us-business

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You might have heard about “Pig Butchering” scams — those elaborate fraud schemes where scammers build emotional trust over time, then convince victims to hand over money to fake investments. While these scams have hit the crypto world hard, with losses totaling over $75 million globally, they’re now spilling over into other industries and affecting startups in unexpected ways. What is Sabotage-as-a-Service? Sabotage-as-a-Service is a new, stealthy type of attack aimed at businesses. Unlike flashy cyberattacks, these operations look more like a sudden flood of scam reports, unexplained customer losses or damaging PR crises. Often run from overseas scam centers, these services allow bad actors — even competitors — to quietly undermine your business by impersonating your brand and scamming your customers. What could this look like for your startup? Picture this: your startup launches a product, customers are signing up, then out of nowhere, complaints start piling up. Fake customer service reps reach out to your users, bogus investment offers bearing your brand name circulate online and your support team is overwhelmed. Social media starts calling your company a scam, and negative stories spread fast. If this happens right after a major event like an IPO, the fallout can be devastating. Related: Cyber Attacks Are Inevitable — So Stop Preparing For If One Happens and Start Preparing For When One Will How to spot the signs of corporate ‘Pig Butchering’ Here’s the usual pattern scammers follow: Faking familiarity: They create fake phone lines, social media accounts and websites pretending to be your company. Building trust: Using your tone, logos and sometimes real information from leaked documents, they make customers feel safe. Offering fake deals: They push fake giveaways, investment opportunities or refund offers. Extracting money: Once customers trust them, scammers trick them into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Shifting the blame: When the scam unravels, customers blame your company — not the fraudsters — leading to customer outrage, media backlash and regulatory headaches. What’s being done about it? Law enforcement agencies like the FBI and U.S. Secret Service have seized over $225 million linked to these scams. Many operations trace back to scam hubs in Southeast Asia. This crackdown underscores why startups, especially in fintech and tech sectors, need to get serious about protecting themselves. Related: How to Make Sure Your Business Can Handle Cyber Threats What can you do if you think you’re being targeted? If you suspect your startup is under attack, here’s how to respond: Be upfront: Don’t ignore the problem. Communicate honestly with your customers. Secure your systems: Change passwords, revoke API tokens, and tighten access controls immediately. Isolate critical data: Limit exposure by segmenting important systems. Set traps: Use tools like honeypots or canary tokens to detect suspicious activity. Report fraud: Take down fake profiles or pages on social media platforms quickly. Keep detailed records: Document incidents for possible legal or law enforcement action. Stay transparent: Keep your audience informed to maintain trust. Final thoughts Pig Butchering scams have evolved far beyond lonely victims and fake romances — they’re now weaponized tactics targeting businesses of all kinds. Whether you’re in software, retail, AI, or any growing sector, it pays to be aware and prepared. Protecting your brand and customers isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities. Read More

How much money do you really need to retire with peace of mind? Americans believe the “magic number” for a comfortable retirement is $1.26 million, down $200,000 year over year, according to recent research from Northwestern Mutual. Still, despite the slight decrease, the anticipated figure for retirement security remains out of reach for many people in the U.S. Related: About 45% of Americans Will Run Out of Money in Retirement, Including Those Who Invested and Diversified. Here Are the 4 Biggest Mistakes Being Made. One in five Americans over the age of 50 has no retirement savings, and more than half worry they won’t have enough money to last in retirement, per an AARP survey. New research from Seniorly, a platform that helps family and older adults find senior living options, unpacks where seniors are most and least likely to outlive their retirement savings. Seniorly used the latest available data on life expectancy at age 65, Social Security income, household net worth and cost-of-living metrics in its analysis. The research found that across the U.S., the average projected retirement income from benefits, savings and investments is $762,000, while projected living expenses over 18.2 years are $877,000, which translates to a $115,000 shortfall. Related: The National Average Salary Is About $65,000. Here’s What Americans Are Saving for Retirement — How Do Your Stats Compare? However, the average savings gap retirees face varies significantly depending on their state. New York emerged as the state where retirees are most likely to outlive their retirement savings: Due to high expenses that even substantial incomes don’t always offset, the average senior in New York will need about $448,000 more than they have, per the study. Seniors in Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Alaska and California are the next most likely to see retirement income gaps, with average shortages ranging from $417,000 to $337,000, according to the research. Related: Is Early Retirement Really Out of The Question For You? Here Are 10 Money-Saving Tips That Can Help Make It Happen. Retirees who want a better chance at financial comfort during their golden years might consider states where, on average, people have enough income and assets to cover their expected expenses. Thanks to relatively high projected incomes and moderate expenses, seniors in Washington, Montana and Utah are the least likely to outlive their retirement savings, with average surpluses of $146,000, $121,000 and $43,000, respectively, per the data. Check out Seniorly’s full ranking of the states where seniors are most and least likely to outlive their retirement savings here. Read More

The “Godfather of AI” fears that superintelligent AI will challenge human dominance — but he has a suggestion that could reframe AI assistants as AI mothers. In a keynote speech at the Ai4 conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Geoffrey Hinton, 78, predicted a future where AI could assert control over humans as easily as an adult interacting with a 3-year-old child, getting them to complete a task with the promise of candy. AI is going to be “much smarter than us,” Hinton said. Related: AI Is Going to ‘Replace Everybody’ in Several Fields, According to the ‘Godfather of AI.’ Here’s Who He Says Should Be ‘Terrified.’ Hinton is known as the “Godfather of AI” due to his pioneering studies that laid the groundwork for current AI systems, like ChatGPT and other chatbots. Hinton began his work in the late 1970s and eventually won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024 for his work. He is currently a professor emeritus of computer science at the University of Toronto. In the address, Hinton suggested training AI to have “maternal instincts” so that it is programmed to care deeply about people. That way, advanced AI systems will be trained with the same instincts as a mother looking out for the survival of her children. Geoffrey Hinton. Photo by PONTUS LUNDAHL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images “That’s the only good outcome,” Hinton said, per CNN Business. “If it’s not going to parent me, it’s going to replace me.” Hinton said that he wasn’t aware of how to technically accomplish the task of creating AI with maternal instincts, but stressed that it was vital for AI researchers and developers to work towards it. He emphasized that “the only model” of a more intelligent being controlled by a less intelligent being is “a mother being controlled by her baby.” Hinton also shortened his predicted timeline for advanced general intelligence (AGI), or AI that surpasses human intelligence. Instead of forecasting that it could take 30 to 50 years before AGI emerges, Hinton said that a more “reasonable bet” was five to 20 years. Related: These 3 Professions Are Most Likely to Vanish in the Next 20 Years Due to AI, According to a New Report Hinton has weighed in on AI’s impact on humanity before, ranging from extinction to mass joblessness. For example, in December, Hinton predicted that there was at least a 10% chance that AI would wipe out humanity and lead to human extinction within the next 30 years. Meanwhile, in a podcast appearance in June, Hinton predicted that AI would replace everyone in white-collar jobs, noting that occupations like paralegals and call center representatives were most at risk. He said that it would be “a long time” before AI takes over physical tasks and blue-collar jobs, making those occupations least at risk for the time being. Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success. Read More

While the sun has set on installing an in-ground pool before the chill sets in, an above-ground pool could still be an option. In fact, you could have a pre-fab pool delivered and installed in a matter of days. But is this type of pool actually worth the investment? We chatted with a real estate expert and a pool pro to understand all need-to-know aspects.  Meet the experts Angelica Chavez, assistant manager of  Leslie’s Pool Supplies in California Eric Bramlett, Realtor® and owner of Bramlett Partners in Texas What the experts have to say about installing an above-ground pool Whether an above-ground pool is worth the investment depends on who you ask. According to Chavez, an above-ground pool is a great option for families looking to test the waters before a larger investment, or anyone who wants an affordable swimming set up they can easily take down. If you have property values in mind, however, Bramlett would advise against it—unless you’re prepared to take it down before selling. The bottom line? “If you plan to stay in your home for a while, and you or your family will use it a lot, it can be worth it for your lifestyle,” says Bramlett.  FAQs about above-ground pools What exactly is an above-ground pool? To be clear, when we’re talking about above-ground pools, we’re not talking about inflatables (even these super-stylish Mylle Pools). The category in question includes easy-set-up, soft-sided pools; semi-permanent with rigid walls and frames made from steel, resin, or aluminum; and permanent pools, often with integrated landscaping and decking.  What kind of above-ground pool is best? “In general, a hard-sided pool is going to last longer because with those inflatables, you’re just relying on air as opposed to a supported structure,” Chavez says. On the other hand, she adds, “Something that will be taken down every year should be something you can disassemble and put away easily.”  What are the benefits of an above-ground pool? By far, the strongest advantage of above-ground pools versus in-ground pools is the cost of both installation and long-term maintenance. Prices vary widely for both depending on size, customizations and quality, but on average, an in-ground pool will set you back at least $35,000 and can cost well over $100,000. For an above-ground pool, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $10,000. However, the more complex the above-ground pool—think unique shapes, decking, large sizes, or an uneven yard—the more likely you’ll also have to factor in the cost of professional installation, which can run you an additional $1,000 to $4,000.  How long does it take to install an above-ground pool? Depending on the type of pool you get, Chavez says it should be easy enough to put up yourself in a couple hours. “Most kits come with clear instructions, so it’s feasibly a DIY job unless you’re looking at running electrical out to support pumps or are building out a deck.”  How long does an above-ground pool last? “Most people have their above-ground pools for several seasons, particularly larger hard-sided versions,” says Chavez. Of course, it all depends on how well you maintain your pool and your water.  What kind of maintenance does an above-ground pool require? Whether you keep your above-ground pool up all year (you can!) or only put it out when the weather heats up, a proper pump system is key. More specifically, Chavez recommends upgrading from the all-in-one pump and filters that come with most pool kits to a sand filter with a pump combo.  “They keep the water clean and are really low maintenance,” she says. “They are the best investment because if you can’t filter and move that water well, it’s going to get dirty often, which affects how long your pool will last.” You’ll need to replace the sand every five years or so, but that’s at least twice as long as a traditional cartridge filter.  If you’re worried about your water, you can always bring in small samples to your local pool supply store for them to assess and give advice on how to best balance it. Most people do it about once a month; just be sure to note the gallon size of your pool. You can also opt for a saltwater system. “Salt water is softer on the skin; any pool should support it, just be sure you have the right equipment,” explains Chavez. “You’ll need either the filter or the pump to be specific to salt water.”  What about the pool itself? As for cleaning your pool, Chavez recommends avoiding harsh chemicals, and “only using something that’s marked vinyl-safe for a longer life.”  Another important note Chavez offers is that it should be no warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit when you take down your pool if you choose to do that every season. “This helps to limit heat and sun exposure and prevent the chemicals from the water treatment that stick to the vinyl from cracking it during storage,” she says.  What kind of impact does an above-ground pool have on property value?  Unlike an in-ground pool that’s often a luxury selling feature and can increase your home’s desirability, Bramlett warns that the opposite may be true for above-ground pools.  “Most buyers don’t view an above-ground pool as an upgrade, and some consider it something they will need to remove,” he says. “It can take up yard space, and if it is not well-maintained, it can feel like a project they don’t want to take on.” On the other hand, he adds that a good deck can make your above-ground pool look much more appealing. “Again, just know that it is a personal choice, not necessarily a resale strategy,” he adds. What else should you know about above-ground pools? Like many large exterior projects, Bramlett suggests checking your zoning laws and HOA rules. Some neighborhoods may not allow an above-ground pool, or you may need a permit to install. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure your yard has enough

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Remember when your company’s “digital asset management” was basically a shared drive with folders named things like “LOGOS_FINAL_FINAL_v3” and “Random Marketing Stuff”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Those days are officially over. Today’s DAM platforms have quietly evolved into something far more powerful — they’re the central command centers that keep modern marketing operations running smoothly. And honestly, it’s about time. From digital junk drawer to marketing mission control Let’s be real: traditional DAMs were glorified file cabinets. Sure, they kept your logos organized and your brand guidelines accessible, but that was about it. You’d upload a file, tag it (maybe), and hope someone could find it later when they needed it. But here’s what happened — marketing got complicated. Really complicated. Suddenly, teams needed to create personalized content for dozens of channels, collaborate with freelancers across time zones, and somehow maintain brand consistency while moving at the speed of social media. The old “dump files in folders” approach wasn’t just inefficient — it was becoming a competitive liability. Smart DAM vendors noticed this shift and started building platforms that solve these real-world problems. The result? Today’s best DAM platforms are less like storage systems and more like the air traffic control centers of content operations. What modern DAMs actually do (Spoiler: It’s pretty cool) They play nice with your creative tools: Your designers can now work directly in Photoshop or Canva and push finished assets straight into the DAM—no more emailing files back and forth or wondering if you’re working on the latest version. The handoff from creative to marketing just… works. They’re scarily smart about organization: AI auto-tagging means searching for “happy people eating pizza” and finding precisely what you need — even if nobody ever tagged those images with those words. It’s like having a mind-reading librarian for your content. They handle the busy work: Need that hero image in 15 sizes for various social platforms? Modern DAMs generate those variants automatically. Want to swap out a product image across your website, email templates, and social posts? One update, everywhere. They keep everything connected: The best platforms don’t just store your assets — they deliver them directly to your website, social scheduler, email platform and anywhere else you need them—no more downloading, reformatting, and re-uploading. The workflow game-changer Here’s where things get interesting. These platforms now orchestrate complex approval processes that used to eat up weeks of back-and-forth emails. Picture this: Your team creates a new product campaign. The DAM automatically routes creative assets to legal for compliance review, generates social media variants while legal does their thing, and then — once everything’s approved — pushes content live across all your channels simultaneously. We’re talking about workflows that used to take weeks happening in days or even hours. Recent research shows companies see a nearly 78% reduction in missed deadlines after implementing modern DAM workflows. That’s not just efficiency — that’s sanity. Integration is everything (and I mean everything) The real magic happens when your DAM talks to the rest of your marketing stack. Think of it as the universal translator that helps all your tools work together. Does your content management system need product images? The DAM serves them up automatically. Does your email platform need personalized banner variations? Already generated and ready to go. Your social media scheduler needs fresh content? It’s pulling directly from your approved asset library. This isn’t just convenient — it’s transformative. When content flows seamlessly between systems, marketing teams can focus on strategy and creativity instead of playing digital file clerk. AI is making everything smarter The AI integration in modern DAMs is mind-blowing. We’re not just talking about auto-tagging anymore (though that’s great too). These platforms can: Suggest which assets to use based on what’s performed well in similar campaigns Automatically flag content that might violate brand guidelines Predict which images will resonate with specific audience segments Let you search using natural language like you’re talking to a colleague Some platforms incorporate generative AI, so you can modify images or create new variants directly within the DAM. It’s like having a creative assistant that never sleeps. Why this all matters (beyond making your life easier) We all love efficiency, but the real business impact goes deeper. Companies that nail their DAM strategy see some pretty impressive results: Faster launches: When your content workflows are streamlined, you can respond to market opportunities quickly instead of getting bogged down in process. Consistent branding: Automated approval processes mean your brand standards get followed (shocking, I know). Smarter content investments: When you can track which assets perform best, you stop wasting budget on content that doesn’t move the needle. Happier teams: Less time on administrative busywork means more time for the strategic, creative work people want to do. Time to get real about your DAM strategy Here’s the bottom line: If you’re still considering DAMs as fancy file storage, you’re missing the bigger picture. The platforms that will give you a competitive edge are the ones that transform how your entire team creates, approves, and distributes content. The question isn’t whether you need better file organization (you probably do). The question is whether you can completely reimagine how content flows through your organization. Because while you’re debating folder structures, your competitors might already be running circles around you with automated workflows and integrated content operations. Are you curious about which platforms are leading this evolution and what capabilities you should be looking for? We’ve done the heavy lifting in our comprehensive Enterprise Digital Asset Management Platforms MarTech Intelligence Report — complete with vendor comparisons, pricing insights and real-world implementation advice. Fuel up with free marketing insights. Email: MarTech is owned by Semrush. We remain committed to providing high-quality coverage of marketing topics. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc. Read More