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US consumer sentiment increased to a five-month high in January as Americans grew more optimistic about the economy and their finances. View the full article

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. The post open thread – January 23, 2026 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The The President administration just redesigned the official White House website. Its new aesthetic might best be described as a personal action hero reel for the president. The updated website design rolled out on January 22 in the wake of a broader relaunch of government sites by the new National Design Studio. It replaces the old homepage—which featured a banner image of The President, the bolded phrase “America is Back,” and headshots of the first lady and vice president—with a decidedly more cinematic design. Now, when people visit whitehouse.gov, they’re immediately greeted with a wall of videos, including shots of The President sporting his own “Make America Great Again” merch, saluting military personnel, and taking off in a helicopter. Every shot is bathed in a warm, fuzzy filter, making the whole page feel like a retro-inspired movie trailer. This design direction is part of a familiar playbook that’s come to define how the second The President administration shows up online. On the surface, it touts a glossy, airbrushed version of the U.S., pulling from Americana aesthetics popularized in film and art. Underneath, though, is the ever-present subtext of The President’s ideal vision for America. One big movie trailer With the new whitehouse.gov design, the The President administration has sidelined a previously held ethos of communicating specific administrative goals in favor of evoking an emotional response from the viewer. Historically, the official White House web page has maintained a consistent structure between presidencies. From Bush in 2008 to Obama in 2015, Biden in 2022, and even The President himself in 2018, opening the web page would lead to a photo of the president, paired with a rundown of his current key objectives and a selection of top news stories. Today, the entire home screen fills with a looping, 30-second highlight reel of The President. Beneath this reel is a short statement lauding the second The President administration’s successes, followed by five sections (each dedicated to an objective like “Secure the Border” and “Make America Healthy Again”). To read more about the administration’s current aims, users have to click on one of these subsections or navigate to a separate header bar at the top of the page, which links out to additional resources, like a news, gallery, and livestream page. The cumulative effect of these choices is that opening the whitehouse.gov page now feels less like getting a snapshot of the current administration’s goals, and more like watching five different advertisements at once. And, like any advertisement, these video clips are clearly designed to make the viewer feel something. From close-up shots of a man in a cowboy hat to wide views of a billowing American flag and a grainy clip of farmers at a The President rally, each compilation leans on recognizable Americana aesthetics to generate a sense of patriotism. Interspersed between feel-good shots of the president signing bills and shaking hands with children, the site includes clips of border patrol agents handling lengths of barbed wire, military helicopters taking off, and ICE agents gearing up and climbing into armored vehicles. The redesign comes just weeks after an ICE agent shot and killed Minnesota resident Renee Nicole Good, leading to ongoing tension and protests across the state. In terms of connecting with its intended audience, this website design is undoubtedly effective. It plays into the ways that people are already consuming content online—through short, enticing bursts of video—to tell a glamorized story about the current administration. The same can be said for most of the recently revamped government websites: they trade an emphasis on clearly communicating information for scaffolding The President’s vision for America’s future. Ultimately, the aesthetic strength of this design is also its biggest shortcoming. At a time when the president should be building solidarity with his citizens, he’s instead designing a website that serves as a reminder that his government isn’t meant for everyone. View the full article

A reader asks: Two years ago, I began managing Craig, who had been doing the same tasks day in and day out for a decade. He hadn’t adapted to new technology, best practices, or industry trends. My first order of business was to coach him and challenge him to grow and learn. For more than a year, we built up a great trajectory. People saw how much his work improved and commented on it frequently, and said he seemed revitalized in many ways. His progress gave me a lot of hope that he could become good at the modern demands of his role. Then about six months ago, Craig suddenly reverted to his old patterns. It was as if the prior year of progress got completely wiped out. Only this time around, he hasn’t been able to step up the way he did last year — even though we both know he’s fully capable, having done this all before. Recently, he has started calling in sick the day after receiving even the mildest negative feedback. If a project goes off the rails or has to be delayed, we work on the problem until it’s solved and later debrief about what went wrong. During the debriefs, I let Craig take the lead and I ask open-ended questions. I’m careful to keep it factual and focused on learning for next time. He assesses his work honestly and takes appropriate responsibility for missteps. Then the very next morning, he calls in sick. When he does return to work, he’s quiet and withdrawn for a couple of days. This has happened three times in the past two months. I should be clear that the missteps are not disasters. There’s no drama. Nobody is angry and nobody points fingers. I’ve let a lot of these things go that I would have otherwise corrected. The problems I do raise are things with an impact on other teams: missed deadlines, not completing something he had committed to, etc. He says all the right things about wanting to improve, but unlike last year, it just hasn’t happened. And now I’m at a loss as to how to help him if he is going to be incapable of coming to work after mistakes. It’s getting to the point where I’m afraid to say anything to him at all. How do I help Craig out of the tailspin or time vortex that has consumed him? Green responds: This is one of the biggest problems with people who don’t handle feedback well: People stop giving it to them. And that’s bad for their team (which isn’t getting the performance it needs) and bad for the manager (who isn’t doing their job) and bad for the person themself, because they’re not hearing what they need to do to improve — and if the problems are serious enough that they could eventually lose their job, they’re not getting clear messages that things could reach that point. So you’ve got to talk to him about what’s going on. In doing that, your measure of success shouldn’t be “Craig gets out of his tailspin, starts taking feedback well, and resumes his previous level of performance.” If that happens, good! But it might not happen, and that won’t mean you failed; you don’t have that amount of control over another person. Instead, your measure of success should be “I clearly articulate to Craig what I’m seeing, explain what needs to change, and offer the support that’s within my ability to offer.” From there, it’s up to him. When you talk to him, just name what you’re seeing. For example: “Last year, you worked hard to raise your level of performance and really impressed me and others. About six months ago, that seemed to change. I’m not seeing those improvements anymore, and you’ve been missing deadlines and letting projects fall through the cracks. I know you can do this work well because I’ve seen you do it, and we’re at the point where my concerns are serious ones. What do you think is going on?” And then see what he says. Maybe you’ll find out he’s dealing with something in his personal life that’s consuming his focus, or maybe the level of focus required for those improvements wasn’t sustainable, or who knows what. But give him the chance to hear your concerns and share his perspective. As part of that conversation, there’s room to say, “Please tell me if I’m misinterpreting, but I get the sense that critical feedback on your work has been difficult for you. You’ve often called in sick the next day and seemed withdrawn for a few days after that. I realize that pattern could be a coincidence, but am I right in thinking you’re having a tough time with it?” … and also, “I do need to be able to talk with you about your work without it meaning you can’t come in the next day. Is there something I can do differently on my side that will make those conversations go more easily?” But ultimately, you’re going to have to figure out what performance standards you need Craig to meet in order to stay in his job. And the kindest thing you can do for him is to spell those out for him very clearly. —Jeff Haden This article originally appeared on Fast Company‘s sister publication, Inc. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur. We inspire, inform, and document the most fascinating people in business: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters that represent the most dynamic force in the American economy. View the full article

Treasury moves look less about data or auctions and more about gaps and channels, with PMI next to decide direction, according to the CEO of IF Securities. View the full article

Talks that are due to take place next month take on fresh urgency after the transatlantic rupture in Davos View the full article

Comprehending the key responsibilities of Employee H is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. You must complete assignments accurately and on time during adhering to company policies. Reporting unsafe conditions is important, as is engaging in ongoing training and following supervisors’ instructions. Furthermore, maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards supports a culture of accountability. Each of these responsibilities plays a role in overall workplace safety, but what happens when these expectations aren’t met? Key Takeaways Complete assignments on time and with precision to meet organizational objectives. Adhere to company policies, including confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct. Report unsafe or unhealthy conditions promptly to maintain a safe work environment. Engage in continuous learning through training modules to enhance knowledge and skills. Follow supervisor instructions to minimize conflicts and align with team goals. Overview of Employee H’s Responsibilities Employee H plays a fundamental role in the organization, as they’re responsible for a variety of key tasks that guarantee both individual and team success. One major responsibility is completing assignments on time and with precision, ensuring that all work meets organizational standards. You must adhere to company policies, including confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct, to maintain workplace integrity. Reporting unsafe or unhealthy conditions without delay is also critical, as it contributes to a safe environment and fulfills health and safety responsibilities. Moreover, engaging in continuous learning through hhc employee self service platforms is crucial for enhancing your skills and adapting to workplace changes. Following instructions from supervisors aligns your work with organizational objectives, nurturing effective teamwork. Importance of Health and Safety Policies Even though you mightn’t think about it every day, health and safety policies are essential for creating a secure working environment. These policies outline procedures for reporting hazards and managing risks effectively, ensuring you understand your responsibilities. Compliance with regulations, like OSHA standards, helps prevent workplace accidents and injuries, protecting both you and the organization. Regular training on these health and safety policies keeps you informed about protocols and emergency procedures, nurturing a culture of safety. When employees adhere to health and safety policies, it can lead to improved morale and productivity, as everyone feels secure and valued in their work environment. Organizations that prioritize these policies often see a decrease in workers’ compensation claims and associated costs, enhancing overall financial stability. Utilizing tools like Peoplesoft HR can streamline the management of these policies, making it easier for you to access necessary information and training. Promoting Safety Practices Among Peers Promoting safety practices among your peers is vital for encouraging a culture of safety in the workplace, as it empowers everyone to take responsibility for their own well-being and that of others. You should actively report any unsafe conditions you notice, as this helps maintain a safe environment and prevent accidents. Following established health and safety policies is critical; these guidelines guarantee compliance and promote a collective commitment to safety. If a task feels unsafe, don’t hesitate to stop work—prioritizing safety is always more important than completing a job. Keeping your personal work area clean and orderly is a shared responsibility that reduces hazards like slips and falls. Furthermore, participating in safety training and drills guarantees you’re familiar with emergency procedures and equipment locations. Utilizing the hhc self service can streamline access to safety resources, enhancing your preparedness and that of your colleagues. Reporting Unsafe Conditions Reporting unsafe conditions is vital for maintaining a safe workplace environment. As an employee, you play an important role in guaranteeing safety by quickly reporting any hazards you encounter. Here are some key steps to follow: Identify the hazard: Recognize any unsafe or unhealthy conditions that could cause accidents or injuries. Document the issue: Take note of specific details, including the location and nature of the hazard. Report using HHC Peoplesoft: Follow your organization’s established procedures to report the unsafe condition, making sure it reaches the right personnel. Follow up: Check back to confirm that your report has been addressed and corrective actions are being taken. Stopping Work in Unsafe Situations When you encounter a situation that appears unsafe, it’s critical to stop work immediately to prevent injuries or accidents. By halting your tasks, you not only protect yourself but likewise safeguard your coworkers. After stopping, report the unsafe condition to your supervisor or the designated safety officer, as this allows for swift intervention. Following established health and safety policies is fundamental in maintaining a secure work environment, and it’s your responsibility to adhere to these protocols. Participating in safety training initiatives, such as those provided by NYC HHC ESS, reinforces your commitment to workplace safety. Remember, hazards like spills or faulty equipment can lead to serious injuries, so addressing them quickly is vital. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and advocating for safety can cultivate a culture of accountability among all employees, ensuring everyone’s well-being in the workplace. Maintaining a Clean and Orderly Workspace Keeping your workspace clean and organized is crucial for both safety and productivity. A tidy area helps you find tools and documents quickly, reducing the risk of accidents like slips and falls. Importance of Cleanliness A clean and orderly workspace is essential for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. By prioritizing cleanliness, you not only improve your own efficiency but likewise contribute positively to your team. Here are four key benefits of maintaining a tidy workspace: Reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries, ensuring safety for everyone. Minimizes distractions, helping you locate necessary materials and tools quickly. Improves mental clarity and focus, resulting in higher quality work output. Cultivates professionalism, influencing how colleagues and supervisors view your commitment. Implementing routines for cleanliness, like daily tidying and utilizing the hh employee portal for reminders, can greatly boost workplace morale and collaboration among team members. Organizing Workspace Efficiently An organized workspace directly improves your ability to work efficiently and effectively. For employee H, organizing workspace efficiently is crucial for improving productivity. Start by decluttering regularly to prevent unnecessary items from piling up, making it easier to find important documents and tools. Designate a specific space for each item, which streamlines your workflow and improves organization. Utilizing storage solutions, like filing cabinets or organizers, helps keep materials categorized and accessible, promoting a tidy environment. Implement a daily cleaning routine, such as wiping down surfaces and arranging materials, to create a healthier and more inviting workplace atmosphere. Participation in Safety Training Participating in safety training is crucial for every employee to grasp the health and safety policies that govern the workplace. As an employee, your involvement not just helps you understand these policies but likewise cultivates a culture of safety and accountability. Engaging in regular safety training sessions allows you to: Learn about emergency procedures and equipment locations. Understand the importance of reporting unsafe conditions without delay. Gain conflict resolution techniques to improve team dynamics. Contribute to safety initiatives that improve collaboration among colleagues. Utilizing the nychhc employee self-service platform can help you enroll in these training programs and track your progress. Familiarizing With Emergency Procedures Grasping emergency procedures is vital for guaranteeing your safety and the safety of others in the workplace. First, familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures to respond swiftly and in an organized manner during an emergency. Knowing the location of emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits, prepares you for various situations. It’s important to keep your contact information updated in the nychhc Peoplesoft HR system, as this guarantees you receive timely emergency alerts from Campus Safety. Actively participating in safety training improves your comprehension of protocols, making you better equipped to handle emergencies. Furthermore, reviewing the emergency preparedness materials provided by HR helps you stay informed about your responsibilities during a crisis. Understanding Emergency Equipment To effectively respond in emergencies, you need to understand how to use emergency equipment properly. Familiarizing yourself with safety protocols and compliance guarantees you’re ready when it matters most. Regularly checking that equipment is functional will help maintain a safe environment for everyone. Proper Equipment Usage Grasping how to properly use emergency equipment is essential for maintaining safety in the workplace, especially during unexpected situations. To guarantee you’re prepared, familiarize yourself with the following: Location: Know where emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits, is located. Accessibility: Keep equipment free from obstructions for quick retrieval in emergencies. Training: Attend regular safety training sessions to stay updated on effective equipment usage. Drills: Participate in simulated emergency drills to reinforce your comprehension. Additionally, maintaining your contact information in the workplace safety system, such as the PeopleSoft NYCHHC login, is important for receiving timely alerts and instructions related to emergency equipment use during crises. Stay informed and ready to act. Safety Protocols Compliance Comprehending safety protocols is vital for every employee, as it helps guarantee a secure work environment. Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits, to guarantee quick access during emergencies. It’s also important to understand evacuation procedures, knowing designated exit routes and assembly points. Regularly participating in safety training reinforces your knowledge of these protocols and the proper use of emergency equipment. Make certain to keep your contact information updated in PeopleSoft, as this facilitates communication during emergencies. Finally, actively engage in safety initiatives; your involvement contributes to a culture of safety and preparedness. For more information, remember to use your nychhc employee login to access additional resources. Collaborating With Team Members on Safety Though safety might seem like an individual responsibility, collaborating with team members is crucial for creating a safe workplace. When you work together, you improve safety for everyone involved. Here are some key collaborative actions you should take: Participate in Safety Training: Engage actively in training programs to understand safety protocols and procedures. Report Hazards Immediately: If you notice unsafe conditions, report them right away to help maintain a secure environment. Communicate Openly: Encourage discussions around safety practices to build a culture of accountability among your colleagues. Conduct Safety Assessments: Regularly team up to perform safety drills and assessments to guarantee everyone’s familiar with emergency procedures and equipment locations. Continuous Improvement in Safety Standards To guarantee continuous improvement in safety standards, you need to participate in regular safety training sessions that keep you updated on the latest protocols. Following incident reporting procedures is vital, as it helps identify unsafe conditions before they lead to accidents. Regular Safety Training Sessions Regular safety training sessions play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations and guaranteeing that you’re aware of the latest safety protocols. These sessions help create a safer work environment by addressing various key areas, including: Identifying potential hazards in the workplace. Educating employees about emergency procedures. Introducing new safety technologies and practices. Promoting a culture of accountability among team members. Through regular safety training sessions, you not only improve your skills but additionally contribute to enhanced morale and confidence within your team. Utilizing resources like nychhc peoplesoft can help keep track of your training progress and make sure that you stay up-to-date with vital safety standards, eventually leading to a more secure workplace. Incident Reporting Procedures Incident reporting procedures are vital for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, as they enable you to quickly address any unsafe conditions. You must quickly report any incidents, detailing the event, potential hazards, and any injuries sustained. This not only aids in thorough investigations but additionally helps improve safety standards. Regular training sessions are fundamental for reinforcing the importance of these procedures, ensuring you know how to respond effectively. After an incident, participating in debriefs allows you to discuss events and suggest improvements. The data collected from incident reports is valuable for identifying trends and implementing corrective actions, in the end enhancing workplace safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. Remember, HR at NYCHHC emphasizes these practices for a safer work environment. Accountability in Safety Practices Though workplace safety may seem like a shared responsibility, accountability in safety practices primarily falls on each employee. To promote a culture of safety, you must actively engage in safety initiatives and adhere to the established health and safety policies. Here are key responsibilities for ensuring safety in your workplace: Report Unsafe Conditions: Immediately notify your supervisor about any hazardous situations to protect yourself and your colleagues. Stop Work if Unsafe: If you consider a task unsafe, halt work until it’s assessed and resolved to prioritize safety over productivity. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your work area tidy to avoid accidents and promote a safe environment. Know Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and the location of emergency equipment, as comprehending these can be critical in crises. Ethical Responsibilities in the Workplace In the workplace, honesty and integrity are crucial for building trust with your colleagues and clients. You need to comply with company policies and respect confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information. Honesty and Integrity Matters Honesty and integrity are vital pillars of a healthy workplace, as they cultivate trust and nurture strong relationships among colleagues. By prioritizing these values, you can improve teamwork and collaboration. Here are some key aspects to reflect on: Foster Trust: Honest interactions create a trusting environment where everyone feels secure. Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information, reflecting your integrity. Report Unethical Behavior: Swiftly address unethical actions or unsafe conditions to promote accountability. Encourage Transparency: Engage in open communication and decision-making, boosting morale and shared responsibility. Using tools like PeopleSoft ELM can facilitate transparency and ethical practices, ensuring a culture of integrity within your organization. Embracing these principles not only aligns with company values but also improves your career advancement opportunities. Compliance With Company Policies Compliance with company policies is vital for maintaining ethical standards in the workplace, as it helps create a safe and respectful environment for everyone. As an employee, you must adhere to policies like confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct. This commitment not merely minimizes workplace conflicts but also strengthens the overall integrity of the organization. Acting ethically involves reporting unsafe or unhealthy conditions without delay, aligning with health and safety standards. Engaging in continuous learning guarantees you’re aware of updates in company policies and industry regulations. Respect for Confidential Information Respecting confidential information is crucial for maintaining the integrity of both the workplace and professional relationships. As an employee, you must prioritize confidentiality to protect sensitive data. Here are some key points to remember: Share confidential information only with authorized individuals who need to know. Stay informed about the confidentiality policies and participate in continuous training, such as the nychhc self service modules. Understand that violating confidentiality agreements can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action or legal issues. Cultivating a culture of trust among colleagues and clients improves professional relationships and contributes to a positive work environment. Contribution to Overall Workplace Safety In regard to ensuring a safe workplace, your role is vital in contributing to overall safety. You must swiftly report any unsafe or unhealthy conditions to protect yourself and your colleagues. Keeping your work area clean and organized can greatly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Familiarizing yourself with established health and safety policies is important for complying with safety protocols. This knowledge helps you safeguard yourself and others from potential hazards. Active participation in safety training sessions is equally important, as it improves your comprehension of emergency procedures and the proper use of safety equipment. Furthermore, you should promote a safety culture by encouraging your peers to follow safety guidelines. For easy access to safety resources, remember to use the NYCHHC ESS login. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Your Responsibilities as an Employee? As an employee, your responsibilities include completing assignments on time and with accuracy, following company policies, and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information. You should quickly report any unsafe work conditions to promote a safe environment. Continuous learning is essential for your growth, so engage with available training resources. Furthermore, following your supervisor’s instructions helps align your work with organizational goals, ultimately enhancing productivity and ensuring you contribute effectively to the team. What Are the Key Responsibilities of the HR Function? The HR function manages the entire employee lifecycle, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, and training. You’ll guarantee competitive compensation through salary benchmarking, at the same time administering benefits to attract talent. Compliance with labor regulations is essential, so you’ll update policies in the employee handbook as needed. Furthermore, HR facilitates communication and manages employee relations, implementing performance management practices to create a positive work environment aligned with organizational goals. What Are the 7 Roles of HR? The seven key roles of HR include recruitment, where you source and onboard candidates; compensation and benefits management, ensuring competitive pay and benefits; training and development, focusing on employee skill improvement; employee relations and performance management, nurturing a healthy work environment; compliance and recordkeeping, adhering to labor laws; workplace safety and health initiatives, promoting a safe environment; and technology support, streamlining HR functions through effective systems. What Are the Employee’s Job Duties and Responsibilities? As an employee, your job duties and responsibilities include completing assignments accurately and on time, adhering to company policies, and maintaining confidentiality. You’re likewise expected to report any unsafe conditions to guarantee a healthy workplace. Engaging in continuous learning to improve your skills is vital, as is following your supervisors’ instructions and collaborating effectively with your team. These responsibilities align your work with the organization’s overall goals and standards. Conclusion In summary, Employee H plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. By adhering to health and safety policies, actively reporting unsafe conditions, and engaging in continuous learning, you contribute to a culture of accountability. Stopping work in unsafe situations and promoting safety practices among peers further improves overall workplace safety. Upholding ethical standards and confidentiality is equally important, ensuring that you not just meet organizational objectives but likewise cultivate a secure environment for everyone. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are Key Responsibilities of Employee H?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re ready to start a business in the USA, comprehending the registration process is vital. You’ll need to choose the right business structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship or an LLC. After that, selecting a unique business name is fundamental for compliance. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) follows, which is necessary for tax purposes. You’ll additionally register with various government agencies and secure any required permits. Each step has specific requirements that can impact your business’s success. Key Takeaways Choose the appropriate business structure (e.g., LLC, corporation) to balance liability protection and control. Register your business name and check for trademark conflicts with state and USPTO databases. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes and hiring employees. File necessary registration documents with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure compliance. Secure required permits and licenses relevant to your industry and location to operate legally. Choosing the Right Business Structure When you’re starting a business, how do you decide on the right structure? Your choice greatly impacts personal liability, tax obligations, and compliance requirements. For simplicity, a sole proprietorship lets you maintain full control, but you’re personally liable for all debts. If you want liability protection, consider forming a limited liability company (LLC), which combines the benefits of a corporation and a partnership. Corporations offer maximum protection but involve more paperwork and strict compliance with regulations. Partnerships can be general or limited; general partners face full liability, whereas limited partners enjoy protection but have limited management roles. For business registration in the USA, comprehending these structures is crucial, especially when working with company registration companies. Registering Your Business Name Choosing the right name for your business is a crucial step in the registration process, as it sets the tone for your brand and guarantees compliance with legal requirements. To register as a company, first check your desired name’s availability through your state’s business registry and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to avoid trademark conflicts. If your business name differs from your legal name, most states will require a “Doing Business As” (DBA) registration. You’ll need to submit specific documents, such as an application form and filing fees, which typically range from $10 to $100. Verify your name adheres to state naming rules, as some words may be prohibited, and certain designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” may be required. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an important step for most businesses, as it serves as a unique identifier for tax purposes, much like a Social Security number for individuals. To get your EIN, you can easily apply online through the IRS website at no cost. This process typically takes about 10 minutes and requires basic information about your business, such as its legal structure and purpose. Having an EIN is vital if you plan to hire employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or file certain tax returns. Furthermore, an EIN can be beneficial when learning how to get a business loan or how to find money to start a business, as lenders often require it for financing. Registering With Federal, State, and Local Agencies Registering your business with federal, state, and local agencies is vital for ensuring compliance with legal requirements and avoiding potential penalties. First, obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax identification and hiring. Next, file formation documents like Articles of Incorporation with your state’s Secretary of State or business bureau. Some states might likewise require a unique state tax ID. Don’t forget to check local regulations, as specific permits or licenses may be necessary based on your business type and location. As you learn how to open a company in the USA, consider that proper registration can similarly affect how can I get a business loan in the future, ensuring you’re prepared for funding opportunities. Securing Necessary Permits and Licenses Before launching your business, it’s essential to secure the necessary permits and licenses, as this step can greatly impact your operations. Requirements vary considerably by industry and location, so check with local city or county offices for specific licensing needs. Most businesses require a general business license, whereas certain activities, like food services, may need further permits, such as health permits. The costs can range from $50 to over $1,000, depending on your business type. Failing to obtain these permits can lead to fines or even closure. Furthermore, comprehending how to get a loan to start a business or applying for startup grants can help cover these initial costs and keep your business compliant and operational. Frequently Asked Questions What Do You Need to Register a Business in the US? To register a business in the US, you’ll need to determine your business structure, like a sole proprietorship or LLC, which affects your taxes and liability. Next, choose a unique name and check its availability. After that, complete the necessary registration documents for your chosen structure. You’ll likewise need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes and may require specific licenses or permits based on your business type and location. What Is the 7 Step Process for Starting a Business? To start a business, you’ll need to follow seven crucial steps. First, choose a suitable business structure that fits your needs, like an LLC or corporation. Next, select a unique business name and check its availability. Then, file your registration documents with the state. After that, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Finally, research and apply for any necessary permits or licenses before launching your operations. What Is the Step-By-Step Process of Starting a Business? To start a business, first, determine your business structure, like an LLC or sole proprietorship, as it affects liability and taxes. Next, select a unique name and verify its availability. After that, file the required registration documents with your state’s office. You’ll additionally need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Finally, research and apply for any necessary permits and licenses specific to your business and location. What Steps Are Needed to Legalize This Form of Business Corporation? To legalize your business corporation, start by choosing a suitable structure, like a C or S corporation. Next, pick a unique business name that meets state regulations. File the Articles of Incorporation with your state’s Secretary of State and pay any required fees, typically between $50 to $500. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, and make certain you have all necessary licenses or permits for your business activities. Conclusion In summary, registering your business in the USA involves clear steps that set a solid foundation for your operations. By choosing the right structure, registering your business name, obtaining an EIN, and complying with federal and state regulations, you guarantee legal compliance. Moreover, securing the necessary permits and licenses allows you to operate within the law. Following these steps diligently can help you navigate the registration process smoothly and position your business for success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Steps for Business Registration in the USA" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Ideally, a winter storm is merely uncomfortable and annoying, but they can sometimes be dangerous for you and your home. This weekend, a potentially historic winter storm is bearing down on some 200 million Americans, who may face dangerously icy conditions and significant snowfall. It's important to know your area's risk and understand the meaning and potential impact of different weather terms (advisory, watch, and warning) so you can respond quickly in the event of an emergency. You should also use the next few days to take steps to prepare your home and lower the chances of damage and danger. Winter prep starts with a thorough inspection of your property, both inside and out and top to bottom. Look for everything from roof leaks to door gaps to clogged gutters—anything that could lead to damage from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Make a plan for repairs and winterization to ensure your safety and comfort—not just for the next storm, but for the entire season. Here's a quick summary of the most important tasks to take care of before the temperatures drop or the snow starts to fall. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectorsThis is something that should be part of your regular home maintenance, and it's especially important when you are using your furnace and fireplace regularly (considering both fire safety and indoor air quality). Follow the Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines for where to install CO detectors and how to inspect and maintain them; then check out the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) guidelines for smoke alarms. Make sure your fire extinguisher is handy and working as well. Install an easy-to-read thermometerAny thermostat will show you indoor temperature, and if you have a smart system like an Ecobee or Nest, you have real-time data at your fingertips. The CDC also recommends installing easy-to-read thermometers in locations where you'll see them frequently. This is especially important for older adults, as our sense of temperature changes as we age, increasing the risk of cold-related health issues. Fix drafty windows and doorsGaps around doors and windows keep your home drafty, which is uncomfortable and a waste of energy. Door sweeps, weatherstripping, and caulk can be used to fill spaces that allow cold air in. These are simple DIY fixes that go a long way toward lowering your heating bill and keeping your home warm. If your home has older windows, floor-to-ceiling thermal curtains can also help with insulation even if you lose heating. Winterize your outdoor faucets Before freezing temperatures arrive, make sure your outdoor plumbing is prepared—frozen pipes can burst, causing significant damage to your home. To winterize exterior faucets, remove and store hoses, shut off outdoor water, drain spigots, close them up, and insulate with covers. While you don't need to fully winterize your indoor plumbing unless your house will be vacant for an extended period of time, you should look for pipes that are uninsulated and in or near unheated spaces and consider applying insulation sleeves or heat tape. Check your furnaceTurn your furnace on and make sure it is working properly. Even if you don't need to heat your home right now, you don't want to scramble to schedule an emergency repair down the line when it's freezing outside. Look for common signs that your unit needs maintenance, such as unusual smells and noises, short cycling, and lack of actual heat. Replace your air filter as well. Inspect and clean your fireplaceYour fireplace or wood stove can provide heat in an emergency. Like your furnace, they need seasonal maintenance to avoid chemical buildup and ensure proper venting, both of which impact your indoor air quality and overall safety. The NFPA recommends annual cleaning, which you can do yourself. However, if it's been awhile since your fireplace was professionally inspected and cleaned, consider scheduling a chimney sweep before you start your first winter fire. You can find one online or ask your local fire department for a recommendation. Stock your snow suppliesIf you get snow in your area, make sure your shovels are accessible and restock your ice melt. If you use a snowblower, give it a thorough inspection, replace any worn or damaged parts, change the oil, top it off with fresh gas, and start it up to make sure it runs. Replenish your emergency kitYou should be prepared for storms during any season with a stock of disaster supplies so you and your family (and pets) can survive without outside aid for a few days if needed. We have a guide to creating an emergency kit if you don't have one already, but you should also check all supplies and replenish anything that has been used or is missing. For winter, be sure you also have sleeping bags, warm blankets, and climate-appropriate changes of clothes and shoes available. View the full article

Small business owners increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) in hopes of boosting productivity and efficiency. However, a recent study by Workday reveals a significant disconnect between the potential of AI and its actual value in many organizations. The research underscores that nearly 40% of time savings gained through AI are often lost due to the need for rework, raising crucial questions about how small businesses can better harness this technology. Key Insights From the Research The report, titled “Beyond Productivity: Measuring the Real Value of AI,” identifies a crucial divide between companies that merely deploy AI and those that actively reinvest the benefits. While 85% of employees report saving one to seven hours per week using AI tools, the flipside is striking: much of that time gets absorbed in correcting errors or verifying outputs from generic AI solutions. Only 14% of employees consistently see positive results from using AI. “Too many AI tools push the hard questions of trust, accuracy, and repeatability back onto individual users,” said Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product and technology at Workday. This sentiment reflects a growing concern among small business owners who may be caught in the cycle of increased productivity without substantial gains in output quality. For small businesses, the implications of this research are profound. Achieving productivity through AI shouldn’t mean merely adopting the technology. Instead, it involves cultivating the skills of employees, modernizing roles, and refining processes. Practical Applications for Small Businesses Implementing AI into daily operations offers significant benefits, such as automating mundane tasks, streamlining workflows, and improving decision-making processes. However, simply utilizing AI without a strategic plan can lead to chaos instead of clarity. Here are some actionable takeaways: Invest in Training: The research found a notable skill gap; while 66% of business leaders prioritize training, only 37% of employees facing high rework received adequate support. Small businesses should prioritize skill development to ensure employees can use AI effectively. Optimize AI Usage: The report highlights that employees who regularly utilize AI carry a heavier burden of verifying outputs. Establishing guidelines for AI use can help employees focus on their strengths, such as creativity and decision-making, rather than becoming bogged down by inaccuracies. Reassess Job Structures: AI can only enhance performance if roles evolve to match its capabilities. Small business owners should assess whether their current job structures allow for the efficient utilization of AI tools. Rethink Workload Distribution: Shockingly, 32% of businesses are using time saved by AI to increase employee workloads rather than nurturing talent. This approach may lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Instead, finding balance through optimized workflow could yield better results. Potential Challenges Despite the evident advantages, small businesses must also navigate several challenges when integrating AI into their operations: Quality Control: The research indicates that a large portion of time saved is lost to rework due to low-quality AI output. Small business owners need to establish quality protocols for reviewing AI-generated content to minimize these losses. Resource Allocation: Many organizations favor reinvesting AI savings into technology rather than employee training. For small businesses, allocating resources efficiently is crucial in building a sustainable growth model that includes human capital development. Employee Resistance: Younger employees, who are often seen as more tech-savvy, spend significant time checking AI outputs. Addressing their concerns and conducting regular feedback sessions can foster a more positive relationship with AI tools. Overall, small business owners stand to gain immensely by strategically leveraging AI. The key lies not only in adopting the technology but also in fostering an environment where employees are empowered, informed, and equipped to use AI effectively. The research underscores an essential lesson: simply having the tools at your disposal is not enough; the value is realized through proactive engagement and thoughtful implementation. By focusing on people, processes, and proper training, small businesses can turn potential pitfalls into stepping stones toward lasting success. For further details, refer to the full report available here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "AI Time Savings Often Wasted on Rework, Study Finds Key Improvement Strategies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Marie Haynes analyzes DOJ trial documents that reveal how Google’s proprietary freshness signals, spam annotations, and user data power its ranking systems. The post User Data Is Important In Google Search, Per Liz Reid’s DOJ Filing appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

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

You may have heard of people—elderly folks in particular—getting a heart attack from shoveling snow. This is a real risk for a lot of people, especially if you are sedentary and have certain health conditions. Here's a breakdown of what’s so dangerous about shoveling, and who's most at risk. Snow shoveling is hard exerciseThe connection between shoveling and cardiac events is real: The American Heart Association cites several studies that found higher rates of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths after snowstorms. Shoveling is hard work, and it can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise far higher than levels that are considered safe for sedentary people with heart conditions. Cold temperatures also seem to make chest pain more likely, possibly because your arteries can constrict in the cold. Who should check with a doctor before shoveling?You may have heard the advice to check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. I have more information on that here: Most people don’t need to check with a doctor, but that depends on your medical history and on whether you intend to do intense exercise. Since snow shoveling is intense exercise, it’s worth taking a look at those guidelines. If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or kidney disease, and are currently not exercising intensely, you should check with a doctor before you start. That’s true whether the intense exercise you want to do is running, Crossfit, or shoveling six inches of snow from your driveway. Pushing a snowblower counts, tooOne surprising thing: The cautions around shoveling snow also apply to using a snowblower. Snowblowing turns out to also be serious exercise, even if, in theory, it should be easier because a machine is doing part of the work. How to reduce your risk of heart attackIn a news release from the American Heart Association, the cardiologist who was the lead author on a paper on risks of exercise recommends that certain people should not do their own shoveling. This includes: People who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty People who have already had a heart attack or stroke Current and former smokers People who have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol People who are sedentary Obviously, advice from an internet article is not the same as medical advice from your doctor, so please defer to actual medical expertise. And if you’re healthy enough that shoveling snow is reasonably safe, you may still want to take a few precautions to make shoveling easier on your body. By the way, even though running a snowblower is hard work, it’s still usually easier on your body than shoveling. And if you need to shovel, pushing a shovel is easier on your body than lifting it repeatedly. I would add that it’s a game changer to shovel multiple times in a single snowstorm. Instead of waiting until you have six inches of snow on the ground, go out when there’s just two inches and it’ll be a breeze. Repeat that process two more times, and you’ll have a clear driveway without ever having to wrestle with ankle-deep snow. Finally, be aware of how your body is feeling as you shovel, and stop if you don’t feel well. Or as the AHA put it: "If you experience chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness or heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms stop the activity immediately. Call 9-1-1 if symptoms don’t subside shortly after snow removal." View the full article

This week’s SEO Pulse breaks down how Gmail-powered AI answers, crawler access decisions, and free subdomains are shaping who gets surfaced in search. The post SEO Pulse: Google’s AI Mode Gets Personal, AI Bots Blocked, Domains Matter in Search appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

This week's PPC Pulse recaps OpenAI’s first ad test inside ChatGPT, Google’s new advertiser podcast, and expanded Demand Gen capabilities. The post PPC Pulse: Google’s Podcast Launch, Demand Gen, ChatGPT Ads appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The President’s shortlived tariffs threat reawakens fears over erratic policymaking that fuelled 2025 slump for US currency View the full article

Generative AI has become a practical tool in search, content, and analytical workflows. But, as adoption increases, so does a familiar and costly problem: confidently incorrect outputs. Also called “hallucinations,” the term implies that an AI model is malfunctioning. But here’s the truth: This behavior is often predictable and results from unclear instructions. Or, more accurately, unclear prompts. For example, prompt AI for a “cookie recipe,” and nothing more. Don’t offer details about allergies, preferences, or constraints. The result might be Christmas cookies in July, a peanut-packed option, or a recipe so bland and basic as to be unworthy of the name “sweet treat.” This lack of detail can lead to misaligned outputs. It’s best to expect a model to misbehave and preempt this by creating explicit guardrails. This can be done effectively with rubrics. We’ll examine how rubric-based prompting works, why it improves factual reliability, and how you can apply it to AIs to produce more trustworthy results. Fluency vs. restraint: Which is better? When AI is asked to produce complete, polished answers without specific instructions on how to handle uncertain information or missing data, it often prioritizes fluency over restraint. That is, continuing the response smoothly (fluency) rather than pausing, qualifying, or declining to answer when information is missing (restraint). This is the moment AI “makes stuff up” – because uncertainty was not established as a stopping point. The consequences can be financially costly and can also harm reputation, efficiency, and trust. Professional service firm Deloitte was required to repay 440,000 Australian dollars after errors in an AI-assisted government report were found to include fabricated citations and a misattributed court quote, as reported by the Associated Press in late 2025. One academic reviewer noted that it: “Misquoted a court case then made up a quotation from a judge… misstating the law to the Australian government in a report that they rely on.” Should Deloitte have skipped the use of AI? Evaluating data and generating reports is an AI superpower. The lesson here is to keep AI in the workflow, but to constrain it – define, in advance, what a model must do when it doesn’t know something. This is where rubrics enter the fray. The role of rubrics in AI It’s common for users to implement generic safeguards against potential patterns of hallucination, but they often don’t hold up in practice. Why not? Because they usually describe an outcome and not a decision-making process. This leaves the AI model to make inferences when required information isn’t available. This is where rubric-based prompting is essential. A rubric – a scoring guide or set of criteria to evaluate work – can feel like an old-school, academic concept. Think of a grid teachers traditionally used to grade papers, often shared ahead of time so students knew what “good,” “OK,” and “not acceptable” papers looked like. AI rubrics rely on the same structural idea but serve a different purpose. Rather than scoring answers after prompting, they shape decision-making during the response generation process. They do this by defining what an AI model should do when the required criteria cannot be met. By defining explicit criteria, rubrics set clear boundaries, priorities, and even failure behaviors, reducing the risk of hallucination. Writing better prompts is not enough Advice around prompting often focuses on better wording. Typically, this implies being more specific or issuing clearer instructions. It may even mean nudging a model toward a specific format or tone. These are not useless steps, and techniques of this kind can improve surface-level quality. But they will not erase the underlying cause of hallucination. Users frequently prompt AI models with outcomes rather than rules. Prompt phrases like “be accurate,” “cite sources,” or “use only verified information” sound sensible but leave too much space for interpretation. The model will remain stuck deciding substantial details for itself. Long or complex prompts can also create competing goals. A single prompt might demand clarity, completeness, confidence, and speed – conflicting goals that can lead models to default behaviors, causing them to produce fluent and “complete” responses. Without a clear hierarchy of priorities, accuracy may be lost or diminished. Whereas a prompt might be effective at describing tasks, a rubric governs the decision-making process within tasks. AI rubrics do this by switching decision-making from inference to explicit instruction. Dig deeper: Advanced AI prompt engineering strategies for SEO What rubrics do that prompts can’t Prompts focus on tone, format, and level of detail. They frequently fail to address uncertainty. Missing or ambiguous information forces an AI model to decide whether to stop, qualify a response, or infer an answer. Without human guidance, inference usually is the victor. Rubrics cut down on ambiguity through the use of clear decision boundaries. A rubric formally defines what is required, optional, and unacceptable. These criteria supply the model with a concrete framework to evaluate all outputs generated. Identifying priorities explicitly means AI models are less likely to fill in the blanks to maintain fluency. The rubric that clarifies which constraints matter can allow factual accuracy to take precedence over “completeness” or narrative flow. Most importantly, a rubric defines failure behavior, what the model needs to do if success is impossible. Strong rubrics establish that a model can acknowledge missing information, return a partial response, or even decline to answer rather than making up a single word. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Anatomy of an effective AI rubric There is an old adage about “too many chefs spoiling the soup,” and this is the perfect analogy for rubric creation. Effective AI rubrics don’t need to fill pages or show up as heavily detailed queries. In the same way a recipe can be ruined by fussiness or too many competing flavors, so too can a prompt be overdone. Too many details or demands can introduce confusion. Reliable rubrics are those that focus on a small set of enforceable criteria that directly address the risks of hallucination. At a minimum, a well-written rubric should include: Accuracy requirements: Clear rules about what must be supported, what counts as evidence, and whether approximation is unacceptable. Source expectations: Guidance on whether sources must be provided, whether they are to come from supplied materials, or how to handle conflicting information. Uncertainty handling: Explicit instructions for what the model must do when information is unavailable, ambiguous, or incomplete. Confidence/tone constraints: Limitations on tone to prevent speculative answers from being presented with certainty. Failure behavior: Permission and preference for stopping, qualifying, or deferring rather than guessing. How to create a rubric for an AI model A rubric doesn’t make an AI model smarter, it makes its decision-making process more reliable. Here’s an example of a competitive analysis to explain the value of rubrics: A team asks an Al model to explain why their competitors are outperforming them in search results, and what they can do about it. Their prompt is written like this: “Evaluate why [competitor] is outranking us for [specific topic]. Identify the keywords they rank for, the SERP features they win, and recommend changes to our content strategy.” On the surface, this seems reasonable. In practice, it is an invitation for hallucination. The prompt lacks concrete inputs and the model has no constraints. The risk is high that the AI will invent plausible-sounding rankings, features, and strategic conclusions. Writing the rubric In practice, your rubric is included directly within the prompt. It must be clearly separated from the task, which describes what to analyze or generate. The rubric then defines the rules the model must follow to perform its task. This is a critical distinction: prompts ask for outputs, while rubrics govern how that prompt is created. Using the criteria in the section above, the prompt, followed by the rubric, would now read: “Analyze why [competitor] may be outperforming our site for [topic]. Provide insights and recommendations. Do not claim rankings, traffic, or SERP features unless explicitly provided in the prompt. If required data is missing, state what cannot be determined and list the inputs needed. Frame recommendations as conditional when evidence is incomplete. Avoid definitive language without supporting data. If analysis cannot be completed reliably, return a partial response rather than guessing.” When the rubric is incorporated, the model can’t infer. Instead, it treats uncertainty as a constraint. Dig deeper: Proxies for prompts: Emulate how your audience may be looking for you How rubrics and prompts work together As seen in the example above, rubrics don’t replace the prompt. They add to and often come after the prompt. They should be viewed as a stabilizing layer. The prompt is always responsible for defining the task: what is summarized, analyzed, or generated. Rubrics define the rules under which that task is performed. In practice, prompts can vary, while rubrics remain relatively stable across similar types of work, regardless of the topic. Defining sourcing, uncertainty, and failure behavior stays consistent, reducing error rates over time. For many workflows, a rubric can be embedded directly after the prompt. In others, they can be referenced or applied programmatically – for example, through reusable templates, automated checks, or system instructions. The format doesn’t matter, only the clarity of the criteria. Avoid overengineering Despite their effectiveness, rubrics can be easy to misuse. A common mistake users make is overengineering. The rubric that seeks to anticipate every possible scenario often results in an unwieldy, inconsistent one. Another mistake involves adding conflicting criteria without clarifying which takes precedence. Rubrics must be concise, prioritized, and explicit about failure behavior to reduce hallucinations. Use AI rubrics like a pro Prompting like a pro is about anticipating where AI will be forced to guess, then defining and constraining how it operates. Rubrics tell AI models to slow down, qualify, or stop when information is missing. In doing so, rubrics can help you leverage the power of AI for your work and create outputs that are accurate and trustworthy. View the full article

Minnesota continues to be the beating heart of nationwide anti-ICE movements with The Day of Truth and Freedom. Today, January 23, hundreds of businesses across the state are closing their doors in protest after community groups, faith-based organizations and unions came together to call for an “economic blackout.” “Minnesotans are coming together in moral reflection and action to stand together against the actions of the federal government against the state of Minnesota,” a declaration reads on the organizing website, ICE Out of MN. The day-long protest follows a series of tragedies that stem from the Department of Homeland Security’s January 6 deployment of 2,000 officers to Minneapolis. One day later, an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good and, just this past Tuesday, ICE detained five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father in their driveway. The family has an active asylum case and had no order of deportation, yet the father and son are now in a Texas detention center. What is the Day of Truth and Freedom? ICE Out of MN’s statement continues: “The ICE ‘surge’ that cost the life of Renee Nicole Good is violating the Constitutional and human rights of Americans and our neighbors. It is time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in MN, accountability for federal agents who have caused loss of life and abuse to Minnesota residents and call for Congress to immediately intervene.” Participants in the Day of Truth and Freedom have four demands: ICE must leave Minnesota now. The officer who killed Renee Good must be held legally accountable. No additional federal funding for ICE in the upcoming Congressional budget and ICE should be investigated for human and Constitutional violations of Americans and our neighbors. We call upon Minnesota and National Companies to become 4th Amendment businesses, cease economic relations with ICE and refuse ICE entry or using their property for staging grounds. Minnesota-based publication, Bring Me The News, has an ever-evolving list of all the businesses—from bookstores to cafes—that are closed on Friday. It also includes businesses that will remain open but are taking action, such as donating some or all of their profits to organizations like the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and the recently launched Immigrant Rapid Response Fund. How individuals are participating in the Minnesota economic blackout Organizers are further calling for individuals living in Minnesota to not work (unless involved in emergency services), go to school, or do any shopping for the day, instead focusing on “community, conscience, and collective action.” The Day of Truth and Freedom also includes a march at 2PM CT from the Commons downtown and a 3PM CT rally at the Target Center. Interested participants can reserve a free rally ticket on the ICE Out of MN website. Anyone who lives outside of Minnesota can take part in solidarity through a scheduled event or organizing one. The ICE Out for Good website hosts a growing database of events taking place, provides a space to create an event, and has an event planning toolkit. ICE Out for Good also encourages individuals to push businesses to speak out against ICE, such as Minneapolis-based Target, Delta, Home Depot, and more. It offers links to contact these businesses, alongside ones to reach members of Congress. Organizations that support anti-ICE activism The Day of Truth and Freedom movement isn’t specifically asking for donations, but anyone who is included to support the cause can donate to organizations such as: Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Immigrant Rapid Response Fund National Immigrant Justice Center American Civil Liberties Union Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee Organized Communities Against Deportations Amica Center for Immigrant Rights View the full article

In a hypothetical nuclear war involving Russia, China and the United States, the island of Greenland would be in the middle of Armageddon. The strategic importance of the Arctic territory — under the flight paths that nuclear-armed missiles from China and Russia could take on their way to incinerating targets in the United States, and vice versa — is one of the reasons U.S. President Donald The President has cited in his disruptive campaign to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark, alarming Greenlanders and longtime allies in Europe alike. The President has argued that U.S. ownership of Greenland is vital for his “Golden Dome” — a multibillion dollar missile defense system that he says will be operational before his term ends in 2029. “Because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important,” The President said in a Truth Social post on Saturday. That ushered in another roller-coaster week involving the semiautonomous Danish territory, where The President again pushed for U.S. ownership before seemingly backing off, announcing Wednesday the “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security that’s unlikely to be the final word. Here’s a closer look at Greenland’s position at a crossroads for nuclear defense. ICBM flight paths Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, or ICBMs, that nuclear adversaries would fire at each other — if it ever came to that — tend to take the shortest direct route, on a ballistic trajectory into space and down again, from their silos or launchers to targets. The shortest flight paths from China or Russia to the United States — and the other way — would take many of them over the Arctic region. Russian Topol-M missiles fired, for example, from the Tatishchevo silo complex southeast of Moscow would fly high over Greenland, if targeted at the U.S. ICBM force of 400 Minuteman III missiles, housed at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and the Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Chinese Dong Feng-31 missiles, if fired from new silo fields that the U.S. Defense Department says have been built in China, also could overfly Greenland should they be targeted at the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. “If there is a war, much of the action will take place on that piece of ice. Think of it: those missiles would be flying right over the center,” The President said Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Pituffik Space Base An array of farseeing early warning radars act as the Pentagon’s eyes against any missile attack. The northernmost of them is in Greenland, at the Pituffik Space Base. Pronounced “bee-doo-FEEK,” it used to be called Thule Air Base, but was renamed in 2023 using the remote location’s Greenlandic name, recognizing the Indigenous community that was forcibly displaced by the U.S. outpost’s construction in 1951. Its location above the Arctic Circle, and roughly halfway between Washington and Moscow, enables it to peer with its radar over the Arctic region, into Russia and at potential flight paths of U.S.-targeted Chinese missiles. “That gives the United States more time to think about what to do,” said Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based analyst who specializes in Russia’s nuclear arsenal. “Greenland is a good location for that.” The two-sided, solid-state AN/FPS-132 radar is designed to quickly detect and track ballistic missile launches, including from submarines, to help inform the U.S. commander in chief’s response and provide data for interceptors to try and destroy warheads. The radar beams out for nearly 5,550 kilometers (3,450 miles) in a 240-degree arc and, even at its furthest range, can detect objects no larger than a small car, the U.S. Air Force says. Expert sees holes in The President’s arguments Pitching the “Golden Dome” in Davos, The President said that the U.S. needs ownership of Greenland to defend it. “You can’t defend it on a lease,” he said. But defense specialists struggle to comprehend that logic given that the U.S. has operated at Pituffik for decades without owning Greenland. French nuclear defense specialist Etienne Marcuz points out that The President has never spoken of also needing to take control of the United Kingdom — even though it, like Greenland, also plays an important role in U.S. missile defense. An early warning radar operated by the U.K.’s Royal Air Force at Fylingdales, in northern England, serves both the U.K. and U.S governments, scanning for missiles from Russia and elsewhere and northward to the polar region. The unit’s motto is “Vigilamus” — Latin for “We are watching.” The President’s envisioned multilayered “Golden Dome” could include space-based sensors to detect missiles. They could reduce the U.S. need for its Greenland-based radar station, said Marcuz, a former nuclear defense worker for France’s Defense Ministry, now with the Foundation for Strategic Research think tank in Paris. “The President’s argument that Greenland is vital for the Golden Dome — and therefore that it has to be invaded, well, acquired — is false for several reasons,” Marcuz said. “One of them is that there is, for example, a radar in the United Kingdom, and to my knowledge there is no question of invading the U.K. And, above all, there are new sensors that are already being tested, in the process of being deployed, which will in fact reduce Greenland’s importance.” ‘Golden Dome’ interceptors Because of its location, Greenland could be a useful place to station “Golden Dome” interceptors to try to destroy warheads before they reach the continental U.S. The “highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency … if this Land is included in it,” The President wrote in his post last weekend. But the U.S. already has access to Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement. Before The President ratcheted up the heat on the territory and Denmark, its owner, their governments likely would have readily accepted any American military request for an expanded footprint there, experts say. It used to have multiple bases and installations, but later abandoned them, leaving just Pituffik. “Denmark was the most compliant ally of the United States,” Marcuz said. “Now, it’s very different. I don’t know whether authorization would be granted, but in any case, before, the answer was ‘Yes.'” —John Leicester, Associated Press View the full article

To boost customer service satisfaction, it’s vital to adopt proven strategies that address key areas of the customer experience. Start by comprehending your customer path to pinpoint pain points, and actively listen to customer feedback to create meaningful change. Implement proactive multi-channel support and personalize user experiences based on preferences. Measuring customer satisfaction through NPS and CSAT scores is important, as is following up after purchases. Each of these steps can greatly improve your service approach, but there’s more to explore. Key Takeaways Map the customer journey to identify friction points and enhance service satisfaction through seamless interactions across all touchpoints. Actively listen to customer feedback and implement changes to improve experiences, increasing satisfaction scores by 10-20%. Personalize user experiences based on individual preferences to foster loyalty and boost engagement, leading to higher conversion rates. Provide proactive multi-channel support and follow-ups to address inquiries promptly and enhance customer loyalty by 20%. Regularly measure customer satisfaction using NPS and CSAT to identify trends and make informed improvements. Understand Your Customer Journey—Firsthand To truly improve customer service satisfaction, it’s important to understand your customer experience firsthand. Start by exploring your website anonymously. This allows you to experience the customer path as they would, helping you identify user actions and potential friction points. Utilize tools like Session Replay to gain insights into customer interactions, revealing areas of frustration that need addressing. Mapping the customer path is key as it highlights significant engagement areas and stages of interaction. This process helps you pinpoint pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately enabling better customer service satisfaction. Ensuring consistency across all touchpoints is essential for creating a seamless experience. When customers feel that their path is smooth and cohesive, you’re more likely to nurture a satisfied customer. Listen to Your Customers Listening to your customers is crucial for improving satisfaction and loyalty. By conducting direct user interviews, you can gain valuable insights into their experiences and expectations. Moreover, utilizing social media monitoring and real-time feedback widgets helps you capture immediate reactions, allowing you to address concerns quickly and effectively. Direct User Interviews Conducting direct user interviews is a powerful method for gathering in-depth feedback on customer experiences and satisfaction. By engaging with your customers, you can uncover valuable insights into their pain points and preferences, ultimately enhancing client satisfaction. This interaction cultivates a sense of value, making customers feel heard and appreciated, which can greatly boost loyalty and retention. Regularly implementing interviews allows you to track changes in customer sentiment over time, enabling you to make proactive adjustments to your services or products. Additionally, analyzing qualitative data from these interviews can reveal specific issues that quantitative surveys might miss, leading to targeted improvements in customer service. These insights are vital ways to increase customer satisfaction and guarantee your offerings align with customer needs. Social Media Monitoring As social media continues to shape how businesses interact with customers, monitoring these platforms has become essential for comprehending and responding to customer sentiments. Engaging on social media can greatly raise customer satisfaction and retention, as customers feel valued and heard. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of social media monitoring: Benefit Impact Trust in Online Reviews 88% trust reviews as recommendations Increase in Retention Rates 20-40% increase Improvement in Satisfaction 70% increase with timely responses Real-Time Feedback Widgets Customer feedback is crucial for any business looking to improve satisfaction and loyalty. Real-time feedback widgets enable you to gather immediate insights from customers about their experiences, allowing you to address issues as they arise. Placing these widgets on key conversion pages captures user opinions during critical moments, resulting in actionable insights that improve the customer experience. Research shows that 70% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that actively seek their feedback through quick, easy channels. Moreover, utilizing feedback widgets can boost response rates by up to 40% compared to traditional surveys. By analyzing the data from these widgets, you can quickly identify trends and areas for improvement, eventually driving customer satisfaction and retention. Offer Proactive Multi-Channel Customer Support To improve customer satisfaction, it’s crucial to offer proactive multi-channel support options. Real-time assistance tools like live chat or chatbots can address inquiries immediately, whereas seamless integration across channels guarantees customers receive consistent help, whether they reach out via email, phone, or social media. Multi-Channel Support Options Offering multi-channel support options is essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience. By providing various communication methods like live chat, email, and phone, you allow customers to choose what works best for them. Companies that integrate support across multiple platforms can see a 15% boost in satisfaction scores, thanks to seamless shifts between channels. Proactively addressing potential issues and offering updates can reduce inquiries by up to 30%, making your support more efficient. Training your staff to manage inquiries across these channels guarantees consistent, high-quality service, which can lead to a 20% increase in customer retention rates. Furthermore, implementing chatbots can handle up to 80% of common queries, considerably improving response times and overall customer satisfaction. Real-Time Assistance Tools Real-time assistance tools play an important role in enhancing customer support by ensuring immediate access to help when it’s needed most. Implementing live chat or chatbots on your website allows customers to receive quick answers, which reduces wait times and boosts satisfaction. Offering support through various channels—like email, phone, and social media—lets customers reach you in their preferred way, enhancing engagement. It’s vital to train your support staff to handle inquiries effectively across these channels, building trust in your brand. Furthermore, creating a thorough help center with FAQs empowers customers to find answers independently, reducing the need for direct contact. Utilization of technology to track interactions across channels leads to quicker resolutions and improved service quality. Seamless Integration Across Channels How can businesses guarantee they’re meeting customer needs effectively? Offering proactive multi-channel customer support is crucial. By allowing customers to reach out through their preferred channels—like live chat, email, or phone—you can achieve a 24% increase in satisfaction. Centralizing your support channels not only guarantees consistent service but likewise reduces response times by up to 50%. Training your staff to engage across various platforms cultivates a unified approach, boosting first contact resolution rates by 30%. Furthermore, proactively addressing potential issues with timely updates can decrease customer frustration by 40%. Utilizing technology, such as chatbots, provides immediate assistance and improves engagement by 70% during peak times, making support more efficient and effective. Act on Customer Feedback Acting on customer feedback is essential for any business aiming to improve its service and cultivate loyalty. About 70% of customers expect companies to respond to their suggestions, indicating that responsiveness can greatly improve satisfaction. When businesses implement changes based on this feedback, they often see customer satisfaction scores increase by 10% to 20%. In addition, regularly reviewing and addressing feedback can reduce churn rates by up to 15%, as customers feel valued when their concerns are acknowledged. Transparency is key; 87% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that listens and acts on their input. Moreover, utilizing structured follow-up processes after addressing feedback boosts the chances of repeat business by 25%. Personalize Your User Experience Personalizing your user experience can greatly improve customer satisfaction, as it customizes interactions to individual preferences. Research shows that personalized experiences can lead to a 20% increase in conversion rates, making it crucial for your strategy. Here are three effective ways to personalize your approach: Use Customer Data: Leverage data to create dynamic content that resonates with users, resulting in a 10% uplift in sales through personalized recommendations. Automate Personalized Messaging: Implement automation tools to send customized messages based on user behavior, greatly improving retention since 80% of consumers prefer personalized experiences. Develop an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP): Target communications effectively with an ICP, achieving a 50% higher engagement rate in customized marketing campaigns. Leverage NPS and CSAT Scores Measuring customer satisfaction through Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is essential for comprehending your customers’ experiences and loyalty. NPS evaluates customer loyalty by asking how likely customers are to recommend your company, with scores ranging from -100 to +100. This metric helps you gauge overall satisfaction. Conversely, CSAT measures immediate contentment with specific interactions, typically on a scale of 1 to 5. By regularly tracking these scores, you can identify trends over time and respond proactively to any declines in satisfaction. Companies that effectively leverage NPS data often experience a 25% increase in customer retention rates, as loyal customers are more likely to advocate for your brand. Furthermore, analyzing CSAT alongside NPS offers deeper insights into the customer experience, enabling you to pinpoint specific touchpoints needing improvement, ultimately enhancing overall satisfaction and refining your customer experience strategy. Follow up With Your Customers Following up with your customers after a purchase is a crucial strategy for enhancing their satisfaction and nurturing loyalty. This simple act can greatly impact your brand’s reputation and customer retention. Here are three key reasons to implement a follow-up strategy: Boost Customer Satisfaction: Following up can increase satisfaction by 70%, demonstrating your commitment to their experience and reinforcing the product’s value. Build Loyalty: Personalized communications can convert customers into loyal advocates, with 80% appreciating brands that reach out post-purchase. Gather Feedback: A structured follow-up can lead to a 20% increase in retention rates, as 90% of customers prefer brands that actively seek their opinions. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are consistency, communication, and convenience. Consistency means you provide reliable service and quality every time, building trust with your customers. Communication involves listening to feedback, responding quickly, and keeping customers informed, which improves their experience. Finally, convenience focuses on making the customer path as easy as possible, whether it’s accessing support or making purchases. Prioritizing these elements can lead to improved overall satisfaction and loyalty. What Is the 10 to 10 Rule in Customer Service? The 10 to 10 Rule in customer service states that you should respond to urgent inquiries within 10 minutes and non-urgent requests within 10 hours. This approach helps set clear expectations, making customers feel valued and prioritized. By adhering to this rule, you’ll likely reduce frustration and improve satisfaction levels. Timely responses likewise improve your brand’s reputation, leading to positive word-of-mouth and improved online reviews, finally nurturing customer loyalty. How Do You Increase Customer Satisfaction? To increase customer satisfaction, you should actively seek feedback through surveys and direct communication, ensuring customers feel valued. Personalizing their experience based on data can greatly improve engagement. Furthermore, offering proactive support across multiple channels, like live chat, can address inquiries quickly. Training your staff in empathy and effective problem-solving is essential, as it helps customers feel understood. Regular follow-ups after interactions likewise reinforce relationships and demonstrate your commitment to their needs. How to Achieve 100% Customer Satisfaction? To achieve 100% customer satisfaction, you should actively seek feedback through surveys and direct communication. Follow up post-purchase to reinforce relationships, showing customers you value their input. Offer proactive multi-channel support, ensuring timely responses to inquiries to minimize frustration. Personalize interactions based on customer data, making them feel valued. Regularly train your staff on empathy and problem resolution to effectively address concerns, leading to improved satisfaction levels among your customers. Conclusion Incorporating these seven strategies can greatly enhance your customer service satisfaction. By comprehending the customer experience and actively listening to feedback, you can pinpoint areas for improvement. Providing personalized experiences and proactive multi-channel support guarantees customers feel valued. Regularly measuring satisfaction through NPS and CSAT helps track progress, whereas consistent staff training maintains quality service. Finally, following up post-purchase reinforces relationships and builds loyalty. Implementing these practices can lead to long-term customer satisfaction and retention. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Service Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To boost customer service satisfaction, it’s vital to adopt proven strategies that address key areas of the customer experience. Start by comprehending your customer path to pinpoint pain points, and actively listen to customer feedback to create meaningful change. Implement proactive multi-channel support and personalize user experiences based on preferences. Measuring customer satisfaction through NPS and CSAT scores is important, as is following up after purchases. Each of these steps can greatly improve your service approach, but there’s more to explore. Key Takeaways Map the customer journey to identify friction points and enhance service satisfaction through seamless interactions across all touchpoints. Actively listen to customer feedback and implement changes to improve experiences, increasing satisfaction scores by 10-20%. Personalize user experiences based on individual preferences to foster loyalty and boost engagement, leading to higher conversion rates. Provide proactive multi-channel support and follow-ups to address inquiries promptly and enhance customer loyalty by 20%. Regularly measure customer satisfaction using NPS and CSAT to identify trends and make informed improvements. Understand Your Customer Journey—Firsthand To truly improve customer service satisfaction, it’s important to understand your customer experience firsthand. Start by exploring your website anonymously. This allows you to experience the customer path as they would, helping you identify user actions and potential friction points. Utilize tools like Session Replay to gain insights into customer interactions, revealing areas of frustration that need addressing. Mapping the customer path is key as it highlights significant engagement areas and stages of interaction. This process helps you pinpoint pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately enabling better customer service satisfaction. Ensuring consistency across all touchpoints is essential for creating a seamless experience. When customers feel that their path is smooth and cohesive, you’re more likely to nurture a satisfied customer. Listen to Your Customers Listening to your customers is crucial for improving satisfaction and loyalty. By conducting direct user interviews, you can gain valuable insights into their experiences and expectations. Moreover, utilizing social media monitoring and real-time feedback widgets helps you capture immediate reactions, allowing you to address concerns quickly and effectively. Direct User Interviews Conducting direct user interviews is a powerful method for gathering in-depth feedback on customer experiences and satisfaction. By engaging with your customers, you can uncover valuable insights into their pain points and preferences, ultimately enhancing client satisfaction. This interaction cultivates a sense of value, making customers feel heard and appreciated, which can greatly boost loyalty and retention. Regularly implementing interviews allows you to track changes in customer sentiment over time, enabling you to make proactive adjustments to your services or products. Additionally, analyzing qualitative data from these interviews can reveal specific issues that quantitative surveys might miss, leading to targeted improvements in customer service. These insights are vital ways to increase customer satisfaction and guarantee your offerings align with customer needs. Social Media Monitoring As social media continues to shape how businesses interact with customers, monitoring these platforms has become essential for comprehending and responding to customer sentiments. Engaging on social media can greatly raise customer satisfaction and retention, as customers feel valued and heard. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of social media monitoring: Benefit Impact Trust in Online Reviews 88% trust reviews as recommendations Increase in Retention Rates 20-40% increase Improvement in Satisfaction 70% increase with timely responses Real-Time Feedback Widgets Customer feedback is crucial for any business looking to improve satisfaction and loyalty. Real-time feedback widgets enable you to gather immediate insights from customers about their experiences, allowing you to address issues as they arise. Placing these widgets on key conversion pages captures user opinions during critical moments, resulting in actionable insights that improve the customer experience. Research shows that 70% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that actively seek their feedback through quick, easy channels. Moreover, utilizing feedback widgets can boost response rates by up to 40% compared to traditional surveys. By analyzing the data from these widgets, you can quickly identify trends and areas for improvement, eventually driving customer satisfaction and retention. Offer Proactive Multi-Channel Customer Support To improve customer satisfaction, it’s crucial to offer proactive multi-channel support options. Real-time assistance tools like live chat or chatbots can address inquiries immediately, whereas seamless integration across channels guarantees customers receive consistent help, whether they reach out via email, phone, or social media. Multi-Channel Support Options Offering multi-channel support options is essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience. By providing various communication methods like live chat, email, and phone, you allow customers to choose what works best for them. Companies that integrate support across multiple platforms can see a 15% boost in satisfaction scores, thanks to seamless shifts between channels. Proactively addressing potential issues and offering updates can reduce inquiries by up to 30%, making your support more efficient. Training your staff to manage inquiries across these channels guarantees consistent, high-quality service, which can lead to a 20% increase in customer retention rates. Furthermore, implementing chatbots can handle up to 80% of common queries, considerably improving response times and overall customer satisfaction. Real-Time Assistance Tools Real-time assistance tools play an important role in enhancing customer support by ensuring immediate access to help when it’s needed most. Implementing live chat or chatbots on your website allows customers to receive quick answers, which reduces wait times and boosts satisfaction. Offering support through various channels—like email, phone, and social media—lets customers reach you in their preferred way, enhancing engagement. It’s vital to train your support staff to handle inquiries effectively across these channels, building trust in your brand. Furthermore, creating a thorough help center with FAQs empowers customers to find answers independently, reducing the need for direct contact. Utilization of technology to track interactions across channels leads to quicker resolutions and improved service quality. Seamless Integration Across Channels How can businesses guarantee they’re meeting customer needs effectively? Offering proactive multi-channel customer support is crucial. By allowing customers to reach out through their preferred channels—like live chat, email, or phone—you can achieve a 24% increase in satisfaction. Centralizing your support channels not only guarantees consistent service but likewise reduces response times by up to 50%. Training your staff to engage across various platforms cultivates a unified approach, boosting first contact resolution rates by 30%. Furthermore, proactively addressing potential issues with timely updates can decrease customer frustration by 40%. Utilizing technology, such as chatbots, provides immediate assistance and improves engagement by 70% during peak times, making support more efficient and effective. Act on Customer Feedback Acting on customer feedback is essential for any business aiming to improve its service and cultivate loyalty. About 70% of customers expect companies to respond to their suggestions, indicating that responsiveness can greatly improve satisfaction. When businesses implement changes based on this feedback, they often see customer satisfaction scores increase by 10% to 20%. In addition, regularly reviewing and addressing feedback can reduce churn rates by up to 15%, as customers feel valued when their concerns are acknowledged. Transparency is key; 87% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that listens and acts on their input. Moreover, utilizing structured follow-up processes after addressing feedback boosts the chances of repeat business by 25%. Personalize Your User Experience Personalizing your user experience can greatly improve customer satisfaction, as it customizes interactions to individual preferences. Research shows that personalized experiences can lead to a 20% increase in conversion rates, making it crucial for your strategy. Here are three effective ways to personalize your approach: Use Customer Data: Leverage data to create dynamic content that resonates with users, resulting in a 10% uplift in sales through personalized recommendations. Automate Personalized Messaging: Implement automation tools to send customized messages based on user behavior, greatly improving retention since 80% of consumers prefer personalized experiences. Develop an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP): Target communications effectively with an ICP, achieving a 50% higher engagement rate in customized marketing campaigns. Leverage NPS and CSAT Scores Measuring customer satisfaction through Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is essential for comprehending your customers’ experiences and loyalty. NPS evaluates customer loyalty by asking how likely customers are to recommend your company, with scores ranging from -100 to +100. This metric helps you gauge overall satisfaction. Conversely, CSAT measures immediate contentment with specific interactions, typically on a scale of 1 to 5. By regularly tracking these scores, you can identify trends over time and respond proactively to any declines in satisfaction. Companies that effectively leverage NPS data often experience a 25% increase in customer retention rates, as loyal customers are more likely to advocate for your brand. Furthermore, analyzing CSAT alongside NPS offers deeper insights into the customer experience, enabling you to pinpoint specific touchpoints needing improvement, ultimately enhancing overall satisfaction and refining your customer experience strategy. Follow up With Your Customers Following up with your customers after a purchase is a crucial strategy for enhancing their satisfaction and nurturing loyalty. This simple act can greatly impact your brand’s reputation and customer retention. Here are three key reasons to implement a follow-up strategy: Boost Customer Satisfaction: Following up can increase satisfaction by 70%, demonstrating your commitment to their experience and reinforcing the product’s value. Build Loyalty: Personalized communications can convert customers into loyal advocates, with 80% appreciating brands that reach out post-purchase. Gather Feedback: A structured follow-up can lead to a 20% increase in retention rates, as 90% of customers prefer brands that actively seek their opinions. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are consistency, communication, and convenience. Consistency means you provide reliable service and quality every time, building trust with your customers. Communication involves listening to feedback, responding quickly, and keeping customers informed, which improves their experience. Finally, convenience focuses on making the customer path as easy as possible, whether it’s accessing support or making purchases. Prioritizing these elements can lead to improved overall satisfaction and loyalty. What Is the 10 to 10 Rule in Customer Service? The 10 to 10 Rule in customer service states that you should respond to urgent inquiries within 10 minutes and non-urgent requests within 10 hours. This approach helps set clear expectations, making customers feel valued and prioritized. By adhering to this rule, you’ll likely reduce frustration and improve satisfaction levels. Timely responses likewise improve your brand’s reputation, leading to positive word-of-mouth and improved online reviews, finally nurturing customer loyalty. How Do You Increase Customer Satisfaction? To increase customer satisfaction, you should actively seek feedback through surveys and direct communication, ensuring customers feel valued. Personalizing their experience based on data can greatly improve engagement. Furthermore, offering proactive support across multiple channels, like live chat, can address inquiries quickly. Training your staff in empathy and effective problem-solving is essential, as it helps customers feel understood. Regular follow-ups after interactions likewise reinforce relationships and demonstrate your commitment to their needs. How to Achieve 100% Customer Satisfaction? To achieve 100% customer satisfaction, you should actively seek feedback through surveys and direct communication. Follow up post-purchase to reinforce relationships, showing customers you value their input. Offer proactive multi-channel support, ensuring timely responses to inquiries to minimize frustration. Personalize interactions based on customer data, making them feel valued. Regularly train your staff on empathy and problem resolution to effectively address concerns, leading to improved satisfaction levels among your customers. Conclusion Incorporating these seven strategies can greatly enhance your customer service satisfaction. By comprehending the customer experience and actively listening to feedback, you can pinpoint areas for improvement. Providing personalized experiences and proactive multi-channel support guarantees customers feel valued. Regularly measuring satisfaction through NPS and CSAT helps track progress, whereas consistent staff training maintains quality service. Finally, following up post-purchase reinforces relationships and builds loyalty. Implementing these practices can lead to long-term customer satisfaction and retention. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Service Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Sony ULT Field 3 is part of Sony’s newer ULT lineup from 2025, alongside the larger ULT Field 5 and the ULT Tower 9. This is the smallest and most portable of the three, clearly aimed at people who want something tough, loud, and easy to carry. Right now, Woot is selling a refurbished unit for $99.99, with free shipping for Prime members and a $6 fee for everyone else. As a “Grade A” refurbed unit, it’s been inspected, tested, and guaranteed to work like new, with cosmetic wear that isn’t noticeable from arm’s length. It also comes with a one-year eReplacements limited warranty. The same speaker has been sitting at $125 on Amazon, and price trackers show it hasn’t gone lower there, so this is a genuine drop rather than a recycled deal. Sony ULT Field 3 Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker $99.99 at Woot $125.00 Save $25.01 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Woot $125.00 Save $25.01 In actual use, the ULT Field 3 leans hard into bass. Sony squeezed a real woofer into a body that’s still backpack-friendly, and you can feel that low-end emphasis even at moderate volume. Turning on ULT mode pushes the bass further, which works well outdoors or in larger rooms, but it’s not subtle. Vocals can take a slight back seat if you don’t tweak the sound. Speaking of, the seven-band EQ in Sony’s Sound Connect app helps dial things in, especially if you want a flatter profile for podcasts or background music. The speaker is rated IP67, so it can handle dust, water, and the occasional drop without much worry, notes this PCMag review. It also supports Party Connect, letting you link it with other compatible Sony speakers for wider coverage. Battery life is another strong point, with up to 24 hours of playback when you’re not pushing the volume too hard. At full volume, that drops closer to five hours, which is expected given the bass output. Fast charging helps: A 10-minute charge reportedly gives you about two hours of listening, which is useful when you forget to plug it in. It’s not the most balanced-sounding speaker for critical listening, and the app extras like DJ effects might feel gimmicky for some. But for portability, durability, and long battery life at this price, it’s a solid option if bass-forward sound fits your needs. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

US president’s comments condemned by prime minister’s spokesperson in latest sign of strain between alliesView the full article

Shares in Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) are plunging in pre-market trading this morning. The stock price fall comes after the chipmaker reported its Q4 2025 earnings after the closing bell yesterday. But it’s Intel’s forecast, rather than its latest results, that seems to be driving the stock price’s fall. Here’s what you need to know. Intel reports Q4 earnings Yesterday, Intel reported its Q4 2025 and full fiscal 2025 results. For its full fiscal 2025, the company reported $52.9 billion in revenue. That compares with the $53.1 billion in revenue the company brought in during its fiscal 2024. But what investors were mainly interested in were the company’s Q4 2025 results and its Q1 2026 forecast—the quarter Intel is now operating in. For Intel’s Q4 2025, the company reported revenue of $13.7 billion. That was down about 4% from the $14.3 billion the company reported in the same quarter a year earlier. The company’s Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were 15 cents. That was an increase from the 13 cents Non-GAAP EPS the company achieved in its Q4 a year earlier. As noted by CNBC, Intel’s EPS of 15 cents and revenue of $13.7 billion both beat LSEG estimates, which were 8 cents and $13.4 billion, respectively. However, despite these beats, Intel shares fell sharply, with the stock down more than 13% in pre-market trading as of the time of this writing. Intel unable to meet AI data center demand There are two primary reasons for Intel’s pre-market share price plunge this morning. The first is its Q1 revenue and adjusted EPS forecast. The company said it expects revenue during its first quarter to reach between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion. It said its adjusted EPS is expected to come in flat. As CNBC notes, Intel’s Q1 revenue forecast range is mostly below the $12.51 billion analysts were expecting. The company’s adjusted EPS of 0 cents is also below the 5 cents analysts were expecting. But what has spooked investors the most is the comments Intel made about the demand for its server chips that are used in AI data centers. The good news is that the demand for these chips is extraordinarily high. The bad news, Intel announced, is that the company is unable to meet this demand. As Reuters notes, Intel decides years ahead of time on its manufacturing output, and the company was caught off guard by the AI data center boom. That means Intel is essentially leaving money on the table because it is unable to supply all the chips its customers are demanding. If there’s a bright side to Intel’s forecast, it’s that the company expects its Q1 supply to be at the lowest level, before improving in Q2 and later. INTC stock plunges after earnings After Intel’s disappointing Q1 forecast, shares in the company sank after hours yesterday and remain highly depressed as of the time of this writing. Currently, INTC shares are down more than 13.6% in pre-market trading to $46.92 per share. Yet while investors are clearly disappointed in Intel’s Q1 forecast and the company’s current inability to meet customer demand, it’s still worth noting that Intel shares have had a terrific run as of late. As of yesterday’s close, before today’s pre-market price drop, INTC shares have seen their price surge by a staggering 47% since the year began. Over the past twelve months, INTC shares have jumped more than 148% as of yesterday’s close. What investors will be looking for now is signs that Intel can boost its manufacturing capacity to meet customer demand and thus fully take advantage of the AI boom engulfing the economy. View the full article

This week, we covered the doubly heated Google Search ranking volatility, but nothing was confirmed by Google. OpenAI will soon test ads in ChatGPT responses and they will charge on an impression basis...View the full article