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At First Women’s Bank, we’ve spent a lot of time analyzing the care economy. What we have observed is that the healthcare sector has emerged as more than just a category; it is a cornerstone of the modern, mission-based women’s economy. We see the immense value women physicians contribute to their communities, while also recognizing the challenges that can come with traditional employment models. While studies estimate female physicians earn $2 million less than male physicians throughout their respective careers, we consider both the social impact of this gap and where economic improvement is possible. The surge of women starting their own practices signals that the era of simply following traditional paths is changing. We see this movement as being driven by three essential motivations that allow women to bypass systemic hurdles. 1) Ownership is an investment in potential future wealth. It provides financial agency and the opportunity to access capital to grow a practice. A higher immediate salary isn’t a guarantee, but keeping women in the driver’s seat of their careers is. 2) Private practice ownership offers the freedom to lead. Starting a practice can create a clearer path to leadership, allowing women to shape their careers more directly. 3) Ownership enables purpose-driven care. Many women are driven by a personal mission and values that do not always align with the rigid structures of large-scale medical employers. Ownership grants the freedom to deliver care in a way that honors those specific values and personal missions. While we see practice ownership as a path to financial independence for female physicians, there is a lending gap that must be addressed. HOW TO BRIDGE THE CAPITAL GAP The gender lending gap is a stark disparity: women own 14 million businesses but receive only 16% of commercial bank loans and 4.4% of total small business loan dollars. In many cases, fixing the gender lending gap starts with addressing the confidence gap that many women across all industries face when financing and launching a business for the first time. While securing the right funding is essential, it is just as critical for women to have access to educational resources and support systems that help them navigate the challenges of practice ownership. These alliances play a key role in easing the natural friction that comes with building and running a business. For female physicians to become successful entrepreneurs, they need to be equipped with a specific set of advocacy and business tools. These include: Financial literacy resources Growth capital A peer community Research-backed professional development When the industry addresses the leadership gap at every stage, from medical school through senior executive roles, because financial independence is most powerful when it’s paired with institutional change. That is one reason why our alignment with Women in Medicine® (WIM) is so vital. Founder Shikha Jain, MD, shares our belief that when women physicians are financially independent, they have the power to stay in the driver’s seat of their careers and the healthcare system at large. THE BOTTOM LINE As more women open their own practices, we are seeing a shift toward greater agency in how physicians structure their careers and deliver care to their communities. Ownership offers one pathway for those seeking more control. Marianne Markowitz is president and CEO of First Women’s Bank. View the full article

Shares of Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) stock rose over 13% Tuesday on news that Apple is considering using the chipmaker, along with Samsung Electronics Co, to produce processors for its devices in the U.S., Bloomberg reported. The previously ailing stock has made a turnaround in the last few months, and hit an all-time high on Tuesday, above $100 a share. Apple (AAPL) shares were up just over 1% as of this writing midday on Tuesday, following that report and after last week’s strong second quarter earnings results, which were fueled by “extraordinary demand” for the iPhone 17 lineup. Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook called it the company’s “best March quarter ever,” with revenue coming in at $111.2 billion and “double-digit growth across every geographic segment.” Today’s news could solve the tech giant’s reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for its chips, opening it up to other options. On a conference call with analysts on Thursday, Cook said high demand for its products was causing supply constraints for the advanced technology needed to produce its devices, the Associated Press reported—and according to Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry, Intel’s AI chips are “several years ahead of TSMC.” As for the details of the potential deal, Bloomberg reported Apple “has had early-stage talks” with Intel, and executives have made visits to a Samsung plant in the works in Texas. The Korea Stock Exchange, where Samsung trades under the ticker 005930.KS. (KRX), was closed on Tuesday. Intel financials Intel’s gains on Tuesday mark a 55-year-high for the tech stock, which jumped 114% last month and is up a whopping 200% year-to-date. Intel has a market cap of $542.9 billion as of this writing, beating its previous market-cap record of $501.51 billion set on Aug. 31, 2000, per MarketWatch. View the full article

A reader writes: I saw an ad for a job at a company that says they ask candidates to spend 3-5 paid days working with them before they’ll make an offer. Their ads reads, “Spending 3-5 days in person working together on a real problem is so much higher signal than interviews could ever produce.” They also say that almost every candidate they hire says they love the experience and wouldn’t want to take a job without a work trial in the future because they learned so much about how the organization operates. Curious for your thoughts on this. It seems like a great way to screen for desperate folks without current jobs? Or is it just obvious rage-bait? Well, on one hand, of course you learn more about candidates by working with them for five days (and they learn more about you) than you do in an interview. In a vacuum, it makes perfect sense! Some people interview really well but aren’t so good once you see them on the job. And from the candidate’s point of view, some managers sound great in an interview and turn out to be nightmares once you’re on the job. The problem, though, is that our system isn’t set up for this. It’s not realistic for most people to be able to take off three to five days from their job (out of whatever limited vacation time they have for the year), and possibly on short notice, to do this. If someone is unemployed, it gets easier — but a ton of candidates will have to have jobs, and this isn’t a reasonable expectation to put on them. Plus, imagine that lots of companies started doing this, and that you’d have to do multiple work trials before one ended in an offer. You could easily blow through your full amount of vacation time for the year, or even exceed it, just doing work trials. I do think it’s a great idea, for some jobs, to ask finalists at the very end of the process to complete a sample work project and pay them for it. I’ve done that before, and you learn a ton that you didn’t necessarily see in the interview and it can really differentiate your best candidates. But that’s a much lower burden than asking someone to spend a week with you. Interviews aren’t a perfect system — far from it. But week-long work trials aren’t a reasonable solution for most people. The post asking people to do a one-week work trial before offering them the job appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

A lawsuit alleges Google's AI Overview falsely identified musician Ashley MacIsaac as a sex offender. It seeks $1.5M in damages. The post Google Sued Over False AI Overview About Musician appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Stocks near 8-year low ahead of summer travel season despite collapse in demandView the full article

If you mostly use Reddit on a desktop browser, you probably have no issue jumping from subreddit to subreddit. On mobile, it's a different story: Reddit really wants you to use its mobile app, and it makes that clear with pop-ups whenever you access the site in your browser. If you'd rather not download another app onto your phone, dismissing the pop-ups is easy enough—until it isn't. That's the situation this week. Some users accessing the Reddit home page or jumping directly to individual posts on the mobile site are running into a new roadblock that stops their browsing in its tracks. Things seem normal when first loading up a thread, but as you start scrolling, a large pop-up appears at the bottom of the page. It shows the Reddit app, with its App Store rating, along with a bolded alert: "Get the app to keep using Reddit." The pop-up says the app lets you "search better, personalize your feed, and never miss an update on your [favorite] communities," all things the mobile site was perfectly capable of too. Credit: Lifehacker If you've experienced Reddit's previous mobile app pop-ups, this might not seem like such a big deal. Just dismiss it and move on, right? But there is no (X) here, or any obvious way to clear the pop-up. Plus, it's not just the pop-up—once it appears, the entire page stops responding to inputs. Why is Reddit blocking its mobile site?This is the most aggressive I've ever seen Reddit be in pushing people to its mobile app, but I don't quite understand the logic. Why stop users from accessing the mobile site? When Futurism reached out to the company for comment, it said, “We’ve found users who are logged in have a more personalized experience and can more easily find communities that match their interests...So, we’re running a test for a small number of logged-out mobile users that prompts them to download the app after visiting the Reddit site.” The company added that it was also targeting "a small subset of frequent mobile web users" because it feels they are already familiar with how Reddit works and would still have a better experience in the app. I can attest that the times I've run into this issue, I was indeed logged out of the mobile site. But I didn't even mean to be: I don't typically intentionally browse Reddit on my phone, I just check out links that appear in a Google search. As such, it's wildly frustrating to hit this pop-up when I'm casually looking up the answer to a question. I'm certainly not going to download the Reddit app for those random moments; in fact, this experience makes me even less likely to do so. Based on the App Store privacy notes, the Reddit app collects a bunch of data points, including purchases, contact info, search history, usage data, location, identifiers, and diagnostics. Sure, it doesn't link most of that data to your identity, save for identifiers and usage data, but still, browsing in something like Safari blocks a lot of that tracking. In short: Thanks but no thanks on the app recommendation, Reddit. How to get around Reddit's mobile site pop-up Luckily, you don't have to choose between downloading the app or forgoing using Reddit on your phone, as there are a few workarounds you can try to keep using the mobile site uninterrupted. Sign in. If Reddit is indeed only targeting users who are logged out, sign in with your account. I just signed in to mine in the browser, and so far, I haven't hit this pop-up again. That's promising. Clear your cache. If you don't have a Reddit account or you'd rather not sign in, you still have some options. As Futurism notes, some Redditors have found success when clearing their browser's cache and cookies, which might trick Reddit into thinking you're a different user, allowing you to shake off the targeted pop-ups. (We have guides for clearing the cache on both iPhone and Android, if you don't know how.) Use "Old Reddit." Finally, before I realized the scope of the issue, I was simply switching to "Old Reddit" anytime I ran into the pop-up. Reddit still lets you use its original design, which strips away many of the bloated "new" features—or, in this case, the pop-up that stops you from accessing the mobile site. To switch to this stripped-down interface while using the mobile site, tap the address bar, then replace the "www" in the URL with "old" (e.g. old.reddit.com), without adjusting the rest of the link. The page will open in Reddit's old design, and you'll be free to browse at your leisure—but you'll miss out on the current site's more optimized UI. View the full article

Dimon and Fink upbeat in separate comments about demand for the technology as Wall Street funds sector’s spendingView the full article

What Are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)? Good manufacturing practices (GMP) are a system of procedures and controls used to ensure products are consistently produced and meet defined quality standards. It is commonly used in pharmaceuticals, food production and medical device manufacturing to prevent contamination, errors and deviations during production. GMP establishes documented processes, trained personnel requirements and controlled environments to maintain product safety and reliability. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software that is equipped with tools that allow manufacturers to plan, schedule and monitor their projects from start to finish. Use Gantt charts to make production roadmaps, manage workflows with kanban boards, allocate resources with workload charts, track costs with timesheets and monitor your projects with real-time dashboards and reports. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-cta-e1712005286389.jpgProjectManager is a powerful manufacturing project management solution Learn more Why Are Good Manufacturing Practices Important? Manufacturers operate in environments where small process failures can lead to costly defects, safety risks or regulatory action. Implementing good manufacturing practices creates structure across operations, ensuring work is performed consistently, documented properly and monitored continuously. As production planning scales, this level of control becomes essential to maintain quality, meet compliance requirements and avoid disruptions that impact delivery, reputation and profitability. Passing audits and inspections required for certifications or licenses Ensuring traceability when investigating defects or conducting product recalls Maintaining consistent product quality across multiple manufacturing projects Supporting global distribution by complying with international GMP standards Avoiding production shutdowns caused by compliance violations Managing supplier quality and ensuring incoming materials meet specifications Protecting brand reputation when operating in safety-critical industries Benefits of Implementing Good Manufacturing Practices Strong operational discipline creates measurable advantages beyond compliance. Adopting good manufacturing practices helps manufacturers standardize workflows, reduce variability and improve visibility across production. Over time, this leads to fewer defects, better resource utilization and more predictable outcomes. As teams follow structured processes and maintain accurate records, decision-making becomes faster, risks are easier to manage and overall operational performance improves. Improves product quality by enforcing standardized production processes Reduces rework and scrap caused by process inconsistencies Minimizes downtime through better maintenance planning and process control Enhances workplace safety by enforcing operational standards Strengthens traceability across materials, batches and finished goods Reduces compliance risks and potential regulatory penalties Improves supplier coordination and material quality control /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufacturing-banner-ad-evergreen.jpg 20 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Rather than a single rule, good manufacturing practices (GMP) are applied through a set of operational controls that govern how work is performed, monitored and improved. Each area focuses on a specific part of the production system, helping manufacturers maintain consistency, reduce risk and meet compliance requirements as operations scale. 1. Quality Control (QC) Quality control is the GMP that defines how materials and products are tested and verified against specifications. It is commonly used in manufacturing to ensure products meet quality standards before release. This includes sampling, testing procedures and laboratory data management. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Quality-control-template-screenshot-600x151.pngProjectManager’s free quality control template Testing provides the final confirmation that products meet required standards before reaching customers. Without effective quality control, defects may go unnoticed until after distribution. Strong laboratory controls improve accuracy, support decision-making and ensure only compliant products are released, reducing risk and protecting both the manufacturer and the end user. 2. Facilities & Premises Facilities and premises is a GMP area that defines how manufacturing spaces are designed, maintained and controlled to support safe production. It is commonly used in regulated environments to prevent contamination, ensure proper workflow and maintain suitable conditions for manufacturing activities. This includes layout design, environmental controls and building maintenance standards. Manufacturers that want to improve the safety, efficiency and productivity of their facilities can try methods such as the gemba walk or a 5s audit. /wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5S-Audit-Template-for-Excel-600x484.pngProjectManager’s free 5s audit template Production environments directly influence product quality, especially when contamination or cross-contact is a concern. Poor layout design can create bottlenecks or allow materials and personnel to interfere with each other. By maintaining controlled, well-organized facilities, manufacturers reduce operational risks, improve efficiency and ensure that processes can be executed without compromising safety or compliance requirements. 3. Equipment & Utilities This is one of the most important of all good manufacturing practices, as it governs the selection, operation and maintenance of machinery and support systems used in manufacturing. It is commonly used to ensure equipment performs reliably and utilities like water, air and power meet required standards. This includes calibration, maintenance and performance monitoring procedures. /wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Equipment-inventory-template-screenshot-updated-600x153.pngProjectManager’s free equipment inventory template Reliable equipment and stable utilities are essential for consistent production outcomes. When machines operate outside of specifications or utilities fluctuate, product quality can be affected without immediate detection. Implementing controls around equipment and utilities helps prevent unexpected failures, reduces downtime and ensures that production processes remain stable and repeatable over time. 4. Documentation & Recordkeeping When it comes to good manufacturing practices (GMP), documentation and recordkeeping establish how procedures, instructions and production activities are documented and stored. It is commonly used in regulated manufacturing to ensure traceability, support audits and verify that processes were followed as intended. This includes standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records and logs that capture operational data. Related: 12 Key Manufacturing Documents (with Free Templates) Clear documentation creates a reliable history of what was planned, executed and verified during production. When records are complete and accurate, teams can trace issues, confirm compliance and support audits without delays. Strong recordkeeping reduces confusion, improves accountability and provides the evidence needed to demonstrate that manufacturing processes are controlled and consistently executed. 5. Materials Management Materials management controls how raw materials and components are received, stored, handled and tracked throughout the production process. It is commonly used in manufacturing to ensure materials meet specifications and remain suitable for use. This includes supplier verification, inventory tracking and material status identification. /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Material-list-template-600x154.pngProjectManager’s free material list template Incoming materials directly affect final product quality, so managing them properly prevents defects from entering production. Without clear controls, expired, contaminated or incorrect materials can be used unintentionally. Establishing structured materials management improves traceability, reduces waste and ensures that only approved inputs are used, supporting consistent and reliable manufacturing outcomes. 6. Production & Process Controls Production and process controls define how manufacturing operations are executed, monitored and controlled. It is commonly used to ensure processes follow defined parameters and produce consistent results. This includes work instructions, process limits and in-process checks to maintain control during production activities. /wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Process-Documentation-Template-600x583.pngProjectManager’s free process documentation template Controlled processes reduce variability and make outcomes more predictable across production runs. When operators follow standardized instructions and monitor key parameters, issues can be detected early before affecting larger batches. Strong process controls improve efficiency, minimize rework and help manufacturers maintain consistent product quality while meeting regulatory expectations. 7. Packaging & Labeling Packaging and labeling is the good manufacturing practices (GMP) area that governs how products are packaged, labeled and prepared for distribution. It is commonly used to ensure correct identification, prevent mix-ups during order fulfillment and provide accurate information to end users. This includes label verification, packaging controls and procedures for handling finished goods. Incorrect packaging or labeling can lead to serious compliance issues, product recalls or safety risks. By implementing strict controls, manufacturers ensure that the right product is packaged with the correct label every time. This reduces errors, protects consumers and maintains trust while ensuring products meet regulatory and market requirements. 8. Validation & Qualification Validation and qualification ensure processes, systems and equipment perform consistently as intended. It is commonly used in regulated manufacturing to confirm that production methods produce reliable and repeatable results. This includes process validation, equipment qualification and system verification activities. Unverified processes can introduce hidden risks that affect product quality over time. By validating systems and qualifying equipment, manufacturers gain confidence that operations are stable and controlled. This reduces uncertainty, prevents recurring issues and supports consistent production performance, especially when scaling operations or introducing new processes or technologies. 9. Maintenance & Calibration Maintenance and calibration is the process that ensures equipment is serviced and adjusted to operate within defined performance limits. It is commonly used in manufacturing to prevent equipment failures and maintain measurement accuracy. This includes preventive maintenance schedules, calibration procedures and service records to keep systems reliable and compliant. /wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maintenance-Checklist-Template-600x191.pngProjectManager’s free maintenance checklist template This is one of the most necessary good manufacturing practices of them all as every piece of production equipment tends to drift over time, especially under continuous use in production environments. Without regular maintenance and calibration, machines can produce inconsistent outputs or inaccurate measurements that impact product quality. Establishing structured schedules reduces unexpected downtime, improves reliability and ensures production processes remain stable and within acceptable operating conditions. 10. Sanitation & Hygiene Sanitation and hygiene is the series of guidelines, cleaning procedures and personal cleanliness standards required to prevent contamination during manufacturing. It is commonly used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic production to protect product integrity. This includes cleaning procedures, sanitation schedules and hygiene requirements for personnel and work areas. Contamination risks increase quickly when cleaning routines are inconsistent or poorly enforced. Even small lapses in hygiene can affect entire production batches, leading to waste or safety concerns. By implementing strict sanitation controls, manufacturers maintain clean environments, reduce contamination risks and ensure products are produced under conditions that support safety and compliance. 11. Environmental Monitoring Environmental monitoring is the process of tracking conditions such as temperature, humidity, air quality and microbial levels in manufacturing environments. It is commonly used in controlled production settings to ensure environmental factors remain within acceptable limits. This includes routine measurements, testing protocols and recorded data to verify environmental stability. Production environments can shift due to external factors or equipment changes, affecting product quality without immediate visibility. Monitoring these conditions allows teams to detect deviations early and take corrective action before issues escalate. Consistent environmental tracking supports stable operations, protects sensitive processes and ensures manufacturing conditions remain suitable for producing compliant products. 12. Deviations, CAPA & Change Control Deviations, CAPA and change control is a GMP area that manages unexpected issues, corrective actions and controlled modifications to processes or systems. It is commonly used to investigate problems, address root causes and implement approved changes without disrupting compliance. This includes deviation reports, corrective action plans and formal change approval workflows. /wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Root-Cause-Anaysis-Screenshot-600x320.jpgProjectManager’s free root cause analysis template Problems are inevitable in any production environment, but how they are handled determines long-term performance. Without structured controls, the same issues can repeat or changes can introduce new risks. Managing deviations and changes systematically helps resolve issues effectively, prevents recurrence and ensures all modifications are reviewed, approved and documented before implementation. 13. Product Recall & Returns Product recall and returns are all of the good manufacturing practices that establish how defective or non-compliant products are identified, retrieved and managed after distribution. It is commonly used in manufacturing to remove unsafe products from the market and trace affected batches. This includes recall procedures, return handling and traceability systems to control product movement. Once products reach customers, any quality issue becomes harder to control without a structured recall process. Delays or gaps in traceability can increase risk and regulatory exposure. Establishing clear recall and return procedures enables fast action, limits impact, protects consumers and helps manufacturers respond effectively when product issues are identified in the market. 14. Supplier Relationship Management Supplier relationship management governs how external partners are selected and monitored to ensure consistent input quality. It is commonly used in manufacturing to verify supplier reliability and maintain material standards. This includes supplier qualification, performance evaluation and approved vendor lists. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Supplier-Evaluation-Form-600x178.pngProjectManager’s free supplier evaluation template Manufacturing output depends heavily on the quality of incoming materials and outsourced services. Weak supplier oversight can introduce variability or defects before production even begins. By managing vendors through structured evaluations and ongoing monitoring, manufacturers reduce risk, improve consistency and ensure that all inputs align with required specifications and compliance expectations. 15. Distribution & Storage Distribution and storage is a GMP area that controls how finished products are stored, handled and transported to maintain quality after production. It is commonly used in manufacturing to ensure products remain within defined conditions until they reach customers. This includes storage controls, inventory management and transportation requirements. Conditions during storage and distribution can affect product integrity, especially for temperature-sensitive or regulated goods. Poor handling or inadequate storage can lead to degradation, contamination or non-compliance. By establishing clear controls over storage environments and transportation processes, manufacturers protect product quality, reduce losses and ensure products reach customers in acceptable condition. How ProjectManager Helps Manufacturing Businesses Keeping production on schedule while managing resources, costs and changing priorities requires more than spreadsheets or disconnected tools. Manufacturing project management becomes easier when teams can plan, track and adjust work in one centralized system. ProjectManager brings together production scheduling, resource planning and performance tracking so production teams can stay aligned and make faster decisions on the shop floor. With interactive Gantt charts, manufacturing teams can build detailed production schedules, map task dependencies, identify milestones and adjust timelines as conditions change. Resource management tools allow managers to assign labor, equipment and materials efficiently, while monitoring resource availability and avoiding bottlenecks. Real-time dashboards and reports provide instant visibility into progress, costs and workload, helping teams identify issues early and maintain control over production performance. Teams can also collaborate more effectively using kanban boards and task lists that track work at every stage of the manufacturing process. Thanks to these and other tools and features, ProjectManager helps manufacturing businesses improve efficiency, reduce delays and deliver consistent results. Watch the video below to learn more! ProjectManager is award-winning software for managing any project. Our collaborative platform connects your teams and gives you access to the manufacturing floor no matter where you are or what time it is. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 15 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Businesses appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

CrossCountry defended its lower bid for Two Harbors, looking to refute UWM's arguments regarding the status of its financing for the all-cash offer. View the full article

Federal prosecutors say Val Sklarov sold shares pledged as collateral for loan View the full article

It's official: For the second year in a row, Google will be hosting "The Android Show: I/O Edition" ahead of its big I/O event. It's a sign the company once again has many announcements going into the developer conference, and, rather than cutting down on any specific category, would prefer to sequester the Android portion of the event into its own keynote. That's good news at least for Android fans, who will be watching for any developments on Google's mobile OS. That also indicates that Google I/O 2026 will focus on Google's endeavors outside of Android—perhaps, most importantly, AI. While Gemini is a key component of Android these days, the company is rolling out new AI features and models across a number of other platforms and services. Google I/O might not be entirely AI, but it will likely take up the vast majority of the presentation. What will Google announce during The Android Show?Unfortunately, while we know the event is happening, we really don't know what Google has planned for this Android keynote. According to the company, 2026 is "going to be one of the biggest years for Android yet." That, no doubt, refers to Android 17, the company's next big update for Android OS. Android 17 has been in beta for some time now, and while the update doesn't appear to be as feature-filled as previous iterations, it currently ships with some notable changes. Namely, the update allows you to run apps in "bubble" windows that can be minimized while using other apps, as well as new options for remapping game controllers across Android. But seeing as Google is putting on "The Android Show: I/O Edition" again, chances are high there are Android features on the way that the company hasn't started beta testing yet. We'll just have to wait and see what those new updates might be. It's also possible Google will focus on other Android news as well, including Android XR. Last year, the company announced this new platform for smart glasses, which adds Android UI elements to a heads-up display in the lenses. This could be something the company saves for I/O proper, but if it wants to keep all Android news contained to The Android Show, it may show up here. When is The Android Show 2026?While details are thin at this time, we do know that this year's Android Show will take place one week before I/O, on May 12 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). You can stream the event live from Google's official YouTube link here. View the full article

Google is rolling out new tools to help advertisers better understand performance across increasingly complex customer journeys. What’s happening. As AI continues to transform campaigns, creatives and targeting, Google is introducing updates focused on data integration, experimentation and media mix modelling — all aimed at helping marketers turn fragmented signals into actionable insights. Why we care. Automation has made it easier to run campaigns, but harder to understand what’s actually working. These updates make it easier to connect data, prove what’s actually driving results, and make smarter budget decisions across channels. As AI handles more of the execution, having strong measurement in place becomes the key differentiator for performance and growth. Data is the starting point. Google is expanding its Data Manager to give advertisers a clearer view of how their data flows across platforms like BigQuery, HubSpot and Shopify. A new map-based interface will help marketers visualise connections between data sources and identify gaps in tracking or configuration. At the same time, updates to the Google tag aim to simplify setup, allowing advertisers to upgrade existing tags without additional coding. The goal: make it easier to unify signals and improve data quality — which directly impacts campaign performance. Between the lines. Google is acknowledging a long-standing issue — advertisers struggle more with data setup and integration than with campaign execution itself. By simplifying tagging and data flows, Google is trying to remove one of the biggest blockers to effective AI adoption. Proving what actually works. Google is also introducing Meridian GeoX, a new geo-experimentation tool designed to measure incremental impact across regions. Built on an open-source framework, GeoX feeds into Google’s broader Marketing Mix Model, Meridian, giving advertisers a more defensible way to validate performance — especially when presenting results to finance teams. This signals a shift toward causal measurement, not just correlation. Why it matters. As privacy changes reduce visibility and attribution becomes more complex, marketers are under pressure to prove impact. Tools like GeoX aim to provide that “ground truth” — something many attribution models struggle to deliver. Simplifying media mix modelling. To address the complexity of Marketing Mix Models (MMMs), Google is launching Meridian Studio — a Google Cloud-powered platform that helps teams build, customise and scale models more easily. The focus is on operationalising MMMs, making them less resource-intensive and more accessible for enterprise teams managing large datasets. What to watch: Whether advertisers adopt MMMs more widely with simplified tools How effective GeoX is in proving incremental impact If improved data visibility translates into better campaign performance Bottom line. Google is making a strategic shift: in an AI-driven world, better measurement — not just better automation — will determine who wins. View the full article

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming for small business owners, especially when the risks involve passwords, phishing, employee access, artificial intelligence, and zero trust all at once. But according to Chandramouli “Mouli” Dorai, Chief Evangelist of Cyber Solutions at Zoho, the first steps do not have to be complicated. Businesses can start by understanding which apps they use, who has access to those apps, how passwords are shared, and whether former employees still have access to company accounts. That was the focus of a recent interview between Leland McFarland of Small Business Trends and Dorai. The conversation was based on Zoho’s State of Workforce Password Security in 2026 report, which examines password security, identity visibility, cyber readiness, AI security, and workforce access risks. The full report is available here: Zoho State of Workforce Password Security Report. In the interview, Dorai discussed why password reuse remains such a persistent issue, why multi-factor authentication alone may not be enough, how poor off-boarding can leave businesses exposed, and how small companies can begin building a zero trust security mindset without needing a large IT department. He also explained how Zoho Vault and related Zoho security tools can help businesses centralize password management, improve visibility, and reduce risks tied to weak or shared credentials. The full interview transcript follows. Leland McFarland All right, we are here with Mouli Dorai, who is the chief evangelist of cyber solutions at Zoho. Recently, Zoho released a survey going over a bunch of cybersecurity statistics through the US and through the world. And we’ve got a few questions for Mouli. And let’s start off with just a little bit about the information. within this new recently released survey, data tied… terribly sorry about that. Zoho recently released new survey data tied to World Password Day. So looking at the state of workforce password security and cyber readiness, the US findings are especially striking. According to the survey, 34% of US organizations experienced a cyber attack last year. 76% lack complete identity visibility and 63 % site weak or reused passwords as a top threat. At the same time, 91% of organizations believe AI can strengthen security, but only 9% say they are ready to deploy AI powered security. So with all of that in mind, what is What was the biggest takeaway for you when you looked at the US data? Mouli Dorai Hey, Leland. Thank you for having me here today. Thank you for the opportunity. World password day is the time. It is good to talk about password hygiene. And this year is very special for us. We are just back from a survey. As you rightly said, we have surveyed with more than 3,000 plus respondents in over nine regions. And the most interesting facts from small businesses, to large enterprise are part of the survey. So the first thing to start with is more than 70% of the businesses feel they have been hacked, at least faced one single breach in the last year. And one in three businesses means they are part of a breach. And more than 90% of the respondents believe AI is going to help them with security. And only 9% of them are really invested and getting started with leveraging AI for their security posture. So we have a lot of interesting facts from this particular survey and happy to share and also hear your thoughts and how we can help small businesses take better security posture and improve their password hygiene in the business. Leland McFarland So the report describes a confidence without capability problem within the US market. Can you explain what that means in practical terms for business owners? Mouli Dorai So what we hear is, like I said in the last one, more businesses, more than 70 % to 90 % of the businesses believe AI is going to help them with their security posture. But only 9 % of them has really invested into AI to improve the security posture. And more than 50 % of the organization, they are willing to extend their security expenditure. Which means they are ready to buy more tools, but they have not just started that process. So they have the confidence to explore new tools, but have they ever taken the first step is the question. Most of the organization has not taken the first step to prevent their organization access control, data governance, protect their identity layer. So that is where we see the major gap, Leland. People are interested to improve their security posture. But are they really taking practical steps to improve? That is where we see the major gap. Leland McFarland Moving on to passwords, phishing, and human risks. Weak and reused passwords were cited at 63 % of US organizations. Why does password reuse remain such a persistent problem inside businesses? Mouli Dorai So like it or hate it, passwords are here to stay. I still remember Bill Gates declaring the death of passwords in 2000 in one of the Microsoft Ignite event, right? So we are in 2026, passwords are still here. 25 plus years pass, passwords are still here. Even though we hate password, it is one of the most easiest and reliable method of authentication. It is also one of the most affordable method of authentication. So even though the world is moving away from passwords to passwordless, single sign-on and pass keys, Zoho is also today a FIDO member. We offer pass keys management. We offer single sign-on methodologies, but passwords are still in existence. We cannot deny that fact of it. So the major factor is today an average American is having more than 30 plus application. It can be for his ride sharing application. It can be for booking food. It can be for his Amazon. It can be for anything. And average American, the data says has more than 30 different applications. And most of these applications are logged with a password. So not every single application is offering you a passwordless login mechanism. So if I’m going to have 30 plus application, and for more than 90% of these applications are locked with a password. As a human, I cannot come up with a strong and unique password for every single application. That is the major, major big barrier for us. Even I am into technology. I do know about good password hygiene, but practically is it really doable for me to come up with 30 strong password for every single account of mine? No. I need some help. I need to remember, I need to come up with strong password. Some password for some website, it should be between eight characters to 12 characters. Some website demand a special character. So what people usually do is they will use their name or date of birth or their pet’s name, combine it with a combination of their anniversaries or whatever. So these are easy to predict password. If someone knows Mouli, they can easily predict my password with a combination of my name, my partner name, my pet’s name, and they can do some permutation and combination and they can easily crack one of my account. If they crack one of my account, it is easy for them because I, any human, including me, we are going to reuse that password, right? So it is easy for them to enter into another set of accounts. If I am someone who is going to reuse the same password for business and personal account, then I am gone. People will get access to my company data from there, my customer data. So this is the major, major human factor. It is very, very hard for a human to come up with strong and unique password for more than 30 plus accounts, which is the average. There are some nerds, they have more than a hundred plus seconds. Today people use chat GPT, they use cloud. I can easily name more than five to 10 different LLM accounts that I own for my everyday activity. So I assume the situation is same for everyone. We have a lot of apps to make our life easier, but all of these apps are locked with a password. And as a human, it is very hard for us. So we end up using a weak password. And that is the major problem that is reflecting in our report Leland. Leland McFarland All right. So many businesses have adopted multi-factor authentication, but the report suggests that MFA alone is not enough. Where does MFA fall short if password management and access visibility are weak? Mouli Dorai So we don’t deny the fact that MFA is not good. MFA is a good starting point. You need an additional level of security to protect your account. But what the report reveals is most of the respondents say they have a weak password. That is the problem. If you are going to lock your house and keep the window open, that is the same situation that most businesses are doing today. They are locking the door with MFA, but they have their windows open. So people can still access anytime your home and they can get away with whatever they want. In this digital age, they can get away with your personal data, they can get away with your organization data, and they can do whatever they want to do with your data. That is the major problem with MFA. So MFA primarily, especially if you are going to use SMS based multi-factor authentication, today there are technologies with sim swap attacks. So they can easily swap, if they know your phone number, they can easily do sim swap attack. They can get away with the OTP. They can get inside your account. So I mean to say MFA is a good point, but you need to also have a strong identity posture. You need to have a strong password. On top of it, you need to have a control on your access. So who accessed which account from where, when should be easily available from a single pane of glass. That is what most businesses, especially small businesses lack, Leland. Leland McFarland All right, just to go off on a little bit of a side note, you talked about a SIM swap. Is there a vulnerability? Can someone, if they know my phone number, basically be able to hijack my phone number at any point? Is that why multi-factor authentication through SMS is ineffective or is starting to become ineffective? Mouli Dorai So forget the sim swap attack, there are more than that. We have today’s social engineering attack. So people can make use of our voices. So I am talking in a lot of YouTube videos. So it is easy for someone to use my voice and take the help of an AI and they can come up with my own voice. They can ring a phone call to my mother and pretend like it is really me. And they want to get some confidential information which my mother would receive. So there are, apart from sim swap, there are a lot of other ways to get inside our data. So today with social engineering and sophisticated AI, just MFA alone is not going to help anyone. We need to have multiple levels of access control is what we are trying to say with this report, Leland. So people need to have a strong password. On top of it, they need to have an MFA. On top of it for businesses, they need to know complete audit trial of who is using which account from where, when. So if you are going to move from SMS based MFA to biometric based MFA, still today with AI, so many people will be having my personal photograph. They can take it from my Instagram, they can take it from my Facebook. They can easily still pass this step of MFA with my biometric if I have used Face ID. With today’s sophisticated AI, they can still pass through this MFA step. That is what I’m trying to say. Leland McFarland Okay. Good to know. All right. Moving on to identity, visibility, and access control. One of the most striking findings is that 76% of US organizations lack complete identity visibility, meaning that they do not fully know who has access to what. Why is this such a dangerous gap? Mouli Dorai So I’ll give you an example. Last week, we had a customer conversation. This is a small business. They have nearly 50 employees. Out of the 50 employees, 12 of them left the company in the last three years. And when I asked the business owner about, do you really know how many of those employees who left the company has still access to your company accounts? He said, no, I don’t know. But when we did an internal audit, we were easily able to know three people were still accessing the company’s account. People who left the organization three years ago, they are still able to access the company data even after three years they left the company. So this is exactly the major problem that most organizations are not even aware of. They have systems in place, have a siloed HR department, they have siloed IT teams. Some of the small businesses don’t even have dedicated teams. So they need to do all of this by themselves. So role-based access control, time-limited access, verifying the user every single time without giving them permanent access is the need of, Leland. That is what we see the major gap in small businesses because most of the small businesses, don’t even have the right security expert. They don’t have the right tools in place to protect their business. And that is exactly where we want to play our role, bring this awareness and offer them some affordable solutions to begin the journey with workforce security. Leland McFarland All right. What should happen when an employee leaves a company? What are the access mistakes small businesses often make during off-boarding? Mouli Dorai So I will come back to the same old example. So when someone is leaving the organization, most of the organization are involved with a lot of paperwork, the off-boarding documents, getting the employees off-boarded and getting a lot of paperwork signed from them and settling the financial portion with the company and also doing the knowledge transfer of that particular person to the new one or to the business owner. This is what most of the organizations kind of doing all these years. But the major gap is what I said before. So the moment someone is leaving the company, you need to terminate the access immediately, starting with the access to the laptop, stopping the access to all the applications. And you also need to do a complete audit of the list of accounts accessed by that particular employee, and also rotate those passwords on top of it. You need to do an internal audit and share this password with a new person or you need to rotate this password and start the things rolling up. This is where most organizations fail and they assume things are going to be good. So once they figure this out, in one month or three years in the last example, I said, so the amount of damage depends on the total time they took to understand if they have terminated the access to the employee account the moment they left the company. So that is the major need. Leland McFarland Okay. All right. Moving on to zero trust and SMB readiness. The survey mentioned zero trust and it could sound like a enterprise buzzword. Something that a big corporate wig, big wig is spouting out. How would you explain this to a small business owner in simple plain English? Mouli Dorai Zero trust is something that I always used to tell. So be like a mother, okay? So you know you trust your children, but you verify them every single time after they come back from the school. So you don’t blindly trust whatever the children is going to tell. You check with the school teachers, you check with the headmistress. So that is what the basic essence of zero sense is. Even know if someone is a verified person. Even though they are part of your company’s environment, you verify them every single time. So never trust, always verify, is the keyword. So even though you trust someone, verify them every single time. To give you an example, I am part of the Zoho Corporation. I log in, I do my day-to-day work from the Chennai Development Center. So we have a system in place which is called the Behavior Threat Analytics. So there is a persona for my profile. Mouli is someone who used to log in only from Chennai between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in this particular IP. If I am going to do a login activity from Japan or China from a remote location, which is not the ideal pattern, So the system is automatically going to send a trigger to the administrator. Hey, something unusual is happening. So have an additional method of MFA. Verify only Mouli is signing this particular device. So that is the type of zero trust policy that we are trying to build real world situations. So, to add it to top of it, I’m part of the marketing team. I can be part of the finance team. I don’t need access to what is the list of apps and password that are part of the travel team. So giving the users, the application based on the roles and responsibilities and auditing them over the period of time and reviewing it every single time is the primary foundation for Zero Trust Access Leland. You don’t need enterprise grade systems to do it. You just need the right set of foundation to get started. To get started, you can begin with a basic password manager. Do the audit posture of your company on top of it like you mentioned, we can also have MFA. This is a good starting point for your zero trust journey. So zero trust, you cannot do it maybe within one month or three months. It’s a long journey. To begin with, you can start with a password manager, MFA, role-based access, and you can get started from there and then evolve. Leland McFarland All right. Is zero trust an all or nothing strategy or can some small businesses adapt it gradually? Mouli Dorai So we always believe in the long run at Zoho. So same case applies to Zero Trust as well. So we don’t expect a significant change overnight or in a quarter. So we need to build this culture of Zero Trust over a period. So it should begin with the security culture awareness, training the employees about the need of Zero Trust and starting it with the foundation of having maybe a password vaulting solution and having access control mechanism in place and see a periodic audit is going to be the stepping path to the zero trust journey. Leland McFarland Okay. All right. Moving on to AI security gaps. The study found that 91% of US organizations believe that AI will strengthen security, but only 9% are ready to deploy. Not even have deployed are just ready to deploy AI powered security today. Why is that gap so large? Mouli Dorai So this again come back to our last example. So people are aware about something, but they are not ready to take any action. So awareness to the action, the inertia is there. That is exactly where security of most of the businesses start to fail. And many business also think AI is not for me or I will take AI only when it is required. So they are not ready to start, but they are understanding the fact that AI is something I need to embrace, but who is going to start it? That is the major, major important point for most of the businesses. They need to begin the journey slowly and steadily. And even though they have all the, what to say, capital allocation for AI and better cybersecurity expenditure, but the inertia within the organization, I would say is stopping them to get started. So I want, I would urge most of the businesses to begin the journey, not significantly take baby step and from there start evolving is what we tell most of our customers in our interactions. Leland McFarland Don’t dive into the deep end. Kind of wade right through the pool, right? Mouli Dorai One step at a time. Leland McFarland Alright, there’s a lot of hype around AI security solutions. What should a small business fix before they start thinking about AI powered cybersecurity? Mouli Dorai So I would again come back to the same, get your foundations stronger before jumping into the AI thing, right? So AI is good. Yeah, you need AI, but first begin with some basic question in your organization. Do you have the right set of identity controls in your place for your organization? So are you still sharing the passwords via spreadsheets, browsers, chat, text, email? So are you revoking the access to the employees who are off-boarded from your company? So are you doing internal audit for your existing infrastructure periodically? So get your basic foundation right and then jump into the advanced AI thing. So without having the foundations in place and without having a basic zero trust mechanism in place, jumping into AI is not going to help any business. AI is not going to be like a magic bandwidth. So you need to have your foundation strong to get started. That is what most businesses should be aware of. They need to make their foundation strong and then get into this AI thing. Leland McFarland So we’ve put a lot of statistics out there and anyone, you know, listening to this, who’s a small business owner might be sweating a little bit, but Zoho, they’re really security conscious. I want you to tell me a little bit, where does Zoho Vault fit into the security challenges highlighted in this report? Mouli Dorai Zoho Vault is a reliable password manager for everyone. It works for individuals, it works for teams, small businesses, it also works for larger enterprises. So to get started with your security journey, the first step is to fix your identity security layer. Today, if you take any large breach, most of the 80% of the breaches are based due to weak password or any other identity exposure. So you need to first fix your identity security thing before getting started with the larger cybersecurity posture of your company. This is exactly where Zoho Vault can help. It is an encrypted wall that can bring in all your passwords from spreadsheets, browsers, other walls, put in into one single place. And it gives complete visibility to the organizations on who is having access to which accounts and who is accessing which account from where, when. If someone is going to move away from your company, you can immediately terminate the access. And if you want to transfer the control, you can do it. So this is exactly where Zoho Vault can help coupling it with Zoho One Auth, the multi-factor authentication, both of which are tightly integrated. It gives them more security, additional layer of security. Today, we also have a browser, which is called as the ULA browser. So when you access the internet and when you are going to access an application, the password vaulting solution, the multi-factor authentication and the browser are going to talk to each other and it is going to offer you a secure internet access without compromising the convenience as well. This is where Zoho is playing today to offer a secure workforce security for businesses of all sizes. Leland McFarland So many small businesses worry that security tools may be too complicated or disruptive. I know that after I’ve hit like the third authentication step, I get a little frustrated myself. But how does Zoho approach usability for teams that do not have this big dedicated IT department? Mouli Dorai So we have a strong team behind Zoho Vault. We offer businesses, small businesses especially, with the free migration and onboarding assistance for them. Even though they don’t have the security expertise, even though they don’t have in-house security experts, we have experts in-house that can help these businesses. They’ll be glad to access, audit the infrastructure of any small business, and they can ensure what type of controls can be put in place. So this means they can get started with the help of Zoho’s assistant. From there, they will be able to have role-based access, time-limited access, the basics of zero-trust mechanism, multi-factor authentication. Once this is done, we also offer them free training sessions. We also have user group meetups, which is very free. Any small business can come and join any of our user meetups. That is happening across the United States. We don’t charge anything for small businesses or any participants or organization of any size to be part of these meetups. And we also run security workshops, which is part of Zoholics, which is the user conference that Zoho hosts every single year, not just in the United States, but across the globe. So this is how we are trying to help and educate small businesses to get started with the security journey once they know. They have started their security journey. Zoho is here for the long run. We will partner with them and help them in every single step they Leland. Leland McFarland If a small business owner hears these numbers and just feels completely overwhelmed, what are the first three actions that they should take this week? Mouli Dorai So I would say start accessing your existing infrastructure. First list down the list of apps that are used in your company and the list of employees having access to these apps. Once you complete this internal audit, start using an organization password manager. Bring all these apps and users into one single system and map them to the list of apps and based on the roles and responsibilities. Add MFA to top of all this business application and you give them access based only on roles and responsibilities, but only for a limited period of time. Don’t give them unlimited access. So you also can add the layer of zero trust. This is where exactly most organization can get started. Starting with an internal audit of the list of users and the applications in their organization, implementing a password vaulting solution. Finally, they should also do an audit with the HR team of the list of users who were part of the organization, who are off-boarded from the company, and they need to know who still has access to those accounts. There will be still a lot of orphaned accounts. So there will be more than 10 to 20 of orphaned accounts in every organization. In large organizations, this number is going to be huge. So you also need to change these passwords of orphaned accounts and also used accounts. And you need to tighten the security posture in the first week. This is exactly where most organizations can get started and they can get better over the period Leland. Leland McFarland All right. If you were to change one common habit around passwords inside small businesses, what would it be? Mouli Dorai I would say don’t share the password by WhatsApp or email or your click or Slack or whatever it be. Just share it by any password vaulting tool. It is simple and it is also convenient. You just need to begin your journey. So when the next time your friend or a family member is going to ask you a Netflix password, start sharing it via your password manager. That is the first step that you can do. So, that is what I would recommend. Leland McFarland Okay. Well, thank you for coming on with me. I appreciate it. Let me let the audience know where they can learn a little bit more about the survey data. I’ll have a link in the description for anyone who’s interested, but a little bit about the survey data and where they can learn more about like Zoho Vault and some of the other security features that they that Zoho has. Mouli Dorai So they can land to zoho.com/vault. In this particular website, we have embedded the entire security report and we have also offered them free trial. So anyone who is interested to get started with the security journey, they can begin from there. So we also offer them, like I said, we have migration and onboarding assistance, even for our free users, we offer free technical consultation. So yeah, go ahead, get started. If you have any questions. Write to us. We’ll be happy to support you in every single step of your security journey. Leland McFarland All right, well, thank you for coming on. I appreciate it. And yeah. Mouli Dorai Thank you, Leland. Thank you for the opportunity. And yeah, talk to you soon in another episode. Leland McFarland Yeah, I’m glad to have you on any time. Mouli Dorai Thank you. Dorai’s advice gives small business owners a practical place to start. Rather than treating cybersecurity as a massive overhaul, he recommends beginning with the basics: list the applications used inside the company, identify who has access to each one, review whether former employees still have access, and move passwords into a secure vault instead of sharing them through email, chat, spreadsheets, or text messages. The interview also reinforces an important point for business owners: new technology does not replace basic security discipline. AI may strengthen cybersecurity in the future, and zero trust may sound like an enterprise concept, but both depend on foundational practices such as strong password management, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and regular audits. For small businesses without dedicated IT teams, the goal is not to solve every security problem overnight. The goal is to reduce the most obvious risks first, then build a stronger security posture over time. As Dorai emphasized, passwords are still part of everyday business, and they are likely to remain that way for some time. That makes password hygiene, identity visibility, and access control essential issues for companies of every size. This article, "Interview with Mouli Dorai – Chief Evangelist of Cyber Solutions at Zoho" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming for small business owners, especially when the risks involve passwords, phishing, employee access, artificial intelligence, and zero trust all at once. But according to Chandramouli “Mouli” Dorai, Chief Evangelist of Cyber Solutions at Zoho, the first steps do not have to be complicated. Businesses can start by understanding which apps they use, who has access to those apps, how passwords are shared, and whether former employees still have access to company accounts. That was the focus of a recent interview between Leland McFarland of Small Business Trends and Dorai. The conversation was based on Zoho’s State of Workforce Password Security in 2026 report, which examines password security, identity visibility, cyber readiness, AI security, and workforce access risks. The full report is available here: Zoho State of Workforce Password Security Report. In the interview, Dorai discussed why password reuse remains such a persistent issue, why multi-factor authentication alone may not be enough, how poor off-boarding can leave businesses exposed, and how small companies can begin building a zero trust security mindset without needing a large IT department. He also explained how Zoho Vault and related Zoho security tools can help businesses centralize password management, improve visibility, and reduce risks tied to weak or shared credentials. The full interview transcript follows. Leland McFarland All right, we are here with Mouli Dorai, who is the chief evangelist of cyber solutions at Zoho. Recently, Zoho released a survey going over a bunch of cybersecurity statistics through the US and through the world. And we’ve got a few questions for Mouli. And let’s start off with just a little bit about the information. within this new recently released survey, data tied… terribly sorry about that. Zoho recently released new survey data tied to World Password Day. So looking at the state of workforce password security and cyber readiness, the US findings are especially striking. According to the survey, 34% of US organizations experienced a cyber attack last year. 76% lack complete identity visibility and 63 % site weak or reused passwords as a top threat. At the same time, 91% of organizations believe AI can strengthen security, but only 9% say they are ready to deploy AI powered security. So with all of that in mind, what is What was the biggest takeaway for you when you looked at the US data? Mouli Dorai Hey, Leland. Thank you for having me here today. Thank you for the opportunity. World password day is the time. It is good to talk about password hygiene. And this year is very special for us. We are just back from a survey. As you rightly said, we have surveyed with more than 3,000 plus respondents in over nine regions. And the most interesting facts from small businesses, to large enterprise are part of the survey. So the first thing to start with is more than 70% of the businesses feel they have been hacked, at least faced one single breach in the last year. And one in three businesses means they are part of a breach. And more than 90% of the respondents believe AI is going to help them with security. And only 9% of them are really invested and getting started with leveraging AI for their security posture. So we have a lot of interesting facts from this particular survey and happy to share and also hear your thoughts and how we can help small businesses take better security posture and improve their password hygiene in the business. Leland McFarland So the report describes a confidence without capability problem within the US market. Can you explain what that means in practical terms for business owners? Mouli Dorai So what we hear is, like I said in the last one, more businesses, more than 70 % to 90 % of the businesses believe AI is going to help them with their security posture. But only 9 % of them has really invested into AI to improve the security posture. And more than 50 % of the organization, they are willing to extend their security expenditure. Which means they are ready to buy more tools, but they have not just started that process. So they have the confidence to explore new tools, but have they ever taken the first step is the question. Most of the organization has not taken the first step to prevent their organization access control, data governance, protect their identity layer. So that is where we see the major gap, Leland. People are interested to improve their security posture. But are they really taking practical steps to improve? That is where we see the major gap. Leland McFarland Moving on to passwords, phishing, and human risks. Weak and reused passwords were cited at 63 % of US organizations. Why does password reuse remain such a persistent problem inside businesses? Mouli Dorai So like it or hate it, passwords are here to stay. I still remember Bill Gates declaring the death of passwords in 2000 in one of the Microsoft Ignite event, right? So we are in 2026, passwords are still here. 25 plus years pass, passwords are still here. Even though we hate password, it is one of the most easiest and reliable method of authentication. It is also one of the most affordable method of authentication. So even though the world is moving away from passwords to passwordless, single sign-on and pass keys, Zoho is also today a FIDO member. We offer pass keys management. We offer single sign-on methodologies, but passwords are still in existence. We cannot deny that fact of it. So the major factor is today an average American is having more than 30 plus application. It can be for his ride sharing application. It can be for booking food. It can be for his Amazon. It can be for anything. And average American, the data says has more than 30 different applications. And most of these applications are logged with a password. So not every single application is offering you a passwordless login mechanism. So if I’m going to have 30 plus application, and for more than 90% of these applications are locked with a password. As a human, I cannot come up with a strong and unique password for every single application. That is the major, major big barrier for us. Even I am into technology. I do know about good password hygiene, but practically is it really doable for me to come up with 30 strong password for every single account of mine? No. I need some help. I need to remember, I need to come up with strong password. Some password for some website, it should be between eight characters to 12 characters. Some website demand a special character. So what people usually do is they will use their name or date of birth or their pet’s name, combine it with a combination of their anniversaries or whatever. So these are easy to predict password. If someone knows Mouli, they can easily predict my password with a combination of my name, my partner name, my pet’s name, and they can do some permutation and combination and they can easily crack one of my account. If they crack one of my account, it is easy for them because I, any human, including me, we are going to reuse that password, right? So it is easy for them to enter into another set of accounts. If I am someone who is going to reuse the same password for business and personal account, then I am gone. People will get access to my company data from there, my customer data. So this is the major, major human factor. It is very, very hard for a human to come up with strong and unique password for more than 30 plus accounts, which is the average. There are some nerds, they have more than a hundred plus seconds. Today people use chat GPT, they use cloud. I can easily name more than five to 10 different LLM accounts that I own for my everyday activity. So I assume the situation is same for everyone. We have a lot of apps to make our life easier, but all of these apps are locked with a password. And as a human, it is very hard for us. So we end up using a weak password. And that is the major problem that is reflecting in our report Leland. Leland McFarland All right. So many businesses have adopted multi-factor authentication, but the report suggests that MFA alone is not enough. Where does MFA fall short if password management and access visibility are weak? Mouli Dorai So we don’t deny the fact that MFA is not good. MFA is a good starting point. You need an additional level of security to protect your account. But what the report reveals is most of the respondents say they have a weak password. That is the problem. If you are going to lock your house and keep the window open, that is the same situation that most businesses are doing today. They are locking the door with MFA, but they have their windows open. So people can still access anytime your home and they can get away with whatever they want. In this digital age, they can get away with your personal data, they can get away with your organization data, and they can do whatever they want to do with your data. That is the major problem with MFA. So MFA primarily, especially if you are going to use SMS based multi-factor authentication, today there are technologies with sim swap attacks. So they can easily swap, if they know your phone number, they can easily do sim swap attack. They can get away with the OTP. They can get inside your account. So I mean to say MFA is a good point, but you need to also have a strong identity posture. You need to have a strong password. On top of it, you need to have a control on your access. So who accessed which account from where, when should be easily available from a single pane of glass. That is what most businesses, especially small businesses lack, Leland. Leland McFarland All right, just to go off on a little bit of a side note, you talked about a SIM swap. Is there a vulnerability? Can someone, if they know my phone number, basically be able to hijack my phone number at any point? Is that why multi-factor authentication through SMS is ineffective or is starting to become ineffective? Mouli Dorai So forget the sim swap attack, there are more than that. We have today’s social engineering attack. So people can make use of our voices. So I am talking in a lot of YouTube videos. So it is easy for someone to use my voice and take the help of an AI and they can come up with my own voice. They can ring a phone call to my mother and pretend like it is really me. And they want to get some confidential information which my mother would receive. So there are, apart from sim swap, there are a lot of other ways to get inside our data. So today with social engineering and sophisticated AI, just MFA alone is not going to help anyone. We need to have multiple levels of access control is what we are trying to say with this report, Leland. So people need to have a strong password. On top of it, they need to have an MFA. On top of it for businesses, they need to know complete audit trial of who is using which account from where, when. So if you are going to move from SMS based MFA to biometric based MFA, still today with AI, so many people will be having my personal photograph. They can take it from my Instagram, they can take it from my Facebook. They can easily still pass this step of MFA with my biometric if I have used Face ID. With today’s sophisticated AI, they can still pass through this MFA step. That is what I’m trying to say. Leland McFarland Okay. Good to know. All right. Moving on to identity, visibility, and access control. One of the most striking findings is that 76% of US organizations lack complete identity visibility, meaning that they do not fully know who has access to what. Why is this such a dangerous gap? Mouli Dorai So I’ll give you an example. Last week, we had a customer conversation. This is a small business. They have nearly 50 employees. Out of the 50 employees, 12 of them left the company in the last three years. And when I asked the business owner about, do you really know how many of those employees who left the company has still access to your company accounts? He said, no, I don’t know. But when we did an internal audit, we were easily able to know three people were still accessing the company’s account. People who left the organization three years ago, they are still able to access the company data even after three years they left the company. So this is exactly the major problem that most organizations are not even aware of. They have systems in place, have a siloed HR department, they have siloed IT teams. Some of the small businesses don’t even have dedicated teams. So they need to do all of this by themselves. So role-based access control, time-limited access, verifying the user every single time without giving them permanent access is the need of, Leland. That is what we see the major gap in small businesses because most of the small businesses, don’t even have the right security expert. They don’t have the right tools in place to protect their business. And that is exactly where we want to play our role, bring this awareness and offer them some affordable solutions to begin the journey with workforce security. Leland McFarland All right. What should happen when an employee leaves a company? What are the access mistakes small businesses often make during off-boarding? Mouli Dorai So I will come back to the same old example. So when someone is leaving the organization, most of the organization are involved with a lot of paperwork, the off-boarding documents, getting the employees off-boarded and getting a lot of paperwork signed from them and settling the financial portion with the company and also doing the knowledge transfer of that particular person to the new one or to the business owner. This is what most of the organizations kind of doing all these years. But the major gap is what I said before. So the moment someone is leaving the company, you need to terminate the access immediately, starting with the access to the laptop, stopping the access to all the applications. And you also need to do a complete audit of the list of accounts accessed by that particular employee, and also rotate those passwords on top of it. You need to do an internal audit and share this password with a new person or you need to rotate this password and start the things rolling up. This is where most organizations fail and they assume things are going to be good. So once they figure this out, in one month or three years in the last example, I said, so the amount of damage depends on the total time they took to understand if they have terminated the access to the employee account the moment they left the company. So that is the major need. Leland McFarland Okay. All right. Moving on to zero trust and SMB readiness. The survey mentioned zero trust and it could sound like a enterprise buzzword. Something that a big corporate wig, big wig is spouting out. How would you explain this to a small business owner in simple plain English? Mouli Dorai Zero trust is something that I always used to tell. So be like a mother, okay? So you know you trust your children, but you verify them every single time after they come back from the school. So you don’t blindly trust whatever the children is going to tell. You check with the school teachers, you check with the headmistress. So that is what the basic essence of zero sense is. Even know if someone is a verified person. Even though they are part of your company’s environment, you verify them every single time. So never trust, always verify, is the keyword. So even though you trust someone, verify them every single time. To give you an example, I am part of the Zoho Corporation. I log in, I do my day-to-day work from the Chennai Development Center. So we have a system in place which is called the Behavior Threat Analytics. So there is a persona for my profile. Mouli is someone who used to log in only from Chennai between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in this particular IP. If I am going to do a login activity from Japan or China from a remote location, which is not the ideal pattern, So the system is automatically going to send a trigger to the administrator. Hey, something unusual is happening. So have an additional method of MFA. Verify only Mouli is signing this particular device. So that is the type of zero trust policy that we are trying to build real world situations. So, to add it to top of it, I’m part of the marketing team. I can be part of the finance team. I don’t need access to what is the list of apps and password that are part of the travel team. So giving the users, the application based on the roles and responsibilities and auditing them over the period of time and reviewing it every single time is the primary foundation for Zero Trust Access Leland. You don’t need enterprise grade systems to do it. You just need the right set of foundation to get started. To get started, you can begin with a basic password manager. Do the audit posture of your company on top of it like you mentioned, we can also have MFA. This is a good starting point for your zero trust journey. So zero trust, you cannot do it maybe within one month or three months. It’s a long journey. To begin with, you can start with a password manager, MFA, role-based access, and you can get started from there and then evolve. Leland McFarland All right. Is zero trust an all or nothing strategy or can some small businesses adapt it gradually? Mouli Dorai So we always believe in the long run at Zoho. So same case applies to Zero Trust as well. So we don’t expect a significant change overnight or in a quarter. So we need to build this culture of Zero Trust over a period. So it should begin with the security culture awareness, training the employees about the need of Zero Trust and starting it with the foundation of having maybe a password vaulting solution and having access control mechanism in place and see a periodic audit is going to be the stepping path to the zero trust journey. Leland McFarland Okay. All right. Moving on to AI security gaps. The study found that 91% of US organizations believe that AI will strengthen security, but only 9% are ready to deploy. Not even have deployed are just ready to deploy AI powered security today. Why is that gap so large? Mouli Dorai So this again come back to our last example. So people are aware about something, but they are not ready to take any action. So awareness to the action, the inertia is there. That is exactly where security of most of the businesses start to fail. And many business also think AI is not for me or I will take AI only when it is required. So they are not ready to start, but they are understanding the fact that AI is something I need to embrace, but who is going to start it? That is the major, major important point for most of the businesses. They need to begin the journey slowly and steadily. And even though they have all the, what to say, capital allocation for AI and better cybersecurity expenditure, but the inertia within the organization, I would say is stopping them to get started. So I want, I would urge most of the businesses to begin the journey, not significantly take baby step and from there start evolving is what we tell most of our customers in our interactions. Leland McFarland Don’t dive into the deep end. Kind of wade right through the pool, right? Mouli Dorai One step at a time. Leland McFarland Alright, there’s a lot of hype around AI security solutions. What should a small business fix before they start thinking about AI powered cybersecurity? Mouli Dorai So I would again come back to the same, get your foundations stronger before jumping into the AI thing, right? So AI is good. Yeah, you need AI, but first begin with some basic question in your organization. Do you have the right set of identity controls in your place for your organization? So are you still sharing the passwords via spreadsheets, browsers, chat, text, email? So are you revoking the access to the employees who are off-boarded from your company? So are you doing internal audit for your existing infrastructure periodically? So get your basic foundation right and then jump into the advanced AI thing. So without having the foundations in place and without having a basic zero trust mechanism in place, jumping into AI is not going to help any business. AI is not going to be like a magic bandwidth. So you need to have your foundation strong to get started. That is what most businesses should be aware of. They need to make their foundation strong and then get into this AI thing. Leland McFarland So we’ve put a lot of statistics out there and anyone, you know, listening to this, who’s a small business owner might be sweating a little bit, but Zoho, they’re really security conscious. I want you to tell me a little bit, where does Zoho Vault fit into the security challenges highlighted in this report? Mouli Dorai Zoho Vault is a reliable password manager for everyone. It works for individuals, it works for teams, small businesses, it also works for larger enterprises. So to get started with your security journey, the first step is to fix your identity security layer. Today, if you take any large breach, most of the 80% of the breaches are based due to weak password or any other identity exposure. So you need to first fix your identity security thing before getting started with the larger cybersecurity posture of your company. This is exactly where Zoho Vault can help. It is an encrypted wall that can bring in all your passwords from spreadsheets, browsers, other walls, put in into one single place. And it gives complete visibility to the organizations on who is having access to which accounts and who is accessing which account from where, when. If someone is going to move away from your company, you can immediately terminate the access. And if you want to transfer the control, you can do it. So this is exactly where Zoho Vault can help coupling it with Zoho One Auth, the multi-factor authentication, both of which are tightly integrated. It gives them more security, additional layer of security. Today, we also have a browser, which is called as the ULA browser. So when you access the internet and when you are going to access an application, the password vaulting solution, the multi-factor authentication and the browser are going to talk to each other and it is going to offer you a secure internet access without compromising the convenience as well. This is where Zoho is playing today to offer a secure workforce security for businesses of all sizes. Leland McFarland So many small businesses worry that security tools may be too complicated or disruptive. I know that after I’ve hit like the third authentication step, I get a little frustrated myself. But how does Zoho approach usability for teams that do not have this big dedicated IT department? Mouli Dorai So we have a strong team behind Zoho Vault. We offer businesses, small businesses especially, with the free migration and onboarding assistance for them. Even though they don’t have the security expertise, even though they don’t have in-house security experts, we have experts in-house that can help these businesses. They’ll be glad to access, audit the infrastructure of any small business, and they can ensure what type of controls can be put in place. So this means they can get started with the help of Zoho’s assistant. From there, they will be able to have role-based access, time-limited access, the basics of zero-trust mechanism, multi-factor authentication. Once this is done, we also offer them free training sessions. We also have user group meetups, which is very free. Any small business can come and join any of our user meetups. That is happening across the United States. We don’t charge anything for small businesses or any participants or organization of any size to be part of these meetups. And we also run security workshops, which is part of Zoholics, which is the user conference that Zoho hosts every single year, not just in the United States, but across the globe. So this is how we are trying to help and educate small businesses to get started with the security journey once they know. They have started their security journey. Zoho is here for the long run. We will partner with them and help them in every single step they Leland. Leland McFarland If a small business owner hears these numbers and just feels completely overwhelmed, what are the first three actions that they should take this week? Mouli Dorai So I would say start accessing your existing infrastructure. First list down the list of apps that are used in your company and the list of employees having access to these apps. Once you complete this internal audit, start using an organization password manager. Bring all these apps and users into one single system and map them to the list of apps and based on the roles and responsibilities. Add MFA to top of all this business application and you give them access based only on roles and responsibilities, but only for a limited period of time. Don’t give them unlimited access. So you also can add the layer of zero trust. This is where exactly most organization can get started. Starting with an internal audit of the list of users and the applications in their organization, implementing a password vaulting solution. Finally, they should also do an audit with the HR team of the list of users who were part of the organization, who are off-boarded from the company, and they need to know who still has access to those accounts. There will be still a lot of orphaned accounts. So there will be more than 10 to 20 of orphaned accounts in every organization. In large organizations, this number is going to be huge. So you also need to change these passwords of orphaned accounts and also used accounts. And you need to tighten the security posture in the first week. This is exactly where most organizations can get started and they can get better over the period Leland. Leland McFarland All right. If you were to change one common habit around passwords inside small businesses, what would it be? Mouli Dorai I would say don’t share the password by WhatsApp or email or your click or Slack or whatever it be. Just share it by any password vaulting tool. It is simple and it is also convenient. You just need to begin your journey. So when the next time your friend or a family member is going to ask you a Netflix password, start sharing it via your password manager. That is the first step that you can do. So, that is what I would recommend. Leland McFarland Okay. Well, thank you for coming on with me. I appreciate it. Let me let the audience know where they can learn a little bit more about the survey data. I’ll have a link in the description for anyone who’s interested, but a little bit about the survey data and where they can learn more about like Zoho Vault and some of the other security features that they that Zoho has. Mouli Dorai So they can land to zoho.com/vault. In this particular website, we have embedded the entire security report and we have also offered them free trial. So anyone who is interested to get started with the security journey, they can begin from there. So we also offer them, like I said, we have migration and onboarding assistance, even for our free users, we offer free technical consultation. So yeah, go ahead, get started. If you have any questions. Write to us. We’ll be happy to support you in every single step of your security journey. Leland McFarland All right, well, thank you for coming on. I appreciate it. And yeah. Mouli Dorai Thank you, Leland. Thank you for the opportunity. And yeah, talk to you soon in another episode. Leland McFarland Yeah, I’m glad to have you on any time. Mouli Dorai Thank you. Dorai’s advice gives small business owners a practical place to start. Rather than treating cybersecurity as a massive overhaul, he recommends beginning with the basics: list the applications used inside the company, identify who has access to each one, review whether former employees still have access, and move passwords into a secure vault instead of sharing them through email, chat, spreadsheets, or text messages. The interview also reinforces an important point for business owners: new technology does not replace basic security discipline. AI may strengthen cybersecurity in the future, and zero trust may sound like an enterprise concept, but both depend on foundational practices such as strong password management, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and regular audits. For small businesses without dedicated IT teams, the goal is not to solve every security problem overnight. The goal is to reduce the most obvious risks first, then build a stronger security posture over time. As Dorai emphasized, passwords are still part of everyday business, and they are likely to remain that way for some time. That makes password hygiene, identity visibility, and access control essential issues for companies of every size. This article, "Interview with Mouli Dorai – Chief Evangelist of Cyber Solutions at Zoho" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Qualcomm is leading the charge when it comes to revamping networks to serve the next gen smart home. The post Qualcomm @WWC: Surge in AI traffic & services drives need for a connectivity architecture rethink, says Ganesh Swaminathan appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

If you’re looking to boost your business quickly, grasping quick short-term business loans can be vital. These loans can provide immediate cash to seize growth opportunities, with amounts typically ranging from $10,000 to $5 million. The approval process is often swift, taking just 24 to 48 hours. With various types of loans available, it’s important to know how to navigate this financial resource effectively. Let’s explore the key details that can help you make informed decisions for your business growth. Key Takeaways Quick access to funds typically ranges from $10,000 to $5 million, with approval often taking 24 to 48 hours. Short repayment terms of 3 to 12 months help businesses manage cash flow effectively and address urgent needs. Common uses include covering operational expenses, funding inventory, and financing marketing campaigns for rapid growth. Eligibility usually requires six months in business, monthly revenue of at least $10,000, and a credit score of 500 or higher. Lenders like Credibly offer fast approval, flexible repayment options, and minimal documentation, ensuring a straightforward application process. Understanding Quick Short Term Business Loans When you need quick access to funds, comprehending short-term business loans can be crucial for your company’s growth. Quick short-term business loans offer immediate financial solutions, typically ranging from $10,000 to $5 million, with approval processes that can take as little as 24 to 48 hours. These loans are structured for repayment within 3 to 12 months, allowing you to address urgent cash flow needs without long-term debt commitments. Keep in mind that interest rates for quick short-term loans can be notably higher than traditional loans, often ranging from 10% to 99% APR, depending on your creditworthiness and the lender’s terms. The application process for fast online business loans is streamlined and requires minimal documentation, making it accessible even for those with poor credit. Common uses of these loans include financing immediate operational expenses, managing seasonal cash flow gaps, and purchasing inventory. Benefits of Short Term Business Loans for Growth Short-term business loans offer quick access to capital, allowing you to seize growth opportunities without missing a beat. With flexible repayment options, these loans help manage cash flow and keep your finances on track. Quick Access to Capital Accessing capital quickly can be crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on immediate growth opportunities, and that’s where short-term business loans come into play. With funding often available within 24 to 48 hours, you can respond to urgent needs like inventory purchases or marketing campaigns. These loans typically range from $10,000 to $5 million, providing the flexibility to meet various financial demands. Short repayment terms of up to 12 months help you manage cash flow effectively as you reduce long-term debt. Furthermore, the lenient qualification criteria make these loans accessible even for startups or businesses with credit scores as low as 500. Plus, interest payments are tax-deductible, allowing you to allocate funds more effectively for growth initiatives. Flexible Repayment Options Having the ability to choose a repayment plan that fits your cash flow can make a significant difference in managing your business’s finances. Short-term business loans provide flexible repayment options, allowing you to select daily, weekly, or monthly payment plans that match your revenue cycles. With terms typically ranging from 3 to 12 months, you can quickly repay the loan and free up capital for further growth opportunities. This flexibility helps you manage cash flow effectively, reducing the risk of default during slow periods. Although interest rates may be higher than long-term loans, considering the overall cost of borrowing is essential. In the end, these adaptable repayment schedules support your business’s sustained growth without long-term financial commitments. Types of Quick Short Term Business Loans When you’re looking for quick short-term business loans, consider options like working capital loans, merchant cash advances, and business lines of credit. Each type serves a unique purpose and can help you manage your cash flow effectively. Comprehending these options will enable you to choose the best fit for your business needs. Working Capital Loans Working capital loans are essential financial tools for businesses looking to manage day-to-day operational costs efficiently. These short-term financing options help cover immediate expenses, with repayment typically required within 3 to 12 months. You can use these loans for various purposes, such as managing cash flow, purchasing inventory, or covering payroll during slower sales periods. To qualify, lenders often require a minimum credit score of 500 and average monthly revenue of at least $15,000. Many lenders offer swift approval processes, allowing you to access funds as soon as the same day, addressing urgent financial needs quickly. Interest rates can range from 10% to 99% APR, depending on your creditworthiness and the lender’s policies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpbXWP8fLbc Merchant Cash Advances Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer businesses a swift way to access capital by allowing them to borrow against anticipated future sales from credit and debit cards. This option is especially appealing for businesses with fluctuating revenue since repayments are made as a percentage of daily sales, easing cash flow management. The approval process is typically fast, often completed within a day or two, making MCAs suitable for urgent funding needs. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that although MCAs provide quick access to funds, they often come with higher costs, with APRs exceeding 50%. Consequently, evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding, especially if you have a lower credit score, as MCAs focus more on sales volume than credit history. Business Line of Credit How can a Business Line of Credit improve your financial flexibility? This type of financing gives you quick access to funds when you need them most. You can borrow up to a predetermined limit and only pay interest on the amount you draw, making it perfect for short-term needs like managing cash flow or purchasing inventory. Approval and funding can happen within 24 to 48 hours, which is essential for addressing immediate challenges. Here’s a quick overview: Feature Details Interest Rates 7% to 25%, based on creditworthiness Credit Score Required Minimum of 600 Monthly Revenue At least $10,000 This flexibility can be invaluable for your business growth. How to Apply for a Short Term Business Loan When you’re ready to apply for a short-term business loan, the first step is to assess your financing needs and determine the specific amount required to achieve your business objectives. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to streamline your application process: Complete the online application: Provide crucial business information, making certain you meet minimum requirements, like operating for at least six months and having a credit score over 500. Submit proof of revenue: Lenders typically require evidence of your monthly revenue, often needing a minimum of $15,000 in average monthly earnings. Review loan offers: After submitting, expect quick approval—often within two hours—and funding available the same day. Carefully examine the terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules to make sure they fit your business cash flow before closing the loan. Eligibility Requirements for Short Term Business Loans To qualify for a short-term business loan, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements that lenders usually have in place. First, your business should be operational for at least six months and generate a minimum monthly revenue of $10,000. A credit score of 500 or higher is typically required, though aiming for a score of 550 can improve your chances of approval considerably. Lenders often evaluate your overall creditworthiness, including your personal credit history, as part of the application process. Although some lenders may accommodate businesses with lower credit scores or limited collateral, having a solid business plan can boost your application. This plan should clearly demonstrate your ability to repay the loan and outline how you’ll strategically use the funds for growth. Meeting these requirements can help you secure the short-term financing necessary to propel your business forward. Tips for Choosing the Right Short Term Loan Choosing the right short-term loan for your business can be a critical decision, especially when you consider the varying terms and conditions offered by different lenders. To guarantee you make a well-informed choice, follow these tips: Assess your cash flow needs: Determine the exact amount required to avoid over-borrowing or under-borrowing, which can lead to financial strain. Compare interest rates: Look at multiple lenders, as rates can range from 10% to 99% APR, considerably impacting your total borrowing costs. Check eligibility criteria: Confirm you meet basic requirements, like a minimum credit score of 500 and six months in business, to increase your chances of approval. Additionally, seek lenders who provide flexible repayment options and read the fine print for hidden fees or prepayment penalties. This careful approach will help you secure a loan that best fits your business needs without unexpected financial burdens. Managing Repayment of Short Term Loans When managing short-term loans, it’s essential to prioritize your scheduled payments to avoid falling behind. Regularly monitoring your cash flow can help you stay on top of your obligations and prevent unnecessary debt. Prioritize Scheduled Payments Managing scheduled payments is essential for businesses that rely on short-term loans, as these loans typically require more frequent and larger repayments compared to their long-term counterparts. To effectively manage repayment and maintain cash flow, consider the following steps: Create a clear repayment plan: Outline your payment schedule and amounts to allocate resources effectively. Automate your payments: Set up automatic withdrawals to guarantee timely payments, avoiding late fees and enhancing your credit profile. Regularly review cash flow: Keep track of your finances to confirm sufficient funds are available for each scheduled payment. Monitor Cash Flow Regularly Monitoring cash flow regularly is crucial for businesses relying on short-term loans, as it directly impacts your ability to meet repayment obligations. By keeping track of your cash flow statements, you can identify periods of low revenue, which may affect your payment schedules. Make certain that outgoing expenses align with your incoming funds, allowing you to cover daily or weekly loan repayments without jeopardizing your operations. Establishing a cash reserve can cushion unexpected costs, making on-time payments more manageable. Implementing a budgeting system helps forecast your cash flow needs, making sure you have sufficient funds when payments are due. Moreover, proactive cash flow management, such as timely invoicing and negotiating favorable supplier terms, can improve liquidity and support your loan repayment efforts. Common Uses for Short Term Business Loans Short-term business loans serve various vital purposes that can help your company navigate financial challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Here are some common uses for these loans: Covering Operational Expenses: You can manage payroll, rent, and utilities to maintain cash flow during tough times without worrying about immediate financial strain. Inventory Purchases: These loans enable you to stock up on important goods, ensuring you can meet customer demand without dipping into your cash reserves. Marketing Campaigns: If you need to attract new customers quickly, short-term financing can provide the funds for effective marketing strategies or promotions. Additionally, businesses often use these loans to address unexpected costs, such as equipment repairs. Seasonal businesses can bridge cash flow gaps during off-peak months. Customer Experiences With Short Term Business Loans How have businesses benefited from short-term business loans? Many customers report high satisfaction because of the straightforward application process, often receiving funding in as little as 24 hours after approval. This quick turnaround can be essential for businesses needing immediate cash flow. Borrowers appreciate the flexible repayment options, allowing them to choose daily, weekly, or monthly schedules that suit their financial situations. Positive testimonials highlight the responsive support from loan officers, who provide guidance throughout the process without pressure, encouraging a sense of trust. Additionally, those with challenging credit situations find success, as eligibility often accommodates lower credit scores starting at 500. High ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, averaging 4.9 out of 5, illustrate the overall positive experiences and satisfaction customers have with these loans. Why Credibly Is a Trusted Choice for Short Term Financing When you’re seeking reliable financing options for your business, Credibly stands out as a trusted choice for short-term loans. Here are three key reasons why: Fast Approval: You can often complete the application process in under two hours, ensuring you get funds quickly for growth opportunities. High Customer Satisfaction: With a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, Credibly’s straightforward lending process guarantees a positive experience for borrowers. Flexible Repayment Options: You can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly payment plans that align with your cash flow needs. Credibly simplifies the application process, requiring minimal documentation and focusing on your business’s overall health rather than just credit scores. Plus, with competitive factor rates starting as low as 1.11 for qualified applicants, it’s an attractive option compared to traditional financing. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Easiest Small Business Loan to Get? The easiest small business loan to get often depends on your specific needs. Options like merchant cash advances allow you to secure funds based on future credit card sales, bypassing strict credit requirements. Business lines of credit offer flexible access to funds, charging interest only on what you use. Furthermore, online lenders often provide quick approvals, sometimes within 24 hours, making them a convenient choice for immediate cash needs. Consider your business situation when choosing. Can a New LLC Get an SBA Loan? Yes, a new LLC can apply for an SBA loan, but you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. Your business must be operational for at least six months and you should have a solid business plan. Expect a minimum credit score of 650, as this is often required. Furthermore, be prepared for a lengthy application process, which can take several weeks to months before you receive approval and funding. What Is the Monthly Payment on a $50,000 Business Loan? When considering a $50,000 business loan, your monthly payment hinges on the interest rate and loan term. For example, at a 15% interest rate, a 12-month term results in payments around $4,646 monthly, whereas extending to 36 months lowers it to about $1,609. Keep in mind that fees or penalties can alter these figures, so it’s crucial to review all loan terms carefully before making a decision. What Is the Fastest SBA Loan to Get? The fastest SBA loan you can get is the SBA Express loan. It offers expedited processing, allowing you to receive funding within 36 hours after approval. You can borrow up to $500,000, with a maximum of $350,000 for working capital. The application process is simpler, requiring less documentation. To qualify, you need a credit score of at least 650 and a proven ability to repay the loan, making it accessible for many established businesses. Conclusion In conclusion, quick short term business loans offer essential financial support for entrepreneurs looking to seize immediate growth opportunities. With various types available, such as working capital loans and merchant cash advances, you can find a solution that fits your needs. Comprehending the application process and eligibility requirements is critical for successful funding. By effectively managing repayment, you can leverage these loans to improve your business operations and achieve sustained growth, making them a valuable resource in your financial toolkit. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "10 Quick Short Term Business Loans for Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to boost your business quickly, grasping quick short-term business loans can be vital. These loans can provide immediate cash to seize growth opportunities, with amounts typically ranging from $10,000 to $5 million. The approval process is often swift, taking just 24 to 48 hours. With various types of loans available, it’s important to know how to navigate this financial resource effectively. Let’s explore the key details that can help you make informed decisions for your business growth. Key Takeaways Quick access to funds typically ranges from $10,000 to $5 million, with approval often taking 24 to 48 hours. Short repayment terms of 3 to 12 months help businesses manage cash flow effectively and address urgent needs. Common uses include covering operational expenses, funding inventory, and financing marketing campaigns for rapid growth. Eligibility usually requires six months in business, monthly revenue of at least $10,000, and a credit score of 500 or higher. Lenders like Credibly offer fast approval, flexible repayment options, and minimal documentation, ensuring a straightforward application process. Understanding Quick Short Term Business Loans When you need quick access to funds, comprehending short-term business loans can be crucial for your company’s growth. Quick short-term business loans offer immediate financial solutions, typically ranging from $10,000 to $5 million, with approval processes that can take as little as 24 to 48 hours. These loans are structured for repayment within 3 to 12 months, allowing you to address urgent cash flow needs without long-term debt commitments. Keep in mind that interest rates for quick short-term loans can be notably higher than traditional loans, often ranging from 10% to 99% APR, depending on your creditworthiness and the lender’s terms. The application process for fast online business loans is streamlined and requires minimal documentation, making it accessible even for those with poor credit. Common uses of these loans include financing immediate operational expenses, managing seasonal cash flow gaps, and purchasing inventory. Benefits of Short Term Business Loans for Growth Short-term business loans offer quick access to capital, allowing you to seize growth opportunities without missing a beat. With flexible repayment options, these loans help manage cash flow and keep your finances on track. Quick Access to Capital Accessing capital quickly can be crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on immediate growth opportunities, and that’s where short-term business loans come into play. With funding often available within 24 to 48 hours, you can respond to urgent needs like inventory purchases or marketing campaigns. These loans typically range from $10,000 to $5 million, providing the flexibility to meet various financial demands. Short repayment terms of up to 12 months help you manage cash flow effectively as you reduce long-term debt. Furthermore, the lenient qualification criteria make these loans accessible even for startups or businesses with credit scores as low as 500. Plus, interest payments are tax-deductible, allowing you to allocate funds more effectively for growth initiatives. Flexible Repayment Options Having the ability to choose a repayment plan that fits your cash flow can make a significant difference in managing your business’s finances. Short-term business loans provide flexible repayment options, allowing you to select daily, weekly, or monthly payment plans that match your revenue cycles. With terms typically ranging from 3 to 12 months, you can quickly repay the loan and free up capital for further growth opportunities. This flexibility helps you manage cash flow effectively, reducing the risk of default during slow periods. Although interest rates may be higher than long-term loans, considering the overall cost of borrowing is essential. In the end, these adaptable repayment schedules support your business’s sustained growth without long-term financial commitments. Types of Quick Short Term Business Loans When you’re looking for quick short-term business loans, consider options like working capital loans, merchant cash advances, and business lines of credit. Each type serves a unique purpose and can help you manage your cash flow effectively. Comprehending these options will enable you to choose the best fit for your business needs. Working Capital Loans Working capital loans are essential financial tools for businesses looking to manage day-to-day operational costs efficiently. These short-term financing options help cover immediate expenses, with repayment typically required within 3 to 12 months. You can use these loans for various purposes, such as managing cash flow, purchasing inventory, or covering payroll during slower sales periods. To qualify, lenders often require a minimum credit score of 500 and average monthly revenue of at least $15,000. Many lenders offer swift approval processes, allowing you to access funds as soon as the same day, addressing urgent financial needs quickly. Interest rates can range from 10% to 99% APR, depending on your creditworthiness and the lender’s policies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpbXWP8fLbc Merchant Cash Advances Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer businesses a swift way to access capital by allowing them to borrow against anticipated future sales from credit and debit cards. This option is especially appealing for businesses with fluctuating revenue since repayments are made as a percentage of daily sales, easing cash flow management. The approval process is typically fast, often completed within a day or two, making MCAs suitable for urgent funding needs. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that although MCAs provide quick access to funds, they often come with higher costs, with APRs exceeding 50%. Consequently, evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding, especially if you have a lower credit score, as MCAs focus more on sales volume than credit history. Business Line of Credit How can a Business Line of Credit improve your financial flexibility? This type of financing gives you quick access to funds when you need them most. You can borrow up to a predetermined limit and only pay interest on the amount you draw, making it perfect for short-term needs like managing cash flow or purchasing inventory. Approval and funding can happen within 24 to 48 hours, which is essential for addressing immediate challenges. Here’s a quick overview: Feature Details Interest Rates 7% to 25%, based on creditworthiness Credit Score Required Minimum of 600 Monthly Revenue At least $10,000 This flexibility can be invaluable for your business growth. How to Apply for a Short Term Business Loan When you’re ready to apply for a short-term business loan, the first step is to assess your financing needs and determine the specific amount required to achieve your business objectives. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to streamline your application process: Complete the online application: Provide crucial business information, making certain you meet minimum requirements, like operating for at least six months and having a credit score over 500. Submit proof of revenue: Lenders typically require evidence of your monthly revenue, often needing a minimum of $15,000 in average monthly earnings. Review loan offers: After submitting, expect quick approval—often within two hours—and funding available the same day. Carefully examine the terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules to make sure they fit your business cash flow before closing the loan. Eligibility Requirements for Short Term Business Loans To qualify for a short-term business loan, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements that lenders usually have in place. First, your business should be operational for at least six months and generate a minimum monthly revenue of $10,000. A credit score of 500 or higher is typically required, though aiming for a score of 550 can improve your chances of approval considerably. Lenders often evaluate your overall creditworthiness, including your personal credit history, as part of the application process. Although some lenders may accommodate businesses with lower credit scores or limited collateral, having a solid business plan can boost your application. This plan should clearly demonstrate your ability to repay the loan and outline how you’ll strategically use the funds for growth. Meeting these requirements can help you secure the short-term financing necessary to propel your business forward. Tips for Choosing the Right Short Term Loan Choosing the right short-term loan for your business can be a critical decision, especially when you consider the varying terms and conditions offered by different lenders. To guarantee you make a well-informed choice, follow these tips: Assess your cash flow needs: Determine the exact amount required to avoid over-borrowing or under-borrowing, which can lead to financial strain. Compare interest rates: Look at multiple lenders, as rates can range from 10% to 99% APR, considerably impacting your total borrowing costs. Check eligibility criteria: Confirm you meet basic requirements, like a minimum credit score of 500 and six months in business, to increase your chances of approval. Additionally, seek lenders who provide flexible repayment options and read the fine print for hidden fees or prepayment penalties. This careful approach will help you secure a loan that best fits your business needs without unexpected financial burdens. Managing Repayment of Short Term Loans When managing short-term loans, it’s essential to prioritize your scheduled payments to avoid falling behind. Regularly monitoring your cash flow can help you stay on top of your obligations and prevent unnecessary debt. Prioritize Scheduled Payments Managing scheduled payments is essential for businesses that rely on short-term loans, as these loans typically require more frequent and larger repayments compared to their long-term counterparts. To effectively manage repayment and maintain cash flow, consider the following steps: Create a clear repayment plan: Outline your payment schedule and amounts to allocate resources effectively. Automate your payments: Set up automatic withdrawals to guarantee timely payments, avoiding late fees and enhancing your credit profile. Regularly review cash flow: Keep track of your finances to confirm sufficient funds are available for each scheduled payment. Monitor Cash Flow Regularly Monitoring cash flow regularly is crucial for businesses relying on short-term loans, as it directly impacts your ability to meet repayment obligations. By keeping track of your cash flow statements, you can identify periods of low revenue, which may affect your payment schedules. Make certain that outgoing expenses align with your incoming funds, allowing you to cover daily or weekly loan repayments without jeopardizing your operations. Establishing a cash reserve can cushion unexpected costs, making on-time payments more manageable. Implementing a budgeting system helps forecast your cash flow needs, making sure you have sufficient funds when payments are due. Moreover, proactive cash flow management, such as timely invoicing and negotiating favorable supplier terms, can improve liquidity and support your loan repayment efforts. Common Uses for Short Term Business Loans Short-term business loans serve various vital purposes that can help your company navigate financial challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Here are some common uses for these loans: Covering Operational Expenses: You can manage payroll, rent, and utilities to maintain cash flow during tough times without worrying about immediate financial strain. Inventory Purchases: These loans enable you to stock up on important goods, ensuring you can meet customer demand without dipping into your cash reserves. Marketing Campaigns: If you need to attract new customers quickly, short-term financing can provide the funds for effective marketing strategies or promotions. Additionally, businesses often use these loans to address unexpected costs, such as equipment repairs. Seasonal businesses can bridge cash flow gaps during off-peak months. Customer Experiences With Short Term Business Loans How have businesses benefited from short-term business loans? Many customers report high satisfaction because of the straightforward application process, often receiving funding in as little as 24 hours after approval. This quick turnaround can be essential for businesses needing immediate cash flow. Borrowers appreciate the flexible repayment options, allowing them to choose daily, weekly, or monthly schedules that suit their financial situations. Positive testimonials highlight the responsive support from loan officers, who provide guidance throughout the process without pressure, encouraging a sense of trust. Additionally, those with challenging credit situations find success, as eligibility often accommodates lower credit scores starting at 500. High ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, averaging 4.9 out of 5, illustrate the overall positive experiences and satisfaction customers have with these loans. Why Credibly Is a Trusted Choice for Short Term Financing When you’re seeking reliable financing options for your business, Credibly stands out as a trusted choice for short-term loans. Here are three key reasons why: Fast Approval: You can often complete the application process in under two hours, ensuring you get funds quickly for growth opportunities. High Customer Satisfaction: With a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, Credibly’s straightforward lending process guarantees a positive experience for borrowers. Flexible Repayment Options: You can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly payment plans that align with your cash flow needs. Credibly simplifies the application process, requiring minimal documentation and focusing on your business’s overall health rather than just credit scores. Plus, with competitive factor rates starting as low as 1.11 for qualified applicants, it’s an attractive option compared to traditional financing. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Easiest Small Business Loan to Get? The easiest small business loan to get often depends on your specific needs. Options like merchant cash advances allow you to secure funds based on future credit card sales, bypassing strict credit requirements. Business lines of credit offer flexible access to funds, charging interest only on what you use. Furthermore, online lenders often provide quick approvals, sometimes within 24 hours, making them a convenient choice for immediate cash needs. Consider your business situation when choosing. Can a New LLC Get an SBA Loan? Yes, a new LLC can apply for an SBA loan, but you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. Your business must be operational for at least six months and you should have a solid business plan. Expect a minimum credit score of 650, as this is often required. Furthermore, be prepared for a lengthy application process, which can take several weeks to months before you receive approval and funding. What Is the Monthly Payment on a $50,000 Business Loan? When considering a $50,000 business loan, your monthly payment hinges on the interest rate and loan term. For example, at a 15% interest rate, a 12-month term results in payments around $4,646 monthly, whereas extending to 36 months lowers it to about $1,609. Keep in mind that fees or penalties can alter these figures, so it’s crucial to review all loan terms carefully before making a decision. What Is the Fastest SBA Loan to Get? The fastest SBA loan you can get is the SBA Express loan. It offers expedited processing, allowing you to receive funding within 36 hours after approval. You can borrow up to $500,000, with a maximum of $350,000 for working capital. The application process is simpler, requiring less documentation. To qualify, you need a credit score of at least 650 and a proven ability to repay the loan, making it accessible for many established businesses. Conclusion In conclusion, quick short term business loans offer essential financial support for entrepreneurs looking to seize immediate growth opportunities. With various types available, such as working capital loans and merchant cash advances, you can find a solution that fits your needs. Comprehending the application process and eligibility requirements is critical for successful funding. By effectively managing repayment, you can leverage these loans to improve your business operations and achieve sustained growth, making them a valuable resource in your financial toolkit. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "10 Quick Short Term Business Loans for Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Remember the letter-writer wondering if she could take care of her baby during the workday since her job was undemanding? Here’s the update. Your response gave me a lot to think about, and ultimately I realized that I was completely bored by my job and needed something with more challenge and growth potential. I decided to take a transfer to a more high powered team. It was a lateral move with no pay increase and more work, but a ton of skill building and potential for growth into other higher paying cross-disciplinary teams. I took the transfer about halfway through my pregnancy so I was able to onboard and finish my training before maternity leave. Infant care spots are incredible few and expensive here, so I took a short leave and negotiated a part-time, completely flexible work schedule for when I came back from leave so I could be at home with my baby for the first year. Professionally this has been the right move for me, and I did fine — some recognition, a few high visibility projects, and good performance reviews. Now two years out, I’m really happy with my decision and love my team and the work I’m doing. Personally that first year was rough — I was always working or taking care of my baby (something the comments warned me about!) and the stress combined with the isolation of mothering a newborn took a toll on my mental health. I’m glad I I did it — I didn’t have great options for infant care, and we made the best of a tough spot. But if I had to do it again, I would try and prioritize my rest. I also realized that the reason I had been able to do my job efficiently was because I had been relying on my memory and executive functioning at work, and new motherhood and lack of sleep made those disappear overnight. That first year was definitely a lesson in grace and lowering expectations. Thanks for all your advice and the advice of your commenters! The post update: can I take care of my baby during the workday if my job is undemanding? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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If you're at the stage where you want to do more with your phone and start building automations—customized mini-apps to carry out tasks—then Tasker (for Android) and Apple Shortcuts (for iOS) are likely to be included in the tools you turn to. You'll find an introduction to both these apps and what they can do for you below, as well as an explanation of how they're similar and how they're not. The main difference is that Android continues to allow its apps to dig deeper into the operating system and its features than iOS does, and Tasker can take full advantage. For those who've never looked into phone automations, there's an almost limitless array of possibilities here, all built around the idea of "if this happens, then do that"—so on the most basic level, plugging in your headphones can increase the volume level, or logging into the work wifi can put your phone in silent mode. Tasker has more capabilities than Apple shortcuts but requires more effortEven Tasker's biggest fans would admit it's not the easiest app to come to grips with. It's also going to cost you $3.99, so be sure you're going to make full use of it before purchasing. Once you're used to the app, though, you'll find it's a powerful and capable piece of software, and there is a simplified "Tasky" interface you can switch to that lets you edit existing automations rather than starting from scratch. Head to the full Tasker interface, and you can see it's split into tabs: Profiles (the triggers that make something happen and the linked actions to take), Tasks (actions to carry out that aren't linked to triggers), Scenes (custom edits to the user interface), and Vars (stored values and settings, like your phone's battery life). Automations often combine these elements into projects, which can be found along the bottom tab. Tasker's triggers and actions take some getting used to. Credit: Lifehacker Importing an example project is perhaps the easiest way to get started. Tap the + (plus) button (lower right), then choose TaskerNet and make your pick. When you've found something you like, tap the Import button, and it'll be added to Tasker and set up; you'll also need to grant the automation all the necessary permissions. There's a Flip to Shhh automation that you should be able to find in the TaskerNet directory—placing your phone face down will mute it. When you've loaded the project, you'll see it at the bottom of the screen, ready for selecting: Under the Profiles tab, there's an Orientation Face Down toggle switch (which is what the automation is waiting for), and if you tap on it, you'll see the linked action—turning on Do Not Disturb. Under Tasks, we have a standalone task, which is the setup for the automation, and you can edit this to change the on-screen message. Tasks can be coded to go into great detail. Credit: Lifehacker To fully explain Tasker and its idiosyncrasies takes a lot more space than what's available here—check out the vast amount of information on the Tasker website—but you can start building simple automations from the Profile tab by clicking the + (plus) button and choosing a trigger and an action from the lists provided. You could pick a time as the trigger, and switching to dark mode as the action, for example. If this already seems like too much effort, looking at what Tasker is capable of can encourage you to dive in: Run searches from doodled sketches, get a notification when your WhatsApp message goes from unread to read, or switch to voice typing automatically when your phone is flat on a surface, for example. Apple Shortcuts is easier to learn than Tasker, but you have less controlApple Shortcuts is the iPhone Tasker in some ways, but it's much more straightforward: Creating and editing automations is simpler, and while there's less you can do with it in terms of interacting with the fundamentals of your phone, the capabilities here are going to be enough for most casual tinkerers. All of your current shortcuts show up in the Library tab of the app, while under Automations, you can find the shortcuts that run automatically, without any input from you—maybe based on the time of day or the opening of an app. Under Gallery, you can browse through shortcuts curated by Apple. Shortcuts is easier to understand than Tasker. Credit: Lifehacker As with Tasker, starting with an example is a good way to get into the flow of the app. If you open the Gallery, you should be able to find a Remind Me at Work shortcut: Tap the + (plus) button in the corner to add it to your own library. Getting within 100 meters of your office is the trigger, and displaying a reminder is the action. The shortcut will want to know where you work, and will ask for this information when you add it to your library. When the shortcut runs, you get prompted for something to add to a work note inside Apple Notes—so you can build up a comprehensive list of everything you don't want to forget, specifically for your workplace. Numerous triggers can be used for automations in Shortcuts. Credit: Lifehacker Tap the three dots on any shortcut in your library to see a breakdown of how it works. Triggers can be based on times and dates, locations, apps opening or closing, Focus Modes, or on changes to settings like wifi and Bluetooth. Actions can include a host of tasks in Apple's own apps (from setting calendar entries to getting map directions), as well as some third-party ones, and you're also able to control various aspects of the phone, such as changing the Airplane Mode status or screen brightness level. You'll find plenty of shortcuts written by users and available on the web. These tasks and automations can be set up to track a home move via QR codes, log your daily water intake, or get the weather forecast for the location of an upcoming calendar event. You can also start building your own by tapping the + (plus) button on the Library or Automation tabs. Tasker vs. Shortcuts is Android vs. iOSComparing Tasker against Shortcuts is an interesting way to look at Android versus iOS overall. Even as Google and Apple have borrowed features off each other over the years, there have remained some pretty distinctive differences as well, and many of them come to the fore when using these two tools. Apple Shortcuts gives you a lot of guidance, and offers a workflow that's easier to follow—though it's still capable of some very clever automations. It is also more limited in terms of the control you get over the mobile operating system and the apps installed on it: Shortcuts can only dig into apps as much as the developers allow. Tasker has a steeper learning curve than Shortcuts. Credit: Lifehacker Tasker can interact with apps whether or not their developers or Google have done anything to help. Unlike Shortcuts, it can read the content of notifications, draw on top of other apps, and even carry out actions on your behalf (like screen taps and swipes), for example. Tasker can also do continuous monitoring better than Shortcuts can. Apple (understandably) wants to keep some limits on Shortcuts because of security and privacy reasons, but Google puts the onus on you to only run the automations and tasks that you understand and trust. For better or worse, Tasker and Android give you more freedom if you want to truly hack into what your phone is capable of (and are patient enough to figure out the interface). View the full article

Four ways it pushes the paradigm shift. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

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