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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Spotify noticed how many of us use its popular music app for fitness—workout mixes are one of the top uses of its playlist creation tools—and now it’s adding fitness content directly. Some workout videos are available to everyone, and premium users can take Peloton classes as well. Peloton App $12.99 Per Month at Peloton Learn More Learn More $12.99 Per Month at Peloton How to find workout videos on SpotifyTo find the fitness content, search or browse for “fitness,” and workout videos will pop up. They will be mixed in with workout-focused playlists, which feels like an odd choice, but the feature is brand new. Perhaps a better organization is coming in the future. If you have a Spotify Premium subscription, you’ll see that Peloton workouts make up the most visible offerings. Spotify describes these as “a continually growing catalog of more than 1,400” workout videos. Cycling classes aren’t included, but strength, cardio, and meditation classes are. There’s also a quiz to match you with the perfect workout. It will ask whether you want cardio, strength, or recovery; long or short workouts; and your experience level. I asked for a short beginner cardio workout, and a “HIIT Starter Pack” of 10-minute workouts was automatically saved to my library. How Peloton workouts on Spotify compare to the Peloton appSpotify’s Peloton class offerings seem to be similar to what you get on Peloton’s App One tier. This tier is $12.99/month, the same cost as a Spotify Premium subscription. These videos include pretty much anything you can do in your living room, like yoga and strength workouts with dumbbells. They don’t include classes you can do on an actual Peloton Bike (you need the $49/month All Access subscription for those) or on a non-Peloton bike at the gym (that requires Peloton App+ at $28.99/month). I did one of those 10-minute HIIT classes, and can report it was easy to follow, and the individual exercises were shown in the app as “chapters” that I could preview to see the class structure. Unfortunately there’s no connection to the Peloton app itself, so the class I took did not show up in my Peloton workout history, and there was no built-in way to track my metrics like heart rate or reps. One nice plus: there’s a button to switch to an audio-only player, which is nice if you’re following along by ear and don’t need to see the screen. The workouts appear as a video podcast, with “episodes” that are presented in a list. When I finished that one HIIT video, the next one automatically started playing. I don’t think this is a great interface for presenting workout videos, but it’s certainly not bad. And if you want both Spotify and Peloton content, getting it all for one $12.99 subscription is certainly a bargain compared to paying double. Non-Peloton classes are available to allScroll down past the Peloton classes, and you’ll see there are more creators that each have their own podcast-style series of video classes. I found them under “Browse Fitness Creators” and “Explore Creator Workouts.” I tried a five-minute run warmup from Nourish Move Love, and it was much the same experience as the Peloton workout. The chapters on this one were auto-generated, but it was clear to follow and I appreciated the progress bar overlaid over the video, which seemed to be part of the video content, this creator’s addition, and separate from the Spotify interface. I also really happened to like the warmup since it was one that I could do entirely on my feet—great for an actual pre-run scenario no matter the weather. View the full article

Real is acquiring Motto's parent Remax in a deal valued at $13.80 per share, as the new Real Remax Group will have "two distinct models, one platform." View the full article

Employer payroll is the systematic process of compensating employees, which includes calculating wages, salaries, and bonuses, along with managing payroll taxes. It’s fundamental for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Effective payroll management not merely supports business cash flow but additionally builds employee trust. Comprehending its components and implications is imperative, as failure to manage payroll correctly can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. So, what should you know about optimizing this critical function? Key Takeaways Employer payroll refers to the total compensation, including wages, salaries, bonuses, and benefits paid to employees. Accurate payroll ensures timely employee compensation and compliance with tax laws, preventing penalties and legal issues. Employers must withhold and match payroll taxes, which include federal, state, and local taxes, ensuring financial responsibility. Proper payroll management maintains clear financial documentation and aids in cash flow management for the organization. Regular reviews and updates of payroll processes help safeguard both the organization and employees from legal repercussions related to payroll tax compliance. Understanding Employer Payroll Grasping employer payroll is critical for both employers and employees alike, as it encompasses the total compensation owed to workers, including wages, salaries, bonuses, and various benefits. Recognizing employer payroll means acknowledging the payroll tax definition, which involves taxes paid by the employer on behalf of employees. These employer payroll taxes include federal, state, and local taxes that support essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. Accurate payroll processing requires tracking employee work hours and calculating tax withholdings to guarantee timely payments. Employers are responsible for not just withholding these taxes but also for their matching contributions, creating a thorough system of financial responsibility. Effective management of employer payroll is fundamental for complying with tax laws, maintaining employee satisfaction, and avoiding costly penalties or legal issues stemming from payroll errors. Therefore, grasping the intricacies of employer payroll is key for smooth workplace operations. The Importance of Employer Payroll Grasping employer payroll goes beyond just tracking employee earnings; it plays a crucial role in the overall health of a business. Accurate payroll management guarantees employees receive timely compensation, which affects their satisfaction and productivity. Moreover, it involves calculating and withholding various taxes, including Social Security and federal/state income taxes, which fund fundamental government programs. Here are key reasons why employer payroll is critical: Payroll Tax Compliance: Adhering to regulations prevents penalties and legal issues. Accurate Financial Records: Proper payroll helps maintain clear financial documentation. Predicting Tax Liabilities: Comprehending employer payroll tax rates aids in cash flow management. Streamlining Processes: Utilizing payroll software improves efficiency and reduces errors. Components of Employer Payroll Comprehending the components of employer payroll is essential for effective business management. Payroll typically includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and commissions owed to employees, making certain they receive timely compensation. Moreover, various deductions apply, such as federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare taxes (FICA). Here’s a breakdown of key components: Component Description Employer Responsibility Wages and Salaries Payments for work performed during the pay period Timely disbursement Payroll Tax Deductions Withholdings from employee earnings Accurate calculation Employer Portion of Payroll Taxes Employer matches FICA contributions 6.2% for Social Security, 1.45% for Medicare FUTA Tax 6% tax on first $7,000 of wages Can reduce to 0.6% with credits Accurate payroll processing makes certain compliance with labor laws and effective financial management within your organization. Payroll Taxes and Their Impact Payroll taxes play an important role in funding fundamental government programs, like Social Security and Medicare, which benefit both employees and society. As an employer, you’re responsible for accurately calculating and remitting these taxes to guarantee compliance, as failure to do so can lead to significant penalties and legal issues. Grasping these responsibilities is critical to maintain your business’s financial health and support the workforce effectively. Funding Government Programs Though many may not realize it, employer payroll taxes play a fundamental role in funding indispensable government programs such as Social Security and Medicare. These programs provide critical financial support to retirees and individuals with disabilities. Here’s how employer payroll taxes contribute: FICA Contributions: A combined rate of 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare is split between employers and employees. Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA): Employers contribute 6% on the first $7,000 of wages to fund state unemployment benefits. State Unemployment Taxes (SUTA): These vary by state and depend on an employer’s claims history. Compliance: Accurate withholding and timely remittance are essential for the sustainability of these programs, ensuring support for those in need. Employer Responsibilities and Compliance When managing a business, comprehension of your responsibilities regarding payroll taxes is crucial to guarantee compliance and avoid potential penalties. You’re tasked with calculating and withholding employer taxes for employees, including Social Security and Medicare contributions. You must as well comply with the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), which requires a 6% tax on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. Accurate payroll tax calculations are critical to preventing employment tax liability issues. You need to file quarterly returns using Form 941 and issue Forms W-2 annually, maintaining proper payroll records. Tax Type Rate Notes Social Security 6.2% Matched by employer Medicare 1.45% Matched by employer FUTA 6% (0.6% w/credit) First $7,000 of wages Payroll Withholding Varies Depends on employee earnings Filing Frequency Quarterly Form 941 Consequences of Non-Compliance Comprehending employer responsibilities regarding payroll taxes is only part of the equation; the consequences of non-compliance can substantially impact your business. When you neglect these responsibilities, you face various repercussions, including: Penalties from the IRS: Fines can accumulate quickly, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Trust Fund Recovery Penalty: You may be held personally liable for unpaid employer paid taxes, facing a penalty of up to 100% of the unpaid amount. Interest Charges: Late remittance of payroll taxes results in additional financial burdens. Audits and Legal Action: Inaccurate calculations can lead to audits, disrupting operations and damaging your reputation. Understanding these consequences is vital for maintaining compliance and protecting your business’s future. Role of Payroll in Employee Satisfaction Payroll plays a critical role in shaping employee satisfaction, as timely and accurate processing directly impacts workers’ financial stability. When you receive your wages on schedule, it cultivates trust between you and your employer, enhancing your overall workplace experience. Consistent payroll practices prevent disputes over wages, reducing frustration that can arise from errors, whether underpayments or overpayments. Furthermore, comprehending payroll deductions and how taxes from the employer affect your paycheck helps you appreciate your compensation better. Transparency about payroll policies and changes promotes a sense of respect, making you feel valued within the organization. In addition, by ensuring compliance with labor laws and timely payroll tax payments, your employer contributes to a healthy work environment, which can greatly boost morale and engagement. In the end, effective payroll management not just satisfies employees but likewise strengthens the employer-employee relationship, creating a more productive workplace. Compliance and Legal Obligations Guaranteeing compliance with payroll and legal obligations is vital for every employer, as it safeguards both the organization and its employees from potential legal repercussions. Comprehending your responsibilities helps you avoid serious issues related to payroll tax rates and non-compliance with payroll tax laws. Here are key points to remember: Accurately calculate and withhold taxes like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. File Form 941 quarterly to report withheld payroll taxes and remit any owed amounts to the IRS. Provide employees with Forms W-2 annually to detail their earnings and withheld taxes. Stay updated on changing tax laws to maintain compliance and avoid penalties. How much do employers pay in payroll taxes? It varies, but non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, and personal liability. Staying informed and organized is fundamental for successful payroll management. Best Practices for Managing Payroll When managing payroll, it’s essential to focus on accurate tax calculations and timely remittance practices. Regularly updating employee information guarantees compliance with tax regulations, whereas maintaining detailed records can help you avoid costly penalties. Accurate Tax Calculations Accurate tax calculations are essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring employees receive the correct pay. To achieve this, consider the following best practices for managing payroll: Reference employee W-4 forms and salary details to determine federal income tax and applicable state taxes. Calculate Social Security tax at 6.2% and Medicare tax at 1.45% based on employee wages, adding the 0.9% Medicare tax for earnings over $200,000. Utilize IRS Publication 15-T‘s wage bracket tables for precise federal payroll tax calculations. Regularly update your payroll system to reflect changes in tax laws and rates. Timely Remittance Practices Timely remittance practices are crucial for maintaining compliance with payroll tax obligations, as delays can lead to significant penalties and legal complications. To avoid fines and personal liability for unpaid trust fund taxes, you must adhere to specific deadlines for tax deposits. Consider using an automated payroll system to help streamline your processes. Practice Deadline Importance Federal Tax Deposits Monthly or semi-weekly Avoid penalties Form 941 Submission Last day of the month post-quarter Compliance with reporting Payroll Deductions Review Monthly Guarantee accuracy and compliance Employer Tax Payments Required based on payroll liability Prevent legal issues Regular Practice Review Quarterly Mitigate risks Implementing these practices will help you manage payroll effectively and reduce risks. Regular Compliance Updates To maintain compliance with ever-changing payroll regulations, you need to regularly review and update your payroll processes. This guarantees accurate payroll tax calculations and timely employer tax remittances. Here are some best practices for regular compliance updates: Utilize payroll software that adjusts tax rates automatically to minimize errors in payroll deductions. Conduct quarterly audits of payroll records and tax filings, such as Forms 941 and 940, to identify any discrepancies. Stay informed about deadlines for tax deposits and filings to avoid penalties. Invest in ongoing training for HR and payroll staff to guarantee they understand legal obligations related to payroll tax compliance. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Three Types of Employer Payroll Taxes? There are three main types of employer payroll taxes you need to be aware of. First, Social Security tax, set at 6.2%, funds retirement and disability benefits. Second, Medicare tax is 1.45% on all earnings, with an extra 0.9% for high earners. Finally, unemployment taxes, including Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) and State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), support unemployment benefits. It’s crucial to properly manage these taxes to avoid penalties. What Is the Most Important Thing About Payroll? The most important thing about payroll is its accuracy. You need to guarantee that employees receive the correct compensation on time, as this directly impacts their morale and engagement. Accurate payroll processing additionally helps you comply with tax regulations, avoiding penalties and legal issues. Moreover, maintaining precise payroll records supports your financial planning, allowing for better budgeting and comprehension of labor costs. Which of the Following Is an Employer’s Payroll Responsibility? As an employer, you’re responsible for accurately calculating and withholding payroll taxes from your employees’ wages. This includes federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare contributions. You must likewise remit these withheld taxes to the IRS and appropriate state agencies on time. Furthermore, you need to maintain detailed records of employee earnings and tax withholdings, guaranteeing compliance with federal and state regulations to avoid penalties and secure smooth payroll processing. What Are the Three Types of Payroll? The three main types of payroll include hourly, salary, and commission. In hourly payroll, you track hours worked and pay based on an agreed rate, often including overtime. Salary payroll provides a consistent paycheck regardless of hours, common for full-time roles. Commission payroll ties earnings to performance, rewarding employees with a percentage of sales or profits. Comprehending these types helps you guarantee compliance with labor laws and manage employee compensation effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, employer payroll is a crucial process that not just guarantees employees are compensated accurately and on time but additionally helps maintain compliance with tax regulations. By comprehending its components and adhering to best practices, you can manage payroll effectively, promoting employee satisfaction and trust. Managing payroll correctly minimizes legal risks and improves cash flow, in the end protecting your organization and workforce. Prioritizing payroll management is fundamental for any successful business operation. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Employer Payroll and Why Is It Important?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Robot mowers have improved dramatically over the years and are becoming a staple for the tech-obsessed with sizable yards. Instead of having to drop boundary wires around your property to prevent your robot from cutting a neighbor's yard, newer machines have advancements that allow for boundary setting with cameras and sensors. One of these newer mowers is the Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15, and right now it's $949.99 (originally $2,299.99) after a 59% discount. This is the lowest price it has ever been, according to price-tracking tools. Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 Auto Mapping,Pure Vision Navigation, Wire Free RTK Free, Multi-Zone Management, AI 3D Obstacle Avoidance, GPS Anti-Theft, 0.2 Acres, 18° Slope, App Control $949.99 at Amazon $2,299.99 Save $1,350.00 Get Deal Get Deal $949.99 at Amazon $2,299.99 Save $1,350.00 Instead of using an RTK antenna for satellite navigation, the E15 maps your yard using its camera and sensors, so it's a very hands-off setup. The downside is that you can't manually set up or correct your map once it's done. This will mainly be an issue if your map is bigger than 0.2 acres, since you can't tell it which part to map. The E15 also lets you create zones so you can mow certain sections at specific times. You can also create no-go zones. Eufy has been making robot vacuums for many years, so the navigation tech isn't new, and it's works just as well with robot mowers. The E15 can detect objects and go around them, go over 18-degree slopes, and even has a GPS tracker meant to deter theft. You can read about these features in more detail in ZDNet's review of the E15. One of the biggest things you need to be aware of about the E15 is that it cannot mow at night. Because it uses its camera and sensors, it needs light to do so. If you need more acreage, the E18 supports a slightly larger range of 0.3 acres. View the full article

From layoffs and return-to-office mandates to challenges around AI and creativity, it’s not all fun and games for video game workers. And now, some are seeking to unionize. On April 27, a group of game developers behind the digital collectible card game Magic: The Gathering Arena announced the intent to form a union in affiliation with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The group is a part of the gaming studio Wizards of the Coast (WOTC), a division of Hasbro. The group, which is coming together as United Wizards of the Coast – CWA, said it reached a supermajority of eligible Arena workers in support for unionization a week before the announcement. The group has since notified leadership at Wizards of the Coast, calling on the company to recognize the union voluntarily. “At Wizards, we’re organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life. I’m hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why it’s necessary,” UWOTC-CWA member Damien Wilson, a Senior Software Development Engineer for Magic: The Gathering Arena, said in a statement. The bargaining unit is set to represent more than 100 employees at the studio, including game designers, programmers, producers, and artists. In case the union is not recognized voluntarily by WOTC, the group has also filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The bargaining unit’s letter says the group will withdraw the petition if leadership recognizes the union before the end of the business day on May 1. “We would greatly prefer to allow the company to willingly engage with us as we proceed however we are filing for an election petition as well to ensure a timely resolution for certifying our union,” the letter says. “Should you agree to voluntary recognition in principle, we are happy to coordinate a third-party card check verification of our super majority support in order to finalize a voluntary recognition agreement.” The group cites generative AI protections, layoff protections, remote work protections among the key issues the bargaining unit seeks to address. The demands reflect some of the challenges employees have faced in the last few years. Just last year, the studio laid off about 30 employees, in addition to a 1,000 workers laid off from Hasbro in 2023. And as the company pushed for return-to-office mandates, many remote workers were being forced to relocate to Renton, Washington or fear dismissal. The bargaining unit would join broader efforts in the gaming industry to improve workers’ conditions. Last year, the United Videogame Workers-CWA launched as a direct-join, industry-wide video game union and represents over 600 members in the US and Canada. In the letter the group added, “we are building the game industry we want to see in the world.” View the full article

In a social media landscape dominated by obnoxious ads, algorithms, and AI, Letterboxd has stood firm as a cult favorite. The app, which acts as a digital diary for users to log and leave reviews of any movie they watch, has been described by a Letterboxd spokesperson as “less a social media platform, more a community.” It’s resisted adding the infinite scroll feature that now seems omnipresent online, instead letting users curate their own feeds of friends and popular reviewers. But news that a controlling stake in Letterboxd could be going up for sale has users worried that their online safe haven could go the way of other resold apps like X. Canadian holding company Tiny, which acquired a 60% stake in Letterboxd in 2023, is looking to sell its majority share of the platform, Semafor reported. Potential buyers include Versant, the parent company of CNBC and MS NOW, and Hollywood newsletter The Ankler. Under new ownership, Letterboxd could transform in any number of ways—and the platform’s current users aren’t excited about any of them. Social media catastrophizes When news of the potential sale hit social media, Letterboxd’s avid users were immediately up in arms. One user called Letterboxd “our last vanguard of good social media.” A common anxiety among Letterboxd users was that the app would get sold to some billionaire who couldn’t care less about the platform’s mission of offering “a single place to showcase your life in film.” Many clearly had war flashbacks to the infamous 2022 sale of Twitter to Elon Musk, which transformed a once-beloved social site into a much-maligned platform ridden with monetized blue checkmarks and reply guys summoning Grok under every post. “Letterboxd cannot go to one of the billionaires,” that user continued. “I can’t do it, I can’t take it.” “If some corporation buys Letterboxd and I start getting hit with 40 unskippable ads every hour I’m deleting the app and never touching it again,” wrote another user. “We finally had an app that actually improved our lives man.” One poster summed up the potential sale with a Letterboxd-style review: just half a star out of five. Others reflected on Letterboxd’s impact on the film industry, including its fostering of love for classic and arthouse films among young people, with the biggest cohort of the app’s users being between 18 and 25 years old as of 2024. “To the degree that we have a thriving culture of cinema, it’s largely because of this website,” one user wrote. “It’s one of the few things monied interests haven’t ruined. Selling it would be a disaster.” Reading the fine print Though Letterboxd users were quick to catastrophize, a sale of the app might not be such a disaster after all. When Semafor broke the news of the potential sale, it noted that co-founder Matthew Buchanan retains veto rights to any potential buyer, meaning he could keep Letterboxd’s mission in place. When the company sold a controlling stake to Tiny in 2023, Buchanan told Letterboxd users in a blog post that “aside from the ownership change, and in line with Tiny’s core operating values, very little else will change.” Theoretically, a new sale would maintain that philosophy and leave what people love about the platform intact. But until the ink has dried, the future of Letterboxd remains up in the air. Neither Letterboxd nor Tiny have replied to Fast Company’s request for comment. View the full article

During 2025, the U.S. electric power sector experienced a significant shift in its energy landscape, with only 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired generating capacity retired—marking the lowest number since 2010. Many small business owners, especially those relying on stable energy sources, may find these developments critical as they navigate operational costs and sustainability. Coal plant operators had initially planned to retire 8.5 GW in 2025, but unforeseen delays and cancellations changed the outlook. Notably, 4.8 GW of planned retirements were postponed, and two coal plants, totaling 1.1 GW, scrapped their retirement plans altogether. Additionally, a facility scheduled to close in 2026 has now pushed its retirement to 2029. These shifts are indicative of a broader realignment in the energy sector, with implications for electricity pricing and availability. One major driver behind these changes was the U.S. Department of Energy’s issuance of emergency orders. These orders directed several coal plants to remain operational for grid reliability, ensuring that power supply remains stable. This satellite policy effectively curtailed the retirement of coal facilities that might otherwise have contributed to a leaner energy profile. According to the latest data, among the four plants that retired include the Indian River Generating Station in Delaware (410 MW), Cholla Units 1 and 3 in Arizona (383 MW), and the Intermountain Power Project in Utah, which alone accounted for 1,800 MW. The Intermountain facility was replaced by a newly operational natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, generating 1,017 MW. For small business owners, especially in manufacturing and service sectors, understanding the implications of energy transitions is essential. As reliance on coal diminishes, entrepreneurs should evaluate their energy contracts and explore options for renewable or alternative energy sources. Transitioning to a more dynamic energy mix can mean lower operational costs in the long run. While coal may be phasing out, natural gas and renewables can provide the reliability needed to power business operations. Yet, these changes come with challenges. The volatility in energy availability may lead to fluctuations in electricity prices, impacting budgeting and operating expenses for small businesses. To navigate these waters, small business owners should consider energy audits to gauge their current consumption and identify potential savings. Engaging with energy consultants can also provide insights on renewable energy incentives available at the state or federal level, further optimizing operational costs. Moreover, with 2026 projected to see the retirement of an additional 6.4 GW of coal-fired capacity—nearly 4% of the total coal fleet as of the end of 2025—business owners should remain alert to regulatory changes that can influence energy supply and pricing. It will be crucial to stay updated on developments that could trigger further adjustments in the energy market. Many plant operators also expressed intentions to convert aging coal facilities to natural gas. The Transalta Centralia Generating Station, for example, is planning a conversion by 2028, a decision that could influence the operational landscape significantly. Such conversions may offer a more sustainable and voltage-stable solution, albeit they represent a capital-intensive commitment, something small business owners may need guidance on navigating. Understanding the trends in energy production and consumption can have substantial repercussions for small business viability. As the nation edges away from coal, the transition towards a more renewable and gas-based energy economy presents both opportunities and challenges. Small business owners can benefit from proactive energy management strategies, staying informed about trends, and being prepared for potential cost variances. As the energy landscape evolves, it will be essential for small businesses to adapt, ensuring they leverage trends for sustainable and economical operations. For more detailed information, visit the original post by the U.S. Energy Information Administration here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "U.S. Coal Plant Retirements Slow to Record Low as Future Plans Shift" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

MY go-to definition of leadership is “helping others do better.” I use it because it is simple, inclusive, and focused on the practical impact leaders have. Leadership is ultimately about having a positive effect on other people, teams, and organizations. But my best advice for achieving that starts by looking inward. By leading oneself—what I call ‘personal leadership’—a leader is better able to affect others positively. In more than three decades of research and teaching on leadership, the most powerful tool for personal leadership that I have come across is to leverage the leader’s own values. Doing this requires an upfront investment by the leader in work to clarify their top values, and an ongoing effort to keep those values salient and accessible, so they can be recalled at key leadership moments. Below, I offer concise advice on how to build this tool by clarifying your own values. But first, I’ll share some of my favorite evidence that the tool works. How Do You “Be Authentic?” Authenticity has been called the gold standard of leadership. Everybody wants it in themselves and in the people they follow. But just how do you ‘be authentic?’ If I asked you to be authentic, what should you do? I found one answer to this question through an experiment with my colleagues Yoonjin Choi and Sheena Iyengar. We studied how mid-career managers communicated with their teams by asking them to write and deliver a motivational speech to a camera. For half of the leaders, randomly selected, we presented them with a summary they had previously created in a workshop of their own top values. We asked them to keep their values in mind when they wrote their speech; we emphasized that they did not need to talk about their values unless they chose to. After the subjects recorded their speech, we asked them how they felt. Those who had been reminded of their own values reported feeling more authentic. Feeling authentic is nice, but does it translate into more effective leadership? It does, as we learned when we had the speeches evaluated by other managers and by communications experts. Those audience members did not know that some speakers had been asked to think about their values. Nevertheless, the audience rated the values-alert speakers as being more authentic. And they reported higher trust in those speakers. Would you like to be viewed as more authentic and more trustworthy by others? Keep your values top of mind. Here’s how to do it. Clarify Your Values I’ve taken more than ten thousand leaders from around the world through interactive workshops to help them clarify their top values. At the heart of the process is a simple truth: values are principles of evaluation. Through them, we decide whether a person, an idea, or a project is good, bad, or important. If you reflect on something you view as good and important and ask why, your answers will point to your values. Try this: Think of someone you view as an outstanding leader. Now ask yourself what about that person’s leadership best explains why you view them so positively. Try to identify a single word (such as “empathy”), but if you need a couple of words (such as “good communication”), that is OK. If you see this person as a truly outstanding leader, there will be more than one positive quality you attribute to them, so ask yourself what else makes them outstanding in your view. Repeat that question two more times, until you have four answers. These answers point to values you hold. You can refine them further and make them more useful as a tool, with one more step that aims to zero in more precisely on the exact words that best describe your values. For each of your four values, identify some synonyms. A chatbot can be useful for this step; if one of your answers to the reflection was “excellence,” you might ask it to give you six synonyms for excellence. Say one of the synonyms is ‘quality.’ Ask yourself: If I had to choose between ‘excellence’ and ‘quality,’ which would I choose? If your answer is excellence, ask the question again, replacing quality with the next synonym. If your answer is ‘quality,’ treat it as the better expression of your value and compare it with the next synonym. Go through this process for each of your four values. You’ll finish with a list of four values that are each very important to you. Put Your Values Within Reach Now you have a list of your top values, like the ones the leaders in our experiment used to tap into their authenticity and build trust. To turn that list into a tool, make it concrete in a form you can consult at key leadership moments. Many leaders who have gone through my values workshop keep their values on a card in their wallet. Others save them as a picture or note on their phone. Still others put them on a handy object, like a coffee mug. The key is to keep your values close at hand, so you can consult them when you want to be at your best as a leader. Beyond authenticity and trust, evidence suggests that thinking about your values can also make you happier, more ethical, more resilient, more open, and more motivated. When your values are clear and close at hand, leading yourself becomes the first step in helping others do better. * * * Paul Ingram is the Kravis Professor of Business at the Columbia Business School. He is the author of What Do You Really Stand For: The One Question that Will Transform Your Work and Live, published in April 2026 by the Harvard Business Review Press. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. * * * View the full article

If you’ve caught a movie in the theater recently, you may have noticed the crowd leaned, well, decidedly younger. Gen Z and millennials are driving a renaissance of sorts at movie theaters, taking in more movies each year and spending more money per outing than older generations, according to the results of an annual moviegoing trends and insights study released this month by Fandango. But Gen Z was a standout in a couple key ways: 87% of people born after 1997 said they had watched at least one movie in the theater in the past year, the highest share of any generation, and they were also the most likely to purchase tickets online or pre-order snacks, according to the survey of more than 7,000 moviegoers. What makes going to the movies for Zoomers different is that it’s “a form of social gathering,” according to the Fandango report, with this generation preferring to head to the theaters with friends. And, in a throwback of sorts, 92% of Gen Zers reported that they paired a movie outing with going out to eat. By contrast, among Baby Boomers, who probably enjoyed many dinner-and-a-movie dates in their younger years, only 58% said they had seen at least one movie in the past year. WHAT’S BRINGING GEN Z BACK TO THEATERS While the types of movies that studios are churning out is also likely a driving factor for attendance, movie theaters may be attracting younger generations again amid a lack of interest in boozing and a steady erosion of so-called third spaces, Benedict and Hannah Townsend, hosts of the film and TV podcast Talk of the Townsends, told The Guardian. “As the internet becomes ever more pervasive, and in many ways ever more annoying, Gen Z are looking for experiences beyond the black mirror.” Indeed, the survey shows how strongly Gen Z value “the shared, communal aspect of the experience” of going to the movies, Jerramy Hainline, executive VP at Fandango, told Variety. “Theaters continue to play an important role as a social destination for younger audiences.” Fandango didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Fast Company. But Gen Z does have a bit of catching up to do, as millennials slightly edged them out for the average number of movies they saw in theaters in 2025—at 7.2 versus 7.0. Overall, moviegoers across all generations reported seeing an average of 5.3 movies in theaters in 2026. HOLLYWOOD’S HIGHS AND LOWS While the resurgence in moviegoing among younger generations is likely welcomed news in Hollywood, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag there lately: In April alone, two major studios and a high-profile production company have announced layoffs totaling more than 1,000 jobs combined. And yet, building off the success of reigning leaders—The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Pegasus 3, and Project Hail Mary—and heading into the busy summer season, analysts are projecting that 2026 will be the highest-grossing year for global box office sales since 2019, according to Deadline. And the Fandango study found that 76% of moviegoers plan to hit the theaters this summer, with Toy Story 5 and Spider-Man: Brand New Day cited as the two most-anticipated films among moviegoers. Still, studios should pay attention to what younger generations are doing as the moviegoing landscape continues to evolve and as younger generations redefine what an outing to the movie means by prioritizing premium experiences, social engagement and new forms of content, as Hainline told Variety. “Meeting them where they are isn’t optional—it’s essential to the future of theatrical moviegoing.” View the full article

On April 26, all eyes turned to the London Marathon as the event became the site of multiple broken records in long-distance running. Fans watched with bated breath as their favorite athletes crossed the finish line, but there was one detail that the top runners had in common that viewers might not have noticed—and it had to do with their feet. The marathon included multiple sport-defining highlights. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe set a new world record of 1:59.30 (the first sub-two-hour marathon in an official race); followed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who finished with a time of 1:59.41; while fellow Ethiopian Tigist Assefa set a women’s world record of 2:15.41. All three of these runners were wearing the same shoe: the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. For Adidas, this is exactly the kind of cultural moment that’s helped the brand stage a major comeback after it was forced to end its collaboration with Kanye West at the end of 2022. Over the past several months, the brand has debuted collaborations tied to the Oasis Live ‘25 tour and Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, as well as collaborating with designers like Hermès’ menswear creative director Grace Wales Bonner. Zeitgeist-tapping partnerships like these helped Adidas net an operating profit of around $2.4 billion in 2025, a 54% increase over 2024, which was the last year that included Yeezy sales. This morning, Adidas stock got a small 1% boost in the wake of the Evo 3’s big moment. Here’s what to know about what Adidas calls its “supershoe.” A history of broken records The Evo 3 was announced on April 23, just days before the London Marathon. It went up for sale in limited quantities on April 25 (which are now sold out online) and is scheduled for a wider release in the fall. The shoe is part of Adidas’ broader Adizero Adios Pro Evo collection, first launched in 2023, which is designed specifically for long-distance runs and race days. According to the company, the collection has helped Adidas athletes break three world records and win over 30 key road races, including six World Marathon Major wins, seven national records, five course records, and one Olympic record time. The Evo 3, though, is the brand’s most advanced running design yet. The anatomy of a 97-gram ‘supershoe’ The Evo 3 is composed of four main parts, from top to bottom: the upper material, which wraps around the foot; the Lightstrike Pro Evo Foam, a custom foam layer; a stiffening carbon element called the Energyrim; and a rubber outsole. Per Adidas’ official design breakdown, each of these components was painstakingly refined to deliver peak running performance at the lightest possible weight. The Lightstrike foam was designed specifically for the Evo 3 and weighs in at 50% the total mass of the foam used in its predecessor, the Evo 2. It’s supported by the carbon-based structural support Energyrim, also a new feature in the Evo 3, that’s engineered to maximize the volume of the shoe’s foam while providing extra stability to the sole. On the bottom, a rubber outsole is placed on the forefoot to provide what Adidas calls “reliable traction at high speeds”, without compromising weight. In total, the Evo 3 weighs just around 97 grams—nearly 30% lighter than the Evo 2. It’s Adidas’ first-ever sub-100-gram race shoe. “We weren’t just trying to improve on what we’d done before, we wanted to see how far we could go,” Patrick Nava, general manager of running at Adidas, wrote in a press release announcing the shoe. “We went through more than a dozen iterations, working closely with our athletes and testing everywhere from our labs in Herzogenaurach to high-altitude camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. At that level, every detail really matters—we were measuring things down to the nearest nanogram. It was a long process, but it’s led to something we believe genuinely changes what a race-day shoe can feel like.” The outcome For Adidas, it seems like that laser-focused attention to detail has paid off. In a press release published on April 26, Nava wrote, “The Adidas family is incredibly proud of Sabastian and Tigist’s historic achievements, marking the fastest times humans have ever run in a marathon. This is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication they have made, alongside our innovation team, who have built a supershoe which breaks new ground in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.” View the full article

Watch this video on Vimeo On PPC Live The Podcast, I spoke with Peter Bowen, a Google Ads specialist with nearly 20 years of experience and a strong focus on B2B lead generation. Pete shared two major lessons from his career: always check the basics, and never assume the systems around your ads are working just because the campaigns look fine. The currency mistake that cost 10 times the budget Pete Bowen shared an early mistake where a South African client’s account was set up in the UK, defaulting the currency to pounds instead of rand. That simple oversight led to spending roughly 10 times the intended budget, delivering great results at first — but ultimately setting unrealistic expectations and losing the client. Why checklists protect PPC teams The takeaway from that mistake was to formalise learning into process. Adding something as simple as a currency check to a setup checklist ensures that once a mistake is made, it doesn’t happen again — turning painful lessons into repeatable safeguards. The bigger problem: system decay Beyond setup errors, Pete highlighted a more subtle but common issue he calls “system decay” — where the infrastructure connecting ads, tracking tools, CRMs and sales processes gradually breaks down without anyone noticing. Why conversion data failures hurt performance When conversion data stops flowing properly, Google’s algorithms lose the feedback they rely on to optimise. This can lead to reduced spend, poor performance or campaigns that suddenly stop delivering — even if nothing appears wrong inside the platform. PPC managers need to look beyond the interface One of the biggest mistakes advertisers make is focusing only on what happens inside Google Ads. Strong performance depends on the entire journey, from click to conversion to revenue, and any break in that chain can undermine results. What to do when conversion tracking breaks When tracking fails, the priority is to fix the root issue quickly and, where possible, use data exclusions to prevent bad data from influencing optimisation. Longer term, building monitoring systems that flag issues early is essential to avoid repeat problems. The danger of optimising for clicks Pete also pointed to a common but damaging mistake: optimising campaigns for clicks rather than outcomes. Without proper conversion tracking, advertisers can end up driving large volumes of traffic that never turn into leads or sales. Why Performance Max needs strong tracking Automation like Performance Max can amplify this issue, as it will follow whatever signals it receives. Without accurate conversion data, it can scale irrelevant traffic quickly, making strong tracking a prerequisite before leaning into automation. Why bid strategies need guardrails Google’s bidding systems are powerful but literal — they optimise toward whatever you define as success. That means advertisers need clear goals, reliable data and sensible guardrails, such as CPC limits, to avoid extreme or inefficient outcomes. Testing AI features carefully With newer tools like AI Max, the risk isn’t testing too early — it’s testing without a clear definition of success. Metrics like impressions and clicks are not enough; advertisers need to measure impact on qualified leads, sales and revenue. The problem with “always be testing” Peter also challenged the idea that everything should be constantly tested. Many accounts simply don’t have enough data to make small tests meaningful, meaning time is often better spent improving fundamentals rather than chasing marginal gains. The key takeaway The overarching lesson is straightforward: mistakes are part of the process, but only if they lead to better systems. Every error should result in a checklist, a monitoring process or a safeguard — ensuring it doesn’t happen again. View the full article

MP was ejected from Conservative Party this year amid speculation he was planning to defect to ReformView the full article

In regards to successful team-building, implementing creative group ideas can greatly improve collaboration and communication. Activities like Cultural Days, Retro Game Nights, and Sustainability Challenges promote engagement and nurture a sense of community among team members. Furthermore, workshops for artistic expression and outdoor adventures provide unique platforms for problem-solving. Exploring these options can lead to improved team dynamics and productivity. Consider how each of these ideas could transform your team’s interactions and effectiveness. Key Takeaways Organize a “Cultural Day” where team members share their traditions and dress, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and team bonding. Host a “Retro Game Night” featuring classic games that encourage collaboration and strengthen team dynamics through friendly competition. Implement a “Sustainability Challenge” that inspires innovative eco-friendly solutions, promoting teamwork while addressing environmental issues. Facilitate an “Egg Drop Challenge” to emphasize quick decision-making and collaboration among team members in a fun, engaging way. Arrange artistic expression workshops, such as painting or photography, to foster creativity, problem-solving, and a positive atmosphere within the team. Themed Challenges to Spark Creativity When you implement themed challenges in a workplace setting, you can greatly improve creativity and teamwork among employees. These activities provide fun group ideas that engage team members in unique ways. For instance, a “Cultural Day” allows everyone to dress up and share traditions, promoting cross-cultural comprehension. Similarly, organizing a “Retro Game Night” encourages collaboration through nostalgic games, augmenting team dynamics during the time spent together and keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable. A “Sustainability Challenge” can motivate employees to develop eco-friendly workplace solutions, encouraging innovation and awareness. Themed scavenger hunts customized to company values improve teamwork and problem-solving skills, creating an interactive experience. Finally, a “Creative Cooking Competition” encourages collaboration in the kitchen, where teams can experiment with ingredients and showcase their teamwork. These themed challenges not merely spark creativity but also strengthen bonds among employees, making them crucial group ideas for effective team-building. Collaborative Problem-Solving Games Collaborative problem-solving games serve as effective tools for enhancing teamwork and critical thinking in the workplace. These activities improve communication and decision-making skills within groups. Engaging in scenarios like the Egg Drop Challenge and the Blindfold Build emphasizes quick decision-making, promoting trust and collaboration among team members. Game Title Key Focus Egg Drop Challenge Quick decision-making, teamwork Blindfold Build Clear communication, trust Clue Murder Mystery Deductive reasoning, teamwork Design Thinking Challenge Innovative solutions, empathy Team Escape Room Collaboration, problem-solving Participating in these games not only boosts morale but additionally increases job satisfaction, creating a more positive workplace culture. By incorporating these collaborative games into your team-building efforts, you encourage innovative thinking and strengthen relationships within your team, eventually leading to greater success. Artistic Expression Workshops Artistic expression workshops offer a unique approach to team-building by allowing employees to explore their creativity and collaborate in a less structured environment. These workshops can greatly improve problem-solving skills and innovative thinking within the workplace. Engaging in art-related activities has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and nurture a positive atmosphere. Here are three ideas for workshops: Painting and Sculpture: Participants can create individual or collaborative pieces, allowing them to express their thoughts visually as they work together. Digital Art: Using digital tools, team members can design graphics or animations, blending technology with creativity. Photography: A photography workshop encourages participants to capture their surroundings, promoting teamwork through shared experiences and perspectives. Outdoor Team-Building Activities Outdoor team-building activities offer a dynamic way to improve collaboration and communication among team members, as they engage participants in various physical challenges that require strategic planning. Activities like scavenger hunts and obstacle courses not just promote problem-solving skills but also improve team dynamics by nurturing trust and cooperation. These challenges encourage bonding through shared experiences, creating lasting memories that strengthen relationships. Here’s a quick overview of some popular outdoor team-building activities: Activity Benefits Suggested Group Size Scavenger Hunt Improves problem-solving skills 5-10 participants Obstacle Course Builds trust and communication 6-12 participants Team Sports Encourages teamwork and camaraderie 8-20 participants Participating in these activities can greatly boost employee morale, contributing to a positive workplace culture and improved retention rates. Fun Icebreaker Games for Engagement How can icebreaker games improve engagement among team members? These games help reduce tension and promote comfort, setting a positive tone for collaboration. By participating in fun activities, team members can share personal stories and build connections, eventually enhancing communication. Here are three effective icebreaker games to reflect on: Two Truths and a Lie: Each person shares two true statements and one falsehood, prompting discussion and surprising revelations. Human Knot: Participants stand in a circle, hold hands with others across from them, and then try to untangle without letting go, encouraging teamwork and communication. Office Trivia: Teams answer quirky questions about the workplace, revealing hidden strengths and knowledge as they create a sense of camaraderie. Implementing these icebreaker games regularly can greatly improve team dynamics, enhancing communication patterns by up to 50%, making for a more cohesive working environment. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Measure the Success of Team-Building Activities? To measure the success of team-building activities, you should evaluate several factors. Start by evaluating participant engagement during the activities through surveys or direct feedback. Next, observe changes in team dynamics and communication post-activity. Furthermore, monitor productivity and collaboration metrics over time. Finally, consider setting specific goals for each activity and measuring progress in relation to those objectives. This thorough approach provides a clearer picture of the effectiveness of your team-building efforts. What Is the Ideal Team Size for These Activities? The ideal team size for activities typically ranges from five to fifteen members. Smaller groups, like those with five to seven participants, encourage more intimate interactions and deeper connections. Conversely, teams of ten to fifteen can nurture diverse perspectives and ideas, enhancing creativity. It’s crucial to balance these factors based on your objectives, as larger teams may struggle with coordination, whereas smaller teams might lack varied input. Aim for a size that promotes engagement and collaboration. How Often Should We Organize Team-Building Events? You should organize team-building events regularly, ideally every quarter. This frequency allows team members to connect and strengthen relationships without causing disruption to work schedules. Monthly events can lead to fatigue, whereas biannual events mightn’t provide enough interaction. Consider incorporating a mix of activities to maintain engagement and address different team dynamics. Can Remote Teams Participate in These Activities Effectively? Yes, remote teams can participate in team-building activities effectively. Utilizing technology, you can organize virtual games, workshops, or collaborative projects that promote communication and collaboration. Video conferencing tools allow for real-time interaction, making it easier to engage all members. It’s important to take into account time zones and schedules to guarantee everyone can participate. What Budget Should I Allocate for Team-Building Initiatives? When planning your team-building initiatives, allocate around 1-3% of your team’s overall budget. This amount allows for a variety of activities, such as workshops, retreats, or online events, depending on your team’s needs. Consider factors like the number of participants, the location, and the type of activities you want. It’s crucial to balance quality and cost, ensuring the activities are engaging and provide value to your team’s dynamics and productivity. Conclusion Implementing these five creative group ideas can greatly improve team-building efforts. By nurturing collaboration through cultural exchange, nostalgic games, eco-friendly initiatives, artistic workshops, and outdoor challenges, you create an environment that promotes communication and problem-solving. These activities not just strengthen interpersonal relationships but additionally encourage innovative thinking within the team. Consider integrating these strategies into your team-building efforts to cultivate a more cohesive and productive work environment, in the end leading to improved performance and morale. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Creative Group Ideas for Successful Team-Building" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

China on Monday blocked U.S. tech giant Meta’s acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus, in an unexpected move to reverse a deal that apparently aroused Beijing’s concerns about the transfer of advanced technology. In a one-line statement, China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top planning agency, said it was prohibiting the foreign acquisition of Manus and had required all the parties to withdraw from the deal. It did not specifically name Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram. Manus, which has Chinese roots but is based in Singapore, provides a general-purpose AI agent that can autonomously carry out sophisticated tasks like coding an app, doing market research or preparing quarterly budgets. The decision was made by the commission’s Office of the Working Mechanism for Security Review of Foreign Investment in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, the statement said. It came after Chinese authorities said they were looking into the deal earlier this year. The commission did not elaborate on the reasons for the ban. The announcement came less than a month before U.S. President Donald The President‘s planned visit to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May. Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, on Monday said in a statement that the The President administration “will continue defending America’s leading and innovative technology sector against undue foreign interference of any sort.” Meta announced in December that it was acquiring Manus, in a rare case of a major U.S. tech group buying an AI company with strong links to China. Its deal with Manus was expected to help expand AI offerings across Meta’s platforms. Meta had said there would be “no continuing Chinese ownership interests in Manus” and that Manus would discontinue its services and operations in China. But China said in January that it would investigate whether the acquisition would be consistent with its laws and regulations. China’s commerce ministry said at the time that any enterprises engaging in outward investment, technology exports, data transfers and cross-border acquisitions must comply with Chinese law. Meta had said most of Manus’ employees were based in Singapore. Before the deal, Manus’ parent was Singapore-based Butterfly Effect Pte, but the AI startup traces its roots back to Beijing-registered entities with similar names that were established several years earlier. Manus did not respond to a request for comment. Its website says the company “is now part of Meta,” indicating that the deal had already been completed. Meta said on Monday that the Manus transaction “complied fully with applicable law.” “We anticipate an appropriate resolution to the inquiry,” the California-based company said in a statement. Analysts said the decision is a sign that China’s communist leaders are tightening scrutiny of the AI industry amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry with the U.S. over the technology. “China is showing the world that it is willing to play hardball when it comes to AI talents and capabilities, which the country views as a core national security asset,” said Lian Jye Su, chief analyst at the technology research and advisory group Omdia. “It is strongly indicative of what Chinese authorities may do going forward regarding acquisitions involving Chinese deep-tech companies.” Beijing’s acquisition ban could deter similar acquisition plans by U.S. tech giants going forward, he said. “In the context of rivalry, it mirrors U.S. export controls, entity lists, and investment curbs on China,” said Su. Meta’s interest in Manus reflects a broader tech industry race to lead in the development of AI agents that can go beyond a chatbot’s capabilities to take computer-based actions on people’s behalf. Meta last month acquired Moltbook after it attracted viral attention as a social network built for AI agents to make posts and interact with each other. That was after OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, hired the creator of AI agent OpenClaw, formerly called Moltbot and the technology upon which Moltbook was built. —Chan Ho-Min, Kanis Leung, and Kelvin Chan, Associated Press AP Technology Writer Matt O’Brien and writer Didi Tang contributed to this report. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I strongly suspect the most desired smartphone attribute is longer battery life. After all, these are mobile devices, which means they're meant to be used on the go. The longer you can wait between charges, the more mobile your phone can be. But no matter how large your battery is, at some point, it's going to run out. The issue is, what happens if it doesn't turn back on, even after you've left it on the charger? Some iPhone 17s aren't powering back on I didn't know about these claims until coming across Benjamin Mayo's post on 9to5Mac. In a report on Monday, Mayo explained his iPhone Air's battery died, so he plugged the device into power, expecting the Apple logo to appear as it usually does. However, according to Mayo, nothing happened, even after his iPhone stayed connected to power for minutes. It was as if the phone wasn't plugged in at all. Mayo even tried a hardware reset, which involves quickly pressing the volume up button, then quickly pressing the volume down button, then holding the side button. This usually snaps a buggy iPhone back into place, but still, no dice. Mayo found that his story wasn't unique. In his article, he highlighted multiple forum threads of users complaining about iPhone 17 models that wouldn't power back on after their batteries had totally run out. What's particularly concerning is how many users comment on these posts sharing similar experiences. This thread has 144 comments at the time of writing, and most appear to be users confirming the issue happened to them, or to someone they knew. It's not necessarily proof of a widespread issue, but it does suggest that something is going on with the iPhone 17's battery. For full transparency, I've been using an iPhone 17 Pro Max since late last year and this is the first I'm hearing of this. In the months I've owned this iPhone, I've never experienced any of the issues highlighted here. (I've been frustrated by a slow Face ID experience, but that's a problem for another day.) That being said, I'm not sure I've ever actually let my iPhone completely die in the time that I've had it—and I'm not necessarily jumping at the chance to drain it now. How to turn your iPhone 17 back on after the battery diesLuckily, this isn't an issue without a workaround—and a couple, at that. Mayo's was particularly interesting: He said he hadn't been able to get his iPhone to power back on until he switched from wired to wireless charging. By throwing his Air onto a MagSafe charger, he was able to get his phone back up and running as if there had never been an issue in the first place. Some users in the forums linked above found success leaving their iPhones plugged in for extended periods of time. One said that 30 minutes was enough, while another claimed that it took two to three hours of uninterrupted connectivity before the iPhone turned back on. This iFixit user was able to force the iPhone into DFU mode, which involves the same button combination as a hardware reset, but requires you to plug your iPhone into a Mac or PC. Perhaps something about DFU mode triggers the iPhone to respond in a way that a simple hardware reset cannot. We don't know much at this time, but I'm hoping this is a software bug, not a hardware issue. These forum posts do span a number of months, suggesting this isn't tied to a specific iOS version. But if an iOS bug carried over throughout each iOS 26 update is the culprit, Apple could solve the problem in its next update. If it's something that affects the iPhone 17 hardware directly, or the A19 chip embedded in each, that's obviously a larger problem. Based on the many different workarounds users have found, however, my guess is still software more than hardware. iPhone 17 (256GB) $807.89 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $807.89 at Amazon View the full article

A randomized field experiment found Google AI Overviews reduced organic clicks on triggered queries by 38%, while user experience ratings stayed unchanged. The post Google’s AI Overviews Cut Clicks Without Satisfaction Gain: Report appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Chief executive József Váradi claims carriers are ‘operating based on political pressure’ in highly unusual criticismView the full article

A reader writes: I recently moved across the country to be closer to my partner’s extended family. We went from a large metropolitan area to a smaller town, where I transitioned to a new industry. My new job entails answering the phone, which, frankly, is something I have always excelled at. However, for whatever reason (geography, industry, or the simple increased prevalence of AI), I’m now confronted several times each day by people who assume that I am AI. Their reactions range from treating me as non-human (gruffly yelling, “GET AN ESTIMATE!”) to questioning my humanity (“Are you real?”) to hanging up and calling back several times before asking to speak to a “real human.” While I admit that I have a professional-sounding voice and a theater background, my phone voice is not in the least over the top. I’ve worked in nine cities in five U.S. states, and this has never been an issue before (which makes me think this is due to the increased use of AI). But how do I handle it? When people assume I’m AI and address me as such, I generally try not to sound offended and then say something (a little joke or phrase) that makes them realize I’m not AI. I also have several amusing responses to “Are you real?” that clients seem to enjoy. But the last situation drives me a bit nuts, mostly because customers are fairly angry by the time they finally realize that I am flesh and blood. A few people have even scolded me, suggesting that I explicitly state that I am human, but this seems strange because, legally in our area (and maybe everywhere), AI is required to identify itself. Do you have any tips for how to handle this? It got better when I caught a cold, but I don’t want to be permanently phlegm-filled. Even when I tone it way down (to a point that would sound unprofessional in my former job), I still encounter this. Other than eating, swearing, coughing/sneezing, or loudly chewing gum (none of which I would ever intentionally do), how do I make people recognize that I am human? Do I really need to say it? And why is this happening now? It’s happening now because there’s been an explosion in companies using AI for frontline customer service and people are irritated by it because it so often sucks. They’ve had frustrating experiences with AI customer service previously, so they’re primed to be irritated when they think they’ve encountered it again. That’s no excuse for people being rude, particularly right off the bat when you haven’t given them any reason to think they’re dealing with AI. But that’s why it’s happening. Could this be an opportunity to put your theater training to use? Can you experiment in using “tells” that very quickly identify you as obviously human? I’m not sure what would work best — and it would be weird to, for example, fake a southern accent or something else that might read differently than standard AI talk — but a cough, a word stumble, a different intonation … who knows? It might be an interesting challenge to A/B test it and see if you can figure out what works! The post callers think I’m AI appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

If you want to secure business credit, comprehending the process is essential. Start by registering your business and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Then, get a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. These steps lay the foundation for building your business credit profile. As you move forward, you’ll need to know how to establish credit accounts and maintain a positive payment history, which can greatly influence your creditworthiness. What’s next? Key Takeaways Register your business with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to separate personal and business finances and establish a credit profile. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet to enhance your business credit report and meet lender requirements. Open a business bank account in your company’s name to facilitate financial tracking and compliance with lending standards. Establish credit accounts with vendors that report to credit bureaus and make timely payments to build a positive credit history. Monitor your business credit score regularly and maintain a low credit utilization ratio to improve your creditworthiness. Understanding Business Credit Comprehending business credit is essential for any entrepreneur looking to secure financing or establish credibility in the marketplace. Business credit refers particularly to the credit score of a business, which creditors use to assess creditworthiness. Unlike personal credit, business credit is tied to the entity itself and reflects business-related expenses and payment history. Your business credit score, typically ranging from 300 to 850, is influenced by factors such as payment history, credit utilization, time in operation, and overall financial health. To establish a business credit profile, you need to register with business credit bureaus, like Dun & Bradstreet, and obtain a D-U-N-S Number, a unique identifier for your business. A healthy business credit score not only improves your chances of securing loans but also boosts relationships with vendors and suppliers, allowing for better payment terms and increased purchasing capacity. Therefore, comprehending business credit is vital for long-term success. Importance of Business Credit Grasping the significance of business credit is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming to nurture growth and stability in their company. The importance of business credit can’t be overstated, as it lays the foundation for your firm’s long-term financial health. A robust business credit history not only improves your credibility with lenders and suppliers but also positions your business favorably for financing opportunities and partnerships. When you establish strong business credit, it instills confidence in lenders, making it easier to secure loans with favorable terms. This is particularly important for managing unexpected financial demands, ensuring you can handle cash flow and operational expenses effectively. Furthermore, a solid business credit profile helps build trust with stakeholders, promoting improved vendor relationships and increased customer loyalty. By prioritizing business credit, you’re not merely preparing for the future; you’re actively investing in the sustainability of your business. Differences Between Personal and Business Credit Grasping the distinctions between personal and business credit is crucial for anyone aiming to manage their finances effectively. Personal credit relies on your individual financial history, whereas business credit is linked to a company’s financial activities. Personal credit scores range from 300 to 850, similar to business credit scores, which can likewise follow this range, including the FICO SBSS score. The impact of these scores differs; business credit affects your company’s ability to secure funding for operational needs, whereas personal credit influences your borrowing capacity for personal expenses. Business credit scoring assesses factors like cash flow, revenue, and the length of time the business has operated. Significantly, for new businesses, assessments often include the owner’s personal credit score. Comprehending these differences helps you make informed decisions about financing your business and managing your credit effectively. Measurement of Business Credit Score Comprehending how your business credit score is assessed is essential for securing financing. The FICO Small Business Scoring Service evaluates your score based on several factors, including your personal credit score, cash flow, and outstanding liens, with scores ranging from 300 to 850. FICO SBSS Overview The FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) plays a crucial role in determining the creditworthiness of small businesses, providing a score that ranges from 300 to 850. A higher score indicates a lower financial risk, which lenders prefer. Your SBSS score is influenced by multiple factors, including your business credit reports, the personal credit score of the owner, cash flow, revenue, and how long your business has been operating. Lenders often use this score to evaluate loan applications, requiring a minimum score of 155 for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Furthermore, any outstanding liens and your overall financial health are considered, affecting your chances of securing financing. Monitoring your SBSS score can improve your funding opportunities. Credit Factors Evaluation Evaluating the factors that contribute to your business credit score is crucial for comprehending how lenders assess your financial health. The FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) scores range from 300 to 850 and consider aspects like personal credit, cash flow, and revenue. To qualify for SBA loans, you need a minimum score of 155. Here’s a breakdown of key factors: Factor Description Impact on Score Time in Business Longer operating history improves credibility Positive Outstanding Liens Any unpaid debts can lower your score Negative Financial Behavior Consistent payments improve your score Positive Regularly check your business credit score through services like Dun & Bradstreet to stay informed. Steps to Build Business Credit Building business credit is a crucial step for any entrepreneur aiming to secure financing and establish credibility in the marketplace. To learn how to build business credit effectively, start by developing a positive relationship with a business banker. They can provide valuable insights and opportunities customized to your needs. Next, establish credit accounts in your business’s name with vendors that report to credit bureaus; this will help build a strong credit history. Make certain to make timely payments on all debts to maintain a positive credit record, avoiding late fees that can harm your score. Additionally, create a diverse mix of credit accounts, like loans and credit cards, to improve your credit profile. Finally, regularly monitor your business credit reports from agencies sucha s Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax to verify accuracy and address discrepancies without delay. Get Personal Credit History in Order When you’re starting a business, your personal credit history plays an essential role in securing loans and favorable financing terms. A strong credit score, typically above 700, can greatly improve your chances of approval. To get your credit in order, consider checking your reports for inaccuracies and utilizing resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to guide your improvement efforts. Importance of Personal Credit Personal credit plays a pivotal role in your ability to secure funding for your business, as lenders often assess your personal credit score to determine loan eligibility. A strong personal credit score is crucial since new businesses frequently rely on the owner’s credit history to secure financing. Factors like payment history, credit utilization, and the length of your credit history greatly influence your score, establishing trust with lenders. To improve your chances of obtaining a loan, you should monitor your personal credit reports regularly. You can check these for free from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, helping you identify inaccuracies. Comprehending how to check business credit is likewise fundamental, as it reflects on your overall financial standing when seeking business funding. Tips for Improvement Having an organized personal credit history can greatly improve your chances of obtaining business credit. A strong personal credit score not only reflects your creditworthiness but also reassures lenders when evaluating your business financing applications. To improve your credit, focus on timely payments, reducing your credit card balances, and avoiding new hard inquiries. Here are some tips to get your personal credit history in order: Action Goal Benefit Pay bills on time 100% payment history Boosts credit score Reduce balances Keep below 30% utilization Improves credit utilization Limit new inquiries Fewer than 2 per year Protects your credit score Check your report Identify errors Guarantee accuracy Diversify credit types Mix of credit accounts Improves credit profile Follow these steps to learn how to build company credit effectively. Impact on Business Loans Even though your business’s financial health is crucial for securing loans, lenders often look to your personal credit history as a key indicator of creditworthiness. New businesses frequently rely on the owner’s personal credit score for loan eligibility, meaning a score below 650 can greatly hinder your chances. To improve your prospects, focus on maintaining a healthy personal credit score, ideally above 700, as it can improve your business’s credibility and access to favorable loan terms. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers resources for raising your personal credit score, helping you better understand how to obtain business credit. Avoid late payments, high credit utilization, and recent derogatory marks to guarantee lenders view your financial reliability positively. Register Business With an EIN To establish your business effectively, registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is indispensable. This unique nine-digit number, assigned by the IRS, is fundamental for tax reporting and identifying your business entity. Applying for an EIN is free, and you can do it online through the IRS website, where most applications are processed instantly. Having an EIN is necessary for various business activities, such as opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing tax returns. Significantly, it helps separate your personal and business finances, which is critical for establishing your company credit history. By applying for an EIN right after registering your business entity, you lay the groundwork for building your business credit profile. This step not only boosts your credibility but additionally opens doors to greater financial opportunities in the future. Register Business for a DUNS Number Registering your business for a DUNS number is a vital step in building your business credit profile. This unique nine-digit identifier, issued by Dun & Bradstreet, is fundamental for establishing credibility with lenders and suppliers and is often required for government contracts. The application process is straightforward and free, requiring basic information about your business, so don’t overlook this important opportunity to improve your financial standing. Importance of DUNS Number A DUNS number is an essential asset for any business aiming to establish a solid credit profile and gain credibility with creditors and suppliers. Here’s why obtaining a DUNS number is important: Unique Identifier: It’s a unique nine-digit identifier that distinguishes your business from others. Access to Funding: Many lenders and government agencies require a DUNS number when you apply for loans, contracts, or grants. Creditworthiness Assessment: It contributes to your business credit report, which lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. Separation of Credit Profiles: A DUNS number helps separate your personal and business credit profiles, encouraging trust with financial institutions. Investing time in obtaining your DUNS number is a foundational step for your business’s financial health. Application Process Steps Obtaining a DUNS number involves a straightforward application process that can substantially improve your business’s credibility. To register, visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and complete the free online application. This process typically takes 1-2 business days for processing. You’ll need to provide basic information, including your business’s legal name, address, and type of structure, such as LLC or corporation. A DUNS number is vital for establishing a business credit profile, as it’s required for various applications, including government contracts and loans. After obtaining your DUNS number, make sure you keep your registration updated with accurate information to maintain a strong business credit profile. This is important for effectively learning how to establish business credit. Benefits of Registration Although you may be focused on growing your business, registering for a DUNS number can provide significant benefits that improve your credibility and financial opportunities. Here are some key advantages: Unique Identifier: Your DUNS number serves as a unique identifier, important for establishing your business credit profile. Access to Funding: It opens doors to government contracts and loans, essential for financing your growth. Credibility Boost: Vendors and lenders recognize your business in the global marketplace, enhancing your reputation. Improved Business Credit Rating: With a DUNS number, lenders can evaluate your creditworthiness more effectively, leading to better access to credit and financing options. Registering is free and can be completed online, making it a critical step for your business. Open a Business Bank Account When you decide to open a business bank account, you’re taking a crucial step in establishing your company as a distinct financial entity. This account should be opened in your business’s legal name and linked to your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Doing so guarantees proper identification and compliance with tax obligations. Utilizing a dedicated business credit account helps build a track record of healthy spending habits, which is beneficial for future credit applications. Keeping your personal and business finances separate improves your credibility with lenders and suppliers, eventually raising your business credit scores. Here’s a quick comparison of account features: Feature Business Bank Account Legal Name Requirement Must match business name EIN Link Required for tax compliance Financial Tracking Simplifies record-keeping Researching and selecting the right bank can likewise provide access to favorable loan options customized to your business needs. Monitor Business Credit Establishing a dedicated business bank account is just the beginning of building your business credit profile. To effectively monitor business credit, follow these steps: Regularly check your business credit reports from major bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. This guarantees accuracy and helps you spot discrepancies that could harm your score. Utilize credit monitoring services that alert you to significant changes in your business credit profile. Staying informed can help you catch potential risks or fraud early. Monitor your business credit utilization ratio and keep it below 30%. This illustrates responsible credit management and positively influences your credit score. Schedule routine reviews of your credit reports at least once a year. Addressing inaccuracies quickly is vital, as errors can lead to reduced creditworthiness and financing opportunities. Enhancing Creditworthiness Enhancing your business creditworthiness is essential for securing favorable financing options and establishing a strong reputation with lenders and suppliers. To achieve this, start by making timely payments on all debts, as this positively influences your credit scores and builds a reliable payment history. Diversifying your credit mix is also significant; consider incorporating various credit accounts, like business credit cards and vendor accounts, to demonstrate financial responsibility. Furthermore, regularly monitor your business credit reports from major bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. This helps you address any discrepancies that might negatively impact your score. Managing your credit utilization ratio is equally important—keep it below 30% by maintaining low credit card balances. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing creditworthiness and answering the question, “How can I build business credit?” Building Credit Relationships With Vendors Building strong credit relationships with vendors is a strategic step in improving your business credit profile. Establishing trade credit accounts with suppliers who report to business credit bureaus helps you build a positive credit history. Here are some effective ways to strengthen those relationships: Identify Relevant Suppliers: Research vendors that align with your business lines, like office supplies or shipping services, and confirm they report payment information to credit bureaus. Make Timely Payments: Always pay your vendor accounts on time to boost your business credit score and cultivate trust. Request Higher Credit Limits: As your credit improves, don’t hesitate to ask for increased credit limits, which can improve your credit utilization ratio. Communicate Regularly: Maintain good rapport with vendors by addressing payment issues quickly and keeping lines of communication open for better credit terms. Role of Business Bankers in Credit Development Business bankers serve as crucial partners in your expedition to establish and improve business credit. They guide you through the process, making certain you understand the necessary steps to boost your business credit score. By providing customized financial plans aligned with your goals, they help you improve creditworthiness and prepare for future financing needs. A business banker can offer insights into the most suitable credit products, including trade credit accounts and business credit cards that align with your specific needs. Building a strong relationship with them opens doors to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry knowledge that facilitate credit development. Moreover, business bankers assist in monitoring and managing your credit profile, giving you updates and alerts on changes that could impact your creditworthiness. This proactive approach guarantees you’re always informed and ready to take the next steps in securing business credit. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Establish Business Credit for the First Time? To establish business credit for the first time, register your business as a legal entity, like an LLC or corporation. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, then apply for a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet. Open a dedicated business bank account using your EIN. Finally, apply for a business credit card that reports to credit bureaus, and make certain you make timely payments to build a positive credit history. What Are the 5 C’s of Business Credit? The 5 C’s of business credit are crucial for comprehending your creditworthiness. First, there’s Capacity, which assesses your ability to repay loans based on cash flow and revenue. Next, Capital reflects your investment in the business, showcasing your commitment. Collateral consists of assets securing the loan, offering lenders protection. Conditions refer to economic factors that may impact your business, whereas Character evaluates your credit history and reliability as a borrower. What Is the 2 2 2 Credit Rule? The 2 2 2 Credit Rule is a guideline for building business credit. You should establish two trade lines with vendors who report to credit bureaus, maintain two credit accounts, and guarantee you make timely payments for at least two consecutive months. This mix of credit accounts demonstrates responsible management and boosts your credit score. Following this rule can markedly strengthen your business’s credit profile and improve future financing opportunities. How to Start an LLC and Get Business Credit? To start an LLC, choose a unique name and file the Articles of Organization with your state’s Secretary of State, usually for a fee. Next, get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS online for free. Open a business bank account to separate finances. Then, register for a DUNS number to create a credit profile and establish vendor accounts that report to credit bureaus, ensuring timely payments to build your credit history. Conclusion To conclude, building business credit is a crucial process for establishing financial credibility and securing better terms with lenders and vendors. By taking the necessary steps, such as obtaining an EIN, a DUNS number, and maintaining timely payments, you can improve your creditworthiness. Regularly monitoring your business credit reports and cultivating relationships with financial institutions will further support your credit development. With these strategies, you’ll position your business for growth and financial stability in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Business Credit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you want to secure business credit, comprehending the process is essential. Start by registering your business and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Then, get a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. These steps lay the foundation for building your business credit profile. As you move forward, you’ll need to know how to establish credit accounts and maintain a positive payment history, which can greatly influence your creditworthiness. What’s next? Key Takeaways Register your business with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to separate personal and business finances and establish a credit profile. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet to enhance your business credit report and meet lender requirements. Open a business bank account in your company’s name to facilitate financial tracking and compliance with lending standards. Establish credit accounts with vendors that report to credit bureaus and make timely payments to build a positive credit history. Monitor your business credit score regularly and maintain a low credit utilization ratio to improve your creditworthiness. Understanding Business Credit Comprehending business credit is essential for any entrepreneur looking to secure financing or establish credibility in the marketplace. Business credit refers particularly to the credit score of a business, which creditors use to assess creditworthiness. Unlike personal credit, business credit is tied to the entity itself and reflects business-related expenses and payment history. Your business credit score, typically ranging from 300 to 850, is influenced by factors such as payment history, credit utilization, time in operation, and overall financial health. To establish a business credit profile, you need to register with business credit bureaus, like Dun & Bradstreet, and obtain a D-U-N-S Number, a unique identifier for your business. A healthy business credit score not only improves your chances of securing loans but also boosts relationships with vendors and suppliers, allowing for better payment terms and increased purchasing capacity. Therefore, comprehending business credit is vital for long-term success. Importance of Business Credit Grasping the significance of business credit is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming to nurture growth and stability in their company. The importance of business credit can’t be overstated, as it lays the foundation for your firm’s long-term financial health. A robust business credit history not only improves your credibility with lenders and suppliers but also positions your business favorably for financing opportunities and partnerships. When you establish strong business credit, it instills confidence in lenders, making it easier to secure loans with favorable terms. This is particularly important for managing unexpected financial demands, ensuring you can handle cash flow and operational expenses effectively. Furthermore, a solid business credit profile helps build trust with stakeholders, promoting improved vendor relationships and increased customer loyalty. By prioritizing business credit, you’re not merely preparing for the future; you’re actively investing in the sustainability of your business. Differences Between Personal and Business Credit Grasping the distinctions between personal and business credit is crucial for anyone aiming to manage their finances effectively. Personal credit relies on your individual financial history, whereas business credit is linked to a company’s financial activities. Personal credit scores range from 300 to 850, similar to business credit scores, which can likewise follow this range, including the FICO SBSS score. The impact of these scores differs; business credit affects your company’s ability to secure funding for operational needs, whereas personal credit influences your borrowing capacity for personal expenses. Business credit scoring assesses factors like cash flow, revenue, and the length of time the business has operated. Significantly, for new businesses, assessments often include the owner’s personal credit score. Comprehending these differences helps you make informed decisions about financing your business and managing your credit effectively. Measurement of Business Credit Score Comprehending how your business credit score is assessed is essential for securing financing. The FICO Small Business Scoring Service evaluates your score based on several factors, including your personal credit score, cash flow, and outstanding liens, with scores ranging from 300 to 850. FICO SBSS Overview The FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) plays a crucial role in determining the creditworthiness of small businesses, providing a score that ranges from 300 to 850. A higher score indicates a lower financial risk, which lenders prefer. Your SBSS score is influenced by multiple factors, including your business credit reports, the personal credit score of the owner, cash flow, revenue, and how long your business has been operating. Lenders often use this score to evaluate loan applications, requiring a minimum score of 155 for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Furthermore, any outstanding liens and your overall financial health are considered, affecting your chances of securing financing. Monitoring your SBSS score can improve your funding opportunities. Credit Factors Evaluation Evaluating the factors that contribute to your business credit score is crucial for comprehending how lenders assess your financial health. The FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) scores range from 300 to 850 and consider aspects like personal credit, cash flow, and revenue. To qualify for SBA loans, you need a minimum score of 155. Here’s a breakdown of key factors: Factor Description Impact on Score Time in Business Longer operating history improves credibility Positive Outstanding Liens Any unpaid debts can lower your score Negative Financial Behavior Consistent payments improve your score Positive Regularly check your business credit score through services like Dun & Bradstreet to stay informed. Steps to Build Business Credit Building business credit is a crucial step for any entrepreneur aiming to secure financing and establish credibility in the marketplace. To learn how to build business credit effectively, start by developing a positive relationship with a business banker. They can provide valuable insights and opportunities customized to your needs. Next, establish credit accounts in your business’s name with vendors that report to credit bureaus; this will help build a strong credit history. Make certain to make timely payments on all debts to maintain a positive credit record, avoiding late fees that can harm your score. Additionally, create a diverse mix of credit accounts, like loans and credit cards, to improve your credit profile. Finally, regularly monitor your business credit reports from agencies sucha s Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax to verify accuracy and address discrepancies without delay. Get Personal Credit History in Order When you’re starting a business, your personal credit history plays an essential role in securing loans and favorable financing terms. A strong credit score, typically above 700, can greatly improve your chances of approval. To get your credit in order, consider checking your reports for inaccuracies and utilizing resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to guide your improvement efforts. Importance of Personal Credit Personal credit plays a pivotal role in your ability to secure funding for your business, as lenders often assess your personal credit score to determine loan eligibility. A strong personal credit score is crucial since new businesses frequently rely on the owner’s credit history to secure financing. Factors like payment history, credit utilization, and the length of your credit history greatly influence your score, establishing trust with lenders. To improve your chances of obtaining a loan, you should monitor your personal credit reports regularly. You can check these for free from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, helping you identify inaccuracies. Comprehending how to check business credit is likewise fundamental, as it reflects on your overall financial standing when seeking business funding. Tips for Improvement Having an organized personal credit history can greatly improve your chances of obtaining business credit. A strong personal credit score not only reflects your creditworthiness but also reassures lenders when evaluating your business financing applications. To improve your credit, focus on timely payments, reducing your credit card balances, and avoiding new hard inquiries. Here are some tips to get your personal credit history in order: Action Goal Benefit Pay bills on time 100% payment history Boosts credit score Reduce balances Keep below 30% utilization Improves credit utilization Limit new inquiries Fewer than 2 per year Protects your credit score Check your report Identify errors Guarantee accuracy Diversify credit types Mix of credit accounts Improves credit profile Follow these steps to learn how to build company credit effectively. Impact on Business Loans Even though your business’s financial health is crucial for securing loans, lenders often look to your personal credit history as a key indicator of creditworthiness. New businesses frequently rely on the owner’s personal credit score for loan eligibility, meaning a score below 650 can greatly hinder your chances. To improve your prospects, focus on maintaining a healthy personal credit score, ideally above 700, as it can improve your business’s credibility and access to favorable loan terms. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers resources for raising your personal credit score, helping you better understand how to obtain business credit. Avoid late payments, high credit utilization, and recent derogatory marks to guarantee lenders view your financial reliability positively. Register Business With an EIN To establish your business effectively, registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is indispensable. This unique nine-digit number, assigned by the IRS, is fundamental for tax reporting and identifying your business entity. Applying for an EIN is free, and you can do it online through the IRS website, where most applications are processed instantly. Having an EIN is necessary for various business activities, such as opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing tax returns. Significantly, it helps separate your personal and business finances, which is critical for establishing your company credit history. By applying for an EIN right after registering your business entity, you lay the groundwork for building your business credit profile. This step not only boosts your credibility but additionally opens doors to greater financial opportunities in the future. Register Business for a DUNS Number Registering your business for a DUNS number is a vital step in building your business credit profile. This unique nine-digit identifier, issued by Dun & Bradstreet, is fundamental for establishing credibility with lenders and suppliers and is often required for government contracts. The application process is straightforward and free, requiring basic information about your business, so don’t overlook this important opportunity to improve your financial standing. Importance of DUNS Number A DUNS number is an essential asset for any business aiming to establish a solid credit profile and gain credibility with creditors and suppliers. Here’s why obtaining a DUNS number is important: Unique Identifier: It’s a unique nine-digit identifier that distinguishes your business from others. Access to Funding: Many lenders and government agencies require a DUNS number when you apply for loans, contracts, or grants. Creditworthiness Assessment: It contributes to your business credit report, which lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. Separation of Credit Profiles: A DUNS number helps separate your personal and business credit profiles, encouraging trust with financial institutions. Investing time in obtaining your DUNS number is a foundational step for your business’s financial health. Application Process Steps Obtaining a DUNS number involves a straightforward application process that can substantially improve your business’s credibility. To register, visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and complete the free online application. This process typically takes 1-2 business days for processing. You’ll need to provide basic information, including your business’s legal name, address, and type of structure, such as LLC or corporation. A DUNS number is vital for establishing a business credit profile, as it’s required for various applications, including government contracts and loans. After obtaining your DUNS number, make sure you keep your registration updated with accurate information to maintain a strong business credit profile. This is important for effectively learning how to establish business credit. Benefits of Registration Although you may be focused on growing your business, registering for a DUNS number can provide significant benefits that improve your credibility and financial opportunities. Here are some key advantages: Unique Identifier: Your DUNS number serves as a unique identifier, important for establishing your business credit profile. Access to Funding: It opens doors to government contracts and loans, essential for financing your growth. Credibility Boost: Vendors and lenders recognize your business in the global marketplace, enhancing your reputation. Improved Business Credit Rating: With a DUNS number, lenders can evaluate your creditworthiness more effectively, leading to better access to credit and financing options. Registering is free and can be completed online, making it a critical step for your business. Open a Business Bank Account When you decide to open a business bank account, you’re taking a crucial step in establishing your company as a distinct financial entity. This account should be opened in your business’s legal name and linked to your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Doing so guarantees proper identification and compliance with tax obligations. Utilizing a dedicated business credit account helps build a track record of healthy spending habits, which is beneficial for future credit applications. Keeping your personal and business finances separate improves your credibility with lenders and suppliers, eventually raising your business credit scores. Here’s a quick comparison of account features: Feature Business Bank Account Legal Name Requirement Must match business name EIN Link Required for tax compliance Financial Tracking Simplifies record-keeping Researching and selecting the right bank can likewise provide access to favorable loan options customized to your business needs. Monitor Business Credit Establishing a dedicated business bank account is just the beginning of building your business credit profile. To effectively monitor business credit, follow these steps: Regularly check your business credit reports from major bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. This guarantees accuracy and helps you spot discrepancies that could harm your score. Utilize credit monitoring services that alert you to significant changes in your business credit profile. Staying informed can help you catch potential risks or fraud early. Monitor your business credit utilization ratio and keep it below 30%. This illustrates responsible credit management and positively influences your credit score. Schedule routine reviews of your credit reports at least once a year. Addressing inaccuracies quickly is vital, as errors can lead to reduced creditworthiness and financing opportunities. Enhancing Creditworthiness Enhancing your business creditworthiness is essential for securing favorable financing options and establishing a strong reputation with lenders and suppliers. To achieve this, start by making timely payments on all debts, as this positively influences your credit scores and builds a reliable payment history. Diversifying your credit mix is also significant; consider incorporating various credit accounts, like business credit cards and vendor accounts, to demonstrate financial responsibility. Furthermore, regularly monitor your business credit reports from major bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. This helps you address any discrepancies that might negatively impact your score. Managing your credit utilization ratio is equally important—keep it below 30% by maintaining low credit card balances. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing creditworthiness and answering the question, “How can I build business credit?” Building Credit Relationships With Vendors Building strong credit relationships with vendors is a strategic step in improving your business credit profile. Establishing trade credit accounts with suppliers who report to business credit bureaus helps you build a positive credit history. Here are some effective ways to strengthen those relationships: Identify Relevant Suppliers: Research vendors that align with your business lines, like office supplies or shipping services, and confirm they report payment information to credit bureaus. Make Timely Payments: Always pay your vendor accounts on time to boost your business credit score and cultivate trust. Request Higher Credit Limits: As your credit improves, don’t hesitate to ask for increased credit limits, which can improve your credit utilization ratio. Communicate Regularly: Maintain good rapport with vendors by addressing payment issues quickly and keeping lines of communication open for better credit terms. Role of Business Bankers in Credit Development Business bankers serve as crucial partners in your expedition to establish and improve business credit. They guide you through the process, making certain you understand the necessary steps to boost your business credit score. By providing customized financial plans aligned with your goals, they help you improve creditworthiness and prepare for future financing needs. A business banker can offer insights into the most suitable credit products, including trade credit accounts and business credit cards that align with your specific needs. Building a strong relationship with them opens doors to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry knowledge that facilitate credit development. Moreover, business bankers assist in monitoring and managing your credit profile, giving you updates and alerts on changes that could impact your creditworthiness. This proactive approach guarantees you’re always informed and ready to take the next steps in securing business credit. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Establish Business Credit for the First Time? To establish business credit for the first time, register your business as a legal entity, like an LLC or corporation. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, then apply for a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet. Open a dedicated business bank account using your EIN. Finally, apply for a business credit card that reports to credit bureaus, and make certain you make timely payments to build a positive credit history. What Are the 5 C’s of Business Credit? The 5 C’s of business credit are crucial for comprehending your creditworthiness. First, there’s Capacity, which assesses your ability to repay loans based on cash flow and revenue. Next, Capital reflects your investment in the business, showcasing your commitment. Collateral consists of assets securing the loan, offering lenders protection. Conditions refer to economic factors that may impact your business, whereas Character evaluates your credit history and reliability as a borrower. What Is the 2 2 2 Credit Rule? The 2 2 2 Credit Rule is a guideline for building business credit. You should establish two trade lines with vendors who report to credit bureaus, maintain two credit accounts, and guarantee you make timely payments for at least two consecutive months. This mix of credit accounts demonstrates responsible management and boosts your credit score. Following this rule can markedly strengthen your business’s credit profile and improve future financing opportunities. How to Start an LLC and Get Business Credit? To start an LLC, choose a unique name and file the Articles of Organization with your state’s Secretary of State, usually for a fee. Next, get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS online for free. Open a business bank account to separate finances. Then, register for a DUNS number to create a credit profile and establish vendor accounts that report to credit bureaus, ensuring timely payments to build your credit history. Conclusion To conclude, building business credit is a crucial process for establishing financial credibility and securing better terms with lenders and vendors. By taking the necessary steps, such as obtaining an EIN, a DUNS number, and maintaining timely payments, you can improve your creditworthiness. Regularly monitoring your business credit reports and cultivating relationships with financial institutions will further support your credit development. With these strategies, you’ll position your business for growth and financial stability in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Business Credit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Ties with the US need mending, but Britain must nurture other alliances tooView the full article

After a few months of job hunting, I drastically reduced my time on TikTok and Instagram. LinkedIn became my preferred social media app, less for entertainment and more for anything that looked like it might turn into a paycheck. A couple of weeks ago, I stepped away from the search and fired up Threads, hoping to find something lighter. I didn’t. Instead, I stumbled upon a job posting that was trending for all of the wrong reasons. The post sought a remote full-time creative strategist to join a Charlotte-based baby product retailer. The role sits at the content, branding, and social media crossroads, word to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. “You need to be sharp, fast, and actually understand what makes people stop scrolling and buy,” the since-deleted post read. “This is . . . not a sit-back-and-brainstorm role.” At face value, it read like a dope opportunity for someone willing to roll up their sleeves and market the hell out of some burping cushions. That is, until you consider the proposed salary: $55,000. Yes, 55,000 American dollars. For a mid-to-senior level marketing gig. Yikes. Talk about a recession indicator. Threads tore it to shreds. And I understood the outrage. Some called the poster—who happened to be a Black woman—exploitative. Others said the salary was fair for some regions. One of my former colleagues jumped in with constructive criticism, suggesting that the startup biz owner reconfigure the role into a fractional executive or part-time contracted gig. And then, of course, there were jokes, with people mocking the post with a flood of quips and ridiculous pseudo-listings. (One of my faves: “Hey Congress, there’s a creative strategist role available since you don’t seem to want to do your current job.”) I hated to see a Black woman dogpiled while major corporations are out here lowballing employees worse than Facebook Marketplace negotiations. But she stood on (small) business. She said she made the same salary after getting her master’s degree and insisted lots of people would happily take the role, benefits and all, with room to grow. Her inbox, she added, was already full. Anyone who disapproved was free to get the hell on and keep scrolling. Once I was done procrastinating, I got reflective. It’s been more than six months since I’ve had a full-time role. Should I be laughing a little less and tweaking my resume to drop into this business owner’s DMs? Is it time to start considering jobs like this for less than half of what I used to make? Is this what my search has come to? This time last year, I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea. I would’ve ki-ki’d, shaken my head, maybe forwarded the thread to a group chat, and kept it moving. But somewhere between week eight and week twenty-something of job hunting, those same dealbreakers get fuzzy, especially as bills stack and the fridge gets less crowded. It’s not always a conscious shift. You don’t sit down and decide to lower your standards. It happens gradually. A listing you would’ve ignored starts to feel worth a second look. A salary that once felt disrespectful starts to feel doable after some lifestyle adjustments. But there’s a cost to that mental shift. You’re not just reevaluating the jobs you’re willing to take; you’re reevaluating yourself. I recently interviewed for a junior temp role. I was overqualified, and I could feel it in real time. Now I’m waiting on a decision, my pride hanging in the balance. The question that lingers is whether I’m being flexible—or just lowballing my damn self. View the full article

Atlanticist leader says ill-prepared war is hurting Europe’s largest economy View the full article

Small business owners are feeling the pinch, as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dropped 3.0 points in March to 95.8, putting it below the historical average of 98.0. This decline is significant, especially since the last time the index slipped beneath this benchmark was in April 2025. The recent data also revealed a troubling increase in uncertainty—rising 4 points to 92, well above its historical average of 68. “The 20% Small Business Deduction and other supportive small business tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act have had many positives for small business owners,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “However, the dramatic spike in oil prices has spooked consumers and owners alike. Small business owners are having to absorb those higher input costs and pass them along to their customers.” Several key findings paint a concerning picture for small business owners. The frequency of positive profit trends plummeted by 11 points from February, landing at a net negative 25%, significantly contributing to the index’s decline. Likewise, expectations for better business conditions fell 7 points to a net 11%, marking the third consecutive monthly decrease and hitting the lowest point since October 2024. In March, the Employment Index slightly decreased from 103.5 to 101.6, indicating a notable shift in labor market conditions, despite remaining above both the 2025 average of 101.2 and the historical average of 100. Meanwhile, both planned and actual labor compensation saw decreases, with a net 33% reporting wage increases—down 1 point from February. Furthermore, only a net 18% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, the lowest level since July 2025. Investment in capital appears to be waning, with only 16% of small business owners planning to make capital outlays in the next six months, down 2 points from February—the lowest rate since November 2009. A concerning 5% reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, marking a 6-point decline from February and indicating a break in a string of four months of improvement. Inventory management also shows signs of stress, as the net percent of owners planning inventory investments fell to a net negative 5%, the lowest level since May 2024. Compounding these issues, 62% of small business owners reported supply chain disruptions, up 3 points from February, with varying degrees of impact reported. On the pricing front, March’s data reflected actual price increases, which picked up following three months of declines. The net percent of owners raising average selling prices rose 1 point to 25%, well above the historical average. However, planned price increases fell 4 points to 24%, indicating cautiousness among owners. Looking at the overall health of their businesses, only 13% rated it as excellent (up 1 point), whereas 51% considered it good (down 4 points). This presents a mixed outlook on stability within the small business landscape. Dunkelberg emphasized the need for vigilance: “While the tax provisions provide some relief, external factors like rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions pose significant challenges.” As small business owners navigate these turbulent waters, they may want to closely monitor their operational costs, assess their pricing strategies in light of increased input prices, and consider proactive measures to manage wage policies and capital investment decisions. With the current environment exhibiting increased uncertainty, staying informed and agile can make a significant difference in maintaining stability and fostering growth. For further details, visit the original release at NFIB. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Small Business Optimism Sinks Below Historical Average Amid Rising Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small business owners are feeling the pinch, as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dropped 3.0 points in March to 95.8, putting it below the historical average of 98.0. This decline is significant, especially since the last time the index slipped beneath this benchmark was in April 2025. The recent data also revealed a troubling increase in uncertainty—rising 4 points to 92, well above its historical average of 68. “The 20% Small Business Deduction and other supportive small business tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act have had many positives for small business owners,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “However, the dramatic spike in oil prices has spooked consumers and owners alike. Small business owners are having to absorb those higher input costs and pass them along to their customers.” Several key findings paint a concerning picture for small business owners. The frequency of positive profit trends plummeted by 11 points from February, landing at a net negative 25%, significantly contributing to the index’s decline. Likewise, expectations for better business conditions fell 7 points to a net 11%, marking the third consecutive monthly decrease and hitting the lowest point since October 2024. In March, the Employment Index slightly decreased from 103.5 to 101.6, indicating a notable shift in labor market conditions, despite remaining above both the 2025 average of 101.2 and the historical average of 100. Meanwhile, both planned and actual labor compensation saw decreases, with a net 33% reporting wage increases—down 1 point from February. Furthermore, only a net 18% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, the lowest level since July 2025. Investment in capital appears to be waning, with only 16% of small business owners planning to make capital outlays in the next six months, down 2 points from February—the lowest rate since November 2009. A concerning 5% reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, marking a 6-point decline from February and indicating a break in a string of four months of improvement. Inventory management also shows signs of stress, as the net percent of owners planning inventory investments fell to a net negative 5%, the lowest level since May 2024. Compounding these issues, 62% of small business owners reported supply chain disruptions, up 3 points from February, with varying degrees of impact reported. On the pricing front, March’s data reflected actual price increases, which picked up following three months of declines. The net percent of owners raising average selling prices rose 1 point to 25%, well above the historical average. However, planned price increases fell 4 points to 24%, indicating cautiousness among owners. Looking at the overall health of their businesses, only 13% rated it as excellent (up 1 point), whereas 51% considered it good (down 4 points). This presents a mixed outlook on stability within the small business landscape. Dunkelberg emphasized the need for vigilance: “While the tax provisions provide some relief, external factors like rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions pose significant challenges.” As small business owners navigate these turbulent waters, they may want to closely monitor their operational costs, assess their pricing strategies in light of increased input prices, and consider proactive measures to manage wage policies and capital investment decisions. With the current environment exhibiting increased uncertainty, staying informed and agile can make a significant difference in maintaining stability and fostering growth. For further details, visit the original release at NFIB. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Small Business Optimism Sinks Below Historical Average Amid Rising Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article