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Zack Oates of Ovation on Building Business Connections through Digital Storytelling
Soliciting feedback from customers often seems like a daunting task. However, Zack Oates and his team at Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results.Zack Oates and the guest feedback platform Ovation have taken a radically different approach to hearing from customers, which stems…
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Running an Online Business Is Tough — But Doing These 4 Things Will Make It Easier
Becoming an ecommerce entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. The technological hurdles can be substantial. And there is ample competition within the space.The good news is that the technology has created opportunities, and the competition is there because there is substantial opportunity. Technology and the acclimation of society…
Why Steve Aoki is Backing Brain-Boosting Gum Brand
For the world's busiest DJ, staying energized is essential. That's why Grammy-nominated artist Steve Aoki partnered with Neuro, a functional gum and mints company founded in 2015 that helps boost energy, focus, calm and even sleep.For Aoki, Neuro has been a game-changer, offering a more natural alternative to endless shots…
Use This Blueprint to Turn Prospects Into Customers For Life
Contrary to what you see in pop culture, sales is all about building lasting relationships that create customers for life. Whether you're just starting out or have been running your small business for years, the road to success can often feel like navigating an uncharted path. But here's the good…
Being ‘Busy’ Isn’t Helping You Be Productive — 5 Tips to Become Truly Efficient at Work
Back in 2019, when I joined my brokerage firm, my managing broker shared with me the philosophy of being productive, not busy. I thought that was amazing advice, and it has stuck with me.Whenever anyone asks me if I am busy, I say, "No! I am productive."Being 'productive' has a…
‘We Live the Brand’: Why Mark Wahlberg and Harry Arnett Built a Company That Embodies Relentless Ambition
Municipal CEO Harry Arnett met his future co-founder in a setting familiar to many business leaders: the golf course. They bonded quickly over shared experiences — raising kids, navigating careers — and from that connection, a friendship grew. At first glance, it sounds like a typical entrepreneurial origin story.But in…
Taylor Swift and Amazon’s ‘Antifragile’ Secret to Business Success
If you've had internet access since 2005, you're familiar with Taylor Swift.Image Credit: Gilbert Flores | Getty Images The superstar musician is the most-streamed artist in the world. She is the first to win album of the year at the Grammy Awards four times. Her Eras Tour generated more than…
Mom’s Creative Side Hustle Grew to $570,000 a Month: Penny Linn
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Krista LeRay, the 34-year-old founder of needlepoint store Penny Linn. She lives with her husband and two children in Westport, Connecticut. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.Image Credit: Courtesy of Penny Linn. Krista LeRay. Want to read more stories like this? Subscribe…
This Leadership Practice Keeps Teams Moving Amid Uncertainty
When uncertainty rises, many leaders do the reasonable thing. They become more careful. They slow spending. They pause plans. They wait for clearer signals before committing to big moves.At first, it makes sense. The conditions are unclear. The pressure is real. No one wants to overcommit when the stakes are…
Your Startup Seems On Track — But An Invisible Growth Blocker Says Otherwise
As a founder, your focus is growth — more users, more features, more market share. But sometimes the biggest thing standing in your way isn't your business model, marketing or funding. It's your tech team.Not because they're doing something wrong — but because they've taken you as far as they…
How She Started a Business That Did $250k Revenue in Year 1
Marilynn Joyner was one of 18 women out of more than 250 employees at a New York City commercial real estate brokerage firm, where she worked for over 12 years. Although she learned the value of relationship-building and helped navigate high-stakes deals and negotiations, she found it a challenging professional…
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Creative Ways Startups Can Earn Funding in Tough Economic Times
In a declining economy, startups face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding.…
I Asked AI to Create a Plan for a Fake Company — The Results Blew Me Away, But Not in the Way You Might Think
With all of the recent news about artificial intelligence (AI), it got me thinking about…
Ideas To Transform You From Good To Better To Best
A while back, I took a couple of my grandchildren on a tour of the…
5 Crucial Challenges Startups Must Overcome
Startups face numerous challenges on their journey to success, and failing to overcome any one…