LeoSat Enterprises, a startup that planned to launch satellites to deliver high-speed internet, has paused operations after failing to secure expected funding from two investors. A "resurrection scenario" is being developed by its founders, says CEO Mark Rigolle, but it's unclear what will happen.

Fourth-quarter marketing is a good time to try out new products, audiences or strategies, writes Dena Malouf of SmartBrief. Focusing on the first two weeks of December while also looking ahead to 2020 can make the most of the Q4 budget, Malouf notes.

It's easy to get prospects to agree with you by making vague statements about the need to improve customer service or other areas of their businesses, but such high-level ideas aren't likely to motivate a buying decision, writes Alison Davis. Instead, limit your objectives during meetings, be specific and clear and engage all your audience's senses when presenting your solution, Davis advises.

A strong economy and low unemployment has retailers optimistic about the upcoming start of the holiday shopping season, despite changing consumer shopping habits and US-China trade tensions. The National Retail Federation is forecasting a holiday sales increase of between 3.8% and 4.2%, compared to a 2.1% increase in 2018.

American Airlines is making adjustments to the way it compensates passengers who volunteer to be bumped from oversold flights using a new system, internally referred to as "Pay What You Bid." Under the new system, passengers who are voluntarily rebooked on a later flight will receive a flight voucher for the amount they've bid to be bumped, meaning that multiple rebooked volunteers on the same flight could be compensated differently.

Embrace your passion and follow it wherever it takes you to find success in a new venture, says Galen Karlan-Mason, founder and CEO of GreenChoice. "If something really inspires you and lights you up, you're going to work harder," he says.

A founder's personal brand can set a startup apart with consumers, particularly in a crowded market, and it could help bring in investors, writes branding coach Haley Hoffman Smith. "Many founders hide behind their company, but consumers are responding more than ever to founders who share their personal lives on social media, and it's translating to sales," she writes.

A focus on customers and community, authenticity and an understanding of marketing channels are some of what venture capitalist Sonya Brown says she's looking for when determining which direct-to-consumer startups to back. "Controlling the conversation with your customer really appeals to us, as well as utilizing technology, to increase speed and product iteration," she says.

Subway's new CEO is John Chidsey, former chairman and CEO of Burger King Holdings. Interim CEO Trevor Haynes will remain with the company as president of North America operations.

School of Rock is expanding internationally, with plans for 150 locations in Brazil as well as units in Spain and Portugal. The brand is also growing its conversion program that turns existing music schools into School of Rock locations.