🤓 🚀 My Chuck E. Cheese Subscription

Good morning! It’s mid-August, so naturally, the Halloween decorations are out in every store in America.

Anyways, let's take a look at this week's trending content.

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TRIVIA

Which social media platform started as a side project by a group of friends trying to create a podcasting platform?

A. Instagram
B. Twitter (X)
C. Snapchat
D. LinkedIn

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Headlines 👀

🤝 Private Equity's Growing Appetite for Startups Amid Economic Uncertainty - As the economy slows, private equity firms are increasingly acquiring tech startups, with 59 deals in the first quarter alone. High interest rates and an antitrust crackdown on Big Tech are making private equity a more attractive exit option for startups, especially as the IPO market remains unstable. This trend is particularly strong in the software-as-a-service sector, where slowing growth and reduced venture interest create opportunities for private equity buyouts. Leading firms like Thoma Bravo and Vista Equity Partners are capitalizing on this by acquiring and restructuring companies for greater returns.

📉 JPMorgan Raises Recession Probability Amid Market Turbulence - JPMorgan has raised its forecast for the likelihood of a U.S. recession in 2024 to 35%, up from 25%, due to growing economic concerns after recent market volatility. This revision follows a disappointing jobs report, though lower-than-expected jobless claims provided some relief. Despite the increased recession risk, JPMorgan notes that typical recession indicators, like profit margin compression and credit market stress, are not yet present. Other banks, like Goldman Sachs, have also adjusted their recession forecasts but maintain that a downturn is still avoidable.

🐮 Montana Has More Cows Than People. Why Are Locals Eating Beef From Brazil? - Despite Montana having nearly twice as many cows as people, only about 1% of the beef purchased by Montana households is raised and processed locally. Most of the beef comes from large meatpackers like JBS and Tyson Foods, with some even coming from as far away as Brazil. This system has made it difficult for local ranchers to sell their beef locally. However, rancher and small business owner Cole Mannix is challenging this system with his company, Old Salt Co-op, which aims to change how people buy meat by focusing on local sourcing and sustainability.

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FEATURED

The ROI on SOPs ⚙️

How to Create SOPs

Creating SOPs starts with identifying the tasks and processes within your business that require standardization. First, begin by observing and documenting the current methods used by employees to complete these tasks. Gather input and insights from team members who frequently perform these tasks, as they have practical, first-hand experience. Once you have a clear understanding of the processes, outline the steps in a logical sequence. Processes can be divided into two types of logic: sequential and branching logic.

1. Sequential logic

Sequential logic refers to processes that follow a linear, step-by-step sequence, where each step must be completed before moving on to the next. This type of logic is straightforward and easy to follow, as it doesn't require any decision-making along the way. Imagine you're driving from City A to City B on a highway with no exits or intersections. Your steps would include starting the car, driving straight, maintaining your speed, and finally arriving at your destination. Each step follows the previous one in a clear and direct path, making the process predictable and easy to follow.

2. Branching logic

Branching logic, on the other hand, involves decision points where different paths can be taken based on specific conditions or choices. This type of logic requires more complex planning and decision-making. Using the road example, let’s say you’re driving through a city with multiple intersections and traffic lights. You'll encounter several decision points: if the light is green, you continue driving; if it's red, you stop. At intersections, you might need to choose whether to turn left, right, or continue straight based on your desired destination. Each decision point creates a "branch" in the process, leading to different possible routes. Branching logic is essential for processes that involve lots of varieties in results and require flexibility in decision-making.

Combining sequential and branching logic

In many real-world scenarios, processes often combine both sequential and branching logic. Recognizing and effectively managing these two types of logic in your business processes can lead to more efficient and adaptable operations.

Once you’ve identified the logic, ensure the instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Including visuals such as flowcharts or diagrams can help illustrate complex steps, like which button to push on a machine or which form to fill out when using software.

Common Mistakes…

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ACQUISITIONS & OPERATIONS

The Sale Lease-Back ♻️

A sale lease-back is a strategy where small business owners sell their property and lease it back to free up capital for business growth. This approach provides immediate funds that can be used for upgrades, expansion, or other operational needs. While it offers benefits like improved cash flow and financial flexibility, it also comes with risks, such as losing property ownership and long-term lease obligations. For entrepreneurs looking to boost their business, sale lease-backs can be a valuable tool.

When acquiring a small business that owns property, a buyer can utilize a sale-leaseback to unlock immediate cash flow. In a sale-leaseback, the buyer often pursues a buyer for the property before the initial transaction closes. This can be challenging and pose ethical concerns, but when done successfully can create additional upside in the deal. This transaction provides the business with a substantial cash infusion, which can be used to invest in growth, pay down debt, or cover other operating expenses. The lease payments are typically tax-deductible, making this a strategic move to improve liquidity without sacrificing operational stability.

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In Partnership with Meow

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See more great tweets

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FUN STUFF

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🥇 Stanford University students and alumni took home 39 medals at the Paris Olympics. If Stanford was a country, it would have placed 8th overall in the medal count, just behind Italy.

🐭 Chuck E. Cheese, the home of everyone’s favorite animatronic rat, is launching a subscription program.

🍗 “Finger-Licking Fraud” — school worker is being sentenced to 9 years in prison after being convicted of stealing over $1.5 MILLION worth of chicken wings from the school.

🐼 Meet America’s newest giant pandas - Yun Chuan and Xin Bao.

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TRIVIA ANSWER

B. Twitter (X)