April 2025

As an entrepreneur, you likely wear many hats other than just owner. You’re probably an unofficial member of the marketing team and graphic design squad. While you’re dipping your toes out of necessity, that shouldn’t mean that your business’s photos, graphics, and videos shouldn’t look as though they were done by professionals.

Luckily, you don’t necessarily need prior editing skills to edit photos like a pro. All you need is help from Luminar Neo, which wraps pro-level and AI-powered editing tools into a simplistic design that just about anyone can use. Grab lifetime access for less than $90 for a limited time.

These AI-powered tools can also remove unwanted objects, retouch skin, adjust color, control vibrancy, and replace skies, all in just a few clicks. None of these tools require in-depth knowledge of photography or tools like Photoshop to make your photos come to life.

You also receive six add-on packs that can transform photos with just one click:

• Light Reflections: 10 overlays
• Color Harmony: 10 LUT presets
• Wintertime: 10 overlays
• Frosty Winter: 20 LUT presets
• Tranquil Dawn Skies: 25 overlays
• Tender Blushing Skies: 25 skies

There are also additional editing features for enhancements, relighting, composition and perspective, and structure for editing finer details. Some other features include: panorama stitching, automatic background removal, and noise removal.

These complex tools can be daunting to use at first, but no need to worry—there’s a video course in the full version’s bundle that goes over basic and advanced features, including how to use your six add-on packages.

Luminar Neo makes it possible to have a professional editor at your fingertips, all without paying the expenses typically demanded of professionals in this field.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to Luminar Neo, now just $89.99.

The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle

Only $89.99 at Entrepreneur

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Some things just go together, like owning an iPhone and an Apple Watch. Around 80% of iPhone users have an Apple Watch, too, according to Counterpoint Research. There’s an easy way to keep your Apple Watch charged up, whether you’re at the gym or the job: Attach this small, wireless keychain charger to your daily carry — now just $14.97.

Pocket-size power

Sometimes, work can take you out of the office and away from the convenience of plugging your chargers into the wall. But that doesn’t mean you must let your Apple Watch run out of battery right when trying to stay the most connected in the field. Slip this wireless keychain charger in your pocket or clip it to your bag for the most efficient charge on-the-go.

At just 2.5 by 3 inches, the wireless Apple Watch charger is small enough to attach to your keys without bulk. With a matte black case, this slim charger holds a 950mAh battery that can charge any Apple Watch series. Thanks to the magnetic center ring that holds your watch in place, you don’t have to worry about maintaining the connection.

Charge up the power bank via microUSB; you can even charge your watch on the bank while it charges. Verify the charge level by checking the 4 LED lights on the outside. When you’re ready to power up your watch, snap the magnet seal into place and press the power button for three seconds to get charging. With built-in safety protection, there’s no concern about overheating, over-current, over-voltage, or short circuits.

This on-the-go charger is usually $49, but you can get it now for just $14.97 and stay charged no matter where your boss sends you.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As a growing number of consumers shift to online shopping, businesses are having to invest in customer service technology that can handle large volumes of inquiries efficiently. Chatbots are an emerging solution for businesses looking to expand their reach and boost conversions online. In the next five years, the chatbot market is set to grow by 23% from its estimated market size of $7.76 billion.

This projected growth can be attributed to the competitive advantages online businesses gain by using chatbots. One of the biggest draws of this innovative technology is its ability to improve customer service.

How can chatbots improve customer service?

Chatbots are ideal for companies that want to grow their consumer base without hiring additional customer service agents. These automated support workers can handle a variety of routine questions and offer a number of benefits, including:

Fast response times

Online businesses have a very short window of opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers browsing their websites. In fact, most people spend less than 15 seconds on each webpage they click on.

Given how impatient the average internet user can be, chatbots are a useful tool for keeping potential customers engaged. They can respond almost instantly to customer queries and keep visitors from abandoning your site.

Related: 10 Tips for Creating a Great Chatbot

Multilingual communication

Chatbots can be programmed to serve customers from around the world in their native language. By implementing multilingual chatbots, businesses can reach a broader audience and retain customers who may not have made it to checkout without assistance in their own language.

Even though many people visit foreign language websites, the majority still prefer to access websites in their mother tongue. According to the European Commission, 44% of internet users feel that they are missing out on important information because the websites they use are written in a language they are not familiar with. In addition, 82% of internet users refuse to buy products in a foreign language.

This means that it is absolutely vital for businesses targeting global markets to increase the number of languages they offer on their websites. Chatbots are a simple, cost-effective way of making website content accessible to customers who speak a different language.

Multi-tasking capabilities

Unlike human customer service agents, chatbots have the capacity to conduct multiple conversations at once. They enable businesses to serve more customers at a lower cost than human workers.

Although this can raise concerns about job security for customer service agents, the fact remains that humans are still needed for more complex customer queries and issues. By using chatbots, you can free up your employees to manage more detailed requests and save them from the monotony of answering the same basic questions repeatedly.

Personalized recommendations

Chatbots can provide new and repeat customers with personalized product recommendations based on their browsing history and past purchases. For example, if you own an online clothing store and recently sold a set of pajamas to one of your customers, the next time they visit your site, a chatbot can greet them by name and recommend a sleep mask to go with their sleepwear.

Tailored interactions like this can increase customer satisfaction and promote brand loyalty. As a matter of fact, a whopping 81% of customers would rather purchase products from a company that provides a personalized experience. This means that using AI-powered chatbots with advanced analytical capabilities is a good move for companies looking to boost customer satisfaction.

24-hour availability

One of the most striking differences between chatbots and human customer service agents is their availability. Employees need to take breaks and sleep in between shifts, which limits customer service to certain times of day. Chatbots, on the other hand, never take breaks and can perform indefinitely, enabling businesses to serve customers in different time zones and increase their reach.

Related: 5 Innovative Ways to Give Your Customers the Personalized Experiences They Want

Limitations of customer service chatbots

While chatbots offer a number of benefits and are continually improving in their ability to handle the nuances of human interaction, there are limits to what these programs are able to do. They sometimes have difficulty handling detailed or unexpected questions, lack the emotional intelligence of a human customer service agent and are susceptible to technical glitches.

Using a human workforce to tackle more complex customer service issues and provide support in case of technical failure can mitigate these challenges and maintain a positive customer experience. Moreover, reserving human customer service agents for complex issues can make their work more engaging and potentially increase retention rates.

What to expect moving forward

In the not-too-distant future, we can expect to see more innovative applications for chatbots in customer service, including multi-modal interactions.

Chatbots can enable multi-modal interactions by processing non-written methods of communication. For example, certain healthcare chatbots can analyze photos of skin rashes and other visible symptoms of disease to provide patients with an initial diagnosis. This takes the strain off doctors and allows them to provide care for more urgent, complex conditions.

Multimodal chatbots can also improve accessibility in customer service by allowing visually impaired customers to send audio recordings instead of typed questions. This opens up an exciting realm of possibilities for AI-driven solutions to diverse customer needs.

Final thoughts

Chatbots are a valuable addition to online customer service. They can assist more website visitors than human agents and play an important role in conversational marketing through the creation of personalized product recommendations. Moving forward, their capacity to handle complex queries will likely improve as AI becomes more advanced. Various industries will be able to use them to improve accessibility and reduce the workload of human employees. All that remains is for you to decide whether your business will join this growing movement of automated interaction.

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

The stock market just took a historic nosedive, with the Dow Jones plunging 1,500 points in a single day at the time of writing this. Panic? Sure, for those already invested. But for newbies, it’s a flashing neon sign that says “Buy low.” The only problem? Most people don’t know what to buy.

That’s where an OpenAI-powered stock picker is stepping in—not just to track the chaos but to help first-time investors find stocks worth paying attention to while they’re still down. Sterling Stock Picker is currently $68.99 for a lifetime subscription, down from $486.

Invest in the market with help from AI

Sterling Stock Picker was designed to help regular people make informed investment decisions without getting lost in confusing charts or financial jargon. The app starts by learning about your goals and risk tolerance through a quick five-minute questionnaire. Then, it shows you stock picks tailored to your personal investment profile.

What makes this tool different from browsing Reddit threads or Googling “best stocks to buy“? The recommendations are calculated based on your input, with guidance from a built-in AI financial assistant named Finley. Ask it anything, from what P/E ratio means to which stocks align with your goals, and you’ll get a straightforward answer powered by OpenAI.

Once you’re up and running, you can check in on your portfolio, explore detailed stock analyses, or let the AI walk you through the next steps. For those who want more than just hot tips, Sterling also offers educational insights and community features to help you level up over time.

Right now, a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription is $68.99. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a single session with a human advisor.

Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription – $68.99

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

This week, it was reported that Apple has flown six cargo jets with about 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S., per Reuters.

The tech giant reportedly began boosting its iPhone inventory in the U.S. in March when President Donald Trump first announced the possibility of tariffs on China and other trading partners.

But getting the phones here fast most likely won’t be enough.

Related: Apple Reportedly Airlifted More than a Million iPhones from India to the U.S.: ‘Wanted to Beat the Tariff’

The Trump administration said on Friday that the U.S.’s duties on Beijing are now 145%, and China raised its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%. Apple, meanwhile, makes around 80% of its products in China, which now means an additional 145% tax when imported.

In a note, Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan estimated that the $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro could see a price increase of at least 25%, which would add a $300 bump, per CNBC.

However, a $1,500 iPhone is a lot cheaper than how much it would cost if it was made in the U.S.

Earlier this week, Wedbush’s Dan Ives said that if iPhone manufacturing moved to the U.S., the cost could be close to $3,500 — and it could take over three years and $30 billion just for Apple to move 10% of its supply chain to the U.S.

Related: ‘Everyone Is Here Because of the Fear’: Customers Rush to Apple Stores to Buy iPhones Before Expected Tariff-Related Price Increases

Still, in an interview with CBS on Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested iPhones could be built in factories in the U.S.

“The army of millions and millions of human beings screwing in little screws to make iPhones, that kind of thing is going to come to America,” Lutnick said.

With all the back and forth, shoppers are racing to buy iPhones now, according to Bloomberg.

“Almost every customer asked me if prices were going to go up soon,” one employee told the outlet.

A good computer isn’t negotiable for entrepreneurs, but an expensive one is. Apple devices are secure, reliable, and versatile, but they often aren’t a viable option for scrappy small businesses. However, this MacBook Air just got marked down from $1,499 to $579.99, but it won’t stay that way.

A low-cost computer for entrepreneurs

This MacBook is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which brought a huge leap in performance over older Intel-based machines. You’re getting an 8-core CPU that handles day-to-day work and multitasking like a champ, plus a GPU with up to 5x faster graphics, so even creative tasks or light video work won’t slow you down.

The 16-core Neural Engine also supports advanced machine learning functions, which might sound technical, but it basically just means your Mac can do a lot more without lagging. No more losing time waiting for Excel macros to run.

It’s lightweight, completely silent (thanks to the fanless design), and has a sharp 13.3″ Retina display that’s easy on the eyes for long work sessions. Battery life hits up to 18 hours of video playback, which translates to a full day of productivity without being chained to an outlet, great if you’re meeting clients, running events, or just working from wherever.

The MacBook also has essentials like Wi-Fi 6 for faster connections, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a backlit Magic Keyboard. The refurbished “A” rating means this MacBook arrives out of the box in near-mint condition.

Why this deal is worth it

Macs are versatile computers, but new ones are prohibitively expensive, with fewer returns for the higher price. This MacBook gives users the same versatility at a fraction of the price, and it’s still in near-mint condition.

Get a MacBook Air while they’re on sale for $579.99.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) – $579.99

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably rolled your eyes more than once at how expensive it can be to travel for business. Flights, hotels, meals and all the little extras add up quickly, but the good news is there are smarter ways to save — in fact, I’ve got some real money-saving gems to share. Buckle up, because I’m about to make your next business trip a lot friendlier on your wallet (and way more enjoyable)!

1. Become a member of a hotel discount club

This is my ultimate go-to for stretching my budget without sacrificing luxury. Membership discount hotel clubs are the secret weapon nobody’s talking about. When I created Tonia In Vegas, I knew there had to be a better way to travel for businesses and adventures. Think luxe 4- and 5-star hotels at budget-friendly prices. Yes, you can actually relax in a plush hotel robe without breaking the bank.

The benefits don’t stop there. Many of these memberships throw in discounts on flights, dining, events and even shopping. It’s like having a golden ticket to travel perks! Plus, staying in nicer hotels often means access to better locations, amenities like free breakfast or Wi-Fi and a way comfier stay. Who said traveling on a budget couldn’t be glamorous?

Related: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Whittling Down Travel Costs

2. Be flexible with travel dates

I know, I know — not every business trip offers this kind of flexibility, but when it does? Magic! Shifting your flight a day earlier or later can help you snag those off-peak discounts. Bonus points if you’re flexible with flight times; red-eyes can save you money and give you a head start for the day ahead. Believe it or not, there are flight discount coupons available that can save you some serious cash on your next business trip.

3. Pack light and bring snacks

Checked bag fees are no joke, especially when traveling for business and needing to bring work attire. Save yourself the hassle (and money) by packing a carry-on only. You’ll also avoid any potential baggage claim delays, giving you more time to focus on your work or enjoy the city you’re visiting.

Another tip: Pack your own snacks! This may seem like a small detail, but it can add up quickly if you’re constantly buying food while on the road. Bringing your own snacks not only saves money but also ensures you have something healthy to munch on during those long flights.

4. Book flights early (but not too early)

Here’s a little insider tip for you. The sweet spot for finding the best airfare prices is roughly 1-3 months before domestic flights and 2-6 months before international ones. Wait too long, and prices surge. Book too early, and you could miss out on deals. It’s all about that Goldilocks zone.

And hey, why not use your membership hotel club for these flights, too? Double discounts, double the savings. Winning all around.

5. Take advantage of rewards programs

If you’re not racking up points with frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty cards, you’re leaving money (and free travel perks!) on the table. Every trip you take can inch you closer to free stays, upgrades and airfare. Even better? Many membership hotel clubs automatically tie into loyalty programs, so you’re stacking up rewards without lifting a finger.

6. Save big with meal hacks

Skip overpriced airport snacks and bring your own goodies instead. Or, better yet, use your hotel’s membership perks for discounted dining. Enjoy and dine at a 5-star restaurant for the price of fast food? Yes, please. Another win? Booking accommodations with kitchenettes lets you prepare your own meals when you’re in the mood for a quieter, more budget-friendly dinner.

7. Bundle your travel

Travel bundles are like the Netflix of business trips. Flights, hotels and even car rentals packaged together can cost a lot less than booking piecemeal. And guess what? Membership hotel clubs often excel at combining these elements into eye-catching, deal-filled bundles. You save time, energy and, most importantly, cash.

Related: 6 Easy Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

8. Cut transportation costs

Finally, don’t overlook transportation expenses! Use ride-sharing services wisely and always compare rates with taxi services. Better yet, choose hotels close to your meeting locations to skip transportation costs altogether. Some hotels (especially those 4- or 5-star ones from your members-only club membership!) even offer complimentary shuttle services.

Make every trip more affordable (and luxurious)

There you have it — seven easy ways to keep your travel budget happy without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. The real MVP here? Joining a membership hotel discount club. It ties so many of these tips together and unlocks a world of perks that’ll make you wonder why you hadn’t joined sooner.

If saving money while staying in style doesn’t sound like the ultimate business win, I don’t know what does. Now, go on and start planning your next big trip — but this time, do it smarter. Your wallet (and your sense of adventure) will thank you!

The trend of modern software requiring a constant paid subscription has hit businesses hard. When you need apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on every computer in your office, that usually means paying subscription fees across the board. It adds up, and you’re never done paying. The alternative is to make a larger investment on day one to avoid the constant cost later on.

Microsoft Office 2024 has a lifetime license with no recurring payments. It comes with many of the same apps as Microsoft 365, but you only have to pay $129.97 (reg. $149) one time for PC or Macs.

No more subscription fees

This license comes with lifetime access to

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote

The 2024 version adds some smart upgrades, too. There’s co-authoring built into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, so teams can work together in real-time, even from different locations. It also uses AI to assist with tasks like writing, formatting, and data analysis. Think smart compose in Word, dynamic arrays in Excel, and captioned presentation recording in PowerPoint—all designed to help your team work faster and more efficiently.

Unlike Microsoft 365, this version doesn’t require a subscription or auto-renewal. It’s tied to your Microsoft account, not a physical device, so you’ll still get important updates and won’t need to worry about recurring charges. And since it works on both Macs and PCs, it’s flexible enough for any kind of office setup.

Why this deal is worth it

Software subscriptions aren’t a viable option for businesses that are trying to cut costs. Instead of paying monthly indefinitely, now you can get Microsoft Office 2024 and get many of the same apps for life with no recurring cost.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC on sale for $129.97.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase – $129.97

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Fintech company Stripe has an unusual way of asking for customer input — and Elon Musk thinks it’s a “good idea.”

Stripe CEO Patrick Collison stated in a post on X on Tuesday that the company brings in one customer to speak for the first half hour of its management team meeting every other week. The user is asked to give honest feedback about Stripe’s products in front of 40 of the company’s leaders.

Related: This AI Startup Spent $0 on Marketing. Its Revenue Hit $200 Million in March.

Stripe has plenty of other ways to get feedback, including responses from a Complaint Submission Form and emails customers send to complaints@stripe.com. However, Collison noted in his post that the tactic of getting feedback in person at the biweekly meeting “somehow always spurs new thoughts and investigations.”

A day after Collison shared Stripe’s feedback strategy on X, Musk replied to the post and expressed his approval.

“Good idea,” Musk wrote.

Good idea

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 10, 2025

Collison co-founded Stripe in 2010 as a payment processing platform that allows businesses to process credit cards, debit cards, and other payments both online and in person.

According to Stripe’s 2024 annual letter, half of Fortune 100 companies, including Nvidia, Comcast, and PepsiCo, use the startup’s technology to handle $1.4 trillion in financial transactions. Stripe also handles payments for Amazon, Google, and Shopify.

Related: Payment Processor Stripe Lays Off Employees Via Cartoon Duck

Stripe additionally claimed in the annual letter that it was the “revenue engine of the AI era,” with almost 80% of the Forbes AI 50, including Anysphere and Anthropic, using its platform.

The startup was last valued at $91.5 billion in February.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s important for us to understand the power of our values and how they guide our businesses every step of the way, from the initial idea for a company to how the business is run once it’s established. But our values don’t just guide the inner workings of our businesses. They also help determine how and where we invest our money, both personally and professionally.

Consider the meaning behind the saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” You can’t just talk about your values; you need to take the time to invest in organizations, causes and other areas that align with them. For me, putting my money where my mouth was began with investing in the things that mattered to me once I realized the profound impact intentional investments could have.

My first major investment was in clean health solutions, inspired by my passion for reducing toxic exposure in everyday life. This initial step was prompted by my desire to not only advocate for change but to actively contribute to creating it. That moment reinforced my belief that aligning investments with my values is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.

And while socially responsible investing based on your values (an investment approach allowing an investor to create both social change and see financial returns) may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Whether your values prompt you to invest in sustainable business practices or to hold stock in diversely owned businesses, investing in the things that matter most to you is more straightforward than you likely realize.

Let’s discuss how you can start investing your money into areas that align directly with your business values.

Identify your values

Identifying your values will be key to beginning your values-based investment journey. What matters to you will have a lot of guiding power in where you ultimately choose to invest your money, especially when you aim to have a local and global impact with your choices.

When it came to identifying my business values, I pinpointed them by reflecting on the principles that matter most to me: creating clean, sustainable solutions and improving human health. To identify your own values, think about causes you’ve previously contributed to and themes you’re drawn to in your daily life. Personal values can have a great deal of intersection with business values, and it can be beneficial to define them from the get-go.

I also considered the areas where I’d had the most experience and where I could have the greatest impact. By combining my expertise with these values, I’ve been able to define a clear vision for my company’s investments.

Related: What to Do When Personal Values Clash With Business Decisions

Consider the areas you want to invest in

Individual interest in sustainable investment opportunities is on the rise, according to Morgan Stanley’s 2024 Sustainable Signals report. 77% of global investors are interested in sustainable investing.

For me, I look for opportunities where my money can have a meaningful impact, whether it’s advancing clean technologies, supporting health and wellness or promoting ethical practices. My values serve as a compass, ensuring every decision reflects my commitment to creating a better future for people and the planet.

Your values will serve the same purpose as you begin to research organizations, companies, events and more that align with your values and causes. My research involves thoroughly vetting organizations by reviewing their mission, leadership and track record. I look at their financial health, transparency and long-term goals. I ask questions like:

• Are they solving a meaningful problem?
• Are their practices ethical and sustainable?
• Do they align with my vision for a healthier, cleaner world?

By posing these questions, I know my investments are both impactful and aligned with my values. Your questions may look different from mine, but they and your research are vital.

Related: Doing Well by Doing Good — How Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World

Invest based on your values

It’s time to begin investing. There are many different ways to do so, giving you the freedom to pick and choose the methods that are right for you. You can invest financially through stocks, enter into partnerships and donate to organizations (especially consider recurring monthly donations, which are hugely helpful for small organizations). I’ve chosen a mix of equity investments, partnerships and philanthropic contributions.

For example, I’ve invested in companies that develop clean skincare products and health technologies, as well as supported educational initiatives that promote sustainability. What ultimately led me to invest in these ways was the alignment between the organization’s mission and my values, as well as the opportunity to drive innovation and positive change. It’s all about investing in ways that work best for you and your business.

Remember that investing in the things that matter to you is a unique way to bring your professional values and investments together in alignment for long-term growth and broader impact. Investing guided by your principles will allow you to back your words up with real action in support of positive efforts.