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Monetary policy is on track to loosen later rather than sooner. Housing finance firms may look more to home equity until or unless a change revives activity. View the full article

The comment period for the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing interim final rule has been extended, but consumer advocates are clear in their opposition. View the full article

Key Takeaways Increasing Labor Shortage: Retailers, especially small businesses, face a significant labor shortage this holiday season, impacting sales and customer satisfaction.Creative Hiring Strategies: To attract seasonal workers, retailers are offering incentives like signing bonuses, flexible schedules, and emphasizing positive work cultures.Economic and Social Factors: Declining workforce participation and evolving employee expectations for work-life balance are key drivers behind the labor shortage.Customer Service Impact: Staffing shortages can lead to longer wait times and decreased service quality, making it essential for retailers to invest in training and support for existing staff.Future Staffing Focus: Small businesses need to prioritize employee retention and unique incentives to attract seasonal hires in a competitive job market while maintaining operational efficiency. As the holiday season approaches, retailers face an unprecedented challenge: a labor shortage that could impact sales and customer satisfaction. With many businesses struggling to find enough workers, the festive rush might not be as merry as anticipated. You might wonder how this shortage affects your shopping experience and what retailers are doing to adapt. This year, the competition for seasonal workers is fiercer than ever, driven by shifts in the job market and changing employee expectations. Retailers are getting creative with hiring strategies, offering incentives and flexible schedules to attract talent. Understanding the dynamics of this labor shortage can help you navigate your holiday shopping and discover how stores are working to ensure a smooth experience despite the challenges. Overview Of Holiday Labor Shortage Retail Holiday labor shortages impact retailers significantly, especially small businesses with limited resources. This shortage affects your storefront’s ability to meet customer demands during peak shopping times. As competition for seasonal workers intensifies, maintaining service quality and inventory management becomes challenging. Retailers adapt by offering incentives such as signing bonuses or flexible work hours. These strategies attract potential hires looking for additional income during the holidays. Fostering a positive work culture can improve employee retention and attract seasonal workers. Planning for this labor shortage means assessing your staffing needs early in the season. Ensure your business has a strategy in place to tackle unexpected workforce challenges. By prioritizing thoughtful hiring practices, your small business can enhance the shopping experience and maintain operational efficiency. Causes Of The Labor Shortage The labor shortage during the holiday season primarily stems from a combination of economic factors and social dynamics that impact small businesses in retail. Economic Factors Economic challenges contribute significantly to the labor shortage. Declining workforce participation rates affect the availability of seasonal workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate was 62.4% in September 2023, lower than pre-pandemic levels. Increased job competition also heightens the need for retailers to enhance compensation and benefits. Many potential hires explore opportunities with higher wages or more attractive benefits, leading small businesses to struggle in attracting talent. Furthermore, inflation and rising living costs make it more challenging for employees to take low-paying, part-time work. Social Dynamics Social dynamics play a crucial role in the current labor landscape. Employees increasingly seek better work-life balance and job satisfaction, which has changed their expectations. Many favor flexible schedules that may not align with the demands of the retail sector during peak shopping periods. As a result, small businesses face difficulties attracting individuals willing to commit to the demanding hours of the holiday season. Additionally, the pandemic prompted shifts in job priorities, with some individuals opting for remote work or alternative career paths, further impacting the talent pool in retail. These social changes necessitate that small business owners adopt innovative strategies to cultivate a positive workplace culture, aiming to attract and retain seasonal staff effectively. Impact On Retailers The holiday labor shortage significantly impacts retailers, particularly small businesses that rely heavily on seasonal staffing. As competition for workers intensifies, challenges arise in maintaining efficient operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Staffing Challenges You’re likely facing difficulties in finding qualified employees to fill essential roles during peak shopping periods. Many small businesses struggle to match the incentives larger retailers offer, making it critical to be creative in your hiring strategies. Adjusting compensation, providing flexible scheduling, and showcasing your unique work culture can attract potential hires. Failing to address staffing shortages can lead to overworked employees, increased turnover, and an inability to meet customer demand during the busiest times, ultimately hindering your storefront’s operational success. Customer Experience Labor shortages directly impact the customer experience in your store. Limited staff members can lead to longer wait times, decreased service quality, and a frustrated clientele. With fewer employees available to assist shoppers, it becomes challenging to create a welcoming and efficient environment. Investing in training for your existing workforce can enhance service levels, helping to maintain customer satisfaction despite the labor crunch. Prioritizing the shopping experience during the holiday season can lead to increased customer loyalty and better sales outcomes even under resource constraints. Strategies To Mitigate Shortages Addressing labor shortages during the holiday season requires focused strategies tailored for your small business. Implementing effective tactics can enhance your staffing situation and improve operational efficiency. Attracting Talent Attracting talent in a competitive job market involves offering unique incentives for seasonal positions. Consider providing flexible scheduling to accommodate potential hires seeking additional income while balancing personal commitments. Promote a positive work culture that highlights the benefits of joining your small business. Emphasize your commitment to employee well-being and job satisfaction, which can appeal to individuals looking for a supportive environment. Leverage local community networks and social media platforms to advertise openings, targeting job seekers who might prefer a storefront role close to home. Retention Initiatives Retention initiatives significantly impact maintaining a stable workforce. Implementing training programs for existing staff boosts their confidence and service quality, enhancing customer experiences. Recognize and reward employees for their hard work with incentives such as bonuses or extra hours. Foster an inclusive atmosphere where employees feel valued and engaged. Encourage feedback and open communication, allowing employees to express concerns or suggestions. Prioritizing a satisfying work environment not only retains staff but also attracts new employees to your small business during peak holiday periods. Future Outlook The future of the retail sector, particularly for small businesses, hinges on addressing the ongoing labor shortage while maintaining efficient storefront operations. Small businesses must adopt proactive measures to attract and retain seasonal workers amidst heightened competition. Retailers should focus on enhancing their value proposition. Highlighting aspects such as flexible scheduling and a positive work culture can differentiate your business from larger competitors. Implementing unique incentives tailored to seasonal employees can lead to better staffing during peak shopping periods. Current trends indicate that candidates prioritize work-life balance and job satisfaction. Small business owners can gain an edge by offering part-time roles that accommodate these priorities, thereby appealing to potential hires who might enter the workforce temporarily for the holidays. Future staffing strategies should also emphasize employee retention. Providing training opportunities for existing staff enhances skill levels, contributing to improved service quality. Recognizing and rewarding staff contributions fosters loyalty, which is crucial during busy seasons. Investing in a welcoming store environment remains vital. As you cultivate a supportive atmosphere, you not only enhance employee satisfaction but also create a more inviting experience for customers. By addressing these labor challenges head-on, you position your small business to thrive in a competitive retail landscape during the holiday season. Conclusion Navigating the holiday labor shortage is no small feat for retailers. As you face increased competition for seasonal workers it’s essential to adapt your hiring strategies. Offering flexible schedules and unique incentives can make a significant difference in attracting talent. Fostering a positive work culture not only helps retain employees but also enhances the customer experience during peak shopping times. By prioritizing employee well-being and operational efficiency you can create a welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back. The holiday season presents challenges but with the right approach you can position your business for success despite the labor crunch. Frequently Asked Questions What challenges do small retailers face during the holiday season? Small retailers face significant challenges like labor shortages, intensified competition for seasonal workers, and increased customer demand. Limited resources make it difficult for them to attract and retain staff, impacting their ability to provide optimal customer service during peak shopping times. Why is there a labor shortage in retail? The labor shortage in retail stems from declining workforce participation rates, higher job competition, and changing employee expectations. Factors like inflation and rising living costs deter potential hires from low-paying, part-time work, while many individuals shift priorities towards remote work or alternative careers. How are retailers adapting to labor shortages? Retailers are adapting by implementing creative hiring strategies, such as offering incentives like bonuses and flexible schedules. These approaches aim to attract seasonal workers seeking additional income during the holiday season, ultimately improving staffing levels and customer satisfaction. What strategies can small businesses use to attract seasonal workers? Small businesses can attract seasonal workers by promoting unique incentives such as flexible scheduling and a positive work culture. They should also assess their staffing needs early and effectively communicate their value proposition to potential hires, ensuring a more appealing work environment. How does the labor shortage impact customer experience in retail? The labor shortage leads to longer wait times, reduced service quality, and frustration among shoppers. With fewer employees available, maintaining a welcoming environment and efficient operations becomes challenging, which can diminish customer satisfaction and loyalty during the crucial holiday season. What can retailers do to maintain service quality despite labor shortages? Retailers can enhance service quality by investing in training for existing staff to improve their capabilities. Additionally, fostering a positive work culture and implementing retention initiatives can help keep employees engaged and motivated, mitigating the effects of labor shortages during peak times. How important is employee retention for small retailers? Employee retention is crucial for small retailers, especially during the holiday season. By keeping experienced staff, businesses can maintain service quality, improve operational efficiency, and foster customer loyalty, all of which are essential for navigating labor shortages and meeting customer demands effectively. What future trends should small businesses watch in retail labor? Small businesses should monitor evolving employee expectations for work-life balance, job satisfaction, and flexible scheduling. As the job market continues to shift, understanding these trends will help retailers adapt their hiring and retention strategies to attract and keep talent in a competitive landscape. Image Via Envato This article, "Overcoming the Holiday Labor Shortage in Retail: Strategies for Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

One of the worst parts about flying might just be, well, the fellow passengers. In fact, a 2023 Fast Company-Harris poll even found that 62% of airline customers are most dissatisfied with other travelers. Now, that might just be backed up by the new 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power. The study noted that the volume of fliers has decreased in the first quarter of 2025. But surprisingly, customer satisfaction is slightly up compared with last year, which potentially means that people think overcrowding is one of the worst elements of air travel. The study is based on feedback from 10,224 passengers, all of whom had flown on one of the major airlines within a month of completing the survey. Since the study was conducted from March 2024 through March 2025, it’s worth noting that the responses were collected before President The President announced sweeping tariffs that caused airline stocks to fall as the U.S. Consumer Expectations Index reached its lowest level in 12 years. Even still, they reflect a reduction in consumer travel that’s likely a result of overall market uncertainty. The study based satisfaction scores on seven different elements of travel, and broke down passenger responses into three segments by seating class, including first/business, premium economy, and economy/basic economy. On the study’s 1,000-point scale, consumers reported a six-point overall uptick in satisfaction compared with the prior year—a number that was largely influenced by the eight-point increase in passengers flying in the economy and basic economy classes. (Satisfaction for customers in premium economy experienced a seven-point decline, and first class passengers reported a one-point decline.) All of the passengers were asked to rank their experiences across seven categories: airline staff, digital tools, ease of travel, level of trust, onboard experience, pre-/post-flight experience, and value for price paid. While the bump in satisfaction could be partially due to the general decrease in ticket prices as airlines scramble to entice passengers, customers also reported positive experiences with airline staff. Overall rankings show JetBlue Airways ranking the highest for first/business class satisfaction, followed by Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. Delta won the customer satisfaction survey in the premium economy segment for the third year in a row, followed by JetBlue and Alaska. For the fourth year in a row, Southwest Airlines took home the win for the economy/basic economy segments, followed by JetBlue and Delta. As airlines face a challenging year for the travel industry, it will be interesting to see if and how they manage to prioritize consumer satisfaction in the face of economic challenges. View the full article

Pentagon believes British should place more emphasis on their own region in policy shift from Biden administration View the full article

At a time of skyrocketing costs in the U.S., looming tariffs, and fears of a recession, New Yorkers are finally getting some good news: Over 8 million people in the Empire state will receive a sort of stimulus check, or officially, an “inflation refund check” this year, according to Democratic governor Kathy Hochul. The refunds come as Americans continue to battle high inflation, driving up prices on everything from housing to groceries, stemming from the global COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. While inflation has steadily decreased from its 2022 high of 9.1%, prices have not re-adjusted to levels before the pandemic, according to Newsweek. Last week, Hochul said “while inflation has driven prices higher . . . it has also driven sharp increases in the state’s collection of sales tax” that “belongs to hardworking New York families and should be returned to their pockets as an inflation refund.” The checks add up to about $2 billion and are allocated as part of the state’s 2026 fiscal budget. It’s the first time the state has issued this type of refund check. Here’s what you need to know. Am I eligible for a New York inflation refund? The inflation refunds are going out to over 8 million people living in New York state who are part of households that fall under set income limits. For couples or families that file joint taxes, households earning up to $300,000 a year are eligible for the refunds. For individuals who file solo taxes, those earning up to $150,000 are eligible. How much can I expect to receive if Iive in New York? Couples or families that file joint taxes and earn up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check; while joint tax filers earning more than $150,000 up to $300,000 will get a $300 refund. Individuals who file solo taxes of up to $75,000 will get a $200 refund; those who earn more than $75,000 up to $150,000 will receive a $150 check. What’s the timeline for the inflation refunds? There’s no clear timeline yet for when the inflation refunds will be sent out, although Hochul has said New York residents can expect the refunds this year. What if I have kids? Is there an additional tax credit? In addition to that refund, the governor announced she will be expanding New York’s child tax credit “for middle class New Yorkers,” giving 1.6 million New York families an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of four, and up to $500 per child aged 4 through 16. The expansion of New York’s child tax credit will benefit approximately 2.75 million children statewide, and will double the size of the average credit going out to families from $472 to $943. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Finding great travel deals is a skill, but it’s one that can be honed—if you know where to source a bargain, can be patient and flexible, and if you know you can take advantage of the 24-hour free federal cancelation policy to lock in a time-sensitive opportunity. Here are some of the best travel websites you can use to snag your next trip on the cheap. Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flightsYes, Google Flights is more user-friendly and has cool features (like the “explore” tool to see a map of your potential destinations and their prices), but if you mean business and are looking for the cheapest flight options you can find, Skyscanner is what you want to use. Here, you’ll find flights that will not even appear on Google Flights, and it even has an explore-like tool similar to Google’s where you simply input your local airport, select “whole month” for dates, and click “search” to find all the possible low-cost destinations for that month (I found a direct flight to Cancun from my home in Atlanta for $183). You can catch last-minute flight deals and set alerts for cheap flights as well. Use SecretFlying to set up alerts for their “Error Fares”Airlines make mistakes sometimes, and as a savvy traveler, you need to be ready to take advantage of them when you can. SecretFlying is a travel deal website that works like many others, but it also has a special tool to find cheap flights that exist because of mistakes that airlines make. (For example, there was an enticing Chicago to London round-trip for only $58 last month.) The error fares go fast, and many might not logistically work for you, but if you ever do catch one of these, you’ll be bragging about it for years to come. Use the Travel Arrow extensionIf you're still only using Google Flights to do your searching, you could be missing out on some cheaper options. Travel Arrow is an extension you can install on your browser that will cross-reference your Google Flight info on Skyscanner, Kayak, Trip, and Expedia (all the major competitors to Google Flights). While it doesn't always work, it's a free tool that will more than pay for itself if you ever end up booking a cheaper flight with it. Keep in mind that some flights might be cheaper because their layovers are longer. Use these online vacation package websitesThere are many websites that sell you travel packages that include flights, hotels, food, tours, and even transportation (rails, bus, taxis, etc.) for much cheaper than you would find if you tried to book each piece individually. The catch is that these packages are typically strict on dates, and their cancelation policies are often less forgiving. But, you’ll be able to find amazing deals to locations you might not otherwise be able to afford. Gate1, for example, has been around since the '80s—my mom has used it with my dad to visit the eight wonders of the world on a budget over the years. Their best deals come from their weekly specials (you can sign up for their emails) and last-minute deals where you can find multi-day trips for big discounts. For example, you can do a 13-day Thailand trip for $2,249 with all this included: Roundtrip flights Los Angeles to Bangkok, or Bangkok to Los Angeles Intra-flight Chiang Mai to Bangkok 11 nights First Class accommodations Hotel taxes, fees, service charges, and porterage 18 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Entrance fees per itinerary Here are some other websites similar to Gate1 where you can find great deals on packages for your next trip: TravelPirates Great Value Vacations Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) View the full article

One day after WeightWatchers said that it would file for bankruptcy, weight loss drug giant Novo Nordisk’s outlook is brightening. Novo Nordisk, the Danish company that produces semaglutide drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, saw its shares rise more than 7% Wednesday, in spite of recent headwinds from widely available copycat versions of its signature weight loss drugs. Following its quarterly earnings report, shares of the company rose to $71.53 before leveling off and settling around $67.70, in spite of lowered expectations for the year. Novo Nordisk lowered its sales growth forecast for 2025, now expecting growth between 13% and 21%, down from the 16% to 24% it projected back in February. The company blamed the dip on slower-than-expected uptake of its branded GLP-1 drugs, largely due to competition from compounding pharmacies, which had been filling the gap as demand for weight-loss meds like Wegovy outpaced supply. FDA crackdown signals end of GLP-1 copycats But that pressure is expected to ease. The FDA recently declared the shortage over and has officially banned large-scale compounding of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. With those off-brand versions now illegal in the U.S., Novo and its investors are optimistic sales will rebound in the coming months. The agency has given large compounding pharmacies in the U.S. until May 22 to wind down production of those drugs or face potential enforcement actions. Late last month, a U.S. judge rejected a legal challenge from an industry group representing compounding pharmacies that could have allowed continued production of GLP-1 copycat drugs to continue. While their products can be cheaper for consumers, drugs produced in compounding pharmacies face less regulatory scrutiny than their name brand counterparts. The FDA acknowledges that while compounded drugs are a lawful option that alleviates supply problems, they may not meet the same quality and safety standards. WeightWatchers collapses under pressure The future is decidedly less sunny for longtime weight loss industry stalwart WeightWatchers, which announced that it would pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The company has struggled to reinvent itself in the era of widely available weight loss drugs, even as it embraced their rise by pivoting to sell compounded semaglutide through its own online pharmacy. WeightWatchers may be down, but the company insists that it isn’t out. WeightWatchers insists that it will continue to operate normally in spite of its bankruptcy plans, which it described as “transformational” in a press release. “There will be no impact to members or the plans they rely on to support their weight management goals,” the company said. After the process is complete, a new investor group will wield 91% of the company and the remaining chunk of stock will be held by existing shareholders. “The decisive actions we’re taking today, with the overwhelming support of our lenders and noteholders, will give us the flexibility to accelerate innovation, reinvest in our members, and lead with authority in a rapidly evolving weight management landscape,” WeightWatchers CEO Tara Comonte said. “As the conversation around weight shifts toward long-term health, our commitment to delivering the most trusted, science-backed, and holistic solutions—grounded in community support and lasting results—has never been stronger, or more important.” A new generation of GLP-1 drugs promising fast results continues to rock the weight loss industry, which has emphasized dieting and other slow behavioral changes for decades. If WeightWatchers can weather the storm remains to be seen, but complete transformation might be the only option if the 60-year-old company plans to make it in the Wegovy era. View the full article

Cell was in final stages of planning for attack on Israeli diplomatic mission, people familiar with investigation say View the full article

Apple is considering reworking its Safari web browser across its devices to place a greater emphasis on AI-powered search engines, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. The disclosure came from Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, during his testimony Wednesday in the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Alphabet. Cue was speaking about the two companies’ $20 billion-a-year deal that makes Google the default search engine on Apple’s browsers. The Apple executive said he expects AI search providers—like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity—to eventually replace standard sources like Google. Apple has already seen a decline in Safari searches for the first time last month, which Cue attributed to the growing use of AI. Still, he added, it’s too early for these platforms to become the default. Currently, Apple and Alphabet have a lucrative agreement that allows Apple users—across more than two billion active devices—to perform searches through Google. Initially, Apple agreed to use Google in its Safari browser for free. Eventually, the two companies agreed to share revenue generated from search advertising. A shift away from Google and the entry of multiple competitors into the space could jeopardize that profitable arrangement, which contributes significantly to Apple’s revenue. “There’s enough money now, enough large players, that I don’t see how it doesn’t happen,” Cue said about the switch from standard internet search to AI, according to Bloomberg. View the full article

One way to understand project management is by illustrating the process using project plan examples. This starts by defining what a project plan is, but then we’ll get into how it works in a real-life scenario. We’ll first define a project plan and outline what goes into creating a project plan document. Then we’ll show how it works by illustrating several project plan examples. What Is a Project Plan? A project plan is a foundational document that outlines the goals, scope, timeline, resources and key deliverables. It serves as a roadmap to guide teams through execution and ensures everyone is aligned on the objectives and how they’ll be achieved. The plan typically includes tasks, deadlines, roles and risk management strategies—making it essential for setting direction. However, while the project plan is critical, it’s not enough to effectively manage a project in real time. Projects require active coordination, dynamic scheduling, progress tracking, resource allocation and real-time communication, capabilities that go beyond what a static document can provide. That’s where project management software comes in. These tools bring your project plan to life by helping you organize workflows, track milestones, collaborate with your team and quickly adapt when things change, ensuring your project stays on time, on budget and target. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that schedules and plans work on robust Gantt charts. Create plans that schedule tasks, resources and costs and link all four types of task dependencies. Then, toggle to the sheet, board, list or calendar views to see how plans are evolving in real time, or use one-click reports and dashboards to transform data into charts and graphs. If needed, share pertinent details with stakeholders using free guest licenses. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more 1. Construction Project Plan Example In this construction project plan example, the plan is scheduled on a Gantt chart. This breaks the larger project into smaller stages, as seen in the screenshot below. There is a stage for contracts, design, procurement, construction, etc. The project begins with document management and moves into permitting and procurement. Different colors define these sections to make it easier to distinguish at a glance. This sets up the project for when the construction begins, which is the longest phase of the project, as seen in the bar chart. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-Costs-Resources.jpg The Gantt chart also shows the planned start for each task, the planned resource cost and the planned hours for the task duration. When a baseline is set, the actual time, cost, etc., can be compared to the plan to track if the project is on schedule. On the right side, those tasks are displayed on a bar chart, which visually represents the project. 2. Event Project Plan Example The Gantt chart can also be used for event planning. Here, the event is again broken down into phases; only these phases are planning, promotion, event prep, etc. Under each of these phases are the tasks that are necessary to complete them. Like the other Gantt charts, there are columns to show the planned effort. Events begin with preparation, which can be viewed in the planning phase, which includes everything from finding the right venue, contracting with speakers and creating a list of attendees. This is followed by the marketing arm of the project, which grows awareness for the event through advertising, whether online or through physical media. As the event date nears, the site is set up and throughout the event, security, food services and other contractors or coordinated to ensure everything runs smoothly. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Event-plan-gantt-chart-in-projectmanager-2024.png An event is also a project plan example, featuring phases and tasks. Just as in other Gantt charts, the plan is divided into a spreadsheet on the left and a bar chart on the right. The bar chart can also be colored to make it visually easier to see the different phases. Some tasks dependent on one another are shown linked on the chart. 3. Manufacturing Project Plan Example The Gantt chart is a versatile tool used in many industries. We’ve already shown it employed in construction and event planning. Here, it’s being used to plan a manufacturing project. Though the industry is different, one can see that the layout is roughly the same. Manufacturing a product begins with setting goals based on what customers want and then creating prototypes that are tested to ensure they are meeting that demand. This leads to setting up production to mass produce this product, which also involves various points in that production where the product is tested to ensure it’s meeting quality standards. While the product is being manufactured, other departments, such as marketing, are working on creating interest and knowledge of the product. The sales team is getting orders. All of this is coordinated so that product and delivery meet demand. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-.png Again, the project plan example is broken down into phases. The difference is that these phases relate to the manufacturing industry. They show a design phase, prototyping phase, pre-production and so forth. However, the tasks, though different, are displayed in a bar chart to the right. 4. IT Project Plan Example This project plan example is also on a Gantt chart. It’s an IT project and follows the course of an IT project, with phases for design, development, testing and so forth. But again, one can see that the project plan is illustrated no differently than plans in other industries. Initiation starts the planning process, defining goals and writing a project charter. Then, define the technical details of the software product, including screen layouts, database structures and system interfaces. Next, there is refinement and the development of blueprints for developers. Testing ensures the planned system or software meets requirements, detects defects and verifies functionality before implementation. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IT-Project-plan-template-argo-changes.jpg That’s because the Gantt chart is the perfect tool for any structured project that starts with one phase and doesn’t move to the next until that phase is finished. That’s why Gantt charts are the preferred tool of project managers working in a structured environment. 5. Excel Project Plan Example While Gantt charts are preferred, especially when they’re part of a project management software, an Excel spreadsheet can also be used. Below is an action plan, which, like a Gantt chart, breaks the project down into phases and tasks. The action plan is made up so that each line of the spreadsheet is dedicated to a specific task, including its priority, resources required to execute it and a column for status, which shows the percentage complete. This helps track the work so it can be completed as scheduled. However, unlike project management software, a spreadsheet must be manually updated. /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/action-plan-template-project-plan-2024.png Unlike a Gantt chart, there is no visual representation of the project. There is a timeline, but it’s mapped out in columns that show the start and due dates as well as the duration of each task. This project plan example is not dissimilar to the Gantt chart, except that it lacks a bar chart. 6. Agile Project Plan Example Working in an agile environment is not ideal for using a Gantt chart, as the tool is designed for waterfall methodology. However, agile projects use project management tools. The kanban board is ideal for working more iteratively. One of the advantages of using a kanban board in an agile environment is that the scrum team can manage their backlog of user stories and collaborate as they plan the sprint. Meanwhile, the product owner and scrum master can view the board and spot any potential bottlenecks that will slow the team down. They can then reallocate resources as needed to clear up those issues. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Agile-sprint-plan-template-argo-redesign.jpg The kanban board is broken down into phases of production. For example, in this project plan example, there are columns for the backlog items, work that’s in progress, ready to deploy and those that have been tested and need work on bug fixes. Under each column are task cards that move from one column to the next as they work through the production cycle. 7. Word Project Plan Example Word documents can also be used for a project plan, as illustrated below in this project plan example. This shows just a bit of an extensive outline for a project. Here one can see the project goals and objectives, an outline of the project teams, resource requirements, budget, timeline and risk log. Planning a project involves coordinating many different things, from assembling human and nonhuman resources to accurately forecasting the budget and defining its goals and objectives. The benefit of a Word document is that it has the bandwidth to gather all this diverse data in one place, which will inform the project going forward. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Project_Plan_Example_Word.png For example, each field outlined in the project plan example is filled out to make it easier for stakeholders to see what the project is all about. It also informs the project team to keep them on the same page, while fully understanding what is required to deliver the project successfully. The only problem with this project plan example in Word is that the whole thing will eventually have to be manually moved over to project management software. 8. Project Plan Example Document A project plan example is a sample document that outlines how a project will be executed, monitored and completed. It provides a clear structure for organizing tasks, timelines, resources and responsibilities. This example is based on our free project plan template for Word and acts as a practical reference to help teams or project managers understand what to include in their plans, ensuring consistent and thorough project planning from the start. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Plan-Screenshot.jpg Project Overview The objective is to construct a 2,000 square foot single-family residential home on a cleared lot within 6 months, with a budget of $350,000. The home will include 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a garage. The project will follow a predictive life cycle with clearly defined phases. Scope Management The scope includes: Site preparation Foundation Framing Roofing Plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems Interior and exterior finishing Final inspection and occupancy certificate Exclusions: Landscaping, fencing and furnishing are not included. Scope will be managed through a scope statement and WBS. Scope changes require formal approval. Schedule Management A Gantt chart will define all activities and dependencies. Major milestones include: Permits approved: Week 2 Foundation completed: Week 6 Framing completed: Week 10 Final inspection: Week 24 Progress will be tracked weekly against the baseline using MS Project. Cost Management Estimated cost: $350,000 Contingency reserve: $15,000 The cost baseline will be tracked monthly, using actuals vs. planned. Variances over 5 percent will be escalated. Quality Management Quality standards include local building codes, structural safety and energy efficiency certifications. Inspections will occur at key stages: foundation, framing and final. Nonconformities will be documented and corrected before progressing. Resource Management Resources include the project manager, general contractor and subcontractors, construction crew and architect (on-call). Resources will be acquired through contracts. Labor availability will be reviewed during weekly planning. Communications Management Weekly site meetings with the contractor team. Monthly progress reports to the client (homeowner). Communication will be handled via email and shared folders. Stakeholder updates will follow the RACI matrix to ensure clear ownership. Risk Management Key risks include permit delays (mitigation: early submission and follow-up), material shortages (mitigation: early procurement) and weather delays (mitigation: build schedule buffer). A risk register will be updated biweekly and contingency plans will be triggered if thresholds are breached. Procurement Management Major procurements include materials (lumber, concrete, fixtures) and subcontracted services (plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Contracts will be fixed-price where possible. Procurement will follow the company procurement policy and include vendor evaluation. Stakeholder Management Key stakeholders are the homeowner (sponsor), architect, general contractor and local building inspector. Engagement strategies involve the homeowner in design and finish selections and keeping the city inspector informed of inspection timelines Change Management All change requests must be submitted to the project manager in writing. The impact will be evaluated for scope, schedule and cost. Approved changes will be reflected in the updated baselines. Performance Measurement Baseline Integrated baseline includes the scope baseline (WBS), schedule baseline (approved Gantt chart) and cost baseline ($350,000). Earned Value Management (EVM) will be used at monthly checkpoints: Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), Actual Cost (AC) and Variance analysis (SV, CV) Related Project Planning Templates It’s one thing to look at project plan examples, it’s another thing to do one. We have over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project. Below are a few that can help interested parties play around with creating their project plan. Resource Plan Template Download this free resource plan template for Excel to plan, manage and execute project resources. Human resources are listed by team member, department, total effort, rate and cost. There’s also a calendar attached to schedule resources to ensure that the project has what it needs when it needs it. Gantt Chart Template Use this free Gantt chart template for Excel to view tasks, milestones and deadlines. It helps project managers and teams outline the project’s schedule by mapping activities along a horizontal time axis, showing when each task starts, how long it will last and when it will end. Project Budget Template A project budget template is a structured financial planning tool that helps project managers estimate, allocate and track the costs associated with completing a project. This project budget template for Excel provides a framework for organizing budget items, such as labor, materials, equipment and overhead, into a clear and manageable format. How ProjectManager Helps Manage Projects A project plan sets the stage for a successful project, but it’s only the beginning. While one can plan out the project on templates, it’s not advisable because then, the project plan is isolated on a static document. There’s no way to collaborate and any changes must be manually made. When managing a project, it’s important to work efficiently, which is why professionals choose project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with powerful Gantt charts to plan out work and multiple project views that give teams the tools they need to execute that work, be it on kanban boards or task lists. There’s even a calendar view that stakeholders can use to stay updated on progress. Keep Productive With Robust Resource Features Missing from our project plan examples is the execution of the project. At that point, project managers are working to keep the project on track. One way to do that is by effectively delivering resources. This starts on the Gantt chart, which schedules them, and continues when onboarding teams, where their availability can be set. This helps to assign the right resources to the right tasks at the right time. A color-coded workload chart makes it easy to view resource allocation across one or multiple projects and balance the team’s workload to keep them working at capacity but not burning them out. A team page provides a real-time daily or weekly summary of their tasks, which can be filtered by priority or progress. Tasks can even be updated without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Monitor Project Metrics on Real-time Dashboards and Reports Another way to keep to the project plan is by monitoring and controlling the project during its execution. For a high-level overview of key performance indicators (KPIs), toggle to our dashboards that capture live data on time, cost, workload and more on easy-to-read graphs and charts. For example, the portfolio summary dashboard is pictured below. To get deeper into the data, visit our customizable reports on status, variance, workload, timesheets and more. Each can be filtered to focus on specific data points or show a summary of progress that can be shared with stakeholders. Secure timesheets streamline the payroll process, but also help keep projects on budget by tracking labor costs. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Project Planning Content While there’s more to project management than the project plan examples we’ve shared, there’s also more to project planning. For those interested in going deeper into the subject, below are links to various related blogs we’ve recently posted. How to Write an Action Plan (Example Included) How to Make a Program Management Plan What Is a Work Plan? How to Make a Work Plan In 7 Steps How to Make a Time Management Plan You’ll Actually Use How to Execute a Plan Successfully How to Make a Process Improvement Plan (Free Template) How to Plan an Event: Event Planning Steps, Tips & Checklist How to Create a Project Execution Plan (PEP) ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 8 Project Plan Examples (Templates Included) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Searches on Apple’s Safari browser declined for the first time last month, and Apple’s senior vice president of services Eddy Cue blamed AI. “That has never happened in 22 years,” according to Cue. “People are using AI,” Cue testified Wednesday during the DOJ’s antitrust trial against Google, calling it a fundamental shift that’s eating into traditional search’s dominance. AI search rising. Apple is exploring a revamp of Safari to prioritize AI-powered search engines, Cue testified. AI search tools like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic are being seriously evaluated, though they aren’t yet ready to be defaults, Cue said. “There is much greater potential. They’re attacking the problem in a different way,” he said. Why we care. AI has forever changed search. The decline in Safari searches could signal a behavioral shift that you shouldn’t ignore – because it could have massive implications for your future search and discoverability strategies. Yes, but. Despite the excitement around AI, Google remains the default search engine for Safari. Cue said he’s lost sleep over the risk of losing the Google deal, which at an estimated $19 billion is still the most lucrative arrangement Apple has. And another yes, but. Let’s not forget that Google is also an AI search engine – AI Overviews are seen by 1.5 billion users a month and sit on top of many of the 5 trillion searches conducted annually on Google. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude combined remain barely a blip in terms of search share. You’d be well advised not to plan Google’s funeral before it dies. The big picture. Apple offers ChatGPT via Siri. It could add Google’s Gemini this year. Cue confirmed a behind-the-scenes “bake-off” between Google and OpenAI last year – one Google lost due to unacceptable terms. Even if AI search tools lack strong indexes, Cue said their features are “so much better that people will switch” from standard search to AI search. Zoom out. AI is a paradigm shift, similar to the advent of the iPhone, Cue said: “You may not need an iPhone 10 years from now, as crazy as it sounds.” More coverage. See Techmeme. View the full article

Wordle became an instant classic almost as soon as it launched, but its simplicity is also the source of a new problem: what to play when you've already guessed the day's word? Fortunately, the years since Wordle's appearance have blessed us with dozens of other guessing games that borrowed one or more of Wordle’s features—five-letter solutions, or yellow and green squares, or sometimes just the concept of guessing and getting hints to narrow down the possibilities. Here are 14 of the best. Waffle Credit: Waffle Let’s start out the list with a cute and friendly game. Waffle puts six different five-letter words in a grid, and you solve it simply by moving the squares around. It’s tricky to get the job done in the given number of swaps, but you’re never going to be too perplexed—all the letters you need are right in front of you. Flagle Credit: Flagle I was torn on whether to award the geographical spot on the list to Flagle, which uses country flags, or Worldle, which gives you the outline of the country. When I was first compiling this list, I went with Flagle because there used to be two ways to win: In addition to narrowing down the location of the country, you can also reveal tiles of the country’s flag. Unfortunately, Flagle has removed the feature that tells you how far away you guessed in terms of distance, so it's now just a flag-based game. They're still both great. Hurdle Credit: Hurdle This is probably the last friendly, straightforward game you’ll see on this list, so enjoy it while it lasts. Hurdle gives you five Wordle-style puzzles each day. You have to solve each to get the next, and then the fifth puzzle gets pre-filled with the four previous solutions as guesses, leaving you just two chances to win the final round. Absurdle Credit: Absurdle Absurdle gets its name because its premise is entirely absurd—and man, does it follow through. The secret word you’re guessing changes to evade your guesses. Its one nod to sportsmanship is that it will abide by its previous hints—so if it tells you that the word contains an R as the first letter, the solution will have an R, but everything else is subject to change. Succeeding at this game means backing the algorithm into a corner until it only has one option left; only then will it admit you won. Heardle Credit: Heardle Heardle is the modern version of Name That Tune!, a game show where participants had to identify a song based on just the first few notes. The songs in Heardle are taken from popular playlists, so it’s also a good litmus test for your own pop culture relevance. Squabble Credit: Squabble In Squabble, we have our first competitive Wordle. (We’ll meet another in a minute.) If you think you’re good at guessing words, you now get the chance to prove it against friends or strangers in real time. Guessing wrong subtracts health from your little meter; guessing correctly refills it. The game continues, going to multiple words if needed, until all but one player has been eliminated. This game isn't as popular as it once was, so you may wait a while to find enough players for a game with online strangers, but you can still create a game and share the lobby code with your friends for instant fun. Mordle Credit: Mordle If you like Squabble, try the massively multiplayer Mordle. Games can have up to 100 players, but gameplay is simpler because you don’t have to watch their game boards or battle them directly. Just attempt to solve the puzzle yourself, as fast as you can, and find out how many people got to the correct solution before or after you. Quordle and other multi-Wordles Credit: Quordle When Dordle (the double Wordle) first came on the scene, it seemed nightmarish; you’re supposed to solve two Wordles with the same guesses?! But with practice, it’s not hard at all. And so it escalated from there. Quordle is the sweet spot, in my opinion; four is the perfect number of puzzles to solve at once. But Octordle is also fun, and so are Sedecordle and Duotrigordle. Multi-Wordles appear daunting at first, but with so many grids, almost any guess is going to give you a useful hint somewhere. Antiwordle Credit: Antiwordle Antiwordle is probably the most hellish of all the games on this list, and that’s saying something. The rules are the same as the rules for regular Wordle played on hard mode (where you’re required to reuse correct letter guesses). But the whole idea is that you’re trying to not guess the word. Once you get it right, you lose. Semantle Credit: Semantle Word games are, for the most part, games for good spellers. If you can recognize the patterns letters commonly appear in, you’re at an advantage. So if you’ve ever wondered why word games don’t ask you to guess the approximate meaning of a word, Semantle is for you. It’s tough to even begin narrowing it down, but once you do, just aim for words with similar meanings to arrive at the answer. WordAll Credit: WordAll Any time you get your green and yellow squares in response to a guess, what the game is really doing is defining and redefining a pool of words that the solution must be in. (All the words that have an E in the second position and a T in them somewhere other than the third, let’s say.) WordAll gives you a half-played game, pauses it there, and asks you to name all the words in that pool. It’s a fun brain exercise, and will probably make you a more strategic Wordle player. Artle Credit: Artle We’ll back away from words for this one, an art-themed game that shows you snippets of works, all created by the same artist. It’s called Artle, and it will probably teach you things you didn’t know about your favorite artists—and help you discover new ones. Squardle Credit: Squardle If you thought Waffle was cute, Squardle is its evil twin. It’s another crossword-style guessing game, but this time you have to type all your guesses in. That doesn’t sound so bad, until you start trying to make sense of the hints. Each square contains color-coded information about how the letter you guessed fits into the words of the puzzle. Like Microsoft’s Clippy, something intended to be helpful quickly turns confusing and frustrating. Winning this game requires you to use the those hints without letting their proliferation distract you. Redactle Credit: Redactle One word at a time? Six words at a time? Redactle scoffs at all that. It gives you an entire Wikipedia article with most of the words blacked out, in the style of censored government documents. Your job is to guess words; when you guess correctly, those words are revealed in the article. Solving the puzzle means correctly guessing the title of the article—which could be about anything from a historical figure to a mathematical concept. View the full article

Apple is exploring AI search engines like ChatGPT for Safari, signaling a shift from Google’s $20B deal. How will this reshape search competition? The post Apple May Add AI Search Engines to Safari As Google Use Drops appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company’s stock price soared on Wednesday, up by 10% at the time of publishing, as the company surpassed earnings expectations and unveiled its first new theme park development in 15 years. Following Disney’s second quarter earnings report, the entertainment giant announced an agreement to build a new resort and theme park in Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. While no opening date or project timeline has been released yet, the Abu Dhabi–based experiences company Miral Group is set to develop and build the new shoreline resort, with Disney imagineers leading operational oversight and creative design. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” said chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro. Prior to the theme park announcement, Disney also released its favorable second quarter earning report, recognizing “that uncertainty remains regarding the operating environment for the balance of the fiscal year,” the company said in the report. Disney reported a 7% increase in revenues this quarter in comparison to the same period last year, increasing to $23.6 billion. Notably, Disney’s entertainment saw significant growth, with a 2.5 million subscription growth for Disney+ and Hulu from this years first fiscal quarter. “We have a lot more to look forward to, including our upcoming theatrical slate, the launch of ESPN’s new DTC offering, and an unprecedented number of expansion projects underway in our Experiences segment,” Iger said in the report. “We remain optimistic about the direction of the company and our outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.” View the full article

House Republicans have added a provision to their sweeping tax cut package that would authorize the sale of thousands of acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah, prompting outrage from Democrats and environmental groups who called the plan a betrayal that could lead to increased drilling, mining and logging in the West. Republicans on the House Natural Resources Committee adopted the land sales proposal early Wednesday morning. The initial draft had not included it amid bipartisan opposition. The land sale provision put forward by Republican Reps. Mark Amodei of Nevada and Celeste Maloy of Utah would sell thousands of acres of public lands in the two states, and calls for some of the parcels to be considered for affordable housing projects. Rep. Joe Neguse , D-Colo., called the plan “deeply irresponsible.” “Public lands shouldn’t have a price tag on them. But (President) Donald The President and his allies in Congress are working like mad to hand over our public lands to billionaires and corporate polluters to drill, mine and log with the bare minimum oversight or accountability,” said Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program. The lands potentially for sale “belong to all Americans. They shouldn’t be given away to pad corporate bottom lines,” Manuel said. The sales were approved as the Natural Resources committee voted 26-17 to advance legislation that would allow increased leasing of public lands for drilling, mining and logging while clearing the path for more development by speeding up government approvals. Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing former Democratic President Joe Biden’s attempts to curb fossil fuels to help address climate change. The measure is part of The President’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and beefed-up funding to halt migrants. House Speaker Mike Johnson has set a goal of passing the package out of his chamber by Memorial Day. All told, 11 different House committees are crafting portions of the bill. Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican and former Interior secretary in the first The President administration, had said before the vote that he was drawing a “red line” on public land sales. “It’s a no now. It will be a no later. It will be a no forever,” said Zinke, whose state includes large parcels of federally owned lands. Zinke and Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, are set to lead a new bipartisan Public Lands Caucus intended to protect and expand access to America’s public lands. The caucus was set to launch on Wednesday, hours after the resources panel vote. Oil and gas royalty rates would drop from 16.7% on public lands and 18.75% offshore to a uniform 12.5% under the committee-passed bill, which still faces a vote in the full House and Senate once it is incoporated into the final legislative package. Royalties for coal would drop from 12.5% to 7%. The measure calls for four oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge over the next decade. It also seeks to boost the ailing coal industry with a mandate to make available for leasing 6,250 square miles of public lands — an area greater in size than Connecticut. Republican supporters say the lost revenue would be offset by increased development. It’s uncertain if companies would have an appetite for leases given the industry’s precipitous decline in recent years as utilities switched to cleaner burning fuels and renewable energy. Drew McConville, a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress, denounced the committee vote. “The The President tax bill was already a massive and historic sellout of U.S. lands and waters to corporate interests. This dark-of-night maneuver shows how shamelessly focused congressional Republicans are on sacrificing public benefits to pay for The President’s reckless tax cuts. If this bill passes, the losses to America’s great outdoor legacy will be felt for generations,” McConville said in a statement. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner in March proposed using “underutilized” federal land for affordable housing. Turner said some 7 million homes are needed. Officials under Biden also sought to use public lands for affordable housing, although on a smaller scale. The agencies have not yet released more details of the proposal. —Matthew Daly and Matthew Brown, Associated Press View the full article

This article breaks down 10 essential types of flowcharts and explains when and how to use each in digital project management. From process flowcharts to BPMN diagrams, it offers practical tips for improving communication, identifying bottlenecks, and streamlining complex workflows. The post 10 Types Of Flowcharts And When To Use Them appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Key Takeaways Adaptability is Crucial: Small businesses must quickly adapt their strategies to stay competitive in a fast-paced market influenced by consumer behavior and technological advancements.Importance of Strategic Shifts: Implementing strategic shifts can lead to improved decision-making, enhanced productivity, and better cash flow management, ultimately ensuring long-term success.Understanding Consumer Behavior: Monitoring shifts in consumer preferences is vital for tailoring marketing strategies and improving customer retention efforts, fostering loyalty over time.Types of Strategy Shifts: Small businesses can achieve growth by pivoting products or services, changing target markets, and optimizing operational processes to enhance efficiency.Setting Clear Goals and Engaging Teams: Establishing defined objectives and involving team members in strategic changes are essential for effective implementation and overall business success. In today’s fast-paced market, small businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Whether it’s a shift in consumer behavior or new technology trends, your strategy needs to evolve. Embracing change can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. You might find yourself rethinking your approach to everything from marketing to customer engagement. By identifying key areas for improvement and implementing innovative strategies, you can position your business for long-term success. Let’s explore the essential shifts you can make to not just keep up but lead the way in your industry. Understanding Small Business Strategy Shifts Understanding small business strategy shifts involves recognizing changes that impact your management and operations. Adapting to these changes can enhance your business growth and ensure long-term success. Definition of Small Business Strategy Small business strategy refers to the plan that outlines how your enterprise will achieve its goals. It encompasses various aspects such as financial planning, marketing strategy, and operational efficiency. A well-defined strategy aligns your team management efforts with business objectives. For instance, you might implement project management techniques to optimize workflows, ensuring the timely completion of tasks. Importance of Strategic Shifts Strategic shifts play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness. In today’s fast-paced market, your ability to adapt determines your business’s longevity. Adopting new technology solutions can streamline operations, enhance employee training, and improve customer service. These shifts lead to better decision-making and increased productivity. For example, leveraging data analysis helps refine your marketing campaigns and boosts customer retention rates. Embracing operational changes can also provide better cash flow management, supporting your overall business model and facilitating business expansion. Reasons for Small Business Strategy Shifts Small businesses often adjust their strategies to thrive in a dynamic market. These shifts respond to economic changes, technological trends, and evolving consumer behavior. Market Changes Economic shifts can significantly affect your demand for products and services. During economic downturns, you might diversify your offerings or focus on cost leadership to remain competitive. For example, implementing a more robust pricing strategy during a recession can help retain customers by appealing to their budget-conscious habits. Seasonal businesses should also explore ways to maintain revenue, such as offering products or services tailored to various seasonal needs. This flexibility ensures a consistent cash flow throughout the year. Technological Advancements Advancements in technology can revolutionize how you manage business operations. Embracing software tools for project management, customer service, or inventory management can enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Adopting technology solutions streamlines your workflow, automates repetitive tasks, and improves employee training protocols, ultimately leading to better decision-making. Regularly evaluating new tools can keep your business competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. Consumer Behavior Understanding shifts in consumer behavior is crucial for adapting your marketing strategy and customer acquisition efforts. Changes in preferences or buying patterns often require you to pivot your approach. Gathering customer feedback through surveys or focused discussions lets you tailor your offerings effectively. Additionally, analyzing data on customer trends can inform your sales management and customer retention strategies, leading to sustained business growth. Staying attuned to your audience’s needs fosters loyalty and encourages repeat business. Types of Small Business Strategy Shifts Understanding the various types of small business strategy shifts is vital for effective leadership and successful management. These shifts allow you to adapt to market conditions and ensure business growth. Pivoting Products or Services A pivot in products or services signifies a significant change in your business. This shift often arises from evolving market conditions or changing consumer demands. Product Feature Pivot: Adding or modifying features of your current products helps meet market needs and increases customer satisfaction. Developing New Offerings: Introduce completely new products or services that either complement or replace existing ones. For example, a snowplow business might diversify how it generates revenue by branching into moving or rubbish removal. This adaptation allows for better cash flow management during off-peak seasons. Changing Target Markets Changing target markets can enhance your customer acquisition strategies. Adjusting your focus allows you to tap into new customer segments. Identifying New Audiences: Conduct data analysis to understand demographic shifts and identify potential customers. This helps in fine-tuning marketing strategies and expanding your reach. Creating Tailored Marketing Campaigns: Develop campaigns specifically aimed at these new target groups. Effective brand management in this context can elevate your market presence. Adapting Operational Processes Optimizing operational processes enhances overall efficiency. Streamlined business processes can lead to increased productivity. Implementing Technology Solutions: Invest in software tools that automate mundane tasks. Automation helps in improved time management and allows your team to focus more on strategic initiatives. Improving Workflow: Analyze current workflows and make necessary adjustments. This leads to greater operational efficiency and can significantly reduce lag times in meeting deadlines. These strategic shifts collectively support your overarching business goals, setting you up for sustained success in a competitive environment. Implementing Effective Strategy Shifts Successful small businesses adapt effectively to change by implementing strategic shifts that align with evolving market conditions. You can leverage these shifts to enhance performance and achieve your business goals. Assessing Current Position Evaluating your current position is crucial for identifying gaps and opportunities. Recognize signs of change in your market, including consumer behavior shifts and technological advancements. Regularly monitor your business environment to stay informed. Understanding limitations in your product offerings or seasonality helps you diversify and maintain a steady revenue stream. Setting Clear Goals Establishing clear, measurable goals sets the direction for your strategic shifts. Define specific business objectives related to growth, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. Use SMART criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to ensure your goals support overall business strategy. Clear goals facilitate effective decision-making, allowing you to allocate resources, budget accordingly, and evaluate performance over time. Engaging Team Members Engaging your team is vital for successful implementation. Ensure all employees understand new strategies and their roles within these changes. Foster a culture of open communication where team members can contribute ideas and feedback. Providing training and resources enhances employee development, leading to better collaboration and improved productivity. Encouraging team input not only boosts morale but also helps address potential challenges early, ensuring a smoother transition. Conclusion Embracing strategic shifts is essential for your small business to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. By staying adaptable and responsive to market changes you can not only meet consumer demands but also seize new opportunities. Focusing on innovation and operational efficiency will empower you to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Remember to involve your team in this journey as their insights and collaboration can drive successful implementation. With the right strategies in place you’ll position your business for long-term success and competitiveness in an ever-evolving market. Frequently Asked Questions Why is it important for small businesses to adapt quickly to market changes? Adapting quickly enables small businesses to stay relevant and competitive. It allows them to respond to shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and economic changes, ensuring they meet customer needs effectively and optimize operations. What is meant by a small business strategy shift? A small business strategy shift refers to changes in a company’s comprehensive plan to achieve its goals. This may involve adjusting financial strategies, marketing approaches, or operational processes to cope with market dynamics and enhance overall competitiveness. How can small businesses identify areas for improvement? Businesses can identify improvement areas by gathering customer feedback, analyzing market trends, and evaluating their current operations. Regular assessments enable owners to pinpoint weaknesses and leverage opportunities for growth. What are the types of strategic shifts for small businesses? Types of strategic shifts include pivoting product or service offerings, changing target markets, and adapting operational processes with technology. Each shift helps businesses align with market demands and enhance customer engagement. How do technology solutions enhance small business operations? Technology solutions streamline operations, improve employee training, and upgrade customer service. By automating processes and providing data insights, these tools can enhance decision-making and productivity, ultimately leading to better business outcomes. What role does communication play in implementing strategy shifts? Open communication fosters collaboration and helps team members understand new goals and strategies. Engaging employees during the shift process enhances buy-in, reduces resistance, and improves the overall effectiveness of the implementation. How can SMART goals guide strategic shifts? SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—provide clear targets for small businesses during strategic shifts. They help in tracking progress and ensuring that actions align with the overall business objectives, facilitating better decision-making. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Small Business Strategy Shifts for Lasting Success and Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Adaptability is Crucial: Small businesses must quickly adapt their strategies to stay competitive in a fast-paced market influenced by consumer behavior and technological advancements.Importance of Strategic Shifts: Implementing strategic shifts can lead to improved decision-making, enhanced productivity, and better cash flow management, ultimately ensuring long-term success.Understanding Consumer Behavior: Monitoring shifts in consumer preferences is vital for tailoring marketing strategies and improving customer retention efforts, fostering loyalty over time.Types of Strategy Shifts: Small businesses can achieve growth by pivoting products or services, changing target markets, and optimizing operational processes to enhance efficiency.Setting Clear Goals and Engaging Teams: Establishing defined objectives and involving team members in strategic changes are essential for effective implementation and overall business success. In today’s fast-paced market, small businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Whether it’s a shift in consumer behavior or new technology trends, your strategy needs to evolve. Embracing change can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. You might find yourself rethinking your approach to everything from marketing to customer engagement. By identifying key areas for improvement and implementing innovative strategies, you can position your business for long-term success. Let’s explore the essential shifts you can make to not just keep up but lead the way in your industry. Understanding Small Business Strategy Shifts Understanding small business strategy shifts involves recognizing changes that impact your management and operations. Adapting to these changes can enhance your business growth and ensure long-term success. Definition of Small Business Strategy Small business strategy refers to the plan that outlines how your enterprise will achieve its goals. It encompasses various aspects such as financial planning, marketing strategy, and operational efficiency. A well-defined strategy aligns your team management efforts with business objectives. For instance, you might implement project management techniques to optimize workflows, ensuring the timely completion of tasks. Importance of Strategic Shifts Strategic shifts play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness. In today’s fast-paced market, your ability to adapt determines your business’s longevity. Adopting new technology solutions can streamline operations, enhance employee training, and improve customer service. These shifts lead to better decision-making and increased productivity. For example, leveraging data analysis helps refine your marketing campaigns and boosts customer retention rates. Embracing operational changes can also provide better cash flow management, supporting your overall business model and facilitating business expansion. Reasons for Small Business Strategy Shifts Small businesses often adjust their strategies to thrive in a dynamic market. These shifts respond to economic changes, technological trends, and evolving consumer behavior. Market Changes Economic shifts can significantly affect your demand for products and services. During economic downturns, you might diversify your offerings or focus on cost leadership to remain competitive. For example, implementing a more robust pricing strategy during a recession can help retain customers by appealing to their budget-conscious habits. Seasonal businesses should also explore ways to maintain revenue, such as offering products or services tailored to various seasonal needs. This flexibility ensures a consistent cash flow throughout the year. Technological Advancements Advancements in technology can revolutionize how you manage business operations. Embracing software tools for project management, customer service, or inventory management can enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Adopting technology solutions streamlines your workflow, automates repetitive tasks, and improves employee training protocols, ultimately leading to better decision-making. Regularly evaluating new tools can keep your business competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. Consumer Behavior Understanding shifts in consumer behavior is crucial for adapting your marketing strategy and customer acquisition efforts. Changes in preferences or buying patterns often require you to pivot your approach. Gathering customer feedback through surveys or focused discussions lets you tailor your offerings effectively. Additionally, analyzing data on customer trends can inform your sales management and customer retention strategies, leading to sustained business growth. Staying attuned to your audience’s needs fosters loyalty and encourages repeat business. Types of Small Business Strategy Shifts Understanding the various types of small business strategy shifts is vital for effective leadership and successful management. These shifts allow you to adapt to market conditions and ensure business growth. Pivoting Products or Services A pivot in products or services signifies a significant change in your business. This shift often arises from evolving market conditions or changing consumer demands. Product Feature Pivot: Adding or modifying features of your current products helps meet market needs and increases customer satisfaction. Developing New Offerings: Introduce completely new products or services that either complement or replace existing ones. For example, a snowplow business might diversify how it generates revenue by branching into moving or rubbish removal. This adaptation allows for better cash flow management during off-peak seasons. Changing Target Markets Changing target markets can enhance your customer acquisition strategies. Adjusting your focus allows you to tap into new customer segments. Identifying New Audiences: Conduct data analysis to understand demographic shifts and identify potential customers. This helps in fine-tuning marketing strategies and expanding your reach. Creating Tailored Marketing Campaigns: Develop campaigns specifically aimed at these new target groups. Effective brand management in this context can elevate your market presence. Adapting Operational Processes Optimizing operational processes enhances overall efficiency. Streamlined business processes can lead to increased productivity. Implementing Technology Solutions: Invest in software tools that automate mundane tasks. Automation helps in improved time management and allows your team to focus more on strategic initiatives. Improving Workflow: Analyze current workflows and make necessary adjustments. This leads to greater operational efficiency and can significantly reduce lag times in meeting deadlines. These strategic shifts collectively support your overarching business goals, setting you up for sustained success in a competitive environment. Implementing Effective Strategy Shifts Successful small businesses adapt effectively to change by implementing strategic shifts that align with evolving market conditions. You can leverage these shifts to enhance performance and achieve your business goals. Assessing Current Position Evaluating your current position is crucial for identifying gaps and opportunities. Recognize signs of change in your market, including consumer behavior shifts and technological advancements. Regularly monitor your business environment to stay informed. Understanding limitations in your product offerings or seasonality helps you diversify and maintain a steady revenue stream. Setting Clear Goals Establishing clear, measurable goals sets the direction for your strategic shifts. Define specific business objectives related to growth, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. Use SMART criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to ensure your goals support overall business strategy. Clear goals facilitate effective decision-making, allowing you to allocate resources, budget accordingly, and evaluate performance over time. Engaging Team Members Engaging your team is vital for successful implementation. Ensure all employees understand new strategies and their roles within these changes. Foster a culture of open communication where team members can contribute ideas and feedback. Providing training and resources enhances employee development, leading to better collaboration and improved productivity. Encouraging team input not only boosts morale but also helps address potential challenges early, ensuring a smoother transition. Conclusion Embracing strategic shifts is essential for your small business to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. By staying adaptable and responsive to market changes you can not only meet consumer demands but also seize new opportunities. Focusing on innovation and operational efficiency will empower you to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Remember to involve your team in this journey as their insights and collaboration can drive successful implementation. With the right strategies in place you’ll position your business for long-term success and competitiveness in an ever-evolving market. Frequently Asked Questions Why is it important for small businesses to adapt quickly to market changes? Adapting quickly enables small businesses to stay relevant and competitive. It allows them to respond to shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and economic changes, ensuring they meet customer needs effectively and optimize operations. What is meant by a small business strategy shift? A small business strategy shift refers to changes in a company’s comprehensive plan to achieve its goals. This may involve adjusting financial strategies, marketing approaches, or operational processes to cope with market dynamics and enhance overall competitiveness. How can small businesses identify areas for improvement? Businesses can identify improvement areas by gathering customer feedback, analyzing market trends, and evaluating their current operations. Regular assessments enable owners to pinpoint weaknesses and leverage opportunities for growth. What are the types of strategic shifts for small businesses? Types of strategic shifts include pivoting product or service offerings, changing target markets, and adapting operational processes with technology. Each shift helps businesses align with market demands and enhance customer engagement. How do technology solutions enhance small business operations? Technology solutions streamline operations, improve employee training, and upgrade customer service. By automating processes and providing data insights, these tools can enhance decision-making and productivity, ultimately leading to better business outcomes. What role does communication play in implementing strategy shifts? Open communication fosters collaboration and helps team members understand new goals and strategies. Engaging employees during the shift process enhances buy-in, reduces resistance, and improves the overall effectiveness of the implementation. How can SMART goals guide strategic shifts? SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—provide clear targets for small businesses during strategic shifts. They help in tracking progress and ensuring that actions align with the overall business objectives, facilitating better decision-making. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Small Business Strategy Shifts for Lasting Success and Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you'll soon be able to send money to friends and family instantly simply by tapping your devices together. A new peer-to-peer payment feature transfers funds from debit cards in your Samsung Wallet to those stored in a recipient's digital wallet or their physical tap-to-pay card. The feature will be available to Samsung Wallet users in the U.S. later this month. How Samsung Wallet 'Tap to Transfer' worksSamsung's new "Tap to Transfer" feature utilizes NFC technology to connect to debit cards in any digital wallet, meaning you can send cash even if the recipient uses a different third-party app (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or only has a physical debit card. Alternatively, you can transfer money to other Samsung Wallet users by searching for their phone number if they aren't nearby to tap. There are a few benefits to Tap to Transfer. First, it doesn't require everyone to use the same peer-to-peer payment service like Venmo or Cash App, making it easier in situations like splitting dinner bills to move money around to all members of the group and eliminating the hassle of signing up for a new app. It also deposits funds to linked bank accounts in minutes (depending on the bank), so you don't have to wait days or pay fees for instant transfers. (Note that the debit card in your Samsung Wallet must be a Visa or Mastercard for this feature to work.) Samsung Wallet, like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, allows users to store everything from payment cards and IDs to loyalty cards and digital keys to concert tickets and boarding passes. Apple also has a peer-to-peer payment feature called Tap to Cash, but both users must have compatible iOS or watchOS devices with Apple Cash already set up. View the full article

The vertical video feed is coming to the Netflix app. The streaming service announced Tuesday that in the coming weeks it will pilot the new feature, which it will populate with short-form clips of movies and shows tailored to the end-user’s viewing habits. Netflix users will be able to swipe through the feed to watch, save, or share content with friends, just like Tiktok. Yep the user interface that took over social media is making its way into streaming—but most importantly for Netflix, it’s a play for improving its own content discovery engine. “We know that swiping through a vertical feed on social media apps is an easy way to browse video content, and we also know that our members love to browse our clips and trailers to find their next obsession, so in the coming weeks we’ll be testing a vertical feed filled with clips of Netflix shows and movies to make discovery easy and fun,” Netflix’s chief product officer Eunice Kim said during a virtual presentation. During this mobile-only test, the vertical video feed won’t be available to every single member, Netflix tells Fast Company, but those who get it will see recommendations personalized to them, with feature clips from their “top picks for you.” Netflix previously tried vertical-video feeds in 2021 with two themed apps, Fast Laughs for comedy clips and Kids Clips for clips from its children’s programming, but it’s forthcoming in-app pilot expands on that concept across the streamer’s library. The announcement was one of a number of design changes Netflix announced Tuesday, including a new “My Netflix” tab with listed content, reminders for upcoming shows, and a continue watching feed, as well as a homepage designed to show more information at a glance, including callouts like “New Episode,” “Recently Added,” “Oscar Winner,” and “We think you’ll love this” that appear with their own emoji-style icons next to shows. The company is also considering expanding into video podcasts. But it’s the vertical video feed that seems aimed at killing two birds with one stone. Netflix head of design Steve Johnson told Fast Company last year that the two things that keep him up at night are discovery and competition for viewing time from a generation that spends a majority of its viewing hours on mobile devices. By piloting its own short-form, vertical video feed, Netflix is trying to both improve discovery and carve out more viewing time on its app with a swiping experience borrowed from social media. Already, TikTok’s social media competitors like Instagram have made design changes that mirror its vertical video layout, and that trend is now creeping into other app categories. (Tubi launched its own TikTok-ified discovery format, called “Scenes,” last fall.) As TikTok became more popular, full-length, professionally shot shows had to compete with more and more short-form video content, and even with amateur, recorded snippets of their own IP popping up in social feeds. Now, Netflix is trying to meet viewers where they are, with a few potential benefits. By offering viewers shareable clips of its own shows, Netflix has a say in how its content appears on other platforms, while still taking advantage of the soft marketing of user-generated fandom. And if cutting up its shows into bite-size videos and organizing them in a format familiar to social media natives provides Netflix a better discovery funnel for new shows, the format could soon find other closed platform imitators. View the full article

Bill Pulte once again claimed he's signed over 50 directives at the housing regulator, although he's only made some of those that affect lenders public. View the full article

Policymakers warn levies could increase inflation and unemployment in threat to US central bank’s mandate View the full article

CrowdStrike reiterated its fiscal 2026 first quarter and annual forecasts on Wednesday and announced a plan to cut about 500 roles, roughly 5% of its workforce, to streamline operations and reduce costs. The cybersecurity company will incur about $36 million to $53 million in charges related to the layoffs, of which about $7 million will be recognized in the first quarter ended April 30, it said in a regulatory filing. Austin, Texas-based CrowdStrike said the rest of the charges will be seen in the second quarter. The charges primarily consist of future cash expenditure related to severance payments, employee benefits, and related costs. The company’s shares were down nearly 4% in morning trading. CrowdStrike had 10,118 full-time employees as of January 31, according to its annual report. “While we will continue to prudently hire, primarily in customer-facing and product engineering roles, we are reducing roles in some areas of the business,” CEO George Kurtz said in a note to the company’s employees. Cybersecurity remains a priority for businesses and governments at a time when high-profile hacking incidents have hit companies such as Microsoft, UnitedHealth Group and Walt Disney. Analysts have said CrowdStrike’s prompt handling of the Windows outage last year, which disrupted internet services globally, helped the company maintain customer trust. CrowdStrike reiterated its full-year 2026 revenue forecast to be between $4.74 billion and $4.81 billion and reaffirmed its annual adjusted profit-per-share estimate of $3.33 to $3.45. The company’s forecast for first-quarter revenue was between $1.10 billion and $1.11 billion. “This will likely spark debate on if this announcement is coming from a place of weakness or strength—to which we broadly believe it is the latter,” multinational financial services company Piper Sandler said in a note. CrowdStrike will release financial results for its first quarter on June 3. —Jaspreet Singh, Reuters View the full article

On average, Americans spend $77 each month (or $924 annually) on subscriptions, according to a recent survey. But how many of those subscriptions are really adding value to our lives, and how many are set to autopay and simply slip through the cracks every month? From streaming entertainment and fitness apps to meal delivery kits and software tools, if you’re not sure what you’re spending every month on subscriptions, it's time for a personal audit. Why you need to audit your subscriptionsWhile subscription services offer convenience, they can silently drain your bank account when left unchecked. There’s a reason why auto-renewal subscription payments are referred to as “evergreen.” At the end of either a monthly or annual subscription term, these services renew automatically unless you choose to cancel. Of course, this is why they’re so hard to track. If you stop using the service, you tend to forget the service exists and not notice the charges adding up. Plus, it's all too easy to fall victim to a free trial trap. Many services lure customers with free trials that automatically convert to paid subscriptions. Companies count on you forgetting to cancel before the trial ends, turning your momentary interest into a recurring expense. Even if you're selective on your end, subscription services frequently raise their prices after you've become dependent on them. These increases might seem small individually, but they add up across multiple services. How to conduct a subscription auditSure, you can download a dedicated subscription tracking service. These apps connect to your bank accounts and automatically identify your subscription services, which you can then track on a custom dashboard. But remember that many of these apps are tiered and additional services might charge you a monthly fee, which makes them… yet another autopay subscription service. Here's how to conduct an audit on your own, for free. Track down all your subscriptionsThe first step is to identify recurring charges on your credit card, debit card, or online banking accounts. Set aside an hour to list all of your monthly and annual subscription expenses for the past year. Don’t recognize a few of them? Or maybe there’s a service you like but rarely use? Go ahead and cancel those. Create a calendar reminder for yourself to do this every month or so if you really want to stay on top of it. Some charges might not be easy to pin down, so you need to play detective using the following steps: Review the last three months of credit card and bank statements Check your email for subscription confirmations and receipts Look through your app store subscriptions (Apple App Store, Google Play) Check payment services like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App Review your Amazon recurring orders and subscriptions Don't forget annual subscriptions that might not appear in recent statements. Create a subscription trackerNow it's time for a spreadsheet. For each subscription, document: Service name Monthly/annual cost Billing date Last time you used the service Whether it's essential or non-essential This visual representation helps you understand your total subscription spending and identify potential cuts. Evaluate each subscription's valueAssuming you're not going full scorched-earth, you'll need to evaluate each subscription to see if it makes the cut. Ask yourself these questions for each service: When was the last time I used this? Does this subscription save me money compared to pay-per-use? Could I downgrade to a cheaper tier? Is there a free alternative that would work nearly as well? Does this subscription meaningfully improve my life? Be honest about which services truly add value, versus those you keep out of habit or inertia. Take action: Cancel, pause, or negotiateFor services you decide to keep: Mark renewal dates on your calendar Look for annual payment options that might offer discounts Contact customer service to negotiate better rates For those you don't need: Cancel immediately (don't wait until the next billing cycle) Take screenshots of cancellation confirmations Remove payment information when possible The bottom lineThink about it like this: Even cutting just $50 in monthly subscriptions saves $600 annually. I recommend implementing an ongoing system. Schedule quarterly subscription audits on your calendar, enable notifications for all subscription charges, and even consider a dedicated credit card for subscriptions to easily track spending. Take an hour this weekend to audit your subscriptions. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you. View the full article