ResidentialBusiness

To succeed in small business sales, you need effective strategies that drive results. Start by building a solid pipeline of quality leads, and don’t overlook the potential within your existing customer base. Research is key to comprehending your audience better, enabling you to tailor your communication. Setting clear goals for each interaction improves focus and conversion rates. These foundational strategies can greatly boost your sales performance, but there’s more to explore. Key Takeaways Build a pipeline of quality leads through effective lead generation tactics, improving sales productivity and fostering consistent lead flow. Focus on selling to existing customers by identifying upselling opportunities and implementing loyalty programs to drive long-term growth. Conduct thorough research on prospects to customize communication, increasing response rates and enhancing engagement during sales interactions. Set clear, incremental goals for sales interactions tailored to the prospect’s position in the sales cycle, improving conversion rates. Utilize win-win strategies and automation to enhance efficiency, track interactions, and ensure timely follow-ups, boosting overall sales performance. Build a Pipeline of Quality Leads Building a pipeline of quality leads is essential for driving sales success in your small business. Effective lead generation can greatly improve your sales productivity by reducing the time your team spends searching for leads. Utilize lead generation tactics like contact forms, online advertising, and content marketing to attract potential customers. These marketing strategies for small businesses not just streamline pipeline management but additionally create a consistent flow of leads, which shortens the sales cycle. When you implement effective lead generation, your sales team can focus on nurturing relationships and converting prospects into customers. Waldron Private Wealth exemplifies this by using live chat, contact forms, and engaging blogs to guarantee a steady influx of leads, in the end boosting overall sales effectiveness. Sell to Existing Customers Selling to existing customers is a smart way to increase your sales without the high costs associated with acquiring new clients. By identifying upselling opportunities and implementing loyalty programs, you can encourage repeat business and strengthen customer relationships. Regular engagement with your current clients not just builds trust but furthermore opens doors for more customized offers based on their purchasing habits. Upselling Opportunities When you focus on upselling to existing customers, you tap into a strategy that can yield significant returns with lower costs. Since acquiring new customers is five times more expensive, leveraging your current clientele is smart. Existing customers already trust your brand, making it easier for you to introduce complementary products or services. By analyzing purchasing patterns, you can pinpoint upselling opportunities customized to their interests. Regular communication about promotions improves customer engagement and encourages increased sales. Consider implementing loyalty programs, as they can incentivize customers to make additional purchases. Companies like Spikeball effectively reward their customers with programs like “SpikePoints,” showcasing how you can boost revenue while nurturing long-term relationships with your clientele. Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs can be a potent tool for small businesses looking to capitalize on their existing customer base. By implementing programs like Spikeball’s “SpikePoints,” you encourage repeat business through point accumulation for specific actions. This approach not only improves customer retention but additionally makes marketing for small businesses more cost-effective, as upselling to current customers is markedly cheaper than acquiring new ones. Studies show that a mere 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% to 95% profit boost. Offering personalized promotions and exclusive deals through loyalty programs cultivates stronger relationships, increases customer satisfaction, and encourages referrals. In the end, these strategies allow you to maximize the value of your loyal customers while driving long-term growth. Do Your Research Researching your prospects is crucial for effective sales outreach, as it allows you to customize your communication to their specific needs and challenges. Comprehending a prospect’s company and its unique hurdles improves your messaging, making them more likely to respond positively. Well-researched emails can increase response rates by up to 30%, emphasizing the importance of personalized outreach. By applying marketing solutions for small businesses and integrating marketing tactics for small businesses, you can develop a focused approach. Utilize marketing tips for small businesses to create customized messages that resonate. This research as well prepares you for objections, reducing unnecessary back-and-forth communication. In the end, knowing your prospects leads to impactful interactions, crucial for mastering the best marketing strategies for small business success. Set Clear Goals for Interactions Setting clear goals for each sales interaction not just streamlines the sales process but guarantees that conversations remain focused and productive. By establishing incremental goals, like scheduling a follow-up call or sharing additional information, you create a structured approach that eases any intimidation for prospects. Tailoring these interaction goals based on where the prospect stands in the sales cycle allows you to provide relevant information and address their specific concerns. Sales reps who set and communicate clear goals are often more successful, leading to higher conversion rates. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals based on performance data improves your overall sales effectiveness and aligns your sales strategies for small business success with evolving customer needs, providing valuable marketing help for small businesses. Think Win-Win A win-win mindset is essential for creating sales strategies that benefit both your business and your customers. By focusing on mutually beneficial outcomes, you cultivate long-term relationships that improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, helping you implement the best marketing tactics for small business. Satisfied customers are more likely to refer others, increasing your reach. Furthermore, effective lead qualification guarantees your product genuinely meets buyer needs, leading to higher conversion rates. This approach boosts your brand reputation in the market; customers see you as trustworthy and customer-centric. When thinking win-win, you navigate negotiations more effectively, making both parties feel valued and understood, which minimizes conflicts. Incorporating win-win strategies can considerably improve your marketing for small companies and overall success. Keep Following Up Building strong relationships with customers through a win-win mindset lays the groundwork for effective follow-up strategies. Following up consistently can greatly boost your conversion rates; studies show that it often takes five follow-ups to close a sale. Regular outreach keeps your product or service top of mind for prospects, enhancing their engagement and interest. To implement effective marketing plans for small businesses, adopt a systematic approach that includes varied methods like emails, calls, or messages. Timing is also essential; strategically spacing your follow-ups can lead to higher response rates. By creating a sales cadence for your outreach, you streamline the process, ensuring consistent communication and maximizing your chances of success. This is one of the best ways to market a small business effectively. Use a Self-Managing Communication Tool Using a self-managing communication tool can greatly streamline your sales team’s processes, allowing you to focus on selling rather than administrative tasks. These tools automate vital functions, improve tracking capabilities, and create a more efficient workflow by minimizing the need to juggle multiple applications. Streamlined Communication Processes Streamlined communication processes are essential for improving sales efficiency in small businesses, and implementing a self-managing communication tool can greatly contribute to this goal. Tools like RingCentral help minimize the need to switch between applications, allowing your sales team to focus on selling rather than administrative tasks. This can considerably improve your marketing management in small business contexts. By maintaining organized communication logs, you improve relationship management with prospects, which is key in marketing a small service business. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits: Benefit Description Impact on Sales Improved Communication Centralizes calls and meetings Increases response rates Organized Logs Keeps track of interactions Improves follow-up consistency Reduced Manual Effort Automates reminders and tracking Boosts productivity Automation for Efficiency When you implement automation tools in your sales processes, you can greatly improve efficiency and productivity within your team. Self-managing communication tools streamline your sales marketing efforts by reducing manual tasks, allowing your team to focus on what matters—closing deals. These tools help track interactions with prospects and customers, ensuring timely follow-ups and reminders, which can markedly enhance your marketing business plan. By minimizing application switching, you’ll find that improving workflow becomes seamless, making it one of the best marketing techniques for small businesses. Furthermore, consistent engagement through automated communication leads to higher conversion rates and a more organized sales process, ultimately driving your business’s success. Embrace automation and watch your team’s efficiency soar. Enhanced Tracking Capabilities How can improved tracking capabilities transform your sales process? By implementing a self-managing communication tool like RingCentral, you can greatly improve your sales efforts. These tools streamline your communication, allowing you to make calls and hold meetings directly from your email, which is vital for small business marketing strategies. Automation features track interactions with prospects, ensuring timely follow-ups—crucial in marketing for SMEs where studies show that closing sales often requires multiple touchpoints. Centralizing communication reduces manual tasks, enabling your team to focus on selling rather than administration. Maintaining updated contact lists helps avoid wasted efforts on outdated information, making this one of the best marketing strategies for small businesses. Improved tracking capabilities lead to better relationship management and increased sales effectiveness. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 rule in sales involves making three attempts to contact a prospect over three days. If you don’t receive a response, you wait three weeks before trying again. This method emphasizes persistence while preventing overwhelming your prospects. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? In sales, the 5 W’s are crucial for comprehending and connecting with your audience. The “Who” identifies your target customer, helping you tailor your approach. The “What” describes your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. The “When” refers to the timing of your outreach, aligning with customer buying patterns. The “Where” specifies the channels for communication, and the “Why” uncovers the motivations behind a customer’s decision to purchase. What Are the 3 C’s in Sales? The 3 C’s in sales are Company, Customers, and Competitors. First, assess your Company to identify strengths, weaknesses, and unique value propositions. Next, analyze your Customers to grasp their demographics, needs, and buying behaviors, allowing you to tailor your sales approach effectively. Finally, evaluate your Competitors by researching their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This thorough comprehension helps you position your offerings effectively and seize market opportunities, enhancing your overall sales effectiveness. What Are the 4 A’s of Sales? The 4 A’s of sales are Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. First, you capture Attention through engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Next, you build Interest by providing valuable information that addresses their specific needs. Then, you create Desire by highlighting the unique benefits of your product, making an emotional connection. Finally, you prompt Action with clear calls-to-action, guiding prospects to take the next steps, such as making a purchase or signing up. Conclusion By implementing these seven effective sales strategies, you can improve your small business’s success. Building a solid lead pipeline, nurturing existing customers, and conducting thorough research will set a strong foundation. Clear goals for interactions and a win-win mindset promote productive relationships. Consistent follow-ups and utilizing self-managing communication tools streamline your sales process. By focusing on these methods, you’ll not just drive sales performance but additionally create a sustainable growth path for your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Effective Sales Strategies for Small Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To succeed in small business sales, you need effective strategies that drive results. Start by building a solid pipeline of quality leads, and don’t overlook the potential within your existing customer base. Research is key to comprehending your audience better, enabling you to tailor your communication. Setting clear goals for each interaction improves focus and conversion rates. These foundational strategies can greatly boost your sales performance, but there’s more to explore. Key Takeaways Build a pipeline of quality leads through effective lead generation tactics, improving sales productivity and fostering consistent lead flow. Focus on selling to existing customers by identifying upselling opportunities and implementing loyalty programs to drive long-term growth. Conduct thorough research on prospects to customize communication, increasing response rates and enhancing engagement during sales interactions. Set clear, incremental goals for sales interactions tailored to the prospect’s position in the sales cycle, improving conversion rates. Utilize win-win strategies and automation to enhance efficiency, track interactions, and ensure timely follow-ups, boosting overall sales performance. Build a Pipeline of Quality Leads Building a pipeline of quality leads is essential for driving sales success in your small business. Effective lead generation can greatly improve your sales productivity by reducing the time your team spends searching for leads. Utilize lead generation tactics like contact forms, online advertising, and content marketing to attract potential customers. These marketing strategies for small businesses not just streamline pipeline management but additionally create a consistent flow of leads, which shortens the sales cycle. When you implement effective lead generation, your sales team can focus on nurturing relationships and converting prospects into customers. Waldron Private Wealth exemplifies this by using live chat, contact forms, and engaging blogs to guarantee a steady influx of leads, in the end boosting overall sales effectiveness. Sell to Existing Customers Selling to existing customers is a smart way to increase your sales without the high costs associated with acquiring new clients. By identifying upselling opportunities and implementing loyalty programs, you can encourage repeat business and strengthen customer relationships. Regular engagement with your current clients not just builds trust but furthermore opens doors for more customized offers based on their purchasing habits. Upselling Opportunities When you focus on upselling to existing customers, you tap into a strategy that can yield significant returns with lower costs. Since acquiring new customers is five times more expensive, leveraging your current clientele is smart. Existing customers already trust your brand, making it easier for you to introduce complementary products or services. By analyzing purchasing patterns, you can pinpoint upselling opportunities customized to their interests. Regular communication about promotions improves customer engagement and encourages increased sales. Consider implementing loyalty programs, as they can incentivize customers to make additional purchases. Companies like Spikeball effectively reward their customers with programs like “SpikePoints,” showcasing how you can boost revenue while nurturing long-term relationships with your clientele. Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs can be a potent tool for small businesses looking to capitalize on their existing customer base. By implementing programs like Spikeball’s “SpikePoints,” you encourage repeat business through point accumulation for specific actions. This approach not only improves customer retention but additionally makes marketing for small businesses more cost-effective, as upselling to current customers is markedly cheaper than acquiring new ones. Studies show that a mere 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% to 95% profit boost. Offering personalized promotions and exclusive deals through loyalty programs cultivates stronger relationships, increases customer satisfaction, and encourages referrals. In the end, these strategies allow you to maximize the value of your loyal customers while driving long-term growth. Do Your Research Researching your prospects is crucial for effective sales outreach, as it allows you to customize your communication to their specific needs and challenges. Comprehending a prospect’s company and its unique hurdles improves your messaging, making them more likely to respond positively. Well-researched emails can increase response rates by up to 30%, emphasizing the importance of personalized outreach. By applying marketing solutions for small businesses and integrating marketing tactics for small businesses, you can develop a focused approach. Utilize marketing tips for small businesses to create customized messages that resonate. This research as well prepares you for objections, reducing unnecessary back-and-forth communication. In the end, knowing your prospects leads to impactful interactions, crucial for mastering the best marketing strategies for small business success. Set Clear Goals for Interactions Setting clear goals for each sales interaction not just streamlines the sales process but guarantees that conversations remain focused and productive. By establishing incremental goals, like scheduling a follow-up call or sharing additional information, you create a structured approach that eases any intimidation for prospects. Tailoring these interaction goals based on where the prospect stands in the sales cycle allows you to provide relevant information and address their specific concerns. Sales reps who set and communicate clear goals are often more successful, leading to higher conversion rates. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals based on performance data improves your overall sales effectiveness and aligns your sales strategies for small business success with evolving customer needs, providing valuable marketing help for small businesses. Think Win-Win A win-win mindset is essential for creating sales strategies that benefit both your business and your customers. By focusing on mutually beneficial outcomes, you cultivate long-term relationships that improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, helping you implement the best marketing tactics for small business. Satisfied customers are more likely to refer others, increasing your reach. Furthermore, effective lead qualification guarantees your product genuinely meets buyer needs, leading to higher conversion rates. This approach boosts your brand reputation in the market; customers see you as trustworthy and customer-centric. When thinking win-win, you navigate negotiations more effectively, making both parties feel valued and understood, which minimizes conflicts. Incorporating win-win strategies can considerably improve your marketing for small companies and overall success. Keep Following Up Building strong relationships with customers through a win-win mindset lays the groundwork for effective follow-up strategies. Following up consistently can greatly boost your conversion rates; studies show that it often takes five follow-ups to close a sale. Regular outreach keeps your product or service top of mind for prospects, enhancing their engagement and interest. To implement effective marketing plans for small businesses, adopt a systematic approach that includes varied methods like emails, calls, or messages. Timing is also essential; strategically spacing your follow-ups can lead to higher response rates. By creating a sales cadence for your outreach, you streamline the process, ensuring consistent communication and maximizing your chances of success. This is one of the best ways to market a small business effectively. Use a Self-Managing Communication Tool Using a self-managing communication tool can greatly streamline your sales team’s processes, allowing you to focus on selling rather than administrative tasks. These tools automate vital functions, improve tracking capabilities, and create a more efficient workflow by minimizing the need to juggle multiple applications. Streamlined Communication Processes Streamlined communication processes are essential for improving sales efficiency in small businesses, and implementing a self-managing communication tool can greatly contribute to this goal. Tools like RingCentral help minimize the need to switch between applications, allowing your sales team to focus on selling rather than administrative tasks. This can considerably improve your marketing management in small business contexts. By maintaining organized communication logs, you improve relationship management with prospects, which is key in marketing a small service business. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits: Benefit Description Impact on Sales Improved Communication Centralizes calls and meetings Increases response rates Organized Logs Keeps track of interactions Improves follow-up consistency Reduced Manual Effort Automates reminders and tracking Boosts productivity Automation for Efficiency When you implement automation tools in your sales processes, you can greatly improve efficiency and productivity within your team. Self-managing communication tools streamline your sales marketing efforts by reducing manual tasks, allowing your team to focus on what matters—closing deals. These tools help track interactions with prospects and customers, ensuring timely follow-ups and reminders, which can markedly enhance your marketing business plan. By minimizing application switching, you’ll find that improving workflow becomes seamless, making it one of the best marketing techniques for small businesses. Furthermore, consistent engagement through automated communication leads to higher conversion rates and a more organized sales process, ultimately driving your business’s success. Embrace automation and watch your team’s efficiency soar. Enhanced Tracking Capabilities How can improved tracking capabilities transform your sales process? By implementing a self-managing communication tool like RingCentral, you can greatly improve your sales efforts. These tools streamline your communication, allowing you to make calls and hold meetings directly from your email, which is vital for small business marketing strategies. Automation features track interactions with prospects, ensuring timely follow-ups—crucial in marketing for SMEs where studies show that closing sales often requires multiple touchpoints. Centralizing communication reduces manual tasks, enabling your team to focus on selling rather than administration. Maintaining updated contact lists helps avoid wasted efforts on outdated information, making this one of the best marketing strategies for small businesses. Improved tracking capabilities lead to better relationship management and increased sales effectiveness. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 rule in sales involves making three attempts to contact a prospect over three days. If you don’t receive a response, you wait three weeks before trying again. This method emphasizes persistence while preventing overwhelming your prospects. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? In sales, the 5 W’s are crucial for comprehending and connecting with your audience. The “Who” identifies your target customer, helping you tailor your approach. The “What” describes your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. The “When” refers to the timing of your outreach, aligning with customer buying patterns. The “Where” specifies the channels for communication, and the “Why” uncovers the motivations behind a customer’s decision to purchase. What Are the 3 C’s in Sales? The 3 C’s in sales are Company, Customers, and Competitors. First, assess your Company to identify strengths, weaknesses, and unique value propositions. Next, analyze your Customers to grasp their demographics, needs, and buying behaviors, allowing you to tailor your sales approach effectively. Finally, evaluate your Competitors by researching their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This thorough comprehension helps you position your offerings effectively and seize market opportunities, enhancing your overall sales effectiveness. What Are the 4 A’s of Sales? The 4 A’s of sales are Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. First, you capture Attention through engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Next, you build Interest by providing valuable information that addresses their specific needs. Then, you create Desire by highlighting the unique benefits of your product, making an emotional connection. Finally, you prompt Action with clear calls-to-action, guiding prospects to take the next steps, such as making a purchase or signing up. Conclusion By implementing these seven effective sales strategies, you can improve your small business’s success. Building a solid lead pipeline, nurturing existing customers, and conducting thorough research will set a strong foundation. Clear goals for interactions and a win-win mindset promote productive relationships. Consistent follow-ups and utilizing self-managing communication tools streamline your sales process. By focusing on these methods, you’ll not just drive sales performance but additionally create a sustainable growth path for your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Effective Sales Strategies for Small Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google announced its widely anticipated Gemini 3 model Tuesday. By many key metrics, it appears to be more capable than the other big generative AI models on the market. In a show of confidence in the performance (and safety) of the new model, Google is making one variant of Gemini—Gemini 3 Pro—available to everyone via the Gemini app starting now. It’s also making the same model a part of its core search service for subscribers. The new model topped the scores of the much-cited LMArena benchmark, a crowdsourced preference of various top models based on head-to-head responses to identical prompts. In the super-difficult Humanity’s Last Exam benchmark test, which measured reasoning and knowledge, the Gemini 3 Pro scored 37.4% compared to GPT-5 Pro’s 31.6%. Gemini 3 also topped a range of other benchmarks measuring everything from reasoning to academic knowledge to math to tool use and agent functions. Gemini has been a multimodal model from the start, meaning that it can understand and reason about not just language, but images, audio, video, and code—all at the same time. This capability has been steadily improving since the first Gemini, and Gemini 3 reached state-of-the-art performance on the MMMU-Pro benchmark, which measures how well a model handles college-level and professional-level reasoning across text and images. It also topped the Video-MMMU benchmark, which measures the ability to reason over details of video footage. For example, the Gemini model might ingest a number of YouTube videos, then create a set of flashcards based on what it learned. Gemini also scored high on its ability to create computer code. That’s why it was a good time for the company to launch a new Cursor-like coding agent called Antigravity. Software development has proven to be among the first business functions in which generative AI has had a measurably positive impact. Benchmarks are telling, but as the response to OpenAI’s GPT-5.1 showed, the “feel” or “personality” of a model matters to users (many users thought GPT-5 was a dramatic personality downgrade from GPT-4o). Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis seemed to acknowledge this in a tweet Tuesday. “[B]eyond the benchmarks it’s been by far my favorite model to use for its style and depth, and what it can do to help with everyday tasks.” Of course users will have their own say about Gemini 3’s communication style, and how well it adapts to user preferences and work habits. With the release of Google’s third-generation generative AI model, it’s a good time to look at the wider context of the race to build the dominant AI models of the 21st century. The contest, remember, is only a few years old. So far, OpenAI’s models have spent the most time atop the benchmark rankings, and, on the strength of ChatGPT, have garnered most of the attention of all the players in the emerging AI industry. History on its side? From the start, Google has enjoyed some distinct advantages. It’s been investing in AI talent and research for decades, starting long before OpenAI became a company in 2015. It began developing machine learning techniques for understanding search intent, defining page rank, and for placing ads as far back as 2001. It bought London-based AI research lab DeepMind back in 2014, and DeepMind has been responsible for some of Google’s biggest AI accomplishments (AlphaGo, AlphaFold, Gemini models). The big research breakthroughs that enabled the current wave of generative AI models took place at Google. In 2017, Google researchers invented the transformer language model architecture that allowed LLMs to learn much more from their training data than earlier language models. The following year Google used the transformer architecture to build its BERT language model, which led directly to the GPT models that power ChatGPT. In fact, the search giant developed an AI chatbot well before OpenAI did, but was conflicted about releasing it or infusing it into its other products because of legal and business model concerns. All the data Google has access to more and better-quality training data than any other AI company. It’s been indexing most of the information on the web since 1998. It also owns huge amounts of information such as local business data, mapping data, and customer reviews, which can be used to train AI models or augment their output (within search results, for example). Generative models are just now gaining the ability to learn about the world from video footage in the same way that models learn from large amounts of text. With YouTube, Google has access to mountains of it, and its AI models could gain an increasing intelligence advantage by training on it. As AI begins to manage more and more of our personal and work tasks, Google’s advantages in experience, talent, and data and other resources may help sustain Gemini’s state-of-the-art status and overall functionality in the years to come. High stakes This is more than about which company can sell the most API access to its models or subscriptions to a chatbot. As models like Gemini, Claude, and GPT-5 may eventually become smarter, perhaps far smarter, than humans at almost any task. The company with the models that reaches that level, also called “artificial general intelligence” (AGI) may dominate the marketplace for consumer and business AI in the same way Google has dominated search in the first decades of this century. With tech companies already spending hundreds of billions to build the infrastructure for their AI businesses, the pressure is mounting to push harder and faster on the development of new generations of AI models. View the full article

Many Americans are in the middle of making hard decisions about their health insurance, in part because open enrollment, the period in which consumers can change their plan, is happening now. That means scammers are also busy contacting people, impersonating insurance providers in an effort to collect personal, financial, and medical information. Common health insurance scamsFraudsters especially love to impersonate representatives from Medicare, targeting older adults and others who qualify for the federal program with unexpected calls. As the Federal Trade Commission warns, scammers may have some of your personal information already and will ask you to confirm your Medicare, bank account, and/or credit card number under the guise of sending you a new Medicare card. In reality, Medicare cards are free and sent automatically, so you should never need to provide payment. Scammers may also target consumers on Marketplace, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans with a similar tactic, claiming that you may lose or be disqualified from health coverage unless you make a payment. In addition to impersonating government officials, bad actors will pretend to represent a legitimate insurer, promising discounted plans (that are available only for a limited time) or enrollment assistance (for a fee). Plans that seem too good to be true probably aren't health insurance at all and may not provide the coverage promised. And you shouldn't have to pay anyone to sign up for a plan. Note that while scammers may ramp up efforts during open enrollment, health insurance scams can happen year-round. A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advisory warns consumers about common tactics like calls and texts in which scammers—impersonating government agencies or insurance companies—offer health screening, free gifts, or other promotional benefits in exchange for your personal information. Bad actors can pretty easily spoof phone numbers (so it looks like you're getting a call from a reputable insurance provider like Medicare or Blue Cross Blue Shield) as well as set up phishing websites designed to steal your credentials and financial information. Insurance scam red flagsAs always, unsolicited communication that pressures you to take action is almost always a scam. Medicare representatives will never call, email, or text you to verify information or demand payment, nor will legitimate government officials try to sell you anything or threaten you unless you pay up. If someone claims they represent an insurer and asks for money or sensitive personal information, or if they threaten you with legal action, hang up. Don't share any data, including your social security number, bank account number, or medical history with anyone—that is, unless you have contacted the Medicare office or other legitimate agency directly and first and need to verify your identity. (The number for Medicare is 1-800-MEDICARE, and you can reach a Marketplace representative through HealthCare.gov). Always verify a representative's identity using official contact information found on a .gov website, legitimate company page, or an account statement, and never send money via gift card, prepaid debit, or crytocurrency in exchange for anything. You should also ensure your credentials for your insurance accounts (like HealthCare.gov and Medicare.gov) are strong and secure, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. View the full article

AI is bringing voice to the forefront of brand interactions. Smarter AI means we can talk to our technology—LLMs, software, phones, cars, fridges, and even banking apps. The novel part is this: Our technology is now talking back, and convincingly so. Brands are catching on, and the smart ones know that voice isn’t just functional, it will form a core part of the brand identity itself. Voice will be the next frontier of branding. And not metaphorically. A brand’s literal voice—the voice(s) used for advertising, on their website, and now, in interactive AI-based conversations with customers—is becoming just as ownable as elements of a visual identity. But standing out won’t come from just using voice tech alone. To cut through the noise, brands will need a voice that’s authentic, distinct, and is uniquely associated with their brand. The biggest brands already understand this. There’s a reason the most memorable brands choose to use the same voice actor across marketing campaigns, sometimes even across years: Consistency builds memorability, recognition, and trust. With voice AI, the opportunity for consistency and impact is even greater, and brands that embrace it will set themselves apart from the rest. TURN CUSTOMER TOUCHPOINTS INTO BRANDED EXPERIENCES The real gold in voice AI is its ability to provide both one-to-one and one-to-many communication at scale. AI is empowering brands to automate interactions across more customer touchpoints than ever before, including sales support, call center automations, and personalized ads, to name a few. As these channels incorporate voice AI, the need for consistency grows, making a singular, distinct voice more critical than ever. With voice AI, brands can hold a million individual conversations at once while maintaining both continuity and a personal touch. In customer support, an AI-powered agent can provide instant answers and even act via voice. That same voice can guide them through a product tutorial, help pay a phone bill, or introduce your brand to customers in an ad. That’s the beauty of voice AI as a brand asset: One voice can now efficiently scale, enabling a whole new level of brand cohesion across multiple interactions. Customers value predictability, and a consistent, trusted, and recognizable voice can really drive home that brand memorability and distinction. SECURE A MEMORABLE VOICE THAT’S EXCLUSIVELY YOURS With technology moving so fast, there’s no shortage of ready-to-go AI voices. But the convenience of these voices doesn’t guarantee exclusivity, and in branding, distinction is everything. The problem with 100% synthetic AI voices—voices entirely created with AI, with no real human in the loop—is threefold: They may become unavailable. They are often forgettable. They are rarely exclusive to the user. As vendors update their library or licenses expire, the voice you’ve been using to represent your brand could change, or even completely disappear. Even if it doesn’t, chances are: Other brands and creators are using that same off-the-shelf voice, erasing any sense of individuality. As a brand, you’ll want at least some exclusivity for your AI voice, so you don’t end up sharing it with a competitor. The reality is, the best AI voice clones come from real humans with the best voices: voice actors. You can hear a tangible difference between a synthetic AI voice and an AI voice cloned from a skilled voice talent. Done right, the one-to-one voice clone is higher quality than any synthetic voice—not only in its realism, but in its emotional nuance, uniqueness, and overall human quality. Licensing a professional voice also gives you greater control over creative direction to ensure the pronunciation of brand names and technical terms is correct. Licensed voices also offer customizable licensing suited to your specific needs, securing long-term consistency, exclusivity, and greater legal protections. It’s the difference between borrowing something generic and curating a voice experience that is yours. The best, most successful branded voices in the market today are distinct and emotive. Customers won’t remember an AI chatbot with a “friendly middle-aged female voice,” but they will remember a voice with personality—one that feels alive, intentional, and unmistakably part of the brand. That’s the future: Voice as a distinguishable brand asset, just like a logo. And by working with real humans to create a unique AI voice, you’ll secure something competitors can’t copy: A voice that is exclusively, recognizably, and enduringly yours. Jay O’Connor is CEO of Voices.com. View the full article

Ransomware doesn’t knock on the front door. It sneaks in quietly, and by the time you notice, the damage is already done. Backups, replication, and cloud storage help recover from ransomware, but when it strikes, these products may not be enough. You copy your data and ensure copies are recoverable when needed. Replication is often viewed as the gold standard of protection. It is fast, efficient, and seems like an easy answer. Two common types of replication are in use today. The first is physical to physical. This is when data is copied from one physical device to another, usually at a remote location. The second is physical to virtual. This is when data is copied from a local physical device to a virtual device in the cloud, commonly managed by a backup vendor. Both replication types can be useful and offer advantages, including uninterrupted service, reduced potential data loss, and data redundancy. But replication has limitations. When ransomware strikes When ransomware hits a server, the infection can spread fast. If replication is active, then corrupted or encrypted data may be copied to the secondary device. Both the original and secondary devices now contain bad data. Instead of serving as a safety net, replication can become a trap locking both environments into a compromised state. Replication can also be complex to set up and maintain, requiring skilled staff. Not every organization has the time, budget, or expertise to set up and maintain a replicated environment. Replicating to a vendor’s cloud can be expensive. You pay for the storage, and often for recovery and ongoing usage. Plus, if your original server goes down and you need to switch to the secondary server, you still need to rebuild the original server—reinstalling the operating system, reapplying patches, and restoring the previous configuration. This can take time depending on the environment. Where does this leave us? Should we just throw replication out the window? No, replication has its place. It can solve certain problems, especially when the risk of downtime outweighs the maintenance costs. But replication is not a cure-all. It should not be viewed as the primary recovery tool, especially against ransomware. Ask if you’re prepared Some questions can help you determine if you are ready for a cyberattack. Replication is a great tool, but ransomware can often expose its weaknesses: Have you thought about what would happen if ransomed data spread across your replicated systems? Do you know how long it would take to rebuild an original device if you had to switch over? Have you tested your recovery process end-to-end, not just the replication part? Do you understand the true cost of your replication service, including the hidden recovery fees? Look beyond replication Replication is valuable, but it shouldn’t be the primary mechanism for recovery from a cyberattack. Replication comes with costs and complexity, and doesn’t replace the need for a recovery strategy. So consider replication a tool in the toolbox, not the entire strategy. You need a way to quickly restore an infected device to a clean state—without worrying whether the compromised data has spread across your replicated environment. Or whether the recovery will cost more than the attack. Users sometimes download files locally or store critical data outside of the replicated environment. A complete recovery strategy must include both servers and workstations to ensure quick recovery, regardless of which devices become compromised. When considering ransomware recovery, explore solutions that provide resilience and data integrity, and enable fast recovery when your data is compromised. Instant recovery is achievable with solutions designed to recover from ransomware and other cyber threats. Elisha Riedlinger is the COO at NeuShield. View the full article

The cryptocurrency market is continuing to tumble as investors worry about risky assets, an AI and tech bubble, and a roughly 50% likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates. Closely watched digital asset XRP (XRP-USD) has fallen to $2.13 per token, a 26.55% drop from three months ago. It previously hit a high of $3.65 in July, but the cryptocurrency has been trending significantly downwards since early October. This fall keeps XRP below the critical support/resistance level of $2.20. XRP ETFs fail to boost price There were moments of hope that the price would rebound with the recent launch of three XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, those hopes were soon dashed. Take Canary XRP ETF, from Canary Capital, which launched on November 13. The fund (XRPC) opened at $26.63 that first day but has since fallen 10.85%. Binance News reports that “whales” sold 200 million XRP in the 48 hours following. Blockchain company Ripple Labs is traditionally the largest owner of XRP, which is the native token of the XRP Ledger. ‘Profit-taking’ and the broader crypto slump XRP is following a similar downward pattern to other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency. Its price (BTC) also began to fall in early October and has made a sharp decline since early November. This week, it experienced a so-called death cross, which is when an asset’s short-term price momentum falls below its long-term trends. As of publishing, Bitcoin sits at $91,577, a 13.26% drop from six months ago and an 18.12% drop from just one month ago. “The selloff is a confluence of profit-taking by LTHs [longtime holders], institutional outflows, macro uncertainty, and leveraged longs getting wiped out,” Jake Kennis, senior research analyst at Nansen, said in a statement to CoinDesk this week. Profit-taking occurs when investors cash out to ensure a higher price, rather than hold a potentially declining asset. While Bitcoin is still significantly up from a low of $74,436 in April, its gains for 2025 have been completely wiped out. It’s down roughly 2.14% year to date. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ in Platinum Silver is currently priced at $749.99, down from its regular $999.99, and price trackers confirm this is the tablet’s lowest price to date. That discount alone makes a premium device more approachable, especially one that PCMag didn’t hesitate to call “excellent” in their review. They also named it their Editor’s Choice and their pick for the best Android tablet of 2024, which sets a certain expectation. The S10+ meets most of it. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus 12.4” 256GB Android Tablet $749.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $749.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $250.00 The 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display looks sharp and handles colors cleanly, and its anti-reflective coating makes a difference when you’re using it outdoors. It still struggles under direct sunlight, but you won’t be tilting the screen around during a casual commute or on your couch. The tablet also feels sturdy in the hand, thanks to Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, and the IP68 rating means it can handle dust and water better than any iPad. Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip paired with 12GB of RAM keeps apps running smoothly without hesitation, and the 256GB of storage (with support for up to 1.5TB via microSD) makes it easy to load up with work files or games. Demanding games like Genshin Impact run smoothly, and not surprisingly, everyday tasks like email, browsing, reading, and hopping between apps don’t strain it either. Battery life lands at a little over eight hours in continuous playback at full brightness, which is decent, though anyone hoping for an all-day endurance champion might want to keep expectations in check. ​​Samsung’s software and AI tools round out the experience. Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1 brings multitasking shortcuts, a desktop-like DeX mode, and Galaxy AI tools such as Circle to Search, automatic note cleanup, and webpage summaries. These small conveniences add up and make the tablet feel more helpful in day-to-day use. Samsung also promises four years of OS updates and seven years of security patches. That said, the cameras feel like the most compromise-heavy part of the tablet. The 13MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide do fine for video calls and scanning pages, but colors skew oversaturated and lack detail compared to what you’d expect at this price. Still, this is one of the best tablets you can buy in 2025, according to our Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $117.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Every industry eventually reaches its productivity era. Manufacturing had automation. Finance had algorithmic trading. Today, real estate is stepping into its own transformation: the age of intelligent decision making. I’ve seen firsthand how investors are reimagining their operations. For decades, property investment was managed with clipboards, paper checks, and late-night phone calls. It left investors buried in minutiae. Now, just as modern supply chains run on smart logistics, real estate is running on smart systems that streamline everything from payments to tenant communications. The result? A shift away from chasing down tasks and toward making wise, future-oriented decisions. FROM ENDLESS TO-DO LISTS TO INTELLIGENT DEFAULTS Smart investors are creating portfolios that think ahead. A good example of this is making sure lease renewals no longer catch the investors by surprise. To remedy this, property owners are using systems that automatically send themselves lease expiration reminders at critical times (whether that is 90, 60, 30, or 7 days beforehand). Those reminders keep each of their properties on schedule, whether the plan is to renew a great resident or list the property for new interest. This kind of intelligent default has become a hallmark of modern operations. Routine communication, recurring tasks, and renewal cycles all happen on precise schedules set by the investor. The technology follows their logic, not the other way around. These built-in prompts and automated workflows turn repetitive management into proactive planning. Investors stay focused on growth, while the system quietly handles the details in the background. KEEP CONTROL WHILE SCALING SMART As portfolios expand, control becomes the defining advantage. The most sophisticated investors are scaling through rules-based automation by adopting a digital infrastructure that mirrors their judgment across every property. I’ve watched how this works in practice. Investors create specific rules that reflect their personal standards: how to screen residents, when to send payment reminders, how to communicate about maintenance. Once those rules are set, the system enforces them automatically and consistently. Each property operates according to the investor’s playbook, giving them confidence that every detail aligns with their approach. That way, automating doesn’t mean giving up control. Instead, the investor’s expertise becomes codified and applied across the portfolio. This is how smart growth happens. REAL ESTATE’S PRODUCTIVITY ERA A new rhythm is emerging in real estate, as smart systems generate time, and time generates smarter decisions. Investors who once spent evenings chasing paperwork now spend that time analyzing portfolio trends, comparing rent performance across markets, and identifying when to refinance or expand. This productivity cycle turns operational gains into strategic insight. Each automation saves a few minutes, each saved hour leads to a better decision, and each good decision strengthens long-term performance. As more independent real estate investors adopt intelligent systems, they are operating with the same clarity and responsiveness once limited to large institutional firms, only now at the scale of individual portfolios. SMARTER SYSTEMS LEAD TO HAPPIER HOMES When operations become intelligent, the ripple effect reaches residents. Payments are made seamlessly through mobile tools. Maintenance requests route directly to the right vendor. Renewals are handled early and clearly, reducing last-minute stress for everyone involved. For example, RentRedi’s internal data shows that when residents use features like autopay and credit reporting, on-time payments increase to 99% and by 13 points, respectively. These tools simplify the payment process while also supporting renters’ financial wellness by helping them stay current on rent while building stronger credit scores. When convenience meets incentive, the result is a healthier financial ecosystem for both residents and investors. The smartest investors understand that streamlined operations lead to stronger tenant relationships. Happy renters renew leases more often, take better care of their homes, and create stability that fuels long-term returns. Intelligent systems make that balance possible, because they are efficient for investors and convenient for those who call their properties home. MEET THE MOMENT OF INFLECTION Real estate is now at the same inflection point that other industries reached when intelligence and automation converged. Smart investors are already leading this transformation, by building portfolios that run smoothly with insight, structure, and foresight. They manage by design, using systems intentionally built to reflect their standards and priorities. Each workflow, rule, and automation represents their expertise in action. The business runs with purpose, clarity, and consistency because every element has been designed to anticipate needs, maintain performance, and create stability. This design-led approach turns management into strategic execution. Investors operate within systems that think ahead, ensure precision, and keep portfolios moving in sync with their goals. This is what the age of intelligent real estate looks like: investors in control, operations running with clarity, and homes that reflect the benefit of smarter thinking. FINAL THOUGHTS The next generation of savvy real estate investors has already arrived. They have built operations that are thoughtful, predictive, and scalable. Their systems manage the details, their data fuels their strategy, and their decisions define a new benchmark for success. The age of intelligent real estate is not a future vision—it is already here, reshaping how the most forward-thinking investors grow, manage, and thrive. And as more industries adopt intelligence as their foundation, real estate stands as proof that when technology aligns with human insight, innovation becomes progress. Ryan Barone is cofounder and CEO of RentRedi. View the full article

Move raises questions about whether deal can be done before November 30 deadlineView the full article

To obtain a free business license in your area, start by identifying the specific licenses or permits your business type requires. Many regions don’t mandate a general business license, but certain industries may need specialized permits that can often be secured without cost. You should likewise consider applying for home occupation permits if you’re running a home-based business. Comprehending these requirements is essential, as they can vary greatly. What’s next in the process? Key Takeaways Check if a general business license is required in your area, as many locations do not mandate one in Texas. Research specific permits needed for your business type, such as sales tax permits or health department permits. For home-based businesses, apply for a home occupation permit through your local government. Utilize online resources like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for applicable licenses and permits. Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free through the IRS online application, as it’s often needed for business registration. Understanding Business Licenses in Texas In Texas, traversing the domain of business licenses can be straightforward if you understand the specific requirements for your type of business. Unlike some states, Texas doesn’t require a general state business license. Nonetheless, depending on what you’re doing, you may need specific permits. For instance, if you sell or lease tangible goods, you’ll need a Sales Tax Permit, which you can easily obtain online through eSystems. Food service businesses typically require local health department permits, whereas home-based businesses might need a home occupation permit. Texas Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships In Texas, starting a sole proprietorship or general partnership is straightforward since you don’t need to register with the Secretary of State. Nevertheless, if you plan to operate under a name different from your legal name, you’ll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk in each county where your business operates. Keep in mind that each county has its own form and fee for this filing, so it’s crucial to check the local requirements to guarantee compliance. Filing Assumed Name Certificate To legally operate your Texas Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership under a name different from your own, filing an Assumed Name Certificate is essential. In Texas, you don’t need to register with the Secretary of State, but you must file this certificate with the county clerk in each county where you plan to do business. Each county has its own specific form and filing fee, so it’s important to check with the local county clerk’s office for details. The application typically includes your desired business name, your legal name, and your business address. Once filed, your Assumed Name Certificate allows you to legally conduct business under that name, similar to requirements for a Mississippi business license or Nevada business license and Wisconsin business licenses and permits. County Clerk Registration Requirements Comprehending the county clerk registration requirements for Texas sole proprietorships and general partnerships is crucial for operating your business legally. Here are key points to ponder: You must file an Assumed Name Certificate if your business name differs from your legal name. This certificate needs to be filed with the county clerk in each county where you operate. Each county has its own filing form and fee structure. Not filing the certificate can lead to legal issues or the inability to enforce contracts under your business name. Always check with your local county clerk’s office for specific requirements. Additionally, during your exploration of how to get a business license in Nevada, keep in mind that the processes and structures can differ, similar to how the state of NV business license operates. LLCs and Corporations When you’re considering forming an LLC or corporation, you’ll need to navigate the registration process, which involves filing a Certificate of Formation with the state. One of the main advantages of these business structures is the limited liability protection they offer, shielding your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. Nevertheless, keep in mind that there are costs involved, including filing fees and potential ongoing compliance expenses, like annual reports and franchise taxes. Registration Process Overview Registering an LLC or corporation in Texas is a crucial step for entrepreneurs seeking limited liability protection, as it shields owners from personal responsibility for business debts and lawsuits. Unlike a sole proprietorship, Texas Secretary of State and corporations require formal registration with the Texas Secretary of State. Here’s a quick overview of the registration process: File a Certificate of Formation, costing $300 by mail or $310 online. Consider using company formation services, typically around $100 plus state fees. Be aware of ongoing compliance requirements, like annual reports and fees. Keep your business entity in good standing to maintain its legal protections. For those looking for a free business license in Nevada, remember to check local regulations for a Nevada business license. Limited Liability Benefits Limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations offer substantial protection for owners by separating personal assets from business liabilities. This means that if your business incurs debts or faces lawsuits, your personal assets, like your home and savings, are typically safe. To form an LLC or corporation in Texas, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Formation, which costs $300 by mail or $310 online. LLCs also allow flexible management and offer pass-through taxation, where profits are taxed only on your personal return, helping you avoid double taxation. Furthermore, having limited liability status can improve your business’s credibility with clients and investors, making it easier to secure funding and capitalize on opportunities during the protection of your personal finances. Cost Considerations Starting a business in Texas involves several cost considerations, especially when forming an LLC or corporation. Here are some key financial aspects you should keep in mind: Filing a Certificate of Formation costs $300 by mail or $310 online. No general business license is required, but local licensing fees vary by business type and location. Check local government websites for specific licensing costs. LLCs provide limited liability protection from business debts, potentially saving you money in the long run. Additional services for company formation can cost $100, plus state fees, which are separate from registration costs. Understanding these costs guarantees you’re prepared to budget effectively for your new business venture. Texas Sales Tax Permit If you’re planning to sell or lease tangible property or taxable services in Texas, obtaining a Texas Sales Tax Permit is essential for compliance with state regulations. This permit, also referred to as a seller’s permit, is mandatory for your business operations. You can conveniently apply for it online through the Texas Comptroller’s eSystems platform. In the application, you’ll need to provide specific information, including social security numbers and your business’s NAICS code. The good news is that there’s no fee to obtain this permit, making it cost-effective. Once issued, you must display the permit at your business location and are required to collect and remit sales tax on all taxable sales to guarantee compliance with state tax laws. How to Apply for a Texas Sales Tax Permit How can you easily apply for a Texas Sales Tax Permit? Start by visiting the Texas Comptroller’s eSystems website to complete your application online. Here’s what you’ll need: Your social security number The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your business Basic business information, including your address The type of business structure you have No application fee, making it a cost-effective process Once you submit your application, you’ll receive your permit, which allows you to collect sales tax on taxable sales. It’s essential to renew your permit as required and stay updated on local sales tax rates to guarantee compliance with state regulations. Local Texas Business Licenses In Texas, most cities and counties don’t require a general business license, but specific industries often need local permits. If you’re starting a food service or a home-based business, you’ll likely have to check in with your local health department or zoning office for necessary permits. It’s essential to understand that licensing requirements can vary, so visiting your city or county’s website is a smart step in ensuring compliance. Licensing Requirements Overview Maneuvering the licensing requirements for starting a business in Texas can be straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. Although most cities and counties don’t require a general business license, specific licenses may be necessary depending on your business type. Here are some key points to take into account: Food service businesses need permits from the local health department. Home-based businesses may require a home occupation permit. Licensing applications and renewals can often be completed online via the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Local government websites outline the specific permits and licenses required in your area. Always verify local regulations to guarantee compliance. Local Permits for Businesses What local permits do you need to operate your business in Texas? Although there’s no general business license required, specific permits depend on your business type and local regulations. For instance, if you’re starting a food service business, you’ll typically need permits from the local health department to meet health and safety standards. If you plan to run a home-based business, a home occupation permit may be necessary to operate legally from your residence. To find detailed information on the specific licensing requirements and associated fees for your business, visit your local government website. Moreover, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) provides online applications for many licenses, simplifying renewals and updates. Application Process Steps When you’re ready to apply for local business licenses in Texas, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach to guarantee compliance with all regulations. Here are the key steps to take into account: Research your specific business type and any required licenses or permits. Visit your local government website for accurate information on local regulations. If applicable, apply for a home occupation permit for home-based businesses. Obtain necessary permits from the local health department, especially for food service businesses. Complete your application through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) online for convenience. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Resources If you’re looking to start a business in Texas, grasping the resources provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is essential. TDLR manages various business licenses for specific industries, acting as a central resource for application and renewal processes. You can apply for many licenses online through their website, simplifying the experience for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, TDLR offers guidance on compliance with state licensing requirements, ensuring your business operates legally. Remember, the costs for licenses vary depending on the business type and municipality, so it’s important to check the specific requirements and fees that apply. Finally, TDLR facilitates online renewal and updates of licenses, making it easier for you to maintain compliance. Does Texas Require a Business License? Starting a business in Texas can be straightforward, especially since the state doesn’t require a general business license for most operations. Nevertheless, there are some important considerations you should keep in mind: Specific industries, like food service, may need local health department permits. An Assumed Name Certificate is necessary if you operate under a name that differs from your legal name. Local regulations can vary, so always check requirements based on your business location. It’s essential to comply with any local licensing and permitting rules before launching your business. Utilize local government websites for detailed information on necessary permits and licenses. How Much Does a Business License Cost in Texas? Comprehending the costs associated with obtaining a business license in Texas can help you better prepare for your entrepreneurial expedition. Typically, Texas doesn’t require a general business license, so many entrepreneurs won’t face licensing costs. On the other hand, if you’re in a specific industry, like food service, you might need permits from local health departments, which can vary in fees. If you’re forming an LLC or corporation, expect to pay $300 for mail filings or $310 online, plus any local permits. Furthermore, each county may impose its own fees for an Assumed Name Certificate if you operate under a different name. Local business licenses and permits can vary widely in cost depending on your municipality and business type, so do your research. How Do I Get a Texas Business Tax ID? Wondering how to obtain a Texas Business Tax ID? You can get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free through the IRS. Here’s how: Apply online on the IRS website for immediate results. Submit Form SS-4 by mail or fax if you prefer. Make certain you have your legal business name and address ready. Identify your business structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Remember, this ID is essential for opening a business bank account, applying for licenses, and filing taxes. Completing the application online takes just minutes, and you’ll receive your Texas Business Tax ID instantly. It’s an important step for managing your business effectively in Texas. Ready to Start Doing Business in Texas? As you prepare to do business in Texas, it’s vital to understand the specific requirements that may apply to your venture. In addition, Texas doesn’t require a general business license, you’ll need specific licenses and permits based on your business type and location. For home-based businesses, securing a home occupation permit from your local government is critical for zoning compliance. If you operate under a different name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk where you do business. Most businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services need a Texas Sales Tax Permit, which you can apply for online. Furthermore, food service businesses might require local health department permits, so check your city and county regulations for details. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Is a Texas Business License? In Texas, most businesses don’t require a general business license, so you mightn’t have any licensing fees. Nevertheless, if you’re in a regulated industry like food service, you’ll need permits from local health departments, which can vary in cost. Furthermore, whereas sole proprietorships and general partnerships often don’t register with the Secretary of State, they may need to file an Assumed Name Certificate, which involves a county-specific fee. How Much Does a Washington Business License Cost? In Washington State, the cost of a business license typically ranges from $0 to several hundred dollars, depending on your business type and local jurisdiction. The basic Washington State Business License Application fee is $19, granting you a master business license. Nevertheless, additional fees may apply for specific endorsements or permits. Keep in mind that some cities likewise charge their own local business license fees, which can increase your overall costs considerably. Does the State of Iowa Require a Business License? Iowa doesn’t have a state-wide business license requirement, so most businesses can operate without one. Nevertheless, if you’re in certain industries, like food service or healthcare, you might need specific permits. It’s essential to check local regulations, as municipalities may have their own licensing rules. Furthermore, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals oversees many industry-specific licenses. Always review local ordinances to guarantee compliance and avoid potential issues. What Business Does Not Require a Business License? Many businesses don’t require a business license, particularly those that provide services without selling tangible goods. Consulting, freelance writing, and certain online ventures often fall into this category. Nevertheless, local regulations can vary considerably, so it’s essential to check your city or county’s requirements. Furthermore, home-based businesses might need a home occupation permit, even when they don’t require a general business license. Always verify specific guidelines to guarantee compliance. Conclusion In summary, obtaining a free business license in Texas requires comprehension of the specific requirements for your business type. Whereas general licenses may not be necessary, certain permits, like home occupation permits, could apply. You should additionally consider applying for a Texas Sales Tax Permit if needed. By researching local regulations and following the application process, you can guarantee compliance and start your business on solid ground. Take the necessary steps to set up your business effectively and legally. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Obtain a Free Business License in Your Area" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To obtain a free business license in your area, start by identifying the specific licenses or permits your business type requires. Many regions don’t mandate a general business license, but certain industries may need specialized permits that can often be secured without cost. You should likewise consider applying for home occupation permits if you’re running a home-based business. Comprehending these requirements is essential, as they can vary greatly. What’s next in the process? Key Takeaways Check if a general business license is required in your area, as many locations do not mandate one in Texas. Research specific permits needed for your business type, such as sales tax permits or health department permits. For home-based businesses, apply for a home occupation permit through your local government. Utilize online resources like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for applicable licenses and permits. Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free through the IRS online application, as it’s often needed for business registration. Understanding Business Licenses in Texas In Texas, traversing the domain of business licenses can be straightforward if you understand the specific requirements for your type of business. Unlike some states, Texas doesn’t require a general state business license. Nonetheless, depending on what you’re doing, you may need specific permits. For instance, if you sell or lease tangible goods, you’ll need a Sales Tax Permit, which you can easily obtain online through eSystems. Food service businesses typically require local health department permits, whereas home-based businesses might need a home occupation permit. Texas Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships In Texas, starting a sole proprietorship or general partnership is straightforward since you don’t need to register with the Secretary of State. Nevertheless, if you plan to operate under a name different from your legal name, you’ll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk in each county where your business operates. Keep in mind that each county has its own form and fee for this filing, so it’s crucial to check the local requirements to guarantee compliance. Filing Assumed Name Certificate To legally operate your Texas Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership under a name different from your own, filing an Assumed Name Certificate is essential. In Texas, you don’t need to register with the Secretary of State, but you must file this certificate with the county clerk in each county where you plan to do business. Each county has its own specific form and filing fee, so it’s important to check with the local county clerk’s office for details. The application typically includes your desired business name, your legal name, and your business address. Once filed, your Assumed Name Certificate allows you to legally conduct business under that name, similar to requirements for a Mississippi business license or Nevada business license and Wisconsin business licenses and permits. County Clerk Registration Requirements Comprehending the county clerk registration requirements for Texas sole proprietorships and general partnerships is crucial for operating your business legally. Here are key points to ponder: You must file an Assumed Name Certificate if your business name differs from your legal name. This certificate needs to be filed with the county clerk in each county where you operate. Each county has its own filing form and fee structure. Not filing the certificate can lead to legal issues or the inability to enforce contracts under your business name. Always check with your local county clerk’s office for specific requirements. Additionally, during your exploration of how to get a business license in Nevada, keep in mind that the processes and structures can differ, similar to how the state of NV business license operates. LLCs and Corporations When you’re considering forming an LLC or corporation, you’ll need to navigate the registration process, which involves filing a Certificate of Formation with the state. One of the main advantages of these business structures is the limited liability protection they offer, shielding your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. Nevertheless, keep in mind that there are costs involved, including filing fees and potential ongoing compliance expenses, like annual reports and franchise taxes. Registration Process Overview Registering an LLC or corporation in Texas is a crucial step for entrepreneurs seeking limited liability protection, as it shields owners from personal responsibility for business debts and lawsuits. Unlike a sole proprietorship, Texas Secretary of State and corporations require formal registration with the Texas Secretary of State. Here’s a quick overview of the registration process: File a Certificate of Formation, costing $300 by mail or $310 online. Consider using company formation services, typically around $100 plus state fees. Be aware of ongoing compliance requirements, like annual reports and fees. Keep your business entity in good standing to maintain its legal protections. For those looking for a free business license in Nevada, remember to check local regulations for a Nevada business license. Limited Liability Benefits Limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations offer substantial protection for owners by separating personal assets from business liabilities. This means that if your business incurs debts or faces lawsuits, your personal assets, like your home and savings, are typically safe. To form an LLC or corporation in Texas, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Formation, which costs $300 by mail or $310 online. LLCs also allow flexible management and offer pass-through taxation, where profits are taxed only on your personal return, helping you avoid double taxation. Furthermore, having limited liability status can improve your business’s credibility with clients and investors, making it easier to secure funding and capitalize on opportunities during the protection of your personal finances. Cost Considerations Starting a business in Texas involves several cost considerations, especially when forming an LLC or corporation. Here are some key financial aspects you should keep in mind: Filing a Certificate of Formation costs $300 by mail or $310 online. No general business license is required, but local licensing fees vary by business type and location. Check local government websites for specific licensing costs. LLCs provide limited liability protection from business debts, potentially saving you money in the long run. Additional services for company formation can cost $100, plus state fees, which are separate from registration costs. Understanding these costs guarantees you’re prepared to budget effectively for your new business venture. Texas Sales Tax Permit If you’re planning to sell or lease tangible property or taxable services in Texas, obtaining a Texas Sales Tax Permit is essential for compliance with state regulations. This permit, also referred to as a seller’s permit, is mandatory for your business operations. You can conveniently apply for it online through the Texas Comptroller’s eSystems platform. In the application, you’ll need to provide specific information, including social security numbers and your business’s NAICS code. The good news is that there’s no fee to obtain this permit, making it cost-effective. Once issued, you must display the permit at your business location and are required to collect and remit sales tax on all taxable sales to guarantee compliance with state tax laws. How to Apply for a Texas Sales Tax Permit How can you easily apply for a Texas Sales Tax Permit? Start by visiting the Texas Comptroller’s eSystems website to complete your application online. Here’s what you’ll need: Your social security number The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your business Basic business information, including your address The type of business structure you have No application fee, making it a cost-effective process Once you submit your application, you’ll receive your permit, which allows you to collect sales tax on taxable sales. It’s essential to renew your permit as required and stay updated on local sales tax rates to guarantee compliance with state regulations. Local Texas Business Licenses In Texas, most cities and counties don’t require a general business license, but specific industries often need local permits. If you’re starting a food service or a home-based business, you’ll likely have to check in with your local health department or zoning office for necessary permits. It’s essential to understand that licensing requirements can vary, so visiting your city or county’s website is a smart step in ensuring compliance. Licensing Requirements Overview Maneuvering the licensing requirements for starting a business in Texas can be straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. Although most cities and counties don’t require a general business license, specific licenses may be necessary depending on your business type. Here are some key points to take into account: Food service businesses need permits from the local health department. Home-based businesses may require a home occupation permit. Licensing applications and renewals can often be completed online via the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Local government websites outline the specific permits and licenses required in your area. Always verify local regulations to guarantee compliance. Local Permits for Businesses What local permits do you need to operate your business in Texas? Although there’s no general business license required, specific permits depend on your business type and local regulations. For instance, if you’re starting a food service business, you’ll typically need permits from the local health department to meet health and safety standards. If you plan to run a home-based business, a home occupation permit may be necessary to operate legally from your residence. To find detailed information on the specific licensing requirements and associated fees for your business, visit your local government website. Moreover, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) provides online applications for many licenses, simplifying renewals and updates. Application Process Steps When you’re ready to apply for local business licenses in Texas, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach to guarantee compliance with all regulations. Here are the key steps to take into account: Research your specific business type and any required licenses or permits. Visit your local government website for accurate information on local regulations. If applicable, apply for a home occupation permit for home-based businesses. Obtain necessary permits from the local health department, especially for food service businesses. Complete your application through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) online for convenience. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Resources If you’re looking to start a business in Texas, grasping the resources provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is essential. TDLR manages various business licenses for specific industries, acting as a central resource for application and renewal processes. You can apply for many licenses online through their website, simplifying the experience for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, TDLR offers guidance on compliance with state licensing requirements, ensuring your business operates legally. Remember, the costs for licenses vary depending on the business type and municipality, so it’s important to check the specific requirements and fees that apply. Finally, TDLR facilitates online renewal and updates of licenses, making it easier for you to maintain compliance. Does Texas Require a Business License? Starting a business in Texas can be straightforward, especially since the state doesn’t require a general business license for most operations. Nevertheless, there are some important considerations you should keep in mind: Specific industries, like food service, may need local health department permits. An Assumed Name Certificate is necessary if you operate under a name that differs from your legal name. Local regulations can vary, so always check requirements based on your business location. It’s essential to comply with any local licensing and permitting rules before launching your business. Utilize local government websites for detailed information on necessary permits and licenses. How Much Does a Business License Cost in Texas? Comprehending the costs associated with obtaining a business license in Texas can help you better prepare for your entrepreneurial expedition. Typically, Texas doesn’t require a general business license, so many entrepreneurs won’t face licensing costs. On the other hand, if you’re in a specific industry, like food service, you might need permits from local health departments, which can vary in fees. If you’re forming an LLC or corporation, expect to pay $300 for mail filings or $310 online, plus any local permits. Furthermore, each county may impose its own fees for an Assumed Name Certificate if you operate under a different name. Local business licenses and permits can vary widely in cost depending on your municipality and business type, so do your research. How Do I Get a Texas Business Tax ID? Wondering how to obtain a Texas Business Tax ID? You can get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free through the IRS. Here’s how: Apply online on the IRS website for immediate results. Submit Form SS-4 by mail or fax if you prefer. Make certain you have your legal business name and address ready. Identify your business structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Remember, this ID is essential for opening a business bank account, applying for licenses, and filing taxes. Completing the application online takes just minutes, and you’ll receive your Texas Business Tax ID instantly. It’s an important step for managing your business effectively in Texas. Ready to Start Doing Business in Texas? As you prepare to do business in Texas, it’s vital to understand the specific requirements that may apply to your venture. In addition, Texas doesn’t require a general business license, you’ll need specific licenses and permits based on your business type and location. For home-based businesses, securing a home occupation permit from your local government is critical for zoning compliance. If you operate under a different name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk where you do business. Most businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services need a Texas Sales Tax Permit, which you can apply for online. Furthermore, food service businesses might require local health department permits, so check your city and county regulations for details. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Is a Texas Business License? In Texas, most businesses don’t require a general business license, so you mightn’t have any licensing fees. Nevertheless, if you’re in a regulated industry like food service, you’ll need permits from local health departments, which can vary in cost. Furthermore, whereas sole proprietorships and general partnerships often don’t register with the Secretary of State, they may need to file an Assumed Name Certificate, which involves a county-specific fee. How Much Does a Washington Business License Cost? In Washington State, the cost of a business license typically ranges from $0 to several hundred dollars, depending on your business type and local jurisdiction. The basic Washington State Business License Application fee is $19, granting you a master business license. Nevertheless, additional fees may apply for specific endorsements or permits. Keep in mind that some cities likewise charge their own local business license fees, which can increase your overall costs considerably. Does the State of Iowa Require a Business License? Iowa doesn’t have a state-wide business license requirement, so most businesses can operate without one. Nevertheless, if you’re in certain industries, like food service or healthcare, you might need specific permits. It’s essential to check local regulations, as municipalities may have their own licensing rules. Furthermore, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals oversees many industry-specific licenses. Always review local ordinances to guarantee compliance and avoid potential issues. What Business Does Not Require a Business License? Many businesses don’t require a business license, particularly those that provide services without selling tangible goods. Consulting, freelance writing, and certain online ventures often fall into this category. Nevertheless, local regulations can vary considerably, so it’s essential to check your city or county’s requirements. Furthermore, home-based businesses might need a home occupation permit, even when they don’t require a general business license. Always verify specific guidelines to guarantee compliance. Conclusion In summary, obtaining a free business license in Texas requires comprehension of the specific requirements for your business type. Whereas general licenses may not be necessary, certain permits, like home occupation permits, could apply. You should additionally consider applying for a Texas Sales Tax Permit if needed. By researching local regulations and following the application process, you can guarantee compliance and start your business on solid ground. Take the necessary steps to set up your business effectively and legally. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Obtain a Free Business License in Your Area" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I've been reading and writing about productivity techniques for years now, and I continue to be shocked by the sheer variety and quantity on offer. There are so many (some admittedly more "duh" than others), and while many could easily slot right into my workflow, others led me to think, "Wow, that one wouldn't work for me at all." Obviously I don't personally use all of the methods I've written about, but it's not because I don't believe in them. The fact is that no technique will work for every person, and no one person is going to be suited to every technique. The trick is to figure out which one(s) might work for you. It's easy to learn about a technique, be persuaded to see its value, and decide to implement it, but if it's not altogether aligned with your needs, it's probably not going to work for you as advertised. Instead of picking a productivity method that sounds good, you're better off selecting one that is better suited to you and how you work. Here's what to look for. The best productivity method if you're a visual thinker...If you need to visualize something to really understand it—like if you prefer to see graphs instead of reading about statistics or numbers—there are some solid productivity techniques out there for you. The best is probably the "pickle jar" technique, which asks you to imagine your daily capacity as a jar that can hold a finite amount of rocks, pebbles, and sand. The rocks are your big tasks, pebbles are important tasks that aren't immediately necessary, and sand is the little maintenance work you do to keep your day moving along. You load in your rocks first, then your pebbles, and finally the sand, to make sure you have enough time for it all. You can draw out a little diagram to help you prioritize your to-do list this way. Essentially, the pickle jar is a simple, more visual way to work through the 1-3-5 approach, which acknowledges the fact that you can't do everything, so you have to be selective about what you do attempt. With 1-3-5, you do one major task, three medium-sized ones, and five smaller ones each day. Whether you're imagining a jar full of debris or more methodically writing out the 1-3-5 list, you might need assistance determining what a "rock"-sized task is, or what five small tasks are. That's where prioritization techniques come in—and the best one, in my opinion, is also suited to visual thinkers. Called the Eisenhower matrix, this prioritization approach helps you streamline your to-dos by creating a chart that demonstrates which of your tasks are urgent, important, not urgent, and not important. Give it a try if you're having a hard time constructing the pickle jar. The best productivity method if you need motivation to get started...With some productivity methods, you're meant to just figure out what you need to do, then get cracking on it. That doesn't work for everyone. It certainly doesn't work for me—I need to get a burst of motivation or a spark of energy to keep grinding on a to-do list. The best options for people like me, in my opinion, are eating the frog or the two-minute rule. "Eating the frog" is a weird saying, but it boils down to tackling your most demanding, dreaded, or important task before you do anything else. The two-minute rule is similar, but when you try to follow that one, you commit to doing anything that takes less than two minutes the moment it pops into your head. I stick to a combination of the two, endeavoring to accomplish my biggest to-do early in the day, but allowing myself to start any task the moment motivation strikes, provided it's doable in a shorter time frame. In my experience, eating the frog works well for me because once I have the most pressing thing out of the way, I'm so relieved and proud of myself that anything else I have to do seems easy in comparison. If I can do the terrible thing, I can do anything. On the other hand, the opposite approach can have a similar result, so try the 10-minute rule if eating the frog feels daunting but you still need a little motivational push. With this method, you blow through all those little tasks that take 10 minutes or less to do, like answering emails or folding the laundry, so you can concentrate on the bigger stuff. As minor as they are, the little things can feel overwhelming, and they're easy to put off. If you get them all done with so they're not weighing on you, you'll feel better and more prepared to do everything else. There's a slight difference between the two- and 10-minute rules, so play around with all of these to see what works for you. The best productivity method if you don't feel connected to your work...The tasks of daily life can be menial and if you're not the kind of person who just buckles down and does what needs to be done, that can be a good reason to put it all off. If you can't justify spending an afternoon cleaning up or a morning responding to emails, you might be motivated by purpose, so try the Results Planning Method (RPM), which comes from famed motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who outlined it in his Time of Your Life program and designed it to be motivational, fast, and efficient. Not only does does the acronym stand for Rapid Planning Method, but it can also serve as a guide to what your day should look like: Results-oriented, purpose-driven, and built around a "massive action plan." You have to consistently ask yourself what you want, what your purpose is, and what you need to do to achieve it. So maybe you won't clean up just because it's that time of the week to do it, but you'll be more motivated to do it if you think of a broader purpose, like having the house in shape so you can have friends over for dinner. Doing something for the sake of it just doesn't motivate everyone and that's fine. Another way you can feel connected to your tasks is by putting some extra thought into them. The Ivy Lee method calls on you to write down six tasks you have to do the next day. You should do this at the end of every work day (or at the end of the night, if the tasks are home-related). By writing them down, you get them out of your mind and know you'll get to them the next day, so you can relax in the knowledge that you already have half a plan ready to go when you wake up. When I don't feel connected to my own work, I write out a SMART goal. That means I take the time to write out a plan that is specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound. By doing this, I force myself to think long-term about the biggest picture goals I have, then work backward to determine what small steps I need to take to make those a reality within the time frame I've outlined. This works for me because as I start working on those steps, I keep the bigger goal in mind; that keeps me focused and connected to what I'm doing, even if it feels menial in the moment. The best productivity method if you need a detailed plan...When you're eating the frog or jotting down a few to-dos, you just kind of wing it, designating your "big task" and going for it. But sometimes, it's nice to have a detailed schedule in place. Here, I recommend the 3-3-3 method, but first, you'll need to whip out the old Eisenhower matrix I mentioned before. Once you have everything categorized, you can move over to 3-3-3, which asks you to spend the first three hours of your day engaging in deep work on your most important project, then do three other urgent tasks that don't require as much time, and finish up with three maintenance tasks. It's a combination of eating the frog and visualizing the pickle jar, but it incorporates pretty strict scheduling to keep you on task. Let's talk about deep work for a second. Deep work is what happens when you're in a flow state, focusing solely on one task with no distractions. You'll know you've achieved it when time feels like it flies by. If you struggle to sink into it, there's a technique for you. Actually, there are a few, but they're all based on the same idea. Try the Pomodoro method, which has you work for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break, then repeat that cycle until you've completed four rounds. After that, you get a bigger break. Ideally, use an app designed to time your work sessions and block your other, more distracting apps. (FocusPomo is my favorite.) If this isn't working for you, don't give up. You can and should modify your Pomodoro times to meet your own needs if you have to. There are already Pomodoro spin-offs out there, like Pomodoro 2.0 and animedoro, but feel free to fiddle around until you invent your own. The best productivity method if you're being pulled in too many directions...Your life is complex. You're not just an employee, but potentially a parent, a spouse, a friend, a volunteer, a freelance or recreational something-or-other—and that's to say nothing of what you are to yourself, whether that's someone who prioritizes the gym or someone who can't focus when the house is a mess. If you're following a traditional productivity technique throughout the day, it can be hard to determine the tasks from each area of your life that should be taken care of. Certainly, a work responsibility, family matter, or personal obligation is bound to fall through the cracks in favor of something else. If that's holding you up, consider theming your days. Mondays might be for all your maintenance tasks at work, like answering emails or having meetings. Tuesdays might be the day you set aside for cleaning your home or meal prepping. Wednesdays might be the day you work on tasks for a board you sit on or a part-time job. Within that structure, you can call on one of the techniques above, like 1-3-5, knowing that the majority of your to-dos that day will all be related to whatever the theme is. This keeps you focused and in the zone, whatever the zone is, each day, but also allows you to devote necessary time to each of the arenas in which you're involved. No, it's not perfect. Something from an off-theme day will come up eventually and need to be addressed. But the goal here isn't to be strict about it. Rather, it's to give yourself a general sense of direction throughout the week. View the full article

When I was a kid, my favorite place in the world was hunched over a sewing machine. I’d cut up old jeans, hand-stitch fabric scraps into new outfits, and dream of someday seeing my clothes walk a runway. My notebooks were full of fashion drawings. Somewhere in my teens, that dream slipped quietly into the background. Life pulled me in a different direction. But this year, thanks to AI, I finally staged my first runway show at New York Fashion Week. Okay, not at the literal Fashion Week runways in Manhattan but on social media where people are scrolling for Fashion Week content. And the wild part? I pulled it together in one Friday night using my own AI-powered fashion brand, yanabanana. The tech stack behind the catwalk The show was called The Stockholm Archipelago Collection, inspired by a trip I took to Yasuragi, a Japanese-style spa perched on the water outside Stockholm. Architectural shapes, blue kimonos, and tall pines by the water were my mental mood board as I was designing my collection. Here’s how I translated inspiration into a digital runway: Sketch to photo: I started with a rough sketch of each look. Using Google’s Nano Banana image generation model, I transformed my doodles into photos. Sometimes I generated two photos (a “start” and “end” scene) that would ultimately create a more interesting runway moment. Models on the runway: Through prompt engineering, I iterated until all my looks walked the same runway that I had decorated with my photos of the water view from Yasuragi. Static to cinematic: I turned the images into short clips with Midjourney’s video model. It worked but I’ll be experimenting with different video models next season. Runway fluidity is tricky! Custom soundtrack: Every show needs a vibe, so I used Suno to generate an original Scandinavian inspired track to set the pace. Cut & polish: Finally, I stitched it all together in iMovie, as old-school as it gets in the age of AI. The result? A minute-long AI-powered runway film that could almost pass for an indie cut of a Fashion Week show. AI is the new sewing machine What I love about this process is that AI collapsed the barrier between imagination and execution. Ten-year-old me could only dream of sourcing fabrics, hiring models, and booking a venue. Today all I need is a sketch, a stack of AI models to create virtual human models, and a little curiosity. And yet, the story didn’t stop at the digital runway. From sketch to closet At one point, I even thought about building a platform where fashion designers could sketch with AI and then manufacture their garments. That idea simmered until I stumbled on Flair, an early- stage startup already doing exactly that. I joined one of their sessions with a roomful of fashion designers during San Francisco Design Week this spring. The format was like an AI version of Project Runway. Everyone created some designs, and whichever one got the most votes on their platform over the next week would be brought to life. Mine won. I sent in my measurements, and last week a package arrived. Inside was a dress that had started as a doodle on my notebook, passed through Flair’s AI workflow, and emerged as a real garment stitched together in the physical world. Slipping it on for the first time was magic. It was the same rush I felt as a kid cutting up old jeans. Except this time the runway wasn’t just in my imagination. It was hanging in my closet. The bigger picture For me, yanabanana isn’t about building a traditional fashion house. It’s about asking what does a fashion brand born in the age of AI even look like? Maybe it doesn’t need to produce clothes at all. Maybe its runways live on Instagram, soundtracked by generative beats, designed with prompts instead of pins. And maybe, sometimes, those designs make the leap from pixels to fabric. And maybe that’s exactly what makes it fashion-forward. Yana Welinder is Head of AI at Amplitude. She was CEO and founder of Kraftful (recently acquired by Amplitude). View the full article

Today, retail giant Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) reported its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings. Unfortunately, for the company and its investors, the results were a continuation of what Target has been seeing for years now: declining sales. Here’s what you need to know about Target’s Q3 and the impact the earnings are having on the company’s stock price today. Target’s Q3 2025 at a glance Here’s what the big box retailer reported for its Q3 2025: Net sales: $25.3 billion (down 1.4% from the same period in 2024) Adjusted earnings per share (EPS): $1.78 (down from $1.85 in the same period in 2024) Operating income: $948 million (down 18.9%) Net earnings: $689 million (down 19.3%) To put those first two all-important metrics into perspective, net sales came in below what analysts were expecting, but the company’s adjusted earnings per share came in slightly above. As CNBC notes, LSEG analysts expected Target to post revenue of $25.32 billion and an adjusted EPS of $1.72. One bright spot in Target’s Q3 results was digital comparable sales, which increased 2.4%. Announcing the company’s Q3 2025 earnings, Target’s incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, who takes the helm in February, said, “Thanks to the incredible work and dedication of the Target team, our third quarter performance was in line with our expectations, despite multiple challenges continuing to face our business.” Target’s sales woes continue What are those “multiple challenges”? Most broadly, Target has seen stagnant or declining quarterly sales for years now. Some of those sales woes are driven by factors not unique to Target. For several years now, retailers of all stripes have been seeing customers who are more cautious about how and where they spend their discretionary dollars. This caution has largely been spurred by inflationary pressures leading to rising cost-of-living expenses. The company, like most retailers, is also facing significant competition from other big-box giants, including Walmart, as well as from online retailers like Amazon and, in more recent years, Temu and Shein. However, several factors unique to Target have also impacted its sales for quite some time. As Fast Company reported in May, customers had been complaining about messier layouts, long lines, and understaffed stores. This had led to a notable decline in customer service in many customers’ eyes. Finally, earlier this year, Target rolled back some of its DEI initiatives after The President came to power. This prompted backlash and a boycott from many Target customers. Target has previously said this backlash impacted sales. All eyes on the holiday quarter—and TGT stock Despite the sales decline in Q3, Target maintained its outlook for its current Q4, which includes the all-important holiday period. Yet, that’s not exactly a good thing. Target had previously forecast that it expects its Q4 to see a low single-digit sales decline, and now it has confirmed that it still expects that decline (but at least, the company might argue, the decline isn’t forecast to be any worse). What Target did adjust was its full fiscal 2025 forecast. Target previously said it had expected adjusted earnings per share for the year to come in at between $7 to $9. But now the company says it expects adjusted EPS for fiscal 2025 to be between $7 and $8. Target’s stock reacted about as well as you would expect. As of this writing, TGT shares are currently trading down about 2.97% to $85.90 per share in premarket. The company’s stock price has had a rough 2025. Since the year began, TGT shares have declined more than 34% as of yesterday’s closing price of $88.53. Looking back over the past 12 months, things are even worse. During that time, TGT shares have declined more than 43% as of yesterday’s close. View the full article

John Healey warns that Britain’s rules of engagement have been changed in response to Yantar’s activitiesView the full article

You’ve heard of a to-do list, but what you might actually need is a to-don’t list. Instead of focusing on all the tasks you have to get done, it could be beneficial for you to look at everything you don’t need to or even shouldn’t do in service of your larger goal. It sounds like a waste of time, but it’s not: Seeing clearly what shouldn’t be taking up your attention is a simple way to prioritize your time and focus on what really matters, which will lead to enhanced productivity and output. There are two kinds of to-don’t lists to employ. To-don’t 1: Bad habitsThe first kind of to-don’t list you should make is one of bad habits you want to avoid. This is all about goal-setting and is more of a plan you should adopt for your life overall if you want to improve it generally, not a technique to employ when you have a specific goal in mind (which the second kind of to-don't list, below, is better suited to). The habits that hold you back can be obvious to you or you may not realize some of them, but once you get started writing them down, more will come. Some suggestions are these: Don’t sleep more or less than you’re supposed to, meaning you go to bed on time and don’t hit snooze in the morning. Don’t put off answering emails. Don’t skip breaks or lunch. Don’t save all your work until right before it’s due or you need to leave work. Don’t work all day and night without setting boundaries for when you’re off. As you make your list, you’ll discover the trouble areas you’re facing. Set aside a time, say every Monday morning, to review and update your list, tracking the progress you made on not doing those things last week, removing any that you’ve overcome, and adding new trouble spots that you’ve run into. As simple as it seems, having it all written down gives you a roadmap and something concrete to focus on while you blast through the bad habits. If you are struggling to identify the broad, bad habits that might be holding you back, you need data. Writing down a few ideas every week may not be enough. In that case, try conducting after-action reviews at the end of each day, jotting down what went well, what didn't go well, and how you'd like to retool your efforts going forward. It will take a few days or weeks of data collection, but you will start to see patterns emerging, and you can take action on them. To-don’t 2: Tasks you don’t need to doA lot of productivity methods focus on what you, specifically, need to contribute to your workplace, team, or various responsibilities, but some of the best ones also leave space for you to delegate tasks to others. Saying “no” to requests or new tasks that you don’t have the capacity for or there’s no reason for you to be the one to do is a special talent we should all cultivate a little better. One way to do that is to keep a list of the tasks you aren’t touching. Consider making a list that includes things like the following so you can set clear boundaries and stick to them: Don’t pick up other people’s responsibilities on a group project. Don’t follow up with someone who is refusing to communicate. Don’t waste time on emails unlikely to get a response. Don’t schedule everyone’s work for them. Don’t agree to new elements of a project until existing tasks are handled. Keeping a real record of the things you are drawing a line in the sand about will help you actually stick to that line. It also helps to have and idea of what you’ll say if and when someone asks you to do something on your to-don’t list. Thanks to the existence of the list, you can simply say, “I appreciate you thinking of me for this, but I don’t have space for that right now in my current schedule. I’ll let you know when I’m done with the things I need to do.” Once you have your lists compiled, refer to them. Keep them somewhere you’ll see them, like next to your computer or in a note on your phone, and let the power of writing down what you’re not going to do guide you as you tackle the actual to-do list. There is another element to this kind of to-don't list, however. Yes, there are tasks you can delegate or avoid in a group setting, but there are also tasks you yourself can just disregard, whether at work or in your personal goals. To figure out what they are, you need to prioritize everything you have to do (or think you have to do). There are a few simple ways to do this: You can make an ABC list or opt for the more objective Eisenhower matrix. At the end, you'll see some tasks are neither urgent nor important. Those become your to-don'ts. In a hustle-focused, fast-paced world, it can be hard to remember that sometimes, you just don't have to do something. Banishing unnecessary tasks from your schedule can help keep you focused and productive, even if it's a hard habit to start. View the full article

Across nearly four decades as a teacher, principal, superintendent, funder, and now leader of a large education nonprofit organization, the experience that most shaped my view of learning wasn’t a grand reform or a shiny new program. It was a Friday physics lab in Brooklyn. My students predicted a graph that couldn’t exist—a vertical line for velocity and time. What followed was confusion, debate, trial, and error. And then discovery: Velocity requires both displacement and time. That brief struggle taught me, the teacher at the time, more about how learning really happens than any policy memo ever has. That moment endures because it represents what school should unlock every day: inquiry, persistence, and the joy of figuring something out yourself. Too often, students still move through school executing a “recipe” of steps without understanding ideas. In math, science, history, and English language arts, they follow the recipe and miss the point. That approach may be tidy, but it’s not transformative. It shortchanges imagination, curiosity, and the “a-ha!” moments that make knowledge durable. HOW TO EMPOWER STUDENTS I believe that learning is only powerful if it combines agency, purpose, curiosity, and connection to empower students for the future. What does that mean? It means that learners should pursue knowledge through action. Through choice. And through voice. They should have opportunities to develop authentic and meaningful contributions. They should explore new ideas and experiences to better understand their world. And they should make connections between ideas, experiences, and people. When students are allowed to experiment—to wrestle productively and recover from mistakes—they don’t just master content; they build the habits of mind that matter in life and work. TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE Emerging technologies hold enormous potential to make these kinds of experiences more common. They help curate simulations, prompt inquiry, and scaffold experimentation. It can create new entry points for students to explore, revise, and connect their ideas. The “little” moments of technology matter, too—like a 90-second BrainPOP animation that unlocks a tough concept. An interactive that prompts a classroom debate. A quick, purposeful game that turns practice into understanding. These are the sparks that turn a lesson into learning. Technology is not a recipe to follow; it’s a set of instruments to conduct. If we want learners who can think with and about AI, then classrooms must invite students to do what my Brooklyn High School physics class did: predict, test, argue from evidence, and revise. This last part can demonstrate the evolution in a student’s thinking processes and how they can move through conceptual phases of understanding. This requires commitments like access and teacher expertise, as well as ensuring quality over quantity. I’m heartened to see some schools rising to meet this challenge, like the Ypsilanti Community High School in Michigan, with its new AI Lab. The first-of-its-kind collaboration between the school district, leading tech companies, and nonprofits equips students with advanced tools for AI-powered learning. This includes processors designed to handle complex AI computations, audio-visual equipment, and 3D modeling software. The lab doesn’t simply build AI literacy; it allows students to explore ideas that matter to them using advanced technology. At once, they gain hands-on experiences in emerging fields while also fostering a sense of creativity and innovation. The lab challenges them to think critically, pushes them to be creative, and strengthens their real-world problem-solving skills. These are the kinds of experiences we need to provide for students to prepare them for an AI-driven world. LET STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH DOING As we increasingly integrate AI in classrooms, students must be allowed to experiment and explore with it, to argue from evidence, to fail, to productively struggle. When done right, we see the right kind of noise. That means classrooms buzzing with questions. It includes debates. And students make lifelong connections. I still remember that Brooklyn lab as if it were yesterday. Not because of the graph, but because of what it revealed: When students are trusted to do the intellectual heavy lifting, they surprise us—and themselves. Our job is to design schools where discovery is not an accident, but the plan. Jean-Claude Brizard is president and CEO of Digital Promise. View the full article

Scandal-hit former Treasury secretary had said he would withdraw from ‘public commitments’View the full article

Starmer and Reeves are unfit and their likeliest usurpers are worseView the full article

When Gabriela Flax left her corporate position managing 40 people to work on her career coaching businesses solo and moved from London to Sydney, the first thing she noticed was the silence. Without the constant movement, office hum, phones, and elevator dings, she says, she could finally bask in the quiet she’d always craved. But, she quickly realized, “Oh, wow, there’s no one around me.” Flax, a career coach and founder of the newsletter Pivot School, says, “I initially named my Substack No One’s in the Kitchen. I’d get off a work call super excited [because I] signed a new client . . . go to my kitchen to make a coffee, and no one’s there . . . just my dog looking back at me.” Running a business alone can feel liberating, but it can also come with a cost: a unique type of loneliness research suggests stems from acute uncertainty, resource constraints, responsibility, and time pressures. Online, subreddits, creator cohorts, and Discord groups brim with solo founders seeking to manage loneliness. “Loneliness is a mental health emergency in many cases,” says Dr. Michael A. Freeman, a San Francisco-based psychiatrist who works exclusively with entrepreneurs. Ironically perhaps, “entrepreneurs often feel quite alone despite the fact that they have very large networks and communicate with lots of people every week,” he explains, because those are largely “transactional role relationships” and solopreneurs, particularly, “are pursuing a uniquely personal vision.” “The loneliness can come from a lack of people, but it can also come from being the only person who holds your ‘why’ so tightly,” says Flax. Identifying the ‘loneliness loop’ Particularly in a venture’s early days, solopreneurs “are living and breathing their new business,” explain researchers Ashley Evenson, lecturer of creative enterprise at Goldsmiths, University of London and Beki Gowing, lecturer in fashion enterprise at London College of Fashion, who coauthored a study on entrepreneurial loneliness and burnout. Loneliness, they say, “[can be] the catalyst for other mental health difficulties, [eroding] decision-making, creativity, and emotional resilience.” Social interactions slip, overwork rises, and a “vicious and toxic cycle” takes hold. Diane Sullivan, business professor at the University of Dayton, calls this the regulatory loop of loneliness: Some founders respond by building connections and hobbies, while others withdraw, potentially making isolation worse . In Flax’s case, she had to get creative—digital lunch invites via TikTok, long-form writing for other solo-founders—to cultivate relationships in her new role and city. In what Flax describes as an “eat what you kill” field, solopreneurs can ill-afford to let loneliness derail their purpose. Here’s how experts recommend fighting it. Seek ‘deep social’ experiences Taking the first step to get out of a loneliness rut can feel awkward, but it’s key to make the effort to engage offline, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Juliana Schroeder, associate professor in the Management of Organizations group at Berkeley Haas, says one of the major instigators of loneliness is that people are trading “deep social” experiences for “shallow social” experiences. “Shallower social experiences are those that leverage AI connection, online engagement (particularly on social media platforms), and prioritize more superficial types of interactions,” like short text-based conversations, for example, or group conversations over one-on-ones. Other potential connections, like talking with neighbors or disagreeing counterparts (say, talking across the political divide), “are starting to disappear entirely,” she says. “I suggest setting up environments that involve regular contact with community members, having recurring ‘deep’ conversations to maintain and grow friendships, and stretching outside of your social comfort zone when any opportunity arises.” And it may not be as hard we imagine. “We find that people’s psychological intuitions about some of these interactions are miscalibrated,” she explains, and the awkwardness and depletion we anticipate is often overridden by the pleasantness of the interaction and how good both parties feel afterwards. Flax recommends seeking connection outside of work: “If you go to the gym at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, or a coffee shop at 11 a.m. on a Thursday, not everyone in those spaces is going to be self-employed or building their own thing. But . . . chances are they might not have a [traditional] nine-to-five,” she explains. “It’s hard the first five times you [introduce yourself]. By time number six, you’re like, oh, whatever.” Quality over quantity Preempting loneliness, at least initially, may also help proactively manage it, says Freeman, who recommends, “engaging in a rich set of relationships that do not involve being a leader and ultimate decision-maker.” “One of the founders I work with belongs to a football team that is part of a regional amateur league. He has many friends on the team, which he doesn’t have to lead, and the camaraderie gives him a lot of social support,” he adds. Flax agrees, noting online cohorts, while “full of a unanimous understanding of we’re all in this together,” can lose meaningful connection when they exceed six to seven people. “Don’t just put us all in a room,” she says, adding that breakout rooms on a Zoom call, for instance, help foster one-on-one connection. Back to basics, away from the drawing board Tim Michaelis, assistant professor in the department of psychology at North Carolina State University, founded and runs an annual Health in Entrepreneurship Conference. Physical activity and sleep, he says, are two big recommendations, citing additional research that “leisure activities can provide a way to detach from entrepreneurial work and improve venture performance.” “Engaging with a local university or community college can help connect with like-minded people, feel less alone, and improve wellbeing,” he adds. “A small step could be going to watch a pitch competition or email a professor to see if they need help with a guest lecture . . . Sometimes it’s a clear win-win.” Ultimately, it’s worth remembering that loneliness does not increase just because you’re a team of one. Claude Fernet, an organizational behavior professor at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, who studies job stressors in small and medium enterprises, raises an important point. Solo founders may actually have a bit of an advantage when it comes to job stressors and loneliness. That’s because “owner-managers” (or entrepreneurs with a small team of employees) feel the additional responsibility for others’ wellbeing and salary, leading to, “the burden of shielding others from stress.” Still, he adds, “That said, the psychological toll of isolation remains a significant concern in both cases.” Flax, meanwhile, recommends thinking of loneliness in stages. “Don’t fight [it],” she says, “Because solitude is a part of building something meaningful . . . The day will come where the work you put into it is seen by others and you can create incredible community off the back of it.” View the full article

Tiny fragments of microplastics—from clothes, car tires, plastics, and other sources—slip through most water filters. But at a water treatment plant on the coast in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where plastic-filled wastewater would normally flow into the ocean, new technology has captured hundreds of millions of microplastic particles over the past year. The technology, from a startup called PolyGone, can also clean microplastic out of lakes and rivers or treat wastewater at factories. The startup spun out of research at Princeton, where the founders drew inspiration from aquatic plants that can naturally attract microplastic. The plants have fibrous roots coated in a hydrophobic gel that pulls in pollution. “We managed to imitate the geometry and hydrophobility of the aquatic plant root,” says cofounder Yidian Liu. “It has a lot of unevenness on the surface that creates little cavities for smaller pollutants to be trapped inside.” Wastewater treatment plants are a pathway for microplastic pollution to enter the ocean, which is now filled with trillions of particles. Most wastewater plants in the U.S. don’t use advanced treatment before releasing water back into nature. Of those that do, most existing filters only catch larger microplastic, between 1 and 5 millimeters. Tinier fragments, invisible to the naked eye, slip through. Another type of fine mesh filter in use in some plants captures more, but then the plastic just ends up in landfills. In lab tests, PolyGone’s system captures 98% of microplastic. After the filters are full, they can be cleaned and reused. The plastic is concentrated and sent for reuse. In Atlantic City, where the company launched its first wastewater pilot in September 2024, it has already captured more than 520 million particles of microplastic, exceeding performance targets. The plastic goes to other companies: one that turns it into chemicals, another that is beginning to use it to make fuel. The utility now plans to expand the pilot into a full-scale operational system. PolyGone, which recently raised a $4 million seed round of funding, designed a new filtration unit that automatically lowers itself into water and cleans itself on a schedule. The unit fits inside a standard shipping container, with all of the tech fully assembled inside so it can be deployed in a day at a wastewater plant. The company also designed another version of the technology that fits into wastewater pipes at factories. The first pilot of that system just launched at an industrial plant in Dubai. “This system is a very simple way for them to plug and play and get rid of microplastic before the water goes into their effluent,” says Liu. Other manufacturers are also beginning to test the technology, including clothing companies working to cut microplastic pollution from synthetic fabric. Cost varies depending on the system, but ranges from roughly $15,000 to $50,000. The technology is much less expensive than other advanced filtration, in part because the filter works passively to “dramatically reduce energy consumption compared to traditional advanced filtration systems that rely on high-pressure pumps,” Liu says. The open design avoids clogging, so it needs less maintenance. It also can easily be added to existing infrastructure, she says, rather than requiring expensive retrofits. The tech can also be used directly in nature, and the company has tested a Roomba-like robot that filters water as it moves across a lake. But funding is harder to secure for this approach. There’s more demand for industrial use, especially from brands that are trying to tackle sustainability goals. And at wastewater treatment plants, some states may soon consider new regulations that would require better pollution filtering. “California is leading on microplastic regulation,” says Liu. The state already requires microplastic testing in drinking water and is working on a new drinking water standard, though wastewater filtering isn’t mandated yet. “A huge reason is they don’t know what methodologies or systems are available for [wastewater plants] to quickly adopt for microplastic removal,” Liu says. “Our pilot is actually giving them a very good case study to understand okay, it is a problem that can be solved.” View the full article

Drop comes ahead of expected tax raid on high-value properties in Budget View the full article

AI models have a voracious appetite for data. Keeping up to date with information to present to users is a challenge. And so companies at the vanguard of AI appear to have hit on an answer: crawling the web—constantly. But website owners increasingly don’t want to give AI firms free rein. So they’re regaining control by cracking down on crawlers. To do this, they’re using robots.txt, a file held on many websites that acts as a guide to how web crawlers are allowed—or not—to scrape their content. Originally designed as a signal to search engines as to whether a website wanted its pages to be indexed or not, it has gained increased importance in the AI era as some companies allegedly flout instructions. In a new study, Nicolas Steinacker-Olsztyn, a researcher at Saarland University and his colleagues analyzed how different websites treated robots.txt—and whether there was a difference between sites measured as reputable versus not reputable, specifically in terms of whether or not they allowed crawling. For many AI companies, “It’s kind of a ‘do now and ask for forgiveness later’ thing,” Steinacker-Olsztyn says. In the study, more than 4,000 sites were checked for their responses to 63 different AI-related user agents, including GPTBot, ClaudeBot, CCBot, and Google-Extended—all of which are used by AI companies in their effort to soak up information. The websites were then divided between reputable news outlets or misinformation sites, using ratings devised by Media Bias/Fact Check, an organization that categorizes news sources depending on their credibility and the factuality of their reporting. Across all 4,000 sites assessed, around 60% of those deemed to be reputable news websites blocked at least one AI crawler from accessing their information; among misinformation sites, only 9.1% did so. The average reputable site blocks more than 15 different AI agents through its robots.txt file. Misinformation sites, by contrast, tend not to shut out the crawlers at all. “The biggest takeaway is that the reputable news websites keep well up-to-date with the evolving ecosystem as it pertains to these major AI developers and their practices,” Steinacker-Olsztyn says. Over time, the gap between those who are willing to let bots crawl their sites and those that aren’t is widening. From September 2023 to May 2025, the proportion of platforms locking out crawlers increased from 23% to 60%, while the share of sites peddling misinformation stayed flat, the study found. The result, Steinacker-Olsztyn says, is that less reputable content is being hoovered up by and then spat out of AI models used routinely by hundreds of millions of people. “Increasingly these models are also being used simply for information retrieval, replacing traditionally used options such as search engines or Google,” Steinacker-Olsztyn adds. The conundrum over legitimate data For AI models to stay up-to-date on current events, they are trained on reputable sites, which is exactly what these sites don’t want. The war over copyright and access to training data between AI companies and news sites is increasingly spilling into courts—The New York Times’s lawsuit against OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, for example, carried on into last week. Those lawsuits are prompted by allegations that AI companies are illegally scraping data on news websites to act as regularly updated, ground-truth-based training data for the models powering their AI chatbots. In addition to litigating their disputes, reputable news websites are blocking AI crawlers. That’s good for their businesses and rights. But Steinacker-Olsztyn is concerned about the broader impact. “If reputable news is increasingly making this information unavailable, then this gives reason to believe this can affect the reliability of these models,” he explains. “Going forward, this is changing the percentage of legitimate data that they have access to.” In essence: It doesn’t matter to an AI crawler whether it’s viewing The New York Times or a disinformation website run out of Hoboken. They’re both training data, and if one is easier to access than the other, that’s all that matters. Not everyone is quite so certain about the negative impact of blocking crawlers. Felix Simon, a research fellow in AI and digital news at the University of Oxford-based Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, says he wasn’t surprised to learn that sites trafficking in misinformation would want to be crawled, “whereas traditional publishers have an incentive at this point to prevent such scraping.” Some of these traditional publishers, he adds, still allow some scraping “for a plethora of reasons.” Simon also cautions that just because misinformation sites are more likely to open their doors to AI crawlers, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re polluting the information space as much as we may fear. “AI developers filter and weigh data at various points of the system training process and at inference time,” he says. “One would hope that by the same means by which the authors have been able to identify untrustworthy websites, AI developers would be able to filter out such data.” View the full article

Chips giant to report financial performance in the face of market ‘angst’ about an AI bubbleView the full article