December 2024

A saturated market presents business owners with unique challenges. It can be difficult for new businesses to break into a saturated market or for well-established businesses to increase their revenue. However, with SEO-driven content marketing strategies, you can capture more market share and add to your existing customer base.

What is a saturated market?

A saturated market has little to no new consumer demand for a product or service. This can occur for several reasons, including intense competition, lowered demand or changing trends, making certain products or services obsolete. Some examples of saturated markets include the smartphone manufacturing industry or the fast food industry.

It’s important to distinguish a saturated market from a niche market. Even though they are both extremely competitive, this competition is caused by different factors. Niche industries are competitive because they cater to a much smaller customer base with very specific needs. Saturated markets, in general, consist of a much broader consumer base that has already been claimed by established competitors.

Challenges of a saturated market

Saturated markets present several specific challenges. The lack of customer growth can make it difficult for businesses to grow or diversify their revenue streams. Saturated markets are very difficult to break into since businesses must compete against established suppliers who may have high customer retention rates due to their brand reputation.

The only way for businesses in a saturated market to grow significantly is to steal market share from their competitors. This requires innovation since companies must either increase demand by having a new product or find ways to highlight their brand’s unique selling points.

Related: The Best Strategy to Stand Out in Today’s Competitive Market May Not Be What You Think

Content marketing strategies for a saturated market

One of the best ways to stand out in a saturated market and steal market share is to update your content marketing strategies.

Start with SEO

SEO is essential if you want to gain visibility in today’s saturated markets. Having quality content will not help you if potential consumers are not finding it. Technical SEO and SEO-driven content strategies can help your content rank higher on SERPs, ensuring that your target audience is regularly seeing your content.

Using effective SEO helps you increase your brand visibility and customer base. At Outpace SEO, optimizing multiple forms of content, including images, service pages, blogs and alternate text, is one of the strategies we use to make sure that our clients are as competitive as possible in difficult search landscapes.

Do the right research

To effectively implement SEO-driven marketing, businesses need to research their target demographic, relevant keywords and competitors. For example, at my company, we conduct competitor audits for our clients to identify which topics and types of content are ranking on the first page, as well as any content gaps.

Related: Entering Into a Saturated Market? You Can Still Succeed!

Write original, high-quality content

Businesses can develop an effective content strategy based on keyword research. The content you put out should be original, creative and written by people, not AI. Updating content regularly and making sure it is accurate can also help you build authority and credibility. High-quality content published regularly will establish you as a major player in your industry, helping you build a customer base.

Optimize content structure

Content structure has the potential to boost rankings and help businesses appear in AI overviews, rich snippets and ChatGPT search results. One strategy we use to optimize our clients’ content is using long-tail keywords and high-volume search queries in the headers. Length is also important: research the average length of your competitor’s pages that are ranking in the top spots, and start creating content that is similar in length.

Embrace new platforms

What platforms are your customers using? TikTok, ChatGPT search and Instagram are just a few examples of new opportunities for content marketing. Keeping up with new platforms rather than sticking to outdated strategies can help you stay ahead of the competition and capture market share. Rather than spreading your resources thin and diluting your brand, identify the most effective platform for your demographic and use it to highlight your unique selling points.

Related: Why the Smallest Details Mean the Most in Marketing

Monitor success

Your marketing strategies should provide tangible results. If they are not, it might be time to adjust. Monitoring the right KPIs, such as engagement, click-through rates, bounce rates, rankings and conversions, can help you gain a clearer picture of which content is actually working for you. Making data-driven decisions about content marketing strategies is one of the best ways to succeed in a saturated market.

Update your content strategies to succeed

If your business is in a saturated market, scaling and increasing revenue will be especially challenging. To succeed, it’s important to optimize every aspect of your content so that it works for your business. Using SEO to inform content marketing strategies and making data-driven decisions can help you update and improve content while building brand authority. Stay competitive in saturated markets with SEO-driven content marketing practices.

Imagine having a virtual assistant for your business that designs your logos, generates compelling content, builds interactive chatbots, and even helps you write code—all without breaking a sweat. That’s the magic of AI Magicx. This one-stop creative platform isn’t just a productivity booster; it’s your ultimate business companion, helping you create, automate, and elevate your workflow.

For just $69.99, you can unlock the Rune Plan and enjoy lifetime access to a suite of AI-powered tools designed for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who want to save time and resources while delivering exceptional results. It’s like hiring an entire creative team without the ongoing costs.

Branding can be expensive and time-consuming. But with AI Magicx, you can create a stunning, professional logo in minutes. Whether you’re launching a new business or refreshing your existing brand, the AI Logo Designer takes the guesswork out of design. Simply input your preferences and watch as it generates customized logos that reflect your vision.

For example, say you want to launch your own coffee shop but don’t have the budget for a designer. With AI Magicx, you can craft a sleek logo that perfectly captures your brand’s personality—all in under 30 minutes. The result? A standout design that can be used on your storefront, coffee cups, and social media profiles.

Content is king, but writing high-quality articles or crafting engaging stories can be overwhelming. The AI Article Generator and Story Generator tools help you create blog posts, marketing copy, and even engaging narratives in just a few clicks. It’s like having a professional writer on call 24/7.

If you’re juggling customer inquiries while trying to grow your business, AI Magicx’s Chatbot Builder is a game-changer. Easily create interactive chatbots that can handle FAQs, book appointments, or even provide personalized product recommendations—all while you focus on what matters most.

You’ll also be able to create beautiful visuals and a lot more with this comprehensive AI tool.

Get AI Magicx for life—now just $69.99 (reg. $972).

AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) – $69.99

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

New year, new financial outlook?

A recent Statista survey of 1,050 Americans placed one New Year’s resolution above the rest: saving more money. Over one in five U.S. adults have resolved to save more in 2025, making it the most popular goal overall.

Meanwhile, 19% of adults have resolved to eat healthier, 17% to exercise more, 15% to lose weight, and 14% to spend more time with family and friends.

Related: 4 Marketing Triggers You Need to Set Up Now to Supercharge Your New Year

Another study from research and analytics firm YouGov surveyed over 1,100 Americans this month and found similar answers. Saving money was once again the resolution picked by most survey respondents, with 26% choosing it, while physical health came in second at 22%. Paying down debts was popular among 13% of respondents.

A third survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and emailed to Entrepreneur, looked at the feelings fueling the resolutions.

APA’s study shows that Americans are feeling the most anxiety about their finances leading into the new year, with nearly three out of five respondents (58%) out of the 2,200 polled in early December saying they were very or somewhat anxious about personal finances.

Related: This One Japanese Word Changed the Way I Approached My New Year’s Resolutions — Here’s How It Can Help You, Too.

That’s compared to the 45% who expressed anxiousness about their physical health.

“A new year brings with it new opportunities but also renewed concerns about the very important issues that impact our lives,” APA CEO and medical director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A, stated.

APA’s survey also found that 38% of respondents made personal finance resolutions for 2025, a 4% increase from the previous year. In comparison, 25% made social/relationship goals, and 25% made diet resolutions.

Related: The End-of-the-Year Marketing Checklist That Helped Triple Our Annual Revenue Growth

If you’ve ever wondered how some websites consistently appear at the top of search results while others don’t, you’re not alone. SEO has evolved beyond just keywords and backlinks. Today, structured data is helping businesses climb the search rankings by making it easier for search engines to understand exactly what each webpage offers.

Think of structured data as a map for search engines — guiding them to key information on your site. This data can help your site appear in rich search results: those enhanced snippets that show extra details, like product prices, ratings or event dates. Structured data has become essential for any business looking to improve its online presence.

Related: Stop Relying on AI SEO Tools — These 5 Secrets Will Help You Rank #1 on Google Search

What is structured data — and why do AI search engines need it?

Structured data organizes content on your website so that search engines like Google can read it clearly. As AI-driven search engines evolve, they increasingly rely on structured data to understand content context, not just individual words. Structured data lets you tell search engines exactly what your page is about so it can better match people’s searches.

If you’re still focusing only on keywords, you may miss out on appearing in these enhanced, informative snippets. Structured data provides context to your content, improving your chances of appearing with rich visuals and details.

Key structured data types every business should know

Businesses can use different types of structured data to improve SEO and attract targeted audiences. Here’s how structured data can highlight what’s unique about your content:

Product schema

If you sell products, product schema helps search engines display details like product names, prices, reviews and availability, making it more likely for searchers to click on your page.

Article schema

For businesses with blogs, news or regular updates, article schema displays titles, publication dates, authors and images directly in search results, driving clicks from users looking for relevant and fresh content.

Organization schema

Service providers or local businesses can use an organization schema to showcase essential information such as the business name, address, contact details and social media links, helping them connect with local customers.

Recipe schema

Websites that share recipes can display ingredients, cooking times, and nutritional information directly in search results, making content instantly valuable for users and enhancing visibility.

Each type of structured data gives search engines a clearer picture of your content, helping it reach the right audience at the right time.

How to get started with structured data

Implementing structured data doesn’t require a full site overhaul. Free tools make it easy, even for beginners.

First, identify the types of structured data that match your business goals. For example, if you run an online store, product schema can showcase details like price and availability, while article schema is ideal for blogs, highlighting titles and publication dates. Choose the structured data type that best enhances your website’s value for visitors and helps search engines interpret your content accurately.

Once you’ve chosen the right structured data, Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper can simplify the implementation process, even if you’re not tech-savvy. This tool allows you to tag key content elements, like product names or article headings, without any coding. Follow Google’s step-by-step guide to select and apply tags, and Google will generate the necessary code for you.

After setting up your structured data, testing it with Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool is a critical step. This tool checks for errors so you can fix issues before they impact visibility.

Finally, monitor your structured data’s performance through Google Search Console, which provides insights on traffic, click-through rates, and keyword performance. Reviewing this data regularly helps you adjust your strategy and maximize visibility.

The advantages of structured data for long-term SEO success

Structured data is a powerful tool for improving both visibility and engagement by helping search engines understand your content more clearly, making it likely to appear in an appealing format in search results.

• Higher click-through rates: Enhanced snippets, such as product details or article highlights, make your listings more appealing. When users see relevant information directly in search results, they’re more inclined to click on your site.
• Improved user experience: Structured data helps visitors find what they need quickly. When users see tailored information in search results and easily locate it on your site, they’re more likely to stay longer and return, signaling quality to search engines.
• Audience insights: By monitoring structured data, you’ll gain insights into what users search for and click on most. This will allow you to refine your content strategy and focus on topics that resonate with your audience.

Structured data also strengthens your SEO in the long term. As search engines continue to rely on structured data for ranking, websites with well-organized information will likely have a competitive edge, ensuring sustained visibility in search results.

Related: AI Is Even Taking Over How We Search Online — Here’s How to Climb the SEO Ranks and Beat the Competition

The growing role of structured data in AI-driven search

AI-powered search engines are evolving fast, making structured data increasingly valuable. As AI helps search engines answer questions directly and better understand context, structured data provides the roadmap they need to interpret your site accurately.

Using structured data effectively ensures that AI-driven search engines understand your content’s purpose, increasing the chances of it being served to the right audience. As AI shapes the way people search, structured data will be essential for helping businesses connect with customers.

Final thoughts

Structured data may seem like a small addition, but it’s a powerful way to improve SEO in today’s competitive landscape. As search engines grow more sophisticated, structured data gives them the context they need to display your content effectively.

For businesses aiming to boost search rankings and reach more customers, structured data is a smart, simple addition that can make a significant difference. By making your content easier for search engines to understand, you’re ensuring that your website remains relevant, engaging, and accessible.

If you take the time to implement structured data, you’ll likely see improved visibility and engagement, which will help your business thrive in the digital world.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming regulated industries like healthcare, finance and legal services, but navigating these changes requires a careful balance between innovation and compliance.

In healthcare, for example, AI-powered diagnostic tools are enhancing outcomes by improving breast cancer detection rates by 9.4% compared to human radiologists, as highlighted in a study published in JAMA. Meanwhile, financial institutions such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia are using AI to reduce scam-related losses by 50%, demonstrating the financial impact of AI. Even in the traditionally conservative legal field, AI is revolutionizing document review and case prediction, enabling legal teams to work faster and more efficiently, according to a Thomson Reuters report.

However, introducing AI into regulated sectors comes with significant challenges. For product managers leading AI development, the stakes are high: Success requires a strategic focus on compliance, risk management and ethical innovation.

Related: Balancing AI Innovation with Ethical Oversight

Why compliance is non-negotiable

Regulated industries operate within stringent legal frameworks designed to protect consumer data, ensure fairness and promote transparency. Whether dealing with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in healthcare, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in finance, companies must integrate compliance into their product development processes.

This is especially true for AI systems. Regulations like HIPAA and GDPR not only restrict how data can be collected and used but also require explainability — meaning AI systems must be transparent and their decision-making processes understandable. These requirements are particularly challenging in industries where AI models rely on complex algorithms. Updates to HIPAA, including provisions addressing AI in healthcare, now set specific compliance deadlines, such as the one scheduled for December 23, 2024.

International regulations add another layer of complexity. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, effective August 2024, classifies AI applications by risk levels, imposing stricter requirements on high-risk systems like those used in critical infrastructure, finance and healthcare. Product managers must adopt a global perspective, ensuring compliance with local laws while anticipating changes in international regulatory landscapes.

The ethical dilemma: Transparency and bias

For AI to thrive in regulated sectors, ethical concerns must also be addressed. AI models, particularly those trained on large datasets, are vulnerable to bias. As the American Bar Association notes, unchecked bias can lead to discriminatory outcomes, such as denying loans to specific demographics or misdiagnosing patients based on flawed data patterns.

Another critical issue is explainability. AI systems often function as “black boxes,” producing results that are difficult to interpret. While this may suffice in less regulated industries, it’s unacceptable in sectors like healthcare and finance, where understanding how decisions are made is critical. Transparency isn’t just an ethical consideration — it’s also a regulatory mandate.

Failure to address these issues can result in severe consequences. Under GDPR, for example, non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue. Companies like Apple have already faced scrutiny for algorithmic bias. A Bloomberg investigation revealed that the Apple Card’s credit decision-making process unfairly disadvantaged women, leading to public backlash and regulatory investigations.

Related: AI Isn’t Evil — But Entrepreneurs Need to Keep Ethics in Mind As They Implement It

How product managers can lead the charge

In this complex environment, product managers are uniquely positioned to ensure AI systems are not only innovative but also compliant and ethical. Here’s how they can achieve this:

1. Make compliance a priority from day one

Engage legal, compliance and risk management teams early in the product lifecycle. Collaborating with regulatory experts ensures that AI development aligns with local and international laws from the outset. Product managers can also work with organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to adopt frameworks that prioritize compliance without stifling innovation.

2. Design for transparency

Building explainability into AI systems should be non-negotiable. Techniques such as simplified algorithmic design, model-agnostic explanations and user-friendly reporting tools can make AI outputs more interpretable. In sectors like healthcare, these features can directly improve trust and adoption rates.

3. Anticipate and mitigate risks

Use risk management tools to proactively identify vulnerabilities, whether they stem from biased training data, inadequate testing or compliance gaps. Regular audits and ongoing performance reviews can help detect issues early, minimizing the risk of regulatory penalties.

4. Foster cross-functional collaboration

AI development in regulated industries demands input from diverse stakeholders. Cross-functional teams, including engineers, legal advisors and ethical oversight committees, can provide the expertise needed to address challenges comprehensively.

5. Stay ahead of regulatory trends

As global regulations evolve, product managers must stay informed. Subscribing to updates from regulatory bodies, attending industry conferences and fostering relationships with policymakers can help teams anticipate changes and prepare accordingly.

Lessons from the field

Success stories and cautionary tales alike underscore the importance of integrating compliance into AI development. At JPMorgan Chase, the deployment of its AI-powered Contract Intelligence (COIN) platform highlights how compliance-first strategies can deliver significant results. By involving legal teams at every stage and building explainable AI systems, the company improved operational efficiency without sacrificing compliance, as detailed in a Business Insider report.

In contrast, the Apple Card controversy demonstrates the risks of neglecting ethical considerations. The backlash against its gender-biased algorithms not only damaged Apple’s reputation but also attracted regulatory scrutiny, as reported by Bloomberg.

These cases illustrate the dual role of product managers — driving innovation while safeguarding compliance and trust.

Related: Avoid AI Disasters and Earn Trust — 8 Strategies for Ethical and Responsible AI

The road ahead

As the regulatory landscape for AI continues to evolve, product managers must be prepared to adapt. Recent legislative developments, like the EU AI Act and updates to HIPAA, highlight the growing complexity of compliance requirements. But with the right strategies — early stakeholder engagement, transparency-focused design and proactive risk management — AI solutions can thrive even in the most tightly regulated environments.

AI’s potential in industries like healthcare, finance and legal services is vast. By balancing innovation with compliance, product managers can ensure that AI not only meets technical and business objectives but also sets a standard for ethical and responsible development. In doing so, they’re not just creating better products — they’re shaping the future of regulated industries.

What if the next wave of entrepreneurs didn’t come from Silicon Valley — but from places you’ve never heard of?

AI is tearing down the barriers that once limited innovation, creating a world where anyone, anywhere, can be the next big entrepreneur. I’ve seen it happening already — in cities, villages, and unexpected corners of the globe — and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t about billion-dollar venture capital funds or tech giants; it’s about the untapped potential of everyday people armed with powerful tools.

We’ve talked about innovation being democratized for years, but now, it’s finally real.

The era of internet and computing democratized information, connected the world and gave rise to the digital-first economy. But I feel it’s yesterday’s news. AI is changing who gets to innovate and where the most exciting businesses of the future will come from.

Related: The Next Startup to Become a Billion-Dollar Company Probably Isn’t in Silicon Valley

AI: The next chapter in the story of human innovation

As I share in my innovation keynote presentations, every industrial revolution has reshaped entrepreneurship — and shifted the global geography of innovation.

• The First Industrial Revolution moved power to Britain, as steam and mechanization transformed production and scaled industries.

• The Second Industrial Revolution elevated the United States and Germany, where electricity and mass production redefined speed and affordability.

• The Third Industrial Revolution saw the rise of Japan and South Korea, as computers and automation revolutionized how businesses operated.

• The Fourth Industrial Revolution created the digital-first global economy, expanding Silicon Valley influence and connecting billions of people and businesses in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Now, we are at the dawn of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI, and the shift is further global. What makes this revolution different is its ability to democratize intelligence and innovation itself. AI isn’t just a tool for big corporations — it’s empowering individuals in every corner of the world.

I’ve seen entrepreneurs use AI to accomplish what would have been impossible even months ago. A single person can now design, prototype and market a product globally from their laptop, collaborating with virtual teams powered by AI to streamline processes with unprecedented speed. With AI breaking language barriers and predictive analytics enabling sharper pivots, entrepreneurs are no longer bound by their local contexts. The multiplier effect of AI amplifies every decision, making innovation scalable like never before.

This isn’t just another technological leap — it’s a redefinition of how we build organizations, solve problems and create value.

Agentic AI: The game-changer we need to pay attention to

Agentic AI that is emerging now will take this change even further, and we’d better pay attention. Imagine entrepreneurs with entire virtual teams powered by agentic AI — working around the clock, across borders, breaking barriers of time and geography. I believe agentic AI isn’t just about working faster or smarter; it’s about something bigger. It will help entrepreneurs make decisions and scale in unprecedented ways, enabling them to compete with larger, more established players.

Related: What You Need to Know About ‘AI Agents’ and Why We Are One Step Closer to The Jetsons

The global shift: Where entrepreneurship is thriving

Here’s the most exciting part: The Fifth Industrial Revolution isn’t just happening in historically dominant regions — it’s emerging in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia and other places once overlooked. These regions often face more pressing problems and resource constraints, which fuel creativity and lead to transformative solutions.

I’ve seen it firsthand. Entrepreneurs in Mexico City are using AI to solve local healthcare challenges. Startups in Peru are innovating in logistics and ecommerce with AI tools that were once out of reach. In Morocco, founders are using generative AI to tackle education gaps. And the list goes on.

But here’s the thing: None of this happens on its own. AI is a powerful tool, but its impact depends on how we use it. The entrepreneurs who succeed in the Fifth Industrial Revolution will be those who take bold, strategic action to embrace this change.

How to lead in the Fifth Industrial Revolution

1. Think globally, act boldly: AI erases geographic barriers. Use it to connect with customers, partners and markets far beyond your local network. The best opportunities might be on the other side of the world.

2. Get ready for agentic AI: Don’t just automate tasks — use AI to identify opportunities, predict trends and make smarter decisions. Let AI be more than a tool; let it be your partner in innovation.

3. Ask “should” before “can:” Not every idea needs to become reality. Solve problems that matter, not just ones that are possible. Focus on creating value for your customers and your community.

4. Launch fast, iterate faster: AI rewards speed. Prototype, test, and adapt in real time. The market is your best teacher — listen and evolve with it.

5. Invest in skills and networks: Entrepreneurs who understand AI’s potential will lead the way. Upskill yourself and your team, and build connections in regions where innovation is thriving. The future belongs to those who are constantly learning.

Related: 6 Ways AI Is Revolutionizing Startup Ecosystems

The next wave of innovation won’t be defined by geography, capital or connections; it’ll be defined by ideas. AI is making the extraordinary accessible, the impossible achievable and the local global. The question isn’t whether you’re ready for this revolution — it’s whether you’re ready to lead it.

‘Tis the season to start a side hustle. Many Americans are eager to earn some extra cash ahead of an anticipated holiday spend of $1,778, an 8% increase over last year, according to Deloitte’s 2024 holiday retail survey.

Although not quite seasonal, online freelance work is the most popular side hustle to offset holiday-related expenses, SideHustles.com revealed last month.

Related: More Than 75% of Americans Have Side Hustles During the Holidays — Here Are the Most Popular Gigs This Season

However, for those who want to take advantage of some winter-specific side gigs with lucrative potential, SideHustles.com compiled a list of the best-paying opportunities.

Side hustlers dwelling in snowy regions can cash in on the No. 1 gig: snow removal and shoveling. The work might require purchasing a snow blower or heavy duty shovel, but with a relatively high earning potential of $25 to $75 per hour, it might be worth the investment.

The next three winter side hustles with the best earning potential put a seasonal spin on year-round classics: winter event photography, winter sports instruction and winter-themed digital design, all of which typically offer anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour.

Related: How to Start a Side Hustle With Facebook, From 4 People Who Did It and Are Earning More Than $1 Million a Year

A gift-wrapping side hustle can also bring in some serious cash, with the potential to earn $20 to $40 per hour.

Last month, Entrepreneur sat down with Nifty Package Co. founder Michelle Hensley, who successfully turned her gift-basket side hustle into a full-fledged business with a strategic gift-wrap offer — one that made more than $300,000 in 2023.

“Take your time to wrap the gift,” Hensley suggests to anyone who might want to start their own gift-wrapping side hustle. “There are a lot of great gift-wrappers out there, but they do a lot of foo foo on everything. That isn’t always the most beautiful, elegant or trendy. Your quality of paper is going to make it the difference — [and your ribbon]. We use all fabric ribbons.”

Related: Easy and Lucrative Side Hustles to Try This Holiday Season for Extra Pay Amid Inflation and High Interest Rates

Holiday decorating ($25-$50 per hour), pet sitting or dog walking ($15-$30 per hour) and baking seasonal treats ($15-$35 per order) round out the rest of the highest-earning side hustles from SideHustles.com.

Managing digital assets doesn’t have to be chaotic. Twidget.io’s Business Plan can be an exceedingly useful tool for teams and businesses that are seeking to organize, protect, and collaborate on their files — all with lifetime access for $117.

Powered by Cloudflare’s state-of-the-art security, Twidget.io ensures your data is protected from cyber threats while offering a seamless platform for sharing and managing digital assets. Whether your team is working remotely or in the office, Twidget.io provides a centralized hub for easy collaboration.

As a Dropbox alternative, Twidget.io is designed with businesses in mind. It offers the tools you need to keep your workflow efficient, including intuitive file management and team-friendly features that scale with your business. With this deal, you’ll save big — this lifetime subscription is not available at a lower price anywhere else.

Why pay recurring fees when you can invest once and enjoy permanent access? Twidget.io eliminates monthly costs, making it a cost-effective solution for startups, growing teams, or enterprises looking to simplify their digital workflows.

Take advantage of this exclusive lifetime subscription to Twidget.io No-Code API Builder for $117 and future-proof your team’s productivity today.

Twidget.io No-Code API Builder: Lifetime Subscription (Business Plan) – $117

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you want to build a lasting business, long hours are the norm. It’s not just in the early days of the business, either. I’ve been at it for over ten years, and the ambition to grow my CPG startup is as strong as ever, meaning that, after all this time, 16-hour work days are nothing extraordinary.

The cause? Back-to-back investor meetings, intense work sprints, putting out fires and more, all of which are in addition to the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

Popular wisdom says most people max out at around six productive hours a day. But, as a CEO, I cannot afford to spend the remaining 10 hours in zombie mode. I pride myself on putting 100% into everything I do — and the growth of my business depends on it. While 16-hour days certainly test this ambition, I make the most of every minute thanks to three practices I’ve developed over the years.

Related: Employees Are Burning Out — and the Culprit Isn’t What You Think

1. Planning the work

The main difference between 16-hour work days early on in your entrepreneurial journey and 16-hour work days when your business is well-established is that, in the latter case, you generally know when and why the long days are coming. This allows you to prepare accordingly.

Every Friday, I prepare my tasks for the upcoming week. This includes both the regular to-dos as well as anything out of the ordinary. Essentially, this means treating 16-hour workdays like any other workday.

While obvious to me, it’s a mistake I see many others make — they make no plans or schedules for their “second shift,” believing that any and all work beyond the usual eight hours is productive. Not only is it not true, it also surprises me that people are willing to do more work, less effectively. If you have to sacrifice rest and family time for work, surely you should strive to tackle the workload as efficiently as possible. That means treating it like any other work.

2. Getting enough sleep

Seven hours a night is non-negotiable. While 16-hour days happen every now and again, 18-hour days are out of the question. I cannot stay productive or sharp if I haven’t had sufficient sleep. I used to think I could, but, in retrospect, I see that I was confounding participation for productivity.

The extra hours of work you gain at the cost of sleep is like going to a loan shark — after immediate gains, you’ll be repaying your debt with crazy interest.

Please don’t focus on the number, though. While seven hours is a sweet spot for me, it might not necessarily work for you. In case you haven’t yet, it falls on your shoulders to determine your optimal sleep schedule. Once you find it, follow it diligently, and while it may be difficult at first, your body will adapt to the routine.

3. Keeping the energy up through physical activity

Surviving 16-hour workdays isn’t just about the mental side — it’s a physical challenge, too, and one that you must respond to with the same amount of preparation as anything else. My routine might sound unconventional, but it keeps me operating at maximum efficiency. I try to keep things simple: one meal per day, intensive HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts — often in the middle of the day — and always taking cold showers.

These practices aren’t just random habits. They’ve been carefully curated over the span of several years after proving their worth in ensuring my productivity remains at its peak. The mid-day intensive workouts, in particular, are a game-changer. They inject a burst of energy that carries me through the most demanding parts of my work day. And the cold showers? They’re my secret weapon for staying sharp and focused.

It’s not about creating a complicated system. It’s about finding what works and sticking to it religiously. Some entrepreneurs get caught up in elaborate fitness plans or extreme diets. I’m not interested in that. My approach is simple: keep moving, stay disciplined and listen to your body.

The result? A consistent energy level that allows me to tackle those long days without burning out. When you’re running a startup, that’s worth its weight in gold.

Perhaps the highest added value of such routines is that they eliminate the need for additional decision-making. Even the most mundane decisions — what should I eat? What should I wear? Should I go to the gym? It takes a lot out of you. Eliminating them from your daily itinerary frees you up to focus on value-added activities.

Related: How to Maximize Every Hour of Your Day for Unstoppable Productivity

Putting it all together

This systematic approach has allowed me to avoid burnout and always bring my A-game, whether it’s an early-morning team standup or a late-night investor call.

All of the above is combined with other productivity practices, such as journaling and mindfulness. However, these are more general and geared toward general productivity rather than surviving those long days.

Of course, life and business will inevitably throw a spanner in the works. Business trips and unpredictable events can disrupt even the most carefully crafted routines and practices. That said, it’s essential to recognize these as the exceptions they are and do your utmost to maintain — or return to — the routine as soon as possible.

Look, when you hear the term “franchising” very few people picture a glamorous lifestyle. Fast food? Cleaning services? Home care? No, thank you. Often there’s a level of apprehension or hesitancy associated with that all-powerful “ick” factor.

Hey, I get it. Long before entering the world of franchising, I was working in corporate America when a franchise consultant approached me about franchising opportunities. Was I happy in my corporate career? No. But it was stable, right? It was the “smart” choice. The “right” choice. Okay, maybe the “conditioned” choice is more accurate. But still, I was in my late forties and had chosen my path.

It wasn’t until a friend who owned a franchise started growing his multi-unit operation and decided to sell out in a multi-million dollar deal that my ears perked up. It never occurred to me that franchising might scale like that. I decided to give franchising a real look and dig into the research.

Now, having owned a franchise myself and having worked in the industry for eight years, my perspective on many “ick” franchise industries has changed dramatically. Are drain cleaning services, roofing repair, and pest control sexy now? No, but I’ll worry about that perception as I watch my kids graduate from college debt-free and my retirement savings grow. What I’ve learned is that there is real value in those everyday essential industries that, if given the chance, have real material benefits that just might be the right fit for your goals, too.

So what makes these “ick” franchise industries so valuable?

1. Unlimited Demand

Consider franchises that offer home care services. Think drain cleaning, house cleaning, pest control, plumbing, hvac, electric, lawn care, junk removal, etc. These service-based companies offer evergreen services that people need in almost every corner of the United States. No matter what, home ownership, apartment management, commercial development means ongoing maintenance that requires specialty services. Specialty services that are frequently provided by a local franchise brand with national recognition.

2. Recession Resistant

Working hand-in-hand with the unlimited demand, regardless of what’s happening in the economy, many services are not a “nice to have” but a “need to have.” Medical waste removal? Senior care? Child care? If you think back to the thick of the pandemic, there were a plethora of services that were in-demand regardless of lock-down.

A variety of franchise brands that offer these vital services and many more were in the mix supporting people who needed care. Time and again, I’ve seen how services that are frequently shrugged off with the phrase “someone’s got to do them” overlaps with franchise industries.

3. Low Initial Investment

One of the main benefits of service-based franchise businesses is the relatively low-cost barrier to entry. These brands do not require a storefront or customer facing real estate, and the service itself is provided at the customer’s location.

It’s worth noting that not all franchises are synonymous with “ick” – consider boutique fitness, salon services, pet motels, etc. However, these location-based businesses that include retail storefronts where the customer receives services at a fixed-base location are often associated with higher initial investment costs.

4. Lower Fixed Overhead

In addition to low initial investments, service-based brands often have a lower fixed overhead cost. In contrast, location-based brands (think salons, boutique fitness, pet care, etc) often have higher fixed overhead costs – which can have more competition due to the fact that these are passion-based industries.

Let’s consider a niche franchise that provides roofing solutions for a particular territory. As the franchise owner, you’re getting called to do that service on a need basis. However, as roofing is a large ticket item, it isn’t a frequently recurring service. In this business model, you may only need a salesman – possibly the franchise owner – and a project manager to see the installation through. As for the labor, in this model, it can be provided by hired contractors, keeping the fixed overhead cost low.

In fact, many of these project-based service brands have contractor models which means you aren’t spending on labor without contracts to fill. This model helps you get to profitability faster without increasing your overhead costs.

5. Franchisor Support

One of the many benefits of working within a franchise system is the ongoing support you’ll receive from the franchisor. While every reputable franchisor will assist with initial set-up and operations, service-based franchisors frequently include additional services like call centers that provide back-office support. They may assist in scheduling customer visits, determining which services are needed, and more. This cuts out the need for you to hire an in-office worker, allowing you to be more time-leveraged and can even allow you to retain your corporate job while building your franchise business.

Since becoming a franchise consultant, time and time again I’ve seen initial resistance to a particular industry dissolve into possibility. The “ick” factor is real, and while you should never get into an industry that you can’t get behind, it’s important that you aren’t letting an initial hesitation discourage you from pursuing a business opportunity that supports your professional goals.