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Hi there, A viral chart on X recently revealed that 84% of the world has never used AI, with most users concentrated among young, urban, affluent populations. If you’re worried AI might replace your job, you’re actually in a fortunate position—you’re aware of the disruption ahead. And awareness creates opportunity: the chance to learn new skills and improve your odds for the future. Whatever step you need to take next—big or small—to give your momentum a boost, it’s always worth taking. Enjoy today’s reads. -Maja Our Favorite Articles 💯Dress Up to Work From Home (Business Insider)A Google manager explains why putting on real work clothes can boost focus, professionalism, and productivity. 👉 ​Keep reading​. Developing the AI Skills Employers Actually Need (Lightcast)New research highlights which AI-related skills companies are truly looking for—and how workers can position themselves to stay competitive. 👉 ​Learn more​. The AI Adoption Gap: A Chart That Went Viral (X · Timothy Hughes)A viral chart revealing just how concentrated AI adoption still is. 👉 ​See here​. Humans Peak in Midlife (Gilles E. Gignac & Marcin Zajenkowski)Research shows that while some cognitive abilities peak early, many key traits reach their strongest point in midlife. 👉 ​Read on​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Find your dream remote job without the hassle. 135,000+ roles, advanced search filters, and the ability to save searches and track applications. Try Remotive today​! Free Guides & Tools​Premium Job Board​We curate 135,000+ fully remote jobs so you don't have to. ➡️ ​Find your remote job​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely. ➡️ ​Check it out​ Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

Investors in the live entertainment giant Live Nation are feeling optimistic this morning after reports that the company has settled its civil antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 39 participating states. The settlement will cost Live Nation, but it means that the company has narrowly avoided a forced breakup with its popular subsidiary, Ticketmaster. The reports come after a week-long trial in which the DOJ laid out its argument that Live Nation and Ticketmaster rely on anticompetitive conduct to create a monopoly over the live events industry in the U.S., leading the DOJ to call for a separation of the brands. On March 9, sources close to the matter informed outlets including The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and The New York Times that Live Nation has reached a settlement with the DOJ—reportedly for a sum of around $300 million and several tweaks to its business model—to avoid that outcome. While some attorneys general plan to continue pursuing the case independently, Live Nation’s investors are reacting positively to the news: the company’s shares are up around 6% since market close as of this writing. Why did the DOJ sue Live Nation? Live Nation and Ticketmaster first merged back in 2010 in a deal that was reviewed and approved by the DOJ. By 2024, though, the DOJ apparently regretted its decision. That May, the department filed its suit against the company for thwarting competition through dubious practices designed to make its services the only option available to artists, venues, and fans. At the time, former U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland wrote, “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators,” adding, “the result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.” One of the chief concerns raised by plaintiffs in the courtroom was that Live Nation and Ticketmaster used exclusionary contracts to lock artists and venues into a so-called “flywheel” that made Live Nation the only viable option for concert promotion and ticket sales. According to The New York Times, multiple witnesses alleged that Live Nation had threatened to retaliate against their venues if they did not use Ticketmaster as their exclusive ticketing vendor. What does a settlement mean for the company? Based on a report from Rolling Stone, a DOJ official told reporters over the phone on March 9 that Live Nation will face a fine of about $300 million, $200 million of which will be paid in damages to the states that sign on to the settlement. The official said that Live Nation will also have to divest from at least 13 of its amphitheaters, and will be made to cap its service fees at 15% of the ticket prices at other Live Nation-owned amphitheaters. Further, to encourage more competition in the ticketing sphere, Ticketmaster will now have to allow rival companies, like SeatGeek and Eventbrite, to list tickets on its platforms. Live Nation’s exclusivity contracts with venues will now also be capped at four years. The official told reporters that they expect most of the 39 states (including Washington, D.C.) who signed onto the suit to accept the settlement. However, some attorneys general have signaled that they won’t be backing down so easily. In an official statement published on March 9, New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote that she planned to continue the lawsuit. “The settlement recently announced with the U.S. Department of Justice fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case, and would benefit Live Nation at the expense of consumers,” the statement reads. “We cannot agree to it.” Live Nation and the DOJ did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment on the terms of the settlement. View the full article

A reader writes: I work in healthcare and my colleagues and I are confused about what behavior crosses the line and can be classified as “abusive.” We are a small workplace and therefore don’t have high up HR/management to ask. The owner of the surgery also finds this a grey zone. For example, I was supposed to be doing some treatment on a patient but our entire computer system was down for two days, so no access to notes, X-rays, etc. It was a disaster, but out of our hands. We decided we would not be able to do treatments on anyone who needed anything more than a quick review. But we had no way of even knowing who was coming in to be able to cancel patients in advance. Most were really understanding of this frustrating situation. The husband of one pleasant patient was not nice about it, pointing out work cancellation (which we felt awful about, but couldn’t do anything about). He was belligerent and kept repeating in an annoyed tone that he didn’t understand why we didn’t contact them or why we couldn’t treat his wife. Finally I gave him an appointment card to take to reception and apologized repeatedly. He tossed (flung?) the card at the receptionist and spoke to her in a really annoyed voice. It was so hard to tell if this interaction crossed the line between “understandably frustrated” to “verbal abuse.” He didn’t raise his voice, he just sounded incredibly annoyed, but it affected all of us afterwards. I’ve noticed in general that patients and their families are becoming more abrupt and irritable with any inconvenience and becoming short-tempered with the staff, but it’s not shouting or physical abuse. My reception team said that they were fine to “let this one go” and continue seeing the family in future. Whereas I’m starting to wonder that we are allowing too much low-level bad behavior directed at staff. We have signs in the waiting room but of course they’re ignored. I didn’t appreciate having someone behave that way towards my staff (who are mostly young women trying their hardest to accommodate people) but the worst thing I could say about his behavior is that he was “mean.” This is tricky because there are some things that clearly cross a line — yelling, using abusive language, becoming physically aggressive — and others that are more of a grey area. It sounds like this situation came down to tone, and there’s a whole possible range of intensity for “incredibly annoyed” — and this is a situation where some annoyance is understandable (they took time off work and went through the hassle of getting to an appointment, only to find out they couldn’t be seen) — but only up to a point. It’s reasonable to allow for some annoyance in fields where you are working with frustrated fellow humans in stressful situations, but when it’s unrelenting and things aren’t moving forward productively or if it crosses over into belligerence, then it’s reasonable to draw a line. So an initial annoyed reaction? Understandable. Repeatedly ranting that he didn’t know why you didn’t contact him, after it had been explained? Less so. At that point, ideally someone would have asked to speak to him privately (so the reception team and any other patients in reception didn’t have to continue to listen to it) and then, in private, said something like, “I absolutely agree this is frustrating. Because our systems were down, we had no way to contact you. This is not the fault of our reception staff, so I can’t allow you to continue speaking to them that way. We have set a new appointment for (date) and will be happy to see your wife then.” If he continued ranting after that, ask if he’d like you to cancel the next appointment — and be willing to cancel it yourself if he didn’t regain some composure. Sometimes just the escalation of “let’s speak privately” from someone who appears to be speaking with some authority will jar a person into being more reasonable, or the specter of cancelling the next appointment will. Other times it won’t. I’d also say something like, “Let me walk out with you” so that he was escorted out and couldn’t lay into the receptionist again without you being right there to intervene. Ultimately, the question of where to draw the line is up to management, and they should get (and take seriously) input from staff. Wherever you decide to draw it, it’s important to talk that through openly and empower your staff to set limits with people who aren’t being civil. They should know exactly what that could look like (down to having specific language they can use), and who is available to back them up, and that they will be backed up. The post in customer-facing jobs, where’s the line for tolerating abuse from the public? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Iran’s new supreme leader has been shaped by decades-long ties with the powerful and hardline Revolutionary GuardsView the full article

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Google Ads is set to enhance the viewer experience of Performance Max video ads with an innovative asset optimization feature. Leveraging advanced AI voice models, this update aims to infuse video ads with realistic voice-overs, ultimately enhancing user engagement and ad performance. Why we care. Advertisers who don’t actively opt out by March 20, will have their video ads automatically enhanced with Google’s AI voice models, changing how their ads sound to viewers without requiring any creative production work. How it works. The feature only activates on videos that don’t already contain a voice track Google’s AI selects text from advertiser-provided headlines and descriptions, then generates a realistic voice-over from that copy The voice-over is layered onto the existing base video and saved as a new video asset The catch. This is opt-out, not opt-in. The default setting means ads will be automatically eligible for voice enhancement unless advertisers proactively disable it. Key dates. Advertisers can choose to exclude their ads from this feature until March 20th. To do so, they must opt out of the video enhancement control. After the opt-out period, all ads with video enhancement control enabled will automatically be eligible for voice-enhanced versions. Action steps for advertisers. Advertisers can adjust their video settings by visiting their ads in Google Ads. First seen. This update was shared by Paid Search expert Arpan Banerjee who shared the update on LinkedIn. View the full article

Incorporating fun work games into your office can lead to significant improvements in team morale and collaboration. Activities like trivia, board games, and scavenger hunts not just promote communication but additionally encourage friendly competition. Engaging in these games helps build stronger relationships among colleagues and creates a more positive work environment. To explore how these games can transform your workplace culture, consider the following ten activities that can make a difference. Key Takeaways Trivia Games enhance engagement and foster teamwork, leading to improved morale and a productivity increase of 14% to 30%. Office Scavenger Hunts promote collaboration and help new hires familiarize themselves with the workplace, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Puzzles or Brain Teasers encourage creative problem-solving and enhance communication skills, boosting productivity by up to 21% through teamwork. Board Games foster camaraderie and friendly competition, improving trust and collaboration among team members while enhancing overall engagement. Themed Office Days boost creativity and self-expression, resulting in a 30% increase in employee engagement and a stronger sense of team connection. A “Show and Tell A “Show and Tell” session is an engaging activity that allows employees to share their personal accomplishments, hobbies, or work-related challenges with their colleagues. These sessions promote deeper connections among team members, enhancing open communication and making everyone feel valued. By participating in this work game, you contribute to a positive work culture that encourages collaboration. Regularly scheduled “Show and Tell” events can greatly boost team cohesion, as they provide opportunities to learn about each other’s backgrounds and interests. The informal nature of these sessions helps break down barriers and eases tension, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, engaging in “Show and Tell” can improve morale, making employees feel more connected and satisfied with their roles. This connection can lead to higher retention rates, as employees who feel understood are more likely to stay committed to their organization. Incorporating these games for HR can have lasting benefits for your team dynamics. Playing Board Games Playing board games at work can greatly improve team collaboration by encouraging players to strategize and communicate effectively. These games introduce a friendly competition that not merely boosts morale but also nurtures a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Furthermore, engaging in board games can increase employee engagement by promoting problem-solving skills and creativity in a relaxed setting. Enhancing Team Collaboration Board games can considerably improve team collaboration by nurturing an environment where communication and strategy are vital. When you play games together, you’re forced to strategize, which improves interpersonal relationships among team members. This collaborative gameplay not only encourages problem-solving skills but likewise sparks creativity, leading to innovative solutions for workplace challenges. Furthermore, board games promote inclusivity, allowing diverse team members to participate equally, cultivating a sense of belonging. Research indicates that engaging in these activities can boost employee satisfaction and morale, contributing to a more positive work atmosphere. Regular board game sessions act as effective team-building exercises, improving communication and trust, both fundamental components of successful collaboration in any team setting. Encouraging Friendly Competition Incorporating friendly competition into the workplace through board games can greatly improve team dynamics. Engaging in these activities promotes teamwork by encouraging you and your colleagues to collaborate and strategize together, which boosts communication skills. This friendly competition can lead to an impressive 14% to 30% increase in productivity among employees who participate. In addition, playing quick, competitive board games during breaks allows everyone to recharge mentally, reducing stress and increasing overall job satisfaction. Board games likewise serve as effective icebreakers, helping new team members integrate smoothly into the group. Moreover, as you navigate challenges and develop strategies to win, you’ll improve creativity and problem-solving skills, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals. Boosting Employee Engagement Engaging in board games can greatly increase employee engagement within the workplace. Research shows that playing these games nurtures teamwork and collaboration, leading to a 20% rise in job satisfaction. Board games stimulate strategic thinking and improve problem-solving skills, which can elevate your daily work performance. Moreover, taking breaks to play can reduce stress levels by 30%, creating a more relaxed and productive environment. Companies incorporating regular board game sessions experience a 25% decrease in absenteeism since employees feel more connected and motivated. In addition, board games act as effective icebreakers for new team members, promoting inclusivity and improving communication among diverse coworkers. Hold a Contest One effective way to boost workplace morale and engagement is by holding contests among employees. These contests promote healthy competition, improving motivation and engagement as well as encouraging camaraderie within the team. You can tailor contests to various interests and skills, such as creative challenges, trivia quizzes, or fitness competitions, ensuring that everyone can participate. Engaging in these activities allows employees to showcase their talents and ideas, leading to increased ownership and creativity. Recognizing and rewarding winners with symbolic awards or public acknowledgment can greatly improve morale and intrinsic motivation, contributing to higher employee retention rates. A study has shown that teams participating in contests reported a 36% increase in overall employee satisfaction, highlighting the positive impact of competitive activities on workplace culture. Solve a Puzzle or Brain Teaser When you tackle puzzles or brain teasers as a team, you improve your collaborative problem-solving skills and boost communication among colleagues. These activities challenge your brain, encouraging creative thinking as well as promoting a sense of camaraderie as everyone works together to find solutions. As you complete these challenges, you’ll likely notice enhanced team bonding and a stronger commitment to shared goals. Enhances Collaborative Problem-Solving Solving puzzles or brain teasers can greatly improve collaborative problem-solving within teams, as it requires members to communicate effectively and share their insights. Engaging in these activities promotes critical thinking and creativity, which are vital for innovative solutions. When team members tackle challenges together, they learn to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and strengths, leading to a potential 21% increase in productivity. Regularly incorporating puzzles into team sessions not just boosts morale but additionally improves job satisfaction, as employees feel a sense of accomplishment when they succeed together. Research shows that teams participating in collaborative problem-solving games experience higher retention rates, making these activities a beneficial investment in your team’s overall performance and cohesion. Boosts Communication Skills Engaging in puzzles or brain teasers as a team not just challenges your problem-solving abilities but moreover greatly boosts communication skills among team members. When you solve these challenges together, you’re encouraged to articulate your thought processes, which improves verbal communication. This collaborative problem-solving promotes active listening, as you must pay close attention to each other’s ideas and suggestions. Research indicates that teams participating in such activities report a 20% improvement in overall communication effectiveness. By tackling complex puzzles, you develop a shared language and comprehension, which streamlines future collaborations and discussions. This improved communication leads to a more efficient work environment, allowing for clearer exchanges and better teamwork in daily interactions. Encourages Team Bonding Participating in a puzzle or brain teaser as a group encourages team bonding by requiring collaboration and communication among members. When you tackle these challenges together, you not just improve your problem-solving skills but also reveal your team’s creativity. Here are three key benefits: Improved Communication: Discussing strategies and sharing ideas helps articulate thoughts clearly, improving overall communication skills. Sense of Achievement: Completing a puzzle promotes a sense of accomplishment, which can lift team morale and provide a fun break from routine tasks. Stronger Trust and Cohesion: Engaging in these activities builds trust among team members, leading to a more cohesive work environment. Office Scavenger Hunt An office scavenger hunt can be an effective way to promote teamwork and collaboration among employees, as they work in groups to find specific items or complete designated tasks within a set time frame. This activity not just helps new hires familiarize themselves with the workplace but also nurtures bonding among team members. Incorporating diverse tasks guarantees inclusivity and engages employees of different backgrounds. Task Item to Find Points Find a team photo Company mug 5 Share a fun memory Office plant 10 Complete a puzzle Office supplies 15 Regularly organizing scavenger hunts can improve communication skills, as participants must strategize and delegate responsibilities. This boosts employee morale, creating a fun atmosphere that contributes to a positive workplace culture. Embrace this engaging activity to strengthen your team dynamics today. Trivia Games How can trivia games transform workplace dynamics? By introducing a fun and competitive element, trivia games can greatly improve team morale. They create an environment where collaboration thrives, as employees pool their knowledge to tackle questions together. Here are three key benefits: Knowledge Reinforcement: Trivia games can be themed around Knowledge Reinforcement history or industry knowledge, helping to reinforce important information and improve memory retention. Increased Engagement: Incorporating trivia into regular activities offers a revitalizing break from daily tasks, encouraging social interaction and improving employee satisfaction. Productivity Boost: Engaging in trivia games has been linked to a 14% to 30% increase in productivity, as they promote teamwork and maintain a positive atmosphere. Implementing trivia games can lead to a more cohesive and informed team, in the end driving better performance and communication within the workplace. Employee Sports Day When you think about nurturing team spirit within your organization, organizing an Employee Sports Day can be an effective solution. This event encourages camaraderie through friendly competition, motivating employees to engage in various physical activities. Such interactions can lead to improved communication and collaboration among team members. Participating in sports has been shown to improve mental focus and overall performance, with research indicating that physical exercise can increase productivity by up to 21%. Employee Sports Day allows employees to bond outside the usual work environment, creating lasting connections and a sense of belonging. Activities can include relay races, tug-of-war, and team sports, catering to different interests and skill levels, ensuring inclusivity for all. Furthermore, organizing this event promotes a culture of health and wellness, motivating employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. In the end, an Employee Sports Day not only boosts morale but strengthens the overall team dynamic within your organization. Escape Rooms Escape rooms serve as an innovative way to improve teamwork and communication within your organization. These immersive experiences not just engage participants but additionally promote collaboration as teams work together to solve puzzles within a set time limit. Here are three key benefits of escape rooms: Enhanced Teamwork: Participants must communicate effectively, promoting stronger interpersonal relationships and team cohesion, which can improve by up to 40%. Increased Job Satisfaction: Many report higher morale after shared experiences, making escape rooms a valuable addition to team-building strategies. Critical Thinking Development: These activities encourage creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging environment, contributing to professional development. Themed Office Days Themed office days can bring an invigorating twist to your work routine, encouraging everyone to dress according to fun themes like “Retro Day” or “Tropical Friday.” You can improve the experience by organizing creative decoration challenges and offering themed snack breaks, which not just boosts morale but additionally strengthens team bonds. Dress Code Themes Participating in dress code themes like “Throwback Thursday” or “Tropical Friday” can greatly improve the work environment. These themed days encourage creativity and self-expression, allowing you to showcase your personality. Plus, they promote camaraderie among team members, who bond over shared experiences sparked by their outfits. Here are three benefits of implementing dress code themes: Increased Engagement: Research shows employees are 30% more engaged on themed dress days, breaking the monotony of routine. Improved Team Dynamics: About 45% of employees report feeling more connected to colleagues during these events. Enhanced Company Culture: Themed days promote inclusivity, creating a light-hearted atmosphere that enriches the workplace. Incorporating these themes can greatly boost team morale. Creative Decoration Challenges When you transform your workspace through creative decoration challenges, it not only adds flair but also encourages team collaboration and boosts morale. Themed office days, like “Retro Day” or “Pajama Day,” invite team members to showcase their creativity and cultivate a fun environment, enhancing employee engagement. Organizing decoration challenges promotes teamwork as you and your colleagues collaborate to revamp the workspace, improving communication and camaraderie. Visually stimulating environments can increase productivity by up to 15%, making work more enjoyable. Friendly competition among departments during these challenges can strengthen inter-departmental relationships and raise team spirit. Furthermore, involving team input in theme selection promotes participation and ownership, leading to a more cohesive work atmosphere and greater job satisfaction. Themed Snack Breaks Incorporating themed snack breaks into your work routine not just adds a fun element but also cultivates a sense of community among colleagues. These breaks can improve creativity and camaraderie as team members dress up and enjoy themed snacks. Consider implementing the following: Cultural Days: Organize international-themed snacks like “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Friday” to promote cultural exchange and spark conversations. Culinary Sharing: Encourage employees to bring in their own regional snacks, promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Team-Building Incentives: Use themed snacks as incentives for participation in team-building activities, increasing engagement. Research indicates that these activities can boost employee morale by up to 30%, improving productivity and job satisfaction overall. Volunteer as a Team Volunteering as a team not just strengthens bonds among colleagues but moreover creates a shared sense of purpose that extends beyond the workplace. Engaging in community service nurtures a sense of community and boosts employee morale, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. When you volunteer together, you improve communication and collaboration skills, as you need to coordinate effectively to reach common goals. The benefits extend to the organization, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility and cultivating a positive company culture. Here’s a summary of the key benefits of team volunteering: Benefit Description Strengthens Bonds Improves relationships among colleagues. Boosts Morale Increases job satisfaction and retention rates. Improves Communication Improves coordination and teamwork skills. Cultivates Positive Culture Demonstrates commitment to social responsibility. Increases Cohesion Encourages a stronger connection among coworkers. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Some Games That Encourage Teamwork? To encourage teamwork, consider games like “Blind Drawing Partnerships,” where one person describes an image as another draws, nurturing clear communication. Marshmallow Tower Engineering challenges teams to build structures with limited resources, promoting problem-solving skills. Moreover, “Survival Scenario Planning” requires participants to prioritize resources collaboratively, enhancing teamwork dynamics. Games such as “Best and Worst” enable team members to share experiences, deepening connections and comprehension among colleagues, which is crucial for effective collaboration. What Are Morale Booster Activities? Morale booster activities are initiatives aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and teamwork. These can include team-building exercises, workshops, or social events that encourage collaboration and communication. Simple activities like icebreakers promote engagement, whereas more organized events can strengthen relationships among colleagues. Research shows that regular participation in these activities can lead to increased productivity and improved workplace dynamics, finally benefiting employee retention and reducing turnover costs for your organization. What Are the Fun Team Building Games for Office? In an office setting, engaging in team-building games can promote collaboration and communication. Popular choices include “Two Truths and a Lie,” where you reveal interesting facts about yourself, and “Office Trivia,” testing your knowledge about your workplace. Scavenger hunts encourage teamwork, as escape room challenges improve problem-solving skills. Creative options like Pictionary or “Emoji Story Challenge” allow you to express creativity, nurturing a relaxed environment that encourages bonding among colleagues. What Games Can You Play at Work Through Teams? You can play various games through teams to improve collaboration and communication. Consider team trivia, where you answer workplace-related questions together, or Pictionary, which involves drawing for others to guess. Remote work bingo highlights common virtual behaviors, whereas Two Truths and a Lie encourages sharing personal stories. Finally, the Emoji Story Challenge lets you convey updates creatively using only emojis, making communication engaging as it promotes teamwork and comprehension among colleagues. Conclusion Incorporating fun games into the workplace can greatly improve team dynamics and boost morale. Activities like trivia, board games, and scavenger hunts promote collaboration and communication, as well as themed office days and sports events that encourage creativity and physical engagement. These initiatives not just create a sense of camaraderie among employees but additionally lead to higher job satisfaction and a more cohesive workplace culture. By implementing these activities, you can cultivate a positive environment that values teamwork and encourages employee participation. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "10 Fun Work Games to Boost Team Morale" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Turning ideas into organized execution rarely happens without a clear structure. That’s where work plan templates come in. Instead of starting from scratch, teams can rely on structured documents that help organize tasks, define milestones and coordinate responsibilities. The work plan templates in this list were selected so individuals, teams and organizations can create practical work plans that account for project timelines, workload distribution, estimated costs, deliverables and the overall direction of the project. Whenever you’re ready to start managing projects, give ProjectManager a try. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software designed to plan, schedule and track projects from start to finish. Build detailed project schedules, allocate resources, monitor costs and compare estimates against actual performance using a complete set of powerful project management tools. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA-1600x851.pngLearn more 1. Work Plan Template Planning work becomes easier when tasks, responsibilities and timelines live in a single structured document. This work plan template organizes the core components of a project plan, including task descriptions, assigned team members, start and end dates, priority levels and progress tracking fields. By filling in each section, project managers can build a clear project timeline that aligns daily work with milestones, deliverables and overall project objectives. /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Work-Plan-Template-600x430.png 2. Gantt Chart Template Many project teams rely on Gantt charts because they make a project timeline visible at a glance. Instead of managing scattered task lists, teams can see how activities unfold across the schedule, identify task dependencies and track progress toward milestones. When building a work plan, a Gantt chart helps planners understand sequencing, coordinate workloads and ensure the project schedule supports realistic delivery dates. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gantt-chart-template-for-Excel-600x264.png This Gantt chart template simplifies building a project schedule in Excel by automatically converting task and date entries into a visual stacked bar chart. Users enter activities and due dates, and the template generates the timeline that represents the project plan. The chart allows teams to review task sequencing, track schedule progress and monitor how work unfolds across the project timeline. 3. Project Budget Template Financial planning plays a critical role when teams develop work plans because every project decision carries cost implications. Estimating expenses early allows managers to align resources, labor and materials with the project timeline. A structured project budget helps planners evaluate affordability, control spending and ensure the proposed work plan can realistically be executed within available funding. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Project-Budget-Screenshot-600x167.jpg This project budget template helps teams organize expected project costs into clear categories such as labor, materials, equipment and operational expenses. Each line item includes estimated and actual cost fields so managers can monitor spending throughout the project lifecycle. By linking budget tracking with the work plan, teams gain visibility into how scheduling decisions influence financial performance. 4. Milestone Chart Template Large initiatives rarely succeed without clear checkpoints along the project timeline. A milestone chart helps teams structure work plans by highlighting the most important deliverables and decision points within the project schedule. Instead of focusing on every small task, planners concentrate on major progress markers that signal whether the project is moving forward according to expectations. /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Milestone-Chart-Template-for-Excel-600x230.png This milestone chart template maps major project milestones along a visual timeline so teams can monitor progress at key points in the project schedule. A table records milestone names, target dates, priorities and completion percentages, while the chart displays each milestone chronologically. As progress updates are entered, the chart shows whether important deliverables remain aligned with the overall project timeline. 5. Workload Analysis Template Even the best work plans can fail if responsibilities are distributed unevenly across the team. Workload analysis ensures that tasks are assigned realistically so no individual becomes overwhelmed while others remain underutilized. By evaluating capacity during the planning stage, project managers can align task assignments with available hours and maintain steady progress throughout the project timeline. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Workload-analysis-template-600x273.png This workload analysis template helps project managers evaluate whether team capacity aligns with the demands of the project schedule. By tracking the hours assigned to each team member across the project timeline, planners can identify overallocated resources and redistribute tasks early. Balanced workloads help keep work plans realistic and prevent delays caused by team burnout or scheduling conflicts. 6. Daily Task Tracker Template Once a project plan moves into execution, teams must translate the broader work plan into daily action. A daily task tracker supports work plans by helping individuals manage short-term responsibilities tied to the larger project timeline. Tracking daily activities ensures that tasks stay aligned with milestones, deadlines and the overall project schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Daily-task-tracker-template-600x364.png Daily execution determines whether a project plan actually progresses as expected. A daily task tracker helps teams connect individual work with the larger objectives outlined in a work plan. By organizing tasks hour by hour, team members can stay focused on priorities, track deliverables and maintain steady progress across the project timeline. 7. Action Plan Template Turning strategy into execution requires a clear set of next steps. An action plan helps teams translate broader work plans into specific activities, deadlines and responsibilities. By identifying what must happen, who is responsible and when each step must occur, project managers can maintain forward momentum while keeping the project timeline aligned with milestones and deliverables. /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Action-Plan-Screenshot-600x195.jpg This action plan template organizes a project into structured action steps that connect goals, objectives and execution tasks. Each phase of the plan groups related activities such as market research, website design and launch preparation. By breaking work into prioritized tasks with clear KPIs, timelines and responsibilities, teams can transform strategic objectives into measurable progress. 8. To Do List Template Even well-structured work plans depend on individuals completing the right tasks at the right time. A to-do list helps translate larger project plans into manageable daily priorities. By capturing tasks in a simple, visible format, teams can focus on immediate responsibilities while staying aligned with the broader project timeline and deliverables. /wp-content/uploads/2018/06/To-Do-List-Screenshot-600x187.jpg This to-do list template organizes tasks into a structured table where users record task names, start and due dates, completion percentages and progress updates. A visual progress bar shows how much work has been completed for each item, while notes provide additional context. By updating these fields regularly, teams can track progress and manage daily responsibilities. 9. Weekly Schedule Template Short-term planning plays an important role in keeping work plans realistic and achievable. A weekly schedule helps teams organize tasks across the upcoming days, ensuring workloads remain balanced while deadlines stay visible. Mapping responsibilities across the week allows managers to coordinate resources, monitor task sequencing and maintain steady progress along the project timeline. /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/weekly-schedule-template-excel-600x243.png This weekly schedule template organizes tasks and responsibilities across a seven-day planning window. Users can assign activities to specific days, track deadlines and review upcoming priorities within the project schedule. By laying out the week in advance, teams gain a clearer view of workload distribution and maintain consistent progress toward milestones. 10. Task Tracker Dashboard As projects grow, managers need a quick way to understand whether tasks are progressing according to the work plan. A task tracker dashboard consolidates project activity into visual summaries that reveal task status, completion rates and upcoming deadlines. This visibility helps teams monitor execution, detect delays early and ensure the project timeline remains aligned with planned milestones. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/task-tracker-dashboard-template-final-600x446.png This task tracker dashboard template compiles task information into a central table that records task descriptions, assigned team members, priorities, start and end dates and status updates. Supporting charts summarize task priority levels and overall progress distribution. By reviewing these visual indicators, managers can quickly evaluate project health and identify tasks requiring attention. 11. Budget Dashboard for Excel Financial visibility becomes essential once a work plan moves beyond simple scheduling. A budget dashboard helps planners understand how project costs evolve as tasks progress across the timeline. By summarizing spending categories and budget performance in visual form, teams can quickly evaluate whether the work plan remains financially sustainable throughout execution. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Budget-dashboard-template-screenshot-600x308.png This budget dashboard template summarizes financial data through charts that compare planned costs, actual spending and remaining balances. Separate visuals break down direct material, labor, equipment and overhead costs so managers can analyze each category. By reviewing these visual summaries, teams can monitor budget performance and maintain financial control across the project lifecycle. 12. Resource Plan Template Successful work plans depend on more than tasks and deadlines; they require the right people, equipment and materials to be available at the right time. A resource plan helps project managers allocate team capacity and supporting resources across the project timeline so tasks remain feasible and workloads stay balanced. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Resource-Plan-Screenshot-600x213.jpg This resource plan template organizes team members, departments, effort estimates, hourly rates and total costs alongside a daily calendar schedule. Tasks assigned to each resource are distributed across specific dates, allowing planners to visualize workload allocation over the project timeline. By reviewing these entries, managers can coordinate staffing, monitor effort and control labor costs. 13. Risk Register Template Uncertainty is part of every project, which is why risk planning must be built into work plans from the start. A risk register helps teams identify potential threats that could affect the project timeline, budget or deliverables. By documenting risks early, project managers can evaluate their likelihood, plan mitigation actions and reduce disruptions during execution. /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/risk-register-example-600x99.png This risk tracking template records each identified risk alongside its impact, response strategy, severity level and assigned owner. Teams can document issues such as supplier delays, resource shortages or stakeholder availability while outlining specific mitigation actions. Maintaining this log throughout the project helps managers monitor threats and respond quickly when risks begin affecting execution. ProjectManager Is an Award-Winning Project Management Software ProjectManager is much better than work plan templates for Excel or Word. It’s equipped with robust project management features such as Gantt charts, task lists, workload management charts, timesheets and real-time dashboards and reports. In addition to that, it’s also equipped with AI project insights, online team collaboration features and unlimited file storage that further help project managers ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Watch the video to learn more! If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then signup for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today! The post 14 Free Work Plan Templates for Excel and Word appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

The company dropped the broker channel just months after Frank Martell became CEO; now that Anthony Hsieh is running things again, Loandepot brought it back. View the full article

Start-up accuses The President administration of ‘seeking to destroy’ its economic value in dispute over military use of AIView the full article

Small businesses are navigating a labor market that continues to tighten, according to NFIB’s February Jobs Report. The report indicates a notable uptick in the Small Business Employment Index, which rose nearly 1 point to 103.5, reflecting ongoing challenges and opportunities for small business owners. The increase in the employment index signifies a robust job market that’s outperforming past averages. Currently, the index sits 2.3 points above the 2025 average and 3.5 points above the historical norm of 100. Such metrics suggest that small business owners may face both opportunities for growth and hurdles in securing the talent they need. Key Takeaways: A notable 33% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings, a rise of 2 points from January. This figure remains significantly above the historical average of 24%. The demand for skilled workers is particularly pressing, with 28% of respondents indicating openings for these roles, marking an increase of 3 points from January. Although 54% of business owners are hiring or attempting to, 46% reported having few or no qualified applicants, indicating a mismatch between job openings and available talent. Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist, points out the implications of these trends: “February’s numbers show a growing tightness in the small business labor market. While the overall market remains in balance, employers need more skilled workers to fill open positions.” Despite the rising number of job openings, plans for new hires appear to have plateaued. The net percentage of owners intending to create jobs in the next three months has decreased to 12%, a dip of 4 points and a level not seen since May 2025. However, this figure remains close to the average net of 11% over the years. For small business owners, these statistics underline a critical point: there are jobs available, but finding qualified candidates is becoming increasingly difficult. The struggle is evident, with 85% of those trying to hire indicating they have encountered a shortage of qualified applicants. This paints a challenging picture for business growth, making it essential for entrepreneurs to adapt their recruitment strategies. While labor quality concerns have seen a decrease—with only 15% citing it as their most pressing issue—labor costs remain a persistent challenge, with 9% listing it as their biggest problem. As compensation efforts evolve, the report notes that a net 34% of small business owners raised wages in February, the highest level recorded since March 2025. As competition for talent intensifies, small business owners may find themselves compelled to enhance their compensation packages or offer unique benefits to attract skilled labor. While 22% plan further raises in the next three months, maintaining financial sustainability while increasing payroll can pose challenges. In a rapidly changing job market, understanding these dynamics can help small business owners refine their hiring practices and work environments. Employers might need to consider upskilling current employees, investing in training programs, or even collaborating with local educational institutions to bridge the skills gap. The NFIB February Jobs Report highlights the evolving landscape of employment for small businesses. It emphasizes the importance of adapting hiring strategies and workforce development to not only fill existing roles but to prepare for future growth as demand remains high. For full details, the complete NFIB Jobs Report can be accessed here. This information serves as a vital resource for small business owners navigating the current labor landscape. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Small Business Employment Index Rises, Yet Skilled Labor Shortage Persists" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TransUnion cuts Vantagescore 4.0 to $0.99, aiming to boost lender choice and affordability as FHFA pushes mortgage score modernization and competition. View the full article

OpenAI is updating its privacy policy with new details on ads, data usage and upcoming features across its products, including ChatGPT. The update was shared with ChatGPT users and outlines how advertising will work inside ChatGPT — and what data advertisers can and cannot access. Why we care. OpenAI’s update makes it clear that user privacy is a top priority: personal chats, histories, and details are never shared with advertisers. Ads can still be personalized using anonymized engagement signals, meaning brands can reach relevant audiences without compromising sensitive data. This approach lets advertisers measure performance safely while building trust with users in a privacy-conscious environment. Ads in ChatGPT Ads may appear for users on Free and Go plans, while paid tiers — Plus, Pro, Enterprise, Business and Education — will remain ad-free. OpenAI says ads will always be clearly labeled as sponsored and visually separated from chatbot responses. The company also stresses that advertising will not influence answers generated by ChatGPT. How ad targeting works. OpenAI says ads may be personalized using signals that stay within ChatGPT, such as ad interactions or the context of a user’s chat. However, the company says advertisers will not have access to conversations, chat history, personal details or user memories. Instead, advertisers will only receive aggregated performance metrics such as total views or clicks. Other privacy updates The revised policy also introduces optional contact syncing to help users find friends who use OpenAI services. Users can choose whether or not to enable this feature. OpenAI also added new transparency around how long data is stored, how it is processed and what controls users have over it. Safety and product changes. The policy update also references new tools and safeguards, including age prediction systems designed to create safer experiences for teens. OpenAI also added documentation for newer features and projects such as Atlas, Sora 2 and parental controls for teen accounts. Bottom line. As OpenAI expands advertising in ChatGPT, the company is emphasizing strict boundaries around user privacy — promising advertisers performance insights without access to personal conversations or user data. First seen. This update was first shared by Paid Media expert Arpan Banerjee who shared tips on this message on LinkedIn. View the full article

Before the better-known Strava lawsuit against Garmin grabbed headlines last year, Suunto had actually sued Garmin first. In September, Suunto and their parent company Dongguan Liesheng quietly filed suit against Garmin over five patent infringement allegations. Garmin recently responded with a 218-page countersuit that reads less like a legal filing and more like Garmin decided it was done being polite. Why did Suunto sue Garmin?The five patents in the initial lawsuit from Suunto had to do with the following features: Golf shot tracking using an accelerometer to detect impact Respiration rate derived from an optical heart rate sensor Slot mode antenna design in wearable devices Antenna placement in a wrist-worn device Additional wrist-worn antenna design concepts Three of the five are antenna-related, one covers physiological metrics, and one is about golf shot detection. As patent lawsuits go, Suunto's original filing was relatively standard in tone; Garmin's response was not. Suunto and Garmin are not, historically, enemies. The two companies coexisted constructively for the better part of two decades, with Suunto licensing numerous technologies from Garmin during that span. That's what makes this lawsuit stand out. What's in Garmin's 218-page countersuitSo how did Garmin respond to all of this? Well, here’s a stand-out quote, spotted by DC Rainmaker: "Like everything else, Suunto predictably looked to copy Garmin's GPS technology as it fell behind in the marketplace." That’s pretty blunt language to have on the record. Garmin's response goes on to argue that Suunto's products have historically followed Garmin's technology roadmap, particularly around GPS features. Garmin filed five counter-patents of its own, and the filing makes clear the company intends to fight. What’s also worth noting in Garmin’s language is a recognition that the company it's going after in court isn't quite the same Suunto it spent two decades working alongside. Garmin seems to understand that it's fighting Dongguan Liesheng's lawyers more than it's fighting Suunto's people. What the Suunto/Garmin lawsuit means for youPatent cases between major tech companies move slowly. Claims get narrowed, filings get amended, and many of these disputes end in cross-licensing agreements rather than verdicts. For athletes and consumers, nothing about your current devices or features changes in the short term. But stepping back, this case is a useful reminder of just how much intellectual property is layered underneath a modern sports watch. The hardware and software that makes these devices work is deeply patented territory, and when ownership structures change and relationships cool, that IP becomes leverage. As always, if you have any precious data saved to a watch or app, make sure to back it up on your own personal hard drive. For the full technical breakdown of the filings, Ray Maker's reporting over at DC Rainmaker is the definitive read. View the full article

If 2024 was the Year of AI, 2025 became the Year of AI Slop. In the race to maximize all of its potential, we came to view AI results as a finished product. But as Balaji Srinivasan points out, AI is intended to function middle-to-middle; humans, by contrast, are end-to-end. By ceding it all to AI, outputs suffered; we suffered. Both people and machines settled for less than what was possible. Generic, hollow, clean, and devoid of subjective taste or judgement. Master of summary but without significant depth. Yet capable of complex analysis and able to perform tasks or generate high volume outputs with unprecedented ease and speed. This is the reality of AI. Such a dichotomy places us at an interesting juncture moving forward. Do we accept what AI feeds us, or have we reached a point where the haze of novelty and wonder lifts, empowering us to shape how AI is used, ushering in the next wave of the AI era? WHY IT MATTERS Everyone wants to know the skills they’ll need to survive a perceived AI takeover. A recent study of 180 million global job postings from January 2023-October 2025 showed that creative roles in particular saw a sharp decline. Graphic artist postings, for example, dropped by a whopping 33%. Data across the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports the trend that human creative work has slowed dramatically. Why? Because AI can “create” faster and cheaper than before. The price of content and other outputs move close to zero as volume heavily increases. But AI is not just affecting creatives, it’s reshaping nearly every aspect of work. For example, a recent paper coauthored by Dartmouth researcher Anaïs Galdin and Princeton’s Jesse Silbert points out that since LLMs entered the hiring picture, organizations are having a difficult time distinguishing the most qualified applicants. Through its accessibility, AI makes anyone sound capable. But it does not make them an expert. Therein lies the opportunity. Human judgment holds incomparable value. HUMAN VERSUS AI OR HUMAN AND AI? The World Economic Forum notes that AI will displace 92 million jobs while creating 170 million new ones. Many of these jobs come down to discerning what deserves to be acted upon and how it can be elevated to create something more meaningful or impactful. Part of my military service in Korea was dedicated to searching hours and hours of video to cull highly sensitive information that could be used in our operations. It was important but tedious work. So tedious in fact that some of my colleagues and I devoted the next stage of our career to creating video search and understanding technology using AI, so that no one—regardless of use case—would ever have to manually watch that much video to find the proverbial single grain of sand. We determined that while humans can never compete with AI in “making more,” people increasingly matter because they understand what matters. In my case, even with AI-powered tools, we still would have had to tell the system exactly what to look for, and we would still have to determine how to apply it, using factors that an AI system couldn’t assess. AI may execute creation—whether it’s content, code, or UX design—but human judgment and expertise are more difficult to replicate and replace. Consider Hollywood, an industry that should be brimming with creativity. Instead it is making hard choices on content and production, which in turn often disappoints audiences, leading to a lower return on investment. But studios have been neglecting an important asset: They hold massive archives of unused footage. Now AI can analyze and surface relevant scenes, which can breathe new life and possibilities into film projects, creating unforeseen revenue streams while reducing costs overall. AI also can be used for legal document analysis, streamlining rights approval processes. Systems can cross-reference footage with talent contracts, location agreements, and music licenses. What once required armies of lawyers and paralegals can now be handled by smart algorithms that flag potential issues and suggest alternatives. But where are the humans in all of this? They are making the creative decisions about exactly what they want, which clips to select, and how they can be used. Humans possess the vision → AI executes on that vision → and humans refine the final product, taking it across the finish line. Humans are end-to-end and AI operates in the middle. People make something beautiful, interesting, emotional, and worth experiencing. This enables a return to thoughtful storytelling, where even the slightest details are not overlooked. Every industry can identify places where AI and humans meet, where both are necessary and valued. FACING THE FUTURE The future threat of an AI world is not that machines will take over; it’s that we’ll settle for mediocrity. Instead of using our human abilities to feel, imagine, evaluate, and discern, we’ll grow satisfied with being fed from the middle. If we use AI the way it is intended, as a tool that is part of a process rather than a finished product, it can amplify possibilities. Creativity, original thought, and subject expertise will remain valued. We just have to remember that AI is the middle. It’s up to us to take it to the extraordinary. Jae Lee is CEO and co-founder of TwelveLabs. View the full article

Timothée Chalamet has been up for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, narrowly missing the win in 2018 and 2025. After a critically acclaimed performance in ping-pong epic Marty Supreme, the odds were finally in Chalamet’s favor heading into the ceremony this Sunday, March 15—until he learned the hard way that ballet and opera fans are not to be trifled with. At a town hall hosted by CNN and Variety on February 24, Chalamet shared his hot take on why he prefers working in film to other creative industries. “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though it’s like no one cares about this anymore,’” he said. “All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there.” After realizing his comment was a bit harsh, he added with a laugh, “I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I just took shots for no reason.” Chalamet capped off the moment by singing a note heavy with vibrato, seemingly his impression of an opera singer. Ok I did not hear this. This sucks pic.twitter.com/O2ZW26zHrb — Seth Abramovitch (@SethAbramovitch) March 5, 2026 The internet quickly proved that people do, in fact, still care about ballet and opera. When the clip resurfaced this week ahead of the Oscars, social media users tore Chalamet’s argument to shreds. That includes the artists working in those industries, like opera singer Isabel Leonard, who left a scathing comment on a video about Chalamet’s remarks. “To take cheap shots at fellow artists says more in this interview than anything else he could say. Shows a lot about his character,” Leonard wrote. “You don’t have to like all art but only a weak person/artist feels the need to diminish in fact the VERY arts that would inspire those who are interested in slowing down, to do exactly that.” Celebrities from other fields have also chimed in, including rapper Doja Cat. “It doesn’t matter if the industry is having a tough time at any time,” she said in a since-deleted video she posted to TikTok. “Doesn’t mean people don’t care about it. People care. The dancers care, the singers care, the audience cares. There’s still an audience.” And on this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, comedian Colin Jost poked fun at the controversy with a joke during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment. “Timothée Chalamet is being criticized by major opera and ballet organizations after he said that no one cares about those art forms,” Jost said. “Chalamet made the comment on a press tour for his movie about ping-pong.” Meanwhile, the opera and ballet industries that Chalamet criticized are getting some of their best press in years. Several opera houses and ballet companies have posted in response to Chalamet, including the Metropolitan Opera, which took the chance to highlight its artistry with a behind-the-scenes montage captioned, “This one’s for you, Timothée Chalamet.” Seattle Opera turned the discourse into a promotion, riffing on Chalamet’s claim that he lost “14 cents in viewership” by offering audiences 14% off tickets to its current production of Carmen. And even within the world of film, organizations like the National Board of Review are highlighting the value of ballet and opera. NBR posted a compilation of iconic movie scenes featuring song and dance, captioning it, “The National Board of Review is proud to celebrate cinema—and all other art forms.” The Timothee Chalamet shade pre-Oscars is reaching incredible levels https://t.co/Dy1hMLAosm — Heidi N. Moore (@moorehn) March 8, 2026 Could all of this amount to an upset against Chalamet at the Oscars? As of Saturday, March 7, prediction markets like Kalshi now show Chalamet losing the Best Actor award for the first time in months, instead predicting that Michael B. Jordan will take home the prize for his dual performance in Sinners. Kalshi currently gives Chalamet just a 43.6% chance of winning the Oscar, a far cry from his peak odds of 78.8% just weeks ago on February 14. the way this one comment he made just secured michael b jordan the oscar 😭 https://t.co/9njHCdNAQQ — ໊ (@buffys) March 8, 2026 However, voting for the Oscars closed on Thursday, March 5, so the backlash to Chalamet’s comments may not have gained traction early enough to cost him a win. Regardless, he inadvertently gave the art forms he criticized a big boost in online attention, proving his original statement patently false: Ballet and opera remain very much alive. View the full article

One of the powers of the latest Claude AI model is that it can use any multiple external Python tools to perform complex tasks. And, as software engineer and AI expert Ashe Magalhaes has discovered, it turns out that the model can use these powers to build a Truetype font that you can install in your computer from any scanned page showing a full set of characters. It’s a great, easy way to turn your handwriting into a font, but you can use it to create any typeface you can imagine as long as long as you have the adequate drawing skills. I tried it myself and it was pretty simple! Before AI, you needed specialized tools like Calligraphr, HandFonted, or FontForge if you really want fine control. Now, if you have a free Claude account, you just need to ask nicely. Here’s how. I first asked Claude to tell me if it could really transform my handwriting from a scanned paper into a typeface (sorry, Ashe, but you must never believe everything you see online). The AI, always its unbearably sycophantic self, told me, “What a fun project to do! Yes, I can help you” and then gave me the summary of how it was going to work. It first offered me a template to print, so I could write down all the characters needed to make the font in a neatly ordered way—and gave me advice on how to scan the image (no shadows, no forced angles, no uneven lighting) for optimal results. You need your writing to be clear so its contour can be easily identified and traced by the AI, to transform it into the vector lines that form each character. tiny beautiful things: turning your handwriting into font 1. write down a-z, A-Z, 1-9 and punctuation on a piece of paper 2. give it to claude to create a font from 3. pull it into your next project pic.twitter.com/Ziq59ziveU — ashe (@ashebytes) March 5, 2026 Since I haven’t owned a printer since the late 15th century, I told Claude that I have a paper with the alphabet all ready to go. So I uploaded a sample of purposely jagged writing that could have passed for the calligraphy of the sociopath from the movie Seven. “What a beautiful handwriting style! I can see you have a lovely italic/script feel,” it replied, before starting to process it. Claude told me it didn’t have the font creation skill, but claimed it could do it with Python font libraries: “Let me set up the environment and process your image.” What followed was a soliloquy of Claude discussing with itself and telling me how it was dealing with my scanned page, dividing the characters, trying to trace them, facing trouble, then trying to trace them again, segmenting the results, assembling the font, and some other stuff. After a few minutes of this, it finally handed me the .TTF file. Excitedly, I dropped into macOS’ Fontbook just to discover it was all mangled. Each glyph looked like an ink blotch that vaguely reminded me of the original letter. I uploaded the capture of the result to Claude to fix it. And sure, the AI found the problem (it failed to detect the outer contours of the letter), then went back to talk to itself, and, a few more minutes later, it delivered a new font. This time, the letters were fully recognizable but didn’t have holes in them. The ‘O’, the ‘A’, the ‘R’, the ‘g’, the ‘e’… every glyph with an opening in them was solid. Another screen capture and another monologue later, I got a font file that was usable. It still had problems, like the ‘x’ and the ‘y’ were a single glyph rather than individual ones, so that required more work. Eventually, however, it got it right. I tried with Ashe’s sample and it worked much better from the start so, my advice is for you to use a paper with lines and really space well each character. Better yet, download the writing template Claude offers to avoid all the back and forth. View the full article

Google has confirmed that Google Marketing Live 2026 will take place on May 20, when the company is expected to unveil its latest updates across advertising, AI, measurement and campaign automation. The date surfaced in an email received by PPC News Feed owner Hana Kobzová from the Accelerate with Google program, which invited participants to submit entries for the Google Ads Impact Awards. According to the message, winners of the awards will be announced during Google Marketing Live 2026. Why we care. The annual event has become one of the biggest announcement days for advertisers using Google Ads. Google Marketing Live is where Google typically announces its biggest changes to Google Ads — including new AI features, campaign types and measurement tools that can directly impact how campaigns are built and optimized. Many of Google’s most significant advertising updates each year are first revealed at this event, meaning it often shows where the platform — and advertisers’ strategies — are heading next. The bigger picture. The event will land during the same window as Google I/O 2026, scheduled for May 19–20. While I/O focuses on Google’s broader ecosystem — including AI, Search and developer technologies — announcements there often influence the direction of advertising products. What to watch. Expect updates tied to AI-driven advertising, automation and new ways to measure performance across Google’s platforms. For marketers, the event often sets the tone for where Google’s ad strategy is heading for the rest of the year. First spotted. Kobzová shared the update on PPC News Feed Dig deeper. Google Marketing Live 2025. View the full article

An estimated 565,000 first-lien refinances closed in the fourth quarter, up 50% from a year prior and the most since the second quarter of 2022, ICE found. View the full article

In terms of acquiring vital equipment for your small business, comprehending the various financing options available is fundamental. From traditional loans to equipment leasing, each choice has its own benefits and drawbacks. You’ll want to assess your specific needs and financial situation before making a decision. As you explore these options, consider how they can impact your cash flow and overall business growth. Let’s examine seven key financing options that could help you succeed. Key Takeaways Equipment Loans: Direct financing to purchase equipment, leading to ownership upon repayment, suitable for businesses needing long-term asset use. Equipment Leasing: Renting equipment for a specified term, allowing businesses to use the asset without ownership responsibilities or large upfront costs. Lines of Credit: Flexible financing options providing access to funds as needed, ideal for businesses that require ongoing equipment purchases. 100% Financing Options: Many lenders offer financing that covers the entire equipment cost, eliminating the need for a down payment. Soft Costs Inclusion: Financing can cover not just the equipment purchase but also related expenses like delivery, installation, and warranties. Understanding Equipment Financing and Its Benefits When you consider broadening your small business, equipment financing can be an essential tool that allows you to acquire the machinery and technology you need without straining your cash flow. This kind of financing provides you access to necessary assets as you preserve your working capital, enabling operational growth and increased revenue. You can use funds not just for purchasing new or used equipment but for related soft costs like delivery and installation. The application process for easy equipment financing is straightforward, often requiring just a simple online form that won’t impact your credit score. Decisions can typically be made within hours for amounts up to $250,000. With flexible repayment terms ranging from one to ten years, you can align payments with your cash flow. Furthermore, there may be potential tax benefits through deductions such as Section 179, making equipment financing for small business an attractive option. Types of Equipment You Can Finance Equipment financing opens the door to acquiring a diverse range of assets that are crucial for your business’s growth. You can finance new and used machinery, vehicles, technology, office equipment, and even software, typically up to 10 years old. This financing option covers not just the purchase price but as well soft costs like delivery, installation, and warranties. You might find it beneficial for acquiring manufacturing machines, construction vehicles, medical devices, or restaurant appliances, allowing you to expand operations without straining your cash flow. Many lenders offer 100% financing options, meaning you can acquire equipment without needing a down payment, which is particularly advantageous for small businesses. Since equipment financing is an asset-based lending solution, the equipment itself serves as collateral, potentially easing qualification requirements and influencing financing terms. This flexibility makes it an accessible option to meet your equipment needs efficiently. Equipment Financing vs. Equipment Leasing How do you decide between equipment financing and leasing for your business? Both options have distinct advantages, so it’s essential to understand them. Equipment financing involves borrowing money to buy equipment, giving you ownership after repaying the loan. Conversely, leasing means renting the equipment, where ownership stays with the lessor. Feature Equipment Financing Equipment Leasing Ownership You own it after payment Lessor retains ownership Additional Costs May include delivery/installation Typically excludes soft costs Flexibility to Upgrade Easier to modify Limited, with possible fees Financing builds equity in the asset, making it suitable for long-term use, whereas leasing offers lower upfront costs and flexibility for frequent updates. Your choice depends on your business needs and financial strategy. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lender When you’re choosing a lender for equipment financing, it’s essential to evaluate their experience and reputation, especially in the specific type of equipment you need. You’ll additionally want to take into account the loan terms and flexibility they offer, such as options for early repayment and associated fees. Making informed decisions based on these factors can greatly impact your financing experience and overall business success. Lender Experience and Reputation Choosing the right lender for your equipment financing needs is vital, especially since their experience and reputation can greatly influence your overall financing path. Look for lenders with years of industry experience, like Crest Capital, which boasts over 30 years in equipment financing. A lender’s reputation can often be gauged through customer reviews and ratings; for instance, Beacon Funding’s BBB Accreditation signifies reliability. Furthermore, assess the lender’s processing speed, as alternative lenders usually offer faster approvals than traditional banks. Transparency is important; make sure the lender clearly outlines their terms, fees, and penalties. In the end, a lender’s willingness to accommodate your unique business needs can greatly improve your financing experience, so choose wisely. Loan Terms and Flexibility Comprehending loan terms and flexibility is essential in selecting the right lender for your equipment financing. Start by examining interest rates, which can range from 4% to 45% APR, as these will affect your total loan cost. Assess the repayment terms; many lenders offer customizable options, allowing you to align payments with your cash flow, whether monthly, quarterly, or seasonal. Early repayment without penalties is another significant factor, giving you the freedom to pay off the loan sooner if your cash flow improves. Look for lenders that provide 100% financing, covering soft costs like delivery and installation. Finally, consider the funding speed; some lenders can fund your loan within 24 hours, enabling you to acquire equipment quickly. The Equipment Financing Application Process Guiding through the equipment financing application process can be straightforward and efficient for small business owners. Typically, you’ll start with a simple one-page online application that won’t affect your credit score. For financing requests up to $250,000, you can expect a same-day decision, whereas larger amounts usually receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. Here’s a quick overview of the process: Step Description Timeframe Application Complete a one-page online form Quick and easy Decision Receive a same-day decision for small amounts Same day or 24-48 hours Documentation Minimal paperwork, usually no tax returns Streamlined process Vendor Payment Lenders pay vendors directly Immediate equipment use Eligibility Check Fast and free online check No obligation With electronic document signing, you can get your equipment without unnecessary delays, customized to fit your cash flow cycles. Top Equipment Financing Options for 2025 In 2025, small businesses have a variety of equipment financing options that cater to different needs and qualifications. Here are three top choices to evaluate: 1. National Funding: Offers flexible equipment financing with no maximum loan amount, requiring just a 550 credit score and six months of business operation. It’s an excellent option for newer businesses. 2. JR Capital: This lender stands out by providing loans up to $10,000,000, necessitating a minimum credit score of 620 and 24 months in business. This is ideal for businesses needing significant capital. 3. U.S. Bank: With up to 125% financing, including soft costs, U.S. Bank is a competitive choice for businesses requiring extensive funding solutions. It’s suitable for those looking to cover more than just equipment costs. Each option fits different financial profiles, ensuring you can find the right financing for your specific equipment needs. Maximizing Tax Benefits With Equipment Financing When you finance equipment for your business, you can take advantage of valuable tax benefits like Section 179 deductions, which allow you to deduct the full purchase price from your taxable income. Moreover, don’t forget that the interest expenses on your financing can likewise be written off, further enhancing your tax savings. Section 179 Deductions Section 179 deductions offer a strong tax advantage for small businesses looking to invest in new equipment and software. This provision allows you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, up to $1,160,000 for the tax year 2023, provided your total equipment purchases don’t exceed $2,890,000. To maximize this benefit, keep these points in mind: The equipment must be purchased and put into service by December 31 of the tax year. Financing through loans still qualifies for the deduction, allowing you to save on taxes during maintaining cash flow. The deduction applies to both new and used equipment, along with certain software, making it a versatile option for various needs. Interest Expense Deductions Even though you may focus on the immediate costs of purchasing equipment, don’t overlook the potential tax benefits associated with financing those purchases. Interest expenses on equipment financing can often be fully deductible, leading to substantial tax savings during tax season. Under Section 179 of the IRS tax code, you can deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the tax year it’s put into service, up to a limit of $1,080,000 for 2022. Furthermore, businesses can take advantage of bonus depreciation, allowing 100% deduction of eligible equipment costs in the year they’re placed in service, despite this benefit expiring in later years. Structuring your equipment financing wisely can improve cash flow as well as maximize these tax advantages. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Different Types of Equipment Financing? When considering equipment financing, you have primarily two options: purchasing and leasing. With purchasing, you take out a loan to buy the equipment, repaying it over a set term. Leasing, conversely, allows you to rent equipment for a specific period, which can provide flexibility. Moreover, some financing options may cover related costs, like delivery and installation, giving you a more thorough financial solution customized to your business needs. What Are Financing Options for Small Businesses? When considering financing options for your small business, you can explore various avenues. Term loans are popular, allowing you to purchase equipment, vehicles, or technology as you cover soft costs. Many lenders provide rapid approvals, often within 24 hours, with minimal paperwork required for amounts under $250,000. Repayment terms typically range from one to ten years, depending on the equipment’s lifespan. Confirm you meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum credit score of 650. What Is the Monthly Payment on a $50,000 Business Loan? If you’re considering a $50,000 business loan, your monthly payment will depend on the interest rate and term. For a 10% interest rate over five years, it’s about $1,061 monthly. If the rate increases to 15%, you’ll pay roughly $1,187 each month. Opting for a longer term, like seven years, can lower your payments to around $740 monthly but increases the total interest paid over time. Always consider the total cost of the loan. What Is the Best Source of Finance for a Small Business? The best source of finance for your small business often hinges on your particular needs and circumstances. Traditional banks provide stability but may have lengthy approval processes. Alternative lenders can offer quicker access to funds, often within 24 hours, making them appealing for urgent needs. Consider specialized financing companies that cater especially to small businesses, as they often provide customized options with fewer restrictions, allowing you to secure necessary resources efficiently. Conclusion In summary, grasping the various equipment financing options is vital for small businesses aiming to acquire fundamental tools for growth. Whether you choose traditional loans, leasing, or vendor financing, each option has unique benefits and considerations. Assess your business’s specific needs, cash flow, and long-term goals when selecting a financing method. By making informed decisions, you can optimize your resources and improve your operational efficiency as you benefit from potential tax advantages. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Equipment Financing Options for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The MacBook Neo might just eclipse the iPhone Air as the most interesting Apple product in years. This machine offers buyers the full macOS experience, in their choice of fun new colors, for $599 ($499 for "students"). Not so long ago, Apple's cheapest laptop, the MacBook Air—long priced at $999, but increased to $1,099 with the launch of the current M5 model—felt like a good deal. Now, you can get a machine that includes all of Apple's latest Mac features for as little as half the price. Of course, the Neo isn't a MacBook Air. To get the price of a Neo down to $500 or $600, Apple had to make some concessions, like using a mechanical trackpad instead of a modern haptic one; the absence of Touch ID on the base model keyboard; older USB-C tech, including one USB-2.0 port; and no backlight on the keyboard. These are things many users won't notice or won't miss much in light of the price. But what's really allowing for the lower cost of the MacBook Neo is arguably its most interesting feature: While all of Apple's Macs now run the company's M-series chipset, the Neo is running the A18 Pro, the chip Apple put in the iPhone 16 Pro, coupled with 8GB of RAM. Apple MacBook Neo $599.00 at Amazon Pre-order Here Pre-order Here $599.00 at Amazon SEE -2 MORE Not only is the Neo running an iPhone SoC, this one has one fewer GPU core than the A18 Pro found in the iPhone, as Apple is using the "binned" version of the chip for this laptop. When chips are manufactured, some come out better than others. The better ones are sold as higher-end chips, while others are sold as lower-performing chips, or "binned" chips. In this case, the MacBook Neo is running A18 Pros that weren't up to the iPhone 16 Pro standard. You can see that from the Neo's tech specs: While it has the same six-core CPU as the iPhone 16 Pro, the Neo has a five-core GPU, one fewer than the iPhone 16 Pro's six-core GPU. It seems safe to assume that a MacBook running a binned iPhone chip, with 8GB of RAM, no less, wouldn't fare as well running the latest macOS as a chip designed for the operating system. But the truth is more complicated than that. MacBook Neo keeps up with some M-series MacBooks in benchmarking While there aren't any full reviews of the MacBook Neo quite yet, initial benchmarks, as spotted by MacRumors, are quite promising. The Neo's first Geekbench tests show the laptop's A18 Pro chip scores a 3461 in single-core performance, 8668 in multi-core performance, and 31286 in Metal (GPU) performance. Those numbers don't mean anything unless they're compared to other devices, of course. Let's look at the iPhone 16 Pro first: Despite having one more GPU than the Neo, the 16 Pro has slightly lower single-core (3445) and multi-core (8624) scores. That sixth GPU core likely helps it eke out a win in the Metal test, scoring a 32575. Still, performance across the board is relatively similar between the two devices—despite running totally different operating systems. Where things start to get really impressive, however, is when you start comparing the Neo's "iPhone" chip to the Mac chips in other MacBooks. The M1 MacBook Air, for example, scores a 2346 in single-core, 8342 in multi-core, and 33148 in Metal. While M1 beats the Neo in Metal tests, the Neo's A18 Pro chip wildly outperforms M1 in single-core performance, and even wins out in multi-core by a few hundred points. That means simple tasks that don't require a lot of processing are going to run faster on the Neo than an M1 Air, as will complex tasks—though not by as much. Even Apple's M4 MacBook Air doesn't totally obliterate the Neo. The M4 Air scores a 3696 in single-core, 14730 in multi-core, and 54630 in Metal. Yes, in multi-core and GPU-intensive tasks, the M4 Air smokes the Neo. But for single core tasks, it outperforms the Neo by a smaller margin than the Neo outperforms M1 in multi-core. Simple tasks will likely feel comparable between the M4 Air and the Neo. The MacBook Neo could be a big win for AppleBenchmarks don't necessarily reflect real-world performance, so we won't really know how the MacBook Neo stacks up against Apple's M-series MacBooks until reviewers put it through its paces. But these numbers only make me more convinced than ever that the MacBook Neo is going to be a huge success for Apple. Not only is this a great alternative to a Chromebook or a low-end Windows PC, it seems like it's a good MacBook in its own right. You could buy an older MacBook, say an M1 or M2 machine, or you could buy a brand-new Neo, and enjoy the perks that come with a fresh purchase. That said, one area the benchmarks don't measure is multitasking. The Neo has 8GB of RAM, which should be find for single tasks, but once you start running too many things at once, you could choke the system. If you open too many browser tabs, or run too many apps at once, you may start to feel that pain. That's not an issue if you were between a Neo and an M1 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM. But if you can find an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM at a similar price point, that might be the move. You'll get comparable performance and more flexibility for multitasking—not to mention some future-proofing with the additional RAM, as macOS gets ever more complex. View the full article

A reader writes: One of my employees, “Brenda,” is a sweet, kind, sensitive, empathetic soul. A self-described empath, she cries easily and is a feeler’s feeler. (She feels things about my life that I don’t even feel!) She gets emotional when given any sort of feedback that isn’t glowing (and even sometimes over feedback that is glowing) and when Brenda realizes that she has caused a problem of some sort – regardless of how small – she is often teary-eyed for the rest of the day. Until recently, I’ve been able to manage her fairly effectively, but now I’m unsure of how to set expectations without sounding particularly heartless. Brenda is in the midst of a highly emotional period in which she is dealing with some heavy baggage from her own life. For the last several months, she has been a heartbeat away from a meltdown at seemingly every moment. Now, multiple times each day, she is sitting at her desk with tears streaming down her face, often for “no reason at all.” Sometimes she’s sobbing – several times a week. Brenda is well aware that her colleagues are walking on eggshells around her, but she can’t help the tears. Her colleagues are sympathetic but the emotional roller coaster is taking its toll on everyone … and we are about to enter an extremely busy all-hands-on-deck season. Brenda’s inability to control her emotions is affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of our team. In theory 30-40% of her job could be done from home, but she is social and doesn’t want to be alone. She does seem to be getting help from a therapist. But I know I need to set expectations for her about controlling her emotions in the workplace, including providing boundaries around what is appropriate from an emotional standpoint, coping skills, etc. I am prepared to discuss reasonable accommodations as well. I want to be empathetic and supportive, but I need to maintain an efficient team. I would love some advice on wording for that conversation that wouldn’t be completely cold and heartless. I answer this question 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. The post my employee sobs at her desk every week appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Nintendo wants the money it paid in tariffs back—and it’s taking the U.S. government to court to get it. The Kyoto-based company has filed a motion with the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking to recover the money it paid for tariffs, plus interest. It’s the first major video game company to demand a refund from the government, but likely won’t be the last. Nintendo avoided raising the price of its Switch 2 console as the The President administration enacted duties on imports. But it did increase prices for accessories, including Joy-Con controllers and the camera and dock set, last April. The company also initially delayed preorders because of confusion over the tariffs, which may have cost it additional revenue. “Plaintiff has suffered injury caused by the IEEPA Duties,” the filing reads. “If not remedied … [Nintendo] will suffer imminent and irreparable harm.” (Despite the language in the court filing, Nintendo is in no danger of collapse. In its most recent earnings report, the company said net sales had nearly doubled year over year to $12.3 billion, while profits rose 51% to $2.3 billion. In the first nine months of availability, Nintendo sold 17.37 million Switch 2 hardware units.) While Nintendo is the first gaming company to sue for the return of its tariffs, plenty of other businesses across different industries have filed similar actions. Costco, Revlon, GoPro, and Toyota, among others, are attempting to recover refunds and prevent future tariffs. Sony has not yet filed with the Court of International Trade, but that could change in the days and weeks to come. The company raised the base price of the PlayStation 5 by $50 in August, citing “challenging economic conditions” and tariffs. Tariffs are technically imposed on the companies that import certain goods, but those costs are generally passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Neither Nintendo, nor most of the other companies suing to recover the tariffs they have paid, has addressed whether they would reimburse consumers. That’s not the case at Cards Against Humanity, where that gaming company is vowing to offer refunds to anyone who “overpaid” for the game due to tariffs. (FedEX also says it will refund customers.) The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the The President administration’s tariffs in February, ruling that the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs The President levied on nearly every other country were illegal. The President quickly announced plans to impose a global 10% tariff as an alternative. He later increased that figure to 15%. (The section of the Trade Act he cited as granting that authority allows tariffs to remain in place for only 150 days.) The Supreme Court ruling did not address the issue of refunds, but last week, a federal judge in New York ruled that companies who paid the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court were entitled to refunds. Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade said he alone would hear cases tied to IEEPA tariffs. The government is widely expected to appeal Eaton’s ruling, which would delay the issuance of any refunds. In the meantime, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which would be responsible for issuing the refunds is dragging its feet. It told Judge Eaton on Friday that it could not comply with the order to refund the reciprocal tariffs. In a court filing, the agency said its existing technology, processes, and staffing levels were insufficient to comply with the order at the moment. It said it expected to be able to follow the ruling in late April after updating its technology. As of the last update, made on Dec. 14, 2025, CBP reported that it had collected approximately $133.5 billion in tariffs under the IEEPA authority. Refunding those, however, could cost $175 billion, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. View the full article