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If you’re looking to create engaging MP4 videos, you’ll find a variety of clip makers available to suit your needs. From professional-grade tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve to more user-friendly options like Movavi and Clipchamp, there’s something for everyone. Each tool offers unique features that streamline the editing process, whether you’re a novice or an experienced editor. Let’s explore these top seven options to see which one can enhance your video creation experience. Key Takeaways Riverside offers a free video trimmer and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for effortless MP4 clip creation across various devices. Adobe Premiere Pro provides advanced editing features and high-resolution support, perfect for professional-quality MP4 clip making. PowerDirector’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface simplifies the creation of MP4 clips while offering extensive effects and AI tools. DaVinci Resolve includes powerful color correction and collaborative tools, suitable for both advanced users and effortless MP4 video editing. Movavi delivers a versatile editing solution with a user-friendly interface and fast rendering speeds, perfect for creating MP4 clips efficiently. Riverside: A Comprehensive Tool for Video Creation Riverside stands out as a thorough tool for video creation, catering to a wide range of users from beginners to those with more experience. With its free video trimmer, you can quickly edit your clips without any cost, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. The platform’s compatibility with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android allows you to create and edit videos seamlessly across multiple devices. Designed for both beginners and intermediates, Riverside provides high-resolution video recording and text-based editing features. You’ll likewise find dynamic captions and audio improvement tools that raise your videos, ensuring they’re engaging and polished. Plus, real-time collaboration helps teams work together on projects efficiently, regardless of their location. Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional Editing at Your Fingertips Adobe Premiere Pro offers advanced editing features that make it the go-to choice for professional video creators. You can work seamlessly across both Windows and macOS platforms, ensuring flexibility in your editing process. With subscription pricing starting at $22.99 per month, it provides regular updates and new tools to improve your workflow without breaking the bank. Advanced Editing Features In relation to professional video editing, few tools match the capabilities of Premiere Pro, as it seamlessly combines advanced editing features to improve your editing experience. This software supports high-resolution formats like 4K and 8K, ensuring your final products are detailed and polished. With tools such as multicam editing and AI tagging, you can streamline your workflow considerably. The collaboration feature allows multiple editors to work on a project simultaneously, enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, Premiere Pro’s intuitive interface caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals, offering customizable workspace options that suit individual editing styles. Regular updates guarantee that you have access to the latest tools, making it a top choice among video cutters for PC users seeking state-of-the-art capabilities. Multi-Platform Compatibility For video editors seeking versatility, multi-platform compatibility is a crucial feature, and Premiere Pro thrives in this area. It runs seamlessly on both Windows and macOS, catering to a broad user base. You’ll appreciate its support for multi-format editing, allowing you to work with various video formats, including MP4, within the same project. This flexibility is key for cut to cut video editing, enabling you to switch formats effortlessly. Collaboration becomes easier with real-time editing and feedback features, which improve teamwork regardless of your location. Additionally, Premiere Pro integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, providing a thorough toolkit. Regular updates guarantee you have access to the latest tools, keeping your editing skills sharp and current. Subscription Pricing Options Video editing enthusiasts will find that Adobe Premiere Pro not just shines in multi-platform compatibility but also offers flexible subscription pricing options that cater to various needs and budgets. The subscription starts at $22.99 per month for an annual plan, granting you access to professional editing tools, including features to learn how to trim mp4 video effectively. You can moreover choose the extensive Creative Cloud plan at $59.99 per month, which includes all Adobe apps. Adobe offers a free trial for new users, letting you explore its capabilities before committing. Furthermore, students and educators can often enjoy discounts, making this robust software more accessible for those in educational settings. Consider these options to find the best fit for your video editing expedition. PowerDirector: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich Many users find PowerDirector to be a versatile editing software, as it combines a user-friendly interface with a rich set of features that cater to both novices and seasoned editors. This video trimmer app allows for seamless video editing through drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to navigate. With extensive effects and AI tools, you can create high-quality videos quickly, supporting 4K and 360-degree editing for diverse projects. Furthermore, PowerDirector includes built-in screen recording capabilities, enhancing your workflow for tutorial and gaming content. The subscription model starts at $54.99 per year, offering a cost-effective solution for potent editing tools without the intricacies typically associated with professional software, ensuring a smooth experience for every user. DaVinci Resolve: Advanced Editing and Color Correction When you use DaVinci Resolve, you access potent tools for advanced editing and color correction that can enhance your video projects. Its user interface is designed to help you navigate seamlessly through various features, from precise color grading to asymmetrical editing options. With support for high-resolution editing and a free version available, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to create professional-quality videos. Key Features Overview DaVinci Resolve stands out in the domain of video editing due to its advanced features that cater to both editing and color correction. It offers industry-leading color correction tools, allowing you to achieve professional-quality visuals with precise grading and improvement. You can edit high-resolution videos up to 4K and 60fps, ensuring smooth playback and compatibility with modern formats. The software additionally shines in audio post-production, enabling you to mix and edit soundtracks seamlessly alongside your video content. If you work in a team, you’ll appreciate its collaborative workflow, which lets multiple users trim video and edit projects simultaneously with real-time updates. Plus, the generous free version includes many advanced features, making it accessible to everyone. User Interface Experience With its robust suite of editing and color correction tools, the user interface of DaVinci Resolve is designed to facilitate both novice and experienced editors. You’ll find seamless navigation between editing, color correction, and audio post-production workflows, making it a solid choice as a free video clipper. The unique trackless timeline allows you to position clips freely, enhancing creativity without the constraints of traditional structures. Advanced color correction tools, such as extensive grading panels and HDR support, provide precise control over your edits. Moreover, the Fusion page offers advanced visual effects and motion graphics integration, whereas real-time editing features support collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on different project aspects efficiently. Imovie: Simplified Editing for Apple Users iMovie is a potent tool for Apple users looking to simplify their video editing experience. This free software, exclusive to macOS and iOS, features a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes video creation seamless. With support for 4K editing, you can craft high-quality projects using advanced features like chroma-keying and picture-in-picture. If you’re new to editing, the Magic Movies mode automates tasks, allowing you to quickly produce polished videos without extensive skills. Various genre-based templates and storyboards help you structure your projects effectively. Plus, iMovie enables easy project switching across your Apple devices, ensuring consistent editing as you’re on the go. Movavi: Versatile Video Editing With Intuitive Features For those seeking a versatile video editing solution, Movavi stands out as a robust tool that caters to both beginners and experienced users. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, and it includes powerful features that improve creativity. If you’re wondering how can I cut a video, Movavi simplifies the process with built-in tools and fast rendering speeds. Here are some key features you’ll appreciate: A variety of pre-set intro sequences and animated titles for professional branding. Support for multiple file formats, ensuring flexibility in projects. Color adjustment tools and chroma key effects for easy background removal. Budget-friendly pricing, making it accessible without a steep learning curve. Clipchamp: Online Editing Made Easy As you explore online video editing options, Clipchamp emerges as a convenient choice that allows you to create and edit videos directly from your browser, eliminating the need for any software installation. This mp4 clip maker provides a variety of templates particularly designed for social media content, enabling quick and engaging video production. With AI-powered features like speech-to-text auto-captioning, you can generate captions effortlessly, enhancing accessibility. Clipchamp supports multiple export options, allowing you to save your projects in formats compatible with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Its user-friendly interface caters to both beginners and experienced editors, offering intuitive tools for both basic and advanced editing tasks, ensuring an efficient video creation experience. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Easiest Video Maker to Use? When considering the easiest video maker to use, look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop features. Tools like Canva and Clipchamp offer pre-designed templates and stock media, which simplify video creation. Moreover, basic editing functions such as trimming and adding music are available in programs like InShot and iMovie. Some makers even include AI capabilities for automatic captioning, streamlining the process and making it accessible for users at any skill level. What Is the Best MP4 Video Editor? The best MP4 video editor for you depends on your needs. If you want advanced features, Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve are excellent choices, offering multicam support and AI tools. For easier use, CyberLink PowerDirector balances strong features with a user-friendly interface. If you’re a Mac user, iMovie provides a simple platform for basic editing. Beginners might prefer Movavi for its clear interface, whereas Clipchamp allows quick edits online from any device. How to Create an MP4 Video for Free? To create an MP4 video for free, start by using online platforms like Canva or Clipchamp, which provide templates and editing tools without any cost. You can additionally explore AI tools like Lumen5 to transform text into videos with voiceovers. Improve your project with royalty-free music from InShot or Veed. Finally, edit and export your video easily using user-friendly apps like iMovie, then share it directly on social media. What Do Most Youtubers Use to Make Videos? Most YouTubers use a variety of YouTube video editing software to create their content. Adobe Premiere Pro is popular for its professional features, whereas Final Cut Pro attracts Mac users for its seamless integration. For those on a budget, DaVinci Resolve offers advanced tools for free, and beginners often turn to iMovie for its simplicity. Online platforms like Canva and Clipchamp likewise provide user-friendly options, allowing creators to produce engaging videos easily without extensive editing skills. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right MP4 clip maker can greatly improve your video creation process. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve offer advanced features for professionals, whereas user-friendly options such as Movavi and Clipchamp cater to beginners. Riverside facilitates collaboration, and iMovie streamlines editing for Apple users. PowerDirector’s drag-and-drop interface and AI tools make it accessible and efficient. By comprehending these options, you can choose the best software to meet your video editing needs. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best MP4 Clip Makers for Effortless Video Creation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

About 1 in 3 Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, according to Pew Research. While most of these vows focus on weight loss, fitness, and other health-related goals, many fall into a distinct category: work. Work-related New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on someone’s current job and career, whether to find a new job or, if the timing and conditions are right, whether to embark on a new career path. We’re an organizational psychologist and a philosopher who have teamed up to study why people work—and what they give up for it. We believe that there is good reason to consider concerns that apply to many if not most professionals: how much work to do and when to get it done, as well as how to make sure your work doesn’t harm your physical and mental health—while attaining some semblance of work-life balance. Country music icon Dolly Parton wrote and sang the theme song in the movie ‘9 to 5,’ and had a starring role as well. How we got here Most Americans consider the 40-hour workweek, which calls for employees being on the job from nine to five, to be a standard schedule. This ubiquitous notion is the basis of a hit Dolly Parton song and 1980 comedy film, “9 to 5,” in which the country music star had a starring role. Microsoft Outlook calendars by default shade those hours with a different color than the rest of the day. This schedule didn’t always reign supreme. Prior to the Great Depression, which lasted from 1929-1941, 6-day workweeks were the norm. In most industries, U.S. workers got Sundays off so they could go to church. Eventually, it became customary for employees to get half of Saturday off too. Legislation that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law as part of his sweeping New Deal reforms helped establish the 40-hour workweek as we know it today. Labor unions had long advocated for this abridged schedule, and their activism helped crystallize it across diverse occupations. Despite many changes in technology as well as when and how work gets done, these hours have had a surprising amount of staying power. Americans work longer hours In general, workers in richer countries tend to work fewer hours. However, in the U.S. today, people work more on average than in most other wealthy countries. For many Americans, this is not so much a choice as it is part of an entrenched working culture. There are many factors that can interfere with thriving at work, including boredom, an abusive boss, or an absence of meaning and purpose. In any of those cases, it’s worth asking whether the time spent at work is worth it. Only 1 in 3 employed Americans say that they are thriving. What’s more, employee engagement is at a 10-year low. For both engaged and disengaged employees, burnout increased as the number of work hours rose. People who were working more than 45 hours per week were at greatest risk for burnout, according to Gallup. However, the average number of hours Americans spend working has declined from 44 hours and 6 minutes in 2019 to just under 43 hours per week in 2024. The reduction is sharper for younger employees. We think this could be a sign that younger Americans are pushing back after years of being pressured to embrace a “hustle culture” in which people brag about working 80 and even 100 hours per week. Critiques of ‘hustle culture’ are becoming more common. Fight against a pervasive notion Anne-Marie Slaughter, a lawyer and political scientist who wears many hats, coined the term “time macho” more than a decade ago to convey the notion that someone who puts in longer hours at the office automatically will outperform their colleagues. Another term, “face time,” describes the time that we are seen by others doing our work. In some workplaces, the quantity of an employee’s face time is treated as a measure of whether they are dependable—or uncommitted. It can be easy to jump to the conclusion that putting in more hours at the office automatically boosts an employee’s performance. However, researchers have found that productivity decreases with the number of hours worked due to fatigue. Even those with the luxury to choose how much time they devote to work sometimes presume that they need to clock as many hours as possible to demonstrate their commitment to their jobs. To be sure, for a significant amount of the workforce, there is no choice about how much to work because that time is dictated, whether by employers, the needs of the job or the growing necessity to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. 4-day workweek experiments One way to shave hours off the workweek is to get more days off. A multinational working group has examined experiments with a four-day workweek: an arrangement in which people work 80% of the time—32 hours over four days—while getting paid the same as when they worked a standard 40-hour week. Following an initial pilot in the U.S. and Ireland in 2022, the working group has expanded to six continents. The researchers consistently found that employers and employees alike thrive in this setup and that their work didn’t suffer. Most of those employees, who ranged from government workers to technology professionals, got Friday off. Shifting to having a three-day weekend meant that employees had more time to take care of themselves and their families. Productivity and performance metrics remained high. Waiting for technology to take a load off Many employment experts wonder whether advances in artificial intelligence will reduce the number of hours that Americans work. Might AI relieve us all of the tasks we dread doing, leaving us only with the work we want to do—and which, presumably, would be worth spending time on? That does sound great to both of us. But there’s no guarantee that this will be the case. We think the likeliest scenario is one in which the advantages of AI are unevenly distributed among people who work for a living. Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted almost a century ago that “technological unemployment” would lead to 15-hour workweeks by 2030. As that year approaches, it’s become clear that he got that wrong. Researchers have found that for every working hour that technology saves us, it increases our work intensity. That means work becomes more stressful and expectations regarding productivity rise. Deciding when and how much time to work Many adults spend so much time working that they have few waking hours left for fitness, relationships, new hobbies, or anything else. If you have a choice in the matter of when and how much you work, should you choose differently? Even questioning whether you should stick to the 40-hour workweek is a luxury, but it’s well worth considering changing your work routines as a new year gets underway if that’s a possibility for you. To get buy-in from employers, consider demonstrating how you will still deliver your core work within your desired time frame. And, if you are fortunate enough to be able to choose to work less or work differently, perhaps you can pass it on: You probably have the power and privilege to influence the working hours of others you employ or supervise. Jennifer Tosti-Kharas is a professor of management at Babson College. Christopher Wong Michaelson is a professor of ethics and business law at the University of St. Thomas. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

In an increasingly digital business landscape, small companies must be ever-vigilant against cyber threats. A recent report released by HP uncovers alarming trends in the malware landscape, highlighting how cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated with tactics that could jeopardize the security of small businesses. The HP Threat Insights Report reveals that attackers are now employing animated lures—deceptively professional-looking animations designed to entice users into unwittingly downloading malware. This new generation of cyberattacks emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures, particularly for small businesses that may lack the cybersecurity resources of larger corporations. “While many may believe that only larger companies are targeted by cybercriminals, the reality is that small businesses are often seen as easier prey,” said an HP spokesperson. With limited budgets and manpower, small businesses are at a significant disadvantage, making them attractive targets for hackers. One of the key findings in the report is the rise of purchasable malware services, where even novice criminals can engage in cybercrime. These services lower the barrier to entry for would-be attackers, meaning that more individuals can easily deploy cyber threats against any online entity. For small business owners, this evolution in tactics can have serious implications. When examining practical applications of this knowledge, small business owners should consider several actionable steps: Invest in employee training: Employees should be well-informed about the latest phishing tactics, including the use of animated content that could be malicious. Regular training sessions can enhance awareness and foster a culture of cybersecurity. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Firewalls, antivirus software, and email filtering are essential tools. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions can help protect sensitive business data, customer information, and financial records. Engage in regular security audits: Conducting routine assessments can identify vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity strategy. These audits should encompass systems, software, and employees’ handling of sensitive information. Develop an incident response plan: In case of a cyber incident, having a plan in place can help mitigate damage. The plan should outline steps for communication, recovery, and future prevention. While implementing these strategies carries inherent costs and logistical challenges for small businesses, the potential benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Cyber threats can lead to reputational damage, financial losses, and disruptions that might even result in business closure. However, small business owners must also be mindful of potential challenges. Restricted budgets may limit the extent of cybersecurity investments. For example, while comprehensive training is critical, it may be difficult to allocate time away from regular operations for employees undergoing training. Additionally, smaller firms often can’t afford dedicated IT staff, making it difficult to stay updated with the latest threats and security measures. Moreover, as technology continues to evolve, staying ahead of malware trends can be a challenge. The HP report indicates that as threat actors develop more advanced techniques, small businesses may find it increasingly difficult to keep their security measures updated without substantial investments or expertise. In short, staying informed about evolving cyber threats is crucial for small businesses. By prioritizing cybersecurity and adapting practices in alignment with the latest intelligence, small business owners can better safeguard their operations against flourishing cybercriminal activity. For further details on HP’s findings, visit the original report here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Animated Malware Lures Evolve, Threatening Users’ Cybersecurity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an increasingly digital business landscape, small companies must be ever-vigilant against cyber threats. A recent report released by HP uncovers alarming trends in the malware landscape, highlighting how cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated with tactics that could jeopardize the security of small businesses. The HP Threat Insights Report reveals that attackers are now employing animated lures—deceptively professional-looking animations designed to entice users into unwittingly downloading malware. This new generation of cyberattacks emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures, particularly for small businesses that may lack the cybersecurity resources of larger corporations. “While many may believe that only larger companies are targeted by cybercriminals, the reality is that small businesses are often seen as easier prey,” said an HP spokesperson. With limited budgets and manpower, small businesses are at a significant disadvantage, making them attractive targets for hackers. One of the key findings in the report is the rise of purchasable malware services, where even novice criminals can engage in cybercrime. These services lower the barrier to entry for would-be attackers, meaning that more individuals can easily deploy cyber threats against any online entity. For small business owners, this evolution in tactics can have serious implications. When examining practical applications of this knowledge, small business owners should consider several actionable steps: Invest in employee training: Employees should be well-informed about the latest phishing tactics, including the use of animated content that could be malicious. Regular training sessions can enhance awareness and foster a culture of cybersecurity. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Firewalls, antivirus software, and email filtering are essential tools. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions can help protect sensitive business data, customer information, and financial records. Engage in regular security audits: Conducting routine assessments can identify vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity strategy. These audits should encompass systems, software, and employees’ handling of sensitive information. Develop an incident response plan: In case of a cyber incident, having a plan in place can help mitigate damage. The plan should outline steps for communication, recovery, and future prevention. While implementing these strategies carries inherent costs and logistical challenges for small businesses, the potential benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Cyber threats can lead to reputational damage, financial losses, and disruptions that might even result in business closure. However, small business owners must also be mindful of potential challenges. Restricted budgets may limit the extent of cybersecurity investments. For example, while comprehensive training is critical, it may be difficult to allocate time away from regular operations for employees undergoing training. Additionally, smaller firms often can’t afford dedicated IT staff, making it difficult to stay updated with the latest threats and security measures. Moreover, as technology continues to evolve, staying ahead of malware trends can be a challenge. The HP report indicates that as threat actors develop more advanced techniques, small businesses may find it increasingly difficult to keep their security measures updated without substantial investments or expertise. In short, staying informed about evolving cyber threats is crucial for small businesses. By prioritizing cybersecurity and adapting practices in alignment with the latest intelligence, small business owners can better safeguard their operations against flourishing cybercriminal activity. For further details on HP’s findings, visit the original report here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Animated Malware Lures Evolve, Threatening Users’ Cybersecurity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I’ve read a lot of business memoirs. One I keep coming back to is Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc—the man who built McDonald’s into the global giant it is today. Kroc was 52 before he even heard of the McDonald brothers who originally started the company. That fact alone says a lot about how he thought: Success comes eventually, but only to those who keep showing up. Which brings me to McDonald’s third-quarter earnings call Wednesday. McDonald’s reported solid results: global comparable sales up 3.6 percent, U.S. sales up 2.4 percent, revenue of $7.08 billion. The company is outperforming most competitors, but in a brutal environment: Fast-food traffic is down 2.3 percent industry-wide this year, worse than the 1.6 percent drop across all restaurants, according to market-research firm Black Box Intelligence. McDonald’s Extra Value Meals now account for about 30 percent of U.S. transactions, the company reported. And, McDonald’s spent $40 million this quarter on marketing and expects to provide $90 million in total support to franchisees this year to discount those meals. That’s real money coming out of margins. Wall Street has noticed. But McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said McDonald’s will measure its success “first by gaining share of lower-income consumer traffic, and second by improving value and affordability experience scores.” Traffic first. Profits later. And why is that? Well, I’ve written before about how McDonald’s is the undisputed champion of nostalgia marketing. It brought back the Hamburglar. It made Grimace’s birthday go viral. It launched Adult Happy Meals. It returned the Snack Wrap after fans petitioned for years. Every one of those campaigns was about unlocking core memories in customers. It’s a strategy that’s paid off, but you can’t unlock core memories if they were never created in the first place. A 7-year-old who comes to McDonald’s with her family today because they can afford the Extra Value Meal won’t be profitable for decades. But 20 years from now, when she’s shopping for her own kids and feeling nostalgic? That’s when the investment pays off. Brutal truth: The U.S. economy has split in two. Lower-income consumers are feeling pressure from rising rents, food bills, and childcare, Kempczinski explained. Add uncertainty around SNAP food assistance, and these customers will keep pulling back “unless they feel their incomes begin to grow.” Meanwhile, higher-income consumers are visiting quick-service restaurants much more often. So while McDonald’s is gaining relative share with both groups, the lower-income segment—the future nostalgia customers—is disappearing from the industry. This is where Ray Kroc’s philosophy matters once more. Because grinding it out sometimes means having the resources to keep going when others can’t. And McDonald’s truly has advantages that most competitors don’t. First, international markets are carrying their weight, and then some. Comparable sales rose 4.3 percent in International Operated Markets (led by Germany and Australia) and 4.7 percent in International Developmental Licensed Markets (led by Japan). Both outperformed the U.S. That geographic diversification gives McDonald’s room to breathe while competitors suffocate. Heck, CFO Ian Borden said it directly: “Our unique positioning is that we’ve got the financial strength to make these types of investments, when maybe others are gonna have to be a bit more defensive.” Compare that to others in the industry: Chipotle just reported slowing sales. Yum Brands is exploring a sale of Pizza Hut. Investors took Denny’s private after several quarters of declining sales. In his remarks during the McDonald’s earnings call on Wednesday, Kempczinski brought it full circle back to Kroc: That’s a powerful 13-word sentiment, calling back to a nearly 50-year-old book. Sacrifice margin today to keep families coming through the doors. Bet that keeping kids visiting now—even at discounted prices—will pay off in 2045 when they bring their own kids back. Bet that you can outlast competitors who don’t have the same international strength or financial reserves to weather years of pressure. Bet that, eventually, our bifurcated economy heals, anxiety eases, and families feel less squeezed. There’s something almost poetic about a company built on nostalgia thinking at least in part in decades rather than quarters. That’s how nostalgia actually works—it’s long-term. We look back at the past through rose-colored glasses and remember it better than it really was. Maybe someday, we hope, today’s kids will look back fondly. Even if today doesn’t always look so rose-colored while we’re living it. —Bill Murphy Jr. View the full article

Spotify playlists are a surprisingly big part of my life. I make a handful of new, curated, choreographed ones for the spin classes I teach every week and otherwise meticulously maintain quarterly playlists designed to represent the overall vibe of specific, three-month periods in my life. I only edit those during the 12 weeks of the quarter, then leave them alone so I can revisit them and relive the era. This means I am constantly fiddling with the present playlist to make it just right, searching for songs that feel precisely aligned with however I'm feeling. It's actually a time-consuming hobby—but I stumbled across a feature the other day that has made creating spin playlists and soundtracking Q1 of 2026 easier than ever. The new Spotify featureThe best way I can describe the feature I stumbled upon is that it's like Tinder for songs. If you're listening to a song within the app, scroll down. Go past the buttons for Play and Next, past the About the artist section, past the lyrics, and stop when you see Explore [artist name]. Then, you'll have three options like Similar to [artist name] and Similar to [song name], but these can differ slightly. Tapping one of those opens up the new feature. Say you choose Similar to [song name]. You'll be given 30 seconds of a song that Spotify's algorithm considers "similar" to the one you were just listening to, plus the artist's name, how many Spotify followers they have, and a three-dot menu that will let you add the song to your likes, add it to a playlist, go to the artist's page, and more. If you like the 30-second clip, you can add the song to your playlists. If not, you can keep swiping downward to hear a new one. See how it's like Tinder? You make fairly snap decisions based on the quick preview and few details you get, then swipe away if you don't like it. I found a community forum post on Spotify's website about it, but otherwise, not much chatter. All I can tell is that it's been out since about May. Why I like the featureI prefer this to the other music-discovery options on Spotify because it gives you a quick preview of the song and makes the finding process simple. I am, of course, a big fan of the pre-generated Discover Weekly playlist or New Releases playlist Spotify makes for me every week, but it's time-consuming to listen to all the songs in them and it's not intuitive to find other new songs based on the finite playlists themselves. The 30-second quick hits and easy, swipeable dismissal of the new feature help me figure out if a song is worth my time, either for spin class or personal use, add it to the appropriate playlist if so, and keep moving. What I especially like is the three hashtags under the artist's name. They are genre descriptions that match up with whatever song you're previewing and I've found them helpful because I have a hard time describing what kind of music I even like. Apparently, per the new feature, I like something called "speed garage." Tapping the #speedgarage hashtag that appears in the song previews brings me to another scrollable preview pane full of, exclusively, more speed garage—whatever that actually is. I still can't define it, but I learned I like it, and that alone is more beneficial than a year's worth of Discover Weekly playlists. I used this feature during my Uber ride to the airport the other day and, by the time I was through TSA, I had 29 new songs in my Q1 playlist. I listened to them on the plane, weeded out ones that didn't match the quarterly vibe well enough, then sent it to my friends, who all gave the collection rave reviews like, and I quote, "this slaps." View the full article

In terms of commercial lending, comprehending the different types available is essential for businesses and real estate investors. You’ve got SBA loans, like the 7(a) and 504 programs, providing government-backed options. Then there are traditional loans, CMBS loans, bridge loans, and more. Each type serves specific purposes, from financing stabilized properties to funding construction projects. Knowing these distinctions can help you make informed decisions about which financing method suits your needs best. But what factors should you really consider? Key Takeaways SBA loans, including 7(a) and 504 programs, offer flexible financing options for various business needs with favorable terms. Traditional and permanent loans are tailored for stabilized properties, requiring significant down payments and detailed financial documentation. Specialized financing options like CMBS loans and bridge loans cater to unique real estate needs, often with higher interest rates and specific exit strategies. Blanket loans consolidate multiple properties under one mortgage, simplifying management and reducing costs for long-term investors. Multifamily loans focus on income potential, assessed through metrics like NOI, with competitive rates and extended amortization periods. SBA Loans (7(a) and 504 Programs) Regarding financing your small business, comprehending the options available through SBA loans, particularly the 7(a) and 504 programs, can be crucial. These types of commercial loans are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, making them a viable choice for many owners. The SBA 7(a) loan is highly flexible, allowing you to finance real estate purchases, working capital, or refinancing, with down payments starting as low as 10%. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to minimize initial costs. Conversely, the SBA 504 program focuses on major fixed asset purchases, offering long-term, fixed-rate financing with amortization periods that can extend up to 25 years. Both programs feature competitive interest rates and favorable repayment terms, making them accessible options in the realm of types of commercial lending. Even though detailed documentation is necessary, the advantages can greatly alleviate financial stress for your business. Permanent Loans/Traditional Bank Loans When you’re looking to finance commercial real estate, permanent loans, often known as traditional bank loans, can be a solid option. These loans are customized for stabilized, income-producing properties, with terms typically ranging from five to twenty years. You’ll usually need to provide a down payment of 20–30%, and interest rates can be fixed or variable, depending on the lender’s risk assessment. Here’s a quick overview of key features: Feature Detail Notes Loan Term 5 to 20 years Suitable for long-term investments Down Payment 20–30% Affects loan approval Interest Rates Fixed or variable Based on property risk Required Documents Rent rolls, operating statements Assess income potential Amortization Schedule Often longer Results in manageable payments These loans provide stability and predictability in financing, making them a preferred choice for many investors. CMBS Loans (Conduit Loans) CMBS loans, or Fannie Mae Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities loans, represent a unique financing option for investors looking to fund stabilized, income-producing properties. These loans are created by pooling commercial mortgages, which are then securitized and sold as bonds. This structure offers competitive fixed rates for borrowers during providing investors a way to invest in real estate. One appealing feature of CMBS loans is their non-recourse nature, meaning your liability is limited to the property itself. Nevertheless, to qualify, you must meet stringent standards, requiring thorough documentation of the property’s financial performance, including occupancy rates and cash flow. It’s additionally important to note that prepayment can be complicated and costly, often involving yield maintenance penalties. This characteristic makes CMBS loans more suitable for long-term asset holders rather than those seeking short-term investments. Comprehending these aspects can help you determine if CMBS financing aligns with your investment strategy. Bridge Loans Bridge loans serve as an essential short-term financing solution for Bridge Investors facing changeover periods, such as acquiring new properties or undergoing renovations. Typically, these loans range from 12 to 36 months and are primarily asset-based, focusing more on the property’s value and potential than on your creditworthiness. Nevertheless, keep in mind that interest rates are usually higher than traditional financing options, reflecting the increased risk involved in short-term lending. To qualify for a bridge loan, you must have a clear exit strategy, whether it’s refinancing, selling, or stabilizing the property. This guarantees you can repay the loan effectively. Often structured as interest-only payments, bridge loans allow you to manage cash flow more efficiently during the loan term. This flexibility can be essential during shifting phases, enabling you to seize opportunities without lengthy delays in funding. Construction Loans When you’re looking to finance new construction projects, construction loans offer a customized solution. These short-term loans cover costs like land acquisition and building expenses, but they come with specific requirements, including a detailed project plan and timeline. Comprehending the disbursement stages and interest rate considerations is essential to managing your financing effectively. Financing New Developments As you explore financing options for new developments, construction loans stand out as a specialized form of short-term financing that addresses the unique needs of building projects. These loans cover costs like land acquisition and construction expenses. Here are some key features to contemplate: Variable Interest Rates: Expect fluctuating rates that can affect your overall costs. Project Planning Required: You’ll need to provide a detailed project plan and timeline to secure funding. Lower Loan-to-Value Ratios: Lenders typically require an LTV ratio of 70% to 80% because of increased risk. Conversion to Permanent Financing: Once construction is complete, these loans often convert to long-term financing based on the property’s stabilized value. Understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions. Disbursement Stages Explained Comprehending how construction loans are disbursed is vital for managing your financing effectively. These loans are typically disbursed in stages, known as “draws,” aligned with specific project milestones. To receive each disbursement, you’ll need a detailed project plan and timeline, ensuring that funds are released according to your construction schedule. Lenders conduct site inspections before releasing funds, confirming that work meets the agreed-upon standards. It’s important to note that interest is charged only on the amount disbursed, making this a cost-effective option during the construction phase. Once your project is complete, the loan can shift to permanent financing, allowing you to secure long-term funding for the property, facilitating a smoother financial process. Interest Rate Considerations Comprehending interest rate evaluations is vital for anyone traversing the environment of construction loans. These loans typically feature variable interest rates that can change with market conditions, making them potentially costlier than fixed-rate options. Here are key points to reflect upon: Construction loans usually carry higher interest rates compared to permanent financing because of increased project risk. Interest is charged on a drawdown basis, meaning you pay interest only on the funds disbursed, not the total loan amount. Lenders often require a detailed project plan, which influences the interest rates based on perceived project stability. After construction, the loan may convert to permanent financing, where terms can be renegotiated to reflect the property’s stabilized cash flow. Commercial Refinance & Cash-Out Loans Commercial refinance and cash-out loans are vital tools for property owners looking to improve their financial strategies. Commercial refinance loans replace existing loans to secure lower interest rates or better terms, often leading to reduced monthly payments. Conversely, cash-out refinance loans allow you to tap into the equity built in your commercial properties, providing additional capital for renovations or new investment opportunities. To qualify for these loans, you’ll need strong property performance alongside thorough financial documentation, like rent rolls and operating statements. It’s important to take into account transaction costs and potential changes in loan terms, as these can greatly affect your overall financial planning. Many property owners pursue these loans to optimize their financing strategies, whether aiming to lower costs or leverage equity for further investments. Grasping these options can help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Private Credit & Hard Money Loans When you explore private credit and hard money loans, you’ll find they offer unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional financing. Private credit involves non-bank lenders providing customized financing options, whereas hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans secured by real estate. Both types of funding typically feature quicker approval processes and flexible terms, making them appealing for real estate investors in need of swift capital. Characteristics of Hard Money Hard money loans serve as a crucial resource for investors and property buyers seeking immediate funding, often in situations where traditional financing isn’t feasible. Here are some key characteristics of hard money loans: Short-Term Financing: These loans typically last between 12 to 36 months, making them ideal for interim projects. Asset-Based: They’re primarily secured by real estate, focusing on the property’s value rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. Higher Interest Rates: Expect rates ranging from 8% to 15%, reflecting the increased risk perceived by lenders. Clear Exit Strategy Required: Borrowers must present a plan for refinancing, selling, or stabilizing the property to repay the loan upon maturity. Understanding these characteristics can help you navigate your financing options effectively. Private Credit Structures Private credit structures offer borrowers alternatives to traditional financing, especially for those who may not meet the strict criteria set by Bank of America. These structures include private equity financing and hard money loans, which focus more on the value of the underlying asset than on your creditworthiness. Hard money loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans secured by real estate, with terms ranging from 12 to 36 months and higher interest rates because of increased risk. Private credit financing provides flexible capital for various project stages, often customized to specific needs. The approval process for these loans is usually faster than traditional loans, enabling you to access funds quickly for immediate property acquisitions or renovations. Blanket Loans A blanket loan is a versatile financing option that consolidates multiple properties under a single mortgage, streamlining the management of a real estate portfolio. This type of loan offers several advantages for investors looking to optimize their financing strategies. Here are some key benefits: Cross-Collateralization: You can leverage the equity of one property to support financing for another, potentially increasing your borrowing capacity. Simplified Management: Managing a single loan instead of multiple mortgages reduces complexity and administrative burdens. Cost Efficiency: By consolidating loans, you can lower transaction costs associated with multiple loans. Long-Term Focus: Although blanket loans provide high leverage, they’re best suited for long-term asset holders, as they may come with complex prepayment penalties. Lenders will typically assess the combined financial performance of all properties involved, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly. Multifamily Loans (5+ Units) When you’re considering investing in real estate, multifamily loans can be an excellent financing option for properties with five or more units. These loans are classified as commercial, focusing primarily on the income potential of the property, which lenders assess through metrics like net operating income (NOI) and occupancy rates. The consistent rental demand for multifamily properties makes them resilient and attractive to both lenders and investors. Here’s a quick overview of key characteristics of multifamily loans: Feature Details Loan Classification Commercial LTV Ratios 70% to 80% Interest Rates Competitive Amortization Period Up to 30 years Assessment Metrics NOI and occupancy rates With favorable terms, multifamily loans can greatly improve your cash flow management, making them a strategic choice for real estate investment. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Types of Commercial Loans? When considering types of commercial loans, you’ll encounter several options. Owner-occupied commercial mortgages rely on a business’s cash flow, whereas income-producing mortgages depend on rental income. Construction loans cater to new projects, covering land and construction costs. Bridge loans offer short-term financing for immediate needs, often at higher interest rates. Finally, multifamily loans finance properties with five or more units, focusing on income potential and occupancy during the underwriting process. What Are the 4 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 4 Cs of commercial lending are essential for evaluating your creditworthiness. First, character reflects your credit history and reliability, influencing lenders’ trust. Next, capacity assesses your ability to repay the loan, often through cash flow analysis. Capital shows your financial commitment, typically through your down payment. Finally, collateral consists of the assets backing your loan, which lenders evaluate to minimize risk. Comprehending these factors can improve your chances of loan approval. What Are the Three Main Types of Lending? The three main types of lending are secured loans, unsecured loans, and equity financing. Secured loans require collateral, which lowers the lender’s risk and often results in lower interest rates. Unsecured loans don’t need collateral, making them accessible but usually come with higher interest rates. Equity financing involves selling shares to raise capital, which doesn’t create debt but can dilute ownership. Comprehending these distinctions helps you choose the best option for your financial needs. What Are the 5 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 5 Cs of commercial lending are crucial for evaluating creditworthiness. First, character reflects your credit history, influencing trust. Next, capacity assesses your ability to repay through cash flow analysis. Capital represents your equity investment, with lenders favoring higher down payments. Collateral consists of pledged assets that secure the loan, whereas conditions examine the economic environment affecting your loan, including market trends and regulations. Comprehending these factors can improve your borrowing strategy. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the different types of commercial lending is crucial for businesses and real estate investors seeking financial solutions. Whether you opt for SBA loans, traditional bank loans, or specialized options like bridge or construction loans, each type serves distinct purposes and requirements. By carefully evaluating your financial goals and needs, you can select the most suitable lending option to support your ventures, ensuring informed decision-making in the competitive environment of commercial finance. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are the Types of Commercial Lending?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In terms of commercial lending, comprehending the different types available is essential for businesses and real estate investors. You’ve got SBA loans, like the 7(a) and 504 programs, providing government-backed options. Then there are traditional loans, CMBS loans, bridge loans, and more. Each type serves specific purposes, from financing stabilized properties to funding construction projects. Knowing these distinctions can help you make informed decisions about which financing method suits your needs best. But what factors should you really consider? Key Takeaways SBA loans, including 7(a) and 504 programs, offer flexible financing options for various business needs with favorable terms. Traditional and permanent loans are tailored for stabilized properties, requiring significant down payments and detailed financial documentation. Specialized financing options like CMBS loans and bridge loans cater to unique real estate needs, often with higher interest rates and specific exit strategies. Blanket loans consolidate multiple properties under one mortgage, simplifying management and reducing costs for long-term investors. Multifamily loans focus on income potential, assessed through metrics like NOI, with competitive rates and extended amortization periods. SBA Loans (7(a) and 504 Programs) Regarding financing your small business, comprehending the options available through SBA loans, particularly the 7(a) and 504 programs, can be crucial. These types of commercial loans are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, making them a viable choice for many owners. The SBA 7(a) loan is highly flexible, allowing you to finance real estate purchases, working capital, or refinancing, with down payments starting as low as 10%. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to minimize initial costs. Conversely, the SBA 504 program focuses on major fixed asset purchases, offering long-term, fixed-rate financing with amortization periods that can extend up to 25 years. Both programs feature competitive interest rates and favorable repayment terms, making them accessible options in the realm of types of commercial lending. Even though detailed documentation is necessary, the advantages can greatly alleviate financial stress for your business. Permanent Loans/Traditional Bank Loans When you’re looking to finance commercial real estate, permanent loans, often known as traditional bank loans, can be a solid option. These loans are customized for stabilized, income-producing properties, with terms typically ranging from five to twenty years. You’ll usually need to provide a down payment of 20–30%, and interest rates can be fixed or variable, depending on the lender’s risk assessment. Here’s a quick overview of key features: Feature Detail Notes Loan Term 5 to 20 years Suitable for long-term investments Down Payment 20–30% Affects loan approval Interest Rates Fixed or variable Based on property risk Required Documents Rent rolls, operating statements Assess income potential Amortization Schedule Often longer Results in manageable payments These loans provide stability and predictability in financing, making them a preferred choice for many investors. CMBS Loans (Conduit Loans) CMBS loans, or Fannie Mae Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities loans, represent a unique financing option for investors looking to fund stabilized, income-producing properties. These loans are created by pooling commercial mortgages, which are then securitized and sold as bonds. This structure offers competitive fixed rates for borrowers during providing investors a way to invest in real estate. One appealing feature of CMBS loans is their non-recourse nature, meaning your liability is limited to the property itself. Nevertheless, to qualify, you must meet stringent standards, requiring thorough documentation of the property’s financial performance, including occupancy rates and cash flow. It’s additionally important to note that prepayment can be complicated and costly, often involving yield maintenance penalties. This characteristic makes CMBS loans more suitable for long-term asset holders rather than those seeking short-term investments. Comprehending these aspects can help you determine if CMBS financing aligns with your investment strategy. Bridge Loans Bridge loans serve as an essential short-term financing solution for Bridge Investors facing changeover periods, such as acquiring new properties or undergoing renovations. Typically, these loans range from 12 to 36 months and are primarily asset-based, focusing more on the property’s value and potential than on your creditworthiness. Nevertheless, keep in mind that interest rates are usually higher than traditional financing options, reflecting the increased risk involved in short-term lending. To qualify for a bridge loan, you must have a clear exit strategy, whether it’s refinancing, selling, or stabilizing the property. This guarantees you can repay the loan effectively. Often structured as interest-only payments, bridge loans allow you to manage cash flow more efficiently during the loan term. This flexibility can be essential during shifting phases, enabling you to seize opportunities without lengthy delays in funding. Construction Loans When you’re looking to finance new construction projects, construction loans offer a customized solution. These short-term loans cover costs like land acquisition and building expenses, but they come with specific requirements, including a detailed project plan and timeline. Comprehending the disbursement stages and interest rate considerations is essential to managing your financing effectively. Financing New Developments As you explore financing options for new developments, construction loans stand out as a specialized form of short-term financing that addresses the unique needs of building projects. These loans cover costs like land acquisition and construction expenses. Here are some key features to contemplate: Variable Interest Rates: Expect fluctuating rates that can affect your overall costs. Project Planning Required: You’ll need to provide a detailed project plan and timeline to secure funding. Lower Loan-to-Value Ratios: Lenders typically require an LTV ratio of 70% to 80% because of increased risk. Conversion to Permanent Financing: Once construction is complete, these loans often convert to long-term financing based on the property’s stabilized value. Understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions. Disbursement Stages Explained Comprehending how construction loans are disbursed is vital for managing your financing effectively. These loans are typically disbursed in stages, known as “draws,” aligned with specific project milestones. To receive each disbursement, you’ll need a detailed project plan and timeline, ensuring that funds are released according to your construction schedule. Lenders conduct site inspections before releasing funds, confirming that work meets the agreed-upon standards. It’s important to note that interest is charged only on the amount disbursed, making this a cost-effective option during the construction phase. Once your project is complete, the loan can shift to permanent financing, allowing you to secure long-term funding for the property, facilitating a smoother financial process. Interest Rate Considerations Comprehending interest rate evaluations is vital for anyone traversing the environment of construction loans. These loans typically feature variable interest rates that can change with market conditions, making them potentially costlier than fixed-rate options. Here are key points to reflect upon: Construction loans usually carry higher interest rates compared to permanent financing because of increased project risk. Interest is charged on a drawdown basis, meaning you pay interest only on the funds disbursed, not the total loan amount. Lenders often require a detailed project plan, which influences the interest rates based on perceived project stability. After construction, the loan may convert to permanent financing, where terms can be renegotiated to reflect the property’s stabilized cash flow. Commercial Refinance & Cash-Out Loans Commercial refinance and cash-out loans are vital tools for property owners looking to improve their financial strategies. Commercial refinance loans replace existing loans to secure lower interest rates or better terms, often leading to reduced monthly payments. Conversely, cash-out refinance loans allow you to tap into the equity built in your commercial properties, providing additional capital for renovations or new investment opportunities. To qualify for these loans, you’ll need strong property performance alongside thorough financial documentation, like rent rolls and operating statements. It’s important to take into account transaction costs and potential changes in loan terms, as these can greatly affect your overall financial planning. Many property owners pursue these loans to optimize their financing strategies, whether aiming to lower costs or leverage equity for further investments. Grasping these options can help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Private Credit & Hard Money Loans When you explore private credit and hard money loans, you’ll find they offer unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional financing. Private credit involves non-bank lenders providing customized financing options, whereas hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans secured by real estate. Both types of funding typically feature quicker approval processes and flexible terms, making them appealing for real estate investors in need of swift capital. Characteristics of Hard Money Hard money loans serve as a crucial resource for investors and property buyers seeking immediate funding, often in situations where traditional financing isn’t feasible. Here are some key characteristics of hard money loans: Short-Term Financing: These loans typically last between 12 to 36 months, making them ideal for interim projects. Asset-Based: They’re primarily secured by real estate, focusing on the property’s value rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. Higher Interest Rates: Expect rates ranging from 8% to 15%, reflecting the increased risk perceived by lenders. Clear Exit Strategy Required: Borrowers must present a plan for refinancing, selling, or stabilizing the property to repay the loan upon maturity. Understanding these characteristics can help you navigate your financing options effectively. Private Credit Structures Private credit structures offer borrowers alternatives to traditional financing, especially for those who may not meet the strict criteria set by Bank of America. These structures include private equity financing and hard money loans, which focus more on the value of the underlying asset than on your creditworthiness. Hard money loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans secured by real estate, with terms ranging from 12 to 36 months and higher interest rates because of increased risk. Private credit financing provides flexible capital for various project stages, often customized to specific needs. The approval process for these loans is usually faster than traditional loans, enabling you to access funds quickly for immediate property acquisitions or renovations. Blanket Loans A blanket loan is a versatile financing option that consolidates multiple properties under a single mortgage, streamlining the management of a real estate portfolio. This type of loan offers several advantages for investors looking to optimize their financing strategies. Here are some key benefits: Cross-Collateralization: You can leverage the equity of one property to support financing for another, potentially increasing your borrowing capacity. Simplified Management: Managing a single loan instead of multiple mortgages reduces complexity and administrative burdens. Cost Efficiency: By consolidating loans, you can lower transaction costs associated with multiple loans. Long-Term Focus: Although blanket loans provide high leverage, they’re best suited for long-term asset holders, as they may come with complex prepayment penalties. Lenders will typically assess the combined financial performance of all properties involved, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly. Multifamily Loans (5+ Units) When you’re considering investing in real estate, multifamily loans can be an excellent financing option for properties with five or more units. These loans are classified as commercial, focusing primarily on the income potential of the property, which lenders assess through metrics like net operating income (NOI) and occupancy rates. The consistent rental demand for multifamily properties makes them resilient and attractive to both lenders and investors. Here’s a quick overview of key characteristics of multifamily loans: Feature Details Loan Classification Commercial LTV Ratios 70% to 80% Interest Rates Competitive Amortization Period Up to 30 years Assessment Metrics NOI and occupancy rates With favorable terms, multifamily loans can greatly improve your cash flow management, making them a strategic choice for real estate investment. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Types of Commercial Loans? When considering types of commercial loans, you’ll encounter several options. Owner-occupied commercial mortgages rely on a business’s cash flow, whereas income-producing mortgages depend on rental income. Construction loans cater to new projects, covering land and construction costs. Bridge loans offer short-term financing for immediate needs, often at higher interest rates. Finally, multifamily loans finance properties with five or more units, focusing on income potential and occupancy during the underwriting process. What Are the 4 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 4 Cs of commercial lending are essential for evaluating your creditworthiness. First, character reflects your credit history and reliability, influencing lenders’ trust. Next, capacity assesses your ability to repay the loan, often through cash flow analysis. Capital shows your financial commitment, typically through your down payment. Finally, collateral consists of the assets backing your loan, which lenders evaluate to minimize risk. Comprehending these factors can improve your chances of loan approval. What Are the Three Main Types of Lending? The three main types of lending are secured loans, unsecured loans, and equity financing. Secured loans require collateral, which lowers the lender’s risk and often results in lower interest rates. Unsecured loans don’t need collateral, making them accessible but usually come with higher interest rates. Equity financing involves selling shares to raise capital, which doesn’t create debt but can dilute ownership. Comprehending these distinctions helps you choose the best option for your financial needs. What Are the 5 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 5 Cs of commercial lending are crucial for evaluating creditworthiness. First, character reflects your credit history, influencing trust. Next, capacity assesses your ability to repay through cash flow analysis. Capital represents your equity investment, with lenders favoring higher down payments. Collateral consists of pledged assets that secure the loan, whereas conditions examine the economic environment affecting your loan, including market trends and regulations. Comprehending these factors can improve your borrowing strategy. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the different types of commercial lending is crucial for businesses and real estate investors seeking financial solutions. Whether you opt for SBA loans, traditional bank loans, or specialized options like bridge or construction loans, each type serves distinct purposes and requirements. By carefully evaluating your financial goals and needs, you can select the most suitable lending option to support your ventures, ensuring informed decision-making in the competitive environment of commercial finance. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are the Types of Commercial Lending?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wall Street was largely unchanged early Wednesday as markets hovered near record levels on a holiday-shortened trading day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1% as of 9:45 a.m. Eastern. The S&P 500 index was up less than 0.1% and the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.1%. Markets will close at 1 p.m. ET for Christmas Eve and are closed for Christmas. Markets will reopen for a full day of trading on Friday, however volumes are expected to be light this week with the holiday and most investors having closed out their positions for the year. Much of the focus remains on the state of the U.S. economy and where the Federal Reserve will move interest rates. Investors are betting the Fed will hold steady on interest rates at its January meeting. Recent reports show high inflation and shaky confidence among consumersworried about high prices. The labor market has been slowing and retail sales have weakened. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week and remain at historically healthy levels despite some signs that the labor market is weakening. U.S. applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 20 fell by 10,000 to 214,000 from the previous week’s 224,000, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. That’s below the 232,000 new applications forecast of analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet. Dynavax Technologies soared 38% after Sanofi said it was acquiring the California-based vaccine maker in a deal worth $2.2 billion. The French drugmaker will add Dynavax’s hepatitis B vaccines to its portfolio, as well as a shingles vaccine that is still in development. Sanofi shares were unchanged in the premarket. European markets were moving slightly between slight gains and losses. Asian markets were also quiet, with Hong Kong moving up 0.2% while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.1%. Both gold and silver futures were higher, with silver prices rising more than 1%. U.S. crude oil rose 0.4% to %58.61 a barrel. —Associated Press View the full article

A bookkeeping course teaches you how to manage financial transactions, including recording, classifying, and analyzing data. These skills are essential for businesses, freelancers, and anyone looking to effectively handle finances. By enrolling in such a course, you not just improve your employability but additionally gain knowledge for better financial decision-making. Comprehending these fundamentals can greatly impact your career path and financial success, but what specific advantages can you expect from this training? Key Takeaways A bookkeeping course teaches financial transaction management, including recording, classification, and advanced topics like accounts payable and receivable. Completing a course enhances employability and earning potential, with certified bookkeepers averaging around $55,000 annually. The growing demand for skilled bookkeepers is driven by the rise of small businesses and remote work opportunities. Courses often include hands-on experience with accounting software, essential for effective financial management. Flexible study options cater to busy professionals, making it easier to balance education with personal and work commitments. What Is a Bookkeeping Course? A bookkeeping course is a structured educational program designed to equip you with the fundamental skills for managing financial transactions effectively. These courses teach you how to record, classify, and manage financial transactions, providing a solid foundation in financial record-keeping principles. You’ll explore various topics, from basic principles to advanced subjects like accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Many bookkeeping certificate programs include hands-on experience with important accounting software tools such as QuickBooks and Xero, which are vital for modern bookkeeping practices. Who Should Take a Bookkeeping Course? Individuals interested in advancing their careers or improving their financial management skills should consider enrolling in a bookkeeping course. Aspiring bookkeepers can gain crucial skills for a successful career in accounting, whereas small business owners can learn to manage their finances effectively, avoiding costly mistakes. Freelancers and consultants will find that bookkeeping courses online assist them in organizing their personal finances and making informed decisions. If you’re a career switcher, these courses provide flexibility and open doors to new job opportunities, including remote work options. Completing a recognized course can additionally improve your employability and skillset, helping you achieve a bookkeeper certification that adds credibility to your financial management capabilities. Why Bookkeeping Skills Are in High Demand Bookkeeping skills are essential for all businesses, as they provide the financial clarity needed for effective cash flow management and strategic decision-making. With the surge in small businesses and the shift in the direction of remote work, the demand for skilled bookkeepers is growing swiftly, offering numerous career opportunities. Completing a bookkeeping course not just improves your employability but furthermore positions you for a higher salary and a robust job market with thousands of open positions projected in the coming years. Essential for All Businesses In today’s competitive business environment, sound financial management is vital for success, and that’s where bookkeeping skills come into play. Every business, big or small, needs proper financial organization to manage cash flow, guarantee tax compliance, and make informed decisions. This growing demand for professional bookkeeping has surged, especially with the rise of small businesses and remote work. By completing a bookkeeping course online, you not only gain important skills but additionally demonstrate your commitment to potential employers. Certified bookkeepers earn an average salary of around $55,000 annually, considerably higher than their uncertified counterparts. With job openings for bookkeeping roles projected to reach 174,900 between 2023 and 2033, the job market for skilled bookkeepers is robust and promising. Increasing Demand for Flexibility As businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and embrace remote work, the need for flexible bookkeeping skills has surged. With the rise of small businesses, every organization requires financial organization, creating a high demand for detail-oriented bookkeepers. Completing a bookkeeping course, especially from reputable bookkeeping schools, can greatly improve your job prospects. Employers often prefer candidates with a bookkeeping degree online, as it demonstrates commitment and expertise. Reason for Demand Impact Growth of small businesses Increased job openings Remote work flexibility Need for adaptable skills Financial crises crucial for informed decisions Certification preference Higher employability This growing demand emphasizes the importance of acquiring crucial bookkeeping skills. Career Opportunities and Growth With the increasing reliance on remote work and the growth of small businesses, the environment of career opportunities in bookkeeping is broadening quickly. The projected openings for bookkeeping roles are about 174,900 between 2023 and 2033, highlighting a strong demand for skilled professionals. Every business needs financial organization, making bookkeepers crucial for tracking cash flow, tax filing, and informed decision-making. By completing a bookkeeper certification course, you can demonstrate your preparedness to potential employers, enhancing your employability in a competitive job market. Certified bookkeepers earn an average salary of around $55,000 per year, compared to $45,000 for non-certified professionals. Therefore, obtaining bookkeeping skills and credentials not only opens doors but also offers significant financial incentives. Benefits of Taking a Bookkeeper Course Taking a bookkeeping course provides you with essential financial management skills that are critical for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with various tax laws and regulations. By enrolling in bookkeeper certification classes, you’ll gain practical knowledge that employers highly value. Completing these courses can greatly improve your employability, setting you apart from candidates without formal training. Furthermore, obtaining a certified bookkeeping certificate often leads to increased earning potential, with certified bookkeepers earning an average salary of around $55,000 per year. The flexibility of these courses allows you to study at your own pace, making them ideal for busy professionals, small business owners, and freelancers who need to manage financial transactions effectively as they balance other commitments. Why Choose Universal Accounting School? When considering a bookkeeping education, Universal Accounting School stands out due to its commitment to providing an industry-relevant curriculum that reflects the latest standards and practices in the field. Their fully online format offers the flexibility you need to balance work and personal commitments as you pursue your certificate in accounting and bookkeeping. Features Benefits Industry-Relevant Curriculum Aligns with current market demands Hands-On Support Improves comprehension of bookkeeping Career Services and Coaching Assists in job placement and business start-up How to Get Started To get started with your bookkeeping path, research various training options that suit your schedule and learning style, including online courses and local institutions. Once you’ve found a suitable program, enroll in a course that covers fundamental topics and prepares you for required exams. Completing these steps will help you build a strong foundation in bookkeeping and improve your skills for future job opportunities. Research Training Options How can you effectively begin your path into bookkeeping? Start by researching training options available at local colleges, online platforms, and accredited institutions. Look for a bookkeeping course online that covers crucial topics like accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. This guarantees you gain a well-rounded education. Furthermore, consider certified bookkeeper classes that offer training in popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero, which many employers value. Check for certification options like those from AIPB or NACPB, as they can improve your qualifications. Many courses provide flexible study options, whether part-time or full-time, allowing you to balance your education with your personal or professional commitments effectively. Enroll in Online Courses Ready to plunge into online bookkeeping courses? Start by researching accredited institutions and platforms like Universal Accounting School and Coursera. Look for a course in bookkeeping that covers vital topics, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. These subjects will give you a thorough grasp of bookkeeping fundamentals. Verify the course offers hands-on training with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, as this proficiency is important for employability. Many courses provide a self-paced study format, allowing you to juggle your learning with personal and professional commitments. Completing a bookkeeping course often leads to earning a certification, which can greatly improve your credibility and job opportunities in the competitive field, especially when preparing for a bookkeeping exam. Complete Required Exams Completing the required exams is a crucial step in your path to obtaining a bookkeeping certification. To get started, research training programs that fit your schedule, whether at local colleges or through online platforms. Most certification programs necessitate specific coursework covering key areas like financial transactions, accounting software, and tax compliance. After finishing your coursework, you’ll need to pass an exam that evaluates your knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to your book keeper certificate. Furthermore, consider certifications from recognized organizations like AIPB or NACPB, as they can improve your credentials and help you become a certified professional bookkeeper. Frequently Asked Questions Is It Worth Doing a Bookkeeping Course? Yes, it’s worth doing a bookkeeping course. You’ll gain vital skills for managing financial records, which are important for businesses. Completing a course can improve your employability, as many employers prefer certified candidates. This training often leads to higher salaries, with certified bookkeepers earning around $55,000 annually. Furthermore, online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace, making it accessible even with personal or professional commitments. What Do You Learn in a Bookkeeping Course? In a bookkeeping course, you learn fundamental skills like managing accounts payable and receivable, processing payroll, and preparing financial statements. You’ll gain hands-on experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero, which are essential for today’s bookkeeping. The curriculum likewise covers tax basics, ensuring you understand compliance and reporting. What Are the Three Golden Rules of Bookkeeping? The three golden rules of bookkeeping guide you in accurately recording financial transactions. First, you debit the receiver and credit the giver for personal accounts. Second, you debit what comes in and credit what goes out for real accounts. Finally, you debit expenses and losses during crediting income and gains for nominal accounts. What Are the 5 Basic Principles of Bookkeeping? The five basic principles of bookkeeping include the double-entry system, which guarantees balanced accounts by affecting at least two accounts for every transaction. Consistency requires you to apply the same methods throughout accounting periods for comparability. The accrual principle mandates recording revenues and expenses when earned or incurred, not when cash changes hands. The conservatism principle advises you to record expenses without delay as well as recognizing revenues only when they’re assured. Finally, the materiality principle allows you to overlook minor discrepancies. Conclusion In summary, a bookkeeping course is a crucial investment for anyone looking to improve their financial management skills. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or aspiring bookkeeper, the knowledge gained from such a program can greatly enhance your employability and earning potential. With strong demand for bookkeeping skills in today’s job market, enrolling in a course can provide you with the tools needed for informed financial decision-making and successful career advancement. Start your expedition today for a more secure financial future. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Bookkeeping Course and Why You Need It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A bookkeeping course teaches you how to manage financial transactions, including recording, classifying, and analyzing data. These skills are essential for businesses, freelancers, and anyone looking to effectively handle finances. By enrolling in such a course, you not just improve your employability but additionally gain knowledge for better financial decision-making. Comprehending these fundamentals can greatly impact your career path and financial success, but what specific advantages can you expect from this training? Key Takeaways A bookkeeping course teaches financial transaction management, including recording, classification, and advanced topics like accounts payable and receivable. Completing a course enhances employability and earning potential, with certified bookkeepers averaging around $55,000 annually. The growing demand for skilled bookkeepers is driven by the rise of small businesses and remote work opportunities. Courses often include hands-on experience with accounting software, essential for effective financial management. Flexible study options cater to busy professionals, making it easier to balance education with personal and work commitments. What Is a Bookkeeping Course? A bookkeeping course is a structured educational program designed to equip you with the fundamental skills for managing financial transactions effectively. These courses teach you how to record, classify, and manage financial transactions, providing a solid foundation in financial record-keeping principles. You’ll explore various topics, from basic principles to advanced subjects like accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Many bookkeeping certificate programs include hands-on experience with important accounting software tools such as QuickBooks and Xero, which are vital for modern bookkeeping practices. Who Should Take a Bookkeeping Course? Individuals interested in advancing their careers or improving their financial management skills should consider enrolling in a bookkeeping course. Aspiring bookkeepers can gain crucial skills for a successful career in accounting, whereas small business owners can learn to manage their finances effectively, avoiding costly mistakes. Freelancers and consultants will find that bookkeeping courses online assist them in organizing their personal finances and making informed decisions. If you’re a career switcher, these courses provide flexibility and open doors to new job opportunities, including remote work options. Completing a recognized course can additionally improve your employability and skillset, helping you achieve a bookkeeper certification that adds credibility to your financial management capabilities. Why Bookkeeping Skills Are in High Demand Bookkeeping skills are essential for all businesses, as they provide the financial clarity needed for effective cash flow management and strategic decision-making. With the surge in small businesses and the shift in the direction of remote work, the demand for skilled bookkeepers is growing swiftly, offering numerous career opportunities. Completing a bookkeeping course not just improves your employability but furthermore positions you for a higher salary and a robust job market with thousands of open positions projected in the coming years. Essential for All Businesses In today’s competitive business environment, sound financial management is vital for success, and that’s where bookkeeping skills come into play. Every business, big or small, needs proper financial organization to manage cash flow, guarantee tax compliance, and make informed decisions. This growing demand for professional bookkeeping has surged, especially with the rise of small businesses and remote work. By completing a bookkeeping course online, you not only gain important skills but additionally demonstrate your commitment to potential employers. Certified bookkeepers earn an average salary of around $55,000 annually, considerably higher than their uncertified counterparts. With job openings for bookkeeping roles projected to reach 174,900 between 2023 and 2033, the job market for skilled bookkeepers is robust and promising. Increasing Demand for Flexibility As businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and embrace remote work, the need for flexible bookkeeping skills has surged. With the rise of small businesses, every organization requires financial organization, creating a high demand for detail-oriented bookkeepers. Completing a bookkeeping course, especially from reputable bookkeeping schools, can greatly improve your job prospects. Employers often prefer candidates with a bookkeeping degree online, as it demonstrates commitment and expertise. Reason for Demand Impact Growth of small businesses Increased job openings Remote work flexibility Need for adaptable skills Financial crises crucial for informed decisions Certification preference Higher employability This growing demand emphasizes the importance of acquiring crucial bookkeeping skills. Career Opportunities and Growth With the increasing reliance on remote work and the growth of small businesses, the environment of career opportunities in bookkeeping is broadening quickly. The projected openings for bookkeeping roles are about 174,900 between 2023 and 2033, highlighting a strong demand for skilled professionals. Every business needs financial organization, making bookkeepers crucial for tracking cash flow, tax filing, and informed decision-making. By completing a bookkeeper certification course, you can demonstrate your preparedness to potential employers, enhancing your employability in a competitive job market. Certified bookkeepers earn an average salary of around $55,000 per year, compared to $45,000 for non-certified professionals. Therefore, obtaining bookkeeping skills and credentials not only opens doors but also offers significant financial incentives. Benefits of Taking a Bookkeeper Course Taking a bookkeeping course provides you with essential financial management skills that are critical for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with various tax laws and regulations. By enrolling in bookkeeper certification classes, you’ll gain practical knowledge that employers highly value. Completing these courses can greatly improve your employability, setting you apart from candidates without formal training. Furthermore, obtaining a certified bookkeeping certificate often leads to increased earning potential, with certified bookkeepers earning an average salary of around $55,000 per year. The flexibility of these courses allows you to study at your own pace, making them ideal for busy professionals, small business owners, and freelancers who need to manage financial transactions effectively as they balance other commitments. Why Choose Universal Accounting School? When considering a bookkeeping education, Universal Accounting School stands out due to its commitment to providing an industry-relevant curriculum that reflects the latest standards and practices in the field. Their fully online format offers the flexibility you need to balance work and personal commitments as you pursue your certificate in accounting and bookkeeping. Features Benefits Industry-Relevant Curriculum Aligns with current market demands Hands-On Support Improves comprehension of bookkeeping Career Services and Coaching Assists in job placement and business start-up How to Get Started To get started with your bookkeeping path, research various training options that suit your schedule and learning style, including online courses and local institutions. Once you’ve found a suitable program, enroll in a course that covers fundamental topics and prepares you for required exams. Completing these steps will help you build a strong foundation in bookkeeping and improve your skills for future job opportunities. Research Training Options How can you effectively begin your path into bookkeeping? Start by researching training options available at local colleges, online platforms, and accredited institutions. Look for a bookkeeping course online that covers crucial topics like accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. This guarantees you gain a well-rounded education. Furthermore, consider certified bookkeeper classes that offer training in popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero, which many employers value. Check for certification options like those from AIPB or NACPB, as they can improve your qualifications. Many courses provide flexible study options, whether part-time or full-time, allowing you to balance your education with your personal or professional commitments effectively. Enroll in Online Courses Ready to plunge into online bookkeeping courses? Start by researching accredited institutions and platforms like Universal Accounting School and Coursera. Look for a course in bookkeeping that covers vital topics, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. These subjects will give you a thorough grasp of bookkeeping fundamentals. Verify the course offers hands-on training with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, as this proficiency is important for employability. Many courses provide a self-paced study format, allowing you to juggle your learning with personal and professional commitments. Completing a bookkeeping course often leads to earning a certification, which can greatly improve your credibility and job opportunities in the competitive field, especially when preparing for a bookkeeping exam. Complete Required Exams Completing the required exams is a crucial step in your path to obtaining a bookkeeping certification. To get started, research training programs that fit your schedule, whether at local colleges or through online platforms. Most certification programs necessitate specific coursework covering key areas like financial transactions, accounting software, and tax compliance. After finishing your coursework, you’ll need to pass an exam that evaluates your knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to your book keeper certificate. Furthermore, consider certifications from recognized organizations like AIPB or NACPB, as they can improve your credentials and help you become a certified professional bookkeeper. Frequently Asked Questions Is It Worth Doing a Bookkeeping Course? Yes, it’s worth doing a bookkeeping course. You’ll gain vital skills for managing financial records, which are important for businesses. Completing a course can improve your employability, as many employers prefer certified candidates. This training often leads to higher salaries, with certified bookkeepers earning around $55,000 annually. Furthermore, online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace, making it accessible even with personal or professional commitments. What Do You Learn in a Bookkeeping Course? In a bookkeeping course, you learn fundamental skills like managing accounts payable and receivable, processing payroll, and preparing financial statements. You’ll gain hands-on experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero, which are essential for today’s bookkeeping. The curriculum likewise covers tax basics, ensuring you understand compliance and reporting. What Are the Three Golden Rules of Bookkeeping? The three golden rules of bookkeeping guide you in accurately recording financial transactions. First, you debit the receiver and credit the giver for personal accounts. Second, you debit what comes in and credit what goes out for real accounts. Finally, you debit expenses and losses during crediting income and gains for nominal accounts. What Are the 5 Basic Principles of Bookkeeping? The five basic principles of bookkeeping include the double-entry system, which guarantees balanced accounts by affecting at least two accounts for every transaction. Consistency requires you to apply the same methods throughout accounting periods for comparability. The accrual principle mandates recording revenues and expenses when earned or incurred, not when cash changes hands. The conservatism principle advises you to record expenses without delay as well as recognizing revenues only when they’re assured. Finally, the materiality principle allows you to overlook minor discrepancies. Conclusion In summary, a bookkeeping course is a crucial investment for anyone looking to improve their financial management skills. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or aspiring bookkeeper, the knowledge gained from such a program can greatly enhance your employability and earning potential. With strong demand for bookkeeping skills in today’s job market, enrolling in a course can provide you with the tools needed for informed financial decision-making and successful career advancement. Start your expedition today for a more secure financial future. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Bookkeeping Course and Why You Need It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Pixel 10 came out in August this year, and at a $799 starting price, it was worth considering. Fast forward a couple of months, and now you can get one for almost half off, at $449. Amazon is discounting the flagship Pixel 10 (128GB) to $549, and there’s a promo code (PIXEL10) that drops it down a further $100. At under $500, this might be the best Android smartphone deal of the year. Google Pixel 10 $449.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $350.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $350.00 Usually I recommend the Pixel 9a as the best budget buy. The lowest it’s been was $349 for Cyber Monday, and it’s sitting at $399 right now. The Pixel 10 at $449 is a much better deal. The Pixel 10 has the latest Tensor G5 chip with new on-device AI features like Magic Cue that the Pixel 9a won’t get. It also has 12GB RAM instead of 9a’s 8GB. The extra RAM goes a long way when it comes to on-device AI tasks and general longevity of the device. The Pixel 10 series is also the first one to get a telephoto lens on a non-Pro device. In its testing, PCMag found that the Pixel 10’s camera output was better compared to the Pixel 9 series, noting, “It preserves details, and colors are more accurate than what we saw on last year's Pixel 9." The most interesting change, and one my Pixel 9a misses out on, is the new magnetic Qi2 charging mount, which supports all MagSafe accessories. I’m a big MagSafe user with my iPhone 16 Pro Max, so this would have come in handy. For some, this upgrade alone might be enough to consider the Pixel 10 instead of the 9a. Overall, PCMag gave the Pixel 10 an "excellent" rating: “The compact Google Pixel 10 includes most of the Pixel Pro features for a more affordable price, making it an attractive phone for Android lovers who don't need the highest-end model.” The gap between the Pixel 10 and the 10 Pro is now quite small. The only point against the Pixel 10 really was its price, and how good of a deal Pixel 9a is. Now, with this price drop, the Pixel 10 finally becomes the all-rounder, offering flagship specs and camera performance at a budget-friendly price. But if you really want that Pro level screen, camera, and features, you can get the Pixel 10 Pro for just $649, after the $100 promo code. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $209.99 (List Price $249.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $139.99 (List Price $219.99) 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) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $74.99 (List Price $189.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Meta Quest 3 512GB Mixed Reality VR Headset with Controllers — $499.00 (List Price $499.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In an era where safety and community support have never been more critical, Uber’s “Driving Change” initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Since its inception in 2017, the program has evolved significantly, aiming to enhance the safety of individuals during their journeys while reinforcing community ties. As small business owners navigate today’s landscape, understanding such initiatives can be vital not just for their operations, but also for supporting their communities. Uber’s Driving Change has forged partnerships with over 25 organizations globally and allocated $15 million in grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to combatting violence against women. This commitment has led to impactful changes, helping thousands of women access essential services, housing, and support. One of the standout achievements of this initiative has been the enhancement of survivor support worldwide. With contributions from Driving Change partners, initiatives have included safe housing, provision of meals, and legal and emotional assistance for over 100,000 women and girls. Such resources can also prove beneficial to small businesses looking to create partnerships with organizations focused on community health and welfare. Moreover, the initiative has significantly strengthened the global response to gender-based violence. By training frontline workers and establishing leadership networks, Uber is paving the way for safer environments—an essential consideration for any small business owner committed to workplace safety and community engagement. The potential for businesses to align with these efforts fosters a culture of safety that can directly benefit employee satisfaction and customer trust. Additionally, Driving Change has prioritized the importance of education and awareness around gender-based violence. This includes launching impactful public campaigns and developing a global directory of domestic violence services. Small businesses can take cues from this approach, recognizing the value in raising awareness about local support systems among their own employees and customers. Uber aims to provide practical options for women riders and drivers. This includes the expansion of the “Women Preferences” feature, allowing female users to connect specifically with other women for a more supportive travel experience. For small business owners, this represents a shift in consumer expectations—an increasingly important factor as customers look for brands that prioritize equity and safety. As Uber looks ahead, its partnership with organizations like the Alliance for HOPE International illustrates a greater commitment to provide essential transportation support. Their “Hope Rides” program gives survivors free rides to safety resources, creating direct implications for community and business ties. For small businesses, this is a call to action to evaluate how they can contribute to and collaborate with initiatives that drive safety and support within their communities. However, small business owners should also weigh potential challenges. While aligning with such initiatives underscores a commitment to corporate social responsibility, there may be financial costs or logistical hurdles in partnership development. Furthermore, businesses must ensure that they maintain alignment with the ethics and practices of their partners to effectively engage in meaningful community support. As technology and societal norms shift, the call to action extends beyond just awareness. The recent UN theme—“UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”—emphasizes the need to address violence in all forms, including online. Small businesses need to consider how they can incorporate technology and innovation to prevent violence, whether through employee training or by creating platforms that encourage safe conversations. This ongoing movement against gender-based violence calls for a collective effort from all sectors. Small businesses that prioritize community wellbeing can enhance their reputations while contributing to a safer society. Uber’s Driving Change initiative exemplifies how corporate responsibility aligns with social impact, a model that smaller enterprises can adopt or adapt in their own operations. As we continue to navigate these complex issues, leveraging initiatives like Driving Change could provide small businesses not only with the means to assist those in need but can further solidify their role as engaged community members. For more detailed insights, you can read the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Uber Expands Global Initiative to Combat Gender-Based Violence" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where safety and community support have never been more critical, Uber’s “Driving Change” initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Since its inception in 2017, the program has evolved significantly, aiming to enhance the safety of individuals during their journeys while reinforcing community ties. As small business owners navigate today’s landscape, understanding such initiatives can be vital not just for their operations, but also for supporting their communities. Uber’s Driving Change has forged partnerships with over 25 organizations globally and allocated $15 million in grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to combatting violence against women. This commitment has led to impactful changes, helping thousands of women access essential services, housing, and support. One of the standout achievements of this initiative has been the enhancement of survivor support worldwide. With contributions from Driving Change partners, initiatives have included safe housing, provision of meals, and legal and emotional assistance for over 100,000 women and girls. Such resources can also prove beneficial to small businesses looking to create partnerships with organizations focused on community health and welfare. Moreover, the initiative has significantly strengthened the global response to gender-based violence. By training frontline workers and establishing leadership networks, Uber is paving the way for safer environments—an essential consideration for any small business owner committed to workplace safety and community engagement. The potential for businesses to align with these efforts fosters a culture of safety that can directly benefit employee satisfaction and customer trust. Additionally, Driving Change has prioritized the importance of education and awareness around gender-based violence. This includes launching impactful public campaigns and developing a global directory of domestic violence services. Small businesses can take cues from this approach, recognizing the value in raising awareness about local support systems among their own employees and customers. Uber aims to provide practical options for women riders and drivers. This includes the expansion of the “Women Preferences” feature, allowing female users to connect specifically with other women for a more supportive travel experience. For small business owners, this represents a shift in consumer expectations—an increasingly important factor as customers look for brands that prioritize equity and safety. As Uber looks ahead, its partnership with organizations like the Alliance for HOPE International illustrates a greater commitment to provide essential transportation support. Their “Hope Rides” program gives survivors free rides to safety resources, creating direct implications for community and business ties. For small businesses, this is a call to action to evaluate how they can contribute to and collaborate with initiatives that drive safety and support within their communities. However, small business owners should also weigh potential challenges. While aligning with such initiatives underscores a commitment to corporate social responsibility, there may be financial costs or logistical hurdles in partnership development. Furthermore, businesses must ensure that they maintain alignment with the ethics and practices of their partners to effectively engage in meaningful community support. As technology and societal norms shift, the call to action extends beyond just awareness. The recent UN theme—“UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”—emphasizes the need to address violence in all forms, including online. Small businesses need to consider how they can incorporate technology and innovation to prevent violence, whether through employee training or by creating platforms that encourage safe conversations. This ongoing movement against gender-based violence calls for a collective effort from all sectors. Small businesses that prioritize community wellbeing can enhance their reputations while contributing to a safer society. Uber’s Driving Change initiative exemplifies how corporate responsibility aligns with social impact, a model that smaller enterprises can adopt or adapt in their own operations. As we continue to navigate these complex issues, leveraging initiatives like Driving Change could provide small businesses not only with the means to assist those in need but can further solidify their role as engaged community members. For more detailed insights, you can read the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Uber Expands Global Initiative to Combat Gender-Based Violence" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wellness rooms, thoughtful sensory inputs and layouts that boost functionality can reduce workplace stress. View the full article

For many students and workers, Windows is just the default way to use a computer. It's where all your apps work as intended, where all your Microsoft Office documents sync easily, and where you play all your games. But if you peel back its layers, Windows can be a lot more than that. Power users can take advantage of hidden features, and utilities from Microsoft and third-parties to not only speed up their workflow, but to improve productivity and fix some of the most annoying quality-of-life issues that plague Windows PCs. Control everything using the Command Palette Credit: Khamosh Pathak For decades, Mac users have boasted about Spotlight Search, while Windows never really offered a true alternative. Windows Search is fast, but it's never really come close to replicating all the things Spotlight can do, especially now with the latest macOS Tahoe update. Finally, after years of waiting, Microsoft has introduced its own keyboard launcher, called Command Palette. It's not available by default, though. To find it, you'll have to install PowerToys, which is Microsoft's own set of handy utilities. Once PowerToys is running, find the Command Palette app from the sidebar, and enable it. Then, you can access it using the default keyboard shortcut, which is Windows + Alt + Space (you can customize this be whatever you like). Once it's set up, you can use the Command Palette to launch apps, search for files, open folders, switch between apps, open bookmarked websites or folders, and search the web. In fact, you can even run Terminal commands from here, and you can use extensions to add features. Here's a detailed guide on the Command Palette to get you started. Replace the File Explorer with something much better Credit: Khamosh Pathak The File Explorer in Windows 11 is a certified mess. It's slower than the Windows 10 version, and it's harder to find your way around it. If you're as frustrated by this as I am, try installing the Files app instead. It's an $8 app on the Microsoft Store, but can be downloaded for free from the developer's website. The Files app is beautifully designed, with support for theme colors. The app has a simple interface with an easy to access sidebar, tabs, dual-pane mode, and a dark mode that actually looks good. There's also a column view from macOS and an ability to preview files without opening them. Replace the Windows 11 taskbar and start menu Credit: Start11 The Windows 11 update radically redesigned the taskbar and the Start menu. If you don't like the new updates, there is a way to go back. You can install the free ExplorerPatcher app to revert back to the Windows 10 Taskbar, with full-length app names, along with the older Start menu. If you only want to change the existing Start menu (I don't blame you), try the Start 11 app, which costs $9.99 for a single license and a year's worth of upgrades. Start11 is an incredibly customizable Start menu replacement where you can customize everything from the layout, spacing, icon color, size, and more. You can even go back to the Windows 10 style layout, but with the look of the Windows 11 icons. Transform how Windows 11 looks with Seelen UI Credit: Seelen If you've swapped from Mac to Windows, and you miss the Mac's Dock and menu bar, you can get them on Windows using the free and open source Seelen UI app. It's an app that uses web technologies to add a menu bar and a floating Dock to your screen. It also hides the Windows Taskbar by default. Seelen is completely customizable with community themes and plugins. You can choose where to keep the taskbar, and you can make it transparent if you want (something Windows 11 doesn't allow for). You can add community themes to completely transform how it looks and works. You can also add more features using plugins. Make the dark mode functional again Credit: Microsoft The dark mode in Windows is woefully lacking, especially compared to macOS. As a power user, you might prefer to spend most of your time in dark mode, or you might want to automatically switch to dark mode as evening kicks in. By default, Windows doesn't offer any such features. You have to go deep into Settings to enable or disable the dark theme, and that's it. Microsoft has a PowerToys utility called Light Switch that can solve some of those issues. With the Light Switch utility enabled, you can automatically trigger the dark theme at the time of sunset, or or a schedule that you like. Plus, it gives you a global shortcut to trigger the dark theme on the fly. Embrace the new Snap layouts Credit: Microsoft Snap Layouts is a powerful hidden feature in Windows 11 that not many people use. You might be used to dragging the left edge on a window to dock it to the left half of the screen. Well, that's just part of the Snap Layouts feature. Next time you want to arrange the windows on your screen, drag the window to the top edge, and you'll see a new preview of all possible layout options. You can easily split your large monitor screen into three or four windows, without doing any heavy lifting. You can also access this feature by hovering over the Maximize button, or you can use the Windows + Z keyboard shortcut to bring up the Snap Layout menu. Install and manage apps without a thousand clicks Credit: Justin Pot Installing apps on Windows can sometimes be its own special nightmare. You have to deal with installation wizards with dozens of steps, some of which haven't been updated since Windows XP days. Like Linux and macOS, Windows too has a hidden package manager called Winget, a repository of apps that can be downloaded with just a single command. Yes, you need to open the Terminal to do it, but it's really not that hard. Say you want to install Chrome: You'll enter this in the Terminal and in a couple of seconds, the Chrome browser will be installed and ready to go, without a single extra click. winget install Google.Chrome Don't like using the command line? Well there's a GUI app for you. With the UniGetUI app, you can search for all apps or packages in the Windows Package Manager list, and download them in one click. There's also a one-click option for updating all WinGet apps at once. See your clipboard history Credit: Khamosh Pathak Windows has a built-in clipboard manager that you really should be using. Press Windows + V to bring up the Clipboard History (the first time you do this, you'll have to enable this feature). Now, every time you copy anything on Windows, it will be stored in this list. You can go back to the Clipboard Manager at any time to copy one or multiple items from this list. You can even pin something to the top of the list, or quickly clear all history. If you're looking for a bit more, try the Ditto app. It lets you customize how many snippets you store in your clipboard at a given time, and has a capable fast Search feature built-in. Use Focus Sessions to better focus on your tasks Credit: Khamosh Pathak There's a Focus Session feature inside the Clock app that's basically a built-in Pomodoro timer, with distraction-free features. You can start a Focus timer for, let's say, 30 minutes, and during that time Windows will stop all unnecessary notifications and app alerts so you can focus on your task. After a longer session, you'll also be prompted to take a break. Create your own custom shortcuts, for anything Credit: Microsoft Power users rely on keyboard shortcuts to not only speed things up but also to reduce mental overload. Once you have the muscle memory, using a keyboard shortcut to perform frequent tasks reduces a lot of friction (especially compared to hunting for buttons using a mouse). When you start using an app, spend some time trying to learn keyboard shortcuts for the most frequently used actions. For example, archiving mail, exporting documents, and so on. But this gets more interesting once you start to remap your keys and keyboard shortcuts using the Keyboard Manager utility inside PowerToys. Here, click the Remap a Key button to get started. Now, you can map any unused key, like your Caps Lock key, or the Copilot key, to anything else (like a shortcut to bring up Command Palette, for example). Or you can remap the shortcut for Copy from Control + C, to Windows + C. Time to get creative! View the full article

Moves to allow higher leverage and overhaul stress tests have driven increase in market capitalisationView the full article

Nike shares ticked up 2% in premarket trading on Wednesday after Apple CEO Tim Cook bought nearly $3 million worth of the sportswear maker’s stock. Cook, who has served on Nike’s board since 2005 and is its lead independent director, bought 50,000 shares at $58.97 each, according to a regulatory filing published on Tuesday. Nike shares were trading at $58.49 on Wednesday. The purchase comes just days after Nike reported weaker quarterly margins and sluggish sales in China. Its shares have slumped nearly 13% since it reported results on December 18. Cook now holds about 105,000 shares in Nike, as of December 22, the filing showed. —Aishwarya Venugopal, Reuters View the full article

During the week of Christmas, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced food recalls for several holiday treats. Before you begin enjoying your holiday snacks, it’s a good idea to check whether any of the goodies you have at home were recently recalled. Here’s what you need to know. The following food products are part of recent food recalls: ​Atwater’s cookie tins Choceur cookie butter holiday bark Choceur pecan, cranberry and cinnamon holiday park Troemner Family Farm Pfeffernusse Cookies You can find more details about each product recall below. Atwater’s cookie tins On December 22, 2025, Baltimore-based Atwater’s recalled 197 of its cookie tins because the cookies contain almond, pecan, and walnut allergens. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product. The recalled product is sold in a circular metal tin with a bow tied around it. The cookie tin has an “Atwater’s cookie tin” label on the bottom of the package. However, the packaging failed to identify the nut allergen. The cookie tins were distributed from December 13 through December 22, 2025, in Baltimore, Towson, and Catonsville, Maryland. They were sold at retail stores and “gifted” to three wholesalers, the notice says. Consumers who have purchased the cookie tins are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. More information, including product images, can be found in the recall announcement on the FDA’s website. Choceur holiday barks On December 22, 2025, Silvestri Sweets of Illinois expanded its voluntary recall of Choceur-branded holiday barks to include additional lot numbers and best-by dates. The company recalled the following products for the following reasons: ​Choceur cookie butter holiday bark. This product may contain undeclared pecans, the notice states. Choceur pecan, cranberry and cinnamon holiday park. This product may contain undeclared wheat. The recalled items are sold in 5-ounce stand-up pouch bags. They were distributed nationwide at Aldi grocery stores. Products with the following lot numbers and best buy dates are affected: Cookie butter holiday bark: Lot #: 28525 – Best By May 2026 Lot #: 29925 – Best By May 2026 Lot #: 30625 – Best By May 2026 Pecan, cranberry and cinnamon holiday bark: ​Lot #: 28525 – Best By August 2026 Lot #: 29925 – Best By August 2026 Lot #: 30625 – Best By August 2026 To date, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should throw them away. More information about these recalls, including images, can be found on the FDA’s website. Troemner Family Farm Pfeffernusse Cookies Troemner Farm of Atlantic Mine, Michigan, has recalled its Troemner Family Farm Pfeffernusse Cookies because they may contain undeclared milk, wheat, or soy. People with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk, wheat, or soy are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these recalled products. ​The products were sold in 6-ounce and 12-ounce packages. They were distributed to retail locations in just two cities: Hancock and Calumet, Michigan. ​A missing label was discovered during a routine inspection, according to the FDA’s notice. Consumers who have purchased Troemner Family Farm Pfeffernusse Cookies are encouraged to return them to Troemner Farm for a refund or replacement. ​More information, including product images, can be found on the FDA’s website. View the full article

In today’s competitive market, boosting sales requires effective strategies customized to your customers’ needs. By shifting from high-pressure sales tactics to consultative selling, you can build trust and cultivate loyalty. Comprehending the importance of active listening, maintaining a strong sales pipeline, and leveraging customer feedback are just a few of the tactics that can improve your approach. As you explore these methods, consider how each can be applied to your unique situation for best results. Key Takeaways Embrace consultative selling by prioritizing customer needs and building trust to foster long-term relationships and enhance sales effectiveness. Utilize personalized communication strategies to increase engagement, tailoring messages to decision-makers for higher conversion rates. Practice active listening to understand customer concerns, enabling tailored responses that lead to successful sales interactions. Implement a robust follow-up strategy, as most prospects require multiple interactions before making a purchasing decision. Leverage customer feedback to inform strategies and improve experiences, boosting sales and enhancing customer loyalty. Understanding High Pressure Sales Techniques High pressure sales techniques have long been a staple in the domain of sales, but their effectiveness is waning. Many salesman tactics, like limited time offers and emotional manipulation, can actually erode customer trust. Today’s consumers are more informed and discerning, often seeking genuine relationships rather than high-pressure pitches. Approximately 40% of salespeople give up after just one follow-up, whereas most prospects need at least six interactions before deciding to buy. Scarcity principles may induce panic-buying, but they can harm long-term relationships and brand reputation. Overloading prospects with excessive information can intimidate them, leading to hasty decisions and buyer’s remorse. As a result, value-driven selling tactics that prioritize trust-building are becoming increasingly crucial. The Negative Impact of High Pressure Tactics Many consumers find themselves feeling uneasy when confronted with high pressure sales tactics, which can greatly tarnish their overall experience. Approximately 40% of shoppers report discomfort, often disengaging from the sales process entirely. This tactic can create a false sense of urgency, leading to perceptions of manipulation and a decrease in brand trust. Additionally, high pressure approaches can lead to negative reviews and decreased customer loyalty, ultimately harming a brand’s reputation. Negative Outcomes Consumer Reactions Decreased Customer Loyalty 40% feel uncomfortable Negative Brand Perception Increased disengagement Legal Risks (e.g., GDPR) Preference for consultative selling Understanding these impacts is crucial for effective selling. Offer Genuine Value to Customers To succeed in today’s competitive market, offering genuine value to customers is essential for building lasting relationships and encouraging repeat business. This means providing products or services that truly meet their specific needs, which cultivates trust. High-quality content marketing can improve the customer experience; 58% of B2B marketers find it boosts sales by educating potential buyers. In addition, engaging customers thoughtfully through personalized communication can lead to a 60% higher engagement rate, as nearly 60% of consumers appreciate customized interactions. The Importance of Active Listening Active listening is vital in sales as it helps you understand your customers’ needs and concerns more effectively. By genuinely engaging in conversations, you can build trust and rapport, which are fundamental for long-term relationships. When you tailor your responses based on what you’ve heard, you’re more likely to address objections and close deals successfully. Understanding Needs Effectively How can you truly understand your customers’ needs? Active listening is key. It allows you to grasp their challenges and pain points, leading to customized solutions. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer conversations focused on their specific needs instead of generic pitches. You should also keep in mind that communication isn’t just verbal; 55% is non-verbal, so pay attention to body language. Responding thoughtfully to customer feedback improves satisfaction, as 63% of consumers expect personalized experiences. When customers feel heard and valued, conversion rates can increase considerably—up to 20%. Building Trust Through Listening Why is active listening vital in building trust with your customers? It improves engagement by allowing you to fully understand their needs and pain points, which leads to solutions that resonate. Research indicates that 70% of customers feel more valued when you actively listen, cultivating trust and rapport important for long-term relationships. Here’s a quick overview: Benefits of Active Listening Impact on Sales Improves customer engagement Customized solutions Increases customer value perception Stronger trust and rapport Addresses objections effectively Higher closing rates Reduces follow-up interactions Streamlined communication Tailoring Responses to Concerns When you listen closely to your customers, it becomes easier to tailor your responses to their specific concerns and needs. Active listening helps you understand their pain points, allowing you to address them directly. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer salespeople who show genuine interest in their needs, promoting trust and rapport. By engaging in conversations and asking clarifying questions, you demonstrate attentiveness and gain deeper insights into their motivations. Thoughtful responses to customer feedback can refine your messaging and increase conversion rates by up to 30%. Prioritizing active listening not just improves customer satisfaction but also contributes to long-term loyalty and repeat business, making it an essential skill for any sales professional. Pursuing High-Quality Leads When you’re pursuing high-quality leads, targeted outreach becomes crucial, as it helps you connect with prospects who are more likely to convert. Utilizing data verification tools can further improve your efforts by ensuring the leads you engage with are legitimate and well-suited to your offerings. To maximize your success, regularly measure lead quality so you can streamline your sales process and focus on the prospects that truly align with your business goals. Focus on Targeted Outreach To successfully boost your sales, focusing on targeted outreach by pursuing high-quality leads is essential. Prioritizing these leads can greatly improve your conversion rates, as they’re more likely to engage and purchase when guided effectively. Companies often struggle to find quality prospects, emphasizing the importance of investing in lead generation strategies. Here are some key strategies for effective targeted outreach: Tailor your communication to resonate with decision-makers. Engage through diverse channels to reach your audience effectively. Follow up consistently, as most prospects need at least six interactions before deciding. Utilize customer feedback to refine your lead targeting, aligning efforts with actual buyer preferences. Emphasizing these tactics can lead to better engagement and sales performance. Utilize Data Verification Tools Focusing on high-quality leads is just the beginning of an effective sales strategy, and utilizing data verification tools can greatly improve this process. These tools guarantee your contact information is accurate and up-to-date, greatly enhancing your outreach efforts. Studies show that companies prioritizing high-quality leads over quantity experience a 50% increase in conversion rates. By implementing data verification, you’ll reduce costs associated with unqualified leads, creating a more efficient sales pipeline. High-quality leads generated through verified data are three times more likely to convert into paying customers compared to those from less reliable sources. Investing in these tools not merely boosts lead quality but likewise allows your team to focus on prospects that are more likely to engage and convert effectively. Measure Lead Quality Effectively Measuring lead quality effectively is essential for maximizing sales potential and ensuring that your resources are well-spent. High-quality leads align with your ideal customer profile, leading to higher conversion rates and better ROI. Implementing lead scoring systems can prioritize leads based on engagement, demographics, and behavior, enhancing your sales pipeline’s efficiency. Research shows that focusing on high-quality lead generation can boost sales conversions by up to 50%. Here are some strategies to effectively measure lead quality: Use data analytics to track lead sources and behaviors. Continuously monitor and adjust lead qualification criteria. Prioritize leads based on their fit with your target profile. Allocate marketing resources to channels yielding the highest quality prospects. Personalizing Your Sales Messaging When sales teams personalize their messaging, they tap into a potent strategy that can greatly improve customer engagement. Nearly 60% of consumers prefer personalized communication, making customized outreach crucial. By leveraging customer data, you can create messages that resonate, leading to a 20% increase in conversion rates. Segmenting your audience allows you to address unique needs and pain points, improving your effectiveness. Including personalized elements, like using customers’ names and referencing previous interactions, builds trust and enhances the customer experience. Furthermore, A/B testing different messages can help pinpoint the best approaches for your audience. Key Personalization Strategies Impact on Sales Outcomes Customer Data Utilization 20% increase in conversions Audience Segmentation Targeted messaging effectiveness Personalized Name Usage Improved trust and engagement Reference Past Interactions Enhanced customer experience A/B Testing Messaging Identifying best practices The Power of Follow-Up Effective follow-up is critical in the sales process, as research shows that most prospects need at least six interactions before they make a purchasing decision. Surprisingly, over 40% of salespeople give up after just one attempt. By following up quickly and consistently, you demonstrate commitment, keeping prospects engaged. Persistence can greatly boost your conversion rates since 80% of sales require five follow-up calls after the initial contact. To improve your follow-up strategy, consider these tips: Use varied methods like calls, emails, or personalized messages. Implement a structured follow-up strategy to stay organized. Schedule your follow-ups to maintain timely communication. Track interactions to verify no potential leads slip through the cracks. Building Strong Relationships With Prospects Building strong relationships with prospects is essential for successful sales, as these connections can significantly influence buying decisions. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer engaging with salespeople who understand their needs and offer personalized solutions. Consistent communication and meaningful conversations cultivate trust, with relationship-focused sales strategies yielding up to 25% higher closing rates. Actively listening to prospects helps you address their pain points effectively, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Engaging through social media and online interactions increases your brand visibility and credibility, potentially boosting lead conversion rates by 20-30%. Furthermore, implementing follow-up strategies is important, as 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups to close, maintaining engagement and strengthening relationships over time. Leveraging Customer Feedback for Improvement Leveraging customer feedback is a crucial strategy for continuous improvement in your products and services. By gathering insights, you can identify areas that need improvement. Here are some key benefits of engaging with customer feedback: 70% of customers are willing to provide feedback if asked, helping you understand their needs. Positive testimonials can bolster your credibility and influence 79% of consumers’ purchasing decisions. Addressing negative feedback quickly shows commitment; 63% of customers would return if their complaints are resolved. Regularly soliciting feedback can increase sales by 10-15%, as it informs your future strategies and improves customer experiences. Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptation As the sales environment continues to evolve, embracing continuous learning and adaptation becomes essential for achieving long-term success. Organizations that prioritize ongoing training experience a 23% increase in time spent selling, leading to improved overall performance. Regular skill development sessions keep your sales team competitive and ready to adapt to changing market trends, enhancing their effectiveness in engaging potential customers. Utilizing performance metrics to guide coaching efforts helps you identify specific weaknesses within your team, allowing for targeted training initiatives. By embracing adaptability in your sales strategies, you can quickly respond to shifts in customer preferences, maintaining a competitive edge. Furthermore, encouraging peer learning and mentorship within your team promotes collaboration and shares best practices that can drive sales growth. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on comprehending customer needs through value-based or consultative selling. Tailor your messaging to resonate with specific challenges, as personalized communication can greatly improve engagement. Implement a robust follow-up process, ensuring you reach out multiple times since most prospects require several interactions before deciding. Finally, leverage data analytics to refine your tactics and consider establishing a referral program to utilize satisfied customers as advocates for your business. What Are the 3 C’s in Sales? The 3 C’s in sales are Company, Customer, and Competition. You need to analyze your company’s strengths and weaknesses to leverage unique selling points. Comprehending your customers involves identifying their needs, preferences, and pain points to create customized approaches. Researching your competition helps you know their offerings and weaknesses, allowing you to differentiate your product. What Are the 5 P’s of Sales? The 5 P’s of sales are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. Each component plays an essential role in your sales strategy. Product emphasizes quality and features that meet customer needs. Price involves setting a competitive price reflecting value. Place refers to distribution channels ensuring accessibility. Promotion includes marketing strategies to create awareness. Finally, People focuses on building relationships, as comprehending customer preferences can greatly impact your sales success. What Is the 3 2 1 Sales Strategy? The 3-2-1 Sales Strategy focuses on presenting potential buyers with three key benefits of your product, two customer testimonials, and one compelling call to action. This approach simplifies your message, making it easy for customers to grasp the value without feeling overwhelmed. Highlighting three significant advantages resonates with their needs, whereas testimonials provide social proof. The call to action directs them to the next step, enhancing engagement and increasing your chances of conversion. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven selling tactics, you can greatly improve your sales strategy. Prioritizing consultative selling, actively listening to clients, and pursuing high-quality leads are crucial steps toward building trust and loyalty. Consistent follow-up and leveraging customer feedback further strengthen relationships, as ongoing learning keeps your team informed about market trends. Adopting these approaches not just drives sales growth but likewise nurtures a deeper connection with your customers, ensuring long-term success in a competitive marketplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Selling Tactics to Boost Sales Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive market, boosting sales requires effective strategies customized to your customers’ needs. By shifting from high-pressure sales tactics to consultative selling, you can build trust and cultivate loyalty. Comprehending the importance of active listening, maintaining a strong sales pipeline, and leveraging customer feedback are just a few of the tactics that can improve your approach. As you explore these methods, consider how each can be applied to your unique situation for best results. Key Takeaways Embrace consultative selling by prioritizing customer needs and building trust to foster long-term relationships and enhance sales effectiveness. Utilize personalized communication strategies to increase engagement, tailoring messages to decision-makers for higher conversion rates. Practice active listening to understand customer concerns, enabling tailored responses that lead to successful sales interactions. Implement a robust follow-up strategy, as most prospects require multiple interactions before making a purchasing decision. Leverage customer feedback to inform strategies and improve experiences, boosting sales and enhancing customer loyalty. Understanding High Pressure Sales Techniques High pressure sales techniques have long been a staple in the domain of sales, but their effectiveness is waning. Many salesman tactics, like limited time offers and emotional manipulation, can actually erode customer trust. Today’s consumers are more informed and discerning, often seeking genuine relationships rather than high-pressure pitches. Approximately 40% of salespeople give up after just one follow-up, whereas most prospects need at least six interactions before deciding to buy. Scarcity principles may induce panic-buying, but they can harm long-term relationships and brand reputation. Overloading prospects with excessive information can intimidate them, leading to hasty decisions and buyer’s remorse. As a result, value-driven selling tactics that prioritize trust-building are becoming increasingly crucial. The Negative Impact of High Pressure Tactics Many consumers find themselves feeling uneasy when confronted with high pressure sales tactics, which can greatly tarnish their overall experience. Approximately 40% of shoppers report discomfort, often disengaging from the sales process entirely. This tactic can create a false sense of urgency, leading to perceptions of manipulation and a decrease in brand trust. Additionally, high pressure approaches can lead to negative reviews and decreased customer loyalty, ultimately harming a brand’s reputation. Negative Outcomes Consumer Reactions Decreased Customer Loyalty 40% feel uncomfortable Negative Brand Perception Increased disengagement Legal Risks (e.g., GDPR) Preference for consultative selling Understanding these impacts is crucial for effective selling. Offer Genuine Value to Customers To succeed in today’s competitive market, offering genuine value to customers is essential for building lasting relationships and encouraging repeat business. This means providing products or services that truly meet their specific needs, which cultivates trust. High-quality content marketing can improve the customer experience; 58% of B2B marketers find it boosts sales by educating potential buyers. In addition, engaging customers thoughtfully through personalized communication can lead to a 60% higher engagement rate, as nearly 60% of consumers appreciate customized interactions. The Importance of Active Listening Active listening is vital in sales as it helps you understand your customers’ needs and concerns more effectively. By genuinely engaging in conversations, you can build trust and rapport, which are fundamental for long-term relationships. When you tailor your responses based on what you’ve heard, you’re more likely to address objections and close deals successfully. Understanding Needs Effectively How can you truly understand your customers’ needs? Active listening is key. It allows you to grasp their challenges and pain points, leading to customized solutions. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer conversations focused on their specific needs instead of generic pitches. You should also keep in mind that communication isn’t just verbal; 55% is non-verbal, so pay attention to body language. Responding thoughtfully to customer feedback improves satisfaction, as 63% of consumers expect personalized experiences. When customers feel heard and valued, conversion rates can increase considerably—up to 20%. Building Trust Through Listening Why is active listening vital in building trust with your customers? It improves engagement by allowing you to fully understand their needs and pain points, which leads to solutions that resonate. Research indicates that 70% of customers feel more valued when you actively listen, cultivating trust and rapport important for long-term relationships. Here’s a quick overview: Benefits of Active Listening Impact on Sales Improves customer engagement Customized solutions Increases customer value perception Stronger trust and rapport Addresses objections effectively Higher closing rates Reduces follow-up interactions Streamlined communication Tailoring Responses to Concerns When you listen closely to your customers, it becomes easier to tailor your responses to their specific concerns and needs. Active listening helps you understand their pain points, allowing you to address them directly. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer salespeople who show genuine interest in their needs, promoting trust and rapport. By engaging in conversations and asking clarifying questions, you demonstrate attentiveness and gain deeper insights into their motivations. Thoughtful responses to customer feedback can refine your messaging and increase conversion rates by up to 30%. Prioritizing active listening not just improves customer satisfaction but also contributes to long-term loyalty and repeat business, making it an essential skill for any sales professional. Pursuing High-Quality Leads When you’re pursuing high-quality leads, targeted outreach becomes crucial, as it helps you connect with prospects who are more likely to convert. Utilizing data verification tools can further improve your efforts by ensuring the leads you engage with are legitimate and well-suited to your offerings. To maximize your success, regularly measure lead quality so you can streamline your sales process and focus on the prospects that truly align with your business goals. Focus on Targeted Outreach To successfully boost your sales, focusing on targeted outreach by pursuing high-quality leads is essential. Prioritizing these leads can greatly improve your conversion rates, as they’re more likely to engage and purchase when guided effectively. Companies often struggle to find quality prospects, emphasizing the importance of investing in lead generation strategies. Here are some key strategies for effective targeted outreach: Tailor your communication to resonate with decision-makers. Engage through diverse channels to reach your audience effectively. Follow up consistently, as most prospects need at least six interactions before deciding. Utilize customer feedback to refine your lead targeting, aligning efforts with actual buyer preferences. Emphasizing these tactics can lead to better engagement and sales performance. Utilize Data Verification Tools Focusing on high-quality leads is just the beginning of an effective sales strategy, and utilizing data verification tools can greatly improve this process. These tools guarantee your contact information is accurate and up-to-date, greatly enhancing your outreach efforts. Studies show that companies prioritizing high-quality leads over quantity experience a 50% increase in conversion rates. By implementing data verification, you’ll reduce costs associated with unqualified leads, creating a more efficient sales pipeline. High-quality leads generated through verified data are three times more likely to convert into paying customers compared to those from less reliable sources. Investing in these tools not merely boosts lead quality but likewise allows your team to focus on prospects that are more likely to engage and convert effectively. Measure Lead Quality Effectively Measuring lead quality effectively is essential for maximizing sales potential and ensuring that your resources are well-spent. High-quality leads align with your ideal customer profile, leading to higher conversion rates and better ROI. Implementing lead scoring systems can prioritize leads based on engagement, demographics, and behavior, enhancing your sales pipeline’s efficiency. Research shows that focusing on high-quality lead generation can boost sales conversions by up to 50%. Here are some strategies to effectively measure lead quality: Use data analytics to track lead sources and behaviors. Continuously monitor and adjust lead qualification criteria. Prioritize leads based on their fit with your target profile. Allocate marketing resources to channels yielding the highest quality prospects. Personalizing Your Sales Messaging When sales teams personalize their messaging, they tap into a potent strategy that can greatly improve customer engagement. Nearly 60% of consumers prefer personalized communication, making customized outreach crucial. By leveraging customer data, you can create messages that resonate, leading to a 20% increase in conversion rates. Segmenting your audience allows you to address unique needs and pain points, improving your effectiveness. Including personalized elements, like using customers’ names and referencing previous interactions, builds trust and enhances the customer experience. Furthermore, A/B testing different messages can help pinpoint the best approaches for your audience. Key Personalization Strategies Impact on Sales Outcomes Customer Data Utilization 20% increase in conversions Audience Segmentation Targeted messaging effectiveness Personalized Name Usage Improved trust and engagement Reference Past Interactions Enhanced customer experience A/B Testing Messaging Identifying best practices The Power of Follow-Up Effective follow-up is critical in the sales process, as research shows that most prospects need at least six interactions before they make a purchasing decision. Surprisingly, over 40% of salespeople give up after just one attempt. By following up quickly and consistently, you demonstrate commitment, keeping prospects engaged. Persistence can greatly boost your conversion rates since 80% of sales require five follow-up calls after the initial contact. To improve your follow-up strategy, consider these tips: Use varied methods like calls, emails, or personalized messages. Implement a structured follow-up strategy to stay organized. Schedule your follow-ups to maintain timely communication. Track interactions to verify no potential leads slip through the cracks. Building Strong Relationships With Prospects Building strong relationships with prospects is essential for successful sales, as these connections can significantly influence buying decisions. Research shows that 70% of buyers prefer engaging with salespeople who understand their needs and offer personalized solutions. Consistent communication and meaningful conversations cultivate trust, with relationship-focused sales strategies yielding up to 25% higher closing rates. Actively listening to prospects helps you address their pain points effectively, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Engaging through social media and online interactions increases your brand visibility and credibility, potentially boosting lead conversion rates by 20-30%. Furthermore, implementing follow-up strategies is important, as 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups to close, maintaining engagement and strengthening relationships over time. Leveraging Customer Feedback for Improvement Leveraging customer feedback is a crucial strategy for continuous improvement in your products and services. By gathering insights, you can identify areas that need improvement. Here are some key benefits of engaging with customer feedback: 70% of customers are willing to provide feedback if asked, helping you understand their needs. Positive testimonials can bolster your credibility and influence 79% of consumers’ purchasing decisions. Addressing negative feedback quickly shows commitment; 63% of customers would return if their complaints are resolved. Regularly soliciting feedback can increase sales by 10-15%, as it informs your future strategies and improves customer experiences. Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptation As the sales environment continues to evolve, embracing continuous learning and adaptation becomes essential for achieving long-term success. Organizations that prioritize ongoing training experience a 23% increase in time spent selling, leading to improved overall performance. Regular skill development sessions keep your sales team competitive and ready to adapt to changing market trends, enhancing their effectiveness in engaging potential customers. Utilizing performance metrics to guide coaching efforts helps you identify specific weaknesses within your team, allowing for targeted training initiatives. By embracing adaptability in your sales strategies, you can quickly respond to shifts in customer preferences, maintaining a competitive edge. Furthermore, encouraging peer learning and mentorship within your team promotes collaboration and shares best practices that can drive sales growth. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on comprehending customer needs through value-based or consultative selling. Tailor your messaging to resonate with specific challenges, as personalized communication can greatly improve engagement. Implement a robust follow-up process, ensuring you reach out multiple times since most prospects require several interactions before deciding. Finally, leverage data analytics to refine your tactics and consider establishing a referral program to utilize satisfied customers as advocates for your business. What Are the 3 C’s in Sales? The 3 C’s in sales are Company, Customer, and Competition. You need to analyze your company’s strengths and weaknesses to leverage unique selling points. Comprehending your customers involves identifying their needs, preferences, and pain points to create customized approaches. Researching your competition helps you know their offerings and weaknesses, allowing you to differentiate your product. What Are the 5 P’s of Sales? The 5 P’s of sales are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. Each component plays an essential role in your sales strategy. Product emphasizes quality and features that meet customer needs. Price involves setting a competitive price reflecting value. Place refers to distribution channels ensuring accessibility. Promotion includes marketing strategies to create awareness. Finally, People focuses on building relationships, as comprehending customer preferences can greatly impact your sales success. What Is the 3 2 1 Sales Strategy? The 3-2-1 Sales Strategy focuses on presenting potential buyers with three key benefits of your product, two customer testimonials, and one compelling call to action. This approach simplifies your message, making it easy for customers to grasp the value without feeling overwhelmed. Highlighting three significant advantages resonates with their needs, whereas testimonials provide social proof. The call to action directs them to the next step, enhancing engagement and increasing your chances of conversion. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven selling tactics, you can greatly improve your sales strategy. Prioritizing consultative selling, actively listening to clients, and pursuing high-quality leads are crucial steps toward building trust and loyalty. Consistent follow-up and leveraging customer feedback further strengthen relationships, as ongoing learning keeps your team informed about market trends. Adopting these approaches not just drives sales growth but likewise nurtures a deeper connection with your customers, ensuring long-term success in a competitive marketplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Selling Tactics to Boost Sales Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Because it’s Christmas time, I’ve been digging into myths and misconceptions we have about the holiday: Yuletide misinformation is rampant, and I’m setting the record straight. Last week I dug into who Santa Claus really is, with side quests about St. Nicholas bringing children back from the dead and the religious war between Santa and Kris Kringle. One thing I didn't talk about? His elves. Christmas elves feel like they’ve been around forever, and people have strangely consistent ideas of what they’re all about—they’re small, they wear green, they make toys out of some innate magical compulsion, they love shelves— but that variety of elf is a recent invention; “real” elves were often anything but jolly little pieceworkers. The elves' thousand-year transition from supernatural nightmare creatures to friendly factory workers is a cultural Rorschach test revealing Western culture's changing attitudes about work, wealth, and what it means to be a "useful" member of society. The dark elves of the pastTo understand how we arrived at our current vision of elves, you have to rewind past Will Ferrell vehicles, Christmas specials, and Victorian holiday frippery to the colder heart of Western culture—the old, weird world that was haunted by supernatural forces, and elves weren’t creatures you’d ever want spying on your children. The early origin of elves can’t be pinned down exactly because the idea of elves predates the written word. Magical, man-like races were mentioned in mythology and oral traditions in cultures all over the world; but elves, specifically, were common in Norse and Germanic folklore. This variety of elf was (usually) more like Legolas than Hermey from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer—human-sized and magical, although sometimes mischievous. Elves in Anglo-Saxon England, though, were jerks. Old English medical texts attributed various diseases to elves. If you felt a sharp, unexplained pain, it was probably the result of an “elfshot”—an elf firing an invisible arrow at you. Elves were also associated with witchcraft, nightmares, and mental disorders. Various elven misdeedsElves did all kinds of bad things. Kind of, anyway: The names and deeds of elves, fairies, hobs and other creatures were basically interchangeable and regional, so it's hard to ascribe anything specifically to elves (it could have been a nixie or brownie, after all). In the Middle Ages, elves/fairies/other small magic folk were known to steal people's babies, replacing them with changelings—sickly imposters left in the human’s place. They could curse your livestock, spoil your milk, or lead travelers astray in the woods. Elves were blamed when infants died suddenly or when children developed unexplained illnesses. The "elf-lock" was a particularly nasty bit of mischief where elves would tangle your hair into impossible knots while you slept—the bastards! In other words, these were not the kind of people who would help make toys. They were fundamentally alien—beings that operated by rules humans couldn't understand and definitely couldn't trust—and they weren't for fun or for kids. They were deadly serious and considered very real. The rise of transitional helper-elvesSo how did we get from disease-causing, child-stealing nightmare creatures to Santa’s personal toy-making proletariat? By the medieval and early modern period in Britain, there is widespread belief in what I call “transitional elves.” These were household spirits that came out at night to perform chores while families slept. Useful, for sure, but these elves were mercurial and easily offended. They would leave forever if they felt insulted or taken advantage of. You couldn’t even do something nice for them—if you made them clothes, they might decide to quit forever, shouting, “Gie Brownie a coat, gie Brownie a sark, Ye'se get nae mair o' Brownie's wark." These “household helper” folk beliefs often cast elves as craftsmen, one step closer to toy-makers. These stories inspired the text that laid the foundation for Christmas Elves: the Brothers Grimm fairytale “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” In that story, a shoemaker is down to his last piece of leather, but he wakes up to find a pair of elf-crafted shoes. He sells them, and continues to get free shoemaking labor until he grows wealthy. Then he makes the fateful mistake of rewarding his unpaid laborers with clothing and shoes of their own. They elves are so impressed with their classy new fits, they leave forever, seemingly because they now regard themselves as too good for a working class life. The moral: Don’t treat your employees very well, lest they think they’re your equal. How Elves became associated with ChristmasAlong with establishing much of Santa’s mythology, Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (better known as "The Night Before Christmas") described Santa Claus himself as "a right jolly old elf,” This line laid the foundation for the association of elves with Christmas. An 1857 poem called “The Wonders of Santa Claus” spelled it out clearly. Santa, the poem says, “keeps a great many elves at work,” making “a million of pretty things” like “cakes, sugar-plums, and toys.” In a reflection of the industrial revolution that was happening far from the North Pole, elves weren't household spirits helping one family, they were a workforce, mass-producing toys in a factory. And in what can be seen as an expression of sentimental Victorian ideas about class, the elves loved working in a sweatshop; it's what they were born to do! Here’s the first picture of Santa’s Workshop, from Godey's Lady's Book in 1873. At the time, Godey’s had a huge circulation in the United States, and this image cemented the modern idea of Santa’s Workshop. Credit: Public Domain Modern Christmas elvesThe 1964 Rankin/Bass TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer put the finishing touches on Christmas elf lore by presenting a deeper look at how the North Pole workshop operates. Perhaps fueled by growing cultural misgivings about modernization and capitalism, Santa's workshop in Rudolph is rife with vicious interoffice politics, forced conformity, workers whose dreams and ambitions are crushed (He just wanted to be a dentist, Santa!), and a boss man who is woefully out-of-touch with his employees. The only major innovation in Elf-lore since Rudolph is the "Elf on the Shelf," but he's a damn snitch, so we won't talk about him. The next time you see a green-suited helper in a Christmas movie, remember, that the jolly little toymaker was cobbled together from medieval folklore, German fairy tales, and 19th-century magazine illustrations, and shaped by the rise of industrialization. The modern elf is the domesticated, sanitized, capitalist-approved descendant of supernatural creatures that stole babies, drove people mad, and shot invisible arrows at your ancestors. Merry Christmas! View the full article

California officials and weather forecasters urged holiday travelers to avoid the roads and reconsider Christmas travel as a series of powerful winter storms brought relentless rains, heavy winds and mountain snow. Storms began to move in late Tuesday evening and were expected to intensify into Christmas Eve. Authorities said the millions of people expected to travel across the state will likely meet hazardous, if not impossible, conditions as several atmospheric rivers were forecast to make their way through the state, the National Weather Service warned. “If you’re planning to be on the roads for the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans,” said Ariel Cohen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Los Angeles, during a Tuesday news conference. Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows in areas scorched by last January’s wildfires. Los Angeles County officials said they were knocking on the doors of some 380 particularly vulnerable households to order them to leave. Much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area were under a flood watch and a high wind warning through Friday. Forecasters warned heavy snow and gusts were expected to create “near white-out conditions” Wednesday in parts of the Sierra Nevada and make it “nearly impossible” to travel through the mountain passes. There’s also a risk of severe thunderstorms and a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast. Heavy rain and flash flooding already led to water rescues and at least one death in Northern California, local officials said. Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson on Monday declared a state of emergency to prepare for more rain and allow the state to help with hazard mitigation and search and rescue operations. Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters), National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said. It could be even more in the mountains. Gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph (96.5 to 127.8 kph) in parts of the central coast. Officials expect multiple road closures and airport delays during the storms. Downed trees and power lines are also possible. Parts of Los Angeles are under evacuation warnings this week. The county put up K-rails, a type of barrier, around the burn scar to help catch sliding debris during rainstorms. Residents could also pick up free sandbags to protect their homes, said Kathryn Barger, a Los Angeles County supervisor representing Altadena. Many people in burn scar areas decided not to leave after receiving the evacuation notification, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said. He urged them to reconsider. “The threat posed by this storm is real and imminent,” he said. Local and state officials are gearing up to respond to emergencies through the week. The state has deployed resources and first responders to a number of counties along the coast and in Southern California. The California National Guard is also on standby to assist. An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of water vapor that forms over an ocean and flows through the sky, transporting moisture from the tropics to northern latitudes. Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, and Jessica Hill in Las Vegas contributed to this report. —Trân Nguyễn, Associated Press View the full article

The great power competition in the AI Age will probably be between OpenAI and Google, and one of the main battles may be over advertising dollars. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman seemed to describe the world in those terms during an appearance on the Big Technology podcast Monday. OpenAI, which is not yet profitable, is reportedly getting set to sell ads within ChatGPT in an effort to monetize the many free users on its platform. ChatGPT now has an impressive 800 million weekly active users, but only 35 million of them buy subscriptions. The ads, which could help pay for OpenAI’s plan to spend $115 billion on infrastructure by 2029, could show up as soon as early 2026. As Altman pointed out on the podcast, Google was slow to put generative AI at the center of its products, especially search, its cash cow. “Google has probably the greatest business model in the whole industry, and I think they will be slow to give that up,” Altman said. Google became a two trillion-dollar company selling ads around its traditional “ten blue links” search results; answering search queries with AI-generated results would have meant lost revenue—especially for product searches. (Google has since developed its own AI search experiences and is experimenting with ads to match.) Altman believes Google’s hesitation to go hard on infusing its products with generative AI has bought his company time and staying power. “If Google had really decided to take us seriously in 2023, let’s say, we would’ve been in a really bad place,” the CEO said. “I think they would’ve just been able to smash us.” OpenAI believes (as Perplexity does) that Google will struggle to monetize AI search ads after spending decades perfecting a massive apparatus for selling ads around traditional search results. “[B]olting AI into web search—I may be wrong, I may be drinking the Kool-Aid here—I don’t think that’ll work as well as reimagining the whole [business].” Altman said. He seems to suggest that his company is better positioned to reinvent web search and advertising because it’s a pure AI play. It’s true Google was slow to evolve search (and search ads) toward AI, but the company still has some massive advantages when competing for brand advertiser dollars. It has amassed databases full of custom information that it can serve for certain searches—like local business searches, weather, or mapping. And it has more ad targeting data than anyone else. “There are very legitimate reasons to be concerned that OpenAI is going to eventually succumb to the Google behemoth, just as Yahoo, Microsoft, Blackberry, and countless others have,” writes Stratechery analyst Ben Thompson in a recent newsletter. “I still want to believe that OpenAI can be an aggregator, but they don’t have the business model to match, and that may be fatal.” Altman has said he has reservations about putting ads within ChatGPT, worrying that it might erode trust in the chatbot’s outputs. But it may be that advertising will be the way consumer AI is paid for, just like it’s the reason that much of the web has been free for decades. Ad dollars may let OpenAI maintain its pace in pursuing human-level AI models, its major goal. But going head-to-head with Google in web ads is a daunting task, and it may be one of OpenAI’s biggest tests yet. 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. At $749, the unlocked 128GB Google Pixel 10 Pro has slipped into its most affordable price yet on Amazon, down from its original $999 launch price, according to online price trackers. Stack the promo code PIXEL10, and you shave off another $100, which reframes the phone entirely. At full price, it felt like a confident but pricey Android flagship. At this discount, it becomes a far easier recommendation for people who value polish over raw benchmark wins. Google Pixel 10 Pro $649.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $350.00 Get Deal Get Deal $649.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $350.00 This is still very much a Pixel. The design is clean and familiar, with a flat display, matte glass back, and a solid in-hand feel that avoids the slippery problem of earlier generations. It runs Android as Google intends it to run, with fast updates and a long support window that continues to be one of Pixel’s quiet advantages. Most of what the Pixel 10 Pro does well will feel familiar to longtime Pixel fans. The triple-camera system is reliably consistent, with low-light photos that stay natural instead of heavily processed, portraits that rarely miss, and everyday shots that come out right without needing a second attempt. The display gets a modest but useful bump in brightness, which helps outdoors, and Qi2 wireless charging brings faster, more reliable cable-free top-ups. Google’s new Pixelsnap magnetic system fits cleanly into daily routines, snapping chargers and accessories into place much like Apple’s MagSafe, without feeling forced. Lifehacker’s Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt notes in her review that this kind of convenience adds up, especially for car mounts or desk charging. One real trade-off is the move to eSIM-only support. That is fine if your carrier supports it, but it can be limiting if you switch networks often or rely on physical SIMs while traveling. Where the Pixel 10 Pro feels less settled is in performance expectations. The Tensor G5 chip is smooth for everyday use, but it does not match Snapdragon rivals in demanding third-party apps, as noted in this PCMag review. Google’s latest AI features sound impressive, but many feel optional rather than essential, not exactly reasons to upgrade. Battery life is solid but unremarkable. It lasts a full day with moderate use, though heavier users may need a top-up before night. All told, this discounted Pixel 10 Pro is not aimed at spec chasers. It is a balanced, camera-first Android phone with thoughtful refinements, now priced in a way that finally makes sense. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $209.99 (List Price $249.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $139.99 (List Price $219.99) 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) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $74.99 (List Price $189.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Meta Quest 3 512GB Mixed Reality VR Headset with Controllers — $499.00 (List Price $499.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article