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OpenAI may seek to acquire Chrome if it's split from Google in the ongoing antitrust proceedings. The post OpenAI Expresses Interest In Buying Chrome Browser appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The hits keep coming for the world’s richest man. Tesla reported another weak quarter of performance as car buyers around the world increasingly opt for other brands. That wasn’t entirely surprising, however; analysts had forecasted dismal first-quarter quarter results, though the carmaker reported revenue and earnings that were significantly worse than the consensus of analysts’ estimates. The Austin-based carmaker reported that revenue fell 9.2% to $19.34 billion during the three months ended March 31, while the decline in the company’s automotive revenue was even worse, falling 20% from the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter came in at 27 cents. The company cited issues stemming from policy to politics for its performance. “Uncertainty in the automotive and energy markets continues to increase as rapidly evolving trade policy adversely impacts the global supply chain and cost structure of Tesla and our peers,” the company said in the report. “This dynamic, along with changing political sentiment, could have a meaningful impact on demand for our products in the near-term.” An update from Elon Musk In an effort to revitalize the beleaguered carmaker, investors are hopeful that CEO Elon Musk will make a newsworthy announcement in a live company update following the release of the quarterly results, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern. Investors have been looking for any silver linings, amid a 50% crash in the stock’s price since its all-time high in December. One long-awaited update that Musk could offer investors is regarding plans for a more affordable electric vehicle model. That said, three sources exclusively told Reuters last week that the launch of such a vehicle has been delayed by at least several months. Likewise, there’s been speculation on Wall Street that Musk might use the conference call to update infestors about the planned debut of robotaxis, driverless ride-hailing services, in Austin in June and in California later this year. There’s likewise been speculation that Musk might announce the timing of his departure from the The President administration. Tesla shares fell nearly 1% in after-hours trading after posting a 4.6% gain Tuesday alongside a broader rally in the U.S. stock market. Disdain reigns supreme Analysts and investors alike were bracing for what was widely expected to be a disastrous earnings report that coincides with Musk assuming a heavy-handed role as a senior advisor in President Donald The President’s second administration. Musk has become one of the most polarizing figures in the new administration, and there’s palpable disdain for the man and the brand: About half of Americans have a negative view of both Musk and Tesla, according to the results of a CNBC survey released Tuesday. Tesla has become “arguably the most scrutinized company in the world,” Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, told The Associated Press ahead of the earnings results. In addition to being the subject of protests and vandalism, Tesla was recently dealt a blow by regulators, who issued a recall of nearly all Cybertrucks last month. Fork in the road Once a darling of Wall Street, Tesla’s performance has hit more than a few bumps in the road this year. Not only has vehicle production has slowed, so too has delivery of these vehicles. In a report released earlier this month, the Austin-based company reported 336,681 vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, a 13% decline from the same period a year ago. This missed the mark of various estimates of analysts, who were expecting deliveries to number as much as nearly 378,000, according to the average estimate of select estimates that Tesla’s investor relations team sent to select analysts. That report highlighted a particular weakness for Tesla: Delivery of models other than the Model 3 and Model Y, the most-popular in its fleet, slumped more than 24% compared to less than 13,000 vehicles, compared with 17,027 in 2024. This group of vehicles includes the much-hyped—though increasingly much-maligned—Cybertruck model that debuted in 2023. Following the release of that report, Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, posted on the social media X platform that the numbers “were a disaster on every metric” and represented a “fork in the road moment” for the carmaker. View the full article

UnitedHealth Group spent nearly $1.7 million on security for its top executives in 2024, the healthcare conglomerate disclosed on Monday, months after the fatal shooting of senior executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in December. The company also paid $207,931 on behalf of certain family members of the executives to provide them with personal and home security services, it said. The security spending disclosures, absent from UnitedHealth’s previous annual filings, underscore how the December shooting is prompting companies to reassess the risk of targeted violence against top management. U.S. drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly also increased spending on security for their top executives in 2024, regulatory filings showed last month. “We believe that these security services are appropriate and necessary given the risks associated with executive officer positions at the company,” UnitedHealth said in the filing. Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance unit UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead on December 4 outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where the company was holding an investor conference. The filing also showed UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty’s total compensation for 2024 was $26.3 million, compared with $23.5 million a year ago. The conglomerate spent $150,951 towards Witty’s security, while $926,989 was paid for Heather Cianfrocco, the CEO of the company’s health services unit Optum. Following Thompson’s murder, health insurers removed pictures of their executives from corporate websites. In January, organizers at a major San Francisco healthcare meeting increased security for attendees inside and outside the venue. In past years, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have typically covered the use of private jets and provided limited security-related compensation, according to earlier filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. —Sriparna Roy, Reuters View the full article

The higher education community is pushing back against the The President Administration’s treatment of colleges and universities. On Tuesday, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), a global membership organization, published a joint statement condemning the administration’s ongoing threats to withhold federal funding from colleges and universities. “We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the letter reads. “We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion,” it said, adding: “We must reject the coercive use of public research funding.” Over 170 university, college, and scholarly society presidents signed the letter, including presidents from Ivy League institutions including Harvard University, Brown University, and Princeton University, as well as heads of liberal arts schools and community colleges. The statement comes as tensions between higher education institutions and the current administration have been heating up in recent weeks. On Monday, Harvard University said it had filed a lawsuit against the The President Administration, alleging the administration’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in funding was unlawful. “Today, we stand for the values that have made American higher education a beacon for the world,” Harvard’s president Alan Garber said in a statement announcing the suit. “We stand for the truth that colleges and universities across the country can embrace and honor their legal obligations and best fulfill their essential role in society without improper government intrusion.” In its complaint, Harvard accused the government of failing to follow procedures set by federal civil rights laws, and said the government was attempting to “coerce and control” the university by denying necessary funding. The federal funding freeze came after Harvard refused to bend to the administration’s demands, which included giving the administration information on students who may be participating in political activism it disagrees with; banning masks on campus; and ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. “The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families is coming to an end,” White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said in a statement on Monday, per CNN. “Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.” As the The President Administration has revoked student visas and detained students who participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations on campuses, which the administration has called anti-semitic, the reaction from colleges and universities has differed broadly from school to school. While some institutions have stood fiercely behind their detained students, others have seemed to bow to The President’s demands. Columbia University has expelled, suspended, and revoked the degrees of some students who had participated in political protests. However, Tuesday’s letter might be a sign of what’s to come, as it is the largest collective effort among university and college heads to push back against the administration thus far. 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. In "celebration" of Earth Day, some tech retailers are offering discounts on their refurbished products. Sonos is one of these retailers, and their discounts are actually good. Sonos says it repairs these products to "like-new" conditions and still offers the same one-year warranty. Here is what you can get from them on sale today: 30 hour battery, ANC, lossless streaming, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Refurbished Sonos Ace $269.00 at Sonos $359.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $269.00 at Sonos $359.00 Save $90.00 Dolby Atmos, two height channels, Sonos app, and Apple AirPlay 2, multiroom, wifi. Refurbished Sonos Arc Ultra $599.00 at Sonos $719.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $599.00 at Sonos $719.00 Save $120.00 Spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, Sonos app, voice control, multiroom. Refurbished Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar $299.00 at Sonos $399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Sonos $399.00 Save $100.00 Sonos app, voice control, and Apple AirPlay 2. Refurbished Beam (Gen 1) - Shadow Smart Soundbar $191.00 at Sonos $319.00 Save $128.00 Get Deal Get Deal $191.00 at Sonos $319.00 Save $128.00 Wireless, sonos app. Refurbished Sub (Gen 3) Premium Wireless Subwoofer $479.00 at Sonos $639.00 Save $160.00 Get Deal Get Deal $479.00 at Sonos $639.00 Save $160.00 Sonos app, wireless. Refurbished Sub Mini Wireless Subwoofer $259.00 at Sonos $349.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $259.00 at Sonos $349.00 Save $90.00 SEE 3 MORE The Sonos Ace headphones are $269The Sonos Ace is Sonos' only pair of headphones, first released last summer. You can get a pair for $269 ($449 for new ones). The battery life is impressive, with about 30 hours with either the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Aware Mode settings active, or about 40 hours with both of those off. The Bluetooth multipoint connectivity means you can connect up to two devices at once and switch seamlessly between them. Their ANC and Aware Mode are top-tier, competing with the best headphones on the market. You can read more about them on PCMag's "excellent" review. Soundbars start at $191The Sonos Beam Gen 1 has been around since 2018, but it's much better than most soundbars you can get under $200 today. It supports both Google and Alexa voice assistants, as well as AirPlay, according to CNET's review. At $191 straight from the Sonos website, this is a great deal for anyone who wants to try the Sonos ecosystem for cheap. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 came out in 2021 with Atmos compatibility and a better processor, according to CNET's review. For $299 ($499 for a new one), you get a much bigger and fuller sound on the same-sized compact soundbar. If you're looking for a top-notch soundbar, consider the Sonos Arc Ultra. This is the latest soundbar from Sonos and one of the best on the market, according to PCMag's "outstanding review." It's still expensive at $599, but it's 40% cheaper than a new one ($999). It has a speakerphone, Sonos Voice control, an Ethernet connection, multiroom, and the best sound Sonos offers. Subwoofers start at $259If you want to have that rumbling bass that adds more depth to your theater system, get a subwoofer. The Sonos Sub Gen 3 is not the newest (that's the Gen 4), but the 3 is much cheaper and still a very capable subwoofer. You can get it for $479 ($799 for a new one). The Sonos Sub Mini is a smaller and more affordable version of the Sonos Sub, perfect for a small apartment or room where you want a soundbar and subwoofer combo. You can get it for $259 ($428 for a new one); learn more about it on CNET's review. View the full article

Google Analytics adds new data quality features to help track campaigns and overcome privacy limitations. The post Google Analytics Adds New Features For Privacy-Era Tracking appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The platform behind your site plays a bigger role than you might think. From site speed and mobile responsiveness to content scalability and technical SEO, the foundation you choose can make or break your organic performance. If your goal is seamless, secure, and engaging digital experiences that also support strong search visibility, it’s time to re-evaluate your CMS. Join MarTech’s Future-Proof Your Content Strategy with the Right CMS, and discover exactly what marketers need to consider when evaluating content management systems. You’ll learn: Must-have CMS features for delivering top-notch digital experiences. How to tackle security, compliance, and integration challenges effectively. Practical ways to ensure your CMS scales with your long-term growth. Get real-world insights from industry experts and leave with a clear roadmap for making smart CMS decisions. Save your seat here. View the full article

Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a great feature for us multitaskers. We have things to do, sure, but there are so many videos to watch, too. Why not kill two birds with one stone, and cross off our to-do lists with a floating media player in the corner of our screens? The thing about PiP, however, is it's not always the most convenient feature to use—especially on desktop. Usually, you need to learn how to activate it in the first place, which might entail a keyboard shortcut, or perhaps a double right-click to reveal a hidden menu. Unless your browser or app contains a convenient shortcut, it's often more of a hurdle than it should be. Contrast that with how it works on mobile, where simply switching out of the app will automatically place the video in a PiP window. This function makes a lot of sense for PiP: Usually, you want to use the feature in order to continue watching a video while moving away from its source, so it tracks to have the PiP window launch on its own once you switch to another window or app. In my view, the more platforms that adopt this behavior, the better. So it is with Chrome: As reported by XDA Developers, Google is actively working on a feature for its web browser that automatically launches a PiP window when switching out of a YouTube tab. While Google announced the feature back in February, it hasn't made it actively available for testing until now. Researcher Leopeva64 discovered this development, posting about it on X on Friday. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How to force YouTube to automatically open in picture-in-picture The feature is not live yet—it's currently being tested in Google's beta version of Chrome, Chrome Canary—but you should, in theory, be able to try it out right now. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working for me at this time, but here are the potential steps you can take to try it out today: First, you'll need to be running Chrome Canary, which you can download for your platform of choice here. Then, head to chrome://flags, and search for "picture in picture." There are two relevant flags here: "Browser initiated automatic picture in picture," and "Auto picture in picture for video playback." You can try enabling both to force the feature to work, but again, neither forces it to work on my end yet. Next, open YouTube, and click the settings button directly to the left of the URL. Choose Site settings, then scroll down to Automatic picture-in-picture. By default, it should be set to Ask, which would force the site to ask each session if you want picture-in-picture, but you can choose Allow to enable picture-in-picture each time. Now, start playing a video, and switch tabs. If the feature is working on your end, it should automatically present a PiP window when you leave the YouTube tab. If the setting is configured to Ask, you will need to approve the window permissions before it begins playing. This feature might not be for everyone. If that's the case, you can disable it completely from this same settings page by choosing Block. View the full article

U.S. health officials said they plan to phase out eight petroleum-based artificial colors from the nation’s food supply, triggering an overhaul of scores of brightly hued products on American store shelves. Details of the plan are expected to be announced Tuesday afternoon by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, who have advocated the change as part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The officials are expected to spell out a regulatory path for removing the color additives, a process that typically requires public notice and agency review. It would be a sweeping change for U.S. food producers, who would likely replace the dyes with natural substitutes. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.” The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned by 2028 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats. The dyes Kennedy wants to remove are used widely in the U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where artificial colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers use natural substitutes. Some U.S. states, such as California and West Virginia, recently enacted laws that ban artificial colors and other additives from school meals, and in some cases, the broader food supply. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Jonel Aleccia and Matthew Perrone, Associated Press View the full article

Don Layton, former Freddie Mac CEO, and self-proclaimed "GSEologist" predicts that a release of the two entities will occur within four to six years. View the full article

Adjusted net income drops 39% as investors worry about Elon Musk’s political involvement View the full article

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters. The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years. “I’m surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county’s diverse population and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics. The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity. Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes. The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents’ appeal to the Supreme Court. Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’s lawyers wrote. In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man. “Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid. Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents’ group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren. The writers’ group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year. A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer. —Mark Sherman, Associated Press View the full article

Aston Martin and other marques that depend on American market may require aid such as furlough schemes, auto chief says View the full article

Few moments in Pope Francis‘ papacy better exemplify his understanding of climate change and the need to address it than the rain-soaked Mass he celebrated in Tacloban, Philippines, in 2015. Wearing one of the cheap plastic yellow ponchos that were handed out to the faithful, Francis experienced first-hand the type of freak, extreme storms that scientists blame on global warming and are increasingly striking vulnerable, low-lying islands. He had traveled to Tacloban, on the island of Leyte, to comfort survivors of one of the strongest recorded tropical cyclones, Typhoon Haiyan. The 2013 storm killed more than 7,300 people, flattened villages and displaced about 5 million residents. But with another storm approaching Tacloban two years later, Francis had to cut short his visit to get off the island. “So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to tell you,” Francis told the crowd in Tacloban’s muddy airport field as the wind nearly toppled candlesticks on the altar. Francis, who died Monday at 88, was moved to silence that day by the survivors’ pain and the devastation he saw. But he would channel it a few months later when he published his landmark encyclical, “Praised Be,” which cast care for the planet as an urgent and existential moral concern. The first ecological encyclical The document, written to inspire global negotiators at the 2015 Paris climate talks, accused the “structurally perverse,” profit-driven economy of the global north of ravaging Earth and turning it into a “pile of filth.” The poor, Indigenous peoples and islanders like those in Tacloban suffered the most, he argued, bearing the brunt of increasing droughts, extreme storms, deforestation and pollution. It was the first ecological encyclical, and it affirmed the Argentine Jesuit, who in his youth studied to be a chemist, as an authoritative voice in the environmental movement. Later cited by presidents and scientists, the document inspired a global faith-based coalition to try to save God’s creation before it was too late. “I think he understood from the beginning that there are three relationships that had to be regenerated: Our relationship with God, our relationship with the created world and our relationship with our fellow creatures,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. It wasn’t always so. A conversion in 2007 in Brazil Francis had a steep learning curve on the environment, just as he did with clergy sexual abuse, which he initially dismissed as overblown. He himself pointed to a 2007 meeting of Latin American and Caribbean bishops in Aparecida, Brazil, as the moment of his ecological awakening. There, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been elected to draft the conference’s final document, and was under pressure to include calls from Brazilian bishops to highlight the plight of the Amazon. Bergoglio, the dour-faced archbishop of urbane Buenos Aires, didn’t get what all the fuss was about. “At first I was a bit annoyed,” Francis wrote in the 2020 book “Let Us Dream.” “It struck me as excessive.” By the end of the meeting, Bergoglio was converted and convinced. The final Aparecida document devoted several sections to the environment: It denounced multinational extraction companies that plundered the region’s resources at the expense of the poor. It warned of melting glaciers and the effects of lost biodiversity. It cast the ravaging of the planet as an assault on God’s divine plan that violated the biblical imperative to “cultivate and care” for creation. Those same issues would later find prominence in “Praised Be,” which took its name from the repeated first line of the “Canticle of the Creatures,” one of the best-known poetic songs of the pontiff’s nature-loving namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. They also would be highlighted in the Amazon Synod that Francis called at the Vatican in 2019, a meeting of bishops and Indigenous peoples specifically to address how the Catholic Church could and should respond to the plight of the Amazon and its impoverished people. “I think the pope’s most important contribution was to insist on the ethical aspect of the debate about climate justice,” said Giuseppe Onofrio, head of Greenpeace Italy, “that the poor were those who contributed the least to pollution and the climate crisis, but were paying the highest price.” How the environment affects all other ills In many ways, those same issues would also come to define much of Francis’ papacy. He came to view the environmental cause as encapsulating nearly all the other ills afflicting humanity in the 21st century: poverty, social and economic injustice, migration and what he called the “throwaway culture” — a melting pot of problems that he was convinced could only be addressed holistically. Some of Francis’ strongest calls to protect the environment would come on or around Earth Day, celebrated April 22. “For some time now, we have been becoming more aware that nature deserves to be protected, even if only because human interaction with God’s biodiversity must take care with utmost care and respect,” Francis said in a video message released on Earth Day in 2021. Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Canadian Jesuit whom Francis would later entrust with the ecological dossier, said the 2007 meeting in Brazil had a big impact on Francis. “In Aparecida, listening to so many different bishops talking about what was deteriorating, but also what the people were suffering, I think really impressed him,” said Czerny. Czerny’s mandate encapsulated Francis’ vision of “integral ecology,” covering the environment, the Vatican’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its charitable Caritas federation, migration advocacy, economic development and its antinuclear campaign. The multifaceted approach was intentional, Czerny said, to establish new thinking about ecology that went beyond the politicized concept of “green” advocacy to something bigger and nonnegotiable: humanity’s relationship with God and creation. “Everything is connected,” Francis liked to say. A legacy from Pope Paul VI He was by no means the first pope to embrace the ecological cause. According to the book “The Popes and Ecology,” Pope Paul VI was the first pontiff to refer to an “ecological catastrophe” in a 1970 speech to a U.N. food agency. St. John Paul II largely ignored the environment, though he did write the first truly ecological manifesto: his 1990 World Day of Peace message, which linked consumer lifestyle with environmental decay. Pope Benedict XVI was known as the “green pope,” primarily for having installed solar panels on the Vatican auditorium and starting a tree-planting campaign to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of Vatican City. Francis issued an update to “Praised Be” in 2023, just before the U.N. climate conference in Dubai. While consistent with the original text, the update was even more dire and showed Francis had grown more urgent in his alarm. He became even more willing to point fingers at the world’s biggest emitters of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, especially the U.S. And he called out those, including in the church, who denied the human causes of global warming. “He showed that he had an understanding of what was happening in the world, and he saw the world from the point of view, as he was like to say, of the peripheries, of the margins,” said Ivereigh, the papal biographer. “He brought the margins into the center.” —Nicole Winfield, Associated Press View the full article

The The President administration might be in the process of dismantling the Department of Education, but it still wants a say in what students learn in school. The Washington Post reports that The President has drafted (but not yet signed) an executive order that would make artificial intelligence part of the school process for children as young as five years old. The EO, titled “Advancing artificial intelligence education for American youth” and reportedly seen by the paper, instructs federal agencies to help train K-12 students in the use of AI and make it part of teaching-related tasks. Private sector AI companies, which are not named but could include Elon Musk’s xAI as well as OpenAI, would also be asked to be part of the program, helping to develop programs to run in schools. The President could decide to change or simply not sign the EO but in his three months in office, he has shown a strong backing for the technology. The White House did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment about the report. Since the start of his administration, The President has done away with regulations put in place during the Biden administration to create guardrails for AI companies. He also has championed a private sector investment to build AI data centers, worth as much as $500 billion. The order, as it stands now, reportedly calls for several actions that would benefit AI companies and adjust the educational process for children in all grades of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. Here’s a look at some of the changes mentioned. Grant adjustments The task force overseeing the AI integration plans would reportedly be instructed to look at existing federal funding, including grants for AI, which can be prioritized for AI educational spending. Across all areas of the government, federal investment in research and development to support advances in AI has increased by $2.8 billion since 2021, with a budget of $11.2 billion this year (excluding classified programs). AI partnerships Public-private partnerships with AI companies are a critical part of the drafted EO. Federal agencies would be told to seek these out in order to teach students “foundational AI literacy and critical-thinking skills,” the Post reports. Many AI companies already have government contracts with the Department of Defense testing use cases for AI models from Meta, Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral, among others. The Treasury Department, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the National Science Foundation also all have contracts with AI companies. Teacher training While the DOE is being eliminated, the draft of the EO reportedly calls for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to adjust federal grant funding, with a new emphasis on training teachers to use AI for everything from teacher training to evaluations. Professional development classes with AI integration are also part of the order, for teachers in all subject areas. Apprenticeships Also reportedly in the draft of the order, The President instructs Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to put together a collection of registered apprenticeships in occupations in the AI field, presumably for students in higher grades. “Presidential AI Challenge” To motivate students, the order reportedly calls for the formation of a “Presidential AI Challenge,” which will be a competition for both students and educators to showcase their AI skills. Whether the executive order is signed or not, AI is increasingly becoming a part of the educational process. California recently passed a law requiring AI literacy to be incorporated into K-12 curricula starting in the fall of 2025. The European Union’s AI Act, meanwhile, went into effect on February 5, requiring organizations that use AI in their products to implement AI literacy programs and train applicable staff to have the “skills, knowledge, and understanding that allow providers, deployers, and affected persons . . . to make an informed deployment of AI systems, as well as to gain awareness about the opportunities and risks of AI and possible harm it can cause.” View the full article

Kevin Systrom backs US Federal Trade Commission’s case in monopoly trialView the full article

Moody's Corp., a company that grades bonds and analyzes corporations' financial performance, said it expects to earn less this year than it had previously forecast. View the full article

The Sunshine State deal comes following a banner year for credit union-bank combinations, despite pushback from community banking advocates. View the full article

A large share of each generation, baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, said another age group is the reason why homeownership is unaffordable, Clever found. View the full article

There still is potential for the Supreme Court to review nuances of its landmark Tyler v. Hennepin County decision as other lawsuits raise questions about it. View the full article

Successful projects aren’t had by holding one’s nose and jumping in. There must be preparation. In project management, once a project has been approved, it starts with a project outline. While a project outline might seem obvious, it’s worth spending a little time defining what the phase means. Once that’s clear, we’ll show when a project outline is made, what should be included and provide an example to show how it works in a real-life scenario. What Is a Project Outline? A project outline is a high-level overview that summarizes the key components of a project. It typically includes the project’s objectives, scope, timeline, key milestones, deliverables, stakeholders and resources. A project outline serves as a roadmap, providing an understanding of what needs to be accomplished and how the work will be structured, helping to ensure alignment and effective project management. True, a project outline isn’t a formal, standardized term that one would find in project management frameworks, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) or agile. However, it’s still a widely used concept across industries and project types. The idea can be found in the project brief (PRINCE2), project charts (PMBOK), statement of work and project initiation document. A project outline also serves as the foundation for creating a Gantt chart by providing the essential details needed to map out tasks and timelines. It identifies key tasks, milestones and deliverables. Additionally, identifying dependencies, resources and responsible team members from the project outline helps accurately sequence tasks and assign responsibilities in the Gantt chart. This is all facilitated by the use of project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views to turn a project outline into an actionable plan. Tasks, resources and costs can be scheduled on the Gantt chart, which goes further by linking all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns. Improve Project Outlines with ProjectManager Use the sheet, list, kanban and calendar view alongside the Gantt to execute outlines Reference real-time reports and dashboards to see how outlines are being executed Share data with stakeholders using free guest licenses. Try it free /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more When to Make a Project Outline A project outline is typically created in the early stages of project planning, often before or alongside the development of a project charter or project proposal. It acts as a simplified version of those documents, helping to break down the project’s key components and organize initial thoughts. Creating a project outline can clarify objectives, identify major tasks and estimate timelines, making it easier to draft a more detailed and comprehensive charter or proposal. It’s useful for stakeholder discussions, ensuring alignment before committing to more detailed planning. Essentially, a project outline is a practical starting point that streamlines the development of formal project documents by providing a clear, high-level structure. A project outline is particularly useful when you’re still in the brainstorming or early planning phases. It allows you to explore the project’s feasibility, refine the objectives and identify potential challenges without the commitment of a formal document. If you’re working on a project proposal to gain stakeholder approval or secure funding, the outline summarizes the key points, ensuring you’re aligned on the project’s purpose and scope before investing time in detailed planning. Similarly, when preparing a project charter, which formally authorizes the project and defines roles and responsibilities, the outline serves as a precursor by organizing the core details in a clear, manageable format. What Should Be Included in a Project Outline? A project outline serves as a high-level summary that provides clarity and direction for project stakeholders. It helps establish a shared understanding of the project’s purpose, scope and key details. Below are the essential sections that should be included in a project outline. Project Background The project background provides context for why the project is being initiated. It typically includes information about the problem or opportunity the project is addressing, relevant industry or organizational challenges and any previous efforts to resolve the issue. This section helps stakeholders understand the motivation behind the project. Project Overview This section offers a concise summary of the project, including its name, purpose and a brief description of what will be accomplished. It should cover the key aspects of the project in a few sentences to provide a clear understanding of the project’s intent. Project Goals and Objectives Clearly state the goals and objectives the project aims to achieve. Goals are broad statements that define the desired outcomes, while objectives are specific, measurable actions that contribute to those goals. This section provides a benchmark for measuring the project’s success. Project Scope The project scope defines the boundaries of the project, outlining what is included and excluded. It specifies the deliverables, features, functions and activities involved. Establishing a clear scope prevents scope creep and ensures all stakeholders are aligned. Project Management Team Identify the key individuals and their roles within the project. This typically includes the project manager, team members, sponsors and other stakeholders. Describing the responsibilities of each role ensures accountability and clarity within the team. Resource Requirements List the resources necessary to complete the project, including personnel, materials, equipment, technology and facilities. This section helps in planning resource allocation and estimating the overall project needs. Project Estimated Costs Provide an initial estimate of the project’s budget. This should include direct and indirect costs such as labor, materials, software and any external services. While the estimate may not be precise at this stage, it should offer a realistic view of the anticipated expenses. Estimated Project Timeline Outline the project’s expected timeline, including key milestones, deliverable dates and deadlines. While a detailed schedule may come later, providing an estimated timeline helps stakeholders understand the project’s duration and major phases. Risks and Assumptions Identify any potential risks that could impact the project, along with assumptions made during planning. Risks may include technical challenges, resource limitations or external dependencies. Understanding these factors early allows for proactive risk management and contingency planning. Including these components in your project outline will provide a solid foundation for further planning and ensure that all stakeholders have a clear, consistent understanding of the project from the outset. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PM-101-eBook-banner-ad.jpg Project Outline Example Now that we understand what a project outline is and the components that make up one, let’s illustrate the process by imagining how one is applied in a real-life scenario. Below is a project outline for the design and construction of a new warehouse. Project Background The rapid growth of the client’s e-commerce operations has outpaced the capacity of their current distribution infrastructure. To meet rising demand and reduce shipping times, a new regional warehouse is required. Project Overview This project involves the design and construction of a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility in the Greater Dallas area. The warehouse will include receiving and shipping docks, climate-controlled storage, office space and parking for delivery vehicles. Project Goals and Objectives Here’s a list of the project’s goals and objectives. Expand storage and distribution capacity by Q2 2026 Improve delivery efficiency in the southern U.S. region Construct a cost-effective and scalable facility Ensure compliance with local zoning and building regulations Project Scope Below is what will be in and out of scope for the project. In Scope: Site preparation, permitting, foundation, structural framing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, interior build-out and final inspection Out of Scope: Staffing operations and ongoing warehouse management Project Management Team Another step towards realizing the project is determining the team that will lead and execute it. For this project, the project team includes the following. Project Sponsor: VP of Logistics Project Manager: Construction PM from General Contractor Architect: XYZ Design Studio Contractor: ABC Commercial Builders Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and MEP Specialists Resource Requirements Resources are the people, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project tasks. Those resources are included below. Construction materials (steel, concrete, insulation) Labor crews for all phases of construction Heavy equipment and machinery IT infrastructure for security and operations Legal and permitting services Project Estimated Costs Projects cost money, and the funding needed to complete one must be estimated in advance. Here are the forecast costs for the project. Total estimated cost: $8.5 million, includes design, construction, materials, equipment, labor, permits and contingency reserves Estimated Project Timeline The project schedule will determine the estimated start and finish dates for the project. Design and Permitting: April–June 2025 Site Prep and Foundation: July–August 2025 Structural Framing: September–October 2025 MEP and Interior Work: November 2025–January 2026 Final Inspection and Handover: February–March 2026 Risks and Assumptions Risk are potential events or conditions that could negatively or positively impact the project, while assumptions are factors considered true without definition proof. Key Risks Delays due to permitting or weather Rising material costs Supply chain disruptions Assumptions All permits will be approved on time No major zoning or environmental constraints Contractor availability remains stable throughout the project Benefits of Making a Project Outline Creating a project outline provides numerous benefits by offering clarity, alignment and efficient project management. First, it establishes a shared understanding among stakeholders by clearly defining the project’s goals, scope and responsibilities. This minimizes misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives. Second, a project outline is a practical planning tool that helps identify potential risks, resource needs and timeline constraints early in the process. By highlighting these elements upfront, project managers can make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively and mitigate risks before they become major issues. Finally, a well-structured project outline acts as a reference document throughout the project’s lifecycle. It keeps the team focused on priorities, tracks progress against milestones and supports effective communication with stakeholders. This alignment and visibility contribute to the successful execution of the project from initiation to completion. Free Project Management Templates While project management software is better suited to planning, managing and tracking projects, for those not ready to upgrade, we have over 100 free project management templates that can be immediately downloaded from our site. Some templates address every aspect of managing projects across multiple industries. Below are just three that can help with the project outline process. Project Charter Template Download this free project charter template for Word to outline the key details of a project and authorize its initiation. It serves as a foundational reference that provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the project’s purpose, objectives and structure. Project Plan Template Use this free project plan template for Word to detail the steps required to complete a project. It serves as a roadmap that guides the project team through each phase, ensuring all tasks are completed on time, within scope and budget. Scope of Work Template A scope of work (SOW) outlines the specific tasks, deliverables, timelines and expectations of a project. This free scope of work template for Word serves as a detailed agreement between the project team and stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding of the project’s scope. How ProjectManager Helps Bring a Project Outline to Life Templates can help gather the information needed to create a project outline, but then all the hard work will have to be replicated onto the tools needed to plan the project. That’s because templates are static documents that must be manually updated and are poor for collaborating on project execution. They might help at first, but then they slow progress and can lead to project failure. To avoid that, use project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has multiple project views that are collaborative and easy to edit. We also have resource management features and tools to track progress to help projects succeed. Use Resource Planning to Stay Productive Both human and nonhuman resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart. When onboarding team members, project managers can set their availability, which makes it easy to know which resources can be assigned to which tasks and when. To view resource allocation across one or multiple projects, use the color-coded workload chart. See who is overallocated or underutilized at a glance and balance the team’s workload to keep them working at capacity without threatening burnout. A team page provides a daily or weekly overview of their activity, which can be filtered by progress or priority, and tasks are updated without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Progress With Real-Time Dashboards and Reports Ensuring that the execution of the project goes as planned requires close monitoring of key project metrics. Project managers can get a high-level overview of progress, cost, resources and more by toggling over to the real-time project or portfolio management dashboards. Each dashboard offers unique data on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. For deeper analysis, use customizable reports on status, workload, variance, timesheets and more. Each can be filtered to show key data points or a more general summary of progress, which can then be shared with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets help by monitoring labor costs to help keep to the budget. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Project Planning Content A project outline is like an overview of what is needed to deliver a project. For those readers who’d like more information on project planning, you’re in the right place. Below are a handful of links to recently published articles from our blog on the topic. What Is the Project Life Cycle? Project Phases Explained Project Documentation: 15 Essential Documents How to Write Effective Project Objectives & Goals Every Time Project Management Tools & Techniques Project Management Basics: Definitions, Methods and Tools ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Make a Project Outline (Example Included) appeared first on ProjectManager. 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. I used to buy cheap earbuds from random brands all the time, simply because I needed some earbuds that wouldn't give me a heart attack if (or when) I lost them. If that sounds like your earbud-buying strategy, there's a great deal on a pair of budget earbuds that actually have pretty decent specs: the Anker Soundcore P20i. Right now, these workhorse earbuds are on sale for $19.99 (originally $39.99), matching the lowest price they have reached according to price-checking tools. Soundcore by Anker P20i Color: White, Ear Placement: In Ear, Battery life: 30 hours, Water resistant: Yes. $19.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $19.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $20.00 Anker has been making surprisingly good budget-friendly earbuds, headphones, and speakers for a while. The Anker P20i/P25i (same earbuds, different names) came out in late 2023 and are a decent budget pick, offering features that you usually only see in higher-end earbuds. You get Bluetooth 5.3, 10-hour battery life per charge and another 30 hours from the case, a bass boost feature, and a companion app. The app lets you choose from 22 preset EQ options so you can find the sound signature that best works for you. There is no custom EQ, but the fact that you have a companion app from a reliable brand for under $20 is impressive by itself. You can also set up a voice assistant from your phone through the app by making it one of the touch control commands. The earbuds are great for people who need a cheap pair to take to the gym, since they are rated IPX5 for water resistance. Although they don't have ANC, the in-ear design naturally eliminates a lot of background noise. These earbuds work with iOS and Android phones and have a "Find My Device" feature with via the aforementioned app. If I was still in my cheap earbuds era, I'd be grabbing these right away. View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Gift Shipping: Timely and accurate shipping is vital for customer retention and brand reputation, ensuring a positive gifting experience.Types of Gifts: Understand different categories of gifts, such as physical goods, gift baskets, digital items, and subscription services, each requiring tailored shipping strategies.Choosing Packaging Wisely: Use sturdy packaging and protective materials to secure gifts during transit, and consider reusing boxes with proper care to enhance customer satisfaction.Selecting Shipping Services: Evaluate various carriers for reliability, speed, and cost, and ensure you offer tracking options to keep customers informed about their shipments.Weight and Size Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with carriers’ limits on package weight and size to avoid additional costs and shipping delays.Personalization and Tracking: Enhance the gifting experience with personalized touches and provide real-time tracking to foster transparency and improve customer service. Sending a gift to someone special can create unforgettable moments, but figuring out how to ship it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, ensuring your thoughtful present arrives safely and on time is key. With the right tips and tricks, you can navigate the shipping process effortlessly. From choosing the perfect packaging to selecting reliable carriers, you’ll learn how to make your gift-giving experience smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the essentials of shipping a gift that will leave a lasting impression. Overview of Gift Shipping Gift shipping involves thoughtful planning to ensure timely and secure delivery. For small businesses, mastering this process enhances customer satisfaction and drives repeat sales. Understanding key elements of gift shipping can streamline your operations and elevate your service. Importance of Shipping Gifts Shipping gifts accurately affects customer retention and brand management. Timely delivery fosters positive customer experiences, encouraging word-of-mouth referrals. To manage expectations, communicate delivery windows upfront and monitor shipment statuses. Adaptability in your shipping strategy facilitates resolution of potential conflicts, ensuring your customers remain satisfied. Types of Gifts You Can Ship Various gifts can be shipped to delight your customers, including: Physical Goods: Products like handmade crafts, clothing, and gourmet food items that require careful packaging to prevent damage. Gift Baskets: Curated collections that combine different products offer a unique gifting experience and enhance customer satisfaction. Digital Items: Gift cards or e-vouchers that eliminate shipping concerns while providing instant gratification. Subscription Services: Monthly curated boxes that encourage ongoing customer engagement and build loyalty over time. Each gift type requires specific shipping strategies to manage costs and meet delivery deadlines efficiently. By optimizing your gift shipping process, you position your small business for growth and success. How to Ship a Gift Shipping a gift involves careful planning and execution, especially for small businesses aiming to enhance customer satisfaction. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth shipping process. Choosing the Right Packaging Selecting appropriate packaging is vital for ensuring your gift arrives intact. Consider these aspects: Select the Right Box: Use a sturdy box that fits the gift well. Avoid oversized or undersized boxes that can collapse or crush contents, affecting customer satisfaction. Use Protective Materials: Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or padding. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to secure the gift in transit, preventing damage. Reuse Boxes Wisely: If reusing boxes, remove old labels and ensure the box is free of water damage or rips. Quality packaging contributes to a positive customer experience and reflects on your brand’s reputation. Secure the Box: Seal all seams with strong packing tape, reinforcing corners and edges for added protection. This commitment to quality control minimizes returns and improves inventory management. Selecting a Shipping Service Choosing a reliable shipping service can significantly impact delivery times and customer satisfaction. Evaluate these factors: Research Shipping Options: Compare local and national carriers based on delivery speed, reliability, and rates. Utilizing technology solutions, such as shipping software, can streamline this process. Consider Tracking Services: Select shipping options with tracking capabilities to keep customers informed. Enhanced communication skills in this area can boost customer retention and trust. Evaluate Costs: Analyze shipping costs and options to ensure they align with your budget and business strategy. Consider flat-rate or free shipping promotions to enhance sales management and encourage customer acquisition. Understand Delivery Timeframes: Provide accurate information on shipping times, ensuring you meet deadlines. Accurate delivery forecasts can enhance your business operations and boost customer satisfaction. Implementing these steps not only streamlines your shipping workflow but also positions your business for growth by improving operational efficiency and fostering positive relationships with customers. Considerations for Shipping a Gift When shipping a gift, several key factors enhance the overall experience, especially for small businesses aiming for effective customer service and operational efficiency. Choosing the Right Shipping Service Select reputable shipping services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, known for their reliability and speed. For domestic deliveries, consider national postal services that offer tracking and insurance. Evaluating these options aligns with your business strategy and ensures timely delivery, which plays a crucial role in customer retention and satisfaction. Weight and Size Restrictions Understand weight and size limitations set by carriers. Most shipping services impose restrictions on package weight, commonly between 70 pounds and 150 pounds, and dimensions that typically shouldn’t exceed 108 inches in length. Keeping your packages within these limits prevents unwanted costs and delays, enhancing your workflow efficiency. Measure your items accurately before packaging to avoid issues. Delivery Times and Costs Analyze delivery times and associated costs to optimize budgeting. Various shipping options may offer different rates and timeframes. Express services guarantee faster delivery at a higher price, while standard shipping saves costs but takes longer. For small businesses, balancing delivery speed with cost-effectiveness supports financial planning and aligns with your project management goals. Regularly review shipping rates to remain competitive and meet customer expectations. Implementing these considerations will streamline your gift shipping process and bolster customer satisfaction. Best Practices for Shipping Gifts Shipping gifts requires attention to detail to ensure successful delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. Follow these best practices to streamline your gift shipping process. Personalizing Your Gift Personalization adds value to your gifts and can improve customer retention. Include a handwritten note or a customized message inside the package. You can also select unique packaging that matches the occasion or reflects your brand’s identity. Tailoring the experience fosters an emotional connection with the recipient, which can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Tracking Your Shipment Tracking your shipments is critical for maintaining transparency and managing customer expectations. Choose a reliable shipping service that provides real-time tracking information. This enables you to share tracking details with customers, keeping them informed about when to expect their gifts. Implementing effective tracking strategies enhances your customer service and helps you address any delays proactively, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and satisfaction. Conclusion Shipping a gift isn’t just about getting it from point A to point B. It’s about creating a memorable experience for both you and the recipient. By taking the time to choose the right packaging and a reliable carrier you can ensure your gift arrives safely and on time. For businesses mastering the art of gift shipping can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Personal touches like handwritten notes or unique packaging can make all the difference in fostering emotional connections. With careful planning and attention to detail you can elevate your gift-giving process and strengthen relationships. Embrace these strategies and watch how your thoughtful gestures resonate with those who matter most. Frequently Asked Questions Why is thoughtful gift shipping important? Thoughtful gift shipping creates memorable moments for special occasions. Proper planning ensures gifts arrive safely and on time, enhancing the overall gift-giving experience. What are some tips for effective gift shipping? To ship gifts effectively, choose the right packaging, select reliable carriers, and measure items accurately to avoid extra costs. Personalization, such as handwritten notes, can also enhance impact. Which carriers are recommended for shipping gifts? Reputable carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and national postal services are recommended for shipping gifts. They offer reliable services and can accommodate various shipping needs. How can small businesses improve their gift shipping process? Small businesses can improve their shipping process by mastering timely delivery, maintaining effective communication about delivery windows, and personalizing packages to enhance customer satisfaction. What types of gifts can be shipped? You can ship a variety of gifts, including physical goods, gift baskets, digital items, and subscription services. Each type requires a specific shipping strategy for optimal results. How can personalization enhance the gift shipping experience? Adding personalized elements, like handwritten notes or unique packaging, fosters emotional connections and enhances the gift-giving experience, leading to increased customer retention and satisfaction. What should I consider when choosing packaging for gifts? When choosing packaging, select sturdy boxes, use protective materials to prevent damage, and securely seal the box. This prevents mishaps during transit and ensures gifts arrive in perfect condition. How do I determine shipping costs and delivery times? Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the carrier, as well as the weight, size, and distance of the shipment. Measuring items accurately and choosing cost-effective options helps balance speed and expenses. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips to Ship a Gift for Memorable Moments and Customer Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Gift Shipping: Timely and accurate shipping is vital for customer retention and brand reputation, ensuring a positive gifting experience.Types of Gifts: Understand different categories of gifts, such as physical goods, gift baskets, digital items, and subscription services, each requiring tailored shipping strategies.Choosing Packaging Wisely: Use sturdy packaging and protective materials to secure gifts during transit, and consider reusing boxes with proper care to enhance customer satisfaction.Selecting Shipping Services: Evaluate various carriers for reliability, speed, and cost, and ensure you offer tracking options to keep customers informed about their shipments.Weight and Size Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with carriers’ limits on package weight and size to avoid additional costs and shipping delays.Personalization and Tracking: Enhance the gifting experience with personalized touches and provide real-time tracking to foster transparency and improve customer service. Sending a gift to someone special can create unforgettable moments, but figuring out how to ship it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, ensuring your thoughtful present arrives safely and on time is key. With the right tips and tricks, you can navigate the shipping process effortlessly. From choosing the perfect packaging to selecting reliable carriers, you’ll learn how to make your gift-giving experience smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the essentials of shipping a gift that will leave a lasting impression. Overview of Gift Shipping Gift shipping involves thoughtful planning to ensure timely and secure delivery. For small businesses, mastering this process enhances customer satisfaction and drives repeat sales. Understanding key elements of gift shipping can streamline your operations and elevate your service. Importance of Shipping Gifts Shipping gifts accurately affects customer retention and brand management. Timely delivery fosters positive customer experiences, encouraging word-of-mouth referrals. To manage expectations, communicate delivery windows upfront and monitor shipment statuses. Adaptability in your shipping strategy facilitates resolution of potential conflicts, ensuring your customers remain satisfied. Types of Gifts You Can Ship Various gifts can be shipped to delight your customers, including: Physical Goods: Products like handmade crafts, clothing, and gourmet food items that require careful packaging to prevent damage. Gift Baskets: Curated collections that combine different products offer a unique gifting experience and enhance customer satisfaction. Digital Items: Gift cards or e-vouchers that eliminate shipping concerns while providing instant gratification. Subscription Services: Monthly curated boxes that encourage ongoing customer engagement and build loyalty over time. Each gift type requires specific shipping strategies to manage costs and meet delivery deadlines efficiently. By optimizing your gift shipping process, you position your small business for growth and success. How to Ship a Gift Shipping a gift involves careful planning and execution, especially for small businesses aiming to enhance customer satisfaction. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth shipping process. Choosing the Right Packaging Selecting appropriate packaging is vital for ensuring your gift arrives intact. Consider these aspects: Select the Right Box: Use a sturdy box that fits the gift well. Avoid oversized or undersized boxes that can collapse or crush contents, affecting customer satisfaction. Use Protective Materials: Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or padding. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to secure the gift in transit, preventing damage. Reuse Boxes Wisely: If reusing boxes, remove old labels and ensure the box is free of water damage or rips. Quality packaging contributes to a positive customer experience and reflects on your brand’s reputation. Secure the Box: Seal all seams with strong packing tape, reinforcing corners and edges for added protection. This commitment to quality control minimizes returns and improves inventory management. Selecting a Shipping Service Choosing a reliable shipping service can significantly impact delivery times and customer satisfaction. Evaluate these factors: Research Shipping Options: Compare local and national carriers based on delivery speed, reliability, and rates. Utilizing technology solutions, such as shipping software, can streamline this process. Consider Tracking Services: Select shipping options with tracking capabilities to keep customers informed. Enhanced communication skills in this area can boost customer retention and trust. Evaluate Costs: Analyze shipping costs and options to ensure they align with your budget and business strategy. Consider flat-rate or free shipping promotions to enhance sales management and encourage customer acquisition. Understand Delivery Timeframes: Provide accurate information on shipping times, ensuring you meet deadlines. Accurate delivery forecasts can enhance your business operations and boost customer satisfaction. Implementing these steps not only streamlines your shipping workflow but also positions your business for growth by improving operational efficiency and fostering positive relationships with customers. Considerations for Shipping a Gift When shipping a gift, several key factors enhance the overall experience, especially for small businesses aiming for effective customer service and operational efficiency. Choosing the Right Shipping Service Select reputable shipping services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, known for their reliability and speed. For domestic deliveries, consider national postal services that offer tracking and insurance. Evaluating these options aligns with your business strategy and ensures timely delivery, which plays a crucial role in customer retention and satisfaction. Weight and Size Restrictions Understand weight and size limitations set by carriers. Most shipping services impose restrictions on package weight, commonly between 70 pounds and 150 pounds, and dimensions that typically shouldn’t exceed 108 inches in length. Keeping your packages within these limits prevents unwanted costs and delays, enhancing your workflow efficiency. Measure your items accurately before packaging to avoid issues. Delivery Times and Costs Analyze delivery times and associated costs to optimize budgeting. Various shipping options may offer different rates and timeframes. Express services guarantee faster delivery at a higher price, while standard shipping saves costs but takes longer. For small businesses, balancing delivery speed with cost-effectiveness supports financial planning and aligns with your project management goals. Regularly review shipping rates to remain competitive and meet customer expectations. Implementing these considerations will streamline your gift shipping process and bolster customer satisfaction. Best Practices for Shipping Gifts Shipping gifts requires attention to detail to ensure successful delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. Follow these best practices to streamline your gift shipping process. Personalizing Your Gift Personalization adds value to your gifts and can improve customer retention. Include a handwritten note or a customized message inside the package. You can also select unique packaging that matches the occasion or reflects your brand’s identity. Tailoring the experience fosters an emotional connection with the recipient, which can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Tracking Your Shipment Tracking your shipments is critical for maintaining transparency and managing customer expectations. Choose a reliable shipping service that provides real-time tracking information. This enables you to share tracking details with customers, keeping them informed about when to expect their gifts. Implementing effective tracking strategies enhances your customer service and helps you address any delays proactively, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and satisfaction. Conclusion Shipping a gift isn’t just about getting it from point A to point B. It’s about creating a memorable experience for both you and the recipient. By taking the time to choose the right packaging and a reliable carrier you can ensure your gift arrives safely and on time. For businesses mastering the art of gift shipping can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Personal touches like handwritten notes or unique packaging can make all the difference in fostering emotional connections. With careful planning and attention to detail you can elevate your gift-giving process and strengthen relationships. Embrace these strategies and watch how your thoughtful gestures resonate with those who matter most. Frequently Asked Questions Why is thoughtful gift shipping important? Thoughtful gift shipping creates memorable moments for special occasions. Proper planning ensures gifts arrive safely and on time, enhancing the overall gift-giving experience. What are some tips for effective gift shipping? To ship gifts effectively, choose the right packaging, select reliable carriers, and measure items accurately to avoid extra costs. Personalization, such as handwritten notes, can also enhance impact. Which carriers are recommended for shipping gifts? Reputable carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and national postal services are recommended for shipping gifts. They offer reliable services and can accommodate various shipping needs. How can small businesses improve their gift shipping process? Small businesses can improve their shipping process by mastering timely delivery, maintaining effective communication about delivery windows, and personalizing packages to enhance customer satisfaction. What types of gifts can be shipped? You can ship a variety of gifts, including physical goods, gift baskets, digital items, and subscription services. Each type requires a specific shipping strategy for optimal results. How can personalization enhance the gift shipping experience? Adding personalized elements, like handwritten notes or unique packaging, fosters emotional connections and enhances the gift-giving experience, leading to increased customer retention and satisfaction. What should I consider when choosing packaging for gifts? When choosing packaging, select sturdy boxes, use protective materials to prevent damage, and securely seal the box. This prevents mishaps during transit and ensures gifts arrive in perfect condition. How do I determine shipping costs and delivery times? Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the carrier, as well as the weight, size, and distance of the shipment. Measuring items accurately and choosing cost-effective options helps balance speed and expenses. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips to Ship a Gift for Memorable Moments and Customer Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Two years ago, screenless fitness tracker Whoop took on a problem that none of its competitors have managed to solve: answering the question “how hard was your weightlifting workout?” Its initial implementation was clunky and finicky. I don’t think I managed to log a single workout correctly. But now, with improvements over the years, it’s become a much more useful feature. The game changer for me? Being able to connect exercises to a workout after you do the workout. This way you can’t mess up the tracking during the workout, but you still get the thing you actually care about—a Strain score accurate enough to power the app’s sleep and recovery recommendations. Read on for more about how to use the Strength Trainer, and what it can and (still) can’t do. What is Whoop’s Strength Trainer? Credit: Beth Skwarecki The Strength Trainer is a way of tracking strength workouts, separate from the way you’d track any other workout with Whoop. It was introduced in 2023, and aims to give you a more appropriate Strain score (reflecting how hard the workout was on your body) compared to tracking it purely by heart rate. To use the Strength Trainer, you need to create (or choose) a workout in the app, telling Whoop exactly what exercises you plan to do, what weight you’re using, and how many sets and reps. You can either have the app follow along with your workout in real time, or connect a workout to an activity after the fact. Why Whoop’s Strength Trainer gives it a huge advantage over other wearables Normally, when you track a workout with Whoop, you simply start an activity, and it measures your heart rate during the activity. This makes perfect sense for cardio activities, like running. The higher your heart rate is, for longer, the higher Strain score you’ll get as a result. A high Strain activity is hard on your body, and requires more recovery. A lower Strain score is easier, maybe even restorative. This approach never worked for strength training, though—and that’s a caveat that applies to tracking strength training with any heart-rate-enabled wearable. Your heart rate graph during a weightlifting session will show lots of resting time, and only brief spikes into higher territory. Those heart rate spikes don’t tell the full story of how hard your muscles were working to lift the weight. That’s why I keep saying to ignore heart rate during weight lifting sessions. Before Whoop introduced the Strength Trainer, my weightlifting sessions would always appear in the app as light workouts, equivalent to an easy run or brisk walk—even if I’d had a killer, heavy workout. But with the feature, strength workouts now show an appropriate amount of Strain. And since Strain scores power your recovery recommendations, that’s kind of important. The Strength Trainer turned Whoop from a wearable that only made sense for endurance athletes into one that makes sense for strength athletes, as well, and everybody in between. The best way to use Whoop’s Strength Trainer is after the fact Adding the details of my strength workout brings it from a 9.2 strain (light) to 13.1 (the upper end of moderate—maybe not accurate, but definitely closer to reality). Credit: Beth Skwarecki Below, I’ll explain how you’re supposed to use the Strength Trainer during workouts. But let me skip to my conclusion: Using it during a workout sucks. Using it after a workout is a stroke of genius by the Whoop team, and gives me everything I really need from this feature. All you do is this: Tap “start activity” and select the activity type as Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Functional Fitness, or Box Fitness. Do your strength workout. End the activity and wait for Whoop to process it. Tap the activity, ignoring its insultingly low Strain score, and tap the box that invites you to connect a strength workout to calculate muscular load. Choose or create a workout that matches what you did. Wait while Whoop re-processes the workout, and enjoy your new, higher Strain score. I keep track of my workouts in a notebook while I do them, so it’s simple for me to fill in the details afterward. You could use an app if you prefer—Hevy is one of my favorites. And yes, you could follow along with the Whoop app, but that’s an experience so frustrating and error-prone that I can’t recommend it. Still, for the sake of being thorough, let’s dig in. How to use Whoop’s Strength Trainer during a workout (and why I don’t)Before you start using the Strength Trainer during a workout, you’ll need to set up a workout with the specific exercises you’d like to do. You’ll also want to fill in the reps and weights of each exercise, if possible. To start the workout, you go to the plus icon in the corner of the app’s home screen, and instead of selecting Start Workout, select Strength Trainer instead. Choose the workout you created, and hit Start Workout from that screen. The app will start a warmup timer, and you can begin your exercises by tapping Start First Set. Ironically, one of the things that makes the Whoop ideal for weightlifting—that you can wear it on a bicep band to keep your wrists free for wraps, straps, or kettlebell movements—is not kosher here. The app asks if you’ll be wearing your Whoop on your left or right wrist. Those are your only choices. (I wear it on my bicep anyway. I don’t know if this affects the results.) To do the workout, you’ll need to tap a button in the app every time you start a set and every time you finish one. This is awkward if you don’t want to have your phone with you, and double awkward if you do want to use your phone for anything during the workout. For example, if I’m videoing a set, I need to start the set, switch apps, start my camera, do the set, stop my camera, switch apps, and stop the set in the Whoop app. Miss a step, and you screw up your workout tracking. During a workout, you can: Add a set Remove the last set of an exercise (but not a specific set in the middle) Reorder exercises Redo a set (if you started it by accident) Add an exercise Remove an exercise Change the weight of an exercise (including one you already did) You cannot: Log a set as having been done in the past (if you did it but forgot to hit the start button) Set a timer to alert you when a certain rest time has passed Being able to edit the workout on the fly, or undo a set, are great additions that the Strength Trainer didn’t have when it first launched. But there is still no way to address the common problem (for me, anyway) of forgetting to start a set. When I’m filming sets, or using my phone for anything else during the workout—responding to a text, say—I can easily lose track of the Whoop app. I say, “that’s enough texting,” put down the phone, lift my weight, and then return to the phone and realize my mistake. Drives me nuts. It would help if the Strength Trainer could do a live activity on the lock screen, like it does when I go for a run. Unfortunately, live activities for strength training are only available on Android at the moment. (I use an iPhone.) Why the Strength Trainer still disappoints meI still have such mixed feelings about the Strength Trainer. On the pro side: It does give me an appropriate Strain score for my weightlifting, and adding the workout after the fact is convenient and doesn’t mess up my workout. (I wish there were a push notification so I couldn’t forget, but as long as I remember, it’s all good.) No other wearable does anything like this; they all track the effects of strength training as if it were a type of cardio. But the follow-along version is high-maintenance, like babysitting a toddler during your workout. I’m always making mistakes that there isn’t an easy way to fix. It also doesn’t want me to use my bicep band (sorry, but I can’t use a wrist device for some of my exercises). There’s also no way to enter paused exercises (like a squat where you count to three before standing up) or complexes (like clean + front squat + jerk as one rep). These limitations seem to be tied to the Strength Trainer’s origins in Whoop’s 2021 acquisition of Push, a company that tracked strength exercises through a wrist-based velocity sensor. Whoop users were excited to see velocity-based training (VBT) come to Whoop, but that never happened. In a VBT workout, a coach (or app) gauges how fast you were moving—say, how fast you could stand up from a squat—and use that data to tell you whether or not to add weight for your next set. This way, you’d get customized coaching that responds to how you’re actually performing that day. If you’re tired and everything feels heavy, you’d move slower and the app would cue you to use less weight. If you’re feeling great and even heavy weights move fast, the app would have you push yourself a little harder. But Whoop never brought that promise to Whoop users. (If they have plans, they’re still under wraps.) Instead, they seem to have used some of the underlying technology to train their own algorithms to recognize exercises. If you do a squat while using the Strength Trainer, your Whoop device will, presumably, notice when your rep starts and ends, and record how fast you did the squat. What Whoop does with this data is unclear, though. The company’s materials, like the press release from the Strength Trainer’s launch, carefully avoid using the word “velocity” anywhere. Instead, they seem to use “intensity” as a substitute, which only leads to confusion. In traditional strength training, an intense (heavy, hard on your body) rep would show up in VBT as slow movement. But a Whoop spokesperson said on Reddit that they assume you’re working harder when you move a weight fast. Unfortunately, since Whoop is so squirreley in describing its algorithms, it’s really hard to know what it’s doing, or even what you’re missing (if anything) when you log a strength workout after the fact versus following along in the moment. I emailed back and forth with the Whoop team when the Strength Trainer first came out, trying to understand what calculations it was doing and why, but they kept sending me vague statements that explained nothing. There also haven’t been any validation studies that I can find, comparing the results of the Strength Trainer to, well, anything. Whoop now says it “estimat[es] maximum volume from your workout history,” but I don’t know if that’s a change from the initial implementation or not. They also say it “calculates your personal muscular load by taking the highest intensity of each exercise from your profile.” Does that mean the heaviest (using the traditional sense of intensity) or the fastest (using intensity as a euphemism for velocity)? Again, they don’t define their terms. So, I’m disappointed on many levels. I’m disappointed that Whoop seemed to cannibalize a VBT company to provide something that doesn’t even do VBT. I’m disappointed that Whoop doesn’t tell you what the Strength Trainer is even doing in there. I’m disappointed that the Strength Trainer is so hard to use in its most full-featured version, and I’m disappointed that I don’t even know whether I’m missing out by using the more convenient Log Later function. Ironically, the part of the Strength Trainer I use most—logging later—probably never needed any heart rate or velocity tracking at all. Just enter your numbers, and let the algorithm see how much and how heavy you were lifting. Whoop didn’t need to acquire a company or build out a finicky follow-along feature for that. But here we are. If you find it convenient to follow workouts through the app, great. You are luckier than I. But even with the after-the-fact workout logging, Whoop has still managed to address the fact that strength training is harder on your body than a light cardio workout—something that other wearable companies have not figured out how to do. View the full article