All Activity

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

Google has rolled out a new feature for Google Business Profile verifications. When you verify using video verification, you can now preview that video before you submit the video for review. Google is calling this “Video Previews.” Video Previews. Video Previews give you the option to review the video you are about to submit to the Google Business Profile team. This will allow you to ensure that video includes all the necessary elements before you submit it to Google. Here is what it looks like: What Google said. Google’s Lisa Landsman wrote on LinkedIn, “Now, you can review your recordings before submitting, ensuring clarity and accuracy – saving you valuable time and reducing the need for resubmissions.” Why we care. All too often, a business will submit a verification requirement but leave out some important detail. With video previews, you can now preview the video before you submit it, to give you one more chance to ensure that the video you are submitting meets all the requirments you need to verify your business in Google Business Profiles. View the full article

The FHFA director, who's posted numerous updates on social media, has yet to hint at a potential Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exit from conservatorship. View the full article

US activist investor tells energy company that its strategic pivot back to oil and gas does not go far enough View the full article

The Fed chair is determined to see out his term, and lawyers at the central bank think he has good grounds to do soView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I took over as the director of my former team about a year ago. I inherited an ongoing HR issue between one of my direct reports (Tammy) and her direct report (Beth). Beth hates Tammy. Beth had applied for the promotion to Tammy’s position when it was last open but my predecessor hired Tammy from the outside, and Beth had strong feelings about being passed over. Tammy was not the best hire; she is not a strong manager. But we are a government agency, and while Tammy isn’t my best employee, she is not so bad that there would be any chance I could fire her. I have worked on coaching her around some specific behaviors that I know bother her staff and she is doing a little better there, and her relationship with her other direct reports has started to improve. But not Beth. Beth came in hot at me from day one in this role that I needed to “fix” Tammy. She went around the chain of command to me constantly for every small nitpicky complaint she had about everything Tammy does. And ultimately, Beth just doesn’t like Tammy on a personal level, which she’s told me very plainly. We had a come-to-Jesus type conversation with all three of us a few months ago to get to some basic agreement on how they would work together (who would cc who on emails, how leave request would be handled, all really basic stuff that shouldn’t need to even be said for two management level staff, but we laid it all out). The nitpicky complaints to me stopped. But it seems like Beth has now just given up. She looks absolutely miserable in every meeting. If she’s not talking, which she virtually never does unprompted now, she stares into space with a look on her face like we’re torturing her. She was always a bit of a negative person, but that has just exploded — while she rarely talks at all, virtually everything she does say has a complaint attached to it or a deep sigh involved. Beth also supervises other staff and I’m really worried that she’s not only becoming incredibly negative herself, but that at least one of her direct reports is following her lead in complaining a lot about other staff. I feel like I have some idea of how to deal with the negative comments. I’m less sure what, if anything, I can do about her showing up at every meeting looking like it’s sheer torture. I’m thinking of pulling her aside and she saying, “I’m concerned about you, our last three team meetings you looked really miserable to me.” At the end of the day, though, she’s made it really clear that nothing will resolve her issue except not reporting to Tammy, which is not an option I have available. And while Beth’s behavior also isn’t great now and her performance has slipped down to pretty mediocre, in the space we work in it doesn’t begin to approach fireable. Are we all just stuck? I’m feeling stuck. And I know Beth feels stuck. And I know Tammy feels stuck that much of Beth’s hostility is rooted in personal dislike and a history of hiring decisions that Tammy didn’t have anything to do with. I’m going to keep coaching Tammy to improve. Can I do anything else here? We can’t talk about this without saying that not being able to do anything about someone whose behavior “isn’t great” and whose performance “has slipped down to pretty mediocre” is … well, Not Good. So first and foremost, I strongly recommend that you question that as much as you can! Can you really not do anything about those things, or is it more that it’s a massive pain with a ridiculous number of bureaucratic hoops to jump through? Sometimes people say “we can’t fire in our organization” when what it really means is “it’s a huge pain to fire here, but it can be done.” (And yes, I know government is its own thing, but even there, there are things you can do if you’re willing to put in the time.) Plus, even if you can’t fire a problem performer, that doesn’t mean you can’t lay out stronger performance standards and keep pushing her toward them. Of course, it’s possible that you’ve thought through how much time and effort it would take and determined that your energy would pay off more if spent on other things. But if there’s any chance that you haven’t fully thought through all the options available, please do — not just for Beth, but for all the other people Tammy manages, too. Just because they’re not as vocal about it as Beth is doesn’t mean that they’re not deeply frustrated by reporting to her, too. Okay, with that behind us… The next step is to separate your concerns about Beth into two buckets: the concern about her being so obviously miserable and the concern about what effect that might be having on the people she manages, since those require two different approaches. If it were just that she looked miserable, I’d say you should have a very up-front conversation with her where you say, “You’ve looked really unhappy lately, and I want to talk about what’s going on. I know you’re unhappy reporting to Tammy, and you have serious concerns about her as a manager. Realistically, XYZ is not going to change because of ____ (reasons). You should assume XYZ will still be that way a year from now, or even a few years from now. I want to be up-front with you about that because I want you to be able to make good decisions for yourself, and my strong advice is to be honest with yourself about whether you can find a way to be reasonably happy within that reality, or whether this is just not a good match for you long-term. I’d hate to lose you, but I’d hate more for you to spend years being this unhappy in your job.” In many ways, this is similar to last week’s letter about the young employees struggling with the realities of work; the situations are different but part of the solution to both is to say, “Let me give you really transparent info about what will and won’t change so you can decide for yourself if this will work for you.” But while ultimately Beth’s feelings about work are her own to manage, there’s also a point where it can become a work issue for others — like if she’s shutting down to the point that she won’t engage in meetings or if she manages people who are getting that doom and gloom splattered all over them. Both sound like the case here, and those are things you have standing to take on not just as a fellow human concerned about her happiness but also as a manager concerned about the way it’s impacting her actual work What to do about that depends on the specifics of how it’s affecting Beth’s staff — but it sounds like you’ve seen enough to have real concern that it is. So the conversation needs to include something like, “Ultimately, your feelings toward Tammy are your private business as long as they’re not disruptive at work, but I’m seeing it affect your team in XYZ ways.” Then offer clear statements of what, specifically, you need her to change in that regard. Crucially, though, you don’t want to get into a situation where Beth is being held to a higher standard than Tammy … because that’s just going to make the problems with Beth worse. If you’re going to take a stronger hand in managing the Beth situation (and you should), you’ve got to take a stronger hand in managing the Tammy situation too. But if you can say honestly to Beth that you’re working closely with Tammy on the issues that concern her, then you’re on much more solid ground in saying, “I’ve heard your complaints, I’m actively working on them, but this is the reality we’re in and your responsibility is to do XYZ on your own end of this.” View the full article

Previous management team had begun consultation on roles after Chinese owner turned down taxpayer funds View the full article

Bottles and bags, food wrappers and straws. Piping, packaging, toys and trays. Plastic is everywhere — and yet some people may be surprised at how much they actually wear. A typical closet is loaded with plastic, woven into polyester activewear, acrylic sweaters, nylon swimsuits and stretchy socks — and it’s shedding into the environment nonstop. When garments are worn, washed and put through the dryer, they shed plastic fiber fragments. A single load of laundry can release millions that are so tiny wastewater treatment plants can’t capture them all. They wind up in local waterways that connect to the ocean. Marine animals eat them, and that can pass plastic to larger animals and humans. Even natural fabrics shed fibers and have chemicals that can leach into the environment. But polyester is the most widely used fiber on Earth, and along with other synthetic fibers accounts for about two-thirds of production worldwide. Tuesday is Earth Day, when people worldwide contemplate ways to reduce their impact on the planet. “Everyone who wears and launders clothing is part of this problem but everyone who wears and launders clothing can be part of the solutions,” said Rachael Z. Miller, founder of Vermont-based Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean. Simple changes like washing clothes less and using cold water instead of hot can help reduce the shedding of fibers. More challenging is that textiles need to be produced and used in a more sustainable way, said Elisa Tonda at the UN Environment Programme. For example, designing clothes that shed fewer microfibers and are high-quality to last longer, said Tonda, who leads the resources and markets branch. What to do? Start by changing habits The easiest solution is to wash clothes less often, making for less of the friction that breaks fibers apart, said Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy. “They get tumbled and tossed around with a bunch of soaps, really designed to shake things up to get out dirt and stains,” Brandon said. Miller uses a stain stick to spot-clean. Both say that when clothes are washed, they shed less when put in cold water in full loads to reduce friction, on a shorter cycle, then hung to dry. Inspired by the way coral filters the ocean, Miller invented the Cora Ball, a laundry ball that can be tossed into the washer to cut down on clothes banging into each other. It also catches microfibers. (A portion of the proceeds goes to the Rozalia Project.) Another option is to put synthetic fabrics in a washing bag that captures fibers. Which clothes shed the most? To find out, press a strip of clear packing tape to a garment, then stick it to white paper to check for fibers, Miller said. Garments that are loosely knit or woven tend to shed more, such as fleece. Miller said people don’t need to rush to throw out clothing that’s more likely to shed. She owns fleece jackets herself. Instead, she suggested such clothing can be worn indoors only or outside with a layer on top, and it’s worth thinking twice about acquiring more garments like that. “I try not to guilt or panic people because a lot of this information is very new,” Miller said. “And so we might as well just say, ‘OK, I got it. How can I be strategic about what I’ve got?'” A push to require filters Filters can be added to washers to capture microfibers. Samsung Electronics collaborated with Patagonia and the global conservation organization Ocean Wise to launch one in 2023. It’s now sold in more than 20 countries for front-load washers. Bosch recently launched a microfiber filter in Europe for washers. France was first to adopt a law to mandate that new washing machines sold in the country have a microfiber filter, though implementation has been delayed. In the U.S., efforts to mandate filters in states have failed. California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill in 2023, saying he was concerned about the cost to consumers and he wants to incentivize, not mandate, technologies to remove microfibers in wastewater. In Oregon, state Sen. Deb Patterson proposed a bill this year requiring microfiber filters on new washers sold in that state after she came across the technology in Canada. Patterson said the bill doesn’t have enough support yet but she’ll keep trying. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers opposes the proposals, saying it’s concerned about consumer costs and filter effectiveness. Changing textiles Some big brands are testing their fabrics to help researchers understand fiber fragmentation, including Adidas, Nike, Patagonia and Under Armour. They’re among more than 90 brands, retailers and manufacturers to partner with The Microfibre Consortium in the United Kingdom, founded in 2018 to do research and offer solutions to transform textile production — including reducing fiber breakup. Nearly 1,500 fabrics have been tested. None are the same, making it a tough problem to solve, consortium CEO Kelly Sheridan said. Patagonia has been a leader in trying to stop the spread of synthetic fiber waste into air and water, saying it’s up to garment brands to prevent it at the source since cleaning up microplastics in the environment is not yet possible. It paid for its own research starting a decade ago on the implication of its clothes. The company worked with suppliers to choose fabrics and dyes and to finish their clothing in ways that reduce shedding. They collaborated on new filtration technologies for washers, textile mills and municipal systems. One of their best-known styles is something called the “better sweater” that shifts from virgin polyester to recycled polyester to cut shedding by about 40%, said Matt Dwyer, vice president of global product footprint. And at textile mills, there’s a prewash at the factory that can capture that first big shed, he added. Dwyer is optimistic about progress. “There’s a whole lot of smart people, not just understanding the problem and the scope of the problem, but also looking for solutions all the way through the manufacturing cycle and use phase,” he said. “Compared to 10 years ago, it’s a whole new world.” 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. —Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press View the full article

Google’s 2024 Ads Safety Report reveals stricter enforcement, AI crackdowns, and key policy shifts every marketer should pay attention to. The post Google Ads 2024 Safety Report Unveils AI Protections appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

But what exactly is llms.txt, who’s using it, and—more importantly—should you care? llms.txt is a proposed standard for helping LLMs access and interpret structured content from websites. You can read the full proposal on llmstext.org. In a nutshell, it’s a…Read more ›View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re trying to avoid Microsoft 365’s monthly fees but still want the full suite of tools for work or school, this one-time purchase of Office Professional Plus 2019 might be worth a look. It’s currently on sale for $29.97 on StackSocial, which is a fraction of what you’d usually pay. Just to be clear—this isn’t a trial or a cloud-based subscription. It's a lifetime license for one Windows PC, and you get full offline access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. There are some limitations you’ll want to keep in mind. This deal is strictly for the 2019 version, not 2021, and doesn’t include Microsoft Teams. It also won’t tie to your Microsoft account, which might throw off those used to syncing documents between devices. But for a lot of people, that’s not a dealbreaker. It runs on Windows 10 or 11—so no luck if you’re still using an older machine—and you’ll need at least 1GB of RAM and 4GB of disk space. Installation is straightforward and instant. You get your license key and download link right after purchase, and that’s it. No hoops, no waiting. In terms of actual features, you’re getting a robust productivity suite. Excel has improved data analysis tools, PowerPoint brings in new transitions and a zoom feature for dynamic slides, and Outlook makes email and calendar management a bit more efficient. Word is Word—it just works, and it works well. You can’t collaborate in real-time like in Office 365, but if you mostly work solo or on one device, this version gets the job done. All that said, $30 for a fully licensed, download-now Office suite isn’t a bad move—especially if you just need a stable toolkit that works. View the full article

Francesco Ferretti had a problem. His research expedition to track white sharks in the Mediterranean was suddenly adrift—the boat he’d arranged had vanished into the pandemic’s chaos of canceled plans and family emergencies. With scientific equipment packed and a team of seven researchers ready, the marine biologist found himself scanning the horizon for solutions. It was then that Ferretti turned to six-year-old Yachts for Science, a matchmaking service linking wealthy boat owners with cash-strapped researchers. Soon, an owner of a private yacht offered to help. Though weather conditions limited their time on the water and forced a relocation between countries, the expedition pressed on, with the yacht’s crew eagerly assisting with scientific operations. The unusual collaboration—luxury yacht meets marine research—proved successful despite the compromise of working on a vessel not specifically designed for scientific work. “Whenever the crew was there, and we were actually doing science, they were available to help,” says Ferretti. “Sometimes you need hands, or you need other people to do stuff for you, to facilitate even the most trivial things, like organizing buckets or helping with sampling.” Ferretti’s experience represents a growing movement in marine research, where luxury meets necessity. There are dozens of research vessels registered in the U.S., far more than any other country, including NOAA’s fleet of 15 research and survey ships, but availiablity can be scarce, and they aren’t cheap. Renting one of those vessels for an oceanographic expedition like this can cost upwards of $50,000 per day, according to Ferretti, a huge sum to raise for many scientists facing budget constraints. Meanwhile, the world’s ultra-wealthy use their multimillion-dollar yachts just a few weeks each year, with vessels sitting idle while still incurring substantial crew and maintenance costs. Organizations like Yachts for Science, the International SeaKeepers Society, and the Pink Flamingo Society aim to bridge this gap, turning underutilized pleasure craft into platforms for discovery, whether by donating full research expeditions or simply collecting ocean data during regular voyages. For scientists, these collaborations provide vital access to remote, understudied regions; for yacht owners, they offer tax benefits, meaningful engagement for crew, and the satisfaction of contributing to ocean conservation without necessarily sacrificing privacy or comfort. Rob McCallum, who helps facilitate these matchmaking arrangements through Yachts for Science, describes his organization as “the Tinder of the seas.” McCallum says they are on track to make about a dozen matches this year—amounting to about $1.4 million in vessel time for researchers—with plans to ramp up to hundreds of collaborations over the next few years, generating about $15 million in vessel time per year. “We’re just approaching some of our funders at the moment asking for $600,000 a year for three years to actually fund taking the brakes off,” says McCallum. “My belief is that it’ll grow almost to an infinite extent, because once you have yachts getting out there and doing science, it will become the thing discussed at cocktail parties.” The yacht owner who answered Ferretti’s call was Frank Peeters, a Belgian businessman whose vessel, Blue Titan, is what he calls “an adventure yacht” built for crossing oceans rather than hosting parties. “The boat is not fit for that many people,” says Peeters of the 27-meter (88-foot) yacht. “Normally we sail with 6 people and the crew, and here we were sometimes 12, 13, 14 people.” The expedition quickly faced challenges. After two days off the Tunisian coast, military officials intercepted the craft, claiming the research team lacked proper permissions. What followed was a bureaucratic struggle that lasted two weeks, with permits granted then mysteriously revoked. At one point, the boat was even briefly confiscated. Despite complications costing Peeters between 10,000 and 20,000 euros (about $11,000 to $22,000) out of pocket, he has no regrets. “Would I do it again? Yes, I would do it again immediately,” he says. “I know they have to work on very small budgets, and we could help there.” The scientists eventually redirected their shark-tracking expedition to Italian waters near Lampedusa, where they continued their research. While the team didn’t directly observe white sharks, they detected white shark environmental DNA (eDNA) at multiple sites, confirming the species’ presence in the area. This helped identify one of the last strongholds of the Mediterranean white shark population and marked a key step in launching a multi-institutional conservation program. Peeters, who describes himself as “kind of retired” and sails Blue Titan with his wife about 16 weeks a year, now follows the researchers on Instagram, occasionally receiving video updates about their work. He was also acknowledged in the scientific paper that resulted from the expedition—a form of compensation he finds “definitely worthwhile.” For researchers like Ferretti, these collaborations involve compromise. Scientists must adapt their methodologies for yacht environments, working carefully in spaces designed for luxury rather than research. But with U.K. research grant success rates dipping below 10% and U.S. government funding for the sciences increasingly uncertain, these adaptations reflect a persistent reality. Beyond donating entire vessels for expeditions, yacht owners can contribute to science with minimal effort by installing simple data collection technology on their luxury vessels, which often venture into remote, understudied areas where scientific data is scarce. “A lot of these boats are going into data-poor regions where there isn’t a lot of information,” says Roman Chiporukha, who co-runs Roman & Erica, a travel company for ultra-wealthy clients. “They could be mapping ocean floors where it hasn’t been done in the past.” For yacht owners, these donations can also yield financial benefits. “When you’re donating the boat, it acts as a donation from a philanthropic institution,” says Chiporukha. “If I charter my boat for half a million dollars a week, I just wrote off half a million dollars [in taxes].” Yachts are, of course, not typically associated with ocean protection or environmental stewardship: A 2018 study found that the world’s top 20 billionaires emitted around 8,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, compared to the average citizen’s carbon footprint of around 4 tons, or 15 tons in the United States; and that a staggering two-thirds of these emissions were created by their superyachts. And not all ocean inhabitants welcome the presence of luxury vessels: See the Iberian orcas that have taken to ramming yachts off the Spanish coast since 2020. Researchers have used eyewitness reports to study these encounters—another way yacht owners can contribute to marine science—and have speculated that the behavior may be juvenile whales using boat rudders as target practice for bluefin tuna.) The luxury vessels participating in this scientific matchmaking vary widely. Turkey-based international company Bering Yachts found an opportunity not just in donating yacht time but in experiencing extraordinary research firsthand. “I felt very privileged to be there,” says Bering Yachts founder Alexei Mikhailov, who joined an expedition last year to Silver Banks in the Dominican Republic, a whale sanctuary that permits only about 500 visitors annually. “When you’re surrounded by thousands of whales and mothers with babies, action around you 360 degrees, 24/7, it’s insane.” The research trip utilized a customer’s 30-meter steel-and-aluminum yacht, positioning scientists 80 miles offshore in consistently rough seas. Despite 5- to 7-foot waves that would typically cause severe discomfort, the vessel’s dual stabilization systems created a comfortable platform for the researchers and their sensitive equipment. For Mikhailov, whose early career was dedicated to environmental protection, the expedition reconnected him with scientific pursuit in a profound way that he hopes he can help replicate with Yachts for Science again. “It was very interesting to talk to these people and share stories,” says Mikhailov. “I hope we’ll have another chance to visit a place like this in the future.” View the full article

Discover how to gather metrics for local SEO success and learn how to optimize your efforts. View the full article

There’s a new star in the firmament of fake new: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Known for her combative press conferences, Leavitt is at the center of a tornado of misinformation that is being spread on both sides of the political spectrum. To set the record straight on two of the most viral fake Leavitt stories: She did not say people will love tariffs if they “avoid woke things like math.” And she did not appear on the Stephen Colbert Show. So if you believed either of these things, you’re wrong, Before you feel too bad for the lies being told about Leavitt, she is okay with spreading fake news of her own, so it's a huge mess. Karoline Leavitt did not say math is woke This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The above image has been shared and re-shared on Instagram, BlueSky, Reddit, and probably Friendster, so basically everyone has seen it. The X post above has been viewed over 2.6 million times alone. But Leavitt never said math is woke. This is a doctored version of an actual screenshot from Fox News, so it's fake. It's actually a joke, but judging from comments like these... This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. ...a lot of people didn't see the humor in it. It's not just people on the left who missed the mark; presumed defenders of Leavitt felt the need to refute the picture with political "whataboutism" like this: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. While the creator of the image is unknown, it was created as satire—but political parody is nearly impossible to pull off these days. This is a perfect example of Poe's Law in action. Poe's law states, basically, "any parodic expression of extreme views can be mistaken by some readers for a sincere expression of those views." That tracks. Karoline Leavitt did not debate Stephen Colbert The fake news from the other side of the aisle can't hide behind "It's just a joke." The above YouTube video isn't meant to be funny. It looks and sounds like a straight-forward news story recounting Karoline Leavitt appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and completely owning the late night host in a debate. "I know what Americans want more than some ivory tower news outlets or millionaire hosts like you," Leavitt supposedly said, "The President's working for the people, not for you guys." Except Leavitt has never been on The Late Show. Everything about this clip was generated by AI, from the video footage of Leavitt, to the voice-over, to the content. It's a crude fake—as far as I know, the real Karoline Leavitt only has five fingers on her hands, and news anchors don't pronounce "asterisk" aloud when it appears in their scripts unless they're Ron Burgundy—but it's been viewed over 60,000 times. In the comment section, opinions are divided as to its reality, despite a disclaimer reading "Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated." The video was posted by a channel called "Phantom Stories," which, until very recently, only posted AI-generated videos about cars and trucks, dozens of them, like this one. Eleven days ago, something changed at Phantom Stories, and the accursed algorithm that chooses its content went all in on Karoline Leavitt. According to Phantom Stories, Leavitt has: Appeared on Anderson Cooper's show and debated Michelle Obama. (Spoiler: Leavitt won the debate.) Debated Jasmine Crockett on Live TV. (Spoiler: Leavitt won this debate also.) "Destroyed" Robert DeNiro on Live TV. (You know the drill.) Was kicked out of a car dealership, only to return the next day with her husband driving a Rolls-Royce. Was fined in court for wearing a cross necklace. She then started an advocacy group that ended up inspiring a bi-partisan bill allowing religious expression. According to the video, in the future, Leavitt will tell her daughter about this. Made Steve Harvey cry. Stay tuned for more news on fake Karoline Leavitt as it develops. View the full article

"Too often, we're stepping over dollars to pick up pennies." The Disruptors With Liz Farr Go PRO for members-only access to more Liz Farr. View the full article

"Too often, we're stepping over dollars to pick up pennies." The Disruptors With Liz Farr Go PRO for members-only access to more Liz Farr. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

The partnership between the customer contact software provider and the operator of the Empower loan origination system was announced nearly one year ago. View the full article

Walgreens has agreed to pay up to $350 million in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, who accused the pharmacy of illegally filling millions of prescriptions in the last decade for opioids and other controlled substances. The nationwide drugstore chain must pay the government at least $300 million and will owe another $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before 2032, according to the settlement reached last Friday. The government’s complaint, filed in January in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that Walgreens knowingly filled millions of illegal prescriptions for controlled substances between August 2012 and March 2023. These include prescriptions for excessive opioids and prescriptions filled significantly early. “We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability,” Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman said in a statement. “This resolution allows us to close all opioid related litigation with federal, state, and local governments and provides us with favorable terms from a cashflow perspective while we focus on our turnaround strategy.” Amid slumping store visits and shrinking market share, Walgreens announced it was closing 1,200 stores around the country last October. Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2023 as it was also dealing with losses and opioid lawsuit settlements. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a similar lawsuit against CVS in December. The complaint says Walgreens pharmacists filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags that the prescriptions were highly likely to be invalid, and the company pressured its pharmacists to fill them quickly. The government alleges Walgreen’s compliance officials ignored “substantial evidence” that its stores were filling unlawful prescriptions and withheld important information on opioid prescribers from its pharmacists. Walgreens then allegedly sought payment for many of the invalid prescriptions through Medicare and other federal healthcare programs in violation of the False Claims Act, according to the government. The U.S. Justice Department has moved to dismiss its complaint in light of Friday’s settlement. “Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a statement. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.” Walgreen has also entered into an agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration to improve its compliance with rules around dispensing controlled substances, maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers that are producing illegitimate prescriptions. With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Walgreen has agreed to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to the agency regarding the pharmacy’s dispensing of controlled substances. “In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, in a statement. The settlement resolves four cases brought by former Walgreens employee whistleblowers. In 2022, CVS and Walgreens agreed to pay more than $10 billion in a multi-state settlement of lawsuits brought against them over the toll of the opioid crisis. Over the past eight years, drugmakers, wholesalers and pharmacies have agreed to more than $50 billion worth of settlements with governments—with most of the money required to be used to fight the opioid crisis. —Jaimie Ding, Associated Press View the full article

Discover the easiest way to add your business to Google Maps to reach more customers. View the full article

Key Takeaways Significance of a Strong Name: A well-chosen construction business name establishes brand identity and conveys trust, crucial for attracting clients in a competitive market.Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity: Names should be easy to pronounce and spell, enhancing memorability and reducing miscommunication with potential customers.Ensure Relevance: The business name should reflect the services offered, incorporating industry-specific terms to improve clarity and aid in search engine optimization (SEO).Engage in Market Research: Testing name ideas with potential customers gathers valuable feedback, ensuring the name resonates with the target audience and enhances brand loyalty.Avoid Common Pitfalls: Steer clear of generic names that dilute brand identity and conduct thorough trademark research to avoid legal issues that can hinder business growth.Incorporate Location-Based Elements: Using location in your business name can enhance local recognition and visibility in search results, fostering trust within the community. Choosing the right name for your construction business is crucial. It sets the tone for your brand and can make a lasting impression on potential clients. A strong name not only reflects your expertise but also conveys trust and reliability in a competitive market. You want a name that resonates with your target audience and highlights your unique services. Whether you’re focusing on residential projects or commercial builds, the right name can help you stand out. In this article, we’ll explore creative ideas and essential tips for crafting a memorable construction business name that captures your vision and attracts customers. Importance Of Choosing The Right Construction Business Name Choosing the right construction business name establishes your brand identity and creates a strong first impression. It conveys trustworthiness, which is essential in the competitive construction market. A well-thought-out name reflects your expertise and resonates with your target audience, whether in residential or commercial construction. A memorable name functions as a foundational element of your branding strategy. It influences customer acquisition and can enhance your marketing efforts. Consider how the name aligns with your business model and growth strategy. A name that highlights your unique services or specialties sets the stage for effective product development and innovation. Legal considerations come into play when selecting a business name. Ensure the name you choose has not been trademarked or used by another entity. Registering your business name as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation can provide legal protections and benefit your branding. Incorporate the name into your digital marketing strategy early. Use it on your website, social media platforms, and email marketing campaigns to build recognition. A cohesive branding approach increases visibility and reinforces your business goals. Your name can enhance SEO and contribute to a successful sales funnel. Invest time in market research to understand what appeals to your target audience. Test different name ideas with potential customers to gather feedback. This process not only helps ensure that your name connects with your community but also fine-tunes your branding efforts for better engagement and loyalty. Selecting a strong business name for your construction startup is crucial for setting your venture up for success. Prioritize this decision as it can significantly affect your financing options, investor pitches, and overall growth strategy. Key Elements Of Effective Construction Business Names Creating an effective construction business name involves specific key elements that resonate with your target audience. Focus on simplicity and relevance to ensure the name leaves a strong impression. Simplicity And Clarity A good construction business name is easy to pronounce and spell. Simplicity reduces the risk of miscommunication, allowing clients to remember and recommend your services. Memorable names enhance word-of-mouth marketing and improve online visibility. For example, names like “BuildPro” or “DesignCraft” epitomize clarity and are straightforward, making them easier for potential customers to recall. Aim for a name that avoids complexity, ensuring that clients can easily recognize and engage with your brand. Relevance To Services Offered The name should reflect the services you provide. Incorporating construction-specific words such as “build,” “design,” or “architecture” helps set clear expectations for clients. For instance, “Concrete Solutions” conveys specialization in concrete work, which can attract clients actively seeking those services. Clear relevance not only strengthens your brand identity but also aids in search engine optimization (SEO), enhancing discoverability online. Choose a name that aligns with your core business model and showcases your expertise. Creative Strategies For Naming Your Construction Business Naming your construction business requires creativity and strategic thinking to ensure your name stands out in a competitive market. Here’s how to effectively approach the naming process. Combining Industry Terms Combining relevant construction industry terms makes your business name clear and memorable. This method highlights the services you provide and attracts your target audience. Consider these examples: Precision Builders: Emphasizes quality and accuracy. Reliable Roofing: Clearly states roofing services while conveying dependability. Solid Edge Construction: Suggests strength alongside construction services. Incorporating terms like “builders,” “contractors,” or specific services like “renovations” aids client recognition. A simple, relevant name gives the impression of professionalism, boosting branding efforts, especially in digital marketing and SEO. Using Location-Based Names Using location-based names connects your business to your community. This approach enhances local recognition and builds trust among potential clients seeking nearby services. Here are some examples: Chicago Custom Homes: Targets homeowners in a specific city. Miami Renovation Experts: Clearly indicates service scope and location. Including your city or region in your business name can also improve your visibility in local search results, making it easier for clients to find you. This tactic aligns with practical marketing strategies, especially for small businesses focusing on customer acquisition and growth strategies. Incorporating these strategies helps in crafting a distinctive business name that aligns with your vision while appealing to your audience’s needs. Common Mistakes To Avoid When Naming Your Construction Business Naming your construction business requires strategic thinking to avoid pitfalls that can hinder your brand’s growth and legal standing. The following key mistakes can affect your venture’s reputation and visibility in the market. Overshadowing Brand Identity Using overly descriptive or generic names can dilute your brand identity. Names like “The Construction Company” or “General Builders” fail to distinguish your business from others. Such names blend with many competitors, reducing memorability and recognition among your target audience. Unique and catchy names, such as “Precision Builders” or “Reliable Roofing,” enhance brand visibility and attract clients. A clear brand identity strengthens your marketing efforts and helps convey your business model and services effectively. Infringing On Existing Trademarks Not researching existing trademarks can lead to costly legal issues. Before settling on a name, conduct a thorough search across business registries, online domains, and trademark databases. Failure to do so may result in trademark disputes, forcing you to undergo expensive rebranding processes. Protecting your intellectual property through proper research helps you secure funding options and fosters trust among customers. Seeking legal advice on trademark registration can safeguard your business and ensure compliance as you navigate growth strategies. Conclusion Choosing the right name for your construction business is more than just a branding exercise. It’s about establishing trust and making a memorable impression on potential clients. A well-crafted name not only reflects your expertise but also resonates with your target audience. As you navigate this important decision, remember to consider creativity and clarity. Your name should be easy to remember and relevant to your services. Conducting market research and testing ideas with potential clients can provide valuable insights. Ultimately, a strong business name can set the foundation for your success and growth in a competitive industry. Take the time to get it right, and you’ll pave the way for lasting recognition and customer loyalty. Frequently Asked Questions Why is choosing the right name important for a construction business? A strong name establishes your brand’s identity, builds trust with potential clients, and differentiates your business in a competitive market. It should reflect your expertise and resonate with your target audience, setting the foundation for effective marketing and customer acquisition. How can I create a memorable name for my construction business? To create a memorable name, focus on simplicity, clarity, and relevance. Use industry-specific terms, ensure it’s easy to pronounce and spell, and test ideas with potential customers. Combining creative strategies can help you stand out and attract your ideal audience. What legal aspects should I consider when naming my construction business? Ensure the name is not already trademarked by conducting thorough research. Registering your business name and considering legal protection can prevent potential conflicts and support your branding strategy. Consulting a legal expert may also be beneficial. How does a business name impact SEO? A well-chosen business name, particularly one that includes relevant keywords, can improve your online visibility and search engine rankings. Incorporating the name into your digital marketing strategies early on helps in building brand recognition and attracting customers. What common mistakes should I avoid when naming my construction business? Avoid using generic or overly descriptive names, as they can dilute your brand identity. Additionally, steer clear of names that infringe on existing trademarks to prevent legal issues. Conduct proper research to ensure uniqueness and marketability. Can location-based names enhance business visibility? Yes, using location-based names can increase local recognition and trust among potential clients. A name like “Chicago Custom Homes” not only highlights your services but also emphasizes your local presence, making it easier for customers to find you. How can I test name ideas for my construction business? Gather feedback from potential customers or focus groups to assess their reactions to your name ideas. This insight can help refine your branding and ensure your name resonates with your target audience before making a final decision. Image Via Envato This article, "Creative Construction Business Names That Build Trust and Stand Out" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Significance of a Strong Name: A well-chosen construction business name establishes brand identity and conveys trust, crucial for attracting clients in a competitive market.Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity: Names should be easy to pronounce and spell, enhancing memorability and reducing miscommunication with potential customers.Ensure Relevance: The business name should reflect the services offered, incorporating industry-specific terms to improve clarity and aid in search engine optimization (SEO).Engage in Market Research: Testing name ideas with potential customers gathers valuable feedback, ensuring the name resonates with the target audience and enhances brand loyalty.Avoid Common Pitfalls: Steer clear of generic names that dilute brand identity and conduct thorough trademark research to avoid legal issues that can hinder business growth.Incorporate Location-Based Elements: Using location in your business name can enhance local recognition and visibility in search results, fostering trust within the community. Choosing the right name for your construction business is crucial. It sets the tone for your brand and can make a lasting impression on potential clients. A strong name not only reflects your expertise but also conveys trust and reliability in a competitive market. You want a name that resonates with your target audience and highlights your unique services. Whether you’re focusing on residential projects or commercial builds, the right name can help you stand out. In this article, we’ll explore creative ideas and essential tips for crafting a memorable construction business name that captures your vision and attracts customers. Importance Of Choosing The Right Construction Business Name Choosing the right construction business name establishes your brand identity and creates a strong first impression. It conveys trustworthiness, which is essential in the competitive construction market. A well-thought-out name reflects your expertise and resonates with your target audience, whether in residential or commercial construction. A memorable name functions as a foundational element of your branding strategy. It influences customer acquisition and can enhance your marketing efforts. Consider how the name aligns with your business model and growth strategy. A name that highlights your unique services or specialties sets the stage for effective product development and innovation. Legal considerations come into play when selecting a business name. Ensure the name you choose has not been trademarked or used by another entity. Registering your business name as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation can provide legal protections and benefit your branding. Incorporate the name into your digital marketing strategy early. Use it on your website, social media platforms, and email marketing campaigns to build recognition. A cohesive branding approach increases visibility and reinforces your business goals. Your name can enhance SEO and contribute to a successful sales funnel. Invest time in market research to understand what appeals to your target audience. Test different name ideas with potential customers to gather feedback. This process not only helps ensure that your name connects with your community but also fine-tunes your branding efforts for better engagement and loyalty. Selecting a strong business name for your construction startup is crucial for setting your venture up for success. Prioritize this decision as it can significantly affect your financing options, investor pitches, and overall growth strategy. Key Elements Of Effective Construction Business Names Creating an effective construction business name involves specific key elements that resonate with your target audience. Focus on simplicity and relevance to ensure the name leaves a strong impression. Simplicity And Clarity A good construction business name is easy to pronounce and spell. Simplicity reduces the risk of miscommunication, allowing clients to remember and recommend your services. Memorable names enhance word-of-mouth marketing and improve online visibility. For example, names like “BuildPro” or “DesignCraft” epitomize clarity and are straightforward, making them easier for potential customers to recall. Aim for a name that avoids complexity, ensuring that clients can easily recognize and engage with your brand. Relevance To Services Offered The name should reflect the services you provide. Incorporating construction-specific words such as “build,” “design,” or “architecture” helps set clear expectations for clients. For instance, “Concrete Solutions” conveys specialization in concrete work, which can attract clients actively seeking those services. Clear relevance not only strengthens your brand identity but also aids in search engine optimization (SEO), enhancing discoverability online. Choose a name that aligns with your core business model and showcases your expertise. Creative Strategies For Naming Your Construction Business Naming your construction business requires creativity and strategic thinking to ensure your name stands out in a competitive market. Here’s how to effectively approach the naming process. Combining Industry Terms Combining relevant construction industry terms makes your business name clear and memorable. This method highlights the services you provide and attracts your target audience. Consider these examples: Precision Builders: Emphasizes quality and accuracy. Reliable Roofing: Clearly states roofing services while conveying dependability. Solid Edge Construction: Suggests strength alongside construction services. Incorporating terms like “builders,” “contractors,” or specific services like “renovations” aids client recognition. A simple, relevant name gives the impression of professionalism, boosting branding efforts, especially in digital marketing and SEO. Using Location-Based Names Using location-based names connects your business to your community. This approach enhances local recognition and builds trust among potential clients seeking nearby services. Here are some examples: Chicago Custom Homes: Targets homeowners in a specific city. Miami Renovation Experts: Clearly indicates service scope and location. Including your city or region in your business name can also improve your visibility in local search results, making it easier for clients to find you. This tactic aligns with practical marketing strategies, especially for small businesses focusing on customer acquisition and growth strategies. Incorporating these strategies helps in crafting a distinctive business name that aligns with your vision while appealing to your audience’s needs. Common Mistakes To Avoid When Naming Your Construction Business Naming your construction business requires strategic thinking to avoid pitfalls that can hinder your brand’s growth and legal standing. The following key mistakes can affect your venture’s reputation and visibility in the market. Overshadowing Brand Identity Using overly descriptive or generic names can dilute your brand identity. Names like “The Construction Company” or “General Builders” fail to distinguish your business from others. Such names blend with many competitors, reducing memorability and recognition among your target audience. Unique and catchy names, such as “Precision Builders” or “Reliable Roofing,” enhance brand visibility and attract clients. A clear brand identity strengthens your marketing efforts and helps convey your business model and services effectively. Infringing On Existing Trademarks Not researching existing trademarks can lead to costly legal issues. Before settling on a name, conduct a thorough search across business registries, online domains, and trademark databases. Failure to do so may result in trademark disputes, forcing you to undergo expensive rebranding processes. Protecting your intellectual property through proper research helps you secure funding options and fosters trust among customers. Seeking legal advice on trademark registration can safeguard your business and ensure compliance as you navigate growth strategies. Conclusion Choosing the right name for your construction business is more than just a branding exercise. It’s about establishing trust and making a memorable impression on potential clients. A well-crafted name not only reflects your expertise but also resonates with your target audience. As you navigate this important decision, remember to consider creativity and clarity. Your name should be easy to remember and relevant to your services. Conducting market research and testing ideas with potential clients can provide valuable insights. Ultimately, a strong business name can set the foundation for your success and growth in a competitive industry. Take the time to get it right, and you’ll pave the way for lasting recognition and customer loyalty. Frequently Asked Questions Why is choosing the right name important for a construction business? A strong name establishes your brand’s identity, builds trust with potential clients, and differentiates your business in a competitive market. It should reflect your expertise and resonate with your target audience, setting the foundation for effective marketing and customer acquisition. How can I create a memorable name for my construction business? To create a memorable name, focus on simplicity, clarity, and relevance. Use industry-specific terms, ensure it’s easy to pronounce and spell, and test ideas with potential customers. Combining creative strategies can help you stand out and attract your ideal audience. What legal aspects should I consider when naming my construction business? Ensure the name is not already trademarked by conducting thorough research. Registering your business name and considering legal protection can prevent potential conflicts and support your branding strategy. Consulting a legal expert may also be beneficial. How does a business name impact SEO? A well-chosen business name, particularly one that includes relevant keywords, can improve your online visibility and search engine rankings. Incorporating the name into your digital marketing strategies early on helps in building brand recognition and attracting customers. What common mistakes should I avoid when naming my construction business? Avoid using generic or overly descriptive names, as they can dilute your brand identity. Additionally, steer clear of names that infringe on existing trademarks to prevent legal issues. Conduct proper research to ensure uniqueness and marketability. Can location-based names enhance business visibility? Yes, using location-based names can increase local recognition and trust among potential clients. A name like “Chicago Custom Homes” not only highlights your services but also emphasizes your local presence, making it easier for customers to find you. How can I test name ideas for my construction business? Gather feedback from potential customers or focus groups to assess their reactions to your name ideas. This insight can help refine your branding and ensure your name resonates with your target audience before making a final decision. Image Via Envato This article, "Creative Construction Business Names That Build Trust and Stand Out" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Is SEO enough for ChatGPT visibility? New data says: not always. See where SEO and LLM overlap and where they don’t. The post How Is Answer Engine Optimization Different From SEO? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

It's the old days of Twitter all over again: Bluesky is launching an official verification process for awarding the blue check mark to "notable" user accounts, adding to the platform's existing option to self-verify using an owned domain. Since 2023, Bluesky has allowed individuals and organizations to "verify" their own accounts by setting their domain as their user name—NPR is @npr.org, for example, and NPR journalists are on the subdomain @name.npr.org—in a decentralized approach to signaling authenticity and building trust. Because connecting a domain required users to own or have access to that domain, this was one way of proving identity. However, Bluesky still saw a rash of fake and impersonator accounts, as self-verification required users to know (or investigate) which domains were real and trustworthy. Bluesky will soon launch a more centralized verification process that requires accounts to be reviewed and approved by platform moderators. Verification exists in various forms across other social platforms, ranging from pay-to-play on X (replacing the legacy verification process for notable and authentic accounts) to Instagram's applications for accounts representing a "well-known, highly searched-for person, brand or entity" that has been featured in multiple news sources. How Bluesky verification worksAccording to a blog post announcing the change, Bluesky's moderation team will "proactively verify authentic and notable accounts," which will then have a blue check mark displayed next to their names. In addition, select organizations will have the power to issue blue check marks directly through the Trusted Verifiers feature—for example, The New York Times will be able verify its individual journalists. Bluesky's moderators will still review each verification, and other users will be able to see which organization granted it by tapping on the blue check. For now, individuals and organizations cannot apply to be verified, though Bluesky expects to open requests for verification and Trusted Verifier status at some point in the future "as this feature stabilizes." Users can still self-verify using domain names. If you prefer, you can hide verification in the Bluesky app under Settings > Moderation > Verification Settings. View the full article