Elon Musk's Cyber Rodeo: A Massive Celebration of Tesla's Future
Musk's Empire
Musk's Empire: Tesla's Global Expansion, Financial Pressures, and the SpaceX-Cybertruck Connection
Recent reports and financial updates reveal a complex picture of Elon Musk's key ventures, characterized by record deployments alongside intense market pressures and scrutiny over inter-company transactions.
Tesla Drives Record Deliveries Amid Profitability Squeeze
Tesla’s third quarter of 2025 demonstrated strong performance in sales volume but saw a decline in profitability margins, indicating increasing price competition in the automotive sector.
Operational Highlights (Q3 2025)
• Record Sales & Cash Flow: Tesla achieved record vehicle deliveries (497,099 total, up 7% year-over-year) and experienced record revenue growth (total revenue increased 12% YoY to $28.1 billion). The company generated record free cash flow of nearly $4.0 billion for the quarter.
• Affordable Models Launch: To maintain sales momentum following the expiration of the US EV tax credit, Tesla launched the Model 3 Standard (36,990)∗∗andthe∗∗ModelYStandard(39,990) in the US, both offering over 300 miles of range. These new models feature a redesigned battery pack and powertrain aimed at energy and cost efficiency.
• Model Expansion: Tesla expanded its global portfolio with the launch of the high-performance Model Y Performance (0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds), and the Model YL (a longer-wheelbase version of the Model Y with three rows and six seats) in China.
• Giga Texas Milestone: Gigafactory Texas achieved a milestone of 500,000 vehicles produced. The installed annual capacity at Giga Texas includes Model Y (>250,000) and Cybertruck (>125,000) production.
Core Technology and Future Products
Tesla continues to focus heavily on AI-driven technology, with several future products slated for volume production:
• AI and Autonomy: The company expanded its AI training compute capacity, bringing Cortex to a total of 81k H100 equivalents. Tesla launched its ride-hailing service in the Bay Area and expanded its Robotaxi service in Austin, aiming to refine the service for future scaling.
• Robotics: First-generation production lines for the Optimus humanoid robot are currently being installed in anticipation of volume production, which is scheduled for 2026.
• Energy Storage: The Megablock, the next-generation industrial storage product integrating four Megapack 3 units, was unveiled. Volume production of the Megapack 3 is scheduled to begin in 2026 at Megafactory Houston.
Market Headwinds and the Cost of Partisan Activity
Despite high delivery numbers, Tesla faces significant market resistance and internal financial strain.
• Profitability Decline: The company’s operating margin dropped by 501 basis points year-over-year to 5.8% in Q3 2025, primarily due to price reductions, increased tariffs, higher operating expenses (including R&D for AI projects), and lower fixed cost absorption for certain models.
• Intense Competition (China): Tesla’s market share in the critical Chinese EV market has dropped from 16% in 2020 to 4.4% in August. Chinese competitor Xiaomi launched the YU7, which directly competes with the Model Y. The YU7 secured nearly 240,000 firm orders in just 18 hours. Xiaomi is pricing its base YU7 model lower than the Model Y (253,500 yuan, or approximately $35,364) and claims a higher range.
• The "Musk Partisan Effect": Research suggests that Elon Musk’s publicly political and "culturally warlike" activities caused Tesla to lose the sale of an estimated 1 million to 1.26 million vehicles nationally between October 2022 and April 2025. Without this effect, Tesla’s sales might have been 67% to 83% higher in that period. This decline has driven customers to rival EV and hybrid makers, whose sales increased by 17% to 22% due to the shift.
Cybertruck Inventory Absorption and SpaceX’s Government Role
The financial health of the Cybertruck project and the relationship between Tesla and SpaceX are under scrutiny due to inventory transfers and government funding.
• Cybertruck Sales Discrepancy: The Cybertruck currently has an installed annual production capacity of over 125,000 units at Giga Texas. However, sales figures indicate a much slower pace, with critics noting the company is selling perhaps only 10% of its capacity goal. This slowdown reportedly led the Texas Gigafactory to pause production of both the Model Y and Cybertruck.
• SpaceX Absorbs Inventory: Reports indicate that SpaceX has taken delivery of hundreds of unsold Tesla Cybertrucks and is expected to receive thousands more. Critics frame this move as "self dealing"—using the profitable, privately-held SpaceX to absorb the unsold inventory and losses of the publicly-traded Tesla.
• SpaceX Government Contracts: This internal absorption occurs as SpaceX continues to secure major government contracts. The company is reportedly set to receive $2 billion in federal funding for the "Golden Dome" project, an initiative started under President Donald Trump. This classified initiative involves developing a massive network of up to 600 satellites designed to track missiles and aircraft, expanding SpaceX’s involvement in U.S. national security. SpaceX is also expected to secure major roles in two other classified Pentagon satellite networks: Milnet (sensitive military communications) and a Ground Tracking fleet.
• Financial Implications: While SpaceX earns revenue through these contracts, critics contend that this government-derived revenue indirectly funds the purchase of Cybertrucks, effectively using taxpayer-generated income to prop up the struggling Tesla inventory
Your AI Powered Playbook
The SMART 360 Framework: Making Money Online
The Pulse of Pop Culture: Decoding Entertainment Trends with Search Volume and Recency
Welcome to the Entertainment Page, where we delve deep into the mechanics of celebrity news, blockbuster debuts, and viral sensations. To truly understand what the world is consuming right now, we need to look beyond mere headlines; we need to examine the raw data of public curiosity. We are exploring the powerful tools available to track what is truly Trending now, specifically within the dedicated Entertainment category.Tracking search interest is paramount to identifying Significant and recent trends. The interface provides a centralized Trends Home where users can Explore various topics. For those of us focused on the world of celebrity gossip, film reviews, music launches, and viral content, filtering by the specific Category of Entertainment is the first crucial step. However, this is just the beginning of understanding the complex flow of public interest.
Mastering the Temporal Flow: Past Hours vs. Past Days
The immediate challenge for any entertainment reporter or enthusiast is separating fleeting interest from genuine long-term buzz. The tool provides granular control over the timeframe of interest, allowing users to assess precisely when a topic began gaining traction. This control starts with the option to select specific time windows for filtering results.
You can look at search activity over the Past 4 hours to capture truly instantaneous, breaking news in the entertainment world. A shift in search interest over the Past 4 hours might indicate a massive, immediate reaction to a live event, an unexpected announcement, or a sudden viral sensation. This immediate window is critical for monitoring events as they unfold in real-time.
For a slightly broader perspective, allowing time for initial reaction and subsequent discussion to build momentum, one can examine the trends that developed over the Past 24 hours. Analyzing the Past 24 hours offers a comprehensive snapshot of the top stories that dominated a single news cycle within the Entertainment sphere. Expanding this view further, the Past 48 hours provides insight into stories with slightly more staying power, perhaps indicating a sustained interest in a movie release, an album drop, or a recurring celebrity narrative.
Finally, for understanding the weekly trajectory of cultural phenomena, the system allows tracking interest over the Past 7 days. This Past 7 days view helps distinguish trends that have genuine staying power from those that were mere flashes in the pan. The ability to toggle between these different timeframes—Past 4 hours, Past 24 hours, Past 48 hours, and Past 7 days—is essential for accurate analysis of Recency. This filtering mechanism ensures that the topics you see are specifically those that meet the criteria of being Significant and recent trends.
The system indicates when a trend Started trending, giving users a fixed reference point. Furthermore, a helpful Tip is provided: users can Click on the trend time to toggle between elapsed time and start time. All these critical time metrics are displayed conveniently in your local time zone, removing the need for mental calculations when assessing international or geographically diverse Entertainment trends.
Decoding Trend Status: Active vs. Lasted
Once a time frame (e.g., Past 24 hours) is selected, the next critical element in dissecting entertainment interest is determining the Trend status. The status defines whether the search topic is currently experiencing high volume or whether its moment of peak interest has passed.
We can opt to Show active trends only, which filters the results to display only those queries that are currently surging. The status Active indicates that These search queries are still being searched more than usual. For the Entertainment industry, Active trends represent the immediate hot topics that demand attention—the celebrity trial currently unfolding, the show that just released a trailer, or the musician who just dropped a surprise track. An Active status means the public’s curiosity has not yet been satisfied, and the search volume remains elevated above the typical search volume.
Conversely, the status Lasted is equally important for understanding the lifecycle of a trend. Queries marked Lasted indicate that These queries were searched more than usual sometime in the selected timeframe and are now back to their typical search volume. A Lasted trend in the Entertainment category might represent the immediate fallout of a major news event—for example, the day after a major award ceremony. The initial burst of searches for winners and fashion details is high, but the volume soon returns to the typical search volume. Analyzing Lasted trends allows us to study the impact and duration of past Significant and recent trends, providing historical context for understanding future entertainment phenomena.
Sorting Strategies: Title, Recency, and the Power of Search Volume
To manage the potentially massive list of trending entertainment topics, the interface offers multiple ways to Sort by the results. The basic sorting options include Title, Recency, and Search volume.
Sorting by Title allows for alphabetical organization, which can be useful when trying to locate related topics quickly. However, in the fast-paced world of entertainment, sorting by quantifiable impact is often preferred.
Sorting by Recency is vital when focusing on breaking news. If we are looking at the Past 7 days, sorting by Recency ensures that the newest spikes in search interest—the events that are happening right now—are placed at the top of the list. This is essential for maintaining the timeliness of our coverage on the Entertainment Page.
Perhaps the most impactful sorting mechanism for judging the true scale of public interest is Search volume. Sorting trends by Search volume ranks topics based on how frequently they are being searched, regardless of the topic’s title or category. In the context of Entertainment, high Search volume signifies mass engagement—an actor whose name is being Googled millions of times, or a television show that has captured national attention. The tool explicitly allows users to Sort by search volume, providing an immediate quantitative measure of cultural saturation.
Furthermore, the system emphasizes showing Relevance alongside Search volume and Recency, ensuring that the identified trends are Significant and recent trends that truly reflect shifts in public attention.
Unpacking the Trend Breakdown: Variants and Related Queries
One of the most insightful features for understanding nuanced public interest within the Entertainment category is the Trend breakdown. A single, high-level trend often captures a broader event, but the Trend breakdown reveals the specific ways people are searching for information about that event.
The sources clarify that a trend may consist of multiple queries that are variants of the same search or considered to be related. For example, if a new movie is trending in the Entertainment category, the overall trend might be the movie title. However, the Trend breakdown details the underlying queries. These variants could include specific actors' names, questions about the release date, searches for movie reviews, or queries about the soundtrack—all related but distinct searches. The Trend breakdown details these queries, offering a clearer picture of what aspects of the entertainment topic the public is most focused on.
Understanding the Trend breakdown is crucial for content creation, especially for the Entertainment Page. By seeing the specific variants of the same search, we can tailor our articles and coverage to match precise public questions and curiosities. This level of detail moves analysis beyond simply noting what is trending, to understanding why it is trending and how people are seeking information.
Utilizing the Data: Export and Further Analysis
The utility of these search trends extends beyond mere viewing on the Trending now page. For researchers, analysts, or dedicated entertainment journalists, the data captured can be easily extracted and integrated into further reporting. The system provides several Export options. Users can Download CSV files, allowing the structured data (including Search volume and status) to be imported into spreadsheets or databases for deeper analysis. Additionally, trends can be copied directly to the clipboard for immediate use in reports or shared documents.
For continuous monitoring of the Entertainment category, the system also offers an RSS feed. Subscribing to the RSS feed allows users to receive automated updates whenever new Active trends or Significant and recent trends emerge within their selected filters (e.g., Past 24 hours filtered by Entertainment). This ensures that entertainment professionals are always synchronized with the latest shifts in Search volume and public interest.
Conclusion: The Future of Entertainment Reporting
The ability to categorize searches by Entertainment and then meticulously filter them based on time (Past 4 hours through Past 7 days), status (Active or Lasted), and magnitude (Search volume) provides an unparalleled view of the cultural zeitgeist. Understanding the Trend breakdown moves us beyond superficial coverage, allowing us to focus on the exact queries that drive public discourse.
Whether you are using the home menu, the search option to Explore categories like Entertainment, or the Trending now feature, the insights gathered through filtering by Search volume and determining Recency are invaluable. These tools, designed to track Significant and recent trends, allow us to stay ahead of the curve, serving the audience with content directly aligned with the global pulse of Entertainment. The data, ready to be analyzed via Download CSV or monitored through the RSS feed, confirms that in the digital age, understanding Search volume is understanding pop culture itself.
Sports Buzz: October 15, 2025 – The Moments Everyone’s Talking About
From emotional playoff breakthroughs to unexpected celebrity antics, here’s what’s lighting up the sports world today:
Mariners Fans in Tears as Playoff Dream Comes True
Seattle Mariners fans are shedding tears of joy as their team is on the verge of making history. After a 21-year playoff drought, the Mariners are now just one game away from their first-ever World Series appearance. The emotional journey culminated in a viral moment when lifelong fan Saul Spady was seen weeping on national television after a dramatic playoff win. His reaction has become a symbol of the catharsis and joy possible in sports, resonating deeply with fans who have devoted years to their teams.
NFL Expands Global Reach with Flag Football Showcase in Saudi Arabia
The NFL is taking major steps toward global expansion by hosting the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, 2026. The event, featuring Tom Brady and other NFL legends, aims to promote flag football ahead of its debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While some critics label it as "sportswashing," NFL athletes like Myles Garrett emphasize the importance of growing the sport worldwide.
CM Punk's Emotional Fan Moment Goes Viral
WWE star CM Punk recently created a heartwarming moment that has gone viral, touching fans worldwide. During a WWE overseas tour, Punk met a dedicated fan who had waited over 7,000 days—more than 19 years—to meet his wrestling idol. This emotional encounter highlighted the enduring popularity and influence of CM Punk, who is often referred to as "The Best in the World." His return to WWE has reignited excitement among fans, and his recent performance included a victory in a high-stakes match on WWE Monday Night RAW.
Historic Rugby League Ashes Series Returns to BBC After 22 Years
The Rugby League Ashes series is making a return in autumn 2025 after a 22-year hiatus, and it will be broadcast live on the BBC. Traditionally contested between Great Britain and Australia since 1908, this year's series marks a historic change as England competes for the first time instead of the combined Great Britain team. The three-test series will take place at iconic venues: Wembley on October 25, the Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1, and Headingley on November 8. BBC Sport plans to offer in-depth coverage, aiming to reconnect audiences with this classic rivalry.
Jeremy Lin's Surprise Dance Moves at Jackson Wang Concert
At a recent Jackson Wang concert in China, retired NBA star Jeremy Lin surprised fans with an unexpected stage moment, performing a playful "mini twerk sesh" in front of a large audience. The former New York Knicks player later joked about the experience, claiming the excitement nearly made him "crap himself." The crowd enjoyed the light-hearted moment, appreciating Lin’s humorous and spirited personality even after retirement.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Controversy
Bad Bunny, despite his upcoming 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, confessed his enduring passion for professional wrestling, even deeming it "bigger" than the Super Bowl. His 2021 appearance on The Shop: Uninterrupted revealed this lifelong love, which previously led to his WrestleMania debut. His Super Bowl performance now signifies a major cultural moment for Latin representation.
NBA's Top Plays of the Night
Check out the latest NBA highlights, featuring jaw-dropping dunks, clutch shots, and buzzer-beaters that are taking social media by storm. From the Rockets' thrilling win over the Pelicans to standout performances across the league, these plays are a must-see for basketball fans.
Your Ultimate Guide to Online Wealth: Unpacking the SMART 360 Roadmap
Have you ever dreamed of creating wealth online but felt held back because you lack technical skills? The digital world can seem complex, but what if you had a step-by-step guide to navigate it? The SMART 360 program is designed to be that guide, offering a structured roadmap to help you harness the power of social media and artificial intelligence to generate income from home.
This comprehensive playbook breaks down the process into manageable parts, equipping you with the skills to turn your financial aspirations into achievable goals. Let's explore how this journey unfolds.
Step 1: Building Your Foundation on Mindset and Purpose
Before diving into tools and strategies, the SMART 360 program emphasizes that your journey begins with a single step: cultivating the right mindset. True success is fueled by understanding your personal motivation.
• Define Your "Why": The first crucial step is to define your personal reasons for wanting to make money online. Whether it’s achieving financial freedom, spending more time with family, or pursuing a passion, having a clear "why" keeps you focused and motivated, especially during challenges. The program encourages you to create an 'Online Dream Board' where you list your top three financial goals to make them tangible and keep them top of mind.
• Embrace Affirmative Action: Your journey starts with a shift in mindset. The program introduces powerful affirmations like, “I am ready to learn and transform my financial future,” to build the confidence and commitment necessary for growth. This belief opens the door to new opportunities and helps you persevere.
Step 2: Pillar 1 – Mastering Social Media for Customer Connection
Social media is positioned as the primary tool for reaching and connecting with potential customers. It’s not just about scrolling and liking; it’s about turning your presence into a steady, income-generating tool.
• Understanding the Landscape: You'll start with the basics, learning what social media is and how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube/TikTok can serve as vital channels for building a community and attracting clients.
• Deep Dives into Platforms: The program provides step-by-step guidance on setting up accounts, understanding the interface, and creating your first posts on key platforms. The focus is on practical application, such as crafting a compelling profile bio and engaging authentically through likes, comments, and shares to build valuable online relationships.
• Content Creation Basics: You will learn to brainstorm simple content ideas and use your phone's camera to create basic visuals that share value with the world. The core message is that authenticity and consistency are crucial for building trust and a loyal following.
Step 3: Pillar 2 – Leveraging AI as Your Smart Assistant
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is introduced as a friendly assistant designed to make your online journey smoother, more creative, and more efficient.
• What AI Can Do for You: AI can boost your business by assisting with content creation, research, and even customer service. Tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Copy.ai/Jasper can help you write social media captions, design eye-catching graphics, and automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to work smarter, not harder.
• AI in Action: The roadmap provides practical exercises for using these tools. You’ll learn how to use ChatGPT to brainstorm content ideas and write simple descriptions, use Canva AI to create beautiful visuals with ease, and use Copy.ai to gain efficiency. The guiding affirmation is, “AI is my friend, making my online journey smoother and more efficient”.
Step 4: Pillar 3 – Setting Up Your Online Storefront
Sales and marketing platforms are the essential online spaces where your business is organized and where transactions happen securely.
• Why You Need a Storefront: These platforms act as your central hub for showcasing products, managing your business, and processing payments. They provide a professional and trustworthy appearance that helps convert followers into customers.
• Key Platforms and Their Roles: You'll be introduced to platforms that serve different needs.
◦ For Selling: Shopify and Etsy are presented as storefronts for listing products and managing orders.
◦ For Communication: Mailchimp and GetResponse are highlighted for building an email list and nurturing customer relationships directly.
◦ For Sales Processes: Systeme.io and ClickFunnels are explained as tools for creating sales funnels that guide visitors toward a purchase.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together for Your First "Mini-Launch"
The final chapters of the SMART 360 program guide you in integrating these three pillars into a cohesive strategy for your first online offering.
• The Integrated Strategy: The roadmap culminates in a "mini-launch" where you take action. The process is simple:
1. Use Social Media to build an audience and promote your offering.
2. Leverage AI to quickly create the necessary content, from visuals to descriptions.
3. Direct Traffic to your Sales Platform where customers can easily make a purchase.
• Continuous Growth: Success doesn’t stop at the launch. The program emphasizes the importance of monitoring your results, learning from them, and adjusting your strategies for continuous growth. It also highlights the value of the Favor Zenith Community for ongoing support, connection, and learning.
By following this structured path, the SMART 360 program empowers you to build a successful online venture, guided by the final affirmation: “I am a successful online entrepreneur, continuously learning and growing”
Making money online has become increasingly popular and accessible. Whether you're looking for a side hustle to supplement your income or aiming to build a full-time online business, there are numerous avenues to explore. This tutorial will provide a comprehensive guide to various methods, tips for success, and common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Identify Your Skills and Interests
Before diving into specific methods, take stock of your
existing skills, passions, and what you enjoy doing. This will help you choose
a path that aligns with your strengths and keeps you motivated.
- What
are you good at? (e.g., writing, graphic design, programming,
marketing, teaching, organizing)
- What
topics are you knowledgeable about? (e.g., fitness, cooking,
technology, personal finance)
- What
do you enjoy doing in your free time? (e.g., gaming, reading,
creating art)
2. Choose a Niche
A niche is a specialized segment of a larger market.
Focusing on a niche can help you stand out, attract a target audience, and
become an authority in a specific area.
- Research
market demand: Use tools like Google Trends, keyword research
tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush), and social media to see what topics people
are searching for and discussing.
- Consider
profitability: Some niches are inherently more profitable than
others. Look for problems that people are willing to pay to solve.
- Align
with your skills/interests: Choose a niche you're genuinely
interested in, as you'll be spending a lot of time on it.
3. Popular Methods to Make Money Online
Here are some of the most common and effective ways to earn
income online:
a. Freelancing
Freelancing involves offering your services to clients on a
project basis. This is an excellent option if you have a specific skill.
- Popular
Freelance Skills:
- Writing
& Editing: Content writing, copywriting, proofreading,
technical writing, blogging.
- Graphic
Design: Logo design, web design, branding, illustration, UI/UX
design.
- Web
Development: Front-end, back-end, full-stack development, mobile
app development.
- Digital
Marketing: SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, email
marketing, PPC.
- Virtual
Assistant Services: Administrative tasks, customer support,
scheduling, data entry.
- Video
Editing & Production: For YouTube, social media, corporate
videos.
- Where
to find freelance work:
- Freelance
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Guru, PeoplePerHour.
- Niche
Job Boards: ProBlogger (writing), Dribbble (design), Toptal
(development).
- Social
Media: LinkedIn, Facebook groups.
- Networking: Reach
out to your personal and professional connections.
- Your
Own Website/Portfolio: Create a professional site to showcase
your work.
b. Blogging
Blogging involves creating content (articles, guides,
tutorials) around a specific niche. It's a long-term strategy that can generate
passive income once established.
- Steps
to start a blog:
- Choose
a Niche: As discussed earlier.
- Select
a Platform: WordPress (self-hosted) is highly recommended for
flexibility.
- Choose
a Domain Name & Hosting: Your blog's address and where it
lives online.
- Design
Your Blog: Make it visually appealing and user-friendly.
- Create
High-Quality Content: Write valuable, engaging, and
SEO-optimized articles.
- Promote
Your Blog: Share on social media, build an email list, engage
with other bloggers.
- How
to monetize a blog:
- Affiliate
Marketing: Promote products/services and earn a commission on
sales.
- Display
Advertising: Google AdSense, Mediavine, Ezoic (requires
significant traffic).
- Selling
Your Own Products: eBooks, online courses, physical products.
- Sponsored
Posts: Companies pay you to write about their products/services.
- Donations: Patreon
or direct donations from readers.
c. E-commerce (Selling Products Online)
Selling physical or digital products through your own online
store or marketplaces.
- Methods:
- Dropshipping: You
sell products without holding inventory. When a customer buys, you order
from a third-party supplier who ships directly to the customer.
- Print-on-Demand
(POD): Design custom graphics for products (T-shirts, mugs,
phone cases), and a POD service prints and ships them when an order is
placed.
- Selling
Handmade Goods: Etsy is a popular platform for artisans and
crafters.
- Selling
Your Own Digital Products: eBooks, templates, stock photos,
software, music.
- Selling
Physical Products: Buy in bulk and sell through your own Shopify
store, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), or eBay.
- Platforms: Shopify,
WooCommerce (for WordPress), Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Gumroad.
d. Online Courses & Coaching
Share your expertise by teaching others or offering
one-on-one guidance.
- Online
Courses:
- Identify
your expertise: What can you teach others?
- Outline
your course content: Break it down into modules and lessons.
- Create
engaging content: Videos, text, quizzes, assignments.
- Choose
a platform: Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Udemy, Skillshare.
- Market
your course: Use social media, email marketing, your blog.
- Online
Coaching:
- Define
your coaching niche: Business, life, fitness, career,
relationship coaching.
- Develop
your coaching methodology.
- Set
up a way to schedule and conduct sessions: Zoom, Calendly.
- Market
your services: Social media, testimonials, networking.
e. YouTube & Content Creation
Building an audience on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or
podcasts and monetizing your content.
- Steps:
- Choose
a Niche: Gaming, tutorials, vlogging, reviews, education,
entertainment.
- Create
High-Quality Content: Good video/audio quality, engaging
scripts, consistent branding.
- Optimize
for Search: Use relevant titles, descriptions, and tags.
- Promote
Your Content: Share on social media, engage with your audience.
- Be
Consistent: Regular uploads keep your audience engaged.
- How
to monetize:
- YouTube
Partner Program (AdSense): Earn revenue from ads displayed on
your videos (requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours).
- Sponsorships
& Brand Deals: Companies pay you to promote their products.
- Affiliate
Marketing: Link to products you recommend.
- Selling
Merchandise: T-shirts, hats, etc.
- Patreon/Fan
Support: Get direct contributions from your audience.
f. Affiliate Marketing
Promoting other companies' products or services and earning
a commission on sales made through your unique affiliate link.
- How
it works:
- Choose
a Niche: Relevant to products you want to promote.
- Find
Affiliate Programs: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, ClickBank,
Commission Junction, individual company programs.
- Create
Content: Reviews, comparisons, tutorials, blog posts, videos
that naturally incorporate affiliate links.
- Drive
Traffic: Use SEO, social media, email marketing, paid ads.
- Key
to success: Promote products you genuinely believe in and that
are relevant to your audience.
4. Essential Tools and Resources
- Website
Hosting: Bluehost, SiteGround, WP Engine
- Website
Builders: WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix
- Email
Marketing: Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign
- Graphic
Design: Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud
- Video
Editing: DaVinci Resolve (free), Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut
Pro
- SEO
Tools: Google Keyword Planner (free), Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz
- Project
Management: Trello, Asana, ClickUp
- Payment
Processors: PayPal, Stripe
5. Tips for Success
- Consistency
is Key: Whether it's creating content, reaching out to clients,
or marketing your products, regular effort yields results.
- Provide
Value: Focus on solving problems or entertaining your audience.
The more value you provide, the more likely people are to pay you.
- Build
an Audience/Network: Engage with your community, build an email
list, and network with others in your niche.
- Learn
and Adapt: The online world changes rapidly. Stay updated on
trends, new tools, and best practices.
- Be
Patient: Making significant money online rarely happens
overnight. It requires dedication and persistence.
- Invest
in Yourself: Consider taking courses, reading books, or getting
mentorship to enhance your skills.
- Track
Your Progress: Monitor your income, expenses, website traffic,
and other key metrics to see what's working and what isn't.
- Legal
& Financial Considerations:
- Set
up a separate bank account: For business finances.
- Understand
taxes: Research income tax obligations for online earnings in
your region.
- Consider
registering your business: Depending on your income and business
structure.
- Protect
your intellectual property: If selling unique products or
content.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- "Get
Rich Quick" Schemes: Be wary of anything that promises
instant wealth with little effort. Sustainable online income takes work.
- Lack
of Niche/Focus: Trying to appeal to everyone usually means
appealing to no one.
- Giving
Up Too Soon: Many people quit before they see results.
Persistence is crucial.
- Ignoring
Marketing: Creating a great product or service isn't enough; you
need to market it effectively.
- Poor
Customer Service: Online reputation is vital. Treat your
customers well.
- Not
Diversifying Income Streams: Relying on a single source of income
can be risky. Explore multiple monetization methods over time.
- Fear
of Failure/Perfectionism: Don't wait for everything to be perfect
to start. "Done is better than perfect."
Conclusion
Making money online is a journey that requires effort,
learning, and adaptability. By identifying your strengths, choosing a viable
niche, and consistently working on your chosen method, you can build a
sustainable income stream from the comfort of your home. Start small, learn
from your experiences, and don't be afraid to pivot if something isn't working.
Good luck!
Creating user profiles for Entra-joined Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD) primarily involves configuring FSLogix Profile Containers. This ensures that user profiles are portable and persistent across sessions, even though the session hosts are Entra-joined.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Storage for FSLogix Profiles
You'll need a file share that can be accessed by your AVD
session hosts and where user profile disks will be stored. Azure Files is a
common and recommended solution for this.
- Create
an Azure Storage Account:
- Go
to the Azure portal, search for "Storage accounts," and click
"Create."
- Choose
your subscription and resource group.
- Give
it a unique name (e.g., avdprofilesstorage).
- Select
a region.
- For
performance, consider "Premium" with "File shares" as
the account kind, or "Standard" with "ZRS" or
"GRS" redundancy for resilience.
- Keep
other settings as default or configure them according to your needs.
- Click
"Review + create," then "Create."
- Create
an Azure File Share:
- Once
the storage account is deployed, navigate to it.
- Under
"Data storage," click "File shares."
- Click
"+ File share."
- Give
it a name (e.g., profiles).
- Specify
a quota (e.g., 1TB or based on your user count).
- Click
"Create."
- Configure Azure AD Authentication for Azure Files (Kerberos Authentication):This is crucial for Entra-joined VMs to authenticate to the file share.
- Navigate
to your storage account.
- Under
"Data management," select "File shares."
- Click
on "Active Directory settings" (it might be under
"Security + networking" > "File shares" >
"AD settings").
- Select
"Azure Active Directory (AAD) Kerberos" or "Hybrid Azure
Active Directory (AD DS) Kerberos" if your environment is hybrid.
For pure Entra Join, AAD Kerberos is the way.
- Follow
the prompts to enable it. This involves creating an Entra ID application
registration and granting permissions.
- Assign
Share-Level Permissions:
- Go
to your file share.
- Click
on "Access control (IAM)."
- Click
"Add" > "Add role assignment."
- Assign
the "Storage File Data SMB Share Contributor" role to the Azure
AD group containing your AVD users and the Azure AD group containing your
AVD session host computer objects.
- Assign
"Storage File Data SMB Share Elevated Contributor" if you need
to allow users to modify permissions on their own profiles, though
"Contributor" is often sufficient.
- Click
"Review + assign."
- Configure NTFS Permissions on the File Share:While Azure AD Kerberos handles share access, you still need proper NTFS permissions within the share itself. You'll usually do this by mounting the share to a temporary VM (that is Entra-joined or Hybrid-joined) and setting the permissions.
- Mount
the Azure File share to a temporary Entra-joined or Hybrid-joined Windows
VM:
codePowershell
net use Z: \\<storageaccountname>.file.core.windows.net\profiles
/user:AzureAD\<your_upn>
- Set
the following NTFS permissions on the root of the profiles share:
- CREATOR
OWNER: Full Control (Applies to: Subfolders and files only)
- Azure
AD Group for AVD Users: Read & Execute, List Folder Contents,
Read (Applies to: This folder, subfolders and files)
- Azure
AD Group for AVD Session Hosts: Read & Execute, List Folder
Contents, Read, Write, Create Folders/Append Data (Applies to: This
folder, subfolders and files)
- SYSTEM:
Full Control (Applies to: This folder, subfolders and files)
- Administrators (of
the AVD session hosts): Full Control (Applies to: This folder,
subfolders and files)
- You
can set these using icacls:
codeCmd
icacls Z:\ /grant "Azure AD Group Name for AVD
Users":(OI)(CI)R
icacls Z:\ /grant "Azure AD Group Name for AVD Session
Hosts":(OI)(CI)R
icacls Z:\ /grant "Azure AD Group Name for AVD Session
Hosts":(OI)(CI)W
icacls Z:\ /grant "SYSTEM":(OI)(CI)F
icacls Z:\ /grant
"Builtin\Administrators":(OI)(CI)F
icacls Z:\ /setowner "Builtin\Administrators"
Note: Replace Z: with your mounted drive letter
and "Azure AD Group Name" with the actual names of your Entra ID
groups.
- A
good example of the final NTFS permissions could look like this:
Step 2: Configure FSLogix on AVD Session Hosts
FSLogix agents are typically pre-installed on Azure Virtual
Desktop images. You just need to configure them.
- Use Group Policy (Local or Centralized):For Entra-joined VMs, you can use Intune to deliver administrative templates for FSLogix, or configure them locally on the AVD master image. Using Intune is more scalable for larger deployments.
- Option
A: Configure via Intune (Recommended for Entra-joined):
- Download
the FSLogix Administrative Templates (.admx and .adml files)
from the Microsoft FSLogix GitHub release page.
- Import
the .admx and .adml files into Intune. (Devices >
Configuration profiles > Import ADMX).
- Create
a new Configuration Profile in Intune:
- Profile
type: "Settings catalog" or "Custom" (if using
imported ADMX directly).
- Search
for "FSLogix" or specifically for "Profile
Containers."
- Configure
the following settings:
- Enabled: Yes
- VHDLocation: \\<storageaccountname>.file.core.windows.net\profiles
- DeleteLocalProfileWhenVHDShouldApply: Yes
(Recommended to ensure profiles are always loaded from FSLogix)
- SizeInMBs: (e.g.,
30000 for 30GB, adjust as needed)
- FlipFlopProfileDirectoryName: 1
(Recommended to avoid issues with concurrent logons if using multiple
session hosts)
- Include
ProfileList in Roaming: No (This prevents issues with cached
profiles)
- Assign
this profile to the Entra ID group containing your AVD session host
computer objects.
- Option
B: Configure Locally on the Master Image:
- Open gpedit.msc on
your AVD master image.
- Navigate
to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates >
FSLogix > Profile Containers.
- Configure
the same settings as above (Enabled, VHDLocation,
DeleteLocalProfileWhenVHDShouldApply, SizeInMBs,
FlipFlopProfileDirectoryName, Include ProfileList in Roaming).
- Save
the changes and generalize your master image.
- Verify
FSLogix Installation (if needed):
- On a
session host, check for the FSLogix Apps service in services.msc.
- Check
for the FSLogix installation directory: C:\Program
Files\FSLogix\Apps.
Step 3: Test User Profiles
- Assign Users to an AVD Application Group or Desktop Application Group:Ensure your test users are assigned to an AVD group that grants them access to the session hosts.
- Log
in with a Test User:
- Use
an Entra ID user account that has been assigned to an AVD group.
- Log
in to an AVD session.
- The
first login will create the FSLogix profile container. This might take a
bit longer.
- Verify
Profile Creation:
- Go
to your Azure File share (\\<storageaccountname>.file.core.windows.net\profiles).
- You
should see a folder structure like profiles\<username_SID>.
Inside, there will be a VHD or VHDX file.
- On
the AVD session host, check C:\Users. You should see a symbolic link
for the user's profile, pointing to the FSLogix mounted VHD. You can also
check the ProfileList registry key at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
- Test
Persistence:
- Create
some files or change desktop settings in the user's AVD session.
- Log
off.
- Log
back in. Verify that the changes are still there.
Important Considerations:
- FSLogix
Cloud Cache: For greater resiliency and performance, especially
in multi-region deployments or if you need to withstand storage outages,
consider configuring FSLogix Cloud Cache. This allows profiles to be
replicated to multiple storage locations.
- Security
Groups: Use dedicated Entra ID security groups for AVD users and
AVD session host machines to simplify permission management.
- Monitoring: Monitor
your Azure File share usage and performance to ensure it can handle your
user load.
- Antivirus
Exclusions: Configure antivirus exclusions for FSLogix
directories and VHD(X) files on your AVD session hosts to prevent
performance issues.
- Master
Image Updates: When updating your AVD master image, ensure that
any local FSLogix configurations are reapplied or that your Intune profile
is still correctly deployed.
- FSLogix
Version: Keep your FSLogix agents updated to benefit from the
latest features and bug fixes.
- Delegated
Administration: If you have separate teams for AVD and identity,
ensure proper delegation of permissions for managing Entra ID groups and
Azure Storage.
By following these steps, you can successfully implement
persistent user profiles for your Entra-joined Azure Virtual Desktops using
FSLogix.
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