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A reader writes: A colleague and I were recently interviewing candidates for an entry-level position and, at the beginning of one of the interviews, the candidate asked if they could disclose something before we got started, then said that they were on the autism spectrum. My colleague jumped in and explained that while they appreciated the candidate’s desire for transparency, we shouldn’t know that up-front because legally we cannot deny employment to someone on the basis of any kind of medical diagnosis, and including that information during an interview makes everything much more complicated. My colleague and I debriefed after the interview, and we ultimately decided not to move forward with this candidate because the role didn’t match up well with their career plans in the near future, and the type of work environment that they said they were interested in was at odds with the environment we offer (they wanted something fairly independent and structured, whereas our environment relies heavily on collaboration, and schedules/workflows can change pretty quickly). I feel like we did our best to base our hiring decision solely on what the candidate was looking for and whether or not they’d be able to perform the required tasks, and not on their stated diagnosis, but I was uneasy. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to handle this situation if it comes up again in the future. I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: How can I signal that I’m not the bottleneck? Who should initiate a LinkedIn connection, manager or employee? The post how to respond when a candidate discloses a disability in an interview appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

People inspecting ChatGPT responses are spotting references to ads in the page source. One line reads: “InReply to user query using the following additional context of ads shown to the user.” The reference appears even when no ad is actually displayed. Driving the news. Digital Marketer Glenn Gabe first flagged the issue on X after noticing the ad-related language in ChatGPT’s source code. Others have since replicated it while testing commercial queries like auto insurance. Why we care. Ads in ChatGPT have been talked about for weeks. This piece of code spotted signals that ChatGPT ads are moving from concept to near-launch, creating a new, high-intent advertising channel. The presence of ad logic in the system suggests targeting and eligibility are already being tested, favoring early advertisers. With limited inventory and ads likely woven into conversational responses rather than shown as banners, this could become premium, high-impact real estate that directly competes with organic answers. Between the lines. The ads aren’t visible, but the logic appears to be live. That suggests OpenAI may already be testing ad eligibility, suppression rules for paid tiers, or internal triggers ahead of a broader rollout. Context. OpenAI confirmed in January that ads are coming to ChatGPT for some users. The company said ads would be sold on an impression basis, and early indications suggest they won’t be cheap. Bottom line. ChatGPT may not be showing ads yet — but the infrastructure is already in place. Dig deeper. Glenn Gabe spots code that shows ChatGPT ads is imminent. View the full article

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, small businesses are at a pivotal crossroads. As the number of AI agents is set to surge globally, expectations are high for enhanced operational efficiency. Salesforce’s latest announcement regarding the MuleSoft Agent Fabric offers small business owners promising solutions to leverage AI while avoiding common pitfalls, ushering in what they describe as the era of the “Agentic Enterprise.” The challenges associated with the deployment of AI agents have increased significantly, particularly in terms of visibility and governance. Analyst firm IDC predicts that by 2029, there will be over 1 billion deployed AI agents worldwide. However, as small businesses harness these tools, they may face agent sprawl—where numerous specialized agents proliferate across teams without coherent tracking. This can lead to shadow AI risks—unverified agents operating without organizational oversight. Salesforce’s MuleSoft Agent Fabric aims to address these issues with its innovative enhancements. By utilizing new Agent Scanners, the platform offers automated detection and cataloging of AI agents across multiple environments—including Salesforce Agentforce, Amazon Bedrock, and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI. This consolidated approach not only simplifies management but also streamlines integration for custom agents and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. According to Andrew Comstock, SVP & GM of MuleSoft, “The most successful organizations of the next decade will be those that harness the full diversity of the multicloud AI landscape.” For small business owners, the practical applications of this technology are manifold. With Agent Scanners doing the heavy lifting, AI engineers can save time that would otherwise be spent manually combing through cloud environments. For instance, if a small business creates an inventory forecasting agent on Google Cloud, it can be automatically registered alongside customer support agents built within Salesforce, reducing the likelihood of oversight and operational inefficiencies. MuleSoft’s capabilities go even further. The platform enables comprehensive metadata extraction, ensuring that users have insights into what each agent can access and control. This is particularly important in regulated industries such as finance, where understanding data access is crucial for compliance. However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. As organizations begin to adopt these new systems, there may be a learning curve associated with integrating them into existing workflows. Staff may need training to navigate the new visibility tools and understand how to optimize their AI investments effectively. Moreover, while the automated registration of AI agents enhances accountability, it’s essential for businesses to develop internal compliance policies to safeguard against risks associated with deploying unverified shadow AI. As Brad Ringer, Enterprise & Integration Architect at AT&T, noted, “MuleSoft is a massive accelerator for our long-term AI roadmap. With AI moving so fast, MuleSoft Agent Fabric provides the framework we need to scale.” Beyond automation, the MuleSoft Agent Visualizer offers an advanced view of all deployed agents, enabling small businesses to filter and audit their AI landscape easily. For example, identifying redundant agents across different regions allows organizations to strategically consolidate resources and cut unnecessary costs. Salesforce contends that this cohesiveness is not merely administrative but a strategic imperative. By maintaining a unified view of all AI assets, small businesses can harness greater collective intelligence, ensuring that innovative solutions built by various teams remain interconnected and effective. The enhancements introduced by MuleSoft Agent Fabric will begin to roll out in January 2026, making it a timely prospect for small businesses looking to modernize their operations. With capabilities aimed at fostering collaboration, driving accountability, and optimizing investments, this platform represents a significant advancement for businesses hoping to capitalize on their AI strategies. For further details about MuleSoft’s latest offerings, interested parties can explore the full press release here: Salesforce Press Release. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Salesforce Unveils Agent Scanners to Tame Rising AI Agent Sprawl" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

But when potential customers search “pizza near me” or “plumber in London,” you’re nowhere to be found in the top three results. Your competitors are stealing your customers. Here’s the reality: just having a Google Business Profile doesn’t mean Google…Read more ›View the full article

Over the past two decades, the concept of mindfulness has become hugely popular around the world. An increasingly ubiquitous part of society, it’s taught everywhere from workplaces and schools to sports programs and the military. On social media, television, and wellness apps, mindfulness is often shown as one simple thing—staying calm and paying attention to the moment. Large companies like Google use mindfulness programs to help employees stay focused and less stressed. Hospitals use it to help people manage pain and improve mental health. Millions of people now use mindfulness apps that promise everything from lowering stress to sleeping better. But as a professor of religious studies who has spent years examining how mindfulness is defined and practiced across different traditions and historical periods, I’ve noticed a surprising problem beneath the current surge of enthusiasm: Scientists, clinicians, and educators still don’t agree on what mindfulness actually is—or how to measure it. Because different researchers measure different things under the label “mindfulness,” two studies can give very different pictures of what the practice actually does. For someone choosing a meditation app or program based on research findings, this matters. The study you’re relying on may be testing a skill like attention, emotional calm, or self-kindness that isn’t the one you’re hoping to develop. This makes it harder to compare results and can leave people unsure about which approach will genuinely help them in daily life. From ancient traditions to modern science Mindfulness has deep roots in Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and other Asian contemplative lineages. The Buddhist “Satipatthana Sutta: The Foundations of Mindfulness” emphasizes moment-to-moment observation of body and mind. The Hindu concept of “dhyāna,” or contemplation, cultivates steady focus on the breath or a mantra; Jain “samayika,” or practice of equanimity, develops calm balance toward all beings; and Sikh “simran,” or continuous remembrance, dissolves self-centered thought into a deeper awareness of the underlying reality in each moment. In the late 20th century, teachers and clinicians began adapting these techniques for secular settings, most notably through mindfulness-based stress reduction and other therapeutic programs. Since then, mindfulness has migrated into psychology, medicine, education, and even corporate wellness. It has become a widely used—though often differently defined—tool across scientific and professional fields. Why scientists disagree about mindfulness In discussing the modern application of mindfulness in fields like psychology, the definitional challenge is front and center. Indeed, different researchers focus on different things and then design their tests around those ideas. Some scientists see mindfulness mainly in terms of emphasizing attention and paying close attention to what’s happening right now. Other researchers define the concept in terms of emotional management and staying calm when things get stressful. Another cohort of mindfulness studies emphasizes self-compassion, meaning being kind to yourself when you make mistakes. And still others focus on moral awareness, the idea that mindfulness should help people make wiser, more ethical choices. These differences become obvious when you look at the tests researchers use to measure mindfulness. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, or MAAS, asks about how well someone stays focused on the present moment. The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory—FMI—asks whether a person can notice thoughts and feelings as they come and accept them without judgment. The Comprehensive Inventory of Mindfulness Experiences—CHIME—adds something most other tests leave out: questions about ethical awareness and making wise, moral choices. As a result, comparative research can be tricky, and it can also be confusing for people who want to be more mindful but aren’t sure which path to take. Different programs may rely on different definitions of mindfulness, so the skills they teach and the benefits they promise can vary a lot. This means that someone choosing a mindfulness course or app might end up learning something very different from what they expected unless they understand how that particular program defines and measures mindfulness. Why different scales measure different things John Dunne, a Buddhist philosophy scholar at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, offers a helpful explanation if you’ve ever wondered why everyone seems to talk about mindfulness in a different way. Dunne says mindfulness isn’t one single thing, but a “family” of related practices shaped by different traditions, purposes, and cultural backgrounds. This explains why scientists and people trying to be mindful often end up talking past each other. If one study measures attention and another measures compassion, their results won’t line up. And if you’re trying to practice mindfulness, it matters whether you’re following a path that focuses on calming your mind, being kind to yourself, or making ethically aware choices. Why this matters Because mindfulness isn’t just one thing, that affects how it’s studied, practiced and taught. That’s important both at the institutional and individual level. Whether for places like schools and health care, a mindfulness program designed to reduce stress will look very different from one that teaches compassion or ethical awareness. Without clarity, teachers, doctors, and counselors may not know which approach works best for their goals. The same rough idea applies in business for organizational effectiveness and stress management. Despite the disagreements, research does show that different forms of mindfulness can produce different kinds of benefits. Practices that sharpen attention to the moment are associated with improved focus and workplace performance. Approaches oriented towards acceptance tend to help people better manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. A focus on compassion-based methods can support emotional resilience. Programs that emphasize ethical awareness may promote more thoughtful, prosocial behavior. These varied outcomes help explain why researchers continue to debate which definition of “mindfulness” should guide scientific study. For anyone practicing mindfulness as an individual, this is a reminder to choose practices that fit your needs. Ronald S. Green is a professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Coastal Carolina University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Sometimes “quick and easy” isn’t, but it’s still worthwhile. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Sometimes “quick and easy” isn’t, but it’s still worthwhile. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

“The goal is to become disgustingly educated,” dozens of videos have proclaimed across social media over the new year. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, instead of sharing clothing hauls or skincare routines, creators are sharing their book stacks or media diets promising to make their viewers “disgustingly educated” in a matter of minutes. For further optimization potential, take note of these brain hacks to improve memory (so that your time cracking open Plato’s Republic won’t go to waste). While this trend that champions being erudite is marketed as an antidote to braintrot content, its origins on the internet date back as far back as 2022: “I have two aspirations in life: to be beautiful and to be disgustingly overeducated,” a viral X post read. Since then, subreddits like r/booksuggestions and r/selfimprovement started to fill with questions and answers on different ways to become disgustingly educated—from reading the classics to consuming video summaries of various topics. (Maybe even just consuming video summaries of the classics.) The trend has since found its way to TikTok, where it mirrors other self-improvement trends that crop up on the platform like clockwork every couple months. Last year, it was the curriculum trend, in which creators came up with monthly “curricula” based on new skills they want to learn, creative projects they want to tackle, and books on subjects they want to focus on for the month. After all, self-development is one of social media’s favorite subjects. In an era where many are outsourcing their brains to artificial intelligence, it’s encouraging, of course, to see people embrace a trend that reclaims curiosity and engages with learning just for fun. Especially since it’s widely documented that social media does have a real deleterious impact on our memory, focus, and attention spans, which are all key tools in the pursuit of becoming disgustingly educated. Still, scratch beneath the surface, and the pursuit of education for education’s sake—and the pursuit of education to appear educated to others—are two very different things. As Substack becomes the new social media platform in vogue, and intellectualism becomes another aesthetic to be sold, any trend that hopes to hook you with promises of lower screen time, while simultaneously keeping you on the algorithmic hamster wheel, should be taken with a pinch of salt. In many ways, the “disgustingly educated” trend is yet another example of the intelligence Olympics online. But what is the internet, if not a bunch of people on their soap boxes, lecturing others on topics they are underqualified to speak on? And with America sliding towards anti-intellectualism, as the current administration wages war on the arts, science, and the nature of truth, pseudointellectualism is the lesser evil here. If the most insufferable person you know has taken it upon themselves to become disgustingly educated in 2026 . . . honestly, more power to them. View the full article

Eight questions to check. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Eight questions to check. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Adobe has launched an exciting upgrade to its creative AI studio, Firefly, allowing subscribers to generate unlimited images and videos. This new feature caters specifically to small business owners and creative professionals looking to streamline their creative processes and enhance their output. With the majority of creators—86%—already integrating creative AI into their daily workflows, the introduction of unlimited generations promises to reshape how these individuals approach their projects. Firefly subscribers can now leverage industry-leading AI models, including Google Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image Generation, and Runway Gen-4 Image, alongside Adobe’s own Firefly models. This gives small business owners the flexibility to explore various creative avenues without the constraints of limited outputs. One of the standout advantages of this unlimited generation capability is the opportunity for continuous creative exploration. Small business owners can now experiment with different styles, variations, and concepts, ensuring they capture the essence of their ideas effectively. The average prompt length for Firefly users has doubled, indicating a growing trend of deeper engagement with AI tools. As creativity flourishes, so do the possibilities for innovative marketing campaigns, product designs, and branding initiatives. Firefly also facilitates collaboration through its Firefly Boards, where teams can gather inspiration, references, and generated assets in a shared space. This collaborative environment allows for quick iterations and feedback, which is vital for small businesses that thrive on agility and creativity. The ability to refine ideas collectively enhances the overall creative output, ensuring that the final products align with the business’s vision. Moreover, the integration of Firefly’s features with Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Premiere means that small business owners can take their raw creations and refine them into polished, professional-grade outputs. This seamless transition from concept to finished work allows for a more efficient workflow, minimizing the chances of creative burnout. However, while the benefits are substantial, there are challenges that small business owners should consider. The unlimited generation feature is only available to subscribers on specific plans, including Firefly Pro and Firefly Premium. Businesses must evaluate whether the investment aligns with their budget and creative needs. Additionally, the learning curve associated with effectively using AI tools may require time and training, which could pose a barrier for some users. As for practical applications, small business owners can utilize Firefly to create seasonal marketing materials, with Adobe offering themed presets for events like Valentine’s Day. Users can select a preset, add their images, and generate variations, making it easier to align with current trends. The ability to transform photos into unique designs, such as Lunar New Year paper-cut graphics, further illustrates the versatility of Firefly. To take full advantage of these capabilities, small business owners are encouraged to sign up for Firefly before March 16 to unlock unlimited generations at up to 2K resolution. This limited-time offer is aimed at businesses ready to elevate their creative strategies and explore new avenues of expression. As the landscape of creative tools continues to evolve, Adobe Firefly stands out as a comprehensive solution for small business owners eager to harness the power of AI in their creative endeavors. Embracing these advancements could very well redefine how businesses approach their marketing and creative processes, paving the way for innovative and impactful ideas. What will you create next with Firefly? Dive in and discover the potential of unlimited creativity today at firefly.adobe.com. This article, "March 16 Cutoff: Firefly Opens Unlimited AI Images and Videos" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Speaking as someone who almost pulled the trigger on one this weekend, if you're planning on buying a new MacBook Pro right now, don't do it. According to inside information seen by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, new models are right around the corner. The news came in the latest edition of Gurman's Power On newsletter, a frequent and usually correct source on all things Apple. According to the reporter's sources at the company, new models of MacBook Pro are currently set to come out sometime during the macOS 26.3 release cycle, which will last from February through March. The new laptops will supposedly keep the same form factor, but will feature newer chips, likely the M5 Pro and M5 Max. That means more performance for power users. Currently, you can only buy a MacBook Pro with either an entry-level M5 chip, and if you want a little bit more power, you'll have to settle for either the M4 Pro or M4 Max, both of which are last gen. Also, the base M5 chip is not available on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, although that's unlikely to change in the new release. If Gurman's sources are correct, the new MacBooks would be coming out a bit earlier in the year than you might expect, at least going by the last time the MacBook Pro got pro-level chips, which was in October of 2024. However, if you try to buy a MacBook Pro with an M4 Max chip on Apple's website right now, you'll notice shipping delays into the end of February and, in some cases, early March. Gurman also says that his sources are also reporting that the current MacBook Pro is starting to sell out at Apple Stores around the world. Both of these points seem to show that Apple isn't bothering to restock dwindling inventory anymore, which would hint towards a new launch being imminent. That's great news for Apple power users who want to eke a bit more performance out of their machines, but I'm a little disappointed that there's no mention of OLED or touchscreens in this report, both of which were rumored to potentially start production this year. Still, even going by those earlier rumors, the start of 2026 would be an optimistic timetable for these features—we might expect them closer to either the end of year or early next year. Apple users might be concerned about the new models releasing during the ongoing RAM crisis, which could theoretically see prices go up. However, according to a separate report from other famed Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo, it seems the company is planning to eat rising RAM costs itself rather than pass them on to consumers, at least for its next iPhone. I can't say whether that'll also be the case for the next MacBook, but as Apple will likely stop selling the previous models once the new ones are out, it seems likely to me. Speaking of previous models, even if you don't necessarily need Apple's latest and greatest chips, I would still hold off on buying until the new models are announced. That's because existing M4 Pro and M4 Max units that are already in stock at sites like Amazon are likely to go down in price immediately afterwards. According to price-tracking sites, these seem to have been unaffected by the RAM crisis so far, and are favorite discounts during deals events like Prime Day. No longer being the latest and greatest means discounts are likely to become even more common, as these stores push to move their remaining stock and give customers a compelling reason to not opt for Apple's slightly newer chips instead. View the full article

If you’re a minority entrepreneur looking to secure funding, knowing the right startup business loans can make a significant difference. Options like the SBA 7(a) Loan Program, SBA Microloans, and Community Advantage Loans cater particularly to your needs. Moreover, Union Bank‘s Business Diversity Lending Program and CDFI loans provide valuable resources. Comprehending these loans’ terms and eligibility will help you navigate the funding terrain effectively. Next, let’s explore these options in detail. Key Takeaways The SBA 7(a) Loan Program offers loans up to $5 million with favorable repayment terms for minority-owned businesses. SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders, featuring a streamlined application process for easier access. The SBA Community Advantage Loans target underserved markets, providing loans up to $250,000 to support minority entrepreneurs. Union Bank’s Business Diversity Lending Program provides loans and lines of credit up to $2.5 million tailored for minority-owned businesses. CDFI loans cater specifically to minority-owned businesses and offer flexible eligibility criteria to foster growth in underserved communities. Understanding Minority-Owned Businesses Minority-owned businesses play a vital role in the U.S. economy, constituting over 35% of all enterprises with more than 12 million active businesses. Defined as those at least 51% owned by individuals from specific ethnic backgrounds, these businesses include Black, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, Asian-Indian, Native American, and Alaskan Native owners. In spite of their significant growth from 22% in 2007 to today, minority business owners face unique challenges, particularly in accessing capital. You might find that loans for minority business owners often come with higher rejection rates and less favorable terms compared to their white counterparts. To improve your chances, consider applying for minority business grants or seeking out grants for black-owned businesses, which can provide fundamental funding. Furthermore, obtaining certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) can open doors to specific funding opportunities, even though not all grants require this certification. Top 5 Minority Startup Business Loans When seeking funding for your startup, exploring options particularly customized for minority entrepreneurs can greatly improve your chances of success. Here are five top minority startup business loans worth considering. The SBA 7(a) Loan Program offers up to $5 million with favorable terms, making it ideal for minority-owned businesses. For smaller needs, SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, streamlining the application process via nonprofit lenders. SBA Community Advantage Loans cater to underserved markets, allowing loans up to $250,000 with substantial SBA backing. Union Bank‘s Business Diversity Lending Program provides loans and lines of credit up to $2.5 million, featuring relaxed qualification requirements. Lastly, CDFI loans focus on underserved communities, ensuring flexible eligibility for minority entrepreneurs. As these options primarily involve loans, don’t forget to explore minority grants and business grants for minority women, which can supplement your funding for minority business initiatives. Online Lending Options for Minority Entrepreneurs Accessing funding through online lending options can be an efficient way for entrepreneurs to secure the capital they need, particularly for those in minority communities. Many online lenders, like OnDeck and Fundation, provide minority startup business loans with accessible credit score requirements starting around 600. This flexibility encourages minority business owners to apply in spite of previous financial challenges. For those with annual revenues of $100,000 or more, BlueVine offers short-term loans and invoice financing up to $250,000. Furthermore, many lenders provide flexible repayment terms, allowing you to manage your cash flow effectively as you grow your business. Although these options are beneficial, bear in mind that high demand and limited capital can still pose challenges. As a result, it’s crucial to research multiple lenders to find the best fit. Consider exploring grants for minority women and grant money for minority business owners to supplement your funding options. Alternative Funding Sources for Minority-Owned Businesses For entrepreneurs seeking financial support, exploring alternative funding sources can reveal various options beyond traditional bank loans. Nonprofit lenders like Accion provide microloans from $300 to $1 million, particularly aiding low- to moderate-income minority entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for larger sums, the Union Bank Business Diversity Lending Program offers loans and credit lines up to $2.5 million with more lenient qualification criteria. Online lenders, such as OnDeck and BlueVine, in addition cater to minority-owned businesses, providing quick funding up to $500,000 with flexible terms. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) focus on minority-owned businesses, often requiring particular certifications. Moreover, Kiva presents a unique funding approach, offering up to $10,000 in no-interest loans supported by personal networks. Don’t forget to explore grants for black business owners, minority grants for small businesses, and small business grants for black women to bolster your funding options. Tips for Securing Minority Business Financing Securing financing for your minority-owned business requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. To increase your chances, confirm your business is at least 51% minority-owned. A thorough business plan and solid financial statements demonstrate your viability and stability. Explore various funding sources, such as SBA loans, CDFIs, and nonprofit lenders, which often offer customized options for minority entrepreneurs. Utilize local SBA offices and mentorship programs for guidance through the application process. Stay informed about grant opportunities, which typically have fewer barriers. These can be an essential funding source, including business grants for black men, free grants for small minority businesses, and black female small business grants. Funding Source Key Benefits SBA Loans Low interest rates, flexible terms CDFIs Community-focused, customized options Nonprofit Lenders Support for underserved markets Business Grants for Black Men No repayment, accessible funding Black Female Small Business Grants Encourages female entrepreneurship Frequently Asked Questions Are There Small Business Loans for Minorities? Yes, there are small business loans particularly for minorities. Programs like the SBA 7(a) loan offer up to $5 million, with favorable terms. Community Advantage Loans provide up to $250,000, targeting underserved markets. Nonprofit lenders such as Accion offer microloans ranging from $300 to $1 million. Moreover, online platforms like OnDeck and Fundation provide alternative financing options, though competition for these loans can be intense. Explore these options to find what suits your needs. Can You Get a Loan of $50,000 for a Startup Business? Yes, you can get a loan of $50,000 for your startup business. Various funding options exist, including the SBA Microloan Program and online lenders that streamline the application process. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) often support startups in underserved areas, whereas traditional banks may additionally offer loans. To improve your chances, prepare a solid business plan, financial projections, and necessary documentation, as these elements considerably influence your loan approval. What Is the $25 K Grant for Black Entrepreneurs? The $25,000 grant for Black Entrepreneurs Initiative is part of the “Black Entrepreneurs Initiative.” It supports Black-owned businesses by addressing funding gaps. To qualify, you need to be at least 18, identify as Black or African American, and own at least 51% of your business, which must be registered and operational for some time. The grant helps with startup costs, operational expenses, and business expansion, plus provides mentorship and networking opportunities to improve your success. Is It Harder for Minorities to Get Loans? Yes, it’s typically harder for minorities to get loans. Studies show that minority applicants often face higher rejection rates and receive less favorable terms compared to their white counterparts. They furthermore deal with systemic barriers, such as increased scrutiny and limited access to information during the loan process. As a result, minority-owned businesses struggle to secure adequate funding, impacting their growth potential in a competitive market, even though they represent a significant portion of all businesses. Conclusion In summary, grasping the various funding options available is vital for minority entrepreneurs. Programs like the SBA 7(a) Loan and Community Advantage Loans provide important financial support customized for underserved markets. Furthermore, exploring online lending options and alternative funding sources can broaden your capital access. By familiarizing yourself with these resources and following effective strategies for securing financing, you can improve your chances of successfully launching and growing your business in today’s competitive environment. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Essential Minority Startup Business Loans to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Biographies of exceptional achievers tend to explain their success through personality traits, highlighting the “killer psychological weapons” that made them great. So, Steve Jobs’s abrasiveness is reframed as visionary perfectionism, Elon Musk’s impulsivity as bold risk-taking, and Jeff Bezos’s relentlessness as uncompromising customer obsession. The same retrospective alchemy applies to women: Oprah Winfrey’s emotional intensity becomes radical empathy and authenticity; Indra Nooyi’s discipline and conscientiousness are recast as values-driven, long-term strategic leadership; and Diane Hendricks’s toughness and impatience with incompetence are celebrated as decisive execution and operational rigor. In every case, traits that might once have seemed problematic are retrofitted into virtues once success makes the story worth telling. The reality, as always, is a lot more nuanced than our limited patience and attention span appears to tolerate these days, namely all human traits or behavioral patterns can be both good and bad depending on the context, level, or outcome examined. So, for instance, confidence is generally good but when it’s decoupled from actual competence or extremely high, it may impede learning, make people look foolish and arrogant, and lead to significant underestimation of risks, delusional grandiosity, and reality distortion. To add yet another caveat: this is more likely in certain cultures (collectivistic, self-critical, humble) than others (individualistic, optimistic, and arrogant). All things in moderation This is why Aristotle wisely argued (as did Confucius before him) that virtue lies in moderation: the sweet midpoint between two equally problematic extremes. Courage, for example, sits between cowardice and recklessness; generosity between stinginess and wastefulness; ambition between apathy and obsession. Modern science quietly (because few people seem to listen or be interested in grasping this) agrees with him: too little of a good thing leaves potential unrealized, but too much turns strength into liability. One of the traits that illustrates this nicely is perfectionism, which evokes both positives and negatives in the general public—so much so, that it’s often suggested as a universal answer to the dreaded (and not very useful) “what’s your biggest weakness” job interview question. At low levels, perfectionism may reflect carelessness or disengagement. At moderate levels, it can signal high standards, diligence, and pride in one’s work. But once it crosses a certain threshold, perfectionism stops being about excellence and becomes about fear: fear of mistakes, fear of judgment, fear of falling short. At that point, it no longer improves performance. Instead, it fuels anxiety, indecision, micromanagement, burnout, and strained relationships. The challenge for organizations is that perfectionism often looks like commitment, especially in cultures that reward overwork, self-criticism, and constant busyness. But the real leadership task is not to eliminate high standards, but to prevent standards from hardening into self-punishment or control over others. Thus, as with confidence, ambition, or drive, the goal is not “more” or “less,” but enough (or “the right amount”), and knowing when enough has tipped into too much. A new approach In line, a new academic review synthesizes decades of research into perfectionism, defined as a stable tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself or others, combined with overly critical self-evaluation and a chronic concern with mistakes, evaluation, and failure. This research distinguishes between striving for excellence and being driven by fear of imperfection; a distinction that helps explain why perfectionism so often undermines well-being and collaboration while delivering only fragile or short-lived performance gains. More specifically, the review highlights both the pros and cons of being a perfectionist, evaluating its broad impact on individuals, teams, leadership, and organizations. Three pros (when it’s the “right” kind) Higher engagement and goal attainment (under narrow conditions) Perfectionistic strivings (high personal standards driven internally) are associated with greater work engagement, persistence, goal achievement, and satisfaction, especially in structured, predictable roles where quality and precision matter. This can translate into diligence and follow-through rather than brilliance. Attention to detail and decision thoroughness in leaders Leaders high in self-oriented perfectionism tend to pay closer attention to detail and, in some contexts, make more comprehensive strategic decisions. In relatively stable environments, this has been linked to better decision quality and organizational resilience. Short-term performance signaling and credibility Perfectionism can function as a reputational signal, conveying conscientiousness, reliability, and seriousness, particularly early in careers or in performance-pressured environments. This may support initial career progression, even if the advantages fade over time. Three cons (and these are generally more robust) Worse well-being with little performance payoff Across studies and meta-analyses, perfectionism shows weak or no association with job performance, but moderate to strong associations with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and poor recovery. In short, it reliably depletes people without reliably improving output. Workaholism, rumination, and inability to switch off Perfectionistic concerns are consistently linked to overcommitment, presenteeism, procrastination, and difficulty psychologically detaching from work. Even breaks become cognitively exhausting because perfectionists continue to ruminate about mistakes and unfinished tasks. Toxic leadership and downstream harm to others When perfectionism shows up as socially prescribed or other-oriented (imposing flawlessness on others), leaders are more likely to micromanage, punish mistakes, undermine psychological safety, trigger deviance, and reduce creativity and well-being in followers. This is one of the strongest and most consistent findings in the leadership section of the review. Try “excellencism” instead In short, perfectionism is not a performance or self-presentational strategy, but a personality trait linked to a fragile motivational style that works under limited conditions; at worst, it is a scalable mechanism for burnout, toxic leadership, and self-sabotage. The authors explicitly point to “excellencism” (very high but flexible standards without fear of failure) as a healthier and more sustainable alternative. For leaders and organizations, the implication is clear: the goal is not to hire, promote, or reward perfectionists, but to cultivate excellence without fear. High standards are essential, but only when paired with flexibility, learning, and psychological safety. In an economy that increasingly rewards speed, adaptation, and collaboration over flawless execution, the most effective leaders are not those who never err, but those who know when precision matters and when “good enough” is not a compromise but a strategic choice. Perfectionism mistakes control for quality. Excellence optimizes for impact. View the full article

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Construction projects are notoriously difficult, and they’re known for encountering delays. They involve many moving parts, teams, equipment and materials, so your construction schedule should be thoroughly planned. Tools that are embedded in construction project management software, such as Gantt charts and resource management, are key features to control the phases of a construction project. But they just facilitate the process. The construction schedule is the backbone of any successful project management for construction. What Is Construction Scheduling? Construction scheduling is the process of identifying all construction activities in a project, estimating the time that they will take and then sequencing and coordinating their execution in a project timeframe, known as a construction schedule, which is usually presented in the form of a Gantt chart diagram or project calendar to successfully deliver a construction project. However, the construction scheduling process doesn’t end there. Once a construction schedule has been created and the construction phase starts, the project manager needs to constantly monitor the construction schedule and adjust it as needed to respond to a variety of construction delay events that may occur, such as adverse weather conditions, changes requested by the project owner, logistical issues, machinery breakdowns, etc. All of these issues will cause the schedule to become inaccurate as tasks are delayed against their original estimated start and end dates, so the project manager will need to adjust the schedule or take actions such as reallocating resources to speed up work. Creating a construction schedule requires thorough planning and the right tools. ProjectManager is construction project management software that offers multiple project planning tools such as Gantt charts, kanban boards and project calendars so you can map out your project activities and create accurate construction schedules. ProjectManager also offers real-time dashboards, workload charts and timesheets so you can keep track of time and costs. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more Yes, construction scheduling is time-consuming. You want to take all the steps, avoid shortcuts and work toward creating the most accurate schedule you can. The more time you put into the construction schedule, the fewer issues you’ll have when you execute the project plan, which is key to good construction project management. What Is a Construction Schedule? A construction schedule is a visual timeline that establishes when every task and event in a construction project will occur. It’s a fundamental part of the project planning phase, as it also defines the teams responsible for executing the work and when resources such as materials, machinery and equipment will be needed. Beyond simply sequencing activities, a thorough construction schedule also identifies task dependencies, highlights critical deliverables and milestones and provides a baseline to track progress, manage delays and coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and inspections throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. Why Is Construction Scheduling Important? Far from being a standalone planning artifact, a construction schedule shapes how nearly every other project function operates. The construction scheduling process determines when money is spent, materials are ordered, crews are mobilized and work is coordinated on site. By setting the project’s time framework, the schedule influences financial control, operational efficiency and decision-making throughout the entire construction lifecycle. Here’s a quick overview of how a construction schedule—and therefore the construction scheduling process—impacts other key areas of construction project management. Project budgeting: A construction schedule shows when each project task happens, making it easier to estimate labor, materials and equipment costs, as well as how much money will be spent and when. This helps teams create a realistic construction budget, plan cash flow, prepare for high-cost periods and avoid running out of money mid-project. Procurement management: Construction scheduling defines when materials, equipment and subcontractor services are required, enabling timely purchasing and deliveries. This reduces storage needs, minimizes idle inventory and lowers the risk of work stoppages caused by late or misaligned procurement decisions. Site management: A clear construction schedule coordinates daily site operations by sequencing trades, inspections and work zones. This structure reduces congestion, improves safety, limits trade stacking and helps supervisors manage site activities with greater predictability and control. Cost tracking: When costs are tied to scheduled activities, teams can compare planned costs to actual costs in real time as the job progresses. This makes it easier to spot overruns early and take action before they grow into financial issues that could cause the project to fail. Resource allocation: A construction schedule guides how labor, equipment and materials are assigned to the work. When delays or issues occur, the schedule is adjusted and resources are shifted to recover time, such as adding crews, extending hours or overlapping activities through techniques like crashing or fast tracking. What Should Be Included In a Construction Schedule? Construction schedules are made up of various parts. The next time you’re putting one together, consider including the following sections. Project tasks: A detailed list of all tasks and activities included in each project phase. Project milestones: Key deadlines or noteworthy points in the project that mark the completion of major deliverables. Task dependencies: Logical relationships between activities that establish the order in which work must occur. There are four primary dependency types—finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish and start-to-finish—each controlling when tasks can begin or end. Project resources: The labor, materials and equipment required to execute scheduled activities, including crew assignments, machinery usage and material availability, all aligned with the timing and sequencing defined in the construction schedule. Key deliverables: Clearly defined, measurable outputs produced at specific points in the schedule, such as completed structures, approved design documents, inspection sign-offs, compliance records and formal project closeout documentation. Work packages: Structured groupings of related tasks within the construction schedule that define a discrete scope of work, responsibilities and timeframes, making complex projects easier to plan, assign and track. Project timeline: The overall time framework of the construction project, showing phases, major activities and target completion dates, and serving as a reference for sequencing, coordination and progress monitoring. Critical path: The longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible project duration. Any delay to critical path activities directly delays overall project completion, as these tasks have no available float or slack. Float or slack time: The amount of scheduling flexibility available for non-critical activities before delays begin to affect the project’s final completion date. Schedule baseline: The approved version of the construction schedule used as a reference point for measuring progress, analyzing delays and evaluating the impact of changes. Since each construction project is unique, the specific parts of a construction schedule may change based on company and stakeholder needs. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Construction.jpg Get your free Construction Schedule Template Use this free Construction Schedule Template to manage your projects better. Get the template Construction Schedule vs. Schedule of Works A construction schedule and a schedule of works share things in common, but they’re different project documents. A schedule of works is a contract, a construction project schedule is not. The schedule of works lists the work that must be completed on a construction project, but a construction schedule is far more than just a list of work. A schedule of works doesn’t have the detail and scope of a construction schedule, which includes the duration and deadline for the work, resources needed to execute those tasks and associated costs. Construction schedules also have milestones, identify dependent tasks and more. How to Create a Construction Schedule Now that we’ve addressed the importance of a construction schedule and its components, let’s go through a detailed list of steps we’ve prepared so you can create a construction schedule. 1. Define the Project Scope of Work Before any dates or durations are assigned, the construction project’s scope of work must be clearly defined. This step establishes what is included in the project and what is not, creating boundaries for the schedule. The most common tool used is a work breakdown structure, which systematically decomposes the overall project into major deliverables and smaller work packages, providing a structured foundation from which scheduling activities can later be developed. 2. Sequence Construction Tasks With the full set of project tasks identified, attention shifts to organizing them in a logical order based on their dependencies. Construction schedules are rarely linear, meaning they aren’t just a task list where you complete one task and then move to the next; instead, they are made up of multiple task sequences progressing at the same time. Some sequences are tightly linked and must align at specific points, while others operate independently. Sequencing tasks reveals how parallel workstreams interact, helping teams understand workflow, coordination requirements and potential scheduling conflicts. For this step, project network diagrams such as a critical path diagram or a PERT chart are commonly used, even though Gantt charts are the usual tool to represent the construction schedule. For example, on a commercial project, concrete curing must finish before steel erection begins, forming one clear sequence. Meanwhile, off-site fabrication of façade panels can proceed independently. Inside the structure, mechanical and electrical rough-ins often run in parallel, only converging later when inspections are required before finishes can start. 3. Estimate the Duration of Tasks Few decisions influence a construction schedule more than how long each task is expected to take. Task durations directly determine the overall project timeline and drive the identification of the critical path. From there, they shape available float, define realistic start and finish dates and influence how delays ripple across the schedule. Inaccurate duration estimates can distort sequencing logic, mask risk and undermine every downstream scheduling decision. Critical Path Method (CPM): CPM estimates task durations using deterministic, single-point values based on expected productivity and known constraints. Each activity is assigned a fixed duration, allowing planners to calculate early and late dates, identify the critical path and determine available float. This approach works best when task durations are relatively predictable and supported by reliable planning assumptions. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): PERT approaches duration estimation probabilistically by using three values: optimistic, most likely and pessimistic durations. These are combined into a weighted average to reflect uncertainty. This technique is especially useful when tasks involve higher risk or variability, helping project teams account for uncertainty rather than relying on a single fixed estimate. Expert Judgment: This technique relies on the experience and practical knowledge of project managers, superintendents or trade specialists to estimate task durations. Rather than formulas, it draws on firsthand understanding of similar construction work, crew productivity and site conditions. Expert judgment is often used when data is limited or when conditions are too specific for standardized estimating methods. Historical Data and Analogous Estimating: Historical estimating uses data from past construction projects with similar scope and conditions to predict task durations. By analyzing actual performance from previous jobs, planners can develop realistic estimates grounded in evidence. This method improves accuracy over time and is especially effective for repetitive work or standardized construction activities. 4. Identify the Critical Path of the Project Traditionally, the critical path was identified by building a CPM network diagram and manually calculating early start, early finish, late start and late finish dates for each activity using the critical path method algorithm, a series of math calculations. This process could be performed by hand or in Excel, making critical path analysis accessible without specialized software for construction scheduling decisions. Modern project management software has automated critical path identification by recalculating logic, durations and dependencies in real time as schedules change. Instead of manual calculations, the critical path updates dynamically when tasks shift or delays occur. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart helps teams build flexible construction schedules while automatically highlighting the critical path, allowing managers to quickly assess impacts and make informed construction scheduling decisions as projects advance. 5. Identify Project Milestones Project milestones help simplify a construction schedule by highlighting key events without exposing every underlying task. Rather than reviewing hundreds of activities, stakeholders can focus on major approvals, phase completions or handoffs that signal meaningful progress. Milestones provide clear reference points for reporting, coordination and decision-making, making complex schedules easier to communicate to owners, executives and non-technical participants while still supporting detailed planning behind the scenes. 6. Establish a Schedule Baseline Establishing a schedule baseline involves formally approving the initial construction schedule once scope, sequencing and durations have been agreed upon. This baseline captures the original planned start and finish dates, durations and logic relationships at a specific point in time. Later in the project, it serves as a fixed reference for measuring progress, identifying delays and evaluating the impact of changes, allowing teams to distinguish normal execution from schedule drift and support informed corrective action. 7. Visualize the Project Schedule Using a Gantt Chart Gantt charts are the most widely used construction scheduling tools because they combine detailed planning with clear visual communication. They allow project managers to enter scheduling data such as task names, start and end dates, durations and dependencies while simultaneously displaying that information on a visual project timeline. This timeline is presented in a way that’s easy for most people to understand. It’s a stacked bar chart laid over a calendar which facilitates the identification of task sequences, dependencies and milestones, turning complex schedule data into an intuitive, easy-to-read project timeline. While traditional Gantt charts focus on dates and dependencies, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart expands scheduling into a broader project control tool. In addition to task durations and logic, it displays key execution data such as assigned resources, priority levels, WBS hierarchy and percent complete. This added context allows project managers to connect schedule performance with responsibility, progress and structure rather than viewing tasks as isolated timeline entries. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Construction-Gantt-chart-showing-task-lists-and-due-dates-e1752080313539.webp From a construction project tracking perspective, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart enables direct comparisons between planned and actual performance. Estimated start and finish dates can be measured against actual dates, planned durations against real execution time and estimated costs against actual costs at the task level. Visually, milestones appear as diamond symbols, progress is shown within task bars, dependencies are clearly linked and schedule baselines provide a reference point for identifying slippage. 8. Review and Adjust the Construction Schedule as the Project Advances Construction scheduling is highly complex and requires permanent monitoring. No construction schedule is written in stone, at least none that will succeed. Things change, and if you’re not monitoring and reviewing throughout the project, those changes will send you off track—or worse. You’ll need to look over the construction schedule throughout all project phases to make sure your actual progress aligns with your plan. Look at your schedule daily and depending on your time, update frequently. You can use our construction daily report template to keep track of the progress of your construction project. This is a matter of time management. If you find that a daily update takes you away from other project issues and responsibilities, then maybe you need to set aside time each week to respond to the changes you’ve noted daily and apply them to the schedule. Monitoring and adjusting your construction schedule as on- and off-site issues arise is perhaps the most important aspect of keeping your project on schedule. Construction Schedule Example One of the easiest ways to understand the impact of a construction schedule is with an example. Let’s imagine a construction company was contracted to create a new office building. Below, you can see the construction schedule made on ProjectManager’s Gantt chart. The project is broken down into various phases including design and planning, permits, site preparation, foundation, etc. On the left-hand side is a timeline with the task data that are visually represented on the right-hand side. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Construction-schedule-example-1.png Each phase is made up of specific tasks with a planned start and planned finish date for the team to reference as they execute their work. Project milestones are included as well, which mark the end of a piece of work, task sequence or project management phase. In the construction schedule example above, foundation inspection is an example of a milestone. The “how” and “why” in this example provide context for the project manager to reference throughout the project. If changes need to be made, such as moving the planned finish date for zoning approvals, the project manager can do so directly on the schedule. Construction Schedule Template If you’re looking for help in creating a construction schedule, check out our free construction schedule template. When you open this template in ProjectManager, you’ll be able to organize your schedule on powerful construction Gantt charts that link all four dependencies, list deliverables, manage resources, identify milestones and costs and even filter for the critical path. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Construction-Schedule-Template-Construction-Gantt-chart-Template-1600x551.webp Construction Scheduling Techniques Construction scheduling techniques are structured methods used to plan, organize and control the sequence, timing and coordination of construction activities. These techniques provide frameworks for managing dependencies, resources and constraints, helping project teams develop realistic schedules and respond effectively to changes throughout the construction lifecycle. Because no two construction projects unfold the same way, construction scheduling techniques are often selected based on project size, complexity and the working style of the project team. Some approaches are better suited for early planning, while others become valuable when conditions change. When delays begin to threaten completion dates, techniques such as schedule crashing or fast tracking can be applied to compress timelines, reallocate resources and regain momentum without completely reworking the entire construction schedule. Line of Balance (LOB): Line of balance is a construction scheduling technique used to plan and control repetitive tasks and processes. It’s ideal for projects with similar activities repeated in sequence, helping ensure work is executed efficiently and stays on schedule. Critical Path Method (CPM): The critical path method is a scheduling technique that identifies the sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible project duration. It highlights critical activities that directly impact the project finish date if delayed. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): The program evaluation review and technique (PERT) is a scheduling technique that analyzes uncertainty in activity durations to create a more flexible and realistic project schedule. It’s especially useful when task durations are difficult to estimate and supports clearer stakeholder communication. Last Planner System (LPS): The last planner system is a collaborative, lean construction scheduling technique that focuses on short-term planning and commitment-based scheduling, where crews plan, promise and execute work in manageable timeframes to improve reliability and workflow. Rolling wave planning: Rolling wave planning is a progressive scheduling technique where near-term work is planned in detail while future activities remain at a higher level, allowing flexibility as project information becomes clearer. Resource leveling: Resource leveling is a technique used to adjust the schedule to address resource constraints by redistributing work without changing the overall project scope, helping prevent overallocated crews or equipment. Fast tracking: Fast tracking is a scheduling approach that shortens project duration by overlapping activities that were originally planned to occur sequentially, increasing speed but also raising coordination and risk considerations. Project crashing: Project crashing is a method for accelerating the schedule by adding extra resources to critical activities, typically increasing costs in exchange for reducing the overall project duration. Critical Chain Method (CCM): The critical chain method is a construction scheduling technique that builds on the critical path by accounting for resource constraints and uncertainty. It protects the project completion date by using strategic time buffers instead of padding individual activities. Commonly Used Construction Scheduling Tools Construction scheduling tools are instruments and visual aids used to create, analyze, communicate and control construction schedules. They support the application of scheduling techniques by translating activities, durations, dependencies and progress data into structured formats that enable planning, monitoring and decision-making throughout a construction project. Different construction scheduling tools serve distinct purposes depending on the stage of the scheduling process. Some tools are most effective during early planning, helping teams structure activities, define sequences and establish timelines. Others are better suited for execution and control, allowing project managers to track progress, compare planned versus actual performance and identify deviations. When delays or changes arise, certain tools support corrective actions by analyzing impacts, testing alternatives and guiding schedule adjustments. Project Network Diagrams: A project network diagram visually represents the sequence of project tasks, highlighting both task dependencies and the overall workflow. Project network diagrams are used in a variety of construction scheduling techniques, including the critical path method (CPM), program evaluation and review technique (PERT), precedence diagramming method, arrow diagramming method, among others. Gantt Charts: A mainstay in project management, Gantt charts are the quintessential construction scheduling tool that showcases a task’s start and end dates, duration and dependencies. They provide a clear and chronological overview to ensure projects are completed within the expected budget and timeframe. Milestone Charts: Milestone charts are another visual construction scheduling tool to highlight key events and project achievements. Significant milestones are displayed on a timeline with a focus on essential deliverables, deadlines and critical achievements. With this tool, the focus is on tracking overall progress instead of task durations. Critical path diagrams: A critical path diagram visually maps the longest sequence of dependent activities that determine the minimum project duration. This tool helps project teams identify tasks with zero float, understand schedule sensitivity and prioritize activities that directly impact the construction completion date. PERT charts: A PERT chart is a scheduling tool used to analyze task sequences and estimate project duration when activity timeframes are uncertain. By incorporating optimistic, pessimistic and most likely durations, it supports more flexible planning and informed decision-making. Lookahead schedules: Lookahead schedules focus on short-term planning, typically covering the next few weeks of work. They help construction teams identify upcoming constraints, coordinate trades and ensure tasks are ready for execution before they enter the active schedule. S-curve charts: S-curve charts plot cumulative progress, cost or labor against time, providing a visual comparison between planned and actual performance. They are commonly used to monitor trends, identify deviations early and communicate schedule status to stakeholders. Time tracking tools: Time tracking tools such as digital timesheets, mobile crew time apps, badge or kiosk clock-in systems and integrated field reporting tools capture actual labor hours spent on scheduled activities. This data allows teams to compare planned versus real performance, supporting accurate progress reporting, productivity analysis and schedule forecasting throughout the construction project. More Construction Project Management Templates The construction schedule template is one of the dozens of free construction templates for Excel and Word that you can download on our site. We have free templates for every phase of your project and many industries as well. Here are a few for construction. Construction Daily Report Template At the end of every day, construction workers have to document what work was performed, whether it was done or delayed, weather conditions on site and much more. Our free construction daily report for Excel outlines everything you need to cover so you can fill in the blanks. Construction Estimate Template Being able to forecast an accurate estimate for construction costs is key to managing the project. Our free construction estimate template for Excel helps you figure out the direct indirect, labor and material costs of your project. Bill of Quantities Template A bill of quantities lists all the materials and labor required for a construction project. If you’re managing a larger construction project, you’ll need our free bill of quantities template for Excel. It’s a crucial document for the bidding process as well as helping make a more accurate estimate of the project’s costs. How to Create a Construction Schedule With ProjectManager We’ve been hinting about how ProjectManager and construction scheduling go hand in glove, so let’s take a moment to go into greater detail about the many features available in our software that can assist you when scheduling your construction project. Gantt Charts for Plans and Schedules Beyond templates to get you started, we have an online Gantt chart that helps you plan your construction schedule. You can import your task list and it instantly populates the timeline. Then add the duration of each task and a bar chart marks the start to end dates. If any tasks are dependent, they can be easily linked. You can also set milestones across the timeline. You can then assign directly from the construction Gantt chart. Any relevant schematics or notes can be added directly to the task where team members can collaborate. They can add as many construction documents as they want with our unlimited file storage and comment on any issues with other team members by simply tagging them. When a change in your construction schedule occurs, adjusting the Gantt chart is simple. Just drag and drop the start and end dates. There are automated notifications, so team members are alerted of any changes to keep everyone on the same page. Resource and Team Management When it comes to tracking time and money throughout your construction project, we have you covered with resource management software. Managing your resources can be complicated in a construction project, but our online software gives you real-time data to better meet that goal. You can categorize teams, supplies, equipment, etc., adding hourly rates that’ll reflect across our software. When those hours are logged, the actual cost is automatically compared to the planned cost. This gives you the tools to manage construction costs. Teams can be managed, too. Our software details working days, holidays and planned hours over the course of the project, whether they’re on-site or even in different time zones. You can block out vacations and holidays, keeping your project schedule on track. With our workload feature, you can easily see who’s assigned to what. The workload is color-coded, so you can catch any imbalances quickly and reassign from the workload page. Filter by project, team or both and get the data you want. These features are essential for creating and managing your construction schedule. Timesheets are designed to automatically update when employees finish their assigned tasks. You can track their logged hours on our real-time dashboard, which also monitors task progress and more. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Timesheet-Light-2554x1372-1-e1709159471615.png That’s not all; there’s in-depth reporting on project workload, availability, timesheets and more. Reports can be filtered to show just what you need to know or offer a more broad overview when presenting to clients and other stakeholders. ProjectManager keeps your construction schedule on track. Related Construction Scheduling Content Construction Project Management Software Best Construction Scheduling Software Rankings Best Construction Estimating Software Rankings How to Make a Material Schedule for Construction Fragnet Schedule in Construction: Use Cases and How-to Guide ¿Cómo Hacer un Cronograma de Obra? Una Guía Rápida Comment créer un calendrier de construction : guide rapide Bauzeitplan erstellen: Bauzeitplanung einfach erklärt ProjectManager is online project management software with the tools you need for construction scheduling. Our features make planning, monitoring and reporting on your project more efficient and effective. Being online means our software is accessible everywhere and at any time. Plus, the data you get is more accurate because it’s updated immediately. Try ProjectManager for free with this 30-day trial offer. The post Making a Construction Schedule: Construction Scheduling Basics appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

European Court of Auditors says bloc’s raw materials policy rests on ‘incomplete foundations’View the full article

A reader writes: I was called in to a last-minute end-of-day meeting yesterday … that ended up being with my boss, his boss, and HR. They told me that I’ve been accused of making sexist and ageist comments at work, and I’m baffled. I’ve been wracking my brain and can’t figure out what they could be referring to, AND THEY REFUSE TO TELL ME. They won’t even give me a hint. They basically said, “Think about what it might have been and don’t do it again or your job is at risk.” I don’t know whether it was one complaint or many, or even if it’s true at all (there is one person at work I think might be trying to get me fired.) How do I defend and/or protect myself? Or, if it’s true and I said something boneheaded, how do I improve if I don’t know what I did wrong? I’m a man in my 50s and have never been accused of anything of the sort – it’s not like I’m new to the work world. I feel so demoralized by this, and mortified if I actually did say something that was perceived as “ist.” How should I respond? If they actually want you to not to do it again, it’s absurd that they’re refusing to tell you what it was. Someone interested in you learning and changing would realize they needed to actually share with you what the issue was. “Think on it and figure it out on your own” is ridiculous feedback. It also means anyone can accuse you of anything at any time, and you can never defend yourself. I’d say this: “I’m mortified that something that landed that way. I’m committed to treating everyone here with respect, and I would never want someone to feel alienated in the way the types of comments you described can do. But I’m also having trouble acting on this feedback because, after racking my brain to think about whether I might have worded something badly or even just said it in a way that left me open to misinterpretation, I can’t for the life of me figure out what happened. Are you able to share the specific concern with me? If there’s something I’m saying that’s landing differently than I realize, I need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” You might also say, “If the concern in sharing specifics with me is that I might hold it against that person or make them uncomfortable in some way, I can assure you I’m committed to not doing that. I know the only way people feel safe reporting these concerns is when they don’t need to worry about it causing tension, and I want to respect that.” That said … “we’re going to threaten your job and refuse to discuss specifics” doesn’t bode well for this place in general. The post I’m in trouble for sexist and ageist remarks — but no one will tell me what I said appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

LinkedIn tested what drives AI search visibility and shared results. Content structure, expert authorship, and timestamps showed the clearest impact. The post LinkedIn Shares What Works For AI Search Visibility appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The Republican National Committee has vastly outpaced Democrats in the crush for cash ahead of the midterm elections, holding a nearly $100 million advantage at the close of 2025, according to year-end filings to the Federal Election Commission. As Democrats have struggled in the The President era, the RNC tallied $172 million raised in 2025, with $95 million cash on hand at year’s end. In contrast, the Democratic National Committee posted $145 million for the year, with $14 million on hand — and $17 million in debt, to start the new year underwater. It’s all pointing to a turbulent election cycle ahead as President Donald The President fights political headwinds that tend to brush back the party in power, in this case Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, and reward challengers during the midterms. In the campaigns for control of Congress, the total hauls are less stark. House Republicans posted one of their stronger years, raising $13 million in the last month of the year, to close with more than $117 million for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the main campaign arm. House Democrats trailed slightly at $115 million. Both of the House committees started 2026 with about $50 million cash on hand, according to the filings, which were due to the FEC this weekend. A similar dynamic is playing out in the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday the GOP’s overall fundraising haul left him “bullish” on the party’s chances to not only hold onto their razor-thin majority in the House, but grow it with more members. “We’re going to have a war chest to run on,” Johnson, R-La., said on “Fox News Sunday.” To be sure, the fundraising totals reflect the 2025 calendar year, before the onslaught of actions and events that have scrambled the nation’s politics in the first month of the new year. From the U.S. military attack on Venezuela to the shooting deaths of two Americans protesting the The President administration’s immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, it’s not at all certain whether voters — and donors — will undergo lasting shifts in their attitudes toward the political parties. “Momentum is on our side,” said Viet Shelton, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which supports the House Democrats. He said the Republicans are “running scared” because the Democrats have better candidates and a better message for voters as the party tries to wrest back control of the House. In the Senate, the National Republican Senatorial Committee raised $88 million in 2025, closing out the year with $19.3 million cash on hand. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raised $79.8 million, but ended up slightly better with $21.7 million cash on hand. —Associated Press View the full article

If you’re considering investing in a franchise, it’s essential to understand which sectors are thriving. Various industries, such as home services, food and beverage, and fitness, offer significant potential for growth. Each of these franchises presents strong consumer demand and established brand recognition, which can lead to successful outcomes for franchisees. To make an informed decision, you’ll want to evaluate the nuances of each sector and their unique advantages. What might surprise you about these options? Key Takeaways Home services franchises offer lower startup costs and resilient revenue streams, making them an attractive investment opportunity. Food and beverage franchises benefit from established brand recognition and strong customer trust, ensuring consistent demand and repeat business. Fitness and recreation franchises cater to growing health awareness, promoting brand loyalty through membership-based revenue models. Pet services franchises capitalize on increasing consumer spending on pet care, providing low operational costs and strong customer loyalty. Automotive services franchises ensure steady revenue through consistent demand for vehicle maintenance, benefiting from the growing complexity of car technologies. Home Services Franchises Home services franchises represent a lucrative investment opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. These franchises, including cleaning, landscaping, and handyman services, meet the ongoing consumer demand for reliable service providers. They often rank among the best franchises to own in California because of lower startup costs, as they typically don’t require physical storefronts. This feature allows for streamlined operations and easier management, making them some of the best non-food franchises to own. Resilient through various economic cycles, home services franchises guarantee consistent revenue, offering franchisees solid returns on investment. In addition, many provide extensive training programs and ongoing support, vital for new owners to thrive. With a growing market, these franchises present ample opportunities for success in the evolving home services sector. Food and Beverage Franchises When considering food and beverage franchises, you’ll find that established brand recognition plays an essential role in attracting customers and ensuring success. Innovative menu offerings likewise keep customers engaged and coming back, as they seek unique dining experiences. With these factors in mind, investing in a food franchise can be a strategic choice for those looking to tap into a resilient market. Established Brand Recognition Established brand recognition plays a pivotal role in the success of food and beverage franchises, often setting them apart in a competitive marketplace. When you invest in a franchise with an established name, you tap into a reservoir of consumer trust and loyalty. This brand recognition not only attracts customers but also aids in retaining them over time. The following factors highlight the benefits of established brand recognition: Strong customer trust drives repeat business and referrals. Comprehensive marketing strategies boost visibility through national and local campaigns. Consistent demand for food ensures a reliable revenue stream. Brand loyalty nurtures long-term success and profitability for franchise owners. Innovative Menu Offerings Innovative menu offerings are vital for food and beverage franchises aiming to attract and retain a diverse customer base. By incorporating health-conscious and environmentally friendly options, franchises can meet the growing demand for sustainable food choices. Brands like Sweetgreen and MOD Pizza thrive by providing customizable menus that cater to individual dietary preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction. Seasonal menu changes and limited-time offerings create excitement, encouraging repeat visits and boosting sales performance. Furthermore, using local ingredients and unique flavors cultivates a strong connection with the community, further enhancing brand loyalty. In the end, investing in innovative menu offerings not just addresses consumer trends but strengthens a franchise’s market presence, giving you a competitive edge in the food and beverage industry. Fitness and Recreation Franchises As health awareness continues to grow, investing in fitness and recreation franchises presents a promising opportunity for franchise owners. With diverse business models, these franchises cater to a wide range of consumer preferences, from traditional gyms to specialized training studios. This industry not only nurtures brand loyalty through membership-based revenue but additionally benefits from strong community engagement, driving local participation and steady income streams. Growing Health Awareness The rise of health consciousness among consumers has particularly impacted the fitness and recreation franchise sector. This growing awareness drives significant growth, with franchises like boutique gyms and personal training studios thriving. Membership-based revenue models promote brand loyalty and guarantee a steady income stream, during which franchises such as PickleRage highlight the broadening opportunities within sports and recreation. Innovative concepts like indoor trampoline parks and pickleball centers attract diverse audiences. Strong community engagement cultivates customer loyalty and repeat business. Families and local communities benefit from year-round recreational activities. The focus on health and fitness encourages franchises to adapt to consumer demands. Investing in these franchises can be a sound decision given the increasing demand for health-focused lifestyles. Diverse Business Models With the rise in health consciousness, diverse business models within the fitness and recreation franchise sector are gaining engagement. This growth, driven by increased consumer focus on wellness, presents a lucrative opportunity for investors. Membership-based revenue models cultivate brand loyalty and provide stable income streams. Franchises like PickleRage showcase the shift toward boutique gyms and specialized facilities, serving niche markets during enhancing community engagement. Established models simplify operational management, reducing the learning curve for new owners and enhancing profitability. Furthermore, year-round demand for recreational activities guarantees consistent foot traffic. Business Model Key Feature Membership-Based Stable income, brand loyalty Boutique Gyms Niche markets, community focus Indoor Trampoline Parks Year-round demand, consistent revenue Sports Centers Diverse activities, family-friendly Pet Services Franchises Investing in pet services franchises presents a compelling opportunity, especially as the pet services industry continues to grow considerably. With consumers spending more on pet care, these franchises can be quite lucrative. You’ll find that many pet services, like dog grooming, boarding, and training, enjoy strong customer loyalty and recurring revenue, which improves profitability. Initial investments range from $120,000 for options like Dog Training Elite to $928,000 for Camp Bow Wow. Low operational costs make these franchises appealing. Flexible business models accommodate both hands-on and semi-absentee owners. The rising trend of pet ownership and focus on wellness boosts demand for PetSmart service franchises, making them a promising investment choice. Education and Tutoring Franchises As parents increasingly prioritize their children’s academic success, education and tutoring franchises present a stable investment opportunity. The demand for tutoring services continues to rise, fueled by a focus on STEM education and personalized learning. These franchises often offer extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring franchisees operate efficiently. Successful education franchises emphasize flexible scheduling and customized programs, catering to diverse student needs. Notable examples include those specializing in test preparation and after-school programs, which have proven resilient in various economic climates. Franchise Type Growth Potential Support Provided Test Preparation High In-depth training After-School Programs Moderate to High Ongoing operational support STEM-focused Tutoring Strong Marketing assistance Language Learning Steady Curriculum development Beauty and Personal Care Franchises Beauty and personal care franchises offer a promising investment opportunity, especially since many consumers prioritize self-care and grooming. This sector boasts a consistent customer base, ensuring steady revenue streams for franchise owners. Here are some key advantages of investing in beauty franchises: Membership models encourage repeat business and improve customer loyalty. The market remains resilient to economic fluctuations, with consumers willing to spend on grooming. Established brands provide strong recognition, helping attract customers easily. Franchise opportunities often include thorough training programs and ongoing support, aiding new franchisees in their success. With these factors in mind, investing in beauty and personal care franchises can lead to a rewarding business venture, driven by consumer demand and proven business models. Automotive Services Franchises Automotive services franchises represent a solid investment option, especially considering the consistent demand for vehicle maintenance. With services like oil changes and tire rotations, brands such as Jiffy Lube and Meineke enjoy a recurring customer base that guarantees steady revenue. The automotive industry continues to grow, driven by increasing vehicle ownership and the complexity of modern car technologies, which require professional servicing. Moreover, many automotive franchises offer lower startup costs compared to other sectors, making them accessible for aspiring franchise owners. Franchisees benefit from extensive training and ongoing support from franchisors, equipping you with the necessary skills to operate successfully. This combination of demand, support, and cost-effectiveness makes automotive services franchises a compelling investment choice. Frequently Asked Questions What Franchise Business Is the Most Profitable? When considering the most profitable franchise business, you’ll find that food and beverage options often lead the way, thanks to high demand and consumer loyalty. Brands like Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ Donuts consistently report strong revenue returns. Nevertheless, home service franchises, like Mr. Rooter, likewise present lucrative opportunities with low failure rates. Furthermore, health and wellness franchises, alongside emerging pet services, have shown robust growth, reflecting shifting consumer priorities and spending habits. What Franchise Is the Best to Buy Into? When you’re considering which franchise is best to buy into, focus on brands with strong owner satisfaction ratings and proven performance metrics. Established franchises often offer thorough training and ongoing support, which can ease your changeover. Look at industries such as food and beverage or emerging sectors like fitness, as they show robust demand. Furthermore, evaluating financial performance, including revenue growth and low failure rates, is essential for making an informed decision. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? It only costs $10,000 to open a Chick-fil-A since the company retains ownership of the restaurant and its assets, minimizing financial risk for you. This unique model allows for a lower initial investment compared to traditional franchises. Nevertheless, you’ll need to pay a 15% royalty on sales and 50% of pretax profits. Chick-fil-A likewise provides extensive training and support, and limits franchises in each market, helping improve your profitability potential. What Is the Best Franchise for a First Time Owner? For a first-time owner, the best franchise depends on your interests and budget. Consider options like Two Maids & a Mop, which requires a minimum investment of $83,140 and allows for part-time involvement. Property Management offers a lower entry cost of $50,000, ideal for those interested in real estate. On the other hand, Code Ninjas, focusing on child education, requires $100,000 and provides strong support, making it a solid choice for new franchisees. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring these seven franchise sectors—home services, food and beverage, fitness and recreation, pet services, education and tutoring, beauty, and automotive services—offers promising investment opportunities. Each area demonstrates strong consumer demand and established support systems for franchisees. By carefully evaluating market trends and growth potential, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and resources. Investing in a franchise can be a strategic move, providing both stability and the chance for significant returns. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Franchise Businesses to Invest" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering investing in a franchise, it’s essential to understand which sectors are thriving. Various industries, such as home services, food and beverage, and fitness, offer significant potential for growth. Each of these franchises presents strong consumer demand and established brand recognition, which can lead to successful outcomes for franchisees. To make an informed decision, you’ll want to evaluate the nuances of each sector and their unique advantages. What might surprise you about these options? Key Takeaways Home services franchises offer lower startup costs and resilient revenue streams, making them an attractive investment opportunity. Food and beverage franchises benefit from established brand recognition and strong customer trust, ensuring consistent demand and repeat business. Fitness and recreation franchises cater to growing health awareness, promoting brand loyalty through membership-based revenue models. Pet services franchises capitalize on increasing consumer spending on pet care, providing low operational costs and strong customer loyalty. Automotive services franchises ensure steady revenue through consistent demand for vehicle maintenance, benefiting from the growing complexity of car technologies. Home Services Franchises Home services franchises represent a lucrative investment opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. These franchises, including cleaning, landscaping, and handyman services, meet the ongoing consumer demand for reliable service providers. They often rank among the best franchises to own in California because of lower startup costs, as they typically don’t require physical storefronts. This feature allows for streamlined operations and easier management, making them some of the best non-food franchises to own. Resilient through various economic cycles, home services franchises guarantee consistent revenue, offering franchisees solid returns on investment. In addition, many provide extensive training programs and ongoing support, vital for new owners to thrive. With a growing market, these franchises present ample opportunities for success in the evolving home services sector. Food and Beverage Franchises When considering food and beverage franchises, you’ll find that established brand recognition plays an essential role in attracting customers and ensuring success. Innovative menu offerings likewise keep customers engaged and coming back, as they seek unique dining experiences. With these factors in mind, investing in a food franchise can be a strategic choice for those looking to tap into a resilient market. Established Brand Recognition Established brand recognition plays a pivotal role in the success of food and beverage franchises, often setting them apart in a competitive marketplace. When you invest in a franchise with an established name, you tap into a reservoir of consumer trust and loyalty. This brand recognition not only attracts customers but also aids in retaining them over time. The following factors highlight the benefits of established brand recognition: Strong customer trust drives repeat business and referrals. Comprehensive marketing strategies boost visibility through national and local campaigns. Consistent demand for food ensures a reliable revenue stream. Brand loyalty nurtures long-term success and profitability for franchise owners. Innovative Menu Offerings Innovative menu offerings are vital for food and beverage franchises aiming to attract and retain a diverse customer base. By incorporating health-conscious and environmentally friendly options, franchises can meet the growing demand for sustainable food choices. Brands like Sweetgreen and MOD Pizza thrive by providing customizable menus that cater to individual dietary preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction. Seasonal menu changes and limited-time offerings create excitement, encouraging repeat visits and boosting sales performance. Furthermore, using local ingredients and unique flavors cultivates a strong connection with the community, further enhancing brand loyalty. In the end, investing in innovative menu offerings not just addresses consumer trends but strengthens a franchise’s market presence, giving you a competitive edge in the food and beverage industry. Fitness and Recreation Franchises As health awareness continues to grow, investing in fitness and recreation franchises presents a promising opportunity for franchise owners. With diverse business models, these franchises cater to a wide range of consumer preferences, from traditional gyms to specialized training studios. This industry not only nurtures brand loyalty through membership-based revenue but additionally benefits from strong community engagement, driving local participation and steady income streams. Growing Health Awareness The rise of health consciousness among consumers has particularly impacted the fitness and recreation franchise sector. This growing awareness drives significant growth, with franchises like boutique gyms and personal training studios thriving. Membership-based revenue models promote brand loyalty and guarantee a steady income stream, during which franchises such as PickleRage highlight the broadening opportunities within sports and recreation. Innovative concepts like indoor trampoline parks and pickleball centers attract diverse audiences. Strong community engagement cultivates customer loyalty and repeat business. Families and local communities benefit from year-round recreational activities. The focus on health and fitness encourages franchises to adapt to consumer demands. Investing in these franchises can be a sound decision given the increasing demand for health-focused lifestyles. Diverse Business Models With the rise in health consciousness, diverse business models within the fitness and recreation franchise sector are gaining engagement. This growth, driven by increased consumer focus on wellness, presents a lucrative opportunity for investors. Membership-based revenue models cultivate brand loyalty and provide stable income streams. Franchises like PickleRage showcase the shift toward boutique gyms and specialized facilities, serving niche markets during enhancing community engagement. Established models simplify operational management, reducing the learning curve for new owners and enhancing profitability. Furthermore, year-round demand for recreational activities guarantees consistent foot traffic. Business Model Key Feature Membership-Based Stable income, brand loyalty Boutique Gyms Niche markets, community focus Indoor Trampoline Parks Year-round demand, consistent revenue Sports Centers Diverse activities, family-friendly Pet Services Franchises Investing in pet services franchises presents a compelling opportunity, especially as the pet services industry continues to grow considerably. With consumers spending more on pet care, these franchises can be quite lucrative. You’ll find that many pet services, like dog grooming, boarding, and training, enjoy strong customer loyalty and recurring revenue, which improves profitability. Initial investments range from $120,000 for options like Dog Training Elite to $928,000 for Camp Bow Wow. Low operational costs make these franchises appealing. Flexible business models accommodate both hands-on and semi-absentee owners. The rising trend of pet ownership and focus on wellness boosts demand for PetSmart service franchises, making them a promising investment choice. Education and Tutoring Franchises As parents increasingly prioritize their children’s academic success, education and tutoring franchises present a stable investment opportunity. The demand for tutoring services continues to rise, fueled by a focus on STEM education and personalized learning. These franchises often offer extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring franchisees operate efficiently. Successful education franchises emphasize flexible scheduling and customized programs, catering to diverse student needs. Notable examples include those specializing in test preparation and after-school programs, which have proven resilient in various economic climates. Franchise Type Growth Potential Support Provided Test Preparation High In-depth training After-School Programs Moderate to High Ongoing operational support STEM-focused Tutoring Strong Marketing assistance Language Learning Steady Curriculum development Beauty and Personal Care Franchises Beauty and personal care franchises offer a promising investment opportunity, especially since many consumers prioritize self-care and grooming. This sector boasts a consistent customer base, ensuring steady revenue streams for franchise owners. Here are some key advantages of investing in beauty franchises: Membership models encourage repeat business and improve customer loyalty. The market remains resilient to economic fluctuations, with consumers willing to spend on grooming. Established brands provide strong recognition, helping attract customers easily. Franchise opportunities often include thorough training programs and ongoing support, aiding new franchisees in their success. With these factors in mind, investing in beauty and personal care franchises can lead to a rewarding business venture, driven by consumer demand and proven business models. Automotive Services Franchises Automotive services franchises represent a solid investment option, especially considering the consistent demand for vehicle maintenance. With services like oil changes and tire rotations, brands such as Jiffy Lube and Meineke enjoy a recurring customer base that guarantees steady revenue. The automotive industry continues to grow, driven by increasing vehicle ownership and the complexity of modern car technologies, which require professional servicing. Moreover, many automotive franchises offer lower startup costs compared to other sectors, making them accessible for aspiring franchise owners. Franchisees benefit from extensive training and ongoing support from franchisors, equipping you with the necessary skills to operate successfully. This combination of demand, support, and cost-effectiveness makes automotive services franchises a compelling investment choice. Frequently Asked Questions What Franchise Business Is the Most Profitable? When considering the most profitable franchise business, you’ll find that food and beverage options often lead the way, thanks to high demand and consumer loyalty. Brands like Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ Donuts consistently report strong revenue returns. Nevertheless, home service franchises, like Mr. Rooter, likewise present lucrative opportunities with low failure rates. Furthermore, health and wellness franchises, alongside emerging pet services, have shown robust growth, reflecting shifting consumer priorities and spending habits. What Franchise Is the Best to Buy Into? When you’re considering which franchise is best to buy into, focus on brands with strong owner satisfaction ratings and proven performance metrics. Established franchises often offer thorough training and ongoing support, which can ease your changeover. Look at industries such as food and beverage or emerging sectors like fitness, as they show robust demand. Furthermore, evaluating financial performance, including revenue growth and low failure rates, is essential for making an informed decision. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? It only costs $10,000 to open a Chick-fil-A since the company retains ownership of the restaurant and its assets, minimizing financial risk for you. This unique model allows for a lower initial investment compared to traditional franchises. Nevertheless, you’ll need to pay a 15% royalty on sales and 50% of pretax profits. Chick-fil-A likewise provides extensive training and support, and limits franchises in each market, helping improve your profitability potential. What Is the Best Franchise for a First Time Owner? For a first-time owner, the best franchise depends on your interests and budget. Consider options like Two Maids & a Mop, which requires a minimum investment of $83,140 and allows for part-time involvement. Property Management offers a lower entry cost of $50,000, ideal for those interested in real estate. On the other hand, Code Ninjas, focusing on child education, requires $100,000 and provides strong support, making it a solid choice for new franchisees. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring these seven franchise sectors—home services, food and beverage, fitness and recreation, pet services, education and tutoring, beauty, and automotive services—offers promising investment opportunities. Each area demonstrates strong consumer demand and established support systems for franchisees. By carefully evaluating market trends and growth potential, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and resources. Investing in a franchise can be a strategic move, providing both stability and the chance for significant returns. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Franchise Businesses to Invest" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Every company wants to be innovative. Most approach this by trying to hire highly creative specialists or by spinning up a new “innovation” team. But companies that consistently innovate do something different: They build company-wide systems focused on customer solutions and make innovation part of everyday business. Smart organizations focus on building reliable processes to understand customers, test assumptions, and scale what works. In my experience at Verra Mobility, the difference between companies that talk about innovation and companies that deliver it often comes down to a repeatable process that drives creativity. QUESTION EVERYTHING YOU “KNOW” The biggest innovation killer isn’t resistance to change; it’s the assumption that we already know the answer. When someone says they “know” what customers want, we dig deeper. Who did you talk to? How long ago did you talk to them? In our business reviews, we’ve made it mandatory for every business review to include not only operational performance, but also market updates and competitive intelligence. We want to push people to ask more questions, not just review more slides. This creates a culture where expertise is valued, assumptions are challenged, and customer insight drives decisions. When you force teams to back up their opinions with current data, they start questioning how they’ve worked and look for better solutions. UNDERSTAND WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT TO ACCOMPLISH Most innovation fails because we solve the wrong problems. Teams focus on how customers are using a product instead of understanding what they’re trying to achieve. Take time to sit with customers and understand their complete workflows—which teams they interact with, how they’d be impacted by process changes, and identifying opportunities to improve. Go deeper than marketing personas to understand the decision makers who will ultimately sign off on new programs. A few years ago, a car rental company client told us their biggest issue wasn’t reconciling $100 traffic violations, it was accounting for daily $10 tolls. We created a whole new business line for automated toll management. We started with one state, then expanded based on what worked. MAKE EXPERIMENTATION PART OF THE PROCESS Innovation requires observation, but success requires testing assumptions quickly and cheaply. We’ve built experimentation into our standard improvement process. When teams create solutions, I ask them to identify their biggest assumptions upfront, then look at the probability that assumption is correct. If we’re not sure, we test it quickly with a pilot or single customer trial. Take rough prototypes—even napkin drawings—directly to customers. The less finished it looks, the more honest the feedback you receive. When something looks polished, people don’t want to hurt your feelings. When it’s obviously a sketch, they’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong. Rather than funding only well-developed ideas in annual planning cycles, we create ways to test concepts early and build our business on what succeeds. MAKE INNOVATION EVERYONE’S JOB Innovation isn’t a special team’s responsibility. Everyone needs the mindset that there’s always room for improvement, and that they play an active role in identifying solutions. When innovation is part of everyone’s daily work, it becomes sustainable. This means regular forums where teams share customer insights and have clear processes for moving from hypothesis to experiment to implementation. It means bringing together product management, sales, and customer success to ensure new innovations don’t create support nightmares. Most experiments will fail—but they’ll fail fast and cheap, not slow and expensive. THE INNOVATION DISCIPLINE Here’s what most companies get wrong: They think innovation is about creativity and inspiration. While those are important, real success is driven by discipline and systems. Companies that succeed long-term create processes where good ideas surface, get tested quickly, and spread when they work. Any organization can do that if they’re willing to watch, question, and pilot solutions quickly. David Roberts is CEO of Verra Mobility. View the full article