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We may earn a commission from links on this page. I’m one who can appreciate the great diversity of squats in the world. High squats, low squats, front squats, back squats—they’re all beautiful. And yet, people on the internet love to argue about which squat is the best. So here’s a little guide to squat depth, and how to find the squat that’s right for you. The short, easy answer is that you probably want to squat "to parallel," and I'll explain what that means, but there are advantages to squatting lower and higher than parallel, depending on your goals in the gym. What is squat depth, anyway? When people talk about how "deep" a squat is, they're referring to how low you get your hips. Some strong and flexible people can squat all the way down until their thighs are touching their calves and their butts are nearly on the ground. Sometimes this is called an "ass-to-grass" squat. If you can only bend your knees partway before the movement falls apart, you might be told that you're squatting "high," or that you aren't squatting "to depth." If the person who says this is a coach, trainer, or a friend whose advice you value, listen to them, and try to squat deeper. (In a minute I'll give you some tips for how to do that.) On the other hand, if that person is some internet rando or a busybody at your local gym, you do not owe them any specific squat depth and they should mind their own business. Generally, the higher a squat is, the easier it tends to be, meaning you can move more weight. When you're training you'll want some to find a way to be consistent. For example, if you squat 225 pounds to parallel at the beginning of your training program, and 315 as a super-high half-squat by the end, you cannot legitimately say that you added 90 pounds to your squat, as the parallel squat and the high squat are basically two different lifts. Pick a depth, and stick to it. Most people should squat to parallelThe best squat depth for most people is squatting "to parallel." This means your thighs are parallel with the floor, or to put it another way, your hips and your knees are about on the same level. (If your hips go lower than your knees, you're "below parallel" and if your hips stay above your knees you are "above parallel.") This is how most people define a full squat, and it's a definition that comes from convenience: It's easy to see when somebody is squatting to parallel, and this makes it easy for a trainer or a competition judge to tell when you're doing a squat. It also keeps things consistent for your training. If you squat to parallel every time, you know you're doing the same difficulty of squat from week to week. If you compete in powerlifting, you know that judges will look very carefully at your position in the bottom of the squat to know whether you're doing the lift according to the rulebook. Usually the rule is that your hip joint (or the crease of your hip) needs to go lower than the top of your kneecap. Roughly, this corresponds to your thigh being parallel to the floor, and so people will describe this position as “parallel.” Here’s a video showing what this depth means, and how judges see it: Do not try to judge this in the mirror while you are squatting! Your eyes aren't at the right level to judge it accurately. Instead, video yourself from the side (with the camera at or below hip level), or ask a friend to watch you squat and tell you if you're hitting the right depth. Another way to make sure you're squatting to a consistent depth is to find a bench or box of an appropriate height, and tap your butt on it with each rep. Benefits of squatting to parallel: You get more range of motion, thus engaging your muscles better, than if you did a higher squat. Most people can achieve a parallel squat with training, so even if your mobility isn't great when you first start training, this is an achievable goal. You may be able to squat more weight this way than if you go lower. It's easier to keep your feet in a stable position on the floor in a parallel squat than in a lower squat (see the point above about mobility). You have a consistent basis of comparison from one set to another. (If your squats get higher the more weight you load on the bar, you aren't actually as strong as you think.) When you might want to squat lower than parallelWhat about squatting lower than parallel? First, if you're using "parallel" as your gauge, technically any squat lower than parallel still meets the requirement. If you enter a powerlifting competition and squat until your butt is nearly touching your shoes, that's still a legal squat. There's no such thing as being red-lighted for going too low. But usually people only squat that low if they have a good reason to do so. Sometimes that reason is personal preference: You may find that your squats are more comfortable (and you may even be able to lift more weight!) if you let your hamstrings kind of bounce off your calves at the bottom of the squat. As long as it's a controlled, precise movement, it's safe and may be effective for you, depending on your body type. You'll also often see olympic weightlifters squatting very low. That's because they use squats to help train leg strength for lifts like cleans and snatches, and when you do a clean or a snatch you'll usually end up in a low squat position. Essentially, they train the specific positions that their sport demands. Low squats are also popular among some gym-goers who want to work on mobility at the same time as strength, or who want to make sure they're training their legs through their full range of motion. An important caveat is that not everybody feels comfortable squatting low. If you don't have good ankle mobility, you may not be able to get into a low squat position while keeping your body balanced and your feet firmly on the ground. This position may also put more strain on your knees than you would like, leading some people with knee injuries to prefer higher squats. (That said, deep squats are not proven to lead to knee injuries, no matter what that busybody at your gym says.) Benefits of squatting low: You train a larger range-of-motion for your leg and hip muscles than with a parallel squat. You may see more muscle growth for your glutes and adductors, according to some research. You keep your hips and ankles limber. You will be better prepared for snatches, cleans, pistol squats, and other movements that require mobility in a deep squat position. When you might want to squat higher than parallelAllow me to pause while the purists clutch their pearls, faint, and wait to be revived, before I note that it's actually not a terrible idea to purposely squat above parallel. There is a place for this in many people's training! I define high squats as those where your hip joint doesn't even get close to being on the same level as your knee. These are sometimes called "half squats" (because you're only going halfway to parallel) or sometimes even "quarter squats," if you're just bending your knees a bit. Half/quarter squats can be a legitimate training tool, especially for people who train for sports that involve running and jumping. You rarely find yourself in a full squat position in, say, basketball, so training full squats may not be a high priority in the weight room. On the other hand, training half squats can let you load up even more weight than you would use for a parallel squat, letting you overload the upper end of that range of motion. High squats are also often done out of necessity. If you don't yet have the mobility for a parallel squat, or if you're working around an injury that prevents you from bending your knees all the way, you may need to choose between squatting high or not squatting at all. In most of those cases, squatting high is the better option of the two. To make sure you have a consistent target for every set of squats, you can use a tall box, placed just behind you, and squat down just until your butt touches the box. (You can also use a shorter box over time if you are working toward lower squats.) Benefits of squatting high: Half squats can build strength for running and jumping sports. Squatting high is better than not squatting at all. Squatting high may be a stepping stone to getting back to normal depth when dealing with an injury or other issue that prevents you from doing parallel or lower squats. How to squat deeperWhat if you want to squat deeper, but you can't? Most of the time, the issue is ankle mobility. Even though your legs are doing most of the work, and your back is helping to support the weight of the bar, the weak link in your squat is the flexibility of your ankles. Your ankles need to bend pretty deeply to allow you to squat to parallel or lower. I put together a guide to improving your ankle mobility for squats, but for a quick fix, you can put plates under your heels or wear specialized weightlifting shoes, like these. In addition, make sure to do some calf and ankle stretches before beginning your squats for the day. A few more stretches at the end of the day (or on non-lifting days) can help to get you more ankle mobility over the long term. You can also work on ankle mobility over time with stretching and foam rolling. Also, try different stance widths and different types of squats (front squats, goblet squats, high bar, low bar) to see if some are more comfortable for you than others. How to figure out which squat depth is right for youOkay, so what if you don’t compete in any squat-centric sport, and you can see upsides to each of the depths we discussed above? Here’s squatting’s dirty secret: It doesn’t matter. The squat police won't come to arrest you if your squats are too high (though some of your gym buddies may heckle you about it, because why aren’t you going deeper?). You can move more weight if you only do a partial squat, and every gym has people who will tell you about their huge squat PRs but then it turns out they weren’t getting anywhere near parallel. If you are cheating your squats so you can brag about your numbers, swallow your ego and squat to parallel already. Nor will the squat police come for you if you squat extremely low—but once a week or so, a stranger will tell you you’re going to "ruin your knees" squatting like that. You may ignore them. Low squats aren’t inherently bad for your knees, so if you feel fine, you can keep on keepin’ on. (I discuss this myth at length in my guide to squats.) That said, if you don’t like squatting low, but you do it because somebody told you you “should,” feel free to ditch that advice and squat to the level you prefer. Squatting ass-to-grass does not make you a better person. View the full article

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The legacy of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show continues. Streams of his catalog jumped 175% in the U.S. on Monday, the day after the Super Bowl, when compared to the previous Monday, Feb. 2. That’s according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company that provides insight into changing behaviors across music listenership. Bad Bunny received nearly 100 million streams on Monday in the U.S. — that’s 99.6 million in one day — compared to 36.2 million streams the previous Monday. That’s noteworthy, too, because Monday, Feb. 2 was the day after the 2026 Grammys, when the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio won album of the year. It marked the first time an all-Spanish language album took home the top prize. And as a result, he was already seeing a significant jump in streams: On Feb. 2, his on-demand U.S. streams spiked 117% from the previous Monday, Jan. 26. And globally, Bad Bunny’s on-demand streams increased 132% on Monday, Feb. 9 compared to Feb. 2, a difference of 271 million to 117 million. Bad Bunny’s most-streamed songs in the U.S. on Monday, Feb. 9: 1. “DtMF” with 10.4 million 2. “Baile Inolvidable” with 6.7 million 3. “NuevaYol” with 6 million 4. “Tití Me Preguntó” with 5.4 million 5. “EoO” with 4.5 million On Monday, Apple Music, a Super Bowl halftime show sponsor, found that Bad Bunny’s show playlist became the most-played set list on the music streaming platform shortly after the performance. The Puerto Rican superstar went on to dominate the Apple Music Daily Top 100 Global chart, landing 23 songs in the Top 100, including nine in the Top 25 and five in the Top 10. His track “DtMF” rose to No. 1. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” appeared on album charts in 155 countries, reaching the Top 10 in 128 countries and hitting No. 1 in 46, including Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Germany, France and Spain. Spotify found that U.S. streams of Bad Bunny’s music jumped 470% on the platform. That’s when examining an hourly increase in U.S. streams between 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8 compared to the same time frame the week prior. And Amazon Music reported that streams of Bad Bunny’s music in the U.S. jumped 480% following his performance. Music discovery platform Shazam reflected a similar spike in engagement. Apple Music said Bad Bunny’s performance Sunday marked the biggest day ever on Shazam for any Latin or non-English-language artist. Across Bad Bunny’s catalog, Shazam recognitions increased by more than 400% during and immediately following the halftime show compared to the daily average. —Maria Sherman, AP music writer Associated Press Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum, Jr. contributed to this report. View the full article

Late in a project, pressure builds as practical completion approaches and trades overlap in tight spaces. A snagging inspection brings structure to that chaos, turning observations into a snagging list that keeps finishes, compliance and client expectations aligned before handover. Done well, it protects programme, reputation and final payment positions. What Is a Snagging Inspection? A snagging inspection is a structured review of completed construction work carried out before practical completion to identify defects, incomplete items and workmanship issues. Led by the contractor, client team or employer’s agent, it produces a formal snagging list — a documented record of items that must be rectified before handover and release of retention monies. ProjectManager is an award-winning construction project management software equipped with features such as Gantt charts, task lists, timesheets and real-time project dashboards and reports, which make it perfect for planning, scheduling and tracking construction projects from start to finish. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/sheet-view-cta-light-mode-construction-1600x816.jpgLearn more What Is the Purpose of a Snagging Inspection At its core, the purpose of a snagging inspection is to generate a clear, actionable snagging list that confirms whether the works meet the required standard before practical completion is certified. It gives the project manager visibility of outstanding issues, ensuring subcontractors rectify defects promptly and the building can be handed over without dispute or delay. To create accountability by allocating each snag on the snagging list to the responsible subcontractor with clear deadlines for rectification. To protect retention release by using the snagging list as evidence that identified defects have been properly addressed. To reduce post-handover callbacks during the defects liability period by resolving items formally captured on the snagging list. To support compliance with contract requirements under JCT or other UK forms through a documented and trackable snagging list. To maintain client confidence by demonstrating structured quality control through a transparent and well-managed snagging list. When Should a Snagging Inspection Be Performed Timing matters. A snagging inspection should be carried out once works are substantially complete but before practical completion is certified, so the resulting snagging list reflects finished installations rather than incomplete areas. Scheduling it slightly ahead of formal handover gives subcontractors space to clear listed items without disrupting programme commitments. Who Participates in the Snagging Inspection On most UK construction projects, the main contractor is ultimately responsible for organising the snagging inspection and producing the snagging list, as they control the works and manage the subcontractors. However, accountability extends beyond one party, with the employer’s agent or contract administrator overseeing standards and confirming readiness for practical completion. The project manager coordinates the inspection logistics, aligns it with programme milestones and ensures each snag is recorded clearly, assigned to the correct trade and tracked through to verified rectification before practical completion. The site manager leads the physical walkthrough, identifies workmanship issues, challenges subcontractors on standards and confirms whether items are genuinely complete or simply presented as finished under time pressure. The employer’s agent or contract administrator reviews the condition of the works, challenges quality where necessary and determines whether outstanding snags prevent certification of practical completion under the contract. Subcontractors attend to clarify scope boundaries, accept responsibility for allocated snags and programme corrective works so defects are resolved without disrupting other trades still completing adjacent areas. The clerk of works, where appointed, independently inspects finishes and installations, documenting quality concerns and ensuring that materials and workmanship comply with specifications, drawings and agreed performance standards. How to Conduct a Snagging Inspection Running a snagging inspection properly takes preparation, structure and follow-through. The goal is not simply to walk the building, but to produce a clear, controlled snagging list that can be closed out efficiently before practical completion. Confirm readiness: Begin by ensuring the area is genuinely ready for inspection, with finishes complete, fixtures installed and relevant services commissioned. Inspecting too early fills the snagging list with incomplete works rather than true defects, creating noise instead of actionable quality control. Review contract documents: Study drawings, specifications and employer’s requirements before stepping onto site. Understanding the agreed standard allows you to distinguish defects from scope misunderstandings, ensuring the snagging list reflects contractual obligations rather than subjective preferences. Coordinate attendees: Invite key subcontractors, the site manager and, where appropriate, the employer’s agent or clerk of works. Having decision-makers present during the walkthrough reduces later disputes and ensures the snagging list is agreed in principle at the point of inspection. Inspect methodically: Walk the works in a structured sequence, typically room by room or zone by zone, documenting each issue clearly. Record exact locations, concise descriptions and supporting photographs so the snagging list leaves no room for interpretation or dispute. Differentiate defects from omissions: Separate genuine workmanship defects from incomplete or outstanding works. Categorising items correctly on the snagging list prevents confusion, supports fair allocation to trades and avoids inflating defect counts with simple sequencing issues. Allocate responsibility immediately: Assign each snag to the appropriate subcontractor or trade package as it is identified. Capturing ownership during the inspection prevents later arguments about scope boundaries and turns the snagging list into a live accountability tool. Agree rectification deadlines: Set realistic completion dates aligned with the programme and remaining works. Integrating snag resolution into short-term planning ensures the snagging list progresses steadily instead of becoming a last-minute scramble before practical completion. Track progress formally: Maintain the snagging list as a controlled document, updating status, dates and evidence of completion. A live tracker prevents items from being forgotten and gives the project manager a clear view of readiness for practical completion. Verify and close out: Reinspect remedial works before removing items from the snagging list. Do not rely on verbal confirmation; physically confirm quality and completeness to protect handover standards and safeguard retention release. What Is a Snagging List? A snagging list is a formal document produced during or after a snagging inspection that records defects, incomplete items and workmanship issues identified before practical completion. In UK construction projects, it assigns responsibility to specific subcontractors, sets rectification deadlines and tracks progress until each item is resolved and verified prior to handover. What Should Be Included in a Snagging List? Precision matters. A thorough snagging list removes ambiguity, prevents disputes between trades and gives the project manager a reliable tool for driving rectification before practical completion is certified. Project information: Include project name, site address, contract reference, inspection date and relevant phase or plot to clearly identify the scope of works covered by the snagging list. Unique snag reference number: Assign a distinct identifier to each snag so items can be tracked, updated and referenced easily during rectification and close-out meetings. Exact location details: Record block, level, unit, room number or grid reference to eliminate confusion and ensure subcontractors can quickly locate the issue on site. Clear description of the issue: Provide a concise but precise explanation of the defect, omission or workmanship concern to avoid interpretation disputes between trades. Photographic evidence: Attach dated photographs supporting each snag entry to provide visual context and reduce disagreements about the original condition of the works. Responsible trade or subcontractor: Identify the package owner accountable for rectification, ensuring ownership is clear from the moment the snagging list is issued. Priority classification: Indicate urgency level, particularly for safety risks, compliance issues or items that could delay practical completion certification. Rectification deadline: Record an agreed completion date aligned with the programme to prevent the snagging list from becoming open-ended and unmanaged. Status tracking field: Include a column showing whether each snag is open, in progress, completed or pending verification. Date of remedial completion: Capture when the corrective work was physically carried out to maintain an accurate audit trail. Verification sign-off: Provide space for the project manager, site manager or employer’s agent to confirm satisfactory resolution before closing the item. Comments and clarification notes: Allow room for access constraints, sequencing issues or coordination remarks that affect rectification planning. Drawing or specification reference: Link the snag to relevant contract documents where applicable to support fair assessment of compliance. Category grouping: Organise items under headings such as finishes, M&E, external works or compliance to improve clarity and reporting. Version control details: Track issue dates and revision numbers so the snagging list remains a controlled document throughout the close-out process. Related Construction Project Management Templates We’ve created dozens of construction project management templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets. Here are some of them. Bill of Quantities Template Common across UK construction projects, a bill of quantities structures measured items, descriptions and unit rates to support competitive tendering, ongoing cost management and interim valuations, while clearly separating quantified works from items assessed on another basis. Method Statement Template A method statement sets out how specific construction tasks will be undertaken safely and in accordance with project requirements, outlining sequencing, responsibilities and control measures, and is typically required on UK sites before works commence or are revised. Schedule of Values Template A schedule of values allocates the overall contract sum into defined payment elements, enabling structured interim valuations and applications for payment, while giving both contractor and client visibility of certified amounts and the outstanding contract balance. ProjectManager Is Perfect for Snagging Inspections and Snagging Lists ProjectManager is a robust solution that allows project managers to create a construction schedule, allocate resources, track costs and much more. Its task list feature is ideal for making detailed snagging lists that show remaining work, due dates, status, attached files, priority level, among other details. Watch the video below to learn more! Related Construction Project Management Content Our content library features over 100 construction blogs, templates, ebooks and other types of content to help construction project managers better understand the many moving parts that must be managed to deliver successful construction projects. Here are some of them. The Construction Process Explained Step-by-Step Construction Cost Tracking: Complete Guide What Is a Construction Progress Report? Example Included Construction Monitoring: Keys for Tracking Your Project’s Success How to Manage a Construction Site Step by Step The post Snagging Inspection: Making a Snagging List appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

It hasn't been a month since the U.S. arm of TikTok came under new ownership, and already American users are getting an exclusive feature. In a surprise move, the app today introduced a new "Local Feed" specific to U.S. users, ostensibly aimed at helping Americans see content from their immediate area. Technically, it's similar to the "Nearby Feed" that was introduced in the U.K. and Europe in December, though this specific iteration might differ in the minor details, like the name, and more importantly, which data it accesses. Specifically, the company wants access to your GPS data to power the Local Feed, but it's not making it transparent how exactly it will be used. TikTok's new Local FeedTikTok announced its Local Feed today, and it has already popped up in my app without the need for an update. It's located to the left of the Following feed, and tapping on it brings you to a scrollable list of posts rather than the usual "swipe-to-navigate" autoplaying videos. TikTok says that the feed is "designed to help you discover and connect with content, businesses, and services wherever you are," and yeah, what I saw was mostly restaurant recommendations for New York City. It's worth noting that I was already occasionally getting these recommendations on my For You feed, and when I go on vacation, these posts usually change to match wherever I'm staying. So the app's algorithm did already take location into account, however it got that information (more on that later). But the Local Feed allows you to choose when to see those posts, instead of waiting for the For You feed to show them to you. (Note that while it does originally display as a scrollable list, hopping into a video will allow you to swipe through the feed as usual.) How to see the Local Feed on your TikTok accountThe Local Feed showed up for me automatically when I opened my app today, but TikTok says there are a few situations where you might not see it, or if you do see it, where it might not show any content. For instance, accounts belonging to users under 18 supposedly won't see content in their Local Feed, and neither will private accounts, or accounts where post privacy is set to Friends or Only You. It's unclear how the Local Feed uses your GPS data Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Maybe most concerning in TikTok's new announcement is a disclaimer towards the bottom of the post, explaining that TikTok will use your GPS location to help power the Local Feed. The company says this feature is off by default, entirely optional, and only available to accounts for users who are 18 or older. Still, I have a few quibbles. First, it's difficult to know where to adjust these permissions, because they're not located in the TikTok app. Instead, they rely on your device settings. On iPhone, that's under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, while the exact steps will vary among Android phones. In device settings, you can see which apps have access to your location, and tap on them to restrict access. This differs from previous TikTok app, which allowed you to access your Location Services settings from within the app itself; that button no longer appears for me on the Settings and privacy > Privacy page despite it being shown there in Europe's Nearby Feed announcement. It's still mentioned on TikTok support pages, and I've reached out to TikTok for clarification as to what happened to it. My bigger question is this: While TikTok was not listed among the apps in my device's Location Services settings, I still had access to locally pinpointed content within the Local Feed, and it was still able load new content upon refreshing the feed and even restarting the app. This persisted even after I had turned off Location Services on my device entirely, and perhaps more concerningly, even after I switched to a private account, which TikTok said should not see content in the Local Feed. I've reached out to TikTok for clarification on this. There are a few possible answers to these questions. The first is that it's possible that even after I disabled my location or took my account private, the Local Feed continued to refresh using data it had already collected before I made those changes. As for why I couldn't find the location services button in its usual location under the settings tab, that might be related to the app's new Privacy Policy, which now gives it permission to gather your "precise location" so long as you have location services turned on for your device—bypassing the need for a separate toggle within the app. To be fair to TikTok, all of this information would have been accessible to the app even before the Local Feed made its debut, but the Local Feed does make it a bit more obvious that TikTok knows where you are. That said, your location is supposedly only tracked when the app is in active use. View the full article

Customer retention is essential for any business looking to thrive in a competitive market. By comprehending your customers’ needs and creating personalized interactions, you can build lasting relationships. Implementing a seamless onboarding experience and a robust feedback loop guarantees continuous improvement. Furthermore, cultivating a strong customer community and rewarding loyalty can greatly improve retention efforts. Let’s explore these proven strategies in detail to help you achieve sustained success. Key Takeaways Personalize interactions and recommendations based on customer data to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Ensure a seamless onboarding experience with clear instructions to reduce buyer’s remorse and boost retention. Establish a robust feedback loop to actively gather insights and demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction. Foster a strong customer community through online engagement and exclusive events to build relationships and encourage brand advocacy. Utilize advanced segmentation strategies and A/B testing to tailor marketing efforts and track retention effectiveness. Understand Your Customers’ Needs Grasping your customers’ needs is vital for any business aiming to improve customer retention and satisfaction. To effectively engage with customers, start by collecting feedback through surveys or direct communication, as this reveals valuable insights about their experiences. Remember, 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions that cater to their preferences, making it critical to analyze customer data. When personalization is lacking, 76% of customers express frustration, which can negatively impact loyalty. Building a strong customer community can also promote open dialogue, helping you better comprehend their desires. Utilize analytics tools to identify trends in customer behavior, guiding targeted marketing efforts. Create a Seamless Onboarding Experience Creating a seamless onboarding experience is crucial for enhancing customer retention, as a positive start can greatly influence long-term loyalty. A smooth onboarding process can greatly impact customer retention in ecommerce; studies show that 86% of customers with a positive experience are more likely to stay loyal. To improve customer retention, provide clear instructions and resources to minimize feelings of buyer’s remorse, which affect 70% of customers because of inadequate guidance. Personalized onboarding experiences cater to individual needs and can boost retention rates by up to 30%. Furthermore, regular check-ins during onboarding help establish rapport, reducing churn by 15%. Companies with structured onboarding programs see 50% higher retention rates compared to those with informal processes. Personalize Customer Interactions A seamless onboarding experience sets the foundation for your customer relationships, but to truly improve retention, personalizing customer interactions is equally important. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect customized interactions, and 76% feel frustrated when personalization is absent. By leveraging customer data, you can tailor shopping suggestions and communications, which reduces friction and encourages repeat purchases. Effective personalization not only boosts customer satisfaction but also cultivates customer loyalty, transforming occasional users into dedicated advocates for your brand. Utilizing tools like AI can help track customer preferences, allowing for bespoke interactions that resonate with individual needs. This targeted approach in customer service and retention strategies leads to higher engagement rates and improved overall experiences. Prioritizing personalization in your interactions signifies to your customers that you value their unique preferences, ultimately driving long-term loyalty and increasing the likelihood of repeat business. Implement a Robust Feedback Loop To implement a robust feedback loop, you need to establish a continuous improvement process that actively incorporates customer insights. By employing active listening strategies, you can gather valuable information directly from your customers, which helps identify areas for improvement. This approach not only increases customer satisfaction but additionally cultivates loyalty, as customers appreciate when their feedback leads to tangible changes. Continuous Improvement Process Implementing a robust feedback loop is essential for any business aiming to improve customer satisfaction and retention. Regularly collecting customer insights through surveys and feedback forms helps identify areas for improvement in your customer service. This data-driven approach allows you to track important metrics, like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Thermometer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), which gauge loyalty and highlight trends over time. Actively responding to feedback demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, nurturing trust and strengthening relationships that lead to higher customer retention. Creating a culture of continuous improvement based on this feedback can increase retention by 10-15%, as customers feel valued and heard. Regularly sharing updates on changes made reinforces the importance of client retention and encourages ongoing engagement. Active Listening Strategies Active listening strategies are essential when creating an effective feedback loop, as they enable businesses to truly understand their customers’ needs and preferences. To improve customer retention in e-commerce, there’s no better approach than actively seeking feedback. Consider these strategies: Regularly collect insights through surveys and interviews. Establish open communication channels like feedback portals. Analyze feedback systematically to identify trends. Foster a Strong Customer Community To cultivate a strong customer community, you should create online engagement spaces where customers can connect and share experiences. Encouraging peer-to-peer interaction not only builds relationships but furthermore provides valuable insights into their needs and preferences. In addition, hosting exclusive events regularly can improve loyalty and make customers feel valued within the community. Build Online Engagement Spaces Building online engagement spaces is essential for nurturing a strong customer community, as these platforms allow customers to connect and share their experiences with your brand. By implementing effective retention strategies, you can greatly improve client retention. Here are key benefits of these engagement spaces: Customers expect increased involvement in brand communities, with 41% anticipating this by 2024. Engaging discussions allow customers to share insights, boosting loyalty and guiding product development. Rewarding contributions can turn loyal customers into brand advocates, increasing advocacy. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Interaction How can you encourage peer-to-peer interaction within your customer community? Start by creating online spaces where customers can share their experiences and insights. Platforms that allow for discussions and feedback cultivate a sense of belonging, vital for account retention. Engaging customers in these interactions not only reinforces their connection to your brand but also assists in product development and service improvements. For example, look at LEGO’s IDEAS platform, which empowers fans to influence product designs. By facilitating these discussions, you can drive engagement, encouraging customers to advocate for your brand among peers. In the end, these peer interactions are fundamental for comprehending how to maintain customer loyalty and improve overall satisfaction in your community. Host Exclusive Events Regularly Exclusive events play a significant role in nurturing a strong customer community, building on the peer-to-peer interactions established through online platforms. By hosting these exclusive gatherings, you can boost loyalty and improve client retention. Here are some benefits of organizing such events: Fosters Personal Connections: 55% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they connect with personally. Encourages Brand Advocacy: Attendees often share their positive experiences, leading to higher referral rates. Gathers Valuable Feedback: Direct interaction allows you to refine products and services based on customer insights. Reward Customer Loyalty In the domain of improving customer loyalty, implementing effective reward programs plays an important role in converting occasional buyers into repeat customers. By offering incentives like discounts, exclusive access, or loyalty points, you can greatly improve how to retain customer loyalty. Studies show that personalized rewards increase the likelihood of repeat purchases by 79%, highlighting the importance of customized incentives in your retention skills. Moreover, businesses with strong loyalty programs can experience a 20% sales boost from existing customers. Recognizing customer milestones, such as anniversaries, promotes a sense of appreciation and community, which is vital for building lasting relationships. Furthermore, exclusive benefits create satisfaction and encourage long-term brand loyalty. Implementing these strategies not only improves customer engagement but also contributes to overall profitability, making it an important part of your customer retention strategy. Utilize Data for Continuous Improvement Building on the importance of reward programs for customer loyalty, utilizing data for continuous improvement is an essential strategy in enhancing customer retention efforts. By leveraging analytics tools, you can track customer interactions and identify trends that inform your retention strategies. Here’s how to increase customer retention effectively: Monitor key metrics like Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and Net Promoter Score (NPS) to evaluate retention effectiveness. Use customer feedback loops, such as surveys and polls, to gather insights on preferences and pain points. Implement A/B testing on various retention tactics to analyze their effectiveness. Your retention team should focus on advanced segmentation based on customer behavior data, ensuring targeted marketing efforts resonate with specific groups. This data-driven approach will lead to timely improvements in products and services, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Adopting these practices will position your business for long-term success in retaining customers. Frequently Asked Questions How Can I Identify My Target Customer Segments Effectively? To identify your target customer segments effectively, start by analyzing your existing customer data. Look for patterns in demographics, purchasing behavior, and preferences. Conduct surveys or interviews to gather insights directly from customers. Segment them based on characteristics like age, income, or interests. Utilize analytics tools to track engagement and identify trends. This data-driven approach guarantees you understand who your ideal customers are, allowing you to tailor your marketing strategies accordingly. What Tools Can Help in Analyzing Customer Feedback Data? To analyze customer feedback data effectively, utilize tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for collecting feedback. For deeper insights, consider platforms like Qualtrics or Typeform that offer advanced analytics. Furthermore, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, can aggregate feedback and track customer interactions. Text analysis tools like MonkeyLearn can help in comprehending sentiment from open-ended responses, allowing you to identify trends and areas for improvement clearly. How Do I Measure the Success of My Loyalty Program? To measure the success of your loyalty program, track key metrics like participation rates, redemption rates, and customer retention rates. Monitor the average spend of loyalty members compared to non-members, and analyze customer feedback for insights. You should likewise evaluate the program’s impact on repeat purchase frequency and overall sales growth. Regularly review these metrics to adjust your strategy, ensuring the program effectively meets customer needs and drives long-term engagement. What Are Some Low-Cost Ways to Engage Customers Online? To engage customers online without significant costs, start by utilizing social media platforms for regular updates and interactive posts. Consider hosting webinars or live Q&A sessions, allowing customers to connect and ask questions. Email newsletters can keep your audience informed about new products or promotions. Furthermore, create engaging content like how-to guides or blogs that address customer interests and needs. Encourage customer feedback to cultivate a sense of community and improve your offerings. How Often Should I Update My Customer Retention Strategies? You should update your customer retention strategies regularly, ideally every six months or whenever significant changes occur in your business or market. Stay informed about customer preferences and industry trends by gathering feedback and analyzing performance metrics. Adjust your strategies based on this data, ensuring they remain effective in retaining customers. Furthermore, consider seasonal promotions or shifts in consumer behavior, so your approach evolves and continues to meet customer expectations effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these seven strategies can considerably improve your customer retention efforts. By comprehending your customers’ needs, personalizing interactions, and creating a seamless onboarding experience, you build a strong foundation for loyalty. Furthermore, cultivating a community and implementing a feedback loop allows for continuous improvement. Rewarding loyalty and utilizing data for segmentation further optimize these initiatives. In the end, focusing on these proven tips not just improves customer satisfaction but likewise drives long-term business success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Tips to Improve Customer Retention" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Customer retention is essential for any business looking to thrive in a competitive market. By comprehending your customers’ needs and creating personalized interactions, you can build lasting relationships. Implementing a seamless onboarding experience and a robust feedback loop guarantees continuous improvement. Furthermore, cultivating a strong customer community and rewarding loyalty can greatly improve retention efforts. Let’s explore these proven strategies in detail to help you achieve sustained success. Key Takeaways Personalize interactions and recommendations based on customer data to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Ensure a seamless onboarding experience with clear instructions to reduce buyer’s remorse and boost retention. Establish a robust feedback loop to actively gather insights and demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction. Foster a strong customer community through online engagement and exclusive events to build relationships and encourage brand advocacy. Utilize advanced segmentation strategies and A/B testing to tailor marketing efforts and track retention effectiveness. Understand Your Customers’ Needs Grasping your customers’ needs is vital for any business aiming to improve customer retention and satisfaction. To effectively engage with customers, start by collecting feedback through surveys or direct communication, as this reveals valuable insights about their experiences. Remember, 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions that cater to their preferences, making it critical to analyze customer data. When personalization is lacking, 76% of customers express frustration, which can negatively impact loyalty. Building a strong customer community can also promote open dialogue, helping you better comprehend their desires. Utilize analytics tools to identify trends in customer behavior, guiding targeted marketing efforts. Create a Seamless Onboarding Experience Creating a seamless onboarding experience is crucial for enhancing customer retention, as a positive start can greatly influence long-term loyalty. A smooth onboarding process can greatly impact customer retention in ecommerce; studies show that 86% of customers with a positive experience are more likely to stay loyal. To improve customer retention, provide clear instructions and resources to minimize feelings of buyer’s remorse, which affect 70% of customers because of inadequate guidance. Personalized onboarding experiences cater to individual needs and can boost retention rates by up to 30%. Furthermore, regular check-ins during onboarding help establish rapport, reducing churn by 15%. Companies with structured onboarding programs see 50% higher retention rates compared to those with informal processes. Personalize Customer Interactions A seamless onboarding experience sets the foundation for your customer relationships, but to truly improve retention, personalizing customer interactions is equally important. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect customized interactions, and 76% feel frustrated when personalization is absent. By leveraging customer data, you can tailor shopping suggestions and communications, which reduces friction and encourages repeat purchases. Effective personalization not only boosts customer satisfaction but also cultivates customer loyalty, transforming occasional users into dedicated advocates for your brand. Utilizing tools like AI can help track customer preferences, allowing for bespoke interactions that resonate with individual needs. This targeted approach in customer service and retention strategies leads to higher engagement rates and improved overall experiences. Prioritizing personalization in your interactions signifies to your customers that you value their unique preferences, ultimately driving long-term loyalty and increasing the likelihood of repeat business. Implement a Robust Feedback Loop To implement a robust feedback loop, you need to establish a continuous improvement process that actively incorporates customer insights. By employing active listening strategies, you can gather valuable information directly from your customers, which helps identify areas for improvement. This approach not only increases customer satisfaction but additionally cultivates loyalty, as customers appreciate when their feedback leads to tangible changes. Continuous Improvement Process Implementing a robust feedback loop is essential for any business aiming to improve customer satisfaction and retention. Regularly collecting customer insights through surveys and feedback forms helps identify areas for improvement in your customer service. This data-driven approach allows you to track important metrics, like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Thermometer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), which gauge loyalty and highlight trends over time. Actively responding to feedback demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, nurturing trust and strengthening relationships that lead to higher customer retention. Creating a culture of continuous improvement based on this feedback can increase retention by 10-15%, as customers feel valued and heard. Regularly sharing updates on changes made reinforces the importance of client retention and encourages ongoing engagement. Active Listening Strategies Active listening strategies are essential when creating an effective feedback loop, as they enable businesses to truly understand their customers’ needs and preferences. To improve customer retention in e-commerce, there’s no better approach than actively seeking feedback. Consider these strategies: Regularly collect insights through surveys and interviews. Establish open communication channels like feedback portals. Analyze feedback systematically to identify trends. Foster a Strong Customer Community To cultivate a strong customer community, you should create online engagement spaces where customers can connect and share experiences. Encouraging peer-to-peer interaction not only builds relationships but furthermore provides valuable insights into their needs and preferences. In addition, hosting exclusive events regularly can improve loyalty and make customers feel valued within the community. Build Online Engagement Spaces Building online engagement spaces is essential for nurturing a strong customer community, as these platforms allow customers to connect and share their experiences with your brand. By implementing effective retention strategies, you can greatly improve client retention. Here are key benefits of these engagement spaces: Customers expect increased involvement in brand communities, with 41% anticipating this by 2024. Engaging discussions allow customers to share insights, boosting loyalty and guiding product development. Rewarding contributions can turn loyal customers into brand advocates, increasing advocacy. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Interaction How can you encourage peer-to-peer interaction within your customer community? Start by creating online spaces where customers can share their experiences and insights. Platforms that allow for discussions and feedback cultivate a sense of belonging, vital for account retention. Engaging customers in these interactions not only reinforces their connection to your brand but also assists in product development and service improvements. For example, look at LEGO’s IDEAS platform, which empowers fans to influence product designs. By facilitating these discussions, you can drive engagement, encouraging customers to advocate for your brand among peers. In the end, these peer interactions are fundamental for comprehending how to maintain customer loyalty and improve overall satisfaction in your community. Host Exclusive Events Regularly Exclusive events play a significant role in nurturing a strong customer community, building on the peer-to-peer interactions established through online platforms. By hosting these exclusive gatherings, you can boost loyalty and improve client retention. Here are some benefits of organizing such events: Fosters Personal Connections: 55% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they connect with personally. Encourages Brand Advocacy: Attendees often share their positive experiences, leading to higher referral rates. Gathers Valuable Feedback: Direct interaction allows you to refine products and services based on customer insights. Reward Customer Loyalty In the domain of improving customer loyalty, implementing effective reward programs plays an important role in converting occasional buyers into repeat customers. By offering incentives like discounts, exclusive access, or loyalty points, you can greatly improve how to retain customer loyalty. Studies show that personalized rewards increase the likelihood of repeat purchases by 79%, highlighting the importance of customized incentives in your retention skills. Moreover, businesses with strong loyalty programs can experience a 20% sales boost from existing customers. Recognizing customer milestones, such as anniversaries, promotes a sense of appreciation and community, which is vital for building lasting relationships. Furthermore, exclusive benefits create satisfaction and encourage long-term brand loyalty. Implementing these strategies not only improves customer engagement but also contributes to overall profitability, making it an important part of your customer retention strategy. Utilize Data for Continuous Improvement Building on the importance of reward programs for customer loyalty, utilizing data for continuous improvement is an essential strategy in enhancing customer retention efforts. By leveraging analytics tools, you can track customer interactions and identify trends that inform your retention strategies. Here’s how to increase customer retention effectively: Monitor key metrics like Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and Net Promoter Score (NPS) to evaluate retention effectiveness. Use customer feedback loops, such as surveys and polls, to gather insights on preferences and pain points. Implement A/B testing on various retention tactics to analyze their effectiveness. Your retention team should focus on advanced segmentation based on customer behavior data, ensuring targeted marketing efforts resonate with specific groups. This data-driven approach will lead to timely improvements in products and services, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Adopting these practices will position your business for long-term success in retaining customers. Frequently Asked Questions How Can I Identify My Target Customer Segments Effectively? To identify your target customer segments effectively, start by analyzing your existing customer data. Look for patterns in demographics, purchasing behavior, and preferences. Conduct surveys or interviews to gather insights directly from customers. Segment them based on characteristics like age, income, or interests. Utilize analytics tools to track engagement and identify trends. This data-driven approach guarantees you understand who your ideal customers are, allowing you to tailor your marketing strategies accordingly. What Tools Can Help in Analyzing Customer Feedback Data? To analyze customer feedback data effectively, utilize tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for collecting feedback. For deeper insights, consider platforms like Qualtrics or Typeform that offer advanced analytics. Furthermore, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, can aggregate feedback and track customer interactions. Text analysis tools like MonkeyLearn can help in comprehending sentiment from open-ended responses, allowing you to identify trends and areas for improvement clearly. How Do I Measure the Success of My Loyalty Program? To measure the success of your loyalty program, track key metrics like participation rates, redemption rates, and customer retention rates. Monitor the average spend of loyalty members compared to non-members, and analyze customer feedback for insights. You should likewise evaluate the program’s impact on repeat purchase frequency and overall sales growth. Regularly review these metrics to adjust your strategy, ensuring the program effectively meets customer needs and drives long-term engagement. What Are Some Low-Cost Ways to Engage Customers Online? To engage customers online without significant costs, start by utilizing social media platforms for regular updates and interactive posts. Consider hosting webinars or live Q&A sessions, allowing customers to connect and ask questions. Email newsletters can keep your audience informed about new products or promotions. Furthermore, create engaging content like how-to guides or blogs that address customer interests and needs. Encourage customer feedback to cultivate a sense of community and improve your offerings. How Often Should I Update My Customer Retention Strategies? You should update your customer retention strategies regularly, ideally every six months or whenever significant changes occur in your business or market. Stay informed about customer preferences and industry trends by gathering feedback and analyzing performance metrics. Adjust your strategies based on this data, ensuring they remain effective in retaining customers. Furthermore, consider seasonal promotions or shifts in consumer behavior, so your approach evolves and continues to meet customer expectations effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these seven strategies can considerably improve your customer retention efforts. By comprehending your customers’ needs, personalizing interactions, and creating a seamless onboarding experience, you build a strong foundation for loyalty. Furthermore, cultivating a community and implementing a feedback loop allows for continuous improvement. Rewarding loyalty and utilizing data for segmentation further optimize these initiatives. In the end, focusing on these proven tips not just improves customer satisfaction but likewise drives long-term business success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Tips to Improve Customer Retention" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

UK chancellor set to reassure business about reintegration drive after days of political turmoilView the full article

As the recovery efforts from last year’s catastrophic wildfires in California continue, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken decisive action to cut through the red tape that has hindered rebuilding in Los Angeles. The new regulatory guidance allows builders to self-certify compliance with state and local rebuilding requirements, streamlining the recovery process for disaster-affected areas. In a press release, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler shared, “The residents of Los Angeles were faced with massive tragedy in 2025 – and the nightmare has continued for over a year as state and local permitting backlogs prevented them from rebuilding thousands of homes and businesses.” This initiative aligns with President The President’s Executive Order 14277 aimed at accelerating recovery efforts following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. With over $3.2 billion in SBA disaster relief already allocated for Southern California, this development presents an enormous opportunity for small business owners and homeowners who have been trapped in a bureaucratic standstill. The fallout from the wildfires left more than 16,000 properties destroyed, yet fewer than 3,000 rebuild permits have been issued in Los Angeles. Many survivors remain in temporary housing, with nearly 75% of Pacific Palisades residents still displaced. Under the new guidance, if a borrower experiences permitting delays exceeding 60 days, they can move forward with rebuilding by having their builder self-certify compliance with applicable regulations. This option allows survivors to leverage the financial resources available through the SBA, significantly reducing the timeframe to expedite rebuilding efforts. Key benefits of this regulatory change include: Immediate Access to Funds: By bypassing local permitting hurdles, small business owners and homeowners can start reconstruction as soon as possible, putting SBA funding to practical use. Facilitation of Recovery: The streamlined process aims to mitigate the psychological and economic burden on affected communities, offering a clearer path to recovery. Reduced Bureaucracy: This initiative minimizes dependency on local agencies, allowing individuals to regain control over their rebuilding efforts. For builders and borrowers, the process to take advantage of this option is straightforward. They must provide the SBA with two key documents: a Disaster Loan Modification application and a Builder’s Certification. These documents amend the borrower’s Loan Authorization, allowing construction to commence without the typical local approvals. However, there are important considerations that small business owners should keep in mind. First, there is a strict requirement for honesty in the certification process. Any false statements or misrepresentations could incur serious civil and criminal penalties. Borrowers must ensure they adhere to all health, safety, and building codes, as well as complete necessary inspections, to prevent future complications. Additionally, while this guidance addresses current issues in Los Angeles, it sets a precedent for similar circumstances in any future disaster-related scenarios across the nation. Small business owners need to remain vigilant about local and federal regulations in their areas. As small businesses strive for recovery amidst bureaucratic challenges, it is crucial to stay informed about resources provided by the SBA. The urgency of rebuilding, particularly in disaster-stricken regions, necessitates quick action and clear navigation of financial and regulatory landscapes. For those interested in the self-certification option to bypass local permitting delays, additional information is available at the SBA’s official site: SBA Guidance on Bypassing Permitting Delays. This new initiative not only represents a lifeline for individual borrowers but also signifies a broader commitment to facilitating recovery for communities devastated by disaster. The move is a crucial step towards restoring hope and stability in areas that need it most. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA Eases Rebuilding for California Wildfire Survivors with New Rules" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As the recovery efforts from last year’s catastrophic wildfires in California continue, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken decisive action to cut through the red tape that has hindered rebuilding in Los Angeles. The new regulatory guidance allows builders to self-certify compliance with state and local rebuilding requirements, streamlining the recovery process for disaster-affected areas. In a press release, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler shared, “The residents of Los Angeles were faced with massive tragedy in 2025 – and the nightmare has continued for over a year as state and local permitting backlogs prevented them from rebuilding thousands of homes and businesses.” This initiative aligns with President The President’s Executive Order 14277 aimed at accelerating recovery efforts following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. With over $3.2 billion in SBA disaster relief already allocated for Southern California, this development presents an enormous opportunity for small business owners and homeowners who have been trapped in a bureaucratic standstill. The fallout from the wildfires left more than 16,000 properties destroyed, yet fewer than 3,000 rebuild permits have been issued in Los Angeles. Many survivors remain in temporary housing, with nearly 75% of Pacific Palisades residents still displaced. Under the new guidance, if a borrower experiences permitting delays exceeding 60 days, they can move forward with rebuilding by having their builder self-certify compliance with applicable regulations. This option allows survivors to leverage the financial resources available through the SBA, significantly reducing the timeframe to expedite rebuilding efforts. Key benefits of this regulatory change include: Immediate Access to Funds: By bypassing local permitting hurdles, small business owners and homeowners can start reconstruction as soon as possible, putting SBA funding to practical use. Facilitation of Recovery: The streamlined process aims to mitigate the psychological and economic burden on affected communities, offering a clearer path to recovery. Reduced Bureaucracy: This initiative minimizes dependency on local agencies, allowing individuals to regain control over their rebuilding efforts. For builders and borrowers, the process to take advantage of this option is straightforward. They must provide the SBA with two key documents: a Disaster Loan Modification application and a Builder’s Certification. These documents amend the borrower’s Loan Authorization, allowing construction to commence without the typical local approvals. However, there are important considerations that small business owners should keep in mind. First, there is a strict requirement for honesty in the certification process. Any false statements or misrepresentations could incur serious civil and criminal penalties. Borrowers must ensure they adhere to all health, safety, and building codes, as well as complete necessary inspections, to prevent future complications. Additionally, while this guidance addresses current issues in Los Angeles, it sets a precedent for similar circumstances in any future disaster-related scenarios across the nation. Small business owners need to remain vigilant about local and federal regulations in their areas. As small businesses strive for recovery amidst bureaucratic challenges, it is crucial to stay informed about resources provided by the SBA. The urgency of rebuilding, particularly in disaster-stricken regions, necessitates quick action and clear navigation of financial and regulatory landscapes. For those interested in the self-certification option to bypass local permitting delays, additional information is available at the SBA’s official site: SBA Guidance on Bypassing Permitting Delays. This new initiative not only represents a lifeline for individual borrowers but also signifies a broader commitment to facilitating recovery for communities devastated by disaster. The move is a crucial step towards restoring hope and stability in areas that need it most. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA Eases Rebuilding for California Wildfire Survivors with New Rules" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Threat actors don't have to work that hard to obtain sophisticated malware to deploy against unsuspecting targets. A new spyware platform known as ZeroDayRAT is reportedly being sold on Telegram, complete with customer support and updates. According to mobile security company iVerify, this aggressive spyware grants full remote control over devices running Android 15 through 16 and iOS versions up to iOS 26. Once deployed, it allows everything from user profiling and location tracking to live surveillance and financial theft. What ZeroDayRAT can gather from your deviceThis spyware has wide-ranging capabilities that, according to iVerify, have traditionally been found on platforms sponsored by state actors. Here's a look at what ZeroDayRAT can do: Collect information about the device, such as model, OS, battery, country, lock status, SIM and carrier info, app usage, live activity, and SMS message previews. This allows threat actors to develop user profiles for further targeting. Pull GPS coordinates, capture notifications from apps and systems, and harvest account information, such as usernames and emails. Send SMS messages and receive verification codes to bypass two-factor authentication. Log keystrokes (including biometric unlocks, gestures, and app launches), access the camera and microphone, and screen record. Log crypto wallet addresses and target banking and payment app credentials via overlay attacks. How to protect against spywareZeroDayRAT can infect your device only if a malicious binary—an APK on Android or iOS payload—is downloaded and installed. These may be distributed through phishing, such as links sent via emails, texts, or messaging platforms, as well as in fake app stores. All standard guidance for avoiding scams and malware applies: never click links in unsolicited communication, including conversations in apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, and only download apps and extensions from official, trusted sources. Users at high risk of being targeted and anyone who wants an extra layer of security can consider enabling Lockdown Mode (iOS) or Advanced Protection (Android). View the full article

2025 was defined by reports of a “low-hire, low-fire” environment: the unemployment rate remained fairly low, at just over 4% in December; yet headlines of constant layoffs seemed to dominate the news cycle, and those who are unemployed are taking longer to find work. It’s all been very confusing. And the most recent U.S. jobs report, released today, presents more mixed signals. This week’s report indicated American employers added 130,000 jobs in January, and the Labor Department reported the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%. Everything in the report isn’t good — it also indicated just 181,000 jobs were created last year, which is the lowest number since 2020 — but perhaps it’s not quite as bad as many predicted. So will “low-hire, low-fire” still be the way we describe a new job market for a new year? What is a low-hire, low-fire economy? A low-hire, low-fire economy is defined by low job hirings coupled with low job firings — having slashed 108,435 jobs last month, employers aren’t making big moves now in either direction. This kind of economic dynamic results in a lower number of available jobs, which means that those 100,000 people who are out of work may struggle to find something sustainable. That, in turn, could mean that unemployment rates will rise in the coming months. High-profile job cuts, such as news of hundreds of layoffs at the Washington Post last week, can also stoke fears of trends in the broader labor market, CNBC noted this week. Other companies that have announced layoffs include Amazon, UPS, and Dow. UPS in particular will cut 30,000 workers, and Amazon announced plans to lay off 16,000 people last month. The two companies account for nearly 40% of all of January’s layoff announcements. “Generally, we see a high number of job cuts in the first quarter, but this is a high total for January,” Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in a statement. “It means most of these plans were set at the end of 2025, signaling employers are less than optimistic about the outlook for 2026.” How we got here American employers announced more than 100,000 jobs were cut in January — a jump of 118% in the same month last year — and the highest for any January since 2009, global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas announced this month. At the same time, employers announced only 5,306 hiring plans on February 5, the lowest for the month since the company began tracking employment trends in 2009. The same day saw a jump in first-time unemployment claims: Per CNN, there were 231,000 initial jobless claims filed at the beginning of February, a leap of 22,000 additional claims from the week before. The reasons given for the fresh 2026 job losses include contract loss, market and economic conditions, restructuring, and closures. Last year’s layoffs were attributed to much of the same, though a pivot to AI often gets cited often as well, regardless of how much of a factor the technology really is. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics also supports the idea that the job market may get tough sooner than later. Job openings dropped to 6.5 million at the end of December — the lowest since September 2020. Some of the cause for that drop is political, CNN also reported, and many employers are concerned about import and export tariffs issued by the The President administration last year. Some companies are focusing their hiring efforts in the world of AI instead, and the so-called hiring recession may linger. There is a (potential) bright side: reports from Challenger compile layoff intentions — so actual job losses may not take place for weeks or even months, if they take place at all. Inside the latest economy report Although job growth can be described as sluggish at best, the American economy is still chugging along. This week’s job creation report far exceeded the 75,000 new jobs that many experts predicted, and average wages rose .04% from December 2025 to January 2026. Some of the uncertainty surrounding job creation is due to the impact of high interest rates, a carryover of uncertainty that surrounds the The President administration’s shifting trade policies. But per this week’s news, America’s output of goods and services logged its fastest pace in two years at 4.4% from July to September 2025, and consumers kept spending money. There’s also speculation from experts that job creation may catch up to economic growth, and the The President administration’s tax cuts could result in increased consumer spending. Perhaps the latest jobs news is an indication that the economy, much like other elements of American life, is in a state of flux that a little stability could resolve. Low-hire, low-fire may still be at play for a few more months. . .but the economy might just have time to catch up. View the full article

A reader writes: In 30 years, I have been late to work twice. The first time, management used my emergency contact number to track me down when I was one hour late. I believe this was a misuse of my personal information, and I removed this contact information from the company systems. Now, years later, it has happened again. My manager sent police to my home for a “wellness check” because I was two hours late. In this day and age, when federal agencies are claiming that they can come into your home without a warrant, it’s more than a bit alarming to see police at one’s door. Is this even remotely acceptable? I do realize that some employers will simply terminate on a no call/no show, but these actions have me not wanting to share any personal information at all, and have me questioning whether it’s even worth waiting the 10 months I have till retirement. Both these incidents were due to scheduling confusion, and I am not completely blameless. But I work third shift, and it was freaky being awakened at 1 am by police at my door. Both of these were bizarre overreactions. Calling your emergency contact after one hour? And sending police to your home for a wellness check after two hours? The point of a wellness check or calling emergency contacts is supposed to be, “We’re genuinely concerned about this person’s safety because we haven’t heard from them for an extended period of time.” Two hours — let alone one hour — doesn’t meet that standard. If you’re an hour or two late, they should call you. If they don’t reach you, they should leave a message. In most cases, I wouldn’t think about calling emergency contacts unless you’re still not reachable the next day. And escalating to a police wellness check should take longer than that and should only come after they’ve attempted to reach your emergency contact (and in the current moment comes with a particularly high to be cautious about your safety). In both cases, we’re not talking about acting after only a few hours. That said, this is fact-specific and there are situations where the circumstances could warrant acting more quickly — like if you’re someone known to have a potentially life-threatening health condition and you normally show up like clockwork — but we’re still not talking about taking those steps when you’re only an hour late. Acting within one to two hours reads like they were using your emergency contact and the police as ways to get you to work, not because they were genuinely concerned for your welfare. The post my job sent police to my home when I was 2 hours late appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s 10-year outlook projects worsening long-term federal deficits and rising debt, driven largely by increased spending, notably on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. Compared with the CBO’s analysis this time last year, the fiscal outlook has deteriorated modestly. Major developments over the last year are factored into the latest report, released Wednesday, including Republicans’ tax and spending measure known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” higher tariffs, and the The President administration’s crackdown on immigration, which includes deporting millions of immigrants from mainland U.S. As a result of these changes, the projected 2026 deficit is about $100 billion higher, and total deficits from 2026 to 2035 are $1.4 trillion larger, while debt held by the public is projected to rise from 101% of GDP to 120% — exceeding historical highs. Notably, the CBO says higher tariffs partially offset some of those increases by raising federal revenue by $3 trillion, but that also comes with higher inflation from 2026 to 2029. Rising debt and debt service are important because repaying investors for borrowed money crowds out government spending on basic needs such as roads, infrastructure, and education, which enable investments in future economic growth. Congressional Budget Office projections also indicate that inflation doesn’t hit the Federal Reserve’s 2% target rate until 2030. Jonathan Burks, executive vice president of economic and health policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center said “large deficits are unprecedented for a growing, peacetime economy” though “the good news is there is still time for policymakers to correct course.” “We encourage lawmakers to work together to explore options for raising revenue, trimming spending, and slowing the growth of the major cost drivers,” Burks said, “Congress and the administration should seize the opportunity to act now before the available menu of choices becomes much more painful.” Lawmakers have recently addressed rising federal debt and deficits primarily through targeted spending caps and debt limit suspensions, as well as deploying “extraordinary measures” when the U.S. is close to hitting its statutory spending limit, though these measures have often been accompanied by new, large-scale spending or tax policies that maintain high deficit levels. And President Donald The President at the start of his second term deployed a Department of Government Efficiency, which set a goal to balance the budget by cutting $2 trillion in waste, fraud, and abuse, however, budget analysts estimate that DOGE cut anywhere between $1.4 billion to $7 billion, largely through workforce firings. Michael Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation said the CBO’s latest budget projection “is an urgent warning to our leaders about America’s costly fiscal path.” “This election year, voters understand the connection between rising debt and their personal economic condition. And the financial markets are watching. Stabilizing our debt is an essential part of improving affordability, and must be a core component of the 2026 campaign conversation.” —Fatima Hussein, Associated Press View the full article

Met Office says ‘strong and unusually southerly jet stream’ to blame for weeks of heavy rainView the full article

Amazon is expanding its same-day delivery services for its Pharmacy. In an announcement Wednesday the company said plans to bring Amazon Pharmacy to nearly 4,500 locations around the country, which is an addition of around 2,000 cities and towns by the end of 2026. Amazon Pharmacy was first launched in 2020 in 45 U.S. states. By 2023, it served some locations in all 50. But the service has been continuously expanding to cover a growing number of locations since its launch while offering same-day delivery in more cities. Per Amazon’s announcement, the most recent expansion will now offer same-day delivery to its newly served customers in Idaho and Massachusetts. “Patients shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live,” John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, said in the announcement. “By combining our pharmacy expertise with our logistics network, we’re removing critical barriers and helping patients start treatment faster—setting a new standard for accessible, digital-forward pharmacy care.” Amazon Pharmacy has served as a competitor to traditional pharmacies since its launch, offering home delivery on most name brand and generic prescription medications. In 2023, Amazon also launched RxPass, a monthly subscription that offers Prime members in the U.S. as many generic versions of medications as they need for a $5 monthly fee. Additionally, in December, the delivery giant began testing in-office pharmaceutical kiosks filled with medicine at certain One Medical locations. The kiosks aimed to help combat pharmacy deserts, or areas in the U.S. where traditional pharmacies have become more and more scarce. According to research published in JAMA Network in 2024, around 15.8 million people in the U.S. live in pharmacy deserts. Unsurprisingly, areas with decreasing access to pharmacies are disproportionately affecting more socially vulnerable individuals. Amazon’s announcement addressed the issue of a growing number of unserved communities in the announcement, explaining, “In pharmacy deserts, Amazon Pharmacy helps fill critical gaps through 24/7 access to licensed pharmacists, automatic refills, and PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy.” It continued, “PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy organizes medications by dose and time into easy-to-open packets and delivers them monthly to help customers and caregivers manage multiple prescriptions more reliably. In 2025, Amazon Pharmacy also introduced a caregiver support feature to help families manage medications for loved ones.” View the full article

In any hiring process, grasping the specific needs of your team is crucial. You start by developing a clear recruitment plan and crafting a detailed job description to attract suitable candidates. After sourcing candidates through various channels, you’ll screen applications and conduct thorough assessments. Each step plays a critical role in finding the right fit for your organization. So, what comes next after the interviews? Key Takeaways Assess team needs and define the role to identify required skills and qualifications. Create a comprehensive job description that reflects company culture and attracts suitable candidates. Utilize various platforms for sourcing candidates, including job boards and social media. Conduct structured interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates’ skills and cultural fit. Perform thorough background checks and present a formal job offer with clear terms of employment. Understanding the Hiring Need When you assess your organization’s hiring needs, it’s crucial to evaluate the current team workload and identify any skill gaps that may exist. This evaluation helps justify the need for new hires and aligns with your hiring policies. Clearly defining whether the role is junior or senior based on your organizational needs allows you to target the right candidates more effectively. Identifying must-have skills for the position guarantees that the HR hiring process reflects the specific requirements of the role and overall business goals. Furthermore, evaluating the frameworks or tools necessary for the role can help you narrow down candidates with relevant expertise and experience. A thorough needs assessment not only clarifies your hiring decision but also aids in creating a focused and effective job description. This focused approach increases the likelihood of attracting qualified candidates who can positively impact your organization. Developing a Recruitment Plan Developing a recruitment plan is vital for ensuring that your hiring process aligns with your organization’s strategic objectives and effectively addresses identified skill gaps. Start by defining your hiring needs based on the current team workload and the specific skills required. This plan should outline fundamental skills, experience, and qualifications for the role without exploring job description details. Consider utilizing a candidate relationship management (CRM) system to improve your recruitment efforts by tracking potential candidates and managing relationships more effectively. Additionally, develop strategies for advertising the position across various platforms, such as social media, job boards, and professional networks, to reach a diverse candidate pool. Incorporating technology and AI tools can streamline your processes, improve candidate engagement, and elevate overall efficiency, ensuring that you attract the right talent for your organization. A well-structured recruitment plan lays the groundwork for a successful hiring process. Crafting a Comprehensive Job Description Crafting a thorough job description is essential for attracting the right candidates, as it clearly outlines the important skills, experience, and qualifications necessary for the role. To guarantee alignment with organizational needs, be specific about required years of experience, in addition to any tools or frameworks candidates should be familiar with. Use compelling language to amplify interest, reflecting your company’s brand positively. Moreover, include details about your company culture and unique benefits, which can make the job description more attractive and help differentiate the position from others. A well-structured job description shouldn’t only outline responsibilities but also emphasize what makes your company an appealing workplace. This approach can improve candidate engagement and encourage suitable applicants to apply. Sourcing Candidates Through Various Channels When sourcing candidates, utilizing job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed can help you reach a wide audience effectively. You should likewise leverage your company’s social media platforms to attract passive candidates who may not be actively job hunting. Furthermore, consider encouraging employee referrals, as they often lead to higher retention rates and better job performance. Job Board Strategies To effectively source candidates through various channels, employers should consider advertising job openings on multiple platforms, as this approach can greatly boost visibility and attract a wider range of applicants. Utilizing niche job boards customized to specific industries can help target qualified candidates who might not be on general sites. Direct outreach through professional networks can likewise uncover passive candidates, often leading to stronger hires. Implementing employee referral programs allows current staff to recommend candidates, improving recruitment efforts. Finally, crafting job advertisements with clear, compelling language that highlights both the role and company culture can notably increase candidate engagement. Strategy Benefit Multiple Job Boards Increased visibility Niche Job Boards Targeted candidates Direct Outreach Access to passive candidates Employee Referral Programs Higher quality applicants Compelling Job Advertisements Improved candidate engagement Social Media Outreach Social media outreach has become an important strategy for sourcing candidates, with many companies leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with potential hires. Over 75% of job seekers now use social media during their job search, making it vital for you to engage with this audience. Create compelling content, such as employee testimonials and insights into your company culture, to improve your employer brand. You can additionally utilize targeted ads on LinkedIn to reach specific demographics, increasing your chances of attracting qualified candidates. Actively participating in industry-specific groups and forums can further expand your networking opportunities and connect you with passive candidates. Effective social media use can reduce your time-to-hire by up to 20%, streamlining your hiring process. Screening Applications and Resumes Screening applications and resumes is a critical step in the hiring process, as it helps employers identify candidates who best fit the job requirements. To guarantee an effective screening process, consider the following key points: Focus on alignment with the job description, emphasizing crucial skills and relevant experience. Watch for red flags in resumes, such as inconsistent employment dates or excessive typos, which can indicate a lack of attention to detail. Utilize automation tools to streamline application evaluation, enhancing both speed and objectivity in candidate filtering. Look for proven success in previous roles, including quantifiable achievements or specific project outcomes that relate to the position’s expectations. Conducting Initial Screening Calls After narrowing down your candidate pool through the application and resume screening process, conducting initial screening calls becomes the next step in evaluating potential hires. These calls serve to confirm candidate interest and assess basic qualifications, whilst also setting the tone for future interactions. Schedule these calls efficiently by sending concise, positive emails 2-3 business days in advance, including all necessary details about the call. During the call, ask about candidates’ experience, flexibility, and basic qualifications. This is also an opportunity to pitch your company, which can help attract strong candidates. Before the call, review resumes to identify discrepancies and prepare targeted questions that assess suitability for the role. Listening carefully to candidate responses is vital, as it provides insights into their communication skills and overall fit for the position. Implementing Assessment Tests When you implement assessment tests in your hiring process, you create a standardized method to evaluate candidates’ skills and competencies relevant to the job. These tests not only guarantee a fair comparison among applicants but also help streamline your overall hiring process. Here are some key points to take into account: Use various formats, such as online quizzes, coding challenges, or in-person skill demonstrations, customized to the specific role. Clearly communicate the assessment’s scope and purpose, allowing candidates 3-5 business days to complete the tests. Assessments can reveal valuable intangibles like communication skills, receptiveness to feedback, and creative problem-solving abilities. By providing objective data, assessment tests inform decisions on which candidates should progress to the next stage of hiring. Implementing these tests can improve the effectiveness of your hiring strategy, guaranteeing that you select the best candidates for your organization. Preparing for In-Person Interviews As you move forward in the hiring process, preparing for in-person interviews becomes a key focus. Schedule these interviews 2-3 business days in advance, ensuring candidates receive all necessary information, including the location and interview format. This preparation helps them feel ready and informed. Develop structured interview questions that evaluate candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit. Consistency is crucial, so ask the same questions of each candidate. Involving multiple interviewers can provide diverse perspectives, allowing for a more thorough assessment of each applicant. Consider conducting mock interviews for less experienced team members to improve their comfort and effectiveness during the actual interviews. Finally, create a welcoming environment that helps candidates feel at ease. A relaxed atmosphere encourages authentic responses, leading to a better evaluation of their suitability for the role and the organization. Conducting Thorough Background Checks Conducting thorough background checks is an essential step in the hiring process, as it helps verify the accuracy of a candidate’s criminal history, employment records, and educational credentials. This process goes beyond mere verification; it guarantees legal compliance by requiring consent from candidates and adherence to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines. Background checks can reveal red flags, such as discrepancies in employment dates or falsified qualifications, which may impact your hiring decisions. Consider these key points during background checks: Use third-party screening services to streamline the process. Address any negative findings transparently with the candidate. Look for discrepancies that could indicate untrustworthiness. Verify you have the necessary consent from candidates before conducting checks. Performing Reference Checks When you’re performing reference checks, you’re verifying a candidate’s work history and skills by contacting their previous employers or professional contacts. It’s important to ask targeted questions about their work ethic and overall performance to gather meaningful feedback. Furthermore, you need to guarantee compliance with legal requirements by obtaining permission from candidates before reaching out to references, as this helps protect their privacy and minimizes legal risks. Importance of Reference Checks Reference checks play an important role in the hiring process, as they help verify the accuracy of candidates’ employment histories and provide insight into their work performance and reliability. By engaging in this key step, you can uncover important information that mightn’t surface during interviews or through resumes. Specific questions about strengths and weaknesses reveal suitability for the role. Identifying potential red flags, like inconsistencies in work history, is critical. Engaging with multiple references offers a well-rounded view of a candidate’s abilities. Thorough checks guarantee compliance with legal standards and reduce the risk of hiring unsuitable candidates. Ultimately, conducting reference checks greatly contributes to better retention rates and a stronger workforce. Best Practices for Conducting Gathering insights from references is an essential step in the hiring process, building on the foundation laid by previous discussions about the importance of reference checks. To conduct thorough checks, contact at least two to three previous employers to verify the candidate’s work history and performance. It’s important to ask specific questions about their strengths and weaknesses to gain a detailed grasp of their suitability. Before reaching out, make certain you obtain the candidate’s consent to avoid legal issues. Using a standardized set of questions helps maintain consistency, making it easier to compare feedback across candidates. Finally, evaluate the information from references against the candidate’s resume and interview responses to spot any discrepancies that may raise concerns. Making the Job Offer To guarantee a successful job offer, it’s crucial to present a formal offer letter that clearly outlines all the terms of employment. This letter should include critical details to prevent misunderstandings and make sure both parties are on the same page. Clearly state the job title and start date. Detail the salary and benefits offered. Be prepared for negotiations regarding salary and conditions. Communicate your decision swiftly to maintain candidate enthusiasm. Once you’ve extended the offer, it’s important to provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. This practice helps cultivate a positive employer brand and keeps the door open for future opportunities. Before finalizing the offer, confirm that all parties agree on the terms, including confirming the start date and discussing the onboarding process. These steps facilitate a smooth shift for the new hire, setting the stage for their success within your organization. Onboarding New Employees Effective onboarding is vital for integrating new employees into your organization, as it sets the foundation for their success and satisfaction in their roles. To guarantee a smooth shift, prepare new hires with fundamental training, resources, and access to necessary tools before their first day. This proactive approach considerably improves their onboarding experience. Regular follow-ups during this phase help clarify expectations and objectives, nurturing a supportive environment for adaptation. Engaging new employees with introductions to team members and the company culture encourages relationship-building from day one. Moreover, providing access to platforms like email and project management software ahead of time can streamline their integration. A well-structured onboarding program is strongly linked to improved employee retention rates, emphasizing the importance of making new hires feel welcomed and valued. In the end, a thorough onboarding process sets the stage for long-term success within your organization. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Steps of the Hiring Process? The hiring process typically involves seven key steps. First, assess the need for a new hire. Next, create a detailed job description outlining necessary skills and qualifications. Then, advertise the position to attract candidates. Afterward, screen resumes to filter applicants. Conduct interviews to evaluate potential fits. Check references to confirm qualifications, and finally, extend a job offer that includes salary and benefits, as you’re prepared for any negotiations. What Are the 5 Steps of the Hiring Process? The hiring process typically consists of five key steps. First, you’ll identify the need for a new hire by evaluating your team’s workload and skill gaps. Next, create a clear job description outlining crucial skills and qualifications. After that, advertise the position across various platforms to attract candidates. Then, screen applications to shortlist suitable candidates. Finally, conduct interviews to assess skills and cultural fit before making a formal job offer. What Are the 7 HR Processes? The seven HR processes in hiring include identifying the need for a new hire, creating a detailed job description, and advertising the position. Next, you screen resumes and applications, conduct pre-screening interviews, and administer skills tests if necessary. Finally, you conduct in-depth interviews to thoroughly assess candidates. After selecting the best fit, you check references, extend a formal job offer, and facilitate a smooth onboarding experience for the new employee. What Are the 5 C’s of Recruitment? The 5 C’s of recruitment are fundamental for evaluating candidates effectively. First, assess Competence, ensuring they possess the necessary skills. Next, consider Compatibility, focusing on how well their values align with your team. Commitment is critical, as it reflects their dedication to both the role and organization. Evaluate Cultural Fit to see if they resonate with your company’s values. Finally, Communication skills are important for nurturing collaboration and comprehension within the team. Conclusion In summary, following these key steps in the HR hiring process guarantees you find the right candidate for your team. By comprehending hiring needs, creating a recruitment plan, and crafting a detailed job description, you set a solid foundation. Sourcing candidates effectively and screening applications thoroughly, along with conducting background and reference checks, further aids in making informed decisions. Finally, extending a formal job offer and facilitating onboarding helps integrate new employees smoothly into your organization. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Key Steps in the HR Hiring Process" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In any hiring process, grasping the specific needs of your team is crucial. You start by developing a clear recruitment plan and crafting a detailed job description to attract suitable candidates. After sourcing candidates through various channels, you’ll screen applications and conduct thorough assessments. Each step plays a critical role in finding the right fit for your organization. So, what comes next after the interviews? Key Takeaways Assess team needs and define the role to identify required skills and qualifications. Create a comprehensive job description that reflects company culture and attracts suitable candidates. Utilize various platforms for sourcing candidates, including job boards and social media. Conduct structured interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates’ skills and cultural fit. Perform thorough background checks and present a formal job offer with clear terms of employment. Understanding the Hiring Need When you assess your organization’s hiring needs, it’s crucial to evaluate the current team workload and identify any skill gaps that may exist. This evaluation helps justify the need for new hires and aligns with your hiring policies. Clearly defining whether the role is junior or senior based on your organizational needs allows you to target the right candidates more effectively. Identifying must-have skills for the position guarantees that the HR hiring process reflects the specific requirements of the role and overall business goals. Furthermore, evaluating the frameworks or tools necessary for the role can help you narrow down candidates with relevant expertise and experience. A thorough needs assessment not only clarifies your hiring decision but also aids in creating a focused and effective job description. This focused approach increases the likelihood of attracting qualified candidates who can positively impact your organization. Developing a Recruitment Plan Developing a recruitment plan is vital for ensuring that your hiring process aligns with your organization’s strategic objectives and effectively addresses identified skill gaps. Start by defining your hiring needs based on the current team workload and the specific skills required. This plan should outline fundamental skills, experience, and qualifications for the role without exploring job description details. Consider utilizing a candidate relationship management (CRM) system to improve your recruitment efforts by tracking potential candidates and managing relationships more effectively. Additionally, develop strategies for advertising the position across various platforms, such as social media, job boards, and professional networks, to reach a diverse candidate pool. Incorporating technology and AI tools can streamline your processes, improve candidate engagement, and elevate overall efficiency, ensuring that you attract the right talent for your organization. A well-structured recruitment plan lays the groundwork for a successful hiring process. Crafting a Comprehensive Job Description Crafting a thorough job description is essential for attracting the right candidates, as it clearly outlines the important skills, experience, and qualifications necessary for the role. To guarantee alignment with organizational needs, be specific about required years of experience, in addition to any tools or frameworks candidates should be familiar with. Use compelling language to amplify interest, reflecting your company’s brand positively. Moreover, include details about your company culture and unique benefits, which can make the job description more attractive and help differentiate the position from others. A well-structured job description shouldn’t only outline responsibilities but also emphasize what makes your company an appealing workplace. This approach can improve candidate engagement and encourage suitable applicants to apply. Sourcing Candidates Through Various Channels When sourcing candidates, utilizing job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed can help you reach a wide audience effectively. You should likewise leverage your company’s social media platforms to attract passive candidates who may not be actively job hunting. Furthermore, consider encouraging employee referrals, as they often lead to higher retention rates and better job performance. Job Board Strategies To effectively source candidates through various channels, employers should consider advertising job openings on multiple platforms, as this approach can greatly boost visibility and attract a wider range of applicants. Utilizing niche job boards customized to specific industries can help target qualified candidates who might not be on general sites. Direct outreach through professional networks can likewise uncover passive candidates, often leading to stronger hires. Implementing employee referral programs allows current staff to recommend candidates, improving recruitment efforts. Finally, crafting job advertisements with clear, compelling language that highlights both the role and company culture can notably increase candidate engagement. Strategy Benefit Multiple Job Boards Increased visibility Niche Job Boards Targeted candidates Direct Outreach Access to passive candidates Employee Referral Programs Higher quality applicants Compelling Job Advertisements Improved candidate engagement Social Media Outreach Social media outreach has become an important strategy for sourcing candidates, with many companies leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with potential hires. Over 75% of job seekers now use social media during their job search, making it vital for you to engage with this audience. Create compelling content, such as employee testimonials and insights into your company culture, to improve your employer brand. You can additionally utilize targeted ads on LinkedIn to reach specific demographics, increasing your chances of attracting qualified candidates. Actively participating in industry-specific groups and forums can further expand your networking opportunities and connect you with passive candidates. Effective social media use can reduce your time-to-hire by up to 20%, streamlining your hiring process. Screening Applications and Resumes Screening applications and resumes is a critical step in the hiring process, as it helps employers identify candidates who best fit the job requirements. To guarantee an effective screening process, consider the following key points: Focus on alignment with the job description, emphasizing crucial skills and relevant experience. Watch for red flags in resumes, such as inconsistent employment dates or excessive typos, which can indicate a lack of attention to detail. Utilize automation tools to streamline application evaluation, enhancing both speed and objectivity in candidate filtering. Look for proven success in previous roles, including quantifiable achievements or specific project outcomes that relate to the position’s expectations. Conducting Initial Screening Calls After narrowing down your candidate pool through the application and resume screening process, conducting initial screening calls becomes the next step in evaluating potential hires. These calls serve to confirm candidate interest and assess basic qualifications, whilst also setting the tone for future interactions. Schedule these calls efficiently by sending concise, positive emails 2-3 business days in advance, including all necessary details about the call. During the call, ask about candidates’ experience, flexibility, and basic qualifications. This is also an opportunity to pitch your company, which can help attract strong candidates. Before the call, review resumes to identify discrepancies and prepare targeted questions that assess suitability for the role. Listening carefully to candidate responses is vital, as it provides insights into their communication skills and overall fit for the position. Implementing Assessment Tests When you implement assessment tests in your hiring process, you create a standardized method to evaluate candidates’ skills and competencies relevant to the job. These tests not only guarantee a fair comparison among applicants but also help streamline your overall hiring process. Here are some key points to take into account: Use various formats, such as online quizzes, coding challenges, or in-person skill demonstrations, customized to the specific role. Clearly communicate the assessment’s scope and purpose, allowing candidates 3-5 business days to complete the tests. Assessments can reveal valuable intangibles like communication skills, receptiveness to feedback, and creative problem-solving abilities. By providing objective data, assessment tests inform decisions on which candidates should progress to the next stage of hiring. Implementing these tests can improve the effectiveness of your hiring strategy, guaranteeing that you select the best candidates for your organization. Preparing for In-Person Interviews As you move forward in the hiring process, preparing for in-person interviews becomes a key focus. Schedule these interviews 2-3 business days in advance, ensuring candidates receive all necessary information, including the location and interview format. This preparation helps them feel ready and informed. Develop structured interview questions that evaluate candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit. Consistency is crucial, so ask the same questions of each candidate. Involving multiple interviewers can provide diverse perspectives, allowing for a more thorough assessment of each applicant. Consider conducting mock interviews for less experienced team members to improve their comfort and effectiveness during the actual interviews. Finally, create a welcoming environment that helps candidates feel at ease. A relaxed atmosphere encourages authentic responses, leading to a better evaluation of their suitability for the role and the organization. Conducting Thorough Background Checks Conducting thorough background checks is an essential step in the hiring process, as it helps verify the accuracy of a candidate’s criminal history, employment records, and educational credentials. This process goes beyond mere verification; it guarantees legal compliance by requiring consent from candidates and adherence to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines. Background checks can reveal red flags, such as discrepancies in employment dates or falsified qualifications, which may impact your hiring decisions. Consider these key points during background checks: Use third-party screening services to streamline the process. Address any negative findings transparently with the candidate. Look for discrepancies that could indicate untrustworthiness. Verify you have the necessary consent from candidates before conducting checks. Performing Reference Checks When you’re performing reference checks, you’re verifying a candidate’s work history and skills by contacting their previous employers or professional contacts. It’s important to ask targeted questions about their work ethic and overall performance to gather meaningful feedback. Furthermore, you need to guarantee compliance with legal requirements by obtaining permission from candidates before reaching out to references, as this helps protect their privacy and minimizes legal risks. Importance of Reference Checks Reference checks play an important role in the hiring process, as they help verify the accuracy of candidates’ employment histories and provide insight into their work performance and reliability. By engaging in this key step, you can uncover important information that mightn’t surface during interviews or through resumes. Specific questions about strengths and weaknesses reveal suitability for the role. Identifying potential red flags, like inconsistencies in work history, is critical. Engaging with multiple references offers a well-rounded view of a candidate’s abilities. Thorough checks guarantee compliance with legal standards and reduce the risk of hiring unsuitable candidates. Ultimately, conducting reference checks greatly contributes to better retention rates and a stronger workforce. Best Practices for Conducting Gathering insights from references is an essential step in the hiring process, building on the foundation laid by previous discussions about the importance of reference checks. To conduct thorough checks, contact at least two to three previous employers to verify the candidate’s work history and performance. It’s important to ask specific questions about their strengths and weaknesses to gain a detailed grasp of their suitability. Before reaching out, make certain you obtain the candidate’s consent to avoid legal issues. Using a standardized set of questions helps maintain consistency, making it easier to compare feedback across candidates. Finally, evaluate the information from references against the candidate’s resume and interview responses to spot any discrepancies that may raise concerns. Making the Job Offer To guarantee a successful job offer, it’s crucial to present a formal offer letter that clearly outlines all the terms of employment. This letter should include critical details to prevent misunderstandings and make sure both parties are on the same page. Clearly state the job title and start date. Detail the salary and benefits offered. Be prepared for negotiations regarding salary and conditions. Communicate your decision swiftly to maintain candidate enthusiasm. Once you’ve extended the offer, it’s important to provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. This practice helps cultivate a positive employer brand and keeps the door open for future opportunities. Before finalizing the offer, confirm that all parties agree on the terms, including confirming the start date and discussing the onboarding process. These steps facilitate a smooth shift for the new hire, setting the stage for their success within your organization. Onboarding New Employees Effective onboarding is vital for integrating new employees into your organization, as it sets the foundation for their success and satisfaction in their roles. To guarantee a smooth shift, prepare new hires with fundamental training, resources, and access to necessary tools before their first day. This proactive approach considerably improves their onboarding experience. Regular follow-ups during this phase help clarify expectations and objectives, nurturing a supportive environment for adaptation. Engaging new employees with introductions to team members and the company culture encourages relationship-building from day one. Moreover, providing access to platforms like email and project management software ahead of time can streamline their integration. A well-structured onboarding program is strongly linked to improved employee retention rates, emphasizing the importance of making new hires feel welcomed and valued. In the end, a thorough onboarding process sets the stage for long-term success within your organization. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Steps of the Hiring Process? The hiring process typically involves seven key steps. First, assess the need for a new hire. Next, create a detailed job description outlining necessary skills and qualifications. Then, advertise the position to attract candidates. Afterward, screen resumes to filter applicants. Conduct interviews to evaluate potential fits. Check references to confirm qualifications, and finally, extend a job offer that includes salary and benefits, as you’re prepared for any negotiations. What Are the 5 Steps of the Hiring Process? The hiring process typically consists of five key steps. First, you’ll identify the need for a new hire by evaluating your team’s workload and skill gaps. Next, create a clear job description outlining crucial skills and qualifications. After that, advertise the position across various platforms to attract candidates. Then, screen applications to shortlist suitable candidates. Finally, conduct interviews to assess skills and cultural fit before making a formal job offer. What Are the 7 HR Processes? The seven HR processes in hiring include identifying the need for a new hire, creating a detailed job description, and advertising the position. Next, you screen resumes and applications, conduct pre-screening interviews, and administer skills tests if necessary. Finally, you conduct in-depth interviews to thoroughly assess candidates. After selecting the best fit, you check references, extend a formal job offer, and facilitate a smooth onboarding experience for the new employee. What Are the 5 C’s of Recruitment? The 5 C’s of recruitment are fundamental for evaluating candidates effectively. First, assess Competence, ensuring they possess the necessary skills. Next, consider Compatibility, focusing on how well their values align with your team. Commitment is critical, as it reflects their dedication to both the role and organization. Evaluate Cultural Fit to see if they resonate with your company’s values. Finally, Communication skills are important for nurturing collaboration and comprehension within the team. Conclusion In summary, following these key steps in the HR hiring process guarantees you find the right candidate for your team. By comprehending hiring needs, creating a recruitment plan, and crafting a detailed job description, you set a solid foundation. Sourcing candidates effectively and screening applications thoroughly, along with conducting background and reference checks, further aids in making informed decisions. Finally, extending a formal job offer and facilitating onboarding helps integrate new employees smoothly into your organization. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Key Steps in the HR Hiring Process" 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. For bass-heads and audiophiles, there’s arguably no more acceptable choice than bass-y over-ear headphones. They have superior immersive sound, larger drivers that produce richer sound, and bigger cups that avoid that dreaded ear-squishing feeling. Skullcandy is known for its wide range of over-ear headphones, and the Skullcandy Crusher Evo wireless headphones are a mid-range option known for their bass. Right now, they’re 52% off, down to their lowest price ever of $99.99 (originally $209.99). Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones $99.99 at Amazon $209.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $209.99 Save $110.00 The standout feature on these headphones is the extra bass drivers that beef up the dual 40mm drivers; it has a unique haptic bass slider that adds vibration to low frequencies, and you can crank it up if you want a more bass-heavy experience. Compared to on-ear headphones, which can lead to discomfort over time, the plush memory foam cups will let you comfortably game or listen to music and podcasts all day (or night) long. And despite the generous ear cups, they fold flat, making them fairly compact for over-ear headphones. They’re advertised as lasting an impressive 40 hours on a single charge; they take a little over three hours to fully charge, but just 10 minutes of charging will get you a solid four-hour top-up. They don’t offer premium features such as multi-device pairing or high-res codecs, and the lack of active noise cancellation may be a dealbreaker for some. However, if you’ve been on the hunt for comfy, long-lasting, bass-thumping headphones that deliver at around a $100 price point, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo wireless headphones are less expensive than many alternatives, and have a bass-tuning feature that’s hard to come across. Our Best Editor-Vetted Presidents' Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Dell 16 DC16255 (AMD Ryzen 7 250, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $649.99 (List Price $869.99) HP Omen 35L (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080, 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM) — (List Price $3,099.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC100") HP OmniBook X Flip Ngai 16-Inch (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Radeon 860M, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — (List Price $649.99 With Code "PRESDAYPC50") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The Wild West of web scraping is changing, due in large part to OpenAI’s deal with Disney. The deal allows OpenAI to train on high-fidelity, human-verified cinematic content – intended to combat AI slop fatigue. https://beimpolite.com/media/Retterspitz/6_VIDEO_800X448.mp4 This is how most of us feel when dealing with AI slop. Video production by Impolite. This deal opens up new opportunities to reinforce your brand’s visibility and recall. AI models are hungry for high-quality data, and this shift turns video into an essential asset for your brand. Here’s a breakdown of why video is the new source of truth for AI and how you can use it to protect your brand’s identity. How AI brand drift happens When a large language model’s training set lacks data on a specific brand, the LLM doesn’t admit that it doesn’t know. Instead, it interpolates, filling the gaps in your brand’s story. It makes guesses about your brand identity based on patterns from similar brands or general industry information. This interpolation can lead to brand drift. Here’s what it looks like when an AI model narrates an inaccurate version of your business. Say you represent a SaaS company. A user asks ChatGPT about one of your product’s features. But the model doesn’t have information about that specific feature. So, the model constructs elaborate setup instructions, pricing tiers, and integration requirements for the phantom feature. This has surfaced for companies like Streamer.bot, where users regularly arrive with confidently wrong instructions generated by ChatGPT – forcing teams to correct misinformation that the product never published. A Streamer.bot team member describing how AI-generated setup instructions regularly misrepresent product behavior, creating confusion and additional support burden. AI brand drift happens to local businesses, too. As one restaurant owner told Futurism, Google AI Overviews repeatedly shared false information about both specials and menu items. To correct brand drift and prevent AI from distorting your brand message, your company must provide a canonical source of truth. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Video as a source of truth By producing authoritative videos (e.g., a demo that explicitly clarifies pricing), you provide strong semantic information through the transcript and visual proof. The video becomes the canonical source of truth that makes things clear, overriding opinions from Reddit and other sources. In contrast, a text file contains low entropy. A statement like “50% off” is identical whether it was written in 2015 or 2025. Text often lacks the timestamp of reality, making it easy for AI to manipulate or lose the context of the real world. To fix this, you need a medium with more data packed into every second. A five-minute video at 60 frames per second contains 18,000 frames of visual evidence, a nuanced audio track, and a text transcript. Video enables LLMs to capture non-verbal, high-fidelity cues, creating a validation layer that preserves the visual evidence often flattened or lost in written content. Creative studios like Berlin-based Impolite specialize in high-production-value video that provides the chaotic, non-repetitive entropy that AI needs to verify. The studio’s work for global brands serves as the high-density data source that prevents brand drift. For example, Karman’s “The Space That Makes Us Human” project is a masterclass in creating a canonical source of truth, using high-fidelity, expert-led video to anchor brand identity. Dig deeper: How to optimize video for AI-powered search Authenticity as a signal As deepfakes proliferate, authenticity is shifting from a vague moral concept to a hard technical signal. Search engines and AI agents need a way to verify the provenance. Is this video real? Is it from the brand it claims to be? For AI models, real-world human footage is the ultimate high-trust data source. It provides physical evidence, such as a person speaking, a product in motion, or a specific location. In contrast, AI-generated video often lacks the chaotic, non-repetitive entropy of real-world light and physics. The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) is developing a new provenance standard to verify authenticity. The organization, which includes members such as Google, Adobe, Microsoft, and OpenAI, provides the technical specifications that enable this data to be cryptographically verifiable. At the same time, the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), spearheaded by Adobe, drives the adoption of open-source tools for digital transparency. Together, the two organizations go beyond simple watermarking. They allow brands to sign videos the moment they begin recording, providing a signal that AI models can prioritize over unverified noise. How media verification works: From lens to screen Ever notice that tiny “CR” mark in the corner of certain media on LinkedIn? This label stands for content credentials. It appears on images and videos to indicate their origin and whether the creator used AI to produce or edit them. When you click or hover over the “CR” icon on a LinkedIn post, a sidebar or pop-up appears that shows: The creator: The name of the person or organization that produced the media The tools used: Which software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop) the creator used to edit or generate the media AI disclosure: A specific note if the content was generated with AI The process: A history of edits made to the file to ensure the image hasn’t been deceptively altered Some creators are already looking to circumvent the icon. Some have shared tips to hide the tag. While some call it LinkedIn shaming, its presence signals authority. It’s also gaining traction. Google has begun integrating C2PA signals into search and ads to help enforce policies regarding misrepresentation and AI disclosure. The search giant has also updated its documentation to explain how C2PA metadata is handled in Google Images. Dig deeper: The SEO shift you can’t ignore: Video is becoming source material Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. How verified media maintains its integrity For content marketers, adopting C2PA is a defensive moat against misinformation and a proactive signal of quality. If a bad actor deepfakes your CEO, the absence of your corporate cryptographic signature acts as a silent alarm. Platforms and AI agents will immediately detect that the content lacks a verified origin seal and de-prioritize it in favor of authenticated assets. Here’s how it works in practice. 1. Capture: The hardware root of trust Select Sony cameras use the brand’s camera authenticity solution to embed digital signatures in real time. The signature uses keys held in a secure hardware chipset. Sony uses 3D depth data alongside the C2PA manifest rather than a 2D screen or a projection to verify that a real 3D subject was filmed. Similarly, select Qualcomm’s products support a cryptographic seal that proves the photo’s authenticity. In addition, apps like Truepic and ProofMode can sign footage on standard devices. 2. Edit: The editorial ledger C2PA-aware software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, integrates content credentials. This allows brands to embed a manifest listing the creator, edits, and software. Think of it as a content ledger. Content credentials act as a digital paper trail, logging every hand that touches the file: When an editor exports a video, the software preserves the original camera signature and appends a manifest of every cut and color grade. If generative AI tools are used, relevant frames are tagged as AI-generated, preserving the integrity of the remaining human-verified footage. 3. Verify: Tamper-proof evidence in action If the content is altered outside of a C2PA-compliant tool, the cryptographic link is severed. When an AI model performs an evidence-weighting calculation to decide which information to show a user, it will see this broken signature. Dig deeper: How to dominate video-driven SERPs The expert content workflow Information overload is constant nowadays. Traditional gatekeepers are struggling because AI generates content faster than humans can verify it. Authenticity becomes scarce online as Audiences increasingly seek out authenticity and strive to distinguish signal from noise. From LLMs to search engines like Google, AI systems struggle with the same challenge. Verified subject matter experts (SMEs) are emerging as critical differentiators and as guarantors of credibility and pertinence. An SME is a human anchor point of credibility for both humans and machines. When brands pair expertise with verifiable video documentation, they create something AI can’t replicate: authentic authority that audiences can see, hear, and trust. Why expert video should be the source material A video transcript of an expert explaining a complex topic often captures colloquial, nuanced details that polished, static blog posts miss. Here’s how to use expert-led videos as the starting point of your content flywheel: Text stream: Extract the transcript to create authoritative, long-form blogs, FAQs, and social captions. This provides the semantic foundation for text-based retrieval. Visual stream: Pull high-quality frames for infographics and thumbnails. This provides visual proof that anchors the text. Audio stream: Repurpose the audio for podcast distribution, capturing your expert’s tonal authority. Discovery stream: Cut vertical TikTok and YouTube clips. These act as entry points that lead AI agents back to your canonical source. By repurposing a single high-density video asset across these formats, you create a self-reinforcing loop of authority. This increases the probability that an AI model will encounter and index your brand’s expertise in the format that the model prefers. For example, Gemini might index the video, while Perplexity might index the transcript. It doesn’t have to be fancy, as this clip from Search with Sean shows: See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with What to look out for Before you hit record, identify where your brand is most vulnerable to AI drift. To maximize the surface area for AI retrieval, proceed this way: Identify the gap: Where is AI hallucinating elements of your story? Find the topics where your brand voice is missing or being misrepresented by outdated Reddit posts or competitor noise. Anchor with verified experts: Use real people with verifiable credentials. AI agents now cross-reference experts against LinkedIn data and professional knowledge graphs to weigh the authority of the content. Preserve the nuance: Marketing and legal departments often strip it from blog posts, making them generic. Video preserves the colloquial, detailed explanations that signal true expertise. Here’s a concrete example recorded with Semrush’s Brand Control Quadrant framework: Dig deeper: The future of SEO content is video – here’s why Context still beats compliance With infinite, low-cost AI slop cropping up, it’s going to get harder and harder to fight deepfakes. But it’s harder for an AI to hallucinate a real physical event than a sentence. The most valuable asset a brand owns is its verifiable expertise. By anchoring your brand in expert-led, multimodal video, you ensure that your identity remains consistent, protected, and prioritized. A clear hierarchy of data is emerging: high-fidelity, cryptographically signed video is the premium currency. For every other brand, the mandate is simple: Record reality. If you don’t provide a signed, high-density video record of your business, the AI will hallucinate one for you. View the full article

Threads is testing a simpler way for people to nudge their feed in a specific direction without digging through settings or retraining the algorithm long term. The new feature, called Dear Algo, lets users tell Threads what they want to see more or less of for a short period of time. Instead of relying only on likes, follows, and past behavior, you can now directly ask the app to adjust what shows up in your feed. It works by writing a public post that starts with “Dear Algo,” followed by your request. For instance, “Dear Algo, show me more posts about podcasts,” or “Dear Algo, show me fewer posts about spoilers for Heated Rivalry.” After you post it, Threads adjusts your feed for the next three days based on what you asked for. The change is temporary on purpose. During a live NBA game, you might want your feed filled with reactions and commentary. A day later, you might want to move on to something else. Dear Algo lets you make those shifts without permanently changing how the algorithm understands you. A public request others can use These requests are regular posts, not private settings. Other users can see them, interact with them, and repost them. If you repost someone else’s Dear Algo request, Threads applies those same preferences to your feed for three days. This turns feed preferences into a kind of discovery tool. If someone you follow is deep into a niche conversation you have not seen yet, you can try their version of the feed for a few days. A more direct way to guide the feed Most social platforms offer some form of feed control, but it’s usually tucked into menus or tied to long term settings. “Controlling your algorithm shouldn’t be complicated. It should feel like a normal part of using the app,” Connor Hayes, head of Threads at parent company Meta Platforms, tells Fast Company. “We saw our community experimenting with ‘Dear Algo’ posts to shape their feed, which inspired us to turn that behavior into an official feature that feels unique to Threads.” He added, “When what you care about shifts—whether it’s a big game tonight or a TV premiere next week—you should be able to tell your feed to shift with you. This is about making Threads the most timely and essential place for what’s happening right now.” Where it is available Dear Algo is rolling out now in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom, with plans to expand to more countries. View the full article

Construction jobs rarely go exactly according to plan. Crews run into delays, materials arrive late and inspections hold up the next trade. This practical guide shows how to track construction site progress using simple methods any superintendent or project manager can use to stay on schedule and on budget. Why Is It Important to Track Construction Site Progress No construction plan or construction schedule holds up perfectly once work starts. It’s built on estimates for labor productivity, delivery timelines and task durations, but those numbers are based on assumptions such as expert opinions and historical data, which no matter how thorough, still aren’t perfect. Once the job is underway, weather hits, subcontractors fall behind, materials show up short and inspections fail. Small issues stack up fast. When that gap between the plan and reality starts to widen, delays, rework and unexpected costs follow quickly. If you’re not tracking what’s actually happening on site each day and each week, you won’t see problems until they’ve already affected the planned construction schedule or budget. Regular progress tracking lets project managers compare planned work to completed work, catch delays early, control scope changes and avoid cost overruns that eat into profit or might even cause projects to fail. ProjectManager is an award-winning construction project management software designed to create detailed construction schedules, allocate resources, track project costs and compare estimates vs. actual project performance in real-time dashboards and reports to identify delay events, scope creep, and cost overruns before they become a threat to projects. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA-1600x851.pngLearn more Who Is Responsible for Tracking Construction Site Progress? In most construction projects, the project manager is ultimately accountable for tracking construction site progress. While others contribute updates from the field, the project manager owns the schedule, compares planned work to completed work and decides when corrective action is needed to keep the job on track. Superintendent: Monitors daily field activities, confirms completed work quantities and reports delays, sequencing conflicts or crew productivity issues. Foremen: Provide task-level updates, track crew output and flag material shortages or field obstacles affecting progress. Subcontractors: Submit weekly progress updates, manpower reports and schedule feedback for their specific scopes of work. Project engineer: Updates schedule data, maintains documentation and supports progress reporting with field measurements. Cost controller: Reviews earned value data, compares progress against budget and highlights potential cost overruns. 1. Establish Baselines for the Construction Project Construction baselines are the approved reference points that define what the project is supposed to deliver, when the work should be completed and how much it is expected to cost. They typically include a scope baseline, which defines the agreed-upon work and deliverables, a schedule baseline, which sets planned start and finish dates, and a cost baseline, which establishes the approved budget. Once approved, these baselines serve as the official targets against which actual construction performance is measured. Without clear baselines in place, tracking construction site progress becomes guesswork. The scope baseline defines exactly what work should be happening, the schedule baseline shows when each activity should occur and the cost baseline establishes how much that work should cost. When daily or weekly reports show work falling behind, exceeding budget or drifting beyond the agreed scope, those differences are treated as variances. Identifying those variances early allows project managers to investigate causes, correct issues and protect overall project performance. 2. Create a Construction Daily Report A construction daily report is a written record of everything that happens on a job site during a single workday. It documents labor hours, equipment usage, materials delivered, weather conditions, inspections, safety incidents and work completed so there is a clear, dated account of daily construction activity. /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Construction-Daily-Report-600x401.jpgFree construction daily report template for Excel Every meaningful activity on site should be logged in the construction daily report, even if it seems minor at the time. Delays, delivery issues, manpower shortages or inspection failures can later become the root cause of schedule disputes or cost overruns. When reports are detailed and consistent, project managers can trace problems back to specific dates, understand what actually happened and defend decisions if claims or conflicts arise. 3. Use Construction Lookahead Schedules A construction lookahead schedule is a short-term planning tool that breaks a master construction schedule into smaller, more manageable timeframes, typically covering two to six weeks. It focuses on upcoming activities, sequencing, crew assignments and constraints that must be resolved to keep work moving forward. Instead of only relying on the full project schedule, a lookahead schedule gives project managers tighter control over near-term work. By narrowing the focus to the next few weeks, they can confirm materials are ordered, subcontractors are ready and inspections are scheduled. This makes it easier to see whether current construction site progress aligns with planned milestones and to adjust quickly when tasks begin to fall behind. When daily reports document what actually happened and lookahead schedules outline what should happen next, project managers gain a clear feedback loop. Together, they connect real field performance to short-term planning, making construction site progress easier to measure, control and correct before delays spread. 4. Make Job Cost Reports Tracking completed work and schedule dates is essential, but construction site progress is not only about time. Financial performance must be monitored just as closely. A project can appear on schedule while quietly losing money, which makes cost tracking a core part of progress control. A job cost report is a financial document that tracks actual project expenses against the approved budget. It organizes costs by cost codes such as labor, materials, equipment and subcontractors, showing what was budgeted, what has been spent to date and what remains. Many reports also include committed costs and forecasted totals to show projected overruns or savings. By comparing actual costs to planned costs, a job cost report reveals whether completed work is aligned with the budget. If spending outpaces physical progress, it signals inefficiency, scope growth or productivity problems that require immediate corrective action. 5. Use a Change Log to Monitor Change Orders A change log in a construction project is a structured record of all proposed, approved and rejected change orders. It documents the description of the change, the reason behind it, cost impact, schedule impact, approval status and responsible parties. The change log provides a centralized reference for tracking how the original contract scope has been modified over time. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Change-Log-Screenshot-600x198.jpgFree change log template for Excel Change orders can extend durations, increase costs and disrupt sequencing if not carefully controlled. Even small scope additions can compound into serious delays. By maintaining a detailed change log, project managers can measure how each approved change affects schedule and budget, keeping construction site progress aligned with updated project targets. 6. Create Periodic Site Inspection Reports Construction reports are typically treated as accurate records, but successful projects cannot rely on paperwork or assumptions alone. Daily reports, job cost reports and lookahead schedules reflect what teams believe is happening. However, it’s still important to conduct regular site inspections to verify that reported progress matches physical reality and confirm whether work is truly advancing as documented. A site inspection is a structured review of the construction site to evaluate completed work, safety conditions, quality standards and overall progress. A site inspection report is the written record of those findings, including observations, photos, deficiencies and corrective actions. These reports provide independent confirmation that scheduled activities are complete, quantities are accurate and quality meets requirements. When tracking construction site progress, inspections prevent discrepancies between reported performance and actual field conditions. This is a best practice that protects both project owners and contractors from any misunderstandings or potential contractual disputes. 7. Compare Planned vs. Actual Field Data By this stage, the project manager should have daily reports, lookahead schedules, job cost reports, change logs and inspection records in place. Those construction documents provide the data needed to compare estimated timelines, estimated costs and planned scope against the approved scope, schedule and cost baselines. This side-by-side comparison makes construction site progress measurable, allowing issues to surface early before they grow into schedule delays, budget overruns or uncontrolled scope expansion. 8. Analyze Variances and Take Action When actual performance differs from the approved scope, schedule or cost baselines, those differences are called variances. A schedule variance means work is ahead or behind plan, a cost variance means spending is off budget and a scope variance means work changed from what was approved. These variances must be corrected immediately before they expand and threaten overall project performance. Here are some common actions that can be taken to get construction projects back on track. Project crashing: Allocate additional labor, equipment or overtime to critical path activities to shorten durations and recover lost time, accepting higher short-term costs to prevent larger schedule impacts and downstream delays. Fast tracking: Resequence activities so tasks that were originally planned sequentially are performed in parallel, reducing overall duration but increasing coordination risk and potential rework if activities overlap improperly. Resource reallocation: Shift crews, equipment or subcontractors from non-critical activities to delayed critical path tasks to stabilize the schedule without immediately increasing total project labor or equipment costs. Scope clarification: Review drawings, specifications and change documentation to eliminate ambiguity, preventing unauthorized work and bringing execution back in line with the approved scope baseline. Cost control measures: Negotiate supplier pricing, reduce waste, adjust procurement strategies or substitute equivalent materials to bring spending back within the approved cost baseline. Resequencing work: Adjust the order of upcoming activities to work around delays, inspections or material shortages while protecting milestone dates and minimizing idle time on site. Productivity improvement: Analyze crew performance, remove field constraints, improve supervision or adjust work methods to increase output and reduce schedule and cost variance. Free Construction Project Management Templates We’ve created dozens of free construction project management templates for Excel, Word, Google Sheets and more. Here are some that can help track construction site progress. Construction Schedule Template This construction schedule template allows you to use ProjectManager’s Gantt chart to create a construction schedule with dependencies, milestones, resource allocation and cost tracking features. Construction Budget Template This free construction budget template allows project managers to estimate the costs of resources such as labor, materials and equipment for each project task. Most importantly, this Excel template automatically calculates the difference between planned and actual costs to understand whether a project is over or under budget. Construction Scope of Work Template This free construction scope of work template is ideal for making a thorough list of all the tasks that will be executed in a construction project and other details such as their estimated duration, due dates and resource requirements. ProjectManager Is Ideal for Tracking Construction Site Progress ProjectManager has features such as Gantt charts, workload charts, timesheets and real-time project dashboards and reports, which make it the ideal software for planning how construction site work will be executed, monitoring resource utilization and availability, tracking costs related to jobsite activities and sharing pictures and files from site inspections. Watch the video below to learn more! Related Construction Project Management Content Our content library features over 100 construction blogs, templates, ebooks and other types of content to help construction project managers better understand the many moving parts that must be managed to deliver successful construction projects. Here are some of them. The Construction Process Explained Step-by-Step Construction Cost Tracking: Complete Guide What Is a Construction Progress Report? Example Included Construction Monitoring: Keys for Tracking Your Project’s Success How to Manage a Construction Site Step by Step The post How to Track Construction Site Progress: A Quick Guide appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Getting one’s laboratories to do the hard work is a durable recipe for successView the full article

Like millions of Americans, I've been watching the news of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance with concern—so I was somewhat relieved when the FBI announced they were releasing new footage of a suspect. Finally, the case had something to go on, even if it was only doorbell video of a masked stranger. When I saw the footage, I assumed this was something the FBI had in their possession since the beginning, and had finally decided to release to the public. But that's not what happened at all. If you have been following this case closely, you may know that law enforcement had previously confirmed that Guthrie's Google Nest camera was disconnected (presumably by the perpetrator), and that she did not have a subscription that would store video either on the doorbell or in the cloud. Yet despite the fact the doorbell should have been a dead end, the FBI has seemingly produced this video out of thin air. If you have a Google Nest device in or attached to your home, this might give you pause. Sure, it's one thing if law enforcement is able to obtain video from your subscription or from the device itself. But if you don't keep video records on your Nest, it seems it is still possible to retrieve the footage. How did the FBI do this, and what does it mean for the privacy of your Nest devices? The FBI likely pieced the video together from fragmentsThe short answer is that we don't really know for sure how the FBI got the footage, but there are a few leads. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the Google Nest footage was recovered "from residual data located in backend systems." That's pretty vague, though the FBI isn't necessarily known for its transparency. According to experts that spoke to NBC News, however, it is possible to obtain data from the "complex infrastructure" of cloud-based cameras, including Google Nest devices. Retired FBI agent Timothy Gallagher told NBC News that Guthrie's Nest camera might have sent images to Google's cloud service, or at least stored data points locally throughout the hardware of the device, even though she wasn't paying for a Nest subscription. The FBI could have obtained the footage from the cloud this way, or pieced together the video from those data points. Both possibilities track, based on how Nest cameras work without a subscription: While you need to pay Google in order to save video clips from your Nest cameras, some Nest devices record event histories and store them on-device. The third-gen wired Nest Doorbell can save up to 10 seconds of clips, while the first and second-gen wired doorbells can save up to three hours of event history, all without a subscription. They also support live video feeds when motion is detected, which could impact the video data points saved to the device or cloud. It's entirely possible the subject walking up to the camera triggered the doorbell to save an event history. But since it took the FBI so long to produce the footage, and since the director claims it was obtained from "residual data," my guess is it wasn't readily available in Guthrie's Google Home app. Maybe the event history saved to the cloud, but it wasn't clear where it was located. Maybe it was overwritten, but the FBI was able to build it back up with recovered data points. My guess would learn toward the latter, as authorities did say the camera had been disconnected. Unfortunately, we don't have a definitive answer at this time, even if the theory is sound. I've reached out to Google for comment, and will update this piece if I hear back. Should you get rid of your Nest camera over privacy concerns?Based on what we know, it doesn't really seem like your Nest doorbell or camera is a fourth amendment disaster waiting to happen—but I don't blame anyone for being concerned. After all, if you don't have a Nest subscription, you might have been comforted by the thought that none of your footage was being saved anywhere, meaning law enforcement or other authorities would have nothing to seize if you somehow popped up on their radar. That doesn't necessarily appear to be the case. That said, without a subscription, you don't have access to a collection of all clips your Nest camera has ever recorded. You might have a limited event history saved, based on motion detection, but that will be limited to three hours of data. Your device might have data points that an organization like the FBI could theoretically use to restore footage, but that's likely true for any camera or smart doorbell system—not just Nest. Also, this is not a Ring situation—Google hasn't partnered with organizations like Flock to help law enforcement request footage from users. Nest also lacks Ring's "Search Party" feature, which can turn a neighborhood into a kind of surveillance state, and probably not just to search for lost dogs. I'm not dismissing every security and privacy concern, of course: By putting a commercially-available smart camera on your front door, you are placing your data in the hands of companies like Google or Amazon. If you want to eliminate the risk of the FBI obtaining your doorbell footage, you simply can't have a doorbell with a camera. But barring a warrant, or a Nancy Guthrie-level situation, the chances of your Nest doorbell footage actually being used against you seem rather slim. View the full article