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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Tools can be a serious investment—so if you're looking to up your DIY game in 2026, a tool bundle is often a good solution. Because they come with batteries and chargers, they’re a great way to get everything you need to use a new tool set right away, and they can be more economical than buying each tool individually. Milwaukee tool sets are often more than $1,000, but you can get a few of these bundles for under $700 right now at Home Depot. Why I recommend Milwaukee toolsI’ve been using Milwaukee cordless tools for over a decade on a variety of professional and personal projects, including projects around the house as well as large scale decking installations. These tools tend to be reliable and the batteries routinely last more than ten years, even working on outdoor projects, exposed to rain and dirt. Durability is a big consideration when I buy tools; the longer they last, the more economical they are. Because all of the current tools are backwards-compatible with all of the 18-volt batteries I have, it's easy to add tools to my set as new ones come out that I want to try, and as my needs expand. Milwaukee tool bundles on saleThe Milwaukee 18-volt, nine-tool combo kit is on sale for $649, 46% off its regular price. It comes with a drill, a ¼-inch impact driver, a ½-inch impact wrench, a 6 ½-inch circular saw, a one-hand reciprocating saw, an angle grinder, an oscillating multitool, a mini blower, a work light, two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and tool bag. This is a good set for larger projects, and it has many of the tools included that I used for building a large outdoor deck. Two larger capacity batteries is a good place to start, although if you plan on using multiple saw simultaneously, you’ll need to add another battery or two to keep a fresh battery ready on the charger. Milwaukee 18-volt, nine-tool combo kit $649.00 at Home Depot $1,199.00 Save $550.00 Get Deal Get Deal $649.00 at Home Depot $1,199.00 Save $550.00 The Milwaukee 18-volt five-tool combo kit is on sale for $299, 50% off its regular price. This set includes a drill, a ¼-inch impact driver, a 6 ½-inch circular saw, a one-hand reciprocating saw, a work light, a five-amp-hour battery, a 1.5-amp-hour battery, a charger, and a tool bag. This set has everything you need to get started doing DIY projects, and it includes all the basic Milwaukee tools I use day-to-day for woodworking and smaller building projects like building shelves. This is a good starter set to build on, and it's very similar to the one I began with more than a decade ago. The Milwaukee 12-volt sub-compact drill and driver set is on sale for $199, 50% off its regular price. This set includes a 12-volt drill, an impact driver, a powered ratchet, two batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. While 12-volt batteries are often underpowered for larger projects, these smaller tools can be quite useful for projects like furniture assembly, putting up shelves, or doing appliance repair, as you often don’t need more than an hour or so of battery life to accomplish many of these tasks with your tools, and the smaller size makes them easier to fit into tight spaces. Milwaukee 12-volt sub-compact drill and driver set $199.00 at Home Depot $399.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Home Depot $399.00 Save $200.00 View the full article

The deal comes as technology experts see likely 2026 artificial intelligence breakthroughs in mortgage to come through improved underwriting. View the full article

Fashion collaborations are nothing new, but 2025 felt like a year particularly stuffed with branding matchups. There’s a reason why this might be happening. “Online platforms have become crowded, [there are] rapidly accelerating trend cycles, [and] it’s become more challenging than ever for brands to stand out,” Cassandra Napoli, a head culture forecaster at WGSN, says. Collaborations continue to be a unique and important tool for marketing and maintaining cultural relevance. The best lead to attention-grabbing virality, as was the case with Nike x Skims’ first drop, Sandy Liang x Gap, and Willy Chavarria x Adidas. “Collaborations have become so important because brands have a need to attract new cohorts of communities and consumers . . . as well as provide a new expression of brand DNA and satisfy many customers’ need for newness,” Gemma D’Auria, global leader of apparel, fashion, and luxury at McKinsey, tells Fast Company. But the truth is fashion has become inundated with collabs, and the net result of so much noise has ultimately had the opposite effect: We’re numb to them. A collaboration alone is no longer enough to excite. To sell, they’ll have to resonate with a brand’s core audience, while also tapping into culture and surprising consumers with something new. What brands could break the internet together? Insiders reveal their blue-sky collaboration ideas for 2026. 1. A Gap collab with a luxury design partner Gap has been on a roll. The American fashion brand not only wooed shoppers this year with the aforementioned Sandy Liang drop, but its denim campaign with Katseye went viral for good reason: an incredible campaign spot that called back to its Y2K days with rising talent and fresh choreo (unlike the controversy-laden American Eagle “good jeans” mess that dropped weeks before). Multihyphenate host and former Essence editor Blake Newby wants to see Gap bring more designer partners on board. “I feel like there’s a synergy in the brand ethos of a Loewe girl and a Gap girl,” Newby says, adding that Loewe has already proven it’s comfortable with collabs thanks to its drops with On Running, for instance. (Plus, Loewe has its own denim with real brand ID.) “Gap has also just been doing such cool creative things. We would of course expect this to be at a higher price point [than normal Gap], but it would be so fabulous to see Gap merge their love for denim and basics with the way Loewe does [a similar thing].” 2. A Chanel partnership that scales smaller masters of the métier People are expecting a lot from Chanel right now. The French luxury house is freshly under the creative leadership of Matthieu Blazy, who made his runway collection debut in October. He’s being celebrated for breathing new life into the brand, and fashion people are curious to see a Chanel collaboration. Technically, the brand edged into collab territory in October: Blazy revealed a white button-up on the runway in partnership with 187-year old Parisian shirtmaker Charvet. But for Blazy, it wasn’t a collaboration as much as it was highlighting a house of craftsmanship, as the brand already does in its Métier d’Art collection. “It’ll be interesting to see what other things [Chanel Creative Director] Matthieu Blazy taps into because he’s really attuned to craftsmanship,” Jalil Johnson, author of the Consider Yourself Cultured Substack says. “It would be more interesting for these storied houses to give resources to smaller entities to see what they can produce on a bigger scale, like if Chanel worked with Gee’s Bend quiltmakers,” referring to the intergenerational group of women in a rural Alabama town crafting brightly hued and intricate patterned textiles. 3. A pairing that dares to expand Hermès sportswear Adjacent to Chanel, strategist and collaboration expert Bimma Williams wants to see a storied house work with an unexpected brand. For Williams, the dream would be to see Hermès and its recently appointed Men’s Creative Director Grace Wales Bonner do a collaboration with Adidas. (Believe it or not, Hermès already offers an HermèsFit line, and Wales Bonner and Adidas have already done drops.) Adding Hermès to that mix, he thinks, would be a ”masterclass in craft and restraint, merging heritage, sport, and contemporary cultural intelligence.” Perhaps what people are craving is for an uber high fashion house to finally cave and break its mold to collaborate with another brand that seems out of the high-end purview. A spin on the Birkin would inject some much-needed energy into the highly coveted bag for Amy Odell, a New York Times bestselling author and writer of Back Row on Substack. “I think the Birkin is getting stale, and they’ve got to mix it up,” Odell, who wrote biographies on Anna Wintour and Gwyneth Paltrow, tells Fast Company. “Hermès won’t sell the Birkin to Nike . . . but what if you had a Birkin you could take to the gym? I feel like everyone would talk about that. Or, they could collaborate with Tiffany & Co.—opulence is coming back—and do a fully glittery, diamond bag.” The economy is recovering in a biforcated K-shape, meaning that while inflation and a tight job market has led to less spending among lower-income consumers, America’s wealthiest shoppers are still buying, so there could still be a market for what would surely be an exorbitantly priced luxury good. 4. A collaboration that revives ’70s era Elsa Peretti x Halston The Italian jewelry designer and fashion model Elsa Peretti has had a legendary collaboration with Tiffany & Co. since 1974. Peretti, who passed away in 2021, is behind the American jeweler’s popular bone cuffs and other sculptural pieces. But what some may not know is that Peretti also worked with Halston to design not only a fragrance bottle, but jewelry and accessories, too. A re-edition of this duo’s work would be a dream come true for The Millenial Decorator’s Julia Rabinowitsch, who recently collaborated on a shoe collection with Reformation. “I’d love to see a revival of the pieces Peretti did, especially as I collect vintage Elsa for Halston pieces, and they are becoming increasingly rare,” she adds. 5. A duo that offers a new take on classic Missoni patterns Across the board, experts want one thing in a collaboration: for it to be unexpected. For stylist and founder of experiential shopping platform Sweet Like Jam, Mecca James-Williams, “designer-led collaborations with bigger luxury houses” would catch her eye. Imagine Christopher John Rogers, known for his unique technicolor touch and bold silhouettes, with Missoni, she says. James-Williams isn’t the only one interested in merging Missoni’s signature zigzags and geometric patterns. British TV exec June Sarpong would be interested in the brand working with British artist Yinka Ilori, known for his savvy use of bright colors, evident in his collabs with The North Face and Bloomingdale’s. Across both fashion insiders, there’s a real interest in seeing how the brand would keep the foundations of its signature while playing with a more flexible element, namely color. Whatever brands decide to do in 2026, it’s important that their collaborations form with intention and a real understanding that to land well, they have to make us wish we thought of the pairing first. View the full article

There are many good reasons to get a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app installed on your phone or laptop: They make it harder for anyone else to track your browsing, they keep your data safe when you're on public wifi networks, and they even let you spoof your location so you can access geolocation-locked content. You'll also find plenty of choice when it comes to VPNs. Our own guides to the best paid VPNs and the best free VPNs show the wealth of impressive apps out there, and even when you narrow down the criteria, you've still got lots of options to pick from—see our recommendations for the best free VPNs for Android. So what exactly should you be looking for when it comes to choosing the right VPN for you? These are the features and selling points that you'll see mentioned when you're browsing VPN comparisons, and what they mean (and once you've built up a shortlist from these criteria, then you can look at the prices and extras). Browsing speedOne of the downsides of loading up a VPN is that your browsing speed can suffer, while your data gets pinged around multiple servers across the globe. Ideally, you want all the protection that a VPN offers, without too much of a hit on download and upload rates (no matter how many other people are using the same VPN). Unfortunately, this isn't really something you can gauge just by looking at VPN listings and ads, as most VPNs will claim to be the fastest. Either read benchmark tests put together by publications and authors you trust (watch out for sponsored content), or make use of as many free trials as you can and do some testing yourself. Server locations Even VPN service will tell you how many servers it has, and where they are. Credit: ExpressVPN Your VPN of choice needs to reroute your internet traffic somewhere, and how many servers a particular VPN has around the world can make a substantial difference to speed and availability. It's also going to determine where in the world you can pretend to be of course, if you want to jump to another country virtually. Broadly speaking, the more servers the better, though as with VPN speeds you may have to do some testing of your own to check reliability and transfer rates. Look for server locations close to you (for speed), and outside of heavily censored or surveilled countries (for privacy), and check any technical specs that are given for them. Split tunneling and kill switchesSomething else to look out for is split tunneling, or the ability to send only some of your internet traffic through a VPN. This means you get better speeds (and less security and privacy) on data that's not so important, if you're just reading the news or learning a language. It's a feature that many of the best VPNs now offer. Another feature worth checking for is a kill switch. It sounds rather dramatic, but it's simply a feature that shuts down your internet connection if the data encryption somehow fails—cutting you off from the internet, but preventing your connection and data from being exposed. Again, this is now fairly common, but not every VPN offers it. No logs or zero logs Mullvad VPN lets you pay by cash, if you don't want to enter payment info. Credit: Mullvad VPN You should only consider VPNs that have clear no-logs policies (no browsing data is permanently retained) or zero-logs policies (supposedly even stricter, covering more data). Don't take the VPN's word for it. though: Look for third-party audits from independent security companies, carried out regularly, to verify these claims. If these logs are retained, they might be sold to data brokers, or pulled by law enforcement agencies—so check the individual privacy policies for details of what happens when you're connected to your VPN. Some VPNs go above and beyond when it comes to letting you stay anonymous: Mullvad VPN lets you pay by cash through the post, for example. VPN protocolA VPN protocol is the way that the VPN connects to the internet at large: It makes a major difference to speed and security, and you'll often see it mentioned in VPN listings. However, as important as it is, it's not something that's easy to compare across different VPN services—most VPNs will simply say their protocol of choice is the best. Once you've got a shortlist of VPNs together, do some background reading on the protocols they use: Look for independent assessments of their security and transparency, technical benchmarks, and protocols that have been open sourced so they can be analyzed. OpenVPN and WireGuard are two well-regarded protocols, for example. Location and reputation Where a VPN is based is important, as well as where it connects to. Credit: Lifehacker VPN companies are bound by the laws and regulations of the country that they're based in—so it's a good idea to look for ones based in places where surveillance regulation and government monitoring is less strict. If necessary, check the VPN's policies on how it deals with data requests from the authorities and law enforcement in its local region. It's also worth weighinga VPN company's reputation: How does it make money? What other services does it offer? What's its record with data breaches? This is much more important with a VPN than it is with your streaming music provider, for example, because you're trusting it with all of your online data while you're connected. Trials and money backGenerally speaking, it's worth paying for a VPN, as you're giving it so much responsibility in terms of your online access and security. The paid options are almost always going to give you a faster and more reliable service, and if you regularly make use of a VPN then the monthly fee is well worth the investment. It is, however, worth looking for services that offer free trials and your money back if you're not satisfied (usually after 30 days). Not only does it reflect well on the VPN company, it means you can see if the VPN suits your needs—and check how fast its servers are—before signing up for any kind of payment plan. View the full article

If you’re job searching right now, it can feel like your efforts and outcomes aren’t lining up. The job search is changing, and competition isn’t easing. The result: nearly 80% of job seekers say they feel unprepared to find a new job this year. At the same time, two-thirds of recruiters say it’s become harder to find qualified talent over the last year. This tension has become a defining feature of the job hunt. There’s no denying that AI is reshaping how work gets done, and in the new year, both recruiters and job seekers are planning to use the technology to gain a competitive edge. The good news is that the fundamentals of what makes for a good hire haven’t changed drastically. But as AI tools continue to evolve, the way job seekers show up and hirers evaluate talent is shifting. As LinkedIn’s Career Expert, I have front-row access to how the job market is changing, based on our unique data and member insights, and have spent over a decade helping professionals navigate their careers with confidence as work continues to evolve. Here’s what job seekers need to know about how to stand out and make AI work for them, not against them, in 2026. Do focus on your skills, don’t try to game the system When job seekers update their résumé or LinkedIn Profile, many fall into the same trap: trying to say everything at once. In the age of AI, that can look like keyword stuffing in hopes an LLM picks it up. But this often backfires, making applications feel inauthentic or mismatched to the role. Instead, what works best is to lead with the actual skills you have—and specific explanations as to what you actually did, how you did it, and what came of it. Saying you “led a cross-functional launch that improved customer retention by 2x,” for example, gives far more insight than a dense list of generic responsibilities. This level of detail will help you stand out to recruiters, many of whom are already tapping AI to find candidates with skills they’d never have found before. So, take the time to revisit how you present your qualifications. You may even rediscover skills you’ve been applying for years without realizing they’re in-demand now, like problem-solving and adaptability, so you can stand out more and have an easier time spotting roles that are actually a good fit for you. Don’t be intimidated by the AI interview, do practice ahead of time For many job seekers, the first interaction with a potential employer now happens through an AI-led prescreen or interview. That alone can be enough to throw people off. The format feels unfamiliar, but my biggest advice to job seekers is to treat it like a normal interview. Today, AI-led prescreenings help hiring teams manage application overload so they can spend their time evaluating and interviewing candidates who are truly a good fit. In fact, two-thirds of recruiters say AI prescreening interviews can help them get better insights about candidates, even across a large applicant pool. For job seekers, I recommend practicing an AI interview beforehand so you’re not caught off guard the first time you encounter one. Use AI tools to practice a run-through, testing out your responses to common interview questions, how you’d introduce yourself, and how you’d describe your strengths and yes, your weaknesses (aka opportunities for growth!). If you’re able to clearly communicate your experience and what you’ll bring to the role, you’ll move more smoothly through the hiring process, from pre-screening to live interviews. Do invest in relationships, don’t wait until you need them Even as AI becomes more ingrained in the job search process, it’s still humans who make the biggest impact in your job search and career more broadly. But a mistake people make is waiting until they’ve started looking for a new job to tap into their network. Even well-intentioned messages can come across as transactional if you’re only reaching out when you need something. Strong connections often start with shared context, not a specific ask, so reaching out early and often to your network is the best approach. This can be as simple as sending a quick check-in to a former coworker, a past manager, or a recruiter you meant to follow up with. A simple “saw your promotion, congrats” or “this made me think of you” goes further than you think. If you’re not sure what to say, there are a ton of tools you can tap to help you find some common ground or the right words. The biggest takeaway: when relationships are warm, people are more likely to vouch for you or share opportunities you might not otherwise see. This can make all the difference, especially in a tough job market where many hiring managers give extra consideration to applicants who have a referral. Bottom Line: Use AI to get clearer, not slicker Hiring may look different than it did a few years ago, but the basics haven’t changed as much as it may feel. Skills, curiosity, and judgment still matter. What has changed is how job seekers can use AI to take charge of their job search. On LinkedIn, you can now describe what type of role you want, using plain language, and jobs you might not have thought to search for will come up. You can take a similar approach when looking for a new connection too, making it easier to build your network. When used strategically, AI can help you job search more intentionally so you can spend your energy where it matters most, and put your best foot forward in 2026. View the full article

LinkedIn’s AI-powered job search feature is expanding to new audiences. The tool—which lets job seekers find relevant open positions without needing to exactly match keywords in the job title or description—will soon be available to all LinkedIn members using the site in English and expanding to Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. AI-powered job search is already used by 1.3 million people daily, with more than 25 million job searches conducted via the tool every week. And initial data indicates that job seekers without a four-year college degree who use the tool are 10% more likely to get hired than before, according to the company. “This is a really meaningful shift, because our vision is economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” says Rohan Rajiv, senior director of product management and product lead for job search at LinkedIn. “We know that in the past, if you were a line cook or a taco chef, it wasn’t that easy to find those jobs on LinkedIn.” The AI search tool even lets users specify general properties of a job, like saying “I want to protect the world’s oceans,” and find relevant listings, he says. That’s a result of careful, iterative development of a large language model-powered system that can parse job titles, descriptions and other data, understanding the nuances of how listings may vary by location and industry. One job listing may refer to “partnerships,” while another listing for a similar position refers to “business development” work, for example. And the AI is able to deliver both listings to potential applicants without them needing to search for a specific keyword. “Compared to traditional keyword searches, it felt more intuitive and less mechanical,” writes Anderson Cheng, who recently found a job at the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency via the tool, in an email to Fast Company. “The biggest surprise was how well it surfaced roles I might have skipped over based on title alone, but that were actually a strong fit once I reviewed the description more closely.” The AI is carefully designed to be speedy, so users don’t have to wait long for results, as well as accurate and internally cost effective, Rajiv says. The results are created in part by LinkedIn staff evaluating them using a second LLM-powered system, then providing the core AI with additional examples in areas where it underperforms. Using AI to evaluate results lets the company check a broader sample than they could practically look at by hand. “The magic of building these products is that you’re able to evaluate these products at scale,” says Rajiv. The expanded AI access comes as the Microsoft-owned platform continues to evolve beyond a mere virtual rolodex and resume board, perhaps especially in the post-pandemic era. Revenue has more than doubled from $7 billion in 2020 to $17 billion in 2025, according to LinkedIn. It has long been used by recruiters to find potential candidates and vet applicants, making maintaining a profile there critical in many industries. “If you say something in your résumé, they might look at your LinkedIn and see if those things line up,” says Daniel Usera, a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who has studied LinkedIn. Job searches are also a big part of what LinkedIn offers. The company reports that every minute, nearly 50 new hires are made through LinkedIn and more than 11,000 job applications are submitted through the platform. It’s also a social network, where 17,000 new connections are formed every minute. Another recently released AI feature, known as AI-powered people search, helps users find potential connections based on plain language criteria, like “investors with FDA experience for a biotech startup” or “Northwestern alumni who work in entertainment marketing,” rather than simply looking people up by name and employer. The platform has also given people new ways to express themselves in recent years, including adding short-form video similar to TikTok. LinkedIn posts are sometimes mocked and parodied for their excessive business boosterism, and cringey work lessons drawn from personal trauma. But the site has become a legitimately unique place for people to share work updates, from promotions to hiring announcements, along with insights about their fields. “We kind of have this sense of professionalism in terms of how you’re supposed to post, how you’re supposed to interact,” says Usera. “And the topics are generally professional in nature.” More than 1.9 million feed updates are viewed every minute as of October 2025, according to the company, which reports that comments on the network are up 24% year-over-year. Usera says his research indicates that tagging other people in LinkedIn posts, perhaps in celebrating their achievements and contributions to your own work, can help boost engagement. And while he hasn’t yet formally studied the LinkedIn “cringe” phenomenon, he says awkward posts can result from attempts at modesty, where people allude to personal achievements in roundabout ways, and those forced analogies between the personal and professional. “Maybe the lesson is you don’t need to always be creative,” he says. “You can just be factual and just trust that your network supports you and will be happy for you.” And as the platform’s AI job search functionality expands, the same lesson likely applies to job postings. While job description language have historically sometimes been an afterthought, providing clear detail about what a position entails helps ensure it shows up in AI-powered searches, says Rajiv. “We are moving away from a world focused on keywords to a world where you need to say things as they are,” he says. View the full article

If you signed up for an Amazon Prime membership between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, Amazon might owe you as much as $51. This comes after the online retail giant entered into a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations that the company used deceptive practices to enroll customers in its Prime membership. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Amazon and the FTC have agreed to a settlement over allegations that the online retailer used deceptive practices to enroll people in its Amazon Prime membership, while also making it difficult for those same individuals to cancel the membership. The settlement was reached in September 2025, with Amazon agreeing to pay $2.5 billion to eligible U.S. customers. Of that, $1 billion goes toward paying a civil penalty. The remaining $1.5 billion will be used to refund eligible customers up to $51 each. As part of the settlement, Amazon did not admit to any wrongdoing. Who is eligible for the refund? There are two groups of people eligible for a refund. Both groups must have signed up between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025. Automatic payment group: In this first group, you must have enrolled in Prime through a so-called “challenged enrollment flow.” And you may not have used more than three Prime benefits in a 12-month period from June 23, 2019, to June 23, 2025. If you’re part of this group, you should have received your payment automatically by December 24, 2025, with no action required on your part. Claims process payment group: In this second group, you must have either unintentionally enrolled in Prime through a challenged enrollment flow or unsuccessfully tried to cancel Prime. Further, you must have used more than three Prime benefits but less than 10 during the covered 12-month period. The window for submitting a claim for the second group opened on Monday, January 5. According to the settlement website, eligible customers should receive a notice via mail or email with instructions for filing a claim by January 23. What is a challenged enrollment flow? According to the FTC and the settlement administrator, that term refers to various pathways to sign up for Prime: The Universal Prime Decision Page (UPDP), Shipping Option Select Page (SOSP), Prime Video enrollment flow, and Single Page Checkout (SPC). The good news is that you don’t personally need to determine if you signed up through a challenged enrollment flow to submit a claim. According to the FTC, Amazon will determine that for you. How much money does Amazon owe me? If you fall into either group, Amazon will refund your Prime membership fee up to $51. What do I have to do to get my refund? If you are part of the first group, you should have automatically received your refund payment from Amazon with no action required on your part. If you are in the second group, you should receive a notice via email or regular mail from Amazon that tells you how you can submit a claim. You have until July 21, 2026, to submit a claim. What else should I know? Those who think they may be eligible for a refund should check out the official settlement website, which has a list of frequently asked questions. View the full article

Denmark and Greenland are seeking a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the The President administration doubled down on its intention to take over the strategic Arctic island, a Danish territory. Tensions escalated after the White House said Tuesday that the “U.S. military is always an option.” President Donald The President has argued that the U.S. needs to control the world’s largest island to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a U.S. takeover would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance. “The Nordics do not lightly make statements like this,” Maria Martisiute, a defense analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “But it is The President, whose very bombastic language bordering on direct threats and intimidation, is threatening the fact to another ally by saying ‘I will control or annex the territory.'” The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Frederiksen in a statement Tuesday reaffirming that the mineral-rich island “belongs to its people.” Their statement defended the sovereignty of Greenland, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark and thus part of NATO. This weekend’s U.S. military action in Venezuela has heightened fears across Europe, and The President and his advisers in recent days have reiterated the U.S. leader’s desire to take over the island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America. “It’s so strategic right now,” The President told reporters Sunday. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested the meeting with Rubio in the near future, according to a statement posted Tuesday to Greenland’s government website. Previous requests for a sit-down were not successful, the statement said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he spoke by phone Tuesday with Rubio, who dismissed the idea of a Venezuela-style operation in Greenland. “In the United States, there is massive support for the country belonging to NATO – a membership that, from one day to the next, would be compromised by … any form of aggressiveness toward another member of NATO,” Barrot told France Inter radio Wednesday. Asked if he has a plan in case The President does claim Greenland, Barrot said he won’t engage in “fiction diplomacy.” While most U.S. Republicans have supported The President’s statement, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, the Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, blasted The President’s rhetoric in a statement Tuesday. “When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” the statement said. “Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.” Associated Press journalists Geir Moulson in Berlin and Mark Carlson in Brussels contributed to this report. —Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press View the full article

It's CES week, when the tech world gathers in Las Vegas to check out the latest gadgets, prototypes, and innovations that will shape the future. Lifehacker's tech team is on the ground at the convention, tracking down big stories and cool gear. What is CES?Billing itself as "The Most Powerful Tech Event in the World," CES (short for "Consumer Electronics Show") is the Consumer Technology Association's trade convention. It began in 1967 as a small showcase for televisions and radios, but over the decades CES has become a gathering of the tribes for tech culture. Everyone is there, from huge companies like Samsung and Sony, to scores of journalists, to scrappy startups with big dreams. From innovative AI tools to electric vehicles, laptops, e-readers, and robotic dogs, CES is where tech companies show off their wares, journalists dig up the next big story, and tech insiders network and sneak a look into the future. Where and when is CES 2026?CES is held in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9. The Las Vegas Convention Center hosts the main show floor, but there are CES-related events at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, The Sphere, and other locations across Las Vegas. The biggest stories of CES 2026 so farAlong with the expected innovations in televisions and laptops, CES 2026 is crammed with artificial intelligence, robots, and mobility devices, and health-focused wearables. Here are some of the biggest announcements at CES 2026 so far. At its keynote, NVIDIA unveiled Alpamayo, "the world's first thinking, reasoning autonomous vehicle AI." This could be serious competition for Tesla. HP showed off a new mini desktop computer, The Eliteboard G1a. You just plug the keyboard into any monitor and go to town. Only time will tell if this is a gimmick or a new form factor. Hyundai and Boston Dynamics showed off humanoid robot Atlas. But Hyundai didn't show off any new electric vehicles, suggesting a cautious outlook for the near future. Broadcom showed off Wi-Fi 8 routers and chips, providing a practical look into the future. CES 2026 Event ScheduleBelow is a guide to some of the major events at CES 2026. Sunday, January 4: Media Day 1 at Mandalay Bay Monday, January 5: Media Day 2 at Mandalay Bay. C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Tuesday, January 6: Show Floor Press Conferences, Exhibits: 10 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Wednesday, January 7: Show Floor Press Conferences, Exhibits: 9 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Thursday, January 8: Exhibits: 9 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Friday, January 9: Exhibits: 9 AM-4 PM Can't-miss keynotes and conferences at CES 2026Sunday, January 4 CES Unveiled Las Vegas – The Official Media Event of CES 2026 with innovative product previews – 4:00-7:00 PM Monday, January 5 AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su, 6:30 PM, The Venetian Tuesday, January 6 Siemens President and CEO Dr. Roland Busch, 8:30 AM, The Venetian Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, 5:00 PM, Sphere Wednesday, January 7 Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed, 9:00 AM, The Venetian Can you attend CES 2026?CES is a trade-only event, so it's not open to the general public, but if you're affiliated with the tech industry in some way, you can register at CES's official site. If you're not a tech insider, you can check out the official CES livestream and read Lifehacker's CES 2026 live blog. View the full article

Warner Bros. again rejected Paramount’s latest takeover bid and told shareholders Wednesday to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydance-owned Paramount’s overtures—and urged shareholders just weeks ago to back its the sale of its streaming and studio business to Netflix for $72 billion. Paramount, meanwhile, has sweetened its $77.9 billion offer for the entire company and gone straight to shareholders with a hostile bid. Warner Bros. Discovery said Wednesday that its board determined Paramount’s offer is not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders. It again recommended shareholders support the Netflix deal. Late last month Paramount announced an “irrevocable personal guarantee” from Oracle founder Larry Ellison—who is the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison—to back $40.4 billion in equity financing for the company’s offer. Paramount also increased its promised payout to shareholders to $5.8 billion if the deal is blocked by regulators, matching what Netflix already put on the table. The battle for Warner and the value of each offer grows complicated because Netflix and Paramount want different things. Netflix’s proposed acquisition includes only Warner’s studio and streaming business, including its legacy TV and movie production arms and platforms like HBO Max. But Paramount wants the entire company—which, beyond studio and streaming, includes networks like CNN and Discovery. If Netflix is successful, Warner’s news and cable operations would be spun off into their own company, under a previously-announced separation. A merger with either company will attract tremendous antitrust scrutiny. Due to its size and potential impact, it will almost certainly trigger a review by the U.S. Justice Department, which could sue to block the transaction or request changes. Other countries and regulators overseas may also challenge the merger. —Associated Press View the full article

To improve customer loyalty, you need effective retention strategies. Start by creating a strong onboarding experience, which sets the tone for long-term engagement. Personalizing interactions can make customers feel valued, as well as a well-structured loyalty program keeps them invested. Furthermore, regularly asking for feedback helps address pain points. These foundational strategies are just the beginning. Curious about how to effectively implement these and other techniques? Key Takeaways Implement strong onboarding experiences to enhance customer satisfaction and retention, achieving a 90% task completion rate when tailored. Offer personalized interactions and recommendations based on customer data to increase loyalty and satisfaction, as 71% expect customization. Create engaging content and loyalty programs that encourage repeat purchases, boosting retention by 70% through tiered rewards and referral incentives. Regularly solicit customer feedback to identify pain points and improve services, strengthening emotional connections and loyalty among 84% of consumers. Provide flexible return policies and transparent procedures to build trust, as 67% prefer retailers with hassle-free return options. Create a Strong Onboarding Experience Creating a strong onboarding experience is essential for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and retention from the outset. A smooth onboarding process greatly reduces buyer regret; studies show that 70% of customers who enjoy this experience are likely to recommend your product. To improve client retention, focus on transparency and efficiency, as hidden costs or slow implementation can lead to early cancellations. Effective onboarding sets a positive tone for the customer relationship, contributing to a 60% increase in retention rates. Tailoring the onboarding experience to customer needs can improve satisfaction, achieving a 90% completion rate for onboarding tasks. Regular check-ins during this phase help address potential issues early, with companies using this strategy seeing a 30% reduction in churn within the first year. These customer retention strategies not only promote loyalty but also guarantee that customers feel valued and understood, eventually leading to long-term business success. Personalize Customer Interactions Customizing customer interactions is crucial for building stronger relationships and improving retention. By offering customized recommendations based on past purchases, you can guarantee that customers feel understood and valued. Furthermore, personalized communication, such as addressing customers by name and acknowledging their preferences, improves their overall experience and nurtures loyalty. Tailored Recommendations Even though many consumers expect personalized interactions from brands, delivering customized recommendations can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. By utilizing Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, you can analyze past behaviors to provide customized suggestions that resonate with individual preferences. This approach not only improves account retention but also aligns with effective customer service and retention strategies. Research shows that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized experiences, and when they’re not met, 76% express frustration. Incorporating AI tools can further refine these recommendations, ensuring you meet customer needs at scale. Moreover, implementing loyalty programs that reward personalized interactions increases the likelihood of repeat purchases, strengthening your relationship with customers and ultimately driving long-term business success. Personalized Communication Effective personalized communication can greatly improve customer interactions and build loyalty. By addressing customers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences, you can markedly improve their experience. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, whereas 76% feel frustrated when these are lacking. Utilizing CRM systems helps you create relevant recommendations based on individual behaviors, which is vital for how to improve customer retention. In addition, AI tools can facilitate one-to-one personalized experiences, making customers feel valued. Implementing such strategies not only strengthens your customer service but likewise drives loyalty, with loyalty program members being 84% more likely to make repeat purchases. Implement a Customer Loyalty Program A customer loyalty program is a strategic initiative designed to encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their continued business. Implementing such a program can increase customer retention by 5% to 25%, which directly boosts profits by 25% to 95%. To improve satisfaction, consider offering personalized rewards customized to customer preferences. A well-structured loyalty program often includes tiered rewards, motivating customers to reach higher spending levels, cultivating exclusivity. Feature Benefits Examples Personalized Rewards Increases repeat purchases Customized discounts Tiered Levels Encourages higher spending Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers Regular Updates Keeps program relevant Seasonal promotions Customer Feedback Improves program based on preferences Surveys to gather insights Frequently Ask for Feedback How often do you think about the importance of customer feedback in shaping your business? Regularly seeking customer input through surveys and direct communication can help you identify pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately improving satisfaction and retention rates. Actively listening to your customers allows you to uncover valuable insights that inform product development and service improvements, driving loyalty in the process. Closing the feedback loop by implementing changes based on customer suggestions demonstrates that you value their opinions, cultivating trust and encouraging continued engagement. Utilizing various channels, like social media and in-product prompts, can increase participation rates and offer diverse perspectives on the customer experience. Significantly, companies that effectively engage with customer feedback create stronger emotional connections; 84% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that prioritize their input. Provide Exceptional Customer Service To provide exceptional customer service, you must focus on training your staff effectively, ensuring they’ve the skills to handle inquiries and resolve issues quickly. Offering multiple support channels, such as phone, chat, and email, allows customers to reach you in the way that suits them best. Furthermore, a clear resolution process can improve customer satisfaction, making it easier for you to address complaints and follow up to confirm that customers are satisfied with the outcomes. Staff Training Importance Exceptional customer service relies heavily on effective staff training, which is vital for enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates. When you invest in training, your staff develops important skills for handling inquiries, ultimately leading to a 70% increase in customer loyalty. Regular sessions empower employees to provide immediate assistance, as 83% of consumers expect quick responses. By equipping your team with tools like CRM systems, you can greatly improve response times; 47% of customers anticipate issue resolution in just one interaction. Additionally, companies that prioritize training see a 24% boost in customer retention. Continuous education on product knowledge and engagement strategies can further enhance customer advocacy by 10%, ensuring your team meets customer needs effectively and builds lasting relationships. Multiple Support Channels Offering multiple support channels is a key strategy in providing exceptional customer service. By offering options like phone, email, live chat, and social media, you allow customers to choose their preferred communication method, which can lead to higher satisfaction rates. Research shows that 64% of customers expect real-time assistance, regardless of the channel they use. Businesses that adopt omnichannel support can retain an average of 89% of their customers, highlighting its effectiveness. In addition, 90% of consumers expect consistent interactions across all channels, and meeting this expectation boosts customer loyalty. Implementing self-service options, such as FAQs and chatbots, can also reduce support costs by up to 30% during the process of providing immediate assistance that customers value. Quick Issue Resolution When customers encounter issues, resolving those concerns quickly can greatly impact their loyalty to your brand. Timely support is vital; studies show that 70% of customers remain loyal when their concerns are addressed swiftly. To improve your customer service, consider these strategies: Automate first-touch replies to acknowledge receipt of inquiries, setting clear expectations for response times. Train support staff effectively to handle inquiries efficiently, as positive experiences can turn customers into brand advocates. Communicate proactively during resolution processes, keeping customers informed on progress to build trust and patience. Simplifying return processes likewise plays an important role; a frustrating return experience can lead to a 92% likelihood of customers not making a future purchase. Utilize Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media effectively is vital for enhancing customer loyalty and engagement in today’s digital environment. Engaging with customers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can greatly boost brand loyalty; in fact, 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand that responds to their inquiries. Encouraging user-generated content through campaigns can also nurture a community around your brand, with engagement levels increasing by up to 28%. Regularly sharing valuable content, such as tips related to your products, keeps customers informed and can lead to a 67% increase in retention. Furthermore, personalized communication on social media is important, as 76% of consumers express frustration when they don’t receive customized interactions. Hosting exclusive events or promotions can further drive engagement, with 44% of consumers more likely to engage with brands offering special access. Offer Flexible Return Policies Offering flexible return policies can greatly improve the shopping experience for your customers, providing them with assurance through hassle-free returns. Clear communication about return procedures not only builds trust but similarly sets your Clear apart in a competitive market. Assurance Through Hassle-Free Returns A hassle-free return policy can greatly improve customer trust and loyalty, as many consumers prioritize ease of returns when shopping. Offering flexible return options not just boosts customer satisfaction but additionally boosts your brand’s reputation. Here are some key points to reflect on: Increased Trust: 67% of consumers are more likely to shop with retailers that offer flexible return policies. Higher Retention: Customers who enjoy a smooth return process are 80% more likely to make future purchases. Willingness to Pay More: 63% of consumers would pay a premium for products with easy return options. Enhance Trust With Clarity When you provide a clear and flexible return policy, you not just improve customer trust but also influence purchasing decisions notably. Studies show that 67% of consumers consider a hassle-free return process essential when deciding to buy. In fact, 92% are more inclined to make repeat purchases if the return process is straightforward. Transparent guidelines alleviate anxiety, as 77% of shoppers factor in return policies before completing their purchases. Furthermore, with 86% of customers likely to remain loyal to brands that prioritize easy returns, generous policies can greatly lower churn rates. In the end, businesses offering flexible return options can boost customer satisfaction ratings by up to 50%, nurturing long-term loyalty and advocacy. Competitive Edge in Market Flexible return policies provide a significant competitive edge in the market, as they directly influence consumer purchasing decisions. When you offer hassle-free returns, you improve customer trust and satisfaction, making them more likely to buy again. Consider these key points: 92% of consumers would repurchase if returns are easy. 67% of online shoppers check return policies before buying. Retailers with flexible policies see 30% higher customer retention rates. Build a Strong Customer Community Building a strong customer community can greatly improve brand loyalty and retention, as it encourages a sense of belonging among consumers. With 41% of people expecting increased involvement in online communities by 2024, nurturing such spaces is crucial. Engaged customers in these communities feel part of something larger than mere transactions, improving emotional connections and driving retention rates. Platforms like LEGO’s IDEAS allow fans to influence product designs, which boosts loyalty as well as cultivates customer advocacy. By creating customized communities that reflect your audience’s needs, you encourage participation and deepen relationships. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides valuable insights through the voice of the customer feedback. In the end, a thriving customer community serves as an influential tool for continuous improvement and long-term loyalty, positioning your brand favorably in a competitive market. Create Engaging Content How can you create content that truly resonates with your customers? Engaging content is crucial for cultivating brand loyalty. By producing value-driven material, you not only keep customers informed but additionally encourage repeat purchases. Here are three effective strategies to reflect on: Incorporate storytelling: Use narratives that reflect your brand’s values, helping customers connect on a personal level. Utilize user-generated content: Feature customer stories or reviews to improve relatability and build a sense of community, as 41% of consumers desire more involvement in online communities. Personalize your content: Tailor your messages based on customer preferences and past behaviors, which can lead to a 71% increase in satisfaction. Reward Customer Loyalty Rewarding customer loyalty is a strategic approach that can greatly improve your business’s profitability and customer retention. Implementing loyalty programs can increase repeat purchases by 70%, as customers feel valued for their ongoing support. Consider tiered programs; customers in premium tiers spend an average of 20% more than those in basic tiers, incentivizing higher spending. Personalizing rewards based on individual preferences can further boost engagement by 50%, making customers more likely to respond positively to customized offers. In addition, referral incentives, like discounts for both referrers and new customers, can improve customer acquisition rates by 25%, rewarding loyal patrons while attracting new ones. Keeping your rewards updated and including surprise perks can further raise customer satisfaction, with 84% of loyalty program members expressing increased engagement with brands that offer unexpected benefits. Consequently, these strategies effectively strengthen customer loyalty and contribute to long-term business success. Frequently Asked Questions How to Increase Customer Loyalty and Retention? To increase customer loyalty and retention, focus on personalized experiences and consistent communication. Regularly ask for feedback to understand customer preferences and make improvements. Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases, encouraging customers to return. Simplifying return policies can likewise build trust. Guarantee exceptional customer service by training staff to address inquiries effectively and swiftly. Finally, engage customers through social media and create content that adds value, reinforcing their connection to your brand. What Are the 4 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 4 C’s of customer loyalty are Consistency, Communication, Convenience, and Community. Consistency guarantees customers receive the same quality experience every time, building trust. Communication involves regular, personalized engagement, enhancing customer connection. Convenience focuses on seamless interactions, such as easy navigation and accessible support. Finally, Community nurtures a sense of belonging among customers, encouraging engagement with the brand and each other, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy over time. What Are the 4 Pillars of Retention? The four pillars of retention are personalization, proactive support, engagement, and community building. Personalization tailors experiences to individual preferences, enhancing customer connection. Proactive support anticipates needs, addressing issues before they arise, which boosts satisfaction. Engagement involves creating loyalty programs and exclusive offers that promote a sense of belonging. Finally, community building encourages customers to share experiences, strengthening bonds with the brand. Together, these pillars create a robust strategy for maintaining customer loyalty. What Are the 3 R’s of Customer Loyalty? The 3 R’s of customer loyalty are Retention, Referral, and Revenue. Retention focuses on keeping existing customers engaged, ensuring they continue to choose your brand. Referral encourages satisfied customers to recommend your business to others, effectively bringing in new clientele. Revenue emphasizes maximizing the lifetime value of customers through repeat purchases. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven customer retention strategies, you can greatly boost loyalty among your customer base. A strong onboarding experience, personalized interactions, and exceptional customer service create a foundation for lasting relationships. Furthermore, engaging loyalty programs, flexible return policies, and active community building further improve customer satisfaction. Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring your business continuously meets customer needs. By focusing on these strategies, you’ll cultivate trust and encourage long-term loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Customer Retention Strategies to Boost Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To improve customer loyalty, you need effective retention strategies. Start by creating a strong onboarding experience, which sets the tone for long-term engagement. Personalizing interactions can make customers feel valued, as well as a well-structured loyalty program keeps them invested. Furthermore, regularly asking for feedback helps address pain points. These foundational strategies are just the beginning. Curious about how to effectively implement these and other techniques? Key Takeaways Implement strong onboarding experiences to enhance customer satisfaction and retention, achieving a 90% task completion rate when tailored. Offer personalized interactions and recommendations based on customer data to increase loyalty and satisfaction, as 71% expect customization. Create engaging content and loyalty programs that encourage repeat purchases, boosting retention by 70% through tiered rewards and referral incentives. Regularly solicit customer feedback to identify pain points and improve services, strengthening emotional connections and loyalty among 84% of consumers. Provide flexible return policies and transparent procedures to build trust, as 67% prefer retailers with hassle-free return options. Create a Strong Onboarding Experience Creating a strong onboarding experience is essential for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and retention from the outset. A smooth onboarding process greatly reduces buyer regret; studies show that 70% of customers who enjoy this experience are likely to recommend your product. To improve client retention, focus on transparency and efficiency, as hidden costs or slow implementation can lead to early cancellations. Effective onboarding sets a positive tone for the customer relationship, contributing to a 60% increase in retention rates. Tailoring the onboarding experience to customer needs can improve satisfaction, achieving a 90% completion rate for onboarding tasks. Regular check-ins during this phase help address potential issues early, with companies using this strategy seeing a 30% reduction in churn within the first year. These customer retention strategies not only promote loyalty but also guarantee that customers feel valued and understood, eventually leading to long-term business success. Personalize Customer Interactions Customizing customer interactions is crucial for building stronger relationships and improving retention. By offering customized recommendations based on past purchases, you can guarantee that customers feel understood and valued. Furthermore, personalized communication, such as addressing customers by name and acknowledging their preferences, improves their overall experience and nurtures loyalty. Tailored Recommendations Even though many consumers expect personalized interactions from brands, delivering customized recommendations can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. By utilizing Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, you can analyze past behaviors to provide customized suggestions that resonate with individual preferences. This approach not only improves account retention but also aligns with effective customer service and retention strategies. Research shows that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized experiences, and when they’re not met, 76% express frustration. Incorporating AI tools can further refine these recommendations, ensuring you meet customer needs at scale. Moreover, implementing loyalty programs that reward personalized interactions increases the likelihood of repeat purchases, strengthening your relationship with customers and ultimately driving long-term business success. Personalized Communication Effective personalized communication can greatly improve customer interactions and build loyalty. By addressing customers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences, you can markedly improve their experience. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, whereas 76% feel frustrated when these are lacking. Utilizing CRM systems helps you create relevant recommendations based on individual behaviors, which is vital for how to improve customer retention. In addition, AI tools can facilitate one-to-one personalized experiences, making customers feel valued. Implementing such strategies not only strengthens your customer service but likewise drives loyalty, with loyalty program members being 84% more likely to make repeat purchases. Implement a Customer Loyalty Program A customer loyalty program is a strategic initiative designed to encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their continued business. Implementing such a program can increase customer retention by 5% to 25%, which directly boosts profits by 25% to 95%. To improve satisfaction, consider offering personalized rewards customized to customer preferences. A well-structured loyalty program often includes tiered rewards, motivating customers to reach higher spending levels, cultivating exclusivity. Feature Benefits Examples Personalized Rewards Increases repeat purchases Customized discounts Tiered Levels Encourages higher spending Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers Regular Updates Keeps program relevant Seasonal promotions Customer Feedback Improves program based on preferences Surveys to gather insights Frequently Ask for Feedback How often do you think about the importance of customer feedback in shaping your business? Regularly seeking customer input through surveys and direct communication can help you identify pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately improving satisfaction and retention rates. Actively listening to your customers allows you to uncover valuable insights that inform product development and service improvements, driving loyalty in the process. Closing the feedback loop by implementing changes based on customer suggestions demonstrates that you value their opinions, cultivating trust and encouraging continued engagement. Utilizing various channels, like social media and in-product prompts, can increase participation rates and offer diverse perspectives on the customer experience. Significantly, companies that effectively engage with customer feedback create stronger emotional connections; 84% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that prioritize their input. Provide Exceptional Customer Service To provide exceptional customer service, you must focus on training your staff effectively, ensuring they’ve the skills to handle inquiries and resolve issues quickly. Offering multiple support channels, such as phone, chat, and email, allows customers to reach you in the way that suits them best. Furthermore, a clear resolution process can improve customer satisfaction, making it easier for you to address complaints and follow up to confirm that customers are satisfied with the outcomes. Staff Training Importance Exceptional customer service relies heavily on effective staff training, which is vital for enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates. When you invest in training, your staff develops important skills for handling inquiries, ultimately leading to a 70% increase in customer loyalty. Regular sessions empower employees to provide immediate assistance, as 83% of consumers expect quick responses. By equipping your team with tools like CRM systems, you can greatly improve response times; 47% of customers anticipate issue resolution in just one interaction. Additionally, companies that prioritize training see a 24% boost in customer retention. Continuous education on product knowledge and engagement strategies can further enhance customer advocacy by 10%, ensuring your team meets customer needs effectively and builds lasting relationships. Multiple Support Channels Offering multiple support channels is a key strategy in providing exceptional customer service. By offering options like phone, email, live chat, and social media, you allow customers to choose their preferred communication method, which can lead to higher satisfaction rates. Research shows that 64% of customers expect real-time assistance, regardless of the channel they use. Businesses that adopt omnichannel support can retain an average of 89% of their customers, highlighting its effectiveness. In addition, 90% of consumers expect consistent interactions across all channels, and meeting this expectation boosts customer loyalty. Implementing self-service options, such as FAQs and chatbots, can also reduce support costs by up to 30% during the process of providing immediate assistance that customers value. Quick Issue Resolution When customers encounter issues, resolving those concerns quickly can greatly impact their loyalty to your brand. Timely support is vital; studies show that 70% of customers remain loyal when their concerns are addressed swiftly. To improve your customer service, consider these strategies: Automate first-touch replies to acknowledge receipt of inquiries, setting clear expectations for response times. Train support staff effectively to handle inquiries efficiently, as positive experiences can turn customers into brand advocates. Communicate proactively during resolution processes, keeping customers informed on progress to build trust and patience. Simplifying return processes likewise plays an important role; a frustrating return experience can lead to a 92% likelihood of customers not making a future purchase. Utilize Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media effectively is vital for enhancing customer loyalty and engagement in today’s digital environment. Engaging with customers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can greatly boost brand loyalty; in fact, 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand that responds to their inquiries. Encouraging user-generated content through campaigns can also nurture a community around your brand, with engagement levels increasing by up to 28%. Regularly sharing valuable content, such as tips related to your products, keeps customers informed and can lead to a 67% increase in retention. Furthermore, personalized communication on social media is important, as 76% of consumers express frustration when they don’t receive customized interactions. Hosting exclusive events or promotions can further drive engagement, with 44% of consumers more likely to engage with brands offering special access. Offer Flexible Return Policies Offering flexible return policies can greatly improve the shopping experience for your customers, providing them with assurance through hassle-free returns. Clear communication about return procedures not only builds trust but similarly sets your Clear apart in a competitive market. Assurance Through Hassle-Free Returns A hassle-free return policy can greatly improve customer trust and loyalty, as many consumers prioritize ease of returns when shopping. Offering flexible return options not just boosts customer satisfaction but additionally boosts your brand’s reputation. Here are some key points to reflect on: Increased Trust: 67% of consumers are more likely to shop with retailers that offer flexible return policies. Higher Retention: Customers who enjoy a smooth return process are 80% more likely to make future purchases. Willingness to Pay More: 63% of consumers would pay a premium for products with easy return options. Enhance Trust With Clarity When you provide a clear and flexible return policy, you not just improve customer trust but also influence purchasing decisions notably. Studies show that 67% of consumers consider a hassle-free return process essential when deciding to buy. In fact, 92% are more inclined to make repeat purchases if the return process is straightforward. Transparent guidelines alleviate anxiety, as 77% of shoppers factor in return policies before completing their purchases. Furthermore, with 86% of customers likely to remain loyal to brands that prioritize easy returns, generous policies can greatly lower churn rates. In the end, businesses offering flexible return options can boost customer satisfaction ratings by up to 50%, nurturing long-term loyalty and advocacy. Competitive Edge in Market Flexible return policies provide a significant competitive edge in the market, as they directly influence consumer purchasing decisions. When you offer hassle-free returns, you improve customer trust and satisfaction, making them more likely to buy again. Consider these key points: 92% of consumers would repurchase if returns are easy. 67% of online shoppers check return policies before buying. Retailers with flexible policies see 30% higher customer retention rates. Build a Strong Customer Community Building a strong customer community can greatly improve brand loyalty and retention, as it encourages a sense of belonging among consumers. With 41% of people expecting increased involvement in online communities by 2024, nurturing such spaces is crucial. Engaged customers in these communities feel part of something larger than mere transactions, improving emotional connections and driving retention rates. Platforms like LEGO’s IDEAS allow fans to influence product designs, which boosts loyalty as well as cultivates customer advocacy. By creating customized communities that reflect your audience’s needs, you encourage participation and deepen relationships. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides valuable insights through the voice of the customer feedback. In the end, a thriving customer community serves as an influential tool for continuous improvement and long-term loyalty, positioning your brand favorably in a competitive market. Create Engaging Content How can you create content that truly resonates with your customers? Engaging content is crucial for cultivating brand loyalty. By producing value-driven material, you not only keep customers informed but additionally encourage repeat purchases. Here are three effective strategies to reflect on: Incorporate storytelling: Use narratives that reflect your brand’s values, helping customers connect on a personal level. Utilize user-generated content: Feature customer stories or reviews to improve relatability and build a sense of community, as 41% of consumers desire more involvement in online communities. Personalize your content: Tailor your messages based on customer preferences and past behaviors, which can lead to a 71% increase in satisfaction. Reward Customer Loyalty Rewarding customer loyalty is a strategic approach that can greatly improve your business’s profitability and customer retention. Implementing loyalty programs can increase repeat purchases by 70%, as customers feel valued for their ongoing support. Consider tiered programs; customers in premium tiers spend an average of 20% more than those in basic tiers, incentivizing higher spending. Personalizing rewards based on individual preferences can further boost engagement by 50%, making customers more likely to respond positively to customized offers. In addition, referral incentives, like discounts for both referrers and new customers, can improve customer acquisition rates by 25%, rewarding loyal patrons while attracting new ones. Keeping your rewards updated and including surprise perks can further raise customer satisfaction, with 84% of loyalty program members expressing increased engagement with brands that offer unexpected benefits. Consequently, these strategies effectively strengthen customer loyalty and contribute to long-term business success. Frequently Asked Questions How to Increase Customer Loyalty and Retention? To increase customer loyalty and retention, focus on personalized experiences and consistent communication. Regularly ask for feedback to understand customer preferences and make improvements. Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases, encouraging customers to return. Simplifying return policies can likewise build trust. Guarantee exceptional customer service by training staff to address inquiries effectively and swiftly. Finally, engage customers through social media and create content that adds value, reinforcing their connection to your brand. What Are the 4 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 4 C’s of customer loyalty are Consistency, Communication, Convenience, and Community. Consistency guarantees customers receive the same quality experience every time, building trust. Communication involves regular, personalized engagement, enhancing customer connection. Convenience focuses on seamless interactions, such as easy navigation and accessible support. Finally, Community nurtures a sense of belonging among customers, encouraging engagement with the brand and each other, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy over time. What Are the 4 Pillars of Retention? The four pillars of retention are personalization, proactive support, engagement, and community building. Personalization tailors experiences to individual preferences, enhancing customer connection. Proactive support anticipates needs, addressing issues before they arise, which boosts satisfaction. Engagement involves creating loyalty programs and exclusive offers that promote a sense of belonging. Finally, community building encourages customers to share experiences, strengthening bonds with the brand. Together, these pillars create a robust strategy for maintaining customer loyalty. What Are the 3 R’s of Customer Loyalty? The 3 R’s of customer loyalty are Retention, Referral, and Revenue. Retention focuses on keeping existing customers engaged, ensuring they continue to choose your brand. Referral encourages satisfied customers to recommend your business to others, effectively bringing in new clientele. Revenue emphasizes maximizing the lifetime value of customers through repeat purchases. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven customer retention strategies, you can greatly boost loyalty among your customer base. A strong onboarding experience, personalized interactions, and exceptional customer service create a foundation for lasting relationships. Furthermore, engaging loyalty programs, flexible return policies, and active community building further improve customer satisfaction. Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring your business continuously meets customer needs. By focusing on these strategies, you’ll cultivate trust and encourage long-term loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Customer Retention Strategies to Boost Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The stock prices of RAM and NAND manufacturers surged yesterday, with Micron Technology (Nasdaq: MU) up 10%, Sandisk Corporation (Nasdaq: SNDK) up 27%, Western Digital Corporation (Nasdaq: WDC) up 16%, and Seagate Technology Holdings (Nasdaq: STX) up 14%. The driving factor behind this recent stock surge is a shortage of RAM, or random-access memory. The shortage expected to last throughout 2026, and it could mean that you’ll pay much more for personal computers and smartphones this year. Here’s what you need to know about the RAM shortage of 2026. Why is there a RAM shortage in 2026? The RAM shortage in 2026 can essentially be blamed on one thing: artificial intelligence. Major tech giants like Google and Amazon, as well as other so-called hyperscalers, are rushing to build as many AI data centers as possible. These data centers are packed with servers, and those servers run all the powerful AI services that are quickly becoming ubiquitous. Data center servers are made of various components—storage, CPUs, GPUs, and, critically, RAM—that are needed for them to be able to carry out their AI tasks. RAM is the short-term storage that digital devices use to quickly perform tasks. RAM, also colloquially known as memory chips, holds onto data for the short term. It differs from other forms of computer storage, like NAND chips, which are the flash storage used in SSDs, that are designed to hold data for the long term. The more RAM your smartphone or computer has, the faster it runs and the more quickly it carries out tasks. Manufacturers are racing to keep up with AI demand The problem now, which is driving the RAM shortage, is that RAM manufacturers have limited production capacity, so they must decide which types of RAM to produce. The servers used in AI data centers use a more advanced type of RAM than the RAM found in smartphones and personal computers—and right now, that RAM is in high demand from tech giants in need of data centers. Big Tech companies are willing to pay a premium to get their hands on as much RAM as possible for their AI data centers, which means RAM manufacturers are prioritizing the production of the RAM that AI companies require over the RAM that consumer electronics companies acquire. This prioritization is leading to a shortage of the traditional RAM that is used in laptops and smartphones. The shortage could mean pricier smartphones in 2026 A shortage of any component often drives up its price, meaning consumer tech companies are now paying more for the traditional RAM that their devices require. In a TrendForce analysis published on Monday, the market intelligence firm reported that conventional DRAM contract prices—the kind of RAM used in consumer electronics—have increased between 55% and 60% quarter over quarter. This price increase is due to the RAM shortage, and will likely mean that you’ll pay more for a new smartphone or laptop this year. Smartphone and computer manufacturers will typically not choose to absorb the costs of pricier components, instead passing them on to consumers to avoid a negative impact on their bottom lines. As for how much more consumers can expect to pay for their devices this year, the Financial Times reported this week that prices could rise by up to 20%. However, some industry analysts are expecting personal device price rises of less than 20%, notes the FT. That’s because consumer device companies could conceivably find ways to cut costs elsewhere, which they may be keen to do to avoid sinking sales of their devices during a period when most consumers already feel cash-strapped. RAM maker stock prices soar Given that the price of RAM chips is rising and demand from deep-pocketed Big Tech companies shows no signs of abating, it’s little surprise that the stock prices of memory makers are on an upward trajectory as of late. Yesterday, the share prices of four of the largest DRAM and NAND flash memory makers surged on the Nasdaq, with Micron, Seagate, Western Digital, and SanDisk all up by double digits. That sharp rise in memory maker stocks came after Monday’s report from TrendForce as well as after comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. At CES 2026 this week, Huang said that the memory storage market was a “completely unserved market today” and one that “will likely be the largest storage market in the world, basically holding the working memory of the world’s AIs,” according to Business Insider. Thanks primarily to this market demand, DRAM and NAND memory makers have seen their stock prices surge over the past six months. As of yesterday’s close, Micron’s stock price was up more than 44% in the past six months, Seagate’s was up 121%, Western Digital’s was up 231%, and Sandisk’s was up a staggering 653%. View the full article

Creating a stunning movie trailer requires a structured approach that anyone can follow. First, you’ll need to define the genre, characters, and atmosphere to set the tone. Then, selecting and arranging impactful clips is vital for showcasing the film’s core conflict. You’ll likewise want to incorporate music and sound effects that complement the visuals. Don’t forget to add dynamic texts and motion graphics for emphasis. To maximize exposure, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality is important. Want to explore each step in detail? Key Takeaways Establish the film’s genre and introduce key characters quickly to create emotional connections and set the tone. Select and arrange movie clips that showcase the central conflict, ensuring a dynamic three-act structure with quick cuts. Choose music and sound effects that complement the genre and emotional tone, syncing them with significant visual moments for impact. Add concise text and dynamic motion graphics to highlight essential elements like the film title and release date, ensuring visual cohesion. Export the trailer in high-quality formats and share it strategically on social media to maximize visibility and engagement. Step 1: Establish the Genre, Characters, and Atmosphere When creating a movie trailer, the first step is to establish the genre, characters, and atmosphere, as this foundation sets the stage for what the audience can expect. As a trailer maker, you’ll want to identify the film’s genre early on, whether it’s action, romance, or horror, to set the tone. Next, introduce key characters within the first 10-30 seconds; this helps establish emotional connections and gives viewers a reason to care about their adventures. Utilize visual storytelling techniques, such as distinct color palettes and lighting, to improve the film’s mood. Select memorable dialogue that showcases character personalities and relationships, and incorporate sound effects and music that resonate with the intended emotional response, creating an immersive experience. Step 2: Select and Arrange Movie Clips for Making a Trailer Selecting and arranging movie clips for your trailer is crucial, as it dictates how effectively you engage your audience. Start by choosing clips that highlight the film’s central conflict, pivotal moments, and character development. Organize these clips into a three-act structure, with an introduction, conflict, and a hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to create an energetic pace, keeping the trailer exciting. Avoid revealing major plot twists; instead, present snippets that intrigue viewers and leave them wanting more. To maintain cohesion, confirm that the tone and style of the selected clips align with the overall theme and emotional arc of the film. Consider using an ai trailer maker for efficient editing and arrangement. Step 3: Add Music and Sound Effects Adding music and sound effects is essential for establishing the right atmosphere in your movie trailer, as these elements greatly influence how viewers perceive the film. As a trailer creator, you should select music that aligns with your film’s genre and emotional tone to set the mood effectively. Use sound effects strategically to improve key moments, building tension without overwhelming the visuals. Implement audio balancing techniques like Audio Ducking to maintain clarity between dialogue, music, and sound effects throughout the trailer. Sync music cues with significant visual moments to create rhythmic pacing, improving viewer engagement. Finally, consider utilizing royalty-free music or original scores to avoid copyright issues while ensuring the audio fits the desired atmosphere of your trailer. Step 4: Add Texts and Motion Graphics Incorporating texts and motion graphics is crucial for effectively conveying fundamental information and generating excitement in your movie trailer. You should include important elements like the film title, release date, and catchy phrases, during ensuring the font style and colors align with the film’s theme. Limit text to concise phrases to avoid overwhelming viewers and improve impact. To add depth, consider the following table: Element Description Text Elements Film title, release date, phrases Font & Colors Match theme for visual cohesion Motion Graphics Dynamic changes for engagement Animation Effects Add energy to capture attention Using an ai movie trailer generator can streamline this process, making it easier to create stunning visuals. Step 5: Save and Share the Trailer Once you’ve finalized your movie trailer, the next crucial step is saving and sharing it effectively. To guarantee your trailer reaches a wide audience, follow these steps: Export in compatible formats: Save your trailer as MP4 or MOV for easy sharing across platforms. Use high-quality settings: Choose export settings that maintain the integrity of your audio and visuals. Share on social media: Post your trailer on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to maximize visibility. Engage with communities: Tag relevant film communities and influencers, using appropriate hashtags to attract potential viewers. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Amazing Movie Trailer? To make an amazing movie trailer, start with a clear storyboard and script that outlines your film’s narrative, focusing on key characters and conflict. Select impactful clips that highlight central themes without revealing major plot points. Choose music that fits the genre and elevates emotion, and use sound effects to build suspense. Incorporate dynamic text elements for the title and release date, and keep the trailer length between 1.5 to 2.5 minutes for maximum engagement. How to Make a Trailer Step by Step? To create a trailer step by step, start by outlining a storyboard with a clear three-act structure: introduction, conflict, and resolution. Next, choose clips that showcase key characters and conflicts while avoiding major spoilers. Select music that fits the film’s genre, synchronizing it with vital moments. Incorporate important text elements, such as the title and release date, using motion graphics. Finally, export the trailer in MP4 format for high-quality sharing across social media platforms. How to Make a Quick Trailer? To make a quick trailer, focus on crafting a concise 1 to 1.5-minute clip that highlights your film’s most enthralling scenes. Structure it in three acts: introduce characters, showcase the central conflict, and hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to keep the pace engaging. Pair your visuals with a high-energy, royalty-free music track that matches the tone, and include minimal, appealing text elements like the film title and release date. How to Make a Movie Trailer for School Project From Scratch? To create a movie trailer for your school project, start by brainstorming a clear concept that defines your film’s plot and characters. Next, gather and edit relevant clips, highlighting the introduction, conflict, and resolution. Select background music that matches the film’s mood as you adhere to copyright guidelines. Incorporate simple text elements like the title and release date, using appropriate fonts. Finally, utilize editing software to compile everything, ensuring a smooth flow within a 1.5 to 2.5-minute runtime. Conclusion Creating a stunning movie trailer involves a structured approach. By establishing the genre, characters, and atmosphere, you set the foundation for viewer engagement. Selecting impactful clips and arranging them effectively showcases the film’s conflict. Adding appropriate music and sound effects improves the emotional tone, as dynamic texts and motion graphics reinforce the theme. Finally, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality guarantees that it reaches a wider audience, maximizing its impact and visibility across social media platforms. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make a Stunning Movie Trailer in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating a stunning movie trailer requires a structured approach that anyone can follow. First, you’ll need to define the genre, characters, and atmosphere to set the tone. Then, selecting and arranging impactful clips is vital for showcasing the film’s core conflict. You’ll likewise want to incorporate music and sound effects that complement the visuals. Don’t forget to add dynamic texts and motion graphics for emphasis. To maximize exposure, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality is important. Want to explore each step in detail? Key Takeaways Establish the film’s genre and introduce key characters quickly to create emotional connections and set the tone. Select and arrange movie clips that showcase the central conflict, ensuring a dynamic three-act structure with quick cuts. Choose music and sound effects that complement the genre and emotional tone, syncing them with significant visual moments for impact. Add concise text and dynamic motion graphics to highlight essential elements like the film title and release date, ensuring visual cohesion. Export the trailer in high-quality formats and share it strategically on social media to maximize visibility and engagement. Step 1: Establish the Genre, Characters, and Atmosphere When creating a movie trailer, the first step is to establish the genre, characters, and atmosphere, as this foundation sets the stage for what the audience can expect. As a trailer maker, you’ll want to identify the film’s genre early on, whether it’s action, romance, or horror, to set the tone. Next, introduce key characters within the first 10-30 seconds; this helps establish emotional connections and gives viewers a reason to care about their adventures. Utilize visual storytelling techniques, such as distinct color palettes and lighting, to improve the film’s mood. Select memorable dialogue that showcases character personalities and relationships, and incorporate sound effects and music that resonate with the intended emotional response, creating an immersive experience. Step 2: Select and Arrange Movie Clips for Making a Trailer Selecting and arranging movie clips for your trailer is crucial, as it dictates how effectively you engage your audience. Start by choosing clips that highlight the film’s central conflict, pivotal moments, and character development. Organize these clips into a three-act structure, with an introduction, conflict, and a hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to create an energetic pace, keeping the trailer exciting. Avoid revealing major plot twists; instead, present snippets that intrigue viewers and leave them wanting more. To maintain cohesion, confirm that the tone and style of the selected clips align with the overall theme and emotional arc of the film. Consider using an ai trailer maker for efficient editing and arrangement. Step 3: Add Music and Sound Effects Adding music and sound effects is essential for establishing the right atmosphere in your movie trailer, as these elements greatly influence how viewers perceive the film. As a trailer creator, you should select music that aligns with your film’s genre and emotional tone to set the mood effectively. Use sound effects strategically to improve key moments, building tension without overwhelming the visuals. Implement audio balancing techniques like Audio Ducking to maintain clarity between dialogue, music, and sound effects throughout the trailer. Sync music cues with significant visual moments to create rhythmic pacing, improving viewer engagement. Finally, consider utilizing royalty-free music or original scores to avoid copyright issues while ensuring the audio fits the desired atmosphere of your trailer. Step 4: Add Texts and Motion Graphics Incorporating texts and motion graphics is crucial for effectively conveying fundamental information and generating excitement in your movie trailer. You should include important elements like the film title, release date, and catchy phrases, during ensuring the font style and colors align with the film’s theme. Limit text to concise phrases to avoid overwhelming viewers and improve impact. To add depth, consider the following table: Element Description Text Elements Film title, release date, phrases Font & Colors Match theme for visual cohesion Motion Graphics Dynamic changes for engagement Animation Effects Add energy to capture attention Using an ai movie trailer generator can streamline this process, making it easier to create stunning visuals. Step 5: Save and Share the Trailer Once you’ve finalized your movie trailer, the next crucial step is saving and sharing it effectively. To guarantee your trailer reaches a wide audience, follow these steps: Export in compatible formats: Save your trailer as MP4 or MOV for easy sharing across platforms. Use high-quality settings: Choose export settings that maintain the integrity of your audio and visuals. Share on social media: Post your trailer on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to maximize visibility. Engage with communities: Tag relevant film communities and influencers, using appropriate hashtags to attract potential viewers. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Amazing Movie Trailer? To make an amazing movie trailer, start with a clear storyboard and script that outlines your film’s narrative, focusing on key characters and conflict. Select impactful clips that highlight central themes without revealing major plot points. Choose music that fits the genre and elevates emotion, and use sound effects to build suspense. Incorporate dynamic text elements for the title and release date, and keep the trailer length between 1.5 to 2.5 minutes for maximum engagement. How to Make a Trailer Step by Step? To create a trailer step by step, start by outlining a storyboard with a clear three-act structure: introduction, conflict, and resolution. Next, choose clips that showcase key characters and conflicts while avoiding major spoilers. Select music that fits the film’s genre, synchronizing it with vital moments. Incorporate important text elements, such as the title and release date, using motion graphics. Finally, export the trailer in MP4 format for high-quality sharing across social media platforms. How to Make a Quick Trailer? To make a quick trailer, focus on crafting a concise 1 to 1.5-minute clip that highlights your film’s most enthralling scenes. Structure it in three acts: introduce characters, showcase the central conflict, and hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to keep the pace engaging. Pair your visuals with a high-energy, royalty-free music track that matches the tone, and include minimal, appealing text elements like the film title and release date. How to Make a Movie Trailer for School Project From Scratch? To create a movie trailer for your school project, start by brainstorming a clear concept that defines your film’s plot and characters. Next, gather and edit relevant clips, highlighting the introduction, conflict, and resolution. Select background music that matches the film’s mood as you adhere to copyright guidelines. Incorporate simple text elements like the title and release date, using appropriate fonts. Finally, utilize editing software to compile everything, ensuring a smooth flow within a 1.5 to 2.5-minute runtime. Conclusion Creating a stunning movie trailer involves a structured approach. By establishing the genre, characters, and atmosphere, you set the foundation for viewer engagement. Selecting impactful clips and arranging them effectively showcases the film’s conflict. Adding appropriate music and sound effects improves the emotional tone, as dynamic texts and motion graphics reinforce the theme. Finally, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality guarantees that it reaches a wider audience, maximizing its impact and visibility across social media platforms. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make a Stunning Movie Trailer in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US mortgage rates fell last week to the lowest level since September 2024, a hopeful sign for the sluggish housing market to start the new year. View the full article

Chat platform Discord filed confidentially for an initial public offering in the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The U.S. IPO market regained momentum in 2025 after nearly three years of sluggish activity, but hopes for a stronger rebound were tempered by tariff-driven volatility, a prolonged government shutdown and a late-year selloff in artificial intelligence stocks. Deliberations are ongoing and the company could decide not to proceed with a listing, the report said. A Discord spokesperson told Bloomberg “the company’s focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for users and building a strong, sustainable business.” Discord did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Discord, which was founded in 2015, offers voice, video and text chatting capabilities aimed at gamers and streamers. It had more than 200 million monthly active users, according to a December statement on its website. —Prakhar Srivastava and Nathan Gomes, Reuters View the full article

Move follows failure of previous bid to capture vessel as it headed to VenezuelaView the full article

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Donald The President wants a Venezuelan oil reboot. But years of neglect have left corroded tanks, leaking pipelines and collapsing productionView the full article

Board warns offer is risky, citing the high amount of debt financingView the full article

I recently argued that return-to-office mandates aren’t really about productivity; they’re about control. Ironically, my article published smack-dab in the middle of a September inflection point of increasing office time requirements, a phenomenon Owl Labs dubbed “hybrid creep.” And now, perhaps shockingly, I’ve started a new job with a team that (gasp!) has an office. When I wrote my argument against RTO, I had no inkling that I would soon be back in an office (part-time) myself. I am now basically in a live experiment. So far, it’s changed how I feel about the idea of going into an office. It hasn’t changed my view on RTO. A lab for truly flexible work My new team has a completely flexible work-location approach. There is an office, and we can come in if we want to. But there’s no requirement or badge-swiping. Those of us who are local also collaborate daily with colleagues in drastically different time zones—Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC). So our overall team is distributed enough that in-person work can’t be our organizing religion. That makes my current situation a fascinating window into what happens when people are free to optimize their work model to their life needs, versus an imposed framework of what a workday is mandated to look like. When in-person time is voluntary, rhythms emerge instead of rules I’m seeing that when location is genuinely a choice, people start building rituals. There’s a weekly team meeting for which many people choose to be in the office. There are social opportunities like an annual holiday party and happy hours. And the office itself is an uplifting, interactive place where dogs are allowed, there’s a bar in the kitchen area, and people play music throughout the day. A few teammates come in more often simply because that’s what works best for them. If someone is visiting from another location, the office fills up as people come in to see them. In-office time also doesn’t have to be a full day. Many of us have early calls with EMEA, so we take those from home, head into the office midmorning, and leave before rush hour to finish up from home again. A main team meeting is midday, on purpose, to make that flow possible. A morning Slack that’s more than a status report Another ritual I love is a deceptively simple morning Slack each person sends sharing where they’ll be that day and whether they’ll be offline at any point. On the surface, it sounds like basic coordination. In reality, it feels like a daily “good morning” and a window into each other’s lives. The messages aren’t just “I’ll be online 9-to-5, WFH.” They’re things like “We had a loss in our family, so I’ll be taking the day off”; “My puppy was sick last night, so I’m working from home”; and “Headed to a workout midday and will be back online by 2.” These tiny updates are powerful because they keep us connected and normalize being a human with a life outside work. They also give us opportunities to respond and help cover for each other. How I’m using the office now I’m going into the office about two days a week, with my Tibetan terrier Basil trotting alongside me, eager to greet everyone when we walk in. My colleague keeps a laser pointer at his desk; Basil goes wild chasing the dot when we need a laugh break. I’m trying to schedule one-on-ones for days when others are in, so they’re in-person catch-ups, not just agenda boxes checked off. We get the power of group thinking around a table, friendly greetings, and the ability to take a walking meeting instead of more staring at a screen. All of this feels like support, not surveillance. No one is proving they exist by punching a proverbial time clock. We go in by choice, which gives me gratitude for the option versus dreading going to an office. So, has this changed my view on RTO? Absolutely not. If anything, it’s reinforced my original point that dictating office time is a sign of poor leadership. The benefits I’m witnessing wouldn’t exist in the same way if they were forced rather than organic. The difference isn’t “office versus remote.” The difference is a culture of empowerment versus a culture of control. In a control culture, leaders start with mandates such as how many days people must come in, and then try to retrofit culture. Any sense of flexibility is granted like a favor. In an empowerment culture, leaders start with trust and clarity: Here’s what we need to achieve, here’s how we’ll communicate, here are your options of where you can work. Then they let people design their own patterns inside that useful guidance. In the first model, the office is a compliance tool. In the second, the office is a resource people leverage when it helps. A growing body of research on RTOs exists We’re far enough past pandemic-forced flexible work to start seeing how different work-location models perform and their impacts. For example, a large study done at Baylor University tracked the LinkedIn histories of workers at S&P 500 firms and found that when companies imposed RTO mandates, turnover jumped by about 14% and hiring took longer. Even more concerning, turnover was more likely among top talent and those important to diversity (especially women, whose turnover rate was three times that of men). A separate two-year study of more than 800,000 employees by Great Place to Work found that productivity stayed stable or improved after moving to remote work; what mattered most was leadership quality and trust, not where people sat. I expect that in the long term, companies that don’t empower their team members with flexible work location will experience enough brain drain that it will be difficult to remain competitive. There must be a better way, and I believe I’m experiencing a version of it. What leaders can draw inspiration from You may not be able to copy our exact setup, but you can borrow from these themes: Replace mandates with rituals. Instead of dictating fixed in-office days, anchor around events such as weekly team meetings designed for collaboration, planning on-sites, and celebratory events that people actually want to attend. Design for life needs. If you want in-person time, schedule office-based meetings to avoid peak commutes and respect caregiving schedules. Start micro-updates. A daily or weekly “Where I’ll be” check-in across the team takes only a minute for each person and creates a real sense of presence and care. Foster inclusion. The office should be a place where everyone feels invited. Ensure that people who are typically remote feel this too. They get invites to all major happenings like holiday parties, a CEO visit, etc. And when someone from another office or region visits, others know so they feel invited to come in. Make the office earn its gravity. If your office isn’t a place people want to be (no dogs, decent spaces to collaborate, or sense of warmth), fix that before you fixate on policies. Many keep asking, “How do we get people back to the office?” That’s the wrong question. The better questions asked by true leaders are “How do we give people the autonomy to choose the best place to do their best work while making the office one of those places?” and “How do we foster a culture that invites people in?” My current experience is proof that when you take these approaches, the in-office magic happens, no mandate required. View the full article

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Fund paid $81.6mn dividend to another group company controlled by the billionaire financierView the full article

Increased activity comes amid reports Moscow has sent submarine to escort vessel to its territoryView the full article