Heather Stone on Empowering Women in Business, Helping Them Succeed

Women in business need to be celebrated and supported. This is what entrepreneur and motivational speaker Heather Stone believes. As an entrepreneur with years of experience, Heather wants to share her expertise and wisdom with other women looking for a female mentor in the business space. In building a supportive community for new and growing entrepreneurs, Heather aims to empower women and help them achieve their biggest dreams. 

Heather Stone has over 30 years of experience as a CEO, entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist. She was a former FinTech Executive before she and her husband sold their business. Her current project is an online community where new business owners can learn essential skills and grow as entrepreneurs. Heather’s latest offering to this community is “Unplug and Rejuvenate 2023,” a masterclass, workshop, and retreat all rolled into one event. She takes her insights from three decades of business experience and turns them into masterclass and workshop courses that help newcomers build confidence in themselves as entrepreneurs and pioneers. 

This business mogul is also the host of the Mentors and Moguls Podcast. Heather Stone invites CEOs, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, and other private or public individuals to share their experiences and strategies for success. In each episode, she and her guests discuss different topics pertaining to business, development, growth, and creativity, all aimed at helping the audience get a closer look at the work that goes into every success story they hear. This show takes the conventional podcast and pushes it toward something greater by conducting interviews at unusual locations, such as while flying in a military fighter jet, on a cliff near Mt. Everest Base Camp, or in the stands at an F1 race.

Heather Stone also made it possible for more women and minorities to thrive in business by co-founding GameAbove Capital. This private investment fund invests primarily in women and minority-owned sustainable businesses. Through this fund, individuals passionate about business and creating environmentally sustainable products and services can get the funding and the support they need to catapult their business onto a larger stage.

Years ago, when she was only beginning her entrepreneurial journey, Heather Stone noticed a lack of female role models and mentors in the field of business. And while many women have already succeeded in business since then, Heather Stone still wanted to provide businesswomen with female mentors who can empathize with their experiences and give them mentorship and guidance as they grow and achieve their goals. “Women better understand what other women are going through, and I wanted to provide that space for a supportive community of women,” Heather said. “That’s why it’s important to me to have a tight-knit group of women entrepreneurs who can serve as mentors to the newer generation of entrepreneurs.”

It often seems like women have to overcome more barriers to success. However, Heather Stone and her efforts to tip the scale in favor of women in business show no signs of stopping or slowing down. Developing a growth mindset can start in small ways, such as her podcast episodes, motivational speaking engagements, or mentorship program. “We women are capable of anything we set our minds to,” Heather Stone said. “Growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones, and we need to push and get ourselves out there if we want to succeed.”

How To Make Smart Business Investments On A Small Budget

Running a business doesn’t guarantee you an endless supply of cash, and sometimes it might start drying up. Some businesses look at borrowing finance such as a merchant advance to help boost their cash flow and enable them to invest back into their business. But there are ways you can make business investments even if you don’t have the luxury of a huge budget. So, here are some tips to help you make smart business investments on a small budget.

Learn About Your Market

The first step to making smart investments is to learn about the market you’re investing in. It’s easy enough to educate yourself on the topic and there are plenty of resources online that can assist you. Once you’re armed with what works and what’s worth investing in, you’ll find it easy to make the right decision, no matter your budget.

Save For Large Investments

If you don’t have a large budget, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have one. Not all investments are made instantly. Instead, try saving up for whatever it is you want to invest in, and you’ll find it easier than trying to scrimp together the funds. A small budget means you might not be able to make a large investment right away, it doesn’t mean it can’t happen ever. Put away a little money each week and you’ll soon have more than enough to make the investment you want.

Don’t Go All In On One Investment

You should consider the risk of each investment carefully. A lot of the time, it’s better to invest smaller amounts regularly to ensure that you aren’t putting all your funds into one pot. If your one investment goes under, it could be detrimental to your business. This is why it’s better to plan your investments and utilise smaller amounts of money. Doing so also allows you to make the most of your budget even if it’s small.

Look At Alternative Funding Methods

Sometimes you might not have the means to save parts of your budget, so you may have to look at outsourcing finance. Utilising a business loan can provide you with the lump sum of cash that you need to invest back into your business and help you achieve success. Although you may not want to take on debt, sometimes it can be beneficial in the long run as it allows you to focus on your business investments without worry.

Think About The Long Term

Whenever you’re thinking about making an investment, no matter how small it may be, you need to consider its effect on your long term business plan. You want to ensure that you’re investing in the future of your business, not just the present so this consideration should help you make wise decisions. If you want to make a large investment but your budget doesn’t allow it, then it’s worth saving up for a few months if it will make a difference to your business in the long run.

Sometimes you may think that because your budget is small you aren’t able to make any worthwhile investments. However, this is far from the case! All you need to do is learn more about your market area and plan when and where to invest. So don’t let your small budget keep you from investing and you’ll soon see the success your business can achieve as a result.

How the Pandemic Affects Inflation in the US

Inflation has been affecting the economy since the beginning of the United States, but in the years of the pandemic inflation rates have been rising higher than they have in the past 30 years. To understand what this means for your personal finances, we first have to understand what inflation is and why the pandemic has affected it so strongly. 

Inflation, in simple terms, is an increase in the price of goods or services due to weakening currency caused by different economic triggers. These triggers can be things like surges in product demand, production cost increases, supply chain breakdowns, or changes in the house market. All of these changes occurred in the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic with jobs being lost in production, product demand, and border closures causing issues in the importation of goods. 

So what was the consequence of the pandemic on inflation? The Federal Reserve aims to keep inflation at 2% or less each year. There was a 2.3% increase in 2019, slightly above average but nothing to worry about. In 2020, inflation rose 1.4% which was reassuring since so many people were out of jobs and had to work harder to fight the effects of inflation during such uncertain times. In 2021 as the pandemic trailed on, inflation rose 6.8%! This is the biggest jump the country has seen in 30 years since the Great Stagflation of the 70’s and 80’s. 

From 2020 to 2021 Americans are paying significantly more for the same amount of goods and services. Americans are paying 29.7% more for  used cars, 5.6% more for clothing, and 4.6% in energy. These price increases are being felt even in categories of necessity. For example, Americans are paying 8.3% more in food and 6% more in healthcare than they were in 2020. These prices are rising due to the sharp rise in inflation rates, but why does inflation go up during times like these?

One of the major theories of inflation is the demand-pull theory which explains that when demand outpaces the availability of products or services, overall prices will rise. This makes sense in these times of the pandemic since so many people are losing their jobs which means there are less people working to bring goods and services to the public. 

So we understand now that inflation is inevitable especially in times like these, so what can we expect from ongoing inflation trends? Well, it’s not all bad news. It has been noted that inflation and unemployment rates are inversely correlated, meaning that as inflation rises, the unemployment rate goes down. In 2021 unemployment dropped to 4.2% even with the nearly 7% increase in inflation. We can also expect higher wages with the average hourly wage rising 5% in 2021. The negative side of inflation is the rising cost of living which is continuing to rise each year. With the cost of living rising each year it is important to make sure your finances are protected. 

Learn how to protect your finances and prepare for the effects of inflation in the infographic below: 

Post Pandemic Payments Through Buy Now Pay Later

The pandemic changed almost every aspect of our daily lives–even down to the way that we pay for things. Buy now pay later (BNPL) is a way to pay for goods and services over a period of time without worrying about hidden fees and growing interest from credit cards. During the pandemic, this new way to pay grew in popularity due to so many people being stuck at home unable to work and experiencing differing levels of financial insecurity. Now that restrictions are lifted and more people are getting back to work, people are still using BNPL for its many benefits.

One of the largest groups of people that are using BNPL are millennials. Millennials were the largest group during the pandemic that were fresh out of school in the workforce and had less stable forms of income. Many millennials were out of work while still having to deal with loans, rent, and other bills, so BNPL was a great alternative to take care of some of these costs. Even post pandemic millennials are still preferring BNPL over traditional payment methods because it takes the stress out of paying for some larger bills.

Another group of people that are using BNPL are pet owners. Pet owners have to take care of things like the cost of food, grooming, and the most expensive part of pets–vet bills. Vet bills can add up very quickly, and worrying about money and a sick pet can be very stressful which is why so many pet parents are using BNPL to alleviate some of this stress. Only about 18% of people have pet insurance that can help them cover the cost of vet bills, so the remaining pet owners have to figure out how to cover the remaining costs. 49% of pet owners take at least a month to pay off their bills–sometimes more. BNPL allows for pet owners to take the time they need without worrying about interest rates that can come from paying through credit or taking out loans. 

Even if you’re not a pet owner–you more than likely have to go to the doctor or the dentist and BNPL has been growing in popularity in these fields. 71% of Americans who visit the dentist frequently would use BNPL over traditional payment methods.  Only about 32% of people are able to pay their healthcare bills off immediately, and 30% plan to pay for their next visits using credit. While credit has been a useful form of payment for decades, we all know the additional costs that come along with using this method. Yearly fees, interest rates, and extra costs almost always follow credit payments, but not with BNPL

People who use BNPL appreciate the lack of interest rates and the security within the rates they are given that stay fixed while you work to pay off bills. While many people are able to work well when following a budget, sometimes situations will arise that can completely throw off a budget. Even the most successful budgeters can benefit from BNPL. With this new method of payment gaining popularity, 71% of Americans who visit the dentist frequently would use BNPL over a traditional payment. Learn more about BNPL in the infographic below:

Ryan Stream Inspires Hopefuls Through His Tale of Trials and Triumphs

A person’s humble beginnings can never preordain one’s direction in life so long as they do not allow their circumstances to serve as hindrances to success. Innumerable powerhouses who were not born to privilege have managed to translate their vision into reality and secure a coveted spot at the summit of the industry by remaining steadfast in the face of challenges, clinging tightly to their dreams, and persevering to become the best in their field. Through his story and rise to the top, Ryan Stream aims to send across this powerful message of hope to aspiring hopefuls who are looking to get ahead in this dog-eat-dog world.

This must-watch force is a motivational speaker and musician who is currently receiving acclaim for his unique methods, stellar vocals, and all-out approach. On track to getting mainstream attention as a source of motivation to hundreds of thousands of individuals across the globe, Ryan Stream has earned the loyalty of a growing fanbase because of the impressive extent to which he feeds his listeners with top-notch singles and powerful messages. With his unique ability to inspire, he is heralded as an instrument of change for thousands of aspiring hopefuls worldwide. 

Before Ryan Stream managed to set foot on a path towards the summits of success, this power player had to go through multiple trials and tribulations in his lifetime. Childhood was never a happy memory for this rising star, having to sleep in homeless shelters foster care homes. Although Ryan and his brothers were eventually adopted by the Stream family, he continued to experience misfortunes through his struggles with alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and other poor choices he made throughout his teenage years, which led to several legal battles and multiple jail sentences. When Ryan was in the ninth grade, his biological mother passed away. Because of these unfortunate circumstances, he struggled to find direction throughout his years as a young adult.

Although his circumstances might faze an ordinary individual, Ryan Stream continued to persevere and joined the military, where he learned the value of grit, perseverance, and determination. With a renewed sense of self and a resilient spirit, this power player decided to become an inspiration to thousands of hopefuls across the globe.

Currently, Ryan Stream is a highly acclaimed motivational speaker who is on a mission to offer hope and inspiration to aspirants worldwide. He brilliantly uses his life experiences to share topics on leadership, mental health, addiction awareness, suicide, and more. Ryan motivates people while delivering a power-packed message through music, weaving inspirational words with melodic tunes and tantalizing beats. As a result, this multifaceted personality has received the Verizon Wireless Award and has been featured in countless publications, such as Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, Influencive, and more. Apart from setting his eyes on eventually evolving into a household name in the future, Ryan Stream wishes to capitalize on his brand to inspire others. 

For this up-and-coming go-getter, the platform afforded to prominent personalities and high-profile celebrities can be wielded to make a difference in the lives of others. As he continues to demonstrate his promise as a budding force in the coming years, he plans to motivate people from all walks of life. He is a top selling author of his new book called “Conquering Your Colosseum“ and has a clothing line with it also at conqueringyourcolosseum.com.

You can also search for him on YouTube. 

Cloud-Based LMS: 8 Amazing Benefits of Learning Software

Cloud-based Learning Management System have become the order of the day. With many tutors, companies, and employees/trainees preferring cloud-based LMSs over on-premise types, there must definitely be a catch to this feature. You might have heard of many of your tutor friends employing these methods in teaching distance learning classes, and you’re wondering what benefits they derive from cloud-based LMSs.

Not only your friends have seen the potential of cloud-based LMSs. Fortune Business Insight reported that the global learning management system will grow to about $50 million in 2028. Cloud-based LMSs will usurp the on-premise LMS in usage stats from these reports. If you’d love to find out why this category is increasing in popularity, this article is your guide. Read every word to find out why cloud-based LMSs are beneficial.

Benefits of Cloud-Based LMS Platforms

LMSs are particularly favored for their:

  1. Collaborative Feature

With most modern courses, the possibility of collaboration is not farfetched. A content writer might want to work with a video editor to bring animations and other features into the course. In on-premise LMSs, collaboration is quite stressful, and you’ll have to send updated versions of the course to the collaborators. 

This could lead to confusion, and if any updated file gets lost, it could derail the online course. With cloud-based LMSs, you can collaborate with people scattered globally. All collaborators need to send their versions to the server, and from there, everyone can do their parts seamlessly.

  1. Flexible Pricing

With most on-premise LMSs, it is only a one-time fee that provides you with all the features available. However, this one-fits-all solution could be too powerful for people who require simplified characteristics. However, with cloud-based LMSs, the reverse is the case.

You can always get different pricing options that provide different features and more sophistication as you go up the ladder. This way, everyone can get the type of pricing that fits the features they require.

  1. Takes Administrative Functions Off You

Every course creator wants as little stress as possible. You already have all that work to do with creating the actual content. However, with on-premise LMSs, you have to deal with installing the software and regular updates, if needed.

However, with cloud-based LMSs, you’re not saddled with these tasks. All you need to do is log in to your profile, create your content, and get it out to your students. The regular updates and maintenance checks are done automatically by the LMS manufacturers.  

  1. Quick Deployment

This is a feature that draws many companies to cloud-based LMSs. When purchasing an LMS, you hope to be able to use it as soon as possible, and this is now more feasible with cloud-based LMSs. They offer you easy deployment in which you can efficiently customize, design, and optimize the learning system to match your needs. You can do this all within a day and get your course creation process underway.

If you’ll love to get a try of various brands, you can always try the various free versions available.

  1. Ample Storage Capacity

When purchasing an on-premise LMS, you have to cater to your own storage needs. This means that if you have to create huge courses or an increasing student base, you might need a structural overhaul to survive this change. This will only increase your costs further and could even leave you with data transfer issues.

However, you have ample storage space to work with cloud-based LMS platforms. They provide you with various options of cloud storage space which you can upgrade if you require more. Also, you could get various discounts for even better storage plans.

  1. Mobile Integration

When on-premise LMS platforms were a major choice, one major disadvantage of courses created there is the incompatibility with mobile devices. However, this is a feature cloud-based LMS platforms have eliminated. With these platforms, you can now learn from mobile devices to tablets on any device. 

Also, many of these platforms make it easy for course creators to create courses streamlined for mobile viewing. Unlike those platforms where they might need to create different course versions for different devices, many platforms now allow you to create just one course, and the platform then optimizes it for any device.

  1. Enhanced Accessibility

A cloud-based platform keeps you accessible at all times, irrespective of your location. Trainees have the ability to access their content at any time, from any location, and at their leisure. A cloud-based approach is best for geographically diverse communities where each employee may access content from their location while benefiting from a centralized pool of data.

This accessibility worked to the advantage of course creators. Now, they can collaborate with others all over the globe without any difficulty. Also, students can leave questions for their trainers in real-time and get responses as rapidly as possible.

  1. Cost-Effective

In Fortune Business Insight’s report, a flexible pricing option was one of the factors that attracted companies and trainers to cloud-based LMS platforms. Unlike the one-off upfront payment needed with on-premise LMS platforms, the flexible pricing method made the use of cloud-based platforms cost-effective. With increasing students, you can always increase your subscription level.

Also, with on-premise platforms, you might require a tech expert to help you set up and fix any whims you might have with it. However, with cloud-based platforms where the manufacturer is in charge of all that, you can save yourself a lot of money. 

Conclusion

A cloud-based LMS platform might be the missing tool you need to take your course creation game to the next level. With many people learning from various parts of the world, a cloud-based LMS platform helps you fill that need and create value. 

Using a cloud-based LMS system would enhance your business orientation and save you money and time by making the process simple and efficient. Also, online learning platforms are built in such a way that they are responsive to all screen sizes and are also available as mobile applications. This way, your content can appeal to a larger audience.

Inflation’s Impact on Car Ownership Costs

The average American does not remember a time when inflation was high. Prices have not increased as quickly as they are now since the early 1980s. While the world has changed significantly in the past 40 years, there are a few similarities to the inflation woes of then and now. A notable one is the prominence of gas prices.

To most people, the price at the pump has become a ubiquitous symbol of price levels rising. In March 2022, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $4.29. Gas prices above $4 are rare enough in most parts of the country, but this climb was made even more dramatic by the fact that just 2 years prior, gas was 40% cheaper. Some may remember March 2020 to be the beginning of pandemic lockdowns that drove gas prices down, but consumer expectations are based on recent memory, not long term trends. 

What’s causing gas prices to creep so high? Travel restrictions mostly disappeared by March 2022, leading to spikes in demand. Furthermore, the conflict in Ukraine has led to embargos on Russian oil, curtailing the global supply. Now, it costs $51.87 to fill up the average car. Truck owners fare worse, spending $99.75 to fill their larger, diesel tanks.

As much attention as gas prices have been getting, they aren’t the only things making car ownership more expensive. Car insurance premiums in the United States have risen to 15%, up from 5%. That’s a premium of $1,655 per year, or $138 per month. America’s largest insurers of automobiles are also filing for rate increases in 2022. When asked why they need 4.2% (StateFarm) or 12% (Allstate) more every year, these companies point to all-around increased car prices, rising medical costs, and supply chain disruptions, among other reasons. The same inflationary pressures driving up costs for everyone else have reached insurance firms.

What are car owners supposed to do about these developments? Most aren’t making enough to keep up with price markups. Inflation is making an already-expensive part of American life even harder to maintain. No wonder 43% of Americans think gas prices are one of their most pressing concerns of 2022. As economist Richard Curtin explains, “consumers view high gas prices as a threat to their living standards and a threat to the ability of the economy.” Most Americans drive as a matter of routine, go gas prices touch several different aspects of their daily lives.

Individual consumers can’t do much about gas prices, but they can shop around for insurance quotes to make sure they get the best rate possible. They can take advantage of low mileage or safe driving discounts offered by insurance firms. There are even ways to drive that improve individual gas mileage. People who brake more gradually, avoid idling (like in drive thrus), and mostly drive below 50 mph get better gas mileage than those who don’t. Many Americans are also taking fewer car trips, saving on gas and insurance.

How Falling Enrollment is Affecting Colleges

Colleges across the country are experiencing falling enrollment rates that are ultimately leading to colleges closing their doors or merging with others. The period between 2019 and 2021 witnessed the number of students enrolling in college drop by almost 8%, the largest drop in a two-year timeframe in the past 50 years. In 2022 alone more than 1 million fewer students are attending college compared to before the start of the pandemic. Factors such as rising college costs, lower return on investment, smaller college-age populations, and rising lack of interest have all contributed to the fall in enrollment. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the already declining enrollment rate. In 2020, 56% of college students in the U.S. said they could no longer afford to pay their tuition while 70% of college students in fall 2021 said a huge factor affecting their education plans was college affordability. In fact, high schoolers now are more likely to choose less expensive college options, like going to a community or public college. It is predicted that 36% of students will attend community college, an increase from 20% before the pandemic began. 

Research shows that community colleges saw enrollment fall by 15% even though selective colleges experienced an enrollment increase of 3.1%. Smaller schools have also experienced more struggle than bigger ones. Data shows 79% of schools with fewer than 5,000 attendees are having problems staying open while 52% of schools with more than 30,000 face similar issues. With the continuing decline in enrollment, colleges are competing more than ever to get enough students attending each year in order to maintain a sustainable tuition revenue. 

Ivy Leagues and other selective schools have shown to have a competitive advantage compared to other colleges. One reason is because of popular degrees being considered more valuable when obtained from highly selective schools. Another reason is the larger endowments these schools obtain that allow them to offer sufficient financial aid or tuition assistance to students. 

Schools are able to use endowments as well for activities like student aid programs, fellowships, and research. Universities that are able to spend a small part of their endowment yearly can assume less risk for the future market value of their investments. Unfortunately, only a handful of universities have endowments that are worth more than $1 billion.  

Pursuing a college degree is beneficial for anyone, but is your choice in school a financially viable one? You can determine whether your school is at risk of closing by reviewing their endowment reports, possible tuition discounts, financial responsibility composite score, or news reports. Some colleges can close slowly over several months or years, but certain colleges have no choice but to shut down almost immediately. If your college does close, you can reach out to offices that offer legal aid for help or look into federal loan discharge options that allow you to get a refund on your payments. 

With enrollment rates predicted to continue falling, competition for students will remain high among colleges.

How Women Experienced Domestic Violence During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to helplines involving domestic violence became about five times more frequent. 243 million women and young girls can experience intimate partner violence in a single year, but is there anything that can be done to help? 

 

There has been a significant uptick in domestic violence cases since 2020. San Antonio, CA experienced an 18% increase in family violence calls while New York, NY saw a 10% increase in domestic violence reports. Downloads of spyware used for cyberstalking also increased. 7% of Americans have been the victim of cyberstalking with many of them being women. Unfortunately, only 24% of those who were arrested for serious stalking issues were convicted. 

 

Minorities experienced higher rates of abuse, as much as 50% or even more. These marginalized groups were heavily affected by the pandemic in terms of infection rates and unemployment as well. 

 

There are several factors contributing to the uptick in abuse. One of them is increased stressors, like concerns about security, health, unemployment, and cramped living situations. Another factor is increased opportunity for abuse due to being isolated at home with abusers, having movement restricted due to lockdown, and going to deserted public places. 

 

Having fewer safeguards is also one of the big factors. People like teachers, child care providers, and clinicians have less in-person visits with families. Varying reporting options from precinct to precinct as well as a shift to telemedicine that reduces the ability for safe screening, causing victims to be overheard or lack access to telehealth contribute to growing abuse cases. 

 

The majority of people receiving injuries from their partners do not receive medical care for their injuries as only 34% accept care. In fact, about half of domestic violence incidents do not get reported. One of the reasons is the social pressure surrounding the issue as many victims feel uncomfortable reporting, especially when they are pressured by the people they love to stay or live in a small community that lacks privacy. 

 

Another reason is that the psychological impact caused by abuse can make it harder to leave, especially when the victims are isolated from family and friends while experiencing a loss of confidence and self esteem due to prolonged abuse. Furthermore, a “make-up” tactic creates a bond between the abuser and the victim that makes the victim believe the abuse is just momentary. 

 

The fear of losing their partner’s support is a strong determining factor of whether to leave or stay. Leaving a partner could possibly mean losing financial support, immigration status, or even the custody of children. 

 

More than half of women in domestic violence shelters were controlled by their abuser to stay by threatening, hurting, or even killing the victim’s pet as they decide to not leave their pets. Unfortunately, 52% of victims had to escape without their pets while 25% of victims eventually went back to their abuser due to their concern for their pets. 

 

With domestic violence being so prevalent at the moment, is there a way to stop it? It can be helpful to spot the warning signs early as domestic violence usually doesn’t start right away. These could include threatening violence against pets, loved ones, or you, intentionally damaging your belongings, preventing you from working, or blaming you for a multitude of issues. 

 

In terms of domestic abuse, it’s best not to ignore it. 19% of people know someone close who has suffered from domestic violence. 17% know someone who has used some form of domestic violence on someone else. 

 

It is important to contact the police if you believe someone is experiencing domestic abuse or might be in danger. It is beneficial to write down any incident you witness as well as being available to listen to possible victims without any judgment. Checking in regularly can also be helpful. If someone you know is thinking about escaping abuse, it’s best to keep a phone with you at all times, have gas on-hand, or offer to do legwork. 

 

Helping to raise awareness for domestic violence in your community, donating to shelters and similar organizations, as well as avoiding graphics or content that glorify violence are just a few actions you can take to act against domestic violence. 

The Energy Drink Boom

Energy drinks are the main seller of an industry that is expected to reach $225 billion in sales by 2026. The United States experienced an energy drink boom, as energy drink sales reached $14 billion in 2021, which was a significant increase from $11 billion in 2017. Red Bull is the leading energy drink brand in the US according to reports from 2021, and Monster Energy came in second with nearly an equivalent market share. However, while energy drinks are booming, products that are marketed as energy shots have decreased in popularity. Sales have been decreasing steadily for several years, and 5-Hour Energy remains the market leader with 88% market share.

 

The shutdown during the pandemic significantly affected the energy drink industry, as the leading type of beverage sold was water, and the least favorite being energy drinks and value-added water. However, as gyms and businesses reopened, energy drink sales began to rise again. In addition, the rising popularity of ESports has allowed for many different types of energy drinks to flourish. Some of the biggest ESport teams are sponsored by energy drink brands such as GFuel, Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar. Energy drinks are focusing on the gamer market because they are most often used by these players to boost performance and cognition while playing their “sport.”

 

It is important to understand the difference between energy drinks and pre-workout and the benefits that each brings to the table. Energy drinks utilize caffeine to boost energy and alertness, while pre-workout utilizes caffeine and other substances to boost energy and athletic performance specifically. Because of their similarities, many products blur the lines between energy drinks and pre-workout drinks, and many contain similar products. Performance boosting ingredients like caffeine, amino acids, and creatine may cause adverse side effects, and it is important to start with small doses to see how the body reacts to them. In addition to these potential harmful side effects, over half of the top 100 pre-workout drinks include a certain blend of ingredients that are not specified on the label of the product.

 

Despite these potential harmful effects, energy drinks are the most popular supplements for teens and young adults in the United States. North Americans consume more energy drinks than any other region in the world, and many younger consumers are attracted to these products because of their proven ability to improve performance, endurance, and alertness, as well as the fact that they are marketed as a “healthy” alternative to soda. The energy drink consumers are a niche group of people, but as those loyal consumers keep the industry afloat, one can expect many new developments in the products related to health, variety, and quality. New technology allows the reduction of sugars naturally found in fruit juices, meaning that these drinks that many are consuming in bulk may become more healthy and sustainable in the future. The power of energy drinks is significant for many people with different lifestyles and nutritional goals, and they may be the key to recharging, from a workout to video gaming.