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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re looking for premium noise-cancelling earbuds that perform well, charge wirelessly, and block out all background noise while remaining comfortable for long-term wear, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are currently $249 (originally $299) on Amazon, marking a 17% discount and bringing them down to their lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $249.00 at Amazon $299.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $249.00 at Amazon $299.00 Save $50.00 Compared to their predecessor, the 2nd Gen model eliminates ambient sound while providing rich, detailed audio. They also support high-quality Bluetooth codecs. While they get a nearly perfect review from PCMag (where they also earned an Editors' Choice award for noise-cancelling earphones), it notes that the buds are slightly large and that the controls can be finicky (when adjusting fit, you might accidentally trigger a control, like pausing audio or skipping tracks). Visually, they’re nearly identical to the previous generation, and create a snug, secure seal without excessive pressure, making them ideal for workouts and everyday listening. Their IPX4 rating makes them suitable for light rain and sweaty workouts, but not for immersion, and the case isn’t waterproof either. The battery, which can be charged wirelessly, lasts around six hours, and the case holds three charges for a total of 24 hours. Twenty minutes of charging provides around two hours of listening. The companion app lets you adjust volume, EQ, modes, battery status, and more. Ultimately, with eight microphones and new ANC algorithms, these buds excel at cancelling noise, providing significant improvements over their predecessor and cementing them as some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, with performance in a class of its own. If you’re after in-canal buds with top-tier ANC and rich, full-bodied sound, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a must, especially at $50 off. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $84.99 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $324.99 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $297.99 (List Price $649.99) Apple Watch Series 10 — $309.99 (List Price $429.00) Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked 6.9" OLED Smartphone (Obsidian) — $544.98 (List Price $799.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $328.00 (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) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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Besides adding 60 days to the partial claim deadline in some cases, the bill also has provisions for buyer agent payments for Veterans Affairs borrowers. View the full article

Comprehending franchise agreements is vital for anyone considering franchise ownership. These agreements outline the relationship between franchisors and franchisees, detailing rights, obligations, and financial commitments. Familiarizing yourself with different types of agreements, key elements like trademark usage, and important clauses can greatly impact your success. As you explore these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and manage your investment effectively. What might you overlook that could shape your franchise expedition? Key Takeaways Familiarize yourself with different types of franchise agreements, including single-unit, multi-unit, and area development agreements, to align with your business goals. Understand key elements, such as trademark usage, fee structures, and termination clauses, to navigate the franchise relationship effectively. Assess financial obligations, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and advertising costs, to ensure proper cash flow management. Review insurance requirements and risk management strategies to maintain compliance and protect your investment. Examine termination, renewal, and transfer clauses to prepare for potential changes in ownership and operational continuity. Types of Franchise Agreements Franchise agreements come in various types, each customized to meet different business needs and goals. A Single-Unit Agreement allows you to operate one specific location, making it ideal if you’re new to the franchise industry. If you have more experience and capital, consider a Multi-Unit Agreement, which lets you manage multiple locations, enhancing your market presence. For those looking to develop several units, an Area Development Agreement offers exclusive rights in a defined territory, but requires higher initial investments. Finally, a Master Franchise Agreement grants you the exclusive rights to sell franchises in a specific region, allowing for broader market penetration. Comprehending these franchise license agreements helps you align your business strategy with the right opportunity. Key Elements of Franchise Agreements When you enter a franchise agreement, you’ll encounter several key elements that define your relationship with the franchisor. These include details about trademark usage, fee structures, and termination clauses, which are crucial for comprehending your rights and responsibilities. Trademark and Brand Usage In any successful franchise operation, comprehension of trademark and brand usage is fundamental for maintaining brand consistency and integrity. The contract of franchise explicitly outlines your rights and restrictions regarding the usage of the franchisor’s trademarks. To define franchise agreement, it’s important to understand that you must adhere to specific guidelines in the brand manual, covering logos, signage, and marketing materials. Unauthorized alterations or misuse could lead to legal action, emphasizing the need for trademark compliance. Furthermore, you can’t use the franchisor’s trademarks in entity names or domain registrations without prior approval. Fee Structures and Payments Comprehending the fee structures and payment obligations in a franchise agreement is vital for future franchisees, as these financial commitments can significantly impact your overall profitability. A typical franchise agreement example includes an initial franchise fee that can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the brand. Ongoing royalty payments, usually between 4% to 8% of your gross revenue or a flat fee, are outlined with specific schedules. Furthermore, you may face advertising fees, requiring you to contribute 1% to 3% of your revenue. It’s important to understand what’s a franchise agreement and review a model franchise agreement to grasp all potential charges for support services, training, or other operational costs. Termination and Transfer Clauses Grasping the financial obligations outlined in franchise agreements is just one part of the equation; equally important are the termination and transfer clauses that dictate how the relationship between the franchisee and franchisor can be ended or altered. Termination clauses specify conditions for ending the agreement, such as breach of contract, bankruptcy, or criminal activity by the franchisee. Often, these agreements include a cure period, allowing you time—typically 30 to 90 days—to correct breaches before termination is enforced. Transfer clauses detail how you can transfer ownership, requiring the franchisor’s approval to guarantee the new owner meets certain criteria. Comprehending these clauses is essential, as non-compliance can lead to legal disputes, impacting your investment and future opportunities. Understanding Franchisee Rights and Obligations As a franchisee, you have specific financial responsibilities, including paying initial franchise fees and ongoing royalties, which support the brand you represent. You’re additionally required to comply with brand standards, ensuring product quality and customer service meet the franchisor’s expectations. Comprehending these rights and obligations is essential for successfully steering your franchise experience and maintaining a good relationship with the franchisor. Franchisee Payment Responsibilities When you become a franchisee, comprehension of your payment responsibilities is vital to your success and compliance with the franchise agreement. Initially, you’ll pay a franchise fee, which varies widely, granting you the rights to operate under the brand. Ongoing royalty payments, usually between 4% to 10% of your gross revenue, are mandatory for continued support. Furthermore, you might face extra fees for marketing, requiring contributions to a collective fund. Timely payment of these fees is critical to maintain your franchise agreement and avoid disputes. Be aware of other potential costs like training fees for new employees and mandatory purchases from approved vendors, as these can considerably affect your overall financial obligations. Compliance With Brand Standards Comprehending and adhering to brand standards is a fundamental obligation for every franchisee. These standards encompass maintaining product quality, customer service, and operational procedures as outlined in your franchise agreement and brand manual. By complying with these guidelines, you help guarantee consistency across all franchise locations, which is vital for protecting the integrity of the brand. Your franchise agreement likely requires participation in initial and ongoing training programs to keep you updated on any changes. Moreover, you’ll need to regularly report and document sales, marketing efforts, and inventory levels to demonstrate your compliance. Remember, failing to adhere to brand standards can result in penalties, including the potential termination of your franchise agreement, making strict adherence indispensable. Financial Obligations in Franchise Agreements Comprehending the financial obligations in franchise agreements is essential for anyone considering this business model, as these commitments can greatly impact your profitability. You’ll need to be aware of several key financial components: Initial Franchise Fee: This can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the brand. Ongoing Royalty Payments: Typically, this is a percentage of your gross revenue, often between 4% to 10%. Advertising Fees: Many agreements include mandatory fees, usually around 1% to 3% of sales, for brand marketing. Additional Charges: Be prepared for extra costs for training, equipment, or inventory, which should be clearly stated in the agreement. Understanding these obligations helps you manage cash flow and budget effectively. Insurance Requirements and Risk Management After comprehending the financial obligations tied to franchise agreements, it’s important to recognize the role of insurance requirements and risk management in maintaining a successful franchise operation. Franchise agreements typically mandate specific insurance types, such as general liability and workers’ compensation, to mitigate risks inherent in business operations. You’ll need to maintain minimum coverage amounts as outlined in your agreement, which can vary by industry and franchisor standards. Often, the franchisor is listed as an additional insured party on your policies, protecting their interests from potential claims. Adhering to these insurance requirements not only fulfills contractual obligations but also showcases your responsible risk management, enhancing your credibility and operational stability. Failing to comply could lead to penalties or even termination of your franchise. Renewal, Transfer, and Termination Clauses Comprehending the renewal, transfer, and termination clauses in your franchise agreement is crucial for maneuvering the lifecycle of your franchise. These clauses can greatly impact your business operations and future plans. Here are key points to reflect on: Renewal Clauses: Understand the process and conditions for extending your agreement, which may include a formal request and updated fees. Transfer Clauses: Know the conditions for selling or transferring your franchise rights, often requiring the franchisor’s approval and certain qualifications for the new owner. Termination Clauses: Familiarize yourself with the circumstances under which the franchisor can end the agreement, including breaches or legal issues. Cure Period: Many agreements allow time to rectify breaches, protecting your investment before termination occurs. Understanding these elements will help you navigate your franchise successfully. Ready to Explore Franchising? Schedule Your Free Consultation With FMS Franchise If you’re considering entering the domain of franchising, scheduling a free consultation with FMS Franchise can be a valuable step in your expedition. This consultation provides you with insights into the franchising process, allowing you to explore opportunities customized to your goals. FMS Franchise experts will guide you in evaluating different franchise agreements, clarifying key components like fees, royalties, and operational guidelines. You’ll likewise discuss the importance of conducting due diligence on potential franchisors, including reviewing their financial health and industry reputation. Furthermore, you can learn about various types of franchise agreements—single-unit, multi-unit, and master franchises—to determine the best fit for your investment strategy. Their consultants will also help you navigate legal considerations and compliance with regulations. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. You need a strong product that meets consumer demand and aligns with brand standards. Price involves franchise fees and royalties that affect your profitability. Place focuses on site selection and territory rights, determining where you can operate. Finally, Promotion includes marketing strategies to boost brand awareness, often requiring contributions to advertising funds based on your sales to maintain visibility and attract customers. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any agreement or make a payment. This rule guarantees you have enough time to review important details, like fees and obligations, allowing for informed decisions. It protects you from rushed choices and helps establish transparency between you and the franchisor, cultivating trust in the franchise relationship. Why Does It Only Cost $10k to Own a Chick-Fil-A Franchise? It only costs $10,000 to own a Chick-Fil-A franchise since the company requires franchisees to cover the significant costs of building and equipping the restaurant, which can exceed $1 million. This low initial fee allows Chick-Fil-A to maintain control over operations and uphold brand standards, as franchisees can’t own the physical property. Moreover, franchisees must work full-time, further ensuring dedication to the brand as the company garners revenue from royalties. What Are the Three Types of Franchise Agreements? The three types of franchise agreements you’ll encounter are single-unit, multi-unit, and area development agreements. A single-unit agreement lets you operate one franchise location, perfect for beginners. Multi-unit agreements allow you to manage several locations, requiring more investment and experience. Area development agreements grant you the rights to develop multiple units in a specific territory, offering exclusivity for rapid growth but demanding a higher initial investment. Comprehending these options helps you align your goals effectively. Conclusion Grasping franchise agreements is crucial for any potential franchisee. By familiarizing yourself with the types of agreements, key elements, and your rights and obligations, you can make informed decisions. Pay close attention to financial responsibilities, insurance requirements, and clauses regarding renewal, transfer, and termination. This knowledge will help you navigate your investment effectively, ensuring compliance with brand standards and protecting your interests. If you’re ready to explore franchising, consider scheduling a free consultation with FMS Franchise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Understanding Franchise Agreements – A How-To Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Comprehending franchise agreements is vital for anyone considering franchise ownership. These agreements outline the relationship between franchisors and franchisees, detailing rights, obligations, and financial commitments. Familiarizing yourself with different types of agreements, key elements like trademark usage, and important clauses can greatly impact your success. As you explore these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and manage your investment effectively. What might you overlook that could shape your franchise expedition? Key Takeaways Familiarize yourself with different types of franchise agreements, including single-unit, multi-unit, and area development agreements, to align with your business goals. Understand key elements, such as trademark usage, fee structures, and termination clauses, to navigate the franchise relationship effectively. Assess financial obligations, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and advertising costs, to ensure proper cash flow management. Review insurance requirements and risk management strategies to maintain compliance and protect your investment. Examine termination, renewal, and transfer clauses to prepare for potential changes in ownership and operational continuity. Types of Franchise Agreements Franchise agreements come in various types, each customized to meet different business needs and goals. A Single-Unit Agreement allows you to operate one specific location, making it ideal if you’re new to the franchise industry. If you have more experience and capital, consider a Multi-Unit Agreement, which lets you manage multiple locations, enhancing your market presence. For those looking to develop several units, an Area Development Agreement offers exclusive rights in a defined territory, but requires higher initial investments. Finally, a Master Franchise Agreement grants you the exclusive rights to sell franchises in a specific region, allowing for broader market penetration. Comprehending these franchise license agreements helps you align your business strategy with the right opportunity. Key Elements of Franchise Agreements When you enter a franchise agreement, you’ll encounter several key elements that define your relationship with the franchisor. These include details about trademark usage, fee structures, and termination clauses, which are crucial for comprehending your rights and responsibilities. Trademark and Brand Usage In any successful franchise operation, comprehension of trademark and brand usage is fundamental for maintaining brand consistency and integrity. The contract of franchise explicitly outlines your rights and restrictions regarding the usage of the franchisor’s trademarks. To define franchise agreement, it’s important to understand that you must adhere to specific guidelines in the brand manual, covering logos, signage, and marketing materials. Unauthorized alterations or misuse could lead to legal action, emphasizing the need for trademark compliance. Furthermore, you can’t use the franchisor’s trademarks in entity names or domain registrations without prior approval. Fee Structures and Payments Comprehending the fee structures and payment obligations in a franchise agreement is vital for future franchisees, as these financial commitments can significantly impact your overall profitability. A typical franchise agreement example includes an initial franchise fee that can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the brand. Ongoing royalty payments, usually between 4% to 8% of your gross revenue or a flat fee, are outlined with specific schedules. Furthermore, you may face advertising fees, requiring you to contribute 1% to 3% of your revenue. It’s important to understand what’s a franchise agreement and review a model franchise agreement to grasp all potential charges for support services, training, or other operational costs. Termination and Transfer Clauses Grasping the financial obligations outlined in franchise agreements is just one part of the equation; equally important are the termination and transfer clauses that dictate how the relationship between the franchisee and franchisor can be ended or altered. Termination clauses specify conditions for ending the agreement, such as breach of contract, bankruptcy, or criminal activity by the franchisee. Often, these agreements include a cure period, allowing you time—typically 30 to 90 days—to correct breaches before termination is enforced. Transfer clauses detail how you can transfer ownership, requiring the franchisor’s approval to guarantee the new owner meets certain criteria. Comprehending these clauses is essential, as non-compliance can lead to legal disputes, impacting your investment and future opportunities. Understanding Franchisee Rights and Obligations As a franchisee, you have specific financial responsibilities, including paying initial franchise fees and ongoing royalties, which support the brand you represent. You’re additionally required to comply with brand standards, ensuring product quality and customer service meet the franchisor’s expectations. Comprehending these rights and obligations is essential for successfully steering your franchise experience and maintaining a good relationship with the franchisor. Franchisee Payment Responsibilities When you become a franchisee, comprehension of your payment responsibilities is vital to your success and compliance with the franchise agreement. Initially, you’ll pay a franchise fee, which varies widely, granting you the rights to operate under the brand. Ongoing royalty payments, usually between 4% to 10% of your gross revenue, are mandatory for continued support. Furthermore, you might face extra fees for marketing, requiring contributions to a collective fund. Timely payment of these fees is critical to maintain your franchise agreement and avoid disputes. Be aware of other potential costs like training fees for new employees and mandatory purchases from approved vendors, as these can considerably affect your overall financial obligations. Compliance With Brand Standards Comprehending and adhering to brand standards is a fundamental obligation for every franchisee. These standards encompass maintaining product quality, customer service, and operational procedures as outlined in your franchise agreement and brand manual. By complying with these guidelines, you help guarantee consistency across all franchise locations, which is vital for protecting the integrity of the brand. Your franchise agreement likely requires participation in initial and ongoing training programs to keep you updated on any changes. Moreover, you’ll need to regularly report and document sales, marketing efforts, and inventory levels to demonstrate your compliance. Remember, failing to adhere to brand standards can result in penalties, including the potential termination of your franchise agreement, making strict adherence indispensable. Financial Obligations in Franchise Agreements Comprehending the financial obligations in franchise agreements is essential for anyone considering this business model, as these commitments can greatly impact your profitability. You’ll need to be aware of several key financial components: Initial Franchise Fee: This can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the brand. Ongoing Royalty Payments: Typically, this is a percentage of your gross revenue, often between 4% to 10%. Advertising Fees: Many agreements include mandatory fees, usually around 1% to 3% of sales, for brand marketing. Additional Charges: Be prepared for extra costs for training, equipment, or inventory, which should be clearly stated in the agreement. Understanding these obligations helps you manage cash flow and budget effectively. Insurance Requirements and Risk Management After comprehending the financial obligations tied to franchise agreements, it’s important to recognize the role of insurance requirements and risk management in maintaining a successful franchise operation. Franchise agreements typically mandate specific insurance types, such as general liability and workers’ compensation, to mitigate risks inherent in business operations. You’ll need to maintain minimum coverage amounts as outlined in your agreement, which can vary by industry and franchisor standards. Often, the franchisor is listed as an additional insured party on your policies, protecting their interests from potential claims. Adhering to these insurance requirements not only fulfills contractual obligations but also showcases your responsible risk management, enhancing your credibility and operational stability. Failing to comply could lead to penalties or even termination of your franchise. Renewal, Transfer, and Termination Clauses Comprehending the renewal, transfer, and termination clauses in your franchise agreement is crucial for maneuvering the lifecycle of your franchise. These clauses can greatly impact your business operations and future plans. Here are key points to reflect on: Renewal Clauses: Understand the process and conditions for extending your agreement, which may include a formal request and updated fees. Transfer Clauses: Know the conditions for selling or transferring your franchise rights, often requiring the franchisor’s approval and certain qualifications for the new owner. Termination Clauses: Familiarize yourself with the circumstances under which the franchisor can end the agreement, including breaches or legal issues. Cure Period: Many agreements allow time to rectify breaches, protecting your investment before termination occurs. Understanding these elements will help you navigate your franchise successfully. Ready to Explore Franchising? Schedule Your Free Consultation With FMS Franchise If you’re considering entering the domain of franchising, scheduling a free consultation with FMS Franchise can be a valuable step in your expedition. This consultation provides you with insights into the franchising process, allowing you to explore opportunities customized to your goals. FMS Franchise experts will guide you in evaluating different franchise agreements, clarifying key components like fees, royalties, and operational guidelines. You’ll likewise discuss the importance of conducting due diligence on potential franchisors, including reviewing their financial health and industry reputation. Furthermore, you can learn about various types of franchise agreements—single-unit, multi-unit, and master franchises—to determine the best fit for your investment strategy. Their consultants will also help you navigate legal considerations and compliance with regulations. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. You need a strong product that meets consumer demand and aligns with brand standards. Price involves franchise fees and royalties that affect your profitability. Place focuses on site selection and territory rights, determining where you can operate. Finally, Promotion includes marketing strategies to boost brand awareness, often requiring contributions to advertising funds based on your sales to maintain visibility and attract customers. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any agreement or make a payment. This rule guarantees you have enough time to review important details, like fees and obligations, allowing for informed decisions. It protects you from rushed choices and helps establish transparency between you and the franchisor, cultivating trust in the franchise relationship. Why Does It Only Cost $10k to Own a Chick-Fil-A Franchise? It only costs $10,000 to own a Chick-Fil-A franchise since the company requires franchisees to cover the significant costs of building and equipping the restaurant, which can exceed $1 million. This low initial fee allows Chick-Fil-A to maintain control over operations and uphold brand standards, as franchisees can’t own the physical property. Moreover, franchisees must work full-time, further ensuring dedication to the brand as the company garners revenue from royalties. What Are the Three Types of Franchise Agreements? The three types of franchise agreements you’ll encounter are single-unit, multi-unit, and area development agreements. A single-unit agreement lets you operate one franchise location, perfect for beginners. Multi-unit agreements allow you to manage several locations, requiring more investment and experience. Area development agreements grant you the rights to develop multiple units in a specific territory, offering exclusivity for rapid growth but demanding a higher initial investment. Comprehending these options helps you align your goals effectively. Conclusion Grasping franchise agreements is crucial for any potential franchisee. By familiarizing yourself with the types of agreements, key elements, and your rights and obligations, you can make informed decisions. Pay close attention to financial responsibilities, insurance requirements, and clauses regarding renewal, transfer, and termination. This knowledge will help you navigate your investment effectively, ensuring compliance with brand standards and protecting your interests. If you’re ready to explore franchising, consider scheduling a free consultation with FMS Franchise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Understanding Franchise Agreements – A How-To Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Fire tablets have always been about stretching value, and the Amazon Fire Max 11 takes that idea further. It’s the biggest and most powerful tablet Amazon has made so far, but it stays well under the typical premium tablet price tag. Right now, a refurbished, like-new 64GB model with ads is down to $124.99 from $199.99 as an early Black Friday deal. Meaning, you’re basically getting a refreshed unit that looks new, works flawlessly, and costs a lot less. (For $65 more, you can get the 128GB version brand new and ad-free.) It came out last summer and earned PCMag’s Best Budget Tablet of the Year 2024—a solid endorsement for a device that’s meant to balance everyday use, streaming, and light work. Like-New Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB 11" Tablet (Gray) $124.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $75.00 Get Deal Get Deal $124.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $75.00 The 11-inch LCD is the largest in Amazon’s Fire lineup, offering a 2,000 x 1,200 resolution and 213 pixels per inch, making it sharp enough for reading, streaming, and casual sketching with the optional $29.99 stylus. It’s not as vibrant as an iPad, but it’s bright and crisp for the price, notes this PCMag review. The aluminum body gives it a sturdier, more polished feel than the plastic Fire models of the past, and the stereo speakers hold up surprisingly well for music and movies. There’s no headphone jack, which feels like an oversight, but Bluetooth 5.3 makes up for it with a stable connection for wireless headsets. Performance-wise, the octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and the 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card) handle browsing, multitasking, and light gaming without much slowdown. Still, there are trade-offs. It runs FireOS 8, Amazon’s custom version of Android, which prioritizes Kindle, Prime Video, and Alexa over Google’s suite of services. It’s perfect if you’re already deep in Amazon’s ecosystem, but if you depend on Gmail, Maps, or Play Store apps, you’ll need to manually sideload them. The dual 8MP cameras perform fine for video calls and scanning, but that’s about it. Battery life realistically lasts around nine to 10 hours of typical use, and it charges over USB-C, though the included 9W charger feels slow compared to the 15W it supports. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $84.99 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $324.99 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $297.99 (List Price $649.99) Apple Watch Series 10 — $309.99 (List Price $429.00) Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked 6.9" OLED Smartphone (Obsidian) — $544.98 (List Price $799.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $328.00 (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) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications. In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact with Earth’s atmosphere. The vibrant displays could be visible across much of the northern U.S., and as far south as Alabama and Northern California. How northern lights happen The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come. Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere. Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way. Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City. The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA. How solar storms affect Earth Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth. When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications. In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth. How to see auroras Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app. Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, AP Science Writer View the full article

At the SAP TechEd 2025 event in Berlin, SAP SE unveiled groundbreaking innovations aimed at empowering developers and revolutionizing the integration of business data and artificial intelligence (AI) into real-world applications. Small business owners should take note: these advancements could provide significant opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. SAP’s new offerings within the SAP Build solution are designed to enhance how developers create and automate applications. The latest features provide the autonomy to leverage popular development environments and tools, which can potentially reduce development time and costs—key considerations for small businesses with limited resources. “SAP’s announcements today give developers the tools they need to deliver at the speed of AI,” stated Muhammad Alam, a member of SAP’s Executive Board. This directive underscores SAP’s commitment to enhancing not just developer efficiency but also the overall business operations of companies that adopt its technologies. One highlight is the enhanced capabilities of SAP Build, which allows developers to use familiar tools like Visual Studio Code. A new extension for this software enables seamless integration with SAP Build, helping developers create applications directly within their preferred environments. Small businesses that utilize these development tools can build custom applications tailored to their specific needs without having to invest heavily in new software. A pivotal aspect for small businesses is the expanded data connectivity offered by the SAP Business Data Cloud. With new integrations featuring Snowflake, Databricks, and Google Cloud, businesses have the flexibility to operate their data workloads in environments they are comfortable with, ensuring they can extract valuable insights without compromising on data governance. This connectivity also streamlines the customer experience, as small businesses can create more personalized and responsive services. In addition to enhancing how businesses use data, SAP introduced SAP-RPT-1, a first-generation relational pre-trained transformer that helps companies predict key business outcomes, such as delivery delays and payment risks. This predictive capability is invaluable for small businesses that need to anticipate issues and strategize accordingly, allowing for proactive management that can lead to significant savings and improved service delivery. SAP’s AI assistants are another advancement that can benefit small businesses. These assistants can manage complex workflows and automate routine tasks across departments, from finance to human resources. This reduces the burden on small teams, enabling them to focus on growth and customer interaction rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks. However, despite the promising benefits, there are potential challenges that small business owners should be aware of. Transitioning to these new tools and technologies may require upfront investment in training and system updates. SAP has pledged to equip 12 million people worldwide with AI-ready skills by 2030, indicating an emphasis on upskilling employees. For small business owners, aligning this educational commitment with their own workforce training programs is essential to fully capitalize on these innovations. Moreover, as businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, small companies must consider the balance between leveraging advanced technologies and the associated requirements for data privacy and security. As they adopt new tools, small businesses need to remain vigilant about compliance with regulations that govern consumer data and AI usage. In summary, SAP’s innovations at TechEd 2025 promise to provide small businesses with powerful tools to harness AI and data effectively. By leveraging these technologies, entrepreneurs can drive transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer service. However, thoughtful implementation and ongoing training will be essential to navigate the complexities accompanying these technological transitions. Small business owners interested in exploring these opportunities can find more detailed information at the SAP News Center to stay informed on how these advancements may reshape their operational landscapes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SAP Unveils AI Innovations to Empower Developers for Fast Business Impact" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At the SAP TechEd 2025 event in Berlin, SAP SE unveiled groundbreaking innovations aimed at empowering developers and revolutionizing the integration of business data and artificial intelligence (AI) into real-world applications. Small business owners should take note: these advancements could provide significant opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. SAP’s new offerings within the SAP Build solution are designed to enhance how developers create and automate applications. The latest features provide the autonomy to leverage popular development environments and tools, which can potentially reduce development time and costs—key considerations for small businesses with limited resources. “SAP’s announcements today give developers the tools they need to deliver at the speed of AI,” stated Muhammad Alam, a member of SAP’s Executive Board. This directive underscores SAP’s commitment to enhancing not just developer efficiency but also the overall business operations of companies that adopt its technologies. One highlight is the enhanced capabilities of SAP Build, which allows developers to use familiar tools like Visual Studio Code. A new extension for this software enables seamless integration with SAP Build, helping developers create applications directly within their preferred environments. Small businesses that utilize these development tools can build custom applications tailored to their specific needs without having to invest heavily in new software. A pivotal aspect for small businesses is the expanded data connectivity offered by the SAP Business Data Cloud. With new integrations featuring Snowflake, Databricks, and Google Cloud, businesses have the flexibility to operate their data workloads in environments they are comfortable with, ensuring they can extract valuable insights without compromising on data governance. This connectivity also streamlines the customer experience, as small businesses can create more personalized and responsive services. In addition to enhancing how businesses use data, SAP introduced SAP-RPT-1, a first-generation relational pre-trained transformer that helps companies predict key business outcomes, such as delivery delays and payment risks. This predictive capability is invaluable for small businesses that need to anticipate issues and strategize accordingly, allowing for proactive management that can lead to significant savings and improved service delivery. SAP’s AI assistants are another advancement that can benefit small businesses. These assistants can manage complex workflows and automate routine tasks across departments, from finance to human resources. This reduces the burden on small teams, enabling them to focus on growth and customer interaction rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks. However, despite the promising benefits, there are potential challenges that small business owners should be aware of. Transitioning to these new tools and technologies may require upfront investment in training and system updates. SAP has pledged to equip 12 million people worldwide with AI-ready skills by 2030, indicating an emphasis on upskilling employees. For small business owners, aligning this educational commitment with their own workforce training programs is essential to fully capitalize on these innovations. Moreover, as businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, small companies must consider the balance between leveraging advanced technologies and the associated requirements for data privacy and security. As they adopt new tools, small businesses need to remain vigilant about compliance with regulations that govern consumer data and AI usage. In summary, SAP’s innovations at TechEd 2025 promise to provide small businesses with powerful tools to harness AI and data effectively. By leveraging these technologies, entrepreneurs can drive transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer service. However, thoughtful implementation and ongoing training will be essential to navigate the complexities accompanying these technological transitions. Small business owners interested in exploring these opportunities can find more detailed information at the SAP News Center to stay informed on how these advancements may reshape their operational landscapes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SAP Unveils AI Innovations to Empower Developers for Fast Business Impact" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Claude chatbot maker signs partnership with UK-based Fluidstack to boost computing powerView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you've got the funds and the need for more than one computer on your desk, then you may well want to use the same mouse and keyboard for both of them. It's more convenient if you're switching between systems, and it means you can find a keyboard and mouse combination you love and stick to it throughout. This is particularly helpful if you're working on a laptop and a desktop in tandem. Even the best laptops tend to have cramped keyboards, just through the limitations of the form factor, and a mouse is often preferable to a trackpad for several tasks (such as detailed image or video editing). Sharing your mouse and keyboard between computers is actually easier than you might think—and certainly a lot easier than it was several years ago. You've got different options available depending on the different platforms you're dealing with, and these are the tools for the job I'd recommend right now. If you're on Windows, use Mouse Without BordersMouse Without Borders is an official Microsoft program, but one of those official Microsoft programs that's more like a side project. It lets you control up to four computers using the same mouse and keyboard, as long as they're all running Windows. You don't need any complicated cabling or software setup: You just need the application installed on all the Windows computers you want to connect, and a mouse and keyboard plugged into one of them. On the first computer you set up the tool on, you'll be able to generate a code you can use to connect other computers. Mouse Without Borders on Windows. Credit: Lifehacker The main configuration screen lets you set the layout for your various Windows machines, which is important—to move from one system to another, you just drag the mouse cursor off the edge of one screen and on to another. The mouse and keyboard will interact with whatever computer the mouse cursor is currently active on. Mouse Without Borders also lets you create a universal, shared clipboard across every computer it's installed on, for easy transfer of files, text, and images. Note that Mouse Without Borders is also available as part of Microsoft PowerToys, a bundle of utilities that gives you a plethora of additional features and tweaks for Microsoft's operating system. If you're on macOS, use Universal ControlIf you're using two or more Macs together, Universal Control is the way to go for your keyboard- and mouse-sharing needs. The functionality is built right into macOS (and iPadOS), and works pretty seamlessly out of the box. Plus, it includes a lot more than the sharing of input devices. All you need is the latest version of macOS installed across your computers, the same Apple account linked to them all, and the mouse and keyboard you want to use as your main controllers. All your devices must have wifi and Bluetooth turned on, and your computers have to be fairly close together (as in, in the same room). Universal Control on macOS. Credit: Lifehacker You can find the relevant settings for this part of Universal Control by opening the Apple menu (top left), then choosing System Settings > Displays > Advanced—for best results, make sure every option here is enabled. With this done on every Mac, all that you need to do is push the mouse cursor through the left or right edge of the screen on your current Mac to switch control to the other one, depending on how they're positioned. This positioning can be tweaked via System Settings > Displays > Arrange, if needed. Universal Control goes beyond peripheral sharing, too—you can drag files across the screen edge border to transfer them between computers. You'll also find there's a shared clipboard available across your linked devices—so you can copy on one computer, and paste on the other. If you're on both Windows and macOS, use SynergyFor those bold enough to try and use both Windows and macOS machines on a regular basis, Synergy is the most comprehensive mouse and keyboard sharing software that I've come across. Once you've got it installed on every computer you want to connect, you can share a mouse and keyboard between all of them. When you've got the desktop client up and running, you're greeted with a straightforward interface that lets you manage all of the various options the program offers: You can set up how your computers are positioned in relation to each other, for example, and configure how the shared clipboard will work across different systems. Synergy on Windows. Credit: Lifehacker The Synergy app should be able to automatically add other computers with Synergy installed that are on your network, but you can do this manually too. Via the Screen layout tab you can customize how your screens are positioned, and designate the primary computer (connected to the keyboard and mouse you want to use). You can then just move the mouse cursor across your screens to switch between systems. Synergy will cost you (though there is a free trial available): It's a one-off fee of $29 for the standard software, which supports up to three computers. You can also pay a one-off fee of $49 for the Ultimate edition of Synergy, which works across as many as 15 different machines, and gives you other bonus extras such as custom hotkeys. If you prefer, use a keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switchThere's one more option here, which is to use a traditional keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switch. It's a device you plug your keyboard and mouse into, and then connect to both your computers. As the name suggests, it lets you share a single monitor between two systems as well, if you need to. Nowadays you'll sometimes see this described as a hub, which is a more modern term for it. These hubs often come built into high-end monitors, so you plug your keyboard and mouse into the monitor, and then the monitor connects to your various computers through its multiple display ports—and you use controls on the monitor to jump between your systems as needed. A 4K KVM switch Credit: Mleeda More advanced KVM switches or hubs have support for multiple monitors, and other accessories and peripherals on top, but the more features you want the more money you're going to have to spend. A basic one for two computers will set you back around $30, while a more advanced one with support for four computers and its own remote is going to be more like $105. A Bluetooth keyboard/mouse comboThe $35 Logitech K480 will work with just about anything that supports Bluetooth, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. With this, switching among devices is as easy as turning a dial on the side of the keyboard. View the full article

Sean Doyle’s appointment comes 18 months after retailer’s chair commented on X about what he saw as airline’s deteriorationView the full article

A little more than a year ago, Ryan Sprankle welcomed President Donald The President to one of the three grocery stores his family owns near Pittsburgh. The President was on the campaign trail; they talked about high grocery prices, and the Republican nominee picked up a bag of popcorn. But these days, Sprankle would have a different message if The President or any lawmakers visited his store. He wants them to know that delayed SNAP benefits during the government shutdown hurt his customers and his small, independent chain. “You can’t take away from the most needy people in the country. It’s inhumane,” Sprankle said. “It’s a lack of empathy and it’s on all their hands. The The President administration froze funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the end of October, impacting food access for some 42 million Americans. On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would reopen the federal government and replenish SNAP funds, but the U.S. House of Representatives still must consider the bill. It’s unclear when SNAP payments might resume if the government reopens. In 2024, SNAP recipients redeemed a little more than $96 billion in benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program. The majority — 74% —was spent at superstores and supermarkets, a category that includes big chains like Walmart and Kroger but also some independent stores like Sprankle’s. Around 14% was spent at smaller grocery and convenience stores, businesses often tucked into neighborhoods and more easily accessible to SNAP beneficiaries. A stalled economic engine Etharin Cousin, a former director of the United Nations World Food Program and founder of the nonprofit Food Systems for the Future, said the cutoff of SNAP benefits had immediate impacts on grocers and convenience stores of all sizes, most of which operate on slim profit margins of 1% to 2%. “SNAP isn’t just a social safety net for families. It’s also a local economic engine,” Cousin said. “SNAP benefits flow directly into neighborhoods, stores, regional distributors and community jobs.” Walmart declined to comment on the impact of the SNAP funding lapse but noted that it has been lowering prices and donating to local food banks. Kroger also declined to comment. Shoppers not receiving their food benefits affects all retailers but becomes “a big problem more quickly” at small chains, Sprankle said. His Kittanning, Pennsylvania, store gets 25% of its revenue from SNAP, but customers who don’t get government assistance also are worried about the shutdown, according to Sprankle. They’re spending less, trading down to cheaper goods or heading to food banks, he said. Sprankle said lower sales cut into the overtime he can offer to the chain’s 140 employees. Many are worried about losing their jobs, he said. “They have families to feed, they have kids for buy gifts for,” he said. “If I have to sell my truck, we’re going to give Christmas bonuses.” Liz Abunaw, the owner and operator of Forty Acres Fresh Market in Chicago, recently saw a customer putting back a full cart of groceries because she couldn’t afford them without SNAP. Abunaw opened the supermarket in September after years spent selling produce at pop-up markets and in delivery boxes. Only about 12% of Abunaw’s revenue comes from SNAP benefits right now, she said. But without it — or if SNAP recipients spend less money in her store — it will slow Forty Acres’ growth and make it harder to pay the workers, suppliers and farmers who depend on her, she said. “SNAP is currency. I get money I then use in this economy. It’s not a food box,” Abunaw said. “The economic impact of SNAP is larger than the dollars spent.” From neighborhood shops to food pantries The suspended food aid also had an immediate impact on Kanbe’s Markets, a nonprofit that stocks produce in coolers at 110 convenience stores around Kansas City, Missouri. Kanbe’s distributes a mixture of donated food and food purchased from wholesalers to keep prices low, founder and CEO Maxfield Kaniger said. Kanbe’s also distributes free food to 50 food pantries and soup kitchens around the city. Kaniger said some of the convenience stores he works with saw their sales drop 10% in the days after Nov. 1, when SNAP benefits weren’t paid. At the same time, the food pantries he supplies asked for double or triple their usual orders. Because it’s giving away more food than usual, Kanbe’s has to spend more buying produce for the coolers it stocks. It’s frustrating for Kaniger, who must make decisions quickly before food spoils. “It should be enough that people are going without food. Period, end of sentence. People going without food is wrong,” he said. Babir Sultan sells berries, lemons, potatoes, bananas and other produce from Kanbe’s at his four FavTrip convenience stores in the Kansas City area. His stores are in food deserts, far from other groceries or big retailers, he said, so it’s important to him to stock fresh produce for those neighborhoods. Sultan said foot traffic at his stores fell 8% to 10% in early November after SNAP funding ceased. He decided to offer $10 of free produce to SNAP beneficiaries but said he’s also happy to help out other customers who might be struggling right now. “If you’re in need, just ask, we’ll take care of you,” Sultan said. “Everybody is affected whenever the customer is feeling the pinch.” Durbin reported from Detroit. Associated Press data journalist Kasturi Pananjady in Philadelphia contributed to this report. —Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Business Writer View the full article

Circle Internet Group released its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, November 12, announcing a 66% jump in revenue and reserve income year-over-year (YOY). The $740 million figure stemmed, in large part, from a 97% increase YOY of average USDC in circulation. USDC, Circle’s flagship cryptocurrency stablecoin, is pegged to the U.S. dollar. It’s also one of the largest stablecoins in the world. In August, Circle announced Arc, a public blockchain designed specifically for stablecoins, such as USDC. In the earnings report, Circle claimed that over 100 companies are taking part in the launch of Arc public testnet. Jeremy Allaire, cofounder, CEO, and chairman at Circle, said the test was “met with extraordinary enthusiasm from partners across traditional and digital finance—evidence of the deep and diverse ecosystem forming around open, programmable money.” Furthermore, Circle reported a net income of $214 million, a 202% improvement YOY. Notably, this is only Circle’s second earnings report after going public in June. All YOY figures are reported by Circle based on private earnings during quarter three 2024. CRCL takes a tumble in premarket trading Despite impressive revenue and net income growth, Circle shares (NYSE:CRCL) still took a tumble. After already closing 5.57% down on Wednesday, the drop continued in premarket trading on Thursday, falling more than 5%. One factor could be Circle raising its expected 2025 adjusted operating expenses from between $475 million and $490 million to $495 million and $510 million. Circle blamed the updated outlook on “growing investment in building our platform, capabilities and global partnerships to meet the accelerating market interest and opportunity, as well as higher payroll taxes anticipated from option exercises.” New York-based Circle Internet Group’s IPO was one of the most high-profile listings of the year. After shares were priced at $31, they reached a high of close to $300 less than a month after their market debut. But the stock price has swung wildly since then. It’s down roughly 28% over the last month as of Tuesday’s close. View the full article

If you want to close more deals, comprehending effective sales strategies is essential. Start by actively listening to your customers and addressing their specific pain points. Highlight your product’s value with testimonials, and learn how to differentiate yourself from competitors. Use visuals to improve your message and be prepared to overcome objections with empathy. By grasping what motivates your customers, you can encourage decision-making. Explore these seven secrets to boost your sales success. Key Takeaways Actively listen to customers to uncover their true pain points and tailor your approach accordingly. Use empathy to address objections, validating concerns while reinforcing the product’s value and benefits. Share testimonials and case studies to build credibility and demonstrate successful outcomes relevant to the customer. Craft a unique selling proposition that highlights your offering’s distinct benefits and addresses overlooked pain points. Encourage decisive actions by guiding customers towards making clear decisions, fostering trust and strengthening relationships. Secret #1: Listen. Ask Questions. Use Your Ears How can you truly understand your prospects and their needs? Start by actively listening. This vital skill helps you uncover their true pain points and allows you to tailor solutions that resonate with their specific challenges. Use open-ended questions to encourage prospects to share more information, revealing their motivations and concerns. Employing a consultative selling approach nurtures trust and positions you as a knowledgeable peer. Techniques like “peeling the onion” help you explore deeper into their problems, identifying underlying issues. This effective listening not just boosts customer engagement but also increases your chances of closing deals. For the best sales advice, remember these sales tips for success: listen, ask questions, and truly use your ears. Secret #2: Demonstrate Your Value With Other Customers One effective way to build trust with potential customers is by demonstrating your value through the success of other clients. Sharing testimonials and case studies can help prospects visualize the benefits your product or service offers. Highlighting specific results, like increased sales percentages or improved efficiency, reinforces your credibility. This kind of sales advice is invaluable, as it showcases the tangible value of your offering. Utilizing social proof, such as client success stories, alleviates fears about making a change, showing evidence of successful outcomes from similar businesses. Incorporating third-party endorsements can further bolster trust, as comparisons with competitors clarify what sets your offering apart. These strategies are among the top sales tips to improve your effectiveness in closing deals. Secret #3: Differentiate Yourself To stand out in a competitive market, you need a unique selling proposition that directly addresses your prospects’ pain points. Crafting compelling messaging that highlights these specific needs will resonate more effectively with your audience. Unique Selling Proposition In a competitive marketplace, effectively differentiating yourself hinges on a well-articulated unique selling proposition (USP) that clearly communicates how your product or service solves specific problems that others may overlook. A compelling USP not only sets you apart but additionally resonates with potential customers. To craft an effective USP, consider these key elements: Identify specific pain points your competitors miss. Highlight the unique benefits and value your offering provides. Use actionable messaging that speaks directly to your target audience’s challenges. Reinforce your USP through testimonials and case studies for improved credibility. Research shows that businesses with a defined USP are 64% more likely to attract attention, increasing the chances of closing more deals. Address Pain Points After establishing a unique selling proposition that differentiates your offerings, the next step is to address the specific pain points of your prospects. Tailor your messaging to resonate with their unique challenges and needs, highlighting how your product or service meets unrecognized requirements that competitors overlook. Create a strong first impression by demonstrating a clear comprehension of their issues and explaining how your solution adds value to their situation. Utilize testimonials and case studies that directly relate to your target audience’s pain points, reinforcing the credibility of your offerings. Finally, continuously refine your approach based on feedback and insights from prospects, ensuring your messaging remains relevant and impactful in addressing their concerns effectively. Compelling Messaging Strategies Differentiating yourself in a competitive environment is essential for capturing the attention of potential customers, as a unique message can set you apart from others in your industry. To effectively communicate your uniqueness, focus on the following strategies: Identify specific pain points your product addresses, ensuring your message resonates with prospects. Highlight unique features that distinguish your offering from competitors, especially those that meet unrecognized needs. Share testimonials and case studies to provide social proof, reinforcing the credibility of your solutions. Deliver your message in an engaging and concise manner, creating urgency and prompting prospects to act. Secret #4: Use Visuals To Convey Your Message Using visuals can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your sales presentations. High-quality images, videos, and infographics elevate message clarity and retention, making it easier for prospects to grasp your solutions. By creating a compelling narrative with visuals, you engage your audience, increasing their interest in your product or service. Effective visuals can likewise evoke urgency, prompting quick decision-making by contrasting options and highlighting key benefits. Here’s a quick comparison of visual types: Visual Type Benefits Images Elevate clarity and retention Infographics Simplify complex concepts Videos Create engaging narratives Integrating professional-grade visuals reinforces your credibility and illustrates complex ideas in relatable ways. Avoid low-quality visuals to maintain trust. Secret #5: Overcoming Objections in Sales When a prospect raises objections, it’s actually a sign of their interest and engagement with your proposal. By responding with empathy and comprehension of their concerns, you can build trust and tailor your approach to meet their needs more effectively. Furthermore, using factual information and customer testimonials can help alleviate doubts, reinforcing the value of your offering and boosting the prospect’s confidence in their decision. Understanding Buyer Engagement Buyer engagement often reveals itself through objections, which can indicate that your prospect is seriously considering your proposal. Comprehending these objections is essential for closing deals effectively. To address them, consider the following strategies: Demonstrate value: Clearly communicate how your offering meets the prospect’s needs to justify the cost. Provide factual information: Align your product benefits with the buyer’s specific concerns to alleviate doubts. Showcase success stories: Use testimonials and case studies to build credibility and reduce fears of change. Validate concerns: Show empathy toward the buyer’s objections to build trust and rapport, making them feel heard. Responding With Empathy Objections are a natural part of the sales process, and how you respond to them can make a significant difference in your success. Responding with empathy is essential, as it helps you understand and address customer concerns effectively. Start by actively listening to their objections and validating their feelings; this builds trust and rapport. When you show empathy, you can reframe objections as opportunities to highlight your product’s value, leading to higher closing rates. Research shows that empathetic communication boosts customer satisfaction, making clients more likely to engage with you in the future. By grasping the emotional drivers behind objections, you can tailor your responses to resonate with prospects, ensuring they feel heard and valued during the conversation. Building Trust Through Success Building trust is essential in sales, especially as you navigate the common challenges of overcoming objections. When prospects voice their concerns, view it as engagement; it’s an opportunity to build credibility. Here are some effective strategies: Address price objections by highlighting the value your product offers. Use empathy to understand and validate their concerns, reinforcing that you’re listening. Share past customer successes and testimonials to alleviate fears and demonstrate proven results. Redirect the conversation to solutions that align with their needs, clarifying benefits. Secret #6: Understand What Motivates Your Customers Grasping what motivates your customers is fundamental for effective sales. Invest time in learning their needs, challenges, and fears, as this insight can create mutually beneficial outcomes. Recognizing pain points is significant since customers engage more when they see how your solution addresses their specific issues. Tailoring your offerings to meet unique needs improves the perceived value, increasing your chances of closing the deal. Moreover, educating customers about the benefits of your product builds trust, moving them further along the sales funnel. Engaging with customers in a way that aligns with their motivations not just improves rapport but also raises the likelihood of repeat business, making it essential to focus on their driving factors during the sales process. Secret #7: Push for a Decision During the course of guiding the sales process, it’s crucial to push for a decision, as this can greatly reduce uncertainty for both you and your customer. Aiming for a clear “yes” or “no” helps move things along. Here are some key points to remember: Always ask for a decision rather than just a purchase, clarifying the customer’s stance. Recognize that any decision, positive or negative, moves the sales process forward. Prioritize scheduling the next step; a follow-up meeting shows commitment. Driving conversations in the direction of decisions nurtures stronger relationships, increasing trust and engagement. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 C’s in Sales? The 7 C’s in sales are crucial for effective communication. They include Clarity, ensuring your message is easily grasped; Conciseness, which keeps your information brief and engaging; Consistency, building trust through aligned messaging; Correctness, emphasizing the importance of accurate information; Completeness, providing all necessary details; Courtesy, maintaining a respectful tone; and Consideration, comprehending your prospect’s perspective. Utilizing these principles can greatly improve your sales conversations and increase your chances of success. What Are the 7 Keys to Sales? The seven keys to sales are crucial for improving your effectiveness. First, understand the sales process to guide your approach. Next, identify decision-makers to target your efforts. Qualifying prospects guarantees you focus on the right leads. Use a consultative selling approach to tailor solutions, and pitch effectively to convey value. Implement follow-up strategies to maintain engagement, and create urgency to encourage quicker decisions. These keys can improve your overall sales performance considerably. What Are the 7 Essential Selling Skills Every Sales Person Should Know? Every salesperson should master vital skills to succeed. First, comprehension of customer needs is critical; it allows you to tailor solutions effectively. Second, effective questioning uncovers deeper insights into prospects’ pain points. Third, demonstrating value through testimonials boosts credibility. Fourth, you must develop strong follow-up strategies to nurture leads. Fifth, handling objections gracefully can turn challenges into opportunities. Finally, continuous learning and adaptability keep you ahead in an ever-changing sales environment. What Are the 7 Steps to Successful Selling? The seven steps to successful selling are essential for achieving sales goals. First, you start with prospecting to identify potential customers. Next, you qualify leads to guarantee they fit your target market. Then, you present solutions customized to their needs. After that, you handle objections by listening and addressing concerns. Closing the sale follows, where you finalize the agreement. Finally, you follow up and nurture relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals. Conclusion In conclusion, applying these seven sales tips can greatly improve your ability to close deals. By actively listening and comprehending customer motivations, you can address pain points effectively. Demonstrating your value through testimonials and differentiating yourself from competitors is essential. Utilizing clear visuals helps convey your message, whereas overcoming objections with empathy cultivates trust. Finally, encouraging decision-making through commitments and follow-ups will streamline the sales process, ultimately resulting in more successful outcomes in your sales efforts. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top Sales Tips – 7 Secrets to Close More Deals" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you want to close more deals, comprehending effective sales strategies is essential. Start by actively listening to your customers and addressing their specific pain points. Highlight your product’s value with testimonials, and learn how to differentiate yourself from competitors. Use visuals to improve your message and be prepared to overcome objections with empathy. By grasping what motivates your customers, you can encourage decision-making. Explore these seven secrets to boost your sales success. Key Takeaways Actively listen to customers to uncover their true pain points and tailor your approach accordingly. Use empathy to address objections, validating concerns while reinforcing the product’s value and benefits. Share testimonials and case studies to build credibility and demonstrate successful outcomes relevant to the customer. Craft a unique selling proposition that highlights your offering’s distinct benefits and addresses overlooked pain points. Encourage decisive actions by guiding customers towards making clear decisions, fostering trust and strengthening relationships. Secret #1: Listen. Ask Questions. Use Your Ears How can you truly understand your prospects and their needs? Start by actively listening. This vital skill helps you uncover their true pain points and allows you to tailor solutions that resonate with their specific challenges. Use open-ended questions to encourage prospects to share more information, revealing their motivations and concerns. Employing a consultative selling approach nurtures trust and positions you as a knowledgeable peer. Techniques like “peeling the onion” help you explore deeper into their problems, identifying underlying issues. This effective listening not just boosts customer engagement but also increases your chances of closing deals. For the best sales advice, remember these sales tips for success: listen, ask questions, and truly use your ears. Secret #2: Demonstrate Your Value With Other Customers One effective way to build trust with potential customers is by demonstrating your value through the success of other clients. Sharing testimonials and case studies can help prospects visualize the benefits your product or service offers. Highlighting specific results, like increased sales percentages or improved efficiency, reinforces your credibility. This kind of sales advice is invaluable, as it showcases the tangible value of your offering. Utilizing social proof, such as client success stories, alleviates fears about making a change, showing evidence of successful outcomes from similar businesses. Incorporating third-party endorsements can further bolster trust, as comparisons with competitors clarify what sets your offering apart. These strategies are among the top sales tips to improve your effectiveness in closing deals. Secret #3: Differentiate Yourself To stand out in a competitive market, you need a unique selling proposition that directly addresses your prospects’ pain points. Crafting compelling messaging that highlights these specific needs will resonate more effectively with your audience. Unique Selling Proposition In a competitive marketplace, effectively differentiating yourself hinges on a well-articulated unique selling proposition (USP) that clearly communicates how your product or service solves specific problems that others may overlook. A compelling USP not only sets you apart but additionally resonates with potential customers. To craft an effective USP, consider these key elements: Identify specific pain points your competitors miss. Highlight the unique benefits and value your offering provides. Use actionable messaging that speaks directly to your target audience’s challenges. Reinforce your USP through testimonials and case studies for improved credibility. Research shows that businesses with a defined USP are 64% more likely to attract attention, increasing the chances of closing more deals. Address Pain Points After establishing a unique selling proposition that differentiates your offerings, the next step is to address the specific pain points of your prospects. Tailor your messaging to resonate with their unique challenges and needs, highlighting how your product or service meets unrecognized requirements that competitors overlook. Create a strong first impression by demonstrating a clear comprehension of their issues and explaining how your solution adds value to their situation. Utilize testimonials and case studies that directly relate to your target audience’s pain points, reinforcing the credibility of your offerings. Finally, continuously refine your approach based on feedback and insights from prospects, ensuring your messaging remains relevant and impactful in addressing their concerns effectively. Compelling Messaging Strategies Differentiating yourself in a competitive environment is essential for capturing the attention of potential customers, as a unique message can set you apart from others in your industry. To effectively communicate your uniqueness, focus on the following strategies: Identify specific pain points your product addresses, ensuring your message resonates with prospects. Highlight unique features that distinguish your offering from competitors, especially those that meet unrecognized needs. Share testimonials and case studies to provide social proof, reinforcing the credibility of your solutions. Deliver your message in an engaging and concise manner, creating urgency and prompting prospects to act. Secret #4: Use Visuals To Convey Your Message Using visuals can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your sales presentations. High-quality images, videos, and infographics elevate message clarity and retention, making it easier for prospects to grasp your solutions. By creating a compelling narrative with visuals, you engage your audience, increasing their interest in your product or service. Effective visuals can likewise evoke urgency, prompting quick decision-making by contrasting options and highlighting key benefits. Here’s a quick comparison of visual types: Visual Type Benefits Images Elevate clarity and retention Infographics Simplify complex concepts Videos Create engaging narratives Integrating professional-grade visuals reinforces your credibility and illustrates complex ideas in relatable ways. Avoid low-quality visuals to maintain trust. Secret #5: Overcoming Objections in Sales When a prospect raises objections, it’s actually a sign of their interest and engagement with your proposal. By responding with empathy and comprehension of their concerns, you can build trust and tailor your approach to meet their needs more effectively. Furthermore, using factual information and customer testimonials can help alleviate doubts, reinforcing the value of your offering and boosting the prospect’s confidence in their decision. Understanding Buyer Engagement Buyer engagement often reveals itself through objections, which can indicate that your prospect is seriously considering your proposal. Comprehending these objections is essential for closing deals effectively. To address them, consider the following strategies: Demonstrate value: Clearly communicate how your offering meets the prospect’s needs to justify the cost. Provide factual information: Align your product benefits with the buyer’s specific concerns to alleviate doubts. Showcase success stories: Use testimonials and case studies to build credibility and reduce fears of change. Validate concerns: Show empathy toward the buyer’s objections to build trust and rapport, making them feel heard. Responding With Empathy Objections are a natural part of the sales process, and how you respond to them can make a significant difference in your success. Responding with empathy is essential, as it helps you understand and address customer concerns effectively. Start by actively listening to their objections and validating their feelings; this builds trust and rapport. When you show empathy, you can reframe objections as opportunities to highlight your product’s value, leading to higher closing rates. Research shows that empathetic communication boosts customer satisfaction, making clients more likely to engage with you in the future. By grasping the emotional drivers behind objections, you can tailor your responses to resonate with prospects, ensuring they feel heard and valued during the conversation. Building Trust Through Success Building trust is essential in sales, especially as you navigate the common challenges of overcoming objections. When prospects voice their concerns, view it as engagement; it’s an opportunity to build credibility. Here are some effective strategies: Address price objections by highlighting the value your product offers. Use empathy to understand and validate their concerns, reinforcing that you’re listening. Share past customer successes and testimonials to alleviate fears and demonstrate proven results. Redirect the conversation to solutions that align with their needs, clarifying benefits. Secret #6: Understand What Motivates Your Customers Grasping what motivates your customers is fundamental for effective sales. Invest time in learning their needs, challenges, and fears, as this insight can create mutually beneficial outcomes. Recognizing pain points is significant since customers engage more when they see how your solution addresses their specific issues. Tailoring your offerings to meet unique needs improves the perceived value, increasing your chances of closing the deal. Moreover, educating customers about the benefits of your product builds trust, moving them further along the sales funnel. Engaging with customers in a way that aligns with their motivations not just improves rapport but also raises the likelihood of repeat business, making it essential to focus on their driving factors during the sales process. Secret #7: Push for a Decision During the course of guiding the sales process, it’s crucial to push for a decision, as this can greatly reduce uncertainty for both you and your customer. Aiming for a clear “yes” or “no” helps move things along. Here are some key points to remember: Always ask for a decision rather than just a purchase, clarifying the customer’s stance. Recognize that any decision, positive or negative, moves the sales process forward. Prioritize scheduling the next step; a follow-up meeting shows commitment. Driving conversations in the direction of decisions nurtures stronger relationships, increasing trust and engagement. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 C’s in Sales? The 7 C’s in sales are crucial for effective communication. They include Clarity, ensuring your message is easily grasped; Conciseness, which keeps your information brief and engaging; Consistency, building trust through aligned messaging; Correctness, emphasizing the importance of accurate information; Completeness, providing all necessary details; Courtesy, maintaining a respectful tone; and Consideration, comprehending your prospect’s perspective. Utilizing these principles can greatly improve your sales conversations and increase your chances of success. What Are the 7 Keys to Sales? The seven keys to sales are crucial for improving your effectiveness. First, understand the sales process to guide your approach. Next, identify decision-makers to target your efforts. Qualifying prospects guarantees you focus on the right leads. Use a consultative selling approach to tailor solutions, and pitch effectively to convey value. Implement follow-up strategies to maintain engagement, and create urgency to encourage quicker decisions. These keys can improve your overall sales performance considerably. What Are the 7 Essential Selling Skills Every Sales Person Should Know? Every salesperson should master vital skills to succeed. First, comprehension of customer needs is critical; it allows you to tailor solutions effectively. Second, effective questioning uncovers deeper insights into prospects’ pain points. Third, demonstrating value through testimonials boosts credibility. Fourth, you must develop strong follow-up strategies to nurture leads. Fifth, handling objections gracefully can turn challenges into opportunities. Finally, continuous learning and adaptability keep you ahead in an ever-changing sales environment. What Are the 7 Steps to Successful Selling? The seven steps to successful selling are essential for achieving sales goals. First, you start with prospecting to identify potential customers. Next, you qualify leads to guarantee they fit your target market. Then, you present solutions customized to their needs. After that, you handle objections by listening and addressing concerns. Closing the sale follows, where you finalize the agreement. Finally, you follow up and nurture relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals. Conclusion In conclusion, applying these seven sales tips can greatly improve your ability to close deals. By actively listening and comprehending customer motivations, you can address pain points effectively. Demonstrating your value through testimonials and differentiating yourself from competitors is essential. Utilizing clear visuals helps convey your message, whereas overcoming objections with empathy cultivates trust. Finally, encouraging decision-making through commitments and follow-ups will streamline the sales process, ultimately resulting in more successful outcomes in your sales efforts. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top Sales Tips – 7 Secrets to Close More Deals" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Sometimes, determining which projects you should devote your time and energy to first takes energy you don’t have to spare (which is why I have tips for how to do it). But even when you know what tasks need to be done, you still need to figure out how to prioritize them, so you can tackle them in the right order while giving each the amount of attention and resources they actually need. Here's where you can use the 3-3-3 method. What is the 3-3-3 method?This technique comes from Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. He advocates planning each workday around a 3-3-3 model: First devote three hours to deep work on your most important project. Next, complete three other urgent tasks that don’t require three hours of focus. Finally, do three “maintenance” tasks, like cleaning, answering emails, or scheduling other work. Other productivity techniques, like the pomodoro method, call for you to engage in deep work, or completely uninterrupted work with no distractions, so consider tapping into one of those first three hours if you want to make the most of a 3-3-3 approach. Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman $11.82 at Amazon $19.00 Save $7.18 Shop Now Shop Now $11.82 at Amazon $19.00 Save $7.18 To figure out which of the above categories a task fits into, I recommend a prioritization method like the Eisenhower matrix, which involves using a quadrant system to divvy up your responsibilities by urgency and importance. You'll want to consider not only how timely the things you need to do are, but also how many resources they'll consume. Remember not to overestimate the amount of time your tasks will take you—the longer you give yourself to work on something, the more you'll naturally drag out your work, which hampers productivity. Be firm with yourself when deciding how long to allot for a major, resource-heavy task. If you don't consider yourself a morning person and aren't sure you can jump into a heavy workload right away in the day, it's not necessarily a problem. I've written about the value of eating the frog—or, rather, tackling your biggest task of the day right away when you get up, which is a part of the traditional 3-3-3 structure—and though I've tried it myself, I'm just not that kind of person. It doesn't mean I can't work within a 3-3-3 framework, so don't feel like you can't, either. Play around with the technique, maybe by starting later in the morning and pushing your lunch back. I find this approach helpful because, truthfully, I really only buckle down around 10:30 every day. Because I am a slower person in the morning, I rearrange my 3-3-3s, tackling maintenance tasks earlier in the day, which keeps me feeling motivated and productive—getting things like answering emails out of the way clears my mind so I can focus on my bigger tasks more easily later. The key to succeeding with a technique like this isn't forcing yourself to fit a mold, but molding the method to your own best working habits, giving yourself a little extra structure, within reason. The goal here is to be discerning about what you take on in a day and work in the right order to maximize productivity, but you have a little wiggle room, so try a few approaches to your schedule to see what works. Why the 3-3-3 method worksWhat distinguishes this method from other productivity hacks are those three hours of deep work. Usually, jumping into them first means you’ll be fresh, focused, and more likely to be able to focus on a task without getting distracted. Regardless of if you stick to the traditional structure of doing three hours of deep work first in your day or mess with the 3-3-3 schedule, make sure to keep those three hours free of emails, texts, chit-chat, or other menial duties, to the best of your ability. Deep work yields major productivity, so you’ll get a lot accomplished if you commit to it, but you can’t stay in that mindset forever. You’ll top out after about three hours, so it’s best to have those three other, smaller tasks lined up and ready to go so you can stay productive even while downshifting into less demanding responsibilities. After three hours in the zone, you should find that those tasks are easier. Finally, your maintenance tasks give you a chance to get things done while giving your brain a rest. Use your maintenance time to prepare for the following day’s work, put finishing touches on whatever you were working on during those three hours of intense focus, or, like me, get the most boring things over with so you can think about something else. You can use this technique to tackle seven different tasks of varying urgency levels or to break one major project down into smaller chunks, depending on what your day needs. Just be sure to stick with the process. View the full article

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The longest government shutdown in history could conclude as soon as Wednesday, Day 43, with almost no one happy with the final result. Democrats didn’t get the heath insurance provisions they demanded added to the spending deal. And Republicans, who control the levers of power in Washington, didn’t escape blame, according to polls and some state and local elections that went poorly for them. The fallout of the shutdown landed on millions of Americans, including federal workers who went without paychecks and airline passengers who had their trips delayed or canceled. An interruption in nutrition assistance programs contributed to long lines at food banks and added emotional distress going into the holiday season. The agreement includes bipartisan bills worked out by the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund parts of government — food aid, veterans programs and the legislative branch, among other things. All other funding would be extended until the end of January, giving lawmakers more than two months to finish additional spending bills. Here’s a look at how the shutdown started and is likely to end: What led to the shutdown Democrats made several demands to win their support for a short-term funding bill, but the central one was an extension of an enhanced tax credit that lowers the cost of health coverage obtained through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The tax credit was boosted during the COVID-19 pandemic response, again through President Joe Biden’s big energy and health care bill, and it’s set to expire at the end of December. Without it, premiums on average will more than double for millions of Americans. More than 2 million people would lose health insurance coverage altogether next year, the Congressional Budget Office projected. “Never have American families faced a situation where their health care costs are set to double — double in the blink of an eye,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. While Democrats called for negotiations on the matter, Republicans said a funding bill would need to be passed first. “Republicans are ready to sit down with Democrats just as soon as they stop holding the government hostage to their partisan demands,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said. Thune eventually promised Democrats a December vote on the tax credit extension to help resolve the standoff, but many Democrats demanded a guaranteed fix, not just a vote that is likely to fail. Thune’s position was much the same as the one Schumer took back in October 2013, when Republicans unsuccessfully sought to roll back parts of the Affordable Care Act in exchange for funding the government. “Open up all of the government, and then we can have a fruitful discussion,” Schumer said then. Democratic leaders under pressure The first year of President Donald The President’s second term has seen more than 200,000 federal workers leave their job through firings, forced relocations or the Republican administration’s deferred resignation program, according to the Partnership for Public Service. Whole agencies that don’t align with the administration’s priorities have been dismantled. And billions of dollars previously approved by Congress have been frozen or canceled. Democrats have had to rely on the courts to block some of The President’s efforts, but they have been unable to do it through legislation. They were also powerless to stop The President’s big tax cut and immigration crackdown bill that Republicans helped pay for by cutting future spending on safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The Democrats’ struggles to blunt the The President administration’s priorities has prompted calls for the party’s congressional leadership to take a more forceful response. Schumer experienced that firsthand after announcing in March that he would support moving ahead with a funding bill for the 2025 budget year. There was a protest at his office, calls from progressives that he be primaried in 2028 and suggestions that the Democratic Party would soon be looking for new leaders. This time around, Schumer demanded that Republicans negotiate with Democrats to get their votes on a spending bill. The Senate rules, he noted, requires bipartisan support to meet the 60-vote threshold necessary to advance a spending bill. But those negotiations did not occur, at least not with Schumer. Republicans instead worked with a small group of eight Democrats to tee up a short-term bill to fund the government generally at current levels and accused Schumer of catering to the party’s left flank when he refused to go along. “The Senate Democrats are afraid that the radicals in their party will say that they caved,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at one of his many daily press conferences. The blame game The political stakes in the shutdown are huge, which is why leaders in both parties have held nearly daily press briefings to shape public opinion. Roughly 6 in 10 Americans say The President and Republicans in Congress have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of responsibility for the shutdown, while 54% say the same about Democrats in Congress, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. At least three-quarters of Americans believe each deserves at least a “moderate” share of blame, underscoring that no one was successfully evading responsibility. Both parties looked to the Nov. 4 elections in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere for signs of how the shutdown was influencing public opinion. Democrats took comfort in their overwhelming successes. The President called it a “big factor, negative” for Republicans. But it did not change the GOP’s stance on negotiating. Instead, The President ramped up calls for Republicans to end the filibuster in the Senate, which would pretty much eliminate the need for the majority party to ever negotiate with the minority. Damage of the shutdown The Congressional Budget Office says that the negative impact on the economy will be mostly recovered once the shutdown ends, but not entirely. It estimated the permanent economic loss at about $11 billion for a six-week shutdown. Beyond the numbers, though, the shutdown created a cascade of troubles for many Americans. Federal workers missed paychecks, causing financial and emotional stress. Travelers had their flights delayed and at times canceled. People who rely on safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program saw their benefits stopped, and Americans throughout the country lined up for meals at food banks. “This dysfunction is damaging enough to our constituents and economy here at home, but it also sends a dangerous message to the watching world,” said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. “It demonstrates to our allies that we are an unreliable partner, and it signals to our adversaries that we can’t work together to meet even the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress.” Follow the AP’s coverage of the federal government shutdown at https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown. —Kevin Freking, Associated Press View the full article

President Donald The President boasts that his tariffs protect American industries, lure factories to the United States, raise money for the federal government, and give him diplomatic leverage. Now, he’s claiming they can finance a windfall for American families, too: He’s promising a generous tariff dividend. The president proposed the idea on his Truth Social media platform Sunday, five days after his Republican Party lost elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and elsewhere largely because of voter discontent with his economic stewardship—specifically, the high cost of living. The tariffs are bringing in so much money, the president posted, that “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone.” Budget experts scoffed at the idea, which conjured memories of the The President administration’s short-lived plan for DOGE dividend checks financed by billionaire Elon Musk’s federal budget cuts. “The numbers just don’t check out,” said Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. Details are scarce, including what the income limits would be and whether payments would go to children. Even The President’s treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, sounded a bit blindsided by the audacious dividend plan. Appearing Sunday on ABC’s This Week, Bessent said he hadn’t discussed the dividend with the president and suggested that it might not mean that Americans would get a check from the government. Instead, Bessent said, the rebate might take the form of tax cuts. The tariffs are certainly raising money—$195 billion in the budget year that ended September 30, up 153% from $77 billion in fiscal 2024. But they still account for less than 4% of federal revenue and have done little to dent the federal budget deficit—a staggering $1.8 trillion in fiscal 2025. Budget wonks say The President’s dividend math doesn’t work. John Ricco, an analyst with the Budget Lab at Yale University, reckons that The President’s tariffs will bring in $200 billion to $300 billion a year in revenue. But a $2,000 dividend—if it went to all Americans, including children—would cost $600 billion. “It’s clear that the revenue coming in would not be adequate,” he said. Ricco also noted that The President couldn’t just pay the dividends on his own. They would require legislation from Congress. Moreover, the centerpiece of The President’s protectionist trade policies—double-digit taxes on imports from almost every country in the world—may not survive a legal challenge that has reached the U.S. Supreme Court. In a hearing last week, the justices sounded skeptical about the The President administration’s assertion of sweeping power to declare national emergencies to justify the tariffs. The President has bypassed Congress, which has authority under the Constitution to levy taxes, including tariffs. If the court strikes down the tariffs, the The President administration may be refunding money to the importers who paid them, not sending dividend checks to American families. (The President could find other ways to impose tariffs, even if he loses at the Supreme Court; but it could be cumbersome and time-consuming.) Mainstream economists and budget analysts note that tariffs are paid by U.S. importers who then generally try to pass along the cost to their customers through higher prices. The dividend plan “misses the mark,” the Tax Foundation’s York said. “If the goal is relief for Americans, just get rid of the tariffs.” —Paul Wiseman, AP Economics Writer View the full article

Identifying the owners, or shareholders, of a corporation is essential for comprehending its governance and structure. You can start by examining the stock ledger, which records all issued shares and their holders. For publicly traded companies, annual reports and proxy statements filed with the SEC reveal significant shareholders, typically those owning over 5% of shares. These documents not just show ownership distribution but additionally highlight voting rights and corporate governance. So, how do these elements connect to shareholder rights? Key Takeaways Review the corporation’s stock ledger to see a record of all issued shares and their respective owners. Check the company’s annual reports and proxy statements for details on shareholder identities and voting rights. Analyze regulatory filings like Form 13D or Form 13G for disclosures from significant shareholders owning over 5% of shares. Look for institutional investors’ reports that periodically disclose their holdings and ownership stakes in the corporation. Access the corporation’s articles of incorporation, which may include information on ownership structure and shareholder rights. Understanding Shareholders Shareholders play a crucial role in the functioning of a corporation, as they’re the individuals or entities that own shares and, as a result, a portion of the company. So, who are the owners of a corporation? The owners of a corporation are called shareholders. They can be classified mainly into two groups: common shareholders, who typically have voting rights, and preferred shareholders, who usually receive fixed dividends but lack voting rights. Majority shareholders own more than 50% of the shares, granting them significant influence over corporate decisions, whereas minority shareholders own less than 50% and have limited authority. Furthermore, shareholders enjoy limited liability, meaning they aren’t personally responsible for the corporation’s debts beyond their investment in shares. Types of Shareholders Let’s explore the different types of shareholders you might encounter in a corporation. You’ll find individual shareholders, who own shares directly, and institutional shareholders, like mutual funds, that hold significant stakes and influence corporate decisions. Moreover, comprehending the distinction between majority shareholders, who control over 50% of the shares, and minority shareholders, who own less, is vital for grasping their varying levels of influence within the company. Individual Shareholders Overview When you invest in a corporation by purchasing shares, you’re considered an individual shareholder, and your ownership rights depend on the number of shares you hold. Individual shareholders can be categorized into different types, each with unique rights and privileges: Common shareholders: Typically possess voting rights, allowing them to influence corporate decisions. Preferred shareholders: Receive fixed dividends but lack voting rights, prioritizing income over control. Acquisition methods: You can obtain shares through IPOs, direct purchases, or employee stock options. Limited liability: Your financial risk is confined to your investment, protecting personal assets from corporate debts. Understanding these distinctions is essential, especially since a disadvantage of forming a partnership is that owners face unlimited liability, unlike a business owned by one person or a corporation. Institutional Shareholders Explained Though individual shareholders play a crucial role in a corporation’s ownership structure, institutional shareholders represent a significant force in the investment environment. These organizations, such as mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds, invest large sums in companies by purchasing shares, often holding substantial equity. With their considerable ownership stakes, they wield significant voting influence, impacting corporate governance and strategic decisions. Institutional investors are categorized based on their strategies; active investors aim to outperform the market, whereas passive investors track market indices. Approximately 70% of publicly traded company shares in the U.S. are held by these investors, underscoring their vital role in capital markets. They participate in shareholder meetings and may engage in activism for corporate policy changes. Majority vs. Minority Shareholders How do majority and minority shareholders influence a corporation’s direction? Majority shareholders, who own over 50% of the outstanding shares, wield significant control over corporate decisions, including board elections and policy-making. Conversely, minority shareholders, holding less than 50%, have limited influence but retain important rights. Here’s how they differ: Majority shareholders often include founders or their heirs, whereas minority shareholders can be individual investors or institutions. In corporate liquidation, majority shareholders usually have priority for remaining assets. Both groups can inspect company records and initiate legal action against misdeeds. Minority shareholders still have rights, like voting on key issues and receiving dividends, albeit with less authority to instigate change. Understanding these dynamics can clarify the corporate governance environment. Shareholder Rights As a shareholder, you have important rights that play a vital role in corporate governance. You can vote on key issues, like electing board directors and approving major transactions, at the same time being entitled to dividends if the board declares them. Comprehending these rights, including your ability to inspect company records and hold management accountable, is fundamental for protecting your investment. Voting Rights Explained Voting rights are a fundamental aspect of shareholder ownership, enabling you to have a say in key corporate decisions. Typically, your voting authority corresponds to the number of shares you own. Here’s what you should know: Common shareholders vote at annual meetings, whereas preferred shareholders usually don’t. Voting methods include majority voting, used by about 90% of companies, and plurality voting, where the candidate with the most votes wins. You can vote in person or by proxy, allowing you to delegate your voting rights if you can’t attend. Exercising your voting rights is essential for holding directors accountable and influencing the company’s strategic direction. Understanding these rights enables you to participate actively in corporate governance. Dividend Entitlements Overview Dividends represent a significant aspect of shareholder rights, as they provide a way for you to receive a portion of a corporation’s profits. Typically declared by the board of directors, dividends come in two forms: cash or additional shares of stock. If you’re a common shareholder, your dividend amount depends on the number of shares you own. Preferred shareholders, on the other hand, usually enjoy fixed dividends that take precedence over the common ones. To qualify for dividend payments, you must hold shares before the ex-dividend date; buying shares afterward means you won’t receive that dividend. Keep in mind that dividends are taxable income, so you’ll need to report them on your personal income tax returns. Comprehending these aspects is crucial for maximizing your investment. Corporate Structure and Governance Corporate structure and governance play crucial roles in how a corporation operates, ensuring that ownership and management functions are clearly defined. In this framework, shareholders own the company through shares of stock whereas directors and officers manage day-to-day operations. Comprehending the structure helps clarify shareholder rights, including: Voting on major corporate matters Receiving dividends based on ownership type Inspecting company records as allowed Overseeing management through the board of directors The articles of incorporation outline the ownership structure, detailing the number of shares authorized for issuance. This structure greatly impacts the dynamics of corporate governance and shareholder rights, distinguishing between common and preferred shareholders, each with specific privileges and responsibilities. How Shareholders Acquire Ownership Comprehending how shareholders acquire ownership is fundamental for anyone interested in investing or participating in a corporation. One primary method is through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), where you can purchase shares when a company first goes public. You can also make direct purchases on stock exchanges or through private transactions, buying existing shares from current owners. Employees might gain shares through stock options or grants, which link their compensation to the company’s success. Furthermore, you can acquire shares via inheritance or gifts, passing ownership down family lines or to friends. Finally, during mergers and acquisitions, shareholders of one company might receive shares in the newly formed entity, broadening their ownership in the process. Role of the Stock Ledger The stock ledger plays a vital role in the governance of a corporation by carefully recording all shares issued, along with important details like shareholder names, the number of shares owned, and acquisition dates. This official record allows you to verify the identity of shareholders and manage their rights effectively. Key functions of the stock ledger include: Ensuring compliance with legal requirements Facilitating communication regarding dividend distributions Documenting changes in ownership, such as transfers or sales Providing shareholders with access for inspection, promoting transparency Public Filings and Disclosure Comprehending who holds shares in a corporation is not just about maintaining a stock ledger; it moreover involves public filings and disclosures that provide essential information to investors and regulators. Public corporations must file annual reports, like Form 10-K, with the SEC, detailing shareholder ownership. Companies disclose beneficial owners, typically those holding over 5% of stock, in proxy statements filed before annual meetings. In addition, state laws may require corporations to include shareholder information in their articles of incorporation. Institutional investors likewise report holdings periodically, enhancing transparency. Filing Type Required By Key Information Form 10-K SEC Shareholder stakes Proxy Statements SEC Beneficial owners State Filings State Laws Voting rights Importance of Annual Reports and Proxy Statements Even though you might think of annual reports and proxy statements as just routine documents, they actually play a crucial role in grasping a corporation’s ownership structure and governance. Comprehending these documents can clarify who the shareholders are and how decisions are made. Key insights you can gather include: Financial performance: Annual reports provide an overview of the corporation’s financial health and outstanding shares. Voting information: Proxy statements reveal details about shareholder voting and significant shareholder identities. Directors and officers: Both documents list key individuals, helping you assess potential conflicts of interest. Shareholder equity: Annual reports detail the distribution of shares, shedding light on ownership structures. Identifying Significant Shareholders Comprehending who the significant shareholders are can provide valuable insights into a corporation’s influence and decision-making processes. Typically, significant shareholders own more than 5% of a corporation’s outstanding shares, granting them substantial sway in corporate governance and decisions. To identify these shareholders, check the annual proxy statement, which reveals top investors and their shareholdings. Regulatory filings, such as Form 13D or Form 13G with the SEC, require reporting from those holding significant stakes, ensuring transparency. Furthermore, shareholder registers maintained by the corporation list all registered shareholders and their respective holdings. Corporate bylaws may likewise define thresholds for determining significant shareholders, often influencing voting rights and privileges, which can further aid in recognizing key stakeholders. Frequently Asked Questions Are the Owners of a Corporation Called Shareholders? Yes, the owners of a corporation are certainly called shareholders. They hold shares, which represent their ownership interest in the company. Shareholders can be individuals or institutions, and they possess rights such as voting on key issues, including board elections. Depending on the number of shares owned, they may be classified as majority or minority shareholders, influencing their control over corporate decisions. Significantly, shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment in the corporation. How Do I Know Who Are the Shareholders of a Company? To know who the shareholders of a company are, you can start by checking the shareholder register or stock ledger, which lists all owners of shares. For publicly traded companies, look at their annual reports and proxy statements for major shareholders. If it’s a private corporation, review the articles of incorporation or bylaws. Financial databases and investment platforms can likewise provide valuable insights into both direct and beneficial owners of shares. Are the Names of Shareholders Public Information? Yes, in the United States, the names of shareholders in publicly traded companies are commonly public information. You can find this data in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K and proxy statements. Nevertheless, private companies don’t have to disclose their shareholder information publicly, making it harder to identify their owners. Some states do maintain shareholder registers, but access may be limited based on specific regulations. Can You Look up Who Owns Shares in a Company? Yes, you can look up who owns shares in a company. For publicly traded companies, check the shareholder register, which lists all shareholders and their ownership percentages. You can furthermore explore SEC filings via platforms like EDGAR. Financial data providers, such as Bloomberg or Yahoo Finance, offer detailed ownership breakdowns. For private companies, review incorporation documents or shareholder agreements, but access may be limited compared to public records. Conclusion In summary, identifying shareholders of a corporation involves examining various resources, such as stock ledgers and public filings like annual reports and proxy statements. These documents not only reveal ownership structures but likewise clarify shareholder rights and corporate governance. By comprehending these elements, you can gain a clearer picture of who holds significant stakes in a company and how that influences decision-making. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the intricacies of corporate ownership. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Identify the Owners Called Shareholders of a Corporation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Identifying the owners, or shareholders, of a corporation is essential for comprehending its governance and structure. You can start by examining the stock ledger, which records all issued shares and their holders. For publicly traded companies, annual reports and proxy statements filed with the SEC reveal significant shareholders, typically those owning over 5% of shares. These documents not just show ownership distribution but additionally highlight voting rights and corporate governance. So, how do these elements connect to shareholder rights? Key Takeaways Review the corporation’s stock ledger to see a record of all issued shares and their respective owners. Check the company’s annual reports and proxy statements for details on shareholder identities and voting rights. Analyze regulatory filings like Form 13D or Form 13G for disclosures from significant shareholders owning over 5% of shares. Look for institutional investors’ reports that periodically disclose their holdings and ownership stakes in the corporation. Access the corporation’s articles of incorporation, which may include information on ownership structure and shareholder rights. Understanding Shareholders Shareholders play a crucial role in the functioning of a corporation, as they’re the individuals or entities that own shares and, as a result, a portion of the company. So, who are the owners of a corporation? The owners of a corporation are called shareholders. They can be classified mainly into two groups: common shareholders, who typically have voting rights, and preferred shareholders, who usually receive fixed dividends but lack voting rights. Majority shareholders own more than 50% of the shares, granting them significant influence over corporate decisions, whereas minority shareholders own less than 50% and have limited authority. Furthermore, shareholders enjoy limited liability, meaning they aren’t personally responsible for the corporation’s debts beyond their investment in shares. Types of Shareholders Let’s explore the different types of shareholders you might encounter in a corporation. You’ll find individual shareholders, who own shares directly, and institutional shareholders, like mutual funds, that hold significant stakes and influence corporate decisions. Moreover, comprehending the distinction between majority shareholders, who control over 50% of the shares, and minority shareholders, who own less, is vital for grasping their varying levels of influence within the company. Individual Shareholders Overview When you invest in a corporation by purchasing shares, you’re considered an individual shareholder, and your ownership rights depend on the number of shares you hold. Individual shareholders can be categorized into different types, each with unique rights and privileges: Common shareholders: Typically possess voting rights, allowing them to influence corporate decisions. Preferred shareholders: Receive fixed dividends but lack voting rights, prioritizing income over control. Acquisition methods: You can obtain shares through IPOs, direct purchases, or employee stock options. Limited liability: Your financial risk is confined to your investment, protecting personal assets from corporate debts. Understanding these distinctions is essential, especially since a disadvantage of forming a partnership is that owners face unlimited liability, unlike a business owned by one person or a corporation. Institutional Shareholders Explained Though individual shareholders play a crucial role in a corporation’s ownership structure, institutional shareholders represent a significant force in the investment environment. These organizations, such as mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds, invest large sums in companies by purchasing shares, often holding substantial equity. With their considerable ownership stakes, they wield significant voting influence, impacting corporate governance and strategic decisions. Institutional investors are categorized based on their strategies; active investors aim to outperform the market, whereas passive investors track market indices. Approximately 70% of publicly traded company shares in the U.S. are held by these investors, underscoring their vital role in capital markets. They participate in shareholder meetings and may engage in activism for corporate policy changes. Majority vs. Minority Shareholders How do majority and minority shareholders influence a corporation’s direction? Majority shareholders, who own over 50% of the outstanding shares, wield significant control over corporate decisions, including board elections and policy-making. Conversely, minority shareholders, holding less than 50%, have limited influence but retain important rights. Here’s how they differ: Majority shareholders often include founders or their heirs, whereas minority shareholders can be individual investors or institutions. In corporate liquidation, majority shareholders usually have priority for remaining assets. Both groups can inspect company records and initiate legal action against misdeeds. Minority shareholders still have rights, like voting on key issues and receiving dividends, albeit with less authority to instigate change. Understanding these dynamics can clarify the corporate governance environment. Shareholder Rights As a shareholder, you have important rights that play a vital role in corporate governance. You can vote on key issues, like electing board directors and approving major transactions, at the same time being entitled to dividends if the board declares them. Comprehending these rights, including your ability to inspect company records and hold management accountable, is fundamental for protecting your investment. Voting Rights Explained Voting rights are a fundamental aspect of shareholder ownership, enabling you to have a say in key corporate decisions. Typically, your voting authority corresponds to the number of shares you own. Here’s what you should know: Common shareholders vote at annual meetings, whereas preferred shareholders usually don’t. Voting methods include majority voting, used by about 90% of companies, and plurality voting, where the candidate with the most votes wins. You can vote in person or by proxy, allowing you to delegate your voting rights if you can’t attend. Exercising your voting rights is essential for holding directors accountable and influencing the company’s strategic direction. Understanding these rights enables you to participate actively in corporate governance. Dividend Entitlements Overview Dividends represent a significant aspect of shareholder rights, as they provide a way for you to receive a portion of a corporation’s profits. Typically declared by the board of directors, dividends come in two forms: cash or additional shares of stock. If you’re a common shareholder, your dividend amount depends on the number of shares you own. Preferred shareholders, on the other hand, usually enjoy fixed dividends that take precedence over the common ones. To qualify for dividend payments, you must hold shares before the ex-dividend date; buying shares afterward means you won’t receive that dividend. Keep in mind that dividends are taxable income, so you’ll need to report them on your personal income tax returns. Comprehending these aspects is crucial for maximizing your investment. Corporate Structure and Governance Corporate structure and governance play crucial roles in how a corporation operates, ensuring that ownership and management functions are clearly defined. In this framework, shareholders own the company through shares of stock whereas directors and officers manage day-to-day operations. Comprehending the structure helps clarify shareholder rights, including: Voting on major corporate matters Receiving dividends based on ownership type Inspecting company records as allowed Overseeing management through the board of directors The articles of incorporation outline the ownership structure, detailing the number of shares authorized for issuance. This structure greatly impacts the dynamics of corporate governance and shareholder rights, distinguishing between common and preferred shareholders, each with specific privileges and responsibilities. How Shareholders Acquire Ownership Comprehending how shareholders acquire ownership is fundamental for anyone interested in investing or participating in a corporation. One primary method is through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), where you can purchase shares when a company first goes public. You can also make direct purchases on stock exchanges or through private transactions, buying existing shares from current owners. Employees might gain shares through stock options or grants, which link their compensation to the company’s success. Furthermore, you can acquire shares via inheritance or gifts, passing ownership down family lines or to friends. Finally, during mergers and acquisitions, shareholders of one company might receive shares in the newly formed entity, broadening their ownership in the process. Role of the Stock Ledger The stock ledger plays a vital role in the governance of a corporation by carefully recording all shares issued, along with important details like shareholder names, the number of shares owned, and acquisition dates. This official record allows you to verify the identity of shareholders and manage their rights effectively. Key functions of the stock ledger include: Ensuring compliance with legal requirements Facilitating communication regarding dividend distributions Documenting changes in ownership, such as transfers or sales Providing shareholders with access for inspection, promoting transparency Public Filings and Disclosure Comprehending who holds shares in a corporation is not just about maintaining a stock ledger; it moreover involves public filings and disclosures that provide essential information to investors and regulators. Public corporations must file annual reports, like Form 10-K, with the SEC, detailing shareholder ownership. Companies disclose beneficial owners, typically those holding over 5% of stock, in proxy statements filed before annual meetings. In addition, state laws may require corporations to include shareholder information in their articles of incorporation. Institutional investors likewise report holdings periodically, enhancing transparency. Filing Type Required By Key Information Form 10-K SEC Shareholder stakes Proxy Statements SEC Beneficial owners State Filings State Laws Voting rights Importance of Annual Reports and Proxy Statements Even though you might think of annual reports and proxy statements as just routine documents, they actually play a crucial role in grasping a corporation’s ownership structure and governance. Comprehending these documents can clarify who the shareholders are and how decisions are made. Key insights you can gather include: Financial performance: Annual reports provide an overview of the corporation’s financial health and outstanding shares. Voting information: Proxy statements reveal details about shareholder voting and significant shareholder identities. Directors and officers: Both documents list key individuals, helping you assess potential conflicts of interest. Shareholder equity: Annual reports detail the distribution of shares, shedding light on ownership structures. Identifying Significant Shareholders Comprehending who the significant shareholders are can provide valuable insights into a corporation’s influence and decision-making processes. Typically, significant shareholders own more than 5% of a corporation’s outstanding shares, granting them substantial sway in corporate governance and decisions. To identify these shareholders, check the annual proxy statement, which reveals top investors and their shareholdings. Regulatory filings, such as Form 13D or Form 13G with the SEC, require reporting from those holding significant stakes, ensuring transparency. Furthermore, shareholder registers maintained by the corporation list all registered shareholders and their respective holdings. Corporate bylaws may likewise define thresholds for determining significant shareholders, often influencing voting rights and privileges, which can further aid in recognizing key stakeholders. Frequently Asked Questions Are the Owners of a Corporation Called Shareholders? Yes, the owners of a corporation are certainly called shareholders. They hold shares, which represent their ownership interest in the company. Shareholders can be individuals or institutions, and they possess rights such as voting on key issues, including board elections. Depending on the number of shares owned, they may be classified as majority or minority shareholders, influencing their control over corporate decisions. Significantly, shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment in the corporation. How Do I Know Who Are the Shareholders of a Company? To know who the shareholders of a company are, you can start by checking the shareholder register or stock ledger, which lists all owners of shares. For publicly traded companies, look at their annual reports and proxy statements for major shareholders. If it’s a private corporation, review the articles of incorporation or bylaws. Financial databases and investment platforms can likewise provide valuable insights into both direct and beneficial owners of shares. Are the Names of Shareholders Public Information? Yes, in the United States, the names of shareholders in publicly traded companies are commonly public information. You can find this data in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K and proxy statements. Nevertheless, private companies don’t have to disclose their shareholder information publicly, making it harder to identify their owners. Some states do maintain shareholder registers, but access may be limited based on specific regulations. Can You Look up Who Owns Shares in a Company? Yes, you can look up who owns shares in a company. For publicly traded companies, check the shareholder register, which lists all shareholders and their ownership percentages. You can furthermore explore SEC filings via platforms like EDGAR. Financial data providers, such as Bloomberg or Yahoo Finance, offer detailed ownership breakdowns. For private companies, review incorporation documents or shareholder agreements, but access may be limited compared to public records. Conclusion In summary, identifying shareholders of a corporation involves examining various resources, such as stock ledgers and public filings like annual reports and proxy statements. These documents not only reveal ownership structures but likewise clarify shareholder rights and corporate governance. By comprehending these elements, you can gain a clearer picture of who holds significant stakes in a company and how that influences decision-making. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the intricacies of corporate ownership. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Identify the Owners Called Shareholders of a Corporation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article