Your Startup’s Most Powerful Growth Driver Might Be Happening Behind the Scenes — But Here’s How You Can Harness It Anyway

In the early days of building a startup, most founders obsess over metrics: website traffic, social engagement, ad conversions, CAC. Every dashboard becomes a compass, every click a signal. But here’s the kicker: Some of your most important growth moments? You’ll never see them coming — and you’ll never be able to track them.

That’s because they’re happening in what marketers call dark social: the invisible web of private messages, DMs, forwarded emails and group chats where people share your product, talk about your service and recommend you to their inner circles. It’s the stuff that happens in the digital equivalent of whispers — and it can be more influential than anything you can buy with an ad budget.

It’s messy. It’s unmeasurable. And it might just be the most powerful growth channel your startup has.

Related: How Small Businesses Can Leverage Dark Social to Drive Word-of-Mouth Marketing

What is dark social?

Dark social refers to any online sharing that happens privately — outside the scope of traditional analytics. Think a friend texting a link to your site, a founder posting your blog in a private Slack group or a happy customer DM’ing your demo video to their boss. These referrals are happening in backchannels you don’t have access to, and they’re often far more trusted than a public review or paid ad.

It doesn’t show up in Google Analytics. It doesn’t get captured in UTM parameters. But it drives real behavior — and real business. In fact, studies suggest that as much as 80% of all content sharing happens through dark social. If you’re not paying attention to it, you’re missing a massive part of the growth picture.

Why founders struggle with it

Startups are built on lean teams, short runways and the need to show results fast. Founders are taught to optimize for what’s measurable and ignore what isn’t. That makes sense … until it doesn’t.

Here’s the blind spot: If you only invest in channels that give you clean data, you may overlook the messy, emotional conversations that are actually driving your brand’s momentum. You may spend thousands optimizing an ad funnel while your most effective growth is happening in a WhatsApp group you don’t even know exists.

Here’s the mindset shift: Just because you can’t track it doesn’t mean it’s not working. In fact, some of your most powerful brand advocates are likely spreading the word behind the scenes — no strings attached, no attribution pixel required.

Related: 4 Growth Hacks That Helped My Startup Increase Revenue And Profitability

How to harness dark social — without measuring it

You don’t need to fight dark social. You need to fuel it. Here’s how:

1. Create emotionally shareable content

People don’t forward pitch decks. They forward things that make them feel something — a short video that makes them laugh, a case study that surprises them or a meme that perfectly sums up a pain point. The emotional hook is what gets people to hit “send” in a group chat.

Focus on emotional resonance: nostalgia, humor, inspiration or even frustration. Your job is to spark conversation, not just convey information.

Bonus tip: Make all your content mobile-first, linkable and easy to share. If someone has to jump through hoops to forward your post, they won’t.

2. Build for belonging

Dark social doesn’t thrive in isolation — it thrives in tight-knit communities. The more you build a brand around a shared identity, the more likely people are to bring others into the fold. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about bonding.

You can encourage this by:

• Creating branded Slack or Discord channels

• Hosting intimate AMAs or roundtables for niche audiences

• Collaborating with micro-influencers who are trusted voices in specific communities

When people feel like they’re part of something, they naturally talk about it. That’s dark social in action.

3. Make it exclusive (but shareable)

Scarcity and exclusivity are catnip for dark social. People love being the one who’s “in the know.” Launch perks, limited drops or early access programs that feel personal — these are easy to share in a DM with a simple: “Thought you’d love this.”

Make it frictionless to share that access:

• “Invite a friend and both of you get a discount”

• “Use this code to unlock something special”

• “Here’s a hidden page — don’t share it publicly”

You’re giving people a reason to whisper about you and rewarding them for doing it.

4. Use tools to read the room (not the clicks)

You can’t measure every share, but you can sense the ripple effects. Social listening tools like Brandwatch, Sprout Social and Reddit keyword trackers can help you detect when people are talking about you — even if the original source is a private message.

Newer AI-driven tools can surface emerging themes, tone shifts and frequently asked questions across forums and comment threads. If people are suddenly talking about your pricing or a recent feature, you’ll know, and you can respond accordingly.

Use these insights to:

• Guide your content strategy

• Improve your messaging

• Jump into the right conversations at the right time

Related: Want to Know What Your Customers Really Think? Here’s How to Implement a Successful Social Listening Strategy.

Dark social isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a signal that you’ve built something worth sharing. You won’t always see the referrals. You won’t always know who clicked what. But if you deliver value, show up with authenticity and make your message easy to pass along, your audience will do the work for you.

In the end, growth isn’t just about attribution — it’s about trust. And that’s the one thing no dashboard can measure.

So yes, track your clicks. Run your tests. Optimize your funnels. But also, make something worth talking about. Then sit back, and let the dark social magic do its thing.

In-Office, Remote, Hybrid — My Global Company Does All Three. Here’s How to Find Success in Any Setting.

In-office, remote or hybrid? It’s a question that dominates headlines and board discussions, but often overlooks the complex dynamics of global teams.

Instead of being guided by where employees work, let’s reframe the narrative to ask ourselves more meaningful, customer-centered questions. How can we build stronger teams and cross-functional alignment? How can we embed a culture of customer obsession? What actually fuels performance?

Global growth requires flexibility, nuance and a purpose-driven approach. As we scale, success is not defined by location, but how we lead.

Related: I’ve Managed Remote Teams For 15 Years — Here Are My 3 Most Important Leadership Lessons.

Beyond the remote work debate

Rigid work models no longer serve high-performing teams or high-growth businesses. The moment your operations outgrow one office, timezone or region is a milestone to embrace, not a problem to solve.

Location-agnostic leadership requires intentional design and execution. Yes, collaboration requires more effort. Yes, culture must be nurtured. But we shouldn’t shy away from the challenge. If anything, we should run toward the opportunity. Resisting distributed work is resisting growth.

A distributed model expands your talent pool, opens up your business to diverse perspectives and reduces employee turnover:

• Hybrid work has been found to have zero effect on workers’ productivity or career advancement, while boosting retention rates.
• 83% of recruiters say they believe remote work has improved the quality of the applicants they attract.
• 45% of workers who quit their jobs cite lack of flexibility in their work hours as a major factor.

How to lead distributed teams for global success

At Maropost, the way we work is shaped by the distinct needs of our global teams. We operate remotely in North America, in-office in India and hybrid in Australia. Our leadership team travels regularly and meets in person quarterly. In addition to monthly all-team town halls, each region also hosts its own virtual get-togethers. Day-to-day, we rely on one-on-one check-ins and tools like Jira to collaborate.

We strive to maintain a system that balances structure with flexibility. We adapt to regional requirements while remaining grounded in our shared customer focus.

1. Invest in results-driven leadership

Leadership should prioritize results and relationships over micromanagement. A culture of trust that empowers employees is fundamental in any workplace, but it is acutely important in distributed environments. To cohesively manage teams across time zones and markets, hire leaders who can build rapport and inspire performance without constant oversight.

When hiring for leadership roles, I look for candidates who show strong communication skills and who can clearly set and achieve goals with their teams and work through challenges. During interviews, I always ask for specific examples of how they motivated remote team members.

An example of a question I might ask is, “Tell me about a time you had to rebuild trust with a remote employee or team.” I find that the best answers to questions like these focus on proactive communication and problem-solving, which are key for the success of remote teams.

Related: How to Succeed as a Performance-Driven Leader (and the Pitfalls You Need to Be Aware of)

2. Reframe the concept of collaboration

Collaboration can — and should — work differently in a global environment. Resist the urge to impose legacy practices on new dynamics. Embrace tools and tactics that facilitate distributed teamwork and prioritize quality over immediacy. Digital-first workflows, asynchronous communication and open knowledge-sharing aren’t just workarounds; they are powerful productivity tools.

At Maropost, we focus on building transparent knowledge bases in Confluence that the whole team can access and contribute to anytime. Our team leaders routinely establish shared documentation where meeting notes, insights and project decisions are recorded. Then, regardless of time zone, everyone can reference and build on each other’s work asynchronously. This works well for us because it creates a living knowledge base that strengthens the more we collaborate.

3. Nurture culture and connection

How can we recreate spontaneous brainstorms and organic conversations between colleagues who might never meet in real life? Physical proximity doesn’t always equate to connection — nor does it guarantee alignment or innovation. Foster a culture that transcends location with intentional relationship-building and value-informed leadership. Give employees the purpose and clarity to work together, even when apart.

We have a monthly all-team town hall where we openly discuss our progress, invite questions from anyone and explain how what we’re working on now connects to our long-term goals. We’re aiming to foster trust and connection through honest leadership and promote transparency.

4. Restructure KPIs at all levels

Structure goals, KPIs and employee evaluations to reflect impact and outcomes over optics. Set clear objectives, schedule regular check-ins and balance autonomy with accountability throughout the organization. No matter the environment, performance should be measured based on what gets done, not where or when work happens.

Across our organization, each team has pushed itself to publicly share quarterly goals, how achieving them impacts business goals and how we will make it happen. It helps everyone understand how their work contributes to success, and we’ve noticed that performance discussions are more focused on meaningful progress than arbitrary metrics.

5. Avoid distributed downfalls

Distributed work isn’t without its challenges. Leaders must communicate generously and favor public channels over private DMs to fight information silos. Encourage calendar blocks and honor everyone’s right to log off to avoid multi-timezone burnout. Global teams can power round-the-clock productivity, but only when they operate within a sustainable, people-centered system.

As CEO of a global company, my team knows that I am often messaging and posting in public channels around the clock. But I make sure they know that they don’t need to respond outside their normal work hours. This way, we can keep important work rolling without creating burnout.

Related: 8 Things I’ve Learned From Running a Fully Remote Company

Location-agnostic leadership defines the future of work

Where we work is an oversimplified debate that deflects from deeper questions of performance and culture. Growth is determined by how we lead and why our teams show up. Management structures that falter in a distributed environment won’t suddenly flourish in a fixed location. Invest in a leadership strategy that is adaptable, results-driven and guided by customer obsession to succeed in any setting.

How This Legacy Media Brand Turned Community Impact Into a Competitive Advantage — and How Your Business Can, Too

When Tiyale Hayes reflects on his journey from the DMV area — one of six children raised by a single mother — to becoming Executive Vice President for Insights at Black Entertainment Television (BET), he doesn’t just see personal success. He sees the power of authentic representation and community investment that has defined BET’s 45-year legacy.

“The fruit of your labor isn’t just what you achieve,” Hayes explains, drawing from lessons learned during his formative years at Hampton University. “It’s what you plant for others to harvest.” This philosophy has become the cornerstone of BET’s social impact strategy, transforming the network from an entertainment platform into a community catalyst that reaches millions of Black Americans daily.

Related: 6 Ways Your Company Will Benefit From Better Community Involvement

The authenticity advantage

In an era where corporate social responsibility often feels performative, BET’s approach stands out for its genuine connection to community needs. Hayes co-leads the social impact team, along with Kimberly Paige (Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer), that works directly with community members and consumers, ensuring that every initiative reflects real-life experiences rather than boardroom priorities.

This authenticity pays real dividends. When a mother of an LGBTQIA+ youth reached out to thank BET for showing her daughter on television — providing what Hayes calls a “possibility model” — it underscored the network’s unique position as both a mirror and a beacon for diverse communities.

“We’re not just creating content,” Hayes notes. “We’re creating pathways for people to see and celebrate themselves and their potential.”

Strategic programming that moves markets

BET’s signature programs demonstrate how entertainment companies can drive meaningful social change while building brand loyalty. The Black Men’s Summit, for example, addresses critical issues facing Black men, from economic empowerment to mental health, creating space for courageous conversations often absent from mainstream discourse.

America in Black, their 60-minute news segment, fills information gaps left by traditional media, while Rap Lyrics on Trial tackles the intersection of music, culture and criminal justice — issues that directly impact their core audience.

These aren’t just feel-good initiatives. They represent strategic investments in community engagement that strengthen BET’s market position while simultaneously strengthening families and communities. When you authentically serve your audience’s needs, you build loyalty that transcends traditional advertising metrics. It’s no surprise that BET is not just the #1 network for African Americans but also ranked “Best in Class” across five major categories, including top network respecting Black viewers’ culture, according to a 2015 Brand Love study.

The partnership multiplier effect

Smart business leaders understand that impact scales through partnerships, and BET’s collaboration strategy offers a masterclass in leveraging relationships for community benefit. Their work with college alumni chapters to host galas creates multiple touchpoints with educated, influential community members while raising funds (and friends) supporting educational institutions.

The “College Hill” program and sponsored homecoming events tap into the cultural significance of our nation’s 101 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), reaching audiences at pivotal life moments when brand affinity forms lasting connections.

Perhaps most significantly, BET’s $25 million partnership with Paramount for “Content for Change” demonstrates how corporate collaboration can amplify social impact without diluting brand identity — a crucial consideration for any business looking to scale their community engagement efforts. Content for Change is a cross-brand initiative that harnesses the power of content creation to counter narratives that enable hate and stereotypes. It uses research, data and innovation to produce more accurate portrayals that positively influence the world.

Related: How Businesses of All Sizes Can Drive Positive Change

Building tomorrow’s leaders today

The network’s corporate internship program exemplifies how companies can create sustainable impact while building talent pipelines. By providing opportunities for young professionals to gain experience in media and entertainment, BET addresses both immediate community needs and long-term industry diversification. BET offers paid internships to undergraduate and graduate students at different locations, including Washington DC, California, New York, Illinois and Georgia, just to name a few.

This approach creates what economists call “positive externalities” — benefits that extend beyond the immediate transaction. Interns gain valuable experience, the company accesses fresh talent and perspectives, and the broader community benefits from increased representation in media leadership. It’s a win-win situation.

Measuring what matters

Hayes’s role as EVP for Insights reflects BET’s commitment to data-driven impact assessment. Unlike traditional corporate social responsibility programs that rely heavily on feel-good metrics, BET’s approach emphasizes measurable community outcomes. A recent annual report highlighted voter registration and civic engagement, Black economic empowerment initiatives and mental health and wellness awareness.

This focus on insights rather than just outputs enables continuous program refinement and demonstrates return on investment (ROI) to stakeholders — a critical factor for sustained investment in social impact initiatives.

The entrepreneur’s takeaway

BET’s 45-year journey offers several actionable lessons for entrepreneurs, CEOs and industry leaders seeking to build meaningful community impact:

1. Start with authentic connection: Before launching any initiative or program, understand the community you serve. Authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a commitment. It can’t be automated, manufactured or outsourced. It takes buy-in, time and trust.

2. Think beyond charity: The most sustainable social impact comes from initiatives that align business objectives with serving community needs. Look for win-win opportunities rather than one-sided giving. Don’t just give — build. Start with the end in mind. For instance, you might learn with/from the community about their urgent need for greater representation in media, government or industry. Then create social impact efforts (e.g., internships, practicum, fellowships) that serve as sustainable talent pathways.

3. Leverage partnerships strategically: Collaboration multiplies impact while sharing costs and risks. Look for values alignment, not just brand synergy.

4. Invest in measurement: Track meaningful outcomes, not just activities. This enables continuous improvement and justifies continued investment to stakeholders. Tell a story that goes beyond numbers — but always start with evidence.

5. Play the long game: Community impact requires sustained commitment. Quick wins matter, but lasting change happens through consistent engagement over time. Remember, real impact isn’t built overnight. BET’s success comes from hard work that gives rise to good work on behalf of those they serve.

Related: Why Social Impact Is the Only KPI That Should Matter for Entrepreneurs

As BET celebrates its 45th anniversary, Hayes, his team and colleagues continue building on decades of community investment. Their success demonstrates that businesses can drive meaningful social change while achieving commercial success — but only when that commitment comes from an authentic place.

For business leaders looking to make a lasting impact, BET’s blueprint offers a proven path: Understand your community deeply, serve their needs authentically, measure what matters, and stay committed for the long haul. The fruit of that labor, as Hayes learned at Hampton, benefits everyone.

74% of Entrepreneurs Complain the Sales Cycle Is Getting Longer. I Took These 3 Steps to Shorten It and Accelerate My Company’s Growth.

If you are shopping for a pair of new running shoes, how long does it typically take you to make a decision? If you’re picky, the process could take months. No matter which industry you operate in, sales cycles have the potential to take longer than they should.

While factors do include picky shoppers (even I have been known to look far and wide for the perfect dress), certain marketing tactics can still persuade the most challenging prospects.

A recent survey reported that 74% of businesses say sales cycles are getting longer. That translates to spending more resources (time and money) to generate flatlined results.

In running my own business, PostcardMania, I’ve faced this and much more, yet kept our growth on an upward trajectory. In fact, last year set a new revenue record for us at $119 million, and we’ve grown 239% faster in the last five years than we did in the previous decade, averaging 17% annual revenue growth now versus 5% then.

Here’s a breakdown of the road-tested marketing tactics that have helped me accelerate our growth and shorten the sales cycle.

Related: How to Shorten Your Sales Cycle and Convert More Leads

Step 1: Expand the top of the funnel by increasing leads without spending more — this is how I lowered my average cost per lead

About 28% of businesses say generating leads is a challenge. My top strategy is simple: Don’t stop marketing, and remain consistent.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, many companies decided to cut back on their marketing budget, but I held fast.

My decision to continue marketing consistently throughout the pandemic resulted in a 9.24% increase in leads — an additional 186 leads a week — without any increased costs or doing anything differently. After all was said and done, PostcardMania’s annual revenue was up 10% that year despite the chaos.

But for those who cut back on their marketing, research shows they likely suffered.

A recent study examined the long-term effects when two large brands under financial pressure cut back on advertising. One cut their marketing spend by 27% and the other by 65%. In the first quarter following the cuts, the first company saw revenue drop 66%, and the other was down 51%.

This study just goes to demonstrate something I’ve been saying for decades: You need to market consistently, week in and week out, if you want to grow your business.

It doesn’t matter which marketing channel you choose. Just make sure you’re tracking your marketing and responses so that you can attribute your new customers and sales accurately to know what’s working and what isn’t.

Once you know what works for your business, do more of it! And if you can, put it on autopilot.

One of my clients, a real estate investor, implemented a direct mail automation that automatically sent postcards to people who visited his website for more than 30 seconds without converting. After mailing just over 100 of these mailers, he closed two new sales worth $70,000.

Since these automated campaigns run daily, this means you could have new leads every single day. This would compound over time and eventually generate a whole new list of new customers for you.

Related: How I Built a Sales Funnel That Generates Over $80 Million

Step 2: Review your lead follow-up funnel and consider creating a better balance of online and offline communications

Following up with prospects is just as important as generating new leads. In my experience, the right balance of online and offline communications helps move leads down the sales funnel to purchase.

And the research backs me up here — studies show that integrated direct mail and digital campaigns elicit 39% more attention than single-media digital campaigns. In fact, nearly 2 out of 3 consumers (60%) say they are extremely or very likely to respond to advertising they see across multiple channels.

Follow-ups are like reminders, and you need to send out a lot of them to provoke action. Ideally, these reminders happen simultaneously in order to keep your brand top of mind. So if you are mailing postcards weekly, you should also be running online ads on Instagram, Facebook and Google, as well as SMS messages and email.

These channels all work together to bring prospects back to your website or pick up the phone to make a purchase. Professional marketers are in lockstep on this: 91% believe integrating direct mail and digital has a positive impact on campaign performance.

At PostcardMania, we continue to mail postcards every single week, but we also prioritize pay-per-click ads, remarketing, video-based ads on social media and daily email blasts. All of these methods together have helped us continually increase our revenue year over year.

Related: How to Boost Your Business With Direct Mail Automation and Retargeting — a Detailed Beginner’s Guide

Step 3: Explore other marketing channels to replace some of your email touchpoints

You are generating leads with consistent marketing, executing online and offline follow-up, but what if your marketing messages aren’t even being seen or opened? This phase of the sales funnel can last for some time before a prospect makes a final purchase.

Email is a top method of communication for businesses, yet emails have a low open rate of 37% — and it could get even worse as more consumers are ignoring emails or mass deleting them. I know I do! One study showed that emails and text messages were the top two most irritating channels when it comes to being bombarded with marketing.

About 33% of businesses struggle with declining open rates, but they can be improved by launching the right marketing campaigns

Instead of focusing on what is standard, focus on what works. The main marketing strategy I’ve used to draw prospects in has been direct mail, and that has never changed for the past 27 years.

I’ve built my business from the ground up with zero capital, primarily based on direct mail marketing, and today we make over $100 million in annual revenue. We started out mailing 1,000 postcards a week advertising our services, and now we mail over 230,000 a week.

The facts also don’t lie; research confirms that direct mail has a much higher open rate of 90%. A business can also get around open rates altogether with postcards, catalogs or brochures since the recipient sees the message and images immediately. This gives your business a better chance of making a lasting impression.

Another direct mail advantage: less competition in the mailbox versus the inbox. Personally, I dislike fielding hundreds of emails every day. The USPS reports the average household receives 7,750% more emails than mail pieces per day — an average of two direct mail advertisements as opposed to 157 emails a day.

All of these methods together have helped us continually increase our revenue year over year. I’ve tackled my challenges head-on with these marketing methods, and I know with effort, you’ll do the same.

How to Stop Overthinking and Start Moving Your Business Forward

Are you a doctor? Me neither. So why do we spend so much time obsessing over business decisions like we’re performing open-heart surgery? If I had to make a medical decision, I would really be in trouble. And that’s why I don’t. But guess what? A lot of medical decisions are made quickly.

I’ve worked in both giant corporations and scrappy startups. You know what sets them apart? In large companies, 99% of the time is spent worrying about the 1% of things that might go wrong. In small ones, 99% of the time is spent sprinting forward — because there’s no time to sweat the small stuff. Get moving or start dying (metaphorically). It’s that simple.

In essence, what I’m talking about is the difference between paralyzing risk management and bold risk acceptance. One keeps the wheels spinning; the other keeps the business moving.

I once wrote a LinkedIn post that simply said: “The biggest mistake you can make is being afraid to make one.” It’s something I remind myself of on tough days. Because no matter how chaotic it gets, what we do isn’t life or death — it’s business. And business requires momentum. It doesn’t require months of groupthink.

Related: Entrepreneurs Don’t Overthink Things. They Make a Decision and Go With It.

How do you keep the business moving?

1. Be ruthless, but thoughtful, about hiring

I worked at a company where closing a deal required six levels of approval. Six. Levels. Of. Approval. That’s not process — it’s pure bureaucracy and pain. As you grow, be intentional. Every hire should have a clear purpose and deliver real value. If you can’t answer these questions in a positive manner:

• What does this role do?

• How does it help us grow?

• Is it really a full-time position?

• Would it be better to outsource it than keep it in-house?

…then don’t hire. You’re building a team, not a padded org chart.

2. Make the call at 51%

You don’t need 100% certainty to act. You don’t even need 60%. If you’re 51% sure — leaning ever so slightly toward one direction — that’s enough. It has to be. Waiting for perfection leads to paralysis. Move. Decide. Adjust later if needed. Deal with the fallout, if it comes. In my experience, the big scary “what-ifs” rarely happen. What does happen? Nothing — because no decision gets made.

3. Two days max

If it’s a decision that keeps your business running, it shouldn’t take more than a day or two. That includes tough calls like terminations. Sure, major events like acquisitions or IPOs deserve more deliberation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all prophecy. But day-to-day? You’re stalling if it drags on. Every extra day adds uncertainty — and that’s a cost you don’t want. Let me tell you a secret: The decision you come to on day 30 is likely the same one you came to on day two. Try it sometime and see … or don’t, because that means you’re seriously delaying.

4. If you’re wrong? The world won’t end.

In most cases, the worst-case scenario is a loss of revenue. Not good — but not fatal either. As long as your decisions are ethical, you’ll live to fight another day. Don’t let fear of failure keep you frozen. Action beats inaction. Every time.

Related: Time to Stop Overanalyzing and Start Making Decisions!

How to think less and do more

1. Build smart consensus

Get input from your team, but don’t let collaboration become a boomerang. Bounce ideas around, align direction, and then execute. Note, this does not mean that everyone has to agree. Quite the opposite. Use smart consensus to inform your decision. This isn’t picking curtains — it’s about moving the business forward. Stop polishing decisions and just ship them.

2. Get expert advice (but don’t marinate in it)

Need a legal opinion or some financial expertise? Great — get it. Find a lawyer. Hire an accountant. Use experts like a compass, not a crutch. Their guidance should help you move faster, not slow you down. You should get additional warm fuzzies relying on information provided by an expert who has seen the problem before. That should give you even less incentive to delay.

3. Trust your gut

Seriously. Your gut’s smarter than you think. I once ignored mine and joined a hot startup that felt “off.” Turns out, it was. The founders ended up under federal indictment. Your instincts are data, too. Learn to listen. When your gut is screaming, pay attention. Your first impression is often the correct one.

Related: Overcome This Common Entrepreneurial Struggle and Stop Sabotaging Your Progress

Time is the real currency

Time isn’t just money; it’s everything. You only get so much of it. Long, drawn-out decisions not only stall your business — they eat into your life.

When you take forever to make a call, you’re not just delaying growth — you’re delaying freedom, balance and personal progress. So don’t waste time trying to perfect every move. Businesses aren’t built on perfection. They’re built on momentum.

Ask yourself: What feels better — crawling or driving a Ferrari?

Start the engine. Let’s go.

Cut Business Travel Costs for Good with OneAir Elite

For business owners and professionals who travel often, airfare and hotel costs can quietly erode margins. But what if your travel platform actively worked to lower those expenses—automatically? With OneAir’s Lifetime Elite Plan, you get a powerful, AI-driven booking and savings tool for just $59.99 (regularly $790) when you use code FLY30 through July 20.

OneAir is designed for individuals who view travel as an investment, not a luxury. The platform scans millions of hotel and flight prices in real time, alerting you when rates drop for trips from your preferred departure airport. You don’t have to constantly monitor deals—OneAir does the work for you.

It goes one step further: if you’ve already booked a flight or hotel and the price drops, OneAir’s Smart Monitoring automatically rebooks the same itinerary at the lower price and refunds the difference. No more second-guessing whether you should have waited to book.

Unlike public travel sites, OneAir gives you access to private, wholesale hotel rates and unpublished flight deals—including premium cabins on over 700 airlines. On average, members save $50 to $150 on flights and $20 to $150 per night on hotels. You’ll also earn up to 10% back in OneAir Cash Rewards, which can be applied to future travel.

For small business owners, consultants, and remote teams, OneAir is more than a booking tool—it’s a cost-cutting asset. With just one trip, the savings can exceed the price of lifetime access.

If you’re ready to reduce overhead, travel smarter, and save automatically, OneAir Elite is your ticket.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get a lifetime of flight deals for the one-time payment of $59.99 for OneAir Elite. Use code FLY30 through July 20.

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‘Largest Data Breach in History’: Apple, Google, and Meta Passwords Reportedly Among 16 Billion Stolen in Massive Hack

Almost all major platforms were affected by a massive breach, including datasets from Apple, Google, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and other platforms (government, too), according to Cybernews.

Cybernews reports that 30 databases have been stolen (social media, VPN logins, corporate and developer platforms), exposing 16 billion passwords, calling it “one of the largest data breaches in history.”

Related: Over 10 Billion Passwords Have Been Exposed in Massive Password Hack

The outlet also says that “massive datasets” have been emerging every few weeks, though this is the first reporting of the hack. Cybernews does note that Wired reported in May about a “mysterious database” being exposed with 184 million records — a “trove of breached data” that included logins for Google, Meta, and Apple.

But 184 million is a lot less than 16 billion, which the outlet claims is the actual scope of the breach.

Tom’s Guide is running a live blog about the incident and notes several ways people can protect themselves from scammers, including enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), which makes it much more difficult for hackers to get into your accounts, and using a password manager to help keep your information secure.

Related: Think You Can Hack Into Apple Intelligence Servers? Apple Is Paying Up to $1 Million If You Can.

Want to know if your email has been exposed? Check out the website, Have I Been Pwned, which will tell you if you’ve been affected by a data breach (and how many times).

Regardless, it’s time to change your password.

5 New Tech Products Worth Showing Off to Houseguests

Nothing goes as far as beautiful, functional design. Whether you’re doing some last minute tidying ahead of a dinner party, making a grand entrance to a meeting on Zoom, or sitting next to a stranger on an airplane, these products have the style and substance to win you some kudos.

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1. Streamlined sound.

Imagine sitting down on a flight, looking at the screen on the seatback, and thinking: I wish I could hear that movie through my wireless earbuds. The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 [$60; twelvesouth.com] makes it possible. Plug the device into any headphone jack and stream wireless audio to any brand of Bluetooth headphones. The 25 hours of playback will outlast even the longest flight, and its buttons adjust sound quickly. Traveling with kids? You can pair two headsets to one device to share the movie.

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2. A civilized standing desk.

Most standing desks look like simple platforms on stilts. The Room & Board Lincoln [from $4,500; roomandboard.com] is a significant upgrade — a traditional-looking desk, complete with side drawers, with a pair of arms that raise the top to 49 inches off the floor. It comes with a solid wood top, is available in five varieties and seven colors, and has a built-in wire management area — ensuring that you can stand or sit without sacrifice.

Related: Do You Get Overwhelmed While Traveling? These Tech Products Can Make It Stress-Free.

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3. A vacuum you can unveil.

Vacuums are designed to be useful, not to look nice. But the handsome Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra [$1,100; samsung.com] does both — which is especially useful for someone with no closet space to tuck the vacuum away. It comes packaged with three cleaning tools, and the base pulls debris out of the vacuum for fewer trips to the trash can. Clean for up to 100 minutes per charge while the LCD screen, through SmartThings, displays calls or messages from your smartphone — so you never miss hearing a call as your vacuum whirs.

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4. A clatter-free carry-on.

Your carry-on luggage just got sturdier. The engineers of Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On [$600; peakdesign.com] replaced a carry-on’s usual architecture with single pieces of carbon fiber, resulting in a smooth, satisfying extension and retraction that also occupies less space inside the bag. The weatherproof, soft-sided exterior covers a bombproof polycarbonate shell that expands and contracts, so you can squeeze it into a regional jet’s tiny overhead bins. In your hotel room, the bag opens 90 degrees, like a trunk, so you need half as much room on the luggage rack.

Related: 20 Time-Saving Tech Tools for Solopreneurs that Boost Efficiency, Productivity and Business Growth

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5. A tougher action camera.

Creating content on the go? The Insta360 X5 [from $550; insta360.com] is an action camera built for bumps. The two 8K lenses have tough optical glass that you can replace if they get scratched. Its new AI chip makes nighttime footage clearer and more vibrant, and its wind guard filters unwanted noise from helmet or handlebar videos. The sealed housing is waterproof down to 49 feet without a case.

Fried, Fast And Franchised — These Are The Top 10 Chicken Franchises in 2025

The chicken franchise scene is sizzling — iconic legacy brands like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop continue dominating with proven systems and widespread recognition, while fast‑casual newcomers are carving out their niche with bold flavors and modern concepts. Combined, these top contenders offer entrepreneurs a powerful mix of brand strength, operational support, and high consumer demand, making chicken-centric franchising one of the hottest growth sectors in food service today.

The brands on this list earned their spot on Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500, our annual ranking of the strongest franchise systems, based on factors like unit growth, brand stability and financial performance. Whether you’re looking for a globally recognized name or a rising concept with momentum, these chicken franchises represent some of the best opportunities in the industry right now.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

• Founded: 1972
• Franchising since: 1976
• Overall rank: 4
• Number of units: 4,796
• Change in units: +34.2% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $471,000 – $3,875,700
• Leadership: Jeff Klein, President
• Parent company: Restaurant Brands Int’l.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, ranked #4 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, boasts nearly 4,800 units in the U.S. and 35+ countries — up 34% in three years — backed by strong brand support, entrepreneurial guidance, and robust training programs. In a savvy growth move, Popeyes has expanded into airports and college campuses to build brand affinity in high‑traffic areas, complementing its viral chicken sandwich and new wings lineup

Related: What Popeyes’ Viral Menu Strategy Can Teach You About Staying Relevant

2. Wingstop

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 1998
• Overall rank: 11
• Number of units: 2,352
• Change in units: +44.8% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $259,400 – $912,100
• Leadership: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
• Parent company: Wingstop Restaurants Inc.

Wingstop has soared to more than 2,350 locations worldwide, fueled by its famous wings, streamlined operations and bold digital strategy. With a low-labor model and strong unit economics, the brand has grown nearly 45% in the past three years. Ranked #11 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Wingstop supports franchisees with comprehensive training and expansive territory rights. It’s a favorite among multi-unit operators thanks to its scalable setup and focus on flavor innovation.

Related: This Innovative Move Keeps Wingstop Flying High

3. KFC

• Founded: 1930
• Franchising since: 1952
• Overall rank: 21
• Number of units: 30,680
• Change in units: +19.5% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,852,825 – $3,771,550
• Leadership: Tarun Lal, President
• Parent company: Yum! Brands Inc.

KFC remains one of the most iconic names in fast food, with a massive global presence and a menu built around its signature original recipe. Backed by decades of brand recognition, franchisees gain access to robust training, proprietary systems and ongoing field support. While the investment is significant, the brand offers unmatched scale and staying power. For entrepreneurs seeking a legacy name with global reach, KFC, #21 on the 2025 Francise 500, continues to be a top contender.

Related: KFC Is Moving Its Corporate Headquarters Out of Kentucky. Here’s What We Know.

4. Slim Chickens

• Founded: 2003
• Franchising since: 2011
• Overall rank: 81
• Number of units: 251
• Change in units: +109.2% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,522,900 – $4,439,000
• Leadership: Sam Rothschild, COO & Partner
• Parent company: Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens brings Southern comfort food to the fast-casual space, serving fresh, hand-breaded tenders, wings, and chicken & waffles alongside signature dipping sauces and indulgent jar desserts. Since launching its franchise program in 2011, the brand has grown to over 250 locations with strong momentum in both the U.S. and international markets. Backed by robust training, marketing support and a hospitality-driven culture, Slim Chickens appeals to franchisees looking for a modern, scalable concept with loyal fans — known affectionately as “Slimthusiasts.“

Related: She Was a Lawyer with No Restaurant Experience. Now, She’s Reviving an Iconic Restaurant Chain.

5. Golden Chick

• Founded: 1967
• Franchising since: 1972
• Overall rank: 92
• Number of units: 231
• Change in units: +12.7% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $810,250 – $1,852,800
• Leadership: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
• Parent company: Golden Franchising Corp.

Golden Chick is a seasoned Southern-style chicken franchise with roots dating back to 1967. Known for its signature hand-breaded Golden Tenders, the brand has built a loyal following across the South and Midwest. With more than 230 locations and counting, Golden Chick offers franchisees strong operational support, comprehensive training and marketing guidance. It’s a solid option for both first-time owners and experienced operators looking for a dependable, scalable business with regional charm.

Related: I Walked Away From a Corporate Career to Start My Own Small Business — Here’s Why You Should Do the Same

6. Zaxby’s

• Founded: 1990
• Franchising since: 1994
• Overall rank: 109
• Number of units: 960
• Change in units: +5.7% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,406,700 – $3,323,200
• Leadership: Mike Mettler, CDO
• Parent company: Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor LLC

Zaxby’s stands out in the fast-casual chicken space with its crave-worthy chicken fingers, wings, hearty sandwiches, and signature “Zalads,” all paired with bold dipping sauces. With nearly 1,000 locations — predominantly in the Southern U.S. — Zaxby’s ranked #109 in Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees receive strong support, from site selection and training to marketing and proprietary tech. Known for its hospitality and community focus, it’s a solid choice for operators eyeing fresh fast-casual growth.

Related: This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team’s Loyalty and Performance

7. Bojangles

• Founded: 1977
• Franchising since: 1978
• Overall rank: 145
• Number of units: 813
• Change in units: +4.9% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $720,220 – $3,779,700
• Leadership: Jose Armario, CEO
• Parent company: The Jordan Company & Durational Capital Management LP

Bojangles specializes in Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits, building a loyal following since its 1977 debut in Charlotte. The brand ranks #145 on Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500 and has expanded to more than 800 locations with steady multi-year growth. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support—including site selection, in-depth training, marketing assistance, and proprietary tools — along with strong community branding rooted in Southern hospitality, making it a standout opportunity in the fast-food chicken category.

Related: Her Postpartum-Inspired Side Hustle Hit $30,000 Revenue in 2 Months — Now It’s Making About $500,000 a Year: ‘I Truly Love Everything About It’

8. Chester’s

• Founded: 1952
• Franchising since: 2004
• Overall rank: 237
• Number of units: 1,062
• Change in units: -16% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $27,500 – $296,500
• Leadership: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
• Parent company: N/A

Chester’s brings fresh, never-frozen, double-breaded fried chicken to convenience stores, supermarkets, and travel stops across the U.S., using a secret family recipe that’s built a loyal following. With over 1,000 locations, the brand has become a staple in high-traffic, nontraditional venues. Ranked #237 on Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500, Chester’s offers streamlined startup costs, strong training, marketing support and a recognizable “Fried With Love” identity — ideal for operators seeking a simple, scalable chicken concept.

Related: Selling as a Founder Is Brutal — It Was Also the Reason We Reached $400M in Revenue

9. Church’s Texas Chicken

• Founded: 1952
• Franchising since: 1969
• Overall rank: 402
• Number of units: 1,532
• Change in units: +5.4% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $648,866 – $1,896,300
• Leadership: Roland Gonzalez, CEO
• Parent company: Cajun Global LLC

Church’s Texas Chicken brings bold, bone‑in fried chicken, honey‑butter biscuits, and flavorful sides to high‑traffic locations like malls, convenience stops, and drive‑ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to over 1,500 units across more than 20 countries. Ranked #402 on Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500, the brand combines legacy appeal with modern growth support — real‑estate expertise, thorough training, marketing tools and supply-chain backing — offering entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven investment in comfort‑food franchising.

Related: Why Hustle Culture Is the Most Dangerous Lie Founders Still Believe

10. Dave’s Hot Chicken

• Founded: 2018
• Franchising since: 2019
• Overall rank: 453
• Number of units: 211
• Change in units: +1,072.2% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $619,800 – $1,963,000
• Leadership: Bill Phelps, CEO
• Parent company: Roark Capital

Dave’s Hot Chicken has ignited a foodie frenzy with its Nashville‑style hot chicken tenders and sliders, offered in seven spice levels and paired with simple sides like mac-and-cheese. Since franchising began in 2019, it’s surged to over 200 U.S. locations and climbed into Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500, ranking #453 — up nearly 30 spots — thanks to explosive unit growth and viral appeal. Backed by celebrity investors and now owned by Roark Capital, Dave’s brings bold flavor and strong franchise support to hot-casual chicken enthusiasts.

Related: A Hot Chicken Chain Founded in 2017 Was Just Acquired for $1 Billion: ‘One of the Great Entrepreneurial Journeys of our Time’

Entrepreneurs Can Slash Admin Time With These 2,800+ Attorney-Drafted Templates

Entrepreneurs spend roughly 20% to 30% of their time on administrative tasks, according to data from The Alternative Board. If you’d like to cut that down, it’s time to meet DocPro Professional Documents. This handy service gives you access to over 2,800 lawyer-approved legal, business, and professional document templates. And right now, a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $159.99 (reg. $199).

Cut back on admin time with DocPro’s thousands of document templates

Entrepreneurs have to draft a lot of documents. Get that time back with DocPro, thanks to thousands of lawyer-drafted templates you can use again and again. And a smart customization feature lets you answer a few questions and automatically fill in the basics to save even more time.

From personal letters and tenancy agreements for landlords to legal forms and business agreements, DocPro lets you customize documents with helpful step-by-step guidance to create your own DIY contracts. Just browse the library, customize your template, and then download it in Word format and start using it right away.

Need something DocPro doesn’t have? You can request a custom document at no additional cost. They’re all prepared by lawyers, so you can rest easy knowing you can trust their content.

DocPro is already trusted by more than 52,000 members in over 80 jurisdictions. Happy customer Sarah raved, “DocPro has every contract you could want, all easy to customize and ready to use. The interface is simple, and the quality is excellent. Perfect for small businesses trying to save on legal costs.”

Stop wasting time making documents from scratch with DocPro Professional Documents, now just $159.99 (reg. $199) for a lifetime subscription.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Successful Entrepreneurs Are Strategically Outsourcing These 5 Tasks

If you’re running a business in 2025, you’re probably juggling more than ever with marketing, operations, customer service, finances and maybe even a rental property on the side. And while hustle culture once glamorized this all-in approach, the truth is clearer now: Doing everything yourself isn’t sustainable, but rather a growth killer.

A 2022 survey by Capital One found that 42% of small business owners had felt burned out in just the past month, and that’s no surprise, as juggling too many roles was one of the biggest reasons why. These days, time, above money, is the most valuable asset an entrepreneur has.

Smart outsourcing helps you reclaim your focus and protect your energy for the work that truly moves your business forward. The key is knowing what to delegate and when. Here are five strategic areas where handing things off can free up your time and support real growth.

Related: Your Time is Money, Start Saving It By Outsourcing

Task #1: Property management for passive income properties

Entrepreneurs love the idea of passive income, but rental properties rarely live up to that promise when you’re managing them yourself. Between screening tenants, handling 3 a.m. plumbing calls, tracking down late rent and coordinating repairs, what seemed like a smart side investment can quickly turn into a second full-time job.

Even if you own just one or two units, the distractions add up. The good news? You don’t have to do it all. Delegating tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance paperwork can restore that “passive” quality you were aiming for in the first place.

However, not all property managers are created equal. These questions to ask a property management company will help ensure you hire someone who protects your time and your assets. A good manager brings local expertise, vetted contractor networks and a system for handling issues before they become expensive. You’re not just paying for convenience, you’re investing in stability and peace of mind.

Task #2: Bookkeeping and financial reporting

It’s easy to put off bookkeeping. Many founders tell themselves they’ll get to it next week, then next month, and before they know it, they’re sorting through a pile of receipts under pressure. The problem isn’t just about missing paperwork. When your finances are out of date, every decision becomes harder. Clean books make your business easier to run. Unorganized ones quietly hold everything back.

You don’t need a full-time CFO. A lightweight setup using Quickbooks or Xero, paired with a part-time bookkeeper or outsourced accountant, can make a big difference.

They’ll help you stay ahead of taxes, track profitability and keep your margins from slipping. If you’re planning to raise funding or bring on a partner, clean books are non-negotiable.

Task #3: Customer support

You can’t grow a business if you’re glued to your inbox. Still, one support email turns into five, and suddenly, your morning is gone. Customer support is one of the first things you should consider handing off. Whether it’s outsourced chat support, a virtual assistant or a call service, plenty of options can scale with you.

What matters most is that whoever handles it understands your business. Customers don’t need perfection, but they do need to feel like someone’s listening.

Companies that take customer experience seriously tend to see real results. One study found that businesses focused on customer service grew revenue 41% faster than those that weren’t.

Related: What Not to Do When Outsourcing

Task #4: Content creation and marketing

Writing your own content can seem manageable until a quick blog post turns into hours of edits and second-guessing. Most entrepreneurs don’t have the time or headspace to do content well. Writing blog posts, SEO copy, newsletters and LinkedIn updates is one of the easiest things to outsource once you know what you need.

That said, handing it off blindly doesn’t work. Before bringing someone on, get clear on your voice, your audience and your goals. Once you’re aligned, hire someone who gets it. Even a few good pieces of content each month can go a long way in keeping your business visible and credible.

Task #5: Admin and scheduling

Founders spend more time on admin than they realize. These small tasks don’t just eat up time; they interrupt focus. Virtual assistant (VA) support is one of the most straightforward ways to reclaim that time. Whether it’s managing your inbox or rebooking travel, a reliable assistant can quietly remove hours from your week.

VA services are more flexible than ever. Some founders prefer U.S.-based assistants for time zone alignment; others choose offshore teams for affordability. There’s no right answer, just what fits your workflow.

Start with a clear handoff. Delegate recurring tasks like scheduling, inbox triage and travel logistics.

How to outsource the right way: 3 rules to follow

Outsourcing only works when it’s done with intention. Before you delegate anything, it’s worth thinking through what should stay in-house, and what really needs to go. This guide can help weigh those decisions based on your goals, team size and growth stage.

• Vet like you’re hiring: Treat each potential partner like a new hire. Skill matters, but so does attitude and communication style.
• Be clear on expectations: Define scope, timelines and deliverables. Ambiguity creates tension; structure builds trust.
• Keep the vision: Delegate the how, but keep the why. Your vision sets your business apart.

Related: 7 Ways to Make Outsourcing a Success Time After Time

Buy back your time

The most successful entrepreneurs don’t just manage their time, they protect it. Outsourcing lets you focus on what only you can do: product, vision, leadership. Everything else? Simply hand it off.

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

Over the past decade at Improbable and now with Somnia, I have worked on solving some of the hardest problems in the new digital age. We’ve learned a great deal from powering massively multiplayer video games, immersive virtual events and defense simulations so sophisticated they got me sanctioned by Russia…

But in the process of building tools for virtual worlds, we discovered something far more foundational: The infrastructure we needed for the metaverse turned out to be exactly what businesses need to operate in the AI era.

Like many, we expected that the surge of interest in the “metaverse” in 2021 would be a tipping point. After all, we’d been working on persistent virtual spaces since 2012. But the deeper we got into the problem, the more we realized the infrastructure wasn’t ready. Virtual worlds that allowed thousands of people to move freely across different platforms with their identity and assets intact simply weren’t feasible with existing systems.

Blockchain, on paper, offered the right ingredients: user ownership, decentralized control and the ability for different developers to build on shared standards. However, when we tried to use it for real-time interaction, it collapsed under the weight. These systems were too slow, too expensive and entirely unsuited to applications that needed responsiveness.

Imagine trying to run a Zoom call where every frame of video had to be verified by thousands of computers before it could appear on screen. That’s what we were dealing with.

Eventually, we faced a choice. Either continue building applications on infrastructure that couldn’t support them — or build the infrastructure ourselves. What we ended up creating, Somnia, started as a necessity for gaming. But it has become a blueprint for how business will operate in a future shaped by artificial intelligence, digital identity and real-time interaction.

Related: Is Metaverse the Future for Business?

The new demands of digital business

Three trends are colliding to reshape how modern organizations operate. First, AI is no longer just a chatbot; it’s an actor. Agents powered by large language models are starting to participate in digital ecosystems. In our testing, we’ve seen AI agents generate thousands of transactions per second simply through their interactions with each other and with users.

Second, digital ownership is shifting from a niche crypto concern to a mainstream expectation. People increasingly want control over their digital identities, possessions and reputations — and they want these assets to persist and travel with them.

Third, businesses are shifting from transaction-focused to relationship-focused models, where continuous engagement in digital environments drives loyalty and growth.

The infrastructure to support this convergence didn’t exist. So we built a system that could process over one million transactions per second, about 20,000 times faster than traditional blockchain systems. To put this in business terms: Imagine the difference between a corner store that can serve 50 customers a day and a Walmart Supercenter that can serve 50,000.

Beyond gaming: Business applications and cultural impact

This leap in performance has implications that go far beyond gaming and drive real business outcomes. Retailers can track inventory changes across thousands of stores in real-time for a fraction of a penny per update. Manufacturers can build secure, verifiable supply chains that don’t compromise speed. Financial institutions can process compliance checks, document verification and settlements with both transparency and efficiency.

But the bigger shift is cultural. As AI begins to automate routine tasks, we are entering what I call the “Fulfilment Economy,” as mentioned in my book Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience. This is not just about productivity. It is about meaning. People are looking for purpose, community and creativity in the digital environments where they now spend increasing portions of their lives.

AI helps by saving time and taking on the burden of process, allowing us to focus our energy on more valuable activities. These environments go beyond entertainment. They are places of work, collaboration, identity and economic activity. In many cases, AI agents will participate alongside us.

For businesses, this presents a strategic shift. When your users don’t just consume your products but contribute to and build on your platform, your role changes. You’re no longer just a provider; you’re a host. Your brand becomes part of an ecosystem — one that thrives on participation, portability and interaction. Supporting this shift requires infrastructure that can scale in real time, preserve ownership across environments and connect disparate platforms into a single seamless experience.

Related: The Future of Business in the Age of Technology

What comes next

Most business leaders aren’t thinking about blockchains, consensus algorithms or transaction throughput — and they shouldn’t have to. What matters is whether your company is ready for a world where intelligent agents transact alongside humans, where users carry persistent digital identities between services and where engagement happens in real time, not just during scheduled interactions.

The hype cycle around the metaverse may have passed, but the vision of shared, persistent, intelligent digital environments is more relevant than ever. What started as a solution for virtual worlds is now becoming the foundation for how businesses will deliver value in an interconnected, AI-driven future.

This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team’s Loyalty and Performance

For years, leadership development has focused on hard skills like operations, finance and technical know-how. But today, there’s growing recognition that soft skills — especially emotional intelligence (EQ) — are just as vital, if not more so. EQ isn’t just about being “nice” or managing conflict — it’s about cultivating trust, improving communication and building resilient, high-performing teams.

In a fast-changing workplace where expectations are rising and retention is a top priority, EQ has become a business imperative.

Self-awareness beats spreadsheets

Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Leaders who understand their own emotions are better equipped to manage stress, give feedback and respond thoughtfully in challenging moments. And yet, many overestimate their emotional awareness. In a survey of more than 1,000 professionals, 20.6% of men and 17.1% of women believed they were more emotionally intelligent than their behavior suggested. That gap matters because blind spots in leadership often become pressure points across an organization.

Building EQ involves engaging both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. This means not only listening and adapting but also reading emotional cues, responding empathetically, and modeling openness. It’s less about control and more about connection.

Related: Stop Losing Your Best Employees with These 3 Retention Strategies

Don’t just know it — practice it

It’s not enough to understand EQ in theory. Like any business skill, it takes action to develop.

Leaders can strengthen their emotional intelligence by:

• Participating in coaching or mentoring programs
• Joining leadership development cohorts that include peer feedback
• Having real, honest conversations with employees about emotional wellbeing

The most effective organizations embed EQ into their culture, starting with hiring. When emotional intelligence becomes a hiring lens, companies reduce mis-hires and build more cohesive teams. Ask candidates how they navigate disagreements, respond to constructive feedback, or bounce back from failure. Their answers reveal more than technical skills ever could.

Emotional intelligence isn’t optional at the top

Leadership isn’t just about setting strategy — it’s about setting the tone. Executives who lack EQ often struggle to inspire trust or connect across teams. They may deliver results in the short term but fail to build sustainable momentum.

In contrast, emotionally intelligent leaders:

• Attract and retain top talent
• Understand team dynamics and resolve conflicts early
• Foster a culture of psychological safety and high performance

These leaders also lead by example. When executives participate in team trainings or feedback sessions, it sends a powerful message: growth is for everyone, not just junior staff.

Related: How to Create a Winning Employee Retention Strategy

Empathy is the new currency of culture

Today’s workforce expects more from leadership: more empathy, more flexibility and more humanity. They don’t just want a job — they want to feel seen, valued and supported.

When companies prioritize EQ, employees respond with higher engagement, better communication and deeper loyalty. That’s not just good for morale — it’s good for business.

The result? A workplace where people thrive, performance improves and culture becomes a competitive advantage.

EQ is the edge

Emotional intelligence isn’t a bonus trait — it’s a leadership essential. Developing it takes intention, but the return on investment is exponential. Stronger teams. Smarter hiring. Greater retention. Better results.

When EQ becomes the standard rather than the exception, everybody wins.

7 Ways Ecommerce Is Helping People Rebuild Their Lives

Ecommerce entrepreneurship is rarely about getting rich overnight.

Many who try this seek solutions to their everyday problems — high cost of living, burnout from their 9-to-5, family needs or simply more independence. With each passing day, ecommerce is becoming more and more the best solution to overcome these challenges.

Digging deeper, we conducted an email survey asking Sellvia store owners why they decided to start an online business. What really surprised us was the number of people who decided to participate in our study.

Many of these replies were truly heartwarming, touching and in some cases, even eye-opening. This highlights the importance and impact that ecommerce can have on the lives of regular people.

So, here are the seven most common challenges ecommerce helped solve, according to our survey respondents.

1. Finding financial stability

More than 64% of our surveyed respondents claimed that they started their ecommerce business for the simple reason that traditional employment wasn’t enough. For some, one paycheck fell short; others were limited by their health, age or they simply didn’t have any better options.

Ecommerce offered them something that nothing else could — a way to earn without needing any special skills, experience or big investments.

Many people who responded had similar backgrounds: juggling multiple jobs, living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in an endless cycle. Having the ability to start an online business from the comfort of their own home gave them hope and, more importantly, a feeling of fulfillment and self-empowerment.

For many, it was a reliable path to restoring their financial situation.

Related: Selling as a Founder Is Brutal — It Was Also the Reason We Reached $400M in Revenue

2. Finding time for family

About 38% of our surveyed respondents reported that they turned to ecommerce to find more time to spend with their families. Traditional 9-to-5 job schedules practically excluded them from being involved in the lives of their children. This is especially true for single-parent households.

Launching an online store that can be built and managed on your own terms allowed them to finally enjoy time with their families, while having an income source that worked seamlessly in the background.

For many, it was about convenience and about being present. Present for the most important moments that you couldn’t experience otherwise.

We heard from happy parents who were able to see those school plays, be home for dinner or care for their family members without worrying about losing income. This feeling of freedom gave them the emotional comfort they had long missed.

3. Leaving unpleasant working environments

Approximately 22% said that starting an ecommerce store helped them escape workplaces where they felt stuck, undervalued and simply unfulfilled. They were tired of low paychecks and the sense of life just passing by them.

In ecommerce, they found that they could make their own choices, become their own boss and finally create something of their own. Some highlighted that their whole mindset changed – they went from fearing Mondays to feeling excited about managing and updating their stores.

Related: Yes, I Was a Toxic Boss. Here’s How I Turned It Around

4. Turning hobbies into income

Almost 37% indicated that their main motivation was to pursue their passion. Whether it was fashion, sports or gadgets, ecommerce was the best way to monetize what they already loved.

In most cases, they referenced their stores as an “extension of self” — a reflection of their values, beliefs, and ideas.

The personal connection with their hobbies helped them create the best possible experience. That meant better branding, creative advertising, and much more meaningful customer relationships.

5. Getting ready for retirement

For around 20% of respondents, it wasn’t at all about building an empire or a full-blown business — it was about having a reliable income later in life. One that was flexible, didn’t require much time or huge investments.

Some retirees shared that the rise of inflation, fixed incomes and the desire to stay mentally active pushed them into the world of online businesses. Others said that they did not wish to rely solely on pensions or savings. Ecommerce gave them a way to create a steady and reliable income, all without clocking into a job or having to push themselves physically.

Related: The New Way to Retire: Start a Digital Business

6. Giving back to their communities

Almost 13% stated that ecommerce helped them create a way to support their communities. Some people focused on promoting artists and cultural representation. Others donated portions of their profits to causes they cared about, for example, youth mentorship or educational scholarships.

This idea of a “profit with a purpose” reappeared time and time again. For these ecommerce entrepreneurs, profit alone did not measure success – it was about the impact they could make.

Not only are purpose-driven businesses good for your inner well-being, but they tend to perform well too.

7. Pivoting following career failures

Roughly 19% of survey takers had gone through layoffs, having to retire early, or a declining demand for their profession.

That’s why they turned to ecommerce as a way to create their own path to financial stability.

There was a common trend among those in midlife – many spent years pursuing careers that eventually offered no long-term stability or growth. Whether it was due to automation, outsourcing or driven by age, their experience and expertise were no longer valued.

Ecommerce gave them a way to work and earn on their own terms.

The bottom line

What stood out most to us was that our study showed there wasn’t a great need for huge profits or online fame. It was the desire for freedom — the freedom to work without burning out, to be close to your loved ones, to have a steady and reliable income and to build a financially secure future on one’s own terms.

Ecommerce isn’t the magical answer to everything. But it can be one of the most practical, flexible and readily available solutions out there.

And for many, it all started with a single online store.

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

AI, although established as a discipline in computer science for several decades, became a buzzword in 2022 with the emergence of generative AI. Notwithstanding the maturity of AI itself as a scientific discipline, large language models are profoundly immature.

Entrepreneurs, especially those without technical backgrounds, are eager to utilize LLMs and generative AIs as enablers of their business endeavors. While it is reasonable to leverage technological advancements to improve the performance of business processes, in the case of AI, it should be done with caution.

Many business leaders today are driven by hype and external pressure. From startup founders seeking funding to corporate strategists pitching innovation agendas, the instinct is to integrate cutting-edge AI tools as quickly as possible. The race toward integration overlooks critical flaws that lie beneath the surface of generative AI systems.

Related: 3 Costly Mistakes Companies Make When Using Gen AI

1. Large language models and generative AIs have deep algorithmic malfunctions

In simple terms, they have no real understanding of what they are doing, and while you may try to keep them on track, they frequently lose the thread.

These systems don’t think. They predict. Every sentence produced by an LLM is generated through probabilistic token-by-token estimation based on statistical patterns in the data on which they were trained. They do not know truth from falsehood, logic from fallacy or context from noise. Their answers may seem authoritative yet be completely wrong — especially when operating outside familiar training data.

2. Lack of accountability

Incremental development of software is a well-documented approach in which developers can trace back to requirements and have full control over the current status.

This allows them to identify the root causes of logical bugs and take corrective actions while maintaining consistency throughout the system. LLMs develop themselves incrementally, but there is no clue as to what caused the increment, what their last status was or what their current status is.

Modern software engineering is built on transparency and traceability. Every function, module and dependency is observable and accountable. When something fails, logs, tests and documentation guide the developer to resolution. This isn’t true for generative AI.

The LLM model weights are fine-tuned through opaque processes that resemble black-box optimization. No one — not even the developers behind them — can pinpoint what specific training input caused a new behavior to emerge. This makes debugging impossible. It also means these models may degrade unpredictably or shift in performance after retraining cycles, with no audit trail available.

For a business depending on precision, predictability and compliance, this lack of accountability should raise red flags. You can’t version-control an LLM’s internal logic. You can only watch it morph.

Related: A Closer Look at The Pros and Cons of AI in Business

3. Zero-day attacks

Zero-day attacks are traceable in traditional software and systems, and developers can fix the vulnerability because they know what they built and understand the malfunctioning procedure that was exploited.

In LLMs, every day is a zero day, and no one may even be aware of it, because there is no clue about the system’s status.

Security in traditional computing assumes that threats can be detected, diagnosed and patched. The attack vector may be novel, but the response framework exists. Not with generative AI.

Because there is no deterministic codebase behind most of their logic, there is also no way to pinpoint an exploit’s root cause. You only know there’s a problem when it becomes visible in production. And by then, reputational or regulatory damage may already be done.

Considering these significant issues, entrepreneurs should take the following cautionary steps, which I will list here:

1. Use generative AIs in a sandbox mode:

The first and most important step is that entrepreneurs should use generative AIs in a sandbox mode and never integrate them into their business processes.

Integration means never interfacing LLMs with your internal systems by utilizing their APIs.

The term “integration” implies trust. You trust that the component you integrate will perform consistently, maintain your business logic and not corrupt the system. That level of trust is inappropriate for generative AI tools. Using APIs to wire LLMs directly into databases, operations or communication channels is not only risky — it’s reckless. It creates openings for data leaks, functional errors and automated decisions based on misinterpreted contexts.

Instead, treat LLMs as external, isolated engines. Use them in sandbox environments where their outputs can be evaluated before any human or system acts on them.

2. Use human oversight:

As a sandbox utility, assign a human supervisor to prompt the machine, check the output and deliver it back to the internal operations. You must prevent machine-to-machine interaction between LLMs and your internal systems.

Automation sounds efficient — until it isn’t. When LLMs generate outputs that go directly into other machines or processes, you create blind pipelines. There’s no one to say, “This doesn’t look right.” Without human oversight, even a single hallucination can ripple into financial loss, legal issues or misinformation.

The human-in-the-loop model is not a bottleneck — it’s a safeguard.

Related: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Large Language Models: Limitless Possibilities, But Proceed With Caution

3. Never give your business information to generative AIs, and don’t assume they can solve your business problems:

Treat them as dumb and potentially dangerous machines. Use human experts as requirements engineers to define the business architecture and the solution. Then, use a prompt engineer to ask the AI machines specific questions about the implementation — function by function — without revealing the overall purpose.

These tools are not strategic advisors. They don’t understand the business domain, your objectives or the nuances of the problem space. What they generate is linguistic pattern-matching, not solutions grounded in intent.

Business logic must be defined by humans, based on purpose, context and judgment. Use AI only as a tool to support execution, not to design the strategy or own the decisions. Treat AI like a scripting calculator — useful in parts, but never in charge.

In conclusion, generative AI is not yet ready for deep integration into business infrastructure. Its models are immature, their behavior opaque, and their risks poorly understood. Entrepreneurs must reject the hype and adopt a defensive posture. The cost of misuse is not just inefficiency — it is irreversibility.