January 2025

The mental toll on entrepreneurs is real and not talked about enough. Research shows that 72% of founders report negative mental health impacts of starting a business, including high stress, anxiety, burnout, depression and panic attacks. That’s a big percentage.

As founders, we’re often moving too fast to recognize the power our mindset and mental health have on our business.

What we say to and how we treat ourselves can make or break our mental health and, ultimately, businesses. Our mindset doesn’t just impact us; it impacts everyone around us.

So, if we’re burned out, too afraid to fail or wary about our organization’s future, we’re A) missing out on important opportunities and B) not showing up as the best version of ourselves for our people.

I’ve been on my own mindset journey over the years. Once I started prioritizing my mental health, I learned that the right perspective can be rocket fuel as you scale.

Here’s what I’ve learned from training my mind over 18+ years in the game.

Related: How to Spot High-Performing Jerks Before They Derail Your Business

Trust your gut and intuition

Decision-making as an entrepreneur is stressful. But it’s part of the job. On a daily basis, you’re required to make hard decisions quickly that could impact the future of your company. On top of that, you’ll likely have input from others who also have an opinion on how you should proceed.

Hearing others’ perspectives on an issue is important and should be considered, but when it leads you astray from your own intuition, you can run into trouble. Because when you really listen to your inner voice and intuition, it is usually right.

My co-founder Brendan Schwartz and I faced a big decision in 2017 when we received an offer to sell Wisita. We listened to others and considered all the information — nearly everyone thought we had hit the jackpot with the offer.

Ultimately, we made a decision that was authentic to us and that we thought was best for the long-term interests of our team members and our company vision. We did the unexpected: we turned down the offer, took on $17.3 million in debt, bought out our investors and took complete control of Wistia. Last year, we paid it off.

At the end of the day, when I’m faced with a hard decision, I ask myself: what will leave me with a clean conscience and better sleep at night? Whatever decision leaves you with that feeling is often the correct one in the end.

But in order to trust your gut and intuition, you have to build it. This means you can’t be afraid to fail. The only way to learn and improve at something is to try it, so the faster you get comfortable with failure and risk-taking, the better. Trying and building new things is the backbone of everything in our society and ultimately trains our intuition.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Through an Extremely Busy Time at Work

Adopt a positive mindset

I have a saying that I often come back to: “No one ever got rich telling you all the reasons why you’re wrong.”

If you think about it, being a pessimistic entrepreneur rarely leads to success. I’m fully aware that staying positive is challenging in the startup world, and it’s good to have a healthy dose of skepticism. However, over the years, I’ve adopted two tricks to maintain a generally positive mindset on a daily basis.

First, a different perspective is everything. Sometimes, all we need is someone to help us reframe our situation and offer some validation.

As entrepreneurs, it’s so easy to fall into a certain track and headspace. If you’re struggling to remain positive about your business, talk to someone outside of your company who has been following your journey.

Second, make time to exercise. I think we can forget how much our mental state is tied to our physical state. Exercising your body in any way can be a physical escape. It makes us happier.

Exercise not only brings mental clarity but also helps us handle emotional stress. So, the next time you think of using the 30 minutes you set aside for exercise to get ahead on some work, think again.

When we’re in a more positive mental state, it’s easier to accomplish difficult things and make better decisions. Your mental capacity and productivity will skyrocket. So, if you choose the exercise, the payoff will be better in the end.

Related: How Mindset Plays a Role in Your Entrepreneurial Success

Remain emotionally present

Society conditions us to believe it’s best to live in the present moment. But as an entrepreneur, how do you live in the moment while in a job that constantly requires you to look into the future and plan for what’s ahead?

I’ve figured out that the ideal state for doing this job well is to try to stay emotionally present. This helps prevent me from becoming anxious about the future or depressed about the past. I try to take note of my emotions and let my feelings pass without self-judgment.

Of course, remaining emotionally present is easier said than done, and I’m still trying to master it. However, a few things have helped me along the way. One is recognizing that worrying about things you can’t control is not helpful, so try identifying the things you can control.

Meditation has also helped me – it brings me back to the present, stops racing thoughts and reduces my stress. During a particularly stressful time, I once meditated for 500 continuous days. And it totally rewired how I deal with stress.

And finally, just give yourself time to think and solve problems.

As entrepreneurs, we must take on each day with confidence, positivity and presence. If you have a constant internal narrative of “things never work out for me” or “I can’t afford to fail,” this is your moment to make a change.

If you believe that you can manifest good fortune in business and life, you need to keep yourself in the game long enough to generate luck. You have no chance of creating luck if you’re on the sidelines. If you’re persistent, conditions ripe for generating luck will eventually occur. It’s only a matter of time.

Let me drop a little truth bomb: overnight success is the biggest gimmick ever.

Yeah, I said it. The term “overnight success” is the perfect bait — shiny, exciting and easy to believe. But it’s also entirely, 100% false. The truth? Success is a grind. A messy, sweaty, emotional, lonely and ugly grind. And it’s way better that way.

I get it — who doesn’t want to wake up one morning with the world at their feet? The real deal is this: that “overnight” moment? It’s usually the culmination of years — years — of hustle, failure and showing up even when it feels impossible.

Related: Overnight Success as a Startup Is Unrealistic

So, let’s paint the picture of the myth of overnight success.

When I started my real estate career, I didn’t just magically become the founder of Texas’ largest independent brokerage. It wasn’t like someone handed me the keys to the castle and said, “Congrats, kid! You made it!” Nope.

I failed the real estate exam twenty-two times. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-two.

Nothing humbles you more than failing repeatedly at something you feel called to do. But here’s the thing — nobody saw the hours I dedicated to the industry before my career started. What most people didn’t see were the countless hours I spent studying, the sacrifices I made or how many times I questioned if this was something I was supposed to be working towards. Those twenty-two failures weren’t just failures — they were necessary lessons, each one helping me learn something and grow stronger.

In today’s age, it is easier than ever to see only people’s successes. Social media is a highlight reel, showcasing only the best moments while conveniently leaving out struggles or failures.

What we consume online is, more often than not, the hero stories–the so-called “overnight successes.” Nowadays, perception vs. reality is even more prevalent. Online people tend to gloss over the dirty work. What’s left out are the failures, the closed doors, and the grind that got them to that viral moment. You’re seeing the result, not the struggle. It’s 2024, we all know this is the case.

A great example is a viral video of a founder pitching their product. Suddenly, everyone’s talking about them. Millions of views. Instant fame, right? Wrong. You’re not seeing the countless late nights, the flopped prototypes, the pitches that went nowhere, and the grind that got them to that moment. We need to remember what it takes for people to get where they’ve dreamt of going.

That’s the problem with the myth of overnight success — it makes the hard work invisible. And when you don’t see the hard work, it’s easy to think, “If I don’t make it quick, I’ll never make it at all.” That mindset? It’s poison. It tricks you into thinking that you’re somehow failing if you’re not “there” yet. But the truth is, if you’re still in the game, you’re still moving forward.

When you have the chance to give up, you can either give in or lean in. In those moments when it feels like everything’s against you, the real test is whether you lean in and push through or if you let the pressure break you.

Related: Be Grateful Your Business Isn’t an Overnight Success

So, what’s the key to success?

It’s simple: keep showing up. Even when you’re tired, even when you’re frustrated, even when you feel like throwing in the towel. Success doesn’t come from some magic formula or lucky break — it comes from consistency, grit and a willingness to get back up, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down.

Another tip: keep track of all your wins, no matter how small. Got your first customer? Momentum. Landed a big meeting? Momentum. Moved one step closer to your goal? More momentum. You need to remind yourself that progress isn’t always immediate or obvious. Celebrate the small steps because they add up.

Success isn’t a straight shot to the top — it’s a long, winding, messy road full of pivots and setbacks. But the journey? That’s where the magic happens. The lessons you learn, the people you meet, the resilience you build — that’s what makes success worth it. The challenges you face today will give you the skills to handle tomorrow’s opportunities. You can’t rush growth — it has to happen the right way, with the right lessons.

And here’s the thing: the journey never stops. There will always be new challenges, new obstacles, and new goals. But once you get used to the grind, you’ll start to see that it’s not just about reaching the finish line — it’s about growing and evolving along the way. Success is a moving target, and that’s a good thing. Every day brings new lessons that shape you into someone capable of handling what comes next.

Related: 5 Inspiring Guys Who Prove Overnight Success Is BS

You also have to learn how to be comfortable with discomfort. Success isn’t about avoiding the tough parts — it’s about facing them head-on and continuing to push through. The discomfort? That’s where growth lives. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to fuel the next move.

So, the next time you’re tempted to give up because things aren’t happening fast enough, remember this: success doesn’t care about your timeline. It cares about your effort, persistence, and ability to keep going when it gets messy.

Overnight success is a myth. But real success? That’s a grind. And it’s absolutely worth it. Keep going, buckle up, and embrace the mess — because that’s where the magic happens. It’s not the destination that counts; it’s how you handle the process that defines your success.

“Viral” used to be a bad word. The adjectival form of “virus,” having a high “viral load” is something you certainly don’t want, and “viral meningitis” is something you want to avoid at all costs.

Now, of course, “viral” isn’t just a commonplace buzzword — it’s something that marketers, advertisers and social influencers the world over chase as fiercely as Tom Cruise on a motorcycle or Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious. Not quite as elusive as a unicorn, but a challenging target to hit nonetheless, coming up with a viral post or a viral public relations campaign has become the ultimate aim in the PR space (where I reside).

And I’ve got to admit, sometimes it is just a hit-or-miss situation. You can consult with the most talented pros in the business, you can brainstorm for days on end, and you can market test your brilliant idea on all your friends at your next get-together to a round of hearty applause. Still, there’s no proven algorithm that will ensure that your campaign skyrockets like the famous ice bucket challenge or Dove’s “real beauty” messaging. There are, however, strategies you can adopt on the flight upward.

I cannot guarantee that you’ll “go viral” — no one can. (Well, unless you know someone who knows someone who knows Taylor Swift.) But I can promise that if you follow these three steps, your chances of attracting widespread interest in your PR efforts will significantly improve.

Step #1: Research and reinvent

I know, I know: You have to do work? Well, yes, unfortunately; if you’re after viral status, the first step is to do a deep dive into what’s already gone viral in your field and then — guess what? — NOT do it. Do not steal ideas. Do not copy. Do not become your own knockoff brand.

Rather, analyze what aspects or features of the campaign hit the bull’s-eye and then approach those angles from a similar but different angle. Questions to ask:

• Did the campaign use humor?
• Did it use emotion to tug at the heart or, conversely, to rouse anger or inspire action?
• Did it use shock value or subtlety?
• Did it feature people or things?
• Was it mostly visual, auditory, or written?
• Was the goal to entertain or to inform?

When you break down a wildly successful PR effort into its components, you can likely pinpoint what was most effective with the intended audience and attempt to reproduce the effect without mimicking the content.

One last two-part tip here. Because it’s true that so many “best thing since sliced bread” ideas have already been done before, don’t limit your research to campaigns on the same theme as your own. Instead, (a) look closely at verticals (same industry as yours, but different topics) and (b) look beyond your own industry to campaigns you want to emulate. Just because your product has nothing at all to do with Budweiser beer, that doesn’t mean you can’t try to evoke the same feeling their Clysedale horses do at holiday time.

Related: 5 Entrepreneurial Reasons to Embrace Philanthropy

Step #2: Create and conquer

Putting a novel spin on an already-used technique that you want to employ is fine — in other words, inspiration instead of imitation. But you know what’s even better? Landing on an original idea specific to your brand. In the field of public relations, creativity is the key that unlocks every door. Sounds like a no-brainer, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve sat around brainstorming with my team in an effort to birth something new and exciting for one of my fabulous clients. In doing so, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Creativity in PR is where science meets art. After all that research, once you assemble some facts and observations about what works in viral campaigns and what doesn’t work in dud campaigns, it’s time to integrate the craft with the stats.
2. To do so, it’s okay to start with AI. I mean, it’s a permanent fixture on the landscape now, so why not take advantage of its views? But — and this is a critical “but” — you can only use it as a launching pad to spark offshoot ideas; if you try to spur a viral campaign with ChatGPT at the wheel, you’ll get a flat tire fast because the driver is a robot.
3. And the human brain can still outdo the robot. I’m not sure how long this will last, but for the time being, relying on the creative minds in your camp is still your best bet for devising impactful, influential content. For example, you can use AI to come up with a list of keywords or hashtags that are trending big in your industry. Stop there. Hand-pick a word or two to form the pillar of your campaign, but then build the rest all by yourself.
4. It’s essential to choose the right platform to showcase your creativity. Once again, research will inform whether Insta, TikTok, TV, Google Ads, or any number of other outlets are the most strategic choices for marketing what you’ve built for your particular market.

Related: I’m an SEO Expert — Here Are 6 Content Tips to Stand Out in Any Saturated Market

Step #3: Be exceptional with thought-provoking content

What gives your creative efforts the “hook” you’re seeking to lure in scads of viewers or followers? Well, it can be many things: authenticity (this is a big one that’s really resonating right now), an empathetic pull (drawing people in with a message that genuinely hits home), or getting a popular influencer on board to promote your brand (self-explanatory).

Personally, I’m a big advocate of both a savvy visual strategy — leveraging the potency of captivating imagery — and the power of clever wordplay. Really catchy campaign slogans can be surprisingly succinct (“Got milk?” and “Just do it” were both truly transformative), but they prove the point that language is power and always will be. My proofreader initially bristled at Simply Orange’s “100% unfooled around with” tagline … but she’ll never, ever forget it.

So, yes, a viral hook can be conceptualized. But far more often, hitting upon one is completely accidental. Like, entirely and utterly accidental. The marketplace is just too vast and people are just too diverse to accurately predict precisely what they’ll respond to in a certain way on a certain day.

Given this, what should your aim be? You want someone to stop and think. You want to generate public interest with attention-worthy content. At the very least, you want to grab the spotlight for as long as you can hold it by capitalizing on a trend or taking advantage of something ingrained in, familiar to, our cultural milieu.

Here’s an example: A while back, I represented a builder/designer who was recreating a cottage that appeared in a holiday cult classic movie. We decided to run with the idea of using that cottage as our campaign’s foundation, and it just hit a nerve. What can I say? I got lucky by having a well-known element in this client’s toolbox, and boy, was it fun seeing our work for him blow up and spin outward farther and farther, making new connections along the way.

“Going viral” is a game with no hard-and-fast rules, only guidelines. The above tactics may not be glamorous. They’re not industry secrets, they’re not error-proof, and they’re certainly not effortless. But in more than 15 years of running my own PR firm, I’ve learned that they’re a surefire way to at least approach sure success. And if you jump from 150 followers to 1,500 with one at-bat? That’s pretty viral success in my book!

Apple has decided to settle a five-year-old class action lawsuit accusing the company of using Siri to eavesdrop on conversations — and millions of iPhone users could soon qualify for a portion of the payout.

A preliminary settlement for $95 million in cash was filed on Tuesday night in California Federal court, per Reuters, and it still has to be approved by a U.S. District Judge. Apple denies all wrongdoing.

What did the lawsuit allege?

The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, Inc. was first filed in 2019 and alleged that Apple discreetly recorded users’ conversations without their permission or knowledge and shared recordings of the conversations with third-party advertisers.

The plaintiffs accused Apple of programming Siri to listen to conversations even when they didn’t speak the “Hey Siri” phrase to activate the voice assistant.

Related: Apple iPhone 7 Users May Be Owed a Slice of a $35 Million Settlement — Here’s How to Claim Your Share

For example, several plaintiffs said they received targeted ads for Air Jordan shoes and Olive Garden after mentioning the footwear brand and restaurant chain out loud.

Another plaintiff claimed to have received ads for a surgical treatment after discussing the procedure with his doctor in what he thought was a private conversation.

Lawyers for the case have until February 14 to review the terms of the proposed settlement.

Related: Apple Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over iCloud’s Alleged ‘Enormous Structural Advantage’

Who is eligible for a payout?

If the settlement is approved, tens of millions of iPhone users could be eligible for a slice of the pie.

Anyone who owned an iPhone or other Apple device with the “Hey, Siri” feature from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, is eligible to file a claim, though court documents seen by NPR estimate that only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers are expected to file.

Related: ‘Subject to Apple’s All-Seeing Eye’: An Apple Manager Is Accusing the Tech Giant of Spying on Employees, According to a New Lawsuit

Users could receive $20 for up to five Siri-enabled devices owned during the period. The more devices, the higher the possible payout.

More details will emerge on how to claim part of the settlement if the judge approves it.

According to Statista, there were over 150 million active iPhones in the United States in 2023.

Related: The U.S. Justice Department Is Suing Apple in a Groundbreaking iPhone Monopoly Lawsuit — Here’s Why

ChatGPT might have finally met its match. While everyone—likely including yourself—flocked to the chatbot when it was first released, many are leaving it for this new AI tool. They’re saying it’s easier to use, has more features, and it’s less expensive. So, what is it?

You probably haven’t heard the name 1minAI yet, but get ready to start seeing it in headlines. With only a one-time payment, you get a whole suite of preset AI tools powered by models like GPT, Gemini, and Llama. And right now, that lifetime payment is at its lowest price ever: $29.97 (reg. $234).

How to use 1minAI

If you’re used to using ChatGPT, the 1minAI user experience is a bit different—smoother. Instead of wrangling with a chatbot, browse a whole list of AI tools for writing, image generation, audio transcription, video, and code on a sidebar panel.

You no longer have to waste your premium credits explaining to ChatGPT what you’re looking for—1minAI’s pre-trained bots already know based on the prompt you select. Here’s how easy it is to generate an AI image with 1minIA:

• Open the image generator tool.
• Select an AI model: DALL-E, Midjourney, Leonardo, Flux, or Stable Diffusion.
• Enter a prompt for your image.
• Hit “create” and cash in some of your monthly credits.

Some requests take up more credits than others, but your stash replenishes each month. You also get additional free credits just by visiting the web app each day.

See what all the rage is about when a 1minAI lifetime subscription is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $234). No coupon is needed to get this lowest price ever.

1minAI: Lifetime Subscription – $29.97

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Dunkin’ is kicking off 2025 in style with the launch of its Winter Menu, featuring a standout collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The partnership introduces “Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso,” a limited-time iced beverage blending Dunkin’s bold espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk, hand-shaken to deliver a smooth, frothy texture. The drink, which became available on December 31, is part of Dunkin’s broader seasonal lineup but comes with a personal touch from Carpenter.

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Carpenter, whose chart-topping hit “Espresso” inspired the partnership, says the collaboration is especially meaningful because of her East Coast roots and long-standing love for Dunkin’. “Dunkin’ was such a big part of my life growing up,” Carpenter shared in a statement.

The partnership is celebrated in a vibrant ad campaign titled “Shake That Ess’,” which showcases Carpenter at a party where guests enthusiastically shake their drinks, reflecting the beverage’s preparation process.

Related: Want to Become a Franchisee? Run Through This Checklist First.

The Dunkin’ Winter Menu offers more than just Carpenter’s signature drink. Fans can warm up with the Lava Cake Signature Latte, indulge in the Chocolate Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut, or grab a $5 Meal Deal that includes two Wake-Up Wrap sandwiches and a medium coffee.

Related: The Critical First 100 Days of Onboarding — What You’re Likely Overlooking That Could Make or Break Your New Hire

Carpenter’s collaboration signals a fresh, star-powered direction for Dunkin’ as it aims to engage younger audiences while staying true to its classic appeal. Fans can enjoy Carpenter’s creation alongside the other Winter Menu items now, ensuring there’s something for everyone to sip or savor.

Read More: Yahoo

This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Joshua White, a 50-year-old father of six and grandfather of two based in Boca Raton, Florida. In 2019, White started a side hustle: Handy Famm, the brand behind a multifunctional STEM learning tool for kids that allows them to help with DIY projects around the house. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

^{Image Credit: Rose Tzur. Joshua White.}

What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your side hustle?
I am the principal and creative director of OffWhite Co., a multidisciplinary design firm. My journey began in traditional design, where I honed my skills in branding and design. This foundation eventually led me into the world of 3D animation and storytelling, collaborating with industry legends like Christopher Reeve and other Hollywood A-listers to create compelling narratives.

Related: Dry January, Anyone? He Started a Side Hustle After a ‘Scary’ Night of Drinking — and It’s Exceeded $50 Million Revenue With 0 Outside Investment.

When the films I worked on needed products or promotional items, I expanded my expertise into manufacturing pipelines — developing everything from Cathay Pacific Flight Attendant Barbie dolls to rebranding the iconic coffee maker AeroPress. My approach has always been rooted in delivering 360-degree solutions that are brand-centric, inventive and seamlessly integrate marketing and go-to-market strategies.

When did you start your side hustle, and where did you find the inspiration for it?
I started Handy Famm in 2019 after a trip to Home Depot with my young daughter. We were looking for tools she could use, but quickly realized there was nothing on the shelves designed specifically for kids— nothing real, functional, safe and definitely nothing that wasn’t just a toy. That moment sparked the idea for a better solution.

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of Handy Famm}

What were some of the first steps you took to get your side hustle off the ground?
Having run a creative agency for over 25 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with iconic brands like Chobani, Maple Hill, Jordan and AeroPress, helping them transform ambitious ideas into industry-leading brands.

That experience taught me a crucial lesson: The best ideas solve real, relatable problems. As a dad of six, I know firsthand the challenges parents face — keeping kids off screens while fostering family connection. I set out to create something that wasn’t just hands-on and engaging but also educational, fun and safe — a DIY solution that brings families together.

I also knew the product needed to be versatile enough to evolve into a broader range of DIY tools and, as a branding expert, I wanted a strong, iconic element to tie everything together. That’s how Handy Famm’s first product was born: a playful bird character with a personality-packed design. It features a tape measure tongue, the Eye-conic™ level built into its eye (both functional and visually fun) and a built-in angle finder protractor.

Related: These 3 Americans Turned to Side Hustles After Being Laid Off. Now They’re All Making Between $200,000 and $3 Million a Year: ‘Sweet, Sweet Irony.’

To get there, I spent hours with my team deconstructing tape measures, sketching ideas with my kids, 3D printing prototypes and refining the design until it felt right. We gave the bird unique color options, fun names and distinct personalities, which added depth to the brand. This became the foundation for Handy Famm’s approach — blending practical tools with creativity to make everyday DIY projects approachable and enjoyable for kids and families alike.

Although we began with a soft launch on Kickstarter, successfully raising our $10,000 goal, the real work happened during the COVID-19 lockdown. I used that time to refine the product, collaborating closely with the factory to perfect our multifunctional tape measures. It wasn’t until October 2022 that I went full throttle, launching Handy Famm on Amazon and taking our mission to empower the next generation of doers to a wider audience.

^{Image Credit: David Khabinsky}

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle, and how did you navigate them?
Inventing and building a product from scratch is always challenging, but I’ve spent my career turning ideas into reality, so that was actually the “easy part.” The real challenge was sales: breaking into Amazon, securing retailer placements, driving traffic from social to our website and navigating brick-and-mortar retail. Each step came with a learning curve — finding the right team members, building partnerships and understanding consumer buying behaviors. These are challenges I’m still navigating, but staying flexible, embracing failures as opportunities to learn and pivoting quickly have been key to our growth.

Another big hurdle was logistics. Finding a 3PL partner who understands our growth needs and can deliver without constant issues is critical for smooth scaling. Unfortunately, we went through several vendors early on, making mistakes and learning as we went. We’re actually in the process of transitioning again, and I’m optimistic this next step will set us up for long-term success.

How long did it take you to see consistent monthly revenue? How much did the side hustle earn?
We were fortunate to see revenue as soon as we launched on Amazon — it’s been a great platform for us. However, it took about a year to achieve consistent results. In our first year, we generated $185,000 in sales, primarily through Amazon and our website.

Related: This 24-Year-Old’s Creative Side Hustle Surpassed $1 Million in Sales: ‘Definitely Doing Something Right’

What does growth and revenue look like now?
At the end of 2023, I recognized the need to raise pre-seed capital to achieve explosive growth and fully realize my vision for the brand. This included developing additional character-themed tools and embracing social channels more effectively.

In 2024, we went full throttle — inventing, patenting and designing two years’ worth of products in under six months. The rest of the year was spent traveling to China to set up factories, building our team across sales, social and operations, and ensuring everything was ready for scale.

Even with just our bird and dog tape measures, we closed in on $500,000 in sales for 2024 — a testament to the strength of our mission and product. With a solid foundation and a growing team, we’re on track to shatter those numbers in 2025 and continue empowering families through creativity and hands-on learning.

^{Image Credit: David Khabinsky}

What do you enjoy most about this side hustle?
As someone who loves building businesses, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how my simple stroll through Home Depot with my daughter evolved into a thriving business with an engaged community of customers and brand advocates. What excites me most is seeing parents, kids and even retail buyers resonate with our mission of powering the next-gen of doers. Knowing that we’re ahead of the curve in championing the resurgence of skilled trades — carpenters, plumbers and creators unafraid to use their hands — is deeply satisfying.

On a personal level, I love dreaming up new tools and products to expand the Handy Famm experience. Bringing our 3D-animated characters to life, building their personalities and using them to breathe energy into the brand is endlessly exciting. Cracking the code on social media, growing our YouTube presence and optimizing the retail channel are the kinds of challenges that keep me energized and inspired every day.

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

But the coolest part? Knowing my six kids and two grandkids not only use these tools but are also proud of what their dad and granddad created. Watching them measure, build and create — with something I dreamed up — is surreal. Hearing them say, “My dad made this” or “My granddad made this” is what it’s all about. That’s the kind of legacy that makes every late night and early morning totally worth it.

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of Handy Famm}

What’s your advice for others hoping to start successful side hustles of their own?
Start with a real problem you care about solving — something that genuinely excites you. Don’t get stuck chasing perfection; just start, test and tweak as you go. And remember, a side hustle isn’t just about extra income: It’s about building something meaningful that energizes you, challenges you and adds joy to your life. Surround yourself with positivity, people you want to share your journey with, and make it something you’re proud of.

As someone who’s spent years in leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical engaged managers are to an organization’s success. A recent Gallup State of the Workforce study confirms that reducing disengagement among employees boosts productivity, profitability and well-being. The key factor? You, as a manager. When you set clear expectations, offer meaningful feedback and hold your team accountable, engagement follows naturally.

However, stepping into a managerial role comes with its challenges. Many first-time managers feel unprepared, isolated or lacking the right training. Simply having the title doesn’t mean everything will fall into place. But with the right guidance, you can thrive in this role and lead your team to success.

Related: 4 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Managers Should Avoid

Common challenges you may face as a first-time manager

As a first-time manager, I understand the transition from individual contributor to leader isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges I encountered early on was a lack of formal training. Like many new managers, I was promoted based on my past performance, but leadership skills are a completely different game. It’s normal to feel unprepared, uncertain and even a bit isolated when faced with these new responsibilities.

Another major hurdle you may be facing is managing the emotional demands of leadership. You are now responsible for providing both professional and emotional support to your team, and that can take its toll. The risk of burnout is real, especially when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the team alone. That’s why seeking support and developing your leadership skills is so essential.

One commonly overlooked challenge is the shift in relationships. As a peer, you likely had a different dynamic with your team, and now, as their manager, those relationships inevitably change. Navigating this shift can be tricky, especially when balancing the need to maintain professional boundaries while still fostering trust. It’s common to feel the pressure of needing to assert authority while also wanting to remain approachable. Striking the right balance requires careful attention to communication and consistency, ensuring that your team respects your leadership without feeling disconnected from you as a person.

To overcome the challenges that come with stepping into a managerial role, it’s important to focus on both your personal development and the needs of your team. When you invest in building the right skills and approach leadership with empathy and curiosity, you create a foundation for success.

By addressing the areas where first-time managers commonly struggle, you can take intentional steps toward becoming a more effective leader. The following strategies will help you navigate this journey, strengthen your leadership abilities and foster greater engagement within your team.

Related: Stop Trying to Manage Employees Without Understanding Them — How to Build Relationships for Leadership Success

1. Clarify your leadership role and expectations

As a first-time manager, it’s important to fully understand your role and new position. Leadership is more than just managing tasks — it’s guiding your team toward success. Work with your own mentors or leaders to define what leadership looks like in your organization. Understand the behaviors and outcomes that are expected of you and focus on what success in leadership means beyond just completing tasks.

2. Adopt a mindset of curiosity

One of the best things you can do for your team is to stay curious. Ask questions and seek to understand what motivates your team members. Regularly engage them in conversations about their challenges, preferred communication styles and personal goals. These discussions not only help you get to know your team better, but they also foster a culture of trust and engagement. Curiosity builds stronger relationships, and strong relationships lead to better results.

3. Advocate for resources and remove obstacles

Your team’s success is often tied to the tools and resources they have. Take an active role in identifying any barriers that might be standing in the way of your team’s performance. Are there outdated systems or inefficient processes that slow things down? Don’t hesitate to advocate for the changes your team needs to perform at their best. Removing obstacles shows your team that you’re invested in their success.

4. Embrace coaching and continuous learning

High-performance coaching and feedback are essential to your growth as a leader. It’s important to seek out regular feedback from your own mentors or senior leaders. Continuous learning allows you to refine your leadership style and gain new insights. Leadership is not a one-time achievement — it’s a journey, and ongoing coaching will help you navigate it more effectively.

Related: Mentorship Isn’t Enough — Leaders Need Executive Coaching, Too. Here’s Why.

5. Stay connected with your team through regular check-ins

Regular communication is key to successful leadership. Set up frequent check-ins with your team members to understand how they’re doing, what challenges they’re facing and how you can support them. These conversations should go beyond task-related discussions — focus on how they feel and what they need to stay engaged. Regular check-ins build trust and help create a stronger, more motivated team.

Your role as a first-time manager is a critical one, not just for your team but for the overall success of your organization. By prioritizing your own development, seeking support and focusing on building strong relationships with your team, you’ll be well on your way to creating a positive and productive work environment. Leadership is a continuous learning process, but with the right approach, you’ll find that you can create a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

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From personal robots to smart home devices, there’s always an overabundance of rumors surrounding what Apple is working on next.

Now, South Korea’s Sisa Journal, a weekly current affairs magazine that has been publishing since 1989, reported on Friday that the tech giant is releasing an “iPhone 17 Air” in September, and it will only be 6.25mm thick.

If the rumors are true, this would make the iPhone 17 the thinnest iPhone ever and about 20-25% thinner than all available iPhone 16 models, according to MacRumors.

Related: Apple Is Reportedly Working on Prototypes for at Least 2 Foldable iPhones

The Sisa Journal also reports that the iPhone 17 “Air” will not have a “Plus” version, and the “ultra-thin” device will likely start at $899 in the U.S.

Earlier this month, several reports noted that Apple may also be adding at least two foldable devices to its iPhone and iPad lineup in 2026.

While Google and Samsung already have foldable devices (with Samsung leading the market, shipping over 10 million foldable phones in 2023 out of the 15.9 million sold), Apple dominates the U.S. smartphone sector with 56% of the mobile market share, per Stat Counter.

Related: Apple Was Awarded a Patent for a Foldable Phone. Time to Flip Out!

In November, reports surfaced that Apple is also working on a smart home device to compete with Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest.

The iPhone 17 ‘Air’ will reportedly be about 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro

Would you buy one?

Source: @markgurman pic.twitter.com/cu5WboDW8H

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) December 7, 2024