u/No-Piano-7538

I run SEO/link building projects for US clients, and I just got paid $3,200 for a campaign last week. Between PayPal fees, currency conversion spread, and bank charges, I ended up losing around $170–$180 before the money even hit my account.

That is basically the profit from 1-2 links gone for no reason.

I have tried PayPal, Wise, and direct wire transfers, but every platform seems to get you one way or another. Either the FX rate is terrible, there is a receiving fee buried somewhere, withdrawal charges, or random delays/holds.

At this point I just want something simple where clients can pay in USD without friction and I am not losing a chunk of the payment every single time.

What are you guys using long term for international client payments?

Lately it feels like every industry is being disrupted by AI in some way-marketing, customer service, design, coding, even small business operations. Tools that used to require teams can now be handled by one person with the right software.

It has me thinking less about what AI can replace, and more about what kinds of businesses will stay strong because they offer something AI can’t easily replicate.

I am talking about businesses with real staying power-whether that’s local services, niche products, trust-based brands, human expertise, community-driven models, or something else entirely.

If you were starting from scratch today, what type of business would you build that still has strong demand in the next few years? And why?

A few weeks ago, one of my team members noticed people on LinkedIn mentioning interview emails from “our company” that we never sent. Someone registered a domain called ourdomainHR.agency. They are finding LinkedIn users with 'OpenToWork' who match our job descriptions, contacting them and scamming them with fake job offers. We have never interacted with these people before.

Our legal team says it could take months to get the fake domain taken down which honestly feels insane when real people are getting scammed in the meantime.

Has anyone here dealt with domain spoofing or fake domains before? What can actually help besides waiting?

A professional business email helps establish credibility and keeps communication organized. Here’s a simple breakdown of setting up a Google business email, along with a few reliable alternatives worth considering.

How to Create a Google Business Email

Using Google Workspace, the setup process is straightforward when stripped to its essentials:

1. Sign up for Google Workspace

Start by choosing a plan that fits your needs. Most small businesses can begin with the basic tier.

2. Connect or Buy Your Domain Name

You can either use a domain you already own or purchase one during setup. This will be the part after “@” in your email address.

3. Verify Your Domain Ownership

Google will ask you to confirm that you own the domain. This usually involves adding a verification record to your domain’s DNS settings.

4. Create Your Business Email Address (and Users)

Set up your primary email (e.g., you@yourcompany.com), and add additional users if you have a team.

5. Activate Gmail by Updating MX Records

Update your domain’s MX records so that emails are routed through Google’s servers. Once this is done, your email becomes fully functional.

Alternatives to Gmail for Business Email

While Google Workspace is the default choice for many, it’s not the only viable option. Depending on your priorities, these alternatives are worth a look:

1. Microsoft 365 (Outlook Business): A strong choice if your workflow is built around Word, Excel, and Teams. It offers deep integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

2. Neo Mail: A modern, lightweight solution designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It simplifies setup by bundling domain and email services, and includes built-in tools like basic website creation and email marketing.

3. Proton Mail: Best suited for those who prioritize privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption and a security-first approach, though with fewer integrations.

4. Fastmail: Known for speed and reliability, Fastmail focuses on clean performance and strong email management features without unnecessary complexity.

5. Mailmodo: More than just an email provider, Mailmodo focuses on interactive email experiences, making it particularly useful for businesses that rely on email marketing and engagement.