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Intuit announced Wednesday that it has signed an agreement to acquire GoCo, a provider of modern human resources and benefits solutions for small and mid-market businesses. The acquisition is aimed at transforming Intuit’s payroll offerings into a more comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) solution. Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, says the integration of GoCo’s capabilities will enable businesses to manage their finances and the entire employee lifecycle in one place. Initially, GoCo’s features will be integrated into the Intuit Enterprise Suite and QuickBooks Payroll for Premium and Elite Payroll customers in the U.S. “As businesses scale, they need to be able to find, onboard, and retain the right talent, offer and manage benefits, and stay compliant, while maintaining a single source of truth for all employee information,” said Olivier Bartholot, Vice President and Segment Leader of Workforce Solutions at Intuit. “GoCo brings world-class HR and benefits capabilities to our existing product portfolio. Together, we will deliver a comprehensive HCM solution to help small and mid-market businesses manage their teams, optimize productivity, and grow faster.” GoCo, founded in 2015, provides services including hiring and onboarding, workforce and talent management, and benefits administration. The company’s AI tools are designed to complement Intuit’s existing data resources and AI-driven capabilities. According to the announcement, GoCo’s tools will support personalized insights and automation through integration with Intuit’s AI-powered platforms. Intuit Enterprise Suite, which launched in 2024, is described as a configurable suite of integrated financial tools designed to support the scalability and productivity of growing mid-market businesses. QuickBooks Payroll, which currently processes payments for 18 million workers annually in the U.S., will also incorporate GoCo’s functionalities. “For more than a decade, GoCo has been driven by its mission to help mid-market businesses spend less time on HR tasks so they can focus on growing happier, more productive teams,” said Nir Leibovich, Co-Founder & CEO of GoCo. “We’re excited to join Intuit to support its vision to become the only team-management platform a business needs to grow and manage its team.” The acquisition supports Intuit’s strategy to expand its service offerings for mid-market businesses and create a unified platform that combines financial and workforce management capabilities. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. This article, "Intuit to Acquire HR Platform GoCo to Expand HCM Offerings" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wix has launched an AI-powered adaptive content application that enables website owners to personalize site experiences in real-time based on visitor characteristics and user-defined instructions. The application dynamically generates content tailored to individual site visitors, aiming to enhance engagement and improve user experience. The adaptive content tool uses session details such as a visitor’s device, country, language, or return status to determine how content is presented. Users can input specific instructions to shape the generated messaging, including directing the AI to create sales-oriented or engaging content. This level of customization allows for tailored narratives that adjust to the preferences and context of each visitor. “Website personalization is now essential for delivering the relevant, engaging experiences today’s consumers expect,” said Muly Gelman, Senior Product Manager at Wix Personalize. “This application highlights how we can move beyond using AI to generate website content but leverage AI to dynamically adapt and personalize the live website experience for each visitor in real-time, empowering businesses to connect more effectively with their customers. As a result, businesses can deliver engaging, personalized experiences that resonate with their audience, ultimately driving higher engagement rates and creating greater monetization opportunities.” Custom Logic and Real-Time Simulation The new application is accessible through the Wix Editor and Wix Studio, as well as via the App Market or Dashboard by searching for “adaptive.” Once installed, users can set adaptive logic by choosing from a range of pre-defined function templates. By selecting “Set Conditions,” users open a prompt that allows them to define the rules and parameters that guide how content will adapt based on the defined visitor attributes. The application also includes a simulation feature, allowing users to preview how different text variations will appear to visitors with differing characteristics. This helps users fine-tune their adaptive messaging before publishing it live. Integration with Wix Functions and Automations Wix’s adaptive content application works alongside recently launched tools such as Wix Functions and Wix Automations. These offerings are designed to automate content generation, manage ongoing tasks, and provide real-time website customization. According to Wix, this comprehensive suite eliminates the manual setup typically required by traditional personalization tools, enabling businesses to optimize operations while maintaining site performance. The adaptive content tool is currently available in English and is being gradually rolled out in additional languages. Wix and Wix Studio users globally can now implement real-time personalization to better connect with their site visitors. Image: Wix This article, "Wix Launches AI-Powered Adaptive Content Application to Personalize Website Experiences" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Comprehensive Resources: Dell PartnerDirect provides access to an extensive product portfolio and a user-friendly partner portal for streamlined sales processes and lead generation. Tailored Training Opportunities: The program offers customized training to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques, enabling partners to effectively engage customers and close deals. Financial Incentives: Partners benefit from competitive margins and sales incentives programs, boosting profitability and encouraging strategic revenue management. Robust Marketing Support: Dell provides marketing development funds and collaborative marketing initiatives to help partners execute effective campaigns and improve customer relationships. Technical Support and Services: Access to pre-sales technical support and dedicated account management streamlines operations and enhances the ability to deliver tailored IT solutions to customers. If you’re looking to elevate your business in the tech landscape, partnering with Dell through their PartnerDirect program could be your game-changer. This program offers a wealth of benefits designed to empower you with the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. From exclusive access to innovative products to comprehensive training and support, Dell ensures that you’re not just another partner but a valued ally. By leveraging these advantages, you can enhance your offerings, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth for your business. Let’s dive into the key benefits of Dell PartnerDirect and discover how it can transform your business strategy. Overview of Dell PartnerDirect Dell PartnerDirect offers distinct advantages for small businesses seeking to enhance their sales strategies and improve customer engagement. By partnering with Dell, you gain access to innovative products that align with your business goals and customer needs. This program includes comprehensive training to develop your sales skills, empowering you to effectively manage your sales pipeline and elevate your sales performance. You’ll benefit from robust support that aids in lead generation and customer acquisition. The wide range of resources available allows you to focus on nurturing leads and converting them into loyal customers. Utilizing proven sales tactics, such as cross-selling and upselling, can help you meet your sales targets and maximize profit margins. Additionally, Dell PartnerDirect provides tools for effective territory management and sales forecasting. These tools help you streamline your sales process and optimize your sales funnel. Enhanced product knowledge allows your sales team to confidently conduct product demonstrations, address objections, and implement effective closing techniques. Overall, partnering with Dell enhances your small business’s ability to build strong customer relationships and drive repeat business through referral sales and ongoing customer service. By optimizing your sales approach with Dell’s resources, you position your business for sustained growth and improved revenue. Key Benefits of Dell PartnerDirect Dell PartnerDirect offers significant advantages for your small business, enhancing your market competitiveness through a comprehensive suite of resources and training. Access to Comprehensive Resources Product Portfolio: You gain access to a diverse array of Dell products and solutions, including systems management, data protection, and cloud services. This variety allows you to cater to different customer needs effectively, enhancing your sales strategy. Partner Portal: Utilize the Dell PartnerDirect portal for streamlined online ordering and account management. This one-stop shop simplifies access to product information and sales collateral, aiding in your lead generation efforts and sales pitches. Solution Design and Support: Receive expert-level solution design and pre-sales technical support. These resources empower you to build innovative solutions and improve your sales process, making it easier to close sales and meet sales targets. Enhanced Training Opportunities Tailored Training: You benefit from product training that aligns with your business objectives. Increased product knowledge helps you tackle objections, implement effective closing techniques, and enhance your sales performance. Sales Techniques: Engage in training that covers essential sales tactics, such as prospecting and objection handling. These skills are crucial for refining your sales funnel and boosting revenue. Ongoing Support: PartnerDirect provides continuous access to educational resources that help your sales team stay updated on industry trends and best practices. This ongoing training fosters relationship building, improving customer engagement and retention rates. By leveraging these comprehensive resources and training, you can elevate your business’s performance and achieve sustainable growth. Financial Incentives The Dell Technologies Partner Program offers significant financial incentives designed to enhance your business’s profitability and growth potential. Competitive Margins You benefit from competitive margins through access to Dell’s diverse product portfolio at favorable pricing. Partnering with Dell allows you to secure products that meet customer needs while maintaining healthy profit margins. The tier-based structure—Gold, Platinum, and Titanium—provides greater rebate potential as you advance. For example, Titanium partners receive an additional 2% Storage+ growth incentive and a 1.5% Client growth incentive when meeting quarterly sales targets. This structured approach to pricing enables you to strategically manage your revenue and enhance your sales process. Sales Incentives Programs You can take advantage of various sales incentives programs, which reward your efforts in customer acquisition and relationship building. These programs include rebates and marketing development funds (MDF) that support your lead generation initiatives, creating a robust sales pipeline. Engaging in these programs can significantly improve your sales performance and help you achieve your sales goals. By utilizing specialized training and sales tactics, you can optimize your negotiating strategies and enhance your closing techniques, driving more sales and repeat business. The financial incentives in the Dell Technologies Partner Program empower your small business to thrive in a competitive market. Marketing Support Dell’s PartnerDirect program offers robust marketing support, equipping you with essential tools and resources to successfully enhance your sales strategy. Access sales and marketing tools designed for effective campaign execution, enabling you to build stronger customer relationships. Co-Op Marketing Funds Dell Technologies Partner Program provides market development funds (MDF) to bolster your marketing efforts. Platinum and Titanium tier partners can access these funds, which accrue based on predictable revenue rates. This financial support empowers your small business to fund lead generation campaigns and increase customer acquisition while driving effective sales performance. Collaborative Marketing Initiatives Dell fosters collaborative marketing initiatives that empower your sales team to engage effectively with prospects. Utilize Dell’s demand-generation tools, which include configuration, quoting, and purchasing resources. These tools streamline your sales process, enhancing territory management and optimizing your sales funnel. Additionally, they support sales tactics such as upselling and cross-selling, enhancing conversion rates and boosting your revenue potential. Technical Support and Services The Dell PartnerDirect program offers robust technical support aimed at enhancing your business operations. Access to solution design and pre-sales technical support empowers you to effectively plan and implement IT solutions. This support streamlines your sales process by ensuring your sales team can confidently present tailored solutions to meet customer needs. Product training and enablement facilitates skill development for your team. Dell provides free training opportunities that enhance your technical, sales, and marketing abilities. Engaging in this training helps achieve crucial competencies and positions your business for growth. As you develop product knowledge, your team can craft compelling sales pitches and improve customer engagement. Service provider account management assigns a dedicated account manager to help you navigate service agreements and usage reporting. This personalized support ensures efficient management of administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on business development and relationship building. With streamlined operations, you can allocate more resources toward lead generation, closing sales, and managing your sales pipeline effectively. Leveraging these technical support and service offerings positions your small business for success in a competitive market. By enhancing your sales strategy with expert assistance, you can effectively nurture leads through every stage of the sales cycle, achieving higher conversion rates and maximizing revenue. Conclusion Embracing the Dell PartnerDirect program can truly elevate your business. By leveraging its extensive resources and support, you can enhance your sales strategies and customer engagement. The diverse product portfolio and financial incentives provide a competitive edge that can drive growth and profitability. With tailored training and robust marketing support, you’ll have the tools needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced tech environment. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, the benefits of partnering with Dell are clear. Take the next step to optimize your sales processes and build lasting customer relationships. Your future success awaits. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Dell PartnerDirect program? The Dell PartnerDirect program is a partnership initiative that provides businesses access to innovative products, comprehensive training, and dedicated support. It aims to enhance their capabilities in the tech landscape, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and engagement. How does Dell PartnerDirect benefit small businesses? Small businesses benefit from the Dell PartnerDirect program through improved sales strategies, access to a diverse product portfolio, and robust support for lead generation. This helps partners enhance customer relationships and drive repeat business. What training does Dell offer through PartnerDirect? Dell offers tailored training aligned with business objectives, covering essential sales techniques and industry trends. Partners receive ongoing support to keep their sales teams updated, enhancing their overall effectiveness. Are there financial incentives for Dell partners? Yes, Dell provides financial incentives, including competitive margins, tier-based rebates (Gold, Platinum, Titanium), and growth incentives for advancing partners. These incentives support profitability and growth potential. What marketing support is available for partners? Dell’s PartnerDirect program includes Co-Op Marketing Funds (MDF) for Platinum and Titanium partners, which fund lead generation campaigns. Partners also receive access to collaborative marketing tools, boosting their campaign execution and revenue potential. How does Dell support technical needs for partners? Dell offers solution design and pre-sales technical support to assist partners in planning and implementing IT solutions. Free training and dedicated account management help enhance technical and sales skills for better customer engagement. What tools does the Partner Portal provide? The Partner Portal enables streamlined online ordering and account management. It offers resources for effective territory management, sales forecasting, and access to essential marketing and sales tools for Dell partners. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking Dell PartnerDirect Benefits for Business Growth and Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Klaus Schwab denies whistleblower claims and says he is the victim of ‘character assassination’View the full article

No matter what you've heard, Macs get viruses too. There are a handful of indicators that your Mac may be infected by malware: your computer running slower or working harder than usual (or overheating), apps or programs crashing unexpectedly, or unfamiliar software or processes running on your device. Here's what to do if you suspect a malware infection on your Mac—and how to get rid of it. Disconnect your Mac from the internetAn active internet connection may allow malware to spread across your network to other devices or communicate information to and from bad actors, ultimately making it more challenging to isolate and remove. If you need to download any programs to address a potential infection, such as a malware scanner, do it quickly. Otherwise, cut your device off from the internet, and don't reconnect until you are sure the threat is gone. You should also avoid signing into any accounts that require credentials, as some malware includes keylogging capabilities that steal your passwords. Restart in safe modeWhen you restart in safe mode, your Mac prevents some software from loading and runs a check on your startup disk, allowing you to isolate and address potential issues. The process for entering safe mode depends on whether you have an Intel-based Mac or a Mac with Apple silicon. If you aren't sure what you're running, click on the Apple in the top left of your screen, then choose About This Mac to clarify. Apple silicon will be labeled as Chip, followed by an M-series processor (e.g. M1 or M2 Pro), while Intel Macs will be labeled as Processor. To restart an Apple silicon Mac in safe mode, go to the Apple menu > Shut Down and wait for your device to turn off completely. Then press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears. Select a volume (likely Macintosh HD for most) then press and hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode. When your device restarts, you'll see Safe Boot in the menu bar. For an Intel-based Mac, restart your device and press and hold Shift until the login window appears. Log into your device, and you should see Safe Boot in the menu bar. You can also confirm that you're in safe mode by pressing and holding Option, then choose Apple Menu > System Information > Software. Under System Software Overview, look for Boot Mode: Safe. If it says Boot Mode: Normal, you are not in safe mode. Run a malware scanApple has built-in antivirus software called XProtect, but you can't run manual, on-demand checks with it. It may be best to use a second-opinion scanner to identify, quarantine, and remove whatever XProtect may have missed. Lifehacker sister site PCMag recommends BitDefender as the best antivirus software for Mac. If you're looking for free solutions, PCMag also recommends Avast and Malwarebytes for addressing malware infections. Monitor your Mac's activityActivity Monitor on macOS shows you real-time information about processes running on your device, including memory usage and activity across disks and networks. This is a good way to identify suspicious programs or processes that may be malware. To open, go to Launchpad and search for Activity Monitor. Look for any unusual names or processes that are hogging CPU or memory, then double-click and quit them. You should also quit any applications that are currently running until you identify the source of the problem. Reset your browserMalware can also modify browser settings, so you should reset any browsers on your Mac to their defaults. Safari doesn't have a singular restore settings button, but you can manually reset it to its default by clearing browsing data. On Chrome, open Settings from the three dots in the upper-right corner. Tap Reset Settings in the left toolbar and select Restore settings to their original default. Confirm with the Reset settings button. On Firefox, go to Menu > Help > More Troubleshooting Information and click Refresh Firefox > Refresh Firefox > Finish. Also consider disabling and removing extensions you may not recognize, or believe may be slowing down your browser and Mac. You'll find them in Settings > Extensions (Extensions & Themes on Firefox). Remove temporary filesMalware may install temporary files on your Mac that allow it to operate or hide, so you can consider deleting these from your device. However, a good malware scanner should find these types of files on their own, so you shouldn't need to delete them yourself. If you don't know what you're looking for, you might end up deleting files that help your Mac run smoother. If you want to delete these temporary files yourself, however, here's how: Open a Finder window and press and hold Shift + Command + G. Type ~/Library/Caches into the search bar to pull up temporary files, select any you want to delete to open them in a Finder folder, and press Command + Delete (or Control + click > Move to Trash) to move to Trash. You'll also want to empty the Trash to delete the files permanently from your device. Restart (or reinstall) macOSOnce you are confident the malware threat has been eliminated, you can restart your Mac in its normal mode. However, if you believe or worry any remnants of malware are still present, you may need to get a fresh start by reinstalling macOS from Recovery. While you can restore from a backup to make things the way they were before the reinstall, note that you should only do so if you are sure the backup was made before your device was infected with malware. If there's a chance you made a backup with the malware infection in place, don't use it. View the full article

Shopify is changing how it handles checkout. If you’re running Google Ads or Analytics, you’ll need to act soon. Key deadlines. Shopify Plus merchants must migrate by Aug. 28, 2025. Non-Plus merchants have until Aug. 26, 2026. Missing these dates could result in a total loss of conversion tracking on your Thank You and Order Status pages. The fix. Use the Google & YouTube app. The Google & YouTube app, developed by Google for Shopify, is now the go-to way to handle all things measurement, ads, and analytics. Why migrate now? No code hassle: Easy, direct integration with Google Ads, Analytics, YouTube, and Merchant Center. Future-ready: Supports Shopify’s evolving checkout. Performance boost: Unlock advanced features like Enhanced Conversions and Customer Match with just a few clicks. Why we care. Shopify is phasing out legacy methods (like checkout.liquid and “additional scripts”) that many merchants use to install Google tags. If you aren’t ready, you risk losing conversion data, which is critical for optimizing ad performance and reporting. Who needs to take action? If your Google tags live in checkout.liquid (Shopify Plus only), “Order status page additional scripts,” custom pixel setups, or legacy Google Analytics setup in Online Store > Preferences – you need to migrate. Its recommended that you migrate all Google tags to the Google & YouTube app to avoid data loss and performance issues. Things to watch. Google Tag Manager isn’t supported in the app, so move tags out of GTM containers for full compatibility. Custom Pixels might work, but are unreliable – Google can’t guarantee their performance. If you didn’t update your Analytics tags before Feb. 2, Shopify converted them to custom pixels, which can cause inaccurate data. Bottom line: Shopify’s checkout changes are here. If you’re running ads or relying on Google Analytics, migrating your tags to the Google & YouTube app is not optional – it’s essential to ensure you see as accurate data as possible. View the full article

Key Takeaways Lucrative Opportunity: Buying a FedEx route presents a viable business prospect thanks to the surge in e-commerce and package delivery demand.Types of Routes: Understand the different FedEx routes—Line Haul, Delivery, and Home Delivery—to align your investment strategy with market demands.Consistent Revenue: Owning a FedEx route offers a proven revenue stream, with potential annual earnings ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on various factors.Established Customer Base: Purchasing a route typically includes an existing customer base, reducing acquisition time and ensuring immediate cash flow from day one.Critical Evaluation: Assess route performance and contract terms thoroughly to make informed purchasing decisions and minimize risks.Financing Options: Explore various financing methods, such as bank loans or personal savings, to support your investment in a FedEx route. Thinking about buying a FedEx route? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs see it as a lucrative opportunity to tap into the booming delivery industry. With e-commerce on the rise, owning a FedEx route can provide you with a steady income while allowing you to be your own boss. Navigating the process of purchasing a route may seem daunting, but understanding the ins and outs can make it easier. From evaluating existing routes to financing options, there are key factors to consider that can significantly impact your investment. Get ready to explore the exciting world of FedEx routes and discover how you can turn this opportunity into a successful venture. Understanding FedEx Routes Owning a FedEx route offers small business owners a unique opportunity to generate steady income while maintaining control over their ventures. Knowing the specifics of FedEx routes can enhance your investment. What Is a FedEx Route? A FedEx route refers to a designated area where a driver delivers packages for FedEx. Each route includes specific zip codes, enabling consistent delivery schedules. Routes can be purchased from existing owners, usually allowing you to start operations with an established customer base. This setup can minimize risks commonly associated with new business ventures and deliver immediate cash flow. Types of FedEx Routes FedEx offers various types of routes that cater to different business models: Line Haul Routes: These routes operate between FedEx distribution centers. They focus on transporting large volumes of freight over long distances, typically at night. Ideal for entrepreneurs looking for longer hours and significant cargo. Delivery Routes: These routes service residential and commercial areas. They require drivers to deliver packages directly to customers. They’re suitable for small businesses aiming for direct consumer engagement, allowing flexibility in managing deliveries and schedules. Home Delivery Routes: Focused on delivering packages to residential locations, these routes align closely with e-commerce trends. They offer opportunities for small businesses to cater to the growing demand for home deliveries. Understanding the types of FedEx routes enables you to align your business goals with the right investment, solidifying your presence in the market. Benefits of Buying a FedEx Route Investing in a FedEx route offers numerous advantages for small business owners seeking stability and growth. Notably, this opportunity allows you to tap into the expanding e-commerce market effectively. Proven Revenue Stream Owning a FedEx route provides a consistent revenue stream due to the increasing demand for package delivery. As e-commerce continues to grow, more consumers rely on shipping services, bolstering your financial prospects. Many route owners report annual revenue figures ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the route size and efficiency. This established income potential supports your small business’s sustainability and minimizes financial volatility. Established Customer Base Purchasing a FedEx route gives you access to an established customer base, reducing the time spent on customer acquisition. You inherit a loyal clientele, which often leads to immediate cash flow. The prior owner’s operational history offers insights into effective delivery practices, helping you maintain service quality and customer satisfaction. By capitalizing on this established presence, you position your small business for success from day one. Key Considerations Before Buying Before purchasing a FedEx route, it’s crucial to evaluate specific factors that influence your investment’s success. Focusing on route performance and contract terms helps you make informed decisions. Evaluating Route Performance Evaluate the route’s historical performance to understand its revenue potential. Review financial statements, including profit and loss statements, for at least the past three years. Analyze package volumes, delivery efficiency metrics, and customer satisfaction ratings. Look for trends that indicate steady or increasing demand, as a stable customer base ensures sustainable income. Consider the route’s geographical area as well since residential or commercial concentrations can impact delivery frequency and overall revenue. Understanding Contract Terms Understanding the contract terms associated with a FedEx route is essential for avoiding unforeseen liabilities. Contracts typically detail service expectations, route obligations, and compensation structures. Pay close attention to contract duration and renewal options, as terms may vary depending on the route’s classification. Ensure you grasp the termination clauses and any potential penalties for non-compliance. Knowing these aspects minimizes your risks and safeguards your investment in your new small business venture. The Buying Process Understanding the buying process is crucial for securing a profitable FedEx route. You’ll navigate specific steps to ensure a successful purchase. Finding Available Routes Finding available FedEx routes requires diligent research. Websites like FedEx’s official route listings, brokers specializing in route sales, and business platforms facilitate this search. Evaluate multiple options by comparing location, route size, and buyer reviews. Networking with current route owners can provide insights into the market and available opportunities, enhancing your chances of finding a route that aligns with your business goals. Financing Your Purchase Financing a FedEx route involves exploring various options to facilitate your investment. Bank loans, personal savings, and small business loans serve as common financing methods. Prepare financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to manage the investment, including proof of income and credit history. Review loan terms carefully to understand interest rates and repayment schedules, ensuring they fit within your financial landscape. Leveraging these financing methods can support your goal of owning a successful delivery business, contributing to your overall small business strategy. Conclusion Investing in a FedEx route can be a game changer for your entrepreneurial journey. With the booming e-commerce sector driving demand for package delivery, you’re stepping into a market ripe with opportunity. By carefully evaluating routes and understanding the purchasing process, you can secure a profitable venture that offers steady income and the freedom of being your own boss. As you navigate this exciting opportunity, remember to focus on the details that matter most. Assess historical performance and contract terms to protect your investment. With the right approach, owning a FedEx route could lead to a rewarding and successful business experience. Frequently Asked Questions What are FedEx routes? FedEx routes are specific areas assigned to drivers for delivering packages. Owning a route means you manage the logistics within that area, benefiting from an established customer base and consistent cash flow. Why is buying a FedEx route a good investment? Purchasing a FedEx route can be lucrative due to the growing e-commerce sector. Owners often see annual revenues between $100,000 and $500,000, providing a steady income and the chance to be your own boss. What types of FedEx routes are available? There are three main types of FedEx routes: Line Haul Routes, which transport freight; Delivery Routes, servicing residential and commercial areas; and Home Delivery Routes, focusing on residential packages. What should I consider before buying a FedEx route? Before buying a FedEx route, evaluate its historical performance, package volumes, delivery efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Understanding contract terms is crucial to avoid liabilities and risks. How can I find available FedEx routes? To find available routes, you can research through FedEx’s listings, work with brokers, and network with current owners to uncover potential opportunities suitable for your investment goals. What financing options are available for purchasing a FedEx route? Financing options include bank loans, personal savings, and small business loans. Prepare your financial documents and review loan terms to ensure they meet your financial situation and investment goals. Image Via Envato This article, "A Complete Guide to Buying a FedEx Route for a Profitable Delivery Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re feeling detached from work and lacking motivation lately, know that you are not alone. Gallup’s most recent State of the Global Workplace report revealed that employee engagement fell to 21% in 2024, declining two points from the previous year. In the last 12 years, employee engagement has only fallen one other time, in 2020, due in part to Covid-19, the shift to working from home, and increased isolation. The report “offers what may be our last snapshot of a workforce on the cusp of seismic change,” Gallup CEO Jon Clifton said on the report. “We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the global workplace—one where engagement is faltering at the exact time artificial intelligence is transforming every industry in its path.” The most recent decline can be linked to disruptions in the workplace over the last five years, including layoffs, the introduction of AI across industries, ongoing friction around RTO policies, and more. Broken down by region, the U.S. and Canada tied with Latin America and the Caribbean for the region with the highest engaged employees—although the percentage was still low, with less than a third being engaged. The region also ranked at the top for employees experiencing daily stress. Managers need help The report found that the global decline in engagement centers around one particularly affected group: managers. Managers under 35 years old and female managers were the most affected, with engagement declining by five and seven percentage points, respectively. The findings suggest that a lack of engagement from the top is trickling down to employees, and resulted in a loss of $438 billion in productivity to the world economy. Despite the declining rates, Gallup identified ways that employers can take action and lean toward a productivity boom: First, training managers on basic roles may boost engagement, with 44% of managers reporting a lack of training. Second, Gallup suggests teaching managers techniques for effective coaching, which could boost performance by up to 28%. Lastly, improving manager well-being should be prioritized, with manager development training and an encouraging peer working environment boosting well-being by up to 50%. View the full article

The death of Pope Francis has been announced by the Vatican. I first met the late Pope Francis at the Vatican after a conference called Saving Our Common Home and the Future of Life on Earth in July 2018. My colleagues and I sensed something momentous was happening at the heart of the church. At that time, I was helping to set up the new Laudato Si’ Research Institute at the Jesuit Hall at the University of Oxford. This institute is named after the pope’s 2015 encyclical (a letter to bishops outlining church policy) on climate change. Its mission is rooted in the pope’s religiously inspired vision of integral ecology—a multidisciplinary approach that addresses social and ecological issues of equality and climate breakdown. Originating from Argentina, Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, witnessed firsthand the destruction of the Amazon and the plight of South America’s poorest communities. His concern for justice for vulnerable communities and protection of the planet go hand in hand with his religious leadership. In his first papal letter, Laudato Si’, he called for all people, not just Catholics, to pay more attention to the frailty of both our planet and its people. What we need is no less than a cultural revolution, he wrote. As a theologian, I recognise that he inspired significant change in three key ways. 1. At global climate summits It’s no coincidence that Pope Francis released Laudato Si’ at a crucial moment in 2015 prior to the U.N. climate summit, Cop21, in Paris. A follow-up exhortation, or official statement, Laudate Deum, was released in October 2023, just before another U.N. climate summit, Cop28 in Dubai. Did the decisions at these global meetings shift because of the influence of Pope Francis? Potentially, yes. In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis showed both encouragement and some frustration about the achievements of international agreements so far. He berated the weakness of international politics and believes that Cop21 represented a “significant moment” because the agreement involved everyone. After Cop21, he pointed out how most nations had failed to implement the Paris agreement which called for limiting the global temperature rise in this century to below 2°C. He also called out the lack of monitoring of those commitments and subsequent political inertia. He tried his best to use his prominent position to hold power to account. Promoting a general moral awareness of the need to act in ecologically responsible ways, both in international politics and at the local level is something that previous popes, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI also did. But, Pope Francis’s efforts went beyond that, by connecting much more broadly with grassroots movements. 2. By advocating for Indigenous people Cop28 marked the first time that close to 200 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Pope Francis’s interventions potentially helped shift the needle just a little in the desired direction. His emphasis on listening to Indigenous people may have influenced these gatherings. Compared with previous global climate summits, Cop28 arguably opened up the opportunity to listen to the voices of Indigenous people. However, Indigenous people were still disappointed by the outcomes of Cop28. Pope Francis’s lesser-known exhortation Querida Amazonia, which means “beloved Amazonia,” was published in February 2020. This exhortation resulted from his conversations with Amazonian communities and helped put Indigenous perspectives on the map. Those perspectives helped shape Catholic social teaching in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which means “all brothers and sisters,” published on October 3 2020. For many people living in developing countries where extractive industries such as oil and gas or mining are rife, destruction of land coincides with direct threats to life. Pope Francis advocated for Indigenous environmental defenders, many of whom have been inspired to act by their strong faith. For example, Father Marcelo Pérez, an Indigenous priest living in Mexico, was murdered by drug dealers just after saying mass on October 23, 2023, as part of the cost of defending the rights of his people and their land. While 196 environmental defenders were killed globally in 2023, Pope Francis continued to advocate on behalf of the most marginalised people as well as the environment. 3. By inspiring activism I’ve been speaking to religious climate activists from different church backgrounds in the U.K. as part of a multidisciplinary research project on religion, theology and climate change based at the University of Manchester. Most notably, when we asked more than 300 activists representing six different activist groups who most influenced them to get involved in climate action, 61% named Pope Francis as a key influencer. On a larger scale, Laudato Si’ gave rise to the Laudato Si’ movement, which coordinates climate activism across the globe. It has 900 Catholic organizations as well as 10,000 of what are known as Laudato Si’ “animators,” who are all ambassadors and leaders in their respective communities. Our institute’s ecclesial affiliate, Tomás Insua, based in Assisi, Italy, originally helped pioneer this global Laudato Si’ movement. We host a number of ecumenical gatherings which bring together people from different denominations and hopefully motivate churchgoers to think and act in a more climate-conscious way. Nobody knows who the next pope will be. Given the current turmoil in politics and shutting down of political will to address the climate emergency, we can only hope they will build on the legacy of Pope Francis and influence political change for the good, from the grassroots front line right up to the highest global ambitions. Celia Deane-Drummond is a professor of theology and director of Laudato Si’ Research Institute, Campion Hall at the University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

President’s latest retreat follows intense lobbying by industry executivesView the full article

Noindex tags hiding in your site can prevent search engines from indexing your pages. Google's Martin Splitt advises where to look for them. The post Google’s Martin Splitt Explains How To Find & Remove Noindex Tags appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Blue Shield of California shared the protected health information of 4.7 million individuals with Google over a nearly three-year period, a data breach that impacts the majority of its nearly 6 million members, according to reporting from Bleeping Computer. This isn't the only large data breach to affect a healthcare organization the last year alone. Community Health Center records were hacked in October 2024, compromising more than a million individuals' data, along with an attack on lab testing company Lab Services Cooperative, which affected records of 1.6 million Planned Parenthood patients. UnitedHealth Group suffered a breach in February 2024, resulting in the leak of more than 100 million people's data. What happened with Blue Shield of California?According to an April 9 notice posted on Blue Shield of California's website, the company allowed certain data, including protected health information, to be shared with Google Ads through Google Analytics, which may have allowed Google to serve targeted ads back to members. While not discovered until Feb. 11, 2025, the leak occurred for several years, from April 2021 to January 2024, when the connection between Google Analytics and Google Ads was severed on Blue Shield websites. The following Blue Shield member information may have been compromised: Insurance plan name, type, and group number City and zip code Gender Family size Blue Shield assigned identifiers for online accounts Medical claim service date and provider Patient name Patient financial responsibility "Find a Doctor" search criteria and results According to the notice, no additional personal data—Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and banking and credit card information—were disclosed. Blue Shield also states that no bad actor was involved, nor have they confirmed that the information has been used maliciously. What to do if your information was leakedBlue Shield of California has begun notifying members of the breach, though the company is unable to confirm whether any specific individual's information was compromised. Blue Shield is not offering credit monitoring or identity protection services to affected members at this time. If you have questions about the breach and how you may be impacted, you can call the support line at 833-918-5064 Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. That said, as with any data breach, you should continue to monitor your credit report and financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Request a free copy of your credit report (available weekly), freeze your credit and place a fraud alert, and take steps to protect your Social Security number from being used fraudulently. View the full article

The HyNet North West industrial cluster will be confirmed at a two-day energy security summit in LondonView the full article

WhatsApp is adding a new privacy feature that will allow you to block others from exporting chats, automatically downloading media, and using your messages for AI features, among other limitations. All of this is a part of a new option called Advanced Chat Privacy, which is currently rolling out to WhatsApp users worldwide. How to block people from exporting your WhatsApp chatsTo use these features, make sure you are running the latest version of WhatsApp on your device. Then, open a private chat or a group in WhatsApp, tap the name of the contact or group, and scroll down until you see Advanced Chat Privacy. This button is located near the Lock Chat option on this page. Note that it may not appear on WhatsApp immediately since it's being rolled out in batches worldwide. If you don't see this feature, sit tight, as it should roll out to you soon. Once you enable Advanced Chat Privacy, others won't be able to export your chats from WhatsApp. You can also block others from enabling automatic media downloads on their device or using your messages for AI features in WhatsApp. Notably, the company is calling this the "first version" of Advanced Chat Privacy, and says it will add more features to this setting in the future. You should know that enabling this setting doesn't make it impossible to export your chats or save media. If someone is determined to export data from WhatsApp, they can easily take screenshots or manually download media. This privacy feature will make it a little harder to export data, since users won't be able to rely on WhatsApp's built-in options, but it won't really be able to stop someone who is determined to bypass these restrictions. The latest update follows a slew of new WhatsApp features, including the ability to see who's online in a group chat, more control over group notifications, a built-in document scanner on WhatsApp for iPhone, and many more. View the full article

Bank of England governor signals that central bank is likely to cut UK interest rates next month in response to uncertaintyView the full article

Homebuilding industry CEOs said tariff impacts would likely be felt in the back half of the year, but affordability concerns are applying pressure now. View the full article

Starbucks is brewing up something new in Texas—and this time, it’s not just what’s in the cup. Next week, the coffee giant will open its first-ever 3D-printed store, a drive-thru-only location in Brownsville that looks more like the future of construction than your average café. Built with layers of concrete piped out by a giant robotic printer, the 1,400-square-foot structure is part of the company’s ongoing effort to modernize operations and trim costs. But does a 3D-printed café actually save money—or is this just a buzzworthy experiment? Is 3D-printing more cost-effective? Peri-3D, a German company, used a giant 3D printer to pump out layers of concrete mixture to create the structure. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the cost for building the small scale coffee shop was about $1.2 million. The accounting platform Freshbooks says building a restaurant from the ground up can cost up to $2 million. However, a smaller-scale quick-serve restaurant may cost less to build. According to KRG Hospitality, it costs around $535 per square foot to build a quick serve restaurant, which comes out to $749,000 for a 1,400-square-foot structure like the new Starbucks—a bit less than the $1.2 price tag for the 3D-printed build. Of course, the new method is a first for the brand. And builders say, the more they use the technology, the more efficient they are at it. In Georgetown, Texas, an entire community of 100 homes was recently built using 3D-printing. The company who built the community, Lennar, says they’re seeing costs drop with each build. Stuart Miller, chairman and co-CEO of Lennar, told CNBC earlier this year that the construction company says their costs and cycle time go down “by half” by adopting 3D-printing. “This is significant improvement in evolving a housing market that has the ability to change over time and being more adaptable and more functional in providing affordable and attainable housing for a broader swath of the market,” said Miller. Likewise, many building materials are becoming more expensive all the time. According to a 2023 report by construction cost data tracking firm Gordian, 82.5% of construction materials have skyrocketed since 2020, with the average increase at 19%. Now that the impact of tariffs is looming, those costs are expected to increase even more. 3D-printing is also much faster, meaning that projects can be completed in a fraction of the time, potentially drastically cutting labor costs. According to the World Economic Forum, 3D-printing can cost just 30% of what building structures the old-fashioned way costs. That’s why some companies are using it as a tool to address labor shortages and the housing crisis. The future of restaurant building? 3D-printing is gaining momentum for construction purposes, given it’s less time-consuming and has the power to be less costly. In addition to housing, in Japan, a 3D-printed train station was just erected. And Peri-3D, itself, has completed at least 15 construction projects, including residential buildings in Europe and Germany. 3D-printing has been incorporated into some restaurants when it comes to customizing food, or even making 3D-printed furniture, too. But building restaurants with the technology is a brand-new development. With restaurant chains looking for cost-cutting initiatives in the wake of inflation, rising operating costs, and the impact of tariffs, 3D-printing could eventually become a time-slashing, and cost-slashing way for establishments to expand. Especially because, no matter how the restaurants are built, the food, and the coffee, are likely to taste the same. View the full article

Google Ads quietly rolled out Tree Table Views within its reporting interface, offering advertisers a more structured way to analyze campaign performance data. The new view transforms traditional flat data tables into hierarchical layouts where dimensions are visually stacked and nested, creating clearer relationships between data points. The big picture. The Tree Table View offers several practical benefits: Organized hierarchy. Clearer visualization of multi-level dimensions Improved navigation. Faster insight discovery across nested segments Enhanced structure. Better organization for complex performance breakdowns For example, users can now easily view relationships like: Campaign –> Campaign Status: Activated –> Ad Group Status: Activated –> Campaign Type: Search –> Subtype: All Features Why we care. This reporting enhancement addresses a common pain point for advertisers who need to analyze complex campaign structures with multiple dimensions and segments. How to access it. Users can access the new view by: Going to Reports Optionally generating a report using the beta feature Switching the table view to “Tree Table View” First seen. This updated report view was brought to our attention by Digital Marketer Thomas Eccel as he shared the view on LinkedIn: What’s next. The feature appears to be rolling out gradually and works with the “Generate Report” beta functionality, suggesting Google continues to enhance its reporting capabilities for more complex analysis needs. View the full article

Projects might have a roadmap, but when executed, they rarely go as planned. Internal and external factors can impact the project’s scope, budget, schedule and more. To address these issues before they even occur falls under project contingency. Let’s start by defining project contingency and what makes up a contingency plan. Then, we’ll show how to execute that plan to avoid scope creep, budget overruns and schedule delays. Finally, we’ll share a few free templates to help facilitate the process. What Is Project Contingency? Project contingency refers to a reserved amount of time, money or resources set aside to address unexpected events or uncertainties that may arise during a project. It acts as a buffer to manage risks, deal with unforeseen challenges and ensure the project remains on track despite disruptions. The purpose of project contingency is to provide a financial or time cushion to handle identified and unforeseen risks. It also helps to cover unexpected expenses without jeopardizing the project’s financial health. This allows for extra time to accommodate delays or unplanned tasks. It also reassures stakeholders that the project is prepared to handle uncertainties. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Contingency-action-plan-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free Contingency Plan Template Use this free Contingency Plan Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Whether applying a cost contingency, time contingency or resource contingency, when the time comes to implement a contingency plan, project management software will be essential. That’s because they have Gantt charts that can set the initiative to a timeline, add resources and ensure that unexpected delays or issues can be managed without disrupting the entire project. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts that can schedule tasks, resources and costs. But it also links all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns and absorb delays without immediately affecting subsequent tasks. Improve Contingency Planning with ProjectManager Use the Gantt chart alongside the sheet, board, list and calendar view to manage contingencies Leverage one-click reports and dashboards to keep an eye on data Share contingency plans with stakeholders using free guest licenses. Try it free /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more Key Elements of Project Contingency Planning Project contingency planning is a crucial process for managing uncertainties and ensuring the successful completion of a project despite unforeseen risks or challenges. By preparing for potential disruptions, project managers can minimize the impact of unexpected events on timelines, budgets and resources. Below are the key elements that contribute to effective project contingency planning. Risk Identification & Analysis Risk identification and analysis involve recognizing potential risks, assessing their impact and prioritizing them based on their likelihood and severity. By systematically analyzing risks, project managers can create a targeted approach for risk management and establish effective contingency measures to address them before they become significant issues. Risk Mitigation Plan A risk mitigation plan outlines strategies and actions to minimize or eliminate identified risks. It focuses on reducing the probability of risks occurring or their impact if they do happen. This plan provides a proactive approach, ensuring that preventive measures are in place and contingency plans can be executed when necessary. Project Controls Project controls are systems and processes put in place to monitor and manage project performance. These controls help track progress, compare it against the baseline and detect any deviations early. Effective project controls allow for corrective actions to be taken promptly, helping to keep the project within scope, budget and schedule. Project Status Reports Project status reports provide regular updates on the progress of the project. They highlight key performance indicators (KPIs), risks, issues and the overall project health. These reports help project managers and stakeholders stay informed and make data-driven decisions to address potential problems that arise during the project lifecycle. Issue Log An issue log is a documented record of problems or issues that arise during the project. It tracks the nature, impact and resolution of these issues, helping the project team to address them effectively. An issue log ensures transparency and accountability, providing a structured approach to resolving problems quickly. Contingency Budget A contingency budget is a reserve fund set aside to address unexpected costs or changes in a project’s scope. This budget ensures financial resources are available to handle unforeseen circumstances, preventing the project from exceeding its allocated budget and maintaining financial control throughout its lifecycle. Contingency Reserve A contingency reserve is a specific allocation within the project budget or schedule to cover anticipated risks. It provides a safety net, ensuring that funds or time are available to deal with risks that have been identified and assessed. This reserve allows the project to adapt to changes without affecting its overall objectives. Management Reserve A management reserve is an additional fund or time set aside for unforeseen risks not initially identified. It acts as a buffer for risks outside the project’s current risk profile, providing flexibility to address unforeseen challenges that might emerge unexpectedly during the project. Schedule Compression Techniques Schedule compression techniques, such as crashing or fast-tracking, help reduce the project timeline when delays occur or unforeseen circumstances arise. These methods involve adding resources (crashing) or overlapping tasks (fast-tracking) to recover lost time, ensuring the project remains on schedule despite setbacks. By integrating these elements into contingency planning, project managers can effectively navigate uncertainties and ensure that their projects remain on track, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. When to Execute a Project Contingency Plan A project contingency plan is crucial for navigating the unexpected during a project. It provides a pre-established set of actions to mitigate risks and manage any disruptions that may arise. Knowing when to activate the contingency plan is key to ensuring the project’s success, and it should be triggered under certain conditions when the project deviates from its original course. Scope Creep Scope creep occurs when the project’s scope expands beyond the initial agreed-upon parameters without proper control or approval. This can lead to additional work, resources, and costs that were not originally planned for. When scope creep is identified, executing the contingency plan helps address the issue by realigning the project with its original objectives or allocating additional resources and time to accommodate the changes. Budget Overruns Budget overruns happen when the project exceeds its financial resources due to unexpected costs, poor planning or mismanagement. When a budget overrun occurs, it’s essential to activate the contingency plan to assess the impact, identify solutions such as securing additional funds or re-scoping the project and implement measures to keep the project on track financially. This ensures that the project can continue to progress without jeopardizing its completion. Project Delays Project delays can happen due to unforeseen events, such as resource shortages, external factors or changes in priorities. When delays occur, executing the contingency plan may involve schedule compression techniques or reallocating resources to recover lost time. It may also require reevaluating the project timeline to determine if adjustments are necessary to deliver the project on time. The contingency plan helps project managers minimize the impact of delays and maintain progress toward completion. Free Related Project Management Templates As promised, some templates can help with project contingency. These templates address risk management and action plans to get the project back on track. Below are links to those free templates, which are but a few of the over 100 free project management templates available for instant download from our site. These Excel and Word templates cover all aspects of managing a project. Contingency Plan Template Use this contingency plan template as part of the risk management process. It encourages the team to think ahead and develop strategies before issues arise. It’s fully customizable and can support projects across industries such as IT, manufacturing, construction and more. Risk Register Template Download this free risk register template for Excel to document and track potential risks in a project, including their likelihood, impact and proposed mitigation strategies. It helps with project contingency by identifying and prioritizing risks early on, allowing project managers to plan for uncertainties. Risk Assessment Template Use this free risk assessment template for Excel to identify, evaluate and prioritize potential risks in a project. It helps with project contingency by assessing the severity and likelihood of risks, enabling project managers to develop targeted mitigation strategies. How ProjectManager Helps Manage Project Contingency Templates are fine, but they are not the best way to plan for project contingency. That’s because they’re static documents and projects are dynamic. Templates must be manually updated and are poor collaborative tools. Much better to use project management software, but not all those products are created equally. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has contingency planning tools like Gantt charts, kanban boards and calendar views that outline tasks, assign responsibilities and collaborate in real time. Task lists can be used to detail all elements of a contingency plan, including necessary resources. But there’s more. Effectively Manage Resources While human and nonhuman resources can be scheduled on Gantt charts, when making assignments, our software can set team availability, skills and pay rate. This streamlines the assignment process and ensures the right resources at the right time and place. To view resource allocation, visit the color-coded workload chart. It shows who is overallocated or underutilized and can balance the team workload from that chart. This keeps everyone productive without threatening burnout. To view a daily or weekly activity summary, use the team page. It can be filtered by progress and priority, plus tasks can be updated from that page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Get Real-Time Monitoring With Dashboards and Reports For a high-level overview of live data, visit the real-time project or portfolio dashboards that automatically populate with unique project data. They display easy-to-read graphs and charts showing key project metrics such as time, cost, workload and more to glean insights at a glance and keep contingency plans executed effectively. For more details, use customizable reports on status, variance, workload, timesheets and more. They can also be filtered for a more general view of progress, which then can be shared with stakeholders. Secure timesheets track labor costs to help stay on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Project Management Content Project contingency is akin to risk management and part of the larger project management process. For those who want to read more about this topic, below are some recently published blog posts that cover everything from budgets to risk response. Budget Templates for Business & Project Budgeting Manage a Project Budget with Project Budgeting Software The Best Risk Management Tools & Techniques for PM Pros Free Risk Management Templates for Excel Risk Response in Project Management: Key Strategies ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Project Contingency: How to Get Projects Back On Track appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Google is rolling out channel controls in beta for Demand Gen campaigns, giving advertisers more granular control over where their visual ads appear across Google’s ecosystem. The new controls, first announced in January and spotted in March, allow marketers to choose specific placements across YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and the Google Display Network — including the ability to target YouTube Shorts specifically. Between the lines. The beta release signals Google’s recognition that advertisers want more transparency and control over ad placements, especially as competition with social media platforms intensifies. The YouTube Shorts targeting option specifically appears aimed at competing with TikTok and Instagram Reels for advertisers’ short-form video budgets. The big picture. These controls offer three main benefits, according to Google: Creative customization: Advertisers can tailor content to specific platforms (like vertical videos for YouTube Shorts) Social strategy extension: Opportunity to expand beyond traditional social platforms while maintaining format-specific approaches Performance transparency: More detailed channel-level performance data for optimization How to access reporting. Channel-level reporting is available throughout the campaign hierarchy—at campaign, ad group, and ad levels. Advertisers can use network segmentation to break down performance across: Discover Gmail YouTube Google Display Network For YouTube traffic specifically, Demand Gen campaigns can be further segmented by ad format: Skippable in-stream In-feed Shorts Why we care. This update provides advertisers with control over their visual ad inventory on Google platforms, allowing for more tailored creative approaches and better alignment with specific channel strategies. With the channel reporting functionality now available, advertisers can also switch strategies according to performance. What’s next. Despite offering manual channel selection, Google still recommends most advertisers use the automatic “All Google channels” option, suggesting the algorithm-driven approach remains their preferred optimization method. The feature is in beta with limited availability, with Google promising additional features in the coming months. View the full article

The infamous “Am I The A**hole?” subreddit is making its way to the small screen. Hosted by Jimmy Carr, the new game show for Comedy Central U.K. will feature members of the public appearing before Carr and a panel of two comedians to reveal their deepest secrets and most bizarre disputes—before receiving judgement, per Deadline. The show is based on the popular Reddit subreddit of the same name, which boasts 24 million members at the time of writing. The subreddit’s creator, Marc Beaulac, is one of the executive producers of the series. Jimmy Carr’s Am I The A**hole? is being produced by STV Studios-owned Tuesday’s Child. Filming will take place in late spring, and the series is set to premiere later this year on Comedy Central UK, consisting of eight hour-long episodes. Steph Harris, executive producer at Tuesday’s Child, said per Chortle: Am I the A**hole? is only a question you ask if you’re convinced you’re right in an argument, but will our guests get the answer they’re hoping for when they share awkward real-life scenarios with comedians who pull no punches in delivering judgements?” Carr added: “Seems odd that anyone would ask me to host a show about a**holes. I should be grateful, but I feel a little insulted. I guess I’m an a**hole. Well, it takes an a**hole to know an a**hole, so I’m the right man for the job. “I’m very much looking forward to being Comedy Central’s Proctologist in Residence. There are an impressive number of a**holes in our country, and they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve on national television.” From giving your stay-at-home wife a written performance review (kind of the A-hole) to catching out a lactose-intolerant milk thief (not the A-hole), Reddit’s Am I The A**hole thread—also known by the acronym AITA—has become a safe space for people to vent anonymously and ask an impartial jury of Internet strangers: Am I in the wrong? Since its creation in 2013, AITA has evolved from a niche online forum into a cultural phenomenon, the subject of philosophical and demographic study and endless internet discourse. Over a decade on, it has inspired an entire ecosystem, including TikToks and podcast episodes dedicated to dissecting the most viral posts. Now, a panel of comedians and a TV audience will have their turn weighing in on real-life conflicts—offering insight, validation, or, in some cases, a much-needed dose of self-reflection. View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Digital Asset Management (DAM): Implementing DAM software is crucial for small businesses to efficiently organize, store, and retrieve digital assets, improving overall workflow and productivity. Centralized Access Benefits: With centralized cloud access, teams can collaborate effectively from any location, ensuring consistent brand management and seamless communication. Key Features to Prioritize: When selecting DAM software, look for user-friendly interfaces, scalability options, and integration capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and adapt as your business grows. Time Management and Efficiency: Utilizing DAM systems can boost time management by consolidating workflows and reducing reliance on multiple tools, thereby streamlining business operations. Enhanced Brand Consistency: DAM software supports consistent branding across various marketing campaigns, which aids in customer retention and targeted messaging. Top Software Recommendations: Consider options like ImageKit for centralized cloud storage and Dash for e-commerce integrations, both offering flexible pricing models catering to small business needs. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, managing your assets efficiently is crucial for small businesses. Digital asset management software can streamline your processes, making it easier to organize, store, and retrieve important files. With the right tools, you can save time and enhance productivity, allowing you to focus on what really matters—growing your business. Imagine having all your images, videos, and documents at your fingertips, easily accessible and secure. This software not only simplifies collaboration among your team but also helps maintain brand consistency across all platforms. As you explore the world of digital asset management, you’ll discover solutions tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to take control of your digital assets like never before. Overview of Digital Asset Management Software Digital asset management (DAM) software serves as a vital tool for your small business, enhancing management of images, videos, and documents. Implementing DAM software streamlines your business operations, making it easier to organize digital assets efficiently. Utilizing DAM software improves workflow by allowing you to store, share, and retrieve files in a centralized system. This leads to time management benefits as team members can access necessary resources without delay. Effective project management becomes achievable; team collaboration strengthens with easy access to shared files, boosting productivity and ensuring everyone stays aligned with business goals. Consider using digital asset management software as part of your business strategy to facilitate brand management. The ability to maintain consistent branding across marketing campaigns enhances customer retention efforts. You can tailor your messaging to various customer segments by tracking engagement and performance analytics. Many DAM solutions also offer automation features, reducing the manual effort required for file organization. This operational efficiency supports delegation within your team, allowing staff to focus on core tasks and enhancing overall performance. Investing in the right technology solution helps scale your business, setting you up for long-term growth. Benefits for Small Businesses Digital asset management (DAM) software provides significant advantages for small businesses. It enhances overall efficiency, promotes structured workflows, and supports team management in various business operations. Improved Organization A DAM system serves as a single source of truth for your digital assets, centralizing them in one location. This organization simplifies managing images, videos, and documents. Advanced search functionalities, like tags and metadata, let you locate assets swiftly, reducing delays that can affect productivity. A streamlined organization boosts your time management efforts, allowing your team to focus on core tasks rather than sorting through files. Consolidating workflows eliminates the need for multiple tools like Dropbox or Excel. This integration results in operational efficiency, saving time and physical resources. Centralized Access Centralized access enables your team to use digital assets from any location at any time through cloud capabilities. If your team members are spread across different areas, this access promotes collaboration and ensures that everyone stays on the same page. This capability supports effective communication, essential for achieving project management goals. Centralized access aids in maintaining brand management by ensuring that your marketing strategies are consistent, regardless of team location. Key Features to Look For Selecting the right digital asset management (DAM) software enhances your small business operations. Focus on essential features that improve your workflow and boost productivity. User-Friendly Interface A user-friendly interface simplifies management tasks. When you can navigate through assets easily, it reduces training time for your team. Look for software that offers intuitive design and clear navigation, making it straightforward for users to organize and retrieve digital content efficiently. A seamless experience fosters collaboration among team members across various business functions, enhancing overall project management. Scalability Options Scalability options are crucial for supporting your business growth. Choose a DAM solution that can adapt as your needs evolve. Whether your team expands or your asset collection grows, scalable software allows you to manage increasing volumes of digital assets without disrupting your operations. This flexibility helps maintain effective inventory management and project management practices as you scale your business. Integration Capabilities Integration capabilities play a significant role in streamlining your business processes. Ensure your DAM software can connect with existing tools and systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or project management platforms. Smooth integration reduces the need for duplicative tasks and enhances data analysis across operations. Effective software tools lead to better decision-making and improved communication skills within your team, contributing to overall organizational efficiency. Top Digital Asset Management Software for Small Business Selecting the right Digital Asset Management (DAM) software can significantly enhance your small business’s operations and team management. Here are two top software options tailored for your needs. ImageKit Best for: Small businesses seeking a centralized cloud storage solution. Features: ImageKit offers centralized cloud storage, third-party integrations, security and authorized access, asset performance analytics, and media optimization. This enhances workflow by allowing quick access to digital assets, ensuring your team can meet deadlines effectively. Pricing: ImageKit features a low starting price point alongside a pay-per-use self-service pricing model. This scalability makes it budget-friendly for small businesses aiming for long-term growth. Dash Best for: E-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies. Features: Dash provides centralized storage and organization, feedback and approval capabilities for internal and external contributors, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify. This streamlines project management, supporting efficient marketing campaigns and improving customer service. Pricing: Dash’s pricing plan is structured to accommodate small business budgets, allowing flexibility as your business expands and your digital asset needs increase. By evaluating these options, you can enhance brand management, optimize your workflow, and ultimately support your business growth through effective digital asset management. Conclusion Embracing digital asset management software is a game-changer for small businesses. By streamlining your processes and enhancing collaboration, you can focus on what truly matters—growing your business. The right DAM solution not only saves time but also ensures your brand remains consistent across all channels. As you explore your options, consider features that align with your specific needs. Whether you choose ImageKit for its cloud storage capabilities or Dash for its e-commerce integration, investing in DAM technology will position you for long-term success. Make the leap today and watch your operational efficiency soar. Frequently Asked Questions What is digital asset management (DAM) software? Digital asset management software is a tool that helps businesses organize, store, and retrieve digital files such as images, videos, and documents. It streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and ensures brand consistency across marketing efforts. How can DAM software benefit small businesses? DAM software benefits small businesses by improving efficiency, saving time, and promoting structured workflows. It centralizes digital assets, allowing team members to access resources quickly and facilitating effective collaboration for enhanced productivity. What features should I look for in DAM software? When choosing DAM software, consider a user-friendly interface, scalability, integration capabilities with existing tools, advanced search functionalities, and cloud access. These features help streamline processes and improve overall organizational efficiency. How does DAM software enhance team collaboration? DAM software enhances team collaboration by providing centralized access to digital assets, enabling team members to share, edit, and manage files from any location. This reduces delays and ensures consistent communication across projects. Can DAM software improve brand management? Yes, DAM software improves brand management by ensuring consistent branding across various marketing channels. It helps organizations maintain cohesive messaging and branding by centralizing all digital assets in one location. What are some top DAM software options for small businesses? Two recommended DAM software options for small businesses are ImageKit and Dash. ImageKit offers centralized storage and integrations, while Dash is tailored for e-commerce, providing seamless integration with tools like Shopify to enhance brand management. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Small Business Efficiency with Digital Asset Management Software" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Digital Asset Management (DAM): Implementing DAM software is crucial for small businesses to efficiently organize, store, and retrieve digital assets, improving overall workflow and productivity. Centralized Access Benefits: With centralized cloud access, teams can collaborate effectively from any location, ensuring consistent brand management and seamless communication. Key Features to Prioritize: When selecting DAM software, look for user-friendly interfaces, scalability options, and integration capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and adapt as your business grows. Time Management and Efficiency: Utilizing DAM systems can boost time management by consolidating workflows and reducing reliance on multiple tools, thereby streamlining business operations. Enhanced Brand Consistency: DAM software supports consistent branding across various marketing campaigns, which aids in customer retention and targeted messaging. Top Software Recommendations: Consider options like ImageKit for centralized cloud storage and Dash for e-commerce integrations, both offering flexible pricing models catering to small business needs. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, managing your assets efficiently is crucial for small businesses. Digital asset management software can streamline your processes, making it easier to organize, store, and retrieve important files. With the right tools, you can save time and enhance productivity, allowing you to focus on what really matters—growing your business. Imagine having all your images, videos, and documents at your fingertips, easily accessible and secure. This software not only simplifies collaboration among your team but also helps maintain brand consistency across all platforms. As you explore the world of digital asset management, you’ll discover solutions tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to take control of your digital assets like never before. Overview of Digital Asset Management Software Digital asset management (DAM) software serves as a vital tool for your small business, enhancing management of images, videos, and documents. Implementing DAM software streamlines your business operations, making it easier to organize digital assets efficiently. Utilizing DAM software improves workflow by allowing you to store, share, and retrieve files in a centralized system. This leads to time management benefits as team members can access necessary resources without delay. Effective project management becomes achievable; team collaboration strengthens with easy access to shared files, boosting productivity and ensuring everyone stays aligned with business goals. Consider using digital asset management software as part of your business strategy to facilitate brand management. The ability to maintain consistent branding across marketing campaigns enhances customer retention efforts. You can tailor your messaging to various customer segments by tracking engagement and performance analytics. Many DAM solutions also offer automation features, reducing the manual effort required for file organization. This operational efficiency supports delegation within your team, allowing staff to focus on core tasks and enhancing overall performance. Investing in the right technology solution helps scale your business, setting you up for long-term growth. Benefits for Small Businesses Digital asset management (DAM) software provides significant advantages for small businesses. It enhances overall efficiency, promotes structured workflows, and supports team management in various business operations. Improved Organization A DAM system serves as a single source of truth for your digital assets, centralizing them in one location. This organization simplifies managing images, videos, and documents. Advanced search functionalities, like tags and metadata, let you locate assets swiftly, reducing delays that can affect productivity. A streamlined organization boosts your time management efforts, allowing your team to focus on core tasks rather than sorting through files. Consolidating workflows eliminates the need for multiple tools like Dropbox or Excel. This integration results in operational efficiency, saving time and physical resources. Centralized Access Centralized access enables your team to use digital assets from any location at any time through cloud capabilities. If your team members are spread across different areas, this access promotes collaboration and ensures that everyone stays on the same page. This capability supports effective communication, essential for achieving project management goals. Centralized access aids in maintaining brand management by ensuring that your marketing strategies are consistent, regardless of team location. Key Features to Look For Selecting the right digital asset management (DAM) software enhances your small business operations. Focus on essential features that improve your workflow and boost productivity. User-Friendly Interface A user-friendly interface simplifies management tasks. When you can navigate through assets easily, it reduces training time for your team. Look for software that offers intuitive design and clear navigation, making it straightforward for users to organize and retrieve digital content efficiently. A seamless experience fosters collaboration among team members across various business functions, enhancing overall project management. Scalability Options Scalability options are crucial for supporting your business growth. Choose a DAM solution that can adapt as your needs evolve. Whether your team expands or your asset collection grows, scalable software allows you to manage increasing volumes of digital assets without disrupting your operations. This flexibility helps maintain effective inventory management and project management practices as you scale your business. Integration Capabilities Integration capabilities play a significant role in streamlining your business processes. Ensure your DAM software can connect with existing tools and systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or project management platforms. Smooth integration reduces the need for duplicative tasks and enhances data analysis across operations. Effective software tools lead to better decision-making and improved communication skills within your team, contributing to overall organizational efficiency. Top Digital Asset Management Software for Small Business Selecting the right Digital Asset Management (DAM) software can significantly enhance your small business’s operations and team management. Here are two top software options tailored for your needs. ImageKit Best for: Small businesses seeking a centralized cloud storage solution. Features: ImageKit offers centralized cloud storage, third-party integrations, security and authorized access, asset performance analytics, and media optimization. This enhances workflow by allowing quick access to digital assets, ensuring your team can meet deadlines effectively. Pricing: ImageKit features a low starting price point alongside a pay-per-use self-service pricing model. This scalability makes it budget-friendly for small businesses aiming for long-term growth. Dash Best for: E-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies. Features: Dash provides centralized storage and organization, feedback and approval capabilities for internal and external contributors, and integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify. This streamlines project management, supporting efficient marketing campaigns and improving customer service. Pricing: Dash’s pricing plan is structured to accommodate small business budgets, allowing flexibility as your business expands and your digital asset needs increase. By evaluating these options, you can enhance brand management, optimize your workflow, and ultimately support your business growth through effective digital asset management. Conclusion Embracing digital asset management software is a game-changer for small businesses. By streamlining your processes and enhancing collaboration, you can focus on what truly matters—growing your business. The right DAM solution not only saves time but also ensures your brand remains consistent across all channels. As you explore your options, consider features that align with your specific needs. Whether you choose ImageKit for its cloud storage capabilities or Dash for its e-commerce integration, investing in DAM technology will position you for long-term success. Make the leap today and watch your operational efficiency soar. Frequently Asked Questions What is digital asset management (DAM) software? Digital asset management software is a tool that helps businesses organize, store, and retrieve digital files such as images, videos, and documents. It streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and ensures brand consistency across marketing efforts. How can DAM software benefit small businesses? DAM software benefits small businesses by improving efficiency, saving time, and promoting structured workflows. It centralizes digital assets, allowing team members to access resources quickly and facilitating effective collaboration for enhanced productivity. What features should I look for in DAM software? When choosing DAM software, consider a user-friendly interface, scalability, integration capabilities with existing tools, advanced search functionalities, and cloud access. These features help streamline processes and improve overall organizational efficiency. How does DAM software enhance team collaboration? DAM software enhances team collaboration by providing centralized access to digital assets, enabling team members to share, edit, and manage files from any location. This reduces delays and ensures consistent communication across projects. Can DAM software improve brand management? Yes, DAM software improves brand management by ensuring consistent branding across various marketing channels. It helps organizations maintain cohesive messaging and branding by centralizing all digital assets in one location. What are some top DAM software options for small businesses? Two recommended DAM software options for small businesses are ImageKit and Dash. ImageKit offers centralized storage and integrations, while Dash is tailored for e-commerce, providing seamless integration with tools like Shopify to enhance brand management. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Small Business Efficiency with Digital Asset Management Software" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Following a brief delay while Nintendo evaluated the ongoing tariff situation, Switch 2 preorders are back on. The company made the new date official last week, and retailers have been getting their stores ready for the likely digital stampede. If you're interested in picking up the latest Nintendo handheld-console hybrid, there are a number of stores to choose from. Here's when each plans to start preorders, so you can secure your unit among the masses. WalmartLike most retailers, Walmart's Switch 2 preorders go live starting April 24 at 12 a.m. ET. The store will happy sell you any number of Switch 2 games and accessories, but if you're just looking for the console or the Mario Kart World bundle, you can simplify your preorder that way. The company is advertising free delivery by 9 a.m. on June 5 if you preorder right away—the only store on this list guaranteeing such a timeframe. Nintendo Switch™ 2 System $449.00 at Walmart Get Deal Get Deal $449.00 at Walmart TargetTarget also opens up preorders at midnight tonight, April 24. It won't guarantee a timeframe, but like Walmart, you can preorder the standalone console, the Mario Kart World bundle, or Switch 2 games and accessories, like Donkey Kong Bananza or the Switch 2 Pro controller. GameStopGameStop is very excited about the fact that it is holding midnight releases for Switch 2 in June. However, it's not doing the same for Switch 2 preorders. In fact, you can preorder the console in person starting when the brick and mortar stores open, or 11 a.m. ET on April 24—11 hours after other retailers open their preorders. That might make GameStop a great backup in case you run out of luck with the midnight preorders at other stores. Like others, you can order the console by itself, or bundle it with Mario Kart World. Best BuyBest Buy is also launching preorders at midnight tonight. There isn't too much that differentiates it here, as it's the same deal as other stores: You can pick up the console, the bundle, or any number of accessories and games. NintendoYou can, in fact, preorder a Switch 2 from Nintendo directly—but it's a bit weird. First of all, you aren't really "preordering" a console through Nintendo so much as registering your interest to buy one. From there, Nintendo will contact you with an "invitation" to buy the console if you are selected. In order to be eligible for selection, however, you need to meet some odd criteria. In an effort to minimize scalpers, Nintendo is requiring preorder customers to connect their Nintendo accounts to the registration. Each account needs to have at least 50 hours of play time associated with it, as of April 2. That means you cannot create multiple accounts to try to game the system, nor can you apply if you just started your Nintendo journey after the second of the month. If you meet these specifications, go for it. It won't be necessary if you secure a preorder through any of the other retailers, but it could be another good backup option—if you qualify, anyway. View the full article

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