5 Generations, 1 Team — Heres How to Lead a Multigenerational Workforce

5 Generations, 1 Team — Heres How to Lead a Multigenerational Workforce


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Five generations of employees are currently engaged in the global workforce, likely due to longer life expectancy, delays in retirement and technological advancements. This dynamic is expected to continue; as older workers are winding down, the youngest generation, current babies to teens, are in line to offset those retirements.

While an age-diverse workforce is remarkable, leading a multigenerational team can pose notable challenges due to each group’s inherent talents, communication styles and workplace preferences.

Successfully managing a mixed-age team requires an understanding of generational differences and a flexible leadership style that recognizes and leverages the natural strengths and styles of each group.

The Silent Generation (Born 1925-1945)

The Silent Generation grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. The economic conditions and societal norms of the day heavily influenced this group’s long-term communication style and workplace preferences.

The Silent Generation respects authority and leadership. They possess strong employer loyalty. They aimed for a gold watch at the end of their career. They mostly missed the technology boom. They prefer straight talk and defined roles.

Related: How to Connect With Younger People to Build Better Audiences

The Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

Baby Boomers were raised in the post-war era, which was far more economically stable than two decades earlier. Boomers benefited from an increased focus on higher education. While not second nature, Boomers mostly adapted to new technologies.

The group possesses a strong work ethic. They more readily express their opinions and prefer in-person communication in the workplace. They often have an aversion to rapid change unless clearly mapped out.

Generation X (Born 1965-1980)

Gen X were the latchkey kids and far more likely than earlier generations to be raised by single or divorced parents. They were introduced to computers in elementary school and were generally welcoming of the digital revolution. Gen X were the dotcom guys in the 1990s and among the first social media users in the early aughts.

Xers tend to be autonomous and hate being micromanaged. They are self-sufficient, independent thinkers who prefer respectful but informal communication.

Related: Gen Z Expects Employers to Treat Them Differently. Here’s How to Bridge the Generational Gap.

The Millennials (Born 1981-1996)

Millennials are devoted to personal health and wellness, and have really moved the work-life balance needle forward for the entire labor force. They were the first generation with exceptional and highly sought-after technology skills, and thus, they strongly influenced workplace norms, culture and hiring dynamics. They were the pioneers of remote work. They expect reasonable autonomy on how and where they perform their jobs.

Millennials value collaboration. They prefer working with transparent and communicative leadership.

Generation Z (Born 1997-2012)

Gen Z is the most educationally competitive generation in history. They are driven by purpose and activism and were molded by social consciousness and global sustainability. Their aptitude for technology is breathtaking, as they grew up on smartphones, iPads and laptops. Generation Z prioritizes mental health, workplace wellness and inclusivity.

Gen Z appreciates constructive communication styles, but also expects recognition and may struggle without positive feedback. They want to work for forward-thinking, values-driven employers.

Challenges of managing a multigenerational team

From a broad-brush perspective, each generation is energized by different motivators and possesses differing predilections for workplace norms and culture.

Due to these conflicting preferences, a multigenerational team often comes with its share of managerial hurdles. Your Gen Zees are likely quick to ask questions or drop comments in a shared document, while your Gen Xers prefer more autonomy. Turnover might be greater among younger talent who tend to job hop, while older workers are more likely to stay put. Younger generations might feel your company isn’t involved enough in community causes, while older team members may balk at participation, particularly if it feels performative.

The point is that each generation approaches their roles and engagement with your business differently, making your job as a business leader more difficult. This is not to suggest you refrain from hiring a multigenerational workforce, but rather underscores the importance of embracing and leveraging age differences to create a culture in which employees of all ages want to work and thrive.

Successfully leading a generationally diverse team

Now that you better understand the characteristics, styles, and norms of a multigenerational workforce, the following are important considerations as you manage an age-diverse team:

  1. Generational Insights Aren’t Absolute. It is important to acknowledge employees as individuals with their own unique talents and inclinations. You might employ an 80-year-old technology wunderkind or a fiercely loyal Gen Z employee. Generational differences matter, but embracing individual contribution matters more.
  2. Leverage Generational Strengths. Need a new employee handbook focused on process and compliance? Maybe turn to your Silent Generation to lead the project. Have software adoption issues? Why not select a Gen Z to oversee technology training? Your Millennials can probably run a fantastic social media campaign without even blinking. Celebrate your team’s natural talents.
  3. Foster Diversity Among the Ages. It is relatively common for workers to bond based on generation. This is fine socially, but might kneecap innovation and collaboration. Role assignments based on generational fortes might still make sense, but also remember to push preconceived boundaries and urge higher thinking when possible.
  4. Avoid Generational Silos. Fragmentation based on age is a danger to your business. Silos of any type create inefficiency and are often a wrecking ball to employee wellbeing and company culture. Create opportunities for collaboration and connection among everyone on your team, including mentorship programs and workshops that foster intergenerational teamwork and togetherness.
  5. Adapt Your Leadership Style. While it is not your job to accommodate every individual need or preference, the onus is on you to create a workspace in which every team member feels connected, respected and valued. Recognize that an age-diverse team requires fairness, flexibility, and sometimes a little finesse on your part to ultimately succeed together as a team.

While it might come with its share of challenges, leading a multigenerational team can be exceptionally rewarding for you, your people and your entire organization.

Five generations of employees are currently engaged in the global workforce, likely due to longer life expectancy, delays in retirement and technological advancements. This dynamic is expected to continue; as older workers are winding down, the youngest generation, current babies to teens, are in line to offset those retirements.

While an age-diverse workforce is remarkable, leading a multigenerational team can pose notable challenges due to each group’s inherent talents, communication styles and workplace preferences.

Successfully managing a mixed-age team requires an understanding of generational differences and a flexible leadership style that recognizes and leverages the natural strengths and styles of each group.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

5 Generations, 1 Team — Heres How to Lead a Multigenerational Workforce Read More »

How to Oust a Difficult Co-founder Legally and Smoothly

How to Oust a Difficult Co-founder Legally and Smoothly


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Imagine this. Jean and John, who met at a startup incubator, founded a company together. But as they grew, Jean realized that she and John weren’t aligned on many things, including what the company’s future should look like. Neither John’s goals nor his behavior reflected the company’s mission, so Jean ousts John from the business.

Reasons for a co-founder’s departure

There are a number of reasons that a co-founder may want to part ways with another co-founder.

1. Lack of dedication

A startup that wants to scale for a big exit typically requires founders who dedicate long hours for little pay (at least at the beginning). While some founders, like Jean, are willing to do that, some, like John, are not. Jean was willing to put in as many hours as it took to meet her responsibilities. John, on the other hand, arrived late and left early, demonstrating that he wasn’t dedicated to his role — or the company.

2. Difficult to work with

Some founders are simply difficult to work with. They’re not collaborative, they’re closed off to others’ input or they belittle or micromanage their employees. While in the office, John’s attitude was one of superiority. He felt that certain tasks were below him and that others should do the “heavy lifting.” He criticized his employees at every opportunity, lowering morale and eventually pushing a very dedicated, key employee out of the company.

3. Lack of alignment with vision

While a dream team of co-founders might be committed and great as colleagues, they might have different visions about the company’s future. For example, they may disagree on a pivot other founders believe is necessary. Jean wanted to focus on R&D to ensure ongoing innovation, but John was focused on expanding the company. In addition to his behavior, this lack of alignment caused so much tension that Jean started the process of terminating her co-founder.

Related: So Your Co-Founder is Threatening to Quit Unless You Give Them More Equity. What Should You Do?

Legal considerations

In addition to mistakes that can be made during the termination process, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind when co-founders separate.

1. Complying with employment law

Founders are almost always employees by law. When terminating an employee, keep in mind — and meet — the legalities of termination, including filing certain paperwork and notices, and meeting deadlines for paying the final paycheck, for example. When the tension between Jean and John began, Jean documented each instance so she had relevant backup at the time of John’s termination.

2. Is your relationship buttoned up?

Make sure you are not giving an ousted co-founder leverage. Breaking promises or not protecting the company legally in its founding documents on IP assignments or confidentiality obligations means that they now have valuable IP the company needs.

3. Do you have the legal right?

It’s critical to ensure that a co-founder has the legal right to terminate another co-founder. If they do not, they should take the necessary steps to secure those rights; it might not be as simple as telling them they are fired. For example, the company’s bylaws might allow a co-founder to be terminated only if the board votes to do so. The ousting founders need to make sure they can — and do — get board support.

When John’s performance began to decline, Jean consulted with the company’s board to ensure the board was informed from the outset.

More legal considerations: What NOT to do

While there are considerations to make so as not to run into legal issues, there are also considerations for what NOT to do.

1. Don’t think about a separation agreement

A legally binding separation agreement can get you a release of claims, potentially non-disparagement terms and other benefits for the company, including agreements to not sue. Investors will want to see this if at all possible in diligence. It’s worth some money to get this.

As soon as John’s performance started suffering and other employees began complaining about his behavior, Jean consulted an employment attorney to prepare the paperwork necessary for a separation agreement, enabling the process to be completed without worrying about a potential lawsuit.

2. Forget to cut off access to systems

To prevent an ousted co-founder from accessing company information post-termination, ensure that they can no longer access the company’s systems. Disgruntled employees with access to company data can cause major problems.

Once John was officially “out,” all access to company information was cut off; Jean knew that, if given the opportunity, John would have tried to access certain data once he exited the company.

3. Bash the ousted founder to employees, investors and other stakeholders

Sometimes in trying to explain the ousted founder’s departure, founders will resort to speaking negatively about them; this opens the company to defamation liability. It can also reflect badly on the company and the founding terms. Finally, it can lead to the ousted founder becoming more hostile toward the company.

Despite their differences, Jean maintained reasonable levels of professionalism. Although the process was stressful for her, her team and ultimately the company, John’s ouster and the reasons behind it remained within the executive leadership team.

Related: 4 Sane Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Co-Founder Relationships

Ramifications of skirting the law

All of this advice hinges on the remaining founders meeting the requirements to legally terminate a co-founder. When they don’t, there are ramifications.

1. Incurring penalties and legal claims

First, by not complying with employment laws, penalties can be incurred, and legal claims are given to the ousted founder; these can add up. For example, in California, if all wages aren’t paid on the final day of employment, the ousted founder is entitled to a penalty equal to one full day of wages for every day until they are fully paid (up to 30 days).

Jean’s diligence in consulting a startup attorney prepared her for the separation. In addition to the separation agreement, Jean presented John with his final paycheck at the termination meeting.

2. Post-termination negotiations

If you don’t button up your relationship with the founder prior to termination, you will be stuck post-termination negotiating for what you need. At this point, you are unlikely to have much leverage.

3. No separation agreement

If you fail to get a separation agreement, investors may push on you in diligence to get one later; this is often difficult. Also, you may subject the company to claims that would have been released if money was offered as severance at the outset. Note that a founder may sign a separation agreement quickly if it’s offered with a positive message and incentives. The absence of an up-front offer can result in litigation, and demands may increase.

The bottom line

While there are myriad factors that contribute to the ousting of a company founder, it behooves those on the company side to make appropriate preparations to avoid legal troubles.

Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.



Source link

How to Oust a Difficult Co-founder Legally and Smoothly Read More »

Create Visuals, Content, and Presentations That Land with This  Bundle

Create Visuals, Content, and Presentations That Land with This $25 Bundle


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Building a business in 2025 means wearing a lot of hats—strategist, marketer, designer, communicator, and leader. If you’re looking to sharpen your edge across these roles without spending months (or thousands), the 2025 Complete Entrepreneur’s AI Branding & Business Skills Bundle is designed for you.

This five-course bundle delivers real, actionable training on the tools and techniques today’s entrepreneurs need to stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re building your first brand or refining your pitch deck for investors, this package teaches practical skills that actually matter.

At the heart of the bundle is a course on using ChatGPT for business branding and marketing—yes, a real AI application, not just hype. You’ll learn how to quickly generate branding assets like logos, typography, and social media templates that align with your business identity.

Then there’s the Branding Fundamentals course—perfect for founders who want a solid foundation in how to create trust and recognition across every touchpoint of their business. It’s your chance to stop “guessing” your way through brand strategy.

Next up: speaking and presenting like a leader. Public Speaking Mastery and Presentation Skills for Freelancers & Entrepreneurs offer pro techniques for overcoming nerves, structuring your message, and connecting with audiences—skills you’ll use in pitches, meetings, videos, and team calls.

Finally, the Entrepreneurship & Freelancing Business Blueprint offers workflow tips and productivity habits you can implement immediately, whether you’re bootstrapping your first business or scaling your side hustle.

For just $24.99 (reg. $100), this Entrepreneur’s AI Branding & Business Skills Bundle gives you the tools to show up like a pro across every aspect of your business.

The 2025 Complete Entrepreneur’s AI Branding & Business Skills Bundle

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change

Building a business in 2025 means wearing a lot of hats—strategist, marketer, designer, communicator, and leader. If you’re looking to sharpen your edge across these roles without spending months (or thousands), the 2025 Complete Entrepreneur’s AI Branding & Business Skills Bundle is designed for you.

This five-course bundle delivers real, actionable training on the tools and techniques today’s entrepreneurs need to stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re building your first brand or refining your pitch deck for investors, this package teaches practical skills that actually matter.

At the heart of the bundle is a course on using ChatGPT for business branding and marketing—yes, a real AI application, not just hype. You’ll learn how to quickly generate branding assets like logos, typography, and social media templates that align with your business identity.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

Create Visuals, Content, and Presentations That Land with This $25 Bundle Read More »

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 Gives Your Team the Edge at a One-Time  Cost

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 Gives Your Team the Edge at a One-Time $40 Cost


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

For any business leader, startup founder, or freelancer who is managing overhead, one of the smartest moves you can make is cutting recurring software costs without sacrificing the tools your team relies on daily.

To that end, Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is a full productivity suite, now available for a one-time purchase of just $39.97 through July 15.

You’re getting Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Teams, and OneNote — the exact lineup trusted by professionals around the world to write proposals, crunch numbers, design reports, manage email, and collaborate across teams. It’s the software backbone of modern business.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, the deal is especially sweet. Instead of paying $70–$100 a year per user (as with Microsoft 365), this lifetime license installs on one Windows PC and never asks for another dollar. It’s the difference between renting your desk and owning the building.

Need to track finances in Excel? Done. Build pitch decks in PowerPoint? Easy. Write job offers in Word, or manage clients in Outlook? You’ve got it. Even niche tools like Access and Publisher are included — ideal for those working in sales, design, or HR.

There’s no learning curve either. The classic ribbon interface, rich formatting options, and deep integration between apps are familiar and reliable — ideal for fast-paced work environments where tools just need to work.

Whether you’re launching a solo consultancy, running a small agency, or upgrading the tools your office manager uses every day, this is the rare kind of tech deal that pays for itself before lunchtime.

And with instant digital delivery, you can have Office downloaded and running in minutes — no IT team required.

Get Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $39.97 through July 15.

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

For any business leader, startup founder, or freelancer who is managing overhead, one of the smartest moves you can make is cutting recurring software costs without sacrificing the tools your team relies on daily.

To that end, Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is a full productivity suite, now available for a one-time purchase of just $39.97 through July 15.

You’re getting Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Teams, and OneNote — the exact lineup trusted by professionals around the world to write proposals, crunch numbers, design reports, manage email, and collaborate across teams. It’s the software backbone of modern business.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 Gives Your Team the Edge at a One-Time $40 Cost Read More »

Why Your Company Needs Flexible Capital (and How to Get It)

Why Your Company Needs Flexible Capital (and How to Get It)


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Most business leaders have a story about a great opportunity that slipped away. Maybe it was an acquisition that fell through or a major client that signed with a competitor instead. Or a promising market expansion that had to be postponed due to “poor timing.”

During the post-mortem, it’s easy to blame sales, marketing or a lack of resources. But often, the core issue isn’t execution — it’s liquidity. Not a lack of capital but a lack of access to it when it matters most.

In today’s environment, timing is everything. The difference between winning and waiting can be measured in hours, not months. And the companies that come out ahead are often the ones whose capital stack can move at the speed of business.

Related: The Hidden Risk That Crashes Startups — Even the Profitable Ones

Liquidity, not just capital, drives growth

Imagine a competitor stumbles, and one of their top clients is suddenly up for grabs. You’re the right fit, and the client is ready to move, but only if you can scale quickly. That could mean hiring new staff, securing inventory or ramping production before the first payment clears.

This is when your capital stack either works for you or gets in your way. Many mid-sized businesses don’t lack capital — they just can’t access it quickly enough to take action.

And while they wait for accounts receivable to clear or a loan approval to be processed, the deal goes to a competitor who’s ready to act now.

Why “cash on hand” is the wrong metric

It’s easy to feel prepared if your cash reserves look healthy. But in fast-moving markets, the real question is this: How quickly can you turn your company’s assets, receivables or credit into usable funds? True financial flexibility isn’t about stockpiling cash — it’s about building a system that keeps money flowing. That includes:

  • Reliable credit lines

  • Faster payment collection

  • Smarter inventory management

  • Vendor terms that free up working capital

These are the building blocks of a capital stack that can support growth during good times and periods of uncertainty. Companies with these systems don’t just survive challenging business environments — they thrive in them. They grow their market share, attract new talent and invest in opportunities while competitors struggle to meet payroll.

Related: 4 Ways an Entrepreneur Can Increase Liquidity

When timing beats planning

Even strong companies miss growth opportunities, and it’s not always because their strategy is wrong. Instead, it’s usually because their timing is off. Picture a key customer doubling their order with little warning. The vendor that wins that business might not be the cheapest or the most well-known, but the one that can say “yes” right away and follow through.

The same principle applies during economic downturns. While some companies pull back, others are buying distressed assets, hiring top talent and preparing for the rebound. The edge isn’t in their forecasts but in their ability to move. Speed is often more valuable than size, and the companies that win are often the ones with financial systems built for action.

Inflexible capital doesn’t just slow you down, it also chips away at your growth over time. You may pass on projects with high returns because the cash isn’t available when needed. You may consider taking out a short-term loan with unfavorable terms to meet payroll. Or you may delay hiring because receivables are stuck in limbo.

Individually, these decisions seem small, but collectively, they slow your progress and put unnecessary stress on your team. And while these missed chances don’t show up on a balance sheet, they’re often the reason promising companies fall behind.

How to build a capital stack that can move

Smart operators don’t see capital as something to sit idle — they build systems that allow it to move with the needs of the business. A key piece of that is understanding your cash conversion cycle, which is the time it takes for a dollar spent to return to your account. The shorter and smoother the cycle is, the more responsive your business becomes.

Here are some practical ways to improve it:

  • Send invoices quickly and enforce payment terms

  • Keep inventory lean without hurting service levels

  • Renegotiate supplier terms to match your cash flow

  • Secure credit facilities before you need them

Related: 5 Top Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs

It’s not about preparing for a worst-case scenario but being able to act when the best-case scenario shows up unexpectedly.

When your capital system is built for flexibility, your decision-making process changes. You don’t put off action because of delayed payments, and you don’t lose sleep over a tight cash balance. You don’t say “no” to a great opportunity just because your funds are temporarily tied up.

Instead, you move with confidence and negotiate from a place of strength. And your team has the clarity and support to focus on execution, not firefighting. Companies with flexible capital move faster, stay focused and seize opportunities others miss.

Most business leaders have a story about a great opportunity that slipped away. Maybe it was an acquisition that fell through or a major client that signed with a competitor instead. Or a promising market expansion that had to be postponed due to “poor timing.”

During the post-mortem, it’s easy to blame sales, marketing or a lack of resources. But often, the core issue isn’t execution — it’s liquidity. Not a lack of capital but a lack of access to it when it matters most.

In today’s environment, timing is everything. The difference between winning and waiting can be measured in hours, not months. And the companies that come out ahead are often the ones whose capital stack can move at the speed of business.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

Why Your Company Needs Flexible Capital (and How to Get It) Read More »

How to Deal With Negative Articles on Google

How to Deal With Negative Articles on Google


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Building a strong brand means recognizing potential reputation crises and knowing how to handle online articles that misrepresent you or your business. Negative press on Google can erode customer trustand disrupt your operations.

Burying negative search results can be complex, time-consuming and cost a fortune that in the long run will negatively affect the financials of your company or your career. Fortunately, there are branding experts who specialize in removing or burying unfavorable articles from the Google search engine. Whether you’re an individual or a business, it’s important to have a good reputation by removing any negative content as soon as possible.

Related: 5 Tactics to Bury Bad Press and Reclaim Your Brand Reputation

Benefits of deleting negative online articles

The public perception of your brand greatly depends on your ability to know how to remove bad search results. False reviews and misleading articles damage your credibility in many ways. Harmful content can even lower your search rankings when it increases your bounce rates and decreases click-through rates.

This means you’ll have fewer people visiting your site, which can significantly affect purchases and revenue. A lot of customers who may have wanted to do business with you may no longer want to after they read a bad article about your company. And the longer the bad information stays up on the internet, the worse the reputation damage will be.

Reach out to the website to report a breach of its content policies

Many websites enforce strict rules for the content they publish. If you discover an article about your brand that contains false or incorrect information, first review the site’s content policy. If the article appears to violate its rules, you may request its removal by providing proof that the article breaches a specific policy that they have.

Contact the site by providing clear facts why this article breaches the policy, and ask that they update it or remove it completely from the site.

Related: How to Remove Negative Reviews Online and Protect Your Online Reputation

Ask Google to take down the content from the search results

If you reach out to the website administrator and have no luck getting the content taken down, you can always ask Google to remove it for you. Google does a great job of helping users delete negative links that contain false information, fake content, or serious defamation, if the content qualifies for removal. You’ll have to explain your case and provide proof to support it.

Get in touch with the writer directly to discuss the issue

In many cases, contacting the author who wrote a specific piece directly is the most effective approach. Look up the email on the website, craft a nice email and explain what part of the article you believe is unfair or untrue. Make sure to include lots of facts and screenshots to back up your request. The writer might agree to edit or remove the article to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Related: The 5 ‘Cs’ Approach to Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

What does it mean to remove negative online articles?

Suppressing negative online content is much different than having it deleted, but it can still help your brand’s credibility in lots of ways. The search engine suppression process involves a mixture of unique approaches, like adding more positive content to the internet about your company, publishing press releases and optimizing SEO across multiple platforms.

When done strategically, the good content about your brand will take the place of the bad articles in search results.

Search engines often display social media profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter on the first page of results. You should definitely sign up for these services now if you haven’t already. Be sure to utilize your company name consistently across all of your profiles and to fill them out to the fullest.

Related: How to Better Manage Your Brand’s Reputation in the Digital Age

Build new websites focused on branded search terms

Building a new website is another way to suppress negative articles about your brand. The new site should be full of information that praises your company and all of its offerings. Highlighting the strengths in the webpages you publish will boost your credibility and search visibility.

It’s also a good idea to include a page that clearly outlines positive reviews provided by current and former customers. Over time, these pages will rise in their search rankings, suppressing the harmful articles that damage your brand image.

Publish articles on trusted external platforms

Next, you’ll want to create high-quality material on popular websites that have high search rankings. You can do this through contributions, insightful analyses and thought leadership articles. Pick subjects that are relevant to your field, and be sure to mention your company name subtly throughout. Upon publication, these pieces will bolster your brand’s credibility and redirect focus from previous negative mentions.

Build a presence with links

Having a strong brand presence on authoritative websites that have relevant articles to your industry is essential for suppressing negative information about your individual brand or your company. We live in a world where people use Google on a daily basis, and they always research the company before they want to work with it. That’s why links not only help build trust with potential customers but also push down unwanted or harmful search results on Google.

Research keywords that trigger a negative result

Find out what keywords bring up the bad article by Googling your name or company. Once you know which terms lead to the bad content, you can make new pages that employ the same keywords positively. Doing this will result in the new, positive content coming up first in search results by causing the unfavorable information to fall in the rankings.

Building a strong brand means recognizing potential reputation crises and knowing how to handle online articles that misrepresent you or your business. Negative press on Google can erode customer trustand disrupt your operations.

Burying negative search results can be complex, time-consuming and cost a fortune that in the long run will negatively affect the financials of your company or your career. Fortunately, there are branding experts who specialize in removing or burying unfavorable articles from the Google search engine. Whether you’re an individual or a business, it’s important to have a good reputation by removing any negative content as soon as possible.

Related: 5 Tactics to Bury Bad Press and Reclaim Your Brand Reputation

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

How to Deal With Negative Articles on Google Read More »

Squeeze a Whole Business Book into Your Lunch Break

Squeeze a Whole Business Book into Your Lunch Break


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

If you’re running a business, leading a team, or scaling a side hustle, chances are your “books to read” list is growing faster than the actual reading time you have available. But, there are ways around the time it takes to read an entire book.

This modern app, 12min, is a productivity tool that distills the key insights from more than 1,800 bestselling titles into bite-size, 12-minute reads or audio summaries that are designed to fit your schedule. They call them micro-reads.

This isn’t just another summary app. It’s a business resource for leaders who want to sharpen their thinking, strengthen their strategy, and keep pace with new ideas—without carving hours out of their day. Whether you’re revisiting the classics like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or exploring the latest in marketing, leadership, or personal development, 12min helps you soak up game-changing lessons while you’re commuting, working out, or waiting for your next meeting.

Each micro book is crafted by real editors—not AI bots—so you get clear, accurate takeaways. Plus, you can access them offline, listen on the go, or send them straight to your Kindle.

You’ll get access to 30 new titles each month, unlimited downloads, and full access to categories like Leadership, Startups, Productivity, Sales, and Psychology. It’s everything you’ve wanted to read, but finally made manageable. That means your reading list evolves with the business world, from new books on AI strategy and remote leadership to emerging insights on personal productivity.

For a one-time payment, you’ll have lifetime access to a resource that makes you a sharper entrepreneur, smarter manager, and more well-rounded thinker.

Don’t miss getting a lifetime of 12min’s Premium Subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $399.90) while you can.

12min Micro Book Library: Lifetime Premium Subscription

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change

If you’re running a business, leading a team, or scaling a side hustle, chances are your “books to read” list is growing faster than the actual reading time you have available. But, there are ways around the time it takes to read an entire book.

This modern app, 12min, is a productivity tool that distills the key insights from more than 1,800 bestselling titles into bite-size, 12-minute reads or audio summaries that are designed to fit your schedule. They call them micro-reads.

This isn’t just another summary app. It’s a business resource for leaders who want to sharpen their thinking, strengthen their strategy, and keep pace with new ideas—without carving hours out of their day. Whether you’re revisiting the classics like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or exploring the latest in marketing, leadership, or personal development, 12min helps you soak up game-changing lessons while you’re commuting, working out, or waiting for your next meeting.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

Squeeze a Whole Business Book into Your Lunch Break Read More »

Final Hours to Get Windows 11 Pro with Copilot for Just

Final Hours to Get Windows 11 Pro with Copilot for Just $10


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

If your computer is still running Windows 10, the clock is ticking. Microsoft announced that it is ending support for the beloved OS later this year, meaning it will no longer offer free software updates or security releases. Rather than scramble to upgrade at full price later, get Windows 11 Pro at an all-time low price now.

While you may be able to install Windows 11 Home, the basic version, at no cost, you won’t get remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption, Hyper-V, or other exclusive features. Besides, at only $9.97, this Windows 11 Pro key can upgrade two compatible PCs (reg. $199). This price is only valid through July 15.

Features designed to support professionals and remote workers

Like many, you may be procrastinating this upgrade because you think you won’t like the new user design, but there’s a lot to love. It’s not too unlike Windows 10, and you’ll have new productivity tools like snap layouts, an improved search function, and widgets to streamline your workdays.

Upgrading to Windows 11 also means you get Copilot, the AI assistant. Powered by a custom version of GPT-4, it’s basically like having the premium version of Open AI living in your PC for generating text, images, code, and answering questions.

Almost instantly after completing your purchase, you’ll receive an email with a download link and activation code to install Windows 11 Pro on up to two PCs, like your work and personal computers. Enjoy software upgrades as long as Microsoft supports this OS.

Why this deal is worth it

Operating systems aren’t just background software—they shape how efficiently (and securely) you work. With Windows 10 sunsetting soon, this Windows 11 Pro deal is a rare chance to modernize your tech stack without the usual price tag. For just $10, you can streamline two machines with pro-grade features typically reserved for business users. It’s also a smart hedge against future compatibility issues, software lockouts, or the rising cost of digital tools. Think of it as preventative maintenance that actually saves you money.

Don’t miss this Windows 11 Pro discount: $9.97 until July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $199). No coupon is needed to get this price.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If your computer is still running Windows 10, the clock is ticking. Microsoft announced that it is ending support for the beloved OS later this year, meaning it will no longer offer free software updates or security releases. Rather than scramble to upgrade at full price later, get Windows 11 Pro at an all-time low price now.

While you may be able to install Windows 11 Home, the basic version, at no cost, you won’t get remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption, Hyper-V, or other exclusive features. Besides, at only $9.97, this Windows 11 Pro key can upgrade two compatible PCs (reg. $199). This price is only valid through July 15.

Features designed to support professionals and remote workers

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

Final Hours to Get Windows 11 Pro with Copilot for Just $10 Read More »

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became a CEO

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became a CEO


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

From the outside, becoming a CEO can look like reaching the top of the mountain — a final, triumphant chapter after a long climb. But here’s the real story: It’s not the end. It’s a new beginning. One filled with curveballs, late-night worry sessions and more lessons than any business school could ever cram into a syllabus.

As CEO of BELFOR, the world’s largest property restoration company, I’ve had the incredible privilege (and, let’s be honest, the intense pressure) of helping grow our team from 19 people to more than 13,000 across the globe. That journey has taught me a lot — about leadership, about people and about what it really means to carry the weight of the word “CEO.”

So, if you’re stepping into leadership (or dreaming about the day you do), here are five things I wish someone had pulled me aside and told me sooner:

Related: 4 Critical Business Lessons I’ve Learned as a CEO

1. The pressure never lets up — and that’s not a bad thing

When your choices affect others, the pressure doesn’t take a day off. What surprised me most? How personal it gets. Being a leader isn’t just about strategy; it’s about heart. It’s about caring deeply. Sometimes too deeply. DDI reports that one in six leaders feel burned out in 2025. A study from Deloitte found that 41% of executives experience high stress, and 36% are completely exhausted.

Here’s the truth: Pressure comes with the job. And once I stopped trying to dodge it, I learned to carry it like a badge of honor. That pressure builds resilience. It grounds you. It reminds you that your work matters. If you’re looking for comfort, leadership may not be your path. But if you’re looking for meaning? Pressure just might be your compass.

2. The journey is more important than the destination

When I was starting out, I had my eyes locked on the next big goal: the promotion, the win, the title. I was so focused on climbing the ladder that I nearly missed what was happening on the ladder.

Leadership isn’t a finish line. It’s a road trip, complete with pit stops, scenic detours and the occasional flat tire. The best leaders I know aren’t obsessed with arriving; they’re dialed in to the ride. There’s a reason the windshield is wider than the rearview mirror. Sure, we glance back, but we move forward. Every challenge, every small win, every hard lesson shapes who we become.

So, if you’re feeling behind or unsure, remember this: Done is done. Keep growing. Keep moving. Be the CEO of your own life — the Cheerleader, Enthusiast and Optimist who sees potential, even on the tough days.

Related: 3 Reasons Why ‘The Journey Is the Reward’

3. Lead by doing, not just by deciding

I’ll never forget my time on Undercover Boss. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our team — cleaning, lifting, listening — changed the way I think about leadership. It wasn’t just eye-opening. It was heart-opening.

At BELFOR, we don’t print titles on our business cards. Why? Because when someone needs help, it doesn’t matter what your title is. It matters what you do. Real leadership isn’t about barking orders from a corner office. It’s about showing up. Rolling up your sleeves. Listening twice as much as you talk (there’s a reason we’ve got two ears and one mouth) and leading by example.

A Harvard Business Review study backs this up: Leaders who match actions to words build trust. And I’ll add this — they also build family. Everyone on your team has a story. A struggle. A spark. When you lead with trust, compassion and listening, you light the path for others to lead, too.

4. Trust is your most powerful tool

CEO life can be overwhelming. So, here’s the lifeline: You don’t have to do it alone.

Some of my best decisions started with someone else’s idea. That’s the power of trust. When you believe in your team and show it, you unlock something extraordinary. Delegating isn’t giving up control. It’s sharing belief. It’s letting people know, “I see what you can do. Go for it.”

A culture built on trust creates a ripple effect: more engagement, more ownership, more magic. When your team feels trusted, they rise — not just to the occasion, but beyond it. One person CAN make a difference. Sometimes, that one person is the one you empowered.

Related: Strong Leaders Use These 4 Strategies to Build Trust in Their Workplace

5. Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s strength

Somewhere along the line, we picked up this idea that strong leaders are tough, silent, unshakeable. I say this with all my heart: Let that go. The most powerful moments in my career have come when I let down the walls. When I asked for help. When I cried. When I let people see the real Sheldon — flaws, fears and all.

We spend most of our lives at work. If we can’t be ourselves there, where can we? Vulnerability doesn’t make you soft. It makes you human. And humanity is the heartbeat of leadership.

When your team sees that you’re not perfect — but you care deeply, try hard and show up anyway, they feel safe to do the same. That’s where trust begins. That’s where innovation is born. That’s where everybody’s little hero within them comes out.

If I could hop in a time machine and talk to my younger self, stepping into that CEO seat for the first time, I’d say this: “The title doesn’t make you a leader. Your actions do. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to feel overwhelmed. But if you stay rooted in empathy and passion; look at, walk with, feel and live compassion; believe in and trust your people; and keep your eyes on the road ahead … you won’t just grow. You’ll lead with purpose, with passion and with heart.”

Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about walking with your team while you guide, follow and truly care for each and every member of the family you’re now honored to be part of. Together.

From the outside, becoming a CEO can look like reaching the top of the mountain — a final, triumphant chapter after a long climb. But here’s the real story: It’s not the end. It’s a new beginning. One filled with curveballs, late-night worry sessions and more lessons than any business school could ever cram into a syllabus.

As CEO of BELFOR, the world’s largest property restoration company, I’ve had the incredible privilege (and, let’s be honest, the intense pressure) of helping grow our team from 19 people to more than 13,000 across the globe. That journey has taught me a lot — about leadership, about people and about what it really means to carry the weight of the word “CEO.”

So, if you’re stepping into leadership (or dreaming about the day you do), here are five things I wish someone had pulled me aside and told me sooner:

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became a CEO Read More »

101 Small Business Ideas to Match Your Personality, Investment, Skills & Goals

101 Small Business Ideas to Match Your Personality, Investment, Skills & Goals


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Still stuck asking, “What business should I start?” You’re asking the wrong question.

Most entrepreneurs waste months chasing random business ideas that don’t fit their personality, skills, or lifestyle — then wonder why they burn out or get stuck.

But what if you could flip the script — and use AI to uncover 101 small business ideas that are custom-built for you?

In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to turn AI into your personal business strategist to:

  • Unlock 101 personalized, profitable small business ideas tailored to your skills, personality, time, and income goals.

  • Identify your top 3 business ideas that align with your values, energy, and long-term vision.

  • Use AI-powered scenario modeling to simulate real-world results before you commit — eliminating guesswork and costly mistakes.

  • Design a business that fits your life — not the other way around — with a custom 90-day AI game plan that includes your niche, monetization, automation tools, and ideal routine.

By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have clarity, focus, and a personalized roadmap to build a business that actually works for you.

If you’ve read The Wolf is at The Door or used my AI Starter Kit, you already know: The key to success isn’t random invention — it’s strategic reinvention, powered by AI.

Everything is broken down step-by-step — no tech skills required.

The AI Success Kit is available to download for free, along with a chapter from my new book, The Wolf is at The Door.

Still stuck asking, “What business should I start?” You’re asking the wrong question.

Most entrepreneurs waste months chasing random business ideas that don’t fit their personality, skills, or lifestyle — then wonder why they burn out or get stuck.

The rest of this article is locked.

Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



Source link

101 Small Business Ideas to Match Your Personality, Investment, Skills & Goals Read More »