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If you’re a small business owner looking to create a comprehensive employee training plan, you’re in luck! Here are training plan template options, each designed to help you develop your employees’ skills and knowledge. What is an Employee Training Plan Template? An employee training plan template is a document used to outline the training sessions and development activities a company plans to provide to its employees. What Should a Training Plan Template Include? A well-designed training plan template should include several key elements to ensure the success of any training session. These include… Identifying Training Needs A successful training plan template should begin with a thorough training needs assessment, a review of job descriptions and performance evaluations, and an identification of knowledge or skill gaps. Determine priority areas for training. Training Objectives Establish clear and measurable goals aligned with business strategy. Focus on relevant and timely topics and set realistic expectations for learning outcomes. Ensure objectives can be tracked and measured. A Scalable Training Process Develop a structured training program that incorporates different delivery methods, assign roles and responsibilities, and determine evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Ensure the process can be scaled to meet changing business needs. Learning Outcomes Define what learners should be able to do after training and create assessment criteria to measure progress. Ensure outcomes align with business needs and provide opportunities for ongoing learning and development. Track outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. The Best Employee Training Plan Templates for Small Businesses Before you continue to the list that follows, you can reference this handy condensed table that summarizes the key features and offerings of the top employee training plan templates for small businesses. #Training Plan Template ProviderKey Features and Offerings 1.ZavvyExternal Training Library with on-demand video courses and live training. 2.Monday.comWork OS platform for centralizing work, processes, and boosting productivity. 3.Whatfix18 free employee training plan templates tailored to individual needs. 4.Template.netEmployee Training Schedule Template in various formats for easy customization. 5.SharePointEmployee Training Management with features like scheduling and feedback collection. 6.SmartsheetFree training plan templates for staff, monthly, weekly, and more. 7.CreatelyCustomizable templates for planning and visualizing effective training programs. 8.ExcelDataProReady-to-use Employee Training Log Excel Template for managing training data. 9.Seismic (customer services)Pre-made customer service training manual with modification options. 10.Betterteam (onboarding)Employee Onboarding Process template and checklist for effective integration. 11.Stakeholdermap.comDownloadable training plan template in PDF and Word formats. 12.NorthpassEditable employee training manual PowerPoint template with tips and strategies. 13.VenngageCustomizable training plan templates, including new hire and manager training plans. 14.IndeedTraining plan templates for new employees, individuals, and corporate training. 15.WorkableNew hire training checklist for smooth onboarding. 16.WalkMeFree employee training templates for various purposes, including skills gap analysis. 17.HelpjuiceTemplates for needs assessment, employee development plans, and leadership training. 18.ScribeHowCustomizable employee training plan templates, including employee development. 19.TemplateLabNumerous employee training plan templates in Word and Excel formats. 20.StackbyEmployee Training Management Template for organizing and monitoring training programs. Creating an employee training plan can be challenging for small businesses. Fortunately, there are many pre-designed templates available that can simplify the process. Here are 20 of the best options. Zavvy Zavvy’s External Training Library offers various training resources in categories such as Compliance, Soft Skills, Sales, Marketing, Tech, Product & Design, and Data. These include on-demand video courses, live training, and immersive training. Monday.com Monday.com is a Work OS platform that helps teams centralize their work, processes, and tools and customize workflows to boost employee productivity. It offers tailored products for different business aspects and has over 180,000 customers globally. Whatfix Whatfix provides 18 free employee training plan templates to create an effective employee development plan tailored to individual employee needs. The templates include new-hire training, training needs assessment, individual employee training, and an employee development plan template. Template.net Template.net provides an Employee Training Schedule Template in multiple formats, including Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Excel, Apple Numbers, and Apple Pages. This allows for easy customization and effective organization of employee training schedules. You can also enjoy the convenience of instant downloads for improved efficiency. Sharepoint SharePoint Employee Training Management streamlines activities like scheduling, registration, material sharing, and feedback collection. Features include a training catalog, event scheduling, attendee enrollment, attendance status, and feedback. Source code available. Smartsheet Smartsheet provides free training plan templates for staff, monthly, weekly, daily, annual, employee, new hire, and project plans, with customizable Excel, Word, and PDF formats. They also offer cloud-based HR management tools. Creately Creately offers customizable templates and tools to help organizations plan and organize effective employee training programs. With real-time collaboration, multiple export options, and integrations, it simplifies creating, visualizing, and sharing training plans. Creately is trusted by over 10 million users, including NASA, Facebook, and Amazon. ExcelDataPro ExcelDataPro offers a ready-to-use Employee Training Log Excel Template with predefined formulas. The template allows for recording and managing employee training data, including employee details, training schedules, and training output. It is beneficial for HR professionals, consultants, and other HR staff to manage and record employee training data easily. Seismic (customer services) This free customer service training template by Seismic is a resource that offers a pre-made manual to achieve consistent and thorough training for customer service. The template covers basic principles, do’s and don’ts, and training tips that are easy to modify as needed. Betterteam (onboarding) Betterteam offers a free Employee Onboarding Process template and checklist in Excel format to help companies integrate new employees effectively by providing necessary knowledge and behaviors. The onboarding process is essential for new hires to perform effectively. Stakeholdermap.com Stakeholdermap.com offers a free downloadable training plan template in both PDF and Word formats for managers to deliver effective training and organizational change. The template is fully editable and contains everything needed for a successful training plan. Northpass Northpass offers an editable employee training manual PowerPoint template with tips and strategies to create effective training content. The template includes information on composition and structure and can be downloaded from their website. Venngage Venngage provides over 20 customizable training plan templates for businesses, including new hire and manager training plans, employee development plans, and training need assessments. Users can edit text, colors, and images with the drag-and-drop editor. Indeed Indeed offers three types of training plan templates including a new employee training plan, individual training plan, and corporate training plan. These templates can be customized to develop the skills of new hires and existing employees. Workable Workable suggests a new hire training checklist to smoothly onboard employees. The process includes company overview, policies, benefits package, role-specific and IT setup training, followed by security and safety training a month and three months after the start date, respectively. WalkMe WalkMe provides a range of free employee training templates, which include new-hire training, individual employee training, employee development plans, training policies, SOPs, DEI training, skills gap analysis, and pre-training surveys. Helpjuice Helpjuice provides templates for pre-training needs assessment, employee development plans, better employee onboarding plans, and leadership training plans to facilitate professional growth, identify gaps in skills, and improve team performance. ScribeHow ScribeHow offers four customizable employee training plan templates, including employee development, training needs assessment, new-hire training, and individual employee training plans. These templates have a general format, with sections on how to duplicate and use them. TemplateLab TemplateLab provides 43 Employee Training Plan templates in Word and Excel formats, including training plans, schedules, training curricula, and program templates to help employers provide the necessary training that strengthens employees’ skills, reduces weaknesses, and boosts company growth. Stackby Stackby’s Employee Training Management Template lets you organize and monitor ongoing and upcoming employee training programs, including recording program details, participants, and feedback. Easy to use, customizable, and accessible with a simple copy. Training Plan Apps Training plan apps provide a convenient and efficient way for small businesses to manage their employee training programs. Here are some top training plan apps for your consideration: CYPHER Matrix LMS This is a comprehensive and customizable employee training platform with an intuitive UI, mobile app, and real-time analytics. It offers affordable pricing for all business sizes, starting at $549 monthly for 100 users. Gamification features keep employees engaged. iSpring Learn LMS iSpring Learn is a user-friendly LMS for employee, compliance, or product training. Plans start at $2.87 per user each month and include iSpring Suite for creating courses. Suitable for small to midsize businesses with an intuitive interface and affordable plans. TalentLMS TalentLMS offers an intuitive user interface with gamification features, including badges, points, and leaderboards. Small businesses can use the forever-free plan or choose from affordable plans with unlimited courses starting from $69 per month. Why Would a Small Business Owner Need an Employee Training Plan Template? A training plan template can help a small business owner ensure that employees are properly trained and that the company meets its objectives while improving productivity and enhancing employee performance. Before reading further, every business can use team members with excellent capabilities, Right? So be sure to check out this companion video on how to rapidly improve team capabilities with an Excel Skills & Matrix template. Types of Training Plan Template When it comes to designing an employee training plan, businesses have several types of templates to choose from. Here are some common types of training plan templates. Pre-Training Needs Assessment Before designing a training plan, identify employee skill and knowledge gaps, determine areas in which training is needed, and use assessment results to inform the training plan design. New Hire Training Plan A new hire training plan should orientate new employees to the company culture, cover basic policies and procedures, and train them on job-specific tasks and responsibilities to get them up to speed quickly. Safety Training Safety training is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. It is important to educate employees on emergency response procedures and to review health and safety regulations in order to uphold a safe working environment. Specialized Training Specialized training helps employees develop specific skills, such as leadership or technical skills, and train them on new equipment or technology. This helps employees prepare for future career growth. Blended Learning Approaches Blended learning approaches are a game-changer in employee training. By combining traditional classroom methods with digital learning modules, businesses can cater to diverse learning preferences among their employees. This approach not only accommodates different learning styles but also offers the flexibility of time and location. Blended learning in your training plan ensures a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience, making it an essential component of any modern training strategy. Customizable Training Templates The one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in employee training. Recognizing this, customizable training templates are crucial. They allow businesses to tailor training content to specific business needs and employee roles. Customization can range from modifying existing content to creating entirely new modules specific to the business’s operations or industry. This flexibility ensures that the training is relevant, practical, and directly aligned with the company’s objectives. Continuous Learning and Development A dynamic business environment requires continuous learning and development. Training plans should not just focus on immediate skill gaps but also on long-term employee development. Incorporating elements like advanced training for future roles, leadership development, and cross-functional skills can foster a culture of growth and adaptability. This approach not only enhances employee skills but also prepares them for future challenges and opportunities within the company. Leveraging Technology in Training Technology plays a pivotal role in modern employee training. Leveraging tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS) can revolutionize the delivery and management of training programs. These systems allow for efficient tracking of employee progress, offer interactive and multimedia content, and can even provide personalized learning paths. Integrating technology in training not only streamlines the process but also enhances the learning experience for employees. Feedback and Evaluation Effective training plans are iterative, and feedback and evaluation are their cornerstones. Regular assessments, employee surveys, and feedback sessions are vital in understanding the effectiveness of the training. They provide insights into what works and what needs improvement. This ongoing evaluation process ensures that the training remains relevant, effective, and aligned with both employee needs and business goals. Training ROI Measurement Measuring the Return on Investment (ROI) of training programs is essential in demonstrating their value to the business. This involves evaluating the impact of training on employee performance and overall business outcomes. Methods like performance metrics before and after training, employee productivity rates, and the quality of work can provide tangible data. Understanding the ROI helps in justifying the training expenses and guides future investment in employee development. Structured Training Program A structured training program establishes a comprehensive training plan using a variety of training methods to meet the needs of different learners. Measure progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. How Much Do Training Plan Templates Cost for a Small Business? The prices of training plan templates for small businesses can differ significantly; some are available for free online, while others may cost several hundred dollars. The Bottom Line Creating an employee training plan is essential for small businesses to ensure employee development and growth. With the help of the 20 training plan templates we discussed, businesses can design a comprehensive training plan, from pre-training needs assessment to structured training programs. Other essential business tasks such as employee onboarding, SWOT analysis, diversified employee benefits, using a work schedule app, having an action plan, employee bonus, employee of the month program, and giving an employee financial help can also be managed effectively with proper planning. To ensure your small business’s long-term success, consider investing time and resources to write a business plan. Employee Training Plan Template FAQs What is a Training Plan Outline? A training plan outline is a structured framework that identifies the goals, learning objectives, and methods of delivering training. What are The Basic Components of a Training Program? The basic components of a training program include goals and objectives, content, instructional methods, assessment, and evaluation. How Do You Write a New Hire Training Template? To create a new hire employee training plan template, begin with an orientation that introduces the company culture, followed by an overview of policies, procedures, and job-specific tasks. Are There Any Free Employee Training Plan Templates? Yes, many free employee training plan templates are available online. Look for reputable sources and customize templates to meet specific business needs. What are The 5 Steps in a Good Employee Training Program? A well-designed employee training program typically consists of the following five steps: Assessing Training Needs: Conduct a thorough analysis to identify the specific training needs within your organization. Determine the skills and knowledge gaps that exist and prioritize the areas that require attention. Consider factors such as job roles, performance evaluations, employee feedback, and future business goals to inform your assessment. Designing the Training Plan: Based on the identified training needs, develop a comprehensive plan outlining the objectives, content, and delivery methods of the training program. Select suitable training methods, including instructor-led sessions, e-learning modules, workshops, or on-the-job training, depending on the specific skills being taught. Define the timeline and logistics for the training, which includes scheduling, required resources, and participant prerequisites. Delivering the Training: Implement the training program according to the designed plan. Conduct training sessions using engaging instructional techniques, interactive activities, and practical examples to ensure effective learning. Provide clear instructions, resources, and support materials to facilitate understanding and skill acquisition. Utilize various training formats, such as classroom sessions, online modules, simulations, or a blend of different approaches, to cater to different learning styles and preferences. Evaluating the Training: Assess the effectiveness of the training program through various evaluation methods. Gather feedback from participants to gauge their satisfaction, understanding, and perceived value of the training. Measure the progress and improvement of participants’ skills and knowledge before and after the training using assessments, tests, or performance evaluations. Analyze the training outcomes against the predefined objectives to determine the program’s success and areas for improvement. Revising the Training Plan as Needed: Based on the evaluation results and feedback, identify areas where the training program can be enhanced or modified. Incorporate suggestions for improvement and adapt the training content, delivery methods, or instructional approach accordingly. Continuously monitor and update the training program to align with evolving business needs, industry trends, and employee development requirements. Here is the list of information in tabular form. You can hang it on a wall, put it on a clipboard, or bring it up on a smart device for easy viewing and reference: Steps in a Good Employee Training ProgramKey Actions and Considerations 1. Assessing Training Needs- Conduct a thorough analysis of training needs within the organization. - Identify skills and knowledge gaps. - Prioritize areas for training. 2. Designing the Training Plan- Develop a comprehensive plan with clear objectives and content. - Determine suitable training methods and delivery formats. - Establish a timeline and logistical details. 3. Delivering the Training- Implement the training using engaging and interactive instructional techniques. - Provide necessary resources and support materials. - Cater to different learning styles and preferences. 4. Evaluating the Training- Gather participant feedback and satisfaction levels. - Assess progress through assessments or performance evaluations. - Measure the effectiveness of the training against predefined objectives. 5. Revising the Training Plan- Incorporate feedback and suggestions for improvement. - Adapt the training content and methods based on evaluation results. - Continuously update the program to align with evolving needs. By following these five essential steps and using excellent employee training plan templates, organizations can create a robust employee training program that addresses skill gaps, enhances performance, and fosters continuous learning and development within the workforce. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Employee Training Plan Template Options for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As Fashion Week takes over New York, London, and Milan, designers aren’t just showcasing their collections on the runway—they’re taking over LinkedIn. The job-seeking platform reports a fivefold increase in live fashion show broadcasts over the past three years, with 85% of luxury brands turning to the professional social network to reach those with money to spend. LVMH and Louis Vuitton set the trend in 2019, making live fashion shows on LinkedIn the core of their engagement strategy. The move quickly paid off. After unveiling a new men’s collection in Shanghai, the brand drew nearly a million potential luxury buyers in just three days. Soon fashion powerhouses like Hermès, Dior, Prada, and Balenciaga followed suit, bringing high fashion to the professional network. Since then, LinkedIn has proven to be an essential marketing tool for meeting high-net-worth clients where they are at. After all, every successful professional comes with purchasing power. With over one billion members, more than 30% of LinkedIn users are interested in fashion, a much higher figure than on other social networks. LinkedIn data also reveals that 67% of luxury purchases happen after a career promotion or job change. Brands can tap into these pivotal moments using the platform’s “Career Changers” feature, which identifies users in professional transition, right when they’re most likely to splurge. “Fashion is deeply tied to self-expression, and on LinkedIn, where professional identity plays a key role, luxury brands have the opportunity to engage with their audiences in a way that feels relevant, whether it’s dressing for a leadership role, investing in timeless pieces, or aligning with a particular lifestyle,” Stephanie Barret, head of luxury at LinkedIn, tells Fast Company. “Unlike mainstream social media, where fashion content competes with a wide range of entertainment-driven content, LinkedIn offers a focused, high-quality environment where professionals engage with premium storytelling.” Beyond its corporate roots, the networking platform is adapting to offer services that go further than simple job searches. Features like Live Event Ads enable brands to engage audiences before, during, and after major fashion shows. Additionally, luxury brands looking for ways to promote their content from members or influencers can make use of LinkedIn’s Thought Leader Ads, generating 2.3 times more clicks than traditional ads. LinkedIn’s efforts are paying off. A study by influence management platform AmazingContent reveals LinkedIn as the preferred platform by luxury leaders– 70% of luxury content engagement is on LinkedIn (compared to 20% on Instagram and 10% on X). “At the core, success on LinkedIn is about narrative-driven engagement—using livestreams, industry voices, and interactive content to showcase craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation in a way that resonates with high-intent consumers,” says Barret. “By tapping into LinkedIn’s professional audience, brands can align their messaging with key career moments, ensuring they reach people at times when they are naturally inclined to invest in luxury.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Smart lights were there at the beginning of the smart home tech revolution, and over the years, these clever bulbs and LED strips have gradually evolved to offer more by way of both features and form factors—so much so that you might not be aware of everything you can do with smart lights, even if you've been using them for years. If your own smart light setup is mostly limited to switching your bedside lamp off with a voice command, controlling them remotely from your phone, or perhaps changing up the colors or adding an automation or two, then you're not taking advantage of everything these lights can do for you. These are some of the best smart light tricks you can try. Sync your lights with your TVHaving your smart lights change color and flash in time to action happening on your television can really add to the experience of watching movies and shows—and a number of smart light manufacturers now offer the necessary kit and apps to easily make this happen. For Philips Hue lights, for example, you need either a syncing box or a native app, depending on your TV model. It's also something you can do with Nanoleaf lights, via a system called Screen Mirror that uses a small camera to see what's on your television. Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip $69.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $69.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Set up random schedulesOne of the ways that smart lights can be useful when you're away from home is giving potential robbers the idea that you haven't gone away at all. You can almost always control your smart lights remotely, as long as your home wifi is still running. If you don't want to have to remember to turn your lights on at home every evening while you're at the beach or in the mountains, Philips Hue has a randomize timings setting available when you set up an automation, which will automatically vary when the lights turn on each day. You can randomize timings in the Philips Hue app. Credit: Lifehacker Get notifications via your lightsAdd some third-party services to the mix and the list of possibilities grows even more. IFTTT (If This Then That), for example, can set up routines based on specific triggers that lead to specific actions—and smart light brands including Philips Hue and Lifx support the protocol. Because IFTTT can plug into a variety of social media, mobile, and app systems, you can have events on these platforms trigger a flash or a change in color for your lights. One idea would be to turn a desk lamp blue when the weather forecast is predicting rain. Group your lights into scenesYou can do even more with your smart lights by grouping them together and setting specific scenes you can switch between. Most platforms let you do this fairly easily, so all the lights in a certain room can be managed together, and changed over time. You could set up scenes for early morning or late at night, for example, or for movie nights or for studying—the Nanoleaf app can even creates scenes for you based on a keyword or two. Check inside your smart light companion app to see what you've got available, or explore your customization options. Wake up with a "sunrise"Ease yourself more gently into the day by having your smart lights turn on gradually in the mornings, mimicking an actual sunrise. You could even use this trick to replace your alarm clock. This works for a wide variety of smart lights, and some can even sync the feature to your local sunrise times. You can use this with any smart light connected to Google Home, for example, by saying "hey Google, wake my lights at..." and adding a time to Google Assistant. The Nanoleaf app can create Magic Scenes for you. Credit: Nanoleaf Add a motion sensorCombine a compatible smart motion sensor with your smart lights and you don't even need to go to the trouble of tapping on your phone or speaking out a voice command to activate your smart lights—they'll come on as soon as there's movement in a room. A few smart light platforms offer this functionality, including Philips Hue. You're able to set the brightness of the lights—so you're not suddenly dazzled as you stumble to the bathroom, for example—and you can have the lights turn off after a certain time as well. Philips Hue Motion Sensor $44.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $44.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Set up automated routinesYour smart lights are even more useful when you combine them with other devices. For example, you can set the lights to dim as a chill out mix begins to play on your smart speaker at a certain time of night. Or you can set your lights and smart thermostat to all turn off together when you leave the house. These tricks are known as routines or automations, and you can set them up in Google Home (via the Automations tab), in the Amazon Alexa app (via More > Routines), and in other smart home hub platforms (including Samsung SmartThings and Apple Homekit). View the full article

French president to be followed by British PM in seeking support for US ‘backstop’ in postwar UkraineView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Before this review, I had never heard of Brane, but now, it's all I want to hear when I play my music. The Brane X is many things, but cheap isn't one of them. But for $499, you get a multi-use premium speaker that can handle itself underwater, has Alexa voice assistant, connects through wifi for better audio, has the best bass of any wifi speaker, and can be used as a soundbar and subwoofer combo. The Brane X is a great wifi speaker for someone who values bass, would like to take their speaker outdoors, and needs a soundbar and subwoofer combo for their home theater. However, it isn't perfect and at its price, it competes with the best. The Sonos Move 2 is slightly cheaper, offers a replaceable battery with 24 hours of juice, and better treble and mids (but nowhere near the same range or bass power fo the Brane X). Brane reached out to me to review the Brane X and sent me the speaker for my honest thoughts, which is exactly what you'll get in this review. Brane X Smart Speaker $499.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $499.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Brane X speaker pros, cons, and specsProsBest-in-class bass and sub-bass for smart speakers Wifi streaming over Spotify and AirPlay 2 Compact and portable Powerful 98dB stereo speaker IP57 dust and waterproof Doubles as a soundbar and subwoofer combo in one with an AUX connection Companion app with EQ ConsExpensive Upper registers sound compressed at max volume when using Bluetooth No Chromecast support No speakerphone function Some features make a whirring noise No USB-C charging (only DC) SpecsBattery Life: About six hours of battery at a moderately high volume (about 12 hours at a moderate level, according to Brane). Connectivity: Wifi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, Bluetooth version 5.1, streaming services compatible with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Amazon Alexa. Inputs: Auxiliary input 3.5 mm jack for wired connections. App: Brane companion app for fine-tuning bass, customizing EQ settings, managing speaker groups, and adjusting various settings. Drivers: One 6.5" by 9" Repel-Attract-Driver (RAD) subwoofer, two 2.5" midrange drivers, two 0.75" dome tweeters. Power Output: Four Class-D digital amplifiers delivering a combined output of over 200 watts (98dB). Water Resistance: Rated IP57, making it fully waterproof and dust-protected. Size: 6.1 inches x 9.3 inches x 7 inches (H × W × D) Weight: 7.7 lbs First impressions of the Brane X speaker Credit: Daniel Oropeza I have to be honest: First impressions of the Brane X weren't good. Turning it on wasn't intuitive, since the power button doesn't provide any feedback that I pressed it properly. The same can be said about the media controls on top, but I'll get more into those details later. There is also a weird whirring sound that the speaker makes once you turn it on that made me think my speaker was defective (it goes away after a few seconds). The sound is actually an air pump equalizing the air pressure inside the speaker, which is a patent technology that Brane called Repel-Attract-Driver (RAD). RAD is what makes this speaker unique, giving it the best bass range output I've heard on any speaker. Try this frequency range test on your wifi or Bluetooth speaker and see how it performs. The Brane X didn't just play through the whole range but vibrated my entire office with its powerful bass. And because of that, I'm willing to put up with the humming sound it makes when it's turned on. Design The Brane X uses touch controls for media. Credit: Daniel Oropeza The design is, well, boring. All black is a safe option and with no color variations, it leaves me wanting to fill it with stickers to give it some personality. But that leads to my next issue: touch controls. To control the speaker you have a few options on top of the speaker, none of which provide haptic feedback. And since their touch controls, you don't really know if your command when though unless you hear the speaker. There is also no play/pause button, so I can only control it with my phone (or Alexa if using it to play music). Considering this is also an outdoor speaker with an IP57 rating that can be completely submerged underwater, physical buttons could've come in handy. The handle on the top is useful considering the speaker almost weighs eight pounds. The Brane X charger is DC, so no USB-C. Credit: Daniel Oropeza The charger is DC, so no USB-C for fast universal charging, unfortunately. The battery is marketed as 20 hours of battery life at a moderate volume, but I only got around six hours of juice at around 75% volume (which to be fair, is very loud indoors unless you're having a house party). It'll take about three hours to fully charge it once it is drained. Sound Credit: Daniel Oropeza The sound is where the Brane X blows away the competition and really shines, especially if you love bass (and I do). As I explained earlier, the RAD technology really pumps out incredible power out of this small speaker. Considering this is less than 10% the size of JBL's PartyBox Stage 320 (my favorite party speaker), it's impressive that it nearly matches its 240 W of output power (the Brane X gets to 200 W), only about a 2dB difference in volume to my favorite party speaker. I will caveat that this isn't a party speaker, and you can really hear it struggle on upper registers when getting it to its max volume. Unless I'm blasting the Brane X, though, the sound quality is pristine. Because the frequency range of the bass is so wide, you can really hear and feel the lower registers, giving it a full sound without needing to get too loud. It makes for a fun sound that is distinctive to the Brane X. I listened to MONACO by Bad Bunny and could hear the sub-bass parts of the bass clearly. The sensation of feeling the bass at this level usually means blasting the music on regular speakers or headphones, but the Brane X manages to provide that feeling without scaring my neighbors. Features of the Brane X speaker Credit: Daniel Oropeza The Brane X is a wifi speaker first, meaning it performs better than Bluetooth speakers in terms of connectivity with a wider range, better sound quality by streaming higher bitrate audio, and other features. Instead of connecting to the speaker over Bluetooth, you can play music directly into it through Spotify Connect, so you'll get a better connection and sound quality. You can also connect via AirPlay 2 and Amazon Alexa. The Amazon smart assistant performs as well as any Alexa device. The Brane app Left: Main screen. Middle: EQ. Right: The AUX Pass-Through feature to minimize delay with the TV. Credit: Daniel Oropeza My experience with the companion app was like most speaker apps: It does its simple job well, but it can disconnect on occasion and can be slow at times. The main things I used the app were to check the battery life, mess with the EQ (you get a five-band equalizer) which adjusts your changes in real time, and setting the AUX Pass-Through feature when setting it up as a soundbar. The app gives you the option to link up groups if you have more than one Brane X speaker. As I only have one speaker, I wasn't able to try this feature. The Brane X as an outdoor speaker Credit: Daniel Oropeza As I do with all of my outdoor speakers, I took it out to the court while hosting my Street FC soccer games. We played five on five on a hockey rink with walls, so the sound bounces off to give it a "surround" feel. Even then, the Brane X struggles to fill the court completely. This is by far the smallest speaker I've ever taken to my games, however, and I'm comparing the sound decibels to party speakers, which is an unfair comparison. The fact that the Brane X is even a contender here speaks volumes to its versatility. With that said, the audio did sound compressed at maximum volumes sometimes. Since it's a Bluetooth connection outdoors instead of wifi, the compression sound is more noticeable at max volume (it'll sound better indoors with a wifi connection). The Brane X comes with an IP57 rating, making it fully waterproof and dust-protected—great for an outdoor speaker. The Brane X as a soundbar The Brane X doubles as a soundbar and sub woofer combo with an AUX cable. Credit: Daniel Oropeza If you want to use the speaker as a soundbar, you'll need an AUX cable (at least the end that connects to the speaker needs to be AUX). I wish the Brane X had Google Chromecast support so it could connect wirelessly to my smart TV, but you can't have everything in life. You can still connect it with Bluetooth, but you won't be able to use the AUX Pass-Though feature on the app to get rid of the sound delay (the delay is not bad, but sticklers will notice it). You won't get eARC sound quality, but the speaker itself has a subwoofer, so the sound is surprisingly good as a soundbar and subwoofer combo. I decided to re-watch Dune to hear how well the Brane X performed as a soundbar and subwoofer combo and compared it to the speaker system on my TCL QM7 TV, which has a subwoofer speaker on the back. The Brane X really brought Dune to life compared to the television speakers. I could feel every thud of the thumpers as they hit the sand when calling the worms. The soundtrack and vibrations of the explosions really put the excellent broad frequency range the Brane X has to use. The speaker is able to handle the dynamic audio you want from a soundbar, hearing whispers and feeling explosions. Bottom line Credit: Daniel Oropeza The Brane X is a powerful wifi speaker with a subwoofer that gives it an incredible range in the sub-bass frequencies. It's the best wifi and smart speaker for bass lovers. With Spotify and AirPlay 2, most people's needs for music will be met. Its small compact size also makes it a great portable and outdoor speaker, with a waterproof IP57 rating and up to 12 hours of battery life. It can get very loud with a maximum of 98 dBs, and it doubles as a soundbar and subwoofer combo, making it great for watching movies. However, all that versatility comes at a high price of $499. If you're looking to blast the Brane X at max volume, know that playing over Bluetooth will lead to some compression being noticeable. There is no speakerphone option despite its many microphones, and you'll need to depend on the DC charger, which isn't ideal for portable speakers. The Brane X is ideal for someone looking for a wifi speaker that can do a bit of everything. A one-stop speaker that you can take to the beach, use as a soundbar, fill your living room for a party, or take on a whim to your next adventure. It definitely rivals the Sonos Move 2, and would recommend it to anyone who isn't in the Sonos ecosystem already and/or loves to feel bass in their life. View the full article

"Photoshop" is synonymous with image editing, and for good reason. The app is an industry standard, and has been for over 30 years. But while Photoshop has been available on computers and tablets for some time now, those looking to edit images on their smartphones have had to make due with alternative programs—or simply stick to their other devices instead. That changes today. As of Tuesday, Feb. 25, Photoshop is officially on iPhone. You can go to the App Store, search "Photoshop," and see not just the usual alternatives—like Lightroom, Canva, and Facetune—but the real deal, too. Plus, the app itself is free, in addition to a number of "core imaging and design tools." According to the company, that includes the following, free of charge: Selections, layers and masks Tap Select tool Spot Healing Brush Adobe Firefly AI features, like Generative Fill and Generative Expand Integration with Adobe Express, Adobe Fresco, and Adobe Lightroom Access to "hundreds of thousands" of free Adobe Stock assets Credit: Adobe The company showed off a number of edit examples one might use the app for: using a masking tool to copy a subject from one image and paste it to another; using a "quick select brush" to isolate parts of an image from the final product; layering multiple images over one another to create a dramatic but realistic assortment of items around the subject; changing the color of one element of an image, while preserving the rest; and selecting objects to quickly remove them from the scene. Of course, Adobe is also pushing its AI features, as well—namely, Generative Fill. In one demo, a rep wants to insert an island onto an image of an ocean. They use the lasso tool to highlight where in the image they want that island to be, then use Generative Fill to create a grassy piece of land with AI. In another, Generative Fill is used to remove a background, replacing it with the sky seen in a different part of the image. Obviously, if you have previous Photoshop experience, you should be quite familiar with the tools and features of this version of the app. However, it may take you a moment to get your bearings: Based on press images and videos, this is definitely a mobile app, meaning its UI looks like many other image editing apps you might have used before. As such, it might take some trial and error before you understand where all of your usual options and features are. But based on what I see, this is the typical Photoshop experience—just distilled into mobile form. There are more features (if you pay for them)While Photoshop and its "core" features are free to download and use on iPhone, there are more features and perks if you choose to pay. Adobe now has a "Photoshop Mobile and Web plan" for customers who want more on the iOS, iPadOS, and web versions of the app. That includes: Access to Photoshop on the web Expanded access to Firefly-powered AI tools, like Generate Similar and Reference Image Access to over 20,000 fonts (or import your own) Object Select for precise selections Magic Wand for targeted adjustments Remove Tool Clone Stamp Content-Aware Fill Advanced blend modes for styling your image "Lighten" and "Darken" to lighten or darken different parts of an image This plan costs $7.99 per month, or $69.99 per year. If you already pay for Photoshop, you now have all of these perks included in your plan. View the full article

The intense red color of classic lipstick traditionally comes from an unlikely source: crushed bugs that live on cactus plants in South America. It takes tens of thousands of the ground-up insects to make just a pound of the vivid red dye. The red coloring, called carmine, also shows up in food—from red velvet cupcakes to sausages, gummy candies, and some versions of strawberry yogurt. In the cosmetics industry, major brands started moving away from carmine in the 2010s because of ethical concerns. A growing number of consumers wanted vegan makeup. (Crushing bugs also creates an allergen because of other bug parts that end up in the dye.) But because synthetic dyes don’t perform as well, carmine is still found in some high-end products, from shades of MAC lipstick and NARS blush to Chanel nail polish. Now, a biotech startup called Debut has developed a new alternative: an exact replica of carmine that’s made from fermentation rather than bugs. [Photo: Debut] The molecule was incredibly difficult to replicate. “It’s a really unique color . . . it’s a very complicated [chemical] structure,” says Joshua Britton, Debut’s CEO and founder. Academic scientists took 15 years to understand it, he says, “and it took us three to four years to work out how to make it.” The company discovered two new classes of enzymes that were the missing pieces of the manufacturing process, and found a way to keep the cost of the whole system relatively affordable. The resulting product is the same as the original color, minus the allergen and gross-out factor. There’s strong demand for a product like this in the beauty industry. Carmine is a “perfect ingredient,” Britton says. It’s stable when it interacts with other ingredients, long-lasting, and vibrant in a way that other dyes aren’t. When Spanish explorers arrived in South America in the 1500s, carmine quickly became a major trade item. In Europe, red dye was difficult and expensive to make, and red clothing was mostly reserved for royalty (or, say, the Pope). In Peru, carmine had been used to dye fabric for at least two centuries, and the explorers realized that it far outperformed European dyes. Carmine started to show up in everything from oil paintings to British military uniforms. By the late 19th century, as the cosmetics industry was scaling up, carmine was a natural choice of ingredient for red, pink, and peach products. Right now, making the biotech version costs more than standard carmine, unsurprisingly. “The traditional bug version is at the moment cheaper, and that’s because there are 70,000 bugs hand picked off the leaf of a cactus dissolved in acid, and that’s the process,” says Britton. But the new tech is still at a pilot stage, and the company is now working with a larger company to scale up production and bring the cost down. Fermenting the product is also far more efficient than extracting it from bugs. “We typically don’t invest in molecules where we don’t think we can get down to cost parity,” he says. The cosmetics industry is a good initial fit, he says, since only small amounts of color are needed. (A pound of Debut’s carmine could color 6,500 tubes of lipstick.) The company is already working with a handful of beauty brands in its labs to develop new formulations for products. The food and pharmaceutical industries, which are also looking for alternatives to carmine, will come next, after the company works with the Food and Drug Administration for approvals and to figure out how the product will be labeled. Another factor is helping drive demand: the FDA recently banned Red No. 3, a common food dye, because of potential health risks. Food brands will have to phase out that dye over the next two years—and biotech carmine could be a viable choice. View the full article

Riddle me this: What exactly is Trello? Despite counting myself as a heavy-duty power user of the product for well over a decade now, it’s a question I’ve long struggled to answer. Technically, Trello has always seemed to fall into that group of apps folks like to frame as “project management tools”—products like Asana, ClickUp, and Notion that do a pinch of everything and are as much note makers, info savers, and life managers as they are project organizers. But Trello in particular has always been a bit of a chameleon. Personally, I’ve used it for everything from storing story ideas to mapping out my weekly newsletters and even organizing my home workouts. Part of what makes the app so powerful is its versatility. With a flexible series of boards, columns, and cards acting as its core interface, you can shape it into serving practically any purpose imaginable for yourself or your company. It seems, though, that that very same versatility may have morphed into a challenge for the product. This week, Atlassian—the business-tech behemoth that bought Trello for $425 million in 2017 and brought it into its sprawling software empire—is announcing Trello’s biggest pivot to date. It’s essentially a total reinvention, despite the fact that on the surface, not all that much actually seems to be changing. So, here it is: As of this spring, Trello will no longer be a “project management tool”—or whatever else you want to call it. It’ll be a personal tasks app, presented as being the best all-around hub for juggling all of your important to-do items, no matter where they may originate. Notably, too, it’ll now be aimed at individual users, not teams, which marks a pretty big shift from its original focus. But in an appropriately Trello-y twist, the service’s trademark versatility isn’t going anywhere—for the most part. And in spite of the official new framing and all the added elements that come with it, it’s still up to you to decide how you want to use Trello and what you want it to be. Outside of a small subset of early beta testers, most Trello users will see its new touches sometime in April. That’s when Trello’s next era will truly begin. The Trello tale—from inception to reinventionI’ve been spending much of this month living with the still-under-wraps new version of Trello, and I’ll share some detailed thoughts and impressions about what it’s all about in a moment. First, though, before we can wrap our heads around Trello’s present and its future, we need to take a swift trip back to its past. Trello first entered the world as a concept nearly 14 years ago, in September of 2011—the brainchild of Michael Pryor and Joel Spolsky. (Pryor stuck around to lead its development post-Atlassian-acquisition until mid-2022.) From the get-go, the pair described the app as “a totally horizontal product”—meaning, in the words of co-founder Spolsky at the time, “it can be used by people from all walks of life”: Some people saw Trello and said, “Oh, it’s Kanban boards. For developing software the agile way.” Yeah, it’s that, but it’s also for planning a wedding, for making a list of potential vacation spots to share with your family, for keeping track of applicants to open job positions, and for a billion other things. In fact, Trello is for anything where you want to maintain a list of lists with a group of people. That versatility and the tough-to-pin-down quality that comes with it was a key part of Trello’s foundation, in other words. It may have initially been inspired by the engineer-adored idea of Post-It Notes arranged into columns on a whiteboard, but it was always meant to be everything to everyone, without any guardrails or specific definitions for exactly how it should be used. Trello’s board-centric interface has long been the service’s calling card. [Image: Trello]Over time, that underlying elasticity never wavered. But Trello began to be positioned as more of a team-oriented tool—that whole “project management” thing. In the context of its ultimate home within Atlassian, a company known for collaboration software, that focus made sense—even if Trello did always overlap somewhat awkwardly with the organization’s homegrown Jira offering. By 2021, Atlassian had introduced a whole series of new views that promised to transform the Trello experience and make it even more well-suited for multiuer productivity. You could switch away from the standard Trello boards and view your data instead in a spreadsheet-like “Team Table View,” for instance, or flip over to a “Timeline View” that put all your info into a year-long spectrum. You could even opt for a location-centric “Map View” built specifically with sales and service teams in mind. And that’s exactly where Gaurav Kataria, Atlassian’s head of product for Trello since 2020 and a former Google Cloud executive, sees the service as starting to lose its way. “Typically, everything tries to become the one tool to manage everything, like one tool to rule them all—and typically, they tend come to become more complex,” Kataria says. “It has happened to every tool in the industry, Trello included.” Kataria and his team decided it was time to step back and really think about what made Trello special, why people appreciated it, and where it should fit into our personal productivity puzzles. Meet the Trello task transformationOfficially, today’s Trello announcement is about a fresh set of features coming into the service—features that aim to make it easier to capture and organize all types of task-oriented info. But beyond the surface, the announcement is really more about redefining what Trello is for and how Atlassian, at least, wants it to be seen—even if you still have the power to shape it into something broader. “We are taking a step back and staying that rather than trying to be that one tool, which is the project management tool for the whole team that can handle all levels of complexity and dependency and reporting, how about we focus on making the individual user more productive,” Kataria says. “Rather than being everything for everyone, let’s be really useful to the one user that’s using the product.” The team behind Trello determined that the best way to do that was to shed Trello’s murky “project management” moniker and frame the app as an all-purpose to-do hub that pulls in info from all sorts of other services and makes it exceptionally easy to organize. (The service will still offer its same generous free plan, which includes unlimited cards and up to 10 boards for individual users—along with its existing premium and enterprise-level plans for companies that want to provide the service to larger groups of workers.) The centerpiece of that strategy is a new Inbox feature that exists as a sidebar to the left of every Trello board you’re viewing. The idea is that it’s a landing pad of sorts for any type of task you’re thinking about—a place for all that stuff to show up in Trello without any real effort and then be ready for you to drag wherever you see fit. The new Trello Inbox is a landing pad for all your incoming tasks. [Image: Trello]“Today, if suddenly, a new idea pops into your head, you might have to first decide which board it goes into, which list it goes into, and does it go into the middle of the list or the top of the list—so there’s a little cognitive burden that you have to go through before you add something to Trello,” Kataria says. “We want to remove that cognitive burden.” To that end, Inbox offers four integrations to start: Email—where you can forward any message to a special address to have it instantly added into your Inbox Slack—where you can use the inbox emoji reaction (📥) or the native Slack save-for-later feature to save any message into your Trello Inbox Jira—where you can click a new native menu command to pull any issues from a project into your Inbox And Siri—where you can simply ask your iOS device to add something into Trello to get it into that same Inbox view The Trello Inbox integrates with email, Slack, Jira, and Siri to start. [Image: Trello]Android support is on hold for the moment because of Google’s awkward Assistant-Gemini transition and the current lack of support for third-party integrations with Gemini—but Kataria tells me the team is watching the situation closely and plans to add in support as soon as it becomes possible. And in the meantime, a button on the Trello Android widget can serve as an only slightly more complex way to achieve the same end result. Atlassian plans to add support for some Microsoft-specific integrations next, but beyond that, it’s relying on the fact that almost every external service generates notifications of some sort—typically via either Slack or email—and so it can tap into those notifications easily via its existing integrations without requiring any additional connections or data access. “We don’t need to build a native integration with every tool under the sun,” Kataria explains. As part of its tasks-centric transition, the service is also adding in the ability to check off a card and mark it as done from any board view—something Kataria says has been the company’s longest standing feature request. By default, when you mark a card as done, it stays in place and just gains a checkmark indication on its cover. But thanks to Trello’s powerful automation system—the feature formerly known as Butler, for any of my fellow Trello long-timers—you can take total control of that process and set the system up to work any way you like. You might create an automation rule that instantly archives any card when it’s marked as done, for instance, or that moves it to a special list where finished cards are stored. The power is entirely in your hands, which feels like a thoughtful blending of the traditional Trello philosophy and its newly reshaped purpose. “The user is still very much in control,” Kataria says. All of that aside, what makes the setup especially interesting is the way Trello is integrating AI into all of this in a similarly thoughtful and actually useful way. Trello’s finer task touchesRather than cramming in the standard and often silly “write/rewrite text for me” or “make a list for me”-style generative-AI options, Trello is opting to lean on AI solely to transform whatever you add into your Inbox into a simple, task-like summary—with a succinct title for the associated card, a single-paragraph overview of the info in its description field, and then the full text and a link back to the original item for further reference. Trello’s AI is all about making info easier to manage—not writing or organizing it for you. [Image: Trello]It works brilliantly well, in my experience, and makes me wish every app offered something similar. And, suffice it to say, I don’t at all find myself missing the option to have the service write stuff or attempt to organize stuff for me—and then, in all likelihood, having to waste my time redoing and fixing what it did. That seems to be exactly the experience the Trello team is aiming to create. “The reason people use Trello is because it reflects their mind,” Kataria says. “We want to remain really true to that spirit—that Trello is about how people see the world, not about how they follow a certain workflow or process.” (If you want, you can still add cards directly to a specific board like before, by the way—and as of this week, doing so will incorporate the same AI formatting magic present in the new Inbox approach.) Ultimately, Inbox is just another list in Trello. But it lives in that special sidebar that makes it easy to access as a single starting point for any incoming items—until and unless you decide to sort and file them into a board. Inbox and its AI elements also go hand in hand with another new task-oriented Trello addition known as Planner. Trello’s Planner is an integrated calendar that connects to Google Calendar (with support for Microsoft Outlook on the way soon) and lets you drag and drop tasks from your Inbox—or any Trello board—directly into that day-to-day view. That way, you can see all your tasks alongside your agenda and plan out your hours accordingly, with the full perspective of everything on your plate. You can drag cards from your Inbox or any board directly into the new Trello Planner. [Image: Trello]It’s a step forward from the tacked-on calendar elements Trello previously provided, and it ties back into the newfound goal of making Trello all about the individual rather than the team. “All the previous calendar views are the legacy of trying to solve project management use cases,” Kataria says. “With the Planner, we’re really thinking about planning your day, planning your week, where you’re only looking at your calendar.” The approach actually reminds me a lot of Akiflow, a calendar and tasks app I wrote about last fall and have been personally using ever since—only, for better or for worse, Akiflow is solely a calendar and tasks app. Trello, in contrast, has the advantage (or maybe distraction) of all the board elements and the broader organizational opportunities they offer. Speaking of which, for now, at least, all of Trello’s “legacy” elements and potential use cases will continue to be supported. Kataria hinted that certain elements—like those team-centric “Timeline” and “Table” views—may be phased out eventually, over time (and will certainly be de-emphasized in the meantime). But the general goal seems to be to keep allowing everyone to use Trello in whatever way they see fit, even if personal task management is now the main purpose being presented. Some actions around more complex team-oriented project management uses will now lead to gentle nudges to move over to Jira for such purposes—a move that’s frankly surprising Atlassian has managed to resist up until now. But everything from automations to the rich ecosystem of third-party Power-Up add-ons will remain, just with the added emphasis on Trello being the place for personal productivity. “It’s [still] a project, but a project that’s born out of your own mind,” Kataria says. “Trello is so well-loved as a tool that people bend it in different ways to make it whatever they want it to become.” Card-mirroring is one of the smaller but still significant touches coming into the new Trello. [Image: Trello]Only time will tell, of course, if the world embraces the service’s new task-centric framing or if people keep treating it as the versatile productivity power-tool it’s known to be. Either way, its creators seem content with knowing they’re shifting the focus to individuals over teams and presenting their best vision for how Trello can help. “We are really thinking about how the world is going to change over the next decade and how we can make every individual more productive,” Kataria says. Be the first to learn about all sorts of interesting new productivity treasures with my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence—a single eye-opening new discovery in your inbox every Wednesday! View the full article

Patrón says all the tequila it has ever made since 1989 has been free of additives. The brand is now ready to get loud and talk about it. This week, Patrón is debuting a new additive-free marketing campaign that will run across digital, print, and out-of-home advertising in key markets including New York City and Los Angeles. The additive-free copy features lines like “Our secret ingredient is that we have no secret ingredients” and “When tequila is this good, additives don’t add anything.” Since Patrón’s inception, the brand says it has only made tequila with three ingredients: 100% weber blue agave, water, and yeast. The few exceptions are for the brand’s liqueurs, including orange and coffee flavored expressions, which always include added flavoring. But even the base spirit used to make those liqueurs only feature the three core ingredients. “Consumers are not going up to bartenders and asking for a tequila and soda and expecting to get a splash of caramel coloring or a sprinkle of glycerin,” says Ned Duggan, chief marketing officer at Patrón, in an interview with Fast Company. “We think that they want to know what’s in their tequila.” Patrón’s additive-free campaign may reignite a debate that’s been swirling in the tequila industry about the use and marketing of additives. Additives are permitted if less than 1% of the weight of the tequila, without any requirement of disclosure, according to the standards set by the Tequila Regulatory Council, or CRT, a group that’s backed by tequila brands, agave producers, and distributors to monitor and certify all tequila. Common additives that are in tequila include sugars and sweeteners like fructose and aspartame, oak extract, and caramel coloring. Patrón estimates that as much as 80% of tequila brands on the shelf today use additives. [Photo: Patrón] Agave typically needs six to eight years before it is ready to harvest, but with a supply shortage and higher prices, brands have started to pull agave from the earth after just two to three years. That results in a bitter flavor, and some producers have begun to lean more heavily on additives to combat that bitterness. For aged tequilas like añejo and reposado, caramel is used to improve the consistency of the color and make it appear “older,” as if it had been aged in oak barrels for a longer period of time. Patrón says 61% of consumers prefer additive-free liquors, citing a global survey conducted by the brand’s parent company Bacardi. Retailers have taken notice too, carving out shelf space that only promotes additive-free tequilas. Some mixologists prioritize crafting additive-free tequila libations. “We recognize that people are caring more and more about what they’re putting into their bodies, and also the ingredients that are in the brands that they’re putting in their bodies,” says Duggan. Among the loudest proponents of additive-free clarity is Grover Sanschagrin, who along with his wife Scarlet, cofounded an app called Tequila Matchmaker. The couple had developed a program that would certify tequila brands as additive-free and then share that information with consumers who were curious to know what was in the liquor they were drinking. But last year, the Sanschagrin’s home was raided in Mexico, part of a pressure campaign he says was spurred by the CRT’s anger about Tequila Matchmaker’s push for transparency. The Tequila Matchmaker app still exists for tequila reviews, but provides no information about additives. The Sanschagrins also created a new U.S.-based nonprofit called the Additive Free Alliance, which is angling to set up an independent process to identify and list additive-free brands, but thus far includes no tequila producers, only one agave-based vodka and a couple of mezcal brands. “There’s a void now,” says Sanschagrin. “Every brand is basically saying they are additive-free and now there is no way to offer proof of that.” In 2023, Patrón announced an additive-free seal, a label that was designed to appear on the brand’s bottles, a bid for transparency that was blessed by the CRT at the time. But that on-packaging messaging never came to fruition. “I think we were a little bit ahead of the rest of the industry and the CRT ultimately requested that we not move forward,” says Duggan. “But that’s why it’s been so important for us to launch this campaign where regardless of whether it’s on our bottle or not, we are being forthcoming with consumers and transparent about our no additive message.” A memo circulated by the CRT last year, obtained by Fast Company, told tequila producers that because additives are permitted under the 1% level, they believe there is no such thing as an additive-free tequila. The CRT ordered distillers to stop marketing tequila as additive-free, saying it was a “false and misleading statement” that could harm the spirit’s reputation with consumers. The CRT didn’t respond to requests for comment. [Photo: Patrón] Sanschagrin welcomes the message that Patrón is sending with the new marketing campaign, both to consumers and tequila’s regulatory body. “The CRT overreached and somebody needs to check them,” he says. “I’m excited that Patrón has decided to take this on.” The additive-free movement also reflects an evolution of how tequila is produced. When tequila sales first began to boom in the U.S. in the 1980s, most were gold tequila, or mixto, a tequila made from a minimum of 51% agave and the rest from other sugars. Patrón’s launch, and other tequilas that have since entered the market, popularized the use of 100% agave and that claim became the baseline that consumers look for when buying any tequila north of $20. But the 100% agave claim became more difficult to stick to as tequila demand has soared. Tequila and mezcal sales now total $6.7 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. market, the second-most popular liquor category following vodka, according to the trade group the Distilled Spirits Council. Dave Karraker, president of PR consultancy Raptor Communications, says the 100% additive-free claim is a way that brands like Patrón can distinguish themselves from the crowd. “How do I differentiate myself from all of these players that are adding additives,” he asks. “As a marketer, you’re looking for points of differentiation to lean into, that are on trend with consumers.” View the full article

Are you considering owning a Chick-fil-A franchise? If that’s the case, you probably have questions about the ownership process and what it entails. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Chick-fil-A franchising. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you determine if owning a Chick-fil-A is the right choice for you. So, whether you’re just starting to explore franchise opportunities or you’re ready to take the next step, keep reading for helpful information about Chick-fil-A ownership. What is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? A Chick-fil-A franchise is a restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and other related menu items. Their logo is a Chick-fil-A cow standing in front of the restaurant with the words “Eat Mor Chikin” written on it. Their headquarters is located in College Park, Georgia. The first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, and it now has over 2,800 restaurants, mostly in the US. Chick-fil-A stands out among fast-food franchises due to its unique operating model and financial structure, which includes minimal initial investment for franchisees and high revenue per store. READ MORE:Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Chick-fil-A Franchise History The company was founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy. The franchise model is based on a simple formula: produce a quality product at a reasonable price and provide excellent customer service. This has helped Chick-fil-A to become one of the most successful restaurant chains in the country. In addition to its menu items, the company is also known for its Christian values and conservative stance on social issues. This has occasionally led to controversy, but it has also endeared the company to a loyal customer base. READ MORE: Chick-Fil-A Success Shows Brand’s Ability to Triumph Over PR Problems Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise Right for You? Now that you have gained some insight into Chick-fil-A and the services they provide, it’s time to determine whether owning a Chick-fil-A franchise is the right choice for you. Here are several factors to take into account: Pros: Chick-fil-A pays for nearly all startup costs, including real estate, construction, and equipment, making the initial investment significantly lower compared to other fast-food franchises. Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty. Comprehensive training and support for franchisees. High average sales per unit. Pros: Chick-fil-A is a well-established brand with a loyal customer base. They have a proven business model that is successful in both good and bad economic times. Their restaurants are generally located in high-traffic areas. Chick-fil-A offers comprehensive training and support for franchisees. They offer a unique product that is not easily replicated by their competitors. Cons: You don’t actually own or receive any equity when you own a restaurant. Chick-Fil-A owns it and you’re considered an “Operator.” This means you can’t sell your Chick-fil-A location or pass it on to anyone. Chick-Fil-A requires that franchise owners actively manage their fast food restaurants full-time, overseeing daily operations. This approach differs from many other franchises, where ownership can be more of a passive investment. A franchise owner cannot open multiple locations, which can limit your profits. How Much Do Chick-fil-A Franchises Cost? To get started with your own Chick-fil-A franchise, you’ll need to pay an initial investment of only $10,000. While the restaurant can cost anywhere between $342,990 and $1,982,225 to start, a franchisee is only responsible for the initial franchise fee. Chick-fil-A covers the rest. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed How to Become a Chick-fil-A Franchisee If you’re interested in becoming a franchisee, here are the steps: Attend an informational session You’ll first need to attend an informational session to learn more about the franchising process. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Submit an application After participating in an informational session, you will have the opportunity to submit an online application. Once your application is evaluated, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. To get ready for your interview, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the company’s history and values. Interview with Chick-fil-A During your interview, you will meet with a franchising representative from the Chick-fil-A corporation. They will inquire about your background, experience, and your motivations for wanting to own a Chick-fil-A franchise. Additionally, they will evaluate whether you are a suitable match for the company. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have regarding the franchising process. Be approved by the Franchise Board If you’re approved by the Franchise Board, you’ll be able to sign a franchise agreement and begin the process of opening your own restaurant. If you’ve gotten this far, congratulations! Not many people are given the opportunity to become a franchisee of a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant. Complete training After signing your franchise agreement, you will be required to undergo a multi-week training program at Chick-fil-A’s Restaurant Support Center located in Atlanta, Georgia. This program is designed to provide you with all the essential knowledge needed to effectively operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant. READ MORE: 10 Chicken Wing Franchises for Food Entrepreneurs Open your restaurant Once you’ve completed training, you’ll be ready to open your own restaurant. You’ll be supported throughout the process by Chick-fil-A’s experienced team of franchise consultants. They’ll help you with everything from site selection to grand opening. How Profitable Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? Chick-fil-A is one of the most profitable fast-food chains in the United States, bringing in over $11 billion in annual sales. That’s second only to McDonald’s, which generates over $40 billion in annual sales. On average, franchise owners earn $220,000 each year. Additionally, Chick-fil-A restaurants typically achieve $5.3 million in annual sales. Important Information for Prospective Chick-fil-A Franchisees If you’re considering opening a Chick-fil-A franchise, there are several additional details you should be aware of, including: The chain is closed on Sundays, as well as on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is due to the company’s religious roots. The founder, S. Truett Cathy, was a devout Southern Baptist. The Chick-fil-A franchise operates in 47 states throughout the United States, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada, South Africa, and the UK. In addition to the initial franchise fee of $10,000, Chick-fil-A operators pay a 15% royalty fee plus an additional 50% of pretax profit. What’s more, is that they require that their franchisees not have any other active business ventures. So if you’re a serial entrepreneur, being a Chick-Fil-A operator isn’t for you. There are over 20,000 applications yearly, but only 75 to 80 get accepted to open new franchises each year (about 0.4% on the high end). So it’s clear that competition for these spots is fierce. The selection process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. So if you’re thinking about opening a Chick-fil-A franchise, be prepared for a long and difficult process. READ MORE: What is a Franchise? 20 Fast Food Franchise Opportunities Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Open a Chick-fil-A Franchise" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Are you considering owning a Chick-fil-A franchise? If that’s the case, you probably have questions about the ownership process and what it entails. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Chick-fil-A franchising. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you determine if owning a Chick-fil-A is the right choice for you. So, whether you’re just starting to explore franchise opportunities or you’re ready to take the next step, keep reading for helpful information about Chick-fil-A ownership. What is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? A Chick-fil-A franchise is a restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and other related menu items. Their logo is a Chick-fil-A cow standing in front of the restaurant with the words “Eat Mor Chikin” written on it. Their headquarters is located in College Park, Georgia. The first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, and it now has over 2,800 restaurants, mostly in the US. Chick-fil-A stands out among fast-food franchises due to its unique operating model and financial structure, which includes minimal initial investment for franchisees and high revenue per store. READ MORE:Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Chick-fil-A Franchise History The company was founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy. The franchise model is based on a simple formula: produce a quality product at a reasonable price and provide excellent customer service. This has helped Chick-fil-A to become one of the most successful restaurant chains in the country. In addition to its menu items, the company is also known for its Christian values and conservative stance on social issues. This has occasionally led to controversy, but it has also endeared the company to a loyal customer base. READ MORE: Chick-Fil-A Success Shows Brand’s Ability to Triumph Over PR Problems Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise Right for You? Now that you have gained some insight into Chick-fil-A and the services they provide, it’s time to determine whether owning a Chick-fil-A franchise is the right choice for you. Here are several factors to take into account: Pros: Chick-fil-A pays for nearly all startup costs, including real estate, construction, and equipment, making the initial investment significantly lower compared to other fast-food franchises. Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty. Comprehensive training and support for franchisees. High average sales per unit. Pros: Chick-fil-A is a well-established brand with a loyal customer base. They have a proven business model that is successful in both good and bad economic times. Their restaurants are generally located in high-traffic areas. Chick-fil-A offers comprehensive training and support for franchisees. They offer a unique product that is not easily replicated by their competitors. Cons: You don’t actually own or receive any equity when you own a restaurant. Chick-Fil-A owns it and you’re considered an “Operator.” This means you can’t sell your Chick-fil-A location or pass it on to anyone. Chick-Fil-A requires that franchise owners actively manage their fast food restaurants full-time, overseeing daily operations. This approach differs from many other franchises, where ownership can be more of a passive investment. A franchise owner cannot open multiple locations, which can limit your profits. How Much Do Chick-fil-A Franchises Cost? To get started with your own Chick-fil-A franchise, you’ll need to pay an initial investment of only $10,000. While the restaurant can cost anywhere between $342,990 and $1,982,225 to start, a franchisee is only responsible for the initial franchise fee. Chick-fil-A covers the rest. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed How to Become a Chick-fil-A Franchisee If you’re interested in becoming a franchisee, here are the steps: Attend an informational session You’ll first need to attend an informational session to learn more about the franchising process. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Submit an application After participating in an informational session, you will have the opportunity to submit an online application. Once your application is evaluated, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. To get ready for your interview, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the company’s history and values. Interview with Chick-fil-A During your interview, you will meet with a franchising representative from the Chick-fil-A corporation. They will inquire about your background, experience, and your motivations for wanting to own a Chick-fil-A franchise. Additionally, they will evaluate whether you are a suitable match for the company. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have regarding the franchising process. Be approved by the Franchise Board If you’re approved by the Franchise Board, you’ll be able to sign a franchise agreement and begin the process of opening your own restaurant. If you’ve gotten this far, congratulations! Not many people are given the opportunity to become a franchisee of a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant. Complete training After signing your franchise agreement, you will be required to undergo a multi-week training program at Chick-fil-A’s Restaurant Support Center located in Atlanta, Georgia. This program is designed to provide you with all the essential knowledge needed to effectively operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant. READ MORE: 10 Chicken Wing Franchises for Food Entrepreneurs Open your restaurant Once you’ve completed training, you’ll be ready to open your own restaurant. You’ll be supported throughout the process by Chick-fil-A’s experienced team of franchise consultants. They’ll help you with everything from site selection to grand opening. How Profitable Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? Chick-fil-A is one of the most profitable fast-food chains in the United States, bringing in over $11 billion in annual sales. That’s second only to McDonald’s, which generates over $40 billion in annual sales. On average, franchise owners earn $220,000 each year. Additionally, Chick-fil-A restaurants typically achieve $5.3 million in annual sales. Important Information for Prospective Chick-fil-A Franchisees If you’re considering opening a Chick-fil-A franchise, there are several additional details you should be aware of, including: The chain is closed on Sundays, as well as on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is due to the company’s religious roots. The founder, S. Truett Cathy, was a devout Southern Baptist. The Chick-fil-A franchise operates in 47 states throughout the United States, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada, South Africa, and the UK. In addition to the initial franchise fee of $10,000, Chick-fil-A operators pay a 15% royalty fee plus an additional 50% of pretax profit. What’s more, is that they require that their franchisees not have any other active business ventures. So if you’re a serial entrepreneur, being a Chick-Fil-A operator isn’t for you. There are over 20,000 applications yearly, but only 75 to 80 get accepted to open new franchises each year (about 0.4% on the high end). So it’s clear that competition for these spots is fierce. The selection process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. So if you’re thinking about opening a Chick-fil-A franchise, be prepared for a long and difficult process. READ MORE: What is a Franchise? 20 Fast Food Franchise Opportunities Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Open a Chick-fil-A Franchise" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The JBL Flip 6 is currently $89.95 on Woot (and will remain so for the next four days or until stocks last)—$40 off its usual $129.95 price tag, and if you're a Prime member, you also get free standard shipping (otherwise, it's $6). It’s available in black, white, teal, gray, and green, giving you a decent range of options to match your vibe. The design is classic JBL—cylindrical, durable, and built to be tossed into a bag without worry. Its passive radiators on both ends let you feel the bass in your hands (earning itself a place in PCMag's "Best Outdoor Speakers for 2025" roundup). Just don’t expect a true subwoofer experience; it’s still a compact speaker, after all. JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $89.95 $129.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $89.95 $129.95 Save $40.00 Inside, the Flip 6 packs a 20-watt woofer and a 10-watt tweeter, covering a frequency range of 63Hz to 20kHz. It connects via Bluetooth 5.1 and supports AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, but not AptX, so audiophiles looking for higher-quality streaming may want to look elsewhere. The top panel houses volume and playback controls, though the multi-function button weirdly only lets you skip forward—not back. JBL’s PartyBoost feature is also here, letting you link multiple compatible JBL speakers for a bigger sound. Battery life is estimated at around 12 hours, but that depends on how loud you like your music. Crank it up, and you’ll burn through that charge much faster. There’s no speakerphone function or aux input, which might be a dealbreaker if you like having wired options. Durability is where the Flip 6 shines—with an IP67 rating, it’s fully dust-proof and waterproof, meaning it can survive a pool dunk and even float (though don’t expect Bluetooth to work well underwater). It also comes with a 90-day Woot Limited Warranty for added peace of mind. JBL’s companion app gives you access to customizable three-band EQ and PartyBoost controls, though the app itself is pretty barebones. Sound-wise, the Flip 6 delivers impressive low-end depth, and at moderate volumes, the bass is strong without distortion. Push it too high, though, and its digital signal processing (DSP) kicks in, thinning out the lows, according to this PCMag review. If you considering alternatives, the Sony SRS-XB23 might be worth checking out at around $95. Note: This item can't be delivered to Alaska, Hawaii, and PO Box addresses. View the full article

After 16 years of experiments to bring Photoshop apps to the phone, Adobe is launching its most convincing attempt yet. Called Photoshop Mobile and available in the App Store today, it’s Adobe’s first earnest attempt to build a Photoshop on mobile with the same unique powers that have made it so popular on desktop. This new Photoshop has been built from the ground up specifically for the phone, where it can sync seamlessly with Photoshop versions on the web and desktop. (An Android version is due this summer.) Pros will appreciate a few big technical headlines: You can have an unlimited number of layers, and there is no restriction on file sizes. (Vector drawing tools aren’t in this initial release, but I’m told Shapes are coming soon.) Casual editors will want to know that the app is free to use, though many features will be tucked inside an $8/month subscription that comes paired with access to Photoshop on the web. “Not all of Photoshop is in here, but we’re very confident in the foundations that we have that people are going to be able to use,” says Matthew Richmond, VP of design for Creative Cloud Pro products and 3D at Adobe. “A big part of this is the focus on the next-gen users, the individuals where, in a lot of cases [the phone is] their only computer.” Truth be told, phones have been fast enough for Photoshop for years. The big breakthrough that made Photoshop on iPhone is beyond technical specs. It’s the app’s entire UX that—at least as I squinted through a webcam demo—looks powerful, quick, and easy to learn. It’s the first time I’ve seen a permutation of Photoshop on a small screen that just seemed right, even if it looked new. A brief history of Photoshop on mobileAdobe’s first attempt at Photoshop on smartphones started in 2009, with a “Photoshop.com” mobile app. It was essentially an extension of the Camera app, and it allowed use of only the most basic controls, like cropping, rotation, and color. It was followed by Photoshop Mix (2014), Photoshop Fix (2015), and, finally, Photoshop Express, which lives on today. With all respect to Express, it’s not really Photoshop. You only need to load it for a few minutes to realize its extreme limitations: namely, building and managing layers and applying masks, when the app is really more focused on creating social-ready image and text layouts. Photoshop Mobile is different. It’s the company’s first smartphone app to take the core UX metaphor inside Photoshop—of creating layers, masking out bits of images, and applying different appearances at each level—and bringing it to a small touchscreen. This approach to image editing is foundational, not just to Adobe’s own software but also to the very way artists and designers have constructed images for centuries. It’s the fundamental framework of putting one color or cutout atop another that makes Photoshop’s approach to digital craft work at all. [Image: Adobe]Photoshop’s new “Select and do” UXThe brilliance of the app is that instead of drop-down menus and palettes of tools on the screen, it starts with your finger—an approach to UI that Adobe calls “select and do.” The idea is that you can tap on whatever part of the image you want, and you’ll be ushered through a workflow suggesting options for your next steps. In Photoshop desktop, and even in the tablet version, selection tools are hidden behind drop-down menus. You might even need to watch a tutorial to discover that they exist. On Photoshop mobile, you’re urged to start selecting right away. A “select area” button sits at the bottom of the screen. Tap on that, and you’re offered all sorts of ways to select (like draw a circle, or use the classic Magic Wand). You can even zoom in to the pixel level to make adjustments on what you select. But its newest option is called “tap select.” And it means that you can simply tap on a photo’s subjects (people, buses, plants) to highlight them, so editing on a phone stays easy. Richmond says it was this and related breakthroughs in touch accuracy—born from the most recent AI technologies—that convinced Adobe that real Photoshop Mobile was feasible. Once something is highlighted, a new menu appears to help with wayfinding in the app. Adobe uses a combination of proven workflows and contextual UI to guide you to your next step. In this case, options appear to modify just this highlighted portion of the image (perhaps you want to use generative fill on that area, or change the color). Select whatever option you like, and that work becomes a new layer. [Image: Adobe]And gosh, those layers look lovely. They appear on the right side of your screen as thumbnails, always in reach. And you tap in to adjust their properties or reorder them on the stack, just like you can on a desktop. Still, the experience is specifically not the desktop. Yes, Adobe’s tens of thousands of fonts and Stock gradients and images are available for building new layers and masks. But no, you don’t have every possible button you can imagine there all the time. And countless sub-features—especially appearance options—have been left out of the mobile app. Adobe has limited functionality in part just to ship v1.0 of the product, and in part because it believes that this more focused approach to workflows can bring in a new generation of users to Photoshop, coaxing them ahead with a project to discover the power of selection tools and layering from the jump. “It’s figuring out how to play this kind of musical instrument,” says Richmond, explaining that the notes in Photoshop are “layers, selections, masks, and appearance.” He adds: “We’ve been . . . trying to figure out if there are easier, faster ways to get started and really understand these concepts, because once you unlock them, it’s open-ended exploration.” The business impact of Photoshop MobileMake no mistake: Adobe needs Photoshop on the iPhone to woo the majority of creators today—from a generation of young designers hooked on the quick construction tools of Canva to content creators who use a sea of different apps and, often, social media’s own design tools to create their statement. Quite simply, it does not matter if Photoshop and the accompanying Creative Cloud is the most powerful editing software in the world on a desktop for a world hooked on good-enough production on a phone. However, the company is banking on the mobile market expanding its potential audience, because even as we’re nearly two decades into modern smartphones, there still isn’t a perfect analog for Photoshop on phones—the kind of ubiquitous software that allows deep-editing capability in a world reliant on filters and pre-chewed layouts. “Creators, whether or not they become professionals, really have that desire to express themselves in a unique way,” says Ashley Still, GM of Adobe Creative Cloud. “They want to make sure that the content they’re creating is not just another template, that it represents their unique voice.” Still is confident in the higher end of the mobile market after studying the public’s response to Adobe photo editing program Lightroom on mobile. Originally launched in 2015, the app has been a success story for the company. Lightroom’s users on mobile now outnumber its users on desktop, and Still believes the same will prove true for Photoshop in the next few years. Then, with Lightroom, Photoshop, and Express, she imagines a new creative workflow coming to the phone, where you can touch up an image in Lightroom, edit it with layers in Photoshop, then add text and other production elements in Express. Firefly image generation can sneak into this loop, too, turning one’s phone into a fairly capable Adobe editing suite. In some ways, that sounds like Adobe’s strategy from a decade ago, when it was launching micro apps that handed off specialized functions to slice and dice media. The difference now, however, is that Adobe’s mobile apps are growing more capable and equivalent in scope to their desktop counterparts. “It’s hard to make a single app best at everything,” Still concedes, noting, “a lot of the magic is also going to happen with workflows across the applications.” Adobe imagines that pro users, in particular, will choose to start a project on their phone but fine-tune it on a desktop. The company does not want to be prescriptive, Still insists, saying that Adobe apps won’t offer complete feature parity across surfaces, but they should be optimized for where you meet them. [Image: Adobe]“One of the things that I think we also didn’t get quite right with [Photoshop on] the iPad is the expectation that we set within the community of the roles that these different devices play,” she says. The challenge for Adobe now is, first, getting a working Photoshop app on Android, where the majority of smartphone users in the world reside. And then, second and more ongoing, figuring out how well all of its Photoshop “select and do” workflows really operate in the wild, while folding in the most demanded, most feasible add-ons into the product in a monthly release cadence. “There’s a line in the sand where, like, we can’t keep it inside the building anymore,” says Richmond. “We need to put it out there so we can see what happens at scale.” View the full article

Treasury yields have declined amid signs US economic growth is slowingView the full article

Few self-help ideas are as prevalent and widely celebrated as the advice to “just be yourself.” Whether in job interviews, workplace interactions, or career choices, we are frequently encouraged to act “authentically”—without compromise or concern for external pressures. While this sounds comforting and empowering, authenticity as an interpersonal strategy is fundamentally flawed and at odds with hundreds of scientific studies on emotional intelligence, social skills, and career success. As I illustrate in my forthcoming book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What To Do Instead, authenticity is not a helpful life hack, but rather a misguided notion that can easily backfire and lead to undesirable and counterproductive behaviors. Although there is no universal definition of authenticity, at its core, mainstream conceptualizations boil down to four general rules or principles: Always be honest—with others and yourself. Stop worrying about what others think of you. Follow your “heart” and values no matter what. Bring your whole self to work. Despite their appeal and likely good intentions, there are multiple problems with each of these rules, namely: 1. The pitfalls of honesty The advice to always be honest assumes that truthfulness is inherently beneficial, but this is not true. For starters, we lie to ourselves all the time, which makes it rather hard to be honest with others. For all the potential advantages of self-awareness, self-deception is the norm, and humans are prewired to interpret reality in self-serving ways. There is a practical reason for this: People with an inflated sense of their abilities tend to impress others more easily. Put plainly, bullshit is self-fulfilling: The more you BS yourself, the easier it is for you to BS others. In contrast, those who accurately assess their limitations often struggle to project confidence, for self-doubt and self-criticism are also contagious. Being honest with yourself is also rather painful: There is a reason the technical term for people who are capable of interpreting reality in accurate terms is “depressive realists.” Furthermore, deception—especially in the form of white lies—serves a practical purpose in professional settings. Job interviews, performance evaluations, and workplace interactions tend to reward those who present a polished, strategic version of themselves rather than an unfiltered one. Even when people tell you they value authenticity, they prefer you to be rewarding to deal with, which means telling them what they want to hear rather than what you think they need to hear, even if the former requires acting and faking while the latter requires truth-telling. 2. The importance of others’ opinions The idea that we should ignore what others think of us may sound romantic, and almost smell of freedom, but it is both unrealistic and counterproductive. Humans are social creatures whose success depends on reputation, trust, and relationships. Research in social psychology highlights that other people’s perception of us is critical to career advancement—hiring, promotions, and professional opportunities hinge not on how good we think you are, but on how good others think we are. Even when it comes to authenticity, a trait that is often valued by others, what matters is not how authentic we feel, but whether others find us authentic (trustworthy, reliable, predictable, and so on). This requires not just paying a great deal of attention to how people think of us, but also making the effort to impress them, which is the exact opposite to just being ourselves. Completely disregarding external opinions can make individuals seem abrasive, insensitive, entitled, and even narcissistic. Instead of ignoring or rejecting feedback, a more effective approach to interpersonal relations is to manage one’s image thoughtfully and carefully. Caring about what others think of you isn’t a threat to your self-love, and if you decide to ignore what people think of you in order to boost your self-love, that’s precisely how delusional narcissism manifests. Our reputation is not just constructed by others, but even owned by them. The only way to improve it is to understand how others see us, which requires paying a great deal of attention to other people’s views and opinions of us—this is not a sign of insecurity, but the essential hallmark of empathy and social skills. 3. The risks of blindly following your heart Popular culture romanticizes the idea of following one’s heart, but emotions and instincts are rarely reliable guides. In fact, they are the source of impulsive, regrettable, and biased decisions, not to mention the major cause of prejudice, polarization, and tribalization. Making choices purely based on feelings can lead to short-sighted or detrimental outcomes, and it is already our default tendency: As behavioral economists have shown, we tend to “think fast,” which is a euphemism for not thinking at all. Moreover, rigidly adhering to personal values without considering external factors—such as workplace culture and social norms—can create unnecessary friction. Effective professionals recognize that ethical decision-making involves nuance and compromise. Why be true to your values when you can be open to other people’s values, so you understand their perspective, feelings, and points of view? How are we meant to work together in a culture that recognizes and tolerates the rich diversity that underpins human nature, if we all stay rigidly put and fixed on our own values? Furthermore, what if your values are toxic. For example, you may value your own selfish interests over the wellbeing of others; you may value greed, power, status, and even stepping on other people’s toes, as well as taking advantage of those who are weak, naïve, or vulnerable. If that is the case, do we really want you to be true to your values? If some values are better than others, where do we draw the line—how do we know which values can be expressed, and which should be repressed? In short, it is only through having the self-critical humility and open-mindedness to question our values and their consequences, and make an effort to tolerate other people’s values, that we can truly aspire to collaborate and cooperate in a modern and civilized work culture. 4. The Myth of ‘bringing your whole self to work’ Encouraging employees to bring their “whole selves” to work suggests that complete transparency and personal expression are always beneficial. While workplace engagement improves when individuals feel comfortable being themselves, there is a fine line between authenticity and oversharing. There’s a difference between liking your job and erasing the boundaries between your professional and personal self. Professionalism requires emotional intelligence and situational awareness. Sharing too much personal information or treating colleagues as close friends can lead to misunderstandings, discomfort, or even reputational harm. If you assume your colleagues are interested in who you truly are, let alone desperate to meet your unfiltered and uninhibited self, think again. Your “whole self,” which includes your eccentric, inappropriate, and opinionated self, must surely be edited in a work environment. Different workplace cultures have different expectations—some encourage personal expression, while others prioritize formality. Being adaptable and reading social cues is far more effective than insisting on uninhibited authenticity. In the best-case scenario, your whole or true self may be someone who perhaps three or four people have learned to love. Needless to say, many people see work as just that, work, rather than a central part of their identity. This is what work has always been for the majority of people, something they do to get paid, make ends meet, and make a living. There are plenty of other sources of meaning outside one’s job or career, so the assumption that people want to blend or integrate their personal and professional selves is simply naïve. In short, authenticity is often presented as a golden rule for success, but real-world interactions require a more balanced approach. If anything, you are almost always better off not being yourself. Our freedom to “be ourselves” ends where our responsibilities to others begin, and a world in which everybody is just focused on being themselves and expecting others to adapt to their uncensored or unedited self would be an antisocial and chaotic world. Navigating professional environments effectively means knowing when to be genuine and when to engage in skillful and ethical deception to manage impressions and develop a reputation for being kind, caring, and not too authentic. View the full article

What is a virtual assistant? Who is hiring them? Why does a business owner need one? Becoming a Virtual Assistant is a great fit for an entrepreneur with excellent organizational skills and tech-savvy. In this article, we’ll detail the key skills necessary for a virtual assistant job, the types of businesses that need virtual assistants, and the pathways you can take to become a virtual assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant is a professional who assists businesses with a wide range of tasks while communicating and handling their work remotely. They can serve a huge range of businesses and organizations, including the following: Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs: Those who operate their own businesses frequently employ virtual assistants to manage administrative tasks, customer service, and various other responsibilities. This delegation enables them to concentrate on their primary business activities. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs may lack the resources to hire full-time administrative staff, making virtual assistants a cost-effective solution for managing day-to-day operations, customer support, and other tasks. Startups: As startups grow, they frequently need flexible and scalable support services. Virtual assistants can help with a range of tasks, including data entry, social media management, and administrative support, enabling startups to operate efficiently while staying within tight budgets. Online Businesses: E-commerce businesses, digital marketing agencies, bloggers, and other online ventures often rely on virtual assistants to manage tasks such as content creation, social media management, email marketing, and customer support. Consulting Firms: Consulting firms often employ virtual assistants to assist consultants with various administrative duties, client communications, research, and project management. This support enables consultants to concentrate on providing high-value services to their clients. Real Estate: Real estate agents and property management companies often enlist virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing listings, coordinating showings, and providing customer support. Legal and Accounting Professionals: Law firms, accounting firms, and individual practitioners may utilize virtual assistants to assist with administrative tasks, client communications, document preparation, and research, enabling professionals to focus on delivering legal and financial services. Healthcare Practices: Virtual assistants can support healthcare professionals such as doctors, therapists, and medical consultants by managing appointments, handling patient inquiries, maintaining medical records, and performing other administrative tasks. Coaches and Consultants: Coaches, consultants, and trainers often hire virtual assistants to manage their schedules, handle client communications, assist with marketing efforts, and provide general administrative support. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and staff. Virtual assistants can support nonprofit organizations by assisting with fundraising efforts, donor communications, event planning, and administrative tasks. These are just a few examples, but the demand for virtual assistants spans across virtually every industry and business sector where there is a need for administrative support and specialized services. Virtual Assistant Skills Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks. So, various skills are beneficial for those entering this industry. Here are some of the most important: Scheduling Appointments This skill involves efficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability. Data Entry Data entry involves accurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data. Administrative Tasks Administrative tasks encompass a wide range of duties, such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients to streamline their operations. Social Media Management Social media management entails the creation and curation of content, interaction with followers, scheduling of posts, and analysis of metrics to ensure a robust online presence for clients on different social media platforms. Calendar Management Calendar management entails maintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients’ calendars are organized and optimized for efficiency. File Management File management involves the systematic organization and maintenance of digital files, folders, and documents, making sure that information is easily retrievable and securely stored. Marketing Tasks Marketing tasks involve assisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking marketing analytics to support client’s promotional efforts. Customer Service Customer service skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Skill/ResponsibilityDescriptionKey Components Scheduling AppointmentsEfficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability.- Calendar coordination - Meeting setup - Time management Data EntryAccurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data.- Typing accuracy - Database management - Information organization Administrative TasksEncompassing a wide range of duties such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients.- Email management - File organization - Correspondence drafting Social Media ManagementCreating and curating content, engaging with followers, scheduling posts, and analyzing metrics to maintain a strong online presence for clients.- Content creation - Audience engagement - Metrics analysis Calendar ManagementMaintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients' calendars are organized and optimized.- Schedule optimization - Reminder setup - Appointment coordination File ManagementOrganizing and maintaining digital files, folders, and documents in a systematic and accessible manner, ensuring easy retrieval and secure storage.- Document organization - Secure storage - Easy retrieval Marketing TasksAssisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking analytics.- Market research - Content creation - Campaign management Customer ServiceEffectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner.- Communication skills - Issue resolution - Client satisfaction Key Responsibilities of a Virtual Assistant The role of a Virtual Assistant (VA) can vary widely depending on the needs of the clients they serve and the industries they work in. Generally, a Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, often from a home office. Here’s an overview of the spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs available: Administrative Support: Managing emails, calendars, and appointments. Handling correspondence and communication with clients or stakeholders. Data entry and organization. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Making travel arrangements and managing itineraries. Providing customer support and managing inquiries. Personal Assistance: Providing support with personal tasks, including scheduling appointments, making reservations, and managing household expenses. Handling personal correspondence and managing social media accounts. Researching products, services, or travel options. Managing personal projects such as event planning or home organization. Technical Support: Providing technical assistance with software applications, websites, or online tools. Managing databases or CRM systems. Performing basic website maintenance tasks like updating content or plugins. Assisting with troubleshooting technical issues. Creative Support: Designing graphics or visual content for websites, social media, or marketing materials. Writing and editing content for blogs, newsletters, or marketing campaigns. Assisting with social media management, including content creation and scheduling. Video editing or audio transcription. Specialized Services: Offering niche services such as bookkeeping, transcription, translation, or legal assistance. Providing virtual event coordination or project management services. Offering coaching or consulting services in specific areas of expertise. The spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs is broad, and virtual assistant companies often tailor their services to match their skills and interests with the needs of their clients. Some may specialize in one area, while others may offer a combination of services to serve a diverse client base. How to Become a Virtual Assistant If you’re interested in learning how to start a virtual assistant business, either on your own or with a team, read on for a detailed list of steps. Steps to Become a Virtual Assistant: Assess Your Skills and Interests: Assess your skills, strengths, and interests to pinpoint the services you can provide as a virtual assistant. Recognize the areas where you excel, including administrative tasks, social media management, or technical support. Acquire Necessary Skills and Training: Take courses or obtain certifications in relevant areas to enhance your skills and knowledge. Consider taking a virtual assistant course in administrative support, digital marketing, customer service, or specialized software tools commonly used by virtual assistants. Build a Professional Online Presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your skills, services, and experience. Develop a strong online presence to attract potential clients and establish credibility in the virtual assistant industry. Define Your Services and Pricing Structure: Determine the services you will offer as a virtual assistant, such as administrative support, social media management, or specialized tasks. Define your pricing structure based on the complexity of services, your level of expertise, and market rates. Market Your Services: Utilize online marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email campaigns to promote your virtual assistant services. Network with potential clients, join online communities, and leverage freelancing platforms to find clients. Establish Client Relationships: Build relationships with clients by providing high-quality services, communicating effectively, and meeting their needs. Maintain professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Set Up Efficient Work Systems: Establish efficient work systems and tools to manage tasks, projects, and client communications effectively. Use project management software, time-tracking tools, and communication platforms to streamline workflows and stay organized. Continuously Improve and Adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve your skills and stay competitive as a virtual assistant. Adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the virtual assistant market to grow your business. Starting a Virtual Assistant Business with Employees: Hire Experienced Virtual Assistants: Hire virtual assistants who possess varied skills and expertise to provide clients with a broad array of services. Seek candidates with relevant experience, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each virtual assistant based on their skills and strengths. Assign tasks and projects according to their expertise to maximize efficiency and productivity. Establish Communication and Collaboration Tools: Set up communication and collaboration tools such as messaging apps, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among virtual assistants. Implement Quality Control Measures: Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency and accuracy in the services provided by virtual assistants. Develop standard operating procedures, provide training and feedback, and monitor performance to maintain high-quality standards. Provide Ongoing Support and Development: Support the professional development of virtual assistants by offering training, resources, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to help virtual assistants excel in their roles. Scale Your Business: As your virtual assistant business grows, consider expanding your team and diversifying your services to meet the evolving needs of clients. Continuously assess market demand, identify growth opportunities, and scale your business strategically. Maintain a Positive Company Culture: Foster a positive company culture and a sense of community among virtual assistants, even though they may work remotely. Encourage collaboration, recognition, and open communication to create a supportive and productive work environment. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Cost-effectiveness, scalability, flexibility, access to diverse skills and expertise, increased productivity, time savings, and the ability to focus on core business activities. Tools and Technology for Virtual Assistants Virtual assistants utilize a variety of productivity apps, including Trello and Asana, as well as communication tools like Slack and Zoom. They also employ project management software such as Basecamp, time tracking tools, cloud storage services, and virtual meeting platforms. Main Challenges Faced by Virtual Assistants Balancing the demands of multiple clients, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, overcoming communication barriers, managing different time zones, addressing client turnover, and keeping up with technology and industry trends are all essential challenges. Future of Jobs in the Virtual Assistant Field Continued growth and demand for virtual assistants due to remote work trends, advancements in technology, and the increasing need for flexible support services across industries. Value of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Outsourcing non-core tasks to virtual assistants allows businesses to focus on strategic initiatives, increase efficiency, leverage specialized skills, and more effectively adapt to changing business needs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4FxxkMC360A%3Fsi%3DeFj14rKNUss61jER FAQs: What is a Virtual Assistant What is a Pinterest Virtual Assistant? A Pinterest virtual assistant is a virtual assistant specializing in managing Pinterest accounts for businesses or individuals. They help clients create and curate content, optimize pins for engagement, and grow their presence on the platform to drive traffic and sales. What Qualifications Necessary to Become a Virtual Assistant? Qualifications for a VA vary depending on the services offered, but common qualifications include strong communication skills, proficiency in relevant software/tools, organizational abilities, attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. What is a Typical Virtual Assistant Salary? The salary range for virtual assistants can vary widely based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and the services provided. So, how much do virtual assistants make per hour? On average, virtual assistants may earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, with some highly experienced or specialized VAs commanding higher rates. How has Virtual Assistant Hiring Changed With Technology? Technology has transformed the VA position by enabling virtual assistants to work remotely and collaborate with clients worldwide. Advancements in communication tools, project management software, and automation have increased efficiency and expanded the scope of virtual assistant services offered by virtual assistants. Additionally, the rise of AI and machine learning may lead to the automation of certain tasks, prompting virtual assistants to adapt by focusing on higher-value services that require human creativity and judgment. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is a Virtual Assistant?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is a virtual assistant? Who is hiring them? Why does a business owner need one? Becoming a Virtual Assistant is a great fit for an entrepreneur with excellent organizational skills and tech-savvy. In this article, we’ll detail the key skills necessary for a virtual assistant job, the types of businesses that need virtual assistants, and the pathways you can take to become a virtual assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant is a professional who assists businesses with a wide range of tasks while communicating and handling their work remotely. They can serve a huge range of businesses and organizations, including the following: Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs: Those who operate their own businesses frequently employ virtual assistants to manage administrative tasks, customer service, and various other responsibilities. This delegation enables them to concentrate on their primary business activities. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs may lack the resources to hire full-time administrative staff, making virtual assistants a cost-effective solution for managing day-to-day operations, customer support, and other tasks. Startups: As startups grow, they frequently need flexible and scalable support services. Virtual assistants can help with a range of tasks, including data entry, social media management, and administrative support, enabling startups to operate efficiently while staying within tight budgets. Online Businesses: E-commerce businesses, digital marketing agencies, bloggers, and other online ventures often rely on virtual assistants to manage tasks such as content creation, social media management, email marketing, and customer support. Consulting Firms: Consulting firms often employ virtual assistants to assist consultants with various administrative duties, client communications, research, and project management. This support enables consultants to concentrate on providing high-value services to their clients. Real Estate: Real estate agents and property management companies often enlist virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing listings, coordinating showings, and providing customer support. Legal and Accounting Professionals: Law firms, accounting firms, and individual practitioners may utilize virtual assistants to assist with administrative tasks, client communications, document preparation, and research, enabling professionals to focus on delivering legal and financial services. Healthcare Practices: Virtual assistants can support healthcare professionals such as doctors, therapists, and medical consultants by managing appointments, handling patient inquiries, maintaining medical records, and performing other administrative tasks. Coaches and Consultants: Coaches, consultants, and trainers often hire virtual assistants to manage their schedules, handle client communications, assist with marketing efforts, and provide general administrative support. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and staff. Virtual assistants can support nonprofit organizations by assisting with fundraising efforts, donor communications, event planning, and administrative tasks. These are just a few examples, but the demand for virtual assistants spans across virtually every industry and business sector where there is a need for administrative support and specialized services. Virtual Assistant Skills Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks. So, various skills are beneficial for those entering this industry. Here are some of the most important: Scheduling Appointments This skill involves efficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability. Data Entry Data entry involves accurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data. Administrative Tasks Administrative tasks encompass a wide range of duties, such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients to streamline their operations. Social Media Management Social media management entails the creation and curation of content, interaction with followers, scheduling of posts, and analysis of metrics to ensure a robust online presence for clients on different social media platforms. Calendar Management Calendar management entails maintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients’ calendars are organized and optimized for efficiency. File Management File management involves the systematic organization and maintenance of digital files, folders, and documents, making sure that information is easily retrievable and securely stored. Marketing Tasks Marketing tasks involve assisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking marketing analytics to support client’s promotional efforts. Customer Service Customer service skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Skill/ResponsibilityDescriptionKey Components Scheduling AppointmentsEfficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability.- Calendar coordination - Meeting setup - Time management Data EntryAccurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data.- Typing accuracy - Database management - Information organization Administrative TasksEncompassing a wide range of duties such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients.- Email management - File organization - Correspondence drafting Social Media ManagementCreating and curating content, engaging with followers, scheduling posts, and analyzing metrics to maintain a strong online presence for clients.- Content creation - Audience engagement - Metrics analysis Calendar ManagementMaintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients' calendars are organized and optimized.- Schedule optimization - Reminder setup - Appointment coordination File ManagementOrganizing and maintaining digital files, folders, and documents in a systematic and accessible manner, ensuring easy retrieval and secure storage.- Document organization - Secure storage - Easy retrieval Marketing TasksAssisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking analytics.- Market research - Content creation - Campaign management Customer ServiceEffectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner.- Communication skills - Issue resolution - Client satisfaction Key Responsibilities of a Virtual Assistant The role of a Virtual Assistant (VA) can vary widely depending on the needs of the clients they serve and the industries they work in. Generally, a Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, often from a home office. Here’s an overview of the spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs available: Administrative Support: Managing emails, calendars, and appointments. Handling correspondence and communication with clients or stakeholders. Data entry and organization. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Making travel arrangements and managing itineraries. Providing customer support and managing inquiries. Personal Assistance: Providing support with personal tasks, including scheduling appointments, making reservations, and managing household expenses. Handling personal correspondence and managing social media accounts. Researching products, services, or travel options. Managing personal projects such as event planning or home organization. Technical Support: Providing technical assistance with software applications, websites, or online tools. Managing databases or CRM systems. Performing basic website maintenance tasks like updating content or plugins. Assisting with troubleshooting technical issues. Creative Support: Designing graphics or visual content for websites, social media, or marketing materials. Writing and editing content for blogs, newsletters, or marketing campaigns. Assisting with social media management, including content creation and scheduling. Video editing or audio transcription. Specialized Services: Offering niche services such as bookkeeping, transcription, translation, or legal assistance. Providing virtual event coordination or project management services. Offering coaching or consulting services in specific areas of expertise. The spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs is broad, and virtual assistant companies often tailor their services to match their skills and interests with the needs of their clients. Some may specialize in one area, while others may offer a combination of services to serve a diverse client base. How to Become a Virtual Assistant If you’re interested in learning how to start a virtual assistant business, either on your own or with a team, read on for a detailed list of steps. Steps to Become a Virtual Assistant: Assess Your Skills and Interests: Assess your skills, strengths, and interests to pinpoint the services you can provide as a virtual assistant. Recognize the areas where you excel, including administrative tasks, social media management, or technical support. Acquire Necessary Skills and Training: Take courses or obtain certifications in relevant areas to enhance your skills and knowledge. Consider taking a virtual assistant course in administrative support, digital marketing, customer service, or specialized software tools commonly used by virtual assistants. Build a Professional Online Presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your skills, services, and experience. Develop a strong online presence to attract potential clients and establish credibility in the virtual assistant industry. Define Your Services and Pricing Structure: Determine the services you will offer as a virtual assistant, such as administrative support, social media management, or specialized tasks. Define your pricing structure based on the complexity of services, your level of expertise, and market rates. Market Your Services: Utilize online marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email campaigns to promote your virtual assistant services. Network with potential clients, join online communities, and leverage freelancing platforms to find clients. Establish Client Relationships: Build relationships with clients by providing high-quality services, communicating effectively, and meeting their needs. Maintain professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Set Up Efficient Work Systems: Establish efficient work systems and tools to manage tasks, projects, and client communications effectively. Use project management software, time-tracking tools, and communication platforms to streamline workflows and stay organized. Continuously Improve and Adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve your skills and stay competitive as a virtual assistant. Adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the virtual assistant market to grow your business. Starting a Virtual Assistant Business with Employees: Hire Experienced Virtual Assistants: Hire virtual assistants who possess varied skills and expertise to provide clients with a broad array of services. Seek candidates with relevant experience, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each virtual assistant based on their skills and strengths. Assign tasks and projects according to their expertise to maximize efficiency and productivity. Establish Communication and Collaboration Tools: Set up communication and collaboration tools such as messaging apps, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among virtual assistants. Implement Quality Control Measures: Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency and accuracy in the services provided by virtual assistants. Develop standard operating procedures, provide training and feedback, and monitor performance to maintain high-quality standards. Provide Ongoing Support and Development: Support the professional development of virtual assistants by offering training, resources, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to help virtual assistants excel in their roles. Scale Your Business: As your virtual assistant business grows, consider expanding your team and diversifying your services to meet the evolving needs of clients. Continuously assess market demand, identify growth opportunities, and scale your business strategically. Maintain a Positive Company Culture: Foster a positive company culture and a sense of community among virtual assistants, even though they may work remotely. Encourage collaboration, recognition, and open communication to create a supportive and productive work environment. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Cost-effectiveness, scalability, flexibility, access to diverse skills and expertise, increased productivity, time savings, and the ability to focus on core business activities. Tools and Technology for Virtual Assistants Virtual assistants utilize a variety of productivity apps, including Trello and Asana, as well as communication tools like Slack and Zoom. They also employ project management software such as Basecamp, time tracking tools, cloud storage services, and virtual meeting platforms. Main Challenges Faced by Virtual Assistants Balancing the demands of multiple clients, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, overcoming communication barriers, managing different time zones, addressing client turnover, and keeping up with technology and industry trends are all essential challenges. Future of Jobs in the Virtual Assistant Field Continued growth and demand for virtual assistants due to remote work trends, advancements in technology, and the increasing need for flexible support services across industries. Value of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Outsourcing non-core tasks to virtual assistants allows businesses to focus on strategic initiatives, increase efficiency, leverage specialized skills, and more effectively adapt to changing business needs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4FxxkMC360A%3Fsi%3DeFj14rKNUss61jER FAQs: What is a Virtual Assistant What is a Pinterest Virtual Assistant? A Pinterest virtual assistant is a virtual assistant specializing in managing Pinterest accounts for businesses or individuals. They help clients create and curate content, optimize pins for engagement, and grow their presence on the platform to drive traffic and sales. What Qualifications Necessary to Become a Virtual Assistant? Qualifications for a VA vary depending on the services offered, but common qualifications include strong communication skills, proficiency in relevant software/tools, organizational abilities, attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. What is a Typical Virtual Assistant Salary? The salary range for virtual assistants can vary widely based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and the services provided. So, how much do virtual assistants make per hour? On average, virtual assistants may earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, with some highly experienced or specialized VAs commanding higher rates. How has Virtual Assistant Hiring Changed With Technology? Technology has transformed the VA position by enabling virtual assistants to work remotely and collaborate with clients worldwide. Advancements in communication tools, project management software, and automation have increased efficiency and expanded the scope of virtual assistant services offered by virtual assistants. Additionally, the rise of AI and machine learning may lead to the automation of certain tasks, prompting virtual assistants to adapt by focusing on higher-value services that require human creativity and judgment. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is a Virtual Assistant?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

With ruthless purges of the US government, the president is tipping the scales towards autocracy View the full article

When Apple first introduced MagSafe for the iPhone in 2020, I did not fully appreciate it. iPhones had supported wireless charging for a few years at that point—and Android phones started doing so in 2012—and while MagSafe offered faster and less finicky charging, it didn’t really change how you use your phone. Over time, though, Apple’s magnetic charging and docking system has blossomed into an important piece of the Apple accessory ecosystem. All of which makes the lack of MagSafe on the new iPhone 16e a letdown. It’s not the only compromise Apple made in pursuit of a $600 price tag: It also has just one rear camera lens, only two color options, and a front camera notch that cuts out Dynamic Island features. But to me, the MagSafe omission stands as the biggest reason to seek out other iPhone options. Beyond the overnight charge Admittedly I still don’t use MagSafe for overnight charging. I keep an Anker 3-in-1 charger on my nightstand, and placing my iPhone up against the vertical charging stand is simple enough. The 7.5W charging speeds are slower than MagSafe’s 15W (or 25W, on the latest version), but that’s irrelevant for an eight-hour charge session. For me, MagSafe matters most in two scenarios: Power banks: I have a couple of portable batteries that snap onto the iPhone’s backside for a wireless top-up. They’ve been essential on trips where I’m using the camera and mapping extensively and don’t want to have charging anxiety toward the end of the day. Dashboard mounting: The car we use for family trips doesn’t support CarPlay, so my wife and I use a magnetic vent mount to keep one of our phones within reach for navigation and music. Beyond that, accessory makers have tapped into MagSafe in all kinds of other creative ways: MagSafe iPhone grips prevent you from dropping your phone. MagSafe laptop and monitor mounts work with Apple’s Continuity Camera feature to turn your iPhone into a webcam. There’s even a freestanding mount that tracks your face during video calls. MagSafe tripods, tripod mounts, and ring lights can help out in photo shoots. MCON is working on a magnetic iPhone game controller that fits in your pocket. Double magnet rings let you attach an iPhone to all kinds of surfaces—including other iPhones. You may be familiar with MagSafe wallets, but what about MagSafe notepads? Meanwhile, Apple’s using MagSafe to turn iPhones into miniature smart displays using StandBy mode, which shows time, photos, and widgets when the phone is charging in landscape mode. I’m in the market for a desktop charger and will be seeking out MagSafe for StandBy in particular. As a frequent iPhone-to-Android switcher, I’ve tried to minimize the number of pain points that arise when bouncing between ecosystems, but MagSafe is a big one. I typically go back to the iPhone while traveling just to make use my existing MagSafe accessories, and it’s odd for Apple to exclude the feature from any of its phones as the MagSafe ecosystem continues to grow. In theory, MagSafe shouldn’t be this much of a differentiator for the iPhone. The open Qi2 standard, to which Apple was a main contributor, allows any phone to have similar magnetic attachments with 15W charging speeds, But while Qi2 has been available for more than year now, major Android device makers still aren’t building it into their phones,, so they can’t tap any of the accessories designed for magnetic charging and docking. The work-arounds Those who buy an iPhone 16e won’t be entirely frozen out of the MagSafe ecosystem. The phone still supports standard wireless charging, and lots of iPhone cases have built-in magnets that snap tightly onto MagSafe accessories. With a compatible case—or even just a MagSafe sticker—iPhone 16e owners could still use MagSafe accessories and chargers, albeit at slower charging speeds. Still, the lack of built-in MagSafe is an issue for anyone who prefers a caseless phone, uses a lightweight protective bumper, or has a case thin enough to support MagSafe accessories without its own magnets. Besides, Apple still markets the iPhone around caseless use—for instance, with ads that point to its durability—so it’s probably not assuming that all of its users will have a case to use with MagSafe accessories. Apple continues to sell the iPhone 15 for $699, which is $100 less than the iPhone 16e, but the refurbished and used markets offer considerable discounts. Back Market and Amazon, for instance, sell like-new refurbished iPhone 15 models with one-year warranties for $540 and $529, respectively. While the iPhone 16e improves on the iPhone 15 in some ways—longer battery life, newer processor with Apple Intelligence support, and an Action Button—I’d rather have MagSafe than any of those features. At this point, it’s hard to imagine using an iPhone without it. View the full article

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In the franchise industry, 7-11 has truly humble beginnings. An owner in Dallas, Texas, ran 16 icehouse companies in 1927. All were thriving. There was no reason to make any changes. However, one of the managers had an inspiration for a business franchise. He asked the owner for permission to start selling bread, milk, and eggs. This idea proved to be extremely successful, and soon, all the stores began adopting it. They named these stores “Tote’m” stores. In 1964, the company acquired 126 SpeeDee Marts in California. Every year, there were more and more franchises. Currently, there are 78,029 7-11s in 19 countries, with 135,000 employees. There’s even a 7-Eleven in Japan. As franchises go, the 7-Eleven franchise is one of the easiest to start. Still interested? Time to learn more. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Basic Facts About the 7-11 Convenience Stores Franchise The original 7-11 was the store hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Now stores are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You may be able to get into a 7-Eleven franchise with 65% financing. That’s incredible in the franchise business. The folks who review 7-Eleven franchise applicants like to see a resume with 5-10 years of convenience store management and also encourage military veterans to apply. The company is known for its quick response to requests for information from interested entrepreneurs. The startup process for this specific franchise can take as little as 30 days, with a typical range of 30 to 90 days. The longer timelines are usually associated with retrofitted or remodeled buildings, as remodeling generally requires more time than constructing a new building from the ground up. The 7-11 franchise runs under other names in various parts of the country. They are known as Speedway in the Midwest and East Coast, and as Stripes in the South Central United States. As a franchise 7-11 is consistently ranked high by its new owners for its communications between corporate and the current franchisee’s interest. 7-11 Franchise Cost The initial fee depends on the specific type of 7 11 franchise you select. The different types of 7-Eleven franchises include: Traditional – one person owns the 7-Eleven franchise business Multi-unit – a great number of 7-Eleven franchise owners go on to expand and own multiple stores. Business Conversion program – 7-Eleven will take a look at an existing business structure and determine whether or not it can be turned into a 7-Eleven store. 7-Eleven has a good track record of retrofitting existing owned structures. 7-11 Franchise Fee Considering the varying options above, the total investment for a new 7-Eleven owner can range from $37,000 to $1.6 million. Within that total investment is a sliding scale of 7-Eleven franchise fees, which can range from $15,000 to $58,500. The franchise fee varies depending on the type of business you are opening. 7-Eleven pays special attention to military veterans who are seeking to own one of its finances. Veterans and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 7-11 Franchise Profit 7-Eleven franchises have a ton of brand strength and exclusive territory – all things that a franchisee appreciates. 7-Eleven also has local training centers and immediately responds to queries from the franchisor. The company will send you free info and soon reach out to you to provide more information about franchise operations. For aspiring entrepreneurs, owning 7 11 franchises offers an excellent opportunity in a growing industry. Franchisees receive substantial support and training. 7-11 Franchise Owner’s Salary The company reports that the new 7-Eleven franchise owner typically makes $50,000 in the first year. You make 5% of the store sales. A franchisee should make $75,000 in the second year. Compared to other businesses, that’s a great record in franchising. The amount you make is up to you – how much you can do to boost store sales. 7-11 Franchise Requirements Here are the essential financial requirements you should be aware of if you’re interested in becoming a 7 11 franchise owner. Net Worth The franchisor will want to see a net worth of at least $150,000. Liquid Capital Franchisees’ liquid capital should range between $50,000 and $150,000. Minimum Investment To open your doors and start selling to customers, franchisees need about $37,000. The additional funds will cover inventory and equipment such as shelving and racks. Financing Unlike other franchises, the 7 11 franchise may provide financing options that allow you to include the initial franchise fee along with your other fees and mortgage. The company aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Training You’ll have to sign up to attend training which will be offered at local locations. What’s Included in a 7 11 Franchise Disclosure Document? The franchisee will receive a franchise disclosure document. That is an important part of the presale “due diligence” for incoming franchisees buying into the company. The Franchise Disclosure should help you decide whether or not franchising is for you, and if you can operate it successfully. The Franchise Disclosure Document is not the same as the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement is the legal document you’ll sign after all questions about financing, operations and fees have been answered. Is Opening 7 11 Franchises Worth It? A convenience store becomes a vital part of a community for the services and products they provide. Suppose you look at Entrepreneur Media Inc., third-party sources rate 7-Elevenas as a top company, especially in terms of support. After the initial start-up fees, there will be an annual advertising fee. The franchisor covers any accidental damages to equipment inside and outside the store. That’s why the 7-Eleven franchising businesses are popular with many owners. The owners are people who enjoy being part of a neighborhood and providing services to the people who live there. How strong are your business and people skills? You’ll be the neighborhood “Go To” spot. If you relish that role and will be courteous and hard-working, you’ll get repeat customers. And you’ll join the ranks of successful franchise owners. READ MORE: 36 Shop Business Ideas Is a Franchise Right for Me? Image: Depositphotos This article, "7-11 Franchise Ownership FAQs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In the franchise industry, 7-11 has truly humble beginnings. An owner in Dallas, Texas, ran 16 icehouse companies in 1927. All were thriving. There was no reason to make any changes. However, one of the managers had an inspiration for a business franchise. He asked the owner for permission to start selling bread, milk, and eggs. This idea proved to be extremely successful, and soon, all the stores began adopting it. They named these stores “Tote’m” stores. In 1964, the company acquired 126 SpeeDee Marts in California. Every year, there were more and more franchises. Currently, there are 78,029 7-11s in 19 countries, with 135,000 employees. There’s even a 7-Eleven in Japan. As franchises go, the 7-Eleven franchise is one of the easiest to start. Still interested? Time to learn more. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Basic Facts About the 7-11 Convenience Stores Franchise The original 7-11 was the store hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Now stores are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You may be able to get into a 7-Eleven franchise with 65% financing. That’s incredible in the franchise business. The folks who review 7-Eleven franchise applicants like to see a resume with 5-10 years of convenience store management and also encourage military veterans to apply. The company is known for its quick response to requests for information from interested entrepreneurs. The startup process for this specific franchise can take as little as 30 days, with a typical range of 30 to 90 days. The longer timelines are usually associated with retrofitted or remodeled buildings, as remodeling generally requires more time than constructing a new building from the ground up. The 7-11 franchise runs under other names in various parts of the country. They are known as Speedway in the Midwest and East Coast, and as Stripes in the South Central United States. As a franchise 7-11 is consistently ranked high by its new owners for its communications between corporate and the current franchisee’s interest. 7-11 Franchise Cost The initial fee depends on the specific type of 7 11 franchise you select. The different types of 7-Eleven franchises include: Traditional – one person owns the 7-Eleven franchise business Multi-unit – a great number of 7-Eleven franchise owners go on to expand and own multiple stores. Business Conversion program – 7-Eleven will take a look at an existing business structure and determine whether or not it can be turned into a 7-Eleven store. 7-Eleven has a good track record of retrofitting existing owned structures. 7-11 Franchise Fee Considering the varying options above, the total investment for a new 7-Eleven owner can range from $37,000 to $1.6 million. Within that total investment is a sliding scale of 7-Eleven franchise fees, which can range from $15,000 to $58,500. The franchise fee varies depending on the type of business you are opening. 7-Eleven pays special attention to military veterans who are seeking to own one of its finances. Veterans and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 7-11 Franchise Profit 7-Eleven franchises have a ton of brand strength and exclusive territory – all things that a franchisee appreciates. 7-Eleven also has local training centers and immediately responds to queries from the franchisor. The company will send you free info and soon reach out to you to provide more information about franchise operations. For aspiring entrepreneurs, owning 7 11 franchises offers an excellent opportunity in a growing industry. Franchisees receive substantial support and training. 7-11 Franchise Owner’s Salary The company reports that the new 7-Eleven franchise owner typically makes $50,000 in the first year. You make 5% of the store sales. A franchisee should make $75,000 in the second year. Compared to other businesses, that’s a great record in franchising. The amount you make is up to you – how much you can do to boost store sales. 7-11 Franchise Requirements Here are the essential financial requirements you should be aware of if you’re interested in becoming a 7 11 franchise owner. Net Worth The franchisor will want to see a net worth of at least $150,000. Liquid Capital Franchisees’ liquid capital should range between $50,000 and $150,000. Minimum Investment To open your doors and start selling to customers, franchisees need about $37,000. The additional funds will cover inventory and equipment such as shelving and racks. Financing Unlike other franchises, the 7 11 franchise may provide financing options that allow you to include the initial franchise fee along with your other fees and mortgage. The company aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Training You’ll have to sign up to attend training which will be offered at local locations. What’s Included in a 7 11 Franchise Disclosure Document? The franchisee will receive a franchise disclosure document. That is an important part of the presale “due diligence” for incoming franchisees buying into the company. The Franchise Disclosure should help you decide whether or not franchising is for you, and if you can operate it successfully. The Franchise Disclosure Document is not the same as the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement is the legal document you’ll sign after all questions about financing, operations and fees have been answered. Is Opening 7 11 Franchises Worth It? A convenience store becomes a vital part of a community for the services and products they provide. Suppose you look at Entrepreneur Media Inc., third-party sources rate 7-Elevenas as a top company, especially in terms of support. After the initial start-up fees, there will be an annual advertising fee. The franchisor covers any accidental damages to equipment inside and outside the store. That’s why the 7-Eleven franchising businesses are popular with many owners. The owners are people who enjoy being part of a neighborhood and providing services to the people who live there. How strong are your business and people skills? You’ll be the neighborhood “Go To” spot. If you relish that role and will be courteous and hard-working, you’ll get repeat customers. And you’ll join the ranks of successful franchise owners. READ MORE: 36 Shop Business Ideas Is a Franchise Right for Me? Image: Depositphotos This article, "7-11 Franchise Ownership FAQs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Between the estimated damages in Los Angeles and rising home insurance prices, policyholders are left wondering how the market will fare in 2025. View the full article

Donna Ferrato stopped paying her mortgage more than 15 years ago, yet she's still living in her Manhattan condo. Her case is part of a broader power struggle between mortgage lenders and homeowners in New York state. View the full article

“Competency checking” is a practice that imposes extra scrutiny on Black professionals and people of color, challenging their qualifications, intellect, and ability to advance. There are three primary ways competency checking is deployed in the modern workplace. The first is the assumption of Black intellectual inferiority and/or a lack of qualifications. This can manifest in low expectations, marginalization, and extreme micromanagement. (More simply: If someone assumes, consciously or unconsciously, that all Black people are intellectually inferior, they may question the person and their qualifications more closely during an interview and, once hired, pay much more attention to their work while looking for any mistakes.) The second method of competency checking is the expression, particularly of surprise or unease, with open displays of Black intelligence, which can trigger requests or demands to confirm how it was acquired and whether it’s the result of rote memorization or actual, integrated knowledge. This can manifest as dismissal, quizzing, argument, and tokenization. (If a Black person knows something that their white coworker doesn’t already know, the coworker’s reaction isn’t “I didn’t know that!” but more often “How do you know that?”) The third method of competency checking is activation, specifically the feeling of fear when confronted with a Black person who holds any authority, especially someone in a leadership position. This can manifest as requests for identification, undefined feelings of unfairness, anger, unease, and what I would describe as an “autoimmune level” rejection of Black leadership. While competency checking can happen to other people of color and, to some extent, white women, there are specific historical and cultural reasons why Black people seem to bear the brunt of it. This book is an exploration of these methods; when, how, and why they were created and implemented; and how they continue to have an outsize impact on Black people and other people of color at work. The idea that it is not incompetence that is holding back Black professionals is for many a foreign concept. That’s understandable, given that the narrative surrounding Black people—and the reason the workplace looks the way it does today—is that they don’t value education or that there’s no one in the hiring pipeline because there are so few qualified Black people, or that Black people want special treatment. What’s interesting is that both anecdotal and empirical evidence suggests that Black workers are getting a type of “special” treatment, just not the type that many people think. In 2019, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) released research that revealed the impact of race and racism in the workplace. That year was a hot labor market, and the U.S. saw the longest economic expansion in its history, with more than 100 consecutive months of job growth and more than 21 million jobs added. But the EPI’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics and Local Area Unemployment Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau data uncovered some surprising things: Per their report, “Black workers are twice as likely to be unemployed as white workers overall, even Black workers with a college degree are more likely to be unemployed than similarly educated white workers.” That unemployment “gap,” apparently, is “a pattern that has persisted for more than 40 years. In fact, this 2-to-1 ratio holds in practically every state in the nation where Black workers make up a significant share of the workforce.” I believe that gap is linked, especially when it comes to new hires and leadership, to competency checking. And it starts with a name. In 2024, The New York Times reported on research from the National Bureau of Economic Research about the impact of a “Black- or white-sounding” name on job applications. In a 2019 study, researchers sent 80,000 fake résumés for 10,000 job openings at 100 companies. The résumés were modified to imply different racial and gender identities, using names like “Latisha” or “Amy” to indicate a Black or white woman, respectively, and “Lamar” or “Adam” for a Black or white man. According to the resulting data, “on average, candidates believed to be white received contact from employers about 9.5% more frequently compared to those thought to be Black. This type of research is known as an audit study, and it was the largest of its kind in the United States. Ultimately, it found that “the results demonstrate how entrenched employment discrimination is in parts of the U.S. labor market—and the extent to which Black workers start behind in certain industries.” It’s not all doom and gloom: Some companies showed little to no bias when it came to screening applicants for entry-level positions. And while there is much to learn from the companies that “got it right,” we must remember that this study pertains solely to entry-level positions that do not require a college degree or extensive work experience. It also does not cover aspects of career progression or advancement opportunities within these companies, which are equally critical to understanding the full scope of how competency checking shows up in the workplace. From the book Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work by Shari Dunn. Copyright © 2025 by Shari Dunn. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. View the full article