A lot goes into building a company before it ever makes a sale — from brainstorming the idea to developing a business plan and crafting a go-to-market strategy. Whether you’re launching a physical storefront or an online business, early-stage planning involves countless moving parts. But there’s one critical step that often gets overlooked: writing a mission statement.

A mission statement defines the purpose of your business in one or two clear, compelling sentences. It acts as a north star for your team, your customers and your stakeholders — guiding decisions, shaping culture and communicating what your company stands for. It should be completed before launch, because it lays the foundation for everything that follows.

In my experience managing 22 companies across 89 countries, I’ve learned this firsthand: the businesses with the clearest missions move faster, scale smarter and stay grounded in their values.

Related: 11 Effective Marketing Strategies to Help Streamline Your Startup

Why a mission statement matters

At its core, a mission statement explains why your company exists. It clarifies your purpose, expresses your values and points to your goals. It’s not just a description — it’s a declaration. A good mission statement is:

• Clear and concise
• Actionable and achievable
• Aligned with your company’s five-year plan

It doesn’t just inspire; it directs. When my team faces a major decision, I often ask: What does our mission statement say? That one lens can resolve uncertainty, align priorities and keep us on course.

For example, one of my companies has a simple mission: To empower individuals by providing clean, effective and science-backed wellness solutions. That clarity filters everything — from product development to marketing to customer service. And it keeps us focused on our longterm goals, not just short-term wins.

How to write a mission statement

Writing a mission statement isn’t about sounding impressive. It’s about being intentional. Here’s a simple formula that works:

“Our mission is to [main goal for the next five years], in order to [the impact you want to make].”

This structure keeps your mission grounded and forward-looking. Save the big, audacious future goals for your vision statement — that’s where longterm aspiration lives. Here are some great examples of clear, focused mission statements:

• Nike: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
• JPMorgan Chase: To be the most respected financial services firm in the world.
• Ford: To help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

Now compare that to their vision statements, which take a broader, longterm view:

• Nike: To do everything possible to expand human potential.
• Ford: To shorten the distance between where you are and where you want to go.

Mission statements should be memorable. If you can’t say it in a single sentence, it’s not a mission — it’s messaging.

Why it should come before launch

Think of your mission as the blueprint for your business. Just like an architect wouldn’t start building without a plan, you shouldn’t start accepting orders without clarity on why your company exists.

Your mission should guide key decisions before you ever go to market:

• Product development: Does this align with our purpose?
• Hiring: Do these candidates reflect our values?
• Branding and marketing: Are we communicating what we truly stand for?

After launch, your mission continues to guide you, ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the expense of your core purpose. It also helps your business adapt while staying anchored to its identity.

A tool for attracting the right investors and talent

Investors today want more than financial returns. They want to believe in your why. A strong mission statement tells them you’re building something that lasts — not just chasing short-term profit.

The same is true for your team. A well-defined mission increases engagement, attracts values-aligned talent and builds a strong internal culture. People want to do meaningful work — and your mission tells them what that meaning is.

Related: How to Write An Unforgettable Company Mission Statement

Set your direction before you hit “go”

A mission statement does more than clarify your purpose — it drives focus, builds culture, and attracts support. It helps every stakeholder — from employees to investors to customers — understand your business on a deeper level.

By crafting your mission before your company makes its first sale, you create alignment from day one. You establish a guiding principle that shapes every action and decision — now and into the future.

Before you launch, take the time to ask: What’s the purpose behind this business? Your answer might just be the most valuable asset you create.

If you’re a founder, freelancer or small business owner, chances are you’ve had at least one sales conversation go sideways — and maybe more than you’d like to admit. After presenting your offer enthusiastically, the client counters with a laundry list of demands, challenges your pricing or continues to push for more without giving an inch in return.

Sound familiar?

In our work delivering sales training for entrepreneurs and small business owners, we encounter this scenario all the time. Many founders tell us the same thing: “I didn’t start my business to be in sales.” And yet, selling and negotiations are critical to your business’s growth and survival.

The good news? You don’t have to be a high-pressure closer or a natural-born negotiator to succeed. You just need a simple shift in mindset and a few proven techniques to put you in the driver’s seat.

These five steps will work with even your toughest clients.

Related: Negotiation Basics: 8 Common Questions and Answers

Step 1: Don’t negotiate too early

One of the biggest mistakes I see small business owners make is negotiating before the prospect is sold on the value of the solution.

Consider negotiation as the final step in achieving an agreement, rather than the starting point. If you start negotiating before the client is fully convinced that you’re the right solution, you may end up giving away discounts, setting yourself up for scope creep or agreeing to unfavorable terms without receiving much in return. Even worse, you’ll appear uncertain, and uncertainty kills deals.

Instead, wait until you’ve qualified and engaged your prospect and you have demonstrated clear value for your offering. That’s your cue to shift the conversation toward finalizing the deal, rather than defending your worth.

Step 2: Define a “win-win” outcome before you talk numbers

Most founders want to be flexible and collaborative in negotiations, but that only works if you know what you need from the deal.

Before any negotiation, get clear on:

• What’s non-negotiable (e.g., your minimum price, legal terms, scope boundaries)

• What’s flexible (e.g., payment terms, timelines, minor add-ons)

• What a “win” looks like for both sides

A win-win outcome means both parties walk away with value. That might mean agreeing to a slightly lower price in exchange for upfront payment (a trade-off) or offering an extra revision round at no cost (an embellishment) to sweeten the deal without hurting your margins.

Being prepared gives you confidence and gives your client clarity.

Step 3: Don’t let personality hijack the process

I once worked with a creative agency founder who felt bulldozed in negotiations by a demanding corporate client. Every request came with a condescending tone. Every “no” was met with pushback. The founder was ready to give up the deal entirely — until we made one important distinction: the difference between the person and their position.

Negotiation is emotional, but it doesn’t have to be personal.

If a client challenges your pricing or scope, they’re advocating for their business, not attacking yours. Detaching emotionally lets you respond strategically. Instead of reacting to tone or attitude, stay grounded in the value of your offer and the structure of your deal.

Related: Negotiation Skills for Entrepreneurs — How to Craft Deals Like a Pro

Step 4: Use the power of trade-offs, embellishments and compromises

Every negotiation involves three variables:

• Deliverables

• Terms and conditions

• Price

The key is to balance all three without caving on what matters most.

Let’s say a client asks for a 20% discount. Instead of saying yes or no outright, respond with a trade-off: “We can offer a reduced rate if we simplify the scope or shift the timeline.” Or offer an embellishment: “Let’s keep the proposed rate, but I’ll add in a 30-minute strategy session post-launch.”

If you do need to compromise, do it intentionally and not reactively. Find the middle ground that protects your business while still moving the deal forward.

Step 5: Know when to walk away

No one likes losing a deal. However, chasing the wrong deals or closing them on bad terms can be even more damaging.

If you’ve qualified the prospect, demonstrated your value and offered reasonable flexibility — and they still demand more than you can give — it’s okay to walk away. It’s often the smartest move you can make.

One solopreneur I coached stood firm on her pricing after weeks of negotiation. The client walked away, but returned two months later, ready to sign at full price. Why? The seller knew her worth, and the buyer discovered that as well.

Related: 5 Negotiation ‘Don’ts’ That Must Be Avoided

You’re not selling, you’re solving

Negotiation should never be a battle. Instead, view them as a conversation about alignment. When you focus on solving your client’s problems and the value you bring to the table, you stay centered, credible and in control.

If you want to grow your business, scale your agency or simply feel more confident in sales conversations, you don’t need a slick pitch. You need a framework for value-based selling that works for you — especially if you’re an introvert, a creative or someone who doesn’t see yourself as a traditional salesperson.

Negotiating with tough clients becomes easier with the right mindset and tools. Start with preparation. Lead with empathy. Stay grounded in your value. Remember: Sustainable revenue growth is not about how many clients you win, but how you win the right ones.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai disclosed that he has been “vibe coding,” or using AI to code for him through prompts, to build a webpage.

Pichai said on Wednesday at Bloomberg Tech in San Francisco that he had been experimenting with AI coding assistants Cursor and Replit, both of which are advertised as able to create code from text prompts, to build a new webpage.

Related: Here’s How Much a Typical Google Employee Makes in a Year

“I’ve just been messing around — either with Cursor or I vibe coded with Replit — trying to build a custom webpage with all the sources of information I wanted in one place,” Pichai said, per Business Insider.

^{Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

Pichai said that he had “partially” completed the webpage, and that coding had “come a long way” from its early days.

Vibe coding is a term coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy. In a post on X in February, Karpathy described how AI tools are getting good enough that software developers can “forget that the code even exists.” Instead, they can ask for AI to code on their behalf and create a project or web app without writing a line of code themselves.

There’s a new kind of coding I call “vibe coding”, where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists. It’s possible because the LLMs (e.g. Cursor Composer w Sonnet) are getting too good. Also I just talk to Composer with SuperWhisper…

— Andrej Karpathy (@karpathy) February 2, 2025

The rise of vibe coding has led AI coding assistants to explode in popularity. One AI coding tool, Cursor, became the fastest-growing software app to reach $100 million in annual revenue in January. Almost all of Cursor’s revenue comes from 360,000 individual subscribers, not big enterprises. However, that balance could change: As of earlier this week, Amazon is reportedly in talks to adopt Cursor for its employees.

Another coding tool, Replit, says it has enabled users to make more than two million apps in six months. The company has 34 million global users as of November.

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

Noncoders are using vibe coding to bring their ideas to life. Lenard Flören, a 28-year-old art director with no prior coding experience, told NBC News last month that he used AI tools to vibe code a personalized workout tracking app. Harvard University neuroscience student, Rishab Jain, 20, told the outlet that he used Replit to vibe code an app that translates ancient texts into English. Instead of downloading someone else’s app and paying a subscription fee, “now you can just make it,” Jain said.

Popular vibe coding tools offer a free entry point into vibe coding, as well as subscription plans. Replit has a free tier, a $20 a month core level with expanded capabilities, such as unlimited private and public apps, and a $35 per user, per month teams subscription. Cursor also has a free tier, a $20 per month pro level, and a $40 per user, per month, business subscription.

Despite the existence of vibe coding, Pichai still thinks that human software engineers are necessary. At Bloomberg Tech on Wednesday, Pichai said that Google will keep hiring human engineers and growing its engineering workforce “even into next year” because a bigger workforce “allows us to do more.”

“I just view this [AI] as making engineers dramatically more productive,” he said.

Alphabet is the fifth most valuable company in the world with a market cap of $2 trillion.

The average age of retirement in the U.S. is 63 for women and 65 for men, according to recent research from financial services company Empower — a milestone several decades off for Gen Z and young millennial professionals.

What’s more, for many people, saving enough money for a comfortable lifestyle in their golden years remains an elusive feat. More than 57% of working Americans think they’re behind where they should be on their retirement savings, including 35% who feel significantly behind, per a 2024 Bankrate survey.

Related: Americans in These 5 U.S. States Might Fare the Worst in Retirement. How Do Your Numbers Compare?

That’s perhaps not surprising given the lofty figure Americans consider the bare minimum for retirement: $1.46 million, according to a Northwestern Mutual study.

An alternative to reaching such a far-off, financially cumbersome goal? The increasingly popular “micro-retirement.”

What is a micro-retirement?

A “micro-retirement,” also known as a “mini-retirement,” refers to career breaks during which people can pursue personal interests and goals, and potentially reconsider their professional aspirations.

“Micro-retirement is a great way for workers to balance their careers with their personal lives,” Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of AI career app Kickresume, says. “While some have ambitious career goals that see them climbing the ladder quickly, others have different priorities. Micro-retirement offers the freedom to explore those personal aspirations sooner rather than later.”

Duris also points out that micro-retirement doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the workforce forever — most micro-retirees will return to their careers “feeling refreshed” and “ready to jump right into a new role.”

Related: How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here’s the Breakdown.

Where did the term “micro-retirement” come from?

The “micro-” or “mini-” retirement strategy is sweeping social media and gaining ground with Gen Z and young millennial professionals, but the concept of strategically-timed career breaks isn’t a new one.

In The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, first published in 2007, American entrepreneur and investor Timothy Ferriss poses a question on the minds of many young workers today: “What if you could use a mini-retirement to sample your deferred-life plan reward before working 40 years for it?”

Related: Early Retirement vs. Delayed Retirement: Which Is Right for You?

Ferriss’s mini-retirement strategy involves regular travel. “I currently take three or four mini-retirements per year and know dozens who do the same,” he writes. “Sometimes these sojourns take me around the world; oftentimes they take me around the corner —Yosemite, Tahoe, Carmel — but to a different world psychologically, where meetings, e-mail and phone calls don’t exist for a set period of time.”

In a recent survey from global outplacement and career development firm Careerminds, 26% of micro-retirees said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while 23% were motivated by health and wellness.

How can you pull off your own micro-retirement?

The best time to micro-retire is when you’re ready to leave your current job and tackle a new experience, according to Duris — but adequate planning and preparation will go a long way.

Employees embarking on micro-retirement should make sure they save enough money for their time away and post-hiatus job search, have a clear sense of what they’d like to do during micro-retirement and upon their return, and refresh their resumes with any skills gleaned from the break, Duris suggests.

Related: Retiring at 27: Ambitious, Lazy or Crazy?

“Although this way of working and living might sound stressful, it offers the chance to experience the best of both worlds,” Duris says. “Putting your career on hold doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It can give young people the chance to do things that grow their confidence and help them learn more about themselves.”

IBM first used the phrase “new-collar jobs” in 2018 to describe roles where degrees are optional, and instead emphasize skills, certifications, or on-the-job training. These careers, such as a sales engineer or marketing manager, often put practical skills above formal education. And according to new data, the jobs can pay quite well.

Resume Genius recently released a report highlighting the highest-paying new-collar jobs, based on an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, automation risk scores from the third-party tool “Will Robots Take My Job?“, and job listings on Indeed to determine if the roles offered remote or hybrid work. The jobs were selected for their high pay (median salary of at least $100,000), absence of a four-year degree requirement, availability of remote or hybrid work, and having less than a 50% chance of being automated by AI.

Related: These Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs With the Lowest Stress, According to a New Report

“New-collar roles challenge the idea that a degree is the only path to success,” stated Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius, in an email. “By showcasing practical skills, a portfolio of work, or even strong referrals, people can build meaningful, well-paying careers without racking up more student debt or spending years in school.”

While landing a new collar job can be different than a traditional white-collar job, which usually requires a four-year degree, or a blue-collar job, which can involve physical labor with specific skill sets, candidates set themselves up for success when applying to new-collar jobs by earning certifications that match the job, freelancing to gain a strong portfolio of work and exposure, and networking.

Here are the top 10 best-paying, new-collar jobs for 2025, according to Resume Genius.

1. Marketing manager

• Median annual salary: $159,660
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
• AI job takeover risk: 39%

2. Human resources manager

• Median annual salary: $140,030
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• AI job takeover risk: 24%

3. Sales manager

• Median annual salary: $138,060
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• AI job takeover risk: 33%

4. Computer network architect

• Median annual salary: $130,390
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 13%
• AI job takeover risk: 39%

5. General and operations manager

• Median annual salary: $129,330
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• AI job takeover risk: 36%

6. Information security analyst

• Median annual salary: $124,910
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 33%
• AI job takeover risk: 49%

7. Sales engineer

• Median annual salary: $121,520
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• AI job takeover risk: 38%

8. Health services manager

• Median annual salary: $117,960
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 29%
• AI job takeover risk: 26%

9. Art director

• Median annual salary: $111,040
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
• AI job takeover risk: 34%

10. Construction manager

• Median annual salary: $106,980
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
• AI job takeover risk: 13%

Click here for the full report.

Running more than one business can be both rewarding and demanding. For some entrepreneurs, multiple ventures offer financial security, diversification and more space for growth. For others, it introduces complications that affect focus, decision-making and long-term performance.

This article breaks down the real pros and cons of managing more than one business at a time, with an emphasis on sustainability, opportunity cost and operational clarity.

Related: How to Successfully Run Multiple Businesses

Advantages of running multiple businesses

1. Risk diversification

Even if one business faces market disruptions, the other could remain stable or prosper. This creates a cushion that protects overall income and investment. It can also reduce exposure to sector-specific issues by diversifying the industry and customer base. However, it should be noted that decentralized investment does not eliminate risk, but only diversifies risk. It works best when the businesses are structurally different and serve different markets.

2. Multiple sources of income

The clear benefit of running multiple businesses is earning revenue from multiple sources. It can be useful during seasonal fluctuations or when certain industries are sluggish.

By implementing an appropriate system, you can fund one business with income from another business, and you can create an independent loop to strengthen financial stability. However, this only works if each business has a sound cash flow and does not depend on other businesses.

3. Broader network and market reach

By owning multiple businesses, of course, you will contact various customers, suppliers and collaborators. There is a chance that numerous networks will be established throughout the industry, helping you form new alliances and unlock possibilities that wouldn’t be possible with just one business.

This exposure also helps you notice trends sooner than your colleagues and be more informed in your decision-making.

4. Strategic synergies (when businesses are aligned)

Businesses that share resources, such as teams, tools, and physical spaces, may benefit from cost savings and efficiency improvements. For example, media companies and consulting companies can share management support, marketing activities and back-end systems under the same ownership.

In such cases, if roles are clearly defined and business boundaries are respected, they can support each other and improve overall outcomes.

5. Increased learning curve and perspective

The lessons each business teaches are different. What I learned from one business may help me to predict issues in another business and find new opportunities. By touching various problems, judgment might be improved, and a better system may be built over time.

However, not everyone at the same time has a wide field of view and clear mental power to absorb lessons from many perspectives, especially during times of stress and change.

Related: 5 Ways to Manage Multiple Ventures for Maximum Success

Disadvantages of running multiple businesses

1. Time and energy spread thin

Managing multiple businesses means more deadlines, staff, financial reports and unexpected issues. Unless each business is highly structured and supported by independent leadership, your attention will be distributed.

Even if you have plenty of experience, attention is a finite resource. Continuous switching between operations will impair clarity, affect the quality of decision making and delay execution.

Time is not just about hours; it’s about how much focus you can dedicate where it matters most.

2. Operational complexity increases

As business increases, logistics becomes more complex. Payroll, taxes, customer service and relationships with vendors all scale up. Even if there is automation or expert help, important decisions and strategies must be supervised.

Something that is often overlooked is that small problems later develop into major problems, especially if they are not deeply involved in daily processes.

3. Financial pressure can multiply

The fact that there are multiple sources of income seems to be a strength, but the growth of each business usually requires capital. Once a business is stuck in a financial position, it is often tempted to raise funds from a healthy business. If such habits continue for a long time, both businesses will be at risk.

In addition, it becomes difficult to manage the credit frame, taxes and accounting between businesses. Especially when ownership and debt are duplicated.

4. Talent management becomes harder

Hiring and securing the right people is critical. If you run multiple companies, it may be difficult to give the necessary consideration to each team. The ability to guide staff, solve internal problems and align employees with the company’s direction may decline as your involvement grows.

Even if you hire an excellent manager, leadership needs monitoring. Without a clear understanding of what is happening in the field, corporate culture may deteriorate and morale may decline.

5. Brand dilution and strategic confusion

If your name or presence is closely related to all businesses, your personal brand may become unclear. This can confuse customers, partners and investors. Moreover, if your businesses have conflicting messages or unrelated missions, people may question your priorities. Inconsistent branding can also affect how the media, potential clients or acquirers view your portfolio.

Related: How to Split Your Time Effectively Across Multiple Companies

When it makes sense to run multiple businesses

• You’ve built one strong, self-sustaining business: A mature business with reliable processes and capable leadership frees up time to pursue other interests responsibly.

• You have distinct skill sets and structures in place: If your second business draws on a different team or niche that doesn’t conflict with your first, you’ll reduce the chance of overload.

• You treat each business as its own entity: Having separate KPIs, budgets and accountability structures ensures clarity and helps avoid internal confusion or resource drift.

• You’re willing to say “no.” Not every idea deserves its own business. The ability to walk away from a new opportunity is a sign that you have control, not the other way around.

Running more than one business isn’t a badge of honor — it’s a serious commitment with real trade-offs. You must be willing to invest time, build a system and clearly identify where your attention is going. Clarity is more valuable than activity. Whether you run one company or multiple companies, the most important thing is that each one operates with a purpose and consistency.

Demis Hassabis, the 48-year-old CEO of Google’s AI research division DeepMind, isn’t concerned about AI taking over jobs.

Instead, he’s worried about two things: bad actors using AI technology, and a lack of protective measures to keep autonomous AI models in check.

Related: These Are AI’s ‘Most Obvious’ Risks, According to Google’s Former CEO

“Both of those risks are important, challenging ones,” Hassabis told CNN this week.

Hassabis, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for co-creating an AI program that predicted protein structures, said he was worried about the possibility of humans misusing artificial general intelligence that matches or surpasses human intelligence.

He thinks there should be an international agreement to ensure that AI is only utilized for good, especially as it advances and becomes more powerful.

“How do we restrict access to these systems, powerful systems, to bad actors… but enable good actors to do many, many amazing things with it?” Hassabis questioned, per CNN.

^{Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images for SXSW London}

Criminals are already using AI to clone voices and impersonate people through deepfake phone scams. Hackers are also using AI to generate articles with false or misleading information. NewsGuard has identified over 1,200 AI-generated news sites spewing out false information with little human oversight.

As AI becomes more sophisticated, Hassabis says that the technology will result in a “huge amount of change” to the workforce. But instead of mass layoffs and unemployment, Hassabis posits it will create “new, even better jobs.”

Related: These 3 Professions Are Most Likely to Vanish in the Next 20 Years Due to AI, According to a New Report

Other CEOs predict AI could cut jobs

Another AI CEO, Anthropic’s 42-year-old Dario Amodei, had a starker prediction. Amodei told Axios last week that AI had the potential to wipe out half of all entry-level, white-collar jobs within the next one to five years. He predicted that unemployment would rise to up to 20% as white-collar workers struggled to find work.

Amodei stated that AI would impact entry-level roles in industries like finance, technology, and law and said that most employees will not understand the danger posed by AI until they have lost their jobs to it.

In finance, company executives plan to cut 3% of their workforce within the next five years due to AI, per a January Bloomberg Intelligence report. That means 200,000 Wall Street jobs are at risk.

Meanwhile, tech CEOs are already turning to AI to write code. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in April that he expects AI to write half of Meta’s code by next year, while Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in the same month that about 30% of new code at their companies was AI-generated.

As for law, venture capital investor Victor Lazarte, general partner at VC firm Benchmark, says AI is “fully replacing people” in the profession. In an April episode of the podcast “The Twenty Minute VC,” Lazarte predicted that AI will be able to take over the busy work in law usually completed by recent graduates within the next three years.

Related: ‘Fully Replacing People’: A Tech Investor Says These Two Professions Should Be the Most Wary of AI Taking Their Jobs

Reddit filed a lawsuit against AI startup Anthropic on Wednesday, alleging that the $61.5 billion startup used its site as training grounds for AI models without permission.

In the 42-page complaint, which was filed in Northern California court on Wednesday, Reddit claimed that Anthropic violated Reddit’s user agreement by using the site’s data for commercial purposes. Anthropic has allegedly been training its AI models on posts made by Reddit users without their consent.

Related: ‘Faster, Smarter, and More Relevant’: Reddit Tests AI That Combs the Site For You

According to TechCrunch, the lawsuit marks the first time a big tech company has legally challenged an AI startup over the material it uses to train AI models.

“We will not tolerate profit-seeking entities like Anthropic commercially exploiting Reddit content for billions of dollars without any return for redditors or respect for their privacy,” Reddit’s chief legal officer Ben Lee told TechCrunch in a statement.

Meanwhile, in an emailed statement to CNBC, an Anthropic spokesperson stated, “We disagree with Reddit’s claims and will defend ourselves vigorously.”

In July 2024, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman called out Anthropic, Microsoft, and Perplexity for unauthorizedly scraping the site for training data, and an Anthropic spokesperson assured Reddit that it had stopped. However, since then, Reddit claims to have registered that Anthropic’s bots have crawled its site over 100,000 times, per the complaint.

^{Reddit co-founder and CEO Steve Huffman. Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images}

Other companies are using Reddit data for AI training, but only after signing formal agreements with the company. Reddit struck a $60 million licensing deal with Google in February 2024, which allowed Google to train its Gemini AI on Reddit data. Reddit inked a similar contract with OpenAI in May 2024, so the ChatGPT-maker can refine its AI models from Reddit posts.

In the lawsuit against Anthropic, Reddit wrote that OpenAI and Google “are permitted to use public Reddit content but only after agreeing to Reddit’s licensing terms,” which include provisions to protect user privacy. Anthropic has not agreed to any terms and is using the site’s data without permission, Reddit claims.

Related: The Reddit Co-Founders Faced a Transformative Rejection in College — Here’s How They Bounced Back to Start a $6.5 Billion Business

Reddit has over 100 million daily active users across hundreds of thousands of subreddit communities, per the complaint. The company said the purpose of the lawsuit is to seek damages. It’s asking for a jury trial.

Reddit went public in March 2024 and is valued at over $21 billion at the time of writing.

Investing doesn’t start with your first transaction — it begins much earlier. From defining the types of investments you’re interested in to setting clear financial goals, the early stages are critical. Investing can be complex and time-intensive, especially when deciding where to place your capital. That’s why having a thoughtful, informed strategy from the outset is so important: it ensures your investments are purposeful and aligned with your longterm vision.

Before you commit any resources, take the time to craft a strategy that reflects your goals, values and risk tolerance. A structured approach not only reduces unnecessary risk but also clarifies why you’re investing and how each decision supports the bigger picture. This clarity transforms your investment approach from reactive to intentional.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve refined my own investment strategy over time. It’s diverse by design, built to support both my financial goals and my broader mission. If you’re wondering how to figure out where your own investments should go, here are four actionable steps to help guide your placement strategy:

1. Define your investment goals

Start by asking yourself: What do I want my investments to achieve? Are you aiming for longterm wealth, social impact, business expansion or a mix of these? Knowing what success looks like will shape how much you invest, when and where.

Consider the types of investments that resonate most—whether that’s equity, partnerships, philanthropic initiatives, or ventures tied to innovation. Aligning your goals with your core values will not only give you direction but also help you stay committed when markets shift.

Related: How to Diversify Your Business Interests

2. Choose your asset allocation strategy

Asset allocation — how you distribute your investments across asset classes — is central to managing risk and return. The main categories include equities, fixed income and cash or cash equivalents. Each has different risk profiles and growth potential.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My own strategy, for example, spans three buckets: equity and business investments, partnerships and strategic collaborations and philanthropic efforts. This setup works for me because I prioritize both financial returns and impact. A significant portion of my portfolio supports global health, education, and sustainability initiatives.

A thoughtful allocation plan helps you stay balanced, even when the markets aren’t.

3. Diversify strategically

Diversification is a time-tested way to reduce risk. If one sector dips, others can help offset the loss. But meaningful diversification goes beyond spreading your investments — it requires research and intention.

Dig into each opportunity. Understand the potential returns, risks, and how each fits into your broader strategy. For me, diversification also means staying engaged with sectors I care deeply about, like innovation, wellness and climate-conscious enterprises. This keeps my portfolio resilient and aligned with my values.

Related: The Importance of Portfolio Diversification for Your Investments

4. Stay adaptable

Your investment strategy should evolve with you. As your goals, interests and the economic landscape shift, so should your allocations.

I regularly revisit my portfolio with a few key questions: How are my current investments performing? Do they still reflect my vision? Are there new opportunities I should explore? Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into wellness and sustainable living, especially in high-quality nutraceuticals and biohacking. Those shifts came from staying curious and being willing to pivot when the time felt right.

Deciding where to place your investments is one of the most important steps in your investing journey. Laying a solid foundation early on helps you navigate growth, risk, and market shifts with confidence. And remember, your strategy isn’t permanent—it’s a living framework that should adapt as you and the world around you evolve. Stay informed, stay connected, and above all, stay intentional. Your future self will thank you.

Today’s SME management operates in an environment where business opportunities are spreading outside the city. Access to online tools and platforms makes the selling process very easy across borders. But is it meaningful just because it is possible?

Is it always the right action to enter the international market, or does staying local lead to more sustainable success? It’s not just ambition to choose between domestic and global markets. You need to fully understand the resources you have, the nature of the services you provide and the complexity associated with scaling up.

In this article, we will justify the choices between them, backed by actual data, for the founders and decision-makers of SMEs.

Related: Should You Go Global, or Consolidate Locally?

Defining local and global market focus

Before entering the analysis, it is important to define the meaning of local and global markets:

• A local market is a region where a business is being developed (city, county, region, etc.).

• Global markets mean expanding business across borders and selling products and services internationally.

Each direction requires a different way of thinking, infrastructure and strategy.

The case for staying local

Doing business within the local market can provide clarity and concentration. SMEs often succeed by being rooted in the region and responding to known customer behavior.

Advantages:

• Familiarity and relationships: Local businesses have the advantage of knowing their customer base personally. Face-to-face exchanges enable the establishment of trust, which is difficult to reproduce in international transactions. This familiarity reduces friction in marketing and service delivery.

• Operational efficiency: There’s no need to control customs regulations, international taxes, language barriers, foreign exchange, etc. This ensures consistent quality and rapid service.

• Reduced financial risk: Usually, there is less capital investment required for local growth. There is no need to invest money into translation services, overseas transportation infrastructure or international legal advice.

• Supportive ecosystem: Most governments and municipalities offer grants and tax relief to companies that fit local demand.

Disadvantages:

• Limited market size: Unless you develop a new customer base or diversify your offerings, the growth of your local business is likely to hit a wall.

• Susceptibility to regional fluctuations: A slump in the local economy (such as the closure of key employers) can affect consumer consumption patterns and sales.

• Higher dependence on repeat buyers: A low population makes it difficult to get new clients.

The case for going global

Crossing borders can bring great opportunities, but there are also several downsides you need to be aware of.

Advantages:

• Greater revenue potential: International markets provide access to millions more customers, which boosts revenue potential.

• Economic diversification: By selling in multiple countries, you can play the role of a buffer. Even if one region faces a recession, demand in another region can stabilize overall income.

• Market demand for niche products: Depending on the product, you can find niche attractions that do not exist overseas. For example, handmade products, special foods and local designs may be more appreciated in overseas markets.

Disadvantages:

• Complex regulations: Export regulations, taxes and various legal frameworks increase entry barriers.

• Shipping and fulfillment challenges: International shipping requires detailed planning, in some cases third-party fulfillment services, increasing costs and risks.

• Cultural missteps: Marketing campaigns and product positioning need to be adapted to different markets. Even if it works well in the United States, it may not work in other countries.

Related: Small, Local Businesses Have a Competitive Advantage Over the Amazons and Ubers of the World, According to a New Report

Hybrid strategy: Local foundation, global growth

Some of the most successful SMEs start from a local footprint and expand globally in stages. This approach builds stability before being exposed to complex environments. Examples include:

• Ben & Jerry’s: Started as a small ice cream parlor operating from a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. The company now does business all around the world.

• Allbirds: Initially targeting local customers in New Zealand, the international fulfillment center was deployed after verifying product demand.

Through a phased approach, there is room to test logistics, understand regulatory compliance and gradually build infrastructure.

Key considerations before expanding

Business owners should evaluate the following when considering options:

Product suitability:

• Is the product or service universal?

• Do I need to consider compliance with labeling, safety standards, intellectual property laws, etc?

Infrastructure readiness:

• Can current logistics and fulfillment systems meet international demand?

• Do you have a local partner or agency that can support global initiatives?

Financial and human capital:

• Is there any cash flow or funds required for business expansion?

• Does the team have the ability to manage complex issues such as language, time difference and global customer support?

When local wins

The local market is often best for:

• Service businesses (barber shop, electrician, consultant, etc.)

• Regulated products (e.g., pharmaceuticals)

• Companies with limited management resources and strict cash flow

When global is worth the risk

Here’s when you should consider global expansion:

• You’re already in international demand due to online sales and organic sales.

• You have strong operational support (logistics, customs, fulfillment partners).

• Entering the growing international sector (e.g., educational software, special food).

Related: 6 Obstacles of Expanding Your Company Internationally — and How to Overcome Them.

There is no universal answer to which SMEs should aim for local or global markets. Both paths have attractive advantages and notable risks. The decision requires a clear understanding of the company’s business model, customer and ability to manage complexity.

The most important thing is not to scale up, but to grow strategically — in line with purpose, ability and long-term vision. In some cases, there may be more lasting value in staying small and concentrating on the local area than in quickly expanding into international markets. Also, global thinking can draw real momentum if done carefully and accurately.