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In the fiercely competitive business landscape, creating a loyalty program that resonates with customers and encourages repeat business is more crucial than ever. A well-crafted loyalty program not only rewards customers but also fosters a deeper connection with your brand, turning occasional buyers into lifelong advocates. But what makes a loyalty program truly stand out and keep customers coming back for more? Below, leaders from the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) share their invaluable insights on this very question: "What's one tip you have for creating a quality loyalty program that will keep customers coming back for more? Why?" Their responses shed light on the essential elements of successful loyalty programs, from personalized rewards to leveraging technology for enhanced customer experiences.

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From books to seminars to online articles, there's no shortage of advice for business owners. While some insights are invaluable, others are questionable—and then there are some which are downright disastrous. Following the wrong business advice can prove detrimental to the health and growth of a business. Here, members of Young Entrepreneur Council share some of the worst business advice they've been given and why ignoring that advice is often the best solution.

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From an eye-catching headline to built-in customer support, you can implement these tips, regardless of your industry and audience size.

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When making a budget, entrepreneurs may account for some of the more obvious expenditures, such as payroll and production costs. However, some important expenses might be overlooked—which can significantly impact the health and longevity of a business. To help you create a more accurate business budget, members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss some of the less obvious costs of running a business. From professional development to software upgrades, make sure your budget accounts for these key expenses.

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Networking and seeking help from peers in your industry can be an intimidating prospect for many professionals. The fear and anxiety associated with networking can often hinder one's ability to create meaningful connections. Below, 14 Young Entrepreneur Council members share valuable tips and strategies to banish those networking fears and anxieties. With these tips, you will feel empowered to build strong industry relationships in the world of business with confidence, ease and success.

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As the year draws to a close, small service-based businesses face the challenge of not only reflecting on their past performance but also positioning themselves for success in the upcoming year. But how can these businesses stand out in the crowd to truly distinguish themselves and set a solid foundation for the year ahead? Here, 15 Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) members answered the following question to help small businesses rise above the competition and pave the way for a bright 2024.

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You can put in the work and create a system that cultivates positivity and productivity, which are the foundation for building a high-performing team.

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Pitching to investors can be a nerve-wracking endeavor for any entrepreneur, but especially so when the investors don't seem to be interested in your idea. Whether they just say “no” or have some negative feedback in regards to your pitch or your product, this type of situation can be a big blow to your self-esteem and your confidence as an entrepreneur. But not earning a “yes” doesn’t have to mean you’ve failed. According to the members of Young Entrepreneur Council, it’s more of an opportunity to improve. Below, they outline the best ways to respond when faced with negative feedback from investors and why doing so will set you up for success the next time.

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The way you start your day sets the stage for the kind of day you have ahead of you. Starting it stressed out or in a bad mood can put you in the wrong kind of headspace for the rest of the day, leading you to make poor decisions or lose focus on the tasks at hand. However, by making a few simple changes and taking charge of your morning, you can start your day off calm, rested and ready to tackle any challenges you may have ahead of you. Here, 10 business leaders from Young Entrepreneur Council discuss their own routines and how they maximize their time in the morning to not only get in the right headspace for the workday ahead but also improve as a person and leader at the same time. Try implementing one of these habits into your daily routine and see how effective you can really be.

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As consumers are gearing up for gift giving this holiday season, companies are similarly gearing up for the likely influx of business they’ll see over the next few months. From a greater demand for products and services to increased customer service needs, there are a multitude of ways in which businesses must ready themselves for the holidays—or else be too caught up in putting out fires to meet the needs of customers. Having experienced multiple holiday seasons themselves, the business leaders of Young Entrepreneur Council know what it takes to ensure you’re ready and able to tackle the challenges ahead. Here, they each share one tip they’d recommend for preparing your business for the busy holiday season and why following this tip will ensure you’re able to ring in the new year with ease.

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When you're actively searching for a new career, you know the importance of crafting a compelling resumé. In addition to the expected information, such as work history and experience, there are certain "green flags" that can help your application catch the eye of prospective employers. To help job seekers land that coveted interview, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council share their experiences on the other side of the hiring table. Read on for 13 attributes that can send your resumé to the top of the list—and the top of a hiring manager's mind.

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As more and more people in today's workforce seek greater fulfillment in their careers, entrepreneurship has become an increasingly compelling avenue for self-discovery and financial independence. And with the rise of remote work and advancements in digital technologies, starting a home-based business is more attractive—and attainable—than ever.  Doing so, however, requires an understanding of the practical steps and strategies necessary for success. Not sure where to begin? Below, a group of entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council share eight tried-and-true tips for starting a home-based business.

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Your website's landing page is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your brand. So it's crucial to make that initial impression count, crafting a captivating landing page to grab the attention of—and quickly convert—prospective customers. How exactly can brands ensure their landing pages have their intended effect? To help, a group of Young Entrepreneur Council members share tried-and-true strategies to optimize your landing page for maximum conversions.

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If you can get someone to feel committed to your company before they place an order, you can bet that many of these people will become long-time customers.

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While email marketing remains a popular and viable way to reach customers, it also has the potential to cause annoyance or get flat out ignored if not handled in the right way. Emails frequently hitting customers’ inboxes that follow the same stale format or provide little or no value often won’t inspire readers to click through—if they even open the email at all. So what should email marketers do? Here, the experts of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss some of the strategies businesses can use to breathe new life into their email marketing efforts and keep their emails from being sent directly to “Trash.”

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Many people dream of starting their own business, being their own boss and taking charge of their work life. However, while there are plenty of benefits to going it alone, becoming a solopreneur can also feel very lonely or isolating as you navigate the ups and downs of getting a business off the ground. For this reason, many aspiring business owners choose to seek out a co-founder to help them on their journey. From giving your business more credibility to acting as a soundboard for your creative ideas, opting to enter into such a partnership may just be the perfect solution for you. Here, the business leaders of Young Entrepreneur Council explore these benefits and more as they outline 10 reasons why someone may want to find a co-founder rather than go it alone as a solopreneur.

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When you’re an entrepreneur, time management and productivity are key to lasting success. However, finding the time to get everything done can seem overwhelming, especially with the packed to-do lists that come with running a business. Fortunately, in today's technology-forward landscape, many apps are available to help busy entrepreneurs make the most of their (limited) time. Below, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) leaders share their answers to the following question:

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It should come as no surprise that a healthy and happy employee is a more productive one. This is why many employers are looking to employee wellness programs to help their team members build healthier habits to improve both their physical and mental health. However, getting employees interested in taking advantage of these benefits means considering their needs and what gets them excited to participate. For a list of perks, policies and initiatives that might spark the interest of your team members, consider the following suggestions from the business leaders of Young Entrepreneur Council. Here, they recommend ideas they themselves have implemented or have seen succeed in the workplace and discuss why they believe employees are so excited to take advantage of these benefits.

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Often, one of the most gratifying parts of being a small-business owner is building a connection to your local community. One of the many ways business owners can do this is by hosting local events. Whether it’s an intimate gathering in your store or a big summer bash, events are key opportunities for strengthening your relationship with your customers — but that doesn’t mean they have to break the bank. To help you determine the best ways to cut costs while still putting on an event to remember, 10 members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) weigh in on the following question:

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In today's digital era, where an online presence can make or break a company's success, search engine marketing (SEM) has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance visibility and attract potential customers. From keyword optimization to compelling ad copy and a seamless user experience, understanding the fundamentals of SEM can pave the way for a flourishing online presence and long-term success. Here, Young Entrepreneur Council members explore practical and actionable strategies to help businesses enhance their search engine marketing game.

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As an entrepreneur, believing in yourself and your ideas is foundational to your success. For entrepreneurs, having confidence is like having a secret weapon. It's key to facing obstacles, winning over others and ensuring the success of any venture. However, gaining that confidence is often easier said than done, especially with all the challenges that come with starting and growing a company. To help entrepreneurs build their confidence, a group of successful business leaders share their expert insights on why self-belief is so crucial to running a business, as well as seven tried-and-true tips on how to achieve it.

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Content repurposing is an excellent way to save time, reduce your workload, and create highly engaging new videos, social media posts and more for your audience.

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The work world looks vastly different from what it did just a few years ago—with the pandemic forcing many employees and employers to adapt to remote work or else shut their doors potentially for good. And while some companies have made attempts to return their work environments back to a pre-pandemic office structure, many employees have come to appreciate the benefits of a remote-work lifestyle and have shifted their expectations around what they will and will not accept in the workplace. This evolving attitude, as well as a number of other factors, has made it difficult for some companies to find the talent they need to continue prospering in the market. Here, eight members of Young Entrepreneur Council elaborate on these factors and discuss what employers can do to not only make finding talent easier but also retain that talent once they’ve been brought on board.

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Marketing is an evolving practice, with new channels, trends and platforms emerging seemingly every day. In such an ever-changing industry, marketers themselves must also evolve to keep up with the latest in consumer interests and behaviors and better position their products or services as necessary solutions to customers’ problems. As such, it can be helpful for both new and established marketers to develop a few habits that will help keep their skills and knowledge fresh and their methods effective. If you’re a marketer looking to upskill or improve your daily habits, consider implementing one or more of the following habits recommended by the business leaders of Young Entrepreneur Council and give yourself an edge over others in your career.

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Knowledge is the key to success. This is especially true for entrepreneurs, as the wisdom shared in books can prove to be invaluable for both the budding startup founder and the seasoned business owner. From time-tested strategies for growth to profound insights on leadership and innovation, these literary gems have the power to shape the way entrepreneurs approach challenges and opportunities. Whether you're seeking inspiration, seeking to hone your leadership skills or simply looking to expand your entrepreneurial mindset, books are a must-have resource to empower and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. To recommend a few of their favorites, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) business leaders answer the following question:

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When you’re a business leader, you often work a million miles a minute putting out fires and maintaining the current and future health of your company. With your attention pulled in all different directions, you’re forced to balance major decisions with minor ones, all while trying to find time to complete your usual day-to-day schedule. These daily demands can be a lot to handle, and it’s not uncommon for leaders to feel overwhelmed or burned out from tackling these duties. If you feel like you’re struggling to manage your workload as a leader, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council offer their advice. Here, they discuss the best tips they’d give any leader struggling to keep up with the daily demands of leadership and what has worked for them as leaders of their own companies.

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No matter how focused your business is on customer satisfaction, the occasional complaint is inevitable. Whether they occur in person at a physical store or through online channels, these complaints present a unique opportunity to turn the situation around and deliver a positive experience. By actively listening to the customer's concerns, businesses can demonstrate empathy, foster trust and find effective solutions that resolve the issue at hand and encourage that person to keep coming back. To that end, Young Entrepreneur Council members share a few key actions you can take to address negative feedback and create a positive outcome for the customer—and ultimately, your business.

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A trusted mentor can help you navigate business’s toughest challenges. Running and leading a successful business is no easy feat. That's why entrepreneurs often turn to trusted mentors, those who have already navigated similar challenges in their own businesses, for guidance and wisdom. As they grow and learn, these entrepreneurs can then pass on these valuable insights to the next generation of business owners. Below, a group of successful entrepreneurs share some of the most memorable advice they've received from their mentors. Read on to find out what lessons have stuck with them and why those words have been so impactful.

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No business’s sales always trend upward. In fact, there may be times when you see your sales start to even out or even drop for a period of time. While this can be normal, it is also a good indication that you may need to take a look at your current processes to figure out the reason for the dropping numbers.  Stagnating sales also provide you with the opportunity to freshen up old campaigns or breathe new life into your current sales tactics. But before you start, consider the following recommendations by the members of Young Entrepreneur Council. Here, they discuss steps you can take to help turn around slowing sales as soon as possible and get your customers engaging once more.

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New projects or initiatives can be exciting, but sometimes business leaders can be blinded by their own excitement and push forward even when things aren't going as planned. If you think this could be happening to you, it may be wise to reflect on any signs that could indicate a need to pause or stop a project altogether. To help get you started, nine business leaders from Young Entrepreneur Council list signs to look out for that will help you determine if you should pull back on (or completely halt) a project or initiative—even one you’re excited about.

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When it comes to hiring someone for their team, nearly every employer likely already has an image of their ideal candidate in mind. Whether it’s someone who isn’t afraid to push the envelope or someone who is reliable, trustworthy and gets their work done on time, the “ideal” hire can vary from employer to employer, sometimes making it difficult for potential candidates to know what qualities they should emphasize in their application. To provide a little bit of guidance, business leaders from Young Entrepreneur Council list 11 words they’d use to describe their ideal employees and explain what it is about those specific characteristics that makes someone such a great hire.

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As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries across the globe, it is crucial for young professionals entering the workforce to develop skills that will keep them relevant and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements. While the integration of AI may raise concerns about job displacement, it also presents abundant opportunities for those equipped with the right skill sets. Below, Young Entrepreneur Council members explore several key steps young professionals can take to not just survive but thrive in an AI-dominated work world. By honing their skills, they can position themselves to leverage AI as a tool and remain competitive in the ever-evolving job market.

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Delegation is a fundamental skill that every leader must hone in order to effectively manage people and achieve organizational goals. However, not all delegation methods are created equal. Here, 11 Young Entrepreneur Council members share the key strategies that are most effective for leaders when it comes to delegating tasks and responsibilities to their teams.

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Even the slightest changes can go a long way in creating a positive customer experience. Customer service is a critical aspect of any business, and it can make or break the company's reputation. Fortunately, providing a positive customer experience doesn't have to be a taxing or expensive undertaking -- even the slightest improvements can make a significant impact. For some simple yet effective strategies to improve your company's customer service, read on for eight tried-and-true tips from a group of successful entrepreneurs.

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From rejection and adversity to self-doubt, entrepreneurs will inevitably encounter many challenges as they work to build a thriving business. Fortunately, there are effective strategies new business owners can leverage to help them navigate the rough patches and stay motivated to achieve their goals.  Without preparing for unexpected setbacks and downturns, a new entrepreneur may struggle to maintain the focus and confidence they need to succeed. Here, 12 Young Entrepreneur Council members share their best advice for persevering through the difficulties that come along with entrepreneurship, offering tips to help entrepreneurs stay the course and find lasting success.

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In a data-driven business landscape, leaders rely heavily on analyzing company metrics to make informed decisions. However, understanding the multiple factors and points to consider when interpreting these metrics is crucial for accurate analysis.  Below, 18 Young Entrepreneur Council members share their tips to help a leader ensure their analysis of company metrics yields accurate and actionable insights. Using these strategies, a leader can determine whether the data indicates they're on course or if they should be prepared to challenge initial perceptions, alter strategic courses or take proactive measures for future success.

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Whether you’re rebranding, offering a new product or starting a new website, users want to know how interacting with your brand will help them reach their goals, and a coming soon page can help.

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When trying to hire a team with diverse backgrounds and skills, business leaders can be left wondering how to find candidates who are different enough from each other to ensure varied points of view and experience levels but also similar enough to each other to work well together and create a cohesive team culture. Luckily, there are some questions leaders can ask themselves to help make the hiring process a little more straightforward. Below, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss seven of those questions and why they are so effective at helping you determine whether or not someone would be a good fit for your team.

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Small, local businesses face unique challenges when it comes to marketing. While many marketing techniques may be effective for larger corporations, they may not yield the same results for small businesses operating within a specific community. Investing in expensive advertising campaigns or generic marketing strategies that fail to resonate with local consumers can be a waste of precious resources. To offer their thoughts on the matter, eight Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) members weigh in on the following question:

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When starting out as a freelancer, the toughest step is often finding your first client. Not only do you have to convince them to take a chance on working with you when you may or may not have extensive experience in your field, but you also have to figure out where to find them in the first place. However, by following the tips provided by the members of Young Entrepreneur Council, you can make the experience a little less daunting. Here, they offer up advice to new freelancers for how to build up their client base from scratch and how to secure that first check.

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While a business’s goal is always to please its customers, there will likely be times when a customer will end up dissatisfied with the end result of a particular project or product. The way a business responds to this situation can often determine the future of that client relationship and whether or not they will continue to work with that business moving forward. In order to ensure your client’s happiness with the final result—and save the relationship—consider the following advice. Here, nine members of Young Entrepreneur Council each recommend one step you should take to help resolve the issue when a client isn’t happy with you or your team’s work and discuss the impact it will have for the future.

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In today's digital age, data privacy has become a top priority for individuals and businesses alike. Small businesses in particular need to ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their customers' personal information. By doing so, they not only comply with data protection regulations but also build trust and loyalty with their customer base. While implementing robust data privacy measures can be challenging for small businesses with limited resources, even small steps can make a significant impact. To that end, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) weighed in on the following question:

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Especially when first starting a business, finding customers can be one of the most difficult aspects of getting your company off the ground. However, even more experienced businesses can struggle to find customers if their approach isn’t dialed in. In this digital era, focusing on your digital marketing efforts can be an effective way to reach the right people. To provide further insights, nine members of Young Entrepreneur Council offer their best tips for improving your digital marketing efforts to find not only more customers but also the right customers as well as achieve greater success as a business.

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When it comes to business cybersecurity, there's no such thing as "too small a target." If your company uses poor cybersecurity practices, leaving sensitive customer or company data at risk, hackers can exploit those vulnerabilities to accomplish their goals—no matter how big or small your company is. In the same way, however, cybersecurity doesn’t have to require major capital to implement. Below, eight members of Young Entrepreneur Council each share one practical, affordable way a company of any size can protect itself and its data from hackers and phishing attacks, and why these methods are so effective.

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There are quite a few ways to build recognition and improve your odds of appearing in the search results when people type in relevant keywords and phrases. 

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It can be argued that any company that collects and handles customer data has the responsibility of leveraging strong methods to protect it, but a similar point can also be made about the company’s responsibility to educate consumers about malware and cyberattacks. Safe customers are happy customers, and helping to ensure your customers follow cybersecurity best practices can help keep them that way. There’s no one way of going about this task, however. Below, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss eight effective methods for educating consumers about cybersecurity and why these methods are so beneficial for your customers and your company.

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While the cloud is perhaps most notably recognized as a convenient way to store and access data, there are many other benefits of this technology users may not automatically think of—namely when it comes to business growth. From streamlining project management to reducing retraining time, there are a multitude of ways business owners can leverage cloud technology to help them scale. Here, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council share nine of the most effective ways to use cloud technology to grow your business as well as other benefits you may gain by doing so.

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Social media has become an integral part of modern-day marketing strategies, enabling companies to reach out to their target audiences more efficiently than ever before. With the proliferation of different social media platforms, it's crucial for companies to maintain a consistent brand voice across all channels. This not only helps in establishing a strong brand identity, but it also enables companies to effectively engage and inform their audiences. To share their insights on how to do this, a panel of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) experts reacted to the following question: