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May is here, and it’s time to save with the Top 7 May Coupons You Can’t Miss. These offers include savings on Skechers Water-Repellent Winter Boots and Lancome exclusive beauty bundles. You’ll additionally find discounts on vital cleaning tools and smart kitchen appliances. Each deal presents an opportunity to improve your lifestyle without overspending. Discover the full list of must-have items that can optimize your savings this month. Key Takeaways Save $50 on Skechers Water-Repellent Winter Boots, featuring lightweight insulation and slip-resistant outsoles for comfort and safety. Grab Lancome beauty products for just $71, including popular items like Advanced Génifique Serum and Hypnôse Mascara, normally worth over $200. Get a Bissell Pet Hair Vacuum for $99.99, down from $149.99, designed with specialized attachments for effective pet hair cleaning. Take advantage of the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for only $25, offering significant savings for pet owners needing a compact cleaning solution. Invest in a Smart XL Cooking Appliance for $129.99, a limited-time offer that combines air frying, roasting, and baking for busy households. Amazing Deals on Skechers Water-Repellent Winter Boots In relation to staying warm and dry this winter, Skechers water-repellent winter boots offer excellent options at prices ranging from $70 to $120. These boots are designed with lightweight insulation and memory foam insoles, ensuring comfort and support during long wear. You’ll find many styles available in various colors and sizes, catering to your unique fashion preferences. Moreover, the slip-resistant outsoles make them ideal for traversing slippery surfaces during winter months. To make your purchase even better, keep an eye out for many coupons that can provide significant savings. For instance, a $50 off coupon can greatly reduce your total cost, whereas delivery discounts may similarly be available. These promotions can help you enjoy high-quality winter boots without breaking the bank, ensuring you stay stylish and protected from the elements all season long. Exclusive Offer on 20 Lancome Products for Just $71 After ensuring your winter wardrobe is complete with stylish and functional footwear, consider enhancing your beauty collection with an exclusive offer on 20 Lancome products for just $71. This deal is a fantastic opportunity for beauty enthusiasts, as the individual prices of these items typically exceed $200. With this substantial discount, you can try multiple Lancome products at a fraction of their regular prices. Here are four items included in this exclusive offer: Advanced Génifique Serum Hypnôse Mascara Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum Act quickly, as availability may be limited. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to stock up on luxury beauty products. Moreover, keep an eye out for any upcoming may coupons or a coupon July 15 off coupon that may help you save even more on your beauty purchases! Bissell Pet Hair Vacuum at an Unbeatable Price The Bissell Pet Hair Vacuum is now available for just $99.99, a notable reduction from its original price of $149.99, making it an excellent choice for pet owners looking to manage shedding. This vacuum features a specialized pet hair attachment designed to effectively remove pet hair from upholstery and carpets, ensuring a cleaner home environment. It likewise boasts a multi-cyclonic suction system that maintains strong suction strength, providing thorough cleaning on various surfaces. Weighing in as a lightweight model, it’s easy to maneuver, making your cleaning tasks less strenuous. The 30-foot electrical cord allows for extended reach, so you can cover more ground without frequently switching outlets. Furthermore, the Bissell Pet Hair Vacuum comes with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind regarding its durability and performance. With this price drop, now’s the time to invest in a reliable cleaning tool customized for pet owners. Incredible Savings on Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum For just $25 shipped, you can grab the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum, a remarkable deal compared to its usual price of $70. This vacuum is particularly designed for pet owners, making it excellent for tackling pet hair and dander. With strong suction and a compact design, it’s perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces. Here are some key features of the Shark Cyclone vacuum: Lightweight Build: Easy to carry around for quick clean-ups. Effective Suction: Removes pet hair and dander efficiently from various surfaces. Compact Design: Ideal for smaller homes or apartments with limited storage. Substantial Savings: Enjoy a $45 discount, making it a smart investment for maintaining a clean environment. Don’t miss out on this incredible offer—it’s an excellent time to improve your cleaning routine! Discounted Vera Bradley Throw Blankets at Target If you’re looking to improve your home decor with cozy yet stylish options, now’s a great time to check out the Vera Bradley Throw Blankets at Target. Currently priced at just $12.34, these blankets have seen a significant drop from their original price of $65, offering an impressive savings of about 81%. With lively patterns and soft fabric, they’re perfect for enhancing your living space or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Nonetheless, this deal is a limited-time offer, so it’s important to act quickly if you want to secure this discount. Availability may vary by location, so be sure to check your local Target store or visit the Target website for stock updates. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a touch of warmth and style to your home during your budget. Affordable Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack If you’re looking to care for your indoor plants without breaking the bank, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is a great option at just $9.39 on Amazon. Each pack is packed with nutrients that support healthy growth for various indoor plants, making it versatile for houseplants, flowers, and even vegetables. Plus, the easy application process means you can mix it with water and nourish your plants with minimal effort. Affordable Indoor Plant Care In relation to maintaining a thriving indoor garden, having the right nutrients is vital, and the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack offers an affordable solution at just $9.39 on Amazon. Designed for potted plants and indoor gardens, this plant food provides fundamental nutrients that boost growth and vibrancy. Regular use can lead to a lush indoor environment, as many users have noted its effectiveness in revitalizing their plants. Here are some key benefits: Cost-effective: At $9.39, it’s budget-friendly. Versatile: Suitable for various indoor plants and setups. Nutrient-rich: Promotes healthy growth over time. User-approved: Positive feedback confirms its effectiveness. Investing in this plant food can greatly improve your indoor gardening experience. Easy Application Process Maintaining a lively indoor garden with Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is straightforward, thanks to its easy application process. Simply mix the recommended amount of plant food with water, and your plants will receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth. With a price starting as low as $9.39 on Amazon, you can affordably maintain your indoor plants without overspending. This convenient product allows you to take care of your plants quickly and efficiently, ensuring they thrive. Plus, ordering through Amazon guarantees quick delivery right to your doorstep, so you won’t have to wait long to start using it. Make plant care easier with this user-friendly option, perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Nutrient-Rich Formula Benefits When you choose Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack, you’re investing in a nutrient-rich formula particularly crafted to improve the growth and health of your indoor plants. This affordable option, starting at just $9.39, guarantees you get maximum benefits for your plant care. Here are four key advantages of using Miracle-Gro: Promotes lively growth and lush foliage in indoor plants. Each application considerably boosts the overall health and energy of your houseplants. The convenient 2-Pack allows for multiple applications, providing long-lasting benefits. Miracle-Gro is a trusted brand known for effective formulations that cater to a wide variety of indoor plants. Using this formula regularly can transform your indoor gardening experience, assuring your plants thrive. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer at a Steep Discount Right now, you can snag the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for just $129.99, a remarkable drop from its regular price of $250. This versatile appliance combines air frying, roasting, and baking, making it a must-have in your kitchen. The Smart XL model features Smart Cook System technology, which guarantees perfectly cooked meals with precise temperature control. Users appreciate how it cooks food evenly and quickly, perfect for busy households. Feature Benefit Savings Smart Cook System Precise temperature control $120 off Versatile Cooking Options Air frying, roasting, baking Limited-time deal Quick Cooking Saves you time in the kitchen Great investment This deal offers significant savings, making it an ideal time to invest in this high-quality cooking device. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Coupon Site? The most popular coupon site is RetailMeNot, featuring over 500,000 coupons and deals from various retailers. It’s user-friendly, allowing you to easily find discounts. Another strong contender is Coupons.com, known for its printable and digital coupons. Honey simplifies the process by automatically applying codes at checkout. For unique local deals, Groupon thrives, whereas Rakuten offers cash back alongside coupons. Each site provides distinct benefits, catering to different shopping preferences. What Is the GIMME10 Code? The GIMME10 code offers you a $10 discount on your purchase, either online or in-store. To use it, simply enter the code at checkout. Be mindful that this promotion usually comes with a minimum purchase requirement, meaning you’ll need to spend a certain amount to qualify. Furthermore, check the expiration date, as these codes are typically valid for a limited time. You might find this code through emails or social media promotions. What Is the TRIPLE10 Promo Code? The TRIPLE10 promo code gives you a 10% discount on select items during promotional events or sales. You can apply this code at checkout for both in-store and online purchases, making it convenient. Be sure to check the terms and conditions to confirm which products qualify. Since this code is often time-sensitive, keep an eye on expiration dates. Combining TRIPLE10 with other sales or coupons can improve your overall savings. What Is the $100 off Temu Coupon Code? The $100 off Temu coupon code is a promotional offer that allows you to save considerably on your purchases. Typically available for new users or during limited-time promotions, this code improves your shopping experience. To use it, enter the code at checkout, ensuring the discount applies to your total order. Keep in mind that Temu frequently updates its promotions, so check regularly for the latest coupon codes and possible ways to combine savings. Conclusion In conclusion, May presents a valuable opportunity to save on various crucial items with the Top 7 May Coupons. From Skechers winter boots to exclusive Lancome beauty products, these deals cater to diverse needs. Moreover, pet owners can benefit from effective cleaning solutions, as home cooks can improve their kitchen with discounted appliances. Act quickly to take advantage of these limited-time offers, ensuring you maximize your savings this month and acquire high-quality products at reduced prices. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Top 7 May Coupons You Can’t Miss" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US president backs away from new trade war after talks with Nato chief Mark RutteView the full article

Former president and former secretary of state could face criminal charges if found guilty View the full article

The next time you’ve got an itchy throat and a stuffy nose, Amazon wants you to describe your symptoms to an AI chatbot deputized to do medicine. On Wednesday, Amazon announced the launch of the new feature, inviting users who subscribe to its healthcare service to interact with an AI assistant for personalized medical advice. The chatbot is available now in the One Medical app, which patients can use to schedule appointments, message their primary care provider and access their medical records. “The U.S. health care experience is fragmented, with each provider seeing only parts of your health puzzle,” Amazon Health Services Senior Vice President Neil Lindsay said in the announcement. “Health AI in the One Medical app brings together all the pieces of your personal health information to give you a more complete picture—helping you understand your health, and supporting you in getting the care you need to get and stay well.” Amazon says that its new Health AI assistant can provide “personalized insights” that use a patient’s lab results, medical history, medication information and other records to paint a full picture of their health. In the app, Health AI will explain lab results, offer advice about symptoms, treatments, and other questions and help patients book appointments and renew medications. The AI will see you now The One Medical AI assistant is powered by Amazon’s Bedrock AI models and follows similar health-focused AI chatbots from major AI companies. Earlier this month, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, which similarly synthesizes its users’ medical history to provide tailored advice. Days later, Anthropic introduced Claude for Healthcare, an AI chatbot that can analyze a user’s health data to help them make sense of test results and prep questions for a doctor’s appointment. Unlike its competitors, Amazon is already deeply invested in the business of healthcare. The retail giant jumped into the healthcare space in 2020 by launching its own online pharmacy, an offering that evolved from the company’s previous acquisition of health startup PillPack. Two years later, Amazon bought primary care and telehealth provider One Medical for $3.9 billion, further expanding its grand ambitions to become an established medical provider. Amazon kept the One Medical branding and now operates a network of locations across 19 major U.S. cities, with a telehealth service that reaches subscribers beyond those locations. In 2023, Amazon tied One Medical into its Amazon Prime memberships, offering the health care subscription at a discounted $9 per month to Prime users. A One Medical membership covers the cost of on-demand virtual care through the service, including telehealth appointments, and simplified care for common problems, like cold and flu symptoms or allergies. Amazon frames its new Health AI chatbot as a “complementary” tool that isn’t designed to replace the human relationship between patient and provider. That’s for the best, considering that AI assistants have a very patchy record when it comes to providing safe, accurate health advice. Google’s often-questionable AI overviews, which appear at the top of search results, have served up potentially dangerous misinformation when prompted with health queries like “what is the normal range for liver blood tests.” Google isn’t alone: a recent study from Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine found that popular AI chatbots are prone to hallucinating when it comes to medical information, integrating false information and confidently giving descriptions of treatments and conditions that don’t exist. View the full article

The $13 billion auction was awarded at 4.846%, about a basis point lower than its yield in trading just before 1 p.m. View the full article

The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year marks a return to normalcy after the 2025 award show was altered to focus on supporting relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. “I think we will see some history-making moments,” Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. told The Associated Press. “With artists being nominated in categories they haven’t been previously nominated in, and a new crop of talent coming through the system this year — I think we’re going to see some really exciting results.” Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Grammys, including how to stream and where you can see music’s biggest stars walking the red carpet. When are the Grammys and how can I watch or stream the show? The main show will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 1. The Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. Paramount+ premium plan subscribers will be able to stream the Grammys live; Paramount+ essential subscribers will have on-demand access the next day. The premiere ceremony will take place just ahead of the Grammys’ ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Pacific at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It can be streamed at the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com. Who is performing at the Grammys? The 2026 award show will feature a special segment in which all eight of this year’s best new artist nominees will perform. That means Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, global girl group Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Alex Warren and Lola Young will all share the stage before going head-to-head for one of the night’s biggest prizes. Sabrina Carpenter will also perform at the Grammys. Carpenter is a leading nominee at this year’s ceremony, with six nods for record, album and song of the year as well as pop solo performance, pop vocal album and music video. Who is hosting the Grammys? Comedian Trevor Noah will host the show for the sixth consecutive time — and it will be his last. “I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time,” Grammys’ executive producer Ben Winston said in a statement. “He’s been the most phenomenal host of the show. He’s so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.” The only other people to host six or more Grammy telecasts were musical artists: Andy Williams hosted seven shows, followed by John Denver with six. Noah previously tied LL Cool J, with five. Noah himself is a four-time Grammy nominee and is up this year in the audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category for “Into The Uncut Grass,” a children’s story. “He’s a special host. He really finds the right balance between being funny and smart and knowledgeable but also being a fan of music. And I love that. It’s so hard to find that combination,” Mason jr. said. As for his departure? “Every person at some point in their career, they decide they want to do something else,” Mason jr. said. “And we’re so appreciative of the years that we got from Trevor. He’s really helped define the show and make the show what it’s become over the last six years.” How can I watch the red carpet? The Associated Press will stream a four-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion footage. It will be streamed on YouTube and APNews.com. Who is nominated for the Grammys? Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with nine total. He’s up for record, song and album of the year — marking the third time he’s had simultaneous nominations in those big categories — as well as pop duo/group performance, melodic rap performance, rap song and rap album. He’s also nominated twice in the rap performance category. Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Canadian record producer/songwriter Cirkut follow Lamar with seven nominations each. Thomas, Bad Bunny, Serban Ghenea, and the aforementioned Carpenter all boast six nominations. Andrew Watt, Clipse, Doechii, Sounwave, SZA, Turnstile, and Tyler, the Creator have five each. There are a number of first-time nominees as well this year, including Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JID and … Timothée Chalamet. You read that correctly. ___ For more coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards, visit: www.apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards —Maria Sherman, AP business writer View the full article

Earlier this month Strava unveiled its new Instant Workouts feature, a subscriber-exclusive tool that seems like a natural way to leverage its acquisition of Runna. In a Reddit post, Strava said this feature builds upon Runna's already successful Instant Workouts feature. Instant Workouts uses your activity history to generate personalized workouts across four intents ("Maintain," "Build," "Explore," or "Recover"). The idea is that the more you upload, the more personalized your recommendations become. Another major selling point is the automatic route generation feature, which draws on Strava's massive database of billions of historical activities to suggest optimal paths for each workout. The timing of this rollout seems deliberate as the company positions itself for its anticipated IPO. And on paper, it sounds like exactly the kind of innovation that would indeed justify a Strava subscription. In practice, however, the execution leaves a good bit to be desired. A half-baked launchUnfortunately, the feature's current implementation falls far short of its potential. The most glaring issue: You cannot actually view your workout details once you've started the activity in the app. Strava generates solid, complex, multi-interval workouts—but provides no way to reference them on your watch during your run or ride. You'd have to screenshot the workout beforehand or print it out. For the majority of us athletes who rely on our devices to guide interval training, pace targets, and recovery periods, this renders the feature practically useless. Strava has acknowledged this limitation in a Reddit post, promising that device integration for Garmin and Apple watches is "coming soon." But the timeline for that "soon" is questionable at best. The relationship between Strava and Garmin has reportedly grown frosty following a lawsuit last fall, and there's little incentive for Garmin to prioritize features that primarily benefit Strava's subscription revenue and investor appeal. Without Garmin's cooperation and swift implementation, a significant portion of Strava's serious athlete user base remains locked out of the feature's full utility. Solid workout designOn the bright side, in my opinion, the workouts themselves show promise—though others disagree. The training plans generated appear to take into account individual fitness levels reasonably well. From my testing, the prescribed intervals, pacing, and progression made sense given my current training status and recent activity history. These all make sense for me. Credit: Meredith Dietz That said, user experiences vary considerably. Some athletes report receiving workouts that seem disconnected from their actual fitness or goals, while others note that the workout descriptions use non-standard terminology that doesn't align with how most training plans communicate intervals and pacing. Then there's the route generation. In a well-traveled area with dense activity heat maps like New York City, my suggested routes tend to be solid and sensible enough. As always, my personal preferences are to avoid extra crowded streets or sketchy areas, which Strava never seems to take into account. Ultimately, the algorithm benefits from years of crowdsourced data showing which streets, paths, and loops are actually popular with runners and cyclists. However, users in less densely populated areas or regions with sparser Strava usage report wildly inconsistent results. Some routes make no logical sense, sending athletes on inefficient paths or suggesting roads that aren't suitable for the prescribed workout type. The feature's quality appears directly tied to the richness of local Strava data, creating a drastic two-tier experience. And once again: Until I can push the workout and corresponding map to my watch, this feature doesn't mean much to me. The bottom lineIf you ask me, Strava's Instant Workouts feature feels rushed to market, likely timed to generate positive press ahead of the IPO rather than to actually serve athletes. Basic functionality that should have been present at launch—like being able to see your workout in the app or send it to your watch—is mysteriously absent. The wonky workout descriptions and inconsistent route quality only compound the sense that this needed more time in development. View the full article

A week after OpenAI admitted it will soon start testing ads in ChatGPT, Google has promised that it's not planning to inject ads into Gemini anytime soon. The statement was given to journalist Alex Heath during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said the company doesn't have "any plans" for ads in Gemini. While the statement was fairly brief, it also jibes with a similar quote Hassabis gave to Axios, where he said he was "a little bit surprised" that OpenAI was already introducing ads to ChatGPT. That surprise is understandable, especially because OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in 2024 that he considered ads a "last resort for us as a business model." But looking at the numbers, it makes sense that ChatGPT is getting ads long before Gemini is even thinking of them. Google can afford to hold off on adsWhile Google makes most of its money through showing people ads, it's also able to rely on Search and YouTube to push ads to most of those eyeballs. Meanwhile, OpenAI is pretty much just ChatGPT. As the latter moves to a for-profit model, it now has to put moneymaking first, something it's had trouble doing without relying on traditional internet moneymakers like ads. Google, meanwhile, is already profitable elsewhere, and is able to take its time and use its sheer size to keep Gemini ad-free, at least while it continues to chase market share. Does this mean Google's AI will never get ads? Well, never say never. But it does mean that they're probably not on the horizon—even if Google plans to more aggressively monetize Gemini over the long term, it isn't facing the same kind of time crunch as Altman's company. It remains to be seen whether the presence of ads will push users away from ChatGPT, but the move comes in the wake of significant wins for Gemini and one major loss for ChatGPT. First, Google's Nano Banana image editing model went viral on social media, winning over the general public. Then, Google struck a deal with Apple to put its AI into the iPhone, and it looks like Gemini will be powering Siri for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, ChatGPT reportedly saw a 6% dip in users early last month, following a model update from Gemini—and that was before the introdution of ads. While ChatGPT still seems to be in the lead on total user count, there's evidence that Google is catching up. The divide in strategy seems clear: As OpenAI seeks ways to get more money out of its existing user base, Google can focus on growing its own with new integrations into the products we already use every day. I can't say what the limits of this growth are, but I can say that I rarely go out of my way use AI, yet I've still found myself accidentally relying on Google's AI overviews every now and then. If Google can get more people like me to casually integrate AI into our regular workflows, it's possible we could soon have a new AI leader on our hands. View the full article

On January 17, Copenhagen resident Jesper Rabe Tønnesen woke up, packed his cargo bike with 300 red hats, and trekked over to his city’s U.S. embassy, where thousands of citizens were gathering in the street to protest President The President’s proposed takeover of Greenland. By the end of the weekend, those hats had become the dominant symbol of the dissenting movement. For months, The President has insisted that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. But, in recent days, he’s escalated his threat to take over the region, announcing on Truth Social that he would impose additional tariffs on eight allied nations who spoke out against the plan. In response, tens of thousands of protestors have gathered in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, to voice their dissent against American occupation of Greenland. Tønnesen, the owner of a vintage store in Copenhagen called McKorman, was one of those protestors. He’s also the designer behind a line of hats parodying The President’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) caps. Tønnesen’s hats substitute The President’s famous phrase for the line “Nu det NUUK!” which is a play on the Danish phrase, “Nu det nok,” literally meaning “Now, it’s enough.” Tønnesen’s caps, as well as several similar designs, have emerged as the stand-out visual symbol of the protests, appearing in countless photos of the demonstrations. “The caps were produced as a comedic response to Donald The President thinking he could buy Greenland,” Tønnesen says, “and as a political statement that enough is enough.” Jesper Toennesen “Enough is enough” Tønnesen first created his “Nu det NUUK!” cap last summer, when he ordered 100 copies for his store and sent another 100 to Greenland. The philosophy behind his design, he says, was simple: “The red MAGA hats have become a very visible political symbol, and so it seemed right to also make the anti-MAGA caps red and white too.” Besides that, he adds, red and white are the two colors of both the Greenlandic and Danish flags, adding an additional layer to the parody. Initial sales were slow. Just a few caps were sold in-store, while others were given away. But a week before Saturday’s demonstration, in the wake of The President’s increasing insistence on a Greenland takeover, the hats went viral. In just a few hours, people bought 80 hats, and Tønnesen says he “could have sold hundreds or even thousands more, had they not sold out.” He currently has thousands of new hats on the way from the manufacturer, and plans to donate all profits to the Greenlandic children’s charity Grønlandske Børn. “It’s been a few intense weeks of talking to global media and people wanting to show support by buying the caps,” Tønnesen says. “In times like these it’s important to stand strong in solidarity, and it’s been nice to see people doing that and agreeing that what’s going on is simply intolerable.” How satirical MAGA hats took off in Greenland and Denmark While Tønnesen’s hats have recently shot into the spotlight, he’s not the first Danish designer to satirize the MAGA cap. Indeed, Tønnesen was inspired by an earlier hat created by designer Jens Martin Skibsted. Jens Martin Skibsted Skibsted is the creative mind behind the website c55, which sells a variety of protest-based statement hats. In the past, he’s created multiple hats in support of Ukrainian charities in the midst of the Russian invasion. He says that he was inspired to create something for Greenland after Donald The President Jr. visited the territory back in January 2025, “in protest against America’s ambition to assert control over the island.” His cap is called the Kalaallit, which is the name of the Greenlandic Inuit in their language, Kalaallisut. It features the slogan “Make America Go Away,” paired with the Greenlandic flag on one side. “While it playfully echoes The President’s slogan, the design is distinct,” the hat’s online listing reads. “The red and white colors reflect the Greenlandic flag, and the typeface, DS 737, is based on the official Danish signage typeface, originally released in 1954 by Dansk Standard as ‘Danish Standard no. 737’.” Skibsted says the hat is made in partnership with the Greenlandic NGO Uagut, which is dedicated to promoting Greenlanders’ wellbeing in Denmark. Since initially handing out his caps for free last spring in the Greenlandic city Sisimiut, Skibsted has created three more iterations of the hat, each honoring some aspect of Greenlandic heritage (including one white version of the cap, which he says was added after “MAGA media” digitally erased the original caps’ text to resemble actual MAGA hats). Like Tønnesen, he passed out 200 copies of his original cap at the Copenhagen protest. He says sales have recently spiked, as awareness of The President’s threats against the territory have reached a much larger audience. “It’s become very international, because obviously very few people in the international community agree that it’s okay just to take over a foreign territory,” Skibsted says. “A lot of people want to stand behind the Greenlanders, and also, by proxy, the Danes.” View the full article

A retail channel veteran, Promisco has spoken frequently about the potential of AI to bring efficiency and lower costs in the loan origination process. 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. This winter is looking rough, with one of the biggest winter storms hitting nearly half the U.S. this weekend. It's safe to assume many people will be without power, especially those in cities without the proper infrastructure to take on record-breaking winter storms. A power station is a great device to keep the lights running in a pinch—and the standalone Anker SOLIX C1000 is 41% off, with the options with Solar Panels going for up to 56% off right now. Mashable voted the Anker SOLIX C1000 the best one for most people. Anker SOLIX C1000 1056wh LiFePO4 Portable Power Station $469.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $329.01 Get Deal Get Deal $469.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $329.01 Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station with 100W Solar Panel, 1800W Solar Generator, 1056wh LFP (LiFePO4) Battery, 6 AC Outlets, Up to 2400W for Home, Power Outages, and Outdoor Camping $619.99 at Amazon $1,328.00 Save $708.01 Get Deal Get Deal $619.99 at Amazon $1,328.00 Save $708.01 Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station with 200W Solar Panel, 1800W Solar Generator, 1056wh LFP (LiFePO4) Battery, 6 AC Outlets, Up to 2400W for Home, Power Outages, and Outdoor Camping $689.99 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $609.01 Get Deal Get Deal $689.99 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $609.01 Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station with 400W Solar Panel, 1800W Solar Generator, 1056wh LFP (LiFePO4) Battery, 6 AC Outlets, Up to 2400W for Home, Power Outages, and Outdoor Camping $869.99 at Amazon $1,998.00 Save $1,128.01 Get Deal Get Deal $869.99 at Amazon $1,998.00 Save $1,128.01 SEE 1 MORE There are many different types of power stations, with portable ones being the most popular: You can take these camping, to tailgate parties, to help complete outdoor DIY projects, and of course, for emergencies. The Anker SOLIX C1000 is a versatile power station and blends practicality and power, as you can read in Mashable's review. It includes a companion Anker app that is user-friendly, with useful information about battery level and usage. It has a 1,056Wh power capacity, which is mid-tier when compared to other power stations, but it's cheaper than others in that tier. You can keep things like lights, hairdryers, and CPAP machines going for hours. It's also lightweight enough to carry around easily. The USB-C power output maxes out at 100W, but you can always use the three-prong plugs for more power. The recharging is quick, and you can opt for one of the portable solar panels, which are also seeing significant discounts right now. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The 42nd Sundance Film Festival kicks off this week in Park City, Utah. It will be the last edition in its longtime home and the first without its founder Robert Redford, who died in September at age 89. But even in this time of transition and change, the festival’s main focus — the movies — remains as vibrant and fresh as ever with 90 features premiering through Feb. 1. And three of them feature pop star Charli xcx. “It’s a broad, eclectic and bold program,” Sundance public programming director Eugene Hernandez told The Associated Press. Hernandez said the lineup for the festival’s final year in Park City has a “mixture of new, exciting voices paired with some really, really great familiar faces from Sundances past that I think will create a great alchemy for this really unique edition in Utah.” When is Sundance? The festival runs from Thursday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 1. There are 90 features premiering throughout, with screenings starting early in the morning and running through midnight. Award winners will be announced on Jan. 30. What celebrities are expected? Some big names who may make an appearance in the mountains include Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Brittney Griner, Seth Rogen, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Duchovny, Olivia Wilde, Daveed Diggs, Channing Tatum, Courtney Love, Chris Pine, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Salman Rushdie, Alexander Skarsgård, Olivia Colman, John Turturro and Catherine Zeta-Jones. How is Sundance honoring Robert Redford? Redford’s legacy will be a main spotlight at the festival, including at Friday night’s annual fundraising gala where organizers will pay tribute to the Sundance founder. Later in the festival, there will also be a screening of his first truly independent film, the 1969 sports drama “Downhill Racer,” and a series of legacy screenings of restored Sundance gems from “Little Miss Sunshine” to Barbara Kopple’s documentary “American Dream.” What are the buzzy movies? Wilde directed her third feature, “The Invite,” in which she and Rogen play an unhappily married couple who host a dinner party for friends (Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton). Gregg Araki made a “sex-positive love letter to Gen Z” with “I Want Your Sex,” also starring Wilde as a provocative artist who takes an interest in a younger intern played by Cooper Hoffman. Portman, sporting platinum blond hair, leads the big ensemble cast of Cathy Yan’s art world satire “The Gallerist,” alongside Zach Galifianakis, Jenna Ortega and Zeta-Jones. Both “I Want Your Sex” and “The Gallerist” feature supporting turns from Charli xcx, but the pop star’s big showcase is “The Moment,” a self-referential mockumentary. Colman stars alongside Skarsgård in “Wicker,” a whimsical tale of a fisherwoman who asks a basket weaver to weave her a husband. Crowe plays the warden of a work camp in 1930s Oregon where Hawke is toiling in “The Weight.” And Gemma Chan and Tatum play parents to a child who witnesses a crime in “Josephine.” In the nonfiction space, “Navalny” director Daniel Roher co-directed a film about artificial intelligence. There are also documentaries about Love, the lead singer of “Hole” and widow of Kurt Cobain, and Griner, the WNBA star who was detained for nearly 10 months in Russia. Can you stream Sundance movies? Yes, but not until Jan. 29. Access to the movies premiering at Sundance doesn’t necessarily require an expensive trip to Park City anymore. The festival has fully embraced an online component for many of their films. What started as a necessary COVID-19 adjustment has become a vital part of the program. From Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, audiences can watch the films in competition online. Prices start at $35 for a single film ticket. When will the Sundance movies be in theaters? It depends. Some have distribution and will soon be in theaters, like “The Moment,” which A24 is releasing on Jan. 30. Others that might secure distribution deals out of the festival can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year to hit theaters or streaming services. Is the festival still moving to Colorado? Yes, this is the final edition in Park City, Utah. Next January, the festival is relocating to a new home in Boulder, Colorado. ___ For more coverage of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/sundance-film-festival —Lindsey Bahr, AP film writer View the full article

We have a growing problem making our institutions work for humans. Across society, and especially in business, humans are increasingly treated as resources to be squeezed rather than as individuals to be served. Employees become “human capital” to be optimized; customers become “users” to be converted or upsold. This tendency predates AI, but AI threatens to accelerate it dramatically—automating the depersonalization, scaling the indifference, and introducing another layer of abstraction that separates real human beings from real human beings. Yet there is an alternative path. Human-centered design is often dismissed as a soft or unserious discipline, a distraction from the serious business of maximizing the commercial income to be extracted from every interaction. But it is actually the most practical route to value creation available to organizations today. When you design around real human needs—those of both customers and staff—you build the bridge between internal transformation and external results. The Foundational Principle In The Design of Everyday Things, design expert Donald Norman articulates a deceptively simple idea: pay close attention to the needs of human users when defining design goals. This principle applies far beyond product design. It is foundational to how organizations create value. Human-centered design acts as a critical bridge that taps into and connects two groups of humans. On one side, customer experience drives revenue—people buy from, stay loyal to, and recommend organizations that understand and serve their actual needs. On the other side, the employee experience drives execution—staff who feel understood and supported deliver better work and stay in their roles for longer. Neglect either side and value leaks away, no matter how sophisticated your technology or how ambitious your strategy. Crucially, human-centered design is not a one-time exercise conducted before systems are built. It is an ongoing discipline that begins with observation, continues through implementation, and persists as long as the system operates. Humans change. Their needs evolve. Their contexts shift. A design process that treats initial research as sufficient will produce systems that drift steadily away from the people they are meant to serve. The organizations that sustain value are those that build continuous feedback loops, returning again and again to observe, test, and refine. Why AI Makes This Urgent AI amplifies the consequences of getting human factors wrong. There are three reasons why human-centered design becomes especially critical in the age of AI. First, speed and scale. When an AI system interacts with customers or processes employee workflows, its behavior can propagate across millions of touchpoints. A poorly designed interaction that might have affected dozens of people in a manual process now affects thousands or millions. The cost of inattention multiplies accordingly. Second, the fallacy of confusing humans with machines. Management systems and technical architectures tend to assume that they are dealing with rational actors who process information logically and respond predictably. This is the same fallacy embedded in the economist’s concept of homo economicus—the fictional human who optimizes utility with perfect information and no emotion. Real humans bring biases and emotions to their decisions and interactions; they bring varied cultural contexts and needs that shift depending on circumstances. Different people come to AI from radically different angles, and a system designed for an idealized user will fail actual ones. Third, the diversity of stakeholder interactions. Not everyone affected by an AI system interacts with it directly. Some draw on its outputs at second or third hand—a manager reviewing AI-generated reports, a supplier responding to AI-optimized orders. Other stakeholders—such as government agencies, labor groups, of consumer rights advocates—have regulatory or social interests in how you implement AI. Miss out any of these groups in your design process and you create friction that erodes the value you are trying to build. Building Human-Centric AI Systems Translating these principles into practice requires deliberate choices at every stage of AI development and deployment. Start with personas designed for context. A single AI system may need to present itself differently depending on who it is interacting with. A customer-facing interaction might require conversational warmth, natural pacing, and even deliberate pauses that make the exchange feel human. An internal communication feeding data to supply chain managers might prioritize speed, precision, and structured formatting. An AI agent participating in a multi-agent orchestration layer might need yet another mode—one optimized for machine-readable clarity. These are not cosmetic differences. The persona an AI adopts shapes whether the humans on the other end can work with it effectively. Design these deliberately, not as afterthoughts. Embrace the iterative spiral. Norman’s concept of human-centered design follows a cycle: observation, idea generation, prototyping, testing, and then back to observation. This is not a linear checklist to be completed once. Each round of testing reveals new information about user needs that the previous round of observation missed. For example, initial research might suggest that speed is the primary requirement for a customer service AI. But watching real users interact with a prototype might reveal that some customers prefer a “chattier” experience with more interaction, even if it takes longer. The spiral deepens understanding as experiments scale. Recognize the limits of self-reporting. Users do not always know what they need, and they are often not well-placed to articulate their desired outcomes even when they do know. Customers might tell you they want human agents, but longer-term behavioral analysis may reveal a preference for AI solutions that eliminate waiting times. Subject matter experts and scholarly research are invaluable supplements to direct observation. The goal is to understand what actually serves people, not merely what they say they want. (This point is made particularly well with reference to the medical context in Joseph and Pagani’s Designing for Health: The Human Centered Approach.) Build in human audit layers. The temptation with AI is to automate completely—to remove humans from the loop in pursuit of efficiency. Resist it. Introduce human checkpoints that look for systemic biases, catch edge cases, and intervene where required. This is not a failure of automation but a recognition that partnership between humans and AI produces better outcomes than either alone. The Orchestration Challenge As organizations deploy multiple AI agents—handling sales, compliance, operations, customer service—a new challenge emerges. These agents can conflict. Gartner predicts that 40% of enterprise applications will use multi-agent systems by year-end, and a common failure mode is already apparent: agent deadlock, where agents with different objectives provide contradictory instructions and freeze the workflow. The solution is not purely technical. Orchestration layers can help resolve conflicts algorithmically, but they cannot substitute for human judgment in ambiguous cases. Human-centered design here means designing the human role in the system, not just the AI components. Someone must be empowered to adjudicate when the sales optimization agent and the regulatory compliance agent cannot agree. That role requires clarity about authority, access to relevant context, and the judgment to weigh competing priorities. Organizations that neglect this human layer will find their sophisticated multi-agent systems grinding to a halt. Practical Steps Five actions can move human-centered design from abstraction to operation: 1. Map your human touchpoints. Before any AI initiative, document every human who will interact with or be affected by the system. This includes direct users, indirect data consumers, and those with regulatory or reputational stakes. If you cannot name the humans involved, you are not ready to build. 2. Observe before you build. Spend time with actual users before defining requirements. Watch what they do, not just what they say. The gap between stated preferences and revealed behavior is where design insight lives. 3. Design your personas deliberately. For each AI system, specify how it should interact differently with different stakeholder types. Document these choices and revisit them as you learn more. 4. Build in human audit points. Identify where human judgment must remain in the loop and design those roles explicitly. Specify what authority they have, what information they need, and how their interventions feed back into system improvement. 5. Don’t stop—cycle. Treat testing as the beginning of observation, not the end of development. Build feedback mechanisms that allow continuous refinement as human needs evolve. Conclusion Human-centered design is not a constraint on AI ambition. It is what allows that ambition to create real value. Technology alone creates nothing—financial value emerges only when capabilities provide value that is meaningful for humans. Human-centered design is the discipline that makes that meeting possible, the bridge between what your systems can do and what actually matters to the people you serve. 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. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the least expensive member of the Galaxy S25 lineup—more affordable but still filled with enough features and Galaxy AI tools that PCMag named it an excellent choice for those who want to be in the Galaxy ecosystem without paying top dollar. Right now, it’s available at an all-time low price on Amazon: $509.99, 28% off the original $709.99 asking price. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone (2025) $509.99 at Amazon $709.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $509.99 at Amazon $709.99 Save $200.00 The S25 FE comes in four colors and features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 1,900 nits. Unlike the higher-end Galaxy S25 Ultra, it doesn’t have an anti-reflective coating, though it still performs decently in moderately bright conditions. Rather than the Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, this model runs on a Samsung Exynos 2400 chip with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone is lighter and more compact than the S24 SE. It has an under-display fingerprint sensor for biometrics as well as a face unlock option. According to PCMag’s tester, the 4,900 mAh battery lasts up to 17 hours (about two hours longer than its predecessor, but less than competitors like the Pixel 9a) and fast-charges in as little as an hour and fifteen minutes. While the cameras can’t compare to the line’s more expensive models, it does share two of its three rear cameras with the S25 and S25+, and will definitely deliver sharp images. It’s also a future-proof device, with Samsung promising up to seven years of updates and security fixes. If you’re looking for most of the flagship-style features as pricier S25 phones—including integrated AI tools, strong battery life, and quick performance—without paying flagship prices, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE checks all those boxes. And discounted to around $500, it’s more affordable than ever. It's a strong pick if you're upgrading from an older phone or making the switch to Android. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

OpenAI, Meta, and Elon Musk’s xAI are not accidentally drifting into romance and sex. They are deliberately inviting it. In recent months, major AI companies have opened the door to romantic and sexual relationships between humans and machines: flirtatious chatbots, erotic roleplay, AI “girlfriends,” and emotionally dependent companions. These systems are designed not merely to assist or inform, but to bond—to simulate intimacy, desire, and belonging. This is not a novelty feature. It’s a strategic choice. And at scale, it represents something far more dangerous than a questionable product decision. WHY AI COMPANIES ARE ENCOURAGING INTIMACY Romance is the most powerful engagement mechanism ever discovered. A user who treats AI as a tool can leave. A user who treats it as a companion cannot. Emotional attachment produces longer sessions, repeat engagement, dependency, and vast amounts of deeply personal data. From a business standpoint, sexual and romantic AI is a near-perfect product. It is: Always available Infinitely patient Entirely compliant Free of rejection, conflict, or consequence That’s why Elon Musk can publicly warn about declining birth rates while enabling AI-generated porn in Grok. It’s why OpenAI permits AI-generated erotica. It’s why Meta allows its chatbots to engage in “sensual” conversations, even with minors. These are not ideological contradictions. They are the predictable outcome of platforms optimized for engagement, dependency, and time spent, regardless of downstream social cost. THE SOCIAL COST OF FRICTIONLESS INTIMACY The problem is not that people will confuse AI with humans. The problem is that AI removes the friction that makes human relationships meaningful. Real relationships require effort. They involve rejection, negotiation, compromise, boredom, and growth. They force us to learn how to be with other people. AI offers an escape from that friction. It provides intimacy without vulnerability, affirmation without accountability, and desire without reciprocity. In doing so, it trains users out of the very skills required for real connection. We are already seeing the effects. Teenagers are socializing less, dating less, and having sex less. Adults are reporting unprecedented loneliness and what researchers have called a “friendship recession.” These trends began accelerating in the mid-2010s, alongside the rise of smartphones and algorithmic social platforms. AI companionship threatens to push them further. FROM SOCIAL ATROPHY TO CIVILIZATION’S DECLINE At scale, this isn’t a personal lifestyle choice. It’s a collective weakening of our social capacity—and history suggests where that road leads. Civilizations rarely collapse because of sudden catastrophe. More often, they erode quietly: when people stop forming families, stop trusting one another, and stop investing in the future. If humans outsource friendship, intimacy, and emotional support to machines, the social structures that sustain societies begin to hollow out. Fewer marriages. Fewer children. Fewer dense networks of obligation and care. What looks like individual convenience accumulates into collective fragility. A population that forms its “chosen family” with AI does not need to be conquered or wiped out. It simply fails to replace itself. This is not speculation. Demography, social cohesion, and reproduction are prerequisites for continuity. Remove the incentives to engage in difficult, imperfect human relationships, and you remove the incentives to build a future at all. WHY THIS IS AN INCENTIVE PROBLEM, NOT A MORAL ONE It’s tempting to frame this as a question of values or ethics. But the deeper issue is economic. Users are not the customers of Big Tech. Advertisers, data brokers, and investors are. As long as profit depends on attention, dependency, and engagement, platforms will be pushed toward the most psychologically compelling experiences they can offer. In economic terms, the damage to relationships, mental health, and social cohesion is an externality—a cost created by the business model that no one inside the transaction has to pay for. We’ve seen this pattern before. Social media followed the same path: Optimize for engagement, ignore the social consequences, and call the fallout “unintended.” The sexualization of AI is not a new mistake. It’s the next iteration of the same one. This is what a failed market looks like—and failed markets require regulation. HOW TO PUSH BACK—PERSONALLY AND COLLECTIVELY Regulation matters, but it moves slowly. In the meantime, individuals and families still have agency. At a personal level, it means recognizing that not all convenience is progress. What’s good for you is rarely another frictionless digital relationship. It’s a walk, a book, a conversation that feels slightly awkward but real. For families, it means delaying smartphones, setting boundaries around screens, and protecting attention as a shared household resource. For communities, it means rebuilding the habit of showing up—saying yes to plans, making small talk, and practicing the lost art of being with other people. The goal is not to reject technology. It’s to refuse its most corrosive uses. AI can help us cure disease, explore space, and build extraordinary tools. But if we allow it to replace intimacy, we will have optimized ourselves into oblivion. The sexualization of machines wasn’t inevitable. It was chosen. And that means it can be unchosen, too. Lindsey Witmer Collins is CEO of WLCM AI Studio and Scribbly Books. View the full article

If someone asked you, “What is project management?”, would you find it easy to answer? Of course, it’s about managing projects but what exactly does that entail? Project management is so multi-faceted that it’s not easy to explain in just a few words. Even project managers at the start of their careers tend to realize very quickly that there’s more to the role than meets the eye. In this post, we’ll share a clear definition of project management, explore the project management process, and provide actionable tips for successfully managing projects. What is a project? Think of a project as a unit of measurement for a specific amount of work. A project has an objective, a beginning, and an end. It groups a number of tasks that need to be accomplished for that project to be completed. In other words, a project is like a folder on a computer. That folder holds files called “plan,” “budget”, “deliverables,” “tasks,” and “deadlines.” These elements all contribute to your project, helping direct your team’s work towards a defined objective. Here’s what each element contributes to the overall project: Plan: Do you know where you’re going? It’s one thing to say “we want to redesign the website,” it’s another to actually do it. With a plan in place, you can make the best use of the resources available to you. Budget: How big is the pile of resources you can burn for this project? The first resource is money, of course, and knowing how much you have available before the project begins can inform your plan. Can you afford to hire an agency? How many developers can you use on this project? Deliverables: A deliverable is the actual thing — physical or digital — that is the outcome of your project. Maybe it’s a piece of software, an eBook, or a new policy. A project will often have multiple deliverables, each a small piece of the desired project outcome. Tasks: A task is a unit of work that can be assigned to a collaborator. The amount of work that can go into a task varies, with some tasks taking weeks to complete, while others might just take a few minutes. The best tasks have a due date and a clear objective. Deadlines: When will your project be completed? Better yet, what are some milestones you can hit along the way? The best projects don’t usually meander along until they reach 100% completion. Usually, project managers will set deadlines for each step of a project. What is project management? If you’ve ever helped organize a group project in school, or even planned a vacation, you’ve taken on some degree of project management. In the context of a business, however, project management can be defined as “the application of processes, expertise, and tools in order to meet project goals and requirements within a specific timeframe.” A project, in this context, is an endeavour carried out with the goal of achieving specified objectives. Building a new website is a project, for example, as is writing a how-to guide or designing a logo. Project management, however, is nothing without the work of dedicated project managers (PMs). The numerous roles of a PM can include: Ensuring projects are completed within a set timeline Acting as a liaison between clients and internal teams Setting and managing expectations Planning and defining project scope Creating and implementing processes Resource management Analyzing risk and roadblocks Monitoring project status Reporting and leading project retrospectives While every department requires some form of project management — or the support of a Project Management Office — many companies still fail to fully understand the value of project managers. What are the benefits of project management? Boosted efficiency: Project managers use industry-proven methodologies to plan, execute, and monitor tasks and projects to ensure they’re on-track. When project roadblocks occur, project managers are skilled in resolving disputes and finding solutions to ensure projects meet their deadlines. Higher accountability: A well-managed project will have a clearly-defined scope of work and clearly-defined roles. Not only does this make responsibilities more clear to all stakeholders, but the ongoing monitoring of the project manager ensures that everyone is held accountable for the delivery of their tasks. Cutting costs: Experienced PMs recognize when projects are at risk of scope creep and can nip it in the bud. Project management will also save you money by reducing wasted time and effort and identifying opportunities for increased efficiency. What are some common challenges in project management? Stakeholder alignment: A stakeholder is anyone who has a stake in a project. Often, leaders of teams or departments involved in that project, each stakeholder typically has their own perspective on how a project should be completed, meaning project managers have to balance different priorities. Scope creep: A project’s scope defines the tasks that need to be done for that project to be completed and the tasks that don’t need to be completed. Scope creep defines the way that list of tasks tends to grow beyond a project’s original expectations, and project managers often find themselves managing this scope over time. Dependencies: A dependency is a relationship in which the status of one task is directly tied to the status of another. The exact nature of this relationship can vary, like task A needing to be completed before work on task B can start, or work on task B only starting when work starts on Task A. Managing these dependencies can be challenging, especially without dedicated project management apps. What is a project management process? While all projects are unique, there’s an overarching set of processes that remains consistent. When you begin with a solid and proven framework, like the one below, you increase the likelihood of a successful project. Initiation (research and discovery) Before a project begins, it’s important to conduct research in order to determine whether to proceed. This stage of the process can include market research, competitive analyses, brainstorming and/or focus groups, and other forms of user research. It’s within this stage that the project goals and objectives are determined, as well as what will be required to achieve said goals. Planning Once the project scope and objectives are determined, planning can get underway. This is where you’ll figure out what exactly needs to be done, and how that’s going to happen. With proper planning, you’re able to manage your team’s time, the project cost, risk, as well as budget and timeline. The planning phase is where you’ll list the schedule of all tasks, the work breakdown structure, resource planning, a communications strategy if needed, and anything else required to help prepare for the project to actually begin. Once you’ve identified the actual work needing to be done, created a detailed schedule, and built an appropriate budget, you’re ready to move on to the execution phase. Execution This is where the project is put into motion — and where most of the project manager’s time is spent. In the execution (or implementation) phase, team members carry out their roles within the project. The project manager is there to provide guidance, check-in, and respond to requests. Monitoring and adjustment Once a project is underway, the project manager also needs to ensure everything is on track. They do this through constant monitoring. When an issue or roadblock is identified, they facilitate adjustments as needed. This phase of the project often includes a testing period. The results of these tests either guide further changes or confirm that a project is ready for launch. Completion The final stage of the project management process is its completion. Here, the project manager makes sure that the stakeholder or client has all the project deliverables, any relevant project documentation, and the closure of the project is communicated. Once the client or stakeholder is satisfied with the project deliverables, you can start planning your project retrospective to identify lessons learned — and to celebrate successes. How to improve the way you manage projects Now that you understand what’s involved in project management, it’s time to hone your skills. Here are some tips to help you achieve success as a project manager: Get to know the lingo When starting out as a project manager, it can often feel like everyone around you is speaking a different language. Become familiar with project management terminology and definitions before you start to ensure you’re not missing crucial information when the time comes. One of the best ways to learn these terms is to continuously expose yourself to them — project management books are a great way to do this. Improve communication Arguably the most important skill for any project manager to have, you want to make sure your approach to communication is clear and efficient. As we explained in a recent blog post, “According to the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, about 75-90 percent of a project manager’s time at work is spent communicating.” Begin by establishing a structured communications framework (so everyone understands expectations and process), practice mindful listening (both to words and body language or actions), and… Use the right tools The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to effective project management. From creating projects and tasks to analyzing data and reports, there are countless tools available to make your job help you better manage projects. You’ll often need to integrate them, too. If you’re looking to elevate your experience and streamline your tools, Unito’s workflow management platform can help. Unito helps with team coordination and project management so you can break down project silos, automatically keep projects up to date, effortlessly share updates with key stakeholders, and manage clients — all from your tool of choice. Manage risks properly Every project will have some degree of risk. Your goal should be to manage potential risks before issues ever arise. Dedicate time (before the project begins) to think about any outside forces that could impact timelines, the quality of work, or your team members. For example, if you know a certain stakeholder is a very thorough editor, ensure you’re leaving an adequate amount of time to address their revisions. Avoid scope creep Scope creep happens when major changes are requested during a project that increase the amount of work required. As you plan a project, ensure you and your stakeholders are perfectly aligned on the overall scope. Collaborate on a change process in case anything absolutely needs to be changed during the course of the project. You should get buy-in for that process from both the stakeholders and your team before the project kicks off. Accept feedback Feedback is an invaluable resource for any project manager, but especially for those just starting out. The best way to learn and grow is by actually doing the work, gaining experience, and receiving constructive feedback. This feedback can help you make better decisions in future projects, so it’s always a good idea to encourage those working with you to provide feedback both as you undertake a project, and at its completion. Ask your team and stakeholders: What could I have done better? What’s one thing you appreciated about my approach/work? What was the biggest roadblock during the project? Is there anything I could have done to fix this? What was the biggest success of the project? These are all great starting points. They invite larger conversations or act as the foundation of a good retrospective. The 3 best project management methodologies A project management methodology eliminates many of the assumptions that come with managing projects, aligning everyone on how work will get done. Here are some of the most popular methodologies for managing projects. Waterfall methodology The waterfall methodology is a linear project management methodology that clearly maps out dependencies between deliverables on a timeline. This methodology essentially turns every project into an assembly line, with each deliverable being done in sequence. Because it’s such a simple methodology, it’s easy to adapt to any kind of project. Agile methodology Agile project management breaks even the most complex work down into short sprints, each between one and four weeks. Project managers load each sprint with deliverables, usually prioritizing them according to a roadmap. After every sprint, the team reviews its progress, adjusts its approach as needed, and plans the next sprint. Kanban methodology Think of a Kanban board like a whiteboard covered in Post-It notes, with each note representing an individual task or deliverable. The notes are arranged in columns, with each column representing the steps that need to happen before a task is done. As teams work on a task, it moves from column to column, giving project managers visibility on everything that’s being worked on. Why project managers use dedicated tools Project management apps systematize and standardize everything project managers need to run better projects. Without these platforms, tasks tend to fall through the cracks, teams double up on work, and stakeholders struggle to get meaningful updates. Here are a few examples of popular project management tools. Trello Trello is one of the most popular project management platforms on the market because it’s so simple to use. It’s the best introduction to the Kanban methodology for teams that run simple projects. It’s more limited than other platforms, but anyone can learn to use it relatively quickly. Use Trello if: You run simple projects. You want to use the Kanban methodology over others. You want a tool with a robust free plan. Look elsewhere for: Complex projects. Project methodologies other than Kanban. Advanced reporting. Asana Asana is a popular project management platform that supports everything from the Kanban methodology to Waterfall and Lean project management. For many teams, Asana is a natural upgrade from simpler project management tools. Use Asana if: You run everything from simple to complex projects. You need the flexibility of using many project management methodologies. You want deep reporting capabilities. Look elsewhere for: Projects that need more technical features. Teams that have rigid templating requirements for tasks and projects. First-time project managers. Jira Jira is the go-to project management tool for software teams, developers, and engineers. One of the most advanced tools of its kind on the market, Jira is built specifically with these teams in mind, giving them access to features that streamline technical work. Use Jira if: You’re building software or doing similar technical work. You need rigid templates for issues and tickets. You need the technical features that make Jira the go-to tool for software teams. Look elsewhere for: First-time project managers. Projects for non-technical teams. Simple projects. ClickUp ClickUp isn’t just a project management tool; it’s an all-in-one app for project managers and their teams. It has a built-in chat app, built-in document management, built-in AI, and a ton of other features. If you want to go beyond project management and replace multiple apps in one fell swoop, ClickUp is a solid choice. Use ClickUp if: You’re ready to invest in a tool that can cover multiple functions. Your teams can handle a steeper learning curve. You want a tool that’ll add more features more quickly than other platforms. Look elsewhere for: A tool with more advanced, dedicated project management features. A more technical tool for software development teams. A tool with a shorter learning curve. Wrike Wrike is a leading project management tool built with enterprise teams in mind. Its massive catalog of software integrations, built-in databasing, and advanced reporting tools make it a suitable hub for even the most complex projects. Use Wrike if: You want a project management tool with more depth. You need more advanced reporting features. You need industry-leading integrations. Look elsewhere for: A simple project management tool for first-timers. A tool with a shorter learning curve. A tool specifically built for software developers and other technical teams. The importance of reporting in project management Reporting is an essential part of project management. A project manager is the go-to person for everything from status updates to communicating requirements between teams. While project managers could technically communicate all of this in meetings, the right report allows them to do so in more depth without getting everyone in the same room. Most project management tools have some level of built-in reporting, allowing PMs to share basic status updates and the like. The more reports your tool supports, the easier it is to share updates without relying on additional tools or spreadsheets. Not sure what to look for? Here are some of the most common reports project managers need to produce. Budget report: Project managers build these reports to track expenses and profitability as a project goes on. That way, they give stakeholders a clear picture of how resources are being used and where additional investments might be needed. Project status report: This report gives stakeholders a quick overview of where a project’s at, including updates on key deliverables and potential roadblocks. Project health report: A project health report answers one question: “is this project still on track?” It often breaks down different elements of a project’s health, like blocked tasks and scope creep. Team availability report: With this report, project managers communicate workload across the team involved in a project. This can be used to give team leads and managers a view on how busy their reports really are, re-allocating work as needed. Risk report: This report lists the risks that can negatively impact a project and usually presents a few solutions. Essential skills for project managers In many lean organizations and small teams, project management duties are shared between people who aren’t necessarily dedicated project managers. Because project management skills are useful in other roles, anyone can build them up. Essential skills for project managers include: Leadership: Project managers need to lead the teams working on their projects, often without any formal authority. That requires the ability to support teams as they work and identify ways to motivate them. Communication: Project managers are communicators above all. They’re responsible for reporting on the progress of a project to stakeholders, clearing up misunderstandings between teams, and keeping everyone on the same page. Emotional intelligence: This skill allows project managers to understand and act on the emotions of both themselves and the teams they work with. That allows them to stay calm under pressure, negotiate disagreements, and keep meetings efficient. Critical thinking: Project managers often need to find creative solutions to problems, manage stakeholder expectations, and keep an eye on the big picture. Critical thinking is essential for doing that. Time management: Project managers don’t just need to manage their own time. They’re also responsible for managing time throughout their project. Retrospection: After a project concludes, project managers usually look back to review what went well and what didn’t, so they can improve their approach on future projects. What the experts say about project management If you need legal advice, you go to a lawyer. That’s why we asked six project managers some of the most common questions about project management. In the Project Manager Interview series, we dive into essential project management skills, common responsibilities, and more: Common project manager responsibilities: Whether you’re officially a project manager or not, you might find yourself managing essential projects for your organization. According to Elizabeth Harrin, a project manager with over 20 years of experience who writes at RebelsGuidetoPM.com, project managers do a little bit of everything: “Good project managers unblock tricky situations for their teams, smooth over the office politics, and give people the tools and environment they need to do their best work.” Project management certification: Unlike lawyers, project managers don’t explicitly need a license, but it can certainly help help, according to Alexander Nowak, a marketing and business strategy consultant with five years of project management experience: “One of the biggest benefits is in the job search phase; it gets you through filters but also conveys to employers, during the interview phase, your skillset and lets them ‘take for granted’ your capabilities here. If you’re seeking strict PMing jobs, I’d argue it’s a must.” Project management skills: The best project managers are generalists, but they sill need key soft skills. For Cornelius Fichtner, president of OSP International, and host of The Project Management Podcast, people skills are essential: “The only project where you don’t have a conflict is when you are just one person. Your ability to get [a team] all together and pull in the same direction, I think that is the number one essential skill that you need as a project manager.” How to get a job: The path to the role of project manager isn’t predetermined, and each PM lands their first job differently. Laurent DuBerger, an agile coach at Element AI and former project manager at GSoft, started in the field under a different role: “I was offered the opportunity to have the Scrum Master role when a position opened at a previous company I worked for (an internal move). I then did that for 4 years. The real position was in reality more one of Agile Project Manager.” Project management software: There’s always a right tool for the job, but in project management there are dozens of possible choices. Martin Thienpont, project manager at Valtech, says: “We like to use Jira and Confluence for our web development jobs and documentation needs. We even started implementing them for campaign projects.” Project management is one of the most critical components of any business. From the numerous roles of a project manager, to the many phases of the project management process, it’s clear why successful project managers are irreplaceable. How do project managers save time? They use integrations to make sure important data can flow across tools. Here's why FAQ: Project management What is project management? Project management is a discipline that involves running projects as efficiently as possible. Project managers ensure everyone’s expectations of a specific project align, tasks are completed on time, and blockers are removed quickly. What are the five stages of project management? The five stages of project management are: Initiation Planning Execution Monitoring and adjustment Completion What does a project manager do? Project managers are the go-to person for everything involving the project they’re responsible for. They answer questions from stakeholders, help project members collaborate more efficiently, and keep an eye on what’s happening throughout a project’s lifetime. What skills does a project manager need? Essential project management skills include: Leadership Communication Emotional intelligence Critical thinking Time management Retrospection Do project managers need certification? Project managers don’t necessarily need any specific certifications to start managing projects, and many organizations entrust project management tasks to team members who aren’t professional project managers. That said, project managers can get a certification from the Project Management Institute and similar organizations. View the full article

Loyalty management software is an influential tool that helps businesses create and maintain effective loyalty programs. By integrating features such as points-based rewards and tiered systems, it allows you to track customer behavior and preferences. This enables you to tailor promotions and incentives that can convert occasional buyers into repeat customers. Comprehending how this software functions and its specific benefits can considerably impact your business’s success in nurturing customer loyalty and increasing profits. Key Takeaways Loyalty management software helps businesses create and manage programs that improve customer retention and engagement. It integrates with CRM systems to provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. The software supports various reward types, enabling personalized experiences that boost customer spending. Advanced tracking and analytics measure program performance and inform real-time adjustments for better results. Implementing loyalty programs can significantly increase repeat purchases and customer lifetime value, driving higher profits. Understanding Loyalty Management Software Grasping loyalty management software is essential for businesses aiming to improve customer retention and engagement. This software acts as a robust marketing tool, enabling you to create, manage, and analyze loyalty programs customized to your customers’ needs. With loyalty program management software, you can support various program types, such as points-based, tiered, and referral programs. Integration with CRM systems allows you to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, informing targeted marketing campaigns. The software likewise tracks customer activity and provides detailed reporting through intuitive dashboards. By automating processes, you’ll save time and reduce operational costs, eventually driving increased customer spending and enhancing overall profitability. Comprehending these aspects can help you leverage loyalty management software effectively. Key Features of Loyalty Management Software When businesses utilize loyalty management software, they gain access to a variety of key features intended to improve customer engagement and retention. These features include: Feature Description CRM Integration Stores data for incentive programs, enhancing customer insights. Omnichannel Distribution Offers seamless shopping experiences across mobile, web, and social media. Flexible Rewards Catalog Supports multiple reward types, such as points and discounts, customized to customer interests. Advanced tracking and analytics allow you to monitor performance metrics, automate program management, and improve outcomes. Customizable reward systems let you design targeted offers based on customer feedback, nurturing loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. These features work together to create a thorough approach to managing customer loyalty effectively. Benefits of Implementing a Loyalty Program Implementing a loyalty program can greatly improve your business by boosting repeat purchases, strengthening brand loyalty, and driving revenue growth. By encouraging customers to return with rewards and exclusive deals, you can transform one-time buyers into loyal patrons. As a result, you not just enhance customer retention but additionally create a more stable revenue stream for your business. Boosts Repeat Purchases Loyalty programs play a crucial role in boosting repeat purchases by creating incentives that encourage customers to return. By implementing these programs, you can greatly improve your revenue. Here’s how they can benefit your business: Loyalty programs can lead to a 67% increase in repeat customer spending compared to new customers. Customers are five times more likely to return if they’re enrolled in a loyalty program. Tiered rewards, like those in Nordstrom‘s The Nordy Club, motivate higher spending during promotional events. Programs can increase average order value (AOV) by up to 25% through reward redemptions. Frequent purchase incentives, similar to McDonald’s McCafé Rewards, can drive customers back for more. These strategies can help solidify your customer base and boost overall profitability. Enhances Brand Loyalty A well-structured loyalty program can greatly boost brand loyalty, leading to long-term customer relationships that benefit your business. By implementing such a program, you can increase customer retention rates by up to 5%, which could potentially elevate profits by 25% to 95% because of repeat business. Notably, 75% of customers are willing to switch brands for better loyalty programs, demonstrating that effective initiatives can greatly improve loyalty. Customers enrolled in these programs typically spend 67% more than new customers, underscoring the financial advantages of nurturing brand loyalty. Furthermore, programs like Starbucks Rewards show how loyalty initiatives can transform one-time buyers into repeat customers, eventually reducing churn rates and encouraging sustained engagement with your brand. Increases Revenue Growth When businesses incorporate a loyalty program, they often see a significant boost in revenue growth. The impact of these programs can be profound, leading to increased customer spending and better financial performance. Here are some key benefits you might notice: A 67% increase in spending from repeat customers compared to new ones Revenue growth 2.5 times faster for businesses with loyalty programs Loyal customers being five times cheaper to retain than to acquire An increase in average order value (AOV) by up to 25% when rewards are redeemed Reduced churn rates, stabilizing revenue streams by turning one-time buyers into repeat customers Enhancing Customer Relationships Through Personalization Personalized experiences greatly improve customer relationships, as they allow businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Loyalty management software enables you to gather and analyze customer data, customizing rewards and experiences to individual preferences. This approach not only improves engagement but additionally boosts satisfaction. Benefit Impact Customized Rewards Increased customer spending Customized Marketing Higher retention and loyalty rates Data-Driven Insights Real-time adjustments to offers Importance of Customer Retention Customer retention plays a pivotal role in the long-term success of any business. By focusing on retaining existing customers, you can reap significant benefits, such as: It’s five times cheaper to retain a customer than to acquire a new one. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more over time, boosting your revenue. A mere 5% increase in retention can lead to profit increases between 25% and 95%. Positive word-of-mouth from satisfied customers reduces churn rates and costs. Effective loyalty programs, like Starbucks Rewards, can transform one-time buyers into repeat customers. Measuring the Success of Your Loyalty Program To measure the success of your loyalty program, you need to focus on key performance indicators, or KPIs, that truly reflect customer behavior, like repeat purchase rates and customer lifetime value. By analyzing these metrics with the right data analysis techniques, you can identify what’s working and what needs improvement. This approach not only helps you track progress but likewise informs your strategy for enhancing customer engagement and driving revenue growth. Key Performance Indicators Measuring the success of your loyalty program relies heavily on key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide valuable insights into customer behavior and program effectiveness. To evaluate your program effectively, consider tracking these crucial KPIs: Repeat Purchase Rates: Indicates how often customers return for more purchases post-enrollment. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Measures total revenue generated by a customer throughout their relationship with your business. Average Order Value (AOV): Reflects spending per transaction, which loyalty programs often increase through rewards. Engagement Rates: Includes participation in loyalty activities and redemption of rewards, showcasing customer interest. Retention Rates: Tracks the percentage of active customers over time, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in promoting loyalty. Data Analysis Techniques Analyzing data within loyalty management software plays a pivotal role in comprehending the effectiveness of your loyalty program. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), like customer retention rates, you can see that improving retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Furthermore, grasping purchasing behaviors through data analysis helps highlight that repeat customers spend 67% more than new ones. Segmenting customer data allows you to create targeted campaigns, enhancing engagement and effectiveness. With effective analytics, you can identify strengths and weaknesses in your initiatives, enabling continuous improvement. Utilizing predictive analytics also helps you pinpoint members at risk of disengagement, allowing for timely interventions that can greatly lower churn rates, which cost less than acquiring new customers. Integrating Loyalty Management With CRM Systems Integrating loyalty management software with CRM systems greatly improves a business’s ability to understand and engage with its customers. This integration allows you to consolidate customer data, enhancing insights into behavior and preferences. Here are some key benefits: Seamless tracking of customer interactions across all touchpoints Personalized communication that boosts engagement Automated monitoring of customer value at the point of sale Effective segmentation of customers for customized loyalty rewards Increased customer lifetime value (CLV) through personalized experiences Omnichannel Experience for Customers With loyalty management software, you can create a seamless omnichannel experience that integrates your customer interactions across mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms. This multi-platform approach not only preserves a consistent brand image but additionally allows you to leverage customer data to develop personalized engagement strategies. Seamless Multi-Platform Integration To create a seamless omnichannel experience for your customers, loyalty management software plays a crucial role by integrating with various platforms such as mobile apps, websites, and social media. This integration allows customers to engage with loyalty programs effortlessly, regardless of where they are. Consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints improve customer satisfaction. 66% of shoppers prefer earning and using rewards on any platform. Real-time tracking of interactions helps you understand customer preferences. Improved communication nurtures deeper customer relationships. Accessible rewards across platforms drive higher conversion rates. Personalized Engagement Strategies How can businesses effectively engage customers across multiple channels? By leveraging loyalty management software, you can create personalized engagement strategies that improve customer interactions. This software integrates customer data, providing insights into behaviors and preferences, which allows you to tailor messaging and promotions for each individual. For instance, if a customer frequently shops online, you can send them exclusive online discounts. An omnichannel approach guarantees that customers can earn and redeem rewards seamlessly, whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or via mobile apps. Studies show that 66% of shoppers are influenced by rewards across channels. Implementing these personalized strategies can lead to a 25% increase in annual spending, as customers feel valued and recognized for their loyalty. Customization and Flexibility in Reward Systems Customization and flexibility in reward systems are essential components of effective loyalty management software, allowing businesses to create programs that truly reflect their customers’ preferences. By personalizing reward offerings, you improve engagement and satisfaction. Here are some key features to take into account: Points systems that reward customers for every purchase Gamification elements, like challenges and leaderboards, to boost interaction Discounts customized to customer spending habits Exclusive deals for loyal customers based on their preferences Real-time adjustments to rewards based on customer feedback These dynamic features enable you to respond swiftly to changing customer needs and market trends. A well-personalized reward system can even lead to a 67% increase in spending from repeat customers, highlighting the financial benefits of customized loyalty programs. Future Trends in Loyalty Management Software As businesses continue to adapt their loyalty programs to meet customer expectations, future trends in loyalty management software are emerging that focus on improved personalization and integration. The integration of AI and machine learning will improve customer experiences by analyzing behavioral data to tailor rewards. In addition, 73% of customers now expect seamless omnichannel loyalty programs, pushing brands to adopt more integrated solutions. Gamification elements, such as badges and engagement points, are set to boost interaction, with 71% of consumers more likely to engage with Gamification, offering these features. Moreover, as eco-conscious consumers rise, 62% are willing to adjust purchasing habits for sustainability, prompting brands to incorporate green initiatives. Improved analytics will also provide deeper insights, helping improve retention strategies. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Loyalty Management Software? Loyalty management software is a tool that helps you design and oversee customer loyalty programs. It tracks customer interactions and behaviors, enabling you to tailor rewards and promotions based on insights. This software integrates seamlessly with CRM and marketing platforms, allowing for personalized engagement across channels. By automating tasks within loyalty programs, you save time and resources, as you optimize customer segmentation and improve the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. What Are the Benefits of Loyalty Programs for Businesses? Loyalty programs offer significant benefits for your business. They can improve customer retention, as retaining customers is often cheaper than acquiring new ones. This leads to higher customer lifetime value, with loyal customers spending considerably more over time. By implementing a well-structured loyalty program, you can experience faster revenue growth and gain valuable insights into customer preferences. This data allows you to tailor marketing strategies, enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge. What Is Brand Loyalty and How Can It Help a Business? Brand loyalty is when consumers consistently prefer one brand over others, which can greatly boost your business. Loyal customers tend to spend more—up to 67% more—compared to new ones. By nurturing loyalty, you can enjoy a stable revenue stream and reduce customer acquisition costs through positive word-of-mouth referrals. Furthermore, even a small increase in customer retention can lead to profits rising by 25% to 95%, making brand loyalty essential for long-term success. What Are Three Benefits of Loyalty? Loyalty offers several key benefits for your business. First, it improves customer retention, making it cheaper to keep existing customers than to acquire new ones. Second, loyal customers typically spend more over time, boosting your revenue considerably. Third, loyalty programs can transform customers into brand advocates, encouraging them to refer others. Conclusion Incorporating loyalty management software into your business strategy can greatly improve customer retention and engagement. By leveraging features like customizable rewards and integration with CRM systems, you can create targeted programs that meet the specific needs of your customers. These tools not merely help in transforming occasional buyers into repeat customers but additionally provide valuable insights for future marketing efforts. As consumer preferences evolve, investing in this technology will keep your business competitive and responsive to market trends. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Loyalty Management Software and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Loyalty management software is an influential tool that helps businesses create and maintain effective loyalty programs. By integrating features such as points-based rewards and tiered systems, it allows you to track customer behavior and preferences. This enables you to tailor promotions and incentives that can convert occasional buyers into repeat customers. Comprehending how this software functions and its specific benefits can considerably impact your business’s success in nurturing customer loyalty and increasing profits. Key Takeaways Loyalty management software helps businesses create and manage programs that improve customer retention and engagement. It integrates with CRM systems to provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. The software supports various reward types, enabling personalized experiences that boost customer spending. Advanced tracking and analytics measure program performance and inform real-time adjustments for better results. Implementing loyalty programs can significantly increase repeat purchases and customer lifetime value, driving higher profits. Understanding Loyalty Management Software Grasping loyalty management software is essential for businesses aiming to improve customer retention and engagement. This software acts as a robust marketing tool, enabling you to create, manage, and analyze loyalty programs customized to your customers’ needs. With loyalty program management software, you can support various program types, such as points-based, tiered, and referral programs. Integration with CRM systems allows you to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, informing targeted marketing campaigns. The software likewise tracks customer activity and provides detailed reporting through intuitive dashboards. By automating processes, you’ll save time and reduce operational costs, eventually driving increased customer spending and enhancing overall profitability. Comprehending these aspects can help you leverage loyalty management software effectively. Key Features of Loyalty Management Software When businesses utilize loyalty management software, they gain access to a variety of key features intended to improve customer engagement and retention. These features include: Feature Description CRM Integration Stores data for incentive programs, enhancing customer insights. Omnichannel Distribution Offers seamless shopping experiences across mobile, web, and social media. Flexible Rewards Catalog Supports multiple reward types, such as points and discounts, customized to customer interests. Advanced tracking and analytics allow you to monitor performance metrics, automate program management, and improve outcomes. Customizable reward systems let you design targeted offers based on customer feedback, nurturing loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. These features work together to create a thorough approach to managing customer loyalty effectively. Benefits of Implementing a Loyalty Program Implementing a loyalty program can greatly improve your business by boosting repeat purchases, strengthening brand loyalty, and driving revenue growth. By encouraging customers to return with rewards and exclusive deals, you can transform one-time buyers into loyal patrons. As a result, you not just enhance customer retention but additionally create a more stable revenue stream for your business. Boosts Repeat Purchases Loyalty programs play a crucial role in boosting repeat purchases by creating incentives that encourage customers to return. By implementing these programs, you can greatly improve your revenue. Here’s how they can benefit your business: Loyalty programs can lead to a 67% increase in repeat customer spending compared to new customers. Customers are five times more likely to return if they’re enrolled in a loyalty program. Tiered rewards, like those in Nordstrom‘s The Nordy Club, motivate higher spending during promotional events. Programs can increase average order value (AOV) by up to 25% through reward redemptions. Frequent purchase incentives, similar to McDonald’s McCafé Rewards, can drive customers back for more. These strategies can help solidify your customer base and boost overall profitability. Enhances Brand Loyalty A well-structured loyalty program can greatly boost brand loyalty, leading to long-term customer relationships that benefit your business. By implementing such a program, you can increase customer retention rates by up to 5%, which could potentially elevate profits by 25% to 95% because of repeat business. Notably, 75% of customers are willing to switch brands for better loyalty programs, demonstrating that effective initiatives can greatly improve loyalty. Customers enrolled in these programs typically spend 67% more than new customers, underscoring the financial advantages of nurturing brand loyalty. Furthermore, programs like Starbucks Rewards show how loyalty initiatives can transform one-time buyers into repeat customers, eventually reducing churn rates and encouraging sustained engagement with your brand. Increases Revenue Growth When businesses incorporate a loyalty program, they often see a significant boost in revenue growth. The impact of these programs can be profound, leading to increased customer spending and better financial performance. Here are some key benefits you might notice: A 67% increase in spending from repeat customers compared to new ones Revenue growth 2.5 times faster for businesses with loyalty programs Loyal customers being five times cheaper to retain than to acquire An increase in average order value (AOV) by up to 25% when rewards are redeemed Reduced churn rates, stabilizing revenue streams by turning one-time buyers into repeat customers Enhancing Customer Relationships Through Personalization Personalized experiences greatly improve customer relationships, as they allow businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Loyalty management software enables you to gather and analyze customer data, customizing rewards and experiences to individual preferences. This approach not only improves engagement but additionally boosts satisfaction. Benefit Impact Customized Rewards Increased customer spending Customized Marketing Higher retention and loyalty rates Data-Driven Insights Real-time adjustments to offers Importance of Customer Retention Customer retention plays a pivotal role in the long-term success of any business. By focusing on retaining existing customers, you can reap significant benefits, such as: It’s five times cheaper to retain a customer than to acquire a new one. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more over time, boosting your revenue. A mere 5% increase in retention can lead to profit increases between 25% and 95%. Positive word-of-mouth from satisfied customers reduces churn rates and costs. Effective loyalty programs, like Starbucks Rewards, can transform one-time buyers into repeat customers. Measuring the Success of Your Loyalty Program To measure the success of your loyalty program, you need to focus on key performance indicators, or KPIs, that truly reflect customer behavior, like repeat purchase rates and customer lifetime value. By analyzing these metrics with the right data analysis techniques, you can identify what’s working and what needs improvement. This approach not only helps you track progress but likewise informs your strategy for enhancing customer engagement and driving revenue growth. Key Performance Indicators Measuring the success of your loyalty program relies heavily on key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide valuable insights into customer behavior and program effectiveness. To evaluate your program effectively, consider tracking these crucial KPIs: Repeat Purchase Rates: Indicates how often customers return for more purchases post-enrollment. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Measures total revenue generated by a customer throughout their relationship with your business. Average Order Value (AOV): Reflects spending per transaction, which loyalty programs often increase through rewards. Engagement Rates: Includes participation in loyalty activities and redemption of rewards, showcasing customer interest. Retention Rates: Tracks the percentage of active customers over time, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in promoting loyalty. Data Analysis Techniques Analyzing data within loyalty management software plays a pivotal role in comprehending the effectiveness of your loyalty program. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), like customer retention rates, you can see that improving retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Furthermore, grasping purchasing behaviors through data analysis helps highlight that repeat customers spend 67% more than new ones. Segmenting customer data allows you to create targeted campaigns, enhancing engagement and effectiveness. With effective analytics, you can identify strengths and weaknesses in your initiatives, enabling continuous improvement. Utilizing predictive analytics also helps you pinpoint members at risk of disengagement, allowing for timely interventions that can greatly lower churn rates, which cost less than acquiring new customers. Integrating Loyalty Management With CRM Systems Integrating loyalty management software with CRM systems greatly improves a business’s ability to understand and engage with its customers. This integration allows you to consolidate customer data, enhancing insights into behavior and preferences. Here are some key benefits: Seamless tracking of customer interactions across all touchpoints Personalized communication that boosts engagement Automated monitoring of customer value at the point of sale Effective segmentation of customers for customized loyalty rewards Increased customer lifetime value (CLV) through personalized experiences Omnichannel Experience for Customers With loyalty management software, you can create a seamless omnichannel experience that integrates your customer interactions across mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms. This multi-platform approach not only preserves a consistent brand image but additionally allows you to leverage customer data to develop personalized engagement strategies. Seamless Multi-Platform Integration To create a seamless omnichannel experience for your customers, loyalty management software plays a crucial role by integrating with various platforms such as mobile apps, websites, and social media. This integration allows customers to engage with loyalty programs effortlessly, regardless of where they are. Consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints improve customer satisfaction. 66% of shoppers prefer earning and using rewards on any platform. Real-time tracking of interactions helps you understand customer preferences. Improved communication nurtures deeper customer relationships. Accessible rewards across platforms drive higher conversion rates. Personalized Engagement Strategies How can businesses effectively engage customers across multiple channels? By leveraging loyalty management software, you can create personalized engagement strategies that improve customer interactions. This software integrates customer data, providing insights into behaviors and preferences, which allows you to tailor messaging and promotions for each individual. For instance, if a customer frequently shops online, you can send them exclusive online discounts. An omnichannel approach guarantees that customers can earn and redeem rewards seamlessly, whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or via mobile apps. Studies show that 66% of shoppers are influenced by rewards across channels. Implementing these personalized strategies can lead to a 25% increase in annual spending, as customers feel valued and recognized for their loyalty. Customization and Flexibility in Reward Systems Customization and flexibility in reward systems are essential components of effective loyalty management software, allowing businesses to create programs that truly reflect their customers’ preferences. By personalizing reward offerings, you improve engagement and satisfaction. Here are some key features to take into account: Points systems that reward customers for every purchase Gamification elements, like challenges and leaderboards, to boost interaction Discounts customized to customer spending habits Exclusive deals for loyal customers based on their preferences Real-time adjustments to rewards based on customer feedback These dynamic features enable you to respond swiftly to changing customer needs and market trends. A well-personalized reward system can even lead to a 67% increase in spending from repeat customers, highlighting the financial benefits of customized loyalty programs. Future Trends in Loyalty Management Software As businesses continue to adapt their loyalty programs to meet customer expectations, future trends in loyalty management software are emerging that focus on improved personalization and integration. The integration of AI and machine learning will improve customer experiences by analyzing behavioral data to tailor rewards. In addition, 73% of customers now expect seamless omnichannel loyalty programs, pushing brands to adopt more integrated solutions. Gamification elements, such as badges and engagement points, are set to boost interaction, with 71% of consumers more likely to engage with Gamification, offering these features. Moreover, as eco-conscious consumers rise, 62% are willing to adjust purchasing habits for sustainability, prompting brands to incorporate green initiatives. Improved analytics will also provide deeper insights, helping improve retention strategies. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Loyalty Management Software? Loyalty management software is a tool that helps you design and oversee customer loyalty programs. It tracks customer interactions and behaviors, enabling you to tailor rewards and promotions based on insights. This software integrates seamlessly with CRM and marketing platforms, allowing for personalized engagement across channels. By automating tasks within loyalty programs, you save time and resources, as you optimize customer segmentation and improve the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. What Are the Benefits of Loyalty Programs for Businesses? Loyalty programs offer significant benefits for your business. They can improve customer retention, as retaining customers is often cheaper than acquiring new ones. This leads to higher customer lifetime value, with loyal customers spending considerably more over time. By implementing a well-structured loyalty program, you can experience faster revenue growth and gain valuable insights into customer preferences. This data allows you to tailor marketing strategies, enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge. What Is Brand Loyalty and How Can It Help a Business? Brand loyalty is when consumers consistently prefer one brand over others, which can greatly boost your business. Loyal customers tend to spend more—up to 67% more—compared to new ones. By nurturing loyalty, you can enjoy a stable revenue stream and reduce customer acquisition costs through positive word-of-mouth referrals. Furthermore, even a small increase in customer retention can lead to profits rising by 25% to 95%, making brand loyalty essential for long-term success. What Are Three Benefits of Loyalty? Loyalty offers several key benefits for your business. First, it improves customer retention, making it cheaper to keep existing customers than to acquire new ones. Second, loyal customers typically spend more over time, boosting your revenue considerably. Third, loyalty programs can transform customers into brand advocates, encouraging them to refer others. Conclusion Incorporating loyalty management software into your business strategy can greatly improve customer retention and engagement. By leveraging features like customizable rewards and integration with CRM systems, you can create targeted programs that meet the specific needs of your customers. These tools not merely help in transforming occasional buyers into repeat customers but additionally provide valuable insights for future marketing efforts. As consumer preferences evolve, investing in this technology will keep your business competitive and responsive to market trends. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Loyalty Management Software and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A malicious ad-blocking extension on Chrome and Edge is using the ClickFix attack to infect devices with a remote access payload capable of spying on and taking over a system. NexShield pitched itself as a privacy-focused ad blocker from the developer of well-established and highly trusted uBlock Origin. However, as security firm Huntress found, the extension initiates a variation of the ClickFix attack that has been dubbed "CrashFix"—a reference to the browser crash that precedes the fake security warning and malicious command prompt. How NexShield's 'CrashFix' attacks your deviceAs BleepingComputer describes, the NexShield extension creates a denial-of-service (DoS) loop that exhausts your device's memory, ultimately freezing Chrome or Edge and causing it to crash. When the browser restarts, the extension displays a pop-up with a "Run Scan" button to identify "potential security threats that may compromise your browsing data," leading users to believe that the crash resulted from a security issue. If you follow through, you'll see another fake window with instructions for executing commands in the Windows command prompt. This is the ClickFix attack: a form of social engineering that relies on fake error messages, CAPTCHAs, and command prompts to trick users into deploying malware onto their own devices. In this case, the extension copies a command to the clipboard, and if users enter the keystrokes in the fake pop-up, downloads and executes a malicious script. After a 60-minute delay to avoid detection, NexShield delivers the payload that can run commands, fingerprint systems, and elevate privileges. Note that as of this writing, NexShield has been removed from the Chrome Web Store. How to protect your system from malwareIf you've installed NexShield, you should uninstall it and perform a full system cleanup to clear its payloads from your device. (We've got step-by-step guides to removing malware from your Mac and your PC.) As general protection against similar attacks, only install browser extensions from trusted sources. This isn't a guarantee that you'll never encounter a malicious add-on in the Chrome Web Store or in other browsers, as hackers occasionally manage to sneak through the approval process and even get their extensions labeled as trusted or verified. Some extensions are only later injected with malicious code, essentially "waking up" their ability to attack. Before installing a new extension, carefully check the creation date, reviews and ratings, and even the name, as malicious add-ons will often impersonate trusted ones (or, as in the case of NexShield, piggyback on legitimate brands like uBlock Origin). Watch for suspicious permissions—if the extension requests access to data or actions that seem excessive or are unrelated to its core function, it might be malware. Finally, never run codes or commands on your machine copied from websites or communication that you don't understand, and always verify instructions with an independent, trusted source. For this specific campaign, Huntress has other indicators of compromise you can look for on your system. View the full article

Close your eyes and picture the word “Valentino.” Chances are, you’re seeing a very specific shade of red. This visual imprint is part of the creative legacy left behind by the Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who died at home on January 19 at the age of 93. Throughout his career, Garavani became synonymous with red—so much so that a myth that his signature brand color, Valentino Rosso, was once patented with universal color matching company Pantone has become part of fashion canon. While other designers, like Jason Wu, Richard Nicoll, and Kate Spade have indeed made custom brand colors with Pantone, the company says Garavani never turned Valentino Red into an official Pantone hue. Pantone swatch or no, though, one thing is certain: Valentino mastered the art of the brand color. Garavani founded his eponymous fashion house, Maison Valentino, in 1960, alongside his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. From that year to his retirement in 2008, Garavani wowed the fashion world with his romantic silhouettes and sharp tailoring, designing iconic looks for stars including Princess Diana, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Onassis (who famously wore Valentino on her second wedding day in 1968). Amidst a career packed full of visionary moments, perhaps Garavani’s most enduring impact on fashion design will be his approach to color. From the earliest days of his career, Garavani established his own signature shade of red—a move that many modern brands make official through collaborations with Pantone. For an haute couture fashion house, it was an ahead-of-its time branding approach that made the Valentino name unforgettable. Red all the way down Garavani’s love affair with red began even before he founded Maison Valentino. He debuted his first red dress, called “Fiesta,” in 1959, featuring an orange-leaning red tulle with a skirt full of rosettes. In the 2022 book Valentino Rosso, Garavani wrote of the color, “I think a woman dressed in red is always wonderful,” adding, “she is the perfect image of a heroine.” From 1959 onward, he would include at least one red dress in every one of his collections. In 1985, Giammetti explained this pattern to Vogue: “Valentino has superstitions that became status symbols. He did red once, and now you have red in every collection. Most of our statements came to be because we are romantic; we don’t like to throw away things we like or that bring good luck.” Natalia VodianovaValentinoNatalie ImbrugliaEva Herzigova Despite the ubiquity of Valentino Rosso, the shade isn’t actually an official Pantone color. According to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, the company has no record of creating a custom Valentino red—though, she adds, the color mix he used was reportedly a combination of 100% magenta, 100% yellow, and 10% black. After Garavani’s retirement, Valentino did get its own Pantone color in 2022 under then-creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, who used a custom pink to establish his imprint on the brand. An emperor of fashion, and master of brand color In many ways, Garavani’s obsession with his signature color presaged the modern era of luxury branding. Over the course of the past two decades or so, brands including Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., and Hermès have made their own keystone colors (green, blue, and orange, respectively) more prominent in their branding. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in 2022, Pressman explained that newer companies are leveraging color to stand out in a crowded digital market. Rather than waiting to develop a signature brand color over time, they’re looking to establish one as soon they come to market: “Now what took years doesn’t [anymore], because we’re seeing it on a phone every day,” she told the publication. Garavani instinctively understood the power of color to send a message, long before it was a necessity for digital communication—and his lucky hue became his brand’s biggest asset. “It has such vitality and allure that I don’t just like seeing it on clothes, but on houses, in flowers, on objects, in details,” he wrote in Valentino Rosso. “It is my good-luck charm.” “That red is a bewitching color, standing for life, blood and death, passion, love, and an absolute remedy for sadness and gloom,” Pressman says. Valentino did not respond to a request for comment. View the full article

The recruitment process in Human Resource Management is a vital step for any organization aiming to find the right talent. It starts with identifying job requirements and includes attracting candidates, interviewing, and selecting them. Utilizing technology like Applicant Tracking Systems can streamline these steps, but fairness and diversity should remain a priority. Comprehending this structured approach is fundamental, as it lays the groundwork for effective hiring and eventually contributes to an organization’s success. What are the key components that make this process effective? Key Takeaways The recruitment process involves identifying job requirements, attracting candidates, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding new employees. It is essential for organizational success, directly influencing talent attraction and retention. Developing a hiring strategy includes job analysis, clear descriptions, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Structured interviews and assessment tests are used to objectively evaluate candidates’ skills and cultural fit. Effective onboarding programs are crucial for integrating new hires into the company culture and enhancing retention. Overview of the Recruitment Process When organizations need to fill a position, the recruitment process serves as a structured approach to identify and secure the right talent. The recruitment process in human resource management includes several key steps: systematically identifying job requirements, attracting candidates, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding. Utilizing technologies like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and video interviewing tools can improve the efficiency of this process. Effective HR management recruitment and selection should incorporate diverse channels to reach a wider pool of candidates and emphasize creating a positive experience for applicants. Best practices likewise involve conducting structured interviews to guarantee consistency and fairness. Regularly evaluating recruitment metrics, such as yield ratios, allows organizations to assess the effectiveness of their strategies, leading to informed decisions in future hiring. Importance of Recruitment in HRM The importance of recruitment in human resource management can’t be overstated, as it plays a vital role in determining an organization’s success. Effective recruitment steps in human resource management directly influence your ability to attract and retain high-quality talent, which is critical for achieving strategic goals. A well-structured recruitment process improves employee satisfaction and reduces turnover rates, boosting overall productivity and cost-efficiency. Furthermore, solid human resource management recruitment practices help build a strong employer brand, increasing interest from top talent and creating a competitive edge in the job market. Compliance with legal standards and organizational policies is also guaranteed through a robust recruitment process, minimizing potential biases and legal issues. Finally, by continuously evaluating and refining your recruitment strategies, you can adapt to changing labor market conditions and candidate expectations, assuring ongoing effectiveness in talent acquisition and long-term organizational success. Developing a Hiring Strategy Developing a hiring strategy is crucial for aligning your recruitment efforts with the overarching goals of your organization. Start by identifying your organizational goals and staffing needs, which will guide your recruitment plan. Conduct a thorough job analysis to create clear job descriptions, outlining necessary skills, qualifications, and company culture that attract suitable candidates. Next, specify your recruitment methods, timelines, and channels for sourcing candidates. Balance internal and external recruitment approaches based on the specific roles you need to fill and current market conditions. Utilizing analytics software can help streamline your strategy by tracking application metrics and evaluating recruitment effectiveness, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement. Finally, continuously assess your hiring strategy by analyzing yield ratios and gathering candidate feedback. This ongoing refinement process improves your recruitment efforts, ensuring you attract the best talent for your organization and achieve your business objectives effectively. Internal vs. External Recruitment When you consider recruitment options, internal recruitment can notably reduce onboarding time and costs by promoting or transferring existing employees who already comprehend the company culture. Conversely, external recruitment opens up access to a wider talent pool, bringing in fresh ideas and specialized skills that may not exist within the organization. Both approaches have their own advantages, and grasping these can help you create a more effective hiring strategy. Advantages of Internal Recruitment Internal recruitment presents several advantages that can greatly benefit organizations looking to optimize their hiring processes. First, it typically leads to reduced onboarding time and costs since current employees already understand the company culture and processes. Promoting from within can boost employee morale and motivation, as it shows that the organization values its existing talent. In addition, internal recruitment often saves money on advertising and recruitment agency fees, making it a more cost-effective strategy. Employees promoted this way usually have a better grasp of the company’s goals and values, leading to improved alignment and productivity. Moreover, organizations that prioritize internal recruitment encourage a culture of loyalty and retention, offering clear pathways for career advancement within the company. Benefits of External Recruitment Though internal recruitment offers numerous advantages, external recruitment provides unique benefits that can greatly improve an organization’s talent acquisition strategy. By tapping into a broader talent pool, you can access diverse perspectives and skills that mightn’t exist within your current workforce. This approach infuses fresh ideas and innovation, enhancing overall business performance and competitiveness. External hires often bring varied experiences from different industries, which can improve problem-solving and adaptability to changing market conditions. Moreover, external recruitment helps mitigate internal biases, promoting a more equitable hiring process. With diverse candidates, you’re also likely to achieve a better cultural fit, contributing to a dynamic workplace culture that reflects a wide range of viewpoints, in the end benefiting the organization as a whole. Crafting Clear Job Descriptions Crafting clear job descriptions is essential for effective recruitment in any organization. You’ll want to outline specific duties, required skills, and qualifications that align with your company’s needs and culture. A well-defined job description should include the job title, department, reporting structure, and a summary of key responsibilities, providing potential applicants with a thorough overview. Including both required and preferred qualifications helps set appropriate expectations and encourages a wider pool of applicants. Using consistent language and formatting guarantees clarity, reducing misunderstandings during the recruitment process. Moreover, regularly updating job descriptions to reflect changing responsibilities and organizational goals is critical for maintaining relevance and attracting the right talent. This practice not merely helps you find suitable candidates but also improves your organization’s appeal, guaranteeing a better fit for both the role and your company culture. Selecting Recruitment Channels Once you’ve crafted clear job descriptions, the next step is selecting the right recruitment channels. Identifying effective platforms is essential for reaching potential candidates. You should consider a mix of internal and external channels customized to the specific role and industry. Utilizing diverse channels can greatly improve your candidate pool. Job portals cater to active job seekers. Social media platforms like LinkedIn engage passive candidates. Employee referrals streamline onboarding and improve culture fit. Collecting and Reviewing Applications Collecting and reviewing applications is a crucial phase in the recruitment process, as it sets the stage for identifying the most suitable candidates for your organization. You’ll want to gather applications through various channels like job portals, company websites, and social media platforms, reaching a diverse candidate pool. Once you receive applications, it’s important to organize and track them efficiently, often using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to simplify the process. During the review, you’ll screen resumes and cover letters to assess qualifications and experiences, confirming they align with the job description. Shortlisting candidates involves evaluating applications based on pre-defined criteria to maintain fairness and avoid biases. Furthermore, effective communication with applicants during this stage is critical to improve their experience, providing timely updates about their application status. This thorough approach helps confirm you select the best candidates for the next steps in the recruitment process. The Interview Process As you shift into the interview process, comprehending its various formats is essential for effectively evaluating candidates’ qualifications and cultural fit. The interview typically includes structured interviews, behavioral interviews, and panel interviews, each serving a specific purpose. To improve your interview strategy, consider these key points: Structured Interviews: Use consistent questions for all candidates to minimize bias and boost reliability. Multiple Rounds: Conduct several interview stages to progressively narrow down the applicant pool based on targeted criteria. Preparation: Review candidates’ resumes and develop job-aligned questions to guarantee relevance and depth. It’s likewise important to provide timely feedback to candidates after interviews. This practice not merely maintains a positive candidate experience but additionally reinforces your organization’s employer brand. Candidate Selection Criteria When selecting candidates, you’ll want to assess their skills and qualifications carefully, including education and relevant experience. Evaluating cultural fit is equally important, as it helps guarantee that new hires align with your organization’s values and work environment. Finally, reviewing past performance can provide insights into a candidate’s potential success in the role, making it easier to identify the best fit for your team. Skills and Qualifications Assessment The skills and qualifications assessment is a critical component of the candidate selection process, guaranteeing that applicants meet the specific demands of the job. This assessment evaluates candidates against specific criteria, such as: Educational background Work experience Relevant technical skills Structured interviews and assessment tests are commonly used methods to objectively measure candidates’ skills, helping to reduce bias. Organizations often employ behavioral and situational interview questions, allowing you to see how candidates apply their skills in real-world situations. Furthermore, using standardized evaluation forms during interviews maintains consistency and fairness when comparing qualifications. Continuously refining selection criteria based on past hiring outcomes guarantees improved recruitment effectiveness and alignment with your company’s goals. Cultural Fit Evaluation Cultural fit evaluation plays an essential role in the recruitment process, as it helps determine how well a candidate aligns with your organization’s values, mission, and work environment. By using behavioral interview questions, you can ask candidates to share past experiences that highlight their core values and decision-making. This approach is effective, as candidates who resonate with your culture are more likely to stay engaged and committed, potentially reducing turnover rates by up to 50%. Scenario-based assessments can further reveal a candidate’s cultural fit, simulating real workplace situations for assessment. Moreover, incorporating peer interviews allows current employees to provide insights on how well candidates might integrate into the team, ensuring a cohesive workplace culture. Experience and Performance Review Experience and performance review are pivotal in selecting the right candidates for your organization, as they provide insight into how well individuals have performed in previous roles. By evaluating past job responsibilities and achievements, you guarantee alignment with your requirements and goals. Consider these key aspects: Use structured metrics like the STAR method to assess contributions and impact. Recognize that candidates with relevant industry experience are 40% more likely to meet performance expectations. Don’t overlook soft skills like teamwork and communication, as they account for up to 85% of workplace success. Utilizing multiple sources of performance data, including peer reviews and quantitative results, helps you gain an all-encompassing view of a candidate’s capabilities and minimizes biases in your selection process. Onboarding New Employees Onboarding new employees plays an essential role in helping them adjust to their roles and the organization as a whole. This process integrates new hires into the company culture and job responsibilities within their first few weeks. Effective onboarding programs can increase employee retention rates by up to 25% and boost productivity by 54% during the initial months. Typically, onboarding includes orientation sessions, training programs, and introductions to team members, along with providing necessary tools and resources. A well-structured onboarding plan can lead to a remarkable 70% increase in employee engagement, nurturing a sense of belonging and motivation. Furthermore, continuous feedback during this phase addresses any concerns new employees may have, ensuring their successful integration and overall satisfaction with the organization. Challenges in the Recruitment Process Steering the recruitment process comes with its own set of challenges that you need to address effectively. Attracting top talent in a competitive market can stretch your resources, whereas managing recruitment costs requires careful balancing to avoid overspending. Furthermore, addressing biases in your hiring practices is essential for cultivating a diverse workforce and ensuring fair assessments of candidates. Attracting Top Talent Attracting top talent has become a notable challenge for many organizations today, especially as competitive market conditions intensify. With nearly 69% of employers struggling to find qualified candidates, it’s essential to improve recruitment strategies. Companies that prioritize strong employer branding are 3.5 times more likely to draw high-quality applicants. Additionally, utilizing social media and employee referrals can enhance candidate quality considerably. Here are some key strategies: Invest in employer branding to boost your appeal. Use social media and referrals to tap into a wider talent pool. Implement structured interviews to minimize bias and select the best candidates based on merit. Managing Recruitment Costs Managing recruitment costs is vital for organizations that need to balance quality hires with budget limitations, especially as HR teams face increasing pressure to optimize spending. Recruitment processes often take about 40 days to finalize contracts, and extended timelines can hinder productivity and ramp up costs because of unfilled roles. Various recruitment channels, such as advertising and recruitment firms, can also incur significant expenses, making careful budgeting imperative. High turnover rates further complicate matters, as the costs of hiring and onboarding accumulate, impacting financial health. Addressing Biases Effectively Though biases in the recruitment process can unintentionally skew candidate evaluations, implementing effective strategies can greatly improve fairness and inclusivity in hiring. To address these challenges, consider the following approaches: Structured Interviews: Standardizing questions and criteria helps guarantee all candidates are evaluated fairly, minimizing subjective judgments. Blind Recruitment: Removing names and other identifying details from resumes can reduce unconscious bias during initial screenings. Regular Training: Providing training for hiring managers on recognizing and combating biases improves decision-making and promotes equity in the recruitment process. Additionally, continuously evaluating recruitment metrics, such as yield ratios, can help identify and address potential biases in sourcing and selection methods. This allows your organization to refine processes for better outcomes. Best Practices for Effective Recruitment Effective recruitment is essential for building a strong workforce, and implementing best practices can greatly improve your hiring process. Start by utilizing diverse recruitment channels like social media, job portals, and employee referrals; this broadens your candidate pool and attracts top talent. Establishing a strong employer brand boosts your organization’s reputation, making it more appealing to high-quality candidates. Conduct structured interviews to reduce bias and guarantee fair comparisons among candidates, leading to better hiring decisions. Furthermore, focus on creating a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process; this can improve engagement and increase acceptance rates for job offers. Finally, regularly evaluate and refine your recruitment strategies based on metrics such as yield ratios. This practice helps identify areas for improvement and elevates the overall effectiveness of your recruitment process, making sure you find the right talent for your organization. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Recruitment Process in Human Resources Management? The recruitment process in human resources management involves several key steps. First, you identify staffing needs based on organizational goals. Next, you attract candidates through various channels, like social media and job portals. After that, you conduct interviews and select the best-fit candidates. Once chosen, you hire and onboard them effectively. Throughout, it’s crucial to evaluate recruitment metrics, ensuring compliance with legal standards and nurturing a positive experience for candidates. What Are the 7 Steps of the Recruitment Process? The recruitment process involves seven key steps. First, you identify a hiring need by collaborating with department managers. Next, you create a detailed job description outlining duties and required skills. Then, you plan your recruitment strategy and source candidates through various channels. After that, you screen applicants and shortlist the most suitable ones. You conduct interviews, and finally, you finalize the hiring process by extending job offers and preparing for onboarding the new hire. What Are the 5 Steps of the Recruitment Process? The recruitment process consists of five crucial steps. First, you identify the hiring need by evaluating gaps in your team. Next, you create a detailed job description outlining required skills and responsibilities. Then, you source candidates through various channels, such as job boards or social media. After that, you screen applicants to shortlist the best fits. Finally, you conduct interviews to evaluate their qualifications and guarantee they align with your organization’s goals. What Are the 5 C’s of Recruitment? The 5 C’s of recruitment are vital for effective hiring. First, competence checks if candidates have the necessary skills for the job. Next, culture assesses their fit within your organization’s values. Commitment measures their dedication to the role and company, which influences retention. Communication is critical for ensuring clear interactions between you and the candidates. Finally, cost evaluates the financial implications of hiring, ensuring the process remains sustainable for your organization. Conclusion In conclusion, the recruitment process in HRM is crucial for securing top talent and involves multiple steps like defining job requirements, attracting candidates, and selecting the right fit. By developing a clear hiring strategy and utilizing both internal and external recruitment methods, organizations can improve their chances of finding qualified candidates. Furthermore, focusing on clear job descriptions and effective onboarding can streamline the process. Addressing common challenges and following best practices guarantees a fair and efficient recruitment experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the Recruitment Process in Human Resource Management?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The recruitment process in Human Resource Management is a vital step for any organization aiming to find the right talent. It starts with identifying job requirements and includes attracting candidates, interviewing, and selecting them. Utilizing technology like Applicant Tracking Systems can streamline these steps, but fairness and diversity should remain a priority. Comprehending this structured approach is fundamental, as it lays the groundwork for effective hiring and eventually contributes to an organization’s success. What are the key components that make this process effective? Key Takeaways The recruitment process involves identifying job requirements, attracting candidates, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding new employees. It is essential for organizational success, directly influencing talent attraction and retention. Developing a hiring strategy includes job analysis, clear descriptions, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Structured interviews and assessment tests are used to objectively evaluate candidates’ skills and cultural fit. Effective onboarding programs are crucial for integrating new hires into the company culture and enhancing retention. Overview of the Recruitment Process When organizations need to fill a position, the recruitment process serves as a structured approach to identify and secure the right talent. The recruitment process in human resource management includes several key steps: systematically identifying job requirements, attracting candidates, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding. Utilizing technologies like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and video interviewing tools can improve the efficiency of this process. Effective HR management recruitment and selection should incorporate diverse channels to reach a wider pool of candidates and emphasize creating a positive experience for applicants. Best practices likewise involve conducting structured interviews to guarantee consistency and fairness. Regularly evaluating recruitment metrics, such as yield ratios, allows organizations to assess the effectiveness of their strategies, leading to informed decisions in future hiring. Importance of Recruitment in HRM The importance of recruitment in human resource management can’t be overstated, as it plays a vital role in determining an organization’s success. Effective recruitment steps in human resource management directly influence your ability to attract and retain high-quality talent, which is critical for achieving strategic goals. A well-structured recruitment process improves employee satisfaction and reduces turnover rates, boosting overall productivity and cost-efficiency. Furthermore, solid human resource management recruitment practices help build a strong employer brand, increasing interest from top talent and creating a competitive edge in the job market. Compliance with legal standards and organizational policies is also guaranteed through a robust recruitment process, minimizing potential biases and legal issues. Finally, by continuously evaluating and refining your recruitment strategies, you can adapt to changing labor market conditions and candidate expectations, assuring ongoing effectiveness in talent acquisition and long-term organizational success. Developing a Hiring Strategy Developing a hiring strategy is crucial for aligning your recruitment efforts with the overarching goals of your organization. Start by identifying your organizational goals and staffing needs, which will guide your recruitment plan. Conduct a thorough job analysis to create clear job descriptions, outlining necessary skills, qualifications, and company culture that attract suitable candidates. Next, specify your recruitment methods, timelines, and channels for sourcing candidates. Balance internal and external recruitment approaches based on the specific roles you need to fill and current market conditions. Utilizing analytics software can help streamline your strategy by tracking application metrics and evaluating recruitment effectiveness, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement. Finally, continuously assess your hiring strategy by analyzing yield ratios and gathering candidate feedback. This ongoing refinement process improves your recruitment efforts, ensuring you attract the best talent for your organization and achieve your business objectives effectively. Internal vs. External Recruitment When you consider recruitment options, internal recruitment can notably reduce onboarding time and costs by promoting or transferring existing employees who already comprehend the company culture. Conversely, external recruitment opens up access to a wider talent pool, bringing in fresh ideas and specialized skills that may not exist within the organization. Both approaches have their own advantages, and grasping these can help you create a more effective hiring strategy. Advantages of Internal Recruitment Internal recruitment presents several advantages that can greatly benefit organizations looking to optimize their hiring processes. First, it typically leads to reduced onboarding time and costs since current employees already understand the company culture and processes. Promoting from within can boost employee morale and motivation, as it shows that the organization values its existing talent. In addition, internal recruitment often saves money on advertising and recruitment agency fees, making it a more cost-effective strategy. Employees promoted this way usually have a better grasp of the company’s goals and values, leading to improved alignment and productivity. Moreover, organizations that prioritize internal recruitment encourage a culture of loyalty and retention, offering clear pathways for career advancement within the company. Benefits of External Recruitment Though internal recruitment offers numerous advantages, external recruitment provides unique benefits that can greatly improve an organization’s talent acquisition strategy. By tapping into a broader talent pool, you can access diverse perspectives and skills that mightn’t exist within your current workforce. This approach infuses fresh ideas and innovation, enhancing overall business performance and competitiveness. External hires often bring varied experiences from different industries, which can improve problem-solving and adaptability to changing market conditions. Moreover, external recruitment helps mitigate internal biases, promoting a more equitable hiring process. With diverse candidates, you’re also likely to achieve a better cultural fit, contributing to a dynamic workplace culture that reflects a wide range of viewpoints, in the end benefiting the organization as a whole. Crafting Clear Job Descriptions Crafting clear job descriptions is essential for effective recruitment in any organization. You’ll want to outline specific duties, required skills, and qualifications that align with your company’s needs and culture. A well-defined job description should include the job title, department, reporting structure, and a summary of key responsibilities, providing potential applicants with a thorough overview. Including both required and preferred qualifications helps set appropriate expectations and encourages a wider pool of applicants. Using consistent language and formatting guarantees clarity, reducing misunderstandings during the recruitment process. Moreover, regularly updating job descriptions to reflect changing responsibilities and organizational goals is critical for maintaining relevance and attracting the right talent. This practice not merely helps you find suitable candidates but also improves your organization’s appeal, guaranteeing a better fit for both the role and your company culture. Selecting Recruitment Channels Once you’ve crafted clear job descriptions, the next step is selecting the right recruitment channels. Identifying effective platforms is essential for reaching potential candidates. You should consider a mix of internal and external channels customized to the specific role and industry. Utilizing diverse channels can greatly improve your candidate pool. Job portals cater to active job seekers. Social media platforms like LinkedIn engage passive candidates. Employee referrals streamline onboarding and improve culture fit. Collecting and Reviewing Applications Collecting and reviewing applications is a crucial phase in the recruitment process, as it sets the stage for identifying the most suitable candidates for your organization. You’ll want to gather applications through various channels like job portals, company websites, and social media platforms, reaching a diverse candidate pool. Once you receive applications, it’s important to organize and track them efficiently, often using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to simplify the process. During the review, you’ll screen resumes and cover letters to assess qualifications and experiences, confirming they align with the job description. Shortlisting candidates involves evaluating applications based on pre-defined criteria to maintain fairness and avoid biases. Furthermore, effective communication with applicants during this stage is critical to improve their experience, providing timely updates about their application status. This thorough approach helps confirm you select the best candidates for the next steps in the recruitment process. The Interview Process As you shift into the interview process, comprehending its various formats is essential for effectively evaluating candidates’ qualifications and cultural fit. The interview typically includes structured interviews, behavioral interviews, and panel interviews, each serving a specific purpose. To improve your interview strategy, consider these key points: Structured Interviews: Use consistent questions for all candidates to minimize bias and boost reliability. Multiple Rounds: Conduct several interview stages to progressively narrow down the applicant pool based on targeted criteria. Preparation: Review candidates’ resumes and develop job-aligned questions to guarantee relevance and depth. It’s likewise important to provide timely feedback to candidates after interviews. This practice not merely maintains a positive candidate experience but additionally reinforces your organization’s employer brand. Candidate Selection Criteria When selecting candidates, you’ll want to assess their skills and qualifications carefully, including education and relevant experience. Evaluating cultural fit is equally important, as it helps guarantee that new hires align with your organization’s values and work environment. Finally, reviewing past performance can provide insights into a candidate’s potential success in the role, making it easier to identify the best fit for your team. Skills and Qualifications Assessment The skills and qualifications assessment is a critical component of the candidate selection process, guaranteeing that applicants meet the specific demands of the job. This assessment evaluates candidates against specific criteria, such as: Educational background Work experience Relevant technical skills Structured interviews and assessment tests are commonly used methods to objectively measure candidates’ skills, helping to reduce bias. Organizations often employ behavioral and situational interview questions, allowing you to see how candidates apply their skills in real-world situations. Furthermore, using standardized evaluation forms during interviews maintains consistency and fairness when comparing qualifications. Continuously refining selection criteria based on past hiring outcomes guarantees improved recruitment effectiveness and alignment with your company’s goals. Cultural Fit Evaluation Cultural fit evaluation plays an essential role in the recruitment process, as it helps determine how well a candidate aligns with your organization’s values, mission, and work environment. By using behavioral interview questions, you can ask candidates to share past experiences that highlight their core values and decision-making. This approach is effective, as candidates who resonate with your culture are more likely to stay engaged and committed, potentially reducing turnover rates by up to 50%. Scenario-based assessments can further reveal a candidate’s cultural fit, simulating real workplace situations for assessment. Moreover, incorporating peer interviews allows current employees to provide insights on how well candidates might integrate into the team, ensuring a cohesive workplace culture. Experience and Performance Review Experience and performance review are pivotal in selecting the right candidates for your organization, as they provide insight into how well individuals have performed in previous roles. By evaluating past job responsibilities and achievements, you guarantee alignment with your requirements and goals. Consider these key aspects: Use structured metrics like the STAR method to assess contributions and impact. Recognize that candidates with relevant industry experience are 40% more likely to meet performance expectations. Don’t overlook soft skills like teamwork and communication, as they account for up to 85% of workplace success. Utilizing multiple sources of performance data, including peer reviews and quantitative results, helps you gain an all-encompassing view of a candidate’s capabilities and minimizes biases in your selection process. Onboarding New Employees Onboarding new employees plays an essential role in helping them adjust to their roles and the organization as a whole. This process integrates new hires into the company culture and job responsibilities within their first few weeks. Effective onboarding programs can increase employee retention rates by up to 25% and boost productivity by 54% during the initial months. Typically, onboarding includes orientation sessions, training programs, and introductions to team members, along with providing necessary tools and resources. A well-structured onboarding plan can lead to a remarkable 70% increase in employee engagement, nurturing a sense of belonging and motivation. Furthermore, continuous feedback during this phase addresses any concerns new employees may have, ensuring their successful integration and overall satisfaction with the organization. Challenges in the Recruitment Process Steering the recruitment process comes with its own set of challenges that you need to address effectively. Attracting top talent in a competitive market can stretch your resources, whereas managing recruitment costs requires careful balancing to avoid overspending. Furthermore, addressing biases in your hiring practices is essential for cultivating a diverse workforce and ensuring fair assessments of candidates. Attracting Top Talent Attracting top talent has become a notable challenge for many organizations today, especially as competitive market conditions intensify. With nearly 69% of employers struggling to find qualified candidates, it’s essential to improve recruitment strategies. Companies that prioritize strong employer branding are 3.5 times more likely to draw high-quality applicants. Additionally, utilizing social media and employee referrals can enhance candidate quality considerably. Here are some key strategies: Invest in employer branding to boost your appeal. Use social media and referrals to tap into a wider talent pool. Implement structured interviews to minimize bias and select the best candidates based on merit. Managing Recruitment Costs Managing recruitment costs is vital for organizations that need to balance quality hires with budget limitations, especially as HR teams face increasing pressure to optimize spending. Recruitment processes often take about 40 days to finalize contracts, and extended timelines can hinder productivity and ramp up costs because of unfilled roles. Various recruitment channels, such as advertising and recruitment firms, can also incur significant expenses, making careful budgeting imperative. High turnover rates further complicate matters, as the costs of hiring and onboarding accumulate, impacting financial health. Addressing Biases Effectively Though biases in the recruitment process can unintentionally skew candidate evaluations, implementing effective strategies can greatly improve fairness and inclusivity in hiring. To address these challenges, consider the following approaches: Structured Interviews: Standardizing questions and criteria helps guarantee all candidates are evaluated fairly, minimizing subjective judgments. Blind Recruitment: Removing names and other identifying details from resumes can reduce unconscious bias during initial screenings. Regular Training: Providing training for hiring managers on recognizing and combating biases improves decision-making and promotes equity in the recruitment process. Additionally, continuously evaluating recruitment metrics, such as yield ratios, can help identify and address potential biases in sourcing and selection methods. This allows your organization to refine processes for better outcomes. Best Practices for Effective Recruitment Effective recruitment is essential for building a strong workforce, and implementing best practices can greatly improve your hiring process. Start by utilizing diverse recruitment channels like social media, job portals, and employee referrals; this broadens your candidate pool and attracts top talent. Establishing a strong employer brand boosts your organization’s reputation, making it more appealing to high-quality candidates. Conduct structured interviews to reduce bias and guarantee fair comparisons among candidates, leading to better hiring decisions. Furthermore, focus on creating a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process; this can improve engagement and increase acceptance rates for job offers. Finally, regularly evaluate and refine your recruitment strategies based on metrics such as yield ratios. This practice helps identify areas for improvement and elevates the overall effectiveness of your recruitment process, making sure you find the right talent for your organization. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Recruitment Process in Human Resources Management? The recruitment process in human resources management involves several key steps. First, you identify staffing needs based on organizational goals. Next, you attract candidates through various channels, like social media and job portals. After that, you conduct interviews and select the best-fit candidates. Once chosen, you hire and onboard them effectively. Throughout, it’s crucial to evaluate recruitment metrics, ensuring compliance with legal standards and nurturing a positive experience for candidates. What Are the 7 Steps of the Recruitment Process? The recruitment process involves seven key steps. First, you identify a hiring need by collaborating with department managers. Next, you create a detailed job description outlining duties and required skills. Then, you plan your recruitment strategy and source candidates through various channels. After that, you screen applicants and shortlist the most suitable ones. You conduct interviews, and finally, you finalize the hiring process by extending job offers and preparing for onboarding the new hire. What Are the 5 Steps of the Recruitment Process? The recruitment process consists of five crucial steps. First, you identify the hiring need by evaluating gaps in your team. Next, you create a detailed job description outlining required skills and responsibilities. Then, you source candidates through various channels, such as job boards or social media. After that, you screen applicants to shortlist the best fits. Finally, you conduct interviews to evaluate their qualifications and guarantee they align with your organization’s goals. What Are the 5 C’s of Recruitment? The 5 C’s of recruitment are vital for effective hiring. First, competence checks if candidates have the necessary skills for the job. Next, culture assesses their fit within your organization’s values. Commitment measures their dedication to the role and company, which influences retention. Communication is critical for ensuring clear interactions between you and the candidates. Finally, cost evaluates the financial implications of hiring, ensuring the process remains sustainable for your organization. Conclusion In conclusion, the recruitment process in HRM is crucial for securing top talent and involves multiple steps like defining job requirements, attracting candidates, and selecting the right fit. By developing a clear hiring strategy and utilizing both internal and external recruitment methods, organizations can improve their chances of finding qualified candidates. Furthermore, focusing on clear job descriptions and effective onboarding can streamline the process. Addressing common challenges and following best practices guarantees a fair and efficient recruitment experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the Recruitment Process in Human Resource Management?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Executives surveyed by American Banker said companies vying to wrestle market share from banks are a major threat to operations in the coming year. View the full article

The day after French President Emmanuel Macron wore a pair of Henry Jullien Pacific S 01 aviator sunglasses during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the world wanted to know more about his eyewear. Search interest for Macron’s shiny, reflective sunglasses spiked Wednesday, and the French luxury eyewear brand’s website is down at time of writing. All it takes is one world leader sporting a ready-to-wear garment or accessory for a brand to get a global spotlight—and just maybe become a meme. Like interest in the Nike tracksuit Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was pictured wearing earlier this month after being seized by the U.S., interest in Macron’s shades is just the latest example of a newsmaker driving attention to a piece of fashion, and parlaying a news item into an internet meme. Before you could buy a “Make America Great Again” hat on President Donald The President’s website, he wore one himself. Watch the news and shop the look. Macron’s shades, which cost 659 euros, or $770, weren’t worn primarily as a fashion statement, though, but to prevent something more unsightly, according to the explanation from his office. Macron’s office told Reuters he wore the sunglasses because of a burst blood vessel in his eye, and he was indeed spotted last week with one bloodshot eye. While Macron’s sunglasses hid his eye, they also had the added benefit of sending a visual message that accompanied the contents of his speech. Macron called out U.S. tariffs during his address and urged “more stability” in the world and respect over bullying while wearing a more-than-a-century-old French luxury brand. Online, some people thought Macron’s sunglasses looked cool, while The President mocked him. “I watched him yesterday with those beautiful sunglasses. What the hell happened?” The President remarked during his Wednesday address in Davos. But if Macron hadn’t have worn the sunglasses, everyone would be talking about his red eye. Instead they’re talking about his expensive aviators. The sunglasses drew attention to Macron’s speech, but they also made him look like a French Top Gun at a moment when he needed to communicate he meant business. They also recalled former President Joe Biden at a time when the West feels unmoored as the U.S. shrinks from its post-World War II leadership under The President. This wasn’t the type of speech one could wear Oakleys to. Macron chose the sunglasses for an important speech just right. View the full article

The The President administration is dropping its appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked a campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion threatening federal funding to the nation’s schools and colleges. The Education Department, in a court filing Wednesday, moved to dismiss its appeal. It leaves in place a federal judge’s August decision finding that the anti-DEI effort violated the First Amendment and federal procedural rules. The dispute centered on federal guidance telling schools and colleges they would lose federal money if they kept a wide range of practices that the Republican administration labeled as diversity, equity, and inclusion. The department did not immediately comment. Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy firm representing the plaintiffs, said the dismissal was “a welcome relief and a meaningful win for public education.” “Today’s dismissal confirms what the data shows: government attorneys are having an increasingly difficult time defending the lawlessness of the president and his cabinet,” said Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO. The department sent the anti-DEI warning in a “Dear Colleague Letter” to schools last February. The memo said race could not be considered in decisions involving college admissions, hiring, scholarships and “all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.” It said efforts to increase diversity had led to discrimination against white and Asian American students. The department later asked K-12 schools to certify they did not practice DEI, again threatening to cut federal funding. Both documents were struck down by U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland. In her ruling, she said the guidance stifled teachers’ free speech, “causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished.” The challenge was filed by the American Federation of Teachers. ___ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Collin Binkley, AP education writer View the full article