beyond that third ring!) So now, to demonstrate to customers that you also belong in this top echelon of service, it’s best to abide by the three-ring limit when possible.

    4. Instant behavioral correction

    To build and maintain an excellent customer service-focused company, it’s essential to correct missteps by employees right away — for two reasons. First and most obviously, you want to improve customer service performance immediately rather than letting destructive behaviors fester. Second, if you wait a while — say, until a performance review rolls around — the employee will never remember the incident the same way you do, and they’re going to bristle at rather than learn from your correction at such a late date.

    For best results, you should be doing a lot of “managing by walking about” so you can simultaneously model good customer service behaviors and witness inevitable missteps as well: language blunders, excessive informality (and excessive formality, for that matter), and so on — tiny-seeming things that make a world of difference when you add them all up. Wait until customers are out of earshot and say, “Do you have a minute?” If you do this both frequently and with grace, nobody will get their stomach tied in knots when they hear these words.

    Beyond a doubt, many aspects of the customer service transformation work I do take time. You’re not going to revamp your hiring process, rewrite your collateral or design your behavioral best practices in just a few minutes a day. But it’s impressive how these brief but repeating steps above can help you move up the ladder from tolerable customer service to excellent, even legendary, customer service.

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    Micah Solomon

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  • 10 Steps to Finding Personal and Professional Clarity | Entrepreneur

    10 Steps to Finding Personal and Professional Clarity | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Finding personal and professional clarity can be a difficult task, especially in today’s fast-paced world where there is an overwhelming amount of information, distractions and decisions to make. However, it’s crucial to find clarity in order to live a fulfilled life, achieve your goals and be happy.

    Here are 10 steps that will help you find personal and professional clarity.

    Step 1: Define your values

    The first step in finding clarity is to define your values. What are your principles? What are your non-negotiables? Understanding your values will help you prioritize your goals and make decisions that align with what you believe in. Take some time to write down your values, and then reflect on how you can incorporate them into your daily life.

    Step 2: Identify your priorities

    Once you have defined your values, it’s time to identify your priorities. What are the things in life that make you feel driven and inspired? This can include your health, relationships, career, personal growth and hobbies. Write a list of what you want to accomplish, and then put them in order of what is most important to you. This will help you focus on what truly matters in your life and make decisions that align with your values.

    Step 3: Set realistic goals

    Setting goals is a crucial part of finding personal and professional clarity. Align your goals with your priorities and values. Ensure they are achievable and realistic, but don’t be afraid to dream big. Begin with a short-term benchmark that requires an action step beyond planning, such as opening a bank account and directing some money towards savings, and then move to big-picture goals, such as buying a car or going on a vacation. Keeping a journal of your progress by writing it down and sharing it with others will help you stay on track.

    Step 4: Simplify your life

    Simplifying your life is key to finding clarity. Take a look at your daily routine, and identify any activities or tasks that are not aligned with your values and priorities. Reducing distractions helps eliminate wasted energy and lets you stay focused on what matters most.

    Related: How to Find Clarity Through the Conscious Breath

    Step 5: Practice mindfulness

    This is about making sure you are fully engaged in the present. It’s a powerful tool for finding personal and professional clarity, as it allows you to focus on what’s important and reduces stress and anxiety. There are lots of ways to practice mindfulness, including journaling, meditation, breathing exercises, listening to calming music, solitary walks and more.

    Step 6: Seek support

    Seeking support from others can be a valuable tool in finding clarity. Consider asking people whose opinions you value for their feedback on your goals and values and your process. Even consider inviting them to be a part of the process. Consider their ideas and perspectives as it may help refine your approach.

    Step 7: Network and collaborate

    Networking and collaborating with others can help you find clarity and achieve your goals. Connecting with others who share your interests and values can lead to new opportunities, and working with others can help you achieve your goals faster. Make an effort to attend events, join clubs or organizations and seek out collaborations that align with your values and priorities.

    Step 8: Learn and grow

    Learning and personal growth are crucial in finding personal and professional clarity. Whether it’s taking a course, reading books, or attending workshops, making an effort to learn and grow will help you refine your skills and achieve your goals.

    Step 9: Take action

    Once you have found personal and professional clarity, it’s time to take action. Start by taking small steps towards your goals, and then build on your progress. Remember to celebrate your achievements, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

    Related: The Difference Between Clarity and Focus, and Why You Need Both to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

    Step 10: Reflect and adjust

    Finally, it’s important to regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your goals as needed. Take some time to reflect on your values, priorities and purpose to ensure you are on the right track.

    Following these ten steps will help you achieve and maintain clarity in all aspects of your life. And once you find that clarity, you’ll be on your way to living a fulfilled life, achieving your goals and finding happiness.

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    John Peitzman

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  • What You Need To Know About Productivity Guilt | Entrepreneur

    What You Need To Know About Productivity Guilt | Entrepreneur

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    Productivity guilt can make you feel like you need to continue working, even when you know you need a break. People can’t always perform at the same caliber day after day, but in a hustle culture, productivity is valued above all else. When you can’t perform at 100% each day, you may start to feel guilty.

    Toxic productivity lies in the need to feel productive every waking hour. You might think you need to work instead of rest, and maybe you’re searching for something to do at home that will keep your hands busy outside of regular working hours, even something like cleaning the same spot twice. Here are a few things you need to know about productivity guilt and how it affects your life — and how you can squash it.

    1. Separate “busyness” from “productivity”

    Some people will continue to tackle new tasks just to keep themselves busy. Busyness can be detrimental, especially if you’re not working on something with substance or value. It’s okay to take a step back and not work on something. What people could consider lazy is often people taking care of themselves and trying to prevent further burnout. You should always work with your goals in mind and make choices to prioritize them.

    Related: What’s More Important for Your Business, Productivity or Efficiency?

    2. Learn how to break up tasks

    People aren’t supposed to work long hours without a break. When you feel your mind start to tune out of your work, you need to take a break. Stand up and look away from screens if you’ve been sitting at a desk. Your brain will be grateful for the opportunity to breathe.

    Related: 10 Tips to Boost Employee Productivity and Skyrocket Performance

    Other times, you may feel like you can’t take a break due to all the work you’re responsible for. That’s when you need to learn how to break up your tasks effectively to save some parts for after your break. Check-in with yourself after each section to ensure you’re still feeling fine.

    3. You need to prioritize your health

    When you’re overworking yourself in the name of productivity, you’re likely hurting yourself in other ways as well. Something else may contribute to your feelings of burnout, like not sleeping enough or not nourishing yourself properly with healthy foods. Your physical health and mental health work together for your benefit.

    Over 30% of working Millennials struggle with mental health issues, namely depression, which can lead to several bad decisions, such as pushing themselves harder at work or self-medicating with addictive substances. Check in with yourself frequently to understand your mental state. Your tasks should challenge you in a good way, but if they’re doing more harm than good, you may need to make a choice to preserve your health.

    4. Try to understand what drives it

    Understanding your productivity guilt is the first step to making a plan to deal with it. Are you more fear-driven, thinking that you’ll lose your job if you take the appropriate amount of breaks? If so, what can you do to try to relieve some of that fear? You could talk to your supervisor or someone else about how to better use your time in a way that benefits both you and your employer.

    5. Set realistic expectations for yourself

    You cannot expect to have a highly productive day every day. You should aim to improve a bit each day, but you don’t always need to be operating at 110%. Some days, you may not feel up to doing the same caliber of work, and that’s okay. You need to set boundaries to ensure you feel comfortable and are treated fairly, no matter how you may feel that day. As long as you make up for it on the days you are feeling good enough, you can balance your responsibilities and be gentle with yourself without holding your productivity to an unrealistic standard.

    6. You need to allow yourself to relax

    Unfortunately, in such a busy world, you may feel like you need to be productive every single day. However, productivity is only essential for tasks you need or want to get done. If you have some downtime to yourself, allow yourself to do something fun instead of searching for something productive. Though it might feel uncomfortable at first, forcing yourself to relax can be good for you and help lower your stress levels.

    Related: How to Improve Work-Life Balance and Productivity While Working Remotely

    7. Almost everyone experiences it

    You’re not alone in experiencing guilt over your productivity levels. Many people struggle with taking a break or even taking it easier on themselves. One of the best things you can do for yourself is learn what time of day you’re most productive and try to optimize your work around that timeframe. Everyone is different, so what works for you may not work for another person. The best you can do is strive to improve your working habits and allow yourself to relax when you need it, all while understanding this feeling often happens to most people.

    Fight productivity guilt by caring for yourself

    Checking in with yourself frequently can help you understand when you need to take breaks. Fortunately, most employers and team members should understand when you need to take a break. After you’ve allowed yourself to relax, you might notice that you’re more productive than you have been since you’ve been feeling burnt out and worried about your productivity. Sometimes, all you need to do is prioritize yourself. Then, you’ll see a return on your investment in the form of easier, more efficient work.

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    Under30CEO

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  • What We Can All Do Right Now to Accelerate The Electric Vehicle Revolution | Entrepreneur

    What We Can All Do Right Now to Accelerate The Electric Vehicle Revolution | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There is a chicken-and-egg dilemma facing electric vehicles (EVs). If there’s no or little infrastructure — including charging stations, purchasing an EV isn’t the most logical. But if it seems that no one is buying EVs, it’s hard to justify building the infrastructure. As businesses and consumers face the point of no return for climate change and try to save money in a sustainable way, getting out of this pickle can’t be a “someday” dream. Here’s what we can do right now to get out of the gridlock.

    Related: Sustainability: How EVs Are Trying To Make a Difference

    Tackling the pricing issue

    Just like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs have a price spectrum. The more power and battery life you need, the more cash you should expect to cough up. Thus, the cost of your EV connects to your daily routine.

    Do you drive 50 miles a day and live in a city like Los Angeles — which has the most charging stations in the country? If price is a factor, then you can probably settle on a more cost-effective EV with a smaller range. On the other hand, what if you’re in rural North Dakota — where chargers are harder to come by — and your commute is 150 miles round-trip? That more expensive EV with a top-level battery would start looking pretty attractive.

    The first thing you can do to help solve the EV chicken-and-egg riddle is to make your buy personal. If you buy for your own use case — not your neighbor’s, coworker’s or mom’s — you’re more likely to hone in on the most appropriate price point. Focus on what you actually need out of an EV. This will help you calculate the point when it becomes cheaper for you to buy the EV than to continue driving an ICE vehicle. Keep in mind, there are many variables that can come into play here, like how easy it is to get parts for or how often you have to do maintenance on each vehicle.

    This said, EVs can already function at half the operating cost of an ICE vehicle, so you’ll win out in total cost of ownership. And thanks to the relaxation of Covid-19-related supply chain woes (among other factors), the industry could reach price parity between ICE and EV options within the next two years. More conservative assessments say we’ll cross the parity threshold between 2024 and 2026 for short-range models and 2027 and 2030 for long-range models. And if enough consumers buy EVs based on an understanding of their individual use, they’ll drive manufacturers to increase their production. Subsequently, an increase in supply will drive down costs for general consumers and companies.

    Related: Sustainability: How EVs Are Trying To Make a Difference

    Individuals, companies and governments all have roles to play

    Some people will always be diehard ICE fans — they’ll be laggard adopters who buy an EV only when they have no other choice. But increasingly, people are becoming more socially conscious. They want to live sustainably, and they want the companies they buy from to operate sustainably, too.

    Some consumers are installing their own chargers in their homes. Companies like Walmart also are committing to EV fleets and attempting to build infrastructure. But even where people and corporations are willing to support electrification, they can’t always guarantee their power grid is going to support their goals.

    Because individuals and companies have to depend on the capacity of their power grid, public-private partnerships must be made to meet infrastructure demand. At the same time, the government looks at how sustainability connects to the larger ability to compete and maintain a good quality of life. So when they set regulations, it dramatically influences whether individuals and companies buy EVs and drive infrastructure demand.

    Related: The U.S. Is Way Behind In Driving EVs. How Do We Catch Up With the World?

    Some parts of the world are already phasing out or banning ICE vehicles. By comparison, the United States is behind. But states like California are leading regional charges toward development, and the Biden administration is taking steps to accelerate EV adoption. Through the Investing in America agenda, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other initiatives, the administration is adding and expanding tax credits and incentivizing support for transitioning away from ICE models. The goal is to have 50 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Both consumers and businesses can lobby legislators for additional regulations that might help on a local, state or national level.

    Related: Tesla’s Charging Stations Will Be Available to All EVs by 2024

    If you can’t go EV now, go sustainable where you can

    Even as public-private partnerships take shape and the government tries to speed along EV adoption, electric vehicles can still come with a higher upfront cost than ICE models. Lots of buyers can’t afford a few extra hundred bucks a month on their payment. And many are still waiting on that infrastructure to reach where they live.

    If this sounds like you and there’s just no way you can hop on the EV train right now, there are still plenty of ways to show your support for sustainability. You can start simply by expressing your interest in EVs and infrastructure to friends, business leaders or representatives. They might be able to champion your cause by proxy or help you educate others. But you can also carpool, repurpose products or recycle more, buy from companies committed to ESG initiatives or opt to eat more plant-based meals.

    Not chicken, not egg, but with everyone working together, both

    The shift to electric vehicles is already underway for economic and environmental reasons. But outpacing the sales of ICE vehicles to stay competitive and save the planet requires individuals, companies and governments to work cooperatively to build EVs and the related infrastructure simultaneously. Because no one individual or agency can solve the problem alone, you can help by committing to cooperate in whatever role you happen to have.

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    Brendan P. Keegan

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  • How to Find Happiness Along Your Entrepreneurial Journey | Entrepreneur

    How to Find Happiness Along Your Entrepreneurial Journey | Entrepreneur

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    Let’s face it, sometimes being an entrepreneur can be lonely — especially when only a few people believe in your vision. This, combined with the constant setbacks and roadblocks, makes it easy for any entrepreneur to fall into depression.

    I’m only 22, but my journey started around 2014. During this period, I’ve had numerous successes and failures. During times things weren’t going well, I learned different ways to appreciate the moment and find opportunities despite the chaos.

    Here are my four favorite things to do to make the journey fun despite the constant ups and downs.

    Related: 7 Keys to Unlock Your Happiness

    1. Letting go of expectations and enjoying the present

    I’ve recently been learning about the concept of letting go. A couple of months ago, I was on a call with my accountability partner, and he just got tired of setting goals, so he didn’t send any for the month of February 2023. Long story short, that month was his best month in a long time because he temporarily released his expectations and let things flow naturally.

    You see, when you have high expectations or goals, you’re immediately going to feel the emotions of stress, anxiety, depression, pressure, etc. We often think that this is okay and that these negative emotions will go away once our goals/expectations are achieved, but that is false.

    Once you reach an expectation or goal (such as becoming a millionaire), you now have to maintain it, which can often be more challenging. Trying to maintain something like this will bring those same negative emotions back, making you unhappy.

    This is why people say money, fame and success won’t make you happy. An effective way to find happiness is to release all expectations and be grateful for what you have and where you currently are in life/business.

    Doing this regularly improves my mental health and overall happiness during uncertain times.

    I’m not saying you need to get rid of all your goals, but I believe you should find a healthy balance between setting goals and having no goals/expectations.

    2. Have the mindset that you’re writing your story in real-time

    We’ve all had those roadblocks or setbacks that seemed impossible to go around. I’ve gotten tons of them during my journey, and I’m still getting them. But each time I encounter a significant setback, I see it as a new plot twist to add to my story.

    When I first started, I had a specific end goal in mind, but by having the mindset that I’m writing my story in real-time, my end goal is dramatically different and far better than I initially anticipated.

    3. Build and reinforce existing relationships

    Sometimes in business, the best solution is to do less. As I pull away some attention from my business, one area I love giving more of my attention to is the people in my life. This includes friends, family and potentially anyone I may be dating.

    By releasing expectations (as mentioned in my first point) and spending quality time with the people I love, I am not only strengthening those relationships but often finding solutions to my problems by stepping back.

    4. Give your mental and physical health attention

    I’ve been doing a lot of research on mental health recently. Taking care of your mental health is essential because it is very easy to overwork yourself and slide into burnout.

    Using the concept of letting go, my definition of self-care is letting go of expectations and focusing on yourself.

    Some of my favorite self-care/mental health practices include:

    • Journaling

    • Going on night walks by myself

    • Going on solo drives in silent

    • Eating out by myself

    • Reading a book

    • Going to a park

    • Sitting in a hammock by the water

    • Working out (giving attention to your body)

    • Improving my relationship with God

    Related: 10 Simple Daily Practices That Will Make You Happier

    The world around us is a reflection of our inner beliefs. One of the best ways to improve your circumstances is to work on yourself from within.

    Being an entrepreneur is not an easy thing to do. There will be lots of good and bad times. The key is to show up every day and enjoy the process, especially during your worst days. Your worst days are the hardest to appreciate in the moment, but when you look back, you’ll be forever grateful for what you went through.

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    Dejon Brooks

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  • Learn More About Business in Your Spare Time With This MBA Training Bundle, Now Only $44.99 | Entrepreneur

    Learn More About Business in Your Spare Time With This MBA Training Bundle, Now Only $44.99 | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    You don’t necessarily need an MBA degree to start a business…but it certainly makes things a little easier. Though there are plenty of successful entrepreneurs thriving without a formal education, having a background in business makes the ins and outs of a 9-to-5 much easier to navigate.

    If you’ve ever thought about heading back to school, but haven’t carved out the time or money, The 2023 Total MBA Training in One Box by Chris Haroun, Award-Winning Business School Professor is a great alternative. It provides practical and professional skills development from the comfort of your home in your free time, and right now it’s just $44.99 for lifetime access. That’s less than $8 a course, with no coupon code needed.

    Enjoy lifetime access to the six informative courses included in this bundle. Each one is taught by Chris Haroun, an award-winning business school professor who graduated from Columbia University with his MBA. He’ll offer his expertise to help guide you through courses like An Entire MBA in 1 Course: Award-Winning Business School Professor, a totally immersive course that tackles everything you need to know about business over 51 lectures. By the end, you’ll be able to differentiate between macro and microeconomics, create your own financial models and analyze a company’s financials, and learn the essentials about taxes.

    You’ll also get access to courses like Certificate in Sales, Marketing and Communication, which focuses on two of the most important skills you need in business. You’ll figure out how to identify potential customers and then turn them into repeat customers, while also learning practical tasks like editing videos to promote your business.

    All of the courses are self-paced and feature interactive learning that will stick with you. They can be conveniently checked out via desktop or mobile device whenever best fits into your busy schedule. And you’ll receive lifetime access to all of these courses, so you can continue your education forever.

    Advance your education in business with the 2023 Total MBA Training in One Box by Chris Haroun, Award-Winning Business School Professor, available for $44.99 (reg. $800).

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • 6 Ways Successful Female Executives Turn Self-Doubt into Their Pathway to Self-Belief | Entrepreneur

    6 Ways Successful Female Executives Turn Self-Doubt into Their Pathway to Self-Belief | Entrepreneur

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    Imposter syndrome is fueled by self-doubt and the belief that the position we hold is one in which we are not qualified or deserving. When you are the kind of leader or individual contributor who brings new ideas to the market, you are, by definition, doing something that you have not done before. As women, we are conditioned to believe that we must have experience and expertise in something in order to take the job or run the project. That conditioning is fueled by the belief that women must be perfect.

    Self-doubt is a common experience that many women face in the workplace, particularly in positions of leadership. Like many, I used to think that female C-suite executives and board directors were filled with confidence and self-belief and were in no way inflicted with imposter syndrome and the self-doubt that fuels it. After years of working with, studying, and being one of the few women in the highest ranks of business, I found the opposite is true.

    Related: 5 Easy Ways You Can Turn Self-Doubt Into Success

    It’s not that female executives don’t face imposter syndrome. We do. In fact, in a 2022 study conducted by KPMG, 75% of executive female research participants report having feelings of imposter syndrome throughout their careers; 81% believe that they put more pressure on themselves not to fail than their male counterparts do. What sets us up differently is how we have learned to combat imposter syndrome by turning our self-doubt into strategies waiting to happen. Of the several strategies that I have observed, there are six that women often use to manage and reduce self-doubt in the C-suite:

    1. Acknowledge and accept your self-doubt

    It’s important to recognize that self-doubt is a normal feeling and that everyone experiences it at some point. Acknowledge your doubts and accept that they are a natural part of the process of taking on new challenges. Leaders face unknowns every day. Confidence comes from the repetition of doing the same thing over and over again. Getting frustrated with yourself for your lack of confidence works against you. Instead, list out the concerns you have. For each concern, write a list of things you want — not need — to know, then create a plan of action to find the answers. This approach not only gets you out of your head, but it also creates momentum toward your goals.

    2. Replace ‘fake-it-til-you-make it imposter mindset’

    Ignore well-meaning fake-it-til-you-make-it advice. It perpetuates the belief that you are not enough. Leaders who embrace a growth mindset based on the belief that your abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Adjust your values to prioritize and favor curiosity over ego. Cultivate a learning mindset by seeking out specific feedback from trusted sources, learn from what is working and what is missing in the market, and constantly seek to improve your delivery and idea rather than trying to “fix” yourself. There is nothing wrong with you.

    3. Build a support network

    Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, mentors, and friends who can provide encouragement, offer guidance, and give honest and productive feedback. Seek out individuals who have experience and success in leadership roles and can provide advice and support as you navigate your own path. Do not look for cheerleaders who are unable to give you productive input into how to progress your idea or your career. You want positive support with pragmatic and strategic coaching in a way that enables you to test ideas and approaches in a safe place before trying them out in primetime.

    Related: 10 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Launching Your Dream

    4. Focus on your strengths

    Recognize and embrace your unique skills, talents, and accomplishments. One of the best ways to hold a mirror up to see what you are good at is to ask friends, family, colleagues or mentors for their honest opinion about what they think your strengths are. Often, others can see qualities in us that we may not recognize in ourselves. As you take in this feedback, consider your accomplishments and what it took to find success, finding themes with the input of others. Finally, if you have not already, take an online assessment such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or StrengthsFinder to help identify your cognitive and behavioral strengths and learn how they can best be used in consideration of other people’s styles and preferences.

    5. Be on your own side

    Someone once told me that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat waitstaff. The people who serve us are not in their roles to be treated rudely. The same goes for how you treat yourself. You have been through a lot and are going through a lot — every day. You are tough and can handle it. There’s no question. Make a choice to fire that self-inflicted micro-manager inside of your head. That same compassion you use toward waitstaff is the same compassion you deserve to use on yourself. Prioritize rest, exercise, healthy eating and other activities that help you feel energized and balanced. If you are tired, stop what you are doing and take a nap or go for a walk. The work will be there when you return. The world will not end if you shut down work early for the night. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a good friend. Be gentle with yourself, especially when you make mistakes.

    6. Challenge your negative self-talk

    This is a tough nut to crack. Isn’t it crazy how we believe our worst inner critic? We trash talk ourselves as a way to prepare for others who we believe are either thinking and/or telling us the same thing. Identify the negative self-talk that is contributing to your self-doubt and challenge those thoughts. Change your inner dialogue to separate yourself from your feelings. For example, try replacing “I can’t do this and everyone is going to find out” with “I have nervousness inside of me. Why is that nervousness there?” When you say it like that, you are able to create a healthy separation between your imposter self-talk and yourself. It’s also important to intentionally infuse positivity and passion in your life. Hang out with people you like and who like you. Have fun, laugh and try new things. Put yourself in positions where you enjoy being in your life. Cultivate positive energy for yourself and the people around you.

    Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt at any level requires practice. A lot of practice. Actively and intentionally build these steps into your everyday life. Over time, your ego-focused imposter syndrome inner voice will be replaced by a narrative of curiosity of what could be in the unknown pathway you are paving.

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    Patti Fletcher

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  • Entrepreneurs Can Become Lifelong Learners With This $100 Bundle of Courses | Entrepreneur

    Entrepreneurs Can Become Lifelong Learners With This $100 Bundle of Courses | Entrepreneur

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    A few years ago, one of the key takeaways from LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report was that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their professional growth. We’re guessing the same holds true today.

    Whether you’re a small startup or a thriving company, you may be able to provide your employees with the opportunity to control their professional development. Get 80+ professional and personal education courses when you get a lifetime membership to Upskillist is only $99.99 (reg. $1,299).

    Engaging courses for professional development.

    The Upskillist course catalog is expansive with 999 hours of instruction spread through courses on topics like artificial intelligence, investments, Python programming, graphic design, and data analytics. These courses could be an opportunity for career expansion or a chance to broaden the services your organization can manage in-house. Instead of hiring marketing teams, build your own starting with courses in graphic design, creative writing, and E-Commerce.

    This e-learning subscription could even offer the opportunity for leisure learning and team building. Courses on yoga, meditation, and pilates may be an energizing starting point for morale-boosting team events.

    This membership lets you access the entire Upskillist course catalog on up to 999 devices. Instead of designing, piloting, and executing a new training program for every topic your workers want to learn, you could give them the chance to decide on their own.

    That also means you can pick your class times based on your schedule. You get unlimited access to all video content, and there are even weekly assignments and interactive webinars. Course materials are all free for every lesson you enroll in.

    Take your learning into your own hands.

    Whether you need a break from the daily grind or want to cultivate a new skill, join over 23 million graduates in a learning bundle that could give you or your team the chance to control what you learn and when you learn it.

    For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription to Upskillist Unlimited Courses on sale for $99.99 (reg. $1,299). That’s the best price online, too.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

    How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There is one life-changing question at the center of reframing successfully.

    Rapid change is an unavoidable variable in the equation of life. We often try to avoid change or even stop it, which typically ends up being more disruptive than the change itself. Just like with any equation, you cannot “solve for X” by ignoring it or removing it. That variable “X” is a paramount part of the equation, necessary to being able to find the solution.

    Related: Reframe Negative Thinking to Ease Your Path to Success

    How growth happens

    Growth always begins with a decision to either change or accept change that is happening around us. At a time when many of us are in a state of anxiety about what the future holds, it’s important to understand how people and even organizations can “learn how to learn” by seeing situations as they are and asking one very important question. Much like the equation of life allegory above, the potential always exists in the ability to see the equation in its true form and open your mind to solutions.

    Learning to reframe

    When it comes to building resilience on an individual or organizational level, we’ve got to learn how to reframe. Reframing is a specific skill set of the mind where you are capable of taking a situation, seeing it realistically and then framing the situation with a simple, life-changing question: What is the creative opportunity now?

    Reframing doesn’t mean that what happened yesterday isn’t important or relevant, but that no matter what happened yesterday, there is a creative opportunity we can seize.

    To be able to seize it, we have to create space to see it.

    This simple reframe, in the form of a question, allows us to take stock of the situation that currently exists — to really see it and to find meaning in it. My grandmother used to preach something similar when I was a child by always reminding me to, “Find the little gems.” What she meant by that, and what I teach with reframing, is that there is always growth and opportunity, but we often need to be reminded to look for those.

    By human nature alone, we are predicting and protecting — at least we think we are. Our brain sees change and triggers fear, uncertainty and anxiety, yet it’s almost always unfounded. The better option is to use the question I shared above, which is the same question my wife has poured into me for 20 years and the same question I have watched change so many lives and corporate cultures.

    Seek growth and opportunity over running from change and succumbing to fear.

    Related: Flip the Switch on Fear-Based Thinking

    Organizational application

    If you’re looking to build more resilience into your corporate culture, ask this question and let your teams sit with it. Give them something to chew on, and give them buy-in and space to lean into this new mindset of reframing and resilience.

    Simultaneously, what you will see happen with this pivot is that your teams will begin to seek better outcomes, regardless of the situation. You are now giving them permission to be critical thinkers and strategic problem solvers — all the while validating their perception of each situation and their ability to find opportunity.

    Overjoyed vs. overlooked

    There are so many moments we miss in life because we are not looking at the full picture or a clear version of that picture. Perception truly does alter reality, and so there are moments we might perceive as negative and then we miss out on experiencing that moment as a pivot point or moment of growth.

    Choosing to see something as an opportunity allows you to grasp the full picture rather than just one small angle through a blurry lens. When your teams learn to reframe, you will see them begin to flourish in times of change. They are looking for positive outcomes, habitually, rather than waiting around or leaning into negative emotional responses.

    This is the beginning of a wonderful path for your organization if you commit to the simple act of creating space and asking this simple question. By instilling reframing as a skill set amongst your teams, you are empowering them to lean into change, to use it, to find the value in the change and to use that value to accelerate forward.

    Related: 8 Ways Successful People Master Resilience

    Missing 7 out of 10

    When an elite athlete speaks on reframing, it perks my ears because I know their mindset is a determining factor in how well they show up to perform each day. So, when Derek Jeter was asked about missing 7 out of 10 hits, his response was pretty epic. Jeter said, “I am due for a hit and if I can get a hit just 3 out of 10 times, I will be in the Hall of Fame.”

    Not only was he thinking of the future rather than the here and now, but he was also reframing toward the positive and looking at the full equation — not just one variable.

    “What is the creative opportunity now?” is the simplest, most powerful question to find meaning in the moment while creating a path to the future.

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    Adam Markel

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  • Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses This Earth Day | Entrepreneur

    Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses This Earth Day | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Every small business leader I know worries about taxes, hiring and a million other things. There’s a lot to juggle and prioritize just to keep your doors open, let alone scale. It may seem overwhelming to add energy efficiency to your plate, but the early days of your small company are the ideal time to start integrating sustainability into your business model.

    As someone who once took a break from corporate America and ran my own small business, I know firsthand that being environmentally responsible is doable even when you still have lots of room to grow.

    Implementing these recommendations when you’re still the person turning off the lights at the end of the day can create a foundation of environmental awareness you can lean on for generations to come.

    1. Making greener choices

    The biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions is transportation at 27%. This includes your company cars, trucks and other vehicles. So one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment is to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) wherever possible. Although you might pay more upfront for an EV, you’ll likely save over the long haul in both fuel and maintenance costs. If you do a lot of long-distance traveling, look for airlines with carbon-neutral flights to make your air travel more sustainable.

    Next, check out where you’re spending energy. Take light bulbs. Are you using low-energy bulbs, or are you just going to your local club warehouse and getting the cheapest bulbs on the shelves? Just like with EVs, upfront costs can seem offputting. But when you do the math, the products with the high initial sticker prices – like low-energy light bulbs – often are the best long-term money savers.

    Evaluate your energy provider, too. Just because a company offers energy doesn’t mean it’s an energy-friendly business — coal and solar both can provide power, but solar is cleaner and cheaper.

    Take note of your furniture and other office supplies, as well. One office chair or sofa can be much harder to produce or recycle than another. As you make swaps, let everything in the office advertise your environmental values for you. Your water fountains can display how many gallons of water are saved. Your coffee can be responsibly sourced. Your paper can be recycled. You sacrifice nothing in terms of functionality, but the fact you use a different approach to even the little things makes a statement to every employee and guest.

    Related: 3 Ways Going Green Can Boost Revenue and Employee Happiness

    2. Bringing employees on board

    Most people respond more to positive reinforcement than they do to negative reinforcement. So offer as many environmental incentives to your employees as you can. At Merchants Fleet, we offer $2,500 to workers who buy EVs, with additional reimbursement for chargers.

    Can’t spend $2,500+ per incentive? Just look for one that fits your budget and environmental goals. In addition to the EV option, we donate $10 in each employee’s name to a charity that plants trees in Kenya. The employees can see exactly where their trees are planted through video.

    We also support environmental activities and clubs on-site, such as our composting group. To get these kinds of activities going, see if you can spring for their supplies or slot time off of the workday for them to go participate. Getting people to volunteer in the community is free, too. Options are everywhere.

    The most important thing is to have open conversations about environmental responsibility and things you can do. Suppose you walk into a meeting and tell your staff you just read a great article about a company that’s doing great things for the environment, and you’d love to implement certain tactics from the article, such as evaluating the office. Team members can take on the tasks they feel comfortable with, and at the end of the meeting, everybody leaves feeling empowered and as though the environmental goals are one step closer to becoming reality.

    The more you make environmental consciousness a part of your day-to-day operations and form good habits around it, the more people will get behind environmental responsibility as part of your culture.

    Related: Three Letters That Will Make Your Company More Successful and Sustainable

    3. Partners for the cause

    The saying goes that you become the company you keep. So if you want a powerful reputation as a company that does right by the environment, make sure the people around you don’t make you guilty by association. By the same token, there are companies that may be larger and established enough to be a little more public with their stances. If you align with them, you draft off of their brand equity. Chances are, you have several business partners, such as your legal or PR firms or certain suppliers. Ask yourself if they align with where you are headed as a company environmentally. Do they share the same ESG values you do?

    You can also build your environmental reputation by going local where you can. Local products and services don’t have to be transported, which means a smaller carbon footprint as well as cost savings for your business. A simple place to start is with meals. If you have a company lunch, cater from a family-owned shop in your neighborhood rather than a big-name national chain. Having you as a client can make a big difference in their ability to stay afloat, and you’ll get the service you need in a green way.

    Related: 5 Tips for Creatively Going Green With Your Business

    If you want to grow responsibly, plant the seed

    Being a green company doesn’t have to be complicated, costly or reserved for huge businesses. You can build environmental practices into your organization from day one, as long as you are willing to plant the seed for your employees. It’s part of your role as a leader to inspire all the people around you not only to do their job but to be part of the fabric of the company. Once you open up the conversation and set the example, let them take that environmental seed and water it.

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    Brendan P. Keegan

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  • Why Leaders Must Encourage Creativity in the Workplace | Entrepreneur

    Why Leaders Must Encourage Creativity in the Workplace | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    During the global oil crisis of the 1970s, a little-known scientist named M. Stanley Whittingham first developed the concept of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Over the next 50 years, others improved on his idea, and now, the lithium-ion battery is essential for everyday life.

    But the creativity necessary for innovation doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders need to be intentional about encouraging their teams to examine critical issues and explore their creative sides. This is how we develop the life-changing technologies that propel humanity forward.

    Why innovate?

    The greatest innovations are often bred out of necessity. Humans are natural problem solvers. It’s in our DNA, and I would even argue it’s our plight as a species. Our ability to devise solutions and create new technologies has allowed us to make astounding advancements that improve the quality of life for billions of people.

    How do these life-changing technologies come about? We first need to understand the problems we face — but too often, we put ourselves and others in a state of fear.

    Managers and leaders who wonder why their people seem content to complain rather than innovate should take a hard look at their company’s processes to determine whether their culture fosters the freedom people need so they can create.

    Related: The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace

    Netflix vs. blockbuster

    Netflix’s model made Blockbuster obsolete in about ten years. Blockbuster made plenty of mistakes in that time, but arguably, their biggest error was getting too comfortable. There were several times when Blockbuster could have put Netflix out of business (including buying them out for $50 million), but they didn’t. Blockbuster had become the at-home movie rental business leader, and their leadership teams didn’t see the big picture. This failure to embrace a culture of innovation led to their eventual demise.

    Netflix, on the other hand, encouraged creative freedom. They gave their employees room to problem-solve, come up with big ideas, and fail. It empowered them to take risks, through guidance and mentorship. Their employees likely felt trusted and valued because of this freedom — and incredible things came from it. As a result, Netflix remains atop its perch as one of the world’s top streaming services.

    Managing teams that dream

    If you want a team that dreams about how to build the world of tomorrow, focus on freedom. Why has the U.S. historically been ahead of the rest of the world in creating new technologies? One major factor is that our government framework allows independent people to operate in a free market system. Even a century ago, today’s world was beyond imagination, and it was all built by people who dreamed big and had the freedom and opportunity to create something good for humanity.

    It’s risky to encourage your people to be problem solvers. Many innovations fail, and failure can be expensive. But failure isn’t a reason not to try, and the leaders who underwrite their people’s failures (when they’re not a result of incompetence) will build a culture of trust.

    Employees who feel their leaders trust them can feel comfortable taking risks, and that’s what it takes to invent.

    Related: 5 Ways to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in Your Employees

    Your people are the key to success

    It’s not as easy as just telling your employees to “dream big and innovate.” They need more guidance than that. As leaders, it’s our job to provide the right environment.

    For people to innovate, they need a problem to solve — so, start with that. What needs are you trying to meet as a company? Once you identify the problem, your people will succeed — as long as you have fostered a culture of innovation.

    It’s critical to ensure your team understands what innovation really is. It’s the application of science and the integration of existing technologies to create something new that the world needs. Understanding this simple concept makes all the difference. As a leader, stay informed on the latest discoveries and breakthroughs, and focus on finding creative ways to integrate them. This is how transformative solutions come to be, and it’s all about the betterment of humankind.

    People are the key to any and all success, so find out what makes them tick. What are their personal and professional goals? What will give them purpose? Once you know that, you can start to provide the means to get them there. With experience, you can give them enough focus to see the problem clearly, along with the necessary resources to get them started. Instead of depending on KPIs and data, leaders might see more progress if they embrace their humanity and concentrate on people development instead.

    How to foster creativity:

    • Allow your team to be free in thought and expression.

    • Empower your people to own their own destinies.

    • Guide your team with vision, clarity and focus.

    • Never allow management to stall the creative process, especially when they feel threatened by incoming, innovative ideas.

    Related: 7 Ways to Help Your Employees Become Better Problem-Solvers

    Management isn’t about power

    A culture of innovation starts with setting the cornerstones of trust, mentorship and freedom. Managers should provide their teams with a clear objective, the space to perform and a team to rely on. Creative employees feel trusted and in turn trust their leadership because they have been given the tools and support they need to accomplish their purpose, goals and dreams.

    We cannot forget the dreams who made us who we are today. Therefore, the world we imagine today is what will be.

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    Ed Macha

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  • Business Owners Can Master ASL With This $20 Bundle | Entrepreneur

    Business Owners Can Master ASL With This $20 Bundle | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Newsweek reports that, as of 2019, American Sign Language (ASL) was the primary mode of communication for approximately one million people in the U.S. and Canada. As a business owner, you may need to connect with a wide range of individuals, and learning to sign could give you the chance to personally connect with others.

    If you want to learn ASL for business, get the All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle while it’s on sale for $19.97 (reg. $618).

    Learn to sign for business or social settings.

    Join nearly 50,000 other learners and enroll in a 13-course, 29-hour ASL learning bundle that could show you the fundamentals, specialized vocabulary, and more. If you’ve never signed, start with the basics. There are two beginner courses. American Sign Language: Beginner covers the history and origin of deaf education along with the basic ASL alphabet, colors, animals, and other vocabulary that could be useful for day-to-day communication.

    American Sign Language for Business: Beginner may be useful if you want to use your ASL skills as a resource for your business. This course gives you specialized vocabulary and terms for business-oriented scenarios. Learn greetings, salutations, office terms, and more so you can speak to deaf co-workers or potential customers who are hearing-impaired.

    This bundle also has dedicated courses for learning the manual alphabet and fingerspelling so you can sign any word you can spell. You can also study ASL pronouns and vocabulary, or study a course on useful words and phrases, including 20 complete sentences, translation exercises, and 28 useful words.

    Become an expert in ASL.

    Your business may benefit from having someone who knows how to communicate in sign language.

    For a limited time, get the All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle on sale for $19.97 (reg. $618).

    Prices subject to change.

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  • Entrepreneurs Can Learn up to 25 Languages With This $162 Lifetime Subscription to Rosetta Stone | Entrepreneur

    Entrepreneurs Can Learn up to 25 Languages With This $162 Lifetime Subscription to Rosetta Stone | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    By recent Cochrane estimates, as much as 75% of the world does not speak English. If you have your eyes on an international market or just want to serve more diverse populations close to home, it may be useful to have some bilingual speakers on your team.

    A lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone gives you the chance to learn up to 25 languages on your own time, and it’s only $161.64 with coupon code VACATION15 now through April 23.

    Learn 25 languages on your own time with Rosetta Stone.

    Rosetta Stone gives you the resources to tackle language learning systematically throughout your day. Take short, to-the-point language lessons that fit throughout your schedule. If you’re planning a business trip to Italy, just block off a few 15-minute sessions each day to study your Italian pronunciation, vocabulary, or listening skills. You could even use Rosetta Stone’s speech recognition technology called TruAccent™ to refine your accent and start to sound more like a native speaker.

    This subscription lets you study all 25 languages, but you can only choose one at a time. Those languages include Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Polish, Swedish, Vietnamese, Dutch, Chinese, Irish, Japanese, and more. You might be able to speak to your next international business partner in their native language. Or you may have more success on your next vacation abroad.

    Rosetta Stone has lessons for complete beginners and experienced speakers. Whether you’ve never ventured beyond your native language or already speak multiple tongues, this language learning app could help you acquire new language skills and connect your business with an international audience.

    Become a language master on your own schedule.

    If you’re driven and want to learn a new language to expand the reach of your business, then this limited-time deal may be your chance.

    Until April 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone for $161.64 (reg. $299) with code VACATION15.

    Prices subject to change.

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  • Discover New Ideas Every Day With Lessons from This App | Entrepreneur

    Discover New Ideas Every Day With Lessons from This App | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Entrepreneurs owe it to themselves to develop new skills and ideas to try and stay on the cutting edge. While it’s not always easy to learn something new every day, there are ways to prioritize inspiration and education. One incredible option is Headway Premium, a top-rated app that gives you bite-sized, personalized lessons. Self-improvement has never been easier, and now, Headway is only $59.97 (reg. $299) now through April 23.

    If you can’t get through your reading list as fast as you’d like, Headway can be a huge asset. This intuitive app will help you develop strong learning habits with access to digestible tidbits and essential knowledge to help you make education a habit and achieve learning goals.

    While Headway certainly won’t replace the experience of thoroughly reading any book, its library offers more than 1,500 summaries of nonfiction best-sellers distilled into 15-minute reads. In addition, 30-50 new summaries are added every month, covering topics as diverse as business, health, personal development, and much more. It also offers thousands of actionable insights and tips to help you achieve specific goals.

    Headway is all about accessibility, with collections to help you hone your learning and audio versions of summaries for those times you can’t look at your device. The gamified and personalized approach meets your needs, tracks your progress, and gets you excited to learn something new every day. Entrepreneurs and business professionals alike can gain valuable insights and knowledge with Headway.

    It’s no wonder that more than 15 million users have raved about Headway, awarding it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store and 4.5 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

    Start making your learning more personalized and sustainable.

    Grab a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium now for just $59.97 (reg. $299). This deal ends April 23 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

    Prices subject to change.

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  • How to Expand Your Comfort Zone and Create a Life You Really Love | Entrepreneur

    How to Expand Your Comfort Zone and Create a Life You Really Love | Entrepreneur

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    When Kristen Butler was a kid, she says she felt a sense of responsibility to succeed because her family was on welfare and struggling financially. The oldest of four kids, she was an ambitious seven-year-old who often took on leadership roles, whether that meant taking care of her siblings or selling jewelry to make money. “When I was little, I told myself I didn’t want to be poor.”

    Her passion for writing emerged at an early age, and she aspired to write a book. When she was in third grade, her teacher told her she would never accomplish that goal, which motivated Butler even more. Years later, a supportive journalism teacher in high school helped to ignite her passion for writing and that encouraged her to pursue a degree in journalism.

    Despite her initial success in college, Butler eventually experienced burnout and decided to drop out. Rather than give up, she used her passion for writing and her entrepreneurial spirit to start her own business out of her apartment. Her first venture was an eBay shop, which she built through hard work and determination.

    One day she realized the key to feeling good was having a positive mindset and she started her company, Power of Positivity. 14 years and more than 30,000 pieces of content later, Butler has a following of more than 56 million people across her social channels and her 3 Minute Positivity Journal sold 100,000 copies.

    Over the years, Butler says she’s learned that success is not about stepping outside of your comfort zone, but rather about being true to yourself and pursuing your passions and that inspired her to write her first book The Comfort Zone: Create a Life You Really Love with Less Stress and More Flow. Through her journey, Butler has learned that success is not about conforming to the expectations of others, but rather about following one’s own path and pursuing one’s passions with determination and dedication.

    She sat down with Jessica Abo to talk about her new book, how you can realize your own potential, and shared the steps you can take to expand your comfort zone.

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    Jessica Abo

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  • Receive a Well-Rounded Education in Business With This Bundle, Now $44.99 | Entrepreneur

    Receive a Well-Rounded Education in Business With This Bundle, Now $44.99 | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    You don’t need an MBA to be a successful entrepreneur. But if you’ve always wondered what it would be like to go back to school for your degree, but haven’t been able to find the time or money, online courses are a great alternative these days. You can pack in the learning in your spare time, and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a good education.

    The 2023 Total MBA Training in One Box by Chris Haroun, Award-Winning Business School Professor offers a well-rounded education in all things business, including a class that considers itself an entire MBA in one course, for just $44.99. That means you can score these six courses for less than $8 a course, and at the best price available online, for a limited time.

    Let award-winning business school professor Chris Haroun, a Columbia MBA grad and former Goldman Sachs employee with a 4.5-star rating, teach you the ins and outs of business with this fleet of info-packed courses. Tune in to classes like An Entire MBA in 1 Course: Award-Winning Business School Professor from your smartphone or laptop in your free time and soak up the knowledge within the course’s seven hours — which covers everything from creating financial models to the difference between macro and microeconomics to the ins and outs of taxes.

    Haroun also walks you through deeper dives with courses like Certificate in Entrepreneurship, a masterclass in all things entrepreneurship over 26 hours. You’ll discover the best practices of successful billionaires and learn about venture capital from scratch in this course, which also helps you create a business plan or improve your existing company. And Certificate in Finance and Accounting helps turn you into a master of finance as you tackle 98 hours of instruction on investing, valuation, portfolios and more.

    Expand your business knowledge with The 2023 Total MBA Training in One Box, taught by Chris Haroun, now just $44.99, the best price online, for a limited time.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • 4 Easy Ways to Make More Money By Training Your Brain | Entrepreneur

    4 Easy Ways to Make More Money By Training Your Brain | Entrepreneur

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    Can you train your brain to make more money?

    Mental rehearsal is a powerful psychological technique that’s used by athletes, billionaires, and entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.

    Imagine you have a goal to make $1 million. Rehearsing each step in advance will allow you to prepare for any stressors that could impede your journey. By creating simulations in your mind — the race you want to win, the business you want to build, or the money you want to make — you have more power to achieve your goals.

    In this video, I break down the science of mental rehearsal and the four steps you need to train your brain to make more money.

    Take the free quiz right here to discover why you’re unfocused and failing to reach your goals (only available for a limited time). And be sure to grab a copy of Ben’s award-winning book, Unstoppable, which has been read by more than 70,000 people worldwide.

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    Ben Angel

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