For every one dollar businesses invest in public relations (PR), they earn an average of $5.50 back in media coverage. For this reason and more, major corporations consider PR indispensable.

PR can make a big difference for companies and organizations of all sizes, however. As consumers’ trust in traditional advertising and marketing has waned, PR has emerged as a vital part of strategic business communications. This is especially true at key moments in an organization’s development, such as in the months before launching a new enterprise, product or service.

The problem with traditional advertising and marketing

Research has shown that customers today are much more skeptical of advertising and marketing campaigns than their predecessors. According to a December 2024 report from YouGov, 53% of survey participants said ads are a waste of time, and 52% said they don’t trust TV ads.

The distrust is particularly marked among members of the younger generations. A Connect by Live Nation survey recently discovered that only one in four of these customers say they trust brands. Instead, they want transparency, authenticity and realness.

Luckily, PR offers exactly that kind of transparent, authentic and honest approach that today’s consumers crave.

Related: How to Master Public Relations and Build Lasting Trust in a Changing World

PR’s unique approach to strategic communications

PR can disarm the cynical and build trust with target audiences. Instead of paying to put self-interested messages in front of people, PR earns the media’s attention by offering legitimate value to readers, viewers and listeners.

PR professionals have many different strategies for attracting this media coverage. Much of it comes down to staying on top of the news cycle, having an in-depth understanding of clients’ areas of expertise and building relationships with journalists and editors. Publicists then combine these factors to create opportunities to shine the spotlight on their clients.

For instance, when a hurricane has just ravaged a community, publicists understand that many members of the public will be worried about the prospect of losing their own homes in another such event. The publicists can take advantage of this opportunity by offering to allow journalists to interview their clients who specialize in insurance. This gives the client a chance to explain how homeowners can best protect their property before a storm.

While the client never explicitly promotes their own insurance products in their commentary, the fact that they are willing to take the time to be helpful and offer guidance reflects well on them and their company. Being featured in the media also enhances their search engine optimization (SEO), which means search engines are likely to rank them higher in online search results.

This is just one example — the important thing is that talented publicists understand how to pique the media’s interest in their clients at any given time.

Related: 5 Common Misconceptions About Public Relations

Why PR makes a difference

This sort of media appearance or mention — often called “earned media” — is very different from a promotional ad. It offers education, knowledge, expertise and goodwill toward the public, not an attempt to sell something to them.

Yet, PR is also an effective way to promote clients’ products and services. The company’s valuable advice and ethical behavior create a positive connection with viewers. Doing PR fosters trust, which can pay off when members of the audience seek to purchase a relevant product or service later.

Indeed, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer, survey respondents identify earned media as a better way to win their trust than any other kind of marketing. As the same study also reports, industry experts are trusted more than any other source, including peers, celebrities, and influencers.

The combination of authority and empathy is a winning one. That’s the combination PR offers. As a result, studies show that PR has a positive impact on the bottom line.

ALSO READ: How You Can Leverage These PR Strategies to Build Your Company’s Credibility and Trust — Even When Under Attack

PR buoys the bottom line

A 2020 survey showed that, after hearing about a product on a podcast, 64% of listeners visited the company’s website, and 55% ended up purchasing the item. Meanwhile, 70% of those same people said they fast-forward through ads.

According to research and advisory firm Forrester, companies that garner earned media can generate as many as 20 times more leads than those that only pay for advertising.

As these numbers show, PR buoys businesses at any given time. Yet there are also key moments when it’s even more important to do PR.

The right time to do PR

Studies indicate that PR makes a particular difference at certain times in their development. Doing PR in the months leading up to the launch of a new product, service or business helps the enterprise take off better than advertising.

My own experience bears out these conclusions. For instance, one of my PR agency’s clients — an anti-aging wellness center — was worried that no one would show up to their grand opening. We reached out to influencers based in his community and sent media advisories to local news outlets and the Chamber of Commerce, which promoted the event on its own social media accounts. This created buzz, and as a result, the grand opening was packed with people, many of whom booked appointments.

Again, this is just one example. Basically, PR introduces people to new products, services and businesses more effectively than advertising because it mobilizes third parties that are considered more trustworthy than a brand would be itself.

PR delivers results

While every company stands to benefit from cultivating trust with consumers, doing PR is particularly important for new companies and businesses that foresee launching new products or services in the coming year. For the best results, be proactive and start well in advance. This will give your PR team time to strategize, do market research, and create the key connections necessary for optimal outcomes.

Major corporations engage in PR because it delivers results. That’s why businesses of all sizes should do so, too.

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At the end of 2024, Intel had 108,900 employees. Now the chipmaking giant is planning to cut over 33,000 jobs to cut the workforce to 75,000 employees by the end of the year.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, 65, said in a memo to staff on Thursday that Intel is implementing a plan to reduce its workforce by 15%. The layoffs are in addition to the approximately 21,000 roles (about 20% of Intel’s workforce) the company let go from April to June, which mainly focused on cutting down layers of middle management.

Intel previously announced in August that it was laying off 15% of its workforce, or over 15,000 employees, last year.

Related: Intel Requires Employees to Work From the Office More Often: ‘This Action Is Necessary’

In its second-quarter earnings report released on Thursday, Intel reported a sixth consecutive quarterly loss of $2.9 billion, nearly double its $1.6 billion loss at the same time a year earlier. The increased loss was mainly due to restructuring costs of $1.9 billion due to job cuts.

Tan stated in a conference call with analysts and investors following the report that over the past three months, he had completed “a systematic review” of Intel’s headcount and spending.

“Our goal is to reduce inefficiencies and redundancies and increase accountability at every level of the company,” Tan stated on the call. “We need to right-size and scale back the company.”

^{Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Photographer: Annabelle Chih/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

Tan, who was previously CEO of chip software company Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, is now tasked with turning Intel around after three years of declining revenue. He became Intel’s CEO on March 18, replacing former CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Intel faces competition from rival companies like Nvidia, which captured a greater share of the AI chip market. Nvidia had between 70% and 95% of the market share for AI chips last year, compared to Intel’s less than 1%, per CNBC.

Related: How Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Transformed a Graphics Card Company Into an AI Giant: ‘One of the Most Remarkable Business Pivots in History’

However, Intel is trying to catch up. The company plans to launch more efficient chips later this year to better compete with Nvidia and other rivals, per The Wall Street Journal.

Intel stock was down over 7% this past month, but up nearly 2% year-to-date.

^{Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.}

The subscription economy has grown by more than 435% over the last decade, leaving companies to adjust their offerings to fit this new experiential, scarcity-based model, according to The Subscription Economy Index. But as a business owner, why are you adding recurring monthly fees when you could purchase a product outright? For just $45.97, get a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2019 Pro.

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Online security and a clean browsing experience are essential for business owners, especially when work and family life share the same devices. If constant ads, pop-ups, and hidden trackers are slowing you down or putting your data at risk, the AdGuard Family Plan has a practical solution, and it’s only $15.97 right now (normally $169.99).

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Most entrepreneurs think they’re using AI the right way — asking ChatGPT for catchy headlines, content ideas or maybe even a basic funnel outline.

But here’s the truth: That surface-level use? It’s holding you back.

What if you could train ChatGPT to think like a $100,000 business strategist — and audit your business like a pro? This video reveals the real reason your content isn’t converting, your email campaigns are underperforming, and your revenue is plateauing — even though you’re working harder than ever.

You’ll discover:

• The one prompt that turned ChatGPT into a full-time business advisor — helping triple revenue in just 30 days.
• A setup that transforms AI into a decision-making machine — not a glorified assistant.
• The exact system that uncovers what’s actually working (and what’s quietly sabotaging your growth).

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things and still falling behind, this video might just be the turning point.

Watch now — before you waste another month stuck in the cycle of overthinking, overwhelm, and underperformance.

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

Many ask me, “Why focus your business growth on referrals?” My answer is simple: referrals are the fastest and most effective way to bring the right people on board while minimizing risk.

In the rush to hire quickly or cut costs, companies often bypass referrals in favor of cold applications or mass job boards. While casting a wide net might seem efficient, it actually exposes your business to significant risks. This approach can create dangerous blind spots that put your company’s most valuable assets — security, data and intellectual property — at risk.

Referrals are more than convenience — they’re a critical layer of security

Building and nurturing professional networks isn’t just good career advice; it’s essential for business security. When someone refers a candidate, they’re putting their own reputation on the line. This inherent accountability acts as a first line of defense. In contrast, applicants from job boards or open applications often come without shared connections or any built-in accountability. That increases risks ranging from candidates misrepresenting themselves to malicious insiders or even competitors planting infiltrators.

Related: 5 Surprising Benefits of Professional Networking That You Need to Know About

Insider threats are a real and costly danger

Studies show that insider threats account for over 34% of data breaches. These threats aren’t always malicious — many stem from negligent hires unfamiliar with security protocols. Cold hires are harder to vet thoroughly. Referrals, however, come with firsthand insights into a candidate’s professionalism and ethical standards. This added context can be the difference between a secure organization and one vulnerable to expensive intellectual property theft, data leaks or reputational damage.

How to maximize referrals in your hiring strategy:

1. Nurture your professional network: Build genuine relationships by engaging with others and understanding their experiences. Benefit: Trusted connections lead to higher-quality referrals with built-in credibility.

2. Set clear hiring goals: Define the culture and skills you want in your team to ensure referral candidates align well. Benefit: Referrals come with insights into character and fit, backed by trusted networks.

3. Maintain regular, thoughtful communication: Connect consistently — not just when you need something. Benefit: Active relationships keep your network engaged and ready to support mutual referrals.

4. Leverage online platforms that facilitate referrals: Use tools designed to streamline referral-based hiring and expand your reach. Benefit: Discover more qualified candidates through trusted, structured referral channels.

Related: How to Lower the Risks to Your Brand Reputation (and Build an Image that Wins New Business)

A smarter, safer hiring strategy

In today’s high-risk business environment, hiring through referrals is more than a cultural advantage — it’s a vital security strategy. Building your team through trusted networks adds accountability and trust that anonymous hires simply can’t provide. This approach protects your company’s brand, reputation and long-term growth.

If you want to grow securely, safeguard your intellectual property, and minimize avoidable risks, centering your hiring strategy on trusted referrals isn’t just smart — it’s necessary.

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

Venus Williams, 45, hadn’t played professional tennis in a year and a half. But she played in the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. this week, and for a surprising reason.

“I had to come back for the insurance,” Williams said after winning the first round. (She lost in the second round on Thursday.)

Related: Serena Williams Launches a New Company That She’s Been Working on for 6 Years

“They informed me this year that I’m on COBRA, so it’s like, I got to get my benefits on,” Williams added.

The crowd laughed, but Williams appeared to be serious.

Venus Williams after becoming the oldest WTA match winner since 2004:

“I had to come back for the insurance, because they informed me this year that I’m on cobra. So it’s like, I got to get my benefits on” ????

pic.twitter.com/Npu7d6c5Wt

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 23, 2025

“I’m always at the doctor, so I need this insurance,” she said.

Williams has been open about her struggle with uterine fibroids, telling NBC News Now earlier this month that the condition has affected her for 30 years.

MarketWatch reports that Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) players are offered insurance plans that provide global coverage for the tour’s extensive travel requirements, but athletes need to meet certain requirements to qualify.

“Player members that are eligible for such access to health insurance must be inside the rankings of 500 in singles or 175 in doubles and have played a minimum of three WTA 250-level and above events, including Grand Slams, in the last year,” a WTA spokesperson told MarketWatch.

Related: Alexis Ohanian Says This Is His Best Investment So Far: $10,000 Turned Into More Than $17 Million

This means we could see Williams on the professional court again soon. It’s also raised many questions and comments, especially on Reddit, which was co-founded by Venus’s brother-in-law, Alexis Ohanian, about the price of health care in the U.S.

According to ESPN, Williams made more than $42 million playing professional tennis, during which she won 49 singles titles, including five Wimbledon and two U.S. Open Championships. Williams also won four Olympic gold medals.

^{Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.}

Your iPhone screen will look a lot different after Apple releases its new iOS 26 update this fall.

That’s why the tech giant is giving customers a preview of its new operating system, iOS 26, which will be the biggest change to the iPhone’s user interface design since 2013.

Related: Apple’s Next Big Launch Is Reportedly Foldable iPhones. Here’s When It Will Be Revealed.

The redesign, called “Liquid Glass,” changes the look of the iPhone, replacing the buttons and user experience with translucent designs and more animated features. The concept lets the user see under the buttons while using them.

Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar.

Introducing our new software design with Liquid Glass. pic.twitter.com/8hA0q2aCTf

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 9, 2025

But the update isn’t fully ready to go. Apple wants public feedback on the design changes and user experience before the update is fully released.

How to try Apple’s new iOS 26

The public beta version was made available for preview on Thursday.

To begin, iPhone users sign up for Apple’s beta program on the company’s website.

Then open your iPhone and go to the Settings menu. Select General and look for Software Updates. There should now be an option for Beta Updates below it.

Select iOS 26 Beta and download.

Related: Apple Is Finally Offering AppleCare Coverage for Multiple Devices on One Plan. Here’s How It Works.

The largest trial ever conducted of a four-day workweek found that the schedule had a positive and noticeable impact on employee well-being.

The global study was published on Monday in the journal Nature Human Behaviour and led by Boston College researchers Wen Fan and Juliet Schor. The researchers found that four-day workweeks, where employees work 32 hours a week instead of the traditional 40 hours with no reduction in pay, markedly improved employee health. Workers reported feeling happier, healthier, and higher-performing.

Related: This Country Just Implemented a 6-Day Workweek for Employees

For example, nearly 70% of employees reported less burnout, over 40% said their mental health improved, and 38% experienced better sleep.

“Beyond maintaining productivity, people just feel so much better,” Schor told CNBC about the study findings on Thursday. “They feel on top of their work and their life, and they’re not stressed out.”

The researchers followed 2,896 employees on a four-day workweek for six months, spanning 141 companies in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. A control group of 300 employees on a standard five-day workweek was used to compare.

Two weeks before the four-day workweek began, employees were asked questions like, “How would you rate your mental health?” and then they were asked again after six months on a four-day workweek schedule. The control group was asked the same questions in the same timeframe, but without starting a shorter workweek.

Fan, an associate professor of sociology at Boston College, was initially worried that worker well-being would “worsen” because employees would feel pressure to be more productive on a schedule with a reduced number of days. But the findings showed that worker stress levels fell. After six months, employees working four days a week instead of five reported an improved ability to complete their work and decreased fatigue. The control group, meanwhile, did not report any significant changes.

“The results indicate that income-preserving four-day workweeks are an effective organizational intervention for enhancing workers’ well-being,” the researchers wrote in the study.

Related: ‘Love It!’: A Town in Connecticut Is Experimenting with a 4-Day Workweek — and It Seems to Be Working

Companies are opting to stick to the four-day workweek once they try it. The researchers stated that over 90% of the companies in the experiment kept the four-day work week after the six-month trial period.

Schor wrote in The Wall Street Journal last month that on the employer side, organizations that piloted a four-day workweek found it noticeably improved their bottom line, with revenue increasing and resignations decreasing.

Related: Kevin O’Leary Thinks a Four-Day Workweek Is the ‘Stupidest Idea’ He’s Ever Heard

Over 245 global businesses and nonprofit organizations have trialed a four-day workweek over the past three years, reaching 8,700 employees around the world, Schor noted.

One major company that utilizes a four-day workweek is crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, which started its shortened workweek as a pilot program in 2021. Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor told investor Kevin O’Leary last year that employees are “very productive’ within the four-day week structure.

“I love the fact that the people at our company have [other] interests,” Taylor said.

^{Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.}

Gen Z is obsessed with eating more protein (at least on TikTok), and now brands from Pepsi to Starbucks are adding it to foods and changing packaging to cash in on the trend. Some are even adding a whole new product.

David Protein, which sells a line of popular high-protein snack bars (and claims it has more protein per calorie than any bar on the market), now sells something with even more protein — cod.

Related: Starbucks Is Looking to Remove Seed Oils From Some of Its Food Products

After hearing feedback from customers who were trying to avoid processed foods, David Protein CEO and co-founder Peter Rahal told the Wall Street Journal that the company was looking to do “something bold that sparks the conversation” while finding a new product.

Rahal, who previously founded Rxbar, which sold to Kellogg for $600 million, said they found it with cod. The 6-ounce frozen fillets have 23 grams of protein.

David Protein’s wild-caught Pacific cod is sourced from a sustainable fishing company, according to the company. It sells in a four-pack for $55 online and is marketed as having “slightly more protein per calorie than a David bar.” The fillets need to be boiled before consuming.

Keagan Tigges, chief of staff at David, told National Fisherman that the price “reflects direct, traceable sourcing and peak freshness.”

Related: Coca-Cola Is Releasing Coke Made with Cane Sugar. Here’s When It’s Expected in Stores.

“Most of our customers are in the continental U.S., where high-quality cod is harder to find and often more expensive and expensive to ship from Alaska,” Tigges said. “This is a premium, ultra-lean protein source for people serious about building muscle and reducing fat.”

How much protein you actually need depends on your weight and lifestyle factors, according to the Mayo Clinic.

On average, protein should account for 10% to 35% of your calories. If taking in 2,000 calories a day, it averages to around 200 to 700 calories from protein, or approximately 50 to 175 grams.

^{Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.}