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In the past few years, while navigating the streets of San Francisco, bus and trolley operators have documented a growing presence on the city’s streets: Waymo robotaxis, often devoid of any front-seat human driver, causing problems. Sometimes, they report the cars for signs of an illegal maneuver, like when in September, a driver operating the city’s 45 electric bus noticed a Waymo trying to pass on double solid yellow lines at Stockton and Columbus, an intersection along its route. Or for a near miss—like, when, last December, a Waymo was caught by a city light rail train’s video camera making a dangerous left turn at “high speed.” Very often, transit operators flag a stalled robotaxi, or several, blocking a public street. Clearing the vehicle might require a transportation official to reach out to a Waymo call center, or even the cops, for help. This process, which involves the city’s Traffic Management Center (TMC), can take as long as an hour to resolve. Back in 2024, the city’s MTA even created a new dedicated dispatch category to log these reports: “Driverless Car Incident.” The sight of a stalled Waymo isn’t new. But a TMC database, obtained by Fast Company via a public records request, suggests that reports of problematic robotaxis are being filed more often, and that the procedure for handling stalled vehicles is not yet seamless. Fixing the robotaxi blockage can involve waiting for a remote Waymo assistance team helping the vehicle’s AI get moving again, a transit dispatcher complaining to a Waymo call center, or even a cop taking control of the vehicle themselves and driving it away. When the smart city goes dark Last December, Waymo and the city’s approach to this problem was pushed to the brink when a partial blackout in San Francisco knocked out city traffic lights—and left Waymos across the city in a confused standstill and government officials on hold with the company’s call center in the middle of an emergency. Concern that Waymos can disrupt public services came up again recently, after one of the robotaxis was recorded briefly blocking an ambulance in the aftermath of the Austin mass shooting. “In recent years we implemented new reporting mechanisms for our operators to report incidents that involve driverless vehicles,” the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Authority tells Fast Company. “By doing so, we’re adapting to the evolving landscape in San Francisco and making sure that we can provide the best service possible for our customers.” “Waymo is committed to continuous improvement,” Lety Cavalcante, who serves as Waymo’s director of operations and head of its operators center, tells Fast Company. “We established even closer communication with San Francisco emergency officials, and are developing additional capabilities to facilitate smoother interactions between our operations and transit workers when on-road issues arise.” The company says it’s also implemented changes to ensure that both first responders and transit operators are prioritized when they call Waymo for help. Still, Waymo disputes the descriptions of some of the events described in documents, and says the public transit operators’ reports are not a useful way of characterizing how their vehicles actually behave on the road. In regards to the first case—the robotaxi that allegedly passed on solid yellow—Waymo said its car was actually waiting behind the bus while it picked up passengers, and that the car was slowly trying to pass around the left side of the bus. Before the car was actually next to the bus, the public transit vehicle began to move, and the Waymo returned to its original lane. In regards to the second incident—the dangerous left turn near a train—Waymo says the train was in an opposing lane and the car was about 100 feet away. Of course, the promise of self-driving cars is that they’re supposed to be safer than human drivers. Indeed, some of the issues documented in the database, like Waymos allegedly cutting off buses, or parking in areas reserved for public transit, are infractions that humans also commit, and possibly far more often. Research suggests that autonomous cars can outperform human drivers, and are even less likely to be involved in serious accidents. Waymo says it’s reduced serious crashes, airbag deployments, and collisions involving pedestrians. (It was also spotlighted as one of Fast Company‘s Most Innovative Companies last year.) But self-driving cars are also a different sort of beast: They are powered via AI, deployed as a coordinated fleet that’s monitored by a single company. And they’re growing evermore popular: Waymo, which raised $16 billion earlier this year, is now successfully operating across the U.S., including in Phoenix, Arizona, and Atlanta. Meanwhile, competing AV companies like Tesla and Zoox are also operating, though they all remain far behind Waymo in San Francisco: Tesla vehicles don’t operate without human drivers yet, and Zoox only has a small number of cars on the road. Waymo’s success has made the once-futuristic idea of autonomous vehicles relatively commonplace in cities. But next-generation cars also introduce next-generation traffic jams. Which means interactions that once felt surreal—“honking at a driverless car makes me feel insane,” as one constituent, in an email obtained through a public records request, recently wrote to the San Francisco MTA—are poised to become a routine, and increasingly consequential, part of everyday life. Waymo’s trolleycar problem Waymo acknowledges its self-driving cars sometimes cause issues for public transit operators. This is where the company’s event response team, which Waymo describes as a specialized subunit within a larger remote assistance team, comes in: First responders and transit operators have access to a hotline number that reaches this team. That team is then supposed to help get a vehicle moving again, which might involve having Waymo personnel come physically drive the car away. Waymo says that, at the request of law enforcement, police officers and other first responders also have the ability to manually take over its robotaxis. On the ground, resolving these issues, and getting public transit moving again, can sometimes take a while, according to an analysis of the data obtained by Fast Company. The city’s Traffic Management Center (TMC), which receives calls about roadway obstructions from public transit operators, can take about 20 minutes, on average, and haven’t significantly improved between 2024 and 2025, according to an analysis by Mary Cummings, an engineering professor who studies autonomous vehicles at Carnegie Mellon University. In busy cities, delays can slow down dozens of public transit riders, and other cars, too. The TMC database shows complaints of blocked vehicles date back to at least 2023. The SF MTA has, for years, flagged its concerns about hazardous “unplanned stops,” including to the California Public Utilities Commission, the state’s main autonomous vehicle regulator. In 2024, the MTA began tracking a new dispatch category called “Driverless Car Incident.” That decision was made a few months after Waymo started pulling its precautionary safety drivers from its cars, and truly driverless service began, an official at the MTA tells Fast Company. It was at that point, they say, that the transportation agency started seeing the real challenges introduced by AVs. “Robotaxis impose burdens on other road users that are not there with human drivers,” argues Philip Kooperman, another engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon. “Now, maybe the benefits outweigh the burdens, but you have to recognize the burdens are being posed.” City streets are chaotic places, and Waymos are only a tiny fraction of the problems that get reported to San Francisco’s traffic control center. Also, incidents involving Waymos aren’t always the fault of Waymo. The reports appear to reflect preliminary descriptions, and aren’t the results of full investigations. Still, they reveal what can be a convoluted workflow. When public transit drivers encounter a Waymo problem, they report it to the city’s traffic control center, an SF MTA official explains. Traffic controllers can then contact Waymo’s call center for the event response team, which may help guide the vehicle away remotely or dispatch an employee to move it manually. But, in the case of a delay, or if they’ve had difficulty reaching Waymo, they may also call a first responder. Several of the reports include complaints about the quality of the Waymo call center. “Waymo contacted and was ZERO help,” noted one complaint, which came after a public transit operator reported a robotaxi blocking the street in both directions. “Waymo was attempted but kept being routed to a call center that was no help,” noted another report, which came at an intersection where traffic signals needed to be reset. Several reports discuss cops getting involved. This is not something police should be involved in, but sometimes the situation requires it, the San Francisco MTA official says. One report references a separate Waymo call center number that reaches an enterprise support team. Waymo did not explain why the number was referenced in the report, but says it’s for a team that supports it for Waymo test drivers—not first responders or transit operators. For now, Waymo transit operators are supposed to contact the same first responder number that police use, though it’s working on creating a separate hotline for transit operators and government officials. The San Francisco Police Department, which is referenced repeatedly in the document, did not respond to a request for comment. Blackout blues On December 20 of last year, a circuit breaker at an indoor substation operated by California utility provider, PG&E ignited, sparking a fire that knocked out power across much of San Francisco. This mass outage caused serious problems for the city’s Waymo fleet. When Waymos encountered the temporarily disabled traffic lights, many stalled, waiting for confirmations from the company’s remote assistance team. In some areas, squads of robotaxis sat with their hazard lights flashing, clogging streets, according to footage later uploaded online. Some incidents were reported to the Traffic Management Center, including one trolleybus driver who was blocked by four stalled Waymos. The city’s traffic control office contacted Waymo support but was unable to resolve the situation, the report noted, and a city inspector eventually showed up to clear the scene. Overall, there were more than 42 reported incidents involving autonomous vehicles between 2 p.m. and midnight on the day of the blackout, according to a city filing viewed by Fast Company. Firefighters also needed to move a robotaxi blocking them from the very substation fire that originally caused the blackout. One Waymo delayed an ambulance by 40 minutes, the city says. There were other problems: The Department of Emergency Management, the city’s 911 service, did try to engage Waymo, but the company was unresponsive, a city official tells Fast Company. Eventually, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie both called and texted Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of the company, about the issue. In the messages, which were viewed by Fast Company, he flagged all the locations where the cars had caused problems, which she subsequently thumbs up. “All cars are pulled over or actively headed back to base,” she later wrote. “Trips are done—no hailing.” The issues continued even after service was suspended, the filing states. Ultimately, the city’s 911 service placed more than 31 calls to Waymo’s first responder hotline and spent more than two hours and 36 minutes of call time trying to contact the company. “While we cannot document this in detail, a large majority of this time was spent on hold; one SFDEM staff person remained on the Waymo first responder hotline for 53 minutes—most of that time on hold,” noted the city. Though many were resolved quickly, Waymo has said that there were ultimately more than 1,500 stoppage events during the blackout. Pete Wilson, president of TWU Local 250A, which represents the city’s transit workers, said robotaxis repeatedly stalled when traffic lights failed, causing them to stack up and block streets, buses, and rail lines. “During the blackout they did not know what to do when the stop lights went out, so they just stopped,” he tells Fast Company. “Then another Waymo would come and pull up next to the first one and stop.” Relying on the mayor to text a company’s CEO is not a great emergency response plan, and other municipalities don’t necessarily have leaders as connected to Big Tech as Lurie. Waymo has since promised to be more responsive in future emergencies, a city official told Fast Company, and the Department of Emergency Management says it’s since had “productive” conversations with the company. The wait time experienced by emergency dispatchers was unacceptable, Waymo told Fast Company, and the company plans to improve its emergency operations. “We’re encouraged by our recent preparedness performance demonstrated during subsequent power outages, city-wide protests, and other large scale events in San Francisco, including the Super Bowl,” adds Cavalcante, from the company. Waymo says it’s briefed a bevy of agencies, as well as the Governor’s office, since the blackout, and says it will deploy dedicated incident management personnel on site in the future. Communication overload As Waymo explains it, when the company’s robotaxis encounter trouble or a confusing situation, they’re supposed to seek confirmation from a team of remote assistant agents staffed by humans. But, as first reported by Fast Company, the December blackout highlighted a gap in defenses: When communications networks and systems are overwhelmed—which often happens during emergencies—vehicles can’t quickly connect to the remote teams that help the cars’ software navigate confusing situations. There can also be challenges with reaching the specific team that helps first responders. The company tells Fast Company that it’s making improvements to the Waymo Driver that will enable more decisive and efficient navigation during future events. Still, the emergency has raised questions about who should pick up the slack when a Waymo stalls, whether it’s confused by a troubling intersection, and blocking a bus, or because it can’t make out the traffic lights during a blackout. Critically, Waymo maintains that its cars are autonomous, so even when the remote assistant agents are called into help, they are simply advising the car, and not remotely driving the vehicle. Some lawmakers have raised concerns that some of these workers are based in the Philippines. Several people affiliated with Waymo are mentioned by name in the MTA reports, but Waymo did not comment on where, specifically, they were based. Waymo says that employees on the event response team, which interfaces directly with first responders, are based in the U.S. The California DMV is currently developing regulations for remote drivers and remote assistance, a spokesperson says, and the agency is still engaging AV manufacturers on emergency response. In the aftermath of that blackout, the San Francisco MTA has urged the California Public Utilities Commission, which serves as the main regulator of the technology in the state, to consider how autonomous vehicle providers approach disaster preparedness, especially in a case of “fleet-wide failure.” Terrie Prosper, a spokesperson for the California Public Utilities Commission, says the agency “continues to gather information from Waymo related to the power outage in San Francisco.” The SF County Transportation Authority has called for more transparency into the frequency of AV stoppages, but has since deferred conversations to Bilal Mahmood, a San Francisco city supervisor. Mahmood, for his part, recently compared the robotaxis to the carriage from Cinderella. “Just like in the fairy tale, we can now see that those carriages can turn into pumpkins at the drop of a hat,” he said during his introductory remarks at a city hearing focused on the blackout’s impact on AVs. There, Mary Ellen Caroll, the head of the city’s emergency response office, said she remains concerned about the impact of Waymos on first responders who have to remove vehicles, and about what might happen in a future emergency, including a cyber outage. Offshore remote control The public still doesn’t know how often Waymos block traffic. While Waymo publicly reports a range of data to the California Public Utilities Commission, the company reports stoppage data, along with other trip detail data, to the agency confidentially. At a public hearing in January, an attorney representing the company claimed that the stoppage data could inadvertently reveal data about “fleet utilization” and, if shared publicly, could reveal trade secrets. Indeed, the numbers obtained by Fast Company only tell part of the story. It’s possible that some public transit operators don’t even file these reports. These operators are a minority of the drivers on San Francisco streets. When asked whether it seemed like Waymo cared about the impact its vehicles might have on public transit, the official at the San Francisco MTA said it was difficult to tell. They recalled a social media post from a while back, which saw customers on the phone with Waymo—reporting on their car inferring with public transit—and receiving remarkable service. But it’s hard to tell if that’s the norm, the official tells Fast Company, since that’s data the city just doesn’t have. Waymo did not tell Fast Company how often its cars stall or block transit, but said its robotaxis have completed 40 million miles of autonomous driving throughout the three years covered by the TMC reports. There’s little the SF MTA can do to change this workflow, the city agency says. “California law gives permitting authority over AVs to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC),” the transportation agency tells Fast Company in a statement. “San Francisco does not regulate AVs or set conditions on their operations – either day to day or in relation to disaster and emergency response.” Still, Waymo behavior is a big enough problem that, inside the San Francisco MTA—which maintains oversight of the city’s streets—even staffers sometimes grumble about them. In one December email obtained via public records request, Ricardo Olea, a city traffic engineer, remarked on one recent email, complaining that Waymos had been stopping in a no-stopping lane. “[N]ot a good place to block traffic,” wrote Olea. “The bigger problem is that Waymo has decided that the NO STOPPING signs don’t apply to them, so who knows what other bad places they stop at.” View the full article

Issey Miyake’s latest design is a pair of sunglasses inspired by the art of pottery. The glasses, called “Uroko,” are part of Miyake‘s Spring Summer 2026 collection, Dancing Texture. Rather than the typical two-lens structure, they feature eight separate lenses that curve around the temples like a trippy optical illusion. While the design itself reads futuristic, the texture of the frames is almost organic—like a relic of an ancient advanced society. They’re set to debut on Miyake’s website in mid-March for $680. Each piece of the Dancing Texture collection, which includes structured garments alongside billowing, patterned textiles, pulls inspiration from the work of the late potter Kamoda Shōji, who’s considered to be one of Japan’s most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century. The Uroko glasses are not only based on a common motif found in Kamoda’s work, but also mimic the finishing process of his clay pottery, making each pair a one-of-one. A combination of 3D printing and Japanese craftsmanship Kamoda, who died in 1983, rose to national popularity in the 1970s thanks to his approach to pottery that blended attention to Japan’s ceramic history and his own innovative concepts. He used local clay from the small town of Tōno, which was typically used for roof tiling, making it unusually rough. Instead of relying on a potter’s wheel, he preferred to hand-coil the clay, which meant a distinctly labor-intensive process. Per a 2022 exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, every one of Kamoda’s pieces was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. To capture that ethos of texture, function, and aesthetics, Miyake’s team started with a design that’s an ode to one of Kamoda’s signature patterns. The Uroko’s eight lenses are a reference to a swath of finely detailed scales, which Kamoda often returned to in his ceramic work, frequently as an intricate web that would cover an entire vase or bowl. Miyake’s team created a custom 3D-printed template for the frames, which includes two lens spaces for the eyes and six more spaces that circle around to the ears. Given the unusual shapes of the glasses, mass-produced lenses were out of the question. Instead, Miyake’s team designed lenses with a specially engineered concave cut to fit within the compact frame. “Each lens is cut into a scale-like shape so that it fits precisely into its corresponding frame,” a brand spokesperson explains. “Because the frames are small and uniquely shaped, we went through many rounds of prototyping to refine the lens geometry. Through this process, we developed a lens shape that can be fitted seamlessly into the frame without any gaps.” Once the lenses were finished, craftsmen on Miyake’s design team assembled each component by hand. As a final detail, they hand-finished the frames, purposefully accentuating their textured surfaces to reveal subtle variations in the 3D-printed material. This step, like the glazing of a series of ceramics, ensures that no two pairs of glasses are the same—and makes any imperfections an intentional part of the design. View the full article

Borrowers or lenders could use the prediction markets as a hedging tool, although experts noted the lack of trading volume as cause for caution. View the full article

Silicon Valley is rallying around a new extinction narrative. Agentic AI, autonomous systems capable of executing workflows on their own, could make traditional software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications obsolete. Big Tech investors worldwide argue that if artificial intelligence agents can update customer relationship management (CRM) records, create project tickets, and resolve support requests autonomously, companies may soon question whether to continue to pay per-seat subscription fees for software designed primarily for human operators. Public markets have reacted as if that future is already underway. Since early 2026 (January to February), the S&P 500 Software and Services Index has fallen roughly 30%, wiping out nearly $1 trillion to $2 trillion in market value amid fears driven by agentic AI. The sell-off hit many of the SaaS pioneers, including Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Snowflake. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software exchange-traded fund (ETF) dropped more than 20% as investors began pricing in what some industry experts now call the “SaaSpocalypse.” The launch of Anthropic’s Claude Cowork in late January amplified investor fears. The agentic AI platform introduced a “computer-using agent” (CUA) capable of autonomously operating desktop software across multiple applications, allowing it to complete complex workflows without requiring human interaction with traditional interfaces. In early enterprise tests, Claude Cowork demonstrated the ability to handle tasks typically performed inside specialized SaaS tools. Inside SAP, one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world, however, the narrative looks very different. Christian Klein, SAP’s CEO, believes the industry is misreading the moment. He says AI agents will not eliminate enterprise applications. They will make them more important than ever. “What we are seeing is the market over-rotating on the belief that AI agents will replace every application and every seat license overnight. And that’s simply not how enterprise technology works,” Klein tells Fast Company in an exclusive conversation. “The breakthroughs are real, no question. But the sell-off conflates the disruption of lightweight, stand-alone tools with the disruption of deeply integrated systems that actually run businesses.” Klein, who joined SAP as an intern in the late 1990s, has witnessed multiple waves of disruption across enterprise software—from the dot-com collapse to the emergence of subscription pricing. He says each transition brought predictions that traditional enterprise software would disappear. Each time, software ultimately became more valuable. From his perspective, agentic AI does not eliminate the need for systems that manage enterprise truth. “While building agents is becoming easier by the day, deploying them across end-to-end supply chains or financial close processes, with full compliance and audit trails, is much more complex. That’s where 90% of the effort has to be invested,” he notes. Why the SaaS Boom Is Facing Investor Doubt The SaaS model, built on recurring subscriptions tied to employee head count, rests on a simple assumption: As companies grow, the number of software seats they purchase grows with them. Agentic AI challenges that premise directly. Instead of logging in to a dozen enterprise applications and assigning work to multiple teams, a single employee can prompt an autonomous agent to complete a task. The seat-based subscription model that powered the SaaS boom over the past two decades is beginning to look fragile in a world where software no longer depends on human seats to generate value. Early enterprise deployments are already showing signs of that shift. Some companies report declining seat demand in categories such as project management, CRM administration, and customer support workflows—areas where automation can quickly replace repetitive human tasks. Atlassian shares plunged roughly 35% earlier this year after the company reported its first meaningful decline in enterprise seat growth. Investor anxiety that AI agents could bypass traditional workflow interfaces also sent ServiceNow stock down about 11%—even after the company reported earnings that beat market expectations—triggering broader panic across the enterprise software sector. Meanwhile, a new generation of venture-backed startups such as Adept.ai and Replicate.dev are building what some investors call “service-as-software” or “SaaS 2.0” companies. Instead of selling application licenses, these firms deploy autonomous agents that complete entire business tasks and charge customers based on outcomes rather than user seats. Klein, however, argues that most discussions about the “death of SaaS” overlook a crucial distinction. Agents still need systems of record. Even the most advanced AI agents depend on structured business data, governance policies, and access controls to operate safely. “An agent that doesn’t understand how your business actually runs will quietly cascade errors into wrong decisions and real financial losses,” Klein says. However, he adds that as agents take on workloads, pricing will evolve toward usage-based or outcome-based models. “This shift will favor platforms with deep workflow integration over solutions that sell licenses to individual users. The value will move to whoever owns the business context, the data, and the governance that make that agent reliable.” According to the research and advisory firm Forrester, global SaaS spending is projected to grow from $318 billion in 2025 to $576 billion by 2029, a trajectory that suggests the enterprise software core is not disappearing. SAP’s recent financial results offer some support for that thesis. The company reported 30% growth in total cloud backlog in fiscal year 2025, reaching €77 billion ($88.7 billion), while cloud revenue rose 23% during the same period. Its cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite grew nearly 28%. Perhaps more tellingly, SAP Business AI was included in about two-thirds of its fourth-quarter cloud deals. The Future of AI Agents Lies Inside Enterprise Software SAP has largely weathered the SaaSpocalypse, with its stock falling only modestly (about 13% through mid-February 2026), while maintaining a market capitalization of roughly $235 billion as of March. That performance has significantly outpaced many pure-play SaaS peers, including ServiceNow. Klein says that of SAP’s 50 largest deals in Q4, about 90% included either AI capabilities or Business Data Cloud, the company’s unified data layer. “Customers want AI deeply embedded in the systems their operations already depend on, powered by data they can actually trust,” he notes. The company’s flagship platform is Joule, a generative AI copilot and orchestration layer integrated across SAP’s enterprise software suite, along with a growing ecosystem of autonomous “Joule agents” designed to automate complex workflows for finance, procurement, supply chain management, and human resources. Instead of navigating software interfaces externally, these agents rely on the company’s existing business logic, process expertise, and data models. SAP’s internal data infrastructure also plays a key role. SAP Knowledge Graph organizes relationships across enterprise data, enabling AI systems to reason about how business processes connect across departments. The goal, Klein explains, is to transform enterprise systems with AI into what he calls “operating systems for autonomous work.” The company’s current hybrid model, combining RISE subscriptions with embedded AI orchestration, positions it as a platform adapting to the emerging service-as-software era. However, industry experts note that SAP software can still be complex to implement, and many customers remain in the middle of lengthy migrations from legacy on-premise systems to the company’s cloud platforms. A Competitive Reset Across Enterprise Software SAP is not alone in making this bet. Major cloud platforms are racing to embed agentic AI directly into enterprise data environments. Databricks, Google BigQuery, AWS Redshift, and Microsoft’s enterprise software stack are all integrating autonomous agents that operate within governed data layers. The competitive battleground has shifted from building better models to controlling enterprise context. “The current AI moment is different in speed and scale. Whoever owns the business logic, the process orchestration, and the governed data layer wins. AI agents don’t float above enterprise systems. They need them as their operating foundation,” Klein says. Some of the most vulnerable companies in the SaaS sector are narrow point-solution vendors. Applications that perform a single function, such as ticket management or basic analytics, face greater risk from automation. Dan Faulkner, CEO of SmartBear, says platforms that manage entire enterprise workflows appear more defensible. “Many SaaS products have been accessible via API [application programming interface] for years. The agents aren’t bypassing the software; they’re just using the API to work with it, rather than the human-oriented GUI [graphical user interface] people use,” Faulkner says. “Enterprise software will undoubtedly have to adapt to accommodate the growing population of agentic versus human users. Agents will have different constraints and capabilities than humans, so we may start to think of agent-forward work streams and human-forward work streams.” He explains that companies that fail to tap into the AI-oriented enterprise IT budget will struggle. Likewise, Kate Leggett, VP and principal analyst at Forrester, says that enterprises often spend $10 million a year on CRM and $100 million a year on ERP to support business-critical operations. These systems are deeply integrated into their operations and designed to support workflows that adhere to country-dependent regulatory compliance standards. “Companies are not risking regulatory penalties and ripping out these deep investments right now and substituting them for AI agents,” she says. “AI consumption-based pricing will increase over time. Some of these vendors offer flex credits to preserve overall spend for a customer, where seats can be converted to consumption credits.” Leggett explains that while “vibe coding” and DIY software development are gaining attention, enterprises still need the expertise to build, maintain, and scale that code over time while ensuring it remains secure and compliant. For core business workflows, that remains far from a trivial task, she notes. If SAP’s Klein is right, the future may look different. Instead of eliminating enterprise software, agentic AI could transform it into the infrastructure that governs autonomous work. The SaaSpocalypse may not signal the death of enterprise software. It may mark the beginning of its next evolution. “Enterprise software isn’t just code. It’s knowledge of how the businesses worldwide actually operate—the processes, the rules, the edge cases, plus the hard-won trust that comes from keeping mission-critical processes running at scale. You can’t vibe-code that in a garage,” Klein says. “Speed matters, but depth wins.” View the full article

Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed the inner workings of its latest creation: a real-life 3D version of Olaf, the funny snowman from Frozen, complete with a detachable carrot nose that kids can steal. According to Disney Parks, creating the snowman was a far greater challenge than standard bipedal humanoids, which rely on symmetrical weight distribution to stay upright. Olaf is a physical anomaly: He has a massive, heavy head perched on a remarkably slim neck, with two floating snowballs for feet and arms as thin as literal tree branches. This introduced equilibrium, mechanical, and thermal problems that the team had to solve. Adding to these design and technological difficulties, the robot also had to capture its soul through motion, which is one of the biggest challenges that roboticists face today. As David Müller and his team from Walt Disney Imagineering reveal in a newly published research paper about Olaf: “This isn’t just about replicating the animation; it’s about emulating the creators’ intent.” To bridge the gap between a CGI (computer-generated image) snowman and reality, the team had to invent new technologies in the field of legged robotics—cramming a bizarre skeleton into an incredibly tight space—and rely on deep reinforcement learning so the machine didn’t face-plant or literally melt its own hardware. Announced back in November 2025, Olaf will interact with guests when the World of Frozen officially opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29. Backwards anatomy Robo-Olaf is a 34.9-inch-tall, 32.8-pound machine, featuring a custom exterior made with iridescent fibers to mimic the animated Olaf’s “snow-like shimmer that catches the light just like fresh snow” in the real world. The most complex mechanical problem was hiding the machine’s legs. In the films, Olaf’s feet just glide under his body like slick snowballs. To replicate that effect in our three-dimensional reality, Disney engineers had to dump traditional robot design entirely. Instead, according to their research paper, they engineered “a novel asymmetric six-degrees-of-freedom leg design.” Essentially, they built the legs backwards to each other. The left leg features a backward-facing hip motor and a forward knee, while the right leg uses a forward hip motor and a backward knee. This bizarre layout ensures the metal joints don’t collide inside the snowman’s constrained lower body when it walks. All that internal machinery is masked by a flexible polyurethane foam skirt that looks like a snowball but deflects enough to allow the robot to take wide, stumbling recovery steps if it loses its balance. Space inside the torso was so tight that engineers couldn’t even fit motors inside the shoulder joints. As one of the robot’s inventors explained in the presentation: “Since there is not enough space for actuators at the joint, we place them inside the torso and drive the arms using a spherical five-bar linkage.” The rest of his features—arms, eyebrows, hair, and that iconic carrot nose—are attached with magnets, allowing them to snap off during a fall in order to prevent damage (and be used for some great jokes). But building a weird skeleton is useless if it can’t walk. To nail the specific, goofy gait of the character, human coding simply wasn’t enough. Disney turned to reinforcement learning, an artificial intelligence technique that works like an evolutionary sandbox. In a virtual simulation, the software was fed the exact animation files from Walt Disney Animation Studios and tasked with figuring out how to fire the motors to balance the heavy head and match those movements without real-world Olaf face-planting every few steps. Through relentless trial and error, the AI discovered the precise mathematical inputs needed. That AI training also saved the robot from destroying itself. Olaf’s massive head is controlled by tiny motors packed inside a narrow, heavily insulated costume neck. The large head, driven by small actuators, creates a high risk of overheating, Müller says in the video introducing Olaf’s robotic guts. So they augmented the motion and talking AI model simulation with an additional thermal model. That model tracked the temperature of each part, feeding the resulting actuator temperatures into the AI motion engine. The neural engine then got a reward whenever it achieved a motion that kept the temperature within safe parameters, effectively mitigating heat buildup. If the neck motors approach their 176-degree Fahrenheit limit, the AI subtly adjusts Olaf’s posture on the fly, reducing the torque required to hold his head up and letting the hardware cool down without breaking character. Silencing the machine When the engineers first translated the Olaf’s CGI walk into physical motion, they realized that the footfalls sounded too loud. Walking robots naturally hit the floor hard in order to stabilize themselves, but the sound of heavy robotic footsteps would immediately shatter the idea of a weightless snowman gliding across a room. To solve this, Disney’s team returned to the AI simulation and coded an impact reduction reward. Müller and his team essentially taught the software to prioritize putting its feet down gently, forcing the algorithm to dramatically decelerate the mechanical feet right before they struck the floor. The research data proves that this single algorithm tweak drops the footstep noise by 13.5 decibels, making Olaf walk much more quietly while still maintaining the character’s signature heel-toe strut. It’s not silent, like the animated version, but it’s also not like the Terminator is coming to kill a bunch of kids. While AI controls the robot itself, the actual performance is “puppeteered via a remote interface.” An operator offstage triggers a specific gesture or a line of dialogue, and the AI seamlessly blends that commanded animation into its active balancing calculations. The result of all this mechanical and cleverly engineered AI is the most realistic and lively robot I’ve ever seen. The thing feels so amazingly alive that I want to go party with the little guy, and I don’t even like Frozen. View the full article

I recently heard from a historian of science at All Souls College, Oxford. He forwarded me ​an essay​ he wrote about Nicolaus Steno, a seventeenth-century anatomist and geologist who was later ordained as a Catholic Bishop. Steno’s training as a scholar unfolded in a period challenged by a novel problem: information overload. Here’s how the essay describes it: “Books were a leading distraction in the early modern period—and how envious we should be of those times. From the 1500s onward, with the development of the printing press and the humanist revival of ancient philosophies, knowledge became available at a much greater pace than ever before.” This created pressing questions for aspiring thinkers, including: “How do we decide what to read? How long should we read it for? Must every single chapter be excerpted?” Part of the solution was the development of “new note-taking techniques,” including the copying of excerpts into a master notebook called a book of commonplaces. (For more on this technique, I recommend William Powell’s delightful 2010 techno-history, ​Hamlet’s Blackberry​). But as the essay on Steno elaborates, better notes weren’t enough on their own, as there were simply too many good books available. In response to this reality, Steno, during his university studies in the 1650s, innovated some more advanced attention management strategies: “[H]e learned to focus on specific themes, rather than letting his mind read multiple things quickly. A ‘harmful hastening should be avoided’ as he put it. His solution was to ‘stick to one topic.’ In practice, that meant blocking specific moments of time to go through the hardest tasks. As he wrote in his personal notebook, ‘before noon nothing must be done except medical things.’ … As Steno told a friend, he took ‘almost all the morning hours’ to read the works of the Church Fathers and old biblical manuscripts available at the Medici library.” In other words, Steno created a method that combines what we might now call ​slow productivity​, ​deep work​, and ​time blocking​. The lessons here are clear. The use of our brains to think deeply about meaningful ideas isn’t new. It’s been at the core of the human experience since the early modern period, when access to sophisticated information first became somewhat widespread. The best practices developed back then remain the best practices today: avoid overload, focus on one thing at a time, and block off specific hours in your day for your most mentally demanding efforts. AI Reality Check: Two weeks ago, a small financial services firm, Citrini Research, published ​an essay​ describing a bleak scenario in which AI agents destroy the white-collar job market in the near future. The piece went viral and was ​cited as a factor​ in a modest decline of the S&P 500 the next day. The Citrini essay wasn’t the first to float this scenario. In recent weeks, there have been multiple credulous articles and op-eds in major publications proposing similar outcomes (e.g., ​1​, ​2​, ​and 3​). But the negative impact on the stock market seems to have been the last straw for serious economists who began to push back on these technological ghost stories last week. (I particularly enjoyed a Deutsche Bank analyst who, perhaps borrowing ​some of my​ terminology, ​told the Times​ that the Citrini article had a “vibes-to-substance ratio” that was “undeniably high.”) If you’re looking to reduce your blood pressure about this idea that AI is about to unravel the economy, I suggest reading ​a detailed response article​ published by an analyst from the Global Macro Strategies group at Citadel. It begins with a bit of finance geek sarcasm: “Despite the macroeconomic community struggling to forecast 2-month-forward payroll growth with any reliable accuracy, the forward path of labor destruction can apparently be inferred with significant certainty from a hypothetical scenario posted on Substack…” It then continues to systematically destabilize the economic naivety of these breathless op-eds and viral essays about how AI will dismantle the economy all at once. It certainly made me feel better. (If you’re looking for additional soothing of your AI anxiety, then you should also check ​the first episode​ of my new AI Reality Check podcast series, which I published last Thursday. I have a new episode of the series coming out this upcoming Thursday as well.) The post The Original Attention Crisis appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

A recent Wall Street Journal survey found a 38-point gap between how executives and employees experience AI at work. C-suite leaders report saving eight or more hours weekly. Two-thirds of front-line workers say the tools save them less than two hours—or nothing at all. Most leaders read that as a rollout problem. A training problem. A communication problem. It’s none of those things. This month, a National Bureau of Economic Research study of 6,000 executives confirmed what the WSJ data was already pointing to: the vast majority are seeing no measurable productivity gains from AI. Not a small shortfall. A near-total disconnect between investment and results. Here’s what I keep seeing when I work with leadership teams navigating this: the technology isn’t the problem. The problem is what organizations do—and don’t have—to absorb it. Organizational immunity Every organization has what I’d call an immune system. Embedded processes, governance structures, risk practices, cultural norms—all built to protect the existing operation. They do exactly what they were designed to do: reject things that don’t fit. AI doesn’t fit most existing operating models. Not because it’s bad technology. Because the organizational architecture wasn’t built to run it. Think about what happens when a company deploys AI. The pilot succeeds. Everyone celebrates. Someone gets budget to scale. And then—quietly, slowly—it stalls. Leaders say the technology underperformed. Or the team wasn’t ready. Or the timing was off. What really happened: the organization lacked the mindsets, skillsets, and operating conditions to absorb what the pilot proved could work. The gap isn’t in the tools. It’s in the internal architecture required to put them to use at scale. The potential The evidence that this works when those conditions exist is real. EY’s 2025 Work Reimagined Survey, which drew on 15,000 employees across 29 countries, found that when AI is integrated properly—into actual workflows, with training, clear use cases, and psychological safety—productivity gains of up to 40% are achievable. The potential is there. For most organizations, the conditions for realizing it are not yet in place. What makes the current moment particularly costly is that many organizations are actively dismantling what little absorption capacity they had. The financial logic seems clean: cut headcount to fund AI investment. Reduce labor costs while increasing the capability of automated tools. Except the people being cut are often the judgment layer—mid-level managers and senior individual contributors who know the context, catch the errors, translate AI outputs into actual decisions, and course-correct when something goes sideways. These are exactly the people whose expertise makes AI useful rather than risky. You can’t automate judgment. And you can’t rebuild it quickly once it’s gone. IBM’s chief human resources officer said recently that the company is tripling its entry-level hires in 2026. The reasoning was direct: eliminating early-career roles to fund AI creates a leadership pipeline problem that shows up years later. It’s a longer view than most organizations are currently taking—and it’s the right one. The 38-point perception gap makes complete sense once you see this pattern. Executives use AI primarily as a thinking and communication tool. It genuinely helps at that level. Front-line employees are being asked to use it to do more work, faster, in environments where they’re already stretched—where no one has shown them what good looks like, and where a failed experiment feels career-threatening rather than instructive. The conditions for finding value don’t exist. So, no surprise, they don’t find it. The plan What should leaders actually do with this? Three questions I’d be asking about your organization before the next planning cycle closes: Are you measuring the right thing? Most AI ROI metrics track usage—licenses deployed, training hours logged, features activated. None of that measures whether your organization can absorb what it’s deploying. The better question: can your people make better decisions, faster, because of AI? If you can’t answer that with specific evidence, you’re measuring the tool, not the outcome. Have you built the conditions for honest feedback? When employees fear that surfacing problems signals incompetence or redundancy, you lose the signal that would tell you what’s working. Resistance isn’t obstruction. It’s usually the most accurate diagnostic information you have. Organizations that treat it as intelligence—rather than an obstacle to manage—tend to catch implementation problems before they become write-offs. Does someone own the capability — not just the technology? Most organizations have a clear owner for AI infrastructure. Very few have someone accountable for building the organizational capability to use it well. Those are different problems. Confusing them is expensive. The companies that will see real returns from AI in the next three years aren’t necessarily the ones investing the most. They’re the ones building the internal architecture to absorb what they deploy. That’s not a technology decision. It’s a leadership one. View the full article

You can save considerably today with some excellent retailer coupons. For instance, Yogurtland has a BOGO offer on yogurt and ice cream cups via their app, which is ideal for a treat. At HSN, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is just $25, a notable drop from its original price. Target‘s Vera Bradley throw blankets are now $12.34, whereas Amazon features a Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for $9.39 and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99. More savings await you. Key Takeaways Yogurtland App: Enjoy a BOGO offer on yogurt or ice cream cups exclusively through the Yogurtland app on October 27. Shark Cyclone Vacuum: Purchase the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 with free shipping, reduced from $70. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets: Grab Vera Bradley throw blankets at Target for just $12.34, originally priced at $65. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food: Buy a 2-pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food on Amazon for as low as $9.39, with potential digital coupons. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer: Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99, down from $250, with options for additional savings. BOGO Yogurt or Ice Cream Cups at Yogurtland On October 27, Yogurtland is rolling out an enticing buy one, get one (BOGO) promotion on yogurt or ice cream cups, available exclusively through their app on iOS and Android devices. This BOGO deal lets you enjoy a second cup at no extra cost, making it a perfect opportunity to explore new flavors or share a treat with a friend. Yogurtland’s extensive variety of flavors and toppings means there’s something for everyone. To maximize your savings, consider looking for Yogurtland coupons or other food shopping coupons that can improve your dessert experience. Whether you’re searching for digital coupons or printable coupons for food, knowing where to get coupons can save you money. You might additionally check grocery shopping coupons or supermarket coupons for additional deals. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to indulge in delicious ice cream or yogurt during taking advantage of this great promotion. Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 Shipped at HSN The Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum, now priced at just $25 with free shipping at HSN, presents a notable opportunity for pet owners seeking effective cleaning solutions. This vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair and dirt, making it an ideal addition to your cleaning arsenal. With robust suction and a lightweight design, you can easily maneuver it around your home. Feature Benefit Price $25 with free shipping Design Lightweight for easy handling Suction Strength Effective on various surfaces Pet Hair Specific Customized for pet owners Regular Price Originally $70, now considerably reduced While you’re at it, consider exploring grocery store discounts. Learn how to find coupons for groceries, including free digital coupons for Walmart or where to get grocery coupons. You can likewise check for printable grocery coupons and digital grocery coupons to cut costs on household supplies. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for $12.34 at Target Currently, you can snag Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for just $12.34 at Target, a substantial drop from their original price of $65. This offer represents significant savings of over 80%, making it a fantastic deal for anyone looking to improve their home decor as colder months approach. Target discounts like this one encourage you to act quickly, as the promotion may be available for a limited time. If you’re interested in maximizing your savings, consider using grocery store digital coupons or exploring where to find coupons for groceries to complement your shopping trip. Many stores with coupon apps also provide additional savings opportunities. Printable coupons for grocery shopping can further improve your overall experience. As you shop, keep an eye on the best stores to coupon for more home decor deals, ensuring you enjoy great savings on items like the stylish Vera Bradley blankets. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for as Low as $9.39 on Amazon If you’re looking to boost the health of your indoor plants, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is now available on Amazon for as low as $9.39. This recent deal provides crucial nutrients, promoting ideal growth for your plants. The convenience of purchasing a 2-pack not merely saves money but guarantees you have enough food on hand for continued care. Features Benefits Pricing Crucial Nutrients Promotes Healthy Growth As low as $9.39 Convenient 2-Pack Saves Money Significant Discount Available Recent Availability Urgent Purchase Recommended Check for Digital Coupons For those interested in savings, consider looking into where can I find grocery coupons or how to get grocery coupons. Utilize grocery coupon codes and manufacturer coupons app to maximize your savings during purchasing. You can pull up coupons online or check a coupon database for additional deals. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon For those seeking a versatile kitchen appliance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer is available on Amazon for $129.99, a significant drop from its regular price of $250. This air fryer is perfect for everyone, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a large family. Here are three key features you’ll love: Multi-Functionality: Air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate all in one appliance. Smart Cooking System: Automatically adjusts time and temperature for ideal results. Large Capacity: Easily accommodates meals for gatherings, making meal prep a breeze. If you’re additionally wondering, “where do I find coupons for groceries?” or “how can I get grocery coupons?”, consider using a free coupons app or clip coupons online. You can also pull up coupons and look for free digital coupons for Walmart today. Enjoy your new kitchen gadget and the convenience it brings! Frequently Asked Questions What’s the Best Store to Coupon At? When deciding the best store to coupon at, consider factors like discounts and policies. Target often offers promotions like up to 50% off on seasonal items. Amazon can provide savings of up to 70%, particularly for Prime members. Kohl’s is known for extensive coupons, especially during Black Friday, with sales reaching 70% off. Walmart’s digital coupons and price matching make it competitive, whereas Best Buy thrives in electronics discounts during major sales events. Can You Do Extreme Couponing Now? Yes, you can still do extreme couponing today. With digital coupons available through retailer apps, stacking discounts has become easier. Retailers often provide exclusive coupons for both new and existing customers, enhancing your savings potential. Nevertheless, successful couponing requires planning, like tracking weekly ads and comprehending store policies on coupon usage. Keep in mind that some stores limit the number of coupons per transaction, so familiarize yourself with these rules to maximize your savings effectively. What Is the Temu $100 off Code for Existing Customers? To access the Temu $100 off code for existing customers, log into your Temu account and check your account settings for available promotions. This code often comes with specific terms, like a minimum purchase requirement or an expiration date, so review those details carefully. Furthermore, keep an eye on your email or the Temu app for other discounts or promotions customized for you, as they frequently update their offers. Which Coupon Finder Is the Best? When considering which coupon finder is the best, it depends on your shopping habits. Honey and Rakuten excel at automatically applying discounts during checkout, whereas RetailMeNot offers an extensive database of promo codes. If you prefer cashback options, CouponCabin may suit you. For bridging traditional and digital couponing, SnipSnap is effective, and Coupons.com provides printable coupons for in-store use. Evaluate these options based on your preferences and shopping style to maximize your savings. Conclusion To summarize, today’s retailer coupons offer significant savings across various products. You can enjoy a BOGO deal on yogurt at Yogurtland, snag a Shark Cyclone Pet Vacuum for just $25 at HSN, or find Vera Bradley throw blankets at Target for only $12.34. Amazon features a 2-Pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food for as low as $9.39 and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99. Take advantage of these deals to maximize your savings. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Retailer Coupons You Can Use Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You can save considerably today with some excellent retailer coupons. For instance, Yogurtland has a BOGO offer on yogurt and ice cream cups via their app, which is ideal for a treat. At HSN, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is just $25, a notable drop from its original price. Target‘s Vera Bradley throw blankets are now $12.34, whereas Amazon features a Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for $9.39 and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99. More savings await you. Key Takeaways Yogurtland App: Enjoy a BOGO offer on yogurt or ice cream cups exclusively through the Yogurtland app on October 27. Shark Cyclone Vacuum: Purchase the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 with free shipping, reduced from $70. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets: Grab Vera Bradley throw blankets at Target for just $12.34, originally priced at $65. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food: Buy a 2-pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food on Amazon for as low as $9.39, with potential digital coupons. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer: Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99, down from $250, with options for additional savings. BOGO Yogurt or Ice Cream Cups at Yogurtland On October 27, Yogurtland is rolling out an enticing buy one, get one (BOGO) promotion on yogurt or ice cream cups, available exclusively through their app on iOS and Android devices. This BOGO deal lets you enjoy a second cup at no extra cost, making it a perfect opportunity to explore new flavors or share a treat with a friend. Yogurtland’s extensive variety of flavors and toppings means there’s something for everyone. To maximize your savings, consider looking for Yogurtland coupons or other food shopping coupons that can improve your dessert experience. Whether you’re searching for digital coupons or printable coupons for food, knowing where to get coupons can save you money. You might additionally check grocery shopping coupons or supermarket coupons for additional deals. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to indulge in delicious ice cream or yogurt during taking advantage of this great promotion. Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 Shipped at HSN The Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum, now priced at just $25 with free shipping at HSN, presents a notable opportunity for pet owners seeking effective cleaning solutions. This vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair and dirt, making it an ideal addition to your cleaning arsenal. With robust suction and a lightweight design, you can easily maneuver it around your home. Feature Benefit Price $25 with free shipping Design Lightweight for easy handling Suction Strength Effective on various surfaces Pet Hair Specific Customized for pet owners Regular Price Originally $70, now considerably reduced While you’re at it, consider exploring grocery store discounts. Learn how to find coupons for groceries, including free digital coupons for Walmart or where to get grocery coupons. You can likewise check for printable grocery coupons and digital grocery coupons to cut costs on household supplies. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for $12.34 at Target Currently, you can snag Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for just $12.34 at Target, a substantial drop from their original price of $65. This offer represents significant savings of over 80%, making it a fantastic deal for anyone looking to improve their home decor as colder months approach. Target discounts like this one encourage you to act quickly, as the promotion may be available for a limited time. If you’re interested in maximizing your savings, consider using grocery store digital coupons or exploring where to find coupons for groceries to complement your shopping trip. Many stores with coupon apps also provide additional savings opportunities. Printable coupons for grocery shopping can further improve your overall experience. As you shop, keep an eye on the best stores to coupon for more home decor deals, ensuring you enjoy great savings on items like the stylish Vera Bradley blankets. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for as Low as $9.39 on Amazon If you’re looking to boost the health of your indoor plants, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is now available on Amazon for as low as $9.39. This recent deal provides crucial nutrients, promoting ideal growth for your plants. The convenience of purchasing a 2-pack not merely saves money but guarantees you have enough food on hand for continued care. Features Benefits Pricing Crucial Nutrients Promotes Healthy Growth As low as $9.39 Convenient 2-Pack Saves Money Significant Discount Available Recent Availability Urgent Purchase Recommended Check for Digital Coupons For those interested in savings, consider looking into where can I find grocery coupons or how to get grocery coupons. Utilize grocery coupon codes and manufacturer coupons app to maximize your savings during purchasing. You can pull up coupons online or check a coupon database for additional deals. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon For those seeking a versatile kitchen appliance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer is available on Amazon for $129.99, a significant drop from its regular price of $250. This air fryer is perfect for everyone, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a large family. Here are three key features you’ll love: Multi-Functionality: Air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate all in one appliance. Smart Cooking System: Automatically adjusts time and temperature for ideal results. Large Capacity: Easily accommodates meals for gatherings, making meal prep a breeze. If you’re additionally wondering, “where do I find coupons for groceries?” or “how can I get grocery coupons?”, consider using a free coupons app or clip coupons online. You can also pull up coupons and look for free digital coupons for Walmart today. Enjoy your new kitchen gadget and the convenience it brings! Frequently Asked Questions What’s the Best Store to Coupon At? When deciding the best store to coupon at, consider factors like discounts and policies. Target often offers promotions like up to 50% off on seasonal items. Amazon can provide savings of up to 70%, particularly for Prime members. Kohl’s is known for extensive coupons, especially during Black Friday, with sales reaching 70% off. Walmart’s digital coupons and price matching make it competitive, whereas Best Buy thrives in electronics discounts during major sales events. Can You Do Extreme Couponing Now? Yes, you can still do extreme couponing today. With digital coupons available through retailer apps, stacking discounts has become easier. Retailers often provide exclusive coupons for both new and existing customers, enhancing your savings potential. Nevertheless, successful couponing requires planning, like tracking weekly ads and comprehending store policies on coupon usage. Keep in mind that some stores limit the number of coupons per transaction, so familiarize yourself with these rules to maximize your savings effectively. What Is the Temu $100 off Code for Existing Customers? To access the Temu $100 off code for existing customers, log into your Temu account and check your account settings for available promotions. This code often comes with specific terms, like a minimum purchase requirement or an expiration date, so review those details carefully. Furthermore, keep an eye on your email or the Temu app for other discounts or promotions customized for you, as they frequently update their offers. Which Coupon Finder Is the Best? When considering which coupon finder is the best, it depends on your shopping habits. Honey and Rakuten excel at automatically applying discounts during checkout, whereas RetailMeNot offers an extensive database of promo codes. If you prefer cashback options, CouponCabin may suit you. For bridging traditional and digital couponing, SnipSnap is effective, and Coupons.com provides printable coupons for in-store use. Evaluate these options based on your preferences and shopping style to maximize your savings. Conclusion To summarize, today’s retailer coupons offer significant savings across various products. You can enjoy a BOGO deal on yogurt at Yogurtland, snag a Shark Cyclone Pet Vacuum for just $25 at HSN, or find Vera Bradley throw blankets at Target for only $12.34. Amazon features a 2-Pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food for as low as $9.39 and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99. Take advantage of these deals to maximize your savings. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Retailer Coupons You Can Use Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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It sounds like an obvious business decision: cut headcount, reduce costs, and signal efficiency to the market. When Block CEO Jack Dorsey eliminated more than 4,000 jobs—nearly half the company’s workforce—citing AI-driven efficiency gains, the company’s stock rose more than 20% within hours. Citigroup is executing CEO Jane Fraser’s plan to cut 20,000 roles by the end of 2026. Morgan Stanley recently reduced its workforce by 2,500 positions across its major business divisions, despite posting record revenues in 2025. The announcements are framed as strategic resets. The market often rewards them. But the real consequences rarely show up in the stock price. They show up the following Monday morning, when the people still there sit down at their desks and try to figure out what just changed. What many executives discover is that the organization doesn’t simply continue with fewer people. Work that once moved quickly begins to encounter friction. Teams grow more cautious about acting. Momentum slows. This pattern isn’t a sign of disengagement. It’s structural. When headcount changes quickly, the informal systems that allowed teams to operate efficiently disappear with the people who carried them. Authority becomes unclear, risk tolerance drops, and people wait for signals before acting. The organization is left operating with less context, less coordination, and less slack in the system—while leadership still expects full-speed performance. Through our work advising and coaching senior leaders—Kathryn as an executive and team coach and Jenny as an executive advisor and leadership development expert—we’ve seen this dynamic repeat through restructurings, mergers, and strategic pivots. Layoffs don’t just remove people. They also remove the informal networks, unwritten decision rules, and the institutional memory that help work move forward. What remains is a workforce operating with less psychological and operational fuel—while leadership still expects full-speed performance. Restoring momentum requires more than reassurance. Here are five actions leaders can take to help teams regain traction. 1. Name the Loss Most leaders try to move quickly past the pain after layoffs. They schedule an all-hands, announce the new org chart, and immediate pivot to the next set of priorities. But moving on too quickly often backfires. When Citi CEO Jane Fraser told employees, “We are not graded on effort. We are judged on our results,” the business message was clear. But for those remaining, the emotional subtext—grief, guilt, fear—had nowhere to land. People who just watched colleagues lose jobs at a company posting record revenues often experience survivors’ guilt alongside deep uncertainty about what comes next. Acknowledging that reality does not require performative optimism. It means creating space for honest conversation. Leaders demonstrate appropriate vulnerability help teams process what happened and begin rebuilding trust. Within 48 hours of a layoff announcement, hold a small-group conversation (no more than 15 people) with remaining team members. Come prepared to listen rather than present. Two questions can open the conversation: 1) What are you most worried about right now? 2) What do you need from me? Capture themes and reflect them back through town halls and written updates so employees see their concerns shaping leadership’s response. Acknowledging the loss doesn’t slow recovery. It clears the emotional static that prevents teams from moving forward. 2. Reset Decision Ownership One of the least visible consequences of layoffs is how quickly decision ownership becomes blurred. When teams shrink, responsibilities rarely disappear—they are redistributed quickly and often informally. Projects lose clear owners. Decisions begin climbing the chain of command. People become less certain about who is empowered to act. The leaders who shorten the distance between questions and answers move quickly to re-establish decision clarity by answering three questions for every major workstream: Who owns the decision? Who should contribute input? Who is responsible for execution once the decision is made? After layoffs, teams rarely slow down because they have lost capability alone. More often, they slow down because the organization’s decision architecture has quietly shifted—and no one has rebuilt it. 3. Rebuild the Psychological Contract After the initial shock passes, many teams enter a second phase: recalibration. Employees begin reassessing their relationship with the organization, and what they owe it in return. The implicit agreement that once shaped how people approached their work—how much effort to invest, how much risk to take, how secure the future feels—has shifted. In one recent survey of layoff survivors, 65% said they’d made a costly mistake or felt hesitant to act at work after layoffs due to lack of training, and nearly half reported a drop in morale and engagement. People often become more cautious in meetings, less willing to challenge ideas, and more focused on protecting their own role than helping the broader team succeed. Some companies are experimenting with ways to preserve that contract even as technology reshapes roles. JPMorgan Chase offers one model for rebuilding that contract. Rather than eliminating workers displaced by AI, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has said the firm redeploys them into other roles with retraining, relocation assistance, and income support. “We have displaced people from AI,” Dimon noted, “and we offer them other jobs.” Signals like this shape how employees interpret the organization’s commitment to them. Rebuilding trust requires more than reassurance. Leaders must demonstrate through consistent decisions and clear communication that initiative and judgment are still valued—and that employees will be supported when they exercise them. Without that reset, employees often remain in a holding pattern, waiting for the next change rather than investing fully in the work ahead. 4. Narrow Priorities to What Actually Matters When teams suddenly shrink, expectations rarely do. The strategy may remain the same, but the organization’s capacity to execute it rarely does. When priorities remain unchanged while resources decline, teams face a different problem: too many demands competing for limited attention. Instead of moving faster, people spend more time trying to determine where to focus. The result isn’t acceleration—it’s paralysis disguised as busyness. Restoring momentum requires strategic simplification. That means identifying what truly matters in the next phase of the organization’s work and being explicit about what can wait. Projects that once seemed essential may need to pause. Initiatives that were previously “nice to have” may no longer fit the organization’s capacity. Hold a priority reset session within two weeks of any significant headcount reduction. Ask: If we could only accomplish three things this quarter, what would they be? Then make those three things visible, repeated, and properly resourced. Clarity about priorities reduces hesitation. When people understand where to focus, they are far more likely to move forward with confidence. 5. Deliver a Visible Win After major workforce changes, teams often enter a holding pattern. People hesitate to move forward while they wait to see whether more disruption is coming. The leaders who help teams regain momentum don’t rely on messaging alone. They create an early, visible win—resolving a long-standing operational issue, delivering a delayed milestone, or launching a small improvement that had previously stalled. It doesn’t need to be large to matter. Small wins matter because they reset the story teams tell themselves about what’s possible. Instead of focusing on what was lost, people begin to see that the organization can still move forward. Confidence doesn’t return through reassurance alone. It returns when people see momentum being restored. Layoffs may reset strategy and costs. They also quietly disrupt how work actually gets done—and in the current wave of AI-driven workforce reductions, that disruption is happening at a scale and speed that most organizations are not built to absorb. The executives who navigate this moment well are not simply pushing for results. They are also rebuilding the conditions that allow performance to return: clear authority, rebuilt trust, narrowed priorities, and visible proof that forward motion is possible. The stock price reflects the announcement. What follows is a leadership problem—and it requires a leadership solution. View the full article

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Loyalty rewards applications can considerably improve your shopping experience by helping you save money and track your spending. These apps allow you to manage points, cashback offers, and personalized deals all in one place. With features like real-time notifications and digital card storage, you can streamline your savings efforts. As you explore the top seven applications designed to maximize your savings, you’ll discover which ones align best with your shopping habits and preferences. Key Takeaways Choose loyalty apps that align with your shopping habits for targeted savings and rewards. Utilize mobile wallet integration to easily manage and access multiple loyalty cards in one place. Track points and cashback in real-time to stay informed about your savings opportunities. Participate in referral programs to earn additional rewards by sharing the app with friends. Regularly check for personalized offers and redeemable rewards to maximize your savings potential. What Is a Loyalty Rewards Application? A loyalty rewards application is a digital tool that streamlines the process of earning rewards for your purchases. These apps replace traditional loyalty cards, allowing you to manage your rewards conveniently from your smartphone. With good reward apps, you can accumulate points, receive discounts, or access special offers, enhancing your engagement with brands. The best reward apps offer real-time notifications about your rewards status and feature user-friendly interfaces for easy navigation. Research indicates that mobile loyalty programs are increasingly preferred, as personalized offers lead to higher customer retention rates. Furthermore, a rewards program app helps businesses collect valuable data on purchasing behavior, informing their marketing strategies and improving your overall experience. Key Features of Top Loyalty Rewards Applications When you explore top loyalty rewards applications, you’ll notice several key features that improve your experience. Digital interaction and accessibility allow you to manage your loyalty cards effortlessly through mobile wallets, as personalized rewards and offers cater to your shopping preferences. Furthermore, real-time notifications keep you updated on your point status and available rewards, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to benefit. Digital Interaction and Accessibility Digital interaction and accessibility play crucial roles in the functionality of top loyalty rewards applications, allowing you to manage your rewards seamlessly. These applications enable you to access loyalty cards through mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Wallet, boosting convenience. With point accumulation features, you can earn and track points for every dollar spent, redeemable directly through the app. Real-time notifications keep you updated on point status and exclusive offers, promoting engagement. A user-friendly interface simplifies navigation, making it easier to maximize savings. Feature Description Benefit Mobile Wallet Access Integrates with digital wallets Improved convenience Point Tracking Earn points for dollars spent Easy redemption Real-Time Notifications Updates on points and offers Ongoing engagement User-Friendly Interface Simplified navigation Maximized savings Referral Programs Share with friends to earn more rewards Increased retention Personalized Rewards and Offers Personalized rewards and offers form a key component of top loyalty rewards applications, enhancing the user experience by tailoring incentives to individual shopping habits. These applications utilize customer data to create customized deals and discounts, which increases user engagement. Many apps incorporate gamification strategies, presenting achievable goals and tiered rewards that encourage continued participation and spending. With automated systems tracking points accumulation and redemption, managing your rewards becomes effortless, showing clear benefits for your loyalty. Furthermore, integrated referral programs allow you to share the app with friends, broadening your network and providing personalized rewards for both you and new users. This level of personalization makes every shopping experience more rewarding and engaging. Real-Time Notifications and Alerts Real-time notifications and alerts are essential features of top loyalty rewards applications, designed to keep you informed about your rewards status and opportunities to save. These notifications help you track point accumulation, ensuring you maximize your savings potential. With push notifications achieving a click-through rate of 17%-20%, they’re far more effective than traditional email marketing. You’ll receive alerts about personalized offers and time-sensitive promotions, driving immediate action. Furthermore, reminders about expiring rewards promote a sense of urgency for timely redemption. Overall, these features streamline your shopping experience and improve your satisfaction with the loyalty program. Feature Benefit Impact Point Accumulation Alerts Stay informed Maximize savings Personalized Offers Increased engagement Immediate action Expiration Reminders Urgency to redeem rewards Timely spending Benefits of Using Loyalty Rewards Applications Loyalty rewards applications offer numerous advantages that can greatly improve your shopping experience. By using these apps, you can earn points or cashback on purchases, potentially saving over $120 monthly through personalized deals. Many applications send real-time notifications about your point accumulation and exclusive offers, ensuring you never miss out on savings. Programs like Spendgo and FiveStars automatically track your spending and rewards, making the process effortless and encouraging repeat purchases through gamification. Moreover, mobile loyalty apps eliminate the hassle of carrying physical cards, allowing you to manage your rewards conveniently from your smartphone, accessing loyalty information anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, the data collected through these apps provides valuable insights into your purchasing patterns, enabling businesses to tailor rewards that improve customer satisfaction. In the end, this leads to increased retention rates and a more rewarding shopping experience for you. How to Choose the Best Loyalty Rewards Application for You How do you find the best loyalty rewards application for your unique shopping habits? Start by evaluating your shopping habits to identify which application aligns with your spending patterns. Look for apps that offer a variety of rewards customized to your needs. Consider these factors: Compatibility with your favorite stores, like Kroger for fuel savings or Target Circle for discounts. A diverse range of rewards, such as points or cashback options. User-friendly features, including mobile wallet integration and real-time alerts. Additional program perks, like tiered memberships or personalized deals. The ability to stack savings by comparing multiple programs for overlapping offers. Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Applications to Maximize Your Savings With a clear comprehension of your shopping habits, you can now explore some of the top loyalty rewards applications that can help you maximize savings. Spendgo tracks rewards based on spending thresholds, allowing you to engage both online and in-store through QR code scanning. Loopy Loyalty offers customizable digital loyalty cards stored in mobile wallets, simplifying reward issuance with a single scan. FiveStars automates tracking your spending and sends rewards automatically, concurrently providing a dashboard to monitor program performance. Rakuten gives you cashback from thousands of retailers, making it effortless to earn money on everyday purchases. Finally, Honey by PayPal not only applies promo codes at checkout but likewise features a rewards program, letting you redeem points for gift cards. Each of these applications offers unique features that can improve your savings strategy effectively. Tips for Maximizing Savings With Loyalty Rewards Applications To maximize savings with loyalty rewards applications, start by choosing programs that fit your shopping habits, ensuring you get the most relevant benefits. Utilize mobile features to track your points and receive notifications about exclusive offers, which helps you stay informed and engaged. Finally, consistently monitor and redeem your rewards to take full advantage of the savings available to you. Choose Relevant Programs Choosing relevant loyalty programs can greatly improve your savings, especially if you align them with your shopping habits. By selecting programs that match what you frequently buy, you can maximize your rewards. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Look for points-based or cashback programs that fit your spending patterns. Take advantage of tiered memberships for exclusive discounts and benefits. Combine multiple loyalty programs to stack your savings effectively. Regularly check for personalized offers and promotions that suit your needs. Bear in mind that 43% of Gen-Z rely on these programs, highlighting their role in budgeting. Use Mobile Features Using mobile features of loyalty rewards applications can greatly improve your savings and streamline your shopping experience. By utilizing these apps, you can conveniently track your rewards balances and check for exclusive offers in real-time. This keeps you informed about accumulating points, increasing your chances of redeeming rewards effectively. Engaging with referral programs within the apps allows you to earn extra rewards by sharing them with friends, leading to a higher retention rate. Moreover, mobile loyalty apps analyze customer data to provide personalized offers that align with your shopping habits. Finally, features like ordering ahead and skipping lines save you time, further enhancing your overall shopping convenience and maximizing your savings potential. Track and Redeem Rewards Though many people enjoy the benefits of loyalty rewards applications, effectively tracking and redeeming your rewards is essential to maximizing your savings. Here are some tips to help you: Use mobile loyalty apps to track your points in real-time, keeping you updated on potential savings. Enable personalized notifications to remind you of expiring rewards and exclusive offers. Combine cashback extensions with loyalty apps to stack discounts at checkout. Regularly check the rewards catalog for redeemable options like discounts or free products. Engage with programs by participating in referral incentives and social media sharing to earn additional points. Future Trends in Loyalty Rewards Applications As consumers increasingly turn to their smartphones for everyday tasks, the future of loyalty rewards applications is set to evolve considerably. Mobile platforms will see heightened adoption, as users prefer managing loyalty programs through convenient apps. Personalization will become more sophisticated, using data analytics to tailor offers based on individual shopping behaviors, enhancing customer engagement. Integration with payment platforms is expected to streamline the earning and redemption of rewards directly at checkout, making the purchasing process seamless. Moreover, gamification techniques like tiered rewards and trackable achievements will motivate you to engage actively with loyalty programs, encouraging repeat business. Brands will likewise focus on community-building features within their apps, creating social elements that promote a shared experience among members. This collaborative engagement will strengthen brand loyalty and encourage consumers to connect with each other, making loyalty programs more interactive and appealing. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Successful Rewards Program? Determining the most successful rewards program often depends on customer preferences and spending habits. Programs like Sephora‘s offer tiered benefits, whereas Starbucks focuses on engagement through personalized rewards. Target Circle attracts shoppers with cash back, and myWalgreens appeals to health-conscious consumers with unlimited rewards. Kohl’s stands out by providing a higher earning rate on purchases. Each program effectively improves customer loyalty, but the best choice varies based on individual shopping priorities. What Are the 3 R’s of Loyalty? The 3 R’s of loyalty are Rewarding, Retaining, and Referring customers. Rewarding involves providing incentives, like points or discounts, for purchases. Retaining focuses on keeping customers engaged through personalized offers, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Referring encourages satisfied customers to share their experiences, which can attract new clients. Programs that effectively implement these elements not just boost customer retention rates but additionally nurture long-term relationships, in the end contributing to increased sales and brand loyalty. What Is the Best App to Earn Rewards? The best app to earn rewards depends on your shopping habits. For in-store and online tracking, consider Spendgo, which helps monitor your rewards easily. If you frequent specific brands, apps like Starbucks Rewards or Sephora Beauty Insider can improve your experience with exclusive deals and birthday gifts. For cashback, Rakuten and Honey are excellent choices, as they provide savings through cash rewards and price comparisons, maximizing your overall benefits from purchases. How Do Effective Loyalty Programs Maximize Motivation? Effective loyalty programs maximize motivation by offering diverse earning opportunities, encouraging consistent engagement beyond just purchases. When you find rewards that are both desirable and attainable, you’re more likely to feel valued and stay engaged. Gamifying the experience, with tiered rewards, creates a sense of competition and urgency. Furthermore, timely push notifications remind you of expiring rewards, enhancing participation. Monitoring key metrics guarantees these programs resonate with your preferences, nurturing continued loyalty. Conclusion In summary, loyalty rewards applications can considerably improve your savings by streamlining the tracking of points, cashback, and personalized offers. By comprehending the key features and benefits of these apps, you can select the one that best fits your shopping habits. As you explore the top options available, remember to utilize strategies that maximize your rewards potential. Staying informed about future trends will additionally help you adapt and continue benefiting from these valuable resources in your everyday purchases. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Maximize Savings With Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Applications" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Loyalty rewards applications can considerably improve your shopping experience by helping you save money and track your spending. These apps allow you to manage points, cashback offers, and personalized deals all in one place. With features like real-time notifications and digital card storage, you can streamline your savings efforts. As you explore the top seven applications designed to maximize your savings, you’ll discover which ones align best with your shopping habits and preferences. Key Takeaways Choose loyalty apps that align with your shopping habits for targeted savings and rewards. Utilize mobile wallet integration to easily manage and access multiple loyalty cards in one place. Track points and cashback in real-time to stay informed about your savings opportunities. Participate in referral programs to earn additional rewards by sharing the app with friends. Regularly check for personalized offers and redeemable rewards to maximize your savings potential. What Is a Loyalty Rewards Application? A loyalty rewards application is a digital tool that streamlines the process of earning rewards for your purchases. These apps replace traditional loyalty cards, allowing you to manage your rewards conveniently from your smartphone. With good reward apps, you can accumulate points, receive discounts, or access special offers, enhancing your engagement with brands. The best reward apps offer real-time notifications about your rewards status and feature user-friendly interfaces for easy navigation. Research indicates that mobile loyalty programs are increasingly preferred, as personalized offers lead to higher customer retention rates. Furthermore, a rewards program app helps businesses collect valuable data on purchasing behavior, informing their marketing strategies and improving your overall experience. Key Features of Top Loyalty Rewards Applications When you explore top loyalty rewards applications, you’ll notice several key features that improve your experience. Digital interaction and accessibility allow you to manage your loyalty cards effortlessly through mobile wallets, as personalized rewards and offers cater to your shopping preferences. Furthermore, real-time notifications keep you updated on your point status and available rewards, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to benefit. Digital Interaction and Accessibility Digital interaction and accessibility play crucial roles in the functionality of top loyalty rewards applications, allowing you to manage your rewards seamlessly. These applications enable you to access loyalty cards through mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Wallet, boosting convenience. With point accumulation features, you can earn and track points for every dollar spent, redeemable directly through the app. Real-time notifications keep you updated on point status and exclusive offers, promoting engagement. A user-friendly interface simplifies navigation, making it easier to maximize savings. Feature Description Benefit Mobile Wallet Access Integrates with digital wallets Improved convenience Point Tracking Earn points for dollars spent Easy redemption Real-Time Notifications Updates on points and offers Ongoing engagement User-Friendly Interface Simplified navigation Maximized savings Referral Programs Share with friends to earn more rewards Increased retention Personalized Rewards and Offers Personalized rewards and offers form a key component of top loyalty rewards applications, enhancing the user experience by tailoring incentives to individual shopping habits. These applications utilize customer data to create customized deals and discounts, which increases user engagement. Many apps incorporate gamification strategies, presenting achievable goals and tiered rewards that encourage continued participation and spending. With automated systems tracking points accumulation and redemption, managing your rewards becomes effortless, showing clear benefits for your loyalty. Furthermore, integrated referral programs allow you to share the app with friends, broadening your network and providing personalized rewards for both you and new users. This level of personalization makes every shopping experience more rewarding and engaging. Real-Time Notifications and Alerts Real-time notifications and alerts are essential features of top loyalty rewards applications, designed to keep you informed about your rewards status and opportunities to save. These notifications help you track point accumulation, ensuring you maximize your savings potential. With push notifications achieving a click-through rate of 17%-20%, they’re far more effective than traditional email marketing. You’ll receive alerts about personalized offers and time-sensitive promotions, driving immediate action. Furthermore, reminders about expiring rewards promote a sense of urgency for timely redemption. Overall, these features streamline your shopping experience and improve your satisfaction with the loyalty program. Feature Benefit Impact Point Accumulation Alerts Stay informed Maximize savings Personalized Offers Increased engagement Immediate action Expiration Reminders Urgency to redeem rewards Timely spending Benefits of Using Loyalty Rewards Applications Loyalty rewards applications offer numerous advantages that can greatly improve your shopping experience. By using these apps, you can earn points or cashback on purchases, potentially saving over $120 monthly through personalized deals. Many applications send real-time notifications about your point accumulation and exclusive offers, ensuring you never miss out on savings. Programs like Spendgo and FiveStars automatically track your spending and rewards, making the process effortless and encouraging repeat purchases through gamification. Moreover, mobile loyalty apps eliminate the hassle of carrying physical cards, allowing you to manage your rewards conveniently from your smartphone, accessing loyalty information anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, the data collected through these apps provides valuable insights into your purchasing patterns, enabling businesses to tailor rewards that improve customer satisfaction. In the end, this leads to increased retention rates and a more rewarding shopping experience for you. How to Choose the Best Loyalty Rewards Application for You How do you find the best loyalty rewards application for your unique shopping habits? Start by evaluating your shopping habits to identify which application aligns with your spending patterns. Look for apps that offer a variety of rewards customized to your needs. Consider these factors: Compatibility with your favorite stores, like Kroger for fuel savings or Target Circle for discounts. A diverse range of rewards, such as points or cashback options. User-friendly features, including mobile wallet integration and real-time alerts. Additional program perks, like tiered memberships or personalized deals. The ability to stack savings by comparing multiple programs for overlapping offers. Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Applications to Maximize Your Savings With a clear comprehension of your shopping habits, you can now explore some of the top loyalty rewards applications that can help you maximize savings. Spendgo tracks rewards based on spending thresholds, allowing you to engage both online and in-store through QR code scanning. Loopy Loyalty offers customizable digital loyalty cards stored in mobile wallets, simplifying reward issuance with a single scan. FiveStars automates tracking your spending and sends rewards automatically, concurrently providing a dashboard to monitor program performance. Rakuten gives you cashback from thousands of retailers, making it effortless to earn money on everyday purchases. Finally, Honey by PayPal not only applies promo codes at checkout but likewise features a rewards program, letting you redeem points for gift cards. Each of these applications offers unique features that can improve your savings strategy effectively. Tips for Maximizing Savings With Loyalty Rewards Applications To maximize savings with loyalty rewards applications, start by choosing programs that fit your shopping habits, ensuring you get the most relevant benefits. Utilize mobile features to track your points and receive notifications about exclusive offers, which helps you stay informed and engaged. Finally, consistently monitor and redeem your rewards to take full advantage of the savings available to you. Choose Relevant Programs Choosing relevant loyalty programs can greatly improve your savings, especially if you align them with your shopping habits. By selecting programs that match what you frequently buy, you can maximize your rewards. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Look for points-based or cashback programs that fit your spending patterns. Take advantage of tiered memberships for exclusive discounts and benefits. Combine multiple loyalty programs to stack your savings effectively. Regularly check for personalized offers and promotions that suit your needs. Bear in mind that 43% of Gen-Z rely on these programs, highlighting their role in budgeting. Use Mobile Features Using mobile features of loyalty rewards applications can greatly improve your savings and streamline your shopping experience. By utilizing these apps, you can conveniently track your rewards balances and check for exclusive offers in real-time. This keeps you informed about accumulating points, increasing your chances of redeeming rewards effectively. Engaging with referral programs within the apps allows you to earn extra rewards by sharing them with friends, leading to a higher retention rate. Moreover, mobile loyalty apps analyze customer data to provide personalized offers that align with your shopping habits. Finally, features like ordering ahead and skipping lines save you time, further enhancing your overall shopping convenience and maximizing your savings potential. Track and Redeem Rewards Though many people enjoy the benefits of loyalty rewards applications, effectively tracking and redeeming your rewards is essential to maximizing your savings. Here are some tips to help you: Use mobile loyalty apps to track your points in real-time, keeping you updated on potential savings. Enable personalized notifications to remind you of expiring rewards and exclusive offers. Combine cashback extensions with loyalty apps to stack discounts at checkout. Regularly check the rewards catalog for redeemable options like discounts or free products. Engage with programs by participating in referral incentives and social media sharing to earn additional points. Future Trends in Loyalty Rewards Applications As consumers increasingly turn to their smartphones for everyday tasks, the future of loyalty rewards applications is set to evolve considerably. Mobile platforms will see heightened adoption, as users prefer managing loyalty programs through convenient apps. Personalization will become more sophisticated, using data analytics to tailor offers based on individual shopping behaviors, enhancing customer engagement. Integration with payment platforms is expected to streamline the earning and redemption of rewards directly at checkout, making the purchasing process seamless. Moreover, gamification techniques like tiered rewards and trackable achievements will motivate you to engage actively with loyalty programs, encouraging repeat business. Brands will likewise focus on community-building features within their apps, creating social elements that promote a shared experience among members. This collaborative engagement will strengthen brand loyalty and encourage consumers to connect with each other, making loyalty programs more interactive and appealing. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Successful Rewards Program? Determining the most successful rewards program often depends on customer preferences and spending habits. Programs like Sephora‘s offer tiered benefits, whereas Starbucks focuses on engagement through personalized rewards. Target Circle attracts shoppers with cash back, and myWalgreens appeals to health-conscious consumers with unlimited rewards. Kohl’s stands out by providing a higher earning rate on purchases. Each program effectively improves customer loyalty, but the best choice varies based on individual shopping priorities. What Are the 3 R’s of Loyalty? The 3 R’s of loyalty are Rewarding, Retaining, and Referring customers. Rewarding involves providing incentives, like points or discounts, for purchases. Retaining focuses on keeping customers engaged through personalized offers, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Referring encourages satisfied customers to share their experiences, which can attract new clients. Programs that effectively implement these elements not just boost customer retention rates but additionally nurture long-term relationships, in the end contributing to increased sales and brand loyalty. What Is the Best App to Earn Rewards? The best app to earn rewards depends on your shopping habits. For in-store and online tracking, consider Spendgo, which helps monitor your rewards easily. If you frequent specific brands, apps like Starbucks Rewards or Sephora Beauty Insider can improve your experience with exclusive deals and birthday gifts. For cashback, Rakuten and Honey are excellent choices, as they provide savings through cash rewards and price comparisons, maximizing your overall benefits from purchases. How Do Effective Loyalty Programs Maximize Motivation? Effective loyalty programs maximize motivation by offering diverse earning opportunities, encouraging consistent engagement beyond just purchases. When you find rewards that are both desirable and attainable, you’re more likely to feel valued and stay engaged. Gamifying the experience, with tiered rewards, creates a sense of competition and urgency. Furthermore, timely push notifications remind you of expiring rewards, enhancing participation. Monitoring key metrics guarantees these programs resonate with your preferences, nurturing continued loyalty. Conclusion In summary, loyalty rewards applications can considerably improve your savings by streamlining the tracking of points, cashback, and personalized offers. By comprehending the key features and benefits of these apps, you can select the one that best fits your shopping habits. As you explore the top options available, remember to utilize strategies that maximize your rewards potential. Staying informed about future trends will additionally help you adapt and continue benefiting from these valuable resources in your everyday purchases. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Maximize Savings With Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Applications" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Building an online community can improve engagement and encourage connections among like-minded individuals. To achieve this, you need to define your community’s purpose and goals clearly. Selecting the right platform is likewise essential, as it should support scalability and user interaction. As you progress, consider how to structure your community effectively. Each step is necessary to your community’s success, and comprehending these elements will set the foundation for a thriving space. What comes next might surprise you. Key Takeaways Define your community’s purpose and SMART goals to attract and retain members effectively. Choose the right platform based on scalability, user experience, and customization options. Pre-populate the community with quality content to encourage initial engagement and discussions. Implement gamification and host events to foster member connections and motivation. Monitor engagement metrics regularly and adapt strategies based on member feedback and participation levels. What Is an Online Community? An online community is fundamentally a digital gathering where people connect based on shared interests or goals, often utilizing platforms like social media, forums, or specialized networks. These communities can range from top online communities focused on hobbies to good online communities centered around professional development. By serving specific niches, they encourage members to share diverse insights and experiences, leading to improved interaction. A learning community platform embodies this by allowing individuals to exchange knowledge and resources, nurturing deeper engagement. Trust and credibility flourish in such spaces as transparent communication becomes the norm. Businesses benefit considerably, as these communities provide real-time feedback and valuable market research insights from engaged members. As you explore or create an online community, keep in mind the importance of nurturing connections and maintaining a focus on the shared interests that unite your members. Benefits of Building an Online Community Building an online community offers significant benefits, particularly in enhancing member engagement and establishing trust. When members feel a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to remain active and committed, which boosts retention rates. Moreover, transparent communication nurtures credibility, further solidifying members’ loyalty to the community and the brand behind it. Trust and Credibility Trust and credibility are fundamental elements that can greatly amplify the effectiveness of an online community. When you focus on these aspects, you create an environment where members feel valued and are more likely to engage. Here are key benefits of cultivating trust within great online communities: Open communication encourages honest feedback and dialogue among members. Peer validation boosts credibility, as members share personal experiences and testimonials. Clear guidelines and active moderation establish a safe space, which helps build a trusting atmosphere. Enhanced Member Engagement When members feel a sense of belonging within an online community, their engagement naturally increases. A course and community platform that cultivates connections can lead to improved retention rates, as members feel valued and heard. By facilitating real-time interactions, you provide immediate feedback and support, which boosts overall member satisfaction. Networking opportunities and collaboration within cool online communities additionally elevate user engagement, allowing members to share knowledge and experiences that benefit everyone. Studies show that active online communities experience higher traffic and revenue, demonstrating a direct link between engagement and business success. Engaging members through events, contests, and user-generated content creates emotional connections, greatly improving participation and long-term commitment to the community. Step 1: Define Your Community’s Purpose and Goals Defining your community’s purpose and goals is crucial for establishing a solid foundation that attracts and retains members. Start by creating a clear, customer-centric purpose that resonates with your audience’s interests and aligns with your brand objectives. This focus will help you draw in the right members. Next, develop specific goals that are SMART: Specific: Clearly outline what you want to achieve. Measurable: Determine how you’ll track progress and success. Achievable: Set realistic goals that are attainable. Also, make sure your community’s purpose is adaptable, allowing it to grow alongside evolving member needs. Before launching, test your purpose with potential members through surveys or focus groups to confirm its relevance. Finally, craft messaging around your community’s purpose to effectively communicate its value proposition, enhancing member recruitment and retention. Step 2: Choose the Right Platform Selecting the right platform for your online community is a key step that can greatly influence its success. Start by considering scalability; you want a platform that can grow with your community and handle increased member activity over time. Evaluate the user experience; a user-friendly interface encourages both participation and engagement from your members and makes managing the community easier for you. Look for customization options that align with your branding and your members’ preferences, as this improves the community identity and experience. Verify the platform supports diverse content formats, like forums, videos, and polls, to cater to various engagement styles. Finally, confirm that it provides robust moderation tools and real-time analytics, which are crucial for maintaining community integrity and effectively tracking engagement metrics. Choosing the right platform sets the foundation for a thriving community. Step 3: Plan the Community Structure Planning your community structure is vital for nurturing engagement and ensuring a positive experience for all members. Start by determining the format of your community, like forums for structured discussions or groups for more personal interactions. This alignment with member preferences is key. Next, organize the community into clear categories or topics to facilitate easy navigation, preventing new users from feeling overwhelmed. Define specific roles within your community, such as members, moderators, and admins, to create a governance structure that supports effective management. Consider incorporating features like: Pinned posts to highlight important announcements. FAQs to answer common questions. Guidelines to set community standards and expectations. Finally, regularly solicit feedback from members regarding the community structure. This iterative approach helps improve engagement and satisfaction, making your community a thriving space for everyone involved. Step 4: Launch Your Online Community To successfully launch your online community, it’s essential to develop a rollout strategy that promotes your community through existing channels, ensuring you effectively communicate its value. Consider starting with a soft launch to engage select members who can provide feedback and help troubleshoot any issues. Rollout Strategy Development Launching your online community requires a well-thought-out rollout strategy to guarantee a smooth introduction and sustained growth. Start with a soft launch for select members to gather feedback and resolve any issues. Create a detailed timeline with key milestones for inviting users and promoting the community externally. Pre-populate the community with high-quality content to spark initial discussions. Implement gamification techniques, like contests or reward systems, to engage early members. Utilize existing channels, such as email and social media, to announce your community and build anticipation. This structured approach not only aids in troubleshooting but also establishes a strong foundation for a lively, engaged community that thrives from day one. Promote Through Existing Channels After establishing a rollout strategy, it’s time to promote your online community through existing channels. Start by utilizing your organization’s email lists to announce the community launch, emphasizing benefits and inviting current customers to join. Next, leverage social media platforms where your target audience is active by sharing teasers and engaging posts. Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to communicate the community’s value during interactions. Create a promotional timeline with specific dates for announcements across various channels to guarantee consistent messaging. Channel Strategy Email Announce launch, highlight benefits Social Media Share teasers, engage followers Sales/Customer Service Direct communication of value Encourage Member Participation Encouraging member participation is crucial for the success of your online community, as it helps create a lively and engaging environment. Start by promoting your community through existing channels like email and social media to attract initial members. Engage early participants by inviting trusted colleagues to nurture a sense of ownership. Implement gamification techniques to motivate involvement, and consider hosting regular events that connect members. Pre-populate the community with quality content before the launch to stimulate discussions. Use contests or reward systems to inspire active participation. Organize webinars or virtual meetups for knowledge sharing and networking. These strategies will improve overall engagement and help develop a thriving community from the outset. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Create an Online Community? To create an online community, first define your purpose by aligning it with your audience’s interests. Next, identify your target members through research and develop detailed personas. Set specific, measurable goals using the SMART criteria to track progress. Choose a suitable community management platform that fits your needs. Finally, establish clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, ensuring they’re accessible and regularly updated to nurture a positive environment for all participants. What Are the 5 C’s of Community? The five C’s of community are Commonality, Connection, Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment. Commonality creates shared interests that nurture belonging. Connection encourages relationships among members, enhancing interactions and support. Communication guarantees transparency and values members’ voices, promoting participation. Collaboration allows for knowledge sharing and joint initiatives, strengthening bonds. Finally, Commitment cultivates loyalty, crucial for a sustainable and growing community. Together, these elements form a lively, engaging environment that benefits all members. What Are the 5 Basic Components of a Community? To build a strong community, focus on five basic components: purpose, audience, goals, structure, and guidelines. First, define a clear purpose that resonates with members. Next, understand your audience’s demographics and interests. Set measurable goals and KPIs to track success. Establish a well-organized structure, including roles and navigation. Finally, create guidelines to guarantee respectful engagement and employ moderators to enforce these rules, promoting a positive community culture that encourages participation. How to Build a Community Step by Step? To build a community step by step, start by defining its purpose and identifying your target audience. Conduct thorough research to create detailed member personas, focusing on their interests and pain points. Set specific goals and KPIs to measure success. Choose a suitable platform that supports your needs, and establish community guidelines to promote acceptable behavior. Finally, implement a content and engagement plan to encourage active participation among members, ensuring ongoing interaction and retention. Conclusion Building an online community involves careful planning and execution. By defining your community’s purpose, choosing the right platform, and structuring it effectively, you lay a solid foundation for growth. A successful launch, combined with strategies for engagement, guarantees members feel valued and involved. Regularly assess engagement metrics and adapt based on feedback to improve the experience. With consistent effort and strategic promotion, you can cultivate a thriving online community that meets its goals and serves its members effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Build an Online Community With a Step-By-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Building an online community can improve engagement and encourage connections among like-minded individuals. To achieve this, you need to define your community’s purpose and goals clearly. Selecting the right platform is likewise essential, as it should support scalability and user interaction. As you progress, consider how to structure your community effectively. Each step is necessary to your community’s success, and comprehending these elements will set the foundation for a thriving space. What comes next might surprise you. Key Takeaways Define your community’s purpose and SMART goals to attract and retain members effectively. Choose the right platform based on scalability, user experience, and customization options. Pre-populate the community with quality content to encourage initial engagement and discussions. Implement gamification and host events to foster member connections and motivation. Monitor engagement metrics regularly and adapt strategies based on member feedback and participation levels. What Is an Online Community? An online community is fundamentally a digital gathering where people connect based on shared interests or goals, often utilizing platforms like social media, forums, or specialized networks. These communities can range from top online communities focused on hobbies to good online communities centered around professional development. By serving specific niches, they encourage members to share diverse insights and experiences, leading to improved interaction. A learning community platform embodies this by allowing individuals to exchange knowledge and resources, nurturing deeper engagement. Trust and credibility flourish in such spaces as transparent communication becomes the norm. Businesses benefit considerably, as these communities provide real-time feedback and valuable market research insights from engaged members. As you explore or create an online community, keep in mind the importance of nurturing connections and maintaining a focus on the shared interests that unite your members. Benefits of Building an Online Community Building an online community offers significant benefits, particularly in enhancing member engagement and establishing trust. When members feel a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to remain active and committed, which boosts retention rates. Moreover, transparent communication nurtures credibility, further solidifying members’ loyalty to the community and the brand behind it. Trust and Credibility Trust and credibility are fundamental elements that can greatly amplify the effectiveness of an online community. When you focus on these aspects, you create an environment where members feel valued and are more likely to engage. Here are key benefits of cultivating trust within great online communities: Open communication encourages honest feedback and dialogue among members. Peer validation boosts credibility, as members share personal experiences and testimonials. Clear guidelines and active moderation establish a safe space, which helps build a trusting atmosphere. Enhanced Member Engagement When members feel a sense of belonging within an online community, their engagement naturally increases. A course and community platform that cultivates connections can lead to improved retention rates, as members feel valued and heard. By facilitating real-time interactions, you provide immediate feedback and support, which boosts overall member satisfaction. Networking opportunities and collaboration within cool online communities additionally elevate user engagement, allowing members to share knowledge and experiences that benefit everyone. Studies show that active online communities experience higher traffic and revenue, demonstrating a direct link between engagement and business success. Engaging members through events, contests, and user-generated content creates emotional connections, greatly improving participation and long-term commitment to the community. Step 1: Define Your Community’s Purpose and Goals Defining your community’s purpose and goals is crucial for establishing a solid foundation that attracts and retains members. Start by creating a clear, customer-centric purpose that resonates with your audience’s interests and aligns with your brand objectives. This focus will help you draw in the right members. Next, develop specific goals that are SMART: Specific: Clearly outline what you want to achieve. Measurable: Determine how you’ll track progress and success. Achievable: Set realistic goals that are attainable. Also, make sure your community’s purpose is adaptable, allowing it to grow alongside evolving member needs. Before launching, test your purpose with potential members through surveys or focus groups to confirm its relevance. Finally, craft messaging around your community’s purpose to effectively communicate its value proposition, enhancing member recruitment and retention. Step 2: Choose the Right Platform Selecting the right platform for your online community is a key step that can greatly influence its success. Start by considering scalability; you want a platform that can grow with your community and handle increased member activity over time. Evaluate the user experience; a user-friendly interface encourages both participation and engagement from your members and makes managing the community easier for you. Look for customization options that align with your branding and your members’ preferences, as this improves the community identity and experience. Verify the platform supports diverse content formats, like forums, videos, and polls, to cater to various engagement styles. Finally, confirm that it provides robust moderation tools and real-time analytics, which are crucial for maintaining community integrity and effectively tracking engagement metrics. Choosing the right platform sets the foundation for a thriving community. Step 3: Plan the Community Structure Planning your community structure is vital for nurturing engagement and ensuring a positive experience for all members. Start by determining the format of your community, like forums for structured discussions or groups for more personal interactions. This alignment with member preferences is key. Next, organize the community into clear categories or topics to facilitate easy navigation, preventing new users from feeling overwhelmed. Define specific roles within your community, such as members, moderators, and admins, to create a governance structure that supports effective management. Consider incorporating features like: Pinned posts to highlight important announcements. FAQs to answer common questions. Guidelines to set community standards and expectations. Finally, regularly solicit feedback from members regarding the community structure. This iterative approach helps improve engagement and satisfaction, making your community a thriving space for everyone involved. Step 4: Launch Your Online Community To successfully launch your online community, it’s essential to develop a rollout strategy that promotes your community through existing channels, ensuring you effectively communicate its value. Consider starting with a soft launch to engage select members who can provide feedback and help troubleshoot any issues. Rollout Strategy Development Launching your online community requires a well-thought-out rollout strategy to guarantee a smooth introduction and sustained growth. Start with a soft launch for select members to gather feedback and resolve any issues. Create a detailed timeline with key milestones for inviting users and promoting the community externally. Pre-populate the community with high-quality content to spark initial discussions. Implement gamification techniques, like contests or reward systems, to engage early members. Utilize existing channels, such as email and social media, to announce your community and build anticipation. This structured approach not only aids in troubleshooting but also establishes a strong foundation for a lively, engaged community that thrives from day one. Promote Through Existing Channels After establishing a rollout strategy, it’s time to promote your online community through existing channels. Start by utilizing your organization’s email lists to announce the community launch, emphasizing benefits and inviting current customers to join. Next, leverage social media platforms where your target audience is active by sharing teasers and engaging posts. Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to communicate the community’s value during interactions. Create a promotional timeline with specific dates for announcements across various channels to guarantee consistent messaging. Channel Strategy Email Announce launch, highlight benefits Social Media Share teasers, engage followers Sales/Customer Service Direct communication of value Encourage Member Participation Encouraging member participation is crucial for the success of your online community, as it helps create a lively and engaging environment. Start by promoting your community through existing channels like email and social media to attract initial members. Engage early participants by inviting trusted colleagues to nurture a sense of ownership. Implement gamification techniques to motivate involvement, and consider hosting regular events that connect members. Pre-populate the community with quality content before the launch to stimulate discussions. Use contests or reward systems to inspire active participation. Organize webinars or virtual meetups for knowledge sharing and networking. These strategies will improve overall engagement and help develop a thriving community from the outset. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Create an Online Community? To create an online community, first define your purpose by aligning it with your audience’s interests. Next, identify your target members through research and develop detailed personas. Set specific, measurable goals using the SMART criteria to track progress. Choose a suitable community management platform that fits your needs. Finally, establish clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, ensuring they’re accessible and regularly updated to nurture a positive environment for all participants. What Are the 5 C’s of Community? The five C’s of community are Commonality, Connection, Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment. Commonality creates shared interests that nurture belonging. Connection encourages relationships among members, enhancing interactions and support. Communication guarantees transparency and values members’ voices, promoting participation. Collaboration allows for knowledge sharing and joint initiatives, strengthening bonds. Finally, Commitment cultivates loyalty, crucial for a sustainable and growing community. Together, these elements form a lively, engaging environment that benefits all members. What Are the 5 Basic Components of a Community? To build a strong community, focus on five basic components: purpose, audience, goals, structure, and guidelines. First, define a clear purpose that resonates with members. Next, understand your audience’s demographics and interests. Set measurable goals and KPIs to track success. Establish a well-organized structure, including roles and navigation. Finally, create guidelines to guarantee respectful engagement and employ moderators to enforce these rules, promoting a positive community culture that encourages participation. How to Build a Community Step by Step? To build a community step by step, start by defining its purpose and identifying your target audience. Conduct thorough research to create detailed member personas, focusing on their interests and pain points. Set specific goals and KPIs to measure success. Choose a suitable platform that supports your needs, and establish community guidelines to promote acceptable behavior. Finally, implement a content and engagement plan to encourage active participation among members, ensuring ongoing interaction and retention. Conclusion Building an online community involves careful planning and execution. By defining your community’s purpose, choosing the right platform, and structuring it effectively, you lay a solid foundation for growth. A successful launch, combined with strategies for engagement, guarantees members feel valued and involved. Regularly assess engagement metrics and adapt based on feedback to improve the experience. With consistent effort and strategic promotion, you can cultivate a thriving online community that meets its goals and serves its members effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Build an Online Community With a Step-By-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article