Latest news with #Tonia
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!)
Discover savvy strategies for an efficient, enjoyable summer travel experience, whether for business or pleasure. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Business travel during summer doesn't have to mean stretching your budget to the breaking point. Over the years, I've learned that with a bit of strategy, you can cut costs and add a touch of enjoyment to those work-related getaways. Whether you're sealing deals or prepping presentations, these tips will help you save smart while enjoying a little extra along the way. Here are eight practical ways to make the most of your summer business travel. 1. Score big on hotels with members-only platforms Hotel costs tend to eat up a large part of any travel budget, especially during summer. That's why I created Tonia in Vegas. You can save hundreds on top hotel bookings without compromising on comfort or location. From luxury stays in Las Vegas (and anywhere else in the world) to budget-friendly accommodations near business hubs, members-only discount clubs offer the best of both worlds. Plus, they throw in perks like discounts on dining, entertainment and even experiences to make your business trips more enjoyable. Related: 8 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Next Business Trip 2. Book flights early (and stay flexible) Flight prices often soar in summer, so early booking is a must. Aim to secure tickets at least 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. Being flexible with your travel dates can also save you big bucks. Did you know that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly? Midweek flights are often less crowded, too. If you're not picky about departure times, consider red-eye or early morning flights, which tend to be cheaper. And even if you're tempted by business class, economy seating can save you a pretty penny. 3. Make the most of credit card rewards Your business expenses should be earning you something in return. Travel-focused credit cards come with perks like free travel insurance, airport lounge access and points on your purchases. Rack up these points while you book your flights, hotel stays or meals and you might find yourself redeeming a free flight or hotel sooner than you think. If your company is footing the bill, make sure you're still using your rewards card for those bookings. Just remember to review your usage policy or reimbursement procedures to stay compliant. 4. Pack light to avoid fees Nothing stings like a surprise baggage fee at the airport check-in counter. Avoid extra costs by sticking to just a carry-on for your trip. Choose versatile clothing that works for both professional and casual settings, like a light blazer that can transition from client meetings to dinner outings. If you're headed somewhere sunny, pack lighter fabrics and neutral basics you can mix and match. Don't forget to check the airline's baggage policy beforehand to avoid unexpected fees. Pro tip: Rolling your clothes instead of folding saves space in your suitcase. Packing organizers can also help keep everything compact and accessible. Related: Ease Your Summer Business Travel in 5 Steps 5. Combine work and play Traveling for work doesn't mean it has to feel monotonous. Blend work with leisure to make your trips more enjoyable. For instance, if you're heading to Las Vegas, use discount platforms to snag discounts on theme parks, live shows and fine dining. Scheduling a personal day at the end of your business trip can help you relax, recharge, and experience the destination more fully. Example: Traveling to a city with cultural sites? Visit museums, local attractions or nature parks during your downtime to get the most out of your trip. Not only will these experiences make your trip feel more balanced, but they'll also boost your energy when it's time to get back to work. 6. Skip pricey restaurants Dining out is often one of the sneakiest ways to drain your travel budget. Avoid high-end restaurants for every meal by finding affordable local gems instead. Try to uncover hidden spots offering great food at reasonable prices. If your hotel includes a kitchenette or even just a mini-fridge, consider grabbing groceries or pre-made meals to save even more. Breakfast, in particular, can be simplified with store-bought yogurt, granola bars, or fresh fruit. Budget bonus: Some hotels offer free breakfast, coffee or evening snacks. Take full advantage of these perks! 7. Choose hotels close to attractions Location matters. Staying near conference venues or your other main destinations can help you save on transportation costs like rental cars or rideshares. Look for accommodations within walking distance of key attractions, restaurants or meeting sites. Not only will this help your budget, but it can also reduce overall travel stress. No one enjoys being stuck in traffic trying to make it to a critical client pitch. If you have extra time, don't forget to have some fun and check out some local attractions. Pro tip: Many central hotels offer special business traveler rates or shuttle services to airports or conference centers. 8. Stay connected with Wi-Fi and free tools Roaming and data costs add up quickly when traveling, especially internationally. Avoid costly cellular bills by making use of free Wi-Fi spots in cafes, hotels and co-working spaces. If your business regularly requires calling or video conferencing, use free tools like Zoom, Slack or WhatsApp to stay connected. Pro tip: Invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot if you often find yourself needing reliable connectivity on the go. Related: I Sold My House to Work Remotely on a Cruise Ship for 3 Years — and I May Stay Aboard Even Longer. Here's What My Life Will Look Like. Final sip of advice Smart saving during summer business travel is all about planning and flexibility. From accessing exclusive hotel rates to using credit card perks and packing light, small changes to your travel routine can make a big difference to your budget. Buy blending work and play, staying mindful of expenses and keeping an eye on perks, you'll not only save money but also make the most of every trip. Safe summer travels and happy saving!
Entrepreneur
30-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
6 Reasons Every Business Needs to Start a YouTube Channel Today
By creating engaging video content, you can showcase the human side of your brand, share your expertise and provide stellar customer service in a way that written content simply can't replicate. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Okay, I get it. The idea of creating videos for your business can feel intimidating, maybe even overwhelming or just plain "not my thing." But trust me on this one — not only do you need to be on YouTube, but it's also one of the smartest decisions you'll make for growing your business. YouTube isn't just a platform; it's a marketing powerhouse that helps you connect with customers, build trust and drive sales in a way nothing else can. Today, I'm walking you through six reasons why getting on YouTube is a total game-changer for your business. From building authentic connections to boosting your SEO game, this list has something for everyone. And don't worry, we'll have some fun along the way. By the end of this, you'll be ready to hit record and start growing your business like never before. Related: I Made $389,822 In One Year On YouTube. Here's How I Did It 1. Your business becomes more than a name People want to do business with, well, people. YouTube gives your audience the opportunity to see the human side of your brand. Whether it's behind-the-scenes videos, team introductions or your workspace, these videos bring your brand to life. When I created Tonia in Vegas, I only used YouTube to launch my brand, and I grew to over 500 members in under one year. Here's another example. Take, for instance, the booming world of TCGs (that's trading card games, for those who have never been to one of these unbelievably busy conventions). Pokémon is a TCG and is not just a card game; it's an empire. And newer TCG games like TMeck are catching eyes, too. Entrepreneurs in this space are riding the waves of the industry's massive popularity by using YouTube as their primary marketing tool. Card shows with lines of excited collectors are everywhere, but the smart sellers know the power of video. Streaming a live box break, showing the process of grading rare cards or even posting an unboxing video is so much more engaging than just listing products for sale. The connection formed makes viewers feel like insiders to your world. And here's a great example from a real entrepreneur who is growing immensely online. Dylan from The Bulba Store has grown to over 100k subscribers in less than 18 months. YouTube has been a total game-changer for his business. With the success of his channel, he has been able to connect with collectors all over the world who are just as passionate about Pokémon cards as he is. Sharing videos of real deals, market trends and the day-to-day grind of running the business has built a level of trust and transparency that you just can't achieve through a website alone. People don't just want to buy cards — they want to buy from someone they feel connected to. YouTube gave him that platform and it's played a huge role in growing thebulbastore into what it is today. 2. Showcase your expertise When it comes to positioning yourself as an authority in your industry, YouTube is a stage like no other. Whether you're a fitness coach, a tech enthusiast or a TCG entrepreneur, video allows you to educate your audience and prove why you're the go-to expert. Would you rather scroll through paragraphs about someone's expertise, or actually see them in action? If you're a fitness trainer, guide your audience through a killer workout. If you're a real estate agent, give a virtual walkthrough of your properties. And if you sell TCGs, flex your expertise with tutorials on deck-building strategies or even discussions on current market trends. The possibilities are endless. 3. Shine bright in customer service You can talk about great customer service all day, but showing it makes all the difference. YouTube is an awesome place to answer FAQs, demo products or even showcase how you handle orders. And yes, that content doubles as amazing marketing. Imagine a customer debating between two businesses. One has an engaging YouTube channel filled with helpful tips and tutorials, while the other has crickets. Guess where that customer is headed? Exactly. Be the business that stands out and shines. Related: 9 Ways Brands Can Explode Their Sales With YouTube 4. Connect authentically with your audience Here's the deal: YouTube videos feel real. Unlike slick ad campaigns or polished brochures, they show the relatable, human side of your business. And guess what? People crave that authenticity. Your audience doesn't care if your video quality is on par with a Hollywood production. They care about you. Be yourself, stumbles and all. Take time to interact in the comments and build relationships with your viewers. That authenticity builds trust, and trust is priceless in business. 5. Boost your SEO and website traffic This one's a little technical, but super important. YouTube is owned by Google (a.k.a. the king of search engines), and videos often show up on the first page of search results. A well-optimized YouTube video is basically a direct ticket to driving traffic to your website. Say you own a bakery in Newport Beach, and you upload a video called "5 Must-Try Desserts at [Your Bakery Name]." The next time someone Googles "best desserts in Newport Beach," there's your video, sitting pretty on the results page. Simple but powerful, right? 6. It's fun Yes, YouTube is a fantastic tool for growing your business, but it's also a blast! Once you shake off those first-time-on-camera jitters, you'll discover how fun it is to create content that resonates with your audience. Experiment with creative ideas, show off your personality and connect in the comments. The more you practice, the better your videos (and confidence) will get. Before you know it, you might even look forward to hitting "record" each week. Related: 8 Ways I Grew My Company's YouTube From Inactive to 1 Million Subscribers — and Counting Final thoughts Your audience is out there, ready to click "play." All you need to do is show up and share your story. Don't overthink it; hit record and have fun. You've got this, and who knows? Your next video could be the one that takes your business to the next level.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
"I Didn't Realize This Wasn't Normal Until I Was A Teenager": 18 Wild "House Rules" People Followed Growing Up That They Never Realized Were Reallyyyy Strange
Everyone probably grew up with rules they had to follow within their family, but some were a little... weirder than others. Recently, we posted about these unusual house rules people never questioned as kids, but sure as hell do now. Surprisingly, quite a few commenters had similar bizarre restrictions growing up. Here's what they shared. 1."I was only allowed to eat those 100-calorie packs for snacks, and my mom would get mad when I had more than one pack. She stressed 'everything in moderation' but had a strict no junk food rule at home. I found this weird compared to friends and classmates, who were allowed to eat packs of Oreos and ice cream with meals all the time." —scrocker170 2."We had to announce to my mother that we were going to the bathroom to make a bowel movement." —psychiclion30 3."If I were sick on a Friday, I wouldn't be allowed to go anywhere all weekend. My sisters were prone to skipping school, so my parents devised this to keep us from lying about being sick." —caitline7 4."We could not leave the table until an adult excused us. Also, we were not excused unless all our food was gone, and we were forced to eat everything on our plate whether we liked it or not. I hated yams but was forced to eat them every Thanksgiving. I vowed I would never force my kids to eat something they did not like." —blueskull83 5."Not my family, but a friend's. I ate dinner there two or three times. There was absolutely no speaking during dinner. I remember how completely uncomfortable it was, sitting there listening to nothing but people chewing food. In my family, no one was allowed to watch TV after dinner on school nights. The thinking was you should be studying, although I'd just go to my room and play with toys or whatever. I remember everybody talking about last night's episode of Batman or some show. I was an adult before I even saw some of these shows in reruns." —google_104165373993725326715 6."My friend's mom made all of the kids shower after they pooped. If it was too late in the day, they were not allowed to go back outside and play. Needless to say, if they were having fun, they just pooped their pants and went on playing. Their mom also did not allow them to sleep in their own beds. They slept in sleeping bags in the basement." —Tonia, Ohio 7."No bathing during a thunderstorm or talking on the phone in a storm, either." —kimd46402339d 8."I come from a large family; I have 10 siblings. We were never allowed to refuse any food or have seconds. My mother put the food on each of our plates, starting with my dad. Then, each child was served, going from oldest to youngest. My mother took what was left. Plates were to be cleared of all food. When asking to be excused, we were required to thank my father for providing it and my mother for cooking it. I didn't realize this wasn't normal until I was a teenager, having dinner at a friend's house. It freaked me out when I saw her family serving themselves." —Anonymous 9."My mother raised me to believe that using two toothbrushes (one for the teeth and the other for the tongue) was the norm. When I was dating someone in college, we went to brush our teeth, and I busted out my two toothbrushes like it was the most normal thing in the world and asked him where his second toothbrush was. His look and laughter made me realize this was not normal. I've never let my mom live it down." —Kay, 45, California 10."I wasn't allowed to eat anything besides Jell-O or pudding if nobody else was home. To be fair, my mom was afraid of me choking. Also, the limit of Fig Newtons was two." —cosmonautpuglifeo 11."In order to reduce the family water bill, my friend's dad wouldn't let anyone flush the toilet all day, regardless of what was in it. The last person to go to bed at night got to finally flush the toilet. Imagine what a family of four accumulated in that toilet every day!" —Anonymous 12."Whenever we were home sick from school, we weren't allowed to do anything but lay in bed that day. My mom's thinking was that if you were too sick to go to school, then you were too sick to play, too sick to watch TV, or too sick to read. I got really good at sneaking things and telling myself stories to keep me occupied if I was sick at home." —happyhero16 13."My dad would stand outside the bathroom and yell, 'Two squares!' because we were only supposed to use two squares of toilet paper. When we showered, we had to turn off the water while we soaped and shampooed, and then we could turn it back on to rinse off." —hiddendaredevil954 14."We had a 'don't feed other kids' rule. I kinda understood it since my mom wanted the dinner to be family time and didn't want any random kids hovering around dinner time. When we had dinner, friends had to leave. I think this was because my mom knew we'd rush through dinner if someone were at our place waiting for us to play. I was also taught to come home if someone else had their dinner." —whale_tail 15."Not my family, but a friend's. Her family was super ultra ridiculously Christian, and they prayed before everything, and I mean everything. Sure, they would pray before dinner and bed, which is normal for some families, but there was so much more. Getting in a car, they'd all gather together and hold hands as they prayed, 'Lord God, protect this vehicle as we travel surrounded our vehicle with your angels. In Jesus name, we pray.' When kids would play outside: 'Jesus, let these children feel your love and glory. Protect them as they play.'" "Almost every single little thing they did involved praying first. They also had a satellite dish in the yard and some sort of Christian TV subscription. They only had Christian TV channels. As a kid, it creeped me out, and I did not spend the night again." —ImAshes 16."I had a reverse curfew: I wasn't allowed to come home on Friday nights BEFORE 11 p.m. There were times when I had to sit on my front porch and wait because my friends dropped me off at, like, 10:30. When I got older, my mom told me it was because she wouldn't have sex with my dad unless my sister and I weren't home." —minisedan326 17."Growing up on a ranch with nine brothers in West Texas was very difficult. One of the things my family insisted on was that we all share the same bathwater. After one person took a bath then, the next person used the same bath water, and so on. With several generations living under the same roof, I had absolutely filthy and cold water by the time my turn came. I have no idea where this came from. We had our own wells, and water was plentiful and free to us. I still can't make myself take a bath and have to take very hot showers every day because of my fear of dirty bath water and not getting clean enough!" —Anonymous, 58, Texas 18."We were not allowed to sit on any couch in the house or touch walls. When my mom came home, my siblings and I would rush to smooth out the plastic-covered couch and sit on the floor before she walked in." —Anonymous Did you have a "house rule" growing up that you later realized wasn't normal? Tell us about it in the comments or fill out this anonymous form. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sioux Falls man faces emotional challenges waiting for new heart
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Shane Vanderloo of Sioux Falls worked as a paramedic and is a former member of Avera's Careflight team. During his career, he helped save countless lives. He is now in Omaha fighting for his own life and waiting for a new heart. New SD vehicle registration system launches Vanderloo has been at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha for three weeks, waiting for doctors to find him a new heart. He says waiting for a transplant is… well not for the faint of heart. Doctors have determined that Shane's heart is just about done. You might remember our KELOLAND story from 2023 when Shane survived thanks to two men who just happened to drive by right after he collapsed on the baseball field in Renner. He was a coach and groundskeeper at the time. We were there as he later thanked them for saving his life. Right now in Omaha, his heart is being mechanically assisted. While he waits for a transplant, looking ahead to the major surgery is daunting.'I'm having a lot of chest pains still, and the rhythms aren't good and this is just pre-game. So I still have to have the surgery yet. That's just a darn bummer you can't, it's hard to fight through it it really is,' said wife Tonia is by his side in the Intensive Care Unit of the transplant center.'He wants to be strong and be the tough guy I know deep down inside he's pretty worried, but we keep it positive,' said Tonia. Shane says what people may not understand about transplants is, it's not just the surgery. 'This whole process, it's more a mind game than a physical game in my opinion. You got to keep your mind positive,' said Shane. Even though he doesn't feel well and there is considerable pain from the pump in his heart, Shane goes for short walks to keep up his strength with one goal in mind. 'I'm hoping to do well. And get out of here in a few weeks and get back home,' said Shane. Medical bills are piling up. There is a GoFundMe called Shane's Heart Journey Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
