Richard

For business owners, losing important items like access cards, company phones or personal wallets can be more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt workflows and even jeopardize sensitive information. With 41% of data breaches traced back to lost or stolen devices, according to LocknCharge, misplaced items pose a serious risk.

Having an efficient way to track and recover essential items is crucial. The KeySmart SmartCard offers a practical solution by integrating with Apple’s Find My app so you can track any item the SmartCard is attached to, whether it’s in your wallet or tucked in your phone case. Normally, one of these razor-thin trackers would be $39, but you can go directly to checkout and pick one up now for $34.99.

Find your lost items in moments

Any time you leave behind an item holding a KeySmart® SmartCard, the Apple Find My app sends notifications directly to your iPhone, CarPlay or AirPods, allowing you to act before it becomes a bigger issue. For cards that go missing altogether, Lost Mode pinpoints the last known location and displays a message with your contact information, making it easier for whoever finds the card to return it.

Designed for business professionals who value efficiency, the SmartCard is ultra-slim—thinner than two credit cards—and fits effortlessly into a wallet or lanyard slot for security badges or office passes. This minimizes the risk of HR visits for lost access cards and ensures you’re always prepared.

It’s even built to handle the unexpected with an IPX8 waterproof rating that keeps it safe even in harsh conditions like spilled coffee at the office or rain on your commute.

Charging the SmartCard is as easy as placing it on a Qi-compatible wireless charger, eliminating the need for proprietary cables. Plus, the battery lasts up to five months on a single charge, so you can tuck it somewhere safe and forget about it.

For business owners balancing multiple tasks and tight schedules, this reliable tracking solution offers a smart way to stay organized and reduce the risks of lost items.

Don’t worry about lost devices, wallets, or even your company badge.

Time is limited. Skip straight to checkout and get a KeySmart® SmartCard on sale for $34.99.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.

For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.

While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.

However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.

For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.

Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.

If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.

Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If your business relies on secure data storage but you’re tired of monthly subscriptions eating into your budget, Koofr Cloud Storage can be the solution. With a one-time payment, you gain lifetime access to 1TB of cloud storage — enough to handle your most critical business documents, presentations, and media files without the need for recurring fees.

Say goodbye to constant subscription costs and hello to a storage solution that fits your long-term business needs with lifetime access for $119.97 using promo code KOOFR40. This deal is only discounted through October 27 — so if you’re ready to purchase now, head straight to checkout.

Koofr doesn’t track user activity, giving your business the privacy it deserves, the company says. In a world where data security is non-negotiable, Koofr ensures your sensitive information remains confidential while still providing the tools you need to get work done.

1TB of storage can hold up to about 250,000 photos, 500 hours of HD video, or millions of documents. This gives you more than enough space to store client contracts, business presentations, and video assets — all organized in a single, secure location. Plus, Koofr’s advanced file management tools help you streamline your data. With a built-in duplicate finder, you can easily clear out redundant files and keep your storage efficient and clutter-free.

Koofr also makes it easy to integrate existing cloud accounts like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, allowing you to centralize your business data in one place for faster access and smoother operations.

If your business needs reliable storage, enhanced privacy, and a one-time payment solution, Koofr is designed to simplify your workflow while keeping your data secure.

Hurry and go right to checkout to take advantage of this deal ending on October 27 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific for 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage available for $119.97 with coupon code KOOFR40.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In my own journey, I know firsthand how leadership and being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel like navigating through stormy seas, especially when I left my corporate career without a clear plan. The landscape was constantly shifting around me, and it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But it was in that uncertainty that I found the power of bold leadership. I believe, “Boldness isn’t about being fearless; It is about believing in yourself and stepping forward, even when you feel the fear.” It’s in those moments, when everything feels out of control, that bold leadership becomes not just valuable — but essential.

When I left my corporate career in 2020, I had no roadmap, no clear next step and a whole lot of fear. But I made a bold decision to trust myself, and that leap into the unknown led me to build something more aligned with my true purpose. In the process, I created the BOLD Framework — Believe, Own, Learn, and Design — to guide others through times of change and challenge. At this point, fear and freedom were partners with me as I moved forward into building my business and creating a company I believe I was destined to create.

In my book Be BOLD Today, I discuss how fear is often the catalyst for our boldest moves. It’s in the face of uncertainty that leaders must rise, showing up for themselves, their teams and their visions.

Here are four ways to lead boldly in a changing world, even when you feel the fear.

Related: 4 Ways Leaders Can Navigate Change and Find the Hidden Opportunities

1. Believe in your vision (even when the future feels uncertain)

Change can shake the strongest leaders, but bold leadership begins with an unwavering belief in your vision. When I walked away from my corporate job, I didn’t have all the answers, but I had belief — belief that there was something bigger for me and that I had the power to create it. That belief was my anchor.

The first step in my BOLD Framework is Believe. As a leader, this belief becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty. It’s the ability to hold fast to your mission, even when the way forward isn’t clear. Your belief in your vision provides stability when everything else feels like it’s shifting.

Action step: Reaffirm your vision daily. In moments of doubt, remind yourself why you started and what you’re working toward. The belief you cultivate will help you push through fear and lead with clarity. You must believe in yourself — your opinion of yourself is paramount to your success. Think of your belief like the “gas” in your tank on the road to your dreams.

2. Own your decisions (even when you feel unsteady)

Leadership during times of change requires making tough decisions — ones that may not always be popular or easy. But bold leaders are those who take full ownership, even when the path forward feels unsteady.

When I co-founded Bold Industries Group with my daughter, I had to own every decision we made, from launching our first product to hiring our first team member. I knew that stepping into ownership was the only way to steer the ship forward.

In the Own phase of the BOLD Framework, you recognize that no one else is responsible for your journey but you. When you take ownership of your decisions, you step into your power as a leader. Even in the face of change, owning your choices builds confidence and resilience.

Action step: In challenging moments, stand by your decisions with confidence. Acknowledge any fear or doubt, but don’t let it dictate your actions. Owning your path, no matter how uncertain, empowers you to lead with strength.

Related: Why Owning Your Decisions Is Critical to Your Success As An Entrepreneur

3. Learn from every shift (because change is your greatest teacher)

If change teaches us anything, it’s that growth often comes from our greatest challenges. When I pivoted from corporate life to entrepreneurship, I didn’t know what I was doing half the time. But I treated every setback as an opportunity to learn. In business and life, change pushes us to adapt, innovate and grow.

In the Learn phase of the BOLD Framework, we embrace the idea that every challenge presents a lesson. As leaders, when we approach change with a mindset of curiosity, we position ourselves to evolve and thrive. Instead of fearing the unknown, bold leaders use it as a chance to learn, recalibrate and move forward.

Action step: Next time you face an unexpected challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn here?” Whether it’s a new skill, a different perspective or a reimagined approach, every shift offers an opportunity to grow as a leader.

4. Design a bold future (even when the way forward is unclear)

In times of change, it’s easy to feel like you’re reacting instead of leading. But bold leadership means actively designing the future you want to create, even when the path isn’t clear. This is where the Design phase of my framework comes into play.

After believing in your vision, owning your power and learning from the shifts around you, it’s time to design a new course of action. This isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating a plan that reflects your bold vision while staying adaptable to the inevitable changes ahead.

When I began building my business, I had to design a future that aligned with my values, my purpose and my bold vision. Every step of the way, I refined the course based on what I learned. That’s the key to bold leadership — designing a path forward while staying flexible enough to adapt.

Action step: Sit down and intentionally map out the next steps in your leadership journey. What do you want to create, and how can you design a bold plan to make it happen? Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on progress, and stay open to adjusting your design as you learn.

Related: Thriving in Chaos: Mastering Uncertainty in Business

Being a bold leader in a world of constant change isn’t about having all the answers or never feeling afraid. It’s about choosing to lead with conviction even when the path ahead is unclear. As I’ve experienced in my own journey, and as I emphasize as my definition of bold, “Boldness is stepping forward even when doubt whispers in your ear — because it’s not the absence of fear, but the decision to rise above it.”

No matter what challenges or uncertainties come your way, remember that you have the power to design your future. Bold leadership is about embracing the unknown, owning your decisions and confidently designing a path forward, knowing that even in the face of fear, you can create something extraordinary.

Now is the time to lead boldly, because the world needs leaders who can turn uncertainty into opportunity that makes a positive difference.

Parachuting onto the 50-yard line is an unusual way to arrive at a football game.

As a West Point senior on the sport parachute team, I joined several classmates leaping from a helicopter and landing inside Michie Stadium with the game ball.

At the academy, I got hooked on jumping out of aircraft — Huey and Blackhawk helicopters, Twin Otters, Cessnas, even from the ramp of a giant Air Force C-5 transport plane. I tallied more than 450 jumps over four years. In hindsight, those experiences helped prepare me for a career where I’ve repeatedly parachuted into a new role, big challenge or unfamiliar environment.

After leading an Army platoon in Afghanistan, I taught at the Naval Academy (deep behind “enemy lines”), worked on a presidential campaign and served at the Pentagon. I shifted to the technology industry in my early 30s, first at a startup, then at Meta, then as a corporate advisor. I began my current role as chief of staff at tech pioneer Coherent (NYSE: COHR) this year.

These transitions might seem jarring. In fact, they’re anything but. Throughout my career, I’ve intentionally sought opportunities to build diverse skills, knowledge and relationships to prepare myself for greater responsibility and impact.

But this has required mastering the art of parachuting — landing in new roles and unfamiliar territory. Here’s how I’ve learned to make the most of those shifts and what others can take away from the experience.

Related: What My Near-Death Experience Revealed About Resilience

Fear is inevitable. Get used to it

There’s nothing natural about hurling yourself out the open door of an aircraft and falling through free space at 120 mph. In paratrooper training, even some of the toughest guys froze out of sheer terror… only to get a boot in the back from the instructor. My fear of heights made parachuting an especially unlikely passion — but it squares with my view that the best way to conquer a fear is to stare it in the face.

Changing roles, whether it’s at the same company or moving to an entirely new industry, can be equally scary. Our careers are our lives, after all. They’re our financial mainstay. They’re often intimately wrapped up with our sense of self. It can be terrifying to stand on that ledge and leap into the abyss.

But facing that fear — and getting comfortable with it — is worth it. So, what are some concrete takeaways for leaders and entrepreneurs on reckoning with fear?

• First, a shift in perspective is critical — from seeing change as an aberration to a constant. As Elon Musk notes, “Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.” Most people will now shift roles more than a dozen times in their lives, so all of us need to get comfortable plunging into something new.
• Another key step is reminding yourself of times that you’ve been intimidated and overcome challenges in the past. This kind of neural rewiring can be an effective antidote to fear.

You get a 15,000-foot view: Take advantage

Most afternoons, I’d get a couple of practice jumps with the team after class. As any former cadet can attest, it’s an exceptionally busy time, and just getting through the day often seemed a huge challenge.

But putting on my parachute rig, dangling my legs over the helicopter skids and getting some distance from affairs on the ground always changed things. I was able to leave my worries below as we climbed higher above the Hudson River Valley. Then, the freefall to the ground: It only lasts a minute, but time seems to both condense and expand.

Something similar happens every time I prepare to dive into a new role. I see my working life, and its possibilities, with fresh eyes.

Practical questions you can ask to achieve that “15,000-foot” moment of clarity during transitions include:

• What will success look like? Experts recommend “starting with your why” and creating an image of what you want to achieve.
• How can I bring my existing experiences and skills to bear on an unfamiliar situation?
• What do I hope to take away from this next challenge?

Related: What is Resilience and Why is it Vital to Your Success?

Preparation is indispensable

As brief as a jump may be, that minute or so in the air requires intense prep. During basic parachute training, aka “Airborne School,” at Fort Moore, Georgia, we had two weeks of ground training for the week of five jumps that would make us paratroopers.

Sport parachuting takes that obsessiveness to another level. We spent several months packing and unpacking parachutes, rehearsing safety protocols and practicing landings from a platform before the first tandem jump. A year’s worth of training in my event culminated in four jumps and 40 seconds of recorded footage at the collegiate championship. By the time I began an acrobatic sequence, I’d already visualized myself doing it hundreds of times, with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” as my soundtrack.

That same level of preparation can help as you move into a new role at a company. In practical terms, business leaders and entrepreneurs can take the following steps to prepare before a transition:

• Explore opportunities for lateral movement in your own org. Experts at Google emphasize the power of internal movement to gain access to new managers, a new network and new ideas. This can help you test the waters.
• Determine the gaps in your skill set and seek out resources to upskill. As the adage goes, the best time to get ready for a new role is while you already have one.
• When you settle on a role to pursue, get to know a colleague in a similar position, whether it’s by chatting with them or shadowing them on the job. From Richard Branson to Robert Herjavec, leading entrepreneurs attest to the power of mentorship to accelerate your professional learning curve.

Stick the landing

Ironically, an Army paratrooper’s main challenge isn’t jumping; it’s landing. The standard-issue Army parachute is shaped to fall straight down, minimizing the risk of collisions but leaving little room for finesse. Landing on your feet isn’t possible, so you do a five-point landing fall, leaving you curled up like a shrimp. This inelegant maneuver is where paratroopers often get hurt, with ankle injuries accounting for some 60% of mishaps.

For anyone changing roles, the first days, weeks and months on the job call for sticking the landing, too. This is where you’ll make it or break it.

My advice: Have a boundless appetite for learning and cultivate a beginner’s mind, which combines openness, curiosity and humility. Of course, your past experience is valuable, but it shouldn’t blind you to new ways of doing things. You should also be willing to put in extra hours at the start, when it really counts. Be open to new responsibilities, no matter how daunting they seem. And don’t be afraid to delve into a new subject area and all of its intricacies — as I’ve been doing with materials science, datacom transceivers and lasers in my first year at Coherent.

The transition won’t always be smooth, so expect the inevitable awkwardness. As clumsy as it might look, that five-point landing will hopefully see you through. Stand up and just keep marching.

Data breaches can be devastating for businesses, costing an average of $3.92 million per incident, according to a recent Security Intelligence report. As a business owner, safeguarding your company from such risks is crucial, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent.

Understanding the fundamentals of security and risk management is no longer optional; it’s essential. The CISSP Security & Risk Management Training Bundle offers comprehensive training designed to arm you and your team with the skills needed to effectively navigate these challenges. This comprehensive risk management training bundle is available for $29.97 (reg. $424) but only during this limited-time sale.

Essential IT training for your team

This training bundle includes eight courses covering vital domains in Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Engineering, Communication and Network Security and more.

The first course in the bundle focuses on Security and Risk Management, which lays the groundwork for all subsequent domains. It covers key topics such as security governance, compliance, risk management concepts, and the development of security policies.

Asset Security delves into managing and protecting critical organizational assets. This includes understanding data ownership, data classification, and implementing appropriate data security controls.

Security Engineering is where you’ll get to study the engineering lifecycle and the various security components necessary to protect data structures and physical facilities. You’ll explore vulnerabilities in security architectures and the essential role of cryptography in information security.

These three are just the introductory courses. Dedicated professionals can tackle all eight courses and apply what you’ve learned to your own security infrastructure.

The bundle goes beyond theory, diving into the practical aspects of security engineering. Courses within this area teach how to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, apply cryptographic tools, and build secure facilities and systems. These lessons empower businesses to engineer robust defenses that are both scalable and adaptable to future threats.

Train your own cybersecurity team

Invest in your company’s cybersecurity.

October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get the CISSP Security and Risk Management Training Bundle on sale for $29.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.

Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.

I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise

For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.

2. Tech gender gap narrows

One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.

3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.

Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur

A promising future

Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.

Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Social media platforms are constantly evolving to keep creators engaged, but the changes to their monetization systems aren’t always in the creators’ best interest. Recently, platforms like Meta (Instagram/Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter) made adjustments to their creator monetization platforms in an effort to keep us producing content that keeps users scrolling. But let’s be honest — these systems are designed to benefit the platform more than the creator.

Not everyone is on these platforms to make money from their monetization programs, but if you are — and you’re relying on these platforms for revenue — you’re playing a losing game. Algorithms control the visibility of your content, and whether you’re earning from ad revenue or just trying to reach more people, it’s the platform that ultimately calls the shots.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Over the last year, I racked up 35.9 million impressions on X. You’d think with that kind of reach, the payout would be significant, right? Well, not quite. My total earnings? $115.24. That’s barely enough for a decent pair of sneakers.

The truth is, if you’re relying solely on platforms like Meta or X to build your livelihood, you’re going to be disappointed. These platforms are great for visibility, but they aren’t designed to make creators rich. It’s time to stop chasing likes, shares and viral moments and start taking control of your content and revenue streams.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Relying on Social-Media Marketing Is a Losing Strategy

Platforms are for awareness, not revenue

Let’s get this straight — social media platforms are excellent tools for building awareness. They can help you reach new audiences, grow your following and gain visibility. But when it comes to monetizing that reach, the situation changes. The problem isn’t with creators not making good content; it’s that the platforms themselves control how many people see your work and how much you earn from it.

Creators need to understand that these platforms are ad platforms first, not creator-first. They profit from ads, not from paying creators. Recent changes on Meta and X reflect this, as both platforms have made tweaks to their monetization systems to keep creators engaged and pumping out content. However, these changes don’t really shift the balance in the creator’s favor.

The reality of revenue share on social platforms

Here’s how monetization on these platforms works:

• Meta (Instagram/Facebook): They’ve introduced In-Stream Ads and Ads on Reels, allowing creators to earn from their content. But unless you have a huge following, those earnings will be minimal. They may give the illusion of helping creators, but the lion’s share of the revenue goes to Meta.

• X (formerly Twitter): X recently made a switch to paying creators based on engagement from Premium users only. This means if your audience isn’t subscribed to X Premium, their engagement doesn’t count toward your earnings. In other words, the platform is asking you to push their premium service to make money.

The common theme? These platforms dictate your reach and earnings. Even with millions of impressions, you might still see shockingly low payouts. That’s the reality of relying on algorithms and ad-based revenue.

What content ownership really means

When I say “take ownership of your content,” I’m talking about moving away from platforms you don’t control. You need to be in charge of where your content lives, how it’s monetized and who gets to access it.

This is what true ownership looks like:

• Your content resides on a platform you control.

• You decide how it’s monetized.

• You set the terms for who gets access and keep 100% of the revenue.

Social media platforms are useful for visibility, but if they change their algorithms or policies, your reach and income can vanish overnight. Creators who rely solely on these platforms are always at risk of having their hard-earned audience controlled by someone else’s rules.

I’ve seen creators with massive followings wake up one day to find their reach has been slashed because of an algorithm update. That’s the trap: You’re constantly at the mercy of decisions made by the platform, not by you.

Related: Using Social Media Alone To Build Your Brand’s Online Community Means You Risk Losing It All. Here’s Why.

Creators are sleeping on email

The crazy part? Many creators are still sleeping on email. Even some of the biggest names in content creation are putting all their faith in social media platforms. But email is one of the most powerful tools for reaching your audience directly. Unlike social media, you own your email list. Algorithms can’t touch it.

Take Morning Brew as an example. They built their media empire by delivering free content through email. They cut through the social media noise, and today, they’re monetizing that audience through ads and sponsorships — keeping the majority of the revenue for themselves.

Email marketing gives you control and consistency. You don’t have to worry about reach being throttled because you own the relationship with your audience.

Why every creator needs a paid newsletter or course

If you’re serious about monetizing your audience, it’s time to move beyond relying solely on social platforms. Instead, focus on creating content you can own, like a paid newsletter or an online course.

Here’s why these models work:

1. Paid newsletters: A paid newsletter allows you to deliver exclusive, high-value content directly to your subscribers. This creates recurring revenue and puts you in control of what you’re delivering and how much you’re charging. Morning Brew is a prime example of how this model can be scaled. By giving away content for free, they built a massive audience, which they now monetize through ads and sponsorships.

2. Online courses: Have a skill or expertise? Package it up and sell it as a course. Online courses are a scalable product that keeps generating revenue even after you’ve created it. You can build a course once and keep profiting from it indefinitely.

How you can leverage social platforms for awareness

Just because I’m saying don’t rely on social platforms for revenue doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them. Social platforms are still one of the best ways to build awareness and get attention at the top of the funnel. Here’s how you can leverage them to support your monetization strategy:

1. Create awareness: Post engaging content that hooks people in. Your goal is to drive visibility, not immediate monetization.

2. Drive traffic to owned channels: Once you’ve captured attention, move your audience to your email list, website or paid newsletter — platforms you control.

3. Monetize on your terms: With your audience on a platform you own, you can monetize however you see fit, keeping all the revenue and growing your business sustainably.

Related: Why Email Marketing Is Better for Your Business Than Social Media

The creator economy is evolving, and the future belongs to those who take control of their content and revenue streams. Social media platforms like Meta and X are great for building awareness, but you shouldn’t depend on them for monetization.

Instead, take control by moving your audience to a platform like email newsletters or online courses, where you own the content, the reach and the revenue. You’ll be free from the constant algorithm changes and in control of how much you earn.

Ready to take control of your future? Start building your audience and stop relying on social platforms to determine your success. The future of your business depends on it.

Adobe has new AI updates for its creative cloud subscribers — whether they like AI or not.

Adobe announced last week that Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and other popular programs would get AI enhancements. A Friday report from The Verge shows that Adobe doesn’t plan to offer alternative versions of products without AI for artists who oppose the technology.

Related: I Tried the ‘Anti-AI App’ That Suddenly Drew Half a Million Artists Away From Instagram

“Our goal is to make our customers successful, and we think that in order for them to be successful, they need to embrace the tech,” Adobe’s vice president of generative AI Alexandru Costin told the publication.

Adobe’s pro-AI stance is at odds with some of its user base, who were outraged earlier this year when Adobe changed its terms of use.

The language of the terms left the door open for Adobe to train its AI on user images.

Adobe has since updated its terms of service to clarify that it will not use local or cloud content to train generative AI, but anti-AI sentiment remains strong among creatives.

In June, an anti-AI app named Cara gained over half a million users in a week for its focus on human-created art. The app, which looks similar to Instagram, bans users from posting AI-generated images. It also automatically protects art against AI training by adding a “NoAI” label to all images that users upload.

Related: Using AI to Promote Your Business? New TikTok Labels Will Let Everyone Know

What Are Adobe’s New AI Features?

One of Adobe’s AI additions to Photoshop is a gesture called generative fill. Users can select part of an image, type in what they want to see, and generate content to layer on top of what they have. For example, they could add a raindrop to a leaf.

Adobe also introduced AI video tools for its video editing program Premiere, so users can prolong videos with generative extend and add, replace, or remove moving objects.

3. Generative Fill

→ Add and remove content from your image
→ Create variations of your favourite outputs
→ Reference images to guide resultspic.twitter.com/hN20bFhbUm

— Alex Banks (@thealexbanks) October 18, 2024

Photoshop and Premiere Pro are part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, a subscription service with over 33 million members.

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Restaurants in 2024 tend to be filled with Instagramable spots and a robust menu that can appeal to a variety of TikTok trends. But the new Italian bistro, Cotoletta, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, has become a buzzy new addition to the Magic City’s scorching-hot dining scene because of its decidedly pared-back approach.

The menu only offers one entrée, the Cotoletta alla Milanese.

The restaurant opened last week, serving its single, perfected veal cutlet, and has garnered much fanfare. The dish is based on the classic Veal Milanese and is served with a side.

Related: Want to Open a Restaurant? Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide

Restaurateur Andrea Fraquelli of 84 Magic Hospitality told the Miami Herald that the simplicity adds a “human touch” to dining.

“We’ve all had Cotoletta alla Milanese before, but rare in the way the Milanese intended,” he told the outlet. “It’s been imitated and altered over the years, but here, we’re focused on doing justice to this dish.”

Cotoletta offers a prix fixe menu for two at $80 that includes Cotoletta alla Milanese and a choice of side: pasta, fries, or salad. Desserts are $9 each, and there’s also a wine list.

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