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Good morning. Yesterday, after 584 days of being held hostage, Edan Alexander was released from Hamas captivity. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated U.S. negotiators, mediators, and the Trump administration for their efforts in achieving this release.

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BUSINESS PULSE

US-China Trade: The US-China trade breakthrough in Switzerland slashes tariffs for 90 days, reducing US tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%. This has the ability to open new market opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly in China, while stabilizing supply chains for businesses reliant on imports. Lower costs enhance competitiveness for small and medium-sized businesses in sectors like electronics and consumer goods, fostering growth and innovation.

US-UK Trade: The US-UK trade deal eliminates US tariffs on British steel and reduces tariffs on UK automobiles, unlocking $5 billion in export opportunities for American producers. Entrepreneurs in agriculture and manufacturing can expand into the UK market with eased restrictions. Strengthened economic ties encourage innovation and cross-border collaboration, boosting prospects for small businesses seeking global growth.

Stock Market: Yesterday, the stock market surged, fueled by the US-China trade deal progress. This rally boosts investor confidence, creating a favorable environment for business owners. Improved access to capital supports startup funding and business expansion, while reduced tariffs promise cost savings and supply chain stability for companies who depend on international trade. With a more predictable financial outlook, businesses can confidently invest in growth.

SALES

Proven Sales Strategies to Thrive in 2025

In the ever-changing world of sales in 2025, entrepreneurs and business owners face the challenge of adapting to new technologies, understanding shifting buyer behaviors, and staying ahead of the competition. To help you navigate this landscape and grow your business, we’re offering some of our time-tested and proven sales strategies. Here are five proven sales strategies to thrive in 2025:

• Master Hybrid Selling

• Personalize Every Interaction

• Automate to Accelerate

• Prioritize Customer Retention

• Leverage Social Selling

Mastering hybrid selling is a cornerstone of sales success in 2025. Buyers today expect seamless interactions across multiple channels, and hybrid selling, which combines digital outreach such as email, social media, and live chat with traditional methods like phone calls and in-person meetings, allows you to meet customers on their terms. Gartner reports that 80% of B2B sales communication will be digital, yet offline touchpoints remain crucial for building trust.

To implement hybrid selling effectively, entrepreneurs should use digital tools for initial outreach and follow-ups but reserve the phone for high-value prospects. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for social selling while ensuring email campaigns are personalized and timely can enhance the sales process. Training yourself or your team to switch seamlessly between digital and offline modes based on your prospect's preferences will prove valuable.

Another critical strategy is to personalize every interaction with prospects and customers. In a market flooded with generic pitches, personalization sets you apart. Research indicates that 70% of buyers have already researched and decided before contacting sales, making it crucial to tailor your approach to their specific needs. To personalize effectively, use customer data to craft messages that address their unique challenges, such as explaining how your product solves their specific problem rather than listing features. Leveraging AI tools to analyze buyer behavior and suggest personalized follow-ups can further enhance this approach. During sales demos, remember to focus on the client's pain points rather than just product capabilities to make the interaction more relevant.

Automation isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity for efficiency in sales. AI tools can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for high value activities like relationship building and closing deals. To implement automation, start by automating CRM updates, email follow-ups, and lead scoring using tools like Mixmax or Salesforce’s Agentforce. Setting up automated workflows for nurturing leads while ensuring human oversight for critical interactions is key. Starting small by automating one task, like scheduling follow-up emails, can lead to significant productivity gains over time.

Focusing on customer retention is vital, as acquiring new customers is costly compared to retaining existing ones. Research shows that improving retention by just 5% can increase profits anywhere from 25% to 95%. To prioritize retention, focus on onboarding to reduce churn—Duolingo, for example, reduced churn by 13% through excellent onboarding. By creating a customer loyalty program or offering exclusive early access to new products, you can reward your customers for repeat business.

Leveraging social selling can significantly boost sales efforts too. Social media, especially LinkedIn, is a powerful tool for building your personal brand and engaging with your market. Sharing valuable content like industry insights, tips, and personal anecdotes helps establish your credibility and attracts clients organically. When you engage with your network by commenting on posts, sharing relevant articles, and connecting with potential clients you can warm them up before they need your services. And when you use LinkedIn’s sales tools to nurture leads, post consistently, and track engagement, you’ll refine your approach and maximize your impact.

Thriving in sales in 2025 requires adaptability, personalization, and strategic use of technology without losing the human touch. By mastering hybrid selling, personalizing interactions, automating routine tasks, prioritizing customer retention, and building a strong social presence, you can position your business for growth. These strategies are not just trends—they’re proven methods to drive revenue and build lasting customer relationships.

Action Idea: This week, identify one area in your sales process that could benefit from personalization or automation. Take the first step. Maybe it’s researching an AI tool, crafting a personalized email template, or setting up a LinkedIn posting schedule. Small changes executed well can lead to big results.

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