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When it relates to boosting engagement, comprehending the different types of marketing posts can make a significant difference. By incorporating visually appealing content, interactive polls, and user-generated content, you create a more inviting atmosphere for your audience. Behind-the-scenes glimpses, educational infographics, and strong calls to action likewise play crucial roles in this strategy. Each type serves a specific purpose, contributing to a well-rounded marketing approach that captures attention and drives interaction. So, what’s the next step in enhancing your strategy? Key Takeaways Use visually appealing content, such as images and videos, to increase shares and engagement by up to 150%. Incorporate polls and surveys to gather feedback and enhance brand loyalty, boosting engagement rates by 30%. Leverage user-generated content (UGC) to foster community and increase likes and engagement by 4.5 times. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses to humanize your brand and spark conversations while enhancing authenticity. Implement engaging calls to action (CTAs) with clear language to significantly increase interaction and conversion rates. Visually Appealing Content How can you improve your social media posts to capture more attention? Start by focusing on visually appealing content, as it greatly boosts engagement. Posts featuring images or videos receive 150% more shares than text-only updates. Consider creating educational infographics that summarize complex topics; these are shareable and visually attractive, increasing audience interest. With 81% of consumers favoring short-form videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, incorporating engaging video content is crucial. Furthermore, aim to produce “savable” content with strong visuals and relevant keywords on Facebook and Instagram, enhancing discoverability. Utilizing tools like Canva for graphic design can help you create unique, eye-catching visuals that resonate with your audience, making your marketing posts more effective. Social media marketing services for small businesses can guide you further. Polls and Surveys Engaging your audience through polls and surveys can greatly improve your social media strategy. With 63% of consumers appreciating brands that seek their opinions, you’re promoting a sense of connection. Utilizing interactive features like Instagram Stories or Twitter polls can increase engagement rates by up to 30%. Polls not only encourage participation but likewise provide valuable insights into audience preferences, allowing you to tailor content effectively. When you ask engaging questions about products, participants are 50% more likely to share their thoughts. By regularly incorporating polls and surveys into your content, you amplify brand loyalty; 70% of respondents feel more connected to brands that value their feedback. This approach can considerably strengthen your relationship with your audience. User-Generated Content User-generated content (UGC) serves as a compelling tool for brands looking to improve their social media presence and cultivate community engagement. By leveraging UGC, you can boost brand trust and authenticity as you encourage follower interaction. Here are three key benefits of incorporating UGC into your marketing strategy: Increased Engagement: Posts featuring user-generated content receive 4.5 times more likes than traditional brand posts. Community Building: UGC promotes a sense of belonging, leading to a 28% boost in engagement as followers connect over shared experiences. Improved ROI: Brands using UGC often see a 20% increase in return on investment compared to those relying solely on traditional methods. Utilizing UGC effectively can greatly impact your brand’s online presence and consumer relationships. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses Behind-the-scenes glimpses are an effective way to showcase team collaboration and daily operations, giving your audience a closer look at what makes your brand tick. By sharing insights into your team’s dynamics and the processes that drive your organization, you create a sense of transparency that encourages engagement. Highlighting these aspects not just humanizes your brand but likewise helps differentiate you from competitors by offering a unique perspective that resonates with your audience. Team Collaboration Insights When you share insights into your team’s collaboration, you not just humanize your brand but likewise create a sense of community among your audience. This transparency can greatly improve your brand’s loyalty and engagement. Here are three effective ways to showcase team collaboration: Visual Content: Share photos and videos of brainstorming sessions or team activities, as posts with images receive 150% more shares than those without. Highlight Projects: Spotlight collaboration on innovative projects, demonstrating your commitment to quality and creativity, which encourages audience interaction. Encourage Discussion: Post relatable insights from team members, sparking conversations and comments, as audiences engage more with authentic experiences. Utilizing these strategies can strengthen connections and nurture a loyal community around your brand. Daily Operations Highlights Daily operations play a crucial role in shaping your brand’s identity, as they provide a window into the everyday workings of your team and processes. Behind-the-scenes posts humanize your brand, nurturing authenticity and relatability. Visual content can greatly boost engagement; posts with images receive 150% more shares than those without. By sharing candid moments and team activities, you improve transparency, building trust and a sense of community. Highlighting interactions among team members or unique workplace aspects encourages audience connection. Regular behind-the-scenes content keeps followers engaged and invested in your brand’s experience, leading to a more loyal audience. Daily Operations Activities Impact on Engagement Team brainstorming sessions Cultivates collaboration Product testing moments Builds trust Office celebrations Improves relatability Client meetings Showcases professionalism Daily routines Creates transparency Seasonal and Trending Topics Incorporating seasonal and trending topics into your marketing strategy can greatly improve engagement with your audience. By aligning your content with current events or holidays, you can create posts that resonate more deeply. Here are three key benefits: Increased Interaction: 69% of users engage more with brands that celebrate seasonal events, making your posts more likely to be shared. Visibility Boost: 71% of social media users prefer brands that stay updated with trends, enhancing your reach considerably. Community Engagement: Seasonal content nurtures a sense of community, as audiences appreciate brands that reflect their current interests. Engaging Calls to Action How can you make your marketing more effective? Engaging calls to action (CTAs) are vital. Use clear, concise language, like “Sign up now” or “Learn more,” to boost conversion rates. Incorporate urgency with phrases such as “Limited time offer” or “Act now” to encourage immediate responses, driving higher engagement. Including CTAs in your social media posts can increase interaction rates by up to 285%, so it’s important to guide your audience toward specific actions. Personalizing CTAs based on audience interests or behaviors improves their relevance and effectiveness. Furthermore, utilize visually distinct buttons or links for CTAs; these draw attention and make it easier for users to take the desired actions, eventually enhancing your click-through rates and overall engagement. Testimonials and Success Stories Testimonials and success stories play a crucial role in building trust with potential customers. You’ll find that these authentic narratives can greatly influence buying decisions. Here’s how to effectively use them: Showcase Real Experiences: Highlight customer stories that illustrate the positive impact of your product or service. This can lead to 63% of consumers being more likely to purchase after reading testimonials. Incorporate Visuals: Posts with images receive 94% more views, making your testimonials more engaging and memorable. Foster Loyalty: Regularly sharing customer experiences can improve brand loyalty; 70% of consumers prefer brands that engage with personalized content. Frequently Asked Questions Which Type of Post Generates the Most Engagement? When considering which type of post generates the most engagement, user-generated content (UGC) often stands out. UGC promotes a sense of community and encourages followers to share their experiences. Furthermore, visual content, such as images and videos, typically attracts more interaction. Polls and interactive posts invite direct participation, whereas contests provide incentives for sharing. Educational content, like infographics or how-to videos, likewise improves engagement by establishing authority and encouraging shares. What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 Rule on social media suggests that for every 15 posts, you should create 5 promotional, 5 engaging or entertaining, and 5 informative posts. This approach helps maintain a balanced content strategy, keeping your audience interested without overwhelming them with constant promotions. What Are the Different Types of Engagement Content? You can explore various types of engagement content to boost your audience interaction. Visual elements like images and videos often capture attention and improve engagement. User-generated content invites your followers to share their experiences, nurturing community. Polls and surveys encourage audience participation, prompting discussions. Behind-the-scenes content builds relatability, whereas educational posts offer valuable insights, establishing your authority. What Is the 50/30/20 Rule for Social Media? The 50/30/20 rule for social media is a content strategy that divides your posts into three categories. You’ll allocate 50% for engaging content that nurtures community interaction, 30% for promotional posts about your products or services, and 20% for personal or behind-the-scenes content that adds a human touch to your brand. This balance helps you avoid overwhelming your audience with promotions, enhancing trust and loyalty as you keep engagement high. Conclusion Incorporating these seven types of marketing posts can greatly improve your audience engagement. By utilizing visually appealing content, interactive polls, user-generated content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, seasonal topics, engaging calls to action, and testimonials, you create a diverse and interactive online presence. Each type serves a unique purpose, encouraging connections and cultivating community. By strategically implementing these elements, you can effectively increase shares, interactions, and overall brand visibility, in the end driving better results in your marketing efforts. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Types of Marketing Posts for Engagement" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

PM ‘not aware’ that Matthew Doyle had campaigned for councillor who admitted having indecent images of children View the full article

Oil and gas exports have sustained Russia’s finances throughout its war against Ukraine. But as the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, those cash flows have suddenly dwindled to lows not seen in years. It’s the result of new punitive measures from the U.S. and the European Union, U.S. President Donald The President’s tariff pressure against India, and a tightening crackdown on the fleet of sanctions-dodging tankers carrying Russian oil. The drop in revenue is pushing President Vladimir Putin to borrow from Russian banks and raise taxes, keeping state finances on an even keel for now. But those measures only increase strains in a war economy now plagued by slowing growth and stubborn inflation. In January, Russian state revenues from taxing the oil and gas industries fell to 393 billion rubles ($5.1 billion). That’s down from 587 billion ($7.6 billion) in December and from 1.12 trillion ($14.5 billion) in January 2025. That’s the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, says Janis Kluge, an expert on the Russian economy at German Institute for International and Security Affairs. A new approach to sanctions To pressure the Kremlin to halt fighting in Ukraine, the The President administration imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, from Nov. 21. That means anyone buying or shipping their oil runs the risk of being cut off from the U.S banking system — a serious concern for any multinational business. On top of that, on Jan. 21 the EU began banning fuel made from Russia crude — meaning it could no longer be refined somewhere else and shipped to Europe in the form of gasoline or diesel fuel. The head of the EU’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday proposed a full ban on shipping services for Russian oil, saying sanctions offered leverage to push Russia to halt the fighting. “We must be clear-eyed: Russia will only come to the table with genuine intent if it is pressured to do so,” she said. The latest sanctions are a step beyond the oil price cap imposed by the Group of Seven democracies under the Biden administration. The $60 per barrel cap, enforced through insurers and shippers based in G-7 countries, was aimed at reducing Russia’s profits, not banning imports, out of concern over higher energy prices. The cap did reduce government oil revenues temporarily, especially after an EU ban on most Russian seaborne oil forced Russia to shift sales to China and India. But Russia built a “shadow fleet” of aging tankers operating beyond the reach of the cap, and revenues rose again. Pressure on India to stop Russian oil imports The President on Feb. 3 agreed to lower tariffs to 18% from 25%, saying Indian President Narendra Modi agreed to halt Russian crude imports, and on Friday removed an additional 25% tariff imposed over continued imports of Russian oil. Modi hasn’t commented. Foreign affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said India’s strategy was “diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow was monitoring the statements and remains committed to our “advanced strategic partnership” with New Delhi. In any case, Russian oil shipments to India have declined in recent weeks, from 2 million barrels per day in October to 1.3 million per day in December, according to figures from the Kyiv School of Economics and the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Data firm Kpler says “India is unlikely to fully disengage in the near term” from cheap Russian energy. Ukraine’s allies increasingly have sanctioned individual shadow tankers to deter customers from taking their oil — raising the number to 640 among the U.S., U.K., and EU. U.S. forces have seized vessels linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil, including one sailing under a Russian flag, while France briefly intercepted a suspected shadow fleet vessel. Ukrainian strikes have hit Russian refineries, pipelines, export terminals, and tankers. Russian oil is trading at a steep discount Buyers are now demanding bigger discounts on Russian oil to compensate for the risk of running afoul of U.S. sanctions and the hassle of finding payment workarounds that skirt banks reluctant to touch the transactions. The discount widened to about $25 per barrel in December, as Russia’s primary crude export, Urals blend, fell below $38 per barrel, compared with about $62.50 per barrel for international benchmark Brent crude. Since Russia’s taxes on oil production are based on the price of oil, that cuts into state revenues. “It’s a cascading or domino effect,” said Mark Esposito, a senior analyst focused on seaborne crude at S&P Global Energy. Including diesel and gasoline created “a really a dynamic sanctions package, a one-two punch that are impacting not only the crude flow, but the refined product flow off of those barrels. … A universal way of saying, if it’s coming from Russian crude, it’s out.” Reluctance to take delivery has meant an inordinate amount — about 125 million barrels — has built up in tankers at sea. That has driven up costs for scarce capacity, with rates for very large oil tankers reaching $125,000 per day “and that’s directly correlated with the ramifications of the sanctions,” said Esposito. Slowing growth strains Russia’s budget On top of that, economic growth has stalled as the boost from war-related spending reaches its limits and as labor shortages put a cap on potential business expansion. And lower growth means less tax revenue. Gross domestic product increased only 0.1% in the third quarter. Forecasts for this year range between 0.6% and 0.9%, down from over 4% in 2023 and 2024. “I think the Kremlin is worried about the overall balance of the budget, because it coincides with the economic downturn,” said Kluge. “And at the same time the costs of the war are not decreasing.” The Kremlin responds by raising taxes and borrowing The Kremlin has resorted to higher taxes and borrowing to fill the gap left by dwindling oil revenues and by slower economic growth. The Kremlin-controlled parliament, the Duma, raised value-added tax paid on consumer purchases at the cash register to 22% from 20% and increased levies on car imports, cigarettes, and alcohol. The government has increased its borrowing from compliant domestic banks. And a national wealth fund still has reserves to patch budget holes. So the Kremlin has money — for now. But raising taxes can slow growth even more. And borrowing risks worsening inflation, brought down to 5.6% through interest rates of 16% from the central bank, down from a peak of 21%. “Give it six months or a year, and it could also affect their thinking about the war,” said Kluge. “I don’t think they will seek a peace deal because of this, but they might want to lower the intensity of the fighting, focus on certain areas of the front and slow the war down. This would be the response if it’s getting too expensive.” —David McHugh, Associated Press View the full article

I'm one of those folks who has completely moved from X to Bluesky, and for the most part, it's been a pretty seamless experience. It's not hard to move your following list over; you can upload (almost) all of your old tweets if you want; and the scrolling and posting experience is almost identical to what you'll remember from the old days of Twitter. The only feature I've missed? Drafts. Finally, drafts have arrived. In a post to the official Bluesky account, the company announced that it's added drafts to the platform, and that they're rolling out now. To create a draft, just start writing a post, and instead of tapping the Post button, hit Cancel or Drafts instead and choose Save draft. What you've written will be saved as a draft that you can return to later. The feature works for pre-written threads, too (made using the + button on the post screen). To see your saved drafts, open a blank post and hit Drafts before typing anything else. You'll see a list of your stored drafts, and you can either tap on a draft to open it, or hit the three-dots button to the right of the drift and then Discard to delete it. Drafts were a big part of Twitter for me—not just because they helped save posts if my connection dropped in the middle of writing them, but because they also gave me some time to consider if I really wanted to post something before taking it live. It's a handy feature for a platform with such a small character limit, where it might be easy to toss a stray thought out into the ether without really knowing how it might land or if you've expressed yourself as well as you could have. I'm not alone, here: A common trend on Twitter was posting screenshots of draft libraries, to give your followers a peak at the half-formed ideas you didn't think were quite ready for prime time. It's a bit of culture I've missed in moving over to the new site, and I'm glad it's now possible once agin. As for where Bluesky could go next, responses to the drafts announcement include requests for more robust DMs or an edit button, although Bluesky staffers have expressed both logistical and ethical concerns with implementing these. In the meantime, there are third-party tools that try to add some of this functionality, but they do come with wonky formatting that an official solution could probably avoid. View the full article

Move by US president escalates tensions already heightened by Ottawa’s auto deal with ChinaView the full article

US commerce secretary grilled in Congress over his relationship with late sex offenderView the full article

We’re still in the earliest days of artificial intelligence. It was just November 2022 when OpenAI released ChatGPT, and the world changed. However, enough time has passed for us to have a sufficient perspective to categorize AI and autonomous agents into three distinct eras. Introduction—2024: In the initial shockwave, there was more novelty and hype than practicality around the possibilities of AI. Businesses and leaders understandably struggled to understand what was barreling toward them. Evaluation—2025: There was a reality check for organizations as they began testing, experimenting with, and piloting AI projects in their search for use cases that created value. For various reasons, businesses often failed to achieve the results they expected or sometimes even saw their efforts completely stall. Production—2026: The coming year is when we begin to see a real payoff from business investments as innovative organizations take what they’ve learned and seriously embrace AI, embedding agents throughout their operations to realize value. It’s an absolute certainty that AI activation will become the story of business. We’re witnessing a profound shift from pilots to production agents embedded in real business processes, and it’s going to explode exponentially as AI adoption enters the mainstream enterprise and delivers measurable ROI. And the stakes will be incredibly high for businesses to get it right. TIME TO SEPARATE HYPE AND ACTIVATION Two things can be true at the same time. We can observe heightened speculation about AI alongside the on-the-ground emergence of agentic capabilities in real-world environments. The massive investments in power generation, data centers, and chip innovation are unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed. The market cap of hyperscalers is reaching vertigo-inducing heights. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, frequently references this as a “picks-and-shovels” moment in a modern gold rush because it’s the infrastructure that will enable the innovation that comes next. Much of the conversation today focuses on whether we’re in an AI bubble. That speculation will likely continue, but the real story is what comes next. We’re not spending enough time imagining the world that will emerge on the other side of this period of intense innovation, whatever form that transition takes. From a historical perspective, there have been many boom-and-bust cycles that, over the long run, proved beneficial. I’ve been in the software industry for nearly three decades, which means I know bubbles firsthand. I began my business career in the 1990s, at the dawn of the Internet era, and experienced the dot-com boom and the subsequent crash. The market disruption was profound and painful. Fast forward to today. Can anyone imagine if we couldn’t order a sandwich on our phones and have it delivered in 15 minutes or less? There was an incredible payoff, but that only became apparent over time. Many of the innovations and infrastructure built in that era laid the groundwork for the world we live in today. We need to focus on the long game because AI will improve our lives immeasurably. In moments of rapid technological change, the broader environment typically undergoes significant shifts as innovation accelerates. What’s unmistakable, however, is that the future belongs to companies that view AI not simply as a tool, but as a game-changing intelligence that’s omnipresent in everything they do as they deliver for their customers. It’s why I remain so optimistic about the impact AI will have on all of us. PREDICTIONS FOR 2026 This will be the most productive year in history, as concerns about AI replacing humans fade and the technology instead augments people, enabling them to perform their jobs more effectively and improving their lives. Trust in AI. The level of confidence businesses place in AI to help them run their organizations will increase as they adopt measures that emphasize greater governance and data accuracy. AI translates to ROI. This relates directly to trust. We’ve already begun to see it, but the growth in real business value (substance, not hype) will happen as we move beyond simplistic AI co-pilots to agentic solutions that become integral to making businesses and people more productive. As more agents enter production, it will inevitably lead to sprawl. A mindset shift toward agent governance will be crucial to delivering the greatest return. Race toward AGI. We will reach peak intensity in the development of artificial general intelligence. I expect we’ll see announcements and investments that advance ambitious research initiatives across the field. Flood of mergers and acquisitions. As the pressure to adopt AI intensifies, companies that haven’t kept pace with innovation will be forced to explore new ways to advance their technology roadmaps. We can expect to see more organizations pursuing partnerships and selective acquisitions to strengthen their AI position. It’s going to be a busy year. WHAT WILL DEFINE 2026 We’ve reached the long-heralded moment of divergence between the AI natives and the AI nots. There will be a gap. It will be wide. And it will become painfully clear which category businesses fall into this year. The pressure will grow on CEOs and the board of directors to make AI activation their top technology investment priority. That means stopping experimentation and expecting production results. Businesses can’t afford to fall so far behind that they can’t catch up. The question for you in 2026 is this: What kind of foundation are you building in your business so that AI becomes a competitive advantage? Steve Lucas is the chairman and CEO at Boomi. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. LG has some of the best OLED TVs on the market, from entry-level models that suit a lower budget to ultra-premium, high-tech options. If you want OLED-quality performance from a reliable brand without breaking the bank, the LG B5 is an intuitive smart TV with the brand’s signature vivid color, contrast-rich visuals, and strong gaming features. Right now, this 77-inch LG B5 OLED TV is $1,500 off at Best Buy in a Presidents Day Deal, bringing its original $2,999.99 price tag down to $1,499.99. LG - 77" Class B5 Series OLED AI 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2025) $1,499.99 at Amazon $2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,499.99 at Amazon $2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 The B5 is LG’s most affordable 2025 OLED TV, and its biggest draw is excellent OLED picture quality, with true blacks, strong color accuracy, and detailed contrast (as well as built-in burn-in mitigation). It’s suitable for both streaming and gaming, with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate with low input lag and VRR, G-Sync, and FreeSync support, as well as HDMI 2.1 ports. It uses the easy-to-navigate webOS platform and includes a range of streaming apps, free channels, and AI features like AI Voice ID, which can recognize individual viewers and switch to their profile. While it has a lot in common with the C4, the lower price tag and the fact that it supports Wi-Fi 6E make this model more appealing for some buyers. And for a huge OLED TV, it’s aggressively priced, making the 77-inch LG B5 OLED TV a smart value buy for gamers and everyday viewers at $1,500 off. However, if you want better brightness and more advanced processing, you may want to level up to the C4 or the newer C5. Our Best Editor-Vetted Presidents' Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Dell 16 DC16255 (AMD Ryzen 7 250, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $649.99 (List Price $869.99) HP Omen 35L (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080, 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM) — (List Price $2,949.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC100") HP OmniBook X Flip Ngai 16-Inch (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Radeon 860M, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — (List Price $649.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC50") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Exceptional customer service support is vital for any business aiming to stand out in a competitive market. By following seven important guidelines, you can greatly improve your customer interactions. These include leveraging AI and automation, embracing multi-channel communication, and ensuring quick response times. Furthermore, focusing on empathy and personalization can nurture stronger relationships. As you consider these strategies, it’s important to understand how each element contributes to a thorough approach to customer satisfaction. Key Takeaways Leverage AI and automation to resolve customer issues efficiently and enhance response times, ensuring 24/7 support availability. Employ an omnichannel approach to meet customers on their preferred communication platforms, fostering consistent interaction. Prioritize quick response times, aiming to acknowledge inquiries within minutes to boost customer satisfaction and brand perception. Personalize customer interactions by utilizing data and CRM tools, ensuring customers feel valued through customized experiences. Train support agents regularly to enhance empathy and active listening skills, allowing them to address customer concerns effectively. Leverage AI and Automation As businesses increasingly seek to improve their customer service, leveraging AI and automation has become vital. AI is projected to resolve 80% of customer issues without human intervention, making it an efficient tool in your customer service guidelines. Advanced chatbots provide instant, 24/7 support, enabling you to address inquiries any time, thereby boosting service accessibility. Furthermore, AI can autonomously manage repetitive tasks like password resets and order returns, allowing your human agents to focus on more complex interactions that require a personal touch. This aligns with your customer care policy, as it elevates overall service quality. Utilizing AI-driven insights can speed up issue resolutions by up to 300%, markedly improving response times. By implementing prepared answers for common inquiries, you can streamline communication, allowing agents to provide quicker and more effective support. Emphasizing AI and automation can transform your customer service operations for the better. Meet Customers Where They Are To improve customer service further, businesses must meet customers where they are. With 73% of customers using multiple channels to connect, it’s essential you adopt an omnichannel approach. This guarantees consistent interactions across touchpoints, enhancing satisfaction and engagement. Here’s a breakdown of preferred communication channels: Channel Preference (%) Phone 30 Email 14 In-Person 13 Chat 10 Social Media 6 Have Empathy Empathy plays a vital role in customer service, as it helps you build strong relationships and effectively manage challenging interactions. By comprehending your customers’ feelings and concerns, you can de-escalate difficult situations and promote a more supportive environment. Active listening is a key component of this process; when you truly listen, you can address issues more effectively. In today’s customer-centric setting, 70% of consumers appreciate a personal touch in their interactions, making empathy an important skill. Utilizing tools trained on real customer interactions can additionally improve your empathetic responses, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. Prioritizing human needs is particularly important in an AI-integrated environment, ensuring customers feel valued and appreciated. By practicing empathy and adhering to proper customer care etiquette, you can greatly improve customer experiences and nurture long-term loyalty. Put Customers at the Center of Decision-Making To put customers at the center of decision-making, it’s essential to align your business goals with their needs and preferences. By utilizing customer insights effectively, you can make informed choices that improve service quality and satisfaction. Engaging in collaboration across teams guarantees that everyone contributes to a customer-oriented approach, eventually leading to enhanced loyalty and growth. Align Business Goals Aligning business goals with customer needs is essential for nurturing a culture where decisions are informed by customer feedback. When you prioritize customer orientation, you’re not just improving service quality; you’re furthermore enhancing overall customer experience. This means making sure your customer service policy reflects what your customers truly value. Engaging customers in feedback processes builds loyalty and provides insights that can guide your strategic decisions. In addition, sharing customer insights across your organization empowers all departments, encouraging collaboration to meet customer expectations effectively. By focusing on customer-centric decision-making, you create outstanding customer experiences that can drive revenue growth and strengthen brand loyalty. Utilize Insights Effectively Customer insights play a pivotal role in shaping effective decision-making processes within an organization. By prioritizing customer feedback, you can greatly improve service quality and customer satisfaction. Engaging customers in feedback loops not only encourages loyalty but helps identify areas for improvement, leading to customized service strategies. Use customer insights as your guiding star, aligning them with your customer service policy example and ensuring your teams follow customer service rules to live by. Sharing these insights across departments promotes a unified approach, ensuring everyone aligns their strategies with customer needs. Organizations that consistently center their decisions around customer insights tend to outperform competitors in loyalty and overall business performance, eventually driving success in today’s market. Engage in Collaboration How can organizations truly benefit from putting customers at the center of their decision-making processes? By engaging customers in feedback, you cultivate loyalty and improve service quality. When you listen to their insights, you can create exceptional customer experiences. It’s crucial for customer care staff to share these insights across teams, empowering everyone to make informed decisions that align with customer needs. Prioritizing customer input not just builds brand loyalty but additionally improves overall satisfaction. A customer-first approach promotes collaboration across departments, ensuring that each team member understands and acts upon customer preferences. This alignment in customer service manners leads to more effective strategies and a stronger connection between your organization and its clientele, in the end driving success. Be Proactive Being proactive in customer service means anticipating needs and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Proactive service improves overall satisfaction and loyalty by actively engaging with customers. By analyzing customer data, you can identify trends and make real-time recommendations that preemptively tackle problems. This approach not only resolves issues 300% faster but additionally improves the overall customer experience. Instead of waiting for customers to voice complaints, take the initiative to offer solutions and guidance. For instance, customer care personnel can reach out with relevant updates or troubleshooting tips, preventing issues before they arise. This builds trust and cultivates healthier relationships. By implementing proactive strategies, you show your commitment to exceptional service, ensuring customers feel valued and supported. In the end, being proactive isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about creating an environment where customers feel understood and cared for, leading to long-lasting loyalty. Personalize the Experience Personalizing the experience is essential for nurturing meaningful connections with your customers, particularly as 80% of consumers express a preference for customized interactions that meet their specific needs. Utilizing CRM systems can help you track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling you to provide more relevant and personalized service. Incorporating AI tools can further improve personalization, offering customized recommendations based on data insights. Remembering individual customer details, such as past interactions and preferences, greatly improves the overall experience, promoting loyalty and satisfaction. Engage customers through personalized communication, like proactive emails with customized suggestions that resonate with their interests. This approach not only boosts satisfaction but encourages repeat business. As you implement these strategies, refer to this customer service guide to guarantee you’re consistently delivering personalized interactions that truly matter. Provide Quick Customer Service Providing quick customer service is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, as most consumers expect a response within five minutes. Utilizing efficient communication channels and automated acknowledgment systems can help you meet these expectations, ensuring customers feel valued right from the start. Fast Response Times In today’s fast-paced world, quick customer service isn’t merely a preference; it’s an expectation. With 70% of consumers anticipating a response within five minutes, implementing fast response times is essential. To improve your customer service policy, consider these strategies: Use automated responses to acknowledge inquiries swiftly, reducing perceived wait times. Guarantee timely follow-ups; 64% of customers appreciate fast callbacks for missed messages. Regularly update agents on processes and tools for effective responses. Efficient agent training and streamlined processes will maintain high response times, increasing resolution rates and overall customer satisfaction. Efficient Communication Channels How can businesses guarantee they provide quick customer service while accommodating various communication preferences? By establishing efficient communication channels, you can notably improve response times. Start by implementing a streamlined strategy that allows customers to reach you through their preferred methods, whether it’s email, chat, or social media. Ascertain your agents receive regular training to handle inquiries swiftly and effectively, adhering to service guidelines. Automated Responses can acknowledge customer queries almost instantly, boosting initial satisfaction. Moreover, prioritize fast callbacks for missed messages; timely follow-ups can promote loyalty and improve overall customer experience. Automated Acknowledgment Systems Automated acknowledgment systems can greatly improve customer service by providing instant responses to inquiries, thereby reducing first reply times. By implementing these systems, you can elevate customer satisfaction and retention. Quick service is crucial, as studies show that 70% of consumers prioritize rapid responses when interacting with brands. Handle repetitive queries efficiently, freeing up agents for complex issues. Guarantee timely updates and information about customer inquiries. Boost overall brand perception through expedited communication. Utilizing automated acknowledgment systems streamlines your communication process, making it easier for customers to receive the help they need. This approach not just improves their experience but also allows your team to focus on providing personalized support where it matters most. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Essentials to Excellent Customer Service? To achieve excellent customer service, focus on seven fundamentals: First, personalize interactions to meet customer needs. Second, empower employees to resolve issues independently. Third, guarantee consistent communication across channels for a unified experience. Fourth, practice proactive problem-solving to anticipate customer concerns. Fifth, measure satisfaction using tools like CSAT and NPS. Sixth, provide timely responses to inquiries. Finally, continually train staff to improve their skills and knowledge in customer service. What Are the Key Elements of Exceptional Customer Service? Key elements of exceptional customer service include personalized interactions that cater to individual needs, proactive engagement to anticipate customer concerns, and quick response times that boost satisfaction. Empathy is vital, as it builds trust and rapport by acknowledging customer emotions. Moreover, utilizing multi-channel approaches guarantees a seamless experience, as customers expect consistent service across various platforms. What Are the 7 R’s of Customer Service? The 7 R’s of customer service are fundamental principles that improve interactions. They include having the Right attitude to engage positively, providing the Right information to address inquiries, ensuring the Right product is available, delivering it at the Right time, offering service in the Right place, targeting the Right customer for your services, and delivering the Right service to meet expectations. Implementing these principles can greatly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. What Are the Essential Skills for Providing Excellent Customer Service? To provide excellent customer service, you need strong problem-solving skills to diagnose issues effectively. Patience is key, as it helps you manage confused or frustrated customers. Emotional intelligence, especially empathy, allows you to relate to their frustrations. Clear communication skills are crucial to convey information without misunderstandings, as active listening guarantees you fully engage with customers and understand their concerns. Together, these skills improve the quality of service you deliver. Conclusion By following these seven fundamental guidelines, you can greatly improve your customer service support. Leveraging AI and automation boosts efficiency, as engaging customers on their preferred channels increases satisfaction. Empathy and personalization promote stronger connections, and proactive measures demonstrate your commitment to their needs. Quick response times are vital in today’s fast-paced environment. By integrating these strategies, you not just improve customer experiences but additionally position your business for long-term success and competitive advantage in the market. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Guidelines for Exceptional Customer Service Support" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Exceptional customer service support is vital for any business aiming to stand out in a competitive market. By following seven important guidelines, you can greatly improve your customer interactions. These include leveraging AI and automation, embracing multi-channel communication, and ensuring quick response times. Furthermore, focusing on empathy and personalization can nurture stronger relationships. As you consider these strategies, it’s important to understand how each element contributes to a thorough approach to customer satisfaction. Key Takeaways Leverage AI and automation to resolve customer issues efficiently and enhance response times, ensuring 24/7 support availability. Employ an omnichannel approach to meet customers on their preferred communication platforms, fostering consistent interaction. Prioritize quick response times, aiming to acknowledge inquiries within minutes to boost customer satisfaction and brand perception. Personalize customer interactions by utilizing data and CRM tools, ensuring customers feel valued through customized experiences. Train support agents regularly to enhance empathy and active listening skills, allowing them to address customer concerns effectively. Leverage AI and Automation As businesses increasingly seek to improve their customer service, leveraging AI and automation has become vital. AI is projected to resolve 80% of customer issues without human intervention, making it an efficient tool in your customer service guidelines. Advanced chatbots provide instant, 24/7 support, enabling you to address inquiries any time, thereby boosting service accessibility. Furthermore, AI can autonomously manage repetitive tasks like password resets and order returns, allowing your human agents to focus on more complex interactions that require a personal touch. This aligns with your customer care policy, as it elevates overall service quality. Utilizing AI-driven insights can speed up issue resolutions by up to 300%, markedly improving response times. By implementing prepared answers for common inquiries, you can streamline communication, allowing agents to provide quicker and more effective support. Emphasizing AI and automation can transform your customer service operations for the better. Meet Customers Where They Are To improve customer service further, businesses must meet customers where they are. With 73% of customers using multiple channels to connect, it’s essential you adopt an omnichannel approach. This guarantees consistent interactions across touchpoints, enhancing satisfaction and engagement. Here’s a breakdown of preferred communication channels: Channel Preference (%) Phone 30 Email 14 In-Person 13 Chat 10 Social Media 6 Have Empathy Empathy plays a vital role in customer service, as it helps you build strong relationships and effectively manage challenging interactions. By comprehending your customers’ feelings and concerns, you can de-escalate difficult situations and promote a more supportive environment. Active listening is a key component of this process; when you truly listen, you can address issues more effectively. In today’s customer-centric setting, 70% of consumers appreciate a personal touch in their interactions, making empathy an important skill. Utilizing tools trained on real customer interactions can additionally improve your empathetic responses, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. Prioritizing human needs is particularly important in an AI-integrated environment, ensuring customers feel valued and appreciated. By practicing empathy and adhering to proper customer care etiquette, you can greatly improve customer experiences and nurture long-term loyalty. Put Customers at the Center of Decision-Making To put customers at the center of decision-making, it’s essential to align your business goals with their needs and preferences. By utilizing customer insights effectively, you can make informed choices that improve service quality and satisfaction. Engaging in collaboration across teams guarantees that everyone contributes to a customer-oriented approach, eventually leading to enhanced loyalty and growth. Align Business Goals Aligning business goals with customer needs is essential for nurturing a culture where decisions are informed by customer feedback. When you prioritize customer orientation, you’re not just improving service quality; you’re furthermore enhancing overall customer experience. This means making sure your customer service policy reflects what your customers truly value. Engaging customers in feedback processes builds loyalty and provides insights that can guide your strategic decisions. In addition, sharing customer insights across your organization empowers all departments, encouraging collaboration to meet customer expectations effectively. By focusing on customer-centric decision-making, you create outstanding customer experiences that can drive revenue growth and strengthen brand loyalty. Utilize Insights Effectively Customer insights play a pivotal role in shaping effective decision-making processes within an organization. By prioritizing customer feedback, you can greatly improve service quality and customer satisfaction. Engaging customers in feedback loops not only encourages loyalty but helps identify areas for improvement, leading to customized service strategies. Use customer insights as your guiding star, aligning them with your customer service policy example and ensuring your teams follow customer service rules to live by. Sharing these insights across departments promotes a unified approach, ensuring everyone aligns their strategies with customer needs. Organizations that consistently center their decisions around customer insights tend to outperform competitors in loyalty and overall business performance, eventually driving success in today’s market. Engage in Collaboration How can organizations truly benefit from putting customers at the center of their decision-making processes? By engaging customers in feedback, you cultivate loyalty and improve service quality. When you listen to their insights, you can create exceptional customer experiences. It’s crucial for customer care staff to share these insights across teams, empowering everyone to make informed decisions that align with customer needs. Prioritizing customer input not just builds brand loyalty but additionally improves overall satisfaction. A customer-first approach promotes collaboration across departments, ensuring that each team member understands and acts upon customer preferences. This alignment in customer service manners leads to more effective strategies and a stronger connection between your organization and its clientele, in the end driving success. Be Proactive Being proactive in customer service means anticipating needs and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Proactive service improves overall satisfaction and loyalty by actively engaging with customers. By analyzing customer data, you can identify trends and make real-time recommendations that preemptively tackle problems. This approach not only resolves issues 300% faster but additionally improves the overall customer experience. Instead of waiting for customers to voice complaints, take the initiative to offer solutions and guidance. For instance, customer care personnel can reach out with relevant updates or troubleshooting tips, preventing issues before they arise. This builds trust and cultivates healthier relationships. By implementing proactive strategies, you show your commitment to exceptional service, ensuring customers feel valued and supported. In the end, being proactive isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about creating an environment where customers feel understood and cared for, leading to long-lasting loyalty. Personalize the Experience Personalizing the experience is essential for nurturing meaningful connections with your customers, particularly as 80% of consumers express a preference for customized interactions that meet their specific needs. Utilizing CRM systems can help you track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling you to provide more relevant and personalized service. Incorporating AI tools can further improve personalization, offering customized recommendations based on data insights. Remembering individual customer details, such as past interactions and preferences, greatly improves the overall experience, promoting loyalty and satisfaction. Engage customers through personalized communication, like proactive emails with customized suggestions that resonate with their interests. This approach not only boosts satisfaction but encourages repeat business. As you implement these strategies, refer to this customer service guide to guarantee you’re consistently delivering personalized interactions that truly matter. Provide Quick Customer Service Providing quick customer service is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, as most consumers expect a response within five minutes. Utilizing efficient communication channels and automated acknowledgment systems can help you meet these expectations, ensuring customers feel valued right from the start. Fast Response Times In today’s fast-paced world, quick customer service isn’t merely a preference; it’s an expectation. With 70% of consumers anticipating a response within five minutes, implementing fast response times is essential. To improve your customer service policy, consider these strategies: Use automated responses to acknowledge inquiries swiftly, reducing perceived wait times. Guarantee timely follow-ups; 64% of customers appreciate fast callbacks for missed messages. Regularly update agents on processes and tools for effective responses. Efficient agent training and streamlined processes will maintain high response times, increasing resolution rates and overall customer satisfaction. Efficient Communication Channels How can businesses guarantee they provide quick customer service while accommodating various communication preferences? By establishing efficient communication channels, you can notably improve response times. Start by implementing a streamlined strategy that allows customers to reach you through their preferred methods, whether it’s email, chat, or social media. Ascertain your agents receive regular training to handle inquiries swiftly and effectively, adhering to service guidelines. Automated Responses can acknowledge customer queries almost instantly, boosting initial satisfaction. Moreover, prioritize fast callbacks for missed messages; timely follow-ups can promote loyalty and improve overall customer experience. Automated Acknowledgment Systems Automated acknowledgment systems can greatly improve customer service by providing instant responses to inquiries, thereby reducing first reply times. By implementing these systems, you can elevate customer satisfaction and retention. Quick service is crucial, as studies show that 70% of consumers prioritize rapid responses when interacting with brands. Handle repetitive queries efficiently, freeing up agents for complex issues. Guarantee timely updates and information about customer inquiries. Boost overall brand perception through expedited communication. Utilizing automated acknowledgment systems streamlines your communication process, making it easier for customers to receive the help they need. This approach not just improves their experience but also allows your team to focus on providing personalized support where it matters most. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Essentials to Excellent Customer Service? To achieve excellent customer service, focus on seven fundamentals: First, personalize interactions to meet customer needs. Second, empower employees to resolve issues independently. Third, guarantee consistent communication across channels for a unified experience. Fourth, practice proactive problem-solving to anticipate customer concerns. Fifth, measure satisfaction using tools like CSAT and NPS. Sixth, provide timely responses to inquiries. Finally, continually train staff to improve their skills and knowledge in customer service. What Are the Key Elements of Exceptional Customer Service? Key elements of exceptional customer service include personalized interactions that cater to individual needs, proactive engagement to anticipate customer concerns, and quick response times that boost satisfaction. Empathy is vital, as it builds trust and rapport by acknowledging customer emotions. Moreover, utilizing multi-channel approaches guarantees a seamless experience, as customers expect consistent service across various platforms. What Are the 7 R’s of Customer Service? The 7 R’s of customer service are fundamental principles that improve interactions. They include having the Right attitude to engage positively, providing the Right information to address inquiries, ensuring the Right product is available, delivering it at the Right time, offering service in the Right place, targeting the Right customer for your services, and delivering the Right service to meet expectations. Implementing these principles can greatly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. What Are the Essential Skills for Providing Excellent Customer Service? To provide excellent customer service, you need strong problem-solving skills to diagnose issues effectively. Patience is key, as it helps you manage confused or frustrated customers. Emotional intelligence, especially empathy, allows you to relate to their frustrations. Clear communication skills are crucial to convey information without misunderstandings, as active listening guarantees you fully engage with customers and understand their concerns. Together, these skills improve the quality of service you deliver. Conclusion By following these seven fundamental guidelines, you can greatly improve your customer service support. Leveraging AI and automation boosts efficiency, as engaging customers on their preferred channels increases satisfaction. Empathy and personalization promote stronger connections, and proactive measures demonstrate your commitment to their needs. Quick response times are vital in today’s fast-paced environment. By integrating these strategies, you not just improve customer experiences but additionally position your business for long-term success and competitive advantage in the market. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Essential Guidelines for Exceptional Customer Service Support" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In 2023, the science fiction literary magazine Clarkesworld stopped accepting new submissions because so many were generated by artificial intelligence. Near as the editors could tell, many submitters pasted the magazine’s detailed story guidelines into an AI and sent in the results. And they weren’t alone. Other fiction magazines have also reported a high number of AI-generated submissions. This is only one example of a ubiquitous trend. A legacy system relied on the difficulty of writing and cognition to limit volume. Generative AI overwhelms the system because the humans on the receiving end can’t keep up. This is happening everywhere. Newspapers are being inundated by AI-generated letters to the editor, as are academic journals. Lawmakers are inundated with AI-generated constituent comments. Courts around the world are flooded with AI-generated filings, particularly by people representing themselves. AI conferences are flooded with AI-generated research papers. Social media is flooded with AI posts. In music, open source software, education, investigative journalism, and hiring, it’s the same story. Like Clarkesworld’s initial response, some of these institutions shut down their submissions processes. Others have met the offensive of AI inputs with some defensive response, often involving a counteracting use of AI. Academic peer reviewers increasingly use AI to evaluate papers that may have been generated by AI. Social media platforms turn to AI moderators. Court systems use AI to triage and process litigation volumes supercharged by AI. Employers turn to AI tools to review candidate applications. Educators use AI not just to grade papers and administer exams, but as a feedback tool for students. These are all arms races: rapid, adversarial iteration to apply a common technology to opposing purposes. Many of these arms races have clearly deleterious effects. Society suffers if the courts are clogged with frivolous, AI-manufactured cases. There is also harm if the established measures of academic performance—publications and citations—accrue to those researchers most willing to fraudulently submit AI-written letters and papers rather than to those whose ideas have the most impact. The fear is that, in the end, fraudulent behavior enabled by AI will undermine systems and institutions that society relies on. Upsides of AI Yet some of these AI arms races have surprising hidden upsides, and the hope is that at least some institutions will be able to change in ways that make them stronger. Science seems likely to become stronger thanks to AI, yet it faces a problem when the AI makes mistakes. Consider the example of nonsensical, AI-generated phrasing filtering into scientific papers. A scientist using an AI to assist in writing an academic paper can be a good thing, if used carefully and with disclosure. AI is increasingly a primary tool in scientific research: for reviewing literature, programming, and for coding and analyzing data. And for many, it has become a crucial support for expression and scientific communication. Pre-AI, better-funded researchers could hire humans to help them write their academic papers. For many authors whose primary language is not English, hiring this kind of assistance has been an expensive necessity. AI provides it to everyone. In fiction, fraudulently submitted AI-generated works cause harm, both to the human authors now subject to increased competition and to those readers who may feel defrauded after unknowingly reading the work of a machine. But some outlets may welcome AI-assisted submissions with appropriate disclosure and under particular guidelines, and leverage AI to evaluate them against criteria like originality, fit, and quality. Others may refuse AI-generated work, but this will come at a cost. It’s unlikely that any human editor or technology can sustain an ability to differentiate human from machine writing. Instead, outlets that wish to exclusively publish humans will need to limit submissions to a set of authors they trust to not use AI. If these policies are transparent, readers can pick the format they prefer and read happily from either or both types of outlets. We also don’t see any problem if a job seeker uses AI to polish their resumes or write better cover letters: The wealthy and privileged have long had access to human assistance for those things. But it crosses the line when AIs are used to lie about identity and experience, or to cheat on job interviews. Similarly, a democracy requires that its citizens be able to express their opinions to their representatives, or to each other through a medium like the newspaper. The rich and powerful have long been able to hire writers to turn their ideas into persuasive prose, and AIs providing that assistance to more people is a good thing, in our view. Here, AI mistakes and bias can be harmful. Citizens may be using AI for more than just a time-saving shortcut; it may be augmenting their knowledge and capabilities, generating statements about historical, legal, or policy factors they can’t reasonably be expected to independently check. Today’s commercial AI text detectors are far from foolproof. Fraud booster What we don’t want is for lobbyists to use AIs in astroturf campaigns, writing multiple letters and passing them off as individual opinions. This, too, is an older problem that AIs are making worse. What differentiates the positive from the negative here is not any inherent aspect of the technology; it’s the power dynamic. The same technology that reduces the effort required for a citizen to share their lived experience with their legislator also enables corporate interests to misrepresent the public at scale. The former is a power-equalizing application of AI that enhances participatory democracy; the latter is a power-concentrating application that threatens it. In general, we believe writing and cognitive assistance, long available to the rich and powerful, should be available to everyone. +The problem comes when AIs make fraud easier. Any response needs to balance embracing that newfound democratization of access with preventing fraud. There’s no way to turn this technology off. Highly capable AIs are widely available and can run on a laptop. Ethical guidelines and clear professional boundaries can help—for those acting in good faith. But there won’t ever be a way to totally stop academic writers, job seekers, or citizens from using these tools, either as legitimate assistance or to commit fraud. This means more comments, more letters, more applications, more submissions. The problem is that whoever is on the receiving end of this AI-fueled deluge can’t deal with the increased volume. What can help is developing assistive AI tools that benefit institutions and society, while also limiting fraud. And that may mean embracing the use of AI assistance in these adversarial systems, even though the defensive AI will never achieve supremacy. Balancing harms with benefits The science fiction community has been wrestling with AI since 2023. Clarkesworld eventually reopened submissions, claiming that it has an adequate way of separating human- and AI-written stories. No one knows how long, or how well, that will continue to work. The arms race continues. There is no simple way to tell whether the potential benefits of AI will outweigh the harms, now or in the future. But as a society, we can influence the balance of harms it wreaks and opportunities it presents as we muddle our way through the changing technological landscape. Bruce Schneier is an adjunct lecturer in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Nathan Sanders is an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Upbeat assessment ahead of elections contrasts with traditional Wall Street preference for minimal interventionView the full article

Layoffs are at an all-time high since 2009, and we’re also experiencing the lowest hiring on record in the job market. But AI spending is also reaching all-time highs—especially among Big Tech companies, who are on an extravagant spending spree. As I recently reported, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are forecast to drop a staggering $650 billion on AI in 2026 alone. And while many companies are pouring a lot of that money—we’re talking hundreds of billions—into building massive data centers, hoping to establish a long-term strategic advantage in the AI-arms race, many are still hiring workers for jobs that utilize AI skills. So, what are those skills? While many people assume the most in demand AI-skill is coding, according to a new report, it’s actually not. Here’s a look at what recruiters and companies are looking for right now. The most in demand AI skills A recent report from online freelance marketplace Upwork found that the AI skill for which hiring is growing fastest is AI video generation and editing (a type of design and creative work). Demand for that skill is up over 329% year over year (YoY). That refers to the ability to use AI tools to cut down on time by generating and editing video content from text, images, or audio. Some of the other AI skills that are most in demand include the following (by category): Coding and web development: Artificial intelligence integration is up 178%. Data science and analytics: Data annotation and labeling is up 154%. Customer service and admin support: E-commerce management is up 130%. Design and creative work: AI image generation and editing is up 95%. Job skills are foundational, not replaceable “While, the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers’ skills will be transformed or become redundant by 2030—only a small share of complex tasks can be fully automated by today’s AI,” according to the report. While workers are increasingly concerned about being displaced by AI, Upwork’s findings show companies still rank talent acquisition and retention as their top strategic priority (consistently ahead of innovation and technology adoption). This means that instead of replacing workers with AI, businesses are still prioritizing adaptable and agile learners slightly ahead of those who can build or understand AI tools (at least, for now). View the full article

In an age where employee experience can significantly impact retention and productivity, small businesses can benefit immensely from effective onboarding processes. SurveyMonkey has recently unveiled improvements to its onboarding surveys aimed specifically at enhancing new hire integration into organizations. With a dual approach combining structured feedback with open-ended responses, these tools offer small business owners actionable insights that can lead to a more engaged workforce. The latest updates focus on the design of onboarding surveys that maximize both quantitative and qualitative data collection. By using scaled questions, SurveyMonkey enables employers to swiftly gauge clarity, confidence, and preparedness among new hires. For instance, a numeric scale might help determine how well a new employee understands their role, while open-ended questions invite them to articulate what aspects of the onboarding process are working or which areas could use improvement. “We used scaled questions to quickly assess clarity, confidence, and preparedness,” a spokesperson for SurveyMonkey stated. “These were paired with open-ended prompts that allowed new hires to explain what was working, what felt confusing, and where they needed more support.” This multifaceted approach not only gathers essential metrics but also empowers employees to share their experiences candidly. One of the key advantages of these surveys lies in their anonymous nature. By allowing new hires to provide feedback without fear of repercussions, businesses can identify potential pitfalls early in the onboarding process. The goal is to surface candid feedback before any hesitation or social pressure affects the quality of the input, ensuring that business owners can refine their onboarding experiences in real-time. For small business owners, implementing these onboarding surveys can be both straightforward and beneficial. By leveraging the data gathered, employers can tailor training programs to address common struggles identified by new employees. Effective onboarding leads to faster acclimatization to the company culture and standards, which can directly reduce turnover rates—a critical concern for small businesses often operating with limited resources. However, small business owners should keep potential challenges in mind. Crafting effective onboarding surveys requires careful consideration of what questions will yield the most valuable data. Additionally, there is the risk that employees may provide constructive criticism that, while essential for growth, could be difficult for management to hear. Business owners will need to foster a culture where feedback is embraced and used constructively. Moreover, while SurveyMonkey’s tools can streamline the data collection process, the interpretation of this data still falls on the shoulders of business leaders. Implementing changes based on survey results may require time, resources, and sometimes even difficult conversations among team members. Hence, small business owners must be prepared not just to collect insights but also to act on them thoughtfully. Ultimately, the enhanced onboarding solutions offered by SurveyMonkey represent an opportunity for small businesses to create more engaging and supportive environments for new employees. As the job market continues to evolve, ensuring that new hires feel welcomed, informed, and prepared is crucial for long-term business sustainability. More information about these onboarding improvements can be found in the original release at SurveyMonkey. By leveraging these innovative tools, small business owners can elevate their onboarding processes, paving the way for a more productive and enthusiastic workforce. Image via Google Gemini This article, "New Onboarding Surveys Foster Candid Feedback from New Hires" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an age where employee experience can significantly impact retention and productivity, small businesses can benefit immensely from effective onboarding processes. SurveyMonkey has recently unveiled improvements to its onboarding surveys aimed specifically at enhancing new hire integration into organizations. With a dual approach combining structured feedback with open-ended responses, these tools offer small business owners actionable insights that can lead to a more engaged workforce. The latest updates focus on the design of onboarding surveys that maximize both quantitative and qualitative data collection. By using scaled questions, SurveyMonkey enables employers to swiftly gauge clarity, confidence, and preparedness among new hires. For instance, a numeric scale might help determine how well a new employee understands their role, while open-ended questions invite them to articulate what aspects of the onboarding process are working or which areas could use improvement. “We used scaled questions to quickly assess clarity, confidence, and preparedness,” a spokesperson for SurveyMonkey stated. “These were paired with open-ended prompts that allowed new hires to explain what was working, what felt confusing, and where they needed more support.” This multifaceted approach not only gathers essential metrics but also empowers employees to share their experiences candidly. One of the key advantages of these surveys lies in their anonymous nature. By allowing new hires to provide feedback without fear of repercussions, businesses can identify potential pitfalls early in the onboarding process. The goal is to surface candid feedback before any hesitation or social pressure affects the quality of the input, ensuring that business owners can refine their onboarding experiences in real-time. For small business owners, implementing these onboarding surveys can be both straightforward and beneficial. By leveraging the data gathered, employers can tailor training programs to address common struggles identified by new employees. Effective onboarding leads to faster acclimatization to the company culture and standards, which can directly reduce turnover rates—a critical concern for small businesses often operating with limited resources. However, small business owners should keep potential challenges in mind. Crafting effective onboarding surveys requires careful consideration of what questions will yield the most valuable data. Additionally, there is the risk that employees may provide constructive criticism that, while essential for growth, could be difficult for management to hear. Business owners will need to foster a culture where feedback is embraced and used constructively. Moreover, while SurveyMonkey’s tools can streamline the data collection process, the interpretation of this data still falls on the shoulders of business leaders. Implementing changes based on survey results may require time, resources, and sometimes even difficult conversations among team members. Hence, small business owners must be prepared not just to collect insights but also to act on them thoughtfully. Ultimately, the enhanced onboarding solutions offered by SurveyMonkey represent an opportunity for small businesses to create more engaging and supportive environments for new employees. As the job market continues to evolve, ensuring that new hires feel welcomed, informed, and prepared is crucial for long-term business sustainability. More information about these onboarding improvements can be found in the original release at SurveyMonkey. By leveraging these innovative tools, small business owners can elevate their onboarding processes, paving the way for a more productive and enthusiastic workforce. Image via Google Gemini This article, "New Onboarding Surveys Foster Candid Feedback from New Hires" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, and it’s meeting a growing American soccer fanbase on home turf for the first time since the ’90s. With companies paying millions to reach these fans, the challenge is standing out from the noise. On this episode of FC Explains, Fast Company Senior Staff Editor Jeff Beer explores what he’s learned from Men in Blazers co-founder Roger Bennett about how brands can leverage compelling storytelling and authentic fan culture, which sometimes matter more than the action on the field. Beer also shares insights from executives at major brands like Verizon and Anheuser-Busch about their World Cup marketing strategies to build lasting fan connections through global league sponsorships and tournament partnerships, while avoiding the “cultural wallpaper” effect that often happens at major sporting events. View the full article

BMW has issued a recall of 87,394 vehicles over a defect that could cause the engine to overheat and start a fire. The recall, issued on Jan. 30, covers models made between 2021 and 2024. It includes nine BMW models, as well as one Toyota model, which shares similar structures and parts. The recalled BMW vehicles include: Toyota Supra, 2021-2023, BMW 5 Series, 2021-2024, BMW Z4, 2021-2022, BMW 2 Series Coupe, 2022-2023, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022-2024, BMW 4 Series Convertible, 2021-2024, BMW 4 Series Coupe, 2021-2023, BMW 3 Series, 2021-2024, BMW X4, 2021-2023, and BMW X3, 2021-2024. In a blog post BMW said the defect involves “unexpected wear on an internal component” which may “cause the starter to stop working properly—sometimes surfacing first as a no-start condition—but the higher-stakes concern is heat.” It continued, “NHTSA’s report says that ‘in an extreme case; the issue could cause a thermal event or fire when starting the engine, or while the engine is running.” Just months ago, BMW issued a similar recall. In October, the company recalled 145,000 vehicles over a starter defect that could overheat and spark a fire. Prior to that, it recalled 200,000 vehicles for the same reason. Still, BMW is not the only car company to appear plagued by recalls as of late. At the end of last year, Ford recalled over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles over a parking function issue. Porsche recalled over 173,000 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera image. Earlier in 2025, the NHTSA also issued similar recalls of Hyundai Motor America, Ford Motor, Toyota Motor, and Chrysler vehicles. The recall notice indicates that BMW is not aware of any accident or injuries, for both the BMW vehicles, as well as the Toyota Supra vehicles, due to the issue. It also noted that dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners on March 24, 2026. View the full article

If you're of a certain age, you might remember mixtapes: cassettes made up of a series of tracks you or a friend think work well together, or otherwise enjoy. (They took some work to put together, too.) Digital music sort of killed mixtapes, but, in their place, came playlists. You could easily put together a collection of your favorite songs, and either burn them to a CD, or, as streaming took over, let the playlist itself grow as large as you wanted. Anyone can make a playlist, but there's an art to it. Someone with a keen ear for music can build a playlist you can let play for hours. Maybe you have a friend who's good at making playlists, or maybe you're that friend in your group. They can be a fun way to share music, and find some new music to add to your own library. Now, generative AI wants to replace human intervention altogether. Rather than you or a friend building a playlist, you can ask AI to do it for you. And YouTube Music is the latest service to give it a try. YouTube announced its new AI playlist generator in a post on X on Monday. If you subscribe to either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium, you can ask YouTube's AI to make a playlist based on whatever parameters you want. To try it out, open YouTube Music, then head to your Library and tap "New." Next, choose the new "AI Playlist" option, then enter the type of music you're looking for. You could ask YouTube Music to generate a playlist of pop-punk songs, or to make something to play when focusing on work. Really, it's whatever you want, and if the AI gets it wrong, you can try it again. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It's pretty straightforward, and nothing revolutionary. Other music streaming services have their own AI playlist generators too. Spotify, for example, has had one for a couple of years, but recently rolled out Prompted Playlist as well, which lets you generate playlists that update with time, and takes your listening history into account. With this update, however, YouTube is likely trying to drum up some interest in its streaming service and encourage users to pay for it. Just this week, the company put lyrics—once a free feature—behind the Premium paywall. I suppose it thinks that if you can't read what your favorite artists are singing, and you'd like to have a bot make your playlists for you, you might just subscribe to its platform. This could be a good change in the long run for YouTube Music subscribers. I'm on Apple Music, so I don't really use AI-generated playlists. I like the Apple-curated playlists, as well as the ones my friends and I make and share. But who knows: Maybe human-generated playlists are going the way of the mixtape. View the full article

I don’t care if you own a car, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, private jet, or one of each. This essay isn’t a judgment on consumerism. It’s about how the forces shaping our automotive obsession ripple into land use policy, infrastructure funding, government subsidies, and every facet of urbanism. Once upon a time, did Americans flock to dealerships out of pure need—or were they herded by subversive forces? Was it free will or predestination? The automobile’s rise was a masterclass in what the military would call a psychological operation, a psy-op. In a flash, the “household automobile” became the “personal automobile,” thanks to advertising genius that turned utility into aspiration. The godfather of modern PR At the heart of this shift was Edward Bernays, Sigmund Freud’s nephew and the godfather of modern public relations. Bernays didn’t sell cars; he sold dreams, using emotional triggers to link vehicles with individualism, prestige, and progress. His tactics transformed cars from practical tools into must-have symbols of self-expression. Drawing from Uncle Freud, Bernays targeted subconscious desires. Early- and mid-20th century ads were dry, like user manuals highlighting features. Bernays led the marketing pivot to allure. Chevrolet’s 1950s “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” campaign painted cars as portals to adventure and family memories. Manufacturers introduced annual model updates, rendering last year’s ride obsolete, a strategy Bernays tested for GM after Henry Ford dismissed it as sleazy. It worked brilliantly, birthing “planned obsolescence” and embedding perpetual consumption into our culture. Edward Bernays Ford’s Model T was pitched as “the universal car,” bridging class divides. GM segmented their market with Chevrolets for “practical families” and Buicks for status-seekers. It’s funny that people today want to dismiss the consumerism psy-op as conspiracy theory, even though Bernays documented and openly bragged about his methods in TV and radio interviews over his 103-year life. Cars: A timeline Here’s a snapshot of some of the auto industry’s milestones: 1900-1910: From 8,000 registered cars in 1900 to over 400,000 by 1910, fueled by early hype. 1908-1916: Henry Ford’s assembly line dropped the Model T’s price from $825 to $360, marketed as “the car for everyman” to symbolize modernity. 1920s: Automakers spent the equivalent of $2 billion in today’s dollars on ads that shifted from facts to feelings. 1920s-1950s: GM’s yearly changes cut car lifespans from five years to two-three, creating upgrade culture. 1950s: Over $300 million spent on ads emphasizing freedom and status; car ownership ranked second only to homes as a status symbol. 1960s-1970s: 80% of cars bought on credit, with ads focused on lifestyle, then pivoted to “green” virtue-signaling amid environmental concerns. 21st Century: Auto ads remain a top-10 spender for a population of buyers that is predominantly completely on personal cars to get around. Emotional forces The best advertisers understand that humans are feeling creatures who sometimes think, as opposed to thinking creatures who sometimes feel. Cereal, shoes, cars—it all preys on the same impulses. The auto industry’s success defied logic because even as saturation hit, demand surged. They were and are enjoying the outcomes of a culture that believes everyone 16-and-up needs their own personal car. I’m a car owner, and I’ll be the first to tell you motor vehicles are incredible inventions. The more I learn about human behavior and our decision-making process, the more examples I see in my own life where my behavior was nudged by outside forces tugging my emotional strings. If you’re interested in changing how the built environment is planned, designed, and maintained, understanding the power and tools of persuasion will help you immensely. So much of culture is downstream from propaganda. View the full article

Research comes as ministers signal rethink of policy that could carry big fiscal cost View the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly craft supplies, there are several excellent options available. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels often have sales and coupons that can help you save money. Furthermore, Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of inexpensive materials. Thrift stores and garage sales can provide unique finds, whereas craft reuse centers promote sustainability with affordable supplies. To explore even more options, consider looking into online stores that specialize in cost-effective craft materials. Key Takeaways Local thrift stores often have discounted craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and vintage items, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. Yard sales can be treasure troves for inexpensive crafting materials, with opportunities to negotiate prices for unique finds. Craft reuse centers promote eco-friendly crafting, offering a variety of donated supplies at low costs while supporting community initiatives. Online retailers frequently run sales and promotions, enabling access to a wider range of craft supplies at competitive prices. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle provide affordable or free options for sourcing craft materials within your community. Your Own Home When you’re looking to save money on craft supplies, your own home can be a treasure trove of materials. Common items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons can easily be repurposed into free craft items for various projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes serves well for creating structures or stencils. Recycling old newspapers and magazines offers unique materials for decoupage and scrapbooking, eliminating the need to buy new supplies. Water bottles and milk cartons can transform into planters or organizers, showcasing their versatility. Check kids’ rooms and offices for unused art supplies, as these hidden treasures can fuel new creative projects without visiting cheap craft stores or searching for scrapbooking supplies near me. Yard Sales Yard sales can be a treasure trove for crafters looking for unique supplies at a fraction of retail prices. Many local garage sales feature specific areas dedicated to crafting materials, where you might score everything from fabric and tools to vintage patterns. Unique Craft Finds Exploring local garage sales can uncover a treasure trove of unique craft supplies at unbeatable prices. You’ll often find fabric, art supplies, and gently used crafting tools that aren’t readily available in retail stores. Searching for specific items, like card making supplies near me, on Craigslist can help you pinpoint sales featuring exactly what you need. Many sellers are keen to clear out their homes, providing opportunities to haggle for even better deals on crafting supplies. Furthermore, seasonal yard sales can yield themed crafting items, such as Halloween decorations or holiday materials, at reduced prices. Keep an eye out for free craft stuff, as some sellers might be looking to give away items instead of selling them. Local Garage Sales Local garage sales offer an excellent opportunity to find a wide range of craft supplies at considerably lower prices than traditional retail stores. These sales often include unique items such as fabric, tools, and vintage crafting materials, making them a true craft depot for budget-conscious crafters. You can use websites like Craigslist to locate garage sales in your area, helping you target specific items or general supplies. Many sellers are open to negotiating prices, allowing you to score even better deals. Furthermore, seasonal events and community gatherings often coincide with these sales, providing you with even more chances to find budget-friendly crafting supplies. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems in your neighborhood! Your Neighborhood How can you tap into your neighborhood’s crafting potential? Start by exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp. These websites often have listings for cheap or even free craft supplies from your neighbors. Networking with those around you can likewise be beneficial; many may have leftover materials from previous projects that they’re willing to give away or sell at a low price. Keep an eye out for seasonal events in your area, as they can inspire new projects and provide access to unique materials. Furthermore, consider joining local community groups that organize craft swaps, allowing you to exchange supplies and expand your crafting arsenal without breaking the bank. Thrift Stores Thrift stores provide a treasure trove of crafting supplies at prices that won’t strain your budget. You can often find a wide variety of both used and new materials, making them an ideal destination for budget-conscious crafters. These stores typically have dedicated sections for craft items, featuring fabric, yarn, and decorative pieces that you can repurpose for your projects. Moreover, you might discover unique materials like vintage books and magazines perfect for decoupage, or even old jewelry that can be transformed into beadwork. Dollar Stores For budget-conscious crafters seeking affordable materials, dollar stores are an excellent option that complements the treasures found in thrift stores. They offer a wide variety of cheap craft supplies for just a dollar, making them ideal for your projects. In these stores, you can find popular items like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, tissue paper, decorative craft tape, and various adhesives. Don’t overlook the office and party supply sections, where you may discover additional crafting materials. Useful items such as vases, candle holders, floral foam, beads, and glitter are often available too. By regularly checking for new arrivals and seasonal items, you can uncover exciting and affordable supplies that can enhance your DIY projects without breaking the bank. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers offer sustainable crafting solutions by accepting donations of materials and reselling them at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies, from gently used items to vintage finds, perfect for sparking your creativity. Plus, these centers often host workshops and community events, making them a great resource for both new and experienced crafters looking to connect with others. Sustainable Crafting Solutions As you explore sustainable crafting solutions, consider visiting craft reuse centers, which play an essential role in promoting eco-friendly practices. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies, helping to keep materials out of landfills during offering them for resale at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a diverse range of supplies suitable for both kids and adults, making it easy to find what you need for your projects. Shopping at these centers allows you to discover unique materials that can inspire your creativity. Many craft reuse centers additionally host community programs and workshops, encouraging collaboration among local crafters. By supporting these centers, you save money and contribute to a greener planet. Variety of Supplies As many traditional craft stores concentrate on a specific range of products, craft reuse centers offer an impressive variety of supplies that cater to diverse crafting needs. These centers focus on sustainability by accepting donations, ensuring that materials are repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. You can find supplies for various crafts, including sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, and mixed media projects. Many reuse centers provide a community space for workshops and events, welcoming both children and adults. During your exploration, you might discover unexpected finds like vintage items and one-of-a-kind supplies that aren’t available in mainstream stores. This variety not only improves your crafting experience but encourages creativity and innovation in your projects. Budget-Friendly Prices In regards to finding budget-friendly prices for crafting supplies, craft reuse centers stand out as an excellent option. These centers focus on keeping crafting materials out of landfills by accepting donations and reselling them at markedly lower prices than traditional stores. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies suitable for various types of crafting, from fabric and paint to beads and paper. Both kids and adults can explore creative opportunities during their environmentally conscious activities. Furthermore, you might discover unique items that aren’t available elsewhere, enriching your crafting experience. Online Stores In regard to finding affordable craft supplies, online stores present a wealth of options that can cater to any budget. Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection of craft materials at competitive prices, making it easy to shop from home. You can explore sites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com, where discounts on various items guarantee good value for your purchases. Many online retailers frequently run deals and promotions, allowing you to snag items at considerably reduced prices. If you’re searching for unique or hard-to-find materials, niche online craft suppliers can expand your options beyond local stores. Plus, online shopping makes price comparison across multiple retailers straightforward, helping you find the best deals available. Frequently Asked Questions What Types of Crafts Can I Make With Budget Supplies? You can create a variety of crafts with budget supplies. Consider making greeting cards using cardstock, decorative paper, and stamps. You could as well try your hand at painting or drawing with affordable paints and sketchbooks. DIY home decor projects, like painted flower pots or upcycled furniture, are great options. Furthermore, you can craft jewelry using beads and string. Explore sewing simple projects, such as tote bags or pillowcases, with fabric scraps. How Can I Find Sales at Craft Stores? To find sales at craft stores, start by signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs, as they often provide exclusive discounts. Check store websites for weekly ads and promotions. Utilize social media platforms where many stores announce flash sales and special events. You can additionally download coupon apps that aggregate deals from various RetailMeNot retailers. Finally, visit during major holidays, when many craft stores frequently offer significant markdowns on supplies. Are There Membership Discounts for Frequent Buyers? Yes, many craft stores offer membership discounts for frequent buyers. By signing up for loyalty programs, you can receive exclusive deals, early access to sales, and points in the direction of future purchases. For example, stores like Michaels and Joann often provide rewards programs where you earn points for every dollar spent. Furthermore, some stores may offer special coupons or discounts on your birthday or during promotional events for members. Always check the store’s website for details. What Should I Look for in Quality Craft Supplies? When selecting quality craft supplies, look for durability, ease of use, and consistency. Check materials; for example, high-quality paper should be thick and smooth, whereas paints should blend well without clumping. Review customer feedback to gauge performance and longevity. Make sure tools, like scissors or brushes, feel comfortable in your hand and perform their tasks effectively. Additionally, consider the brand reputation; established brands often provide reliable products backed by good warranties. Can I Return Unused Items to Craft Stores? Yes, you can usually return unused items to craft stores, but policies vary by retailer. Most stores require a receipt, and some may offer store credit instead of refunds. Check the specific return window, which often ranges from 30 to 90 days. Items must be in original packaging, and be free of damage. Always verify the return policy on the store’s website or at the register to avoid any surprises. Conclusion In conclusion, finding budget-friendly craft supplies is achievable with various options available. Your own home can yield unused materials, whereas yard sales and thrift stores often present unique and affordable items. Dollar stores and craft reuse centers provide inexpensive alternatives, and online stores can offer competitive prices. By exploring these sources, you can gather key supplies without overspending, allowing you to engage in your creative projects sustainably and economically. Consider these options to improve your crafting experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Cheap Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly craft supplies, there are several excellent options available. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels often have sales and coupons that can help you save money. Furthermore, Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of inexpensive materials. Thrift stores and garage sales can provide unique finds, whereas craft reuse centers promote sustainability with affordable supplies. To explore even more options, consider looking into online stores that specialize in cost-effective craft materials. Key Takeaways Local thrift stores often have discounted craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and vintage items, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. Yard sales can be treasure troves for inexpensive crafting materials, with opportunities to negotiate prices for unique finds. Craft reuse centers promote eco-friendly crafting, offering a variety of donated supplies at low costs while supporting community initiatives. Online retailers frequently run sales and promotions, enabling access to a wider range of craft supplies at competitive prices. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle provide affordable or free options for sourcing craft materials within your community. Your Own Home When you’re looking to save money on craft supplies, your own home can be a treasure trove of materials. Common items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons can easily be repurposed into free craft items for various projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes serves well for creating structures or stencils. Recycling old newspapers and magazines offers unique materials for decoupage and scrapbooking, eliminating the need to buy new supplies. Water bottles and milk cartons can transform into planters or organizers, showcasing their versatility. Check kids’ rooms and offices for unused art supplies, as these hidden treasures can fuel new creative projects without visiting cheap craft stores or searching for scrapbooking supplies near me. Yard Sales Yard sales can be a treasure trove for crafters looking for unique supplies at a fraction of retail prices. Many local garage sales feature specific areas dedicated to crafting materials, where you might score everything from fabric and tools to vintage patterns. Unique Craft Finds Exploring local garage sales can uncover a treasure trove of unique craft supplies at unbeatable prices. You’ll often find fabric, art supplies, and gently used crafting tools that aren’t readily available in retail stores. Searching for specific items, like card making supplies near me, on Craigslist can help you pinpoint sales featuring exactly what you need. Many sellers are keen to clear out their homes, providing opportunities to haggle for even better deals on crafting supplies. Furthermore, seasonal yard sales can yield themed crafting items, such as Halloween decorations or holiday materials, at reduced prices. Keep an eye out for free craft stuff, as some sellers might be looking to give away items instead of selling them. Local Garage Sales Local garage sales offer an excellent opportunity to find a wide range of craft supplies at considerably lower prices than traditional retail stores. These sales often include unique items such as fabric, tools, and vintage crafting materials, making them a true craft depot for budget-conscious crafters. You can use websites like Craigslist to locate garage sales in your area, helping you target specific items or general supplies. Many sellers are open to negotiating prices, allowing you to score even better deals. Furthermore, seasonal events and community gatherings often coincide with these sales, providing you with even more chances to find budget-friendly crafting supplies. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems in your neighborhood! Your Neighborhood How can you tap into your neighborhood’s crafting potential? Start by exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp. These websites often have listings for cheap or even free craft supplies from your neighbors. Networking with those around you can likewise be beneficial; many may have leftover materials from previous projects that they’re willing to give away or sell at a low price. Keep an eye out for seasonal events in your area, as they can inspire new projects and provide access to unique materials. Furthermore, consider joining local community groups that organize craft swaps, allowing you to exchange supplies and expand your crafting arsenal without breaking the bank. Thrift Stores Thrift stores provide a treasure trove of crafting supplies at prices that won’t strain your budget. You can often find a wide variety of both used and new materials, making them an ideal destination for budget-conscious crafters. These stores typically have dedicated sections for craft items, featuring fabric, yarn, and decorative pieces that you can repurpose for your projects. Moreover, you might discover unique materials like vintage books and magazines perfect for decoupage, or even old jewelry that can be transformed into beadwork. Dollar Stores For budget-conscious crafters seeking affordable materials, dollar stores are an excellent option that complements the treasures found in thrift stores. They offer a wide variety of cheap craft supplies for just a dollar, making them ideal for your projects. In these stores, you can find popular items like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, tissue paper, decorative craft tape, and various adhesives. Don’t overlook the office and party supply sections, where you may discover additional crafting materials. Useful items such as vases, candle holders, floral foam, beads, and glitter are often available too. By regularly checking for new arrivals and seasonal items, you can uncover exciting and affordable supplies that can enhance your DIY projects without breaking the bank. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers offer sustainable crafting solutions by accepting donations of materials and reselling them at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies, from gently used items to vintage finds, perfect for sparking your creativity. Plus, these centers often host workshops and community events, making them a great resource for both new and experienced crafters looking to connect with others. Sustainable Crafting Solutions As you explore sustainable crafting solutions, consider visiting craft reuse centers, which play an essential role in promoting eco-friendly practices. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies, helping to keep materials out of landfills during offering them for resale at budget-friendly prices. You’ll find a diverse range of supplies suitable for both kids and adults, making it easy to find what you need for your projects. Shopping at these centers allows you to discover unique materials that can inspire your creativity. Many craft reuse centers additionally host community programs and workshops, encouraging collaboration among local crafters. By supporting these centers, you save money and contribute to a greener planet. Variety of Supplies As many traditional craft stores concentrate on a specific range of products, craft reuse centers offer an impressive variety of supplies that cater to diverse crafting needs. These centers focus on sustainability by accepting donations, ensuring that materials are repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. You can find supplies for various crafts, including sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, and mixed media projects. Many reuse centers provide a community space for workshops and events, welcoming both children and adults. During your exploration, you might discover unexpected finds like vintage items and one-of-a-kind supplies that aren’t available in mainstream stores. This variety not only improves your crafting experience but encourages creativity and innovation in your projects. Budget-Friendly Prices In regards to finding budget-friendly prices for crafting supplies, craft reuse centers stand out as an excellent option. These centers focus on keeping crafting materials out of landfills by accepting donations and reselling them at markedly lower prices than traditional stores. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies suitable for various types of crafting, from fabric and paint to beads and paper. Both kids and adults can explore creative opportunities during their environmentally conscious activities. Furthermore, you might discover unique items that aren’t available elsewhere, enriching your crafting experience. Online Stores In regard to finding affordable craft supplies, online stores present a wealth of options that can cater to any budget. Websites like Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection of craft materials at competitive prices, making it easy to shop from home. You can explore sites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com, where discounts on various items guarantee good value for your purchases. Many online retailers frequently run deals and promotions, allowing you to snag items at considerably reduced prices. If you’re searching for unique or hard-to-find materials, niche online craft suppliers can expand your options beyond local stores. Plus, online shopping makes price comparison across multiple retailers straightforward, helping you find the best deals available. Frequently Asked Questions What Types of Crafts Can I Make With Budget Supplies? You can create a variety of crafts with budget supplies. Consider making greeting cards using cardstock, decorative paper, and stamps. You could as well try your hand at painting or drawing with affordable paints and sketchbooks. DIY home decor projects, like painted flower pots or upcycled furniture, are great options. Furthermore, you can craft jewelry using beads and string. Explore sewing simple projects, such as tote bags or pillowcases, with fabric scraps. How Can I Find Sales at Craft Stores? To find sales at craft stores, start by signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs, as they often provide exclusive discounts. Check store websites for weekly ads and promotions. Utilize social media platforms where many stores announce flash sales and special events. You can additionally download coupon apps that aggregate deals from various RetailMeNot retailers. Finally, visit during major holidays, when many craft stores frequently offer significant markdowns on supplies. Are There Membership Discounts for Frequent Buyers? Yes, many craft stores offer membership discounts for frequent buyers. By signing up for loyalty programs, you can receive exclusive deals, early access to sales, and points in the direction of future purchases. For example, stores like Michaels and Joann often provide rewards programs where you earn points for every dollar spent. Furthermore, some stores may offer special coupons or discounts on your birthday or during promotional events for members. Always check the store’s website for details. What Should I Look for in Quality Craft Supplies? When selecting quality craft supplies, look for durability, ease of use, and consistency. Check materials; for example, high-quality paper should be thick and smooth, whereas paints should blend well without clumping. Review customer feedback to gauge performance and longevity. Make sure tools, like scissors or brushes, feel comfortable in your hand and perform their tasks effectively. Additionally, consider the brand reputation; established brands often provide reliable products backed by good warranties. Can I Return Unused Items to Craft Stores? Yes, you can usually return unused items to craft stores, but policies vary by retailer. Most stores require a receipt, and some may offer store credit instead of refunds. Check the specific return window, which often ranges from 30 to 90 days. Items must be in original packaging, and be free of damage. Always verify the return policy on the store’s website or at the register to avoid any surprises. Conclusion In conclusion, finding budget-friendly craft supplies is achievable with various options available. Your own home can yield unused materials, whereas yard sales and thrift stores often present unique and affordable items. Dollar stores and craft reuse centers provide inexpensive alternatives, and online stores can offer competitive prices. By exploring these sources, you can gather key supplies without overspending, allowing you to engage in your creative projects sustainably and economically. Consider these options to improve your crafting experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Cheap Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When U.S. Border Patrol agents entered a Target store in Richfield, Minnesota, in early January, detaining two employees, it marked a new chapter in the relationship between corporate America and the federal government. Across the Twin Cities, federal immigration enforcement operations have turned businesses into sites of confrontation — with agents in store parking lots rounding up day laborers, armed raids on restaurants, and work authorization inspections conducted in tactical gear. Some retailers report revenue drops of 50% to 80% as customers stay home out of fear. Along Lake Street and in East St. Paul, areas within the Twin Cities, an estimated 80% of businesses have closed their doors at some point since the operations began. Then came the killing of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the latter of which came a day after widespread protests and a one-day business blackout involving over 700 establishments. The response of corporate America to those killings was instructive — both for what was said and left unsaid. After the Pretti killing, more than 60 CEOs from Minnesota’s largest companies — Target, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bancorp, General Mills, Best Buy and others — signed a public letter organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The letter called for “peace,” “focused cooperation” among local, state and federal officials, and a “swift and durable solution” so that families, workers and businesses could return to normal. What it didn’t do was name Pretti, mention federal immigration enforcement or criticize any specific policy or official. It read less like moral leadership and more like corporate risk management. As a researcher who studies corporate political engagement, I think the Minnesota CEO letter is a window into a broader shift. For years, companies could take progressive stances with limited risk — activists would punish them if they remained silent on an issue, but conservatives rarely retaliated when they spoke up. That asymmetry has collapsed. Minneapolis shows what corporate activism looks like when the risks cut both ways: hedged language, no names named, and calls for calm. A shifting pattern In 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, corporate America was remarkably quiet compared with its vocal stances on LGBTQ+ rights or the war in Ukraine. The explanation: Companies tend to hedge on issues that are contested and polarizing. In my research with colleagues on companies taking stances on LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, I’ve found that businesses frame their stances narrowly when issues are unsettled — focusing on workplace concerns and internal constituencies like employees rather than broader advocacy. Only after issues are legally or socially settled do some companies shift to clearer activism, adopting the language of social movements: injustice, moral obligation, calls to action. By that logic, the Minnesota CEOs’ caution makes sense. The The President administration’s federal immigration enforcement policy is deeply contested. There’s no clear legal or social settlement in sight. But something else has changed since 2022 — something that goes beyond any particular issue. For years, corporate activism operated under a favorable asymmetry that allowed them to stake out public positions on controversial topics without much negative consequence. That is, activists and employees pressured companies to speak out on progressive causes, and silence carried real costs. Meanwhile, conservatives largely subscribed to free-market economist Milton Friedman’s view that the only social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. They generally didn’t demand corporate stances on their issues, and they didn’t organize sustained punishment for progressive corporate speech. That asymmetry has collapsed During the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, corporations rushed to declare their commitments to racial justice, diversity, and social responsibility. Many of those same companies have since quietly dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, walked back public commitments, and gone silent on issues they once called moral imperatives. It appears that their allegedly deeply held values were contingent on a favorable political environment. When the risks shifted, the values evaporated. The turning point may have been Disney’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law in 2022. The company faced criticism from employees and activists for not doing enough – and then fierce retaliation from Florida’s government, which stripped Disney of self-governing privileges it had held for 55 years. In other high-profile examples, Delta lost tax breaks in Georgia after ending discounts for National Rifle Association members following the Parkland shooting. And Bud Light lost billions in market value after a single social media promotion that featured Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer. Conservatives learned to play the game that progressive activists invented. And unlike consumer boycotts, government retaliation carries a different kind of weight. Minneapolis reveals the new calculus What makes Minneapolis distinctive is that the federal government isn’t a distant policy actor debating legislation in Washington. It’s a physical presence in companies’ daily operations. When federal agents can show up at your store, detain your employees, raid your parking lot, and audit your hiring records, the calculation about whether to criticize federal policy looks very different than when the worst-case scenario is an angry tweet from a politician. Research finds that politicians are less willing to engage with CEOs who take controversial stances – even in private meetings – regardless of local economic conditions or the politicians’ own views on business. The chilling effect is real. As one observer noted, Minnesota companies communicated through industry associations specifically “to avoid direct exposure to possible retaliation.” “De-escalation,” then, has become the corporate buzzword of choice because, as one news report in The Wall Street Journal noted, it “sounds humane while remaining politically noncommittal.” It points to a process goal – reduce conflict, restore order – rather than a contested diagnosis of responsibility. This is the triple bind facing businesses in Minneapolis: pressure from the federal government on one side, pressure from activists and employees on the other, and the economic devastation from enforcement itself — comparable in some areas to the COVID-19 pandemic — crushing them in the middle. It’s a situation that rewards silence and punishes principle, and most companies are making the predictable choice. And yet the situation within companies is also full of internal tensions, whether they’re companies headquartered in Minnesota or not. At tech company Palantir, which holds contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, employees took to internal Slack channels after Pretti’s death to express that they felt “not proud” to work for a company tied to what they described as “the bad guys.” Similar sentiments could be seen elsewhere, where rank-and-file employees expressed far more vocal outrage than their bosses. What comes next The Minnesota CEO letter is what corporate political engagement looks like when the risks run in every direction: no injustice framing, no attribution of blame, no names named — just calls for stability and cooperation. As a local Minneapolis writer put it in an op-ed: “Stand up, or sit down … because the Minnesotans who are standing up? We don’t recognize you.” It’s not cowardice, exactly. It’s what the research predicts when an issue is contested and the costs of speaking cut both ways. But it does mean Americans shouldn’t expect corporations to lead when government power is directly at stake. The conditions that enabled corporate activism on LGBTQ+ rights — an asymmetry where speaking out was relatively low-risk — don’t exist here. Until the political landscape shifts, the hedged statement and the cautious coalition letter are the new normal. Corporate activism, it turns out, might always have been more about positioning than principle. Alessandro Piazza is an assistant professor of strategic management at Rice University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Memphis city council members Pearl Eva Walker and Yolanda Cooper Sutton (and many other people online) say that snow is fake. Sutton recently posted a video on her Facebook page to demonstrate the artificiality of snow. Over footage of her husband holding a snowball and a lighter, Sutton says, "So we decided to see what was really hitting the ground." Her husband holds a flame to the snowball, and it does not melt. “It’s not melting [it stinks] when you set fire to it OMG, Jesus Christ, what is happening!!!” Sutton asks. In the video's comment section, fellow council member Walker reportedly replied, "man made," and included another video showing the same phenomenon. It looks like that specific video was taken down, but these kinds of posts are pretty common after snowstorms like the ones that just blanketed the US. Here are a couple of examples: So: What's happening? Has plastic snow replaced the real stuff? Is this a flurry of misinformation? Are all these people just flakes? All available evidence suggest snow is realFirst, snow is real, but I understand why the Memphis council members would be suspicious. These videos are convincing, and they're not AI nor the result of people deliberately hoaxing with prop snow. They are documents of what happens when you hold a flame up to real, actual, fell-from-the-sky snow. You'd expect that holding fire to a snowball would make it melt into water in your hand but it just doesn't. No shade to people running their own experiments, but they're missing that snow can be counterintuitive. Why it seems like snow doesn't melt from flamesSnow is 90–95% air, so there's a lot less water than people might expect no matter how it melts. But the main thing going on is sublimation—a solid changing directly to a gas without first becoming liquid. When you hold a flame to snow, especially packed snow, much of it will become water vapor without becoming liquid water first. Sublimation is also why snow can seem to disappear without the temperature going above freezing. You can see sublimation in action in the video below. Snow is also porous. When a snowball melts, water is sucked to the center of the mass through capillary action, and it fills up the spaces that were once air. The video below shows unpacked snow on the ground being hit with a torch. Some of the snow is sublimating in response to the heat, while some of the surface snow is melting into water and being sucked into the empty spaces in the snow below it. You can see how it goes from "powdery" snow to more wet snow by the end of the video. (Also, these yahoos are going to burn down the trailer soon): But what about the snow turning black?The scorch marks on the "burning snow" have an explanation as well: The flame from a match or a lighter is result of fuel burning—butane from a lighter; wood or paper from matches. As the fuel burns, it produces carbon soot, which reacts to the cold snow by condensing onto its surface. The soot isn't scorch marks from the snow burning. It's scorch marks from the butane or wood/paper burning. You can tell the snow itself isn't burning, because it never catches fire. That leaves only the burning plastic smell that some report. That's actually the smell of the butane from the lighter not fully burning and/or the smell of the mercaptans sometimes added to butane so we can smell it. The result is a chemical odor that is easy to mistake for burning plastic, especially when you hold a flame up to soot you've already deposited on a cold surface. In this video, the conspiracy theorist used a candle instead of a lighter, and notes that it doesn't smell like burning plastic. That's because butane was absent. How to do the "burning snow" illusion yourselfYou can try all this yourself to amaze your friends with the wonders of sublimation and/or trick a bunch of people on social media. It's easy: Grab some snow and pack it into a tight snowball. A more solid surface will help soot stick to it. Apply flame from a standard butane lighter for a few seconds. If you use matches, you won't get the same burning plastic smell. Cool scorch mark, right? Note how little water is dripping and how the snow is "disappearing." Note the edges of the scorch mark. Here's where water that did melt was pulled toward the center of the snowball. If you want to debunk the snow-burn conspiracy, simply hold the snow in your hand instead, and you will find that it melts into water. Is it possible to make fake snow?What if the government wanted to create a fake snow storm for some reason? It's possible—you can see fake snow at ski resorts during bad winters; you can buy your own snow-maker on Amazon for less than $100. The problem would be the scale. All "they control the weather" conspiracies fall apart when you consider the scale. Artificial snow is produced by spraying a mist of pressurized water into air that's below freezing. You could cover some trails at a ski resort without a problem, but a whole city or state would require a lot of snow. Industrial snow-making-machines use about 160,000 gallons of water to create one-acre-foot of snow. To cover a town that's 25 square miles with six inches of snow, you'd need about 1.28 billion gallons of water pumping through thousands of snow-guns. It would cost a lot, use a ton a fuel, and it wouldn't fool anyone anyway—those machines are loud as hell, and the snow wouldn't fall from the sky; it would shoot out of snow guns. You'd end up like, "What am I even doing with my life?" You could also try seeding existing clouds with silver iodide to try to make it snow, but that's expensive too, and no one really one knows if it works at all. Bottom line: We can't control the weatherHumankind can collectively alter weather patterns—global climate change and all that—but we can't control weather. We can't make it snow on command in Memphis without anyone noticing thousands of roaring machines shooting artificial snow into the air any more than we can control hurricanes. The snow falling from the sky is real and it's made of frozen water crystals, just like it always has been. View the full article

Comparing social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs, lawyer Mark Lanier delivered opening statements Monday in a landmark trial in Los Angeles that seeks to hold Instagram owner Meta and Google’s YouTube responsible for harms to children who use their products. Instagram’s parent company Meta and Google’s YouTube face claims that their platforms addict children through deliberate design choices that keep kids glued to their screens. TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the lawsuit, settled for undisclosed sums. Jurors got their first glimpse into what will be a lengthy trial characterized by dueling narratives from the plaintiffs and the two remaining defendants. Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt spoke of the disagreement within the scientific community over social media addiction, with some researchers believing it doesn’t exist, or that addiction is not the most appropriate way to describe heavy social media use. Lawyers representing YouTube will begin their opening statement on Tuesday. ‘Addicting the brains of children’ Lanier, the plaintiff’s lawyer, delivered lively first remarks where he said the case will be as “easy as ABC” — which stands for “addicting the brains of children.” He said Meta and Google, “two of the richest corporations in history,” have “engineered addiction in children’s brains.” He presented jurors with a slew of internal emails, documents and studies conducted by Meta and YouTube, as well as YouTube’s parent company, Google. He emphasized the findings of a study Meta conducted called “Project Myst” in which they surveyed 1,000 teens and their parents about their social media use. The two major findings, Lanier said, were that Meta knew children who experienced “adverse events” like trauma and stress were particularly vulnerable for addiction; and that parental supervision and controls made little impact. He also highlighted internal Google documents that likened some company products to a casino, and internal communication between Meta employees in which one person said Instagram is “like a drug” and they are “basically pushers.” At the core of the Los Angeles case is a 20-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury. Plaintiff grew up using YouTube, Instagram KGM made a brief appearance after a break during Lanier’s statement and she will return to testify later in the trial. Lanier spent time describing KGM’s childhood, focusing particularly on what her personality was like before she began using social media. She started using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, Lanier said. Before she graduated elementary school, she had posted 284 videos on YouTube. The outcome of the trial could have profound effects on the companies’ businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. Lanier said the companies’ lawyers will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built,” referencing the plaintiff. She was a minor when she said she became addicted to social media, which she claims had a detrimental impact on her mental health. Lanier said that despite the public position of Meta and YouTube being that they work to protect children, their internal documents show an entirely different position, with explicit references to young children being listed as their target audiences. The attorney also drew comparisons between the social media companies and tobacco firms, citing internal communication between Meta employees who were concerned about the company’s lack of proactive action about the potential harm their platforms can have on children and teens. “For a teenager, social validation is survival,” Lanier said. The defendants “engineered a feature that caters to a minor’s craving for social validation,” he added, speaking about “like” buttons and similar features. Meta pushes back In his opening statement representing Meta, Schmidt said the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. He spent much of his time going through the plaintiff’s health records, emphasizing that she had experienced many difficult circumstances in her childhood, including emotional abuse, body image issues and bullying. Schmidt presented a clip from a video deposition from one of KGM’s mental health providers, Dr. Thomas Suberman, who said social media was “not the through-line of what I recall being her main issues,” adding that her struggles seemed to largely stem from interpersonal conflicts and relationships. He painted a picture — with KGM’s own text messages and testimony pointing to a volatile home life — of a particularly troubled relationship with her mother. Schmidt acknowledged that many mental health professionals do believe social media addiction can exist, but said three of KGM’s providers — all of whom believe in the form of addiction — have never diagnosed her with it, or treated her for it. Schmidt emphasized to the jurors that the case is not about whether social media is a good thing or whether teens spend too much time on their phones or whether the jurors like or dislike Meta, but whether social media was a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. A reckoning for social media and youth harms A slew of trials beginning this year seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children’s mental well-being. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the Los Angeles trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors. A separate trial in New Mexico, meanwhile, also kicked off with opening statements on Monday. In that trial, Meta is accused of failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023 sued Meta and Zuckerberg, who was later dropped from the suit. A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children. In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states. TikTok also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states. — Barbara Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press Writer Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this story. —Kaitlyn Huamani and Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writers View the full article