January 2025

Running a team now is like running a kitchen with chefs from all over the world. Each person comes with their own recipe, their own tools and their own approach. Add to that the fact that technology is reinventing the way we get work done every five minutes or so, and you’ve got yourself a situation. But here’s the thing: It’s not about whether anyone is right or wrong; it’s about making sure everyone cooks an excellent meal together.

Let’s cut to the chase about leading teams that span generations and are plugged in. It’s not about understanding which Gen Zs use TikTok or who prefers email to Slack. It’s about navigating different mindsets and working styles while leveraging the tech tools at our disposal. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what really works.

Related: 6 Ways Multi-Generational Workforces Lead to Business Growth

Start with what matters — respect

Before we discuss technology or processes, let’s talk about respect. Managing a multi-generational team (millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and Gen Z) isn’t a question of pandering to stereotypes. Everyone simply wants to feel seen and appreciated. As a manager, if everyone works like they have something to bring, you’ve already won half the battle.

Instead of making assumptions that older folks hate tech or younger folks can’t concentrate, ask questions. “What do you require to do your best work?” is a great place to start. You’d be amazed how frequently the reason has nothing to do with their age.

Set clear expectations for tech use

We all know the type — the one who Slack messages you, emails you and then calls you just to ensure you got the memo. That’s why clear communication rules come into play. How will your team utilize technology? For example:

• Slack or Teams to communicate quick updates and ask questions

• Use emails for long explanations or noninternal discussions

• Establish “tech-free” zones or times if constant pings are turning into a productivity killer

Let them know that it’s not control; it’s efficiency. As soon as they realize it saves time, everyone loves a good process.

Match tech to the task, not the person

Some people are naturally good with tech; others are not. That’s fine. Don’t make the mistake of assuming what technology can or can’t be used based on age. Instead, focus on the task. If you are managing a sales team, Salesforce or HubSpot makes sense. If you’ll be operating a creative team, something like Figma or Adobe Cloud makes sense.

Bring in new tools focused on the job, not the cohort. Offer training sessions that are appropriate for all levels of skill sets. Assemble a team of tech lovers and have them collaborate with those who may require some assistance. It’s not so much age as it is a state of mind.

Recognize different work styles

Here’s the thing: Generations may have a different approach to work, but at the end of the day, everyone has the same desire for success. For example, older members of the team may benefit from detailed, step-by-step instructions. Younger people may flourish with fewer structures and the chance to play around. Neither is wrong.

As a manager, it’s your job to mix these styles. For instance:

• Design hybrid workflows that balance integration and freedom. Using project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana or Monday.com) makes task visibility easy for everyone involved in the project. Those who thrive on structure will appreciate the timetables and those who thrive on freedom will appreciate the choice of what they prioritize.

Related: How to Navigate Generational Differences and Hybrid Challenges in the Workplace

Make feedback a two-way street

If all you’re feeding back is top-down, you’re missing out. Gen Z and millennials especially value workplaces where they feel as if their voices are heard. On the other hand, older generations have years worth of experience that share the same potential for game-changing work if used correctly.

• Build a two-way feedback loop

• Hold routine one-on-ones to talk about performance, struggles and ideas

• Use anonymous surveys to find out what’s working and what’s not.

• Provide opportunities for cross-generational mentoring. Give a Gen Z employee and a baby boomer a set of ears and watch the learning unfold on both sides.

Tech can’t replace trust

Let’s get one thing straight: Technology is a tool, not a solution. You could have the best project management software or the fanciest AI tools, but if your team members don’t trust you or each other, none of it will make a difference.

Make sure to invest in building relationships. Hold casual team check-ins, celebrate wins (big and small), and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Trust is founded on honesty, and that’s free.

AI: Friend or foe?

This is where things get spicy. The landscape is changing with workplace AI tools such as ChatGPT, Notion AI and many others debuting. AI isn’t here to replace jobs; it’s here to augment them. However, how you roll out AI to a team is what matters most.

• Take one step at a time: Use AI for repetition, like scheduling, generating reports and even drafting emails.

• Be transparent: Explain what the tool can and can’t do. This helps mitigate fears, especially among older team members who may view AI as a challenge.

• Encourage experimentation: Have team members play with AI tools. The more comfortable they become, the more likely they’ll figure out how to use them efficiently.

Conflict isn’t a bad thing

If you’re managing different generations … disagreements will happen. One person thinks the old way of doing things is fine, and another wants to take a modern approach. Do not blanket conflict; use it as a way to innovate.

Promote candid conversations about what’s going well and what’s not. Hot debates are a great source of ideas. Just ensure that the conversation remains respectful.

Lead by example

If you run a tech-forward team, you need to talk. If you want your team to utilize a novel CRM, learn it first. To get them to embrace AI, demonstrate how you’re using it. Leadership is not about barking orders; it is about setting the tone.

Related: How to Improve Communication Between Generations in the Workplace

Running multi-generational, tech-driven teams isn’t rocket science but does require work. Respect, communication and flexibility are your best pals. Prioritize what each individual can contribute, not the labels associated with their age. Technology is to make our work easier, not harder. And at the end of the day, do also remember that all human beings really want is to feel like they make a difference.

You have the tools and the talent. Now, it’s time to put it all together.

Strategic entrepreneurs recognize that the new year is prime time to gain a competitive edge. One of the best ways to do this is to take a fresh approach to your tax planning.

Instead of simply closing out your books, carve out time for some high-value strategic work. You’ll come away with a clear vision for your financial future, less stress and, most likely, more money in your pocket.

Here are four steps to guide the process.

1. Figure out where you stand

First things first: If you haven’t already met with your tax advisor to estimate your taxable income and tax liability for this year and next, schedule that meeting as soon as possible. Knowing these numbers gives you a starting point to plan your next moves.

An April tax bill should never be a surprise. If you’ve experienced this, it is a sign that you’re taking a reactive approach to taxes. As an entrepreneur, you should be as proactive as possible. Getting control of your financial destiny starts with knowing your numbers.

2. Identify the right quick wins

Once you know your estimated tax liability, ask yourself: What can I do now to reduce the taxes due next April? One of the first options people jump to is postponing income to the following year. This should not be your first move. Instead, make sure that you and your tax advisor are looking at the whole picture.

Look for things you can do right now that will give you a permanent — rather than deferred — tax reduction. Here are several moves to consider.

• Maximize deductions. Many entrepreneurs don’t take all the deductions for which they qualify, basically donating money to the government. Review all of your expenses, both personal and business, and see if you are leaving money on the table. Two deductions I often see entrepreneurs miss are the home office deduction and business expenses paid from a personal account.
• Give to charity. While it makes no sense to donate to the government by skipping deductions, there are plenty of nonprofit organizations that will do great work with your gifts. The government encourages this kind of giving by allowing taxpayers who itemize their deductions to deduct donations to qualified charities up to a certain percentage of their adjusted gross income. Plus, donations don’t have to be made in cash. You can donate stock, property and even digital currency. When you donate appreciated assets, such as Bitcoin, you can get a charitable deduction for the asset’s fair market value, and you don’t have to recognize the capital gain.
• Use tax credits. In many ways, tax credits are even better than tax deductions because they reduce the taxes you owe dollar for dollar. Many tax credits will require a bit of planning, so you may find more opportunities to reduce your taxes in future years. However, it is still worth exploring as a potential quick win.

3. Get a jump start on 2025 and beyond

With those quick wins secure, it’s time to think ahead. What can you set in motion now to accelerate growth in your business while also permanently reducing your tax burden?

Look for actions that will create lasting benefits and organize them into a roadmap to guide you over the next three to five years. Here are some actions to consider.

• Set up entities strategically. Entrepreneurs unlock significant tax benefits and earning potential compared to employees when they create business entities — especially if they choose the right tax structure. If you move fast, you may be able to create a new LLC, corporation or partnership before the end of the year. If not, start the process now and have the results benefit you as soon as possible. For the best results, coordinate with your attorney, CPA and other advisors.
• Make new investments. The government pays entrepreneurs to make certain kinds of investments by offering tax incentives, often in the form of tax credits or deductions. As you think about your next moves in business, consider where you can invest your money to get both a great return and a great tax benefit.
• Look for lower tax brackets. If you are an entrepreneur with children, they can provide valuable support to your business and give you access to their lower tax bracket. For example, if your child works in your business, they can earn up to the amount of the standard deduction and not have to file a tax return. The child’s salary is a deductible expense for the business and has $0 tax. Sit down with your tax advisor and see what your kids could do within your business and how you can use that money for certain expenses.

4. Prepare for change

With many elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act set to expire at the end of 2025 and a new administration poised for action, we’re likely to see some significant shifts in tax law. But remember: No matter who is in the White House or Congress, the tax law is a series of incentives available to anyone who chooses to utilize them. As you create your tax strategy, look for ways to stay nimble. That way, you can adjust as new tax policies come into play.

There are things you must look at now, especially around estate planning. Unless there is a change in the tax law, the estate tax exemption will drop back down at the end of 2025 to its 2017 base level. Review your will, trusts, insurance, beneficiary designations and powers of attorney, and consider whether you want to exercise your gift tax exemption this year. For 2024, you can gift up to $18,000 per individual (or $36,000 per married couple) without filing a gift tax return.

Use this time at the beginning of the new year wisely. By taking these simple steps now, you will start 2025 off ahead of the pack.

Is starting a business on your agenda in 2025? If you don’t want to launch one of the roughly 20% of businesses that fail within two years, you should consider all of the factors that make or break success.

And exactly where you start your business is one of the most essential pieces of the puzzle.

Related: Starting a Small Business? Here Are the States Where It’s Most Likely to Survive — and the Least.

Entrepreneurs who strategically choose their business’s state, city or neighborhood can benefit from different taxes, zoning regulations and licensing requirements, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

A new study from WalletHub compared all 50 states across 25 key indicators of startup success — factors like labor costs, the availability of human capital and how many hours make up the average work week — to find out where entrepreneurs stand to gain the most.

Related: Want to Start a Small Business? Here Are the Best States to Try (and the Ones to Avoid).

“It’s crucial to establish your business in a state that will maximize your chances of success,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says. “The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, easy access to financing and affordable real estate.”

Check out WalletHub’s full ranking of the best and worst states to start a business in 2025 below:

^{Note: With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that state, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.}

President Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday as the 47th U.S. president.

Incoming White House officials told reporters that Trump would sign executive orders in his first days in office, and possibly at his rally Monday evening. The orders are expected to address economic issues like inflation and tariffs, reiterating remarks made by the President himself at his inauguration.

“Today I will sign a series of historic executive orders,” Trump stated in his inaugural speech. “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense.”

^{U.S. President Donald Trump gives his inaugural address. Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images}

The New York Times estimates that Trump has promised to sign close to 100 executive orders in the coming days.

The first economic executive order Trump addressed in his inaugural speech was related to inflation and energy.

Trump claimed that inflation was due to rising energy costs and government overspending. He stated that he would work to “rapidly bring down costs and prices” by signing an executive order declaring a national energy emergency so that the U.S. could produce and export more of its own oil and gas.

Related: Donald Trump’s Meme Coin $TRUMP Surges to $10.7 Billion Ahead of Inauguration

“We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to the top, and export American energy all over the world,” Trump said.

White House officials told ABC News reporters that the move would create jobs and reduce regulations around the energy industry.

The U.S. was the world’s largest exporter of motor gasoline in 2023, supplying more than 16% of total global exports, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

No president has declared a “national energy emergency” before, according to E&E News, though President Jimmy Carter did declare regional energy emergencies, including one in Pennsylvania in 1978.

Related: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos Get the VIP Treatment at Donald Trump’s Inauguration–With Seats In Front of the President’s Own Cabinet Picks

Trump is also expected to sign an executive order ending the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate, which gave more than $1 billion in incentives through tax credits for purchases of electric vehicles.

“We will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers,” Trump said in his inaugural speech, adding, “We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago.”

White House officials said that Trump expects to end the electric vehicle mandate through executive order “as soon as possible.”

Related: Elon Musk Makes a Case for Tesla in X Livestream with Donald Trump

Another economic executive order Trump spoke about in his speech was the establishment of the External Revenue Service, to collect tariffs and taxes from foreign countries.

“Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump stated.

Trump also said he would establish the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is designed to reform government bureaucracy and reduce inefficiencies. He first announced the department in November.

Let’s talk about jobs. Not in the old-school, “What do you do for work?” way, but what a job really is. For decades, a job was described through a title and a list of responsibilities. You get hired, and you’re given a job description; that’s your professional identity. But frankly, that system is breaking down — and quickly.

The structure of work today isn’t designed for how companies function anymore. Now that all these things are changing, static roles or rigid hierarchies will never be able to keep up with changes in technology, business models or customer expectations. This is like trying to run a modern app on a ’90s computer — things crash. The old job description? Dead. What’s replacing it? Modular, project-based systems, where work is completed by pulling together the right people with the right skills for a specific assignment. Let’s break this down.

Related: Why Job Titles Don’t Always Reflect the Value of Employees

Why the traditional job structure doesn’t work anymore

The old work paradigm was designed for predictability. A company brings a bunch of people in to do specific tasks, and those tasks rarely change. An accountant crunched numbers, a marketing manager wrote campaigns, and the IT guy fixed your printer. Everyone stayed in their lane.

But most industries — and I’d argue most innovation — don’t work that way today. Things shift constantly. Today, you may need a cybersecurity expert, tomorrow a cloud architect and next week a data analyst, all on the same project. There are fewer businesses than ever, but job roles haven’t kept pace. The inflexible job description doesn’t match this new reality, and clinging to it is costing companies agility and talent.

You should also consider skills as they develop. Individuals these days do not fit neatly in a box. A great marketer, for instance, may also know how to do data analysis, build no-code tools and even do some graphic design. But if their job description reads only “marketing strategy,” you’re leaving half their potential on the table.

The rise of modular, project-based work

So, what’s taking the place of these well-worn roles? Modular work systems. What does that mean? Rather than hiring people in fixed roles, companies deploy talent on a project basis. You aren’t hiring “an employee.” You are hiring a skillset, a brain or even a team for a defined outcome.

Let’s say you’re an app company that’s just launching a product. Rather than pushing this project through tiers of departments (marketing, development, customer support, etc.), you form an agile, cross-functional team: a UX designer, a software developer, a marketing strategist and a project manager. When the app launches, that team disbands, and those people move on to different projects. The work is done faster, smarter and with less bureaucracy.

This is reminiscent of how many startups and creative agencies already operate. They value speed and expertise more than rigid structures, and it’s a major reason why they’re out-pacing more traditional companies. That’s also why freelance platforms like Upwork or Toptal are booming — companies seek access to a talented pool without the baggage of a full-time hire.

What this means for workers

Let’s get real: Not everyone is enamored with the idea of project-based work. For workers, it’s a transition from the predictability of a defined position to a merit-driven marketplace where your worth is tied to your skills and your capacity for reinvention. Some can work well in these conditions — others, less so.

But here’s another point: Project-based systems allow workers greater freedom. You’re not stuck doing the same things for years because they’re in your job description. You can pivot, acquire new skills and give back in ways that actually interest you. It’s much more dynamic and, to be honest, more in line with how people want to do their jobs now.

The question of job security is also relevant. If companies transition to project-based hiring, does that equate to fewer full-time opportunities? Maybe. However, it also offers opportunities for workers to pursue careers as independent contractors or consultants. In some ways, it’s a return to craftsmanship — you are valued for what you deliver, not for how many years you’ve been melting your face off in a cubicle.

Related: Scouting All-Star Talent For Your Business: A Four-Step Playbook

What businesses need to do differently

For companies, this transformation isn’t simply a matter of replacing job descriptions with project charters. It’s a whole new mindset. Here’s what needs to change:

1. Focus on outcomes, not tasks

Agencies must stop thinking about what an employee does on their daily grind and instead consider what outputs they’re responsible for. There’s no “social media manager,” but hire someone who can “grow brand engagement by 30% in six months.” It’s a small but profound change.

2. Invest in skill development

If work going forward is project-based, employees will have to continuously refresh their skills in order to remain relevant. Businesses that offer continual training and learning opportunities will be more attractive to better talent and will receive more value from their teams.

3. Rethink hiring processes

Traditional hiring processes — résumés, cover letters and multi-round interviews — are too slow for this model. Companies want more efficient assessments of skills, such as portfolio reviews, skills tests or short-term trial projects.

4. Build flexible teams

In a project-based world, you’re not only managing employees; you’re managing networks. Some members of this team may be full-time staff, while others may be freelancers, contractors or even AI tools. In response, companies require systems to efficiently manage these hybrid teams.

5. Embrace technology

Tools such as Slack, Asana and Airtable already aid project-based work, but we have only begun to scratch the surface. AI and automation will trump in this regard and start delegating tasks, tracking progress and even helping match the best talent to the projects.

Challenges ahead

Let’s not make any bones about it; the transition isn’t going to be easy. For companies, transitioning from hierarchies to networks requires rethinking everything from org charts to performance reviews. For employees, that means abandoning the traditional career ladder. Instead of moving via the classic ladder, you’ll be leaping from project to project, developing a portfolio of work that will get you places.

There’s also the risk of burnout. When employees arrayed across projects spin through one logo or event to the next without sharp boundaries, it’s easy to overburden people. Companies will need to embrace work-life balance in the new system, or they’ll lose talent just as quickly as they acquire it.

Why this shift is inevitable

If you’re still doubtful, consider that the tools we use to work have already unbundled how we do the work. Canva, ChatGPT and Notion are some examples of apps that have enabled people to do things that used to take entire teams. A logical next step is for their roles to be unbundled.

It’s also playing out in the gig economy. Platforms such as Uber, DoorDash and TaskRabbit have broken work down into discrete, outcome-based tasks. Although those examples are primarily in service industries, similar principles are beginning to operate in knowledge work. Writing, coding, design and even project management are all breaking down into modular, task-based services.

Related: Master The Flexible Talent Search: Seven Critical Questions To Ask When Building A Competitive On-Demand Workforce

People need to know the days of the static job description are over. Both businesses and workers are moving toward a more flexible, project-based model that better matches the velocity and multiplicity of our fast-changing world. It’s not a perfect system, and there will definitely be growing pains. But for companies that lean into this change — and for workers who adjust — it’s a tremendous opportunity.

We’re moving into a world in which work is less about where you land on an org chart and more about what you can bring to a particular objective. It’s quicker, more dynamic and (fingers crossed) a more fulfilling experience for everyone around. And if you still hold on to the old ways, you’re going to be left behind. It is time to unbundle work and rethink what a job actually is.

Citigroup is cutting certain roles as part of a broader corporate restructuring to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs by 2026.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Citigroup laid off several managing directors in its Wealth at Work unit this week, which offers services to clients at professional services firms.

The bank also let go of a team that focuses on obtaining data and analyses for its clients.

Related: Citigroup Slashes 20,000 Jobs: Restructuring or Retreat?

Citigroup’s layoffs arrive as the bank tries to reduce expenses. Citigroup’s CEO Jane Fraser stated in January 2024 that the bank plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs by 2026 to save $2.5 billion.

^{Jane Fraser. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images}

The bank ended 2023 with a workforce of 240,000 people. It cut 7,000 roles within the first quarter of 2024 and ended 2024 with 229,000 employees for a reduction of about 10,000 roles within a year, per Bloomberg.

“We went through a significant simplification of our organization, removing management layers and the regional construct,” Fraser stated in an earnings call on Wednesday. “This has accelerated decision-making and made us a better partner to our clients.”

Related: While Other Bank CEOs Take Pay Cuts, Citigroup’s CEO Jane Fraser Gets a Raise

Citigroup’s chief financial officer Mark Mason said earlier this week that the bank is going to double what it usually sets aside for severance payments this year. Severance costs are usually around $300 million for the bank, he stated but will be $600 million in 2025.

In 2024, severance costs for Citigroup were even higher, close to $700 million.

As I write this, I’m surrounded by destruction and devastation. Here in Agoura Hills, California, we are on the cusp of the evacuation area, as fires have decimated thousands of homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades and expanded westward through Malibu. Our power is out, and we are working from home off of a generator. My husband and business partner is currently conducting interviews in one corner of the house. I’m elsewhere, checking in with my team members and clients, many of whom have been personally affected by this, the worst fire disaster in the history of southern California.

Meanwhile, as I attend to the more mundane and routine business activities, such as reviewing last year’s annual reports and working with my marketing partners to create new outreach campaigns, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the business I’ve built and my ability to attend to it even amid such extraordinary circumstances. With a raging fire virtually at our doorstep, it’s all very touch and go, but it’s also comforting in a way, to set all the fear and anxiety aside and focus on what I’m best at: locking in and getting my work done.

Our resilience and perseverance in this difficult moment did not arrive by accident. By contrast, we’ve taken steps to ensure that our steadfastness in the face of catastrophe is part and parcel of our corporate culture.

Here are some key strategies for maintaining business continuity in a world where natural disasters are increasingly more commonplace.

Related: 3 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Wildfire Season

1. Understand the deeper needs of your employees in times of crisis

When disaster strikes, your employees may experience diverse physical impacts, and they will also process the event very differently — one person to the next — on a psychological and emotional level. As a boss and a leader, they will look to you to set the tone for persevering through disaster. It’s great that you’ve sent out an email blast with the latest updates and that your evacuation plan is posted in plain view at headquarters, but your job’s not done yet.

Though your first priority is safety, your leadership in this moment also entails looking out for your employees’ mental and spiritual well-being. Do this by holding one-on-one or group “check-in meetings” to discuss the effects of the disaster on your employees and those they care about. Make sure they know how to access available mental health resources. For example, some employers provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include lower cost or free counseling services. In addition to practical disaster and emergency response materials, be sure to share uplifting and inspirational content with your team that showcases the strength and resilience of your community in action as they respond to the disaster at hand.

What I’m trying to emphasize with my employees at this time is that, above all, nothing matters more than the safety and well-being of our loved ones. And, like every other moment and life event, these times of devastation will not endure forever. Be grateful for all you have. Take a deep breath. We’ll get through it.

Related: I Lost Almost Everything in a Natural Disaster. Here Is How I Recovered.

2. Understand your paths to maximum resilience

The resilience of a business is determined by how quickly it can reestablish baseline operations after being impacted by a disaster. The key to maximizing resilience is to maintain a capacity in excess of what’s required for baseline operations. To put this in simple terms, consider a cloud data storage capacity diversified across several service providers. If your business backs up its files on a multitude of cloud drives, then the failure of one drive won’t hinder your normal operations.

Put even more simply: A business that maintains an emergency fund will prove more financially agile in the face of disaster than a business that lives paycheck to paycheck. Understand what your capacity for maintaining basic services looks like, then invest in resources that will allow you to operate above your baseline.

3. Plan. Plan. Plan.

This doesn’t have to be difficult, and there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. There are free tools available to help you evaluate your business’s risks and plan accordingly. For a comprehensive preparation guide, check out the “Open for Business-EZ toolkit” from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Once you fully understand your risks and the continuity needs of your business, you’ll be better positioned to take further proactive steps such as:

• Investigating appropriate insurance coverage options that suit your business’s unique risk profile and covers the value of assets likely to be damaged or lost in the types of disasters most likely to affect you where you live.
• Cultivating awareness of grants and disaster relief loans for which your business may qualify.
• Understanding the vulnerabilities of the buildings, vehicles or equipment used to operate your business. How might disasters common to your area affect these resources?
• Setting up an emergency fund that can keep your business up and running through tough times.
• Determining whether or not a gasoline-powered generator or another backup power supply is a good investment to make?

Related: 8 Ways Your Business Can Avoid Disaster — and Recover If It Happens

4. Keep your customers in the loop

It’s important to let your customers know when you’ve been affected by a natural disaster or any other event that may cause interruptions to service. Poor communication with customers, leading to unmet expectations, can make a disaster worse than it needs to be. Keep them apprised of how your business was affected and of your ongoing recovery efforts. If you can afford to, go the extra mile: offer special discounts and promotions for customers affected by the disaster. Doing so will keep good feedback coming your way and will burnish your reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

As we continue to battle through this historic disaster in southern California, my firm, CorpNet, is doing all we can to support the community we serve and are home to. We’ve rallied our employees and clients to join us in making donations to the Red Cross, the California Wildfire Relief Fund and the LA County Fire Department. We’re sharing and promoting these giving opportunities, both as a practical means of responding to the disaster, but also as a means of encouraging our team members and customers to stay mentally healthy during this distressing time by giving of themselves, connecting with and supporting the community in this time of need.

Remember, whether you like it or not, there are those who look to you for leadership and inspiration. The way you run your business — and how you treat the people who help you run it — speaks volumes. Strive to build a business that will set the standard for compassion, preparedness and resilience during challenging times.

More than 20% of 2024 small-business owners were solopreneurs, a recent report says. Carrying all the pressure of a business alone can be stressful. However, the powerful self-development meditations available in the Harmony Hypnosis app can improve your focus, confidence, and more. If you want to cultivate these traits and achieve your goals faster, you may want to try the Harmony Premium Plan while a lifetime subscription is on sale at 50% off.

The highly innovative app offers personalized meditation therapy with self-hypnosis sessions that are designed to help you with transformative self-development just as though you had a live professional hypnotherapist on hand. You’ll have access to dozens of sessions on a wide variety of subjects and new topics are added regularly.

You will find it easier to relax and enjoy more restful sleep. The guided sessions can effectively lower your anxiety and stress levels. Experience a robust feeling of empowerment when you boost your focus and inner strength. As you develop greater control and self-esteem, your confidence will also grow. All of these things can help save you time when reaching for your aspirations.

The app was created by Darren Marks, who has 20+ years of experience and founded Harmony Hypnosis. He is a senior associate at The Royal Society of Medicine and board member of The International Hypnotherapy Association.

With millions of downloads, the app has impressive ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,600 reviews on the App Store and 4.9 out of 5 stars from almost 3,200 reviews on Google’s Play Store. One user explains why, saying:

“The Harmony App has been life-changing for me, has helped with relaxation and other specific areas. I love the new additional session each month also. Highly recommend! Thank you so much!”

Get a lifetime subscription to the Harmony Premium Plan today for just $99.99, a 50% discount off the regular $199 subscription price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

According to Fresh Books, a college degree makes absolutely no difference whatsoever to small-business revenue. That’s good news for those who would prefer to develop new skills online in the comfort of their own home. If you’d like to start a new tech career in 2025, The Ultimate Cybersecurity & IT Career Certification Pathway Training Bundle is an excellent way to start.

This bundle offers preparation courses for certification exams that will add impressive weight to your bio if you plan to offer freelance services or provide you with skills you can use in your own business even if you don’t need the certifications. There are courses for beginners, as well as advanced modules you can add as you become more experienced.

Basic users of computers, the Internet, mobile devices and networks can start with CompTIA IT Fundamentals ITF+ FC0-U61. Or go from beginner to advanced with the Core 1 and 2 CompTIA A+ Certification modules, both of which have impressive ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars from former students.

Once you’ve mastered those lessons, or if you already have that experience, you can take the CompTIA Network+ Certification N10-007 course, which helps you to develop the skills of a mid-level network technician. These give you the foundation to move up to the cybersecurity courses: CompTIA Security+ Certification SY0-501, CompTIA CySA+ Cybersecurity Analyst CS0-001 and CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-001.

There is one more specific module, the Cisco CCNA 200-301 Exam: Complete Course with Practical Labs. If you are particularly interested in working for Cisco, these lessons focus on the internet, including the Internet of Things (IoT), which will continue to grow into the future.

These courses are provided by Total Seminars. The company provides certification training materials and services to thousands of corporations, schools and government agencies, including the FBI, United Nations, and Department of Defense.

Get The Ultimate Cybersecurity & IT Career Certification Pathway Training Bundle today while its price has dropped to just $24.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Although Fundera says 30% of 2024 small-business owners took no salary, that doesn’t necessarily mean filing a tax return is unnecessary. It’s a chore no one likes, but now you can save money and streamline your entire tax filing experience with the expert resources and user-friendly tools found in the 2024 H&R Block Deluxe Plus State Tax Software for Windows and Mac. Best of all, it’s available for only $39.99, down 33% from the regular $59 retail price.

The program is super easy to use. Your W-2, 1098 and 1099 forms, as well as your prior tax returns, can all be quickly downloaded even from Quicken and Turbo Tax. There is step-by-step guidance formatted as Q&A to simplify the entire process. You can save your return at any time to complete later, access over 13,000 articles, tips and FAQ for preparing your taxes.

Assistance is included for income from retirement, home sales, stock options and investments. There is also guidance for how to maximize your mortgage interest and any real estate tax deductions on Schedule A.

This software version helps you get the biggest possible tax refund and you’ll get real-time results about your refund after you file. Plus, free audit support is built in. If you should get audited, H&R Block will provide free audit support from a live representative at no extra cost.

You can e-file five free federal returns using this program and choose one state to file returns with. Additional states are available for $39.95 each and each State e-filed state return is $19.95.

This deal is available to both new and existing users. It received the 2024 Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Tax Software Award, which said:

“Along with in-person assistance from tax professionals at thousands of branch locations, H&R Block offers online tax programs for do-it-yourselfers, too. Survey respondents remarked on its effectiveness and reasonable pricing.”

Get the 2024 H&R Block Deluxe Plus State Tax Software for Windows and Mac now for just $39.99, a 33% price drop from the usual $59 retail price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.