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A reader writes: I manage a team of four. One of my staff members, Jeff, asked to go to a conference that was about a five-hour drive away. I approved the request as the conference would be good for his professional development. Three other staff members from our closely connected teams were also going. Jeff registered for the conference. A couple weeks later, he asked me about booking a flight to it. I was surprised by this, as the conference was a reasonable driving distance. I explained that the department would rent a van and the attendees would drive there together. (Our department wants to minimize expenses where reasonable, so this is norm unless it doesn’t make sense logistically or financially.) He pushed back with a couple reasons why he wanted to fly, such as it would save time and he didn’t feel comfortable driving. I said that flying wouldn’t save time since the airport is at least an hour away, you need a time buffer to go through security, etc., and the flight is two hours. I also knew the others going were comfortable being the drivers. He then said that he didn’t want to be in a car for long periods of time since he sometimes has digestive issues. I empathized but suggested he make up a reason why he might need more rest stops than usual and give the others a heads-up at the start of the trip. Something like, “Sometimes I get woozy when I’m in the car for a while so I need to take more rest stops than usual.” This was not acceptable to Jeff, and he ultimately decided not to attend the conference. It wasn’t a huge issue, but he was salty about it for a while and complained to a few other people. Is it reasonable to expect employees to drive to conferences? Are there situations other than distance and cost where we should make an exception to our norm? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. The post my employee was upset that I told him to drive, not fly, to a conference appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Party leader warns Conservative parliamentarians ‘trust and teamwork’ are vital as she tries to stem flow of leavers View the full article

If you’re passionate about crafting, knowing where to shop can make all the difference. The USA is home to several top craft shops that cater to various needs and budgets. For instance, Michaels offers a vast selection of supplies, whereas JOANN Fabrics specializes in fabrics and tools. Furthermore, Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama provide high-quality options for serious artists. Each store has its unique strengths, ensuring every crafter finds the right materials. Let’s explore what each of these top shops offers. Key Takeaways Michaels offers a vast array of crafting products and classes, making it a premier destination for all crafting enthusiasts. JOANN Fabrics provides an extensive selection of fabrics and specialized craft tools, perfect for fabric lovers and DIY projects. Blick Art Materials specializes in high-quality art supplies, ideal for artists seeking professional-grade materials and fast delivery options. Five Below features budget-friendly crafting essentials, with all items priced at $5 and under, catering to kids and hobbyists alike. Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff offers affordable 2D art supplies and free educational resources, making it a favorite for serious artists on a budget. Michaels: The Ultimate Crafting Destination When you’re looking for an extensive destination for all your crafting needs, Michaels stands out as the largest arts and crafts retail chain in the United States. This crafty shop offers a vast selection of craftsmanship products, including painting supplies, drawing materials, and seasonal décor. You’ll find everything from knitting and crochet supplies to embroidery kits, catering to both amateurs and professionals. Michaels frequently provides in-store and online coupons, allowing you to save on your purchases. Furthermore, the store hosts various classes and workshops, including a Kids Club program that engages younger crafters. With its strong presence across the country, Michaels aims to be your one-stop shop for completing all your creative projects efficiently. JOANN Fabrics: Your Go-To for Fabrics and More JOANN Fabrics stands as a prominent choice for crafters seeking a wide array of materials and supplies. With over 800 locations across the U.S., it’s a convenient craft shop USA for crafters of all levels. You’ll find a diverse selection of quilting cotton, denim, and various fabric blends, perfect for sewing projects. Beyond fabric, JOANN offers specialized craft tools, including jewelry-making materials, scrapbooking necessities, and tie-dye kits, ensuring you have everything you need for your projects. Their crafters website features custom pattern options, along with frequent sales and promotions. Moreover, JOANN hosts workshops and events that engage the crafting community, allowing you to learn new skills as you connect with fellow enthusiasts. Blick Art Materials: High-Quality Supplies for Artists Blick Art Materials serves as a leading destination for artists seeking high-quality supplies, offering a vast selection customized to both professionals and hobbyists. With over 60 locations across the United States, including craft shops in New York, it’s easy to find crucial art materials. Their inventory features a thorough range of painting, drawing, and specialty supplies, ensuring you have everything you need. For those shopping online, Blick emphasizes customer service with fast delivery options available through their USA crafters website. Furthermore, their craft store in Vancouver, WA, provides local access to top brands. You can likewise explore free art lesson videos on their website, helping you refine your skills and discover new techniques, making Blick a valuable resource for any artist. Jerry’s Artarama: A Haven for Serious Artists When you’re serious about your art, Jerry’s Artarama stands out as a top choice for all your 2D supply needs. With competitive pricing on a wide range of quality brands, you can stock up without overspending, whereas their user-friendly website makes it simple to locate specific materials. Plus, you can improve your skills with free educational resources like art lesson videos, ensuring you’re always advancing your craft. Competitive Pricing Options For serious artists seeking quality materials without breaking the bank, Jerry’s Artarama stands out as a prime destination due to its competitive pricing options. Here are some reasons why you should consider shopping there: Brand Variety: You’ll find professional-grade products from well-known brands similar to those at Blick, ensuring you get quality without the premium price tag. Discount Opportunities: By signing up for emails, you can frequently access exclusive discounts, helping you save even more on your vital supplies. Educational Resources: Jerry’s offers free online art lesson videos, giving you valuable tools to improve your skills as you keep your budget intact. With its focus on affordability and quality, Jerry’s Artarama is a smart choice for serious artists. Diverse Art Supplies Jerry’s Artarama serves as a thorough resource for serious artists seeking a diverse range of high-quality art supplies customized to their specific needs. Specializing in 2D art materials, you’ll find professional-grade brands that cater to various artistic preferences. Whether you’re into painting, drawing, ceramics, or bookbinding, their extensive selection guarantees you have the right tools for your projects. The user-friendly website simplifies navigation, allowing you to quickly locate the supplies you need. Furthermore, competitive pricing makes Jerry’s a practical choice for artists wanting quality without overspending. Their commitment to providing premium materials means you can focus on your creativity, knowing you have access to the best resources available in the market. Free Educational Resources Artists looking to improve their skills can take advantage of the free educational resources offered by Jerry’s Artarama, which include a variety of art lesson videos available on their website. These resources cater to all skill levels, making them accessible for everyone. Here are three key features you can explore: Diverse Video Library: Access a wide range of tutorials covering techniques in painting, drawing, and more. User-Friendly Navigation: Easily find the specific resources you need with an intuitive website layout. Regular Updates: Sign up for email notifications to stay informed about new educational videos and discounts on art supplies. With these resources, you can boost your artistry as you benefit from Jerry’s competitive pricing on high-quality materials. Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff: Affordable Options for Art Supplies When you’re on the hunt for affordable art supplies, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff stands out as a reliable destination that caters to both novice and experienced creators. Specializing in 2D art supplies, this store is perfect for anyone seeking budget-friendly materials. You’ll find organized categories like painting, drawing, ceramics, bookbinding, and paper supplies, which simplify your shopping experience. Pricing is competitive with other major art.com retailers, ensuring you receive quality products at reasonable rates. The user-friendly website allows for quick navigation to specific items, streamlining your online shopping. Furthermore, you can access free art lesson videos that improve your skills as you utilize the supplies you purchase. Cheap Joe’s truly makes art accessible for everyone. Five Below: Budget-Friendly Crafting Essentials If you’re looking for budget-friendly craft supplies, Five Below is a great option, offering a variety of items priced at $5 and under. This store makes it easy to find affordable options for kids’ craft projects, like coloring tools and craft kits, which are perfect for family activities. Furthermore, you’ll discover seasonal craft supplies that make it simple to celebrate holidays and events creatively without breaking the bank. Affordable Craft Supplies Five Below stands out as a go-to destination for those seeking affordable craft supplies, with all items priced at $5 or under. This budget-friendly store offers a variety of vital crafting materials, making it an excellent choice for both casual hobbyists and serious crafters. You can find: Coloring Tools: Markers, colored pencils, and crayons for all your drawing needs. Craft Kits: Pre-packaged projects that include everything you need to create something special. DIY Project Materials: A range of items like foam sheets, beads, and stickers for personalized creations. With locations across the U.S. and frequently updated inventory, Five Below provides convenient access to trendy and inexpensive crafting supplies, ensuring you’re always ready for your next project. Kids’ Craft Projects For parents seeking budget-friendly options for kids’ craft projects, Five Below offers an impressive selection of supplies and kits that cater to youthful creativity. With all items priced at $5 and under, you can easily stock up on vital crafting tools. From DIY craft kits to coloring supplies, there’s something for every child’s interest. The store frequently updates its inventory, providing fresh materials aligned with current trends. Furthermore, themed craft kits are perfect for group activities, ideal for birthday parties or school projects. Here’s a quick overview of the types of items you can find: Item Type Price Range Purpose Craft Kits $5 Complete projects for kids Coloring Tools $1-$5 Encourage artistic expression Seasonal Items $1-$5 Crafting based on current holidays DIY Supplies $1-$5 Basic materials for creative projects Seasonal Craft Deals As the seasons change, so do the crafting opportunities at Five Below, where shoppers can find an array of seasonal craft deals designed to various holidays and events. This budget-friendly store offers everything priced at $5 or under, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious crafters. When you visit, you can expect: Holiday-Themed Supplies: Items personalized for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, allowing you to create festive decorations. DIY Kits: Ready-to-use kits that include all required materials for quick and easy projects. Basic Craft Supplies: Necessities like markers, glue, and paper, perfect for spontaneous crafting without overspending. With frequent updates to their inventory, Five Below is your go-to spot for affordable crafting needs. ArtSupply.com: Streamlined Shopping for Artists Though many art supply retailers overwhelm customers with countless options, ArtSupply.com stands out by offering a streamlined shopping experience customized for both amateur and professional artists. The website focuses on high-quality art supplies, making it easy for you to find crucial materials like paint, brushes, and canvas. With a carefully curated selection, ArtSupply.com limits its stock to guarantee you’re not bogged down by excessive choices, allowing for quicker decision-making. Its user-friendly layout facilitates efficient navigation, so you can swiftly locate specific items without frustration. Committed to enhancing your overall shopping experience, ArtSupply.com provides reliable materials for various art projects, making it a go-to destination for artists seeking convenience and quality in one place. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Popular Craft Stores? When considering the most popular craft stores, Michaels stands out for its extensive selection of arts and crafts supplies. JOANN Fabrics is a favorite for fabric and quilting needs, whereas Blick Art Materials offers professional-grade art supplies. Hobby Lobby attracts shoppers with its diverse craft items and home decor. Furthermore, online retailers like Craft Supply Depot provide unique products and exceptional customer service, catering to the growing demand for e-commerce in the crafting community. Where to Shop Instead of Hobby Lobby? If you’re looking for alternatives to Hobby Lobby, consider Michaels for a wide range of arts and crafts supplies, including seasonal decor. JOANN Fabrics is ideal for sewing and textile projects, offering various fabrics and materials. For higher-quality art supplies, Blick Art Materials caters to both amateurs and professionals. If you prefer online shopping, Craft Supply Depot provides unique items and excellent customer service. Each option serves different crafting needs effectively. Is Michaels or Hobby Lobby Better for Crafts? When deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby for crafts, consider what you need. Michaels offers a wider variety of supplies, including seasonal decor and in-store classes, which can improve your crafting experience. Conversely, Hobby Lobby frequently has sales and features unique home decor items. If you’re looking for competitive pricing and religious-themed materials, Hobby Lobby might be better. In the end, your choice depends on your specific crafting needs and preferences. How Many People Craft in the US? About 60% of Americans engage in some form of crafting, reflecting a significant interest in DIY projects. This translates to over 25 million households regularly participating in crafting activities, showcasing its popularity across various demographics. The crafting industry is valued at approximately $44 billion, highlighting its economic impact. Social media platforms have additionally boosted participation by 20%, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, where around 70% report involvement in DIY and handmade projects. Conclusion To summarize, exploring these top craft shops across the USA can greatly improve your creative projects. Michaels offers a vast selection of supplies, whereas JOANN Fabrics specializes in diverse textiles. For artists, Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama provide high-quality options. Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff delivers value, and Five Below guarantees affordability for all crafters. Finally, ArtSupply.com streamlines your shopping experience. Each of these stores caters to different crafting needs, making them crucial destinations for enthusiasts. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Craft Shops in the USA You Must Visit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Is the future of concert venues more spheres? It seems so. Following on the success of Sphere in Las Vegas, plans are underway to bring a smaller-scale version to the National Harbor in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, announced on Sunday that the state and Prince George’s County are working with Sphere Entertainment Co. and Peterson Companies to develop a 6,000-seat sphere, its second venue in the U.S. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history,” Moore said in a statement. “We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.” The collaborators are estimating that Sphere National Harbor could generate an economic impact in excess of $1 billion annually and support 4,750 jobs once operational. Though there’s not yet an estimate of the cost of construction, this project could receive state, local, and private funding to the tune of approximately $200 million. MORE SPHERES COMING Located across the Potomac River from Alexandria, Virginia, National Harbor already draws tourists and convention-goers alike. Its attractions include the Capital Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel, and an MGM resort that boasts more than 135,000 square feet of gambling and a 3,000-seat concert venue. A rendering of the new Sphere indicates a potential location set off from the Harbor and next to the MGM. Even at a smaller size, the sphere would still feature the same Exosphere as the one in Las Vegas, which is an exterior LED display that allows the venue to take on different looks. Inside, the venue would feature the highest-resolution LED screen, haptic seating, 4D environmental effects, and other advanced technologies found in the original that seats more than 17,000 people. Construction is well underway for Sphere Entertainment’s second Sphere in Abu Dhabi, and National Harbor would mark the first smaller-scale version of the concert venue—and potentially pave the way for others. “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said in the statement. He also praised local and state lawmakers for recognizing the potential that a Sphere at National Harbor could “elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.” There is no estimate on timing for the new Sphere yet, as the proposed venue is still being negotiated and requires various approvals. NOT SOLD ON SPHERES Though the planners behind the project boasted that Sphere in Las Vegas topped rankings by Billboard and Pollstar for top-grossing venues worldwide, many people haven’t been entirely sold on the venue. It has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, while panning events held there has become somewhat of a sport for some influencers. What’s more, the Sphere has been the topic of much criticism since it opened in 2023. Most recently, some film fans fumed because The Wizard of Oz—currently showing at the Sphere for tickets starting at $104 per seat—used generative AI to “reimagine” aspects of visuals from the classic to fit the venue’s capabilities. Even so, such criticisms haven’t slowed Sphere Entertainment’s meteoric rise. Its stock has surged 134% in the past year. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you want a tablet and a laptop but can’t justify buying two separate devices, there’s no need to choose—there are plenty of two-in-one designs out there like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, a lightweight laptop that flips back 360 degrees and combines the perks of both. Right now, the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 laptop and tablet is $1,549.99 (originally $ 1,999.99), bringing it to 23% off and its lowest price ever, according to price-trackers. Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 $1,549.99 at Amazon $1,999.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,549.99 at Amazon $1,999.99 Save $450.00 This laptop-tablet hybrid is a shining example of how versatile a PC can be and is a smart option for students, frequent travelers, or people who only need a keyboard occasionally. In laptop mode, it works like a standard clamshell for typing, but can be folded back flat and used with the included S Pen in tablet mode. It also has in-between tent and stand modes, which let you prop it up to watch movies in bed or on a plane or for presentations where you don’t want the keyboard in the way. It comes with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD and uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V that’s designed for effective everyday performance and AI tasks. The 8-core Lunar Lake chip is built for thin, lightweight laptops and 2-in-1s, and this Windows Pro 11 model is rated for up to 24 hours of battery life. The 16-inch 3K AMOLED touchscreen boasts a high resolution and accurate, vivid colors, though some reviewers note that the keyboard is a little softer and less “clicky” than they’d like. Its durable aluminum design weighs just 3.72 pounds and is 12.7mm thick, rivaling the weight of the 15-inch MacBook Air (around 3.3 lbs). AI-optimized Copilot+ enhancements add functionality as a business laptop, depending on how much you use AI in your day-to-day. You can also sync a Galaxy phone to access features like call, text, and AI tools. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it also delivers smooth scrolling, video playback, and casual gaming. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a premium and ultra-portable 2-in-1 PC laptop with seamless performance, a vibrant high-res touch screen, and lots of memory and storage, the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a versatile workhorse works well for both business and creative tasks, especially if you’re already part of the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem and can grab it at its current $450 discount. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — $279.99 (List Price $349.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

I’m off for the holiday, so here’s an older post from the archives. This was originally published in 2021. A reader writes: My fiancé, “Ted,” has worked for 10 years on a small, very close-knit team, all of whom seem to get along exceptionally well. All the team members and spouses/partners socialize outside of work together as well, and we consider them all to be close friends. We thought they felt the same. A few months ago, on the way to a work event, Ted and his coworker/best friend “Bob” were involved in a serious car accident and were rushed to the ER. Everyone waited anxiously for hours as they both underwent surgery. Thankfully, they both recovered. When Ted returned to work, a team member, “Sally,” told him she had a confession to make. She said that while they had been in surgery, she prayed that if God had to let one of them die, she hoped it would be him. (WTF?!?) Ted was shocked and asked why. He said she gushed on and on about what a “saint” Bob is. (Her examples were that Bob gives her great advice on her struggling marriage and has loaned her money when she was in a tight spot.) She finished by saying, “No disrespect to you, but Bob is in a class by himself. You have to admit you can’t measure up to that” and walked away. Ted was truly devastated to learn that she felt this way, but he tried to attribute it to the stress of the situation and did his best to put it behind him. He never told anyone else on the team what she said and tried to continue on at work as if nothing had happened, but his relationship with Sally hasn’t recovered. He is still deeply wounded by her comments. Although Ted appears to be a confident person, underneath he is fairly insecure. He truly thought Sally was a good friend. So in addition to causing him a lot of pain, this has also rattled his confidence. Now he’s wondering if all his team members secretly feel the way she does. Ted and Sally have always seemed to have a warm, cordial relationship and he can’t understand why she would say such a hurtful thing. Ted is now constantly measuring himself against Bob and questioning why he isn’t as “good.” I suggested that perhaps Sally has a crush on Bob or feels closer to him for reasons that have nothing to do with Ted. But he is convinced that thinks she sees him as a “second tier” man and worries that others do too. Our wedding is coming up soon and the venue strictly limits the number of guests. When it was time to send out invitations, Ted invited the rest of the team and their spouses but did not invite Sally and her husband. I expressed my concern that this would cause more problems, but he replied that since we could only have a limited numbers of guests, he’d prefer to spend our special day with another pair of close friends who “genuinely love and appreciate” us rather than a woman with whom his relationship is now severely strained. Two weeks ago, I got a call from another team member, “Alice,” asking me if I had forgotten to send an invitation to Sally. I explained that because the venue is small, we simply couldn’t invite everyone. Alice then told Ted that if we didn’t invite Sally, she and the other women on the team wouldn’t attend either. Ted told her that since the invitations have already gone out, there is no way to add Sally and her husband now unless we “uninvited” two other guests, which we can not do. Now all the women on the team, including Sally, are freezing Ted out. They refuse to speak to him except when forced to, which is really starting to adversely impact the collaborative work the team does and hampering Ted’s ability to do his job. The men on the team have sided with Ted, saying they feel we have the right to invite (or not invite) whomever we want to our own wedding. This has caused an even further rift in the team. Everyone is questioning Ted about why we didn’t invite Sally, but he doesn’t feel it’s his place to explain why he doesn’t want her to attend and just keeps repeating that the decision was due to the venue size limitations. The manager of the team works at another site, and because the team has previously worked so well together, has historically been fairly hands-off, and is oblivious to what is happening now. But if the work continues to suffer, she’s going to notice and ask what’s going on. What, if anything, should Ted do? Should he preemptively go to the manger to give her a heads/up, or will that make it even worse to be seen as “tattling”? Is there anything he can do to “fix” this on the team, before it erodes their work product even more? I did weaken and called the venue, who grudgingly said they would be willing to accommodate one more couple. Should we break down and invite Sally to the wedding for the sake of harmony at work? What a mess. I completely understand why you wouldn’t want Sally at your wedding! She prayed your fiancé would die. Maybe not exactly … but pretty close to it. And then for some reason, she felt the need to tell him. Why?! She should have kept it to herself; there was no need to inform Ted and if she hadn’t, presumably life at work would have just gone on as before. So Sally sounds like a bit of a nut. However. I’m not a fan of pressuring people into wedding invitations, but you also can’t exclude one person from a tight-knit group and expect that not to send a message and cause drama. You’ve got to either invite the whole group, or invite fewer of them so you’re not leaving out just one person, or leave out the one person and accept that it’s going to be A Thing. You and Ted chose the latter option but are hoping it won’t cause drama, and that’s not realistic. It’s especially not going to happen when no one knows why Ted is upset with Sally. From what they can see, they had a close, tight-knit group of work friends and now Ted has randomly and hurtfully decided to exclude one person for no reason. I get that he’s trying to blame it on the venue size, but that doesn’t really work when you’ve excluded one person from a “tier” of wedding guests. It wouldn’t work if he had excluded one uncle or one niece, and it doesn’t work when you exclude one of a very close team of colleagues. People are going to read something into it and be hurt. The drama that it’s causing is pretty excessive — coworkers freezing him out and refusing to speak to him except when forced, to the point that it’s affecting their work, is a weirdly intense reaction (as well as inappropriate and unprofessional). That’s likely a sign that the boundaries on this team were messed up before any of this happened, and that’s why the wedding invitations are functioning as a bomb rather than more like an exploding soda can. And again, in theory you should be able to invite whoever you want to your wedding and exclude anyone you don’t want there. And you can! You just can’t do it without consequence, and that’s what you’re seeing now. As for what to do, if Ted wants to stick to his decision, he’s probably better off just being matter-of-fact about why: “Normally we would have loved to have the whole group, but when Bob and I were in the hospital Sally told me she prayed for me to die if one of us had to. So we’re not asking her to celebrate our wedding with us.” Then at least people would have context. It will probably cause a different kind of drama, but if Ted can stay matter-of-fact about it (“it is what it is and we can still work together fine, but it didn’t make sense to ask her to be at the wedding”) it’s probably a better option than the drama of No One Knows Why Ted Did Such an Unkind Thing. Frankly, it might also be an opportunity to clear the air with Sally. It sounds like she might have no idea why Ted didn’t invite her. He could sit down with her and say, “I’m sorry this has gotten so out-of-hand. I should have spoken to you earlier. I was really hurt by what you said to me after Bob’s and my accident. I’d thought we were close friends, and I haven’t been able to get past you telling me that you prayed I’d die if one of us had to. It’s why we didn’t ask you to be at our wedding, but I’m realizing that I should have talked with you about it earlier.” It’s possible that conversation could move things to a much better place. Maybe Sally didn’t realize how her remark came across and maybe she’ll be mortified in hindsight. Maybe it’ll turn out she was addled by painkillers when they talked and this is the latest in her long and embarrassing list of discoveries of things she said that day. Maybe they’ll have the sort of conversation that will make Ted happy to extend a wedding invitation to her. Who knows. But looking at where things stand now, not talking to her about it seems like the worse option. And just giving in and inviting her without having that conversation first doesn’t seem likely to fix things at this point. Read an update to this letter here. The post a coworker prayed for my fiancé’s death so we didn’t invite her to our wedding … and now there is drama appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

U.S. Donald The President linked his aggressive stance on Greenland to last year’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, telling Norway’s prime minister that he no longer felt “an obligation to think purely of Peace,” two European officials said Monday. The President’s message to Jonas Gahr Støre appears to ratchet up a standoff between Washington and its closest allies over his threats to take over Greenland, a self-governing territory of NATO member Denmark. To force European countries that have rallied around Denmark and Greenland toward talks, The President on Saturday announced a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight nations, including Norway. Those countries issued a forceful rebuke. But British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to de-escalate tensions on Monday. While the White House has not ruled taking control of the strategic Arctic island by force, Starmer said he did not believe military action would occur. “I think this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion,” he said. Still, the American leader’s message to Gahr Støre could further fracture a U.S.-European relationship already strained by differences over how to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, previous rounds of tariffs, military spending and migration policy. In a sign of how tensions have increased in recent days, thousands of Greenlanders marched over the weekend in protest of any effort to take over their island. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post Monday that the tariff threats would not change the their stance. “We will not be pressured,” he wrote. “We stand firm on dialogue, on respect, and on international law.” The President sends a message to the Norwegian leader According to two European officials, The President’s message to Gahr Støre read in part: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” It concluded: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it had been forwarded to multiple European ambassadors in Washington. PBS first reported on the content of The President’s note. Gahr Støre confirmed Monday that he had received a text message from The President but did not release its contents. The White House did not respond to questions about the letter or the context for The President sending it. Gahr Støre said The President’s message was a reply to an earlier missive sent on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in which they conveyed their opposition to the tariff announcement, pointed to a need to de-escalate, and proposed a telephone conversation among the three leaders. “Norway’s position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter,” Støre said. “As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to president The President what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government.” The Norwegian Nobel Committee is an independent body whose five members are appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. The President has openly coveted the peace prize, which the committee awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado last year. Last week, Machado presented her Nobel medal to The President, who said he planned to keep it though the committee said the prize can’t be revoked, transferred or shared with others. Starmer says a trade war is in no one’s interest In his latest threat of tariffs, The President indicated they would be retaliation for last week’s deployment of symbolic numbers of troops from the European countries to Greenland — though he also suggested that he was using the tariffs as leverage to negotiate with Denmark. European governments said that the troops traveled to the island for Arctic security training in response to The President’s own concerns about interference from Russia and China. Starmer on Monday called The President’s threat of tariffs “completely wrong” and said that a trade war is in no one’s interest. He added that “being pragmatic does not mean being passive and partnership does not mean abandoning principles.” Six of the eight countries targeted are part of the 27-member European Union, which operates as a single economic zone in terms of trade. European Council President Antonio Costa said Sunday that the bloc’s leaders expressed “readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion.” He announced a summit for Thursday evening. Starmer indicated that Britain, which is not part of the EU, is not planning to consider retaliatory tariffs. “My focus is on making sure we don’t get to that stage,” he said. Denmark’s defense minister and Greenland’s foreign minister are expected to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Monday, a meeting that was planned before the latest escalation. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report. —Aamer Madhani, Geir Moulson and Jill Lawless, Associated Press View the full article

We fully decrypted Google’s SearchGuard anti-bot system, the technology at the center of its recent lawsuit against SerpAPI. After fully deobfuscating the JavaScript code, we now have an unprecedented look at how Google distinguishes human visitors from automated scrapers in real time. What happened. Google filed a lawsuit on Dec. 19 against Texas-based SerpAPI LLC, alleging the company circumvented SearchGuard to scrape copyrighted content from Google Search results at a scale of “hundreds of millions” of queries daily. Rather than targeting terms-of-service violations, Google built its case on DMCA Section 1201 – the anti-circumvention provision of copyright law. The complaint describes SearchGuard as “the product of tens of thousands of person hours and millions of dollars of investment.” Why we care. The lawsuit reveals exactly what Google considers worth protecting – and how far it will go to defend it. For SEOs and marketers, understanding SearchGuard matters because any large-scale automated interaction with Google Search now triggers this system. If you’re using tools that scrape SERPs, this is the wall they’re hitting. The OpenAI connection Here’s where it gets interesting: SerpAPI isn’t just any scraping company. OpenAI has been partially using Google search results scraped by SerpAPI to power ChatGPT’s real-time answers. SerpAPI listed OpenAI as a customer on its website as recently as May 2024, before the reference was quietly removed. Google declined OpenAI’s direct request to access its search index in 2024. Yet ChatGPT still needed fresh search data to compete. The solution? A third-party scraper that pillages Google’s SERPs and resells the data. Google isn’t attacking OpenAI directly. It’s targeting a key link in the supply chain that feeds its main AI competitor. The timing is telling. Google is striking at the infrastructure that powers rival search products — without naming them in the complaint. What we found inside SearchGuard We fully decrypted version 41 of the BotGuard script – the technology underlying SearchGuard. The script opens with an unexpectedly friendly message: Anti-spam. Want to say hello? Contact botguard-contact@google.com */ Behind that greeting sits one of the most sophisticated bot detection systems ever deployed. BotGuard vs. SearchGuard. BotGuard is Google’s proprietary anti-bot system, internally called “Web Application Attestation” (WAA). Introduced around 2013, it now protects virtually all Google services: YouTube, reCAPTCHA v3, Google Maps, and more. In its complaint against SerpAPI, Google revealed that the system protecting Search specifically is called “SearchGuard” – presumably the internal name for BotGuard when applied to Google Search. This is the component that was deployed in January 2025, breaking nearly every SERP scraper overnight. Unlike traditional CAPTCHAs that require clicking images of traffic lights, BotGuard operates completely invisibly. It continuously collects behavioral signals and analyzes them using statistical algorithms to distinguish humans from bots – all without the user knowing. The code runs inside a bytecode virtual machine with 512 registers, specifically designed to resist reverse engineering. How Google knows you’re human The system tracks four categories of behavior in real time. Here’s what it measures: Mouse movements Humans don’t move cursors in straight lines. We follow natural curves with acceleration and deceleration – tiny imperfections that reveal our humanity. Google tracks: Trajectory (path shape) Velocity (speed) Acceleration (speed changes) Jitter (micro-tremors) A “perfect” mouse movement – linear, constant speed – is immediately suspicious. Bots typically move in precise vectors or teleport between points. Humans are messier. Detection threshold: Mouse velocity variance below 10 flags as bot behavior. Normal human variance falls between 50-500. Keyboard rhythm Everyone has a unique typing signature. Google measures: Inter-key intervals (time between keystrokes) Key press duration (how long each key is held) Error patterns Pauses after punctuation A human typically shows 80-150ms variance between keystrokes. A bot? Often less than 10ms with robotic consistency. Detection threshold: Key press duration variance under 5ms indicates automation. Normal human typing shows 20-50ms variance. Scroll behavior Natural scrolling has variable velocity, direction changes, and momentum-based deceleration. Programmatic scrolling is often too smooth, too fast, or perfectly uniform. Google measures: Amplitude (how far) Direction changes Timing between scrolls Smoothness patterns Scrolling in fixed increments – 100px, 100px, 100px – is a red flag. Detection threshold: Scroll delta variance under 5px suggests bot activity. Humans typically show 20-100px variance. Timing jitter This is the killer signal. Humans are inconsistent, and that’s exactly what makes us human. Google uses Welford’s algorithm to calculate variance in real-time with constant memory usage – meaning it can analyze patterns without storing massive amounts of data, regardless of how many events occur. As each event arrives, the algorithm updates its running statistics. If your action intervals have near-zero variance, you’re flagged. The math: If timing follows a Gaussian distribution with natural variance, you’re human. If it’s uniform or deterministic, you’re a bot. Detection threshold: Event counts exceeding 200 per second indicate automation. Normal human interaction generates 10-50 events per second. The 100+ DOM elements Google monitors Beyond behavior, SearchGuard fingerprints your browser environment by monitoring over 100 HTML elements. The complete list extracted from the source code includes: High-priority elements (forms): BUTTON, INPUT – these receive special attention because bots often target interactive elements. Structure: ARTICLE, SECTION, NAV, ASIDE, HEADER, FOOTER, MAIN, DIV Text: P, PRE, BLOCKQUOTE, EM, STRONG, CODE, SPAN, and 25 others Tables: TABLE, CAPTION, TBODY, THEAD, TR, TD, TH Media: FIGURE, CANVAS, PICTURE Interactive: DETAILS, SUMMARY, MENU, DIALOG Environmental fingerprinting SearchGuard also collects extensive browser and device data: Navigator properties: userAgent language / languages platform hardwareConcurrency (CPU cores) deviceMemory maxTouchPoints Screen properties: width / height colorDepth / pixelDepth devicePixelRatio Performance: performance.now() precision performance.timeOrigin Timer jitter (fluctuations in timing APIs) Visibility: document.hidden visibilityState hasFocus() WebDriver detection: The script specifically checks for signatures that betray automation tools: navigator.webdriver (true if automated) window.chrome.runtime (absent in headless mode) ChromeDriver signatures ($cdc_ prefixes) Puppeteer markers ($chrome_asyncScriptInfo) Selenium indicators (__selenium_unwrapped) PhantomJS artifacts (_phantom) Why bypasses become obsolete in minutes Here’s the critical discovery: SearchGuard uses a cryptographic system that can invalidate any bypass within minutes. The script generates encrypted tokens using an ARX cipher (Addition-Rotation-XOR) – similar to Speck, a family of lightweight block ciphers released by the NSA in 2013 and optimized for software implementations on devices with limited processing power. But there’s a twist. The magic constant rotates. The cryptographic constant embedded in the cipher isn’t fixed. It changes with every script rotation. Observed values from our analysis: Timestamp 16:04:21: Constant = 1426 Timestamp 16:24:06: Constant = 3328 The script itself is served from URLs with integrity hashes: //www.google.com/js/bg/{HASH}.js. When the hash changes, the cache invalidates, and every client downloads a fresh version with new cryptographic parameters. Even if you fully reverse-engineer the system, your implementation becomes invalid with the next update. It’s cat and mouse by design. The statistical algorithms Two algorithms power SearchGuard’s behavioral analysis: Welford’s algorithm calculates variance in real time with constant memory usage – meaning it processes each event as it arrives and updates a running statistical summary, without storing every past interaction. Whether the system has seen 100 or 100 million events, memory consumption stays the same. Reservoir sampling maintains a random sample of 50 events per metric to estimate median behavior. This provides a representative sample without storing every interaction. Combined, these algorithms build a statistical profile of your behavior and compare it against what humans actually do. SerpAPI’s response SerpAPI’s founder and CEO, Julien Khaleghy, shared this statement with Search Engine Land: “SerpApi has not been served with Google’s complaint, and prior to filing, Google did not contact us to raise any concerns or explore a constructive resolution. For more than eight years, SerpApi has provided developers, researchers, and businesses with access to public search data. The information we provide is the same information any person can see in their browser without signing in. We believe this lawsuit is an effort to stifle competition from the innovators who rely on our services to build next-generation AI, security, browsers, productivity, and many other applications.” The defense may face challenges. The DMCA doesn’t require content to be non-public – it prohibits circumventing technical protection measures, period. If Google proves SerpAPI deliberately bypassed SearchGuard protections, the “public data” argument may not hold. What this means for SEO – and the bigger picture If you’re building SEO tools that programmatically access Google Search, 2025 was brutal. In January, Google deployed SearchGuard. Nearly every SERP scraper suddenly stopped returning results. SerpAPI had to scramble to develop workarounds – which Google now calls illegal circumvention. Then in September, Google removed the num=100 parameter – a long-standing URL trick that allowed tools to retrieve 100 results in a single request instead of 10. Officially, Google said it was “not a formally supported feature.” But the timing was telling: forcing scrapers to make 10x more requests dramatically increased their operational costs. Some analysts suggested the move specifically targeted AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity that relied on mass scraping for real-time data. The combined effect: traditional scraping approaches are increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. For the industry: This lawsuit could reshape how courts view anti-scraping measures. If SearchGuard qualifies as a valid “technological protection measure” under DMCA, every platform could deploy similar systems with legal teeth. Under DMCA Section 1201, statutory damages range from $200 to $2,500 per circumvention act. With hundreds of millions of alleged violations daily, the theoretical liability is astronomical – though Google’s complaint acknowledges that “SerpApi will be unable to pay.” The message isn’t about money. It’s about setting precedent. Meanwhile, the antitrust case rolls on. Judge Mehta ordered Google to share its index and user data with “Qualified Competitors” at marginal cost. One hand is being forced open while the other throws punches. Google’s position: “You want our data? Go through the antitrust process and the technical committee. Not through scraping.” Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Google technically offers publishers controls, but they’re limited. Google-Extended allows publishers to opt out of AI training for Gemini models and Vertex AI – but it doesn’t apply to Search AI features including AI Overviews. Google’s documentation states: “AI is built into Search and integral to how Search functions, which is why robots.txt directives for Googlebot is the control for site owners to manage access to how their sites are crawled for Search.” Court testimony from DeepMind VP Eli Collins during the antitrust trial confirmed this separation: content opted out via Google-Extended could still be used by the Search organization for AI Overviews, because Google-Extended isn’t the control mechanism for Search. The only way to fully opt out of AI Overviews? Block Googlebot entirely – and lose all search traffic. Publishers face an impossible choice: accept that your content feeds Google’s AI search products, or disappear from search results altogether. Your move, courts. Dig deeper Full BotGuard technical analysis and deobfuscated source code Google’s official statement on the lawsuit Full complaint: Google LLC v. SerpApi (PDF) This analysis is based on version 41 of the BotGuard script, extracted and deobfuscated from challenge data in January 2026. The information is provided for informational purposes only. View the full article

When you think about what business personal means for entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to recognize how intertwined personal and professional lives can be. This intertwining can impact financial decisions, especially in home-based ventures where tax implications often arise. Comprehending your emotional investment and personal values can influence how you connect with clients and build your brand. As you explore these dynamics, consider how they shape your entrepreneurial path and the legacy you aim to create. Key Takeaways Business personal property refers to assets used specifically for entrepreneurial activities, including equipment and supplies. Home-based businesses may complicate tax considerations due to the mixing of personal and business spaces. Personal identity and business are closely connected, influencing decision-making and emotional investment. Aligning business practices with personal values leads to fulfillment and strengthens client relationships. A supportive network and resilience are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success in entrepreneurship. Defining Business Personal for Entrepreneurs Defining “business personal” for entrepreneurs involves grasping the intricate relationship between their professional endeavors and personal identities. Business personal property refers to the assets you use for your entrepreneurial activities, which often blend with your personal life. For instance, if you run a home-based business, your workspace may double as your living area, complicating business personal property tax considerations. Comprehending these connections is crucial, as it helps you navigate financial responsibilities during the maintenance of your entrepreneurial vision. Furthermore, recognizing the personal context behind your goals guarantees alignment with your values, enhancing your business decisions. Achieving clarity in this area allows you to balance emotional investments with strategic choices, in the end contributing to the longevity and success of your venture. The Emotional Investment in Entrepreneurship Emotional investment plays a significant role in entrepreneurship, where your business often feels like an extension of yourself. This connection can shape your experiences and decisions. To navigate this emotional terrain, consider the following: Recognize feedback: Understand that feedback is about your business, not your worth. Maintain perspective: Balance your personal feelings with professional judgment to avoid clouded decision-making. Cultivate resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks, reminding yourself that failures don’t define you. Embrace growth: Adopt a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Passion Driving Innovation and Disruption Passion serves as a strong catalyst for innovation and disruption in entrepreneurship, driving many entrepreneurs to uncover hidden market needs and develop solutions that challenge the status quo. When you’re emotionally invested in your ideas, you create a deeper connection with your products, which sets you apart from those who prioritize profit alone. This passion encourages you to embrace change, navigate challenges, and adapt your strategies. The entrepreneurial mindset is rooted in a commitment to continuous progress, where your passion fuels resilience against setbacks. By utilizing this passion for innovation, you not only contribute to economic growth but also reshape industries and create new market opportunities. Passionate Entrepreneurs Traditional Business Owners Market Impact Identify unacknowledged needs Focus on profit margins Challenge norms Embrace change and adaptability Resist change Create opportunities Fuel continuous progress Prioritize stability Drive economic growth Understanding Client Relationships Successful entrepreneurs recognize that building strong client relationships is crucial for long-term success. Comprehending these relationships involves acknowledging the emotional investment from both sides. Here are key practices to improve client relationships: Leverage Personal Stories: Share your experiences to create connections that resonate with clients. Communicate Clearly: Prioritize clear communication to guarantee clients feel valued and appreciated. Seek Feedback: Actively ask for client input and use it to refine your products or services, boosting trust. Balance Professionalism and Personal Touch: Maintain a professional demeanor during interactions, while introducing a personal element to interactions, nurturing a positive perception. The Role of Personal Values in Business Personal values play a pivotal role in shaping how entrepreneurs approach their businesses, influencing everything from their strategic decisions to how they interact with clients. When you align your business practices with your core values, you often find greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your work. For instance, if you prioritize client well-being, it can improve your service delivery and cultivate trust. By sharing personal stories, you create connections with like-minded clients, which strengthens these relationships. Moreover, a strong alignment between your personal and business values empowers you to navigate challenges with resilience and authenticity. In the end, your values serve as a foundation for your business vision, guiding your decision-making processes and client interactions effectively. Risk-Taking as a Personal Venture As an entrepreneur, embracing uncertainty is vital for your business success, as it often leads to innovative opportunities. Unlike those who prefer stability, you’re likely to accept the risks associated with pursuing new ideas, comprehending that failure can be a part of the expedition. The personal stakes in these risks can greatly influence your decision-making, making it fundamental to navigate these challenges with a strategic mindset. Embracing Uncertainty in Business Embracing uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship, as the expedition often involves steering through risks that can lead to both setbacks and breakthroughs. As an entrepreneur, you’ll need to accept that risk is inherent to your quest. Here are key points to reflect on: Bold Decisions: Unlike small businesspeople, you’re willing to take leaps, grasping potential rewards may outweigh risks. Adaptability: Being ready to pivot in response to challenges is vital; change is part of the terrain. Emotional Investment: Your identity often intertwines with your business, meaning success and failure can feel personal. Fostering Innovation: Managing uncertainty effectively drives growth, highlighting the importance of resilience in your entrepreneurial path. Personal Stakes in Risk When you venture into entrepreneurship, the stakes often extend beyond financial investment, intertwining with your personal aspirations and values. Your emotional investment plays a vital role in decision-making, influencing how you assess risks. Unlike small businesspeople focused on stability, you’re likely to embrace calculated risks, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. For instance, if a product launch fails, you might pivot and innovate, rather than view it as a defeat. Personal experiences and passion often fuel your drive, making your business expedition a deeply personal one. Managing risk is fundamental; uncertainties can directly impact both your financial and personal well-being, reinforcing the connection between your entrepreneurial endeavors and your life’s ambitions. The Impact of Personal Stories on Branding Personal stories play a pivotal role in shaping a brand’s identity, as they create emotional connections that resonate with clients. By sharing your unique experiences, you can improve your branding in several ways: Attract Ideal Clients: Your path may mirror that of your clients, nurturing a sense of belonging. Differentiate Your Brand: Personal narratives set you apart in a crowded market, making your offerings relatable. Promote Shared Values: Passionate storytelling around values like gender parity can draw in like-minded clients and partners. Encourage Engagement: Clients are more inclined to connect with businesses that reflect their own stories and beliefs. Utilizing personal storytelling not just improves your brand’s appeal but also builds lasting relationships with your audience. Balancing Personal and Professional Lives Balancing your personal values with professional responsibilities is crucial for maintaining both your integrity and business success. Establishing emotional boundaries can help you manage feedback without taking it personally, which in turn boosts your decision-making. Personal Values Alignment Achieving alignment between your values and your business practices is essential for long-term success as an entrepreneur. When your personal beliefs resonate with your professional activities, you create a stronger foundation for your business. Here are four key benefits of personal values alignment: Improved Client Interactions: When your values align, you’re more likely to connect meaningfully with clients, leading to better relationships. Fulfilling Work: Harmony between personal and business values nurtures a sense of fulfillment in your work, boosting motivation. Authenticity: Expressing your true self in your business improves the quality of your work and personal satisfaction. Meaningful Impact: You can deliver work that resonates with your core beliefs, driving more significant results for your clients and yourself. Emotional Boundaries Importance Establishing emotional boundaries is essential for entrepreneurs who often find themselves entwined in the intricacies of their personal and professional lives. Without these boundaries, it’s easy to take feedback or failures personally, which can cloud your judgment and affect decision-making. To maintain mental well-being, focus on personal growth and resilience. Recognizing your emotional triggers helps you detach personal feelings from business outcomes. This approach improves your effectiveness and satisfaction in entrepreneurship. Personal Impact Business Impact Stress from feedback Poor decision-making Indecision Clouded judgment Emotional turmoil Decreased effectiveness Work-Life Integration Strategies Finding effective work-life integration strategies is crucial for entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities. By blending personal and professional lives, you can achieve greater flexibility and satisfaction. Here are some strategies to contemplate: Set Clear Boundaries: Define when work starts and ends to protect your personal time. Prioritize Tasks: Align tasks with your values, focusing on what truly matters to you. Schedule Family Time: Dedicate specific times for family and personal activities to guarantee you’re present. Emphasize Self-Care: Incorporate exercise, mindfulness, and downtime to maintain mental health and prevent burnout. Regularly reflect on your goals and use technology to streamline tasks, helping you stay connected as you manage personal responsibilities effectively. Learning From Feedback and Setbacks Though it’s natural to take feedback personally, especially when you’ve invested significant time and effort into your business, reframing this feedback as a chance to improve can be crucial for your growth. Setbacks are a normal part of entrepreneurship; recognizing that failures don’t define you can build resilience and lead to long-term success. For instance, if a marketing campaign doesn’t yield results, analyze it to understand what went wrong and how to adapt. Taking small, daily steps toward improvement can create momentum, helping you overcome obstacles. By acknowledging your emotional responses to feedback and setbacks, you can manage your reactions effectively, keeping your focus on your broader business goals as you continuously refine your strategies. Building a Supportive Network Building a supportive network is crucial for your success as an entrepreneur, as it connects you with individuals who share your goals and can offer valuable insights. By seeking mentorship opportunities, you can gain guidance from experienced professionals who can help you navigate challenges and refine your business strategies. Engaging with a diverse group not just broadens your perspective but likewise improves your ability to attract potential clients and partners. Importance of Networking Establishing a supportive network is essential for entrepreneurs who want to navigate the intricacies of the business environment. A strong network offers numerous benefits that can improve your business growth, including: Access to Resources: Connect with individuals who can provide valuable tools or information. Collaborative Opportunities: Team up with like-minded entrepreneurs to amplify your impact in the market. Trust and Credibility: Build professional relationships that attract clients and investors who share your vision. Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a variety of professionals to inspire creativity and innovation in your business practices. Finding Mentorship Opportunities How can you find mentorship opportunities that align with your entrepreneurial goals? Start by engaging with local business organizations or industry-specific groups, as these often connect you with potential mentors who share your values. Attend networking events and seminars, where you can meet experienced professionals keen to offer guidance. Furthermore, utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network beyond geographical boundaries; here, you can actively search for mentors in your field. Remember, having a mentor can greatly impact your business success—70% of small businesses with a mentor survive longer than those without. Leverage these resources, and you’ll improve your decision-making and business strategies, making your entrepreneurial expedition more manageable and informed. The Importance of Perseverance Perseverance stands as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, shaping how you respond to the inevitable challenges that arise when launching and managing a business. To thrive in this environment, it’s essential to embrace perseverance through: Long Hours: You’ll often invest considerable time and effort, requiring dedication to push through fatigue. Problem Solving: Resilient entrepreneurs tackle obstacles head-on, transforming challenges into opportunities. Positive Attitude: Maintaining an optimistic outlook helps you stay motivated, even when setbacks occur. Determination: Your ability to persist can set you apart from those who give up, markedly impacting your business’s long-term success. Viewing Business as a Reflection of Self When you start a business, it often becomes a reflection of your values, beliefs, and personal aspirations. Entrepreneurs frequently invest their emotions into their ventures, making successes and failures feel personal. This connection influences decision-making, as feedback can be taken more seriously compared to traditional business owners. To maintain a healthy perspective, it’s essential to understand that business outcomes don’t define your worth. Recognizing this distinction helps you nurture resilience in the entrepreneurial expedition. Here’s a quick overview of how your business can reflect your identity: Aspect Reflection in Business Values Core principles guiding decisions Beliefs Customer and market perceptions Aspirations Goals that shape business direction Emotions Impact on personal well-being Feedback Personal growth and learning opportunities Legacy and Long-Term Impact on the Community As entrepreneurs create businesses, they often aim to establish a legacy that addresses pressing community challenges and improves residents’ quality of life. Your efforts can have a significant, lasting impact on your community through: Job Creation: Each job you create supports multiple family members, boosting local economies. Sustainability: By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, you contribute to environmental health and long-term community well-being. Philanthropy: Engaging in community service and charitable giving reinforces your commitment to making a positive difference. Economic Growth: Small businesses, which you often lead, represent 99.7% of all firms with paid employees in the U.S., underlining their importance in driving local prosperity. Frequently Asked Questions What Does Business Is Personal Mean? “Business is personal” means that your emotional investment in your venture can influence your decisions and interactions. When you face challenges, it’s vital to separate personal feelings from business realities. This mindset helps you stay resilient and focused. Building strong relationships with clients and partners based on shared values nurtures loyalty. Is an Entrepreneur a Business Person? Yes, an entrepreneur is a type of business person, but they focus more on innovation and growth rather than managing established operations. Whereas traditional business people often prioritize profit and efficiency, entrepreneurs embrace risk and seek to create unique solutions. They’re driven by passion and the desire to change the world. For instance, an entrepreneur might develop a new app, whereas a business person might run a local store efficiently. What Is the Meaning of Personal Entrepreneur? A personal entrepreneur is someone who integrates their personal values and experiences into their business path. You prioritize passion and purpose, viewing your venture as an extension of yourself. This approach allows you to connect authentically with clients who resonate with your story. Although emotional investments can lead to challenges, such as taking feedback personally, they additionally nurture growth. Balancing your professional and personal life is essential for achieving long-term success in this entrepreneurial endeavor. Who Is a Business Personal? A business personal is someone who blends their personal values and experiences into their business practices. You’ll often see them sharing stories that resonate with clients, creating a deeper connection. They prioritize client well-being, focusing on enhancing services and fulfillment. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending what business personal means is fundamental for entrepreneurs. It encompasses the blend of personal values, emotional investments, and financial responsibilities that influence decision-making. By recognizing how personal attributes impact client relationships and overall business operations, you can navigate challenges more effectively. Building a supportive network and maintaining perseverance are vital for long-term success. Ultimately, your business reflects your identity and can greatly impact your community, underscoring the importance of thoughtful management. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Does Business Personal Mean for Entrepreneurs?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you think about what business personal means for entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to recognize how intertwined personal and professional lives can be. This intertwining can impact financial decisions, especially in home-based ventures where tax implications often arise. Comprehending your emotional investment and personal values can influence how you connect with clients and build your brand. As you explore these dynamics, consider how they shape your entrepreneurial path and the legacy you aim to create. Key Takeaways Business personal property refers to assets used specifically for entrepreneurial activities, including equipment and supplies. Home-based businesses may complicate tax considerations due to the mixing of personal and business spaces. Personal identity and business are closely connected, influencing decision-making and emotional investment. Aligning business practices with personal values leads to fulfillment and strengthens client relationships. A supportive network and resilience are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success in entrepreneurship. Defining Business Personal for Entrepreneurs Defining “business personal” for entrepreneurs involves grasping the intricate relationship between their professional endeavors and personal identities. Business personal property refers to the assets you use for your entrepreneurial activities, which often blend with your personal life. For instance, if you run a home-based business, your workspace may double as your living area, complicating business personal property tax considerations. Comprehending these connections is crucial, as it helps you navigate financial responsibilities during the maintenance of your entrepreneurial vision. Furthermore, recognizing the personal context behind your goals guarantees alignment with your values, enhancing your business decisions. Achieving clarity in this area allows you to balance emotional investments with strategic choices, in the end contributing to the longevity and success of your venture. The Emotional Investment in Entrepreneurship Emotional investment plays a significant role in entrepreneurship, where your business often feels like an extension of yourself. This connection can shape your experiences and decisions. To navigate this emotional terrain, consider the following: Recognize feedback: Understand that feedback is about your business, not your worth. Maintain perspective: Balance your personal feelings with professional judgment to avoid clouded decision-making. Cultivate resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks, reminding yourself that failures don’t define you. Embrace growth: Adopt a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Passion Driving Innovation and Disruption Passion serves as a strong catalyst for innovation and disruption in entrepreneurship, driving many entrepreneurs to uncover hidden market needs and develop solutions that challenge the status quo. When you’re emotionally invested in your ideas, you create a deeper connection with your products, which sets you apart from those who prioritize profit alone. This passion encourages you to embrace change, navigate challenges, and adapt your strategies. The entrepreneurial mindset is rooted in a commitment to continuous progress, where your passion fuels resilience against setbacks. By utilizing this passion for innovation, you not only contribute to economic growth but also reshape industries and create new market opportunities. Passionate Entrepreneurs Traditional Business Owners Market Impact Identify unacknowledged needs Focus on profit margins Challenge norms Embrace change and adaptability Resist change Create opportunities Fuel continuous progress Prioritize stability Drive economic growth Understanding Client Relationships Successful entrepreneurs recognize that building strong client relationships is crucial for long-term success. Comprehending these relationships involves acknowledging the emotional investment from both sides. Here are key practices to improve client relationships: Leverage Personal Stories: Share your experiences to create connections that resonate with clients. Communicate Clearly: Prioritize clear communication to guarantee clients feel valued and appreciated. Seek Feedback: Actively ask for client input and use it to refine your products or services, boosting trust. Balance Professionalism and Personal Touch: Maintain a professional demeanor during interactions, while introducing a personal element to interactions, nurturing a positive perception. The Role of Personal Values in Business Personal values play a pivotal role in shaping how entrepreneurs approach their businesses, influencing everything from their strategic decisions to how they interact with clients. When you align your business practices with your core values, you often find greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your work. For instance, if you prioritize client well-being, it can improve your service delivery and cultivate trust. By sharing personal stories, you create connections with like-minded clients, which strengthens these relationships. Moreover, a strong alignment between your personal and business values empowers you to navigate challenges with resilience and authenticity. In the end, your values serve as a foundation for your business vision, guiding your decision-making processes and client interactions effectively. Risk-Taking as a Personal Venture As an entrepreneur, embracing uncertainty is vital for your business success, as it often leads to innovative opportunities. Unlike those who prefer stability, you’re likely to accept the risks associated with pursuing new ideas, comprehending that failure can be a part of the expedition. The personal stakes in these risks can greatly influence your decision-making, making it fundamental to navigate these challenges with a strategic mindset. Embracing Uncertainty in Business Embracing uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship, as the expedition often involves steering through risks that can lead to both setbacks and breakthroughs. As an entrepreneur, you’ll need to accept that risk is inherent to your quest. Here are key points to reflect on: Bold Decisions: Unlike small businesspeople, you’re willing to take leaps, grasping potential rewards may outweigh risks. Adaptability: Being ready to pivot in response to challenges is vital; change is part of the terrain. Emotional Investment: Your identity often intertwines with your business, meaning success and failure can feel personal. Fostering Innovation: Managing uncertainty effectively drives growth, highlighting the importance of resilience in your entrepreneurial path. Personal Stakes in Risk When you venture into entrepreneurship, the stakes often extend beyond financial investment, intertwining with your personal aspirations and values. Your emotional investment plays a vital role in decision-making, influencing how you assess risks. Unlike small businesspeople focused on stability, you’re likely to embrace calculated risks, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. For instance, if a product launch fails, you might pivot and innovate, rather than view it as a defeat. Personal experiences and passion often fuel your drive, making your business expedition a deeply personal one. Managing risk is fundamental; uncertainties can directly impact both your financial and personal well-being, reinforcing the connection between your entrepreneurial endeavors and your life’s ambitions. The Impact of Personal Stories on Branding Personal stories play a pivotal role in shaping a brand’s identity, as they create emotional connections that resonate with clients. By sharing your unique experiences, you can improve your branding in several ways: Attract Ideal Clients: Your path may mirror that of your clients, nurturing a sense of belonging. Differentiate Your Brand: Personal narratives set you apart in a crowded market, making your offerings relatable. Promote Shared Values: Passionate storytelling around values like gender parity can draw in like-minded clients and partners. Encourage Engagement: Clients are more inclined to connect with businesses that reflect their own stories and beliefs. Utilizing personal storytelling not just improves your brand’s appeal but also builds lasting relationships with your audience. Balancing Personal and Professional Lives Balancing your personal values with professional responsibilities is crucial for maintaining both your integrity and business success. Establishing emotional boundaries can help you manage feedback without taking it personally, which in turn boosts your decision-making. Personal Values Alignment Achieving alignment between your values and your business practices is essential for long-term success as an entrepreneur. When your personal beliefs resonate with your professional activities, you create a stronger foundation for your business. Here are four key benefits of personal values alignment: Improved Client Interactions: When your values align, you’re more likely to connect meaningfully with clients, leading to better relationships. Fulfilling Work: Harmony between personal and business values nurtures a sense of fulfillment in your work, boosting motivation. Authenticity: Expressing your true self in your business improves the quality of your work and personal satisfaction. Meaningful Impact: You can deliver work that resonates with your core beliefs, driving more significant results for your clients and yourself. Emotional Boundaries Importance Establishing emotional boundaries is essential for entrepreneurs who often find themselves entwined in the intricacies of their personal and professional lives. Without these boundaries, it’s easy to take feedback or failures personally, which can cloud your judgment and affect decision-making. To maintain mental well-being, focus on personal growth and resilience. Recognizing your emotional triggers helps you detach personal feelings from business outcomes. This approach improves your effectiveness and satisfaction in entrepreneurship. Personal Impact Business Impact Stress from feedback Poor decision-making Indecision Clouded judgment Emotional turmoil Decreased effectiveness Work-Life Integration Strategies Finding effective work-life integration strategies is crucial for entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities. By blending personal and professional lives, you can achieve greater flexibility and satisfaction. Here are some strategies to contemplate: Set Clear Boundaries: Define when work starts and ends to protect your personal time. Prioritize Tasks: Align tasks with your values, focusing on what truly matters to you. Schedule Family Time: Dedicate specific times for family and personal activities to guarantee you’re present. Emphasize Self-Care: Incorporate exercise, mindfulness, and downtime to maintain mental health and prevent burnout. Regularly reflect on your goals and use technology to streamline tasks, helping you stay connected as you manage personal responsibilities effectively. Learning From Feedback and Setbacks Though it’s natural to take feedback personally, especially when you’ve invested significant time and effort into your business, reframing this feedback as a chance to improve can be crucial for your growth. Setbacks are a normal part of entrepreneurship; recognizing that failures don’t define you can build resilience and lead to long-term success. For instance, if a marketing campaign doesn’t yield results, analyze it to understand what went wrong and how to adapt. Taking small, daily steps toward improvement can create momentum, helping you overcome obstacles. By acknowledging your emotional responses to feedback and setbacks, you can manage your reactions effectively, keeping your focus on your broader business goals as you continuously refine your strategies. Building a Supportive Network Building a supportive network is crucial for your success as an entrepreneur, as it connects you with individuals who share your goals and can offer valuable insights. By seeking mentorship opportunities, you can gain guidance from experienced professionals who can help you navigate challenges and refine your business strategies. Engaging with a diverse group not just broadens your perspective but likewise improves your ability to attract potential clients and partners. Importance of Networking Establishing a supportive network is essential for entrepreneurs who want to navigate the intricacies of the business environment. A strong network offers numerous benefits that can improve your business growth, including: Access to Resources: Connect with individuals who can provide valuable tools or information. Collaborative Opportunities: Team up with like-minded entrepreneurs to amplify your impact in the market. Trust and Credibility: Build professional relationships that attract clients and investors who share your vision. Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a variety of professionals to inspire creativity and innovation in your business practices. Finding Mentorship Opportunities How can you find mentorship opportunities that align with your entrepreneurial goals? Start by engaging with local business organizations or industry-specific groups, as these often connect you with potential mentors who share your values. Attend networking events and seminars, where you can meet experienced professionals keen to offer guidance. Furthermore, utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network beyond geographical boundaries; here, you can actively search for mentors in your field. Remember, having a mentor can greatly impact your business success—70% of small businesses with a mentor survive longer than those without. Leverage these resources, and you’ll improve your decision-making and business strategies, making your entrepreneurial expedition more manageable and informed. The Importance of Perseverance Perseverance stands as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, shaping how you respond to the inevitable challenges that arise when launching and managing a business. To thrive in this environment, it’s essential to embrace perseverance through: Long Hours: You’ll often invest considerable time and effort, requiring dedication to push through fatigue. Problem Solving: Resilient entrepreneurs tackle obstacles head-on, transforming challenges into opportunities. Positive Attitude: Maintaining an optimistic outlook helps you stay motivated, even when setbacks occur. Determination: Your ability to persist can set you apart from those who give up, markedly impacting your business’s long-term success. Viewing Business as a Reflection of Self When you start a business, it often becomes a reflection of your values, beliefs, and personal aspirations. Entrepreneurs frequently invest their emotions into their ventures, making successes and failures feel personal. This connection influences decision-making, as feedback can be taken more seriously compared to traditional business owners. To maintain a healthy perspective, it’s essential to understand that business outcomes don’t define your worth. Recognizing this distinction helps you nurture resilience in the entrepreneurial expedition. Here’s a quick overview of how your business can reflect your identity: Aspect Reflection in Business Values Core principles guiding decisions Beliefs Customer and market perceptions Aspirations Goals that shape business direction Emotions Impact on personal well-being Feedback Personal growth and learning opportunities Legacy and Long-Term Impact on the Community As entrepreneurs create businesses, they often aim to establish a legacy that addresses pressing community challenges and improves residents’ quality of life. Your efforts can have a significant, lasting impact on your community through: Job Creation: Each job you create supports multiple family members, boosting local economies. Sustainability: By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, you contribute to environmental health and long-term community well-being. Philanthropy: Engaging in community service and charitable giving reinforces your commitment to making a positive difference. Economic Growth: Small businesses, which you often lead, represent 99.7% of all firms with paid employees in the U.S., underlining their importance in driving local prosperity. Frequently Asked Questions What Does Business Is Personal Mean? “Business is personal” means that your emotional investment in your venture can influence your decisions and interactions. When you face challenges, it’s vital to separate personal feelings from business realities. This mindset helps you stay resilient and focused. Building strong relationships with clients and partners based on shared values nurtures loyalty. Is an Entrepreneur a Business Person? Yes, an entrepreneur is a type of business person, but they focus more on innovation and growth rather than managing established operations. Whereas traditional business people often prioritize profit and efficiency, entrepreneurs embrace risk and seek to create unique solutions. They’re driven by passion and the desire to change the world. For instance, an entrepreneur might develop a new app, whereas a business person might run a local store efficiently. What Is the Meaning of Personal Entrepreneur? A personal entrepreneur is someone who integrates their personal values and experiences into their business path. You prioritize passion and purpose, viewing your venture as an extension of yourself. This approach allows you to connect authentically with clients who resonate with your story. Although emotional investments can lead to challenges, such as taking feedback personally, they additionally nurture growth. Balancing your professional and personal life is essential for achieving long-term success in this entrepreneurial endeavor. Who Is a Business Personal? A business personal is someone who blends their personal values and experiences into their business practices. You’ll often see them sharing stories that resonate with clients, creating a deeper connection. They prioritize client well-being, focusing on enhancing services and fulfillment. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending what business personal means is fundamental for entrepreneurs. It encompasses the blend of personal values, emotional investments, and financial responsibilities that influence decision-making. By recognizing how personal attributes impact client relationships and overall business operations, you can navigate challenges more effectively. Building a supportive network and maintaining perseverance are vital for long-term success. Ultimately, your business reflects your identity and can greatly impact your community, underscoring the importance of thoughtful management. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Does Business Personal Mean for Entrepreneurs?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Maga allies refuse to condone US president’s threats over Greenland, with many staying quiet or blaming BrusselsView the full article

Small businesses are planning to hire fewer recent college graduates than they did in 2025, making it likely harder for this cohort to find entry-level jobs. In our recent national survey, we found that small businesses are 30% more likely than larger employers to say they are not hiring recent college graduates in 2026. About 1 in 5 small-business employers said they do not plan to hire college graduates or expect to hire fewer than they did last year. This would be the largest anticipated decrease in small businesses hiring new graduates in more than a decade. Small businesses are generally those with fewer than 500 employees, based on standards from the U.S. Census Bureau and federal labor data. This slowdown is happening nationwide and is affecting early-career hiring for people graduating from both college and graduate programs – and is more pronounced for people with graduate degrees. Nearly 40% of small businesses also said they do not plan to hire, or are cutting back on hiring, recent grads who don’t have a master’s of business administration. Almost 60% said the same for people with other professional degrees. National data shows the same trend. Only 56% of small businesses are hiring or trying to hire anyone at all, according to October 2025 findings by the National Federation of Independent Business, an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. Job openings at small employers are at their lowest since 2020, when hiring dropped sharply during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some small businesses may change their hiring plans later in the spring, but our survey reveals that they are approaching hiring cautiously. This gives new graduates or students getting their diplomas in a few months information on what they can expect in the job market for summer and fall 2026. How small businesses tend to hire new employees Our survey, which has been conducted annually at the LeBow Center for Career Readiness at Drexel University, collected data from 647 businesses across the country from August 2025 through November. About two-thirds of them were small businesses, which reflects their distribution and proportion nationally. Small businesses employ nearly half of private-sector workers. They also offer many of the first professional jobs that new graduates get to start their careers. Many small employers in our survey said they want to hire early-career workers. But small-business owners and hiring managers often find that training new graduates takes more time and support than they can give, especially in fields like manufacturing and health care. That’s why many small employers prefer to hire interns they know or cooperative education students who had previously worked for them while they were enrolled as students. Larger employers are also being more careful about hiring, but they usually face fewer challenges. They often have structured onboarding, dedicated supervisors and formal training, so they can better support new employees. This is one reason why small businesses have seen a bigger slowdown in hiring than larger employers. Then there are small businesses in cities that are open to hiring recent graduates but are struggling to find workers. In cities, housing costs are often rising faster than starting salaries, so graduates have to live farther from their jobs. In the suburbs and rural areas, long or unreliable commutes make things worse. Since small businesses usually hire locally and cannot pay higher wages, these challenges make it harder for graduates to accept and keep entry-level jobs. Industry and regional patterns Job prospects for recent college graduates depend on the industry. The 2026 survey shows that employers in health care, construction and finance plan to hire more graduates than other fields. In contrast, manufacturing and arts and entertainment expect to hire fewer new graduates. Most new jobs are in health care and construction, but these fields usually do not hire many recent college graduates. Health care growth is focused on experienced clinical and support roles, while construction jobs are mostly in skilled trades that require prior training or apprenticeships instead of a four-year degree. So, even in growing industries, there are still limited opportunities for people just starting their careers. Even though small businesses are hiring less, there are still opportunities for recent graduates. It’s important to be intentional when preparing for the job market. Getting practical experience matters more than ever. Internships, co-ops, project work and short-term jobs help students show they are ready before getting a full-time position. Employers often say that understanding how the workplace operates is just as important as having technical skills for people starting their careers. We often remind students in our classes at LeBow College of Business that communication and professional skills matter more than they expect. Writing clear emails, being on time, asking thoughtful questions and responding well to feedback can make candidates stand out. Small employers value these skills because they need every team member to contribute right away. Students should also prepare for in-person work. Almost 60% of small employers in our survey want full-time hires to work on-site five days a week. In smaller companies, graduates who can take on different tasks and adjust quickly are more likely to set themselves apart from other candidates. Finally, local networking is still important. Most small employers hire mainly within their region, so building relationships and staying active in the community are key for early-career opportunities. Murugan Anandarajan is a professor of decision sciences and management information Systems at Drexel University; Cuneyt Gozu is an associate clinical professor of organizational behavior at Drexel University, and David Prisco is a director at the Center for Career Readiness at Drexel University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

The silver bullet technique can transform messaging and persuasion. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

The silver bullet technique can transform messaging and persuasion. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. OpenAI will be testing ads in ChatGPT very soon. Google's Gemini 3 Pro now powers some AI Overviews...View the full article

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Bezalel Smotrich calls for the closure of a US base set up to monitor the ceasefire View the full article

Nearly seven tons of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast products are being recalled over Listeria concerns. According to a Jan. 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notice, the product was distributed by Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Georgia-based food company known for its prepared meats. The recall targets 10-pound cases containing two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat, which were produced on Oct. 14. 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken were recalled, per the notice. According to the notice, the lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 is printed on the side of the case and on the package. The products were distributed to operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. “The problem was discovered when a third-party laboratory sample reported a positive Listeria monocytogenes result in the ready-to-eat fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets product,” the notice explains. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a potential illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Listeria symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal issues like fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea to more severe neurological symptoms like headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions if the infection spreads, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also says that the bacteria can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Friday’s recall is not the first Suzanna’s Kitchen has initiated recently. In December, the company issued a recall of 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products. The product, which was distributed nationwide, was recalled over allergen concerns. While the product was labeled with a product code that classifies it as non-allergen-containing, the product actually contained soy, one of the “big nine” allergens. The recall notice also advises concerned customers to direct any additional questions to Dawn Duncan, Customer Service Director, Suzanna’s Kitchen at dduncan@suzannaskitchen.com. View the full article

If you’re looking to improve your sales, implementing effective lead generation strategies is vital. By asking for referrals, conducting regular customer care calls, and nurturing past referrals, you can create a solid foundation for growth. Establishing credibility as a trusted information source and leveraging online platforms can further boost your reach. Each approach offers unique benefits, but one key strategy stands out for its potential impact. Discover which method could transform your sales efforts. Key Takeaways Leverage referrals by encouraging satisfied customers to recommend your services, enhancing credibility and improving conversion rates. Establish your authority in the industry by sharing insightful content and engaging in thought leadership to build trust with potential customers. Conduct regular customer care calls to strengthen post-sale relationships, identify upselling opportunities, and boost brand loyalty. Utilize digital platforms like LinkedIn to personalize connections and engage with industry-related content, increasing visibility and lead generation efforts. Implement creative lead generation tactics such as interactive content or local event sponsorships to stand out and attract new clients. Ask for Referrals Asking for referrals is one of the most effective strategies for generating leads, particularly during the sales closing process. Happy customers often provide referrals, making this method quick and efficient. By empowering your clients to gather their own leads, you improve your company’s credibility and strengthen those important relationships. Referrals have a higher conversion rate compared to leads generated through traditional marketing methods and can greatly boost your sales. You can also nurture these relationships by asking for referrals during customer care interactions, leading to repeat business, which is cheaper than acquiring new customers. Furthermore, consider offering incentives like discounts or rewards to encourage existing customers to refer new leads, making your referral process even more successful. Conduct Regular Customer Care Calls Conducting regular customer care calls is a crucial strategy for strengthening post-sale relationships with your existing clients. These calls not merely encourage repeat business by enhancing customer satisfaction, but they as well allow you to identify new upselling or cross-selling opportunities. Strengthen Post-Sale Relationships Regular customer care calls play a crucial role in strengthening post-sale relationships, as they provide an opportunity to address any concerns and reinforce customer satisfaction. By implementing this practice, you can achieve several benefits: Nurture Relationships: Regular calls help maintain connections, enhancing brand loyalty and customer retention. Generate Quality Leads: Satisfied customers are more likely to refer new clients, effectively creating a digital marketing lead generation strategy. Enhance Customer Value: Proactive outreach promotes appreciation, leading to positive word-of-mouth marketing and credibility. Stay Top-of-Mind: Consistent check-ins guarantee customers consider you for future purchases, making lead gen ads more effective. Encourage Repeat Business To encourage repeat business, making regular customer care calls is essential for maintaining strong relationships with your clients. These follow-up calls improve customer relationships, leading to increased brand loyalty and satisfaction. Engaging with customers post-sale is important, as repeat business is often cheaper than acquiring new ones. Proactive outreach can likewise uncover quality leads from current clients who may refer others interested in your products or services. Studies show that nurturing existing relationships through consistent communication increases retention rates, eventually boosting sales. By implementing a systematic approach to these calls, you can identify potential upsell opportunities, contributing to revenue growth from existing clients. This strategy not only solidifies loyalty but also improves your overall sales performance. Identify New Opportunities Maintaining strong relationships with existing customers opens the door to identifying new opportunities for growth. Regular customer care calls are fundamental for nurturing these connections. By reaching out, you can: Strengthen brand loyalty, making customers more likely to return. Discover quality leads, as satisfied customers often refer others. Improve customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, leading to increased future purchases. Stay top-of-mind, ensuring you’re considered when leads are ready to buy. With 68% of companies noting that leads require a long sales cycle, ongoing communication is imperative. Setting reminders for regular check-ins allows you to maintain these critical relationships, eventually driving sales and cultivating a network of potential new customers. Lead Nurturing: Keep in Contact With Past Referrals Though you might think that acquiring new leads is the key to sales success, keeping in touch with past referrals can be just as crucial. Lead nurturing involves maintaining regular contact to keep your brand top-of-mind, greatly increasing the likelihood of future conversions. Personalized follow-ups, such as targeted content based on previous interactions, improve engagement and build stronger relationships. Research shows that nurturing leads can result in a 20% increase in sales opportunities. Setting reminders to check in periodically guarantees you remain relevant and can assist when they’re ready to buy. Automating lead nurturing processes, like email campaigns or updates, saves time as you maintain your brand engaged with past referrals, maximizing your chances for future sales. Be a Trusted Source of Information To become a trusted source of information, you need to establish your authority in the industry by sharing valuable insights. When you provide relevant content, like blogs and guides, you not only educate your audience but likewise build a strong foundation of trust. This approach positions you as a go-to resource, increasing the chances that potential customers will turn to you when they’re ready to make a purchase. Establish Industry Authority Establishing industry authority is crucial for businesses aiming to be recognized as trusted sources of information in their field. Here are four effective strategies to improve your authority: Become a product expert: Understand your offerings thoroughly, as 70% of customers research before engaging with sales teams. Speak at trade shows or conferences: This can boost your reputation, with 63% of marketers noting live events generate quality leads. Publish insightful content regularly: This increases your online presence and improves search rankings, leading to 67% more leads monthly. Engage in thought leadership: By sharing valuable insights, you can build trust, as 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Implementing these strategies will position you as a reliable resource in your industry. Share Valuable Insights When you share valuable insights about your products or services, you position yourself as a trusted advisor in your industry. By providing helpful resources like informative blog posts, whitepapers, or guides, you assist customers in their research and improve their comprehension of your offerings. Engaging in speaking opportunities at trade shows or conferences establishes your authority and credibility, making you a go-to source for potential customers. Moreover, maintaining an active online presence and sharing industry-related news keeps your audience informed and engaged. Utilizing social proof, such as testimonials and case studies, further reinforces your expertise. These strategies collectively increase customer trust, which can lead to higher conversion rates and lasting relationships with your audience. Use the Internet to Highlight Your Expertise In today’s digital environment, a strong online presence is essential for showcasing your expertise and attracting potential clients. Here are four effective strategies to highlight your skills: Optimize your website: Make sure it’s user-friendly and contains relevant information about your services. Create valuable content: Write blogs, articles, or produce videos that share insights, positioning you as a trusted source. Utilize SEO techniques: Optimize your content to rank higher in search results, making it easier for leads to find you. Engage with your audience: Use social media platforms to interact directly, building credibility and trust. Network Online Networking online is crucial for broadening your reach and connecting with potential clients in today’s digital environment. Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn can greatly improve your lead generation efforts, as they attract users with greater purchasing authority than average website visitors. Personalizing your connection requests cultivates stronger relationships, making it more likely that these contacts will convert into leads. Engaging with industry-related content boosts your visibility and credibility, drawing in clients who share your interests. Actively participating in online forums showcases your expertise and builds trust, positioning you as a valuable resource. Finally, following up with leads from online networking events nurtures relationships, leading to higher conversion rates and a more considerable network of potential clients. Be Creative To stand out in a crowded marketplace, businesses must embrace creativity in their lead generation strategies. Innovative approaches can greatly improve your visibility and attract potential customers. Consider the following tactics: Create interactive content like quizzes or engaging videos to capture attention and boost user engagement. Sponsor local events or public initiatives to generate leads; for example, one company gained 400 leads and 10 sales from a single event. Encourage team brainstorming sessions to develop fresh and adaptive lead generation tactics. Use storytelling in your marketing campaigns to build emotional connections, making your brand relatable and memorable. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 L’s of Lead Generation? The 4 L’s of lead generation are Locate, Leverage, Launch, and Liaise. First, you locate your target audience by identifying where they spend time and how they consume information. Next, you leverage existing resources, like referrals, to improve credibility. After that, you launch lead generation campaigns through channels such as social media and content marketing. Finally, you liaise with leads by nurturing relationships and providing personalized follow-ups to convert them into customers. What Is the Best Strategy for Lead Generation? The best strategy for lead generation often combines various approaches to attract and engage potential customers. Utilizing content marketing and SEO can draw in interested audiences, whereas targeted email campaigns nurture leads effectively. LinkedIn is a valuable platform for B2B outreach, as its users typically have higher purchasing capacity. Moreover, hosting educational webinars can convert attendees into leads, and referral programs leverage satisfied customers to generate new prospects, enhancing overall conversion rates. Which Strategy Have You Found to Be Most Successful in Turning Leads Into Sales? The most successful strategy for turning leads into sales often involves personalized follow-up communications. By tailoring your interactions, you can increase conversion rates by up to 20%. Furthermore, consider utilizing webinars, as they can convert 30-40% of attendees into qualified leads. Don’t underestimate the strength of referrals either; satisfied customers can provide leads with a 30% conversion rate. Combining these approaches can greatly improve your sales outcomes. What Is the Best Source of New Leads for Good Salespeople? The best source of new leads for good salespeople often comes from referrals. Satisfied customers can improve your credibility, making it easier to attract new clients. Furthermore, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn allows you to connect with high-quality prospects who’ve significant purchasing influence. Don’t overlook SEO optimization, either; enhancing your search rankings can drive organic traffic. Finally, hosting educational webinars can effectively engage potential customers and convert attendees into valuable leads. Conclusion In summary, implementing these seven lead generation strategies can substantially improve your sales efforts. By asking for referrals, maintaining regular contact with customers, and positioning yourself as an industry expert, you can build valuable relationships and trust. Utilizing online platforms and creative content can further boost your reach. Consistently engaging with your audience and nurturing past referrals guarantees a steady pipeline of potential leads, ultimately contributing to your business’s growth and success in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Proven Lead Generation Strategies to Boost Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to improve your sales, implementing effective lead generation strategies is vital. By asking for referrals, conducting regular customer care calls, and nurturing past referrals, you can create a solid foundation for growth. Establishing credibility as a trusted information source and leveraging online platforms can further boost your reach. Each approach offers unique benefits, but one key strategy stands out for its potential impact. Discover which method could transform your sales efforts. Key Takeaways Leverage referrals by encouraging satisfied customers to recommend your services, enhancing credibility and improving conversion rates. Establish your authority in the industry by sharing insightful content and engaging in thought leadership to build trust with potential customers. Conduct regular customer care calls to strengthen post-sale relationships, identify upselling opportunities, and boost brand loyalty. Utilize digital platforms like LinkedIn to personalize connections and engage with industry-related content, increasing visibility and lead generation efforts. Implement creative lead generation tactics such as interactive content or local event sponsorships to stand out and attract new clients. Ask for Referrals Asking for referrals is one of the most effective strategies for generating leads, particularly during the sales closing process. Happy customers often provide referrals, making this method quick and efficient. By empowering your clients to gather their own leads, you improve your company’s credibility and strengthen those important relationships. Referrals have a higher conversion rate compared to leads generated through traditional marketing methods and can greatly boost your sales. You can also nurture these relationships by asking for referrals during customer care interactions, leading to repeat business, which is cheaper than acquiring new customers. Furthermore, consider offering incentives like discounts or rewards to encourage existing customers to refer new leads, making your referral process even more successful. Conduct Regular Customer Care Calls Conducting regular customer care calls is a crucial strategy for strengthening post-sale relationships with your existing clients. These calls not merely encourage repeat business by enhancing customer satisfaction, but they as well allow you to identify new upselling or cross-selling opportunities. Strengthen Post-Sale Relationships Regular customer care calls play a crucial role in strengthening post-sale relationships, as they provide an opportunity to address any concerns and reinforce customer satisfaction. By implementing this practice, you can achieve several benefits: Nurture Relationships: Regular calls help maintain connections, enhancing brand loyalty and customer retention. Generate Quality Leads: Satisfied customers are more likely to refer new clients, effectively creating a digital marketing lead generation strategy. Enhance Customer Value: Proactive outreach promotes appreciation, leading to positive word-of-mouth marketing and credibility. Stay Top-of-Mind: Consistent check-ins guarantee customers consider you for future purchases, making lead gen ads more effective. Encourage Repeat Business To encourage repeat business, making regular customer care calls is essential for maintaining strong relationships with your clients. These follow-up calls improve customer relationships, leading to increased brand loyalty and satisfaction. Engaging with customers post-sale is important, as repeat business is often cheaper than acquiring new ones. Proactive outreach can likewise uncover quality leads from current clients who may refer others interested in your products or services. Studies show that nurturing existing relationships through consistent communication increases retention rates, eventually boosting sales. By implementing a systematic approach to these calls, you can identify potential upsell opportunities, contributing to revenue growth from existing clients. This strategy not only solidifies loyalty but also improves your overall sales performance. Identify New Opportunities Maintaining strong relationships with existing customers opens the door to identifying new opportunities for growth. Regular customer care calls are fundamental for nurturing these connections. By reaching out, you can: Strengthen brand loyalty, making customers more likely to return. Discover quality leads, as satisfied customers often refer others. Improve customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, leading to increased future purchases. Stay top-of-mind, ensuring you’re considered when leads are ready to buy. With 68% of companies noting that leads require a long sales cycle, ongoing communication is imperative. Setting reminders for regular check-ins allows you to maintain these critical relationships, eventually driving sales and cultivating a network of potential new customers. Lead Nurturing: Keep in Contact With Past Referrals Though you might think that acquiring new leads is the key to sales success, keeping in touch with past referrals can be just as crucial. Lead nurturing involves maintaining regular contact to keep your brand top-of-mind, greatly increasing the likelihood of future conversions. Personalized follow-ups, such as targeted content based on previous interactions, improve engagement and build stronger relationships. Research shows that nurturing leads can result in a 20% increase in sales opportunities. Setting reminders to check in periodically guarantees you remain relevant and can assist when they’re ready to buy. Automating lead nurturing processes, like email campaigns or updates, saves time as you maintain your brand engaged with past referrals, maximizing your chances for future sales. Be a Trusted Source of Information To become a trusted source of information, you need to establish your authority in the industry by sharing valuable insights. When you provide relevant content, like blogs and guides, you not only educate your audience but likewise build a strong foundation of trust. This approach positions you as a go-to resource, increasing the chances that potential customers will turn to you when they’re ready to make a purchase. Establish Industry Authority Establishing industry authority is crucial for businesses aiming to be recognized as trusted sources of information in their field. Here are four effective strategies to improve your authority: Become a product expert: Understand your offerings thoroughly, as 70% of customers research before engaging with sales teams. Speak at trade shows or conferences: This can boost your reputation, with 63% of marketers noting live events generate quality leads. Publish insightful content regularly: This increases your online presence and improves search rankings, leading to 67% more leads monthly. Engage in thought leadership: By sharing valuable insights, you can build trust, as 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Implementing these strategies will position you as a reliable resource in your industry. Share Valuable Insights When you share valuable insights about your products or services, you position yourself as a trusted advisor in your industry. By providing helpful resources like informative blog posts, whitepapers, or guides, you assist customers in their research and improve their comprehension of your offerings. Engaging in speaking opportunities at trade shows or conferences establishes your authority and credibility, making you a go-to source for potential customers. Moreover, maintaining an active online presence and sharing industry-related news keeps your audience informed and engaged. Utilizing social proof, such as testimonials and case studies, further reinforces your expertise. These strategies collectively increase customer trust, which can lead to higher conversion rates and lasting relationships with your audience. Use the Internet to Highlight Your Expertise In today’s digital environment, a strong online presence is essential for showcasing your expertise and attracting potential clients. Here are four effective strategies to highlight your skills: Optimize your website: Make sure it’s user-friendly and contains relevant information about your services. Create valuable content: Write blogs, articles, or produce videos that share insights, positioning you as a trusted source. Utilize SEO techniques: Optimize your content to rank higher in search results, making it easier for leads to find you. Engage with your audience: Use social media platforms to interact directly, building credibility and trust. Network Online Networking online is crucial for broadening your reach and connecting with potential clients in today’s digital environment. Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn can greatly improve your lead generation efforts, as they attract users with greater purchasing authority than average website visitors. Personalizing your connection requests cultivates stronger relationships, making it more likely that these contacts will convert into leads. Engaging with industry-related content boosts your visibility and credibility, drawing in clients who share your interests. Actively participating in online forums showcases your expertise and builds trust, positioning you as a valuable resource. Finally, following up with leads from online networking events nurtures relationships, leading to higher conversion rates and a more considerable network of potential clients. Be Creative To stand out in a crowded marketplace, businesses must embrace creativity in their lead generation strategies. Innovative approaches can greatly improve your visibility and attract potential customers. Consider the following tactics: Create interactive content like quizzes or engaging videos to capture attention and boost user engagement. Sponsor local events or public initiatives to generate leads; for example, one company gained 400 leads and 10 sales from a single event. Encourage team brainstorming sessions to develop fresh and adaptive lead generation tactics. Use storytelling in your marketing campaigns to build emotional connections, making your brand relatable and memorable. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 L’s of Lead Generation? The 4 L’s of lead generation are Locate, Leverage, Launch, and Liaise. First, you locate your target audience by identifying where they spend time and how they consume information. Next, you leverage existing resources, like referrals, to improve credibility. After that, you launch lead generation campaigns through channels such as social media and content marketing. Finally, you liaise with leads by nurturing relationships and providing personalized follow-ups to convert them into customers. What Is the Best Strategy for Lead Generation? The best strategy for lead generation often combines various approaches to attract and engage potential customers. Utilizing content marketing and SEO can draw in interested audiences, whereas targeted email campaigns nurture leads effectively. LinkedIn is a valuable platform for B2B outreach, as its users typically have higher purchasing capacity. Moreover, hosting educational webinars can convert attendees into leads, and referral programs leverage satisfied customers to generate new prospects, enhancing overall conversion rates. Which Strategy Have You Found to Be Most Successful in Turning Leads Into Sales? The most successful strategy for turning leads into sales often involves personalized follow-up communications. By tailoring your interactions, you can increase conversion rates by up to 20%. Furthermore, consider utilizing webinars, as they can convert 30-40% of attendees into qualified leads. Don’t underestimate the strength of referrals either; satisfied customers can provide leads with a 30% conversion rate. Combining these approaches can greatly improve your sales outcomes. What Is the Best Source of New Leads for Good Salespeople? The best source of new leads for good salespeople often comes from referrals. Satisfied customers can improve your credibility, making it easier to attract new clients. Furthermore, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn allows you to connect with high-quality prospects who’ve significant purchasing influence. Don’t overlook SEO optimization, either; enhancing your search rankings can drive organic traffic. Finally, hosting educational webinars can effectively engage potential customers and convert attendees into valuable leads. Conclusion In summary, implementing these seven lead generation strategies can substantially improve your sales efforts. By asking for referrals, maintaining regular contact with customers, and positioning yourself as an industry expert, you can build valuable relationships and trust. Utilizing online platforms and creative content can further boost your reach. Consistently engaging with your audience and nurturing past referrals guarantees a steady pipeline of potential leads, ultimately contributing to your business’s growth and success in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Proven Lead Generation Strategies to Boost Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Why Discover success depends on outperforming expected early performance, and how entities, headlines, and images shape long-term credibility. The post How To Analyze Google Discover appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Struggling to fall asleep is irritating. Struggling to get enough sleep is at least partially debilitating. Research shows: People who sleep five to six hours are almost 20 percent less productive than people who sleep seven to eight hours per night. People who only get six hours of sleep per night have greater difficulty performing any task that requires focus, deep thinking, or problem-solving. People chronically sleep-deprived (think six hours or less) have a much harder time performing complicated tasks. So, yeah: Performing at your best requires getting enough sleep. But what if you struggle to fall asleep? Here are three techniques sleep science says you should definitely try. The 4-7-8 method Here’s how it works. First, place the tip of your tongue against your two upper front teeth, and keep it there. (The goal is to inhale and exhale around your tongue.) Then: Breathe in through your nose while you count to four. Hold your breath while you count to seven. Purse your lips and exhale—you should make a “whooshing” sound—while you count to eight. Repeat up to four times. While inhaling and exhaling deeply—and worse yet, holding your breath in between—sounds like it will make you less sleepy, that pattern activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps switch your body to rest mode. That’s especially important if you feel stressed, since anxiety shifts your sympathetic nervous system (think fight or flight) into overdrive. Kick-starting your parasympathetic nervous system helps counteract that effect. And gives you something else to think about in the process. Keep in mind practice is the key. The 4-7-8 method may not help you fall asleep faster the first few times. But the more you use it, the more you’ll train yourself to relax. And even if you don’t fall asleep quicker, you will feel a little less stressed and anxious. A 2022 study published in Physiological Reports found that 4-7-8 breathing reduced heart rate and blood pressure for several minutes. You’ll feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to relax and let go. So, as with using the physiological sigh, you can also use the 4-7-8 method to regain focus when you feel anxious. The military method The military method is a two-minute routine created by the Navy Pre-Flight School to help pilots fall asleep. Within six weeks, 96 percent of the pilots could fall asleep within two minutes or less, even if they were sitting in a chair, listening to a recording of machine-gun fire, and had just drunk coffee. Here’s how it works: Relax your entire face. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly and deeply. Then slowly relax all of your face muscles. (If it helps, start with your forehead muscles and work your way down.) Relax your jaw, your cheeks, your mouth, your tongue, everything. Including your eyes; let them go. Drop your shoulders and hands. Let go of any tension. Relax your neck, your traps; feel yourself sinking into the chair or bed. Then start at the top of your right arm, and slowly relax your biceps, forearms, and hands. Repeat on the other side. And don’t forget to keep breathing slowly and deeply. Exhale and relax your chest. With your shoulders and arms relaxed, that should be easy. Relax your legs. Start with your right thigh; let it sink into the chair or bed. Then do the same with your calf, ankle, and foot. Repeat the process with your left leg. Now clear your mind. Granted, it’s hard to not think about anything. (I end up thinking about not thinking about anything.) If that’s you, try holding an image in your mind. Choose something relaxing. Picture yourself lying comfortably in darkness. But if that doesn’t work— Try repeating the words “Don’t think” for 10 seconds. If nothing else, that should help distract you from thinking about whatever it is that might otherwise keep you awake. Like the 4-7-8 method, the military method may take practice. Remember, it took pilots up to six weeks to regularly fall asleep within two minutes. But once you’ve gained the skill . . . The 10-3-2-1 method This routine takes a little longer to execute; think of it as daylong sleep prep. As Jess Andrade describes: 10: Stop drinking caffeine 10 hours before you plan to go to sleep to clear the stimulatory effect from your bloodstream. 3: Eat your last big meal (or last drink of alcohol) three hours prior to reduce reflux and ensure alcohol doesn’t impair your natural sleep cycle. 2: Create a to-do list for the next day two hours prior; as Getting Things Done author David Allen says, “Your head is for having ideas, not holding ideas. Without exception, you will feel better if you get stuff out of your head.” 1: Stop using screens one hour before you go to sleep, both to reduce exposure to blue light and to disengage. Granted, this technique takes more time and effort. Then again, combining the 10-3-2-1 method with the military or 4-7-8 method can only increase your odds of falling asleep quickly. Which increases the odds you’ll get sleep better and hopefully longer tonight. And be able to perform at your best tomorrow. View the full article

Chances are good that many investors are happy today is a holiday, and thus the stock markets are closed. That’s because over the weekend, President Donald The President announced the threat of new tariffs levied against America’s most prominent European allies. But this time, The President’s tariff threats aren’t driven by trade imbalances. Instead, they center around the president’s desire to acquire ownership of Greenland. Here’s what you need to know, including how assets that are trading today—gold and cryptocurrency—are reacting. What’s happened? On Saturday, The President took to social media to announce that he would impose additional tariffs on eight European nations that have spoken out against his plan to acquire Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark. The president announced that, beginning on February 1st, goods from those nations will be charged an additional 10% tariff when they enter the United States. The nations The President threatened to levy the additional tariffs against include: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. But The President didn’t stop there. He also announced that those additional 10% tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1 and “will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.” Currently, there is already a 10% tariff on goods from the United Kingdom and a 15% tariff on goods from the other countries The President cited. The additional Greenland tariffs would raise the levies on goods from those countries to at least 25% next month and at least 40% in June. The President’s stated reason for wanting Greenland to become part of the United States is its strategic national security importance—the landmass lies directly between North America and Russia. However, Greenland is also home to vast mineral deposits and other natural resources with significant market value. The President’s desire to acquire Greenland is deeply unpopular with the American public, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found this month, with just 17% of respondents approving of the goal. A 2025 Verian poll of Greenlanders found that an overwhelming 85% of respondents said they did not want their homeland to become part of the United States. How has Europe responded? European leaders are in crisis mode. Despite leaders on the continent telling President The President that Greenland is not for sale, The President’s resolve on acquiring the Danish territory has only strengthened. On Sunday, the European Council (EC) of the European Union issued a definitive statement on the matter. “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole,” European Council president António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen wrote. They added, “The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.” How had gold reacted? Geopolitical uncertainties tend to send investors fleeing from more volatile assets, such as stocks, to safer ones, such as gold. And The President’s weekend escalation over Greenland is following this trend. While stock markets are closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, assets such as gold and other precious metals are being traded. Gold, particularly, is seen as a safe-haven asset that investors flee to in times of uncertainty. As of the time of this writing, gold is currently at an all-time high of $4,671.10 per ounce. Silver is also at an all-time high of $93.20 per ounce. How have Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies reacted? Precious metals aren’t the only assets being traded today. Unlike the stock markets, which are closed on federal holidays, cryptocurrencies trade 24/7. And unlike gold, cryptocurrencies are generally not seen as safe-haven assets. Cryptocurrencies are historically volatile in the best of times. When geopolitical uncertainties hit, crypto tends to sell off as investors take profits and move into safe-haven assets. As of this writing, most major cryptocurrencies are retreating amid the rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty between America and its European allies. Crypto king Bitcoin is currently down more than 2% to $93,170 per coin. Ethereum is down nearly 3%, XRP is down nearly 4%, and Solana is down nearly 6%. Memecoin Doge is down nearly 7%. Where do things go from here? Right now, no one can say where The President’s Greenland escalations go from here. Most of the political establishment in America and the overwhelming majority of the international community are deeply concerned about the president’s insistence on acquiring the landmass. Numerous observers, including European leaders, have said that The President’s threats could undermine the very foundation of NATO, of which the U.S., Greenland, and European countries are part. Right now, European leaders are debating how to respond to The President’s threats if the president does not back down. If diplomatic efforts fail, the next most likely step would be for Europe to threaten economic countermeasures against America, including tariffs of its own on American goods, and perhaps even invoking what is colloquially called the “big bazooka”—officially known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI). As CNBC noted, the ACI is a trade policy tool in the EU’s arsenal designed to counter coercion by economically and militarily powerful countries. The ACI is a deterrent instrument that, if enacted, could restrict not just trade with a country, but also place a cessation on foreign investment and intellectual property rights. The ACI was created in 2023, but it has never been enacted before. All eyes will be on The President when he is in Europe on Wednesday, where he will address world and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. View the full article

Less than 200 years ago, scientists were ridiculed for suggesting that hand washing might save lives. In the 1840s, it was shown that hygiene reduced death rates, but the underlying explanation was missing. Without a clear mechanism, adoption stalled for decades, leading to countless preventable deaths. The joke of the past becomes the truth of today. The inverse is also true when you follow misleading guidance. Bad GEO advice (I don’t like this acronym, but will use it because it seems to be the most popular) will not literally kill you. That said, it can definitely cost money, cause unemployment, and lead to economic death. Not long ago, I wrote about a similar topic and explained why unscientific SEO research is dangerous and acts as a marketing instrument rather than real scientific discovery. This article is a continuation of that work and provides a framework to make sense of the myths surrounding AI search optimization. I will highlight three concrete GEO myths, examine whether they are true, and explain what I would do if I were you. If you’re pressed for time, here’s a TL;DR: We fall for bad GEO and SEO advice because of ignorance, stupidity, cognitive biases, and black-and-white thinking. To evaluate any advice, you can use the ladder of misinference – statement vs. fact vs. data vs. evidence vs. proof. You become more knowledgeable if you seek dissenting viewpoints, consume with the intent to understand, pause before you believe, and rely less on AI. You currently: Don’t need an llms.txt. Should leverage schema markup even if AI chatbots don’t use it today. Have to keep your content fresh, especially if it matters for your queries. Before we dive in, I will recap why we fall for bad advice. Recap: Why we fall for bad GEO and SEO advice The reasons are: Ignorance, stupidity, and amathia (voluntary stupidity). Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias. Black-and-white thinking. We are ignorant because we don’t know better yet. We are stupid if we can’t know better. Both are neutral. We suffer from amathia when we refuse to know better, which is why it’s the worst of the three. We all suffer from biases. When it comes to articles and research, confirmation bias is probably the most prevalent. We refuse to see flaws in how we see things and instead seek out flaws, often with great effort, in rival theories or remain blind to them. Lastly, we struggle with black-and-white thinking. Everything is this or that, never something in between. A few examples: Backlinks are always good. Reddit is always important for AI search. Blocking AI bots is always stupid. The truth is, the world consists of many shades of gray. This idea is captured well in the book “May Contain Lies” by Alex Edmans. He says something can be moderate, granular, or marbled: Backlinks are not always good or important, as they lose their impact after a certain point (moderate). Reddit isn’t always important for AI search if it’s not cited at all for the relevant prompt set (granular). Blocking some AI bots isn’t always stupid because, for some business models and companies, it makes perfect sense (marbled). The first step to get better is always awareness. And we all are sometimes ignorant, (voluntarily or involuntarily) stupid, suffer from biases or think black and white. Let’s get more practical now that we know why we fall for bad advice. Dig deeper: Most SEO research doesn’t lie – but doesn’t tell the truth either How I evaluate GEO (and SEO) advice and protect myself from being stupid One way to save yourself is the ladder of misinference, once again borrowing from Edmans’ book. It looks like this: To accept something as proof, it needs to climb the rungs of the ladder. On closer inspection, many claims fail at the last rung when it comes to evidence versus proof. To give you an example: Statement: “User signals are an important factor for better organic performance.” Fact: Better CTR performance can lead to better rankings. Data: You can directly measure this on your own site, and several experiments showed the impact of user signals long before it became common knowledge. Evidence: There are experiments demonstrating causal effects, and a well-known portion of the 2024 Google leak focuses on evaluating user signals. Proof: Court documents in Google’s DOJ monopoly trial confirmed the data and evidence, making this universally true. Fun fact: Rand Fishkin and Marcus Tandler both said that user signals matter many years ago and were laughed at, much like scientists in the 1800s. At the time, the evidence wasn’t strong enough. Today, their “joke” is now the truth. If I were you, here’s what I would do: Seek dissenting viewpoints: You only truly understand something when you can argue in its favor. The best defense is steelmanning your argument. To do that, you need to fully understand the other side. Consume with the intent to understand: Too often, we listen to reply, which means we don’t listen at all and instead converse with ourselves in our own heads. We focus on our own arguments and what we will say next. To understand, you need to listen actively. Pause before you share and believe: False information is highly contagious, so sharing half-truths or lies is dangerous. You also shouldn’t believe something simply because a well-known person said it or because it’s repeated over and over again. Don’t use AI to summarize (perhaps controversial): AI has significant flaws when it comes to summarization. For example, prompts that ask for brief summaries increase hallucinations, and source material can put a veil of credibility and trust over the response. We will see why the last point is a big problem in a second. The prime example: Blinding AI workslop I decided against finger-pointing, so there is no link or mention of who this is about. With a bit of research, you might find the example yourself. This “research” was promoted in the following way: “How AI search really works.” Requiring a time investment of weeks. 19 studies and six case studies analyzed. Validated, reviewed, and stress-tested. To quote Edmans: “It’s not for the authors to call their findings groundbreaking. That’s for the reader to judge. You need to shout about the conclusiveness of your proof or the novelty of your results. Maybe they’re not strong enough to speak for themselves. … It doesn’t matter what fancy name you give your techniques or how much data you gather. Quantity is no substitute for quality.” Just because something took a long time does not mean the results are good. Just because the author or authors say so does not mean the findings are groundbreaking. According to the HBR, AI workslop is: “AI-generated work content that masquerades as good work, but lacks the substance to meaningfully advance a given task.” I don’t have proof this work was AI-generated. It’s simply how it felt when I read it myself, with no skimming or AI summaries. Here are a few things that caught my attention: It doesn’t deliver what it claims. It purports to explain how AI search works, but instead lists false correlations between studies that analyzed something different from what the analysis claims. Reported sample sizes are inaccurate. Studies and articles are mishmashed. One source is a “someone said something that someone said something that someone said.” Cited research didn’t analyze or conclude what is claimed in the meta-analysis. The “correlation coefficient” isn’t a correlation coefficient, but a weighted score. To be specific, it misdates the GEO study as 2024 instead of 2023 and claims the research “confirms” that schema markup, lists, and FAQ blocks significantly improve inclusion in AI responses. A review of the study shows that it makes no such claims. This analysis looks convincing on the surface and masquerades as good work, but on closer inspection, it crumbles under scrutiny. Disclaimer: I specifically wanted to highlight one example because it reflects everything I wrote about in my last article and serves as a perfect continuation. This “research” was shared in newsletters, news sites, and roundups. It got a lot of eyeballs. Let’s now take a look at the three, in my opinion, most pervasive recommendations for influencing the rate of your AI citations. Dig deeper: Forget the Great Decoupling – SEO’s Great Normalization has begun Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The most common GEO myths: Claims vs. reality ‘Build an llms.txt’ The claims for why this should help: AI chatbots have a centralized source of important information to use for citations. It’s a lightweight file that makes it easier for AI crawlers to evaluate your domain. When viewed through the ladder of misinference, the llms.txt claim is a statement. Some parts are factual – for example, Google and others crawl these files, and Google even indexes and ranks them for keywords – and there is data to support that. However, there is no data or evidence showing that llms.txt files boost AI inclusion. There is certainly no proof. The reality is that llms.txt is a proposal from 2024 that gained traction largely because it was amplified by influencers. It was repeated often enough to become one of the more tiring talking points in black-and-white debates. One side dismisses it entirely, while the other promotes it as a secret holy grail that will solve all AI visibility problems. The original proposal also stated: “We furthermore propose that pages on websites that have information that might be useful for LLMs to read provide a clean markdown version of those pages at the same URL as the original page, but with .md appended.” This approach would lead to internal competition, duplicate content, and an unnecessary increase in total crawl volume. The only scenario where llms.txt makes sense is if you operate a complex API that AI agents can meaningfully benefit from. (There’s a small experiment showing that neither llms.txt nor .md files have an impact on AI citations.) So, if I were you, here’s what I would do: On a quarterly basis: Check whether companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have openly announced support. Review log files to see how crawl volume to llms.txt changes over time. You can do this without providing an llms.txt file. If it is officially supported, create one according to published documentation guidelines. At the moment, no one has evidence – or proof – that an llms.txt meaningfully influences your AI presence. ‘Use schema markup’ The claims for why this should help: Machines love structured data. Generally, the advice “make it as easy as possible” holds true. “Microsoft said so.” The last point is egregious. No one has a direct quote from Fabrice Canel or the exact context in which he supposedly said this. For this recommendation, there is no solid data or evidence. The reality is this: For training Text is extracted and HTML elements are stripped. Tokenization after pretraining destroys coherent code if markup makes it through to this step. The existence of LLMs is based on structuring unstructured content. They can handle schema and write it because they are trained to do so. That doesn’t mean your individual markup plays a role in the knowledge of the foundation model. For grounding There is no evidence that AI chatbots access schema markup. Correlation studies show that websites with schema markup have better AI visibility, but there are many rival theories that could explain this. Recent experiments (including this and this) showed the opposite. The tools AI chatbots can access don’t use the HTML. I recently tested this in Perplexity Comet. Even with an open DOM, it hallucinated schema markup on the page that didn’t match what was actually there. Also, when someone says they use structured data, that can – but does not have to – mean schema. All schema is structured data, but not all structured data is schema. In most cases, they mean proper HTML elements such as tables and lists. So, if I were you, here’s what I would do: Use schema markup for supported rich results. Use all relevant properties in your schema markup. You might ask why I recommend this. To me, solid schema markup is a hygiene factor of good SEO. Just because AI chatbots and agents don’t use schema today doesn’t mean they won’t in the future. “One could say the same for llms.txt.” That’s true. However, llms.txt has no SEO benefits. Schema markup doesn’t help us understand how AI systems process content directly. Instead, it helps improve signals they frequently look at, such as search rankings, both in the top 10 and beyond for fan-out queries. ‘Provide fresh content’ The claims for why this should help: AI chatbots prefer fresh content. Fresh content is important for some queries and prompts. Newer or recently updated content should be more accurate. Compared with llms.txt and schema markup, this recommendation stands on a much more solid foundation in terms of evidence and data. The reality is that foundation models contain content up to the end of 2022. After digesting that information, they need fresh content, which means cited sources, on average, have to be more recent. If freshness is relevant to a query – OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity use freshness as a signal to determine whether to use web search – then finding fresh sources matters. There is research supporting this hypothesis from Ahrefs, Generative Pulse, and Seer Interactive. More recently, a scientific paper also supported these claims. A few words of caution about that paper: The researchers used API results, not the user interface. Results differ because of chatbot system prompts and API settings. Surfer recently published a study showing how large those differences can be. Asking a model to rerank is not how the model or chatbot actually reranks results in the background. The way dates were injected was highly artificial, with a perfect inverse correlation that may exaggerate the results. That said, this recommendation appears to have the strongest case for meaningfully influencing AI visibility and increasing citations. So, if I were you, here’s what I would do: Add a relevant date indicating when your content was last updated. Keep update dates consistent: On-page. Schema markup. Sitemap lastmod. Update content regularly, especially for queries where freshness matters. Fan-out queries from AI chatbots often signal freshness when a date is included. Never artificially update content by changing only the date. Google stores up to 20 past versions of a web page and can detect manipulation. In other words, this one appears to be legitimate. Dig deeper: The rise of ‘like hat’ SEO: When attention replaces outcomes Escaping the vortex of AI search misinformation We have to avoid shoveling AI search misinformation into the walls of our industry. Otherwise, it will become the asbestos we eventually have to dig out. An attention-grabbing headline should always raise red flags. I understand the allure of believing what appears to be the consensus or using AI to summarize. It’s easier. We’re all busy. The issue is that there was already too much content to consume before AI. Now there’s even more because of it. We can’t consume and analyze everything, so we rely on the same tools not only to generate content, but also to consume it. It’s a snake-biting-its-own-tail problem. Our compression culture risks creating a vortex of AI search misinformation that feeds back into the training data of the AI chatbots we both love and hate. We’re already there. AI chatbots sometimes answer GEO questions from model knowledge. Take the time to think for yourself and get your hands dirty. Try to understand why something should or shouldn’t work. And never take anything at face value, no matter who said it. Authority isn’t accuracy. P.S. This article may contain lies. View the full article

Each year on the holiday that bears his name, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his immense contributions to the struggle for racial equality. What is less often remembered but equally important is that King saw the fight for racial equality as deeply intertwined with economic justice. To address inequality—and out of growing concern for how automation might displace workers—King became an early advocate for universal basic income. Under universal basic income, the government provides direct cash payments to all citizens to help them afford life’s expenses. In recent years, more than a dozen U.S. cities have run universal basic income programs, often smaller or pilot programs that have offered guaranteed basic incomes to select groups of needy residents. As political scientists, we have followed these experiments closely. One of us recently co-authored a study which found that universal basic income is generally popular. In two out of three surveys analyzed, majorities of white Americans supported a universal basic income proposal. Support is particularly high among those with low incomes. King’s intuition was that white people with lower incomes would support this type of policy because they could also benefit from it. In 1967, King argued, “It seems to me that the Civil Rights Movement must now begin to organize for the guaranteed annual income . . . which I believe will go a long, long way toward dealing with the Negro’s economic problem and the economic problem with many other poor people confronting our nation.” But there is one notable group that does not support universal basic income: those with higher levels of racial resentment. Racial resentment is a scale that social scientists have used to describe and measure anti-Black prejudice since the 1980s. Notably, in our research, whites with higher levels of racial resentment and higher incomes are especially inclined to oppose universal basic income. As King well knew, this segment of Americans can create powerful opposition. Economic self-interest can The President resentment At the same time, the results of the study also suggest that coalition building is possible, even among the racially resentful. Economic status matters. Racially resentful whites with lower incomes tend to be supportive of universal basic income. In short, self-interest seems to The President racial resentment. This is consistent with King’s idea of how an economic coalition could be built and pave the way toward racial progress. Income is not the only thing that shapes attitudes, however. Some of the strongest supporters of universal basic income are those who have higher incomes but low levels of racial resentment. This suggests an opportunity to build coalitions across economic lines, something King believed was necessary. “The rich must not ignore the poor,” he argued in his Nobel Peace Prize lecture, “because both rich and poor are tied in a single garment of destiny.” Our data shows that this is possible. This approach to coalition building is also suggested by our earlier research. Using American National Election Studies surveys from 2004-2016, we found that for white Americans, racial resentment predicted lower support for social welfare policies. But we also found that economic position mattered, too. Economic need can unite white Americans in support of more generous welfare policies, including among some who are racially prejudiced. At a minimum, this suggests that racial resentment does not necessarily prevent white Americans from supporting policies that would also benefit Black Americans. Building lasting coalitions During his career as an activist in the 1950s and 1960s, King struggled with building long-term, multiracial coalitions. He understood that many forms of racial prejudice could undermine his work. He therefore sought strategies that could forge alliances across lines of difference. He helped build coalitions of poor and working-class Americans, including those who are white. He was not so naive as to think that shared economic progress would eliminate racial prejudice, but he saw it as a place to start. Currently, the nation faces an affordability crisis, and artificial intelligence poses new threats to jobs. These factors have increased calls for universal basic income. Racial prejudice continues to fuel opposition to universal basic income, as well as other forms of social welfare. But our research suggests that this is not insurmountable. As King knew, progress toward economic equality is not inevitable. But, as his legacy reminds us, progress does remain possible through organizing around shared interests. Tarah Williams is an assistant professor of political science at Allegheny College and Andrew Bloeser is an associate professor of political science; Director, Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article