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UK prime minister no longer believes ‘trans women are women’, Downing Street says View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Through a bit of misfortune, I had to fall back on working at the company my parents own, in order to pay my bills. It is a challenging job market, to say the least, so I am grateful that I have this safety net I can fall back on. However, it isn’t without its own league of challenges: my coworkers have taken to making complaints about me to my parents, who are the bosses, about issues that quite frankly seem petulant. In one case, one coworker was noting what times I was clocking in and made a complaint when I clocked in three hours earlier than everybody else to finish paperwork in peace without any interruptions. (Because I am neurodivergent, it is very difficult for me to finish a task if I am constantly being distracted by requests, phone calls, and other distractions that happen during business hours.) Another time, the same coworker lodged a complaint because she didn’t see my car in the parking lot and assumed I had not clocked out. After that, I parked my car across the street at another lot and caught her walking around outside our parking lot as if she was looking for my car despite me being at work. I can’t help but feel that this seems very targeted and purposeful because I’m the bosses’s adult child. In another situation, I was given a stack of paperwork that my coworkers had been sitting on for weeks and was then blamed for not finishing the reports by the time they were due. Because they sat on the paperwork so long, some of them were due next day or already overdue. I’m not new to working and have a bachelor’s with 10 years of work experience in various fields, and I’m not under-qualified in anyway for my current job. My parents don’t want to give the appearance of favoritism or nepotism, so when these people are making these complaints they’re not quite sure how to navigate it either. It is incredibly frustrating to work with people who shift blame and continue to complain about trivial or petty things when they should be minding their own business. How can my parents and I implement a strategy for dealing with this that isn’t going to drive us all crazy? It’s good that your parents don’t want to create the appearance (or the actuality) of favoritism, but they also shouldn’t go so far in the other direction that they’re ignoring real issues or allowing you to be mistreated. It might be useful for you to ask — and for them to think about — how they would handle it if an employee who wasn’t related to them was being targeted in this way. Hopefully they’d shut it down, and that’s what they should do here too. The next time someone raises a baseless or trivial complaint about you, they should do exactly what they would if you were any other employee. Presumably that means they should say to the complainer, “It’s not your job to track what time other employees clock in and out. If something is interfering with your ability to do your job, please raise it but you should not be monitoring your coworkers’ schedules.” And/or, “Jane has permission to work the schedule she’s working. Please do not continue to monitor colleagues in this way.” If someone gives you work that they sat on for weeks and then gets upset when it’s not finished on time (or if it was already overdue by the time it came to you!), that’s something you can try addressing yourself first: “It looks like this came to us three weeks ago but wasn’t assigned to me until yesterday, which created a time crunch. Can we develop a better system so that doesn’t happen?” And if it continues to happen, escalate it — either to your manager or to theirs. Basically, both you and your parents need to handle it exactly the way you would handle if none of you were related. But bigger picture, they should also try to figure out what’s at the root of people’s resentment. Do they feel you got a job that you don’t deserve? Do you have knowledge gaps that are making their jobs harder? (And if so, are those gaps normal for any new hire but landing differently now because you’re the boss’s kid, or is any of that frustration legitimate?) Do they feel like you’re being held to a different set of rules than they are? (And if so, are you?) Was there already a culture problem in the organization that had people primed to be extra sensitive to any perceived unfairness? Are people frustrated with the organization’s management for other reasons and see you as a symptom of those broader problems? In a reasonably healthy organization, it would be pretty unusual to respond to the owners’ kid the way you’ve described. People might assume you’re getting special treatment, but usually they’d assume that special treatment would make it a particularly bad idea to treat you as enemy. The fact that they instead feel licensed to openly hassle you says something else might be going on in the culture there … which your parents should dig into, totally independent of whatever is happening around you. View the full article

Google search ad spending grew 9% year over year in Q1 2025, according to new data from digital marketing agency Tinuiti. Increasing costs, rather than click volume, drove most of that growth. Google Search overall: Google Search spending grew by 9% YoY in Q1 2025 (down slightly from 10% in Q4 2024). Click growth was stable at 4% YoY. Whilst average cost per click (CPC) increased by 5% YoY. Google Shopping Ads: Shopping ad had a 8% YoY spending growth (however down from 10% in Q4 2024). Click volume improved by 9% YoY (up from just 1% in Q4). CPC remained stable at 1% YoY decrease. Competitive landscape. Amazon maintained a strong presence in Google shopping auctions with roughly 60% impression share against the median retailer, similar to Q1 2024 levels. Target held steady at 24% impression share (down marginally from 25% in Q1 2024), Walmart maintained 22% impression share year-over-year Temu dramatically reduced its Google shopping presence in early April following news of U.S. tariff changes, dropping to zero impression share by mid-April. Performance Max: 93% adoption rate among retailers running Google shopping ads Accounts for 53% of Google shopping ad spending (down from 69% in Q4 2024) Has 10% lower conversion rate than standard Shopping Has 13% higher CPC than standard Shopping Delivers 7% lower ROAS (return on ad spend) than standard Shopping Microsoft Search: 17% YoY spending growth (up from 7% in Q4 2024) 5% YoY click growth (improved from a 3% decline in Q4) 11% YoY increase in CPC Brand: Brand keywords saw particularly aggressive CPC increases, with costs for text ads containing an advertiser’s own brand name rising 19% compared to just 3% for non-brand keywords. Why we care. The latest trends show search platforms continue to extract more revenue per click, putting pressure on advertisers’ margins even as competition ramps up between Google and Microsoft. With Microsoft growth rate (+17% YoY) being higher than Google’s growth (+9% YoY), suggesting Microsoft continues to be a strong contender for marketing strategy. Political factors have also made a big impact, with Temu dropping out of shopping ads, therefore it’s likely there will be further shifts in Shopping traffic and costs in Q2 of 2025. What we’re watching: Performance Max adoption remained high at 93% of retailers running Google shopping ads, though its share of spending fell from 69% in Q4 2024 to 53% in Q1 2025 as some advertisers shifted budget back to standard shopping campaigns for greater control. Key takeaways. Shopping ads demonstrate resilience amongst fluctuating political mandates. PMax adoption remains high despite a decrease in spending due to performance deterioration compared to standard shopping. Major retailers maintain dominant positions in shopping ad impressions. Microsoft is seeing positive growth, which should help improve advertisers’ confidence and add the platform to their marketing strategy. Major retailers maintain dominant positions in shopping ad impressions. The report. Tinuiti’s Q1 2025 Digital Ads Benchmark Report. View the full article

Scott Bessent tells investors he expects two countries to reach a deal that would end restrictions on flow of goodsView the full article

Stalking, but with a side of Dr Pepper? A number of streamers in Japan have recently had run-ins with a mysterious stream sniper known only as the Dr Pepper Guy. As Dexerto first reported, after tracking down streamers in random locations, the unknown figure silently cracks open a cold Dr Pepper, hands it over, and disappears without a word. Stream sniping—where viewers deliberately join or disrupt a live stream—has become increasingly common as IRL livestreaming grows in popularity on Twitch. While it sometimes raises safety concerns, resulting in unwelcome stalking and harassment, other times it’s a bizarre example of the internet at its weird and wonderful best. In a clip posted two days ago by Twitch streamer Mizkif, the group is seen enjoying sushi in a private restaurant booth when the door slides open and a hand holding a Dr Pepper appears. Silently, the man places the can on the table and retreats without a word. “I would love to know how he found us,” Mizkif says to the camera, confused. “We just drove 30 minutes in an Uber away from where we were, at a random Omakase on the fourth floor of this building.” That doesn’t stop Mizkif from cracking the can open and taking a swig. While stream sniping is typically discouraged, fans seem more forgiving when refreshing beverages are involved. “You’re being stalked, but your stalker drops off a can of Dr Pepper, so it’s okay,” wrote one Redditor. “Once again perfect example of what a snipe should be, respectful, short, and ambiguous,” another viewer commented. Mizkif isn’t the only recent target. Streamers Vangard, T10Nat, and Tokyo Sims have all been “Dr Peppered” in the past couple of weeks, with videos of their encounters following a similar format. Some viewers suspect the streamers may be in on the joke, given how easily Dr Pepper Guy seems to find their locations—even at private events. Others wonder if it’s all just a clever marketing stunt. “I rarely fall for marketing but man this guy actually got me wanting Dr Pepper,” a Redditor commented. If Dr Pepper hasn’t already, they might want to get this guy on payroll. View the full article

President Donald The President's threats to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have had a significant impact on financial markets, Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius said. View the full article

Key Takeaways Growth is Multifaceted: Small business growth encompasses not just increased sales, but also enhanced efficiency, customer satisfaction, and improved operations. Embrace Innovation: Utilizing technology, expanding product offerings, and forming strategic partnerships can significantly enhance your business’s growth potential. Learn from Success and Failure: Studying successful case studies like Canva and Warby Parker illustrates the impact of resilience and customer focus, while understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them. Effective Marketing is Essential: Utilizing social media and content marketing techniques is crucial for boosting brand visibility and engaging with customers, thus driving sales and retention. Financial Planning Matters: Establishing a robust budget and exploring diverse funding options are key components in ensuring sustainable growth and optimizing operational efficiency. Growing a small business can feel like climbing a mountain, but with the right ideas and inspiration, you can reach new heights. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, tapping into fresh strategies can ignite your entrepreneurial journey. In this fast-paced world, creativity is your best ally. From leveraging social media to exploring unique partnerships, there are countless ways to elevate your brand and attract customers. Get ready to discover innovative approaches that can transform your small business and set you apart from the competition. Understanding Small Business Growth Understanding small business growth involves recognizing its significance and facing the common challenges that arise. Growth isn’t just about increasing sales; it embodies improving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall operations. Importance of Growth in Small Businesses Growth plays a crucial role in small businesses. It enhances brand visibility and strengthens market position. You gain opportunities for better cash flow and access to improved resources. Growth allows you to meet evolving customer needs, ensuring customer retention and satisfaction. Developing a solid business strategy can accelerate growth by targeting new markets and refining your marketing efforts. Common Challenges Faced by Small Businesses Small businesses often encounter several challenges during growth. These challenges include: Cash Flow Management: Securing sufficient cash flow proves vital for covering expenses and funding growth initiatives. Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities can hinder efficiency and productivity. Employee Management: Developing a strong team involves effective performance reviews, employee training, and ongoing development. Workflow Issues: Streamlining business processes ensures that operations run smoothly and meet deadlines. Customer Acquisition: Attracting and retaining customers amidst competition requires innovative marketing strategies and effective communication skills. Addressing these challenges with strategic planning and appropriate solutions will empower you to scale your business successfully. Innovative Ideas for Business Growth Exploring fresh strategies can significantly enhance your small business growth. Consider these innovative ideas to drive your business forward. Leveraging Technology and Digital Tools You can use technology solutions to streamline business operations and improve efficiency. Software tools like project management systems help you manage tasks effectively, while data analysis software offers insights for informed decision-making. Integrating automation into your workflow reduces repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on higher-value activities. Utilize customer feedback tools to enhance customer service, driving greater satisfaction and retention. Expanding Product or Service Offerings You can grow your business by diversifying products or services offered. Consider assessing inventory management systems to identify customer demands and trends. Introducing complementary items or enhancing existing services can attract new customers and satisfy current ones. This strategy requires keeping an eye on quality control to maintain high standards and ensure customer loyalty. By aligning your offerings with your business goals, you increase opportunities for sales and business expansion. Collaborations and Partnerships You can benefit from forming strategic partnerships and collaborations within your industry. These relationships can enhance brand management and expand your reach. Collaborating with other businesses allows for cost-sharing in marketing campaigns, which improves sales management and customer acquisition efforts. Furthermore, partnerships enable you to tap into new customer bases and share resources, maximizing productivity while minimizing expenses. By fostering strong business partnerships, you enhance your operational efficiency and drive growth. Inspiring Success Stories Success stories can motivate you to push through challenges and focus on your business growth. Here are two compelling examples of small businesses that overcame obstacles and emerged successful through innovative strategies. Case Studies of Successful Small Businesses Melanie Perkins of Canva: Melanie Perkins identifies with the struggle of making design accessible. After being turned down by over 100 investors, her perseverance resulted in securing funding. Canva’s business model streamlined design processes and made software user-friendly. By addressing a real market need and emphasizing customer feedback, she transformed a complex task into a simple solution, driving significant business growth. Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, and Jeff Raider of Warby Parker: The founders of Warby Parker tackled the high costs of prescription eyewear. They launched an online platform providing affordable glasses while prioritizing customer service. This strategic approach not only enhanced customer acquisition but also built a loyal customer base. By listening to their customers’ needs, they refined their marketing strategy and created a brand that resonates with consumers seeking value and quality. Lessons Learned from Failures Many entrepreneurs face setbacks before achieving success. Learning from these failures is crucial. Cash Flow Management: Mismanaging cash flow can hinder business operations. Many small businesses failed due to the inability to cover operating expenses. Maintaining accurate financial records and budgeting consistently allows you to avoid this pitfall, ensuring you meet financial obligations. Team Management Challenges: Poor team management often leads to decreased productivity. Struggling with delegation and performance reviews can weaken employee morale. Incorporating employee training and development programs fosters a positive work culture, improves communication skills, and enhances team effectiveness. Inadequate Market Research: Entering the market without a solid strategy can result in costly mistakes. Some businesses launched products that didn’t meet customer expectations. Conducting thorough market analysis and gathering customer feedback before launching new offerings can mitigate risk and drive better decision-making. These stories and lessons underscore the importance of strategic planning in small business growth. They highlight that innovation, resilience, and a focus on customer value enable you to navigate challenges effectively. Marketing Strategies for Growth Effective marketing strategies are essential for small businesses aiming for growth. Implementing these tactics can enhance your brand visibility, improve customer acquisition, and drive sales. Utilizing Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media creates significant opportunities for customer engagement. Choose multiple platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with your audience. Building social relationships fosters loyalty and allows you to receive immediate feedback. Regular updates through posts, stories, and ads can highlight promotions, events, or new products, boosting customer retention and expanding your reach. Consider incorporating user-generated content to enhance authenticity. Engaging with customers through comments and messages improves communication skills and strengthens your brand’s community presence. Content Marketing and SEO Techniques Content marketing enhances your online visibility and establishes authority in your niche. Create high-quality blog posts, videos, or infographics that address your audience’s needs and interests. Incorporating SEO techniques helps drive traffic to your website. Utilize keywords related to your business model and industry trends. This strategy improves organic search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find your offerings. Regularly monitoring your website’s performance through analytics enables data-driven decision-making. Establishing an editorial calendar ensures consistent content delivery, supporting your business goals and enhancing productivity. Financial Considerations Focusing on financial aspects lays a crucial foundation for growing your small business. Effective budgeting and funding strategies can drive your expansion efforts and enhance operational efficiency. Budgeting for Growth Initiatives Establishing a clear budget for growth initiatives helps you allocate resources efficiently. Prioritize your business goals and outline specific financial targets. Develop a detailed plan that includes potential costs related to marketing campaigns, team management, and technology solutions. Regularly review your budget to adapt to any changes in your business operations or market conditions, ensuring you’re aligned with your strategic planning. Funding Options for Small Businesses Identifying funding options is vital for fueling your small business growth. Explore various avenues such as: Small Business Loans: Traditional banks and credit unions often offer loans tailored for small businesses looking to expand. Grants and Incentives: Many government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide grants aimed at specific industries or business objectives. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo enable you to raise funds by presenting your business model and marketing strategy to potential backers. Investors: Seeking angel investors or venture capitalists can provide capital in exchange for equity, allowing you to scale operations rapidly. Balancing your financial strategy through appropriate funding options can enhance cash flow, enabling smoother business processes and improved productivity. Conclusion Growing your small business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities. By embracing creativity and innovative strategies you can set yourself apart in a competitive market. Focus on understanding your customers and their needs while leveraging technology to streamline your operations. Remember that challenges are part of the process. With strategic planning and effective solutions you can overcome obstacles and drive growth. Stay adaptable and open to new ideas as you navigate your path to success. Your perseverance and commitment will ultimately shape the future of your business. Keep pushing forward and watch your vision come to life. Frequently Asked Questions What are the main challenges small businesses face when growing? Small businesses often struggle with cash flow management, time management, employee management, and customer acquisition. These challenges can hinder growth and efficiency. Addressing them through strategic planning can empower entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and scale their businesses successfully. How can social media help small businesses grow? Social media enhances brand visibility and customer engagement. By utilizing multiple platforms, businesses can reach a broader audience, foster loyalty, and interact with customers effectively. Engaging content and active presence on social media can significantly boost marketing efforts and drive growth. What innovative strategies can small businesses use for growth? Small businesses can leverage technology and digital tools to streamline operations, utilize project management systems, and integrate automation. Expanding product offerings and forming strategic partnerships can also enhance brand visibility and attract new customers, driving growth effectively. How important is financial management in small business growth? Financial management is crucial for supporting growth initiatives. Establishing clear budgets, conducting regular reviews, and exploring various funding options, such as loans and crowdfunding, can improve cash flow and enhance productivity, enabling businesses to adapt to changing market conditions. Can you provide examples of successful small businesses? Notable examples include Canva and Warby Parker. Both companies overcame obstacles through innovative strategies and a strong focus on customer needs. Their success stories illustrate the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and adapting to market demands for achieving business growth. Image Via Envato This article, "Transform Your Vision: Ideas and Inspiration for Growing a Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Growth is Multifaceted: Small business growth encompasses not just increased sales, but also enhanced efficiency, customer satisfaction, and improved operations. Embrace Innovation: Utilizing technology, expanding product offerings, and forming strategic partnerships can significantly enhance your business’s growth potential. Learn from Success and Failure: Studying successful case studies like Canva and Warby Parker illustrates the impact of resilience and customer focus, while understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them. Effective Marketing is Essential: Utilizing social media and content marketing techniques is crucial for boosting brand visibility and engaging with customers, thus driving sales and retention. Financial Planning Matters: Establishing a robust budget and exploring diverse funding options are key components in ensuring sustainable growth and optimizing operational efficiency. Growing a small business can feel like climbing a mountain, but with the right ideas and inspiration, you can reach new heights. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, tapping into fresh strategies can ignite your entrepreneurial journey. In this fast-paced world, creativity is your best ally. From leveraging social media to exploring unique partnerships, there are countless ways to elevate your brand and attract customers. Get ready to discover innovative approaches that can transform your small business and set you apart from the competition. Understanding Small Business Growth Understanding small business growth involves recognizing its significance and facing the common challenges that arise. Growth isn’t just about increasing sales; it embodies improving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall operations. Importance of Growth in Small Businesses Growth plays a crucial role in small businesses. It enhances brand visibility and strengthens market position. You gain opportunities for better cash flow and access to improved resources. Growth allows you to meet evolving customer needs, ensuring customer retention and satisfaction. Developing a solid business strategy can accelerate growth by targeting new markets and refining your marketing efforts. Common Challenges Faced by Small Businesses Small businesses often encounter several challenges during growth. These challenges include: Cash Flow Management: Securing sufficient cash flow proves vital for covering expenses and funding growth initiatives. Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities can hinder efficiency and productivity. Employee Management: Developing a strong team involves effective performance reviews, employee training, and ongoing development. Workflow Issues: Streamlining business processes ensures that operations run smoothly and meet deadlines. Customer Acquisition: Attracting and retaining customers amidst competition requires innovative marketing strategies and effective communication skills. Addressing these challenges with strategic planning and appropriate solutions will empower you to scale your business successfully. Innovative Ideas for Business Growth Exploring fresh strategies can significantly enhance your small business growth. Consider these innovative ideas to drive your business forward. Leveraging Technology and Digital Tools You can use technology solutions to streamline business operations and improve efficiency. Software tools like project management systems help you manage tasks effectively, while data analysis software offers insights for informed decision-making. Integrating automation into your workflow reduces repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on higher-value activities. Utilize customer feedback tools to enhance customer service, driving greater satisfaction and retention. Expanding Product or Service Offerings You can grow your business by diversifying products or services offered. Consider assessing inventory management systems to identify customer demands and trends. Introducing complementary items or enhancing existing services can attract new customers and satisfy current ones. This strategy requires keeping an eye on quality control to maintain high standards and ensure customer loyalty. By aligning your offerings with your business goals, you increase opportunities for sales and business expansion. Collaborations and Partnerships You can benefit from forming strategic partnerships and collaborations within your industry. These relationships can enhance brand management and expand your reach. Collaborating with other businesses allows for cost-sharing in marketing campaigns, which improves sales management and customer acquisition efforts. Furthermore, partnerships enable you to tap into new customer bases and share resources, maximizing productivity while minimizing expenses. By fostering strong business partnerships, you enhance your operational efficiency and drive growth. Inspiring Success Stories Success stories can motivate you to push through challenges and focus on your business growth. Here are two compelling examples of small businesses that overcame obstacles and emerged successful through innovative strategies. Case Studies of Successful Small Businesses Melanie Perkins of Canva: Melanie Perkins identifies with the struggle of making design accessible. After being turned down by over 100 investors, her perseverance resulted in securing funding. Canva’s business model streamlined design processes and made software user-friendly. By addressing a real market need and emphasizing customer feedback, she transformed a complex task into a simple solution, driving significant business growth. Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, and Jeff Raider of Warby Parker: The founders of Warby Parker tackled the high costs of prescription eyewear. They launched an online platform providing affordable glasses while prioritizing customer service. This strategic approach not only enhanced customer acquisition but also built a loyal customer base. By listening to their customers’ needs, they refined their marketing strategy and created a brand that resonates with consumers seeking value and quality. Lessons Learned from Failures Many entrepreneurs face setbacks before achieving success. Learning from these failures is crucial. Cash Flow Management: Mismanaging cash flow can hinder business operations. Many small businesses failed due to the inability to cover operating expenses. Maintaining accurate financial records and budgeting consistently allows you to avoid this pitfall, ensuring you meet financial obligations. Team Management Challenges: Poor team management often leads to decreased productivity. Struggling with delegation and performance reviews can weaken employee morale. Incorporating employee training and development programs fosters a positive work culture, improves communication skills, and enhances team effectiveness. Inadequate Market Research: Entering the market without a solid strategy can result in costly mistakes. Some businesses launched products that didn’t meet customer expectations. Conducting thorough market analysis and gathering customer feedback before launching new offerings can mitigate risk and drive better decision-making. These stories and lessons underscore the importance of strategic planning in small business growth. They highlight that innovation, resilience, and a focus on customer value enable you to navigate challenges effectively. Marketing Strategies for Growth Effective marketing strategies are essential for small businesses aiming for growth. Implementing these tactics can enhance your brand visibility, improve customer acquisition, and drive sales. Utilizing Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media creates significant opportunities for customer engagement. Choose multiple platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with your audience. Building social relationships fosters loyalty and allows you to receive immediate feedback. Regular updates through posts, stories, and ads can highlight promotions, events, or new products, boosting customer retention and expanding your reach. Consider incorporating user-generated content to enhance authenticity. Engaging with customers through comments and messages improves communication skills and strengthens your brand’s community presence. Content Marketing and SEO Techniques Content marketing enhances your online visibility and establishes authority in your niche. Create high-quality blog posts, videos, or infographics that address your audience’s needs and interests. Incorporating SEO techniques helps drive traffic to your website. Utilize keywords related to your business model and industry trends. This strategy improves organic search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find your offerings. Regularly monitoring your website’s performance through analytics enables data-driven decision-making. Establishing an editorial calendar ensures consistent content delivery, supporting your business goals and enhancing productivity. Financial Considerations Focusing on financial aspects lays a crucial foundation for growing your small business. Effective budgeting and funding strategies can drive your expansion efforts and enhance operational efficiency. Budgeting for Growth Initiatives Establishing a clear budget for growth initiatives helps you allocate resources efficiently. Prioritize your business goals and outline specific financial targets. Develop a detailed plan that includes potential costs related to marketing campaigns, team management, and technology solutions. Regularly review your budget to adapt to any changes in your business operations or market conditions, ensuring you’re aligned with your strategic planning. Funding Options for Small Businesses Identifying funding options is vital for fueling your small business growth. Explore various avenues such as: Small Business Loans: Traditional banks and credit unions often offer loans tailored for small businesses looking to expand. Grants and Incentives: Many government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide grants aimed at specific industries or business objectives. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo enable you to raise funds by presenting your business model and marketing strategy to potential backers. Investors: Seeking angel investors or venture capitalists can provide capital in exchange for equity, allowing you to scale operations rapidly. Balancing your financial strategy through appropriate funding options can enhance cash flow, enabling smoother business processes and improved productivity. Conclusion Growing your small business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities. By embracing creativity and innovative strategies you can set yourself apart in a competitive market. Focus on understanding your customers and their needs while leveraging technology to streamline your operations. Remember that challenges are part of the process. With strategic planning and effective solutions you can overcome obstacles and drive growth. Stay adaptable and open to new ideas as you navigate your path to success. Your perseverance and commitment will ultimately shape the future of your business. Keep pushing forward and watch your vision come to life. Frequently Asked Questions What are the main challenges small businesses face when growing? Small businesses often struggle with cash flow management, time management, employee management, and customer acquisition. These challenges can hinder growth and efficiency. Addressing them through strategic planning can empower entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and scale their businesses successfully. How can social media help small businesses grow? Social media enhances brand visibility and customer engagement. By utilizing multiple platforms, businesses can reach a broader audience, foster loyalty, and interact with customers effectively. Engaging content and active presence on social media can significantly boost marketing efforts and drive growth. What innovative strategies can small businesses use for growth? Small businesses can leverage technology and digital tools to streamline operations, utilize project management systems, and integrate automation. Expanding product offerings and forming strategic partnerships can also enhance brand visibility and attract new customers, driving growth effectively. How important is financial management in small business growth? Financial management is crucial for supporting growth initiatives. Establishing clear budgets, conducting regular reviews, and exploring various funding options, such as loans and crowdfunding, can improve cash flow and enhance productivity, enabling businesses to adapt to changing market conditions. Can you provide examples of successful small businesses? Notable examples include Canva and Warby Parker. Both companies overcame obstacles through innovative strategies and a strong focus on customer needs. Their success stories illustrate the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and adapting to market demands for achieving business growth. Image Via Envato This article, "Transform Your Vision: Ideas and Inspiration for Growing a Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US floats recognition of Russian annexation of Crimea as peace plan efforts continueView the full article

If you receive nude photos via Google Messages, your Android device will soon detect and blur them with a sensitive content warning before you can view them. The feature, which is being rolled out to all users, also allows you to block numbers that send NSFW images and alerts you before you can send or forward them. When sensitive content warnings are turned on, users will be directed to a resource page (tap Learn why nude images can be harmful) and see an option to block the sender's number. You can choose to open the image you receive (tap Next > Yes, view or No, don't view) and unblur and re-blur by tapping the Preview icon. How to enable Google's sensitive content warningsSensitive content warnings are opt-in for adults, so you'll need to enable the feature in your Google Messages settings under Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings. Flip the toggle next to Warnings in Google Messages. For Android users under 18, sensitive content warnings are on by default. Those with supervised accounts cannot control or turn the feature off by themselves, though parents can do so in the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens ages 13–17 can disable the feature in their Google Account settings. According to 9to5Google, this feature is currently available only on some Android devices running the Messages beta, so it may not appear in your settings yet. Sensitive content warnings do not currently work on videos. All detection happens on-device powered by Android's SafetyCore, meaning no identifiable data or classified content is sent to Google servers. View the full article

The International Monetary Fund lowered its economic growth projections for 2025, citing policy uncertainty. It also urged central banks to stand ready to use macroprudential tools to facilitate lending in a potential recession. View the full article

Google's antitrust trial enters the remedies phase, with the DOJ seeking Chrome breakup and AI restrictions. The post DOJ’s Google Search Trial: What If Google Must Sell Chrome? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Whether it’s your starter home or just the latest move up the property ladder, buying a house is a huge investment—financially and emotionally. Despite the stakes, house hunting can be a rushed, stressful experience pushed along by tight timetables, precarious financing, and unpredictable market forces. So it’s not actually surprising to learn that more than 80% of Americans experience some level of regret after buying a house. But buyer’s remorse when house hunting isn’t a given. Most of those regrets are due to a few common mistakes people make when buying a new house, and they can be prevented—or at least minimized—by following some simple advice. Here are the most common reasons for house hunting buyer’s remorse and how to protect yourself against it. High maintenanceRealizing that your new home is going to be a pit of endless—and expensive—maintenance is one of the most common reasons people experience house buyer’s remorse. A house that seemed ideal when you were walking through it on a sunny day can feel like a prison when you realize it’s difficult to keep clean and functional. There are two easy ways to avoid this regret: Inspections. Almost a quarter of home buyers waive the inspection contingency when they buy a house—but this is a bad idea, according to real estate attorney William London of Kimura London & White LLP. “Always conduct your inspections, and do not waive contingencies to have your offer be accepted,” he says. “Remorse is frequently emotional, not legal. After escrow closes, it is too costly or impossible to turn back.” Asking questions. The easiest way to avoid this kind of regret is to ask a lot of detailed questions about how frequently aspects of the house need maintenance, what the costs are, and repair histories. Another aspect of home maintenance comes with fees associated with homeowners association (HOA) fees, which are used to maintain common aspects of a property. Brandon Blakeley, co-founder at Mirador Living, notes that HOA fees are often kept artificially low due to deferred maintenance. “Florida recently passed a bill (SB 4-D), which exposed just how widespread this problem was,” he says. “Once buildings were forced to catch up on repairs, HOA fees skyrocketed and property values plummeted.” Always ask to see the fee and maintenance records for any property you’re considering that belongs to an HOA. Unknown infrastructureWhen touring a potential home, it’s easy to be distracted by the finishes, the fresh paint, and the smell of cookies in the oven. But nothing causes homebuying remorse faster than a series of expensive breakdowns right after you move in—the washing machine breaks down, the water heater leaks, and your HVAC stops blowing cool air, all within a few months. To avoid that kind of regret, it’s important to not only check maintenance schedules, but to find out how old different aspects of the home are. Ask for installation dates and warranty information for a list of the home’s infrastructure, including appliances, HVAC systems, roof systems, windows, and sump pumps. Even if they don’t need to be replaced immediately, an estimate of how much time you have before you have to start splashing out will stave off regret. Succumbing to bidding warsReal estate agents and home sellers love a good bidding war—but they lead to a lot of regret when the dust settles and you realize you overpaid for the home. There are several psychological factors that goad you into a bidding war, but defending against this kind of regret requires just one thing: a plan. “Start with a good understanding of your price constraints and adhere to them,” London says. “Even in the heat of a market.” If you have a hard line in terms of how much you’re willing to pay for a house (and thus how big a monthly mortgage payment you’re willing to take on, you’ll be a lot less susceptible to being swept up in the hysteria of a bidding war. Wrong-sizingMore house is not always better—and compromising on a smaller house than you really need (so you can squeeze into a specific area, or because the aesthetics of the house appeal to you) is an easy way to become mired in regret. One factor that complicates these decisions: time. If you plan to stay in the house for a long time, you need to consider where your life might be years from now. “The key to the house is, what items can you not live without?” says Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. “If you have three kids, does only having three bedrooms mean you need to make a second move? In my own case, I bought a home with a two-car garage and a short driveway. Once both kids got cars, there was a lot of ‘musical cars’ that we were constantly moving around.” Lifestyle mismatchA house isn’t just a place to store your stuff and sleep. It’s an intrinsic part of your life. When it comes to specific features or the location that you want, it’s often a mistake to compromise. “I have heard of a story of a family that desperately wanted to live by the coast, but could not afford it, so they purchased a home inland and immediately regretted it,” says Heather Myers, co-owner of the Snyder Real Estate Group in San Diego. Another easy way to regret a home purchase is to overlook the neighborhood. When you’ve narrowed your house hunt down to a specific property, take the time to thoroughly check out the area to ensure it’s got the vibe, amenities, and access you need in your everyday life. “We always advise our clients to take multiple trips over to their new neighborhood at different times of the day and on weekends and weekdays,” Myers says. “We tell them to get out of their car and walk around their new block multiple times.” You also have to match your lifestyle to the house itself. If you work from home and need a quiet, specific office space to be happy, buying a house without that spare bedroom will be something you will probably come to regret. If you love throwing parties, buying a house that lacks an open floor plan and comfortable outdoor area like a patio or deck means you’ll probably wish you’d held out for a different house. The best way to deal with buyer’s remorse when house hunting is to avoid it entirely. Myers is blunt about your options if you don’t: “If buyers regret their decision, they typically have two options: They can immediately sell or they can rent out their new home and go rent somewhere else.” View the full article

House Financial Services Committee ranking member Maxine Waters, D-Calif., led a group of Democrats in challenging Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the current state of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. View the full article

Instagram is officially launching Edits, the company's take on mobile video editors. The launch comes three months after Instagram announced the app, and two months after Edits' original launch date in February. Instagram is coming for TikTokIt makes sense for Instagram to have a video editor of its own for many reasons. The company is no longer just the app you open to check out the photos and videos people and companies post on their page: Instagram reels are a huge part of the experience now. Short-form videos have taken off everywhere (even LinkedIn has them), and Instagram is no exception. There's a good chance it's your platform of choice for these bite-size clips, especially if you live in the United States—even if TikTok users scoff at the idea of using Reels at all. But it's not just the friendly competition that is fueling this push for Edits to take off. You might recall that back in January, TikTok and its associated apps went dark. Not only did Americans lose access to the most popular short form video app in the world, but also other popular apps like CapCut. While TikTok and many of its apps returned, the situation is ongoing, and these apps' future in the U.S. is anything but guaranteed. There's a real opportunity for Meta to solidify Instagram as the one-stop shop for both consumers and creators of short form videos, both to compete with TikTok and to take its crown should the apps be banned again. What can you do with Edits? Instagram itself has an editing tool you can use when creating a reel, but the Edits app appears to be a more complete experience. I haven't had a chance to try out Edits yet, but from Meta's promotional materials, the app seems like a standard mobile video editor. You can import video files, or shoot directly within the app (up to 10 minutes), and edit on a non-linear timeline. Like other apps, you can access various editing tools, like a chrome key tool for green screening, a caption editor, and a cutout feature to isolate subjects and objects. You can check out reels with trending audio, and use a track if you find one you like, or access a greater audio library to add music and sounds to your video. While there's a general project manager, there's also an "Ideas" section. Here, you can write down concepts for future videos; it looks to be more than a glorified notes app, as it seems you can create vision board-like stickers for these ideas. You can also keep tabs on how any video performs from an "Insights" tab. Credit: Images courtesy of Meta Of course, it's 2025, so Instagram is incorporating AI into Edits. That manifests as the Animate feature, which lets you animate static images with generative AI. It sounds similar to features offered by other companies, like Google's Veo 2 video model, but we'll have to see how it performs before passing judgment. Meta says there's also a "Modify" feature that changes the "look and feel" of your videos using AI, but hasn't specified much about how that really works. Again, we'll need to test out the app to see what that's all about. You can download Edits starting today from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. You'll need to log in with your Instagram account to use it, which makes sense: Meta wants you to use this for Instagram reels. However, as long as you have an Instagram account, you can use Edits to make videos for any platform. The company says all exports come without watermarks, so you can, in theory, use Edits to post videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, not just Instagram. Again, the big question is how the app performs when compared to established mobile video editor apps. If you use Instagram already, it might makes sense to use Edits, too. But if you're used to another mobile video editor, especially one that isn't at risk of being banned, will Edits be enticing enough to make the switch? Only time (and edits) will tell. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader asks: My small business has had a recurring discussion regarding taking meetings with job seekers when we don’t have an open position. Someone will reach out, either by stopping by our office without an appointment or just sending an inquiry by email, and ask if they can meet with someone. In the past, we have taken these meetings as sort of informal interviews. From what I recall, we’ve never made a hire from these meetings when there’s no existing connection to our company or staff. Over the last few years, I’ve discouraged these meetings. They just take up time for our team when we don’t have an opening, and I also feel they can be misleading if we’re not clear enough that we don’t have a position. I’m more inclined to take these meetings if (1) the person has a connection to a current employee who gives a positive recommendation, and (2) we do have an idea of a need on our team that the candidate could be a good fit for. Otherwise, I’d prefer to say thanks for their interest in our company, and we’ll reach out should we have an open position that might be a good fit. I’ve had an inquiry recently from a woman who sent her resume and asked to meet even if we don’t have an opening to learn more about our company and how she can contribute. She’s sent a couple of emails and dropped by without an appointment. I told her we don’t have an opening and that I’d reach out if we do in the future. She followed up with a second email, again asking to meet. She does not have a connection to any of our existing staff, and it seems a bit presumptuous to ask a stranger to take time out of their workday essentially as a favor for some career advice. I’m really curious what your thoughts are on this topic. I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. View the full article

The IMF is trying to make sense of the unknowableView the full article

OpenAI’s ChatGPT search had 41.3 million average monthly users across the EU between October and March. That’s nearly 4x growth from the prior six-month stretch, when it reported having 11.2 million users. Why we care. Brands and businesses need to understand how (or whether) their content is being surfaced in AI-generated responses. ChatGPT search is nowhere near replacing Google Search, but it is an emerging channel for visibility and discoverability. What ChatGPT reported. According to OpenAI’s EU Digital Services Act (DSA) page: “For the six-month period ending 31 March 2025, ChatGPT search had in combination approximately 41.3 million average monthly active recipients in the European Union.” What is a recipient. The EU counts a “monthly active recipient” as the number of unique users who engage with an online platform at least once. Yes, but. Google still dominates search. According to Google’s DSA Disclosure report, Google Search had: 355.7 million average monthly signed-in recipients. 424.4 million average monthly signed-out recipients. That means, in the EU, Google Search (signed in and out) is nearly 20x bigger than ChatGPT search. Dig deeper. Google Search is 373x bigger than ChatGPT search What’s next for OpenAI. ChatGPT search is approaching the EU’s threshold for a “very large online platform” under the Digital Services Act (DSA). That milestone — 45 million monthly active users — would put ChatGPT search under increased scrutiny in the EU. View the full article

Five tasks for business development. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Five tasks for business development. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Stores selling secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories are poised to benefit from President Donald The President’s trade war even as businesses the world over race to avert potential damage, according to industry experts. American styles carry international influence, but nearly all of the clothing sold domestically is made elsewhere. The Yale University Budget Lab last week estimated short-term consumer price increases of 65% for clothes and 87% for leather goods, noting U.S. tariffs “disproportionately affect” those goods. Such price hikes may drive cost-conscious shoppers to online resale sites, consignment boutiques and thrift stores in search of bargains or a way to turn their wardrobes into cash. Used items cost less than their new equivalents and only would be subject to tariffs if they come from outside the country. “I think resale is going to grow in a market that is declining,” said Kristen Classi-Zummo, an apparel industry analyst at market research firm Circana. “What I think is going to continue to win in this chaotic environment are channels that bring value.” The outlook for pre-owned fashion nevertheless comes with unknowns, including whether the president’s tariffs will stay long enough to pinch consumers and change their behavior. It’s also unclear whether secondhand purveyors will increase their own prices, either to mirror the overall market or in response to shopper demand. A new audience courtesy of sticker shock Jan Genovese, a retired fashion executive, sells her unwanted designer clothes through customer-to-customer marketplaces like Mercari. If tariffs cause retail prices to rise, she would consider high-end secondhand sites. “Until I see it and really have that sticker shock, I can’t say exclusively that I’ll be pushed into another direction,” Genovese, 75, said. “I think that the tariff part of it is that you definitely rethink things. And maybe I will start looking at alternative venues.” The secondhand clothing market already was flourishing before the specter of tariffs bedeviled the U.S. fashion industry. Management consulting firm McKinsey and Co. predicted after the COVID-19 pandemic that global revenue from pre-owned fashion would grow 11 times faster than retail apparel sales by this year as shoppers looked to save money or spend it in a more environmentally conscious way. While millennials and members of Generation Z were known as the primary buyers of used clothing, data from market research firm Sensor Tower shows the audience may be expanding. The number of mobile app downloads for nine resale marketplaces the firm tracks — eBay, OfferUp, Poshmark, Mercari, Craigslist, Depop, ThredUp, TheRealReal and Vinted — increased by 3% between January and the end of March, the first quarterly gain in three years, Sensor Tower said. The firm estimates downloads of the apps for eBay, Depop, ThredUp and The RealReal also surged compared to a year earlier for the week of March 31, which was when The President unveiled since-paused punitive tariffs on dozens of countries. Circana’s Classi-Zummo said that while customers used to seek out collectible or unusual vintage pieces to supplement their wardrobes, she has noticed more shoppers turning to secondhand sites to replace regular fashion items. “It’s still a cheaper option” than buying new, even though retailers offer discounts, she said. A tariff-free gold mine lurking in closets and warehouses Poshmark, a digital platform where users buy and sell pre-owned clothing, has yet to see sales pick up under the tariff schedule The President unveiled but is prepared to capitalize on the moment, CEO Manish Chandra said. Companies operating e-commerce marketplaces upgrade their technology to make it easier to find items. A visual search tool and other improvements to the Poshmark experience will “pay long dividends in terms of disruption that happens in the market” from the tariffs, Chandra said. Archive, a San Francisco-based technology company that builds and manages online and in-store resale programs for brands including Dr. Martens, The North Face and Lululemon, has noticed clothing labels expressing more urgency to team up, CEO Emily Gittins said. “Tapping into all of the inventory that is already sitting in the U.S., either in people’s closets or in warehouses not being used,” offers a revenue source while brands limit or suspend orders from foreign manufacturers, she said. “There’s a huge amount of uncertainty,” Gittins said. “Everyone believes that this is going to be hugely damaging to consumer goods brands that sell in the U.S. So resale is basically where everyone’s head is going.” Stock analysts have predicted off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Burlington Stores will weather tariffs more easily than regular apparel chains and department stores because they carry leftover merchandise in the U.S. Priced out of the previously owned market Still, resale vendors aren’t immune from tariff-induced upheavals, said Rachel Kibbe, founder and CEO of Circular Services Group, a firm that advises brands and retailers on reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact. U.S. sellers that import secondhand inventory from European Union countries would have to pay a 20% duty if The President moves forward with instituting “reciprocal” tariffs on most trading partners and eliminates an import tax exception for parcels worth less than $800, Kibbe said. A circular fashion coalition she leads is seeking a tariff exemption for used and recycled goods that will be offered for resale, Kibbe said. The President already ended the duty-free provision for low-value parcels from China, a move that may benefit sellers of secondhand clothing by making low-priced Chinese fashions pricier, she said. James Reinhart, co-founder and CEO of the online consignment marketplace ThredUp, said the removal of the “de minimis” provision and the 145% tariff The President put on products made in China would benefit businesses like his. He doubts creating resale channels would make a big difference for individual brands. “Brands will explore this and they may do more, but I don’t see them massively changing their operations,” Reinhart said. “I think they’re going to be figuring out how to survive. And I don’t think resale helps you survive.” Rebag, an online marketplace and retail chain that sells used designer handbags priced from $500 to tens of thousands of dollars, expects tariffs to help drive new customers and plans to open more physical stores, CEO Charles Gorra said. Gorra said the company would analyze prices for new luxury goods and adjust what Rebag charges accordingly. The two historically rose in tandem, but Rebag could not match Chanel’s 10% price increase last year because of lower resale demand, Gorra said. “That has nothing to do with the tariffs,” he said. “Consumers are feeling priced out.” Norah Brotman, 22, a senior at the University of Minnesota, buys most of her own clothes on eBay. She also thrifts fashions from the 1990s and early 2000s at Goodwill stores and resells them on Depop. If tariffs upend the economics of fast fashion and discourage mindless consumption, Brotman would count that as a plus. “I would love if this would steer people in a different direction,” she said. —Anne D’Innocenzio, AP retail writer View the full article

As any investor will tell you, the past month has been absolutely brutal when it comes to the markets. In the past 30 days alone, the Nasdaq is down 9.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 7.8%, and the S&P 500 is down 7.8%. But in the same period, one asset has surged: gold. As of the time of this writing, the price of an ounce of gold has surged over the past 30 days by a remarkable 14.4%. And gold isn’t just surging—it’s hitting all-time highs. This morning, gold peaked above $3,506 per ounce—a record for the precious metal. As of the time of this writing, the commodity has pulled back slightly to around $3,453 an ounce, according to Yahoo Finance data. However, even that price is still striking. That’s nearly $800 an ounce higher than gold was at the beginning of 2025. Since then, the metal has surged 32%. Gold’s biggest jump has happened in the past five days alone. During that period, it has surged 7.78% But why? Gold is a historic safe haven during chaotic economic times When the economy is in turmoil or investors fear an economic downturn is coming, they tend to park their money in what are known as economic “safe havens”—assets that have historically been less likely to decrease in value during greater economic downturns. As Investopedia notes, historic safe havens include cash; some currencies like the Swiss franc, the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen; U.S. Treasury bills; and precious metals, most notably, gold. However, investors of late seem to feel that some of these historic safe havens—the U.S. dollar in particular—aren’t as reliable now as in past times. Instead, they seem to be throwing their money into gold, hence the recent rapid surge in price. As for why investors are turning to safe havens—and sending gold surging in recent weeks—it mainly comes down to two President The President-related reasons, notes the Wall Street Journal. The President’s chaotic tariffs The first reason is no surprise. Ever since The President announced his new chaotic “Liberation Day” tariff policies on April 2, investor confidence has plummeted as the tariffs—and their implementation—have spread uncertainty throughout the economy and business world. While many of the tariffs are now paused for 90 days, the ones The President levied against China are still active, as are China’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. These tariffs mean that Americans are paying more for many common goods, and they are impacting the volume of goods that American businesses export to customers in China. And given the The President administration’s chaotic implementation of the tariffs, its mixed messaging surrounding them, and the lingering uncertainty of whether deals can actually be reached with other nations before the 90-day pause expires, people are beginning to lose faith in the U.S. economy, and recession fears are rising. If a full-blown recession does hit, it’s likely stocks and other assets may continue to fall, which is why many investors are now seeking safe havens like gold. The President’s attacks on Fed Chairman Jerome Powell But maybe even worse than The President’s chaotic tariffs is his recent and increasing attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The President wants Powell, who oversees America’s independent central bank, the Federal Reserve, to lower interest rates. The reason The President wants power to do this is that The President’s tariffs have pummeled the stock markets and consumer confidence. When the Federal Reserve chooses to lower interest rates, the stock markets generally rise and consumer spending increases, as MSNBC points out. That’s because it’s cheaper to borrow money for things like homes and cars. It can also lower credit-card interest rates, further boosting spending. But Powell has so far refused to acquiesce to The President’s demands—and for good reason. While lower rates can help the economy in the short term, they can have a negative impact in the long term by giving it a temporary artificial boost. As MSNBC notes, if rates are already lowered, and things do get worse with the economy in the future, the Federal Reserve will have one less tool in its arsenal to help fight the economic downturn because it has already lowered rates. But The President seems to care more about the short term. That’s likely why he has increased his attacks on Powell, whom he has threatened to fire, which most legal experts agree the president can’t do anyway. As a matter of fact, the central banks of most countries, including the United States, are set up to be independent of the government precisely so that leaders can’t pressure the banks to do something that is beneficial for political reasons instead of being rational for economic ones. Still, The President’s very public beef with Powell is enough to make some investors leery that The President may indeed be willing to undermine what is seen as a critical pillar of the U.S.’s economic credibility. That beef is leading to uncertainty, which is leading to some investors now looking for more stable, safe-haven assets like gold. View the full article

A commercial airliner was on final approach to San Francisco’s international airport in November when the crew spotted a drone outside the cockpit window. By then it was too late “to take evasive action,” the pilots reported, and the quadcopter passed by their windshield, not 300 feet away. A month earlier, a jetliner was flying at an altitude of 4,000 feet near Miami’s international airport when its pilots reported a “close encounter” with a drone. In August, a drone came within 50 feet of clipping the left wing of a passenger jet as it departed Newark International Airport. The incidents were all classified as “near midair collisions” — any one of which could have had catastrophic consequences, according to aviation safety experts. They were also not isolated encounters. An Associated Press analysis of an aviation safety database reveals that drones last year accounted for nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions involving commercial passenger planes taking off and landing at the country’s top 30 busiest airports. That was the highest percentage of such near misses since 2020, when air traffic dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first reports of near misses involving drones were logged in 2014, the AP found. The number of such encounters spiked the following year. Over the last decade, drones accounted for 51% — 122 of 240 — of reported near misses, according to AP’s analysis. Passenger jets have long been subject to risks around airports — whether from bird strikes or congested airspace — as was made clear by the January collision between a military helicopter and commercial jet near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. The threat has become more dire The threat from drones has become more acute in the last decade as the use of quadcopters and remote-controlled planes has exploded in popularity. The FAA estimates that Americans are operating more than a million drones for recreational and commercial purposes. “If you have the money, you can go on the internet and buy a pretty sophisticated drone that can reach altitudes they really have no business being at,” said William Waldock, a professor of safety science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The risk is most acute near airports because that is where the flight paths of drones and airplanes most overlap, experts said. The incidents represent only a portion of such close calls because the database — NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System — relies on voluntary submissions from pilots and other aviation workers. A separate FAA program, which includes reports from the public, tallied at least 160 sightings last month of drones flying near airports. “The FAA recognizes that urgency, and we all know additional changes need to be made to allow the airports to go out and detect and mitigate where necessary,” said Hannah Thach, executive director of the partnership, known as Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence. FAA says it is taking steps to improve safety The FAA said it has taken steps to mitigate the risks of drones. It has prohibited nearly all drones from flying near airports without prior authorization, though such rules are difficult to enforce, and recreational users may not be aware of restrictions. The agency requires registrations for drones weighing more than 250 grams (0.55 pounds), and such drones are required to carry a radio transponder that identifies the drone’s owner and broadcasts its position to help avert collisions. Additional rules govern commercial drone use. The agency has also been testing systems to detect and counter drones near airports. Among the methods being examined: Using radio signals to jam drones or force them to land. Authorities are also weighing whether to deploy high-powered microwaves or laser beams to disable the machines. Experts said the FAA and other authorities could do more. They suggested creating a system similar to speed cameras on roadways that could capture a drone’s transponder code and send its pilots a ticket in the mail. They also said the FAA should consider regulations that require all manufacturers to program a drone’s GPS unit to prevent it from flying near airports and other sensitive areas, a method called “geofencing.” Drone manufacturer ends mandatory ‘geofencing’ DJI, a leading drone maker, used such geofencing restrictions for years. However, it eliminated the feature in January, replacing it with an alert to drone pilots when they approach restricted areas. Adam Welsh, head of global policy at DJI, said managing requests from authorized users to temporarily disable the geofencing became an increasingly time-consuming task. More than one million such requests were processed last year. “We had around-the-clock service, but the number of applications coming in were becoming really hard to handle,” Welsh said. “They all had to be reviewed individually.” With no other manufacturers enabling geofencing, and without government rules requiring it, DJI decided to end the practice, he said. The FAA declined to say if it is considering whether to mandate geofencing. Drone users can face consequences Experts said authorities should take more aggressive action to hold drone users accountable for violating restricted airspace — to highlight the problem and deter others from breaking the rules, pointing to recent arrests that they hoped might send such a message. In December, for example, Boston police arrested two men who operated a drone that flew dangerously close to Logan International Airport. Police reported that they were able to find the drone flyers, in part, by tracking the aircraft thanks to its FAA-mandated transponder signal. A month later, a small drone collided with a “Super Scooper” plane that was fighting wildfires raging through Southern California. The drone punched a hole in the plane’s left wing, causing enough damage that officials grounded the aircraft for several days to make repairs. Authorities tracked down the 56-year-old drone operator, who pleaded guilty to a federal charge of recklessly flying his aircraft. The man, who has yet to be sentenced, admitted he launched his DJI quadcopter to observe fire damage over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, despite the FAA having restricted drone flying in the area, according to court records. The operator lost sight of the drone after it flew about 1.5 miles from where he had launched it. And that’s when it struck the “Super Scooper.” —Aaron Kessler and Michael Biesecker, Associated Press View the full article

Equifax Inc.'s first-quarter profit beat estimates, although the credit-reporting agency declined to raise its guidance, citing the tariff-induced uncertainty in the economy and falling consumer confidence. View the full article

ChatGPT can now personalize searches using your memories. Memory with Search is a new addition to ChatGPT search, and was quietly added as an update in its changelog. What is Memory with Search. ChatGPT said it can “use memories to inform search queries when ChatGPT searches the web using their-party search providers.” Not a lot of detail there. But OpenAI’s ChatGPT search page offers more information: ‘If you have ‘Memory’ enabled, when ChatGPT search rewrites your prompt into a search query it may also leverage relevant information from memories to make the query better and more useful. For example, if the user has ‘Memory’ turned on and asks ChatGPT ‘what are some restaurants near me that I’d like,’ and has memories is that the user is vegan and lives in San Francisco, then ChatGPT may rewrite the user’s prompt to ‘good vegan restaurants San Francisco.’ You can learn more here about Memory, including how to disable it or control individual memories. ChatGPT Memory. OpenAI announced the official launch of Memory on April 11. ChatGPT Memory consists of saved memories (memories users ask ChatGPT to remember) and chat history (insights gathered from past chats to improve future ones). Access to ChatGPT Memory is still rolling out now. Why we care. ChatGPT’s use of memories and rewriting prompts into search queries (to be more nuanced, contextual, and user-specific) means AI search is shifting toward being more deeply personalized. This could impact how and when your brand or business appears in AI-generated answers. Opt out. Users who don’t want to use Memory can head to Settings > Personalization and turn off the Memory slider. The announcement. ChatGPT – Release Notes (April 16) View the full article