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It’s freeing to let go. Bruce Lee captured it perfectly: “It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.” It’s an idea that’s turned businesses on their head and made life easier — one that’s changed the definition of productivity and success in a world full of information and distractions.

In a time of endless options, every task and every decision can take our attention. But success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less and focusing only on what genuinely matters.

Now, let’s discuss the daily decrease. This is about getting rid of every unessential task and distraction that takes us away from our core focus. When we let go of the excess, we have time, mental clarity and energy to build and grow. It’s here where a thoughtful approach to delegation, process and minimalism really pays off.

Related: Managing Every Single Task on Your Own Is a Trap for Business Owners — Here’s How I Moved From Doing It All to Doing What Matters

The cost of the unessential

The problem is not that entrepreneurs don’t have drive or ambition; it’s that they spend their time doing unimportant, endless tasks. Non-urgent emails can be answered, you can get bogged down in micromanagement or do some minor administrative duties that steal precious hours that could be spent on strategic growth or creative work.

In essence, every unessential task robs you twice: It costs you, first, of the time it directly consumes, and second, of the compounded value you could have created with that time. It’s a low-return, high-cost task and a distraction that needs to be eliminated.

Minimalism in business — focusing on the core

Minimalism isn’t just about owning less stuff; it’s about removing unnecessary actions, distractions and decisions. Picture yourself running your business with the mentality of only holding what actually brings value. All of a sudden, you’re not weighed down by a thousand things to do. You’re focused, present and making impactful decisions instead.

Minimalism in business means:

• Delegating tasks that don’t require your expertise

• Automating processes that are repetitive

• Streamlining decisions to avoid the clutter of “options” that lead to inaction

Related: How I Transformed My Business by Letting Go of Low-Value Tasks and Focusing on High-Impact Activities

Hacking away at the unessential

But how do you know which tasks to keep and which to let go? The idea is to find the activities that are directly in line with your core vision and purpose. Below is a roadmap to get you started.

1. Identify your core tasks

Your core tasks are the things only you can do that directly contribute to the growth and vision of your business. This could be big-picture planning, relationship nurturing or innovating products and services.

Action: Write down every task you do in a week and highlight the ones that actually affect your business growth. These are your core tasks. Everything else? Elimination or delegation of candidates.

2. Embrace the art of delegation

Giving up control isn’t delegation; it’s an expansion of your reach. When you have a team that knows your vision, you can trust them to do routine or secondary tasks so you can focus on higher-value work. Done right, delegation allows you to focus on what’s important.

Action: Begin with one or two tasks you do on a regular basis that don’t demand your special contribution. Teach your team how to manage these with autonomy so you can focus on big-picture work.

3. Run systems without you

A scalable business is a process-driven business. Tasks run smoothly with a minimal amount of intervention, thanks to systems. Automate where you can and minimize human involvement where you don’t need it, such as for repetitive tasks like reporting, email responses and scheduling.

Action: Automate things like invoicing, scheduling and even customer service queries. For this, tools like CRMs, scheduling software and chatbots are great.

4. Limit your daily decisions

Decision fatigue is real. The more decisions you make in a day, the less energy you have for important ones. Get rid of the decisions you don’t need to make to simplify your day. Whether it’s picking out your daily outfit or scheduling meetings, simplify your choices so you can spend more time on important decisions.

Action: Set up routines for low-impact areas of your life, like having a standard dress code, automating meal choices and a fixed daily schedule to be able to focus on work.

5. Batch similar tasks together

The mental toll of switching between different tasks is that you become less effective and more drained. Constantly switching between tasks is a drag, but batching similar tasks — like handling emails all at once or setting aside specific times for meetings — helps to mitigate this.

Action: Group tasks together and dedicate specific times during the day to handle those tasks. Set “no-meeting” days or “email hours” to protect your focus and increase productivity.

6. Audit and prune your to-do list regularly

To-do lists tend to pile up. Each week, take a hard look at your task list and prune out items that don’t serve your core goals anymore. If you have a task that has been sitting there for weeks and doesn’t help you in achieving your larger objectives, then let it go.

Action: Get into the habit of reviewing your task list every Friday. For every item you have, ask yourself if it still fits your goals. Delete it or delegate it if not.

7. Protect your creative space

Creativity and strategy need space to grow. When every moment is filled with tasks, that’s impossible. Make time for reflection, big-picture thinking and rest. These moments of stillness and focus are where the most groundbreaking ideas come from.

Action: Carve out creative time each week where you can’t be interrupted by meetings or routine tasks. This time is to be used to strategize, innovate or just recharge.

Related: 3 Major Time Wasters for Leaders — and How to Overcome Them

Reaping the rewards of time

What you end up with is a day full of purpose and clarity as you hack away at the unessential. This isn’t about checking off a long list of tasks; it’s about making sure the tasks you do are the tasks that move you closer to your vision. You reclaim time by delegating, automating and cutting out the non-essentials.

Focusing on fewer, high-impact activities isn’t just freeing up your time; it’s creating momentum. What if you could use that extra time to deepen relationships, explore new ideas or make strategic moves for your business? This focused attention on the things that matter is what makes a business good and then great.

Your time is your wealth. Money is always replaceable, but time is not. Don’t let it be eaten up by the unessential. Instead, invest your time in things that are in line with your purpose, delegate the rest, and watch your impact and your satisfaction multiply.

Let go of the unnecessary. Hack away at the clutter.

In today’s fast-paced business world, achieving significant revenue growth within a short timeframe requires strategic thinking, relentless execution and the willingness to push boundaries. A 90% revenue boost over the next 12 to 24 months might sound ambitious, but it’s not unattainable if you implement the right growth hacks.

Here are five actionable strategies to turbocharge your business growth.

Related: 4 Decisions That Will Increase Your Revenue and Business Growth

1. Leverage data to hyper-personalize customer experiences

Today’s consumers expect more than just a good product or service — they demand personalized experiences. By leveraging data analytics and AI, you can uncover hidden customer behaviors and preferences to tailor your offerings accordingly.

Invest in CRM tools that consolidate customer data and offer predictive insights. Platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot can help you identify key segments. Use AI-powered marketing automation tools to deliver personalized emails, product recommendations and dynamic pricing based on customer history. Implement A/B testing to optimize landing pages, email campaigns and sales funnels, ensuring you’re always iterating toward what works.

Personalization not only increases conversion rates but also drives customer loyalty, boosting lifetime value and recurring revenue.

2. Introduce a recurring revenue model

A subscription or membership-based model can provide predictable income and significantly enhance your customer lifetime value. If you’re not already using one, consider how it can complement your existing offerings.

If you sell physical products, offer a subscription box service. For service-based businesses, introduce tiered membership levels with exclusive perks. Software providers can enhance revenue through freemium-to-premium upgrades.

Recurring revenue models create stickiness, reduce customer churn and allow for upselling opportunities. They also appeal to investors by demonstrating predictable cash flow.

3. Partner with industry influencers or micro-influencers

The rise of influencer marketing offers a cost-effective way to amplify your reach and build credibility. Instead of chasing celebrities with massive followings, focus on micro-influencers who have high engagement within your niche.

Identify influencers with 5,000-50,000 followers whose audience aligns with your target market. Offer them an exclusive affiliate partnership, providing a percentage of sales they generate. Collaborate on authentic content like product reviews, how-tos or giveaways.

Micro-influencers are particularly powerful because their audiences trust their recommendations, which can translate into immediate sales.

Related: Turn Your Startup into a Powerhouse With These 6 Financial Growth Hacks

4. Expand into underserved markets

Most businesses focus on their primary market, leaving growth opportunities untapped in secondary or underserved markets. Conduct market research to identify regions, demographics or industries that could benefit from your product or service but are currently overlooked.

Launch a localized marketing campaign tailored to the culture and preferences of the new market. Consider partnerships with local distributors or influencers to gain credibility quickly. If entering a new geographic market, ensure your website and customer support can handle multi-language capabilities.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb grew exponentially by localizing their services in international markets while maintaining their core value propositions.

5. Upsell and cross-sell like a pro

One of the fastest ways to grow revenue is by increasing your average order value (AOV) through strategic upselling and cross-selling. This involves persuading customers to buy a premium version of your product or additional complementary products.

Use AI tools to recommend complementary products during checkout. Offer bundled pricing for customers buying multiple items. Train your sales team to pitch higher-tier products with clear, value-driven messaging.

Timing is everything. Offer upsells at the moment of purchase and follow up with cross-sells post-purchase through email campaigns. This strategy not only boosts your revenue per transaction but also deepens your relationship with customers, encouraging repeat purchases.

Bonus hack: Optimize for retention, not just acquisition

While these five hacks focus heavily on driving new revenue, don’t underestimate the power of customer retention. Studies show that retaining just 5% more customers can increase profits by up to 95%. Focus on delivering an exceptional post-purchase experience, loyalty rewards and regular value-driven communication.

Related: Your Business Could See a 133% Surge in Revenue If You Do This

Growing your revenue by 90% in the next 12 to 24 months is not just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. By personalizing customer experiences, adopting a recurring revenue model, leveraging micro-influencers, tapping into underserved markets and maximizing upselling opportunities, you can position your business for rapid and sustainable growth.

Remember, success lies in execution. Pick one or two strategies to focus on initially, implement them thoroughly, and measure their impact. Once you’ve mastered these, scale up and add more hacks to your arsenal. With determination and the right tactics, your business can achieve extraordinary growth.

Consumers today want convenience and instant gratification. That’s why millions of consumers turn to platforms like Amazon to make everyday purchases. With a simple click of a button, the product they want arrives at their doorstep within a few days (or sooner). Thanks to technology and changes in consumer behavior due to the global pandemic, ecommerce is expected to continue growing rapidly. By 2028, the global ecommerce market is expected to grow by 50% to nearly $7 trillion.

In today’s modern economy, most entrepreneurs and small business owners are required to embrace technology through social media, chatbots, workflow automation and CRM platforms. While this can complicate and frustrate entrepreneurs, the internet has enabled businesses, especially product-based businesses, to reach millions of potential customers across the globe and generate serious revenue through ecommerce.

But is 2025 the right time for small businesses to embrace global marketplaces such as Amazon, Shopify and Etsy? A recent trend has shown that small- to medium-sized businesses are finding tremendous growth and success through these platforms.

Related: 70% of Small Business Owners Say Online Marketplaces Help Them Boost Sales — and Now It Can Be True For You.

Benefits of Amazon and other online marketplaces

There are a wide range of benefits that come with building an ecommerce presence using an established online marketplace like Amazon. The small businesses that are best positioned to gain these benefits include established product-based businesses with a scalable supply chain, brands looking to expand or diversify into international markets, businesses that need an inexpensive option for building an ecommerce presence and niche or specialty product providers.

• Wide reach and global access: Small businesses often struggle to reach a large enough audience through traditional marketing. They are often limited to the local or online communities they have built themselves. Global marketplaces like Amazon allow small businesses access to millions of new customers and help them expand into new international markets with little to no effort.

• Consumer trust and brand exposure: Gaining consumer trust is difficult, especially for startups and small businesses that haven’t established the same social credibility as major brands. Online marketplaces like Amazon provide a level of comfort for consumers looking to purchase products from trusted sources. While they might not be familiar with your specific business, they can feel confident that their experience will be consistent with past purchases on the platform.

• Built-in marketing and SEO tools: Reaching online audiences can be quite challenging. Not only are SEO (search engine optimization) rules changing constantly, but you’re competing with thousands of similar brands for attention. Learning technical concepts of SEO and other online marketing strategies can become complicated and time-consuming. Fortunately, platforms like Amazon provide their sellers with the tools they need to be successful without having to become an SEO guru.

Related: How to Get Your First 100 Sales on Amazon

Getting the most out of online marketplaces

Building an ecommerce operation isn’t a silver bullet. Success on these platforms requires strategic planning and setting things up right from the start. It’s important for entrepreneurs to understand the best practices that can improve their opportunities for a successful ecommerce launch on an online marketplace.

I spoke to Jamie LeBlanc from Prime Seller Pro, a logistics and ecommerce channel management expert, to find out what companies need to look into if considering an ecommerce strategy in 2025. He identified five major areas to investigate:

1. Select the right platform: Amazon seems to be the go-to in today’s ecommerce landscape. This is no surprise, as Amazon controls nearly 40% of the U.S. ecommerce marketplace. However, Amazon isn’t right for every business. There are a number of platforms available that each have their own pros and cons. For businesses that produce handmade or artisanal products, a platform like Etsy, for example, might be a better option since those are the types of products Etsy customers seek.

2. Consider the fees and support: Each platform has its own fee schedules, infrastructure and seller support resources. It’s important to carefully evaluate each platform to find out which works best for your business. It’s a good idea to get feedback from other small businesses that use these platforms to find out more about their experience, what they recommend and what mistakes you can avoid.

3. Build a strong, consistent brand: When selling products on a third-party platform, it’s important to bring out the look and feel of your brand. Consistency across your social media, website and online marketplace is key to giving a professional look that consumers can trust. Try to incorporate a similar tone in the messaging, and add brand elements such as colors or logos whenever possible.

4. Select how you will fulfill orders: Some platforms have order fulfillment services that allow you to ship products to a centralized warehouse for storage. When you make a sale, the platform picks the order from their warehouse and gets it to the customer. This makes the experience seamless for both you and the customer. However, this also means you will need to carry excess inventory, which can be costly. The alternative is to ship everything yourself. The downside here is that this requires a lot of manual effort to handle the orders, package products and arrange shipment.

5. Understand the platform’s search algorithms: You’ll never sell your products if people can’t find them. It’s important to understand how to optimize your product listings to work with the platform’s SEO standards. The good news here is that most platforms provide plenty of resources to help you accomplish this.

Related: 3 Reasons Online Marketplaces Benefit Entrepreneurs — and Should Be Protected

Building a successful ecommerce operation with an online marketplace like Amazon has a lot of benefits. However, having the right strategy is key to staying ahead of the competition and keeping up with rapidly changing consumer behavior. Entrepreneurs must lean on market research to carefully determine if this option is right for their business.

The first quarter often brings a natural slowdown, as many consumers tighten their budgets following holiday spending. This dip can be challenging, especially for shopping centers, beauty brands and service-based businesses that rely on steady engagement to maintain growth.

However, with a well-thought-out PR strategy, brands can avoid the post-holiday slump and create a buzz that keeps customers coming back. Here’s how a proactive Q1 approach — complete with specific examples — can help brands attract customers, build brand loyalty and set the tone for a successful year.

Related: 4 Ways to Generate Sales Post-Holiday Period

1. Create a Q1 content calendar and focus on value-driven content

Starting with a comprehensive content calendar allows brands to plan valuable, engaging content that resonates with audiences’ post-holiday needs. At this time of year, people are looking for fresh starts, personal care tips and value-driven solutions, making it a prime time for brands to create content that aligns with these goals.

Example: For a beauty or skincare brand, focusing on content around New Year skincare routines, winter skincare tips or simple self-care hacks can establish your brand as a go-to resource. By collaborating with influencers who share their skincare routines, you can tap into the new-year mindset of renewal and self-care. These partnerships can be arranged early to ensure your brand message reaches consumers just as they’re ready to refresh their routines.

2. Launch a New Year campaign that inspires and engages

As January arrives, people are often focused on resolutions and goals. Crafting a New Year-themed campaign around fresh starts can resonate well with audiences and align your brand with this mindset. The messaging can center on renewal, change or self-improvement, depending on what’s relevant for your brand.

Example: For a shopping center, recognize that consumers tend to hold their wallets a bit tighter after the holidays. By teaming up with local organizations, such as wellness centers or craft markets, you can create themed events that bring added experiential value and incentivize foot traffic. For instance, a shopping center could host a “New Year Wellness Weekend” featuring workshops on fitness, nutrition or stress relief. Partnering with local experts and offering incentives, like discounts on wellness products, attracts visitors by connecting with their New Year’s goals without pressuring them to make major purchases.

3. Secure thought leadership placements for industry authority

The start of the year is an ideal time to position brand leaders as industry experts through thought leadership. Many publications seek fresh perspectives, trend predictions and advice on starting the year off right. By pitching insights or unique perspectives, brands can build credibility and engage readers who are looking for guidance and inspiration.

Example: For a wellness brand, sharing predictions on upcoming health and wellness trends or advice on starting new habits can secure thought leadership placements in trade publications, industry blogs or even local newspapers. By positioning the brand as a resource, you build trust while increasing visibility. For service-based brands, crafting “New Year, New Insights” articles that share actionable tips for consumers — whether related to beauty, fitness, finance or productivity — also resonates well with media and audiences alike.

Related: How to Continue Your Small Business Success After the Holidays

4. Leverage influencers to build momentum through authentic engagement

In Q1, influencers can be a valuable asset for brands looking to maintain visibility and engagement. While larger influencers may focus on holiday content, micro-influencers tend to maintain active engagement into the new year, making them great partners for a January campaign.

Example: For a skincare or wellness brand, working with influencers to promote “New Year, New Routine” campaigns can encourage followers to start the year with a focus on self-care. Sharing product routines, personal skincare tips and simple self-care ideas can create authentic engagement and generate buzz for your brand. Influencers with smaller but highly engaged followings often bring greater authenticity, making their recommendations more impactful in terms of trust and conversions.

5. Re-engage audiences with social media tips and user-generated content (UGC)

Social media provides a powerful platform for brands to keep audiences engaged without the hard sell. By focusing on valuable tips, actionable insights and user-generated content (UGC), brands can maintain a consistent presence that feels less promotional and more community-driven.

Example: For brands in any industry, offering tips and tricks relevant to customers’ lives — like self-care tips for skincare brands or home organization ideas for lifestyle brands — demonstrates that your brand is a trusted source of advice. Featuring UGC can be especially effective; for example, showcasing how real customers incorporate your products into their lives fosters a sense of community and loyalty. These types of posts build trust with new customers and deepen connections with current ones.

6. Tap into niche and local media to maintain visibility

National media outlets often slow down after the holidays, but niche and local media remain active, making them valuable resources for brands looking to maintain visibility. Local coverage also helps foster community connections, which can be especially beneficial in the quieter Q1 months.

Example: For a client in the retail sector, pitching to local media about a New Year’s event or partnering with a local influencer for a regional campaign can drive traffic without overwhelming the budget. For beauty brands, targeting niche publications like wellness blogs or local magazines with “new year, new you” messaging can ensure that your brand remains visible to an engaged, interested audience.

Related: 4 Ways Retailers Can Ride the Post-Holiday Wave to More Sales

Although Q1 can be a slower period, the right PR strategy can help brands overcome the post-holiday slump and keep their momentum strong. By leveraging strategic partnerships, refreshing successful content and focusing on value-driven storytelling, businesses can drive engagement and set the tone for a productive year. With a thoughtful, proactive PR plan, you’ll not only sustain visibility but also build meaningful connections with your audience, setting a foundation for success all year long.

For entrepreneurs, having the right resources isn’t optional — it’s essential. Microsoft Office 2019 offers tools you need to run your business efficiently, whether you’re working on a Mac or a Windows PC, which are priced at $39.99 and $32.97, respectively, for Cyber Monday.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows — compatible with Windows 10 or 11, but not compatible with Windows 7 or 8 — provides a complete suite of apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. From analyzing complex data to creating polished presentations, this version is ideal for professionals who need powerful tools to handle demanding tasks.

On the other hand, Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac delivers a streamlined set of tools that are designed to work seamlessly with macOS 13, 14, or 15, and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic.

Both licenses are a one-time purchase, offering lifetime access to these industry-standard tools. That means no subscription fees, just powerful software to help you grow your business.

Whether you’re drafting your next big pitch or crunching numbers to close a deal, Microsoft Office 2019 has you covered. Choose the version that fits your setup and get ready to take your productivity to the next level.

Take advantage of this Cyber Monday sale on two lifetime deals:

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Right before the holidays, a Costco Gold Star Membership isn’t just a smart move—it’s a downright brilliant one. For $65, you’ll get a 1-year membership plus a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card*, making it easier than ever to stock up on groceries, access incredible deals on holiday gifts, and even grab some seasonal décor. With this Black Friday promotion, you’re saving money and opening the door to a world of value and convenience.

Here’s how to make the most of this offer. Purchase your membership through StackSocial and ensure your email address is valid. Within two weeks of redeeming your membership, you’ll receive your $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* via email. This can be used online or in-store, giving you even more flexibility. The catch? This deal is only for new Costco members or those whose memberships have been expired for over 18 months. Don’t worry—you have until January 31, 2025, to redeem it.

The benefits don’t stop there. Your Costco Gold Star Membership gives you access to members-only pricing at Costco Gas Stations, helping you save big on fuel whether you’re off to visit family or heading off for a work trip. The perks extend to in-warehouse optical centers and pharmacy services, so you can handle essentials in one convenient trip. Plus, with an additional Household Card included, someone else in your household (18+) can help split the shopping duties.

And let’s talk holiday shopping. Whether you’re looking for electronics, fine jewelry, groceries for that big family feast, or even festive decorations to make your space sparkle, you can find it all in one place—and usually at prices that make you do a double-take. This timely offer makes holiday prep a breeze while setting you up for savings year-round.

Grab this 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership plus a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* for $65 to help make your holiday season run smoother when you purchase through December 22.

Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* – $65

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

2025 is right around the corner, and if you’re an entrepreneur with big plans, this could be your year to capitalize like never before. The economy, the political climate and the sheer momentum in the business world are all lining up to create a landscape that’s ripe for growth, innovation and opportunity.

Here are five compelling reasons why 2025 might just be the year you’ll look back on as a defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey.

Related: How to Create a Winning Strategic Plan for 2025

1. Lower interest rates mean cheaper capital

After years of navigating high-interest environments, entrepreneurs can finally breathe easier. With inflation easing and the Fed signaling lower interest rates, the cost of capital is on its way down. For those of us looking to expand or scale, this isn’t just a welcome change — it’s a game-changer.

Lower interest rates translate directly into more affordable loans, allowing you to invest more into the areas that count: expanding your team, refining your product or scaling your marketing efforts. Whether you’re using debt or equity, 2025 will give you access to cheaper money to fuel your growth, letting you focus on what you do best without being weighed down by hefty financing costs.

2. Investor motivation is through the roof

Cheaper capital doesn’t just impact entrepreneurs; it impacts investors, too. With the cost of borrowing down, investors will be hungry to make their money work harder. More than ever, venture capital firms, private equity funds and angel investors will be on the lookout for promising startups with visionary leaders at the helm.

In other words, 2025 will be an optimal year for entrepreneurs looking to attract funding. Whether you’re seeking seed money or a massive growth round, you’ll find investors with capital they’re eager to deploy. If you’ve been waiting to pitch that next big idea, now is the time to refine it, perfect it and prepare to sell it.

3. A business-friendly political environment

With a Republican-dominated government projected for the next few years, there’s reason to expect a favorable business climate for entrepreneurs. Historically, Republican administrations have been associated with policies that favor economic growth, reduced regulations and tax incentives designed to benefit businesses of all sizes.

For entrepreneurs, this could mean fewer regulatory hurdles and more resources to invest back into the business. Whether it’s relaxing labor restrictions, streamlining compliance or lowering corporate taxes, 2025 is poised to be a year where entrepreneurship isn’t just encouraged; it’s rewarded. This pro-business environment can open doors to faster growth and innovation, allowing you to stay focused on building rather than battling red tape.

4. Consumer confidence is on the rise

The stock market has shown no sign of slowing down, and if 2025 continues the upward trend, consumers will have more wealth at their disposal. When the market is bullish, people feel wealthier, which typically results in increased consumer spending — a powerful boost for businesses of all kinds.

For entrepreneurs, this means a ready and willing customer base eager to spend on the products and services they trust and value. With consumer confidence climbing, this is your chance to captivate your audience, build loyalty and tap into a market that’s actively looking for fresh, innovative solutions. The economy is only as strong as its consumers, and right now, consumers are feeling stronger than ever.

5. Tech innovation is exploding

We’re living in an era where technological advances are accelerating, and 2025 promises even more breakthroughs. From artificial intelligence and automation to new communication platforms and data analytics, technology is equipping entrepreneurs with tools that make starting, scaling and optimizing a business easier than ever before.

In 2025, you’ll have access to cutting-edge technologies at lower costs, allowing you to streamline operations, reach customers more efficiently and make data-driven decisions with unprecedented precision. Entrepreneurs who embrace these advancements will gain a powerful edge, letting them outmaneuver competitors, scale faster and deliver more value to their customers. Innovation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity, and 2025 is the perfect year to go all in.

Related: Top 10 Advanced Technology Trends to Watch in 2025

The stars are aligning for entrepreneurs in 2025. Lower interest rates, eager investors, a pro-business political climate, high consumer confidence and a wave of tech innovations are creating a unique and powerful environment that’s ready to fuel your growth. But the opportunity doesn’t mean anything unless you seize it.

What makes a good leader?

Ask any entrepreneur, and you’re likely to get different (albeit, pretty similar) answers. You might have heard that a good leader is strong, decisive, confident and honest. Or perhaps a “good” leader to you is optimistic, creative and forward-thinking.

After over 20 years as a CEO, I can tell you, my definition of “leader” has evolved over time. Facing challenges, resolving personnel conflicts, making mistakes and overcoming burnout will do that to you. So, while I don’t claim to have the textbook definition of leadership, I can share what I consider to be the essentials when it comes to being a positive, compassionate leader. And I’ve learned that entrepreneurial leadership crosses every sector of business.

Related: 50 Rules for Being a Great Leader

1. Set intentional habits

A leader is someone who is intentional with their habits. Whether you’re part of the “rise and grind” crowd or prefer a more leisurely pace, you’ve given thought to how you manage your day, your health and your business.

As an entrepreneur, my routine is everything — not because I require regimented time blocks, but because, if I didn’t set priorities, what’s important to me would go by the wayside. By setting intentional habits, I know I’ve created time for my physical health, mental health, family and leisure, in addition to the responsibilities of my business.

Without intention, we are at risk of falling victim to bad habits. Distraction and avoidance become our downfall. A great leader knows their priorities, directs energy to the activities likely to have the greatest impact and manages their time, not the other way around.

2. Practice radical honesty

I first learned about radical honesty in Brad Blanton’s book. And at the start, I really struggled with it. I realized how often I used “little white lie” excuses to ease my discomfort and avoid conflict. But this wasn’t doing me or my team any favors.

Through practice, I learned that radical honesty is about prioritizing transparency even when it’s uncomfortable. This doesn’t mean being brutally honest (you can tell the truth without hurting others), but keeping with open communication and vulnerability. Radical honesty leads to better conflict resolution and further refinement of your character as a leader. It also builds trust with your team.

Many business owners believe that you need to be direct or even harsh to be effective. In reality, a great leader speaks the truth with compassion, while seeking to understand the perspectives of those around them. To me, radical honesty is essential if you want to resolve conflict the right way, not the easy way.

Related: Stop Lying to Your Team — And Yourself. Try Radical Honesty Instead.

3. Generosity over personal gain

As business owners, many of us are drawn by the appeal of financial gain. And while this is not inherently bad, setting your tunnel vision on profit alone can make you blind to the more personally lucrative and soul-giving opportunities.

I truly believe that what you give is returned to you in dividends, not always as financial rewards but as personal development, friendships and life experiences. A great leader understands that generosity is more important and impactful than financial earnings alone.

Give to your community, your team, your friends and your family. Whether that’s through service, donations, sharing knowledge or providing career advancement, you’ll feel a stronger sense of purpose than being a profit-first entrepreneur.

4. Tackle challenges with compassion

A leader is someone who does not shy away from challenges. At the same time, a leader does not tackle challenges with aggressive tenacity, but a compassionate, thoughtful approach that considers multiple factors and points of view. Resolving conflicts in this way is difficult, but that is the measure of an intentional, self-aware leader.

For one, a great leader does not bulldoze other people’s perspectives. They take the time to listen to input, consider the information and proceed with what’s right for the organization as a whole. Sometimes, it means knowing when to say “no” — even to yourself.

At the same time, a leader does not beat themselves up for past failures. They consider each challenge to be an opportunity to learn, overcome and grow. It’s much more productive to channel optimistic energy into furniture endeavors than to fixate on the past.

Leadership means having compassion for others and yourself, even when making decisions is difficult and mistakes are inevitable.

Related: 5 Common Personnel Problems and How to Address Them

5. Know your limits

A leader is not infallible. You have skills, but you also have limits. A great leader can recognize the aptitudes in others and know when to step away from activities that no longer serve them.

This does not mean delegating just for the sake of lightening your workload but knowing your limits and identifying your complement in others. Very often, there are people in your mindset ready and able to step up and prove their chops.

As a CEO, I needed to find my “no person.” This is the person who tells me when I’ve gotten in my own way and when it’s time to assign responsibility to more equipped team members. He prevents me from getting pulled into the weeds rather than focusing on the priorities that matter most for my company at a high level.

A leader knows what they’re good at, what they’re not so good at and when it’s time to allow space for others to step in.

Every leader is different. And while the essentials of honesty, integrity and team management come into play, the exact skills will vary from one person to the next. I encourage every entrepreneur to explore their leadership style and define their own “essentials” — the non-negotiables, if you will. Recognize that these may shift over time, but leading with intention is always the path forward to maximizing your impact.

In my business, I help others form business entities, such as LLCs or corporations. Less attention is typically paid to the un-forming of business entities. This is unfortunate — knowing the right way and the right time to dissolve a business can help you save a significant amount of money and hassle.

The most important thing to remember about timing your business dissolution is to aim for action before the year’s end. November and December are good times to bid adieu and start anew.

Related: 5 Ways to Move Forward After Shutting Down Your Business

Why you should dissolve your business before the end of the year

If you know that it’s time to put a business on the shelf (or in the incinerator) but you don’t move to formally dissolve the business entity until Jan. 1, well, as they say in Texas, you’ve just shot yourself in the foot, partner.

If that business, no matter how ailing, is still alive on Jan. 1, then you will owe the IRS and your state tax authority a tax filing for that calendar year. And who’s got time or money for extra filings, when you could have simply dissolved the thing before January? Depending on what state you live in, you may have other headaches coming down the pike as well:

Minimum business taxes: In some states, if you’re still nominally operating by Jan. 1 — even if your business fails to generate one red cent of income throughout the year — you’ll get hit with some or another form of minimum business tax. For example, let’s say your California LLC wasn’t dissolved before Jan. 1. Now you owe the state’s Franchise Tax Board $800 for the pleasure of not doing business that year. The state of Massachusetts insists that all corporations (S corps included) cough up a minimum “annual excise” tax of $456. Nevada calls it a “business license fee” and it’s $500 for corporations and $200 for LLCs.

Figure out what if any minimum business tax is imposed in your state by visiting your state’s SOS (Secretary of State) website. Look for words like “excise tax,” “business licensing fee” and “franchise tax,” all slang terms for “we’re just going to tax you for existing.”

License or permit renewal fees: If you don’t call it quits before Dec. 31, you might get stuck paying for renewed licenses or permits. If you’re closing down your daycare or plumbing business, or your food service business or bar, then you certainly don’t want to be paying for licensure to cover a period of time in which you’re not operating.

Keep in mind, depending on the breadth of your business’s activities and verticals, you may find yourself licensed and permitted by multiple levels of government. Let’s assume that your C-Corporation, FlameCorp, has a couple of verticals, all pyromaniacal in nature: If you wait until January to douse your company, then you may owe renewal fees both to the municipal authority that permits your busker to juggle flaming fire clubs for streetside tips, and to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms that licenses your fireworks importing operation. Make sure you understand the specific fees and relevant timelines imposed by each permitting and licensing authority so you don’t get burned.

Registered agent fees: My business charges $149 a year to act as your registered agent, receiving official documents, legal notices, shielding your privacy, etc. Whether you’re using my firm or another, registered agent contracts automatically renew at the start of the year. Don’t pay me for no reason. Instead, be a pro and dissolve your business by year’s end, then promptly notify your registered agent to stop service for the upcoming year.

Annual (or bi-annual) report fees: These fees aren’t as hefty as the Minimum Business Taxes and licensing and permit fees; nevertheless, why should a hardworking entrepreneur like you throw away money? In California, for example, if your corporation isn’t dissolved by the last day of the second anniversary month of its formation, then you’re on the hook for the bi-annual $30 annual report filing fee. Had your dissolution been timely, that’s $30 that could’ve gone towards your “I-Deserve-This-Latte” fund.

Dissolution vs. conversion

Maybe now is not the time to throw in the towel, but an entity-formation restart is in order. I’m often approached by entrepreneurs who want to convert their current business entity into a new entity type. For example, a solopreneur forms a corporation on a whim, but soon realizes that the tax and reporting structure are a bit too complex for his tastes, and he’d like to convert his corporation into a single-member LLC. In several states, this can be accomplished through a process called, get this, “conversion,” whereby the existing entity need not be formally dissolved.

About 35 states have “statutory conversion” laws on the books that explicitly permit conversions of this kind. Other states, however, require you to jump through a few more hoops. Take New York, for example, where S corporation owners are required to go through a merger process if they seek to convert into an LLC entity. First, the owner must establish the LLC, the new entity, in its own right. Then, the LLC will need to acquire the existing S Corp through a merger, requiring a Certificate of Merger to be filed and all the rest.

For the cleanest possible transition, convert your business entity before Dec. 31. This will simplify your tax filings (who wants to pay an accountant to file both a Schedule C and a Form 1120 for the same business?) and will help streamline other compliance and administrative matters, such as the liabilities listed earlier in this article.

How to dissolve

Again, your state’s SOS website will walk you through the specifics of the dissolution and business entity conversion process. In general, you will need to file articles of dissolution with the state. If your business is a corporation or an LLC with multiple owners, then a record of a shareholder or owner vote will be required. You’ll need to pay any outstanding taxes and notify the IRS by filing a final tax return for your business that will be marked “final return.” You should also cancel your EIN (Employer Identification Number) by contacting the IRS. Your state’s SOS office will provide you with an exhaustive list of steps.

Congratulations on simplifying your life! Closing an unprosperous business can free up your focus and energy for your next big entrepreneurial adventure. Dissolving your business before year’s end will protect your time and your pocketbook.

Victor Lugger, co-founder of the restaurant group Big Mamma and the tech platform sunday, is no stranger to building memorable experiences that transcend mere dining. For Lugger, restaurants should be spaces filled with joy and emotion, encouraging guests to savor each moment.

When creating Big Mamma, Lugger’s goal was to evoke the vibrant energy of an Italian street, capturing the warmth, energy and spontaneity of Italy.

As he puts it, Big Mamma was born as “an antidepressant for the Sunday blues. ” The ambiance, staff and even fellow patrons combine to create a high-energy place reminiscent of the joy you might find walking the streets of Venice or Rome.

Related: He Was Once Head Writer of ‘The Simpsons.’ Now, He’s the Gordon Ramsay of Fast Food — Here’s How This TV Exec Found an Unlikely Career as an Influencer.

This commitment to joy in dining, however, extends beyond the ambiance to embrace Lugger’s staff culture and resilience. During an early pop-up in the South of France, his team transformed a potential disaster — a sudden, torrential downpour — into an unforgettable night by dancing through the chaos, keeping guests entertained and turning a problem into a celebration.

Lugger says it was a profound lesson in leadership.

“I was very humbled by how much better than me my team was,” he recalls, emphasizing that as a leader, learning from the team‘s energy and confidence became paramount.

This “joy in chaos” mentality shaped his approach, prioritizing empowering his employees and fostering a culture that celebrates taking risks and learning from mistakes.

Related: This Chef’s Unfiltered Approach to Food Found Success Online. Now, Her Grocery Store Brings Her Brand to Life: ‘I Don’t Want to Live on the Internet.’

In 2021, Lugger co-founded sunday, a tech company aimed at transforming the restaurant checkout experience. Although Big Mamma focuses on slowing guests down to enjoy their meals, sunday optimizes the payment process, ensuring that hospitality extends to the final interaction. It integrates with several popular restaurant technologies, including Toast.

With sunday, Lugger emphasizes that “there is so much more to do during payments” than merely collecting a bill.

By streamlining the checkout experience, sunday not only saves guests time but also increases tips and gathers essential feedback that helps restaurants improve and retain staff. By improving each small detail, restaurants can create a more hospitable experience.

Related: How This Michelin-Starred Chef Overcame Loss and Hardships to Achieve Stardom

Lugger’s unique social media approach

Despite Big Mamma’s social media success, Lugger focuses squarely on the guest experience rather than digital marketing.

His “social media investment” is the details — from custom-made plates to marble tables — that give guests a sense of awe when they sit down to eat and encourage them to share their experience with the world.

“I’m making great restaurants to please people. It happens that in 2024, when people are pleased, they say it on social media,” Lugger tells Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.

Lugger continues to build environments that bring joy to customers and set a high standard for hospitality, a testament to his passion for creating memorable, meaningful dining experiences.

“The fact that Big Mamma is this sort of machine we all feed into, and this machine grows and feeds us and grows our life is why we keep pushing it,” he says.

Related: How This Beverage Industry CEO Used His Passion for Hip-Hop to Build Partnerships With Jay-Z, Rick Ross and More

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