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May 2021
Short on Time but Not Ideas 4 Business Podcasts to Fill Your Downtime
As a business owner, I can be hard-pressed to find any downtime, much less time to read or attend workshops that help me learn new skills to grow a company. There are undoubtedly some great business books out there, and some other business owners I know swear by MasterClass, which offers online courses from leading industry experts. If you have the time to devote to those more traditional resources, that’s great. But what can you do when time is limited? When I’m busy, my go-to resource is podcasts. I find that even on the most hectic day, I’m able to work in an episode on my commute to and from work or while on a lunch break or afternoon walk. The great thing about listening to podcasts is that, like MasterClass, you can find one on just about any subject — even down to very specific topics — or you can jump into some industry favorites and discover new things organically. And like the best business books, listening to a good podcast will leave you feeling inspired and give you a handful of actionable steps to improve your business. Here are some of my favorites and ideas about how to choose which you might like best. If you’d rather be watching TV … Listen to “StartUp.” The tagline says it all: “StartUp” is “a show about what it’s really like to start a business.” This documentary series was launched by Gimlet Media in 2014, and listeners have since downloaded episodes of its eight seasons tens of millions of times. Its first season documented the startup that launched this podcast: Gimlet Media. That first season has since been adapted into a TV show, and subsequent podcast seasons look into starting up businesses ranging from dating apps to charter schools.
If you miss the college classroom … Listen to “Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders.” This podcast was adapted from Stanford University’s speaker series, which includes successful leaders from a variety of industries. During each episode, a different speaker shares their personal story and the professional lessons they’ve learned to help them find success. That includes their secrets as well as their setbacks. If you’re really short on time … Listen to “Breaking Down Your Business.” This podcast is focused on efficiency. In 20-minute episodes, hosts Brad Farris and Jill Salzman focus on giving small-business owners advice in five simple points that address questions from, “Why can’t I hire competent employees?” to “How do I take over the world?” If you’re a big thinker … Listen to “The Economist.” Sometimes it’s nice to hear from other entrepreneurs whose woes and
wins you can relate to, but other times, you might need to think beyond the individual to understand the economic context in which all businesses are operating. If that’s where you’re at, “The Economist” is the podcast for you. The podcast is produced by the makers of the prestigious magazine of the same name, and it aims to help listeners understand big trends in business management and the economy as a whole. Are you downloading one of these in your favorite podcatcher yet? Having a few downloaded and ready for listening is a great way to ensure you make the most of any free time you have throughout your workday. Let your mind wander through the audio landscape and walk away with new ideas to improve your business and your life.
— Shawn Devries
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Winning the Bluetooth Wars
When Apple introduced their AirPod Bluetooth earbuds a few years ago, a major player emerged onto the burgeoning Bluetooth audio scene. But that scene wasn’t new: Earbuds, headphones, and speakers can all utilize Bluetooth tech, with every manufacturer jumping into the pool. But as anyone over 30 can tell you, Bluetooth was originally a wireless headset product, not a type of connectivity. And that’s raising questions about the viability of the Bluetooth market as well as the future of the current war for customer dollars in the market. Bluetooth audio tech was designed to wirelessly connect your phone with an in-ear speaker and tiny headset. But spoken-word audio isn’t the same thing as a vibrant musical experience with a range of high and low sounds, depth, and bass. You wouldn’t want to listen to a concert through your cellphone; in the same way, Bluetooth isn’t set up to transmit music to a speaker, headphone, or earbud. Manufacturers have developed workarounds, and the
quality of their work determines how good (or bad) the end result sounds. Bluetooth is obviously capable of a lot more than it was designed for, and its near universality makes it an attractive choice.
But it still wasn’t designed for music.
What does that mean for most listeners? Likely not very much — if a good manufacturer made your headphones or speakers, their clever workarounds to the “Bluetooth problem” will likely mean little decrease in quality compared to “wired” options. Most of us can’t tell the difference. But for true audio fidelity, we still have to hook up with a cable. And as manufacturers vie for market share, a smart company that designs a brand-new wireless tech based around music instead of talk could gain much — and leave Bluetooth behind in the process. And whoever does that will be the real winner of the Bluetooth wars.
Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel? Concerns About Vaccination Verification
Are you hoping to travel this summer? Not like how you “traveled” from your bedroom to your living room couch all this past year, but really travel — get out and see the world beyond your hometown. With the COVID-19 vaccines finally available, millions of people are becoming immune to the virus that has ravaged the global economy, especially in the areas of tourism and hospitality. Industry leaders in these sectors are understandably eager for the vaccine to bring back tourism. Some are hoping vaccine passports will play a part in jump-starting tourism around the world.
Now, you might be sitting on the same couch you’ve sat on for the past year, thinking, “Well, I would like to travel internationally after I get vaccinated!” However, this proposal is not without concerns. Firstly, health care officials still don’t know if vaccinated people can transmit the virus. So, even if they’re vaccinated, they could still spread it to unvaccinated people around the world. Another concern is a vaccine passport’s potential to create classes of “haves” and “have nots” among travelers. Many developing countries won’t receive the vaccine for another few years. Should they be barred from returning to normal? Similarly, could the vaccine passport be abused domestically, enabling private businesses to bar customers from their spaces without proof of vaccination? Finally, what form would these passports take if they were to exist? Would they be on a smartphone app? A laminated card? A verified doctor’s note? So, while the prospect of traveling far and wide this summer after getting vaccinated is exciting, it might be better to temper your expectations for now and hope for clearer guidelines in the near future.
Vaccine passports are a means by which someone can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and are, therefore, free to travel internationally. Some countries are eager for the sort of verification these passports could bring, should they exist. The Seychelles, Cyprus, Romania, and other countries have all said they would welcome tourists who could prove they were vaccinated.
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TAKE A BREAK
If you’re one of the 50% of Americans who would prefer a higher salary over paid vacation days, then the thought of relaxing by the pool probably makes your skin crawl. According to a 2019 Allianz Global Assistance survey, most Americans would only give up their vacation days for a 48% raise, but as Forbes reports, about 1 in 5 workers would only need a 24% raise to willingly fork over their vacation days. The rise of what experts are calling “performative workaholism” is evident in the hustle-and-grind culture of working long hours, skipping lunches, working throughout the weekend, and taking very few breaks. But medical and psychological experts caution that addiction to the hustle comes at a price. Recent evidence suggests that working long hours over extended periods of time actually makes you a worse employee. As exhaustion creeps in, your ability to complete even the most mundane or simple task decreases. In those moments, it’s important to take a short break, but it’s also vital to recognize when your body needs an extended refresher. This could make you better at your job. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Norway have some of the world’s most productive workers. Coincidentally, they also provide many vacation days. So, what’s great about taking a vacation? Experts at a Midwestern hospital system, Allina Health, report that stepping away from work for a short period of time can decrease your risk of heart disease, improve your quality of sleep, create a better mood, and boost your relationships. Researchers in the Netherlands even found that simply planning for and anticipating a vacation can improve your happiness level! If you can’t stand the thought of taking time off, you’re not alone. More than 40% of respondents in a 2016 survey said they felt they couldn’t take a vacation because there wasn’t anyone to cover them. Communicate your concerns with your employer to find a compromise. Start slow, too. Schedule a long weekend and pack your days with activities, like getting a massage, hiking, or traveling to a local destination. Look to travel sites like Expedia, Airbnb, and Travelocity for local deals and tips on the best vacation methods. Soon, you’ll be the biggest advocate for taking time off. IN DEFENSE OF RELAXATION Why You Need to Take Your Vacation Days
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Memorial Mother Paranormal Veterans
THE BET THAT SPAWNED THE FILET-O-FISH SANDWICH Inside the McDonald’s History Books If you’re one of the 68 million people who dine at McDonald’s each day, you’re probably familiar with the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich. This simple dish has a contentious history. Ray Kroc, the owner of McDonald’s, hated it. But it reached his menus anyway for one reason: Kroc lost a bet. In 1962, McDonald’s franchisee Lou Groen masterminded the Filet-O-Fish to appeal to his Catholic customers. But Kroc refused to add it to the menu. He didn’t want his stores to smell like fish! So they made a bet. On Good Friday, select McDonald’s put both the Filet- O-Fish and the meatless Hula Burger on the menu. The entree that sold the best stuck around. As you might have guessed, Groen blew Kroc out of the water, selling 350 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches to his six Hula Burgers. Smelly or not, the filet was there to stay!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 644 Cesery Blvd #250 Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 467-1119 www.devrieslegal.com
The Best Business Podcasts to Fill Your Downtime
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The Bet That Spawned the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich The Benefit of Using Your Vacation Days Winning the Bluetooth Wars Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel?
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Mila Kunis Got Sued for That!? (And 2 Other Weird Celebrity Legal Cases)
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THE 3 STRANGEST CELEBRITY LAWSUITS
Stories about celebrities can be enjoyable or awkward, but no matter what happens, they usually create great material for Buzzfeed or Reddit users. This also includes celebrity stories involving the law, which bring on a lot of head-scratching and legal action — like these three strange cases.
came by his house for a job interview, she was asked to remove her shoes, but according to court documents, she never received her shoes back. The chef claims to have tried multiple times to retrieve the shoes — which were outfitted with $500 orthopedic insoles — but never succeeded. She sued Cowell for the shoes and gas money, and the “America’s Got Talent” star shelled out. INTERNET CONSPIRACY THEORY RESULTS IN A COURT CASE AGAINST BEYONCÉ. The internet is a wild place, and conspiracy
of Blue Ivy, and she asked for compensation and DNA testing to prove it. Previously, the same woman claimed to be the birth mother of North West, the daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, but the court threw out the case. MILA KUNIS RUFFLES SOME FEATHERS. Actress Mila Kunis was sued for $5,000 by her childhood friend, Kristina Karo, in 2015 because Kunis allegedly stole a chicken from Karo when they were still children in Ukraine. Karo, an aspiring singer, claimed the theft resulted in extreme emotional distress and prevented her from pursuing the American dream. According to Kunis, the theft occurred when she was 7 years old and Karo was just 1 month old. Kunis and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, speculated that the case was all a publicity stunt to promote Karo’s upcoming music video, and the case was eventually dropped.
theories are often born on its digital channels. One such theory was that
SIMON COWELL PAYS FOR A CHEF’S DISAPPEARING SHOES. Known for his unrelenting critiques and setting the stage for some of the world’s biggest names in show business, Simon Cowell has amassed enough wealth to afford a private chef. When one such chef
Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, hired a surrogate to give birth to their daughter, Blue Ivy, in 2012. Internet trolls who saw her pregnant belly roll as she sat down for an interview fanned the flames of this theory, and soon, a lawsuit emerged. A woman claimed she was the true biological mother
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