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Earlier this year, I attended a national marketing conference, where a bevy of speakers discussed methods for more effectively connecting, engaging and communicating with customers. While all of their presentations were informative, there was a singular, consistent theme throughout — it was all about us.

“Us” as companies, “us” as marketers, “us” as employees, with the challenge of satisfying the needs of our organization.

The true needs and perspectives of the customer weren’t part of the conversation. Never discussed were how to better address customers’ goals, identify unmet customer needs, or create added value for the customer. Rather, promotion and awareness building were the be-all and end-all.

Related: Tweak Your Company’s Mission Statement to Inspire Sustainability

Entrepreneurs actually value flexibility more than the potential to generate revenue. That naturally includes where they work, which for some people is anywhere they can drive their car. Now, you can easily transform your vehicle into a comfortable mobile living space with the CARSULE Pop-Up Cabin for Your Car. It’s available for $299.97, down from its usual $379 retail price, through May 31 for our Memorial Day promotion.

If your vehicle has a swinging tailgate, you need the Kickstarter-funded CARSULE. It’s not only for sleeping; it’s been uniquely designed to provide a comfy space for a wide variety of indoor uses. Whether you’re working, tailgating, or camping, expanding your vehicle’s internal size can extend its usefulness.

The standing height is a comfortable 6.5 feet. There is also integrated mosquito netting, two-layer multipurpose screen windows, and a UV protective coating to help keep you safe from the sun while parked in wide open spaces such as beaches or deserts. The flooring is robustly waterproof and complemented by a thick felt carpet.

The CARSULE’s magnet cord and adaptable seal are designed to attach to a wide range of vehicle models, and its space can be configured in a number of ways to suit your individual preferences. The diagonal ceiling tension lines not only prevent the structure’s deformation, but they also make it possible for you to hang accessories conveniently.

The pop-up assembly is simple, with easily connected frame joints and lightweight assembly rods. Along with the CARSULE, you’ll get ceiling tension ropes, guy ropes, screw-in pegs, and magnet cords.

Get the CARSULE Pop-Up Cabin for Your Car at the best-on-web price of $299.97, which is down from the regular $379 retail price, during our Memorial Day promotion through May 31, no coupon required.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

T-Mobile has agreed to a blockbuster deal to purchase the majority of USCellular in an estimated $4.4 billion acquisition.

As part of the agreement, T-Mobile will pay cash and up to $2 billion of USCellular’s debt, depending on the agreement reached between T-Mobile and US Cellular’s debt holders upon closing.

Related: ‘T-Mobile Beat Out an Aggressive Last-Minute Bid From My Mom:’ Ryan Reynolds Makes Jokes After T-Mobile Buys His Mint Mobile Brand For $1.35 Billion

The new deal will give UScellular customers access to T-Mobile’s 5G technology, pre-existing plans, and customer service operations. Areas previously uncovered by USCellular will also now be accessible to existing customers through T-Mobile.

T-Mobile said that the merger will drive competition among other rival companies.

“With this deal, T-Mobile can extend the superior Un-carrier value and experiences that we’re famous for to millions of UScellular customers and deliver them lower-priced, value-packed plans and better connectivity on our best-in-class nationwide 5G network,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, in a company release. “As customers from both companies will get more coverage and more capacity from our combined footprint, our competitors will be forced to keep up – and even more consumers will benefit.”

USCellular said in a separate release that the new agreement will hand over all of its wireless operations to T-Mobile, including those in “underserved” and “rural” areas who previously had little connectivity.

“The decisions we announced today are in the best interests of our customers and our shareholders,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular. “We are committed to serving the needs of our customers and supporting our associates as we work to complete the transaction.”

T-Mobile’s acquisition of USCellular was unanimously recommended by the independent directors of USCellular and unanimously voted for approval by USCellular’s Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of TDS, which owns 83% of USCellular’s shares.

Related: Leaked United Airlines Memo To Flight Staff: No Cell Phones

T-Mobile had a strong Q1 2024, reporting a net income of $2.4 billion, a 22% increase from the same period last year. The wireless company also saw a 4% year-over-year increase in service revenue, an estimated $16.1 billion.

“Our model is working. It’s consistent. And our confidence in it only builds with each passing quarter of success,” Sievert said in an earnings call at the time. “We remain focused on continuing to take share in wireless and broadband while delivering industry-leading growth in service revenue, profitability and cash flows.”

USCellular was up over 12% in a 24-hour period upon the news of the acquisition as of late Tuesday afternoon.

Sometimes, it’s not just about finding a job that pays well, it’s all about location.

A new report from Career.io shows that compensation for the same job can vary from state to state, so where a job is located can really matter, especially if you’re trying to maximize your earnings.

The report matches pay to location by figuring out which jobs yield the highest average salary in each state compared to the national average.

The result is a map of the jobs with the highest earning potential specific to every U.S. state.

^{Credit: Career.io}

The map shows the professions in each state with the highest differences between the average statewide salary and the national average pay.

Related: These Jobs Have the Highest Entry-Level Salaries

Every state has a minimum of one job that pays at least 25% more than the national average.

In midwestern states, such as Minnesota and Indiana, medical professionals make more than they would in other parts of the country.

Physicians take home 38.63% more pay in Indiana, and dermatologists make 56.98% more in Minnesota than either profession makes on average in the U.S.

Related: College Graduates Make the Most Money in These U.S. States

Three states have jobs in business and finance that pay more than 50% more than the national average.

Alaska pays personal financial advisors 66.69% more, Nebraska pays credit counselors 59.46% more, and New York pays credit analysts 50.98% more than the U.S. average overall for those occupations.

^{Credit: Career.io}

Here are the highest-paying jobs in some of the most populated U.S. states and how much more (%) each job pays than the national average.

1. California

Craft artists: 89.06%

2. Florida

Quarry rock splitters: 42.40%

3. New York

Crane and tower operators: 109.03%

4. Pennsylvania

Iron and rebar workers: 65.30%

5. Illinois

Hoist and winch operators: 71.79%

6. Ohio

Mathematical science occupations: 40.46%

7. Georgia

Cloak room attendants: 52.49%

8. North Carolina

Healthcare practitioners and all other technical workers: 34.49%

9. Michigan

Plant and system operators: 63.48%

10. New Jersey

Floor layers: 90.03%

Click here for the full list.

In order to avoid looking “cheugy” to Gen Z, older managers (Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers) are constantly trying to stay ahead of workplace trends. However, in doing so, sometimes leaders can miss the mark — which seems to be exactly what happened at the Canva Create conference on May 23.

Related: Cringe-Worthy Video of an Employee Forgetting to Mute Herself on Conference Call Has the Internet Crying: ‘I Would Just Quit and Move to Another State’

Attendees were able to score a spot at the event for $175. The conference was also live-streamed globally.

“Whether you’re a professional, nonprofit, educator, or creator, it’s shaping up to be a world-class creative festival with the unique opportunity to learn from and network with like-minded innovators,” the company said.

But in a now-viral clip, a musical performance with a rapper and six backup dancers is being panned for being “cringe.”

Though the entire performance feels like an Off-Broadway parody of Hamilton, thanks to the cadence and conversation in the lyrics, the reviews were not what producers would want to see.

Just canceled my Canva subscription pic.twitter.com/4H0dLKFdMa

— Chris Bakke (@ChrisJBakke) May 26, 2024

Imagine spending your entire childhood waking up early, traveling, competing, developing eating disorders, all just to get into Juilliard to become a professional dancer, and then you end up being a backup dancer at the Canva corporate employee summit’s tech rap battle number https://t.co/klmJNoAsl4

— Anne ??? (@GovernorAnne) May 26, 2024

Yes this is peak cringe.. but screw it, I hope Canva just keeps pumping out these musical numbers. Lean into the cringe, make it their brand. Get us talking about just how bad it will be so we anticipate the next conference.
pic.twitter.com/4nvm3UYXLV

— Brad Colbow (@bradcolbow) May 27, 2024

just wanted to take a moment to apologize and take back everything nice i’ve ever said about canva. pic.twitter.com/aJVa9ROHaQ

— Aleks (@aleksliving) May 26, 2024

Related: Turning Points: Melanie Perkins, Co-Founder And CEO, Canva

Canva is not the first company to get pushback for “cringe” at a company event this month. Earlier in May, at Google’s I/O Event, a musician was also mocked for his performance.

Canva did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur’s request for comment.

The popular Sei Less restaurant proves that “white glove” service is possible at scale.

Dara Mirjahangiry is hospitality veteran and owner/managing partner of the New York City Asian Fusion hotspot Sei Less. The restaurant became a reality after a chance conversation between Mirjahangiry and then-Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant. “He (Durant) was like, you know, we need a clubhouse in New York. After the game, somewhere where I can go and feel like it’s almost like a membership club for the culture,” Dara Mirjahangiry recounted to Restaurant Influencers host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.

Those words fired Mirjahangiry up. Sei Less was opened soon after in New York City in January 2022 and it has been a staple in the New York fine dining scene ever since.

Social Media Storytelling

Before the digital revolution of the 2000s, Mirjahangiry relied on the person-to-person networking that was available before social media. And when social media technology came about, he learned it was a powerful way to enhance interactions and build brands. He tapped into that knowledge to build his own brand after successfully doing so for other restaurants.

Rleated: How Do You Start a Successful Restaurant? Obsess Over the Tiniest Details, Says This Entrepreneurial Chef.

“I built my following, built a brand for myself. And that’s really what networking is,” says Mirjahangiry. “It’s just being able to connect the dots.”

Those connections became the foundation for Sei Less’ customer base, which has grown to include some of the most notable names in sports, entertainment, and music, including Cardi B and 50 Cent.

Dara Mirjahangiry’s commitment to hospitality excellence extends to crafting white-glove experiences for his diverse patrons. “It starts with the food,” he explains. “Giving them an outlet where we have private dining rooms, and somewhere that they could come feel comfortable.”

Beyond dining

As the business grows and more work is conducted within the walls of Sei Less, Mirjahangiry has recognized the potential of having an all-encompassing space. Specifically, he wants to create an avenue for media endeavors.

He and his partners are spearheading ventures into the podcasting realm and aim to create a curated hub for content enthusiasts, providing a platform for diverse voices and topics. “I do see the opportunity, in terms of the entrepreneur in me and the business side of things, of really curating the podcast,” says Mirjahangiry.

Related: This Chef Fled a War-Torn Country as a Child. Now She’s Helping Other Refugees Rebuild Their Lives.

“We have some media partners, some technology partners, that obviously see the value in what we do. We have the ability to drive traffic to some podcasts.”

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for innovation, Dara Mirjahangiry is helping fuse the landscape of hospitality and media. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his ability to forge meaningful connections, sets him apart as a trailblazer in the industry.

“I think the beauty of what we do at Sei Less is really bringing people together from different walks of life that have common interests.”

About Restaurant Influencers

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.

Restaurant Influencers is also supported by Ovation. Learn how Ovation’s Guest Feedback Platform actually drives revenue with actionable insights here.

While part of being emotionally intelligent involves knowing what to say at the right time, it also involves knowing when it’s best to hold your tongue. Just as silence speaks volumes, what you don’t say can convey respect, understanding, and restraint. Sometimes, withholding words can prevent misunderstandings, preserve relationships, and demonstrate empathy of others’ feelings.

Everyone stumbles from time to time. However, emotionally intelligent people tend to avoid certain phrases that can negatively impact their relationships. Here are 20 phrases emotionally intelligent people avoid saying — and things to say instead that will help you foster good relationships.

Related: 6 Game-Changing Skills, From Leaders Who Underestimated Them

Starting a small business is no easy feat. It takes dedication, passion and, above all, an entrepreneurial spirit. That entrepreneurial spirit is often what drives small business owners to build something from the ground up. However, once the business is off the ground, it can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day operations and forget the spark that led to small business ownership in the first place.

It may not seem like managing a small business requires the same entrepreneurial drive as starting one, but that would be a faulty assumption. Kindling your entrepreneurial mindset is key to driving your business forward, pushing through challenges and establishing success long after starting it.

Related: 4 Ways for Small Businesses to Increase Revenue in 2024

Here are three ways you can keep your entrepreneurial spirit alive in your small business.

1. Take a chance on something new

A trait common in successful entrepreneurs is the desire to conquer new challenges and overcome obstacles. Sometimes, keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive in a small business can be as simple as flexing that muscle and taking on a new challenge in your business. Consider ways you can improve your existing business. One option could be to launch a new product or service.

For some businesses, the challenge of launching a new product or service would not only reignite the entrepreneurial spark but also drive business growth. Another challenge some small business owners may lick their chops at is opening a new location. This can be a particularly appealing option for franchise owners, as franchising is a great industry for opening multiple units.

It’s also important to remember that taking on a new challenge doesn’t necessarily need to be as large an undertaking as a new go-to-market strategy. There are plenty of smaller undertakings that can reignite an entrepreneurial drive. For example, you could offer a new discount, start a loyalty program or invest in a community service initiative. By taking on a new challenge, you will renew the passion that led you to business ownership in the first place and continue to push your business forward.

Related: 3 Ways Gratitude Can Set You Up for Business Success

2. Prioritize purpose over profit

While successful entrepreneurs can be driven by the desire to succeed financially, they are often also driven by passion. One way to reignite this passion in small business ownership is to direct it into a renewed purpose. By prioritizing your business actions around a purpose, you will drive your entrepreneurial spirit forward and often create business success in the process. In fact, according to an Accenture study, 63% of surveyed global consumers prefer to buy products and services from companies that share their values and beliefs and avoid companies that don’t.

But what does it mean to prioritize purpose in a business sense? A purpose-driven company will put its people and its mission before its profit goals. This doesn’t mean you need to throw accounting to the wind, but instead, lead your goal setting with a mission in mind rather than staying in the black. By piloting your business with purpose as the compass, it will be easier to find passion in your daily activities. This often extends to employees as well. According to Deloitte research, only one in every five employees would stay at a profit-driven organization for more than five years.

To keep the entrepreneurial spark alive in your business, find a purpose that matters to you. At The UPS Store, we are passionate about entrepreneurship, so we find ways to support first-time business owners. This can be seen in our recent addition to our Diversity Ownership Program, where first-generation business owners can now qualify for a significantly discounted franchise initiation fee.

3. Network with people you admire

For small business owners, networking is an important component of success and a key way to keep the entrepreneurial engine running. Growing a solid network of people who share your background can give you opportunities for support and help you build new business strategies for your operation. Above all, networking with other entrepreneurs can reinvigorate your passion for your business. After all, passion can be infectious.

From LinkedIn to local Chamber of Commerce events to industry-specific networking events, do some research to find opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs. Look to build your network with businesspeople and entrepreneurs who you admire, as this will help you better yourself. There are also plenty of outside-the-box opportunities you can find to build your network. Finding a network of people you admire in business will create a support system to help you through challenges; it will also surround you with other individuals who share your passion for entrepreneurship.

They say that content is king — but not all digital content is created equal. While most digital content can help increase awareness for your brand, the most valuable content is designed to draw in warm prospects who are ready to make a purchase from you.

Of course, even the best content isn’t likely to result in a purchase on the first exposure. The marketing rule of seven indicates that consumers must be exposed to your messaging at least seven times on average before they decide to make a purchase. While this may often be the case, strong digital content will go a long way in lowering this total.

Related: 5 Digital Content Types Prospective Buyers Love to Engage With Online

1. Email campaigns

Email marketing remains one of the most effective methods for communicating with warm leads and staying in touch with existing customers to ensure they will buy from you again. Not only are emails far more likely to be read than other types of content, but their average return on investment towers over other options.

According to the HubSpot Blog, most marketers see an average open rate of 46-50% and a clickthrough rate of 2.6-3% — numbers that far outpace the engagement levels of social media and other popular forms of content.

Even if they are mostly comprised of previous customers, email lists are an essential marketing tool because they are made up of people who agreed to receive additional messaging from you. This fact alone already makes them far more qualified leads than someone who randomly stumbles across your blog.

2. Personal engagement on social media

While the overall engagement and reach of many social media platforms have declined, there is still much to be said for the potential these platforms offer for fostering one-on-one engagements with your warmest leads.

When marketers comment strategically on other people’s posts, actively participate in relevant groups and conversations, and respond to the comments and messages they receive, it helps create a meaningful dialogue with their target audience.

By pairing this personalized engagement with relevant, authoritative content (including videos, polls and more), you can leverage social media to nurture warm leads.

3. Cost calculators

Most companies have at least some kind of on-site content marketing strategy, which usually revolves around blogging. A blog can be undeniably beneficial for building SEO and domain authority, but depending on the type of content you create, it isn’t always going to create warm leads.

However, if your website content focuses on the customers who are ready to buy now, you can greatly increase your own sales potential — and one of the best ways to do this is with a cost calculator.

From calculating the cost of shipping a car across the country to determining how much it would cost to build your own website, these tools are inherently targeted at warm leads who are ready to make a buying decision. In this case, providing useful budgeting and planning information directly influences the user’s purchasing decision, providing a powerful way of reaching warm leads.

Related: 4 Steps to Writing Content That Converts

4. Webinars

Webinars have become an increasingly popular digital content option, and for good reason. When webinars are promoted to the right audience, they can become far more engaging and attractive to warm leads than a blog post covering the same topic would be.

The simple fact of displaying content in an audiovisual format helps make the webinar feel like an event in its own right. With an engaging topic and professional presenters, you can build a large audience. And when the topic of the webinar itself ties into your offerings, you can create a natural segue into how you can help viewers solve their most pressing problems.

Webinars can be even more effective when paired with other content, such as an e-book or follow-up video lessons. When done right, webinars can be an excellent resource for collecting email addresses and other information from warm leads who are most likely to be interested in your services.

5. Software demos

Admittedly, this digital content option doesn’t apply to every industry. However, there is a wide range of companies that offer software services, addressing everything from tracking logistics and customer relationships to managing the back end of a website.

A software demo gives warm leads the opportunity to try the service before they commit to a purchase. Firsthand interaction and experience with the software is ultimately far more convincing than a series of sales calls could ever be, as this helps buyers clearly determine whether or not a particular product works for them.

It should be no surprise, then, that opt-out free trials see an incredible 48.8% conversion rate. It’s worth noting, too, that companies that don’t sell software can use similar “trial” options, such as a two-week trial for their services. Trials and demos appeal to the warmest buyers, who often use them to finalize their purchase decision.

Related: 5 Steps for Creating a Content Marketing Strategy That Drives Business Results

While regularly updating a blog or social media profile can be useful as part of your content marketing strategy, it is essential that brands in every niche focus on the types of content that are poised to deliver the greatest return.

By focusing on the types of content that are most likely to capture warm prospects in the first place, you can turn more leads into sales and maximize the success of your content strategy.

In today’s fast-paced world, where success is often measured solely by professional achievements, it is easy to neglect our health and personal well-being. However, entrepreneur Carlos Reyes reminds us that true success lies in balancing health, business, and family.

Reyes candidly admits that he once neglected his own health, focusing solely on his business endeavors. However, he soon realized that this was detrimental not only to his physical well-being but also to his overall success. By making conscious changes to his diet and lifestyle, Reyes experienced a remarkable transformation, both personally and professionally.

Related: Here’s How to Write Your Own Formula for Success

One of the key takeaways from Reyes’ journey is the importance of overcoming fears and pushing through challenges. He shares how he initially had reservations about entering the real estate industry, but he chose to face his fears head-on. Through perseverance and determination, Reyes not only achieved success in real estate but also expanded into various other industries.

Related: Try This Breathwork Technique to Unlock New Ways of Problem-Solving

Carlos Reyes’ journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the interconnected nature of self-improvement, business success, and family life. By prioritizing his health, overcoming fears, and maintaining high standards, Reyes has achieved holistic success in all areas of his life. His story inspires us to reevaluate our own priorities and strive for a balanced approach to success. Let us remember that true success lies not only in professional achievements but also in nurturing our well-being and fostering meaningful relationships with our loved ones.

About The Jeff Fenster Show

Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

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