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This guide demystifies predecessors in project management, showing you how smart dependency mapping can streamline workflows, prevent bottlenecks, and keep your projects on track. Whether you're building Gantt charts or juggling remote teams, mastering predecessors is your shortcut to smoother planning and stronger outcomes. The post What Is A Predecessor In Project Management? A Practical Guide appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Study reveals 33% of Google users stayed with Bing after trying it for two weeks. Is Google’s dominance driven by quality, or default settings? The post 33% of Google Users Stuck with Bing After a Two-Week Trial: Study appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Search visibility is shifting as AI Overviews replace organic listings across a growing number of industries. The post Google Expands AIO Coverage In Select appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Private sector employment in the U.S. grew by 62,000 jobs in April, while annual pay increased by 4.5 percent, according to the April 2025 ADP National Employment Report. The report, released by ADP Research Institute in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, offers an independent, high-frequency view of private-sector labor market trends based on payroll data from over 25 million U.S. employees. “Unease is the word of the day. Employers are trying to reconcile policy and consumer uncertainty with a run of mostly positive economic data,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “It can be difficult to make hiring decisions in such an environment.” Sector Breakdown April’s job gains were driven primarily by the goods-producing sector, which added 26,000 jobs. Construction led the segment with 16,000 new jobs, followed by natural resources and mining with 6,000 and manufacturing with 4,000. The service-providing sector posted a gain of 34,000 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 21,000 positions; financial activities gained 20,000; and leisure and hospitality added 27,000 jobs. However, some service sectors saw losses, including information (-8,000), professional and business services (-2,000), education and health services (-23,000), and other services (-1,000). Regional and Establishment Trends Regionally, the Midwest saw the largest employment increase with 42,000 jobs, including 39,000 in the East North Central division. The Northeast gained 10,000 jobs, driven by a 43,000-job increase in the Middle Atlantic, offset by a 33,000-job decline in New England. The South added 3,000 jobs, with East South Central gaining 54,000 but West South Central losing 43,000. The West recorded a 9,000-job increase, with 8,000 in the Mountain region and 1,000 in the Pacific. By company size, medium establishments (50-499 employees) added 40,000 jobs, small establishments (1-49 employees) added 11,000, and large establishments (500+ employees) added 12,000. Within small businesses, those with fewer than 20 employees added 20,000 jobs, while those with 20-49 employees lost 9,000. Pay Insights Annual pay for job-stayers rose 4.5 percent year-over-year in April, slightly down from March’s pace. Job-changers saw a slight increase in annual pay gains, rising from 6.7 percent in March to 6.9 percent in April. By sector, job-stayers in the goods-producing industries experienced pay increases of 4.4 percent in natural resources/mining, 4.7 percent in construction, and 4.6 percent in manufacturing. In the service-providing industries, gains included 4.3 percent in trade/transportation/utilities, 4.1 percent in information, 5.1 percent in financial activities, 4.3 percent in professional/business services, 4.7 percent in education/health services, 4.7 percent in leisure/hospitality, and 4.3 percent in other services. Pay growth by firm size varied, with small firms showing the lowest increases. Job-stayers at firms with 1–19 employees saw a 2.8 percent rise, while those at firms with 20–49 employees had a 4.2 percent increase. At medium and large firms, pay grew by 4.8 to 4.9 percent. The March jobs total was revised down from 155,000 to 147,000. This article, "Private Sector Adds 62,000 Jobs in April, ADP Reports; Pay Growth Remains Steady" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Private sector employment in the U.S. grew by 62,000 jobs in April, while annual pay increased by 4.5 percent, according to the April 2025 ADP National Employment Report. The report, released by ADP Research Institute in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, offers an independent, high-frequency view of private-sector labor market trends based on payroll data from over 25 million U.S. employees. “Unease is the word of the day. Employers are trying to reconcile policy and consumer uncertainty with a run of mostly positive economic data,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “It can be difficult to make hiring decisions in such an environment.” Sector Breakdown April’s job gains were driven primarily by the goods-producing sector, which added 26,000 jobs. Construction led the segment with 16,000 new jobs, followed by natural resources and mining with 6,000 and manufacturing with 4,000. The service-providing sector posted a gain of 34,000 jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 21,000 positions; financial activities gained 20,000; and leisure and hospitality added 27,000 jobs. However, some service sectors saw losses, including information (-8,000), professional and business services (-2,000), education and health services (-23,000), and other services (-1,000). Regional and Establishment Trends Regionally, the Midwest saw the largest employment increase with 42,000 jobs, including 39,000 in the East North Central division. The Northeast gained 10,000 jobs, driven by a 43,000-job increase in the Middle Atlantic, offset by a 33,000-job decline in New England. The South added 3,000 jobs, with East South Central gaining 54,000 but West South Central losing 43,000. The West recorded a 9,000-job increase, with 8,000 in the Mountain region and 1,000 in the Pacific. By company size, medium establishments (50-499 employees) added 40,000 jobs, small establishments (1-49 employees) added 11,000, and large establishments (500+ employees) added 12,000. Within small businesses, those with fewer than 20 employees added 20,000 jobs, while those with 20-49 employees lost 9,000. Pay Insights Annual pay for job-stayers rose 4.5 percent year-over-year in April, slightly down from March’s pace. Job-changers saw a slight increase in annual pay gains, rising from 6.7 percent in March to 6.9 percent in April. By sector, job-stayers in the goods-producing industries experienced pay increases of 4.4 percent in natural resources/mining, 4.7 percent in construction, and 4.6 percent in manufacturing. In the service-providing industries, gains included 4.3 percent in trade/transportation/utilities, 4.1 percent in information, 5.1 percent in financial activities, 4.3 percent in professional/business services, 4.7 percent in education/health services, 4.7 percent in leisure/hospitality, and 4.3 percent in other services. Pay growth by firm size varied, with small firms showing the lowest increases. Job-stayers at firms with 1–19 employees saw a 2.8 percent rise, while those at firms with 20–49 employees had a 4.2 percent increase. At medium and large firms, pay grew by 4.8 to 4.9 percent. The March jobs total was revised down from 155,000 to 147,000. This article, "Private Sector Adds 62,000 Jobs in April, ADP Reports; Pay Growth Remains Steady" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understanding customer retention rate is essential for measuring customer loyalty and its impact on your revenue and profit margins.Improving customer retention can lead to lower acquisition costs, enhanced customer lifetime value, and consistent sales performance.Personalizing customer interactions and offering loyalty programs can significantly boost satisfaction and engagement, leading to repeat business.Exceptional customer service and prompt responses to feedback help maintain trust and foster long-term relationships with clients.Leveraging technology, such as CRM tools and data analytics, allows for more effective communication, trend analysis, and tailored marketing strategies to enhance retention efforts. In today’s competitive market, keeping your customers happy and loyal is more important than ever. A high customer retention rate not only boosts your bottom line but also fosters a strong brand reputation. You might be wondering how to achieve this in a world where options are just a click away. By focusing on effective strategies, you can transform one-time buyers into lifelong advocates for your brand. From personalized communication to exceptional customer service, the right approach can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some valuable tips and advice that will help you enhance your customer retention rate and build lasting relationships with your clients. Understanding Customer Retention Rate Customer retention rate reflects the percentage of customers your small business retains over a specific period. A higher retention rate indicates strong customer loyalty, which positively impacts your revenue and profit margins. Importance of Customer Retention Customer retention plays a crucial role in your overall sales strategy. Retained customers often contribute to repeat business and referral sales, making them valuable assets. Focusing on retention can lower your customer acquisition costs and enhance customer lifetime value. Moreover, loyal customers provide consistent sales performance, allowing for improved sales forecasting and achieving sales goals. Metrics for Measuring Retention Measuring your customer retention involves analyzing specific metrics such as: Metric Description Retention Rate Percentage of customers retained over a set period. Churn Rate Proportion of customers lost during the same period. Customer Lifetime Value Projected revenue from a customer throughout their relationship. Repeat Purchase Rate Frequency at which existing customers make additional purchases. Using these metrics helps you understand customer engagement and retention. They also guide your sales team in developing tailored strategies for lead nurturing and upselling, thus enhancing the overall sales pipeline. Tips for Improving Customer Retention Rate Strengthening customer retention involves strategic actions that enhance loyalty and satisfaction. Focus on personalizing interactions, implementing loyalty programs, and providing excellent customer service to achieve better results. Personalize Customer Interactions Understand your customers’ needs through quantitative and qualitative research. Conduct surveys and interviews to uncover desires and pain points. Personalize experiences by using customer names, celebrating milestones, and sending tailored content. Remember, 71% of consumers expect a personalized experience, making it crucial for repeat business. This attention to detail fosters emotional connections, driving customer loyalty and engagement with your brand. Implement Loyalty Programs Create a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases. Offer points or discounts for continued business, making customers feel valued. Programs can include membership tiers that provide additional perks, encouraging customers to stay engaged and increase their spending. Such systems not only boost customer retention but also enhance overall sales performance, as loyal customers often refer others and contribute to positive word-of-mouth. Provide Excellent Customer Service Deliver superior customer service at every touchpoint. Train your sales team to handle inquiries swiftly and effectively. Encourage follow-ups after purchases to ensure satisfaction and address any issues promptly. Listen to customer feedback and be proactive in resolving complaints. Excellent service creates memorable experiences that lead to long-term relationships, increased customer engagement, and ultimately, higher profit margins for your business. Analyzing Customer Feedback Analyzing customer feedback plays a vital role in retaining clients and boosting your small business’s revenue. By focusing on understanding why customers leave and addressing their concerns, you enhance your sales process and create loyalty. Gathering Feedback Effectively Gathering feedback effectively involves using various methods that cater to your customers’ preferences. Consider leveraging online surveys, direct interviews, and social media interactions to collect insights. Use tools designed for customer relationship management (CRM) to track feedback, allowing you to gather data seamlessly. By actively requesting input after purchases, you set the stage for better engagement and show customers you value their opinions. Responding to Customer Concerns Responding to customer concerns promptly is crucial for maintaining trust and enhancing customer relationships. A swift response can transform negative experiences into positive outcomes, leading to repeat business and referrals. Prioritize addressing complaints through multiple channels, such as email and social media, ensuring customers feel heard. Equip your sales team with effective objection handling techniques to mitigate issues swiftly and strengthen your sales pipeline. Engaging with customers about their concerns fosters loyalty and demonstrates your commitment to excellent customer service. Leveraging Technology for Retention Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing customer retention for small businesses. Implement effective strategies to create personalized experiences and engage with your customers across multiple channels. CRM Tools and Their Benefits CRM (customer relationship management) tools streamline your customer interactions and improve your sales process. These systems track customer behavior, helping you tailor your outreach based on individual preferences. Benefits include: Centralized Customer Data: Easily access important customer information, interaction history, and purchase patterns, leading to improved customer engagement. Enhanced Communication: Automate follow-up reminders and notifications for special offers, ensuring consistent communication without overwhelming your team. Sales Metrics Tracking: Monitor sales performance and conversion rates, allowing you to adjust your sales strategy efficiently. Lead Nurturing: Utilize CRM features for targeted marketing campaigns, ensuring you nurture leads effectively, which increases the likelihood of repeat business. Utilizing Data Analytics Data analytics provides valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling better decision-making. By analyzing customer data, you can: Identify Trends: Understand which products or services resonate most with your audience and adjust your sales pipeline accordingly. Segment Customers: Classify customers based on behavior, preferences, or demographics to deliver more relevant marketing messages and offers. Optimize Sales Strategies: Use data to refine sales tactics, focusing on high-converting channels and tailoring your sales pitch to meet customer needs. Evaluate Customer Feedback: Analyze customer feedback to address objections swiftly and improve the overall sales cycle, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. Implementing these technologies not only enhances your customer relationship management but also boosts your business development efforts. By leveraging CRM tools and data analytics, you can strengthen customer relationships, drive repeat business, and increase your profit margins. Conclusion Boosting your customer retention rate is essential for long-term success. By focusing on personalized interactions and exceptional service you can create deeper connections with your clients. Implementing loyalty programs not only rewards repeat business but also encourages engagement. Don’t underestimate the power of analyzing customer feedback. Understanding why customers leave helps you address their concerns effectively. Utilizing CRM tools and data analytics can streamline your processes and enhance customer relationships. Remember that every interaction counts. Swift responses to customer inquiries can turn potential dissatisfaction into loyalty. By prioritizing these strategies you’re setting your business up for sustainable growth and increased profitability. Frequently Asked Questions What is customer retention, and why is it important? Customer retention refers to the ability of a business to keep its customers over time. It is crucial because retained customers are typically more profitable, generate repeat business, and often refer new customers. High customer retention positively impacts brand reputation and lowers acquisition costs, making it a vital aspect of a successful sales strategy. How can businesses improve their customer retention rates? Businesses can enhance customer retention by personalizing interactions, implementing loyalty programs, and providing excellent customer service. Understanding customer needs through research and engaging customers emotionally can foster loyalty, while efficient service at every touchpoint is essential for retaining long-term clients. What metrics are used to measure customer retention? Key metrics for measuring customer retention include retention rate, churn rate, customer lifetime value (CLV), and repeat purchase rate. These metrics help businesses assess how well they are maintaining customer relationships, understand customer engagement, and optimize their strategies for better outcomes. Why is analyzing customer feedback important for retention? Analyzing customer feedback is vital as it helps businesses understand why customers leave and what issues need addressing. This insight allows companies to improve their offerings and customer service. Responding promptly to feedback can also turn negative experiences into positive ones, fostering loyalty and repeat business. How can technology aid in customer retention efforts? Technology, particularly customer relationship management (CRM) tools and data analytics, can significantly enhance customer retention. CRM systems centralize customer data and streamline communication, while analytics provide insights into customer behavior. This information helps businesses refine their sales strategies, improve customer interactions, and strengthen relationships for greater loyalty. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Business with Effective Customer Retention Rate Tips and Advice" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understanding customer retention rate is essential for measuring customer loyalty and its impact on your revenue and profit margins.Improving customer retention can lead to lower acquisition costs, enhanced customer lifetime value, and consistent sales performance.Personalizing customer interactions and offering loyalty programs can significantly boost satisfaction and engagement, leading to repeat business.Exceptional customer service and prompt responses to feedback help maintain trust and foster long-term relationships with clients.Leveraging technology, such as CRM tools and data analytics, allows for more effective communication, trend analysis, and tailored marketing strategies to enhance retention efforts. In today’s competitive market, keeping your customers happy and loyal is more important than ever. A high customer retention rate not only boosts your bottom line but also fosters a strong brand reputation. You might be wondering how to achieve this in a world where options are just a click away. By focusing on effective strategies, you can transform one-time buyers into lifelong advocates for your brand. From personalized communication to exceptional customer service, the right approach can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some valuable tips and advice that will help you enhance your customer retention rate and build lasting relationships with your clients. Understanding Customer Retention Rate Customer retention rate reflects the percentage of customers your small business retains over a specific period. A higher retention rate indicates strong customer loyalty, which positively impacts your revenue and profit margins. Importance of Customer Retention Customer retention plays a crucial role in your overall sales strategy. Retained customers often contribute to repeat business and referral sales, making them valuable assets. Focusing on retention can lower your customer acquisition costs and enhance customer lifetime value. Moreover, loyal customers provide consistent sales performance, allowing for improved sales forecasting and achieving sales goals. Metrics for Measuring Retention Measuring your customer retention involves analyzing specific metrics such as: Metric Description Retention Rate Percentage of customers retained over a set period. Churn Rate Proportion of customers lost during the same period. Customer Lifetime Value Projected revenue from a customer throughout their relationship. Repeat Purchase Rate Frequency at which existing customers make additional purchases. Using these metrics helps you understand customer engagement and retention. They also guide your sales team in developing tailored strategies for lead nurturing and upselling, thus enhancing the overall sales pipeline. Tips for Improving Customer Retention Rate Strengthening customer retention involves strategic actions that enhance loyalty and satisfaction. Focus on personalizing interactions, implementing loyalty programs, and providing excellent customer service to achieve better results. Personalize Customer Interactions Understand your customers’ needs through quantitative and qualitative research. Conduct surveys and interviews to uncover desires and pain points. Personalize experiences by using customer names, celebrating milestones, and sending tailored content. Remember, 71% of consumers expect a personalized experience, making it crucial for repeat business. This attention to detail fosters emotional connections, driving customer loyalty and engagement with your brand. Implement Loyalty Programs Create a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases. Offer points or discounts for continued business, making customers feel valued. Programs can include membership tiers that provide additional perks, encouraging customers to stay engaged and increase their spending. Such systems not only boost customer retention but also enhance overall sales performance, as loyal customers often refer others and contribute to positive word-of-mouth. Provide Excellent Customer Service Deliver superior customer service at every touchpoint. Train your sales team to handle inquiries swiftly and effectively. Encourage follow-ups after purchases to ensure satisfaction and address any issues promptly. Listen to customer feedback and be proactive in resolving complaints. Excellent service creates memorable experiences that lead to long-term relationships, increased customer engagement, and ultimately, higher profit margins for your business. Analyzing Customer Feedback Analyzing customer feedback plays a vital role in retaining clients and boosting your small business’s revenue. By focusing on understanding why customers leave and addressing their concerns, you enhance your sales process and create loyalty. Gathering Feedback Effectively Gathering feedback effectively involves using various methods that cater to your customers’ preferences. Consider leveraging online surveys, direct interviews, and social media interactions to collect insights. Use tools designed for customer relationship management (CRM) to track feedback, allowing you to gather data seamlessly. By actively requesting input after purchases, you set the stage for better engagement and show customers you value their opinions. Responding to Customer Concerns Responding to customer concerns promptly is crucial for maintaining trust and enhancing customer relationships. A swift response can transform negative experiences into positive outcomes, leading to repeat business and referrals. Prioritize addressing complaints through multiple channels, such as email and social media, ensuring customers feel heard. Equip your sales team with effective objection handling techniques to mitigate issues swiftly and strengthen your sales pipeline. Engaging with customers about their concerns fosters loyalty and demonstrates your commitment to excellent customer service. Leveraging Technology for Retention Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing customer retention for small businesses. Implement effective strategies to create personalized experiences and engage with your customers across multiple channels. CRM Tools and Their Benefits CRM (customer relationship management) tools streamline your customer interactions and improve your sales process. These systems track customer behavior, helping you tailor your outreach based on individual preferences. Benefits include: Centralized Customer Data: Easily access important customer information, interaction history, and purchase patterns, leading to improved customer engagement. Enhanced Communication: Automate follow-up reminders and notifications for special offers, ensuring consistent communication without overwhelming your team. Sales Metrics Tracking: Monitor sales performance and conversion rates, allowing you to adjust your sales strategy efficiently. Lead Nurturing: Utilize CRM features for targeted marketing campaigns, ensuring you nurture leads effectively, which increases the likelihood of repeat business. Utilizing Data Analytics Data analytics provides valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling better decision-making. By analyzing customer data, you can: Identify Trends: Understand which products or services resonate most with your audience and adjust your sales pipeline accordingly. Segment Customers: Classify customers based on behavior, preferences, or demographics to deliver more relevant marketing messages and offers. Optimize Sales Strategies: Use data to refine sales tactics, focusing on high-converting channels and tailoring your sales pitch to meet customer needs. Evaluate Customer Feedback: Analyze customer feedback to address objections swiftly and improve the overall sales cycle, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. Implementing these technologies not only enhances your customer relationship management but also boosts your business development efforts. By leveraging CRM tools and data analytics, you can strengthen customer relationships, drive repeat business, and increase your profit margins. Conclusion Boosting your customer retention rate is essential for long-term success. By focusing on personalized interactions and exceptional service you can create deeper connections with your clients. Implementing loyalty programs not only rewards repeat business but also encourages engagement. Don’t underestimate the power of analyzing customer feedback. Understanding why customers leave helps you address their concerns effectively. Utilizing CRM tools and data analytics can streamline your processes and enhance customer relationships. Remember that every interaction counts. Swift responses to customer inquiries can turn potential dissatisfaction into loyalty. By prioritizing these strategies you’re setting your business up for sustainable growth and increased profitability. Frequently Asked Questions What is customer retention, and why is it important? Customer retention refers to the ability of a business to keep its customers over time. It is crucial because retained customers are typically more profitable, generate repeat business, and often refer new customers. High customer retention positively impacts brand reputation and lowers acquisition costs, making it a vital aspect of a successful sales strategy. How can businesses improve their customer retention rates? Businesses can enhance customer retention by personalizing interactions, implementing loyalty programs, and providing excellent customer service. Understanding customer needs through research and engaging customers emotionally can foster loyalty, while efficient service at every touchpoint is essential for retaining long-term clients. What metrics are used to measure customer retention? Key metrics for measuring customer retention include retention rate, churn rate, customer lifetime value (CLV), and repeat purchase rate. These metrics help businesses assess how well they are maintaining customer relationships, understand customer engagement, and optimize their strategies for better outcomes. Why is analyzing customer feedback important for retention? Analyzing customer feedback is vital as it helps businesses understand why customers leave and what issues need addressing. This insight allows companies to improve their offerings and customer service. Responding promptly to feedback can also turn negative experiences into positive ones, fostering loyalty and repeat business. How can technology aid in customer retention efforts? Technology, particularly customer relationship management (CRM) tools and data analytics, can significantly enhance customer retention. CRM systems centralize customer data and streamline communication, while analytics provide insights into customer behavior. This information helps businesses refine their sales strategies, improve customer interactions, and strengthen relationships for greater loyalty. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Business with Effective Customer Retention Rate Tips and Advice" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

“If this is your first time being poor, I’m Kiki, and I’m trying to make it affordable to eat by using depression, recession and wartime recipes,” says TikTok creator Kiki Rough in a video posted last month. While most people wouldn’t turn to the 1940s for dinner inspiration, Rough’s video has since racked up over four million views. “‘We are so back’ as says my 104-year-old grandparents,” one comment reads. “The economy must be cooked if this is trending,” added another. Rough’s video dropped just days after President The President’s global tariff announcements in April, which sent the stock market tumbling and triggered headlines warning of a looming recession. While the ripple effects are expected to hit many industries, prices for grocery staples like seafood, coffee, wine, nuts, and cheese are all projected to rise due to the tariffs. Though not a professional chef, Rough says she’s armed with hard-earned life experience, having learned to cook on food stamps. Her recipes often omit eggs—which have hit record-high prices due to avian flu—and draw inspiration from vintage 1950s cookbooks known for their budget-friendly ideas. Rough isn’t the only one sharing recession-era cooking tips. “Eating like a medieval peasant until all my credit cards are paid off,” another TikToker posted last month. Others are documenting grocery hauls from Dollar Tree or offering guidance on being “old poor.” Between March 23 and April 22, TikTok reported a 20% surge in posts using the hashtag #budgetmeals—many of which have garnered millions of views. Although a recession hasn’t officially been declared in the U.S., economic uncertainty has many people looking for signs. Hairdressers report clients are abandoning bleach in favor of darker, natural shades—a trend dubbed “recession brunette.” Frozen pizza sales are also climbing, another classic indicator that wallets are tightening. An April survey from the University of Michigan found consumer confidence even lower than it was during the Great Recession (2007–2009). It might be time to shelve your Ottolenghi and dust off The Canned Foods Cookbook from WWII. View the full article

In a recent interview, Bill Pulte claimed he's signed 80 orders for the agency, although only a dozen have been made public via his social media feed. View the full article

Two papal tailors and no conclave orders. The conclave that begins next Wednesday to elect a successor for Pope Francis is the first in 46 ½ years for which the Vatican hasn’t ordered a set of cassocks for the new head of the Catholic Church — at least from the two best-known papal tailors. That isn’t stopping Ranieri Mancinelli, who opened his ecclesiastical tailoring shop near the Vatican in the 1960s, from making three simple white cassocks just in case: the traditional small, medium and large sizes to cover all possible heights and girths. “I’m doing this on my own to be able to present these cassocks for the next pope, without knowing who he will be,” Mancinelli said. Gammarelli, another family-run ecclesiastical tailor near the Pantheon in the historic center, has a paper trail showing it has received cassock orders for every conclave since the beginning of the 20th century — and probably far earlier. Gammarelli has been making garments for priests, bishops and cardinals since 1798. The last time no pre-conclave order came in to the Vatican’s tailor of choice, Gammarelli, was October 1978, when cardinal electors voted a successor to Pope John Paul I, who died after 33 days as pontiff, said Lorenzo Gammarelli, representing the sixth generation of the family business. Gammarelli won’t speculate why no order was made this year, but Italian media suggests the Vatican has enough unworn cassocks on hand, and is honoring Pope Francis’ message of environmental and economic sustainability. “Obviously, we’re a little sorry, because in the sadness caused by the death of the Holy Father, we still would have the beautiful thing of having to make the trousseau for the new one. Not this time,” Gammarelli said. The Vatican declined to comment on what is being viewed as the great papal cassock race. “I don’t think I need to speak on behalf of businesses,” said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. “Not every curiosity needs to be answered.” The papal trousseau For a pope’s first encounter with the flock, the basic garment is the hand-stitched white wool cassock with cape and wide silk sleeves. The cassock is fastened by silk buttons and worn with a silk brocade sash with gold fringe. All popes, until Francis, had this sash later embroidered with his papal seal. Francis also eschewed the classic burgundy red mozzetta, a short elbow-length cape worn for formal occasions, and a gold embroidered stole, not only the night of his election but throughout his papacy. The papal garb is finished with a white “zucchetto,” or skullcap that is also worn by cardinals in red and bishops in purple. When they are called on to provide a conclave order, Gammarelli also provides shoes in an array of sizes so the new pope will be comfortable when presented to his flock. After that, Gammarelli said, “shoes are a very personal matter.” Francis favored plain black shoes and was buried in a pair with the scuff marks showing. In keeping with the secrecy of the conclave, Gammarelli never reveals papal prices. Sizing up the next pope While the world speculates on who will be the next pope, Gammarelli’s job is more practical. The family has a system to best outfit the unknown successor, using data from their cardinal clients and sizing up cardinal candidates who are not. “We consider who, in our opinion, could be elected,” Gammarelli said. “We pull out their measurements, and … we make three cassocks that would more or less fit all of them.’’ Balcony mishaps Their best guesses are sometimes off. Gammarelli said they never imagined that Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla would become pope in October 1978. They had considered Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio a candidate in 2005 (when Benedict XVI was elected) but not in 2013, when Bergoglio became the church’s first Latin American pope. Back in 1958, the portly John XXIII appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with safety pins holding together the back of his cassock, after a too-small size was mistakenly grabbed, forcing aides to open the back. Gammarelli said that throughout Francis’ 12-year papacy he tried to persuade the pope to wear white pants under his cassock. But Francis stuck with the black trousers of a priest, a reminder to himself and everyone that he was a pastor at heart. Francis’ unadorned style Mancinelli, at his shop just steps from the Vatican, has made cassocks for the last three popes: St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. He got to know Benedict when he was a cardinal, living near Mancinelli’s shop. Francis later invited him to his apartment in the Santa Marta residence, marking “the beginning of a very pleasant encounter period.” While Gammarelli won’t make the cassocks on speculation, Mancinelli is making three to give to the Vatican, in Francis’ simple, unadorned style, all in white. “Compared with the other two, Francis preferred much simpler and much more practical things,” he said, also taking costs into account. Only after the words “Habemus Papam!” are announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica will it be clear whether the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff will follow Francis’s unembellished example or will bring back traditional papal trappings, like flashes of red. —Colleen Barry, Associated Press Associated Press video journalist Silvia Stellacci contributed to this report. View the full article

The company reported a profitable first quarter and called for loosened regulation to bring more private capital into home finance in its latest earnings call. View the full article

Quarterly figures come as Silicon Valley group braces for fallout of Donald The President’s trade warView the full article

Key Takeaways Strategic Partner Selection: Choosing drop shipping partners that align with your brand values is crucial for success in e-commerce.Evaluate Key Factors: Assess potential partners based on product quality, shipping efficiency, customer support, return policies, and pricing structures.Cost-Effectiveness: Drop shipping minimizes financial risks by eliminating upfront inventory costs, allowing you to focus resources on marketing.Time Management: Partnering with drop shippers lets you concentrate on core business functions, enhancing customer satisfaction via efficient order processing.Effective Communication: Maintain clear communication with your partners to manage expectations and address challenges proactively for smoother operations.Utilize Reliable Platforms: Explore platforms like Oberlo, AliExpress, and Spocket to find trustworthy suppliers that suit your business needs. In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, finding the right drop shipping partners can make or break your business. With countless suppliers out there, it’s essential to choose ones that align with your brand’s values and customer expectations. The right partners not only streamline your operations but also enhance your credibility in the eyes of your customers. Navigating this landscape might seem daunting, but understanding what to look for in a drop shipping partner can simplify the process. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your existing operations, knowing how to evaluate potential partners will set you on the path to success. Let’s dive into the key factors that will help you build strong, profitable relationships with your drop shipping partners. Overview of Drop Shipping Partners Drop shipping partners play a crucial role in your small business’s success in the retail space. Selecting the right partners not only affects inventory management but also influences customer satisfaction. Aim for partnerships that align with your brand values and meet your storefront’s requirements. Evaluate potential drop shipping partners based on several key factors: Product Quality: Choose partners with high-quality products to enhance your brand reputation. Shipping Efficiency: Prioritize partners known for prompt and reliable shipping to meet customer expectations. Customer Support: Look for suppliers that offer excellent customer service, as this can directly affect your business’s credibility. Return Policies: Understand partners’ return policies to maintain customer satisfaction and manage inventory effectively. Pricing Structures: Analyze their pricing to ensure you can maintain competitive margins while keeping your products affordable for customers. By focusing on these aspects, you can build strong and profitable relationships with your drop shipping partners, fostering long-term growth for your small business. Benefits of Using Drop Shipping Partners Utilizing drop shipping partners offers several advantages for small businesses in the retail sector. These benefits include cost-effectiveness and time-saving solutions. Cost-Effectiveness Cost-effectiveness stands out as a primary benefit of drop shipping partnerships. You avoid costs associated with product storage, handling, and upfront inventory purchases. Instead, you only pay for products when your storefront makes sales. This approach minimizes financial risk and allows you to allocate resources to marketing and customer acquisition. Moreover, lower overhead costs enhance profit margins, making it easier to sustain competitive pricing while maintaining product quality. Time-Saving Time-saving emerges as another critical advantage of partnering with drop shipping suppliers. You can focus on core business functions like marketing and customer service while your partners manage inventory and fulfillment. This delegation allows for quicker order processing and efficient shipping, enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, streamlining logistics cuts back on time spent resolving supply chain issues or managing stock levels, letting you invest your time in growing your small business. Choosing the Right Drop Shipping Partners Selecting the right drop shipping partners matters for your small business’s success and growth. The right partners can enhance your retail storefront’s reputation and boost customer satisfaction. Key Factors to Consider Product Quality: Ensure products meet high quality standards. Subpar products can damage your brand’s credibility. Shipping Efficiency: Evaluate shipping times and methods. Fast and reliable shipping enhances customer satisfaction. Customer Support: Consider partners offering responsive customer service. Strong support ensures timely resolution of issues. Return Policies: Review partners’ return policies. Flexible policies foster customer trust and loyalty. Pricing Structures: Analyze pricing to maintain competitive margins. Transparent pricing avoids unexpected costs. Popular Platforms for Finding Partners Oberlo: Connects retailers with thousands of suppliers offering diverse products for your storefront. AliExpress: Features a wide range of products with numerous suppliers, ideal for small businesses in various niches. SaleHoo: Offers a directory of verified suppliers, ensuring reliability and quality for your retail needs. Spocket: Focuses on local suppliers, providing faster shipping options for U.S. and European markets. Printful: Specializes in custom products, perfect for businesses looking to create unique merchandise. Select your drop shipping partners carefully, aligning them with your brand values and customer expectations to drive growth and enhance your retail success. Tips for Successful Partnerships Establishing successful partnerships with drop shipping suppliers is crucial for your small business’s growth. Focus on communication and managing expectations to foster strong relationships. Communication Strategies Maintain clear and consistent communication with your drop shipping partners. Share updates on product availability, order status, and any changes in customer preferences. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss performance metrics, such as shipping times and customer feedback. Utilize collaborative tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to streamline communication. Prioritize responsiveness to gain trust and demonstrate reliability, ensuring your retail storefront operates smoothly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t-eDbUSpgg Managing Expectations Set realistic expectations for both parties to enhance partnership effectiveness. Define specific roles and responsibilities early on, clarifying order fulfillment processes, shipping timelines, and return policies. Establish performance metrics to measure success, such as delivery speed and order accuracy. Address potential challenges upfront, allowing both you and your partners to adapt quickly. Adjust expectations as necessary, based on changing market conditions or customer demands, to maintain a healthy business relationship. Conclusion Choosing the right drop shipping partners is crucial for your e-commerce success. By aligning with suppliers that share your brand values and meet customer expectations, you can enhance your operational efficiency and credibility. Focus on evaluating key factors like product quality and shipping efficiency to build strong relationships that drive growth. Remember that effective communication and clear expectations are vital for maintaining these partnerships. With the right drop shipping partners, you can streamline your processes, save time, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. Embrace the opportunities that come with strategic partnerships and watch your business thrive. Frequently Asked Questions What is drop shipping in e-commerce? Drop shipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. Why is selecting the right drop shipping partner important? Choosing the right drop shipping partner is crucial because they affect product quality, shipping efficiency, and customer satisfaction. A reliable partner aligns with your brand’s values and can enhance your business’s credibility and operational efficiency. What factors should I consider when evaluating drop shipping partners? When evaluating drop shipping partners, consider product quality, shipping speed, customer support, return policies, and pricing structures. These factors help ensure that the partnership meets your business and customer expectations. How can drop shipping benefit small businesses? Drop shipping offers small businesses cost savings by eliminating storage and upfront inventory costs, freeing resources for marketing. Additionally, it saves time, allowing business owners to focus on marketing and customer service rather than inventory management. What are some popular platforms to find drop shipping suppliers? Some popular platforms for finding drop shipping partners include Oberlo, AliExpress, SaleHoo, Spocket, and Printful. Each platform offers unique benefits, such as a wide selection of suppliers and specialized product options. How can I establish a successful partnership with drop shipping suppliers? To build successful partnerships, maintain clear, consistent communication. Share important updates regarding product availability and order status, set realistic goals, define roles clearly, and establish performance metrics to monitor the partnership’s success. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Drop Shipping Partners for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Strategic Partner Selection: Choosing drop shipping partners that align with your brand values is crucial for success in e-commerce.Evaluate Key Factors: Assess potential partners based on product quality, shipping efficiency, customer support, return policies, and pricing structures.Cost-Effectiveness: Drop shipping minimizes financial risks by eliminating upfront inventory costs, allowing you to focus resources on marketing.Time Management: Partnering with drop shippers lets you concentrate on core business functions, enhancing customer satisfaction via efficient order processing.Effective Communication: Maintain clear communication with your partners to manage expectations and address challenges proactively for smoother operations.Utilize Reliable Platforms: Explore platforms like Oberlo, AliExpress, and Spocket to find trustworthy suppliers that suit your business needs. In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, finding the right drop shipping partners can make or break your business. With countless suppliers out there, it’s essential to choose ones that align with your brand’s values and customer expectations. The right partners not only streamline your operations but also enhance your credibility in the eyes of your customers. Navigating this landscape might seem daunting, but understanding what to look for in a drop shipping partner can simplify the process. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your existing operations, knowing how to evaluate potential partners will set you on the path to success. Let’s dive into the key factors that will help you build strong, profitable relationships with your drop shipping partners. Overview of Drop Shipping Partners Drop shipping partners play a crucial role in your small business’s success in the retail space. Selecting the right partners not only affects inventory management but also influences customer satisfaction. Aim for partnerships that align with your brand values and meet your storefront’s requirements. Evaluate potential drop shipping partners based on several key factors: Product Quality: Choose partners with high-quality products to enhance your brand reputation. Shipping Efficiency: Prioritize partners known for prompt and reliable shipping to meet customer expectations. Customer Support: Look for suppliers that offer excellent customer service, as this can directly affect your business’s credibility. Return Policies: Understand partners’ return policies to maintain customer satisfaction and manage inventory effectively. Pricing Structures: Analyze their pricing to ensure you can maintain competitive margins while keeping your products affordable for customers. By focusing on these aspects, you can build strong and profitable relationships with your drop shipping partners, fostering long-term growth for your small business. Benefits of Using Drop Shipping Partners Utilizing drop shipping partners offers several advantages for small businesses in the retail sector. These benefits include cost-effectiveness and time-saving solutions. Cost-Effectiveness Cost-effectiveness stands out as a primary benefit of drop shipping partnerships. You avoid costs associated with product storage, handling, and upfront inventory purchases. Instead, you only pay for products when your storefront makes sales. This approach minimizes financial risk and allows you to allocate resources to marketing and customer acquisition. Moreover, lower overhead costs enhance profit margins, making it easier to sustain competitive pricing while maintaining product quality. Time-Saving Time-saving emerges as another critical advantage of partnering with drop shipping suppliers. You can focus on core business functions like marketing and customer service while your partners manage inventory and fulfillment. This delegation allows for quicker order processing and efficient shipping, enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, streamlining logistics cuts back on time spent resolving supply chain issues or managing stock levels, letting you invest your time in growing your small business. Choosing the Right Drop Shipping Partners Selecting the right drop shipping partners matters for your small business’s success and growth. The right partners can enhance your retail storefront’s reputation and boost customer satisfaction. Key Factors to Consider Product Quality: Ensure products meet high quality standards. Subpar products can damage your brand’s credibility. Shipping Efficiency: Evaluate shipping times and methods. Fast and reliable shipping enhances customer satisfaction. Customer Support: Consider partners offering responsive customer service. Strong support ensures timely resolution of issues. Return Policies: Review partners’ return policies. Flexible policies foster customer trust and loyalty. Pricing Structures: Analyze pricing to maintain competitive margins. Transparent pricing avoids unexpected costs. Popular Platforms for Finding Partners Oberlo: Connects retailers with thousands of suppliers offering diverse products for your storefront. AliExpress: Features a wide range of products with numerous suppliers, ideal for small businesses in various niches. SaleHoo: Offers a directory of verified suppliers, ensuring reliability and quality for your retail needs. Spocket: Focuses on local suppliers, providing faster shipping options for U.S. and European markets. Printful: Specializes in custom products, perfect for businesses looking to create unique merchandise. Select your drop shipping partners carefully, aligning them with your brand values and customer expectations to drive growth and enhance your retail success. Tips for Successful Partnerships Establishing successful partnerships with drop shipping suppliers is crucial for your small business’s growth. Focus on communication and managing expectations to foster strong relationships. Communication Strategies Maintain clear and consistent communication with your drop shipping partners. Share updates on product availability, order status, and any changes in customer preferences. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss performance metrics, such as shipping times and customer feedback. Utilize collaborative tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to streamline communication. Prioritize responsiveness to gain trust and demonstrate reliability, ensuring your retail storefront operates smoothly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t-eDbUSpgg Managing Expectations Set realistic expectations for both parties to enhance partnership effectiveness. Define specific roles and responsibilities early on, clarifying order fulfillment processes, shipping timelines, and return policies. Establish performance metrics to measure success, such as delivery speed and order accuracy. Address potential challenges upfront, allowing both you and your partners to adapt quickly. Adjust expectations as necessary, based on changing market conditions or customer demands, to maintain a healthy business relationship. Conclusion Choosing the right drop shipping partners is crucial for your e-commerce success. By aligning with suppliers that share your brand values and meet customer expectations, you can enhance your operational efficiency and credibility. Focus on evaluating key factors like product quality and shipping efficiency to build strong relationships that drive growth. Remember that effective communication and clear expectations are vital for maintaining these partnerships. With the right drop shipping partners, you can streamline your processes, save time, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. Embrace the opportunities that come with strategic partnerships and watch your business thrive. Frequently Asked Questions What is drop shipping in e-commerce? Drop shipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. Why is selecting the right drop shipping partner important? Choosing the right drop shipping partner is crucial because they affect product quality, shipping efficiency, and customer satisfaction. A reliable partner aligns with your brand’s values and can enhance your business’s credibility and operational efficiency. What factors should I consider when evaluating drop shipping partners? When evaluating drop shipping partners, consider product quality, shipping speed, customer support, return policies, and pricing structures. These factors help ensure that the partnership meets your business and customer expectations. How can drop shipping benefit small businesses? Drop shipping offers small businesses cost savings by eliminating storage and upfront inventory costs, freeing resources for marketing. Additionally, it saves time, allowing business owners to focus on marketing and customer service rather than inventory management. What are some popular platforms to find drop shipping suppliers? Some popular platforms for finding drop shipping partners include Oberlo, AliExpress, SaleHoo, Spocket, and Printful. Each platform offers unique benefits, such as a wide selection of suppliers and specialized product options. How can I establish a successful partnership with drop shipping suppliers? To build successful partnerships, maintain clear, consistent communication. Share important updates regarding product availability and order status, set realistic goals, define roles clearly, and establish performance metrics to monitor the partnership’s success. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Drop Shipping Partners for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

ICE Mortgage Technology also added 20 new Encompass clients in the first quarter, but the unit still had an operating loss for the period, its 10th in a row. View the full article

Ecommerce giant also sets lower sales guidance range below Wall Street forecastsView the full article

More than a third of consumers – including nearly 4 in 10 Gen Z users – have ditched Google Search in favor of Pinterest’s visual-first search experience, according to a new Adobe survey. And businesses are following their lead to capture traffic and engagement. By the numbers. Thirty-six percent of consumers said they start searches on Pinterest instead of Google. That includes 39% Gen Z users. Other findings: 39% of consumers use Pinterest as a search engine. 24% of business owners use Pinterest – and nearly a quarter of those businesses plan to boost ad spending on Pinterest this year. 80% of businesses say Pinterest drives more engagement than other search platforms – including Google Search. Why we care. Like TikTok and Instagram, Pinterest is reshaping how people – Gen Z and women in particular – discover products and ideas online. Despite an AI slop problem, Pinterest seems to have carved out a niche in the search universe thanks to its visual search, curated results, and shopping-friendly interface. Why Pinterest. People search Pinterest for recipes, design tips, DIY ideas, and product or service recommendations. Visual and personalized search have helped win over consumers, according to the survey: 73% said the visual nature of Pinterest results makes it better than traditional search. 61% said the results feel more tailored than Google’s. Among Gen Z, that number was 71%. 26% say they rarely see low-quality or AI-generated content on Pinterest. Brands are taking notice. Pinterest is outperforming other platforms when it comes to consumer interaction – 80% of business users said Pinterest drove better engagement than any other platform and Pinterest beats Facebook (49%), Instagram (35%), and Google Search (29%) for driving actions. Here’s why businesses – especially small ones – are tapping into Pinterest to drive traffic and get noticed, according to the survey: 76% of Pinterest-using businesses focus on driving web traffic. 57% use it to build brand awareness. Most effective content? Standard image Pins (61%), followed by idea Pins (37%), and Video Pins (27%). Yes, but. Brands are facing challenges on Pinterest, such as creating enough fresh content and understanding how to rank in Pinterest search: 61% of business owners say they don’t have time to make content. Nearly half struggle with Pinterest SEO. About the survey. Adobe surveyed 800 consumers and 200 business owners on March 12. Respondents included Gen Z (16%), millennials (51%), Gen X (25%), and baby boomers (9%). The report. Pinterest is emerging as a go-to search engine View the full article

Google is bringing AI image editing to Gemini, which means that you can use text-based prompts in the Gemini app or website to tweak existing images. This feature has been available in Google AI Studio for some time, and Google is now rolling it out to all Gemini users, with support for 45 languages. Google says you will be able to use conversational prompts to edit both AI-generated images and photos uploaded from your phone or computer. What you can do with Gemini's AI image editingThe most appealing part of this feature is that it lowers the entry barrier for editing photos. You can have a conversation with the Gemini AI chatbot to have it generate an image, or upload any of your photos into the chat window, and then ask the AI to edit the photo. It's similar to the Google Pixel's Reimagine feature, which lets you add fake objects to real photos. You can use Gemini's photo editing tools to replace certain objects in a photo, alter the background, and even add entirely new elements from scratch. In its blog post announcing the new feature, Google gives an example, saying you can upload your own photo and ask Gemini to change your hair color to see how you'd look after a dye job. The AI also remembers your previous requests, so you can ask it to make multiple changes to your image across different messages. Google also claims that you can use this feature to generate a story and images to go with it. There are ethical concerns with features like these, with the most obvious being that they could be used to create fake images that could cause real harm to people or businesses. To help prevent this, Google says all AI-generated images will have an invisible watermark. It's also experimenting with using a visible watermark on these photos, too, which could help identify AI-edited images more easily. Since this feature is only starting its rollout today, it may be a while before you're able to use it. This feature won't be available for Google Workspace and education users. View the full article

The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan over their planned legal action against fossil fuel companies for harms caused by climate change, claiming the state actions conflict with federal government authority and President Donald The President’senergy dominance agenda. The suits, which legal experts say are unprecedented, mark the latest of the The President administration’s attacks on environmental work and raises concern over states’ abilities to retain the power to take climate action without federal opposition. In court filings, the DOJ said the Clean Air Act — a federal law authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate air emissions — “creates a comprehensive program for regulating air pollution in the United States and “displaces” the ability of States to regulate greenhouse gas emissions beyond their borders.” DOJ argues that Hawaii and Michigan are violating the intent of the Act that enables the EPA authority to set nationwide standards for greenhouse gases, citing the states’ pending litigation against oil and gas companies for alleged climate damage. Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel last year tapped private law firms to go after the fossil fuel industry for negatively affecting the state’s climate and environment. Meanwhile, Democratic Hawaii Governor Josh Green plans to target fossil fuel companies that he said should take responsibility for their role in the state’s climate impacts, including 2023’s deadly Lahaina wildfire. When burned, fossil fuels release emissions such as carbon dioxide that warm the planet. Both states’ law claims “impermissibly regulate out-of-state greenhouse gas emissions and obstruct the Clean Air Act’s comprehensive federal-state framework and EPA’s regulatory discretion,” DOJ’s court filings said. The DOJ also repeated the Republican president’s claims of America’s energy emergency and crisis. “At a time when States should be contributing to a national effort to secure reliable sources of domestic energy,” Hawaii and Michigan are “choosing to stand in the way,” the filings said. A spokesperson for Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office deferred to Nessel when asked for comment. “This lawsuit is at best frivolous and arguably sanctionable,” Nessel said in a statement, which noted that Michigan hasn’t filed a lawsuit. “If the White House or Big Oil wish to challenge our claims, they can do so when our lawsuit is filed; they will not succeed in any attempt to preemptively bar our access to make our claims in the courts. I remain undeterred in my intention to file this lawsuit the President and his Big Oil donors so fear.” Green’s office and the Hawaii Attorney General’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But legal experts raised concern over the government’s arguments. Michael Gerrard, founder and faculty director of the Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, said usual procedure is the DOJ asking a court to intervene in pending environmental litigation — as is the case in some instances across the country. While this week’s suits are consistent with The President’s plans to oppose state actions that interfere with energy dominance, “it’s highly unusual,” Gerrard told The Associated Press. “What we expected is they would intervene in the pending lawsuits, not to try to preempt or prevent a lawsuit from being filed. It’s an aggressive move in support of the fossil fuel industry. “It raises all kinds of eyebrows,” he added. “It’s an intimidation tactic, and it’s telling the fossil fuel companies how much The President loves them.” Ann Carlson, an environmental law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has previously consulted on climate litigation, said this week’s lawsuits look “like DOJ grasping at straws,” noting that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said his agency is seeking to overturn a finding under the Clean Air Act that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. “So on the one hand the U.S. is saying Michigan, and other states, can’t regulate greenhouse gases because the Clean Air Act does so and therefore preempts states from regulating,” Carlson said. “On the other hand the U.S. is trying to say that the Clean Air Act should not be used to regulate. The hypocrisy is pretty stunning.” The President’s administration has aggressively targeted climate policy in the name of fossil fuel investment. Federal agencies have announced plans to bolster coal power, roll back landmark water and air regulations, block renewable energy sources and double down on oil and gas expansion. The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Alexa St. John, Associated Press Associated Press writer Isabella Volmert contributed to this report. View the full article

Google Lighthouse audits are changing. Learn which tests are merging, disappearing, and how to prepare your SEO workflows before these changes take effect. The post Google Lighthouse To Undergo Major Audit Overhaul: What To Know appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Whatever happened to chunky mashed potatoes? There’s a lot of hype for the silky, nearly pudding-like variety of mash—which seem to be the only kind served at restaurants these days—but for me, nothing beats a heaping pile of fluffy smashed potatoes studded with knobbly bits of soft, uncrushed tuber. And if you too are a supporter of chunky mashed potatoes, you can use your stand mixer to get the best consistency. Stand mixer versus hand-mashed potatoesThere is nothing wrong with hand-mashing potatoes, but I’d like to bring stand mixer mashing to your attention simply because after I tried it, I couldn't help but appreciate the difference in consistency. I hadn’t even expected to feel the difference on my palate—I was only testing out the method to see if it served a practical purpose. Surprisingly, just by scooping a dollop into a bowl, I could feel that the texture was lighter than when I hand-mash potatoes in a pot. (And I didn’t even use a whisk attachment.) I then ate said bowl of spuds, and experienced an airiness that didn’t fade even after it cooled down. Whenever I mash by hand, the potatoes are soft but still dense, and they sit heavily. Not these—this batch was almost whipped, with more consistently sized bits of unmashed potato. (Maybe this is a me-thing, but if I hand mash potatoes for their chunkiness, I usually wind up with a few embarrassingly large pieces that somehow make it through my masher.) As far as those practical purposes are concerned, mashing with a stand mixer is great if you need to multitask with multiple dishes, quickly free up the stove after boiling, or if you have limited strength or mobility. Regardless of your reasons, here’s how I do it. How to make mashed potatoes with a stand mixer1. Boil or steam your spudsWhen making mashed, I prefer to steam my potato pieces because it’s faster, but you can stick to boiling if you like. (Steaming only takes about 15 minutes because you only need to boil a half-inch of water rather than a gallon.) The type of potato is also up to you, but I use russets for their high starch content, which can yield a more fluffy mash. 2. Toss in the hot taters and flavoring ingredients Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Once your potatoes are fork-tender, carefully (don’t burn yourself) toss them into the bowl of the stand mixer. Don’t wait for them to cool down; they should still be piping hot. As America’s Test Kitchen explains in their baked potato post, breaking open the potato (in our case, the potato hunks) while hot allows more steam to escape, leading to a fluffier, lighter texture. Add in your favorite ingredients, a few knobs of butter, some salt, pepper, and chives if you’re into that. Don’t add your liquid ingredient yet. 3. Mash Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Attach a paddle attachment to the stand mixer and turn the machine on the lowest speed. Allow the mixer to do the work for about three to five minutes. You’re looking for a uniform texture, and for the butter to be fully incorporated. Stop the machine if you have to so you can get a better look at how the potatoes are breaking down. 4. Add the liquidDuring those three minutes, pour your measurement of liquid (whether it’s milk, cream, or a combination of the two) into a microwave-safe measuring cup. Heat it until steaming. Keeping the mixer on the lowest speed, slowly pour the liquid into the mashed potatoes. Once the liquid has been incorporated, bump the speed up one or two notches and let it mash for another 20 seconds or until you like the texture. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Top your taters with a swirl of gravy and enjoy the fluffiest chunky mashed potatoes you’ve ever experienced. View the full article

Shares of Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) were up nearly 10% on Thursday after the company fired CEO Ashley Buchanan after just four months on the job, appointing Chairman Michael Bender as interim chief executive officer effective immediately. Buchanan’s termination comes after an investigation by Kohl’s‘ board found he violated the company’s code of conduct twice, and was involved in undisclosed conflicts of interest stemming from a personal relationship with a vendor, according to the Wall Street Journal. “Buchanan’s termination is unrelated to the Company’s performance, financial reporting, results of operations and did not involve any other Company personnel,” Kohl’s explained in a statement. The former CEO had a total compensation package worth more than $20 million, according to USA Today. Bender and other company executives held an all-hands meeting on Thursday to address the changes and reassure staff, the WSJ reported. Bender’s appointment as interim CEO makes him the fourth CEO in three years to head the struggling retailer, which continues to face declining sales. In connection with the leadership announcement on Thursday, Kohl’s provided preliminary expectations for its first quarter financial results, forecasting sales would likely be down around 4%. It reports those earnings at the end of the month, on May 29 at 9:00 a.m. Like many retailers, Kohl’s has been struggling with declining sales and decreasing foot traffic, as consumers spend less money due to the skyrocketing cost of living, and spend less time shopping in stores versus online. View the full article

IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with: I. Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee on prisons of our own making: “When we are in a downward emotional spiral, feeling confused, unhappy, or ill at ease, we often end up playing and replaying mental ‘tapes’ that actually accentuate our negative emotions and feelings of hopelessness. When we are feeling down over a long period of time, this self-talk centers on messages that undermine us and, in turn, our power to change bad situations (‘It’s not my fault’ ‘My life will never be really happy’) or messages that weaken our sense of efficacy (‘This situation is beyond my control, I’m just stuck with it’). “When we get caught in this prison of our own making, we lose the ability to see ourselves, others, or our environments as they really are. We see the world through filters that may not have a basis in reality, and we begin to make decisions based on what we think rather than what is. We forget to engage in that other kind of self-talk: hopeful, affirming thoughts about ourselves and compassion for others.” Source: Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope, and Compassion II. Jonathan Brill on random change: “There are two interrelated reasons that you can control and profit from randomness. The first is that what’s unpredictable at one scale is often quite reliable at another. The second is that while random changes occur, they often self-organize into a reliable result.” Source: Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit from Radical Change * * * Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading Blog. Find more ideas on the LeadingThoughts index. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

Microsoft has announced that Skype will officially shut down on May 5, 2025. After this date, users will no longer be able to access Skype services, including messaging, calls, or voicemail. However, your Skype data — including chat and call history — will be available for export or deletion until January 2026. If you log into Microsoft Teams Free before January 2026, your Skype call and chat history will transfer automatically. If you take no action, your Skype data will be permanently deleted in January 2026. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or freelancer who still relies on Skype, it’s critical to act now to avoid disruptions in your operations and daily routines. Here’s what you should do before May 5: 1. Export Your Chat History and Important Files Skype offers an option to download your chat history and shared files. This is crucial if you have important contracts, project notes, or client conversations stored in Skype. Visit Skype’s export tool. Request your files and messages. Download them once ready — it may take several hours to process. Tip: Back up your downloads to both a cloud service and an external drive for added security. 2. Consider Moving to Microsoft Teams Free Since Microsoft is encouraging migration to Teams: Set up a Microsoft Teams Free account. Log in before January 2026 to automatically carry over your Skype chat and call history. Familiarize yourself with Teams’ interface if you plan to use it. Tip: Teams is especially useful if you already rely on Microsoft 365 products. 3. Notify Your Contacts Don’t leave clients or partners wondering how to reach you. Send an announcement about the upcoming change. Specify your new communication method (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.). Update your email signature, website, and social profiles accordingly. Tip: Proactively reschedule any future appointments set for Skype onto the new platform. 4. Choose and Set Up a New Communication Platform If you’re not moving to Teams, explore alternatives: Zoom – Best for video meetings. Google Meet – Integrates smoothly with Google Workspace. Slack or Discord – Ideal for ongoing chat-based collaboration. WhatsApp Business – Good for mobile-friendly client communication. Tip: Test the platform before going live with important meetings. 5. Update Business Systems and Workflows If Skype was tied into your customer service, CRM, or internal systems: Remove Skype plugins or integrations. Install and configure your replacement tool. Test all workflows to ensure uninterrupted operations. Tip: Host a small internal test meeting before using the new platform externally. 6. Cancel Paid Skype Subscriptions If you pay for Skype Credit, international calling, or Skype Numbers: Visit your Skype account dashboard. Cancel any active subscriptions. Request a refund if applicable. Tip: Review your most recent billing statements to ensure nothing is missed. 7. Archive Voicemails and Contacts If you used Skype’s voicemail or stored contacts: Forward or download voicemails you want to keep. Export your contact list so you can import it into your new platform. Tip: Keep a local backup just in case the export doesn’t import cleanly. Skype’s shutdown marks the end of an era in digital communications. To avoid losing valuable data or communication capabilities, act now: export your data, move to a new platform, and notify your network. If you want to retain your Skype history beyond shutdown, log into Microsoft Teams Free before January 2026 — otherwise, your Skype data will be deleted permanently. This article, "Skype Is Shutting Down on May 5: Here’s What Business Owners Need to Do Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Microsoft has announced that Skype will officially shut down on May 5, 2025. After this date, users will no longer be able to access Skype services, including messaging, calls, or voicemail. However, your Skype data — including chat and call history — will be available for export or deletion until January 2026. If you log into Microsoft Teams Free before January 2026, your Skype call and chat history will transfer automatically. If you take no action, your Skype data will be permanently deleted in January 2026. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or freelancer who still relies on Skype, it’s critical to act now to avoid disruptions in your operations and daily routines. Here’s what you should do before May 5: 1. Export Your Chat History and Important Files Skype offers an option to download your chat history and shared files. This is crucial if you have important contracts, project notes, or client conversations stored in Skype. Visit Skype’s export tool. Request your files and messages. Download them once ready — it may take several hours to process. Tip: Back up your downloads to both a cloud service and an external drive for added security. 2. Consider Moving to Microsoft Teams Free Since Microsoft is encouraging migration to Teams: Set up a Microsoft Teams Free account. Log in before January 2026 to automatically carry over your Skype chat and call history. Familiarize yourself with Teams’ interface if you plan to use it. Tip: Teams is especially useful if you already rely on Microsoft 365 products. 3. Notify Your Contacts Don’t leave clients or partners wondering how to reach you. Send an announcement about the upcoming change. Specify your new communication method (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.). Update your email signature, website, and social profiles accordingly. Tip: Proactively reschedule any future appointments set for Skype onto the new platform. 4. Choose and Set Up a New Communication Platform If you’re not moving to Teams, explore alternatives: Zoom – Best for video meetings. Google Meet – Integrates smoothly with Google Workspace. Slack or Discord – Ideal for ongoing chat-based collaboration. WhatsApp Business – Good for mobile-friendly client communication. Tip: Test the platform before going live with important meetings. 5. Update Business Systems and Workflows If Skype was tied into your customer service, CRM, or internal systems: Remove Skype plugins or integrations. Install and configure your replacement tool. Test all workflows to ensure uninterrupted operations. Tip: Host a small internal test meeting before using the new platform externally. 6. Cancel Paid Skype Subscriptions If you pay for Skype Credit, international calling, or Skype Numbers: Visit your Skype account dashboard. Cancel any active subscriptions. Request a refund if applicable. Tip: Review your most recent billing statements to ensure nothing is missed. 7. Archive Voicemails and Contacts If you used Skype’s voicemail or stored contacts: Forward or download voicemails you want to keep. Export your contact list so you can import it into your new platform. Tip: Keep a local backup just in case the export doesn’t import cleanly. Skype’s shutdown marks the end of an era in digital communications. To avoid losing valuable data or communication capabilities, act now: export your data, move to a new platform, and notify your network. If you want to retain your Skype history beyond shutdown, log into Microsoft Teams Free before January 2026 — otherwise, your Skype data will be deleted permanently. This article, "Skype Is Shutting Down on May 5: Here’s What Business Owners Need to Do Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article