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Home Depot‘s third-quarter was mixed with fewer violent storms reaching shore, more anxiety among U.S. consumers, and a housing market that is in a deep funk. The company lowered its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings forecast but raised its expectations for sales growth. For the three months ended Nov. 2, Home Depot earned $3.6 billion, or $3.62 per share. A year earlier, it earned $3.65 billion, or $3.67 per share. Removing one-time charges and benefits, earnings were $3.74 per share, a dime short of Wall Street expectations, according to a poll by FactSet. It is the third consecutive quarter that Home Depot, an overperformer in recent years, has missed profit expectations. Home Depot’s stock declined more than 3% before the opening bell Tuesday. Shares of rival Lowe’s, which will report its quarterly results on Wednesday, fell more than 2%. “Our results missed our expectations primarily due to the lack of storms in the third quarter, which resulted in greater than expected pressure in certain categories,” CEO Ted Decker said in a statement. “Additionally, while underlying demand in the business remained relatively stable sequentially, an expected increase in demand in the third quarter did not materialize. We believe that consumer uncertainty and continued pressure in housing are disproportionately impacting home improvement demand.” Revenue for the Atlanta company rose to $41.35 billion from $40.22 billion, topping Wall Street projections of $41.15 billion. Sales at stores open at least a year, a key gauge of a retailer’s health, increased 0.2%. In the U.S., comparable store sales edged up 0.1%. Customer transactions fell 1.4% in the quarter. The amount shoppers spent rose to $90.39 per average receipt from $88.65 in the year-ago period. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said that Home Depot’s quarter was negatively impacted by external factors, not missteps made by the company. Americans who have grown more anxious over the economy were were definitely a contributor, he said. “The summer months were particularly challenging in this regard as consumers were actively making choices over how to spend their money, and home improvement took something of a back seat to experiences, travel, and personal indulgences,” he said. Home Depot now anticipates fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings will decline approximately 5% from fiscal 2024’s $15.24 per share. It previously expected adjusted earnings would fall about 2% from its results in the prior fiscal year. The chain now foresees fiscal 2025 sales growth of about 3%. Its prior forecast was for sales growth of approximately 2.8%. The company predicts comparable sales growth will be slightly positive. Previously, it predicted comparable sales growth of about 1%. In August, Home Depot said that shoppers should expect modest price increases in some categories as a result of rising tariff costs, though they wouldn’t be broad-based. Company executives told analysts during its earnings call then that more than 50% of its products are sourced domestically and wouldn’t be subject to any tariffs. Home Depot’s results come as the U.S. housing slump drags on, with the country’s home turnover rate at the lowest level in decades. About 28 out of every 1,000 homes changed hands between January and September, the lowest U.S. home turnover rate going back to at least the 1990s, according to an analysis by Redfin. The home turnover rate represents the number of homes sold, divided by the total number of existing sellable properties. While sales data show whether more or fewer homes are selling in a given period, the home turnover rate helps illustrate how homeowners are staying put longer. The U.S. housing market has been in a slump dating back to 2022, the year mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows that fueled a homebuying frenzy at the start of this decade. —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

Two heavyweights in the US residential real estate market, Compass Inc. and Zillow Inc., will face off in a New York courtroom this week in a legal battle that could reshape the future of how homes are marketed and sold in the country. View the full article

On Tuesday morning, much of the internet was inaccessible. If you tried to follow your feeds on X, or engage with ChatGPT, you were only met with error messages. Compare those error messages to one another, however, and you'd likely notice a similar name affixed to them all: Cloudflare. Cloudflare's massive Tuesday morning outage had sweeping implications for much of the web. While it's not clear what caused the outage at this time, we do know whether the outage was responsible for a website's downtime. (When an error page says "Cloudflare: Error," it's not difficult to track down the source of the problem.) As Cloudflare offers web infrastructure services to a huge number of sites, the true list of affected sites is likely massive. As an example, I wanted to convert the timezone Cloudflare uses in its status reports, UTC, to ET, and the first website I clicked on in my Google search returned an error. While there's no central repository listing each and every affected website, we can look at the sites with the largest number of user reports indicating issues this morning through Downdetector. (Disclosure: Downdetector is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Lifehacker.) Ironically, Downdetector itself was down this morning—it too uses Cloudflare. Downdetector is not a service that investigates and reports websites that are down. Instead, users can self-report issues with sites on Downdetector. As such, it can be illuminating to see which sites visitors were having issues with during the period of time Cloudflare was down. At this time, that includes the following: X Cloudflare OpenAI ChatGPT Grindr Archive of Our Own AWS Spotify League of Legends eClinicalWorks Quizlet Uber Character.ai Canva Claude Varo Indeed Procore Truth Social FanFiction Arlo DoorDash Valorant Runescape Dayforce NJTransit Sniffies Square Google Zoom Rover CollegeBoard Letterboxd Bet365 MoneyLion DayZ BetMGM YouTube Microsoft IKEA Suno Microsoft 365 Canvas by Instructure Microsoft Teams Amazon Grok Instagram Gemini Again, this list is not definitive, nor is it official. However, users had trouble accessing them at the same time Cloudflare was down. View the full article

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said on Monday he will step back from all public commitments, days after President Donald The President ordered the Justice Department to investigate his and other prominent Democrats’ ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, a former president of Harvard University, where he is a professor, told the university’s student newspaper that the move was to allow him “to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me.” The announcement came after the House Oversight Committee released thousands of files related to Epstein last week, including documents that showed personal correspondence between Summers and Epstein. “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein,” Summers told The Crimson. “While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort,” Summers added. Summers, a Democrat, served as former President Bill Clinton‘s Treasury Secretary and former President Barack Obama’s National Economic Council director. He currently serves on the board of OpenAI and as a director of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. OpenAI and Harvard did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Summers also did not immediately respond. The Epstein scandal has been a political thorn in The President’s side for months, partly because he amplified conspiracy theories about Epstein to his own supporters. Many The President voters believe Bondi and other The President officials have covered up Epstein’s ties to powerful figures and obscured details surrounding his death by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019. The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on Tuesday on forcing the release of investigative Epstein files after The President, who had initially opposed the vote, called on fellow Republicans to support it. —Jasper Ward, Reuters View the full article

Home Depot's bleak forecast provides another warning about the strength of US consumers in the absence of official economic data during the US government shutdown. View the full article

In today’s competitive market, effective sales coaching programs are crucial for enhancing team performance. These programs equip your sales representatives with the skills, strategies, and knowledge needed to succeed. By employing innovative methods, such as AI-driven tools and hybrid learning formats, you can guarantee your team stays prepared and responsive to evolving customer needs. Comprehending the top sales coaching programs for 2025 can help you make informed decisions that drive results. Let’s explore the options available to boost your sales team. Key Takeaways Mindtickle offers inside sales training focused on continuous readiness, enhancing skills through engaging role-playing and real-time feedback. Highspot leverages data-driven insights to coach sales leaders, improving decision-making and overall team effectiveness. SalesHood provides a blended learning approach, combining virtual and in-person sessions to cater to diverse learning preferences. Brainshark utilizes AI-driven tools for personalized coaching, delivering real-time feedback to boost individual performance and engagement. Challenger Sales Training emphasizes negotiation and relationship-building skills, resulting in shorter sales cycles and improved team performance. What Is a Sales Coaching Program? A sales coaching program is a systematic strategy designed to evaluate and boost the skills of sales representatives through focused training and constructive feedback. These programs often include sales coaching training that incorporates role-playing scenarios and performance metrics to improve specific competencies. Professional sales coaching emphasizes continuous learning, making trained reps 57% more effective compared to those who receive little or no coaching. Furthermore, sales coaching services typically integrate modern methodologies, industry insights, and technology tools for a thorough learning experience. For organizations seeking to improve their teams, coaching management sales becomes crucial. Many choose to pursue sales coaching certification to guarantee that their coaching practices align with industry standards and best practices, eventually leading to improved sales performance. Benefits of Sales Coaching Programs Sales coaching programs offer numerous advantages that can greatly improve the performance of sales teams. By implementing effective sales training techniques, you can expect a 19% increase in overall sales performance, enabling your team to tackle market challenges more effectively. Trained sales representatives become 57% more effective, boosting both individual and team productivity. Continuous sales team training encourages a culture of learning, reducing employee turnover and enhancing job satisfaction. Moreover, executive sales coaching can improve negotiation and relationship-building skills, resulting in shorter sales cycles and higher win rates. Many organizations report impressive returns on investment, with some seeing as much as a 353% ROI from their initiatives. Engaging a certified sales coach can further maximize these benefits. How to Choose the Best Sales Coaching Program Choosing the best sales coaching program can greatly influence your team’s success and productivity. Start by identifying specific skills your team needs, like negotiation or relationship building, to guarantee the program aligns with your objectives. Evaluate the format options—whether in-person, virtual, or blended—to maximize engagement. Consider the program’s length and flexibility, as you want to promote participation without disrupting daily operations. Look for programs that offer certifications, enhancing team credentials and supporting career growth. Finally, assess the potential ROI by comparing pricing with expected performance improvements; effective sales training programs yield an average ROI of 353%. Research the best Sales Training companies and types of sales training programs to find options that fit your needs. Top Sales Coaching Programs for 2025 As the scenery of sales coaching evolves, programs in 2025 are set to leverage advanced technology and innovative formats to improve training effectiveness. Sales training agencies will increasingly adopt AI-driven tools, providing personalized coaching and real-time feedback to address skill gaps. Inside sales training programs, like Mindtickle, will emphasize continuous readiness with AI role plays, whereas Highspot will lead with data-driven insights for coaching sales leaders. These programs will utilize hybrid training formats, blending in-person and online learning to suit varied schedules. In addition, a focus on just-in-time learning in software sales training will allow reps to access crucial content when needed, enhancing knowledge retention and real-world application within their sales training plans. Achieve Success With Effective Sales Coaching Achieving success in sales requires more than just hiring talented individuals; it hinges on effective sales coaching that equips representatives with the skills they need to excel. Companies with the best sales training programs understand that good sales training leads to a 19% improvement in overall performance. By investing in executive sales training, you can train sales reps to be 57% more effective, shortening sales cycles and boosting revenue. Incorporating real-time feedback during interactions nurtures a culture of continuous learning, keeping your team adaptable in a changing market. A sales coach online can facilitate personalized coaching, reducing employee turnover and enhancing job satisfaction. Embrace effective sales coaching to develop a high-performing and committed sales team. Frequently Asked Questions How to Effectively Coach a Sales Team? To effectively coach a sales team, start by evaluating individual strengths and weaknesses through performance data. Provide personalized feedback during practice sessions, using real-time scenarios for context. Incorporate technology, like AI tools, to improve learning experiences and facilitate skill application. Reinforce concepts with bite-sized knowledge checks to enhance retention. Regularly track progress and schedule feedback sessions, ensuring continuous development in both soft and technical skills, which are essential for maneuvering complex sales situations. How to Upskill a Sales Team? To upskill your sales team, implement continuous training that includes role-playing scenarios and technology tools. You’ll improve their practical experience, helping them navigate complex sales cycles effectively. Encourage ongoing coaching and offer personalized feedback using integrated coaching software. This approach guarantees targeted skill development and keeps your team engaged. Investing in their growth not just enhances performance but likewise reduces turnover, as employees feel valued and supported in their professional path. What Kind of Training Is Suitable for a Sales Team? For a sales team, suitable training focuses on specific skills like negotiation, relationship building, and product knowledge. Incorporating role-playing and real-world scenarios boosts confidence and practical skills. Continuous training that adapts to industry trends guarantees your team stays competitive. Providing certification opportunities can improve credibility and motivation. Evaluating team needs through performance metrics helps align training with business objectives, maximizing your return on investment and overall effectiveness in the market. What Is Dale Carnegie Sales Training? Dale Carnegie Sales Training focuses on building strong relationships and effective communication skills in sales. You’ll learn practical techniques based on principles from “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The program improves your confidence and equips you to handle complex sales situations and objections through role-playing and real-world applications. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right sales coaching program can greatly improve your team’s performance. By leveraging innovative methods, advanced technology, and customized insights, you can guarantee that your sales representatives receive the support they need to excel. Consider factors such as program format and personalization when making your choice. With the right coaching in place, your team can develop essential skills, boost productivity, and eventually drive impressive sales results. Invest in effective coaching to achieve lasting success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Top Sales Coaching Programs to Boost Team Performance" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive market, effective sales coaching programs are crucial for enhancing team performance. These programs equip your sales representatives with the skills, strategies, and knowledge needed to succeed. By employing innovative methods, such as AI-driven tools and hybrid learning formats, you can guarantee your team stays prepared and responsive to evolving customer needs. Comprehending the top sales coaching programs for 2025 can help you make informed decisions that drive results. Let’s explore the options available to boost your sales team. Key Takeaways Mindtickle offers inside sales training focused on continuous readiness, enhancing skills through engaging role-playing and real-time feedback. Highspot leverages data-driven insights to coach sales leaders, improving decision-making and overall team effectiveness. SalesHood provides a blended learning approach, combining virtual and in-person sessions to cater to diverse learning preferences. Brainshark utilizes AI-driven tools for personalized coaching, delivering real-time feedback to boost individual performance and engagement. Challenger Sales Training emphasizes negotiation and relationship-building skills, resulting in shorter sales cycles and improved team performance. What Is a Sales Coaching Program? A sales coaching program is a systematic strategy designed to evaluate and boost the skills of sales representatives through focused training and constructive feedback. These programs often include sales coaching training that incorporates role-playing scenarios and performance metrics to improve specific competencies. Professional sales coaching emphasizes continuous learning, making trained reps 57% more effective compared to those who receive little or no coaching. Furthermore, sales coaching services typically integrate modern methodologies, industry insights, and technology tools for a thorough learning experience. For organizations seeking to improve their teams, coaching management sales becomes crucial. Many choose to pursue sales coaching certification to guarantee that their coaching practices align with industry standards and best practices, eventually leading to improved sales performance. Benefits of Sales Coaching Programs Sales coaching programs offer numerous advantages that can greatly improve the performance of sales teams. By implementing effective sales training techniques, you can expect a 19% increase in overall sales performance, enabling your team to tackle market challenges more effectively. Trained sales representatives become 57% more effective, boosting both individual and team productivity. Continuous sales team training encourages a culture of learning, reducing employee turnover and enhancing job satisfaction. Moreover, executive sales coaching can improve negotiation and relationship-building skills, resulting in shorter sales cycles and higher win rates. Many organizations report impressive returns on investment, with some seeing as much as a 353% ROI from their initiatives. Engaging a certified sales coach can further maximize these benefits. How to Choose the Best Sales Coaching Program Choosing the best sales coaching program can greatly influence your team’s success and productivity. Start by identifying specific skills your team needs, like negotiation or relationship building, to guarantee the program aligns with your objectives. Evaluate the format options—whether in-person, virtual, or blended—to maximize engagement. Consider the program’s length and flexibility, as you want to promote participation without disrupting daily operations. Look for programs that offer certifications, enhancing team credentials and supporting career growth. Finally, assess the potential ROI by comparing pricing with expected performance improvements; effective sales training programs yield an average ROI of 353%. Research the best Sales Training companies and types of sales training programs to find options that fit your needs. Top Sales Coaching Programs for 2025 As the scenery of sales coaching evolves, programs in 2025 are set to leverage advanced technology and innovative formats to improve training effectiveness. Sales training agencies will increasingly adopt AI-driven tools, providing personalized coaching and real-time feedback to address skill gaps. Inside sales training programs, like Mindtickle, will emphasize continuous readiness with AI role plays, whereas Highspot will lead with data-driven insights for coaching sales leaders. These programs will utilize hybrid training formats, blending in-person and online learning to suit varied schedules. In addition, a focus on just-in-time learning in software sales training will allow reps to access crucial content when needed, enhancing knowledge retention and real-world application within their sales training plans. Achieve Success With Effective Sales Coaching Achieving success in sales requires more than just hiring talented individuals; it hinges on effective sales coaching that equips representatives with the skills they need to excel. Companies with the best sales training programs understand that good sales training leads to a 19% improvement in overall performance. By investing in executive sales training, you can train sales reps to be 57% more effective, shortening sales cycles and boosting revenue. Incorporating real-time feedback during interactions nurtures a culture of continuous learning, keeping your team adaptable in a changing market. A sales coach online can facilitate personalized coaching, reducing employee turnover and enhancing job satisfaction. Embrace effective sales coaching to develop a high-performing and committed sales team. Frequently Asked Questions How to Effectively Coach a Sales Team? To effectively coach a sales team, start by evaluating individual strengths and weaknesses through performance data. Provide personalized feedback during practice sessions, using real-time scenarios for context. Incorporate technology, like AI tools, to improve learning experiences and facilitate skill application. Reinforce concepts with bite-sized knowledge checks to enhance retention. Regularly track progress and schedule feedback sessions, ensuring continuous development in both soft and technical skills, which are essential for maneuvering complex sales situations. How to Upskill a Sales Team? To upskill your sales team, implement continuous training that includes role-playing scenarios and technology tools. You’ll improve their practical experience, helping them navigate complex sales cycles effectively. Encourage ongoing coaching and offer personalized feedback using integrated coaching software. This approach guarantees targeted skill development and keeps your team engaged. Investing in their growth not just enhances performance but likewise reduces turnover, as employees feel valued and supported in their professional path. What Kind of Training Is Suitable for a Sales Team? For a sales team, suitable training focuses on specific skills like negotiation, relationship building, and product knowledge. Incorporating role-playing and real-world scenarios boosts confidence and practical skills. Continuous training that adapts to industry trends guarantees your team stays competitive. Providing certification opportunities can improve credibility and motivation. Evaluating team needs through performance metrics helps align training with business objectives, maximizing your return on investment and overall effectiveness in the market. What Is Dale Carnegie Sales Training? Dale Carnegie Sales Training focuses on building strong relationships and effective communication skills in sales. You’ll learn practical techniques based on principles from “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The program improves your confidence and equips you to handle complex sales situations and objections through role-playing and real-world applications. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right sales coaching program can greatly improve your team’s performance. By leveraging innovative methods, advanced technology, and customized insights, you can guarantee that your sales representatives receive the support they need to excel. Consider factors such as program format and personalization when making your choice. With the right coaching in place, your team can develop essential skills, boost productivity, and eventually drive impressive sales results. Invest in effective coaching to achieve lasting success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Top Sales Coaching Programs to Boost Team Performance" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Application error findings rose over 15%, the second quarter in a row they have moved higher, the post-closing file review from Aces Quality Management found. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. AirPods can fall short if you swap between different devices or want more than a single color option. That is where the currently discounted Bose QuietComfort Earbuds start to feel like a practical alternative. They’re sitting at $129 right now, which price trackers confirm as their lowest price so far and a noticeable drop from their usual $179. You also get more color options than normal, with black and white sitting alongside two limited shades, petal pink and twilight blue. And while Bose sells a higher-end QuietComfort Ultra model for $229 (down from $299), the standard QuietComfort buds don’t feel like a downgrade. PCMag’s 4/5 review backs that up, praising their sound, everyday ANC, and easy two-device pairing. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) $129.00 at Amazon $179.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $129.00 at Amazon $179.00 Save $50.00 In everyday use, the sound has a warm depth that works well for long playlists and podcasts without fatigue. If you want to fine-tune it, the companion app offers an adjustable EQ that actually changes how your music sounds, rather than making tiny, barely noticeable tweaks. The noise cancellation isn’t as strong as what you get on the Ultra buds, but it does reduce enough steady background noise to make commutes and office work less distracting. As for connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 keeps the connection steady, but codec support is limited to AAC and SBC, so Android users who want high-resolution codecs may notice the gap. Battery life feels practical, too. Bose claims 8.5 hours on the buds and 31.5 more hours in the case, which outlasts many earbuds in this price range and even outlasts Bose’s own higher-end Ultras. The one drawback is the size. The QuietComfort earbuds are bulkier than AirPods, and some reviewers noted that they can shift during workouts, even with the included wings and multiple ear tip options. Everything else about using them stays simple. These earbuds will not be the best choice for someone who wants the strongest possible Bose noise cancellation or a slim, stem-style design. But at $129, they fall into a comfortable middle zone with fuller sound than standard AirPods, more control over your audio, strong battery life, and a price that makes them easy to consider. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $117.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Over the last decade, dozens of cities have reshaped streets around cycling and slower, safer, healthier travel. Take Paris: at rush hour, boulevards that were once packed with cars are now filled with thousands of people on bikes, newly planted trees, and cleaner air. In a detailed new analysis, the urban design consultancy Copenhagenize ranked 100 global cities on how far they’ve come to make it easier to bike—examining everything from changes in bike infrastructure to whether cities are promoting cargo bikes for delivery and teaching kids to bike in school. Nearly all top-ranked cities are in Europe, where strong pro-bike policies have lowered speed limits, added separated bike lanes, and created new bicycle streets where bikes take priority over cars. But the benchmarking report, the most comprehensive of its kind, also looks at progress in cities worldwide, from Nairobi, Kenya—where “bike trains” of hundreds of riders make commuting by bike safer—to Minneapolis, where some car lanes have been converted to two-way bike paths. If any politicians have doubts about adding new bike infrastructure, “they can look at this report and see that everywhere in the world, other cities are investing in cycling, and they are getting back all the benefits from active mobility,” says Clotilde Imbert, director of Copenhagenize. Cities like Paris show that massive changes can happen fast. “If you want to transform your city quickly, you can,” says Imbert. For the full breakdown, see the report—but here’s a snapshot of the top 30 cities for cyclists. 1. Utrecht, Netherlands In the index’s top-ranked city, nearly a third of all trips happen by bike. The Dutch city continues to shrink space for cars, taking away some parking spots and car lanes to make room for more bike lanes and trees. A new car-free neighborhood designed for 12,000 residents is now under construction. The city also includes amenities like the world’s largest bike parking garage, part of more than 100,000 bike parking spots throughout the city. Low-income residents can buy refurbished bikes for €30 ($34) through a program that also includes a year of free repairs. 2. Copenhagen Protected bike lanes cover more than half of the streets in the Danish capital, and other roads have been converted to “bicycle streets” that prioritize bikes over cars. The city is continuously improving its bike infrastructure; 29% of all trips happen by bike and nearly half of all commutes to work or school are on bikes. On a typical weekday, Copenhageners collectively ride 2.75 million kilometers (1.7 million miles). 3. Ghent, Belgium Over the last few decades, Ghent has redesigned streets to prioritize biking, walking, and public transportation. With more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) of protected bike lanes—along with low speed limits for cars and two dozen bicycle streets, the number of car trips keeps dropping. More than a third of trips now happen by bikes, up from 22% a decade ago. 4. Amsterdam One of the world’s most famous cycling cities keeps improving. Amsterdam now has around 560 kilometers (350 miles) of protected bike lanes and 11,000 bike parking spaces, including the world’s first underground bike garage. Most city streets now have a 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limit. A school street program blocks off traffic in front of schools when kids are arriving and leaving, making it safer for kids to walk or bike to school. Thirty-seven percent of all trips happen on bikes. 5. Paris Over the past decade, Paris has transformed. Some major streets are now car free, and on others, parking spaces and car lanes have been removed to put in bike lanes. A 30-kilometers-per-hour (19-miles-per-hour) speed limit is the norm. There are more than 122,000 public bike parking places. Local businesses have used city subsidies to buy 1,500 cargo bikes. The bikeshare system had 56 million trips in 2024. In the last five years, bike trips jumped from 5% of all trips taken to 11%. 6. Helsinki To help make it easier to bike in Finland’s frigid winters, the city clears snow from 150 kilometers (93 miles) of bike lanes. The city now has an extensive network of separated lanes, along with traffic calming, redesigned intersections, and awareness campaigns focused on safety. It also continues to add bike parking, including a new parking garage at the central train station. 7. Münster, Germany In Münster, a compact university town, 40% of city streets have protected bike lanes. The city also has a network of bicycle streets, coated in red to remind drivers that bikes have priority, and a new scenic bike route along a canal. Nearly half of all trips take place on bikes. To nudge people to bike even more, the city uses public billboards to display stats from bike counters that show how many people are riding. 8. Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp has nearly 600 kilometers (372 miles) of protected bike lanes and continues to expand them through its “100 Missing Links” program, which includes underpasses and bridges for direct, continuous routes. About 70% of streets are limited to 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour). To help add more bike parking in dense neighborhoods with little extra space, the city has been converting some unused buildings into secure subscription-based bike parking. They now have more than 60 neighborhood sites with 1,600 spaces. Cycling in the city is inclusive, with children and seniors on the road, and women make over half of daily commuting bike trips. Unsplash 9. Bordeaux, France Nearly 90% of Bordeaux’s streets have speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour) or less, and the city has been closing major gaps in its bike network, including new two-way cycle tracks along both riverbanks. Former car lanes on streets like the Quai des Queyries have been converted into continuous, green-framed bikeways. “Bicycletteries” in the historic center offer video-protected, resident-only parking. The city also uses cargo bikes for waste pickup and deliveries. 10. Nantes, France Nantes’s Grandes Voies Vélo network provides high-quality, well-marked bike routes across the city. Almost 90% of streets have low speed limits, complemented by car-free areas, shared streets, and low-traffic neighborhoods. The main train station offers 1,200 secure parking spaces, with more on-street racks throughout the city. Awareness campaigns support a steadily growing bike culture. 11. Bonn, Germany Bonn is shifting from painted lanes to a growing protected network; about 20% of streets now have protected bike lanes, and over half the city has 30-kilometer-per-hour (18-mile-per-hour) speed limits. The city remains relatively car-dependent, but bike counters show rising use, and cycling mode share has increased from 15% in 2017 to 21% in 2024. 12. The Hague, Netherlands The Hague has an expanding network of protected bike routes, with 60% of streets at or below a 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limit and major investments since 2020. The central station holds 8,500 bikes, with 47,000 more spaces on streets. The city continues linking suburban routes and opened the 335-meter (1,099-foot) Jan Linzel bike bridge over the A4. Its “Den Haag Fiets!” program includes kids’ bike lessons from age 2, free or low-cost bikes for families, and subsidies for shared and cargo bikes. Unsplash 13. Strasbourg, France Strasbourg’s Velostras network links the entire metro area, giving the city one of the most recognizable and complete bike systems in Europe. It still needs slower speed limits and redesigned streets, but cycling culture is strong—its annual Bike to Work challenge brings new riders, and the city offers over 400 bike parking spaces per 1,000 residents, among the world’s highest. Cargo bikes are widely used for deliveries. Unsplash 14. Lyon, France Nearly three-quarters of Lyon’s streets have 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limits or below, and the branded Voies Lyonnaises network makes navigation easy. The city is redesigning major corridors with protected routes, tunnels, and new riverside bikeways, and opened France’s largest secure bike parking hub at its main station in 2025. Its long-running bikeshare now includes low-cost plans for broad access. 15. Montreal The highest-ranked non-European city on the list, Montreal has rapidly expanded its protected network with clear, cohesive design and safer intersections. The Saint-Denis corridor hit 1.3 million trips in the first nine months of 2025, helping revive local businesses. Bixi, the city’s bikesharing program, set a record 13 million rides in 2024 and now operates year-round with bike trailers. Montreal pioneered North America’s first bicycle streets and continues to grow ridership. Unsplash 16. Malmö, Sweden Malmö’s bike mode share reached 27% in 2024, supported by a dense network with 49 kilometers (30 miles) of protected lanes per 100 kilometers of road. A new regional bike highway is adding underpasses and bridges to close gaps. The city provides extensive parking—including 5,000 spaces at train stations—plus air pumps, footrests, and school streets. Cargo bikes are common, and developers are encouraged to include bike pools in new housing. Unsplash 17. Munich Munich is replacing painted lanes with wide, tree-buffered protected tracks and building a bike highway network. A third of streets now have protected lanes, most have 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limits, and major intersections include dedicated bike signals. Cycling rose from 18% to 21% between 2019 and 2023, though the city discontinued its bikeshare in 2024. Green-asphalt paths and redesigned corridors are reshaping the streetscape. 18. Oslo Oslo’s Vision Zero policies are driving major safety upgrades, with two-thirds of streets having a 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limit and plans to make that universal. The bike network remains fragmented and ridership is relatively low at 7%, but the city is improving crossings and building secure parking in new developments. In the winter, the city clears snow on bike lanes along with car lanes. To help riders in the coldest months, the city also offers subsidies for studded winter tires. 19. Vienna Vienna has added or upgraded 44 kilometers (27 miles) of bike routes in five years, including its first Dutch-style bicycle street on Argentinierstrasse. Wider, greener paths and redesigned streets are improving safety. The city offers cargo-bike subsidies, free loaner programs, school training, and annual festivals, and even includes a family biking guide in new-parent kits. Bike parks and school streets continue to expand. 20. Bern, Switzerland Bern’s bike mode share sits at 19%, with a mix of painted lanes, bicycle streets, and about 18 kilometers (11 miles) of protected paths. Some major boulevards have high-quality separated tracks, although the network still needs expansion. The city provides around 2,600 station parking spaces, extensive on-street racks, and easy bike rental access through the SwissPass system. Cargo bikes are common and supported by local rentals. 21. Graz, Austria Two-thirds of Graz’s streets now have a 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limit, supported by 130 kilometers (81 miles) of cycle paths and 26,000 bike parking spaces. A major pedestrian-bike bridge is planned to link two neighborhoods and create a more direct bike commute. Balance bike training in kindergartens, bicycle playgrounds, student bike grants, and senior cycling classes help riders of all ages gain confidence. Monthly summer group rides helped normalize everyday biking. The city sits at a 19% bike mode share today and aims for 30% within five years. 22. Zurich Zurich transformed a former car tunnel under the main station into a bike-only corridor with bike stations at each end, part of a broader push that includes more bike parking across the city. Color-coded pavement helps riders instantly understand the type of route they’re on. A dedicated team tests new ideas to improve bike infrastructure. All public school students take a cycling exam. Bike mode share has risen from 8% in 2019 to 11% today. 23. Rotterdam, Netherlands Rotterdam redesigned a central boulevard, Coolsingel, from car-centric to people-first, adding a two-way cycle track, a 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limit, and a new streetcar line. Car traffic dropped by roughly 10,000 vehicles after completion. The city has a wide network of separated bike paths and is rolling out low speed limits as the norm, now on 115 streets. At Central Station, 5,000 underground bike parking spaces connect directly to train, metro, and streetcar lines. 24. Ljubljana, Slovenia A 20-hectare car-free center anchors Ljubljana’s bike- and pedestrian-focused approach. New cycling corridors and contraflow lanes on low-speed streets make the network more direct. The city now has about 22 kilometers (13 miles) of separated bike paths per 100 kilometers of roadway and a 14% bike mode share that’s still rising, with women making up the majority of riders. Schools run bike-safety programs, and plentiful on-street bike racks make parking easy. 25. Bologna, Italy More than half the city is now covered by low-speed zones, and Bologna’s branded “Bicipolitana” network has grown to over 100 kilometers (62 miles), with 26 kilometers (16 miles) added since 2022. A 2019 cycling strategy and an inclusive decision-making structure—bringing nonprofits and other stakeholders into the process—have helped ridership grow. Streets are designed for comfort and inclusion, and women now make 52% of trips. The city continually monitors progress, and new buildings must include secure bike parking. Unsplash 26. Stockholm Stockholm is rolling out a new network of separated bike paths reaching well beyond the city center into outer districts. A new bike and pedestrian bridge will soon create a faster shortcut to the central station and downtown. Bike parking still lags behind need, but investment is accelerating. 27. Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain About 8% of trips in this Spanish city are made by bike—a high rate for the region—supported by a 120-kilometer (75-mile) network of protected lanes linking neighborhoods, jobs, and parks. The city recently launched a new bikeshare system. Subsidies for electric cargo bikes are pushing growth, alongside micro-distribution hubs that have made cargo bike deliveries common. 28. Wroclaw, Poland Wroclaw uses Dutch-inspired design standards and has built 428 kilometers (266 miles) of bike routes connecting jobs, universities, and parks. (Some are just painted lanes, but the quality continues to improve.) Bike mode share is 5%. A new cargo bike logistics hub opened this year in a converted car garage, and the city bans motorized deliveries after 10 a.m. A slow zone in the city center began during the pandemic. Schoolchildren learn biking skills, and the recently relaunched bikeshare system—now with kids’ bikes, cargo bikes, tandems, and e-bikes—logged 1 million rides in its first six months. 29. Quebec City, Canada Quebec launched plans in 2023 for a 150-kilometer (93-mile) bike network. On the main corridor, new bike and pedestrian infrastructure has boosted biking 6.9% and walking by 94%. Its fully electric bikeshare system, introduced in 2021 for the city’s hilly terrain, grew from 100 bikes to 1,300 bikes and 1.3 million trips in 2024; 50 more stations and 500 more bikes were added this year. Over half of city roads now have speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour (18 miles per hour). 30. Vancouver Although Vancouver’s progress slowed during the pandemic, the city already has 109 kilometers (67 miles) of protected or off-street bike routes. A major recent project, the Granville Connection, converted two car lanes on a key bridge into wide separated bike and pedestrian paths. Downtown corridors continue to gain new bidirectional protected lanes. Residential streets in 25 neighborhoods now have 30-kilometers-per-hour (18-miles-per-hour) speed limits. View the full article

Before Waymo was Waymo, it was Google’s self-driving car project. Starting in 2009, the effort spent many years in test mode—with humans in the driver’s seats ready to take over, just in case—that its vision of vehicular autonomy often felt far from practical reality. Since last year, however, Alphabet’s robotaxi service has begun to scale up quickly. It’s now fully open to the public in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area. And today the company is announcing that it’s testing fully autonomous trips, sans human driver, in Miami, and plans to do so in Orlando, Florida; Dallas; Houston; and San Antonio in the coming weeks. For now, the only passengers will be Waymo employees. But the news is one of the final big milestones before the company offers rides to the public in those five cities, which it says it expects to do next year once all the necessary logistics are in place. In most of the cities, Waymo began driving with an in-car supervisor late last May. (Remote human monitoring and control remain part of the system in all service areas.) By autonomy standards, taking the human out of the driver’s seat in five cities over such a short period is a one-fell-swoop sort of move. According to Waymo Chief Product Officer Saswat Panigrahi, the 10 million driverless rides the company has already completed helped it reach this point. “Having dealt with high-speed roads in Phoenix and very narrow corridors in San Francisco, L.A. was faster,” he told me. “Austin was faster than that. Atlanta was faster than that. So this is just the next step.” The five cities that are part of today’s announcement represent only a portion of those where Waymo has announced its intention to add service. Seven more—Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, London, Nashville, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.—are “coming soon” but not yet ready to do without a human driver aboard. Yet another seven—Boston, Buffalo, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Tokyo—are in an earlier stage, where the company is driving and collecting data. That’s a lot of places that are at least partway down the road to being Waymo cities. Each is different when it comes to their roads and the challenges they present. As Panigrahi notes, even specific intersections can present idiosyncrasies that the company’s Waymo Driver platform must map out individually. But he says that localities that might at first blush seem quite different can boil down to similar problems for the Waymo Driver to solve. “You can imagine how when we’re serving the civic center in San Francisco, [after] a Warriors game,” he says. “It’s not that dissimilar to a whole host of pedestrians coming from the beach and crossing over in Miami Beach.” Panigrahi adds that Waymo highway driving—which came to Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area last week, after years of anticipation—should also scale up to new markets more quickly. “Highway is a super hard technical problem, and that’s why we took our time to build it and validate it over multiple years,” he says. “But once you do get that, then the highways do look much more similar across states. There are more nuances in surface streets.” Waymo’s time as the only company offering a fully commercialized robotaxi service in the U.S. may be winding down. When I tried Tesla’s robotaxi service last month in San Francisco, a human attendant was in the driver’s seat, greatly reducing the amazingness of the experience. But Tesla plans to offer truly autonomous rides to the public by the end of this year, at least in Austin. Earlier this month, the company said that it also plans to deploy robotaxis in Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and Phoenix, portending eventual head-to-head competition with Waymo in all those areas. Tesla also says it intends to begin mass production of its two-seater Cybercab in April and is rethinking its original plan to remove the driver’s seat and steering wheel altogether. Meanwhile, Amazon-owned Zoox just announced that it’s begun Zoox Explorers robotaxi service in San Francisco. That means it’s allowing waitlisted members of the public into its app and giving them free rides in return for feedback. Zoox is already in Explorers mode in Las Vegas. Should a critical mass of American cities grow thick with driverless Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla robotaxis, it might turn autonomy from a futuristic novelty into mundane workaday transportation. That exposure could boost the technology’s reputation, which still isn’t great among people who haven’t been for a ride. For example, a February AAA study reported that only 13% of respondents said they trusted self-driving vehicles. In Waymo’s home turf of San Francisco, its cars are omnipresent and public attitude toward self-driving vehicles has been on the rise. Yet the recent death of a bodega cat who was struck by one of its vehicles sparked more of an uproar than the hundreds of animals who are killed by human drivers in the city each year. Waymo’s own data, based on 96 million passenger-only miles its cars have driven, shows its record is dramatically safer than that of humans. For instance, cars have been in 92% fewer crashes that caused pedestrian injuries. Panigrahi argues that merely seeing Waymos driving carefully reassures pedestrians and cyclists. After they’ve taken a trip in one, it’s a lot harder to hate them. (In August, The Information wrote that 99% of the 69% of its subscribers who’d been in a self-driving car were satisfied with the experience.) “Pedestrians notice that we stop to give them that confidence that they can cross and not play a game of chicken,” he says. “Even skeptical or on-the-fence folks, once they take their first ride, that magical experience changes their heart.” View the full article

House of Commons Speaker tells lawmakers Beijing is using ‘recruitment agents and consultants’ View the full article

The most anticipated quarterly earnings of the month will be announced on Wednesday, November 19, as AI chip giant Nvidia Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) reveals financial results for its 2026 fiscal third quarter. A lot is riding on these results—and not just for Nvidia. Investors are increasingly on edge about a possible AI bubble, and if Nvidia posts good or better than expected earnings, it could give those investors faith that AI infrastructure is on solid ground and has plenty of room to grow. But if Nvidia’s earnings disappoint—or show signs of upcoming weakness—it could spell bad news not just for NVDA stock, but for the stock prices of all companies operating in the AI space. Here is what Nvidia has previously forecast for its Q3 2026, and what investors are expecting when the company releases its earnings results tomorrow after markets close. Nvidia’s Q3 2026 guidance On August 27, Nvidia announced its Q2 2026 results. That same day, the company released its forecast for the quarter that it is currently operating in. Here is what the company said it expected for its Q3 2026, which ran from July 28 to October 26: Revenue: $54 billion (plus or minus 2%) GAAP gross margins: 73.3% (plus or minus 50 basis points) Non-GAAP gross margins: 73.5% (plus or minus 50 basis points) GAAP operating expenses: approximately $5.9 billion Non-GAAP operating expenses: approximately $4.2 billion Here’s what analysts are expecting from Nvidia’s Q3 2026 Nvidia’s estimates above are the best guess the company had for its Q3 based on the data it had at the time, which in this case was in August. But analysts calculate their own estimates, which fluctuate as the quarter progresses and additional data is assessed. That’s why analyst estimates will typically not entirely align with what a company has forecast. Also, nearly every individual analyst will have a different estimate. These estimates are often pooled to produce a consensus figure, and yet even those consensus figures will differ depending on what analysts are included. The number that analysts usually care most about is revenue. Nvidia forecast its Q3 2026 revenue to come in at $54 billion plus or minus 2%, which would equate to a range of roughly $52.9 billion to $55 billion. Here’s what analysts are expecting: CNBC reports that LSEG analysts expect revenue of $54.9 billion. Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) says analysts polled by FactSet expect revenue of $54.8 billion. Yahoo Finance says Bloomberg consensus data shows analysts expect revenue of $55.2 billion. What this means for NVDA and AI as a whole As you can see, three separate analyst roundups show that Wall Street expects Nvidia to come in at the high end of its $52.9 billion to $55 billion Q3 revenue estimate. That means that if Nvidia doesn’t meet these lofty expectations, investors could get spooked and the stock could drop. But a miss in these revenue estimates could also add fuel to the fire over growing concerns that the AI sector is in a bubble. And if Nvidia’s results fuel bubble fears, the company’s earnings could have an adverse knock-on effect on the stock prices of other companies operating in the space. How have AI-related stocks been performing? Nvidia’s shares have been strong so far in 2025. As of yesterday’s close, the stock is up more than 38% for the year. And back in October, Nvidia made history when its share price rose to as high as $212, making Nvidia the world’s first public company ever to be valued at $5 trillion. But since then, the company’s stock has fallen almost 10%. In the run-up to its Q3 earnings tomorrow, investors are hoping that strong results will mean that NVDA shares can make back some of those losses. Most of the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks (Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla) are down over the last five days, as is the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite. View the full article

Algorithms ensure that people who click on scams are likely to see more of them View the full article

If you're having trouble accessing sites and services on the internet this morning, it isn't just you: It appears Cloudflare is experiencing a global outage. When I try to load sites like X or, ironically, Downdetector, I'm met with various errors. X shows me an internal service error, while Downdetector asks me to "Please unblock challenges.cloudflare.com to proceed." (I definitely do not have that authority.) You may experience similar errors on websites you try to load this morning, even ones you don't regularly visit. As part of this article, for example, I would google queries and click the top results to websites I had never heard of before, only to encounter similar error messages. That's because a large portion of the global internet relies on Cloudflare to operate. Cloudflare offers a host of services to companies, including web infrastructure and cybersecurity products. As such, when Cloudflare goes down, so do many of those websites—a bit of a domino effect. It's not clear at this time what brought on the outage, but, as spotted by Techradar, Cloudflare had announced scheduled maintenance for some of its web servers for Nov. 18, ranging from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. UTC (7am to 10am ET), so it's possible something happened during this work to break service. While this is indeed a big interruption to the internet, it's far from the first time this has happened. In fact, an AWS (Amazon Web Services) outage broke the internet last month. With the Cloudflare outage this morning, it's an example of the risks of so many companies putting their web services needs in the same basket: If one servicer goes, so too goes a huge fraction of the web. Cloudflare will likely patch this issue sometime Tuesday, so I imagine we'll all be back to business as usual soon enough. I'll keep this article updated with developments as they come. View the full article

When considering the structure of your business, it is crucial to understand the key differences between a corporation, partnership, and LLC. Each has its own characteristics regarding liability, tax treatment, and management responsibilities. Corporations provide limited liability but face double taxation, whereas partnerships may offer pass-through taxation, exposing general partners to personal risk. LLCs blend these benefits, offering flexibility and protection. As you weigh your options, knowing these distinctions can guide your decision-making process effectively. What might work best for your situation? Key Takeaways Corporations require formal structure with a Board of Directors, while partnerships and LLCs can operate more informally with flexible management options. Corporations offer limited liability protection to shareholders, whereas general partners in partnerships face personal liability for debts unlike members in LLCs. Corporations are subject to double taxation, while partnerships and LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation, avoiding tax on corporate profits. Management responsibilities differ, with general partnerships sharing management equally, whereas LLCs and corporations have defined roles and responsibilities. Profit sharing in partnerships can be equal or investment-based, while LLCs allow customized arrangements, enhancing flexibility compared to corporations. Understanding Corporations: Structure and Liability A corporation acts as a distinct legal entity, separate from its owners, which greatly impacts its structure and liability. Unlike a partnership, where personal liability is shared among partners, a corporation offers limited liability protection. This means that shareholders aren’t personally responsible for the corporation’s debts, except in cases of fraud. Corporations require formalities such as a Board of Directors and annual meetings, ensuring legal status and liability protections. When considering a limited liability company (LLC) vs. a partnership, keep in mind that LLCs likewise offer liability protection, but corporations can raise capital more easily through stock sales. Nevertheless, corporations face double taxation on profits, unlike partnerships or LLCs, which typically benefit from pass-through taxation. Exploring Partnerships: Types and Responsibilities When you explore partnerships, you’ll find several types, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), each with distinct responsibilities and levels of liability. Comprehending these categories is vital, as general partners share equal management responsibilities and personal liability, whereas limited partners have restricted involvement and liability based solely on their investment. A well-drafted partnership agreement clarifies roles, profit-sharing, and dispute resolution, which is critical for maintaining a smooth operation and preventing conflicts among partners. Types of Partnerships Grasping the various types of partnerships is fundamental for anyone considering starting a business or seeking to collaborate with others. General partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing ownership and liability for debts. Conversely, limited partnerships have general partners managing the business and limited partners who invest, limiting their liability to their contributions. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) protect all partners from personal liability, making them attractive for professionals. Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLPs) combine features of general and limited partnerships, offering protection for general partners as they allow passive investment. Comprehending the difference between LLC and partnership helps clarify which structure suits your business needs, particularly when weighing limited partnership vs LLC options. A solid partnership agreement is fundamental for defining roles and profit-sharing. Partner Responsibilities Defined Grasping partner responsibilities is vital for anyone entering a partnership, as these roles directly influence how the business operates and how decisions are made. In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility and are personally liable for debts, risking personal assets. Limited partnerships include general partners who manage the business and assume full liability, whereas limited partners’ liability is restricted to their investment. A limited liability partnership (LLP) protects partners from personal liability for others’ negligence, making it appealing for professionals. To avoid disputes, partnership agreements are fundamental in defining partner responsibilities, rights, and obligations. Comprehending the pros and cons of having a partner LLC can additionally provide insights into effective partnership dynamics and management strategies. Profit Sharing Agreements Profit-sharing agreements play a crucial role in defining how earnings and losses are allocated among partners in a business. In partnerships, these agreements typically specify how profits are distributed, with general partnerships often sharing equally unless stated otherwise. Limited partnerships may allow for different arrangements based on each partner’s investment and involvement. When comparing LLC vs partnership, LLCs offer more flexibility in profit distribution, allowing members to set terms regardless of ownership percentage. In a multi-member LLC vs partnership, clarity in profit-sharing is vital to prevent disputes, as partners are jointly liable for debts. It’s wise to consult legal and financial advisors to guarantee these agreements align with your business goals and tax implications. The Limited Liability Company (LLC): Key Features When you consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you’ll appreciate its key features, such as liability protection, flexible management, and favorable tax treatment. An LLC shields you from personal liability for business debts as well as allowing you to enjoy pass-through taxation, which simplifies your tax process. Moreover, the flexibility in management structure means you can choose how your LLC is run, making it a versatile option for various business needs. Liability Protection Benefits Limited liability protection is one of the most significant benefits of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), as it guarantees that members aren’t personally responsible for the company’s debts or obligations. In an LLC, your liability is limited to the amount you invest, unlike in a partnership where you could face personal liability for the business’s debts. This essential liability protection means that in case of lawsuits or business failures, your personal assets remain safe, except in instances of fraud or mismanagement. For those considering an LLC, especially a multi-member LLC, this protection stands out as a major advantage over sole proprietorships and general partnerships, which expose owners to greater financial risk. Flexible Management Structure One of the standout features of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is its flexible management structure, which allows you to tailor operations to fit your business needs. You can choose between a member-managed or manager-managed setup. In a member-managed LLC, all members actively participate in decision-making, whereas a manager-managed structure lets appointed managers handle daily operations, making it ideal for passive investors. Compared to a multi-member LLC vs partnership, LLCs have fewer formal management requirements, unlike corporations that demand strict adherence to a Board of Directors and regular meetings. This flexibility means you can easily adjust roles and responsibilities as your business evolves, offering greater adaptability in ownership and management compared to the LLC partnership vs LLC corporation. Favorable Tax Treatment Tax treatment is a crucial consideration for any business structure, and LLCs offer several advantages that can greatly benefit owners. Here are three key aspects of favorable tax treatment for LLCs: Pass-Through Taxation: LLCs usually allow profits and losses to be reported on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation faced by corporations. Flexible Tax Classification: Unlike partnerships, LLCs can choose their tax classification, including the option to be taxed as an S Corporation, which may lower your self-employment taxes. Lower Compliance Costs: LLCs often face fewer compliance costs compared to corporations, making them more tax-efficient options for small business owners looking to optimize their financial strategies. Considering LLC tax brackets alongside other structures like LLC vs S Corp vs partnership can guide your decision-making. Liability Protection: Comparing Corporations, Partnerships, and LLCs Grasping liability protection is crucial when choosing a business structure, as it directly impacts your financial security. Corporations provide shareholders with limited liability, meaning personal assets are typically shielded from business debts. Conversely, if you choose a partnership, you and your partners are personally liable for business obligations, risking your assets if the partnership faces debts. An LLC, whether you’re in a multi-owner LLC or as a single member, offers limited liability protection, ensuring your personal assets aren’t at risk, except in cases of fraud or mismanagement. This level of protection makes LLCs and corporations more appealing than partnerships, as they provide a stronger safety net against potential financial pitfalls associated with business operations. Tax Implications: How Each Structure Affects Owners When selecting a business structure, comprehension of the tax implications is essential, as it can greatly affect your finances. Here are key points to take into account: Corporations face double taxation on profits and dividends, whereas LLCs and partnerships usually benefit from pass-through taxation, allowing income to be reported on personal tax returns. An LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation, offering flexibility, whereas partnerships can’t choose this option. S Corporations provide flow-through taxation, avoiding double taxation on corporate profits, making them appealing for some owners. Keep in mind the tax consequences of adding a member to an LLC can impact your taxes; furthermore, although a partnership can’t be an LLC, it offers simpler tax treatment compared to corporations. Management and Formal Requirements: A Comparative Analysis Comprehending the management and formal requirements of different business structures is vital for making informed decisions about your company. Corporations require a formal structure, including a Board of Directors and regular meetings, to maintain compliance. Conversely, partnerships can operate informally, though a written agreement is recommended. LLCs provide a flexible management structure, allowing owners to manage the business themselves or appoint managers, which is a notable difference in the LLC vs LP comparison. Both LLCs and corporations must comply with state maintenance and reporting requirements; nevertheless, corporations face more stringent obligations. Furthermore, although an S Corp can own an LLC, LLCs typically require an operating agreement to outline their management and operational procedures. Choosing the Right Structure: Factors to Consider How do you decide which business structure is right for you? Consider these key factors: 1. Liability Protection: LLCs and corporations provide limited liability, shielding your personal assets, whereas partnerships expose you to personal liability for business debts. 2. Tax Implications: LLCs typically enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning income is taxed at the member level. Be aware of how the federal income tax rate for LLCs can affect you. Furthermore, consider whether you’re a single vs multi-member LLC, as this impacts tax treatment. 3. Management Structure: LLCs offer flexible management options, unlike corporations, which require a formal Board of Directors. Moreover, keep in mind that an LLC may receive a 1099 for certain income reporting. Choosing wisely will greatly impact your business’s future. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Difference Between LLC Partnership and Corporation? When you consider LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, the key differences lie in liability, management structure, and taxation. An LLC protects your personal assets, whereas partners in a partnership are personally liable for debts. Corporations operate as separate entities owned by shareholders, allowing for stock issuance. LLCs offer flexible management with fewer formalities, whereas corporations face strict regulations. Taxation varies: LLCs and partnerships benefit from pass-through taxation, whereas corporations might experience double taxation unless they qualify as S Corporations. What Are the 4 Types of Business Structures? There are four main types of business structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Sole proprietorships are owned by one person, who assumes all liabilities. Partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing responsibilities and liabilities. LLCs combine the benefits of partnerships and corporations, offering liability protection while allowing for pass-through taxation. Corporations are separate entities that limit owner liability and require adherence to more regulations and formalities. What Are the Main Differences Between a Partnership LLC and an S Corp? When you’re comparing a partnership, LLC, and S Corporation, you’ll notice distinct differences. In a partnership, you share management and profits but face personal liability for debts. An LLC, on the other hand, offers limited liability protection, safeguarding your assets. An S Corporation has a structured management system and allows for pass-through taxation, but imposes restrictions on shareholders. Each structure suits different needs, so it’s vital to take into account liability, taxation, and management before deciding. What Are the Three Major Differences Between a Partnership and a Corporation? The three major differences between a partnership and a corporation lie in liability, tax treatment, and management structure. In a partnership, you’re personally liable for debts, whereas a corporation protects you from personal liability. Tax-wise, partnerships pass profits and losses through to your personal returns, whereas corporations face potential double taxation. Furthermore, partnerships have an informal management structure based on mutual agreements, whereas corporations require a formal structure with a Board of Directors and officers. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing between a corporation, partnership, or LLC depends on your specific needs and goals. Each structure offers unique advantages and disadvantages regarding liability protection, tax treatment, and management responsibilities. Corporations provide limited liability but face double taxation, whereas partnerships allow for pass-through taxation but expose general partners to personal liability. LLCs offer a flexible option that combines benefits from both. Carefully consider these factors to select the structure that best aligns with your business objectives. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Key Differences: Corporation Vs Partnership Vs LLC" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering the structure of your business, it is crucial to understand the key differences between a corporation, partnership, and LLC. Each has its own characteristics regarding liability, tax treatment, and management responsibilities. Corporations provide limited liability but face double taxation, whereas partnerships may offer pass-through taxation, exposing general partners to personal risk. LLCs blend these benefits, offering flexibility and protection. As you weigh your options, knowing these distinctions can guide your decision-making process effectively. What might work best for your situation? Key Takeaways Corporations require formal structure with a Board of Directors, while partnerships and LLCs can operate more informally with flexible management options. Corporations offer limited liability protection to shareholders, whereas general partners in partnerships face personal liability for debts unlike members in LLCs. Corporations are subject to double taxation, while partnerships and LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation, avoiding tax on corporate profits. Management responsibilities differ, with general partnerships sharing management equally, whereas LLCs and corporations have defined roles and responsibilities. Profit sharing in partnerships can be equal or investment-based, while LLCs allow customized arrangements, enhancing flexibility compared to corporations. Understanding Corporations: Structure and Liability A corporation acts as a distinct legal entity, separate from its owners, which greatly impacts its structure and liability. Unlike a partnership, where personal liability is shared among partners, a corporation offers limited liability protection. This means that shareholders aren’t personally responsible for the corporation’s debts, except in cases of fraud. Corporations require formalities such as a Board of Directors and annual meetings, ensuring legal status and liability protections. When considering a limited liability company (LLC) vs. a partnership, keep in mind that LLCs likewise offer liability protection, but corporations can raise capital more easily through stock sales. Nevertheless, corporations face double taxation on profits, unlike partnerships or LLCs, which typically benefit from pass-through taxation. Exploring Partnerships: Types and Responsibilities When you explore partnerships, you’ll find several types, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), each with distinct responsibilities and levels of liability. Comprehending these categories is vital, as general partners share equal management responsibilities and personal liability, whereas limited partners have restricted involvement and liability based solely on their investment. A well-drafted partnership agreement clarifies roles, profit-sharing, and dispute resolution, which is critical for maintaining a smooth operation and preventing conflicts among partners. Types of Partnerships Grasping the various types of partnerships is fundamental for anyone considering starting a business or seeking to collaborate with others. General partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing ownership and liability for debts. Conversely, limited partnerships have general partners managing the business and limited partners who invest, limiting their liability to their contributions. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) protect all partners from personal liability, making them attractive for professionals. Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLPs) combine features of general and limited partnerships, offering protection for general partners as they allow passive investment. Comprehending the difference between LLC and partnership helps clarify which structure suits your business needs, particularly when weighing limited partnership vs LLC options. A solid partnership agreement is fundamental for defining roles and profit-sharing. Partner Responsibilities Defined Grasping partner responsibilities is vital for anyone entering a partnership, as these roles directly influence how the business operates and how decisions are made. In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility and are personally liable for debts, risking personal assets. Limited partnerships include general partners who manage the business and assume full liability, whereas limited partners’ liability is restricted to their investment. A limited liability partnership (LLP) protects partners from personal liability for others’ negligence, making it appealing for professionals. To avoid disputes, partnership agreements are fundamental in defining partner responsibilities, rights, and obligations. Comprehending the pros and cons of having a partner LLC can additionally provide insights into effective partnership dynamics and management strategies. Profit Sharing Agreements Profit-sharing agreements play a crucial role in defining how earnings and losses are allocated among partners in a business. In partnerships, these agreements typically specify how profits are distributed, with general partnerships often sharing equally unless stated otherwise. Limited partnerships may allow for different arrangements based on each partner’s investment and involvement. When comparing LLC vs partnership, LLCs offer more flexibility in profit distribution, allowing members to set terms regardless of ownership percentage. In a multi-member LLC vs partnership, clarity in profit-sharing is vital to prevent disputes, as partners are jointly liable for debts. It’s wise to consult legal and financial advisors to guarantee these agreements align with your business goals and tax implications. The Limited Liability Company (LLC): Key Features When you consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you’ll appreciate its key features, such as liability protection, flexible management, and favorable tax treatment. An LLC shields you from personal liability for business debts as well as allowing you to enjoy pass-through taxation, which simplifies your tax process. Moreover, the flexibility in management structure means you can choose how your LLC is run, making it a versatile option for various business needs. Liability Protection Benefits Limited liability protection is one of the most significant benefits of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), as it guarantees that members aren’t personally responsible for the company’s debts or obligations. In an LLC, your liability is limited to the amount you invest, unlike in a partnership where you could face personal liability for the business’s debts. This essential liability protection means that in case of lawsuits or business failures, your personal assets remain safe, except in instances of fraud or mismanagement. For those considering an LLC, especially a multi-member LLC, this protection stands out as a major advantage over sole proprietorships and general partnerships, which expose owners to greater financial risk. Flexible Management Structure One of the standout features of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is its flexible management structure, which allows you to tailor operations to fit your business needs. You can choose between a member-managed or manager-managed setup. In a member-managed LLC, all members actively participate in decision-making, whereas a manager-managed structure lets appointed managers handle daily operations, making it ideal for passive investors. Compared to a multi-member LLC vs partnership, LLCs have fewer formal management requirements, unlike corporations that demand strict adherence to a Board of Directors and regular meetings. This flexibility means you can easily adjust roles and responsibilities as your business evolves, offering greater adaptability in ownership and management compared to the LLC partnership vs LLC corporation. Favorable Tax Treatment Tax treatment is a crucial consideration for any business structure, and LLCs offer several advantages that can greatly benefit owners. Here are three key aspects of favorable tax treatment for LLCs: Pass-Through Taxation: LLCs usually allow profits and losses to be reported on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation faced by corporations. Flexible Tax Classification: Unlike partnerships, LLCs can choose their tax classification, including the option to be taxed as an S Corporation, which may lower your self-employment taxes. Lower Compliance Costs: LLCs often face fewer compliance costs compared to corporations, making them more tax-efficient options for small business owners looking to optimize their financial strategies. Considering LLC tax brackets alongside other structures like LLC vs S Corp vs partnership can guide your decision-making. Liability Protection: Comparing Corporations, Partnerships, and LLCs Grasping liability protection is crucial when choosing a business structure, as it directly impacts your financial security. Corporations provide shareholders with limited liability, meaning personal assets are typically shielded from business debts. Conversely, if you choose a partnership, you and your partners are personally liable for business obligations, risking your assets if the partnership faces debts. An LLC, whether you’re in a multi-owner LLC or as a single member, offers limited liability protection, ensuring your personal assets aren’t at risk, except in cases of fraud or mismanagement. This level of protection makes LLCs and corporations more appealing than partnerships, as they provide a stronger safety net against potential financial pitfalls associated with business operations. Tax Implications: How Each Structure Affects Owners When selecting a business structure, comprehension of the tax implications is essential, as it can greatly affect your finances. Here are key points to take into account: Corporations face double taxation on profits and dividends, whereas LLCs and partnerships usually benefit from pass-through taxation, allowing income to be reported on personal tax returns. An LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation, offering flexibility, whereas partnerships can’t choose this option. S Corporations provide flow-through taxation, avoiding double taxation on corporate profits, making them appealing for some owners. Keep in mind the tax consequences of adding a member to an LLC can impact your taxes; furthermore, although a partnership can’t be an LLC, it offers simpler tax treatment compared to corporations. Management and Formal Requirements: A Comparative Analysis Comprehending the management and formal requirements of different business structures is vital for making informed decisions about your company. Corporations require a formal structure, including a Board of Directors and regular meetings, to maintain compliance. Conversely, partnerships can operate informally, though a written agreement is recommended. LLCs provide a flexible management structure, allowing owners to manage the business themselves or appoint managers, which is a notable difference in the LLC vs LP comparison. Both LLCs and corporations must comply with state maintenance and reporting requirements; nevertheless, corporations face more stringent obligations. Furthermore, although an S Corp can own an LLC, LLCs typically require an operating agreement to outline their management and operational procedures. Choosing the Right Structure: Factors to Consider How do you decide which business structure is right for you? Consider these key factors: 1. Liability Protection: LLCs and corporations provide limited liability, shielding your personal assets, whereas partnerships expose you to personal liability for business debts. 2. Tax Implications: LLCs typically enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning income is taxed at the member level. Be aware of how the federal income tax rate for LLCs can affect you. Furthermore, consider whether you’re a single vs multi-member LLC, as this impacts tax treatment. 3. Management Structure: LLCs offer flexible management options, unlike corporations, which require a formal Board of Directors. Moreover, keep in mind that an LLC may receive a 1099 for certain income reporting. Choosing wisely will greatly impact your business’s future. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Difference Between LLC Partnership and Corporation? When you consider LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, the key differences lie in liability, management structure, and taxation. An LLC protects your personal assets, whereas partners in a partnership are personally liable for debts. Corporations operate as separate entities owned by shareholders, allowing for stock issuance. LLCs offer flexible management with fewer formalities, whereas corporations face strict regulations. Taxation varies: LLCs and partnerships benefit from pass-through taxation, whereas corporations might experience double taxation unless they qualify as S Corporations. What Are the 4 Types of Business Structures? There are four main types of business structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Sole proprietorships are owned by one person, who assumes all liabilities. Partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing responsibilities and liabilities. LLCs combine the benefits of partnerships and corporations, offering liability protection while allowing for pass-through taxation. Corporations are separate entities that limit owner liability and require adherence to more regulations and formalities. What Are the Main Differences Between a Partnership LLC and an S Corp? When you’re comparing a partnership, LLC, and S Corporation, you’ll notice distinct differences. In a partnership, you share management and profits but face personal liability for debts. An LLC, on the other hand, offers limited liability protection, safeguarding your assets. An S Corporation has a structured management system and allows for pass-through taxation, but imposes restrictions on shareholders. Each structure suits different needs, so it’s vital to take into account liability, taxation, and management before deciding. What Are the Three Major Differences Between a Partnership and a Corporation? The three major differences between a partnership and a corporation lie in liability, tax treatment, and management structure. In a partnership, you’re personally liable for debts, whereas a corporation protects you from personal liability. Tax-wise, partnerships pass profits and losses through to your personal returns, whereas corporations face potential double taxation. Furthermore, partnerships have an informal management structure based on mutual agreements, whereas corporations require a formal structure with a Board of Directors and officers. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing between a corporation, partnership, or LLC depends on your specific needs and goals. Each structure offers unique advantages and disadvantages regarding liability protection, tax treatment, and management responsibilities. Corporations provide limited liability but face double taxation, whereas partnerships allow for pass-through taxation but expose general partners to personal liability. LLCs offer a flexible option that combines benefits from both. Carefully consider these factors to select the structure that best aligns with your business objectives. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Key Differences: Corporation Vs Partnership Vs LLC" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. No matter what kind of productivity goals you have and which techniques you plan to use to get it all done, you still probably start with a to-do list. Learning to formulate a solid to-do list is the key first step to being productive, since you need it to move on to other planning stages, like using the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize tasks or Kanban to organize them. And to make a good to-do list, try using the 1-3-5 rule, which is designed to keep your daily schedule more manageable—and thus more achievable. What is the 1-3-5 rule of productivity?The 1-3-5 rule acknowledges that in a typical day, you just don’t have time to do it all. What you do reasonably have time for is one major task, three medium-sized tasks, and five little ones. If you try to cram more than that into an average day, the quality of your work will suffer and you'll end up wasting your precious, finite time. There will, of course, be days when you have no choice but to do too much, but 1-3-5 is designed for your regular routine. (Besides, a little stress pushing you to complete your tasks every once in a while can be a good thing.) These nine tasks can be related or they can be separate, depending on your own needs. For instance, a big task might be going to meet with your financial advisor, which is unrelated to your three mid-sized tasks: grocery shopping, preparing for a meeting at work, and picking up a gift for a friend’s birthday. Small tasks can be anything from answering emails to laying out your outfits for the week, depending on what you consider large, medium, and small, but they're usually things that require less thought, resources, and time. Used another way, the rule can also apply to major tasks and involve batching them into smaller groups. Say you’re planning a vacation. The 1-3-5 rule can help you break up everything you need to do. The big task can be booking flights and hotel accommodations. Three medium tasks might be getting tickets to whatever you’ll be doing while you’re at the destination, shopping for what you’ll need, and securing a pet sitter. Little tasks can be anything from setting an OOO to emailing your travel partners the itinerary. You can combine 1-3-5 with other productivity techniques, especially when you're focusing all nine tasks toward a bigger goal or project. For instance, one producivity hack involves "theming" every day so it's devoted solely to one type of work. Using 1-3-5 alongside it can help you stay on top of the most pressing needs related to that day's work. How to use the 1-3-5 rule to be more productiveStart each day with a brain dump, writing down every single thing you have to do for the day in no order other than how fast you remember them. You'll prioritize them later. Once everything is down on the paper, make note of anything especially timely. Here’s where a knowledge of that Eisenhower matrix, which helps you prioritize responsibilities by urgency and importance, is going to be useful. From that group, identify one big task, three medium ones, and five little ones. That’s your to-do list for the day. If you struggle with what might be "big" or "small," think about what it would take to get each done. Emails that take just a few seconds don't require a lot of time, so they can be small, even if the results they produce are something you'd consider "big." Cleaning the kitchen could be "medium" or "big" depending on how much needs to be cleaned, how many products and resources you need, and how much time it'll take—it might also be "small" on an average Tuesday but "big" two days before hosting Thanksgiving. A project that is due in two weeks could be "medium," but if that same project is due tomorrow, the urgency makes it "big." These are subjective classifications based on your own resource allocation, so avoid the temptation to quickly label things small, medium, or big, no matter how many times you've done them before. These are subjective classifications based on your own resource allocation, so avoid the temptation to quickly label things small, medium, or big, no matter how many times you've done them before. Acknowledging upfront that you can’t and won’t get it all done in a single day helps you stay focused on what you can and will do, rather than stressing about the remainder that you’re saving for tomorrow. Next, block out time in your calendar for each task, whether you do it in that planner or on a digital calendar. Use time blocking, or the technique of giving every single thing you need to do in a day a designated time on your calendar, and consider giving yourself just a smidge less time than you think you need for everything, to defeat Parkinson’s law, which is the idea that you’ll waste time if you give yourself too long to do anything. Once you’ve laid out your day, start with that big task. Known as “eating the frog,” the big-task-first approach will give you a sense of accomplishment on completion, propelling you forward into those mid- and smaller-sized tasks. Plus, it stands to reason that the major responsibility will take the most time and resources, so knocking it out first ensures you have the time and resources it needs. (The exception to this rule happens on those themed days. If, for some reason, you need to complete your smaller tasks—like sending emails or confirming deliveries—because they enable you to do the bigger ones, obviously, do them in the order that makes most sense.) Finally, be flexible. Unexpected assignments or duties crop up all the time and may not be easily categorized into the 1-3-5 boxes. You may also not finish one of your tasks for the day, in which case, add it to the next day's list—but bear in mind it may have increased in urgency and gone up a ranking in the 1-3-5 system as a result. The goal here isn’t to beat yourself up or be super strict. Rather, it’s to help you feel less overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things you need to do, prioritize them, and get a good amount done every day. View the full article

Software group behind TurboTax and Credit Karma will pay AI start-up to use its technologyView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. For years, "burnout" has been a cultural buzzword, but the concept isn't new: Working too hard and too fast just isn't sustainable, so while productivity techniques that advise you on how to prioritize multiple tasks in a single day are helpful in the short term, they can't last forever for everybody. I love structured to-do lists and days where everything comes together, but in a world where work, school, personal wellness, family, and friends are putting endless demands on us, it's not always possible to get it all done in one morning—even with the most detailed, time-boxed schedule. If you feel some burnout coming on or want to switch up your routine before you do, consider the concept of "slow productivity," guidance from productivity guru Cal Newport. What is slow productivity?Well, first of all, it's the title of Newport's latest book: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. He's the guy who gave us the idea of "deep work," or getting into a position to focus completely on a single task without distraction. With this "slow productivity" framework, he advocates for people to do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and "obsess" over the quality of their work. That stands in contrast to how a normal day goes for most of us, trying to do a bunch of different stuff at warp speed, banging out a high quantity of finished tasks with varying levels of quality. Newport's premise is that work used to be more hands-on, but as manufacturing has given way to "knowledge work," we've started to confuse being busy with being productive. The typical worker now spends days sorting through emails and Slack messages, not necessarily creating anything or ending a shift with something to show for their labor. Spending all day on Zoom and Slack doesn't leave much time for actually working, thinking, writing, or doing much else in the way of deep work. He's not the first big brain to theorize about how much the quality of work starts to dip if you take on too much, though. Illich's Law, for example, says that the longer you work, the worse your work gets. Even the productivity technique that's arguably the most famous, the Pomodoro method, is structured around the idea that you shouldn't work too hard for too long without a short break. But slow productivity is a little different and adds some necessary context and thought to what we already know to be true, which is that you can't do it all at once and you shouldn't bother trying. How to use slow productivity during the work dayTo harness slow productivity, you have to rely on those three pillars of doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. Here, start slowly. Building structured schedules and data-driven, prioritized to-do lists is important, so I'm not going to suggest that you should give it up altogether, but what if your schedule made time for a single-task day once a week to start? Look at your to-do list, whatever method you use to structure it. Identify a major task that needs to be completed. One day a week, at least in the beginning, block out your schedule so you're only working on that task. To the best of your ability, don't schedule any meetings (or choose a day where you have none), don't be super available by Slack or email, and fall back on the principles of deep work and productivity. That means take periodic breaks, work with no distractions, and work toward a larger goal—which, in this case, is producing a quality product that furthers your mission, whether it's a personal mission like getting a raise or a company-wide one like increasing sales. Keep notes on how much you got done. For me, it's helpful to keep my longer-term goals top of mind while I toil on the daily stuff. You can use a SMART goal or one of its alternatives to do this, writing out your goals in a detailed, forward-thinking, and action-oriented way. If you're going to dedicate an entire day to one project, you need the motivational push that comes with remembering why you're working on that project at all. Eventually, you might get good at siloing tasks on a single day. In fact, doing that every day is its own productivity hack—but let's stick to a slow start on slow productivity for now. At the end of each one of your single-task days, conduct a little after-action review to determine what went well and what needs adjusting. After trying this approach for a few weeks, assess your output. By putting your focus on one task, not rushing, and giving some meaningful attention and care to the quality of what you're doing, you should end up with better work that is actually more productive overall than a bunch of fast, smaller tasks. You can use this framework in other areas of your life, too. When you get home on Tuesdays, for instance, that can be your night to focus only on meal planning for the next week or handling your kids' affairs and schedules. Maybe Wednesdays can be solely devoted to cleaning the house or to seeing and catching up with friends. There's still some scheduling involved, but you're avoiding the buildup of minor tasks and stress, which will help stave off burnout and make the things you do focus on in those time blocks more productive and meaningful. View the full article

Nobody should be surprised that the US president has the BBC in his sights View the full article

Each year after Thanksgiving, people flock to TikTok to show off the elaborate sandwiches they build out of their holiday meal leftovers. The ritual, going strong for at least four years now, is often paired with a viral audio clip from the quintessential ’90s sitcom Friends describing the perfect sandwich made out of holiday leftovers. The sandwich, starring an extra slice of gravy-soaked bread in the middle, is known as “the moist maker.” This Thanksgiving, Heinz—maker of ubiquitous and inoffensive condiments like ketchup and mustard—is escalating matters considerably by introducing a squeeze bottle gravy designed to engineer the “ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich.” The squeeze bottle, labeled “leftover gravy,” actually comes empty in a special kit paired with a jar of Heinz turkey gravy and instructions that quote the Friends episode. The limited edition kit will be for sale through Walmart.com. “A social media favorite among millennial sitcom-lovers, the Moist Maker epitomized an obsession with holiday food crafted with care and detail,” Heinz Associate Director of Brand Communications Jamie Mack said in a press release, adding that the gimmick is a celebration of fans who “share an irrational love” of the moist maker. The concept of squeeze bottle gravy prompts many further lines of inquiry. Heinz already sells a surprisingly diverse array of jarred gravies with flavors like caramelized onion and thyme (for the adventurous) and regular turkey gravy for traditionalists who won’t be cooking a gigantic hunk of poultry for hours and savoring its juices the old fashioned way. While the jars make sense, does a squeeze bottle really add any convenience? Would anyone try it? Is the gravy cold? The TV moment, from 1998’s fittingly titled Friends episode “The one with Ross’s sandwich,” is capped off by Ross discovering that his boss keeps eating his sandwiches at work, including his prized moist maker, and absolutely crashing out. FoodTok trends Brands hot on the trail of food-related TikTok trends is nothing new. Food and cooking are extremely popular enduring topics on TikTok, regularly launching micro-trends, viral one dish meals, horrifying products, dubious historical recipes, and massive content categories. Like all things on TikTok, these trends come and go quickly (mini pancake cereal, we miss you), but videos that hop on a food trend at the right time can easily rack up millions of views and a ton of engagement—a tempting prize for any brand trying to stay relevant. While Gen Z generally powers TikTok’s viral food scene, Heinz says its gravy stunt is aimed squarely at a generation that’s old enough to have watched Friends as the show aired. According to Heinz, the new condiment is aimed at the “growing demographic of millennial hosts who are redefining holiday traditions.” And redefine them you will, if you invite squeezable gravy to mingle with your precious post-Thanksgiving leftovers. Heinz isn’t the first brand to hop on the gravy train. Last year, the upscale kitchen store Williams Sonoma posted its own version of the moist maker. King’s Hawaiian bread company, maker of excellent rolls for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches, did too. The grocery chain Kroger was even earlier to the trend, quizzing its audience on the audio clip of Ross describing his sister’s culinary flash of genius back in 2022. The TikTok account cooking panda appears to have originally uploaded the sound in 2021, juxtaposing the Friends clip with video of a moist maker’s step-by-step construction process and racking up 1.7 million likes in the process. Heinz might not be early to the moist maker trend—now ancient by TikTok standards—but what it lacks in timeliness it plans to compensate for with sheer commitment to the bit. View the full article

Imagine you’re watching a basketball game. You’re not focused on the stat sheet—you’re watching how the players read the court, pivot when a play breaks down, and celebrate their teammates. Those moments tell you a lot more about how someone performs under pressure than any metric ever could. I think about hiring the same way. Like a stat sheet, a résumé might list someone’s achievements, but it won’t show how they adapt under pressure or support a team. Yet in the age of AI, companies often overlook that, prioritizing technical skills instead. According to a 2024 report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 71% of employers said they would choose an AI-fluent candidate with less experience over someone more experienced but with limited AI knowledge. Technical ability matters, of course. But in a world where technology is evolving by the week, so are the skills needed to keep up. That’s why I don’t screen for skill—I scout for character. Because when everything else is changing, character is the one thing that can’t be automated or learned from a prompt. It’s the foundation for building a culture that wins together, not just works together. While tech keeps shifting, culture endures We’re in what Goldman Sachs economists are calling a period of “jobless growth”—an era where the economy is expanding but hiring lags behind. There are fewer openings, more applicants, and slower movement on both sides. At the same time, AI is reshaping the definition of work and what companies think they need. Everyone’s racing to hire the candidate who knows the latest model or has experience with the newest tools. But no one really knows what “AI skills” will mean six months from now. PwC found that requirements for AI-exposed roles are shifting 66% faster than in other jobs—more than twice the rate of change just a year ago. What’s cutting-edge today could be obsolete by next quarter. Even with a deeper pool of applicants, many companies are still hiring against moving targets, chasing technical standards that continue to evolve. And in a job-hugging economy where employees are staying put longer and hiring cycles have slowed, every decision carries more weight. The people you hire today will shape your company for years to come. That’s why culture matters more than ever. Too often it’s treated like an elusive “vibe”—something that magically appears when the right mix of people land in the same room. Or worse, it’s reduced to sameness: hiring people who share the same background, and likely talk and think the same way. That’s not culture, that’s comfort. Real culture is chemistry. It’s intentionally built on how people think, collaborate, and recover together when things go wrong. As technology keeps rewriting job descriptions, that chemistry is what helps teams move faster, grow stronger, and stay resilient through cycles of disruption and reinvention. Build a resilient culture one character interview at a time After years of conducting culture interviews, I know that one great hire can lift a team, and the wrong one can just as easily unravel it. I’m looking for people who stay calm under pressure, think critically, and are driven by purpose, not titles—traits that endure long after roles, tools, and technologies change. Culture interviews are where you see that come to life; they strip away polish and show why someone’s really sitting across from you. These are a few ways I approach interviews to get a truer sense of the person behind the résumé. Be in the room As an HR executive, I make it a point to lead every culture interview I can, because who you hire shapes the culture, and culture shapes the business. That’s a responsibility no senior leader should be removed from. When senior leaders make time for interviews, it signals to candidates that culture isn’t just talk—it’s taken seriously and owned at every level. As an executive, being in the room gives you a better read on the energy, mindset, and values someone will bring to the team. It’s also an opportunity to establish a mutual sense of respect and investment right out of the gate. If leaders expect candidates to show up with honesty and humility, we have to do the same. That starts with being fully present, making clear that their time matters as much as yours. Use consistency to reveal character In every culture interview, I ask the same core questions—not because I’m looking for perfect answers, but to see the level of energy behind them. When candidates are given the same starting point, you start to notice characteristics that can’t be rehearsed, like thoughtfulness, curiosity, and excitement. Confidence can easily be mistaken for competence, especially when people have polished their “right” answers. But consistency helps surface patterns: Who takes a beat to reflect? Who connects ideas instead of reciting them? Who lights up when they talk about their career goals? In a time when ChatGPT and Copilot can write a résumé and coach candidates through mock interviews, a consistent framework helps cut through the performance and surface honesty and self-awareness. Remember that questions are a two-way street Some of the most revealing moments in a culture interview are when the questions go both ways. I pay close attention to what candidates ask, because their questions can say just as much as their answers. Are they trying to understand how decisions get made, how teams collaborate, what growth looks like? That tells me they care about more than a title or a paycheck. They are thinking about the environment they might step into. Curiosity signals investment. When a candidate asks me a tough question—the kind that makes me pause—I respect it. It shows they’ll bring that same honesty and initiative once they’re on the team, and that’s what strengthens culture. Look for the same values, not the same story Great talent exists everywhere; the key is knowing what to look for. Whether I’m interviewing in Milwaukee or Medellín, I’m scouting the same core traits: curiosity, drive, honesty, and self-awareness. What changes is how people express those values—what ambition looks like to them, what stability means in their world, how they define success. Recognizing those nuances is how you build a culture that scales across borders, departments, and generations. The framework stays the same, but the conversation flexes. By knowing what to hold constant and what to adapt, you build and maintain a culture that lasts through technologies. Skills will change, but character is constant Technology will keep evolving faster than any job description—that’s a given. But character doesn’t run on an update cycle. It’s what keeps companies steady when everything around them is in motion. Great hiring isn’t about predicting the next trending skill. Great hiring means building teams that can adapt and problem-solve together, regardless of the new tools that come along. Whether or not your company has the shiniest or newest tech stack, organizations need people who can show up for each other and grow with the work. Skills will shift. Platforms will change. But your culture? That’s what gives you staying power. View the full article

You might not know it from the headlines, but there is some good news about the global fight against climate change. A decade ago, the cheapest way to meet growing demand for electricity was to build more coal or natural gas power plants. Not anymore. Solar and wind power aren’t just better for the climate; they’re also less expensive today than fossil fuels at utility scale, and they’re less harmful to people’s health. Yet renewable energy projects face headwinds, including in the world’s fast-growing developing countries. I study energy and climate solutions and their impact on society, and I see ways to overcome those challenges and expand renewable energy—but it will require international cooperation. Falling clean energy prices As their technologies have matured, solar power and wind power have become cheaper than coal and natural gas for utility-scale electricity generation in most areas, in large part because the fuel is free. The total global power generation from renewable sources saved $467 billion in avoided fuel costs in 2024 alone. As a result of falling prices, more than 90% of all electricity-generating capacity added worldwide in 2024 came from clean energy sources, according to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency. At the end of 2024, renewable energy accounted for 46% of global installed electric power capacity, with a record 585 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity added that year—about three times the total generating capacity in Texas. Health benefits of leaving fossil fuels Beyond affordability, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy is healthier. Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases tiny particles into the air along with toxic gases; these pollutants can make people sick. A recent study found air pollution from fossil fuels causes an estimated 5 million deaths worldwide a year, based on 2019 data. For example, using natural gas to fuel stoves and other appliances releases benzene, a known carcinogen. The health risks of this exposure in some homes has been found to be comparable to secondhand tobacco smoke. Natural gas combustion has also been linked to childhood asthma, with an estimated 12.7% of U.S. childhood asthma cases attributable to gas stoves, according to one study. Fossil fuels are also the leading sources of climate-warming greenhouse gases. When they’re burned to generate electricity or run factories, vehicles, and appliances, they release carbon dioxide and other gases that accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat near the Earth’s surface. That accumulation has been raising global temperatures and causing more heat stress, respiratory illnesses, and the spread of disease. Electrifying buildings, cars, and appliances, and powering them with renewable energy reduces these air pollutants while slowing climate change. So what’s the problem? In spite of the demonstrated economic and health benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, regulatory inertia, political gridlock, and a lack of investment are holding back renewable energy deployment in much of the world. In the United States, for example, major energy projects take an average of 4.5 years to permit, and approval of new transmission lines can take a decade or longer. A large majority of planned new power projects in the U.S. use solar power, and these delays are slowing the deployment of renewable energy. The 2024 Energy Permitting Reform Act introduced by Senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, and John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, to speed approvals failed to pass. Manchin called it “just another example of politics getting in the way of doing what’s best for the country.” An even bigger challenge faces developing countries whose economies are growing fast. These countries need to meet soaring energy demand. The International Energy Agency expects emerging economies to account for 85% of added electricity demand from 2025 through 2027. Yet renewable energy development lags in most of them. The main reason is the high price of financing renewable energy construction. International Renewable Energy Agency’s “Renewable power generation costs in 2024” report, CC BY 4.0 In many developing countries, wind and solar projects cost more to finance than coal or gas. Fossil projects have a longer history, and financial and policy mechanisms have been developed over decades to lower lender risk for those projects. These include government payment guarantees, stable fuel contracts, and long-term revenue deals that help guarantee the lender will be repaid. Both lenders and governments have less experience with renewable energy projects. As a result, these projects often come with weaker government guarantees. This raises the risk to lenders, so they charge higher interest rates, making renewable projects more expensive upfront, even if the projects have lower lifetime costs. To lower borrowing costs, governments and international development banks can take steps to make renewable projects a safer bet for investors. For example, they can keep energy policies stable and use public funds or insurance to cover part of the lenders’ investment risk. When investors trust they’ll get paid, interest rates drop dramatically and renewable energy becomes the cheaper option. Without international cooperation to lower finance costs, developing economies could miss out on the renewable-energy revolution and lock in decades of growing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, making climate change worse. The path ahead To avoid the worst effects of climate change, countries have agreed to cut their greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades. Achieving this goal won’t be easy, but it is significantly less difficult now that renewable energy is more affordable over the long run than fossil fuels. Switching the world’s power supply to renewable energy and electrifying buildings and local transportation would cut about half of today’s greenhouse-gas emissions. The other half comes from sectors where it is harder to cut emissions—steel, cement, and chemical production, aviation and shipping, and agriculture and land use. Solutions are being developed but need time to mature. Good governance, political support, and accessible finance will be critical for these sectors as well. The transition to renewable energy offers big economic and health benefits alongside lower climate risks—if countries can overcome political obstacles at home and cooperate to expand financing for developing economies. Jay Gulledge is a visiting professor of practice in global affairs at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Tennessee. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Zoho is pushing deeper into AI-driven operations with a wide set of upgrades to Zoho One, its all-in-one business software platform, giving small business owners more ways to automate tasks, surface information instantly, and reduce time spent switching between apps. The company announced the enhancements today from Austin, positioning its expanded Zia AI tools as a way for organizations of all sizes to centralize intelligence and turn scattered data into clearer, faster insight. For small business owners who rely on multiple cloud services—from Google Workspace to accounting, CRM, HR, and project tools—the promise of unified intelligence stands out. Instead of digging through emails, files, or individual apps, Zoho says its upgraded Zia assistant can now “aggregate and contextualize data from multiple platforms… into a single, actionable answer.” That means a quick prompt could pull up sales metrics, meeting takeaways, pending contracts, or outstanding tasks without manual searching. Zoho is also giving its intelligent content system, Zia Hubs, a more prominent role inside Zoho One. The release notes that “executed contracts from Zoho Sign and recorded Zoho Meetings conversations both automatically go into Zia Hubs folders,” making them easy to retrieve through Zia Search. For small businesses that struggle to keep documents organized or often lose track of contract details, automatic categorization and accessible search could significantly reduce administrative friction. Ask Zia, the platform’s prompt-based interface, is now more integrated as well. Zoho emphasizes that users can pull “relevant data across multiple Zoho apps to provide a full picture of a user’s schedule, unfinished tasks, or the latest action items from a meeting.” Small teams—especially those without dedicated operational staff—may find it helpful to have this contextual guidance when juggling deadlines, follow-ups, or customer conversations. While the company highlights immediate improvements, Zoho also outlines upcoming capabilities. One of the most notable is multi-hub querying. In response to questions about future functionality, the company states that cross-departmental insights are on the roadmap, which would allow small businesses to view performance across sales, marketing, finance, and operations in a single unified answer. Zoho says this will “unlock a unified view of operations and performance across the enterprise,” suggesting deeper analytics ahead. Another future development involves expanding Zia Hubs beyond Zoho products. Integration with third-party systems is planned, giving businesses the flexibility to pull outside data into the same intelligence layer. That matters for small businesses that use a mix of Zoho and non-Zoho applications and want more connected workflows without manually moving information between platforms. Still, these capabilities come with considerations. Small businesses may need to assess whether they have clean, well-organized data for Zia to interpret accurately. Teams with inconsistent naming conventions, scattered documents, or outdated processes might face a learning curve in getting full value from federated intelligence. Privacy-minded businesses may also want to review how data flows between connected apps, particularly if integrating third-party systems. The expanded functionality positions Zoho One as a more automated, insight-driven operating system for small businesses that want to reduce manual work and rely more on AI for everyday decision-making. With Zia becoming more deeply embedded—pulling together tasks, documents, meetings, and cross-platform data—the new upgrades could help smaller teams operate with the efficiency traditionally associated with larger organizations. As more AI capabilities roll out, the platform appears to be moving toward a future where small businesses can access enterprise-level intelligence without the complexity or cost typically required. This article, "Zoho Expands Zia AI to Deliver Unified Insights Across Business Apps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article