Latest news with #smallbusiness
Globe and Mail
8 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Feedcoyote Launches Collaborative Networking App for Freelancers
Feedcoyote launched a collaborative networking app for Freelancers. The app was created to spur more earning opportunities and foster collaboration in the freelance ecosystem. Feedcoyote is a platform for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small to medium-sized businesses. The app is designed to drive success for these groups by providing networking, collaboration, and project management, all in one place. Built around the idea that freelancers don't have to hustle alone, Feedcoyote is a place where they can find each other and connect while working on their next gig. Networking and Social Features App users get started by building a profile that showcases their areas of expertise to connect with other freelancers, professionals, and businesses. This feature can be utilized to develop new relationships and grow a professional network in the freelancing community. Feedcoyote aims to foster a collaborative space where freelancers can connect and offer their skills and expertise to partner on projects by bringing all freelancers under one roof. The app is designed to streamline these project collaborations and promote an inflow of gig opportunities to enhance productivity and earning potential for freelancers. Beyond the work, Feedcoyote's app also includes a social aspect where users can share insights, talk about experiences, and engage with a like-minded community. The networking features the platform incorporates into its app allow freelancers to build their portfolio and professional relationships. Project Management and Productivity Tools Feedcoyote is a comprehensive app that offers tools to support the full scope of freelancer engagement. As freelancers develop relationships and projects, the app has integrated tools to support their work and collaborations. The app's project management features include CRM tools that allow freelancers to oversee projects. They can keep up with communication in one place as they work with partners and use integrated tools to stay organized with calendars, contract management, and simplified invoicing and payments. Freelancers looking to share project ideas and enlist help have a dedicated space on the app to post their projects and attract new collaborations. Those looking for professional opportunities can respond to those posts with proposals showcasing their skills to Feedcoyote's growing network of users. That network has grown by 540%, reaching 108,000 users across several countries. Personalized Professional Development As freelancers discover gigs and potential partnerships, the app offers familiar, user-friendly functions to keep track of those opportunities, like saving and favoriting posts. In addition to searching for work independently, Feedcoyote provides personalized gig recommendations to users that align with their skills and preferences to help them find more earning opportunities as they grow. The app aims to support professional growth with the Feedcoyte Learning Hub. The hub is meant for new freelancers to learn how to navigate the gig economy and for experienced professionals to stay sharp with growing content. An All-in-One App for Freelancers Feedcoyote is an all-in-one app that provides freelancers with the space and tools to connect, collaborate, and manage projects. Through tool integrations and features, it offers an efficient way for freelancers to keep up with gigs and partnerships. It also helps these professionals stay competitive and grow their earnings in the freelancer ecosystem. The Feedcoyote app is available today on the App Store and Google Play.
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Leaders Build Purpose-Driven Organizations That Invest In Community
Anyone who has worked under an uninspired or narrowly focused leader understands that true leadership transcends boardrooms, dashboards, and quarterly earnings. It is not confined to metrics or shareholder returns—it is a human endeavor that radiates outward, shaping the culture of organizations and the communities in which they operate. Holistic leaders recognize that the ultimate success of their enterprise is inextricably linked to the depth of purpose they help cultivate across every level of the organization. And this begins with a bold and often overlooked truth: people want to belong to something bigger than their job descriptions. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, eight out of ten small businesses actively find ways to give back to their communities. But the most transformative leaders do more than give—they design companies that integrate service, meaning, and community connection into the very architecture of their operations. In doing so, they unlock deeper employee engagement, trust, and long-term resilience—not as a bonus, but as a byproduct of building organizations that matter. Community investment is not charity—it is a declaration of values. It signals what a leader and an organization stand for. In an era increasingly defined by transparency and meaning, high-performing cultures are no longer sustained by incentives and KPIs alone. They are held together by a shared sense of identity and contribution. And when leaders prioritize community as a core element of strategy, they send a clear message: we're not just here to extract value—we're here to create it. 'Being involved in the community isn't just about building a brand,' explains Thomas J. Henry, founder of the forthcoming Thomas J. Henry Center for Philanthropy in Corpus Christi, Texas - a close-nit community my aunt lived in for many years. 'It's about being part of something greater than yourself and your business.' Indeed, trust—arguably the most valuable currency in leadership—is built not by rhetoric, but by visibility, humility, and consistent action. When leaders show up at local schools, mentor entrepreneurs, or help restore community spaces, their influence deepens. Over time, that influence becomes credibility—earned, not manufactured. People no longer just want jobs. They want meaning. They want to grow, to connect, and to see the impact of their effort beyond a task list. Holistic leaders understand this and intentionally create environments where employees can find purpose through multiple pathways—whether it's through mentorship programs, volunteering, innovation projects, or community partnerships that align with their personal values. 'When a leader models service-oriented behavior,' says Henry, 'it creates ripple effects. Employees start to see their own work as part of something bigger, more human, and more enduring than profit alone.' That sense of shared mission is a cultural force multiplier. It boosts morale, enhances retention, and fosters teams rooted in mutual respect and aspiration. Organizations that embed purpose into their fabric don't just keep talent—they elevate it. No business exists in a vacuum. The long-term sustainability of any organization is tightly woven into the health and resilience of its broader ecosystem. Better schools produce stronger talent. Safer neighborhoods enable more focused teams. Vibrant local economies create a stronger customer base. 'The reality is that powerful communities are not just alive and well—they're evolving,' note Jeffrey Bussgang and Jono Bacon in a recent HRB article. 'They may be organized differently, but they present profound opportunities for companies to engage, co-create, and lead.' Leaders who see the connection between community vitality and organizational health don't wait for crises to respond. They invest proactively, ensuring that their organizations grow in step with the world around them—not at its expense. Leadership is not about control—it's about coherence. The strongest leaders create alignment between what they say, what they do, and what they build. They don't just articulate values—they embody them. They don't just promote culture—they shape it, intentionally and consistently. 'Spending time in the community where your employees and customers live doesn't just drive goodwill,' writes BizJournals. 'It creates a feedback loop of trust, understanding, and loyalty—fueling both purpose and performance.' Moreover, when leaders engage deeply with their communities, they shift the very definition of success—from status to significance. They begin to lead not only with ambition but with compassion. Not only with a vision, but with stewardship. The greatest leaders of the modern era will not be remembered solely for their innovations or profits—but for how they elevated people. For how they built companies that were not just efficient but meaningful. For how they made the workplace a place of purpose, not just productivity. The question, then, is not whether to invest in your community—it's how to design your organization so that every employee, at every level, sees that investment as part of their own story. Because when individuals find purpose in their work, and that work connects meaningfully to the outside world, you don't just build a company. You build a legacy. And legacy, after all, is the most enduring form of leadership there is.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Defunding Energy Star will harm small businesses and US competitiveness
The recent announcement by the administration to defund the Energy Star program is an alarming development for small and mid-size businesses that have relied on its benchmarks for over 30 years. From a purely business perspective, the elimination of Energy Star isn't merely about labels on appliances; it directly impacts operational costs, performance consistency and market competitiveness. The Energy Star program stands as a remarkably successful example of a public-private partnership that delivers substantial, measurable benefits to American consumers and businesses and the environment. Energy Star has long provided clear and reliable standards that have enabled small businesses to make informed investments in energy-efficient products. This clarity translates into direct financial savings, reducing energy expenses by up to 30 percent according to the Environmental Protection Agency's own data. Especially for small businesses operating on tight margins, these savings aren't trivial — they represent critical capital that can be reinvested into core business activities such as product development, hiring additional employees or expanding market reach. Beyond immediate cost reductions, Energy Star has established an essential standardization in measuring and reporting appliance and equipment performance. Small business owners have relied on these standards to make purchases confidently, knowing they are investing in products that perform efficiently and reliably over their lifespan. Without the program, businesses face increased uncertainty, leading to potentially costly investments in substandard products that fail to deliver the promised efficiency and reliability. Consumer trust, a crucial component of market competitiveness for all businesses, is also at risk. The label is widely recognized and trusted by a majority of American households, signaling verified quality and efficiency. Its absence would likely result in an influx of misleading performance claims and unverified efficiency assertions, damaging consumer confidence and creating a competitive environment where cutting corners becomes commonplace. This race to the bottom ultimately harms businesses committed to genuine quality and performance standards. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, the return on investment provided by the program speaks for itself — every federal dollar spent on the program results in approximately $350 in cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. Small businesses particularly benefit from these savings, which enhance profitability, improve cash flow and bolster overall economic resilience. The decision to defund Energy Star appears driven less by fiscal prudence and more by an ideological stance against terms like 'climate change' and 'sustainability.' However, dismissing these concepts as mere political rhetoric overlooks the substantial and proven economic benefits they offer businesses and consumers. Efficiency and sustainability are practical, financially responsible strategies that reduce operational costs, strengthen consumer confidence and enhance long-term business viability. Ultimately, maintaining funding for Energy Star isn't about ideological debates, it's a smart business decision that helps American businesses and consumers. Preserving a program that has demonstrably reduced costs, standardized performance and protected consumer trust should be a straightforward choice for any administration committed to the economic health and competitiveness of American small businesses. Michael Green is a senior advisor on climate and energy policy at the American Sustainable Business Network. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Entrepreneur
14 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How AudioGO Is Making Podcast Advertising Accessible to Small Businesses
Every week, over 100 million consumers tune in to their favorite podcasts. Some are casual listeners. Others avidly fill their queues with so many episodes and interviews that they'll never... This story originally appeared on Calendar Every week, over 100 million consumers tune in to their favorite podcasts. Some are casual listeners. Others avidly fill their queues with so many episodes and interviews that they'll never work through them all. The growing number of online audio listeners represents a new consumer segment that businesses are increasingly targeting with their marketing messages. However, to date, there have been significant barriers to entry in the audio advertising space. Factors such as limited bandwidth, creative resources, and restrictive budgets have prevented smaller businesses from participating in the audio market. AudioGO, a part of SiriusXM, has rewritten the script for advertising on podcasts and similar online audio channels. AudioGO's innovative platform disrupts the market. It achieves this by making podcast advertising accessible to anyone, including those with small teams and limited marketing budgets. In this article, we'll explore how AudioGO democratizes digital audio advertising, making it easier than ever for small businesses, including niche and local enterprises, to amplify their message, reach their target audiences, and compete with larger brands. Small Business Marketing Pressures and Opportunities in 2025 The rise of online listeners is staggering. In 2023, 75% of Americans 12 and older had listened to online audio content within the past month. Even more impressive is that 70% of these individuals had done so within the past week. For some context, monthly listeners were 8% in 2003. People are tuning in to online audio more often and in greater numbers. The mass migration of tens of millions of listeners into the audio space has created a lucrative marketing opportunity. It helps businesses looking to reach consumers with their products and services. The question is, how can they do so? Advertisements and sponsorships are obvious options, but how do those happen behind the scenes? Besides, while people are listening, is it a safe bet to assume they'll pay attention to promotional content if you get an ad into a podcast? To answer the second question first, you have to find the right crowd. They are likely to be hyper-tuned to what you have to say. Edison Research calls those who listen to podcasts voraciously (an average of 11.2 hours per week) Super Listeners. Half of those surveyed reported that podcast messaging is the best way for brands to connect with them. Even more of them said they pay closer attention to podcast advertisements. They claim to be more likely to patronize a brand if it advertises on a show they like. People are flocking to audio as a preferred form of content. They are willing to accept advertisements as part of the audio experience. That means companies have a strong chance of reaching and resonating with target audiences through podcasts and similar online audio outlets. Small Business Barriers in Audio Advertising This still leaves the first question — and unfortunately, it's a logistical, administrative, and financial conundrum that keeps many entrepreneurs up at night. So, how can small businesses effectively reach their target audiences with limited budgets and small teams? Running a single 30-second podcast ad in 2024 averaged around $18 per thousand listeners. Sounds fine, right? At scale, however, this can become incredibly expensive, and scale has been the primary driver of this industry's operations so far. Many traditional podcast advertising packages start with minimums of $5,000 per campaign. Some set the bar at $25,000 per quarter. This is where AudioGO is shifting the tone and giving small businesses a voice in the audio advertising space. AudioGO: Accessible Audio Advertising for Entrepreneurs Firstly, AudioGO empowers small businesses to reach engaged listeners without the high costs or complexity of traditional ad buying. The all-in-one platform provides a robust self-service experience, enabling businesses of any size to create, target, and launch professional audio ads on major streaming services. From this platform, you can launch podcast ad campaigns across today's top podcast players. This includes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, and gives you access to millions of engaged listeners. Creating and distributing ads is essential to true accessibility in this key area of modern marketing. The process of audio advertising includes several steps. Some of these are hard to see until you're in the middle of a campaign. They include: Firstly, identifying a target audience : There are millions of listeners tuning in, and understanding which of those are best for lead generation is critical. The first step in a successful campaign is understanding your target audience members and identifying the shows where they tend to tune in. : There are millions of listeners tuning in, and understanding which of those are best for lead generation is critical. The first step in a successful campaign is understanding your target audience members and identifying the shows where they tend to tune in. Creating the ads themselves : This includes the ability to craft a compelling script, stick to the right amount of time (30 seconds? 60 seconds?), attract a listener's attention, and weave a compelling call to action into the mix. You also need to consider factors such as brand voice and tone, copy, messaging, relevance, and more. : This includes the ability to craft a compelling script, stick to the right amount of time (30 seconds? 60 seconds?), attract a listener's attention, and weave a compelling call to action into the mix. You also need to consider factors such as brand voice and tone, copy, messaging, relevance, and more. Paying for and timing ads : Finding the right placements on shows that are willing to work with you takes a lot of legwork. You must also decide whether it's worth paying for premiums, like a mid-roll ad placement. : Finding the right placements on shows that are willing to work with you takes a lot of legwork. You must also decide whether it's worth paying for premiums, like a mid-roll ad placement. Finally, analyzing, understanding, and improving: You need to know if your audio ads are working, and if not, where to make adjustments. The ability to measure a campaign, observe the results, and synthesize them enough to create meaningful takeaways is essential to ongoing ad success. AudioGO's comprehensive approach and intuitive tools address all four of these areas: Targeting your audience : AudioGO has hundreds of audience parameters, including age, gender, location, device, and show topic. This precise audience targeting enables small businesses to build highly focused audiences, ensuring that every ad that plays has an optimal chance of generating a lead. : AudioGO has hundreds of audience parameters, including age, gender, location, device, and show topic. This precise audience targeting enables small businesses to build highly focused audiences, ensuring that every ad that plays has an optimal chance of generating a lead. Automating ad creation : The platform's creative tools are designed to fill skill gaps. One of these is hiring creatives. Businesses can pay $10 for a studio recording of their ads made from a stable of real voice actors who work with AudioGO. They can also utilize a free, on-demand AI-generated ad creation tool to reduce costs further. : The platform's creative tools are designed to fill skill gaps. One of these is hiring creatives. Businesses can pay $10 for a studio recording of their ads made from a stable of real voice actors who work with AudioGO. They can also utilize a free, on-demand AI-generated ad creation tool to reduce costs further. Matching budget to campaign : AudioGO's flexible budgeting feature enables small businesses to launch high-quality ad campaigns for as little as $250. This low threshold eliminates the barrier of ad package pricing and creates a level playing field for companies at every level. : AudioGO's flexible budgeting feature enables small businesses to launch high-quality ad campaigns for as little as $250. This low threshold eliminates the barrier of ad package pricing and creates a level playing field for companies at every level. Analyzing and improving: Advanced reporting features provide real-time feedback in a user-friendly dashboard. This empowers non-analytical professionals to understand a campaign's impact, identify who is listening, and make data-driven adjustments. AudioGO: Small Business Advertising Made Simple All in all, every aspect of AudioGO's platform is designed with equity in mind. Its creators understand the inefficiencies and barriers that giant ad packages create. They also realize that this naturally keeps millions of small businesses on the outside looking in. Finally, by streamlining ad creation and analysis, enabling precise targeting, and lowering minimum campaign spend, AudioGO has created an accessible, low-cost, high-value advertising option. Platforms like these provide small businesses with access to a cutting-edge area of consumer technology that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Featured Image Credit: Photo by Austin Distel; Unsplash; Thanks! The post How AudioGO Is Making Podcast Advertising Accessible to Small Businesses appeared first on Calendar.
Fox News
19 hours ago
- Business
- Fox News
The Side Hustle Blueprint: The Expert's Guide on Turning Passion Into Profit
If you can transform your passion into a lucrative business, what's stopping you? Certified public accountant and attorney Mark Kohler joins Liz to discuss why turning that side hustle idea that's been brewing in the back of your mind into a reality is always worth it, even if it feels incredibly daunting. Kohler walks through how to realistically start up a small business, what risks to consider, and how it can be a real financial game changer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
