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Cash-strapped Stormont executive appeals to prime minister for aid package for hard-pressed regionView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. A juicy prestige mystery series with Nicole Kidman in the lead? Honestly, who ever heard of such a thing? As a crime procedural, it's a bit more Special Ops: Lioness than Nine Perfect Strangers, but the era of Kidman domination demands variety, so now we get this series based on the long-running (29 books and counting) Kay Scarpetta series from Patricia Cornwell that follows the eponymous forensic pathologist. She's joined by Jamie Lee Curtis as her sister, Dorothy, and Bobby Cannavale as a forensic operations specialist, which is a job that I definitely know what it is. Stream Scarpetta on Prime Video before examining these other juicy crime dramas. Ballard (2025 – ) Based on another popular novel series, this one by Michael Connelly (the show itself a spin-off of the spin-off of the Prime Bosch series), Ballard stars Maggie Q as the title's Detective Renée Ballard, head of an LAPD cold-case unit. Ballard takes over an understaffed, volunteer-heavy LAPD cold-case unit, solving (sometimes) decades-old crimes while uncovering, over the course of the first season, a web of corruption within the police department (if you can imagine). Stream Ballard on Prime Video. Ballard (2025 – ) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Åre Murders (2025) Scandinavian cop drama (or Nordic noir, if you prefer) is its own sub-genre, so ubiquitous that the Disney+ show Agatha All Along did an episode parodying the form. Certainly The Åre Murders (adapted from the novels of Viveca Sten) makes the case that Swedes know from murder. Plain-spoken, troubled (as in: under suspension) detective Hanna Ahlander (Carla Sehn) leaves Stockholm to spend some time unwinding at her sister's place in remote Åre. A case involving a missing girl finds her back on the job, and up against local police officer Daniel Lindskog, whom she's reluctant to trust. Looking for a bleakly beautiful landscape and ambiguous morality? Åre might be the place for you. Stream The Åre Murders on Netflix. The Åre Murders (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix When No One Sees Us (2025 – ) A distinctive police thriller imported from Spain, When No One Sees Us stars Mariela Garriga (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning) as a Cuban-American special agent of the U.S. Army, and Maribel Verdú (Pan’s Labyrinth) as a Spanish Civil Guard sergeant struggling with a complex home life. Both are investigating an apparent death by violent suicide on an air base during Holy Week. It's another complex mystery, but the performances and the emphasis on character over plot make it a standout. Stream When No One Sees Us on HBO Max. When No One Sees Us (2025 – ) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Get Millie Black (2024) Booker-winning novelist Marlon James created and co-wrote this wildly acclaimed miniseries, touching on bias, discrimination, and colonialism in the context of an impressively cracking missing-person drama. Having been encouraged to leave Scotland Yard following the death of a missing child she'd been searching for, Detective Millie-Jean Black (Tamara Lawrance) opts to return home to Jamaica and join the police force there. She reunites with her sibling, Hibiscus (Chyna McQueen, who received a BAFTA nomination for this, her first screen role), before being drawn into the case of a Black teenager who seems to have been groomed by a rich white family before disappearing—a case that forces her to work with a condescending colleague sent over from London. It was constructed as a miniseries, but there's talk of a revival somewhere down the line. Stream Get Millie Black on HBO Max. Get Millie Black (2024) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Chestnut Man (2021 – ) Head on over to sunny Copenhagen, where Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) is assigned to investigate the murder and dismemberment of a young woman in a playground, the best clue being a small figurine made of chestnuts nearby. When a politicians daughter goes missing, that wee chestnut man is enough to tie the case back to the murder of an entire family on a farm nearly four decades ago. It's been a while, but the series is returning soon under the title The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek. Stream The Chestnut Man on Netflix. The Chestnut Man (2021 – ) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Prime Suspect (1991 – 2006) A lady Detective Chief Inspector? What will they think of next? Prime Suspect isn't entirely about sexism in the workplace, but it was born in an era when a female officer in the London's Metropolitan Police would have been a rarity in the extreme. DCI Jane Tennison's personal and professional struggles are inseparable from her work as a homicide investigator, but she's very, very good at her job, and Helen Mirren's absolutely iconic performance in the role has become a template followed, at least in parts, by many a cop show since. Stream Prime Suspect on Peacock, Prime Video, and Tubi. Prime Suspect (1991 – 2006) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Deadloch (2023 – ) Not a tonal match, in that it's a comedy, but plays in a similar sandbox even as it takes crime drama tropes and flips them on their heads. It's also an excellent mystery/crime procedural that simultaneously works as a very funny send-up of the genre—in this case we're talking about the dour, dangerous world of shows like Broadchurch and its many imitators. The Australian import stars Kate Box stars as Dulcie Collins, the fastidious senior sergeant of the police force in the title's fictional town, who, when a body turns up dead on the beach, is joined by Madeleine Sami's Eddie Redcliffe—a crude, loud, and over-the-top obnoxious detective brought in to help solve the case. The web of secrets and mysteries in the tiny Tasmanian town makes everything appropriately addictive, with the added bonus of being, frequently, a hoot. Stream Deadloch on Prime Video. Deadloch (2023 – ) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Mare of Easttown (2021) Kate Winslet picked up an Emmy for her performance as thoroughly troubled Mare Sheehan, a local hero in her days as a high school basketball champ whose adult reputation is rapidly losing its luster. As a police detective, she's been unable to solve the case of a missing girl even as she's confronted with a recently murdered teenage mother—you probably won't be surprised to find that the cases are linked. Word on the street is that a second season might be in the works. Stream Mare of Easttown on HBO Max. Mare of Easttown (2021) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Bones (2005 – 2017) A bit lighter in tone than Scarpetta, this network procedural gave us an impressive 12 seasons of forensic crime-solving involving cases both hot and cold. Emily Deschanel is Temperance Brennan, the "Bones" of the title, a forensic anthropologist and crime fiction author who's recruited by earthy FBI Special Agent Booth (David Boreanaz) to help him solve cases that require an expertise in the examination of human remains (which, luckily enough, turns out to be just about every case). Stream Bones on Peacock, Prime Video, and Hulu. Bones (2005 – 2017) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Crossing Jordan (2001 – 2007) Following her mother's murder, Massachusetts forensic pathologist Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh (Jill Hennessy) becomes obsessed with solving violent crimes in a show that blends intense crime procedural motifs with quirky characters and relationships; the show's got a unique tone that shouldn't work but does, mostly. The stacked supporting cast includes Miguel Ferrer, Mahershala Ali, Kathryn Hahn, Lorraine Toussaint, and Jerry O'Connell. Stream Crossing Jordan on Peacock and Prime Video. Crossing Jordan (2001 – 2007) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock View the full article

Today, April 14, is World Quantum Day. The day marks the beginning of an annual event in which scientists and educators around the globe work to raise awareness of the underlying science behind technologies that could radically transform our world in the years ahead. Here’s what you need to know. What is World Quantum Day 2026? World Quantum Day is an annual awareness day organized by quantum scientists worldwide. According to the day’s official website, the initiative is “decentralized and bottom-up,” meaning there is no single organization promoting World Quantum Day. Instead, individual scientists work in tandem to promote the event. Those scientists, in turn, invite other scientists, artists, technologists, educators, entrepreneurs, and those from myriad other fields to host their own activities for the day, including talks, exhibitions, and interviews. At the heart of World Quantum Day is the goal of promoting public awareness of quantum science and the technologies that rely on it. 2026’s World Quantum Day is the fifth annual one. The first World Quantum Day took place on April 14, 2022, and has been held every April 14th since then. According to WorldQuantumDay.org, the 2025 event saw more than 530 events take place in more than 318 cities in over 83 countries. Why is World Quantum Day on April 14? World Quantum Day is held on April 14 each year, but that day wasn’t chosen at random. The April 14th date is a nod to Planck’s constant, a principle first theorized by the physicist Max Planck in 1900. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the “constant is a number that defines the amount of energy” held in each quanta, which are packets of energy exchanged between constructs in the quantum world. The constant underpins quantum physics and plays a central role in technologies such as GPS, computer chips, touchscreens, and many others we rely on every day. When put in a decimal format, April 14 equals “4.14,” which is “the rounded first digits of Planck’s constant,” according to WorldQuantumDay.org. That constant equals 4.1356677×10−15. Why should I care about World Quantum Day? Quantum physics underlies most of the technologies you rely on today. And now scientists are harnessing humankind’s understanding of quantum physics to develop the next generation of computer systems that have the potential to radically transform everything from medicine to communications to artificial intelligence. These computers are known as quantum computers, and they operate on the principles of quantum physics rather than classical physics, as today’s computers do. Currently, every computer you have ever used (unless you are a quantum scientist) has operated on the principles of classical physics. These computers operate on binary bits, where each bit can only be 1 or a 0. But a quantum computer runs on qubits. Unlike a regular bit, thanks to the principles of quantum physics, a qubit can be a 1 or a 0—or anything in between, at the same time. This means they can perform calculations exponentially faster than the bits powering classical computers. Theoretically, what would take today’s fastest supercomputer millions of years to process could be solved by tomorrow’s quantum computer in just a few hours. While this has tremendous potential for the fields of medical research, communications, and materials science, quantum computers also pose serious security risks to today’s classical encryption systems, which underpin everything from messaging security to Bitcoin. All this means that it is more important than ever for the general public to understand what quantum physics is, the technological advancements it already offers, and the upcoming technologies it will enable that will further transform our world. View the full article

US president turns against Italian premier despite her being one of his few remaining allies in EuropeView the full article

Representatives of the two meeting in Washington to discuss conflict and its links to the Iran warView the full article

Data highlights concerns about lack of jobs growth among British-born populationView the full article

Grasping the key components of franchises is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. Franchises thrive on brand consistency, operational effectiveness, and a solid partnership between franchisors and franchisees. Each element, from training systems to marketing support, plays a vital role in ensuring success. As you explore how these components work together, you’ll discover the intricate balance needed for franchising to flourish in today’s competitive market. What aspects should you focus on to maximize your franchise potential? Key Takeaways A strong brand name fosters customer trust and loyalty, crucial for franchise success. Unique business models set franchises apart from competitors and attract customers. Well-structured training systems ensure consistent quality and effective replication of the business model across locations. Rigorous planning and execution are essential for scalability and maintaining brand integrity over time. A partnership model encourages collaboration between franchisors and franchisees, enhancing operational success. Key Ingredients of a Successful Franchise When you consider the key ingredients of a successful franchise, it’s important to recognize that several factors contribute to its effectiveness and appeal. A strong brand name instills customer trust, whereas a unique business model sets you apart from competitors. Before investing, ask questions to assess these elements, like “What’s the brand’s reputation?” or “How does this franchise differ from others?” A well-structured training system guarantees consistent quality across all locations, making it easier for franchisees to succeed. Furthermore, the partnership model nurtures collaboration between franchisors and franchisees, sharing both risks and rewards. To understand how do franchises work, rigorous planning and execution are crucial for scalability and replicability, which are fundamental for long-term success. What Can Be Franchised? Franchising offers a flexible growth strategy that can be applied across various industries, provided the business meets vital criteria. Any business with a strong brand, unique business model, compelling value proposition, effective training system, and partnership model can be franchised. This model allows you to replicate unique products, services, or offerings across multiple sectors, showcasing its versatility. Successful franchises demand rigorous planning, development, and execution to guarantee brand integrity and consistency across all units. Dentons’ expertise spans various sectors like retail, restaurants, and education, highlighting how franchising isn’t limited to one industry. Whether you’re in food service or education, if you meet the fundamental franchise criteria, your business could thrive through franchising as a method for expansion and market penetration. The Dentons Seven-Step Plan to Launching a Franchise Business Launching a franchise business involves a systematic approach, and the Dentons Seven-Step Plan provides a structured framework to guide you through this process. Step Description Purpose Risk-Benefit Analysis Evaluate if franchising aligns with your brand goals Confirm strategic alignment Financial Models Develop models to validate profitability Determine pricing structures Franchise Operating Model Modify practices for replication by franchisees Standardize operations Following these steps guarantees you establish a solid foundation. You’ll create extensive documentation, including manuals for franchisees, which is essential for maintaining consistency. Moreover, implementing robust training and audit programs will help uphold brand standards across all locations, assuring a uniform customer experience. Franchise Rights and Operations Comprehending franchise rights and operations is fundamental for anyone considering entering the franchise business. Franchise rights grant you the ability to operate under a recognized brand name and trademark, which can greatly boost your visibility. Territorial rights define the specific geographic areas where you can operate, preventing overlap with other franchisees. Your operations will be guided by FranConnect Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and detailed operational manuals, ensuring consistency across all locations. It’s critical to comply with local laws and health standards to maintain brand integrity. Finally, your franchise agreement will outline the terms of your rights and operations, detailing initial fees, ongoing royalties, and conditions for termination or transfer of ownership, which are crucial for a successful franchise expedition. Marketing and Advertising Support After comprehending franchise rights and operations, it’s important to recognize the role of marketing and advertising support in the success of your franchise. Franchisors typically provide national advertising campaigns that improve brand visibility, benefiting all franchise units. You’ll furthermore receive guidance on effective local marketing initiatives customized to your area, which can greatly enhance customer engagement. Moreover, access to professionally designed promotional materials helps maintain a consistent brand image during cost savings. Franchise agreements usually require a percentage of your revenue to be contributed to an advertising fund, supporting both national and local marketing efforts. Approved advertising channels and promotional activities are outlined by franchisors, ensuring all marketing aligns with the brand’s standards and messaging. Financial Obligations and Reporting Comprehending the financial obligations tied to franchising is crucial for your long-term success as a franchisee. These obligations can notably impact your investment and operational decisions. Here’s what you need to know: An initial franchise fee varies widely, potentially costing from a few thousand to millions, especially for recognized brands. Ongoing royalty fees typically range from 4.6% to 12.5% of your sales, ensuring revenue for the franchisor. You’ll likely contribute to an advertising fund for national marketing campaigns. Equipment and supply costs can add to your initial and ongoing expenses. Regular financial reporting to the franchisor is mandatory, promoting transparency and compliance. Understanding these components helps you navigate your franchise expedition effectively. Contract Duration, Termination, and Transferability When you enter into a franchise agreement, comprehending the contract’s duration, termination clauses, and transferability conditions is essential for your operational strategy. Franchise agreements usually last between 5 to 30 years, giving you a defined timeframe to operate under the franchisor’s brand. Renewal terms are often specified, outlining how you can extend your agreement once it expires. Termination clauses indicate the conditions under which either party can end the agreement, including breaches or failure to meet standards. After termination, you must fulfill obligations like returning proprietary materials and adhering to trademark guidelines. Finally, transferability conditions may require you to seek franchisor approval for ownership transfer, possibly involving fees for administrative processes. Quality Standards and Dispute Resolution Maintaining quality standards is crucial for the success of any franchise, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation. To achieve this, franchisors implement several key practices: Approved supplier lists guarantee consistency in product quality. Detailed service protocols guide customer interactions, enhancing satisfaction. Pre-approval of advertising materials maintains brand image across locations. Mediation and arbitration clauses provide structured dispute resolution. Confidentiality provisions protect sensitive information during conflicts. These elements work together to create a cohesive franchise experience. Support and Resources for Franchisees When you become a franchisee, you’ll rely on extensive training programs that cover everything from operations to customer service, ensuring you meet brand standards. Ongoing operational support and marketing assistance are likewise essential, helping you tackle challenges as you promote your business effectively. This robust support system not just improves your performance but additionally strengthens your relationship with the franchisor, setting the stage for long-term success. Comprehensive Training Programs Thorough training programs are vital for franchisees aiming to succeed in their business ventures. These programs cover fundamental areas to guarantee you can replicate the business model effectively: Operations management Customer service techniques Financial management skills Brand standards and compliance Market adaptation strategies Ongoing Operational Support Ongoing operational support is crucial for franchisees, as it provides the resources and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of running a successful business. This support includes thorough training programs that cover key areas like operations, customer service, and financial management, ensuring you meet brand standards. Furthermore, continuous assistance from franchisors helps you tackle challenges and seize local market opportunities. Regular business reviews assess your performance, nurturing a strong relationship with your franchisor, which is imperative for long-term success. You’ll likewise gain access to valuable resources, such as marketing materials and advertising strategies, empowering you to effectively promote your business. This collaboration helps maintain brand consistency and drives overall franchise growth, benefiting everyone involved. Marketing Assistance Strategies Effective marketing assistance strategies play an essential role in the success of franchisees, as they provide fundamental resources and guidance for promoting the brand. These strategies not just improve visibility but additionally guarantee that franchisees can connect with their local markets effectively. National advertising campaigns boost brand recognition across all locations. Customized local marketing initiatives resonate with the community. Professionals design marketing materials, maintaining brand consistency. Franchisees contribute to an advertising fund for wider marketing efforts. Digital platforms like social media and email marketing engage target audiences. Technology’s Role in Franchise Operations As technology continues to evolve, its role in franchise operations becomes increasingly critical for success. Integrating technology improves communication efficiency and streamlines processes across multiple locations. Advanced analytics tools enable you to make data-driven decisions, boosting operational efficiency and brand consistency. Point-of-sale systems and inventory management software allow you to track sales and stock levels in real-time, facilitating timely adjustments. Digital marketing platforms optimize local advertising efforts, helping you effectively reach your target audience. Furthermore, technology empowers franchises to adapt to market changes, enabling quick responses to consumer trends and encouraging ongoing innovation. Technology Tool Benefits Advanced Analytics Data-driven decision-making Point-of-Sale Systems Real-time sales tracking Digital Marketing Optimized local advertising Building a Robust Support System Building a robust support system is vital for franchise success, as it empowers franchisees to thrive within the established brand framework. A well-structured support system encompasses various fundamental elements that guarantee franchisees can operate efficiently and maintain brand integrity. Extensive training programs equip franchisees with necessary knowledge. Ongoing support includes marketing assistance and operational guidance. Clearly defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) promote consistency across units. A strong partnership model improves communication and collaboration. Technology integrates efficient tools and analytics for quick adaptation. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Three Main Components of a Franchise Strategy? The three main components of a franchise strategy are brand identity, operational consistency, and franchisee support. Brand identity creates a recognizable name and trademark that draws customers and potential franchisees. Operational consistency guarantees that all locations deliver the same quality and service through standardized procedures. Finally, franchisee support involves training programs and resources that help franchisees maintain brand standards and address challenges, nurturing a successful partnership between franchisors and franchisees. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are essential for your franchise’s success. They include Product, which focuses on the unique goods or services you offer; Price, which involves setting prices that reflect value during ensuring profitability; Place, highlighting the importance of choosing ideal locations for customer access; and Promotion, which encompasses marketing efforts to effectively communicate your brand message. What Is a Key Feature of a Franchise? A key feature of a franchise is the franchise agreement, which allows you to operate under the franchisor’s established brand name. This agreement typically lasts between 5 to 30 years and outlines your rights and responsibilities. You’ll benefit from a recognizable brand, making it easier to attract customers. Furthermore, you’ll receive ongoing support, including training and marketing assistance, ensuring you maintain the brand’s standards and operational procedures for consistent performance across all units. What Are the Four Elements of Franchising? The four key elements of franchising are a strong brand identity, a proven business model, a thorough franchise agreement, and ongoing support from the franchisor. A strong brand identity helps attract customers and guarantees consistency across units. The proven business model allows franchisees to replicate success effectively. The franchise agreement defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Finally, ongoing support, including training and marketing, is crucial for franchisee success and brand maintenance. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the key components of franchises is essential for success. A strong brand name, a unique business model, and effective training systems create consistency and operational efficiency. Furthermore, nurturing a collaborative partnership between franchisors and franchisees improves growth potential. By prioritizing rigorous planning, marketing support, and quality standards, franchises can maintain brand integrity and scalability across multiple locations. Emphasizing these elements will contribute to the overall success and reliability of the franchise system. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Do Key Components of Franchises Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Grasping the key components of franchises is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. Franchises thrive on brand consistency, operational effectiveness, and a solid partnership between franchisors and franchisees. Each element, from training systems to marketing support, plays a vital role in ensuring success. As you explore how these components work together, you’ll discover the intricate balance needed for franchising to flourish in today’s competitive market. What aspects should you focus on to maximize your franchise potential? Key Takeaways A strong brand name fosters customer trust and loyalty, crucial for franchise success. Unique business models set franchises apart from competitors and attract customers. Well-structured training systems ensure consistent quality and effective replication of the business model across locations. Rigorous planning and execution are essential for scalability and maintaining brand integrity over time. A partnership model encourages collaboration between franchisors and franchisees, enhancing operational success. Key Ingredients of a Successful Franchise When you consider the key ingredients of a successful franchise, it’s important to recognize that several factors contribute to its effectiveness and appeal. A strong brand name instills customer trust, whereas a unique business model sets you apart from competitors. Before investing, ask questions to assess these elements, like “What’s the brand’s reputation?” or “How does this franchise differ from others?” A well-structured training system guarantees consistent quality across all locations, making it easier for franchisees to succeed. Furthermore, the partnership model nurtures collaboration between franchisors and franchisees, sharing both risks and rewards. To understand how do franchises work, rigorous planning and execution are crucial for scalability and replicability, which are fundamental for long-term success. What Can Be Franchised? Franchising offers a flexible growth strategy that can be applied across various industries, provided the business meets vital criteria. Any business with a strong brand, unique business model, compelling value proposition, effective training system, and partnership model can be franchised. This model allows you to replicate unique products, services, or offerings across multiple sectors, showcasing its versatility. Successful franchises demand rigorous planning, development, and execution to guarantee brand integrity and consistency across all units. Dentons’ expertise spans various sectors like retail, restaurants, and education, highlighting how franchising isn’t limited to one industry. Whether you’re in food service or education, if you meet the fundamental franchise criteria, your business could thrive through franchising as a method for expansion and market penetration. The Dentons Seven-Step Plan to Launching a Franchise Business Launching a franchise business involves a systematic approach, and the Dentons Seven-Step Plan provides a structured framework to guide you through this process. Step Description Purpose Risk-Benefit Analysis Evaluate if franchising aligns with your brand goals Confirm strategic alignment Financial Models Develop models to validate profitability Determine pricing structures Franchise Operating Model Modify practices for replication by franchisees Standardize operations Following these steps guarantees you establish a solid foundation. You’ll create extensive documentation, including manuals for franchisees, which is essential for maintaining consistency. Moreover, implementing robust training and audit programs will help uphold brand standards across all locations, assuring a uniform customer experience. Franchise Rights and Operations Comprehending franchise rights and operations is fundamental for anyone considering entering the franchise business. Franchise rights grant you the ability to operate under a recognized brand name and trademark, which can greatly boost your visibility. Territorial rights define the specific geographic areas where you can operate, preventing overlap with other franchisees. Your operations will be guided by FranConnect Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and detailed operational manuals, ensuring consistency across all locations. It’s critical to comply with local laws and health standards to maintain brand integrity. Finally, your franchise agreement will outline the terms of your rights and operations, detailing initial fees, ongoing royalties, and conditions for termination or transfer of ownership, which are crucial for a successful franchise expedition. Marketing and Advertising Support After comprehending franchise rights and operations, it’s important to recognize the role of marketing and advertising support in the success of your franchise. Franchisors typically provide national advertising campaigns that improve brand visibility, benefiting all franchise units. You’ll furthermore receive guidance on effective local marketing initiatives customized to your area, which can greatly enhance customer engagement. Moreover, access to professionally designed promotional materials helps maintain a consistent brand image during cost savings. Franchise agreements usually require a percentage of your revenue to be contributed to an advertising fund, supporting both national and local marketing efforts. Approved advertising channels and promotional activities are outlined by franchisors, ensuring all marketing aligns with the brand’s standards and messaging. Financial Obligations and Reporting Comprehending the financial obligations tied to franchising is crucial for your long-term success as a franchisee. These obligations can notably impact your investment and operational decisions. Here’s what you need to know: An initial franchise fee varies widely, potentially costing from a few thousand to millions, especially for recognized brands. Ongoing royalty fees typically range from 4.6% to 12.5% of your sales, ensuring revenue for the franchisor. You’ll likely contribute to an advertising fund for national marketing campaigns. Equipment and supply costs can add to your initial and ongoing expenses. Regular financial reporting to the franchisor is mandatory, promoting transparency and compliance. Understanding these components helps you navigate your franchise expedition effectively. Contract Duration, Termination, and Transferability When you enter into a franchise agreement, comprehending the contract’s duration, termination clauses, and transferability conditions is essential for your operational strategy. Franchise agreements usually last between 5 to 30 years, giving you a defined timeframe to operate under the franchisor’s brand. Renewal terms are often specified, outlining how you can extend your agreement once it expires. Termination clauses indicate the conditions under which either party can end the agreement, including breaches or failure to meet standards. After termination, you must fulfill obligations like returning proprietary materials and adhering to trademark guidelines. Finally, transferability conditions may require you to seek franchisor approval for ownership transfer, possibly involving fees for administrative processes. Quality Standards and Dispute Resolution Maintaining quality standards is crucial for the success of any franchise, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation. To achieve this, franchisors implement several key practices: Approved supplier lists guarantee consistency in product quality. Detailed service protocols guide customer interactions, enhancing satisfaction. Pre-approval of advertising materials maintains brand image across locations. Mediation and arbitration clauses provide structured dispute resolution. Confidentiality provisions protect sensitive information during conflicts. These elements work together to create a cohesive franchise experience. Support and Resources for Franchisees When you become a franchisee, you’ll rely on extensive training programs that cover everything from operations to customer service, ensuring you meet brand standards. Ongoing operational support and marketing assistance are likewise essential, helping you tackle challenges as you promote your business effectively. This robust support system not just improves your performance but additionally strengthens your relationship with the franchisor, setting the stage for long-term success. Comprehensive Training Programs Thorough training programs are vital for franchisees aiming to succeed in their business ventures. These programs cover fundamental areas to guarantee you can replicate the business model effectively: Operations management Customer service techniques Financial management skills Brand standards and compliance Market adaptation strategies Ongoing Operational Support Ongoing operational support is crucial for franchisees, as it provides the resources and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of running a successful business. This support includes thorough training programs that cover key areas like operations, customer service, and financial management, ensuring you meet brand standards. Furthermore, continuous assistance from franchisors helps you tackle challenges and seize local market opportunities. Regular business reviews assess your performance, nurturing a strong relationship with your franchisor, which is imperative for long-term success. You’ll likewise gain access to valuable resources, such as marketing materials and advertising strategies, empowering you to effectively promote your business. This collaboration helps maintain brand consistency and drives overall franchise growth, benefiting everyone involved. Marketing Assistance Strategies Effective marketing assistance strategies play an essential role in the success of franchisees, as they provide fundamental resources and guidance for promoting the brand. These strategies not just improve visibility but additionally guarantee that franchisees can connect with their local markets effectively. National advertising campaigns boost brand recognition across all locations. Customized local marketing initiatives resonate with the community. Professionals design marketing materials, maintaining brand consistency. Franchisees contribute to an advertising fund for wider marketing efforts. Digital platforms like social media and email marketing engage target audiences. Technology’s Role in Franchise Operations As technology continues to evolve, its role in franchise operations becomes increasingly critical for success. Integrating technology improves communication efficiency and streamlines processes across multiple locations. Advanced analytics tools enable you to make data-driven decisions, boosting operational efficiency and brand consistency. Point-of-sale systems and inventory management software allow you to track sales and stock levels in real-time, facilitating timely adjustments. Digital marketing platforms optimize local advertising efforts, helping you effectively reach your target audience. Furthermore, technology empowers franchises to adapt to market changes, enabling quick responses to consumer trends and encouraging ongoing innovation. Technology Tool Benefits Advanced Analytics Data-driven decision-making Point-of-Sale Systems Real-time sales tracking Digital Marketing Optimized local advertising Building a Robust Support System Building a robust support system is vital for franchise success, as it empowers franchisees to thrive within the established brand framework. A well-structured support system encompasses various fundamental elements that guarantee franchisees can operate efficiently and maintain brand integrity. Extensive training programs equip franchisees with necessary knowledge. Ongoing support includes marketing assistance and operational guidance. Clearly defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) promote consistency across units. A strong partnership model improves communication and collaboration. Technology integrates efficient tools and analytics for quick adaptation. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Three Main Components of a Franchise Strategy? The three main components of a franchise strategy are brand identity, operational consistency, and franchisee support. Brand identity creates a recognizable name and trademark that draws customers and potential franchisees. Operational consistency guarantees that all locations deliver the same quality and service through standardized procedures. Finally, franchisee support involves training programs and resources that help franchisees maintain brand standards and address challenges, nurturing a successful partnership between franchisors and franchisees. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are essential for your franchise’s success. They include Product, which focuses on the unique goods or services you offer; Price, which involves setting prices that reflect value during ensuring profitability; Place, highlighting the importance of choosing ideal locations for customer access; and Promotion, which encompasses marketing efforts to effectively communicate your brand message. What Is a Key Feature of a Franchise? A key feature of a franchise is the franchise agreement, which allows you to operate under the franchisor’s established brand name. This agreement typically lasts between 5 to 30 years and outlines your rights and responsibilities. You’ll benefit from a recognizable brand, making it easier to attract customers. Furthermore, you’ll receive ongoing support, including training and marketing assistance, ensuring you maintain the brand’s standards and operational procedures for consistent performance across all units. What Are the Four Elements of Franchising? The four key elements of franchising are a strong brand identity, a proven business model, a thorough franchise agreement, and ongoing support from the franchisor. A strong brand identity helps attract customers and guarantees consistency across units. The proven business model allows franchisees to replicate success effectively. The franchise agreement defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Finally, ongoing support, including training and marketing, is crucial for franchisee success and brand maintenance. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the key components of franchises is essential for success. A strong brand name, a unique business model, and effective training systems create consistency and operational efficiency. Furthermore, nurturing a collaborative partnership between franchisors and franchisees improves growth potential. By prioritizing rigorous planning, marketing support, and quality standards, franchises can maintain brand integrity and scalability across multiple locations. Emphasizing these elements will contribute to the overall success and reliability of the franchise system. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Do Key Components of Franchises Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Prices are going up on many different goods and services, and technology is no exception. Global events over the past year, from the implementation of tariffs to interruptions in oil shipments, are pushing companies to raise the cost of smartphones, tablets, and more for consumers. At this point, it's refreshing when a company doesn't raise prices—like when Apple dropped a brand-new MacBook for just $599. It's not just new products seeing price hikes. As reported by Phone Arena, Samsung just increased the prices on a number of its devices, including some smartphones, and a lot of tablets. That includes the following phones, which seen their prices change as noted: Galaxy Z Flip 7: from $1,219.99 to $1,299.99 (512GB) Galaxy S25 FE: from $709.99 to $749.99 (256GB) Galaxy S25 Edge: from $1,219.99 to $1,299.99 (512GB) You'll notice that the company's latest flagship smartphones, the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, are absent from this list, which is a silver lining of sorts. Of course, those devices are relatively new, and already exist within the company's priciest tier—though you can find deals and discounts already if you are willing to wait. Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB) $799.99 at Amazon $899.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.99 at Amazon $899.99 Save $100.00 Samsung's tablets have been hit much harder than the smartphones. Samsung is raising prices on seven different models of tablets—eight if you differentiate between the wifi and 5G version of the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus. In addition, the company is raising prices on each storage variant. The Galaxy Tab S11, for example, gets a price hike no matter whether you opt for the 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB model. Here are the increases so far: Galaxy Tab S11: from $799.99 to $899.99 (128GB) Galaxy Tab S11: from $859.99 to $999.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S11: from $979.99 to $1,199.99 (512GB) Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: from $1,199.99 to $1,299.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: from $1,319.99 to $1,499.99 (512GB) Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: from $1,619.99 to $1,899.99 (1TB) Galaxy Tab S10 FE: from $499.99 to $549.99 (128GB) Galaxy Tab S10 FE: from $569.99 to $669.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus: from $649.99 to $699.99 (128GB) Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus: from $749.99 to $819.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: from $349.99 to $399.99 (128GB) Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: from $419.99 to $489.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S10 Plus: from $999.99 to $1,099.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab S10 Plus: from $1,119.99 to $1,299.99 (512GB) Galaxy Tab A11 Plus: from $249.99 to $299.99 (128GB) Galaxy Tab A11 Plus: from $309.99 to $379.99 (256GB) Galaxy Tab A11 Plus 5G: from $279.99 to $329.99 Now, just because these are the new MSRPs for these devices, doesn't mean you'll necessarily pay full price. As with the Galaxy S26 line, you may find phones like the Z Flip 7 on discount from retailers like Amazon, so shop around before making a purchase. That said, these price increases may have a ripple effect across markets: Even stores offering discounts could raise prices to accommodate the new MSRPs. Rarely does a company raising prices mean that things stay the same. Even more rarely does it mean prices will go lower. View the full article

AI is everywhere—in emails, slide decks, and calendars. But just because it’s omnipresent in workplaces doesn’t mean employees are embracing the tech. In fact, they could be doing just the opposite. A new report by generative AI company Writer and research firm Workplace Intelligence reveals that 29% of workers surveyed across the U.S., U.K., and Europe admit to sabotaging their company’s AI strategy. The survey included 2,400 workers: 1,200 C-suite execs and 1,200 employees, ranging from individual contributors to managers/team leads. The report details many forms of resistance. In some cases, employees said they have ignored guidelines, opted out of AI training, or flat-out refused to use AI tools. In more extreme situations, some admit to having fed sensitive company information to public, unapproved AI tools and even to tampering with performance metrics to make the tech seem less effective. Among Gen Z workers surveyed, 44% admitted to having sabotaged their company’s AI rollout in some way. The report says there is “a strong undercurrent of resistance among younger workers,” which makes sense, considering young professionals have had to pivot and adapt to a tumultuous job market with limited entry-level positions. Because of this, Gen Z has had to AI-proof their careers, taking on side hustles or part-time work and even switching college majors due to AI. According to the report, the reasons for pushback range from fear of job loss to dissatisfaction with their company’s AI tools or strategies to frustration from feeling that the tech has diminished their value and creativity. Real-world stats prove those fears and frustrations are not without merit. In March, AI accounted for 25% of job cuts across the U.S. Additionally, a new report from Goldman Sachs shows that workers who are hit by AI-fueled job loss also take longer to find a new job. The Writer-Workplace Intelligence survey reveals a significant disconnect between how employees and executives view the importance of AI literacy at work. While 24% of employees said they fear being laid off if they don’t become expert AI users, a majority (60%) of C-suite executives confirmed that they plan to lay off employees who can’t—or won’t—use AI. View the full article

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Google’s latest offering, Gemma 4, is making waves that small business owners should pay attention to. These new AI models promise to enhance efficiency and performance while remaining accessible across various devices. With their multimodal capabilities and innovative features, Gemma 4 might just be the tool that businesses need to streamline operations and foster growth. The Gemma 4 models, specifically designed to operate efficiently on a range of hardware, can run smoothly on everything from billions of Android devices to high-end developer workstations. This flexibility is critical for small businesses, which often face budget constraints and limited access to cutting-edge technology. One of the standout features of Gemma 4 is its advanced reasoning capability. This allows the model to execute multi-step planning and handle complex tasks, significantly enhancing operations in areas like customer service, data analysis, and financial forecasting. For instance, a small retailer could utilize this feature to improve inventory management by predicting sales trends, thus avoiding stock shortages or excess inventory. In addition to reasoning, Gemma 4 supports “agentic workflows” that enable the creation of autonomous agents. These agents can interact with various tools and APIs, automating many routine tasks that small business owners often juggle. As such, a restaurant might implement an autonomous agent to manage online bookings, sending confirmations and reminders, freeing up staff to focus on customer service. The models also support high-quality code generation, which can turn personal workstations into local AI code assistants. This functionality can be invaluable for small tech startups or businesses developing applications, as it allows developers to retrieve or generate code swiftly, thereby speeding up project timelines. Another practical application is the processing of visual and audio content. The new models excel at tasks such as optical character recognition (OCR) and chart understanding, which can simplify data extraction from documents and presentations, a valuable capability for reporting and analytics tasks. Furthermore, the native audio input feature for speech recognition opens doors for businesses engaged in customer interactions, enhancing voice-based applications or automating transcriptions. For small businesses operating in a global market, Gemma 4’s capability to process over 140 languages is a game-changer. This feature not only allows for the development of high-performance applications tailored to diverse customer bases but also positions small businesses as competitive players internationally. However, potential challenges accompany these innovations. Small business owners must consider the technical demands of implementing such advanced AI models. Understanding how to fine-tune models for specific use cases may require a learning curve. While Google provides resources to support this process, business owners must allocate time and possibly finances towards training their teams. Moreover, the release of Gemma 4 under an open-source Apache 2.0 license is a boon for many small businesses, providing them with flexibility and digital sovereignty. They gain control over their data and infrastructure, freeing them from restrictive frameworks. However, this autonomy comes with the responsibility to maintain systems and integrations effectively. Google’s focus on making these models versatile for different hardware is crucial. The 26B and 31B models are optimized to run on consumer GPUs, making them attainable for small businesses equipped with standard development setups. Additionally, the newer E2B and E4B models are engineered specifically for mobile and IoT devices, driving down RAM and battery consumption while ensuring near-zero latency. As many small businesses strive to find their footing in 2023, the introduction of Google’s Gemma 4 presents a compelling opportunity. It possesses the potential to transform operations, boost productivity, and ultimately drive business growth. Small business owners looking to leverage AI should think critically about how Gemma 4 can align with their unique needs. Whether optimizing workflows or enhancing customer engagement, the possibilities are considerable. Given that these models focus on practicality and integration rather than just raw performance, small businesses have much to gain by considering this advanced technology as part of their operational toolkit. To explore more about Google’s innovative Gemma 4 models and their potential applications, visit the original press release at Google Blog. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Unveils Gemma 4: Advanced AI Models for Every Device and Use Case" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Google’s latest offering, Gemma 4, is making waves that small business owners should pay attention to. These new AI models promise to enhance efficiency and performance while remaining accessible across various devices. With their multimodal capabilities and innovative features, Gemma 4 might just be the tool that businesses need to streamline operations and foster growth. The Gemma 4 models, specifically designed to operate efficiently on a range of hardware, can run smoothly on everything from billions of Android devices to high-end developer workstations. This flexibility is critical for small businesses, which often face budget constraints and limited access to cutting-edge technology. One of the standout features of Gemma 4 is its advanced reasoning capability. This allows the model to execute multi-step planning and handle complex tasks, significantly enhancing operations in areas like customer service, data analysis, and financial forecasting. For instance, a small retailer could utilize this feature to improve inventory management by predicting sales trends, thus avoiding stock shortages or excess inventory. In addition to reasoning, Gemma 4 supports “agentic workflows” that enable the creation of autonomous agents. These agents can interact with various tools and APIs, automating many routine tasks that small business owners often juggle. As such, a restaurant might implement an autonomous agent to manage online bookings, sending confirmations and reminders, freeing up staff to focus on customer service. The models also support high-quality code generation, which can turn personal workstations into local AI code assistants. This functionality can be invaluable for small tech startups or businesses developing applications, as it allows developers to retrieve or generate code swiftly, thereby speeding up project timelines. Another practical application is the processing of visual and audio content. The new models excel at tasks such as optical character recognition (OCR) and chart understanding, which can simplify data extraction from documents and presentations, a valuable capability for reporting and analytics tasks. Furthermore, the native audio input feature for speech recognition opens doors for businesses engaged in customer interactions, enhancing voice-based applications or automating transcriptions. For small businesses operating in a global market, Gemma 4’s capability to process over 140 languages is a game-changer. This feature not only allows for the development of high-performance applications tailored to diverse customer bases but also positions small businesses as competitive players internationally. However, potential challenges accompany these innovations. Small business owners must consider the technical demands of implementing such advanced AI models. Understanding how to fine-tune models for specific use cases may require a learning curve. While Google provides resources to support this process, business owners must allocate time and possibly finances towards training their teams. Moreover, the release of Gemma 4 under an open-source Apache 2.0 license is a boon for many small businesses, providing them with flexibility and digital sovereignty. They gain control over their data and infrastructure, freeing them from restrictive frameworks. However, this autonomy comes with the responsibility to maintain systems and integrations effectively. Google’s focus on making these models versatile for different hardware is crucial. The 26B and 31B models are optimized to run on consumer GPUs, making them attainable for small businesses equipped with standard development setups. Additionally, the newer E2B and E4B models are engineered specifically for mobile and IoT devices, driving down RAM and battery consumption while ensuring near-zero latency. As many small businesses strive to find their footing in 2023, the introduction of Google’s Gemma 4 presents a compelling opportunity. It possesses the potential to transform operations, boost productivity, and ultimately drive business growth. Small business owners looking to leverage AI should think critically about how Gemma 4 can align with their unique needs. Whether optimizing workflows or enhancing customer engagement, the possibilities are considerable. Given that these models focus on practicality and integration rather than just raw performance, small businesses have much to gain by considering this advanced technology as part of their operational toolkit. To explore more about Google’s innovative Gemma 4 models and their potential applications, visit the original press release at Google Blog. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Unveils Gemma 4: Advanced AI Models for Every Device and Use Case" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Chancellor ‘very frustrated and angry’ with The President over conflict and its impact on UK economyView the full article

With the growing momentum of the “No Kings” protests, activists have increasingly turned to the 3.5% rule—Erica Chenoweth’s observation, based on over a century of historical data, that once a protest movement mobilizes 3.5% of the population, it achieves its goals within a year. As a result, many have begun to treat the 3.5% threshold as a primary objective. Not so fast. Even Chenoweth herself has cautioned that the rule is “a descriptive finding, not necessarily a prescriptive one.” Her subsequent research has shown that at least one uprising—in Bahrain—reached a 6% participation rate and still failed. In fact, most successful movements never reach the 3.5% level at all. So hitting the threshold doesn’t guarantee success, and failing to reach it doesn’t guarantee failure. The 3.5% rule is a great example of the Cobra Effect, also known as the Cobra Paradox, or Goodhart’s Law, which states that when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure. Metrics can be useful signals, but don’t substitute for a clear vision and a strategy to achieve it. The Cobra Effect explained The Cobra Effect gets its name from a campaign during the British Raj to reduce the cobra population in India. Authorities offered a bounty for dead cobras, paying anyone who could prove they had killed one by bringing in the carcass. Yet the policy failed. In fact, the incentives didn’t reduce the cobra population at all. What happened was that entrepreneurial Indians began breeding cobras in order to kill them and collect the bounty. After all, who in their right mind would risk their lives by going around hunting deadly snakes in the wild when it was much easier to raise them in captivity and kill them in a much safer environment. Something similar seems to have happened with respect to uprisings against authoritarian regimes. In his 2014 bestseller, The End of Power, political scientist Moisés Naím examined the success of uprisings like the color revolutions and theArab Spring, as well as how startups were upending major corporations and argued, “power is easier to get but harder to use or keep.” Yet in his 2023 book, The Revenge of Power, he shows how many of those same players adapted, using similar tools, such as the Internet and social media, to reconsolidate their power. Today, autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, as well as tech oligarchs like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, are enjoying a heyday. As soon as a system is established, players begin gaming it. How revolutions really happen Erica Chenoweth is a serious researcher, but very different from figures like Timothy Snyder, Anne Applebaum, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat, who feature much more prominently in the media. Those scholars study authoritarian regimes, while Chenoweth studies how they are overthrown. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, there is very little overlap between the two groups. Chenoweth’s field of interest was pioneered by Gene Sharp, whose key insight was that there are sources of power that support the status quo and that these have an institutional basis. It really doesn’t matter how many people you get to go into the streets. As long as that support remains in place, nothing will change. To understand why, consider the history of marches on Washington. The first one of major significance was the Woman Suffrage Procession in 1913. It was a disaster, quickly turned into a riot and greatly discredited the movement. Since then, there have been roughly 300 marches, almost all of which were either largely ineffective or total busts. The one major exception—the 1963 march where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech—proves the rule. In that case, President Johnson was trying to push major civil rights legislation through Congress. That march, which included not only activists but a broad coalition of religious and labor organizations, was designed to support those institutional efforts. We see the same dynamic in organizational change. When we work with clients, we map the sources of power—both internal and external—that can affect the outcome of the change initiative and design the change program based on that. Your institutional targets determine your tactics, not the other way around. Managing the cultural mechanisms of change One reason that institutions are so important is that they determine the norms and rituals that shape behaviors. For example, if employers adopt the norm that a college degree is required to get a good job, then that influences the behaviors of parents, students, and teachers. You can complain all you want, but unless employers change their minds, that won’t change. Rituals then develop—such as the college admissions process, on-campus interviews, and summer internships—that encode that norm into the culture of the professional class and the broader society as a whole. Once graduates enter the workforce and have kids of their own, they start college funds to perpetuate it further. Or consider how the giants of the PC industry struggled to adopt the Dell Direct model that bypassed the reseller channel and sold customized computers directly to customers. The model gave Dell a clear cost advantage by eliminating dealer markups—and even more importantly, it allowed the company to receive payment before paying suppliers. Still, none of the incumbent industry giants, such as Compaq and HP, managed to adopt it. It wasn’t for lack of trying. The advantages of Dell’s model were highly publicized and well known. Firms launched initiatives to emulate it. But the cultural norms and rituals that drove the behavior of stakeholders supported the existing model and nothing ever changed. Now you can see why Chenoweth warned that her research was “descriptive, not prescriptive.” Yes, historically the 3.5% threshold was significant, but without an institutional shift to reshape norms and rituals, the status quo will prevail. Manage for mission, not for metrics Humans don’t always react well to abstractions. We want our leaders to be specific and concrete about their expectations. That’s why we so often try to boil things down to a single metric that can be optimized. That metric then acts as a proxy for success, something everyone can understand and work toward. So activists adopt the goal of getting 3.5% of the population. Economists focus on GDP to evaluate prosperity. CEOs adopt shareholder value as the measure of their own performance. Yet people marching in the streets does not, by itself, create institutional change, just as GDP does not encapsulate the well-being of a society and a stock price does not tell you how well a company is serving its customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Yet those metrics often create perverse incentives that shape behavior. An activist focused solely on populating protests is unlikely to do the kind of institutional work needed to bring change to a society. A government consumed by GDP will likely miss important indicators of societal well-being, such as health and happiness. A CEO rewarded for increasing the stock price is likely to focus on quick fixes like layoffs and stock buybacks rather than doing the hard work of improving operations. That’s why it’s important to manage for mission, not for metrics. Or as the Polish activist and journalist Adam Michnik put it: “Do you believe in free speech? Then speak freely. Do you love the truth? Then tell it. Do you believe in an open society? Then act in the open. Do you believe in a decent and humane society? Then behave decently and humanely.” In other words, if you want to make an impact, think about the end state you want to achieve. There will never be a shortage of influencers, gurus, and other hucksters who try to sell you on a simpler answer in the form of a concrete metric supposedly backed by some form of pseudoscience. Don’t listen to them. Anybody can create a number and call it an achievement. To truly accomplish something worthwhile, you need to define a mission and attract others to it. 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. A regular fan works fine until you want to move it somewhere without an outlet, but the Shark FlexBreeze is built for that gap between indoor and outdoor use. It’s currently listed on sale for $79.99 on StackSocial in Grade-A refurbished condition. In practical terms, that means it’s pre-owned but tested to work like new, and shows little to no visible wear. This is the 2024 UH205 model with a weather-resistant build that can handle a patio, garage, or backyard setup. And, at 13.78 inches wide and just over 37 inches tall in pedestal mode, it’s compact enough for most spaces and weighs about 12.2 pounds, so moving it around isn’t a chore. The main appeal is that it can run cordless. On a full charge, its built-in lithium-ion battery can last up to 24 hours on low speed, about six hours on medium, and roughly two hours on max. Charging takes around six hours. You can also plug it into a standard 110-volt outlet with its roughly six-foot cord and run it continuously while charging. In real use, that means you can bring it outside for dinner, a small gathering, or even a power outage without hunting for an extension cord. Shark says airflow can reach up to 70 feet, which means it can push air across a large patio. The Shark FlexBreeze has five speeds, two natural breeze modes that automatically vary airflow, 180-degree oscillation, and a 55-degree tilt to aim it where you need it. Another practical feature is the convertible design. With a simple adjustment, it switches from a full-height pedestal fan to a tabletop fan. That means it can sit next to a couch one day and on a patio table the next. Of course, this isn't a replacement for air conditioning in extreme heat, but it can definitely make warm spaces more tolerable. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

US law firm’s revenues surpass $8bn for first time on the back of megamerger mandatesView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Kindles aren't the type of device you need to upgrade every couple of years. Because many of these e-readers are such simple devices, they can easily last more than a decade on their own. In fact, there are Kindles from the early 2010s still going strong. The problem with making your Kindles last isn't hardware; it's software controlled by Amazon. Amazon recently announced that starting May 20th, 2026, they are planning to stop supporting Kindle devices that were released in 2012 and earlier. It's not just software support that Amazon is dropping, either: These devices will no longer be able to access the Amazon store to download, purchase, or borrow books—effectively leaving them in limbo. Amazon wants you to buy a new Kindle, which you could consider if you want something that will run the way you're used to. But it's not your only choice. Instead, you can jailbreak your Kindle and get it out of Amazon's control. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $159.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $159.99 at Amazon Why you should jailbreak your KindleJailbreaking your Kindle essentially means installing a custom operating system with extra features. One popular choice is KOReader, a simple yet feature-filled document reader that supports a number of formats. Once your device is jailbroken and loaded up with new software, it will feel like you're using a new device. Kindle's store will be gone, as will the ads, and you'll be left with a streamlined reading experience. Using KOReader, you'll also be able to read ePub ebooks natively on the Kindle, without the need to convert them to Kindle's Mobi format. You'll have to sideload the books, which means you'll get them from external sources, but you can do so wirelessly using a ebook management app like Calibre. This can put you in murky legal territory, but there are ways to purchase sideloaded books legally. A jailbroken Kindle also has a lot of customization options. You can load up custom fonts, customize the home screen, and add extra features like a book map, which shows you a visual representation of your journey through a book. Before you take these steps, you should be aware of the risks. For older devices, the first step to jailbreaking is a factory reset. Any data you haven't backed up will be lost in the process. When you jailbreak, there's also a risk that you will brick your device, which may leave it stuck at the booting screen, or without the ability to turn on. If this happens, it might be difficult to bring your Kindle back to life. Finally, jailbreaking your Kindle requires downloading unofficial software from forums, which puts you at risk of malware and other malicious intentions. The forums linked in the guides below are popular, and users don't typically report issues, but be warned: jailbreaking comes with risks to your device and your data. Jailbreak your Kindles with these resourcesIf you're using an older Kindle, and it's running anything below firmware 5.14.2, you will have to use the WatchThis jailbreak method. This includes all older Kindle models that Amazon isn't supporting anymore. This can be complex, so if you fall into this category, follow David Gewirtz's excellent guide on our sister site ZDNet. The thing is, jailbreaking isn't limited to older Kindle devices. If you have a relatively modern Kindle, you can still jailbreak it and get the benefits of running ad-free KOReader software. Given the fact that Amazon no longer lets you download the books you already own to your computer, there's an incentive to go the jailbreak route. That said, this will only work if you're running firmware 5.18.6 and below. As of writing, the latest Kindle firmware update is 5.19.2. If your Kindle auto-updated to this version, you are out of luck. Go to Settings > Device Options > Device Info to check your firmware version. If you're running the older version, you can use the WinterBreak jailbreak from Kindle Modding to jailbreak your Kindle. Kindle Modding has a detailed guide, with step-by-step instructions and screenshots for each step. Again, this comes with the same risks as above, but if you're jailbreaking a newer Kindle, you may void your warranty as well. Proceed with caution. Credit: KindleModding View the full article

Given the barrage of brands competing for your attention, some days it can feel as if the only time one can reliably expect to escape the desperate frenzy of consumerism is while asleep. However, as You Need This, the new documentary from Academy Award-winning producer Adam McKay’s Yellow Dot Studios reveals, a lot of corporations are hoping to break into that last safe haven as well. Weaving together several threads, the film, which debuted April 7 on Apple TV and Prime Video, traces Americans’ love of shopping back to our colonial past and connects it with the rise of fast fashion—all in service of a broader story about the current economic system and the catastrophic consequences the entire planet bears because of it. Even among a nearly 90-minute collection of vignettes about manufacturing needs and constant stimulation, though, the section about how brands are using recent research to incept ads within their target demo’s dreams stands out for its reckless goal of gaining entry into the most intimate of private spaces. It’s perhaps the most striking aspect of a stomach-churning tour through the excesses of unconstrained consumerism. “Publicly traded companies are by legal definition and requirement completely amoral,” McKay tells Fast Company. “They want only one thing, to raise their stock price, and the public good and common decency are just obstacles to be overcome or spun in that quest.” From dreams to capitalist nightmare Cognitive scientist Adam Haar Horowitz was doing research at MIT in 2020 when made an incredible breakthrough—Targeted Dream Incubation. By pairing a glove-like sleep-tracking device with software that allowed him to interact with a subject in the early phases of sleep, he found he could use audio cues to guide someone toward specific topics in their dreams. A follow-up study revealed that people who dreamed about a prompted topic through targeted incubation performed better at creative tasks related to that topic than those who didn’t. “Sleep touches every cognitive process we have,” Haar Horowitz says. “I wanted to know what happens when you touch it back.” Another result of the initial study, however, took Haar Horowitz by surprise. Brands immediately began clogging his inbox, seeking to use his team’s research toadvertise inside people’s dreams. Although the scientist turned down every offer that didn’t stop beer conglomerate Molson Coors from devising an experimental dream ad pegged to the 2021 Super Bowl. The company partnered with Harvard psychologist Deirdre Barrett to create a dream incubation stimulus about Coors beer. A group of 18 volunteers watched a film featuring shimmying beer cans before sleeping, three times in a row, then listened to an audio component throughout their eventual slumber. According to Coors’s social video about the experiment, five out of 18 subjects reported Coors-related dreams. (Later, the company made the video and audio materials publicly available for anyone interested in trying to replicate the results.) To further publicize the “Big Game Commercial of Your Dreams,” Coors persuaded pop idol Zayn Malik to try the experiment on Instagram Live. If Molson Coors’ data is accurate, their efforts to put an ad in these volunteers’ dreams had a success rate of roughly 28%. That data might be more compelling, however, if Coors had managed to make the same percentage of participants dream about Coors without undergoing the involved viewing and listening process. Still, the results gave Haar Horowitz pause, even before factoring in the role dreams play in relapse and substance disorder. “Sleep isn’t downtime. It’s processing time,” the scientist says. “If you seed the input, you shape the output. That’s beautiful for therapy and creativity; it’s dystopian for advertising.” See you in your dreams If the message of You Need This could be boiled down to a single point, it’s this: In consumer capitalism, enough is never enough. That inescapable focus on excess is part of why Haar Horowitz is convinced brands will build on his research in the near future to streamline the dream incubation process. “The Coors experiment needed willing participants in a lab. The next version won’t,” he says. “It’ll be a terms-of-service checkbox nobody reads.” The film’s director, Ryan Andrej Lough—himself a veteran of the advertising industry—sees the current dearth of regulation as making the idea of a more efficient dream-commercial practically inevitable. “There’s a ton of regulation against advertising and against digital use and AI in Scandinavian countries,” he says, “and within the U.S., there’s almost no regulation or pushback against any of it.” Haar Horowitz, for his part, has pushed back where he can. After Coors unveiled its dream ad, he teamed up with over 40 fellow sleep scientists to pen an open letter broadly urging policymakers to implement regulations on brands interfering with sleep. “The alternative,” he says, “is that your Alexa starts moonlighting as a dream advertiser and you find out when you wake up craving a product you’ve never bought.” View the full article

You’re scrolling Netflix at 10 pm, exhausted. You don’t read a single review or check Rotten Tomatoes. You pick the thumbnail that catches your eye: a face, a pose or gesture, a moment that sets the expected tone of the movie. Now contrast that with the last time you bought a car, or researched a medical diagnosis, or tried to understand a ballot measure you actually cared about. Different mental gears entirely. That difference has a name: the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Developed by Richard Petty and John Cacioppo in the 1980s, the ELM explains how people process persuasive information differently depending on their motivation and ability to think critically. “Elaboration” refers to the mental effort invested when considering a message. The model describes two routes that effort can take. The central route involves careful evaluation based on logic, evidence, and argument. The peripheral route relies on superficial cues — the attractiveness of the person talking, the length of the message, the right endorsements. Central route processing tends to produce more durable, resistant attitude change. Peripheral route processing tends to produce quicker, more temporary shifts. We all use both of these decision routes all the time. The key factors are motivation and ability. When a topic feels personally relevant and you have the time and knowledge to engage with it, you’re more likely to take the central route. When you’re pressed for time, emotionally overwhelmed, or the topic just doesn’t feel urgent, the peripheral route takes over. Choosing a mobile phone Central route: Researching specifications, reading reviews, comparing features against your actual needs. Peripheral route: Everyone in your circle uses this brand. Choosing a movie on Netflix Central route: Reading reviews, watching trailers, considering the director or genre, with extra calculations if you’re watching with kids or a partner. Peripheral route: That thumbnail is a winner. Choosing a political candidate Central route: Investigating policy positions, watching long-form discussions, reading their work, researching their financial backers and lobbyist connections. Peripheral route: This one has the correct party letter beside their name. Choosing a street design Central route: Analyzing surrounding land use, comparing traffic safety outcomes, studying how similar designs performed elsewhere. Peripheral route: This one has bike lanes. Two earlier figures cast a long shadow over how we think about persuasion. Walter Lippmann, the father of modern journalism wrote in the early 20th century that people are limited in their ability to engage with complex public issues. The sheer scale and complexity of modern society means most people rely on mental shortcuts (stereotypes, prior assumptions, secondhand impressions) to form opinions. Lippmann set the stage for… Edward Bernays, Freud’s nephew and the father of modern public relations, who took a harder-edged view. He argued that people are driven primarily by unconscious desires and emotions rather than reason, and that experts needed to manage public opinion. He openly acknowledged that public relations could be used for good or ill, depending on the values of whoever was wielding it. He mostly assumed those people would be his clients. Where Lippmann and Bernays tended to treat people as fixed in their cognitive tendencies, the ELM recognizes that the same person can engage deeply or superficially depending on context. Where Bernays saw persuasion as a one-way transmission from expert to audience, the ELM frames it as a dynamic interaction shaped by source, message, and audience together. What this means for urbanism The goal of community engagement isn’t always the same. Sometimes you’re trying to educate an audience. Sometimes you’re asking them to choose between two design options. Sometimes you’re trying to build lasting support for a long-term policy shift. The ELM central route will produce more lasting and consistent attitude change, but it requires an audience that’s motivated and equipped to engage. That means translating complex subject matter into digestible talking points, connecting new information to things people already care about, and being able to meet people at varying levels of knowledge. You’re the dot-connector. The burden of accessibility is on you, not them. The peripheral route gets faster results, but they’re more fragile. Credibility signals, visual design, trusted messengers, and social proof all matter, especially with audiences who don’t have the background or bandwidth to evaluate technical arguments on their merits. Both routes require storytelling. For the central route, storytelling makes information memorable, like vivid mental images, emotional resonance, and concrete examples that anchor abstract arguments. For the peripheral route, storytelling builds presence and credibility with people who are making fast judgments about whether to trust you at all. Our instinct is to judge anyone who relies on mental shortcuts. But it’s human nature and we all do it. The ELM isn’t a critique of how people think, it’s a candid description of it. Once you accept that, you can start communicating with people instead of talking past people. View the full article

OpenAI is trying its best to turn ChatGPT into an app platform, so you can access apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and Apple Music right inside the AI chatbot interface—and now Tubi has arrived as the first video streaming app to be available in ChatGPT. You can't load up actual movies and TV shows from the ChatGPT prompt box, but you can search for titles that you might enjoy, and see what's available in the Tubi library. The idea is that you're never stuck for what to watch next: Tell ChatGPT and Tubi what you're looking for, and you'll get personalized results back. As a keen watcher of films and shows, I was eager to put it to the test as soon as it became available. What Tubi can do inside ChatGPTYou can find the Apps portal from the left-hand navigation pane inside ChatGPT on the desktop or on mobile: Search for the Tubi app, click Connect on its listing page, and from then on it'll be available through the + (plus) menu in the ChatGPT prompt box. You can also access it with a "@tubi" mention in any of your prompts. First up I asked what to watch next if I'm a fan of classic action thrillers like The Fugitive and Crimson Tide, and Tubi delivered: Its selection of titles like Enemy of the State, No Way Out, and US Marshalls (the lesser-known sequel to The Fugitive) were pretty much spot-on, and covered a lot of other similar films I've already seen and enjoyed. The Tubi app inside ChatGPT. Credit: Lifehacker Tubi can tap into user ratings, too. I asked about the highest-rated TV shows of the 2020s, and it served up pretty obvious picks like Severance, Succession, and Andor. None of those, however, are available on Tubi—I got several Tubi catalog "access errors" when using the ChatGPT integration, and when they occurred, the service would just fall back on more general recommendations. I wanted to see if I could get Tubi to recommend Drive (which is available on the platform), so asked for a "cool, 2011 thriller based on a book and set in Los Angeles." Maybe that was too many clues, but it did indeed get the film I was looking for—showing that ChatGPT and Tubi do have access to enough accurate metadata to find picks like this. Tubi's recommendations were generally good ones. Credit: Lifehacker I also asked for "classic TV period dramas" to see if Tubi would come back with anything I hadn't heard of before. The recommendations were rather limited, and I didn't discover anything new that I particularly wanted to watch, but given that the AI is working within the confines of the Tubi library, the results were all acceptable. You don't only have to use Tubi inside ChatGPT for recommendations. You can also ask to see what's trending on the platform at any given time, or test your knowledge of TV shows and movies by playing the Tubi trivia game: Just ask to "test my movie knowledge" (or something along those lines) to launch it. The pros and cons of an AI searchThere's something appealing about being able to search for "a dreamy 2000s movie suitable for adults and teenagers with a reflective, wistful vibe" rather than just scrolling through a thousand titles in the "drama" category. That's the kind of nuance and natural conversation that AI bots now offer, with or without Tubi (and it came back with Lost in Translation, which is a pretty good fit). You can run these searches in standard ChatGPT, though the Tubi integration lets you narrow down the focus to titles you'll actually be able to stream on the free platform—and if you specifically want to see something on Tubi, then it's a handy way of filtering your selection right away, without any additional steps. You can also ask about what's trending on Tubi. Credit: Lifehacker I could see myself turning to a recommendation tool like this again in the future, but I'm still not completely convinced. Sure, ChatGPT and the other AI bots always sound convincing, but that's by design: They're not going to admit they haven't got any relevant picks, and will always serve up something, no matter how closely (or not) it matches what you're looking for. Ultimately, the AI models ChatGPT and Tubi are relying on haven't seen any movies or TV shows, or sat in a movie theater, or felt emotion of any kind. Whether you're plugging your requests into this new Tubi tool or scrolling through the "recommended" bar on any streaming service, you're relying on algorithms and metadata. Some results will be limited by what's available on Tubi. Credit: Lifehacker It's not the same as asking a trusted friend or relative for a recommendation—or indeed reading a recommendation from a human, who has actually lived through some of the experiences they're seeing on screen. I worry that AI might be making our movie and TV show watching more flattened and generic with its recommendations—in the same way that it generates flattened, generic text and artwork—so while I'll probably fire up Tubi inside ChatGPT again in the future, I'll always keep human recommendations in the mix. And I'll still scroll for 20 minutes for hidden gems—inefficient as it may be, serendipity is how I've found some of my favorite movies. View the full article

Last spring, when employees from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency arrived at the National Endowment for the Humanities, they used ChatGPT to decide which federally funded grants to eliminate. They typed one, simplistic prompt: “Does the following relate at all to D.E.I.? Respond factually in less than 120 characters. Begin with ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’” A documentary about Jewish women forced into slave labor during the Holocaust? DEI. A 40-volume scholarly series on the history of American music? DEI. Within two weeks, DOGE staff had flagged nearly every active award from the Biden administration and cut the National Endowment for the Humanities budget by half. This search-and-destroy approach uses artificial intelligence as an ideological wrecking ball. But we can use artificial intelligence differently. Instead of stripping communities of federal funding, we can use AI to help them access the money Congress appropriated, fulfilling congressional intent and strengthening our democratic institutions. A free platform called GrantWell does exactly that, and shows the way we should be building AI with communities in the public interest. What are federal grants? To understand what’s at stake, it helps to understand what federal grants actually include. Every year, Congress appropriates more than $1 trillion in tax dollars in the form of grants and directs them back to states, cities, towns, and communities across the country to invest in replacing lead pipes before more children are poisoned, repairing bridges before they fail, expanding broadband to rural areas the market has never reached, putting clean school buses on the road, and modernizing an electrical grid that is decades behind. The challenge of obtaining those grants often results from a lack of staff knowledgeable about how to apply. Massachusetts alone estimates that their communities are eligible for approximately $17.5 billion in federal grants, yet less than 30% of that money is successfully accessed by local governments, according to a state study. The money is technically available. Congress specifically reserved it for this exact purpose of ensuring that local governments can improve services for its constituents. But finding it, understanding it, and applying for it has become so complex that smaller communities are effectively locked out. AI for Impact: Community-centered AI in action I run a program called AI for Impact, where graduate, undergrad, and community college students are paid to take time off—think of it like a semester abroad, only in Boston and in New Jersey—to build AI-enabled products for and with government partners. Anjith Prakash and Jai Surya Kode took time out of their graduate studies in AI at Northeastern University to create the first version of GrantWell, working in partnership with Massachusetts’ Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. We built GrantWell by listening to the communities most in need of these grants. Anjith and Jai joined the team from the Massachusetts Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office and traveled across the state, meeting with local officials, tribal representatives, and community organizations. Anjith Prakash They heard the same story from Haverhill to Barnstable: officials spending hours reading 100-page grant announcements only to discover that their town wasn’t even eligible. Deadlines missed. The applications never started. Not because communities didn’t need the money, but because they lacked the capacity to pursue it. Wealthy municipalities had consultants and dedicated grant writers. In smaller towns, one person did five jobs. When we started the project, we assumed that people would want to use AI to help with drafting. But the challenges, the team learned, started much earlier: Which grants exist? Am I even eligible? What does this requirement mean? For many smaller communities, answering those questions alone was enough to stop an application before it began. Community-centered AI means building with people, not just for them. It treats communities as co-creators, drawing on the expertise of families, caregivers, residents, and frontline workers. Those people are closest to the problems these tools aim to solve, whether the product is a grant-writing app or one that helps navigate government benefits. It starts by asking what people actually need, not what AI can do, a shift that often reveals different problems than designers initially assumed and, in our case, led to entirely new features for GrantWell. What GrantWell does So we designed GrantWell around their needs. GrantWell now aggregates federal and state funding opportunities into a single searchable database, generates plain-language summaries of dense government documents, and includes a chatbot that answers questions directly from the source text to reduce the risk of confabulation. A structured drafting workflow produces a first draft that human grant writers can refine and own. The tool is deliberately modest about what AI should do. It doesn’t submit applications. It gets people to the starting line, supporting them to do the work better for themselves. In March, the Governor of Massachusetts launched GrantWell as a free AI-powered platform on mass.gov here. To help towns and civic groups trust the tool is free, secure, and will not misuse their information, we’ve integrated it into state infrastructure and made it freely available to all, thanks to this collaboration between a state and one of its leading universities. From one to many Building on our collaboration around AI and innovation training, California, Colorado, and Rhode Island are exploring adopting the tool next, with several other states waiting in the wings. In considering GrantWell, leadership from the Colorado Governor’s Office emphasized the value of reducing barriers to entry for communities seeking grant funding to meet local needs, which will help their Federal Funds office better scale its impact across the state. There is no reason taxpayers in these states should start over, procuring and rebuilding the same capabilities that all states need, wasting limited funding, leading to wildly uneven quality and widening the gap between well-resourced governments and under-resourced ones. As we expand the GrantWell model to other states, AI for Impact Fellows are not simply replicating the Massachusetts version. We’re building collaboratively, convening states regularly to share what’s working and what isn’t, and going directly to the communities we’re trying to serve with questions like: What tools do you already use? What challenges do you face when applying for grants? What do you need the tool to do? AI for Impact is also working with multiple states to share, refine, and deploy a procurement drafting tool, a contract review tool and partnering with cities to roll out the tool we built with the City of Boston to help residents explore and use open municipal data. AI is increasingly embedded in everyday life, especially in public systems like education, benefits, housing, and healthcare. Yet most AI tools are still designed far from the lived realities of the people who depend on these systems. The result is predictable: systems that fail to reflect real needs, tools that are technically impressive but practically unusable, and communities treated as subjects of technology rather than participants in shaping it. Trust erodes, particularly among groups historically excluded from decision-making. Federal grants are taxpayer dollars that Congress directed back into our communities for lead pipe removal or clean school buses. We can use AI to help those dollars reach the people they were meant for. When we build AI with those who will use it, we also create better tools, stronger institutions, and more capable, resilient communities. View the full article

The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home had written about AI’s purported risk to humanity and traveled from Texas to San Francisco intending to kill Altman, authorities said Monday. Authorities allege 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama threw the incendiary device about 4 a.m. Friday, setting an exterior gate at Altman’s home alight before fleeing on foot, police said. Less than an hour later, Moreno-Gama allegedly went to OpenAI’s headquarters about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) away and threatened to burn down the building. Moreno-Gama is opposed to artificial intelligence, writing about AI’s purported risk to humanity and “our impending extinction,” according to a federal criminal complaint. “This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious,” said FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo during a press conference. No one was injured at Altman’s home or the company offices, authorities said. Moreno-Gama faces state and federal charges Moreno-Gama faces charges including two counts of attempted murder and attempted arson in California state court, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. He tried to kill both Altman and a security guard at Altman’s residence, she alleged. He is set to appear in court Tuesday, and online state court records do not yet show if he has an attorney. Jenkins said the state charges carry penalties ranging from 19 years to life in prison. On Monday morning, FBI agents went to Moreno-Gama’s home in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where they spent several hours before leaving. He has been charged by federal prosecutors with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives. Those charges carry respective penalties of up to 10 years and 20 years in prison. The federal court documents do not list an attorney for Moreno-Gama, and he has not yet had his first appearance in federal court. Authorities allege Moreno-Gama traveled from his home in Texas to San Francisco and visited Altman’s home early Friday morning. Authorities say Moreno-Gama was opposed to artificial intelligence When Moreno-Gama was arrested Friday, officials found a document on him in which he “identified views opposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the executives of various AI companies,” court documents say. The document discussed AI’s purported risk to humanity and “our impending extinction,” according to the criminal complaint. Surveillance video images included in the criminal complaint show a person dressed in a dark hoodie and pants that the FBI alleges is Moreno-Gama approaching the driveway of Altman’s home. In various images, the person can be seen tossing the Molotov cocktail, which landed at the top of a metal gate and started a small fire. Surveillance video images from outside OpenAI’s headquarters allegedly show Moreno-Gama grabbing a chair and using it to hit a set of glass doors. Authorities said Moreno-Gama was approached by the building’s security personnel, who told investigators he “stated in sum and substance” that he came to the headquarters “to burn it down and kill anyone inside,” according to the complaint. San Francisco police arrested Moreno-Gama and recovered “incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a blue lighter, and a document.” Moreno-Gama was being held Monday in the San Francisco County Jail on the state charges, and was expected to appear in court on Tuesday. U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian said authorities “will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism, and together with our partners, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.” Authorities say Moreno-Gama’s anti-AI document contained threats against Altman The document in which Moreno-Gama discussed his opposition to AI also made threats against Altman, officials said. “Also if I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message,” Moreno-Gama is alleged by authorities to have written in the document. Advocacy groups that have issued grave warnings about AI’s risks to society condemned the violence. Anthony Aguirre, president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, said in a written statement Friday that “violence and intimidation of any kind have no place in the conversation about the future of AI.” Another group, PauseAI, said in a statement that the suspect had no role in the group but joined its forum on the social media platform Discord about two years ago and posted about 34 messages there, none containing explicit calls to violence but one that was flagged as “ambiguous.” Discord said Monday that it has banned Moreno-Gama for “off-platform behavior.” Altman addressed the threats in a blog post Hours after the attack on his house, Altman posted a photo of his husband and their toddler in a blog post addressing the threats against him. “Normally we try to be pretty private, but in this case I am sharing a photo in the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think about me,” Altman wrote. He added that “fear and anxiety about AI is justified” but it was important to “de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.” Altman has become a preeminent voice in Silicon Valley on the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The attack comes days after The New Yorker published an in-depth investigation that touched on concerns some people have about him and the company. Debate about the impact of AI is growing The attack came at a time of growing debate about the societal effects of AI assistants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT that millions of people are turning to for information, advice, writing help and to do work on their behalf. An annual report published Monday by Stanford University called the AI index found that most people believe AI’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks, “but nervousness is growing and trust in institutions to manage the technology remains uneven.” Associated Press journalists Matt O’Brien and Rebecca Boone contributed. —Olga R. Rodriguez, Juan Lozano and Lekan Oyekanmi, Associated Press View the full article

The President’s pick to succeed Jay Powell reports $10mn in consulting fees from Stanley Druckenmiller’s family officeView the full article

Cross-selling is a strategic approach that can greatly enhance your sales across various customer interactions. For instance, implementing targeted suggestions on your checkout page can boost the average order value, whereas personalized recommendations on product pages can drive further purchases. Furthermore, leveraging post-purchase offers can effectively tap into customer satisfaction. Comprehending these techniques is vital for optimizing your sales strategy, and there are several key examples worth exploring further. Key Takeaways Checkout Page Cross-Sells: Suggest complementary products during checkout to increase average order value and capitalize on high purchase intent. Post-Purchase Cross-Sell Funnel: Offer discounted complementary items immediately after purchase to leverage customers’ positive buying experiences and boost repeat sales. Thank You Page Cross-Sells: Engage customers right after purchase with targeted suggestions, potentially capturing up to 15% for second purchases through strategic messaging. Product Page Suggestions: Use customer behavior data for personalized recommendations, which can lead to a potential 20% increase in sales through visually appealing product displays. Email Marketing Cross-Sells: Send customized emails based on purchase history to increase engagement, with potential conversion boosts of up to 25% through timely delivery. Checkout Page Cross-Sells When you reach the checkout page, you’re often in a focused buying mindset, which is why this stage presents a prime opportunity for cross-selling. Checkout page cross-sells leverage your high purchase intent, often leading to a significant increase in Average Order Value (AOV). For example, retailers like Amazon effectively suggest complementary products, such as accessories for electronics, enhancing conversion rates. Incorporating urgency, like limited-time offers or discounts, can further incentivize you to add these additional items to your cart before completing your purchase. A study found that effective checkout page cross-sells can boost revenue by up to 10% when relevant products are displayed alongside your primary purchase. Using non-intrusive formats, such as subtle pop-ups or sticky bars, allows these cross-selling strategies to maintain your focus on the checkout process whilst promoting additional products you might find useful. Post-Purchase Cross-Sell Funnel After completing a purchase, customers often experience a sense of satisfaction, making this a prime opportunity for brands to introduce extra products through a post-purchase cross-sell funnel. Implementing this funnel can greatly capitalize on that positive buying experience. Studies show that customers are more receptive to further offers immediately after a purchase. By offering complementary products, particularly at a discount, brands can increase the likelihood of repeat sales, with some capturing up to 15% of customers for second purchases. Tools like ReConvert can automate personalized cross-sell options based on previous purchases, enhancing the customer experience. In addition, time-sensitive deals, such as limited-time discounts on related items, create urgency and encourage quick action. The benefits of cross selling in this phase not only boost revenue but improve customer satisfaction by delivering relevant product recommendations that align with their recent purchase. Thank You Page Cross-Sells Thank you pages present an excellent opportunity for brands to engage customers immediately after a purchase, as shoppers are typically satisfied and more open to exploring further offers. By implementing targeted cross-sells on these pages, you can capture up to 15% of customers for second purchases, greatly boosting your average order value (AOV). Product Category Example Product Incentive Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags 10% off for 24 hours Home Improvement Smart Thermostat Free shipping on next order Beauty Products Organic Skincare Buy one, get one 50% off Tech Accessories Wireless Earbuds Limited-time discount Strategic messaging can highlight complementary products, enhancing customers’ overall experience. Moreover, offering time-sensitive discounts creates urgency, encouraging immediate action. This approach in cross selling marketing can greatly increase customer satisfaction and sales revenue. Product Page Suggestions Product page suggestions play a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience by leveraging customer behavior data to display complementary items. By effectively utilizing these suggestions, you can greatly boost your sales through cross selling voorbeeld. Here are some key strategies to implement: Personalized Recommendations: Tailor suggestions based on individual customer preferences, leading to a potential 20% sales increase. Visually Appealing Pop-ups: Use pop-ups to recommend related products, similar to Native‘s approach with body wash and shampoo. “Complete the Look” Feature: Engage customers by suggesting matching accessories, as Nike does, to increase average order value. Strategic Placement: Position cross-sell suggestions in high-visibility areas, such as under the “Frequently Bought Together” section, to capture interest effectively. These tactics create a more engaging shopping experience, enhancing your chances of converting visits into sales. Email Marketing Cross-Sells When you leverage email marketing for cross-selling, you tap into a potent tool that can greatly improve your sales efforts. Email marketing cross-sells capitalize on customer purchase history, allowing you to recommend related products that can boost conversion rates by up to 25% when customized effectively. By implementing automated sequences for cross-sell emails, you guarantee timely delivery, maximizing engagement right after a purchase or during key customer lifecycle moments. Personalization is key; including the customer’s name and specific product recommendations can amplify open rates by 26% and click-through rates by 14%. Successful cross-sell emails feature compelling subject lines and visually appealing layouts, driving customers to take action. Utilize data-driven insights to measure the performance of these emails, refining your strategies based on open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. This approach not just increases sales but also deepens customer relationships, making it a critical component of your marketing strategy. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Some Examples of Cross-Selling? Cross-selling involves suggesting additional products to improve the customer’s primary purchase. For instance, when you buy a laptop, you might see recommendations for accessories like a mouse or a carrying case. Retailers often use techniques like pop-ups during the checkout process or special offers on thank you pages to encourage these additional purchases. This strategy not only boosts customer satisfaction but furthermore increases overall sales by providing relevant options customized to your needs. What Is the 3 3 3 Rule in Sales? The 3 3 3 rule in sales is a structured approach to effectively engage potential customers. It involves making three attempts to connect with the customer, presenting three specific benefits of your product, and asking for the sale three times. This method emphasizes persistence, recognizing that most sales occur after multiple follow-ups. What Is the 25% Rule of Thumb for Cross-Selling? The 25% rule of thumb for cross-selling suggests you should aim for at least 25% of your total sales to come from cross-sell opportunities. This approach helps you establish measurable targets for your sales strategies, driving focus on maximizing average order value. How Does Cross-Selling Increase Sales? Cross-selling increases sales by encouraging customers to purchase additional items that complement their initial choices. By suggesting relevant products during the buying process, you can improve the average order value and elevate conversion rates. This strategy leverages customer data to personalize recommendations, promoting satisfaction and loyalty. Implemented effectively, cross-selling can boost overall revenue markedly, making it an essential tactic in maximizing sales without needing to acquire new customers. Conclusion Implementing effective cross-selling strategies can substantially improve your sales performance across various customer touchpoints. By utilizing methods like checkout page suggestions, post-purchase funnels, thank you page offers, product page recommendations, and targeted email marketing, you can effectively increase average order value and boost repeat purchases. Each of these tactics leverages customer satisfaction and engagement to maximize revenue. By focusing on personalized and strategic cross-selling, you can create a more profitable sales environment for your business. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Powerful Cross Selling Examples That Boost Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cross-selling is a strategic approach that can greatly enhance your sales across various customer interactions. For instance, implementing targeted suggestions on your checkout page can boost the average order value, whereas personalized recommendations on product pages can drive further purchases. Furthermore, leveraging post-purchase offers can effectively tap into customer satisfaction. Comprehending these techniques is vital for optimizing your sales strategy, and there are several key examples worth exploring further. Key Takeaways Checkout Page Cross-Sells: Suggest complementary products during checkout to increase average order value and capitalize on high purchase intent. Post-Purchase Cross-Sell Funnel: Offer discounted complementary items immediately after purchase to leverage customers’ positive buying experiences and boost repeat sales. Thank You Page Cross-Sells: Engage customers right after purchase with targeted suggestions, potentially capturing up to 15% for second purchases through strategic messaging. Product Page Suggestions: Use customer behavior data for personalized recommendations, which can lead to a potential 20% increase in sales through visually appealing product displays. Email Marketing Cross-Sells: Send customized emails based on purchase history to increase engagement, with potential conversion boosts of up to 25% through timely delivery. Checkout Page Cross-Sells When you reach the checkout page, you’re often in a focused buying mindset, which is why this stage presents a prime opportunity for cross-selling. Checkout page cross-sells leverage your high purchase intent, often leading to a significant increase in Average Order Value (AOV). For example, retailers like Amazon effectively suggest complementary products, such as accessories for electronics, enhancing conversion rates. Incorporating urgency, like limited-time offers or discounts, can further incentivize you to add these additional items to your cart before completing your purchase. A study found that effective checkout page cross-sells can boost revenue by up to 10% when relevant products are displayed alongside your primary purchase. Using non-intrusive formats, such as subtle pop-ups or sticky bars, allows these cross-selling strategies to maintain your focus on the checkout process whilst promoting additional products you might find useful. Post-Purchase Cross-Sell Funnel After completing a purchase, customers often experience a sense of satisfaction, making this a prime opportunity for brands to introduce extra products through a post-purchase cross-sell funnel. Implementing this funnel can greatly capitalize on that positive buying experience. Studies show that customers are more receptive to further offers immediately after a purchase. By offering complementary products, particularly at a discount, brands can increase the likelihood of repeat sales, with some capturing up to 15% of customers for second purchases. Tools like ReConvert can automate personalized cross-sell options based on previous purchases, enhancing the customer experience. In addition, time-sensitive deals, such as limited-time discounts on related items, create urgency and encourage quick action. The benefits of cross selling in this phase not only boost revenue but improve customer satisfaction by delivering relevant product recommendations that align with their recent purchase. Thank You Page Cross-Sells Thank you pages present an excellent opportunity for brands to engage customers immediately after a purchase, as shoppers are typically satisfied and more open to exploring further offers. By implementing targeted cross-sells on these pages, you can capture up to 15% of customers for second purchases, greatly boosting your average order value (AOV). Product Category Example Product Incentive Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags 10% off for 24 hours Home Improvement Smart Thermostat Free shipping on next order Beauty Products Organic Skincare Buy one, get one 50% off Tech Accessories Wireless Earbuds Limited-time discount Strategic messaging can highlight complementary products, enhancing customers’ overall experience. Moreover, offering time-sensitive discounts creates urgency, encouraging immediate action. This approach in cross selling marketing can greatly increase customer satisfaction and sales revenue. Product Page Suggestions Product page suggestions play a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience by leveraging customer behavior data to display complementary items. By effectively utilizing these suggestions, you can greatly boost your sales through cross selling voorbeeld. Here are some key strategies to implement: Personalized Recommendations: Tailor suggestions based on individual customer preferences, leading to a potential 20% sales increase. Visually Appealing Pop-ups: Use pop-ups to recommend related products, similar to Native‘s approach with body wash and shampoo. “Complete the Look” Feature: Engage customers by suggesting matching accessories, as Nike does, to increase average order value. Strategic Placement: Position cross-sell suggestions in high-visibility areas, such as under the “Frequently Bought Together” section, to capture interest effectively. These tactics create a more engaging shopping experience, enhancing your chances of converting visits into sales. Email Marketing Cross-Sells When you leverage email marketing for cross-selling, you tap into a potent tool that can greatly improve your sales efforts. Email marketing cross-sells capitalize on customer purchase history, allowing you to recommend related products that can boost conversion rates by up to 25% when customized effectively. By implementing automated sequences for cross-sell emails, you guarantee timely delivery, maximizing engagement right after a purchase or during key customer lifecycle moments. Personalization is key; including the customer’s name and specific product recommendations can amplify open rates by 26% and click-through rates by 14%. Successful cross-sell emails feature compelling subject lines and visually appealing layouts, driving customers to take action. Utilize data-driven insights to measure the performance of these emails, refining your strategies based on open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. This approach not just increases sales but also deepens customer relationships, making it a critical component of your marketing strategy. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Some Examples of Cross-Selling? Cross-selling involves suggesting additional products to improve the customer’s primary purchase. For instance, when you buy a laptop, you might see recommendations for accessories like a mouse or a carrying case. Retailers often use techniques like pop-ups during the checkout process or special offers on thank you pages to encourage these additional purchases. This strategy not only boosts customer satisfaction but furthermore increases overall sales by providing relevant options customized to your needs. What Is the 3 3 3 Rule in Sales? The 3 3 3 rule in sales is a structured approach to effectively engage potential customers. It involves making three attempts to connect with the customer, presenting three specific benefits of your product, and asking for the sale three times. This method emphasizes persistence, recognizing that most sales occur after multiple follow-ups. What Is the 25% Rule of Thumb for Cross-Selling? The 25% rule of thumb for cross-selling suggests you should aim for at least 25% of your total sales to come from cross-sell opportunities. This approach helps you establish measurable targets for your sales strategies, driving focus on maximizing average order value. How Does Cross-Selling Increase Sales? Cross-selling increases sales by encouraging customers to purchase additional items that complement their initial choices. By suggesting relevant products during the buying process, you can improve the average order value and elevate conversion rates. This strategy leverages customer data to personalize recommendations, promoting satisfaction and loyalty. Implemented effectively, cross-selling can boost overall revenue markedly, making it an essential tactic in maximizing sales without needing to acquire new customers. Conclusion Implementing effective cross-selling strategies can substantially improve your sales performance across various customer touchpoints. By utilizing methods like checkout page suggestions, post-purchase funnels, thank you page offers, product page recommendations, and targeted email marketing, you can effectively increase average order value and boost repeat purchases. Each of these tactics leverages customer satisfaction and engagement to maximize revenue. By focusing on personalized and strategic cross-selling, you can create a more profitable sales environment for your business. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Powerful Cross Selling Examples That Boost Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article