In America, over 170 million people use the app TikTok to make videos and share them with the world. But America has taken a step that might get TikTok banned nationwide.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is used to create and share short-form videos with other users. The app was launched by the Chinese technology company ByteDance in 2016 and has grown since. TikTok has offices in Beijing, Los Angeles, Moscow, India, Seoul, South Korea, and Tokoyo.

As of February 2024, TikTok has been downloaded a total of 4.7 billion times. TikTok’s popularity stems from how the app’s algorithm remembers what content a user likes in the form of the “For You” page. On top of that, videos recorded on TikTok are 15 seconds to 3 minutes long, which keeps the flow of content fast-paced.

The Ban on TikTok

On 3/13/2024 The House Of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok for all of America. If Byte Dance, the parent company of TikTok, does not sell its assets to another company within six months of the bill’s passing, TikTok will be banned nationwide. The vote was 352 to 65 and the bill now has to be voted on in the Senate. There is currently no date set for when the Senate will vote on the bill. TikTok argues that the bill violates First Amendment rights.

Others who are against the bill like Ashley Gorski from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) state “The Government can’t impose this type of ban unless it’s the only way to prevent extremely serious harm to national security.” TikTok creators are against the ban as well. They argue that millions of creators would lose their source of income if the ban were to happen.

Why Is TikTok A Threat?

Byte Dance is a company that operates in China. Politicians fear that TikTok will give all the data that it’s collected from users to the Chinese Government. ByteDance has denied having ties with the Chinese Government in the past, but evidence has shown that ByteDance may have links to the Chinese Military Surveillance Complex. TikTok has already been banned on government phones in all three government institutions in the EU on March 20th, 2023.

There are also concerns beyond national security. TikTok is seen as a danger to children because of how addictive the app is and the lack of safeguards in place for them.

As of 3/14/2024, TikTok is still downloadable in America, but they may or may not change in the coming months.

Experience is everything. Likewise, most employment platforms and positions require specific qualifications, but inexperienced college students are rarely considered. Internships often act similarly but can be obtained with no prior industry knowledge. Alternatively, students can turn to several convenient outlets to build a remarkable resume and impression. 

Replacing inexperience with suitable skills, education, and life experience can be far more valuable than zero experience. Continue reading to understand why.

Career Centers

Most colleges provide a career or student center where workshops, resources, and advisors are readily available. A career center is a conduit for greater opportunities like networking or internships. Additionally, Indeed, an online employment website, defines career centers as “aware of open company positions, including internships or volunteer roles.” Ultimately, a career center is the center of opportunity and opens the doors to previously unheard-of programs and workshops. A student can be connected to programs tailored to their skills and fields, such as a mentorship program. Conversely, students can find their preferred work environment that provides interchangeable skill sets and experience.

Volunteer Jobs & Student Groups

Experience is not always accomplished through entry-level industry jobs, yet volunteer jobs and student groups can act as one’s foundation. Volunteer positions such as a tutor, caregiver, coach, etc. teach one the necessary skills for that position. As a result, one can apply their newfound skills to future opportunities. For instance, one can create a summer reading program to help children with their “reading skills, vocabularies, and provide something new to learn.” They can then repeat what they’ve learned in similar or other industry roles. Depending on the job, one can immediately find a realistic and proper work environment while dealing with real responsibilities and proving oneself to be dependable,

However, volunteer jobs can be limited to location, time, and availability. Students can then turn to their campus student groups or create their own group or club. Student groups often work with social media, seminars, and general events to remain active. This is where one can learn teamwork and leadership skills while managing, expanding, and improving a group. Alternatively, students can start their own group or club and take the necessary steps to lead a group of like-minded people. Both can be networking opportunities with fellow students or mentors in the same major and field.

Application & Interview Process

A well-written application and resume can be the catalyst for landing an internship, but the previous subjects are crucial too. Monster, a job search website, describes a resume as “finding where one’s background overlaps with the duties described in the job description.” A resume can leave a remarkable or forgettable impression, so citing relevant experiences and accomplishments can indicate passion and ambition. Similarly, it can also show what an individual is capable of, isolated or with a team.

Interviews are where one can express who they are and how their experiences shaped their work mindset and future. One can further elaborate on why they chose to help fellow students or their community and capitalize on selling their talents. Furthermore, clear and concise answers show how determined one can be, and the experiences shared can be telling of a person. Interviews can link similar goals and mindsets between employer and student, so sharing one’s best accomplishments and experiences is recommended.

Are You Experienced?

Experiences can now be substituted for volunteer work and personal projects and goals. Students have several resources and opportunities, like student groups and careers centers, to shape the workers and leaders they can potentially be. Lastly, outlets like volunteer work and career centers can provide further opportunities that may not have been possible. Experience does not necessarily have to start with an internship or an entry-level job. One can build their own experience.

For more about internships and the business world, visit FerryGodmother.biz.

Starting a business can be difficult. The owner has to decide between products, services, logos, marketing strategies, employees, a website, and more. The most important part of starting a business is deciding which type of business to start. This helps set up structure, purpose, and goals in a business. 

Continue reading to learn about the four different types of businesses.

Sole Proprietorship

The most known business type is the sole proprietorship. This type is an unincorporated company with only one owner or married couple. This is an ideal business model for those who enjoy working alone and want to be responsible for decision-making. 

Consequently, it does mean that while all the profits go to one person, so do all the liabilities. The sole owner’s personal income tax record includes the income and tax expenses of the business.

Partnership Business

Counter to a sole proprietorship is a partnership business. American Express defines this business type as “two or more people who combine their resources to form a business.” They add that co-business owners “agree to share risks, profits and losses.” This model further divides roles and responsibilities into two separate partnership structures. 

First, general partners own and operate the business and assume liabilities. This model is traditional and encourages owners to engage with day-by-day decisions. Second, limited partnerships include general and “silent” partnerships. This model includes investor-like partners because they have no control over the company and have limited liabilities. This can be a helpful business type for remote jobs and location convenience. Another business type to consider is limited liability companies.

Limited Liabilities Companies (LLCs)

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) allow owners, partners, and shareholders to limit personal liability while protecting personal assets. Although LLCs are not corporations, they have the same limited liability as corporations. LLCs follow the same tax system as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations. This is one of the most flexible business types.

4 Types of Corporations

Finally, one can consider the four types of corporations to follow: S corps, Nonprofits, B corps, and C corps. S corps have the liability protection of corporations and several tax benefits but can only issue common stock. Additionally, this category can have up to 75 shareholders who must be allowed to vote on major decisions.

C corporations have the strongest personal liability protection but pay income tax on their profits. They’re completely independent of shareholders but require more extensive reporting, record-keeping, and operational processes. Double taxation occurs in certain situations for C corporations.B corporation is a for-profit corporation with a mission and profit motive.

B corporations are taxed like C corporations but focus more on purpose, accountability, and transparency. Business Insider, a business and media website, describes this type as a corporation that “works toward a more inclusive and sustainable economy.” These companies set out to give back to communities, promote a healthier environment, and reduce inequality. This is one of the most ethical business models to follow, which can positively impact smaller communities and even the world.

Conclusion

Business owners have several business types to follow, which can determine what kind of company they represent in the future. In addition, business models, shareholders, and liabilities will become the business’s foundations and can affect decisions. Sole or partnerships may be all one needs, or multiple owners and partners can fulfill the ambitions of the business. Ultimately, it is an important step to take to achieve the goals of a business.

For more insight into business development, check out Ferrygodmother.biz.

Applying for jobs sometimes means having to write a cover letter. Cover letters can be useful in allowing a person to stand out in a pool of applicants. They can allow applicants to advocate themselves and their interest in a position. 

Keep reading to find out what makes a good cover letter.

Tip #1: Tailor it to the job

Applying for the same types of jobs can make writing cover letters feel repetitive. However, it’s crucial to ensure each is tailored specifically for the job and company it’s being sent to.  In fact, according to Yahoo, 77% of employers stated that they prefer applicants with cover letters. Companies appreciate an understanding of the position and company values, and a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to convey that. 

Tip #2: Don’t overdo it

Employers typically don’t want to read more than one page. That said, it’s important not to write a letter that’s too short. However, one that is too long can hurt an application more than help it. Cover letters are meant to describe relevant experiences and interests. Anything outside of that should be left out. 

Tip #3: Tone is important

It can be challenging to find the perfect tone for a letter. Some people figure enthusiasm is the way to show excitement for the position. However, keeping it professional should be a priority. Showing a company a passion for the position is excellent, but being genuine is crucial. 

Tip #4: Be clear and concise

When writing about skills and achievements, it can be easy to get carried away. Resume Genius reported that about 36% of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds reading cover letters. Being too wordy or including too much irrelevant info can deter some employers. 

Tip #5: Remember the point

Cover letters are meant to market potential employees, not companies. Companies want to hear that candidates know what they do and want to participate. Ultimately, the point is to convince companies to hire an employee. Flattery is nice, but too much can be detaching. 

Conclusion

The consensus is that cover letters can make or break an application. Even when one isn’t required, it’s still a good idea to submit one to show a desire for the job. Writing a good cover letter can be difficult, but it can make all the difference in standing out against other candidates. 

To learn more about business, visit ferrygodmother.biz/.

From large to small and everything in between, a micro business is at the lower end of the small business spectrum. Mirroring a small business, micro businesses or micro-enterprises specialize in selling products and services to the local community.

Here is some further insight into what coins this classification and some examples.

Micro Business vs. Small Business

The former (micro-businesses) is defined by having an employee number below ten people, while the latter caps at 500. Though it’s possible as a small business nears closer to the minimum, it takes more to classify them. The small differences lie in revenue, assets, market shares, brand equity, customer base, etc. Everything is significantly less for a micro business.

Impact on Revenue

Despite the maximum guideline of ten employees, a micro company has an owner who can seek to be the sole proprietor of this business or co-habituate with a partnership or corporation. The small team or sole proprietor often handles multiple roles, which impacts the time and energy to focus on revenue-generating activities.

Lower business costs affect the revenue of a micro-business because there are fewer employees to pay and fewer operating expenses, and potentially working from home can relieve workspace costs.

What Are Some Examples?

While some options are more feasible than others, a wide range of fields can be a micro business. Any form of freelance or independent contractor work can classify under this identification. Various micro-businesses operate in different industries, including home base services, retail, professional services, pet services, and more. These offerings represent only a fraction of the possibilities.

Conclusion

Micro-businesses allow individuals to thrive without investing large sums of money. Their agility, personalized customer service, and connection with the local community give them an edge. However, given their small size, they have specific hurdles to overcome, including competing with more prominent companies, securing financing, and reaching out to customers.

For more about business, check out Ferrygodmother.com.

With the school semester quickly approaching, retailers have a chance to connect with parents, students, and educators through back-to-school marketing tactics. Back-to-school shopping is a significant event for families, with an estimated $80 billion spent on supplies, clothing, and electronics each year. This article delves into current trends and strategies businesses can employ to take advantage of this season.

Discover how businesses execute marketing plans for the back-to-school period.

Early Bird Back-To-School Marketing

Customers love early bird (cheaper school supplies) promotions, so when gathering the marketing team, discuss the importance of creating a sense of urgency and excitement before the semester begins. By highlighting exclusive offers and limited-time deals, it encourages early shopping.

A component to boost sales for early bird promotions is exploring the power of content marketing through social media, blogs, videos, and webinars. The content should be engaging and informative such as study tips, organization hacks, and back-to-school checklists.

 Offering discount coupons and digital coupons build an email contact list for the future and increases sales during the vital back-to-school rush.

Virtual Events, Contests, and Give Aways

Another back-to-school marketing tactic explicitly caters to educators. An example is Target and its “Teacher Prep Event,” where educators receive discounts on supplies. 

When hosting contests, use high-value prizes to engage the customers, such as laptops, iPads, or gift cards to a large retail supply store. This way, the clients notice the worth of joining the event. 

Businesses can also collaborate with retailers, such as letting customers know if they take their back-to-school receipts to certain restaurants, they can get discounts on their meals.

Collaboration

Collaborating with educational institutes or local charities reinforces back-to-school marketing strategies. Through collaboration, businesses can tailor product bundles specific to academic disciplines or extracurricular activities. For instance, Verizon Wireless’s “Wireless Zone Locations” annually cater to K-12 students with a backpack full of school supplies. The event allows the business to acquire positive brand exposure and develop a long-term customer partnership.

Helping others through charity increases employee morale and is a positive marketing strategy. This unique selling point gives socially conscious customers a place to shop at businesses that give back to the community.

Conclusion

In summary, back-to-school marketing campaigns set the tone for the season, inducing customer engagement, loyalty, and sales. By utilizing early-bird promotions, informative content, engaging contests,  personalized offerings, and educational collaborations, businesses can be a valuable resource to students and educators for the upcoming semester.

For more on business and to learn more about our internship program, visit Ferry Godmother.Biz.

A Social Media presence can affect any user on the platform. Social Media impacts marketing campaigns, current and potential careers, self-esteem, and more. As much as social media helps, it also has downsides.

Keep reading for insights on the toll social media can have.

Photo Manipulation in Youth

Wanting to have a more “Instagrammable face” has increased plastic surgery rates, particularly in a younger age range. Many teenagers struggle with low self-esteem because they find validation through how many “likes” their Instagram gets. Once again, a  social media presence can significantly impact and have downsides.

An ample reason behind this transition to a more “Instagrammable face” is the increase in utilizing photo editing apps and photo manipulation tactics. Businesses have been using manipulation strategies since the earliest printed newspaper and magazine, but social media has made them more accessible and more prevalent. 

The accessibility of the Internet has led to a rise in youth eating disorders and other mental illnesses. Using models of all different body types is a great way to avoid negative connotations with a business’s brand and helps fight expectations formed by the media.

Social Media Presence: Industry

There are also specific downsides to a social media presence when working in any kind of industry. The business’s brand and activities are exposed to public scrutiny. Negative comments or complaints can quickly spread and harm the business’s reputation. One suggestion is to respond to such feedback effectively while maintaining a positive image because inappropriate posts can have long-lasting consequences.

Businesses with a social media presence often share information about products, services, and internal operations. This makes the business susceptible to security risks, data breaches, and hacking. Don’t post or share confidential details. The implications for the company are pragmatic and can hinder competitiveness, intellectual property, and customer trust.

Cancellations

A social media presence can affect someone’s career or future opportunities, especially when one does not clean out older social media posts, photos, or other past behavior that could be considered unseemly.

Many celebrities have been “canceled” due to insensitive behavior and harmful posts. Past actions on social media happen to celebrities, influencers, and regular everyday people.

Uploading can be just as detrimental to one’s mental health as cancellation, and it can often cause burnout. Maintaining a social media presence and persona requires consistently creating and uploading content. These heavy requirements, such as replying to over twenty posts and creating new original content, also increase the likelihood of posting something offensive.

Another important thing businesses need to consider is the person representing them in public. A problematic spokesperson can cause issues for the company directly. Who represents the business brand is imperative.

Conclusion

Having a social media presence creates an opinion. It can be detrimental to mental health but alternatively can create jobs and careers. Have a well-thought-out social media strategy considering potential downsides, whether for personal use or business.

For more things business, check out Ferrygodmother.biz.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant and extensive impact on businesses worldwide. The results were felt throughout industries and sectors, and the pandemic’s problems and changes forced businesses to adapt immediately to continue operating. A game-changing event that compelled businesses to adapt and innovate in new ways. It emphasized the significance of flexibility, resilience, and the capacity to overcome unexpected situations.

Continue reading to see the struggles these businesses had to endure during COVID-19.

Business Financial Strain with Covid-19

Many firms had major financial difficulties due to decreased consumer spending, supply chain interruptions, and temporary closures. During lockdowns, small companies, in particular, faced an uphill struggle to stay open. The United States Census states, ” In 2020, 6.0 percent of companies canceled, 9.7 percent postponed, 8.2 percent decreased, and 1.5 increased some of their budgeted capital expenditures“. The drop in economic activity and financial strain caused by the COVID-19 epidemic revealed the global economy’s dependence.

Working Remotely

During lockdowns and social distancing, businesses had to implement remote work to prioritize employee safety. This necessitated providing employees with the appropriate technology, resources, and infrastructure to work from home efficiently. An article by Gartner, a technological research and consulting firm, states, “being forced into the world’s largest work-from-home experiment and, so far, it hasn’t been easy for a lot of organizations to implement.” Working from home wasn’t an easy transition for businesses.

The COVID-19 epidemic worked as an opportunity for remote work and digital transformation, forcing businesses to adapt to new methods of operation swiftly.

Interruptions in The Supply Chain

The epidemic highlighted flaws in global supply networks, resulting in product delays and shortages. Businesses were forced to seek alternate suppliers and revise their plans effectively. Many nations enforced lockdowns and limitations as the virus spread, resulting in the shutdown of manufacturing facilities and production factories. Businesses and regulators realized the need for more flexible and adaptive supply networks due to the COVID-19 supply chain interruptions.

The COVID-19 epidemic has had an obvious effect on enterprises worldwide. The tremendous difficulties posed by the health crisis drove businesses to navigate unfamiliar ground and adapt quickly to survive. The pandemic highlighted weaknesses and challenged the adaptability of organizations across industries, from remote work and digital transformation to supply chain interruptions and financial hardship.

 To learn more about businesses, visit our site.

Virtual reality is leaving no stone unturned as its technology evolves daily. One of the revolutionary vices VR brings to the table is business training. Virtual reality training for businesses is a system of great ingenuity. They cater to business needs such as compliance, developing soft skills, and practicing complex procedures.

Continue reading to learn more about how virtual reality benefits business training.

Virtual Reality Training

To begin, one must know that virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience. One would use a headset and/or hand controllers to immerse in a computer-generated world. Training consists of what the business wants its employees to do. For instance, businesses use the technology for new employee development. Employees would become accustomed to company culture, processes, and expectations interactively and engagingly. In some cases, VR training reduces the training time, leading to faster skill acquisition than traditional methods.

The programs provided by businesses are also adaptable to individual levels.

Adaptable Development

Virtual reality systems can update during an individual’s learning process, offering challenges that match their skill level.  Many VR platforms have built-in analytics to track user progress. For example, manufacturers such as Ford have implemented training on assembling parts for factory workers before going out on the warehouse floor. The data helps businesses recognize strengths and areas of improvement for employees. 

Besides employee benefits, businesses also use the data to measure the effectiveness of their training program. Something noteworthy when it comes to soft development skills.

Soft Development Skills

Virtual reality training simulations stimulate real-life work scenarios without the real-life consequences. Employees can practice leadership, teamwork, communication, and empathy. Walmart has been one pioneer in incorporating soft development skills with its employees. Customers are not always delightful when shopping, so employees should practice satisfactory customer service. It prepares them for a real-life event such as “Black Friday.”

Ending Session

In conclusion, virtual reality has revolutionized the way businesses train their employees. By offering an immersive and engaging experience, VR training helps employees learn faster, retain information better, and develop new skills. The adaptability of the VR systems to individual levels and the built-in analytics provide businesses with valuable insights into the effectiveness of their training programs. With the ability to practice soft skills in simulated real-life scenarios, VR training is becoming an increasingly popular tool for businesses to improve their operations and achieve their goals.

For more on Business, visit Ferrygodmother.Biz.