All Activity

Former business secretary paid £250,000 for his remaining stake days before business went into administrationView the full article

OpenAI is beginning to build the infrastructure for a formal advertising business around ChatGPT — but early performance signals suggest the company still has work to do to match established search platforms. What’s happening. OpenAI started testing an Ads Manager dashboard with a small group of partners, according to confirmation shared with ADWEEK. The tool allows marketers to launch, monitor, and optimise campaigns in real time, similar to the campaign management platforms used across digital advertising. Why we care. OpenAI is beginning to build a self-serve ads ecosystem around ChatGPT with a dedicated Ads Manager, as they prepare for AI assistants becoming a scalable channel. As conversational search grows, paid media marketers may need to think about visibility inside AI responses, not just traditional platforms like Google Search. Early testing also means advertisers who participate now could gain first-mover insights into performance, formats, and optimisation strategies in a new advertising environment. How it works today. Early testers currently receive weekly CSV performance reports that include metrics such as impressions and clicks. The reporting indicates the ads product is still evolving, with more advanced analytics and tooling likely to follow as the program develops. The challenge: Early tests suggest click-through rates on ChatGPT ads trail those seen on Google Search, highlighting a key hurdle for OpenAI as it tries to prove the value of advertising inside conversational AI. The cost of entry. Some early advertisers have reportedly been asked to commit at least $200,000 in spend, raising the stakes for OpenAI to demonstrate measurable performance and ROI. Between the lines. Building an ad ecosystem requires more than ad inventory. Marketers expect robust reporting, optimisation tools, and predictable performance — areas where mature platforms like Google have years of advantage. The bottom line. OpenAI is laying the foundation for a new ad platform inside ChatGPT, but convincing brands to shift budgets will depend on whether conversational ads can deliver results that compete with traditional search. View the full article

Broadcaster asks Florida court to dismiss the case on the basis of a lack of jurisdictionView the full article

Digg is shutting down—at least for now. Just two months after relaunching with an open beta, the once-influential social news site says it is pulling the plug while it reassesses its strategy. The announcement came from CEO Justin Mezzell in a message posted to the site’s homepage. The relaunch has been scrapped, he wrote, and the company has decided “to significantly downsize the Digg team.” As the company figures out its next move, Mezzell said, Digg founder Kevin Rose will return to Digg on a full-time basis starting in April. The shutdown marks another twist in the long, uneven history of a platform that once helped define the early social web. Twenty-two years ago—long before Reddit, YouTube, or Facebook were dominating people’s time online—Digg was one of the hottest sites on the internet, pioneering the concept of users upvoting and downvoting the stories they liked and loathed the most. Today, though, the site has become an afterthought for many users. Rose was responsible for building Digg, in its heyday of 2008, to an estimated value of $160 million. A 2010 redesign was so unpopular, however, that the audience migrated over to Reddit (which offered a similar upvote/downvote functionality). Rose sold the company in 2012 for just $500,000. Last year, however, he and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian bought Digg back with plans to revive it. Backed by True Ventures (where Rose is a partner) and Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, the revived Digg said it would offer a human-centered experience. That has proven to be easier said than done. Mezzell, in his note, said the site was quickly overwhelmed by bots and AI when it relaunched as spammers looked to boost their SEO rankings based on Digg’s authority, which remains high with Google. “Within hours, we got a taste of what we’d only heard rumors about,” he wrote. “The internet is now populated, in meaningful part, by sophisticated AI agents and automated accounts. We knew bots were part of the landscape, but we didn’t appreciate the scale, sophistication, or speed at which they’d find us.” Mezzell’s comments seem to align with the “dead internet” theory that has been floating online for years. At its core, that line of thinking argues that the human-created content that powered the web in the 1990s and 2000s has been replaced with artificially created content. (The argument got another boost earlier this year with the debut of Moltbook, a social media site designed for AI agents instead of humans.) At the same time, Digg said it underestimated the loyalty users had built up with competing sites. Luring them back after they had been gone so long proved challenging, especially as the bots dominated the site. Despite banning tens of thousands of accounts and putting up additional defenses, Digg was unable to stop the onslaught. Rather than letting human users be duped by the bots, the company decided to pull the plug for now. “When you can’t trust that the votes, the comments, and the engagement you’re seeing are real, you’ve lost the foundation a community platform is built on,” Mezzell wrote. While insisting that it wasn’t going away permanently, Digg also acknowledged that it doesn’t really know where it’s going next and did not give any estimate for when it might be back. Admitting it had not yet found the right product-market fit, Digg said its existing Digg podcast will continue and Rose will hopefully help them find a way to assemble a site that can fend off bots and AI agents and stay true to that human-centric mission discussed when he bought back the site. The problem is: no one seems quite sure how to do that. “A small but determined team is stepping up to rebuild with a completely reimagined angle of attack,” Mezzell wrote. “Positioning Digg as simply an alternative to incumbents wasn’t imaginative enough. That’s a race we were never going to win. What comes next needs to be genuinely different . . . Ultimately, the internet needs a place where we can trust the content and the people behind it. We’re going to figure out how to build it.” View the full article

We’re now one month into a partial U.S. government shutdown due to a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. Yet, employees with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are still expected to show up for work. As of last Friday, many TSA employees missed their first full payday and instead received $0 paychecks. Due to financial concerns, many have been calling out sick or resigning to find alternative income sources. Staffing issues have led to longer lines and increased wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints nationwide. Now the CEOs of major U.S. airlines are publicly calling on Washington to end the shutdown. In an open letter to Congress, the executives demanded that lawmakers “immediately come together to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security.” The letter was signed by Robert Isom of American Airlines Group, Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, Scott Kirby of United Airlines, and Bob Jordan of Southwest Airlines, among others. Executives from UPS, FedEx, and the trade group Airlines for America (A4A)— where the letter was published on Sunday—also signed the letter. “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid,” the letter reads. The senior executives further urged Congress to take action to ensure essential airline workers never go without pay again. Specifically, they want Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would ensure that air traffic controllers are paid regardless of the government’s funding status. The letter also urges Congress to come together to pass the Keep America Flying Act, which would extend the same protections to TSA workers. Travel demand is expected to increase in the coming months The letter notes that U.S. airports are likely to face heavier crowds this spring and summer. An increase in travelers is anticipated to occur during spring break and for events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Airlines for America, U.S. airports are expected to see 171 million passengers this spring, up 4% from 2025. The group projects that U.S. airlines will carry about 2.8 million passengers per day from March 1 through April 30. Airline stocks have faced a challenging start to 2026 U.S. airline stocks have had a rough start to the year. Most recently, shares have fallen significantly due to soaring jet fuel prices amid the war in Iran. The three major U.S. airline stocks have fallen significantly since the start of the year: Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL): Down more than 12% YTD. United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL): Down more than 20% YTD. American Airlines (NYSE: AAL): Down more than 30% YTD. View the full article

In terms of financing commercial building construction, selecting the right loan is essential. Various options exist, each catering to different needs, from traditional bank loans that cover a significant portion of costs to SBA loans offering favorable terms. You might likewise consider hard money loans for quick access or private equity partnerships for thorough funding. Comprehending these options can greatly impact your project’s success, so let’s explore the top seven loans you should consider. Key Takeaways SBA 504 Loans offer up to 90% financing with low down payment and long repayment terms, ideal for owner-occupied properties. SBA 7(a) Loans provide flexible financing for various needs, with competitive rates and up to $5 million available for real estate projects. Traditional Bank Loans cover 70-90% of costs, requiring strong credit and documentation, with interest rates ranging from 4% to 11%. Hard Money Loans offer quick access to funds for urgent projects, though they come with higher interest rates of 10-15%. Construction-to-Permanent Loans streamline financing by combining construction and long-term mortgage processes, simplifying cash flow management. Traditional Bank Loans for Commercial Construction When you’re considering financing for a commercial building project, traditional bank loans are often a primary option worth exploring. These loans typically cover 70-90% of your project costs, meaning you’ll need a down payment of 10-30%, depending on the lender’s criteria. Most commercial construction loans come with terms ranging from 12 to 36 months for construction, with the potential for conversion to permanent financing once your project is complete. Interest rates can vary considerably, usually falling between 4% and 11%, influenced by market conditions and your qualifications as a borrower. Be prepared for origination fees of 1-3% of the loan amount, along with additional costs for inspections, which may run from $500 to $1,000 each, and appraisals that can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. Approval from commercial construction lenders often requires a strong credit score and substantial documentation to assess your financial stability and the project’s feasibility. SBA 504 Loans: High Leverage With Low Down Payment If you’re considering financing options for your commercial building project, SBA 504 Loans are worth exploring. With a down payment requirement of just 10%, these loans allow you to secure up to 90% of the financing needed, making them an attractive choice. Nevertheless, keep in mind that to qualify, you must occupy at least 51% of the property, and the financing structure typically involves both a SBA-backed loan. Down Payment Requirements SBA 504 Loans stand out due to their low down payment requirement of just 10%, making them an appealing option for businesses aiming to finance commercial building construction with minimal upfront costs. This financing structure allows you to secure up to 90% of your total project costs, greatly reducing the financial burden when you seek a loan for construction of commercial property. The low down payment lets you retain more working capital for operational needs, which is vital during building projects. This option is especially advantageous for owner-occupied properties, as it encourages investment in your business growth and reducing initial cash outlays. Financing Structure Overview Grasping the financing structure of SBA 504 Loans reveals how businesses can maximize their borrowing potential with minimal cash outlay. These loans require a down payment as low as 10%, allowing you to leverage up to 90% financing for your commercial construction projects. Typically, the financing structure includes a first mortgage from construction lenders covering 50% of the project costs, whereas the SBA 504 loan covers up to 40%. You’ll contribute the remaining 10% as equity. With long-term repayment terms of 10, 20, or 25 years and fixed interest rates, these loans can offer more favorable terms than traditional options. Additionally, the funds can be used for land acquisition, construction, renovations, and purchasing major equipment, enhancing your funding flexibility. Eligible Property Types When considering financing options for commercial properties, it is essential to recognize the types of buildings that qualify for SBA 504 Loans. These loans are particularly designed for owner-occupied commercial real estate, allowing you to secure long-term financing for property purchases, renovations, or expansions. Eligible properties include: Property Type Description Office Buildings Spaces primarily for administrative work Manufacturing Facilities Buildings used for production and assembly Retail Centers Locations for selling goods and services With a down payment as low as 10%, you can leverage up to 90% of the project’s total cost. The maximum loan amount can reach up to $5 million, making SBA 504 Loans an attractive option for significant commercial construction projects. SBA 7(a) Loans: Flexible Options for Various Needs SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible financing options for your commercial building needs, regardless of whether you’re purchasing, constructing, or renovating a property. With competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms, these loans help you manage cash flow effectively as well as providing up to 85% financing for smaller amounts. Plus, the streamlined application process means you might find it easier to qualify, even though your credit isn’t perfect. Loan Purpose Flexibility A key advantage of SBA 7(a) Loans is their loan purpose flexibility, which allows you to tailor financing to meet various business needs. This adaptability makes these loans suitable for multiple projects, offering you the opportunity to finance: Construction or renovation of commercial buildings Acquisition of existing properties or businesses Working capital for operational expenses Equipment purchases crucial for your operations With the ability to cover up to 90% of project costs and long repayment terms of up to 25 years, these loans make financing accessible for smaller businesses and startups. Even though the application process may take longer because of thorough documentation, the flexibility in loan purposes can greatly benefit your business’s growth and sustainability. Favorable Terms and Rates Favorable terms and rates make SBA 7(a) Loans an appealing option for those looking to finance commercial building construction. These loans offer flexible financing, with amounts up to $5 million and terms extending up to 25 years for real estate. You’ll appreciate the low down payment requirement of just 10%, allowing you to finance up to 90% of your project costs. SBA 7(a) Loans can be utilized for various purposes, including purchasing land, constructing new buildings, or renovating existing structures. Their interest rates are competitive, typically capped at 2.75% above the prime rate, making them an affordable choice. In the meantime, the application process may require more documentation than traditional loans, the benefits for qualifying small businesses are significant. Streamlined Application Process When considering financing options for commercial building construction, the application process for SBA 7(a) Loans stands out for its streamlined nature. This efficiency allows you to focus on your project rather than getting bogged down in paperwork. Here are some key aspects of the application process: Flexible Use of Funds: You can allocate loan proceeds for construction, renovation, or working capital. Low Down Payments: With down payments as low as 10%, you preserve cash flow for other needs. Substantial Loan Amounts: Loans can reach up to $5 million, catering to significant projects. Long Repayment Terms: Enjoy terms extending up to 25 years, making it easier to manage cash flow. SBA 7(a) Loans truly improve accessibility for small businesses looking to invest. Hard Money Loans: Quick Access With Higher Costs Hard money loans serve as a viable option for those needing quick access to capital for commercial building construction, particularly when traditional financing isn’t an option. These loans typically finance 65-80% of project costs and are secured by the property’s value. As they provide fast funding—often within weeks—they come with higher costs, including interest rates ranging from 10-15% or more. Here’s a quick overview of key aspects of hard money loans: Feature Details Financing Percentage 65-80% of project costs Interest Rates 10-15% or higher Loan Terms 6-24 months Qualification Requirements Fewer than traditional loans Although these loans are accessible for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, the shorter terms and higher costs make them suitable primarily for short-term projects. Always weigh the pros and cons before proceeding. Private Equity Partnerships: Funding Through Ownership Stakes Private equity partnerships provide an alternative funding source for commercial building construction by allowing investors to contribute capital in exchange for ownership stakes in projects. These partnerships can cover up to 100% of project costs, making them appealing for developers lacking sufficient equity or cash reserves. When considering private equity partnerships, keep in mind the following points: Investors typically seek returns through profit-sharing or a predetermined exit strategy. A solid business plan and financial projections are vital to attract investments. The terms can vary considerably, some requiring longer commitments than conventional loans. Clear agreements and ongoing communication between partners are fundamental for success. Alternative Financing: Invoice Factoring and Merchant Cash Advances Alternative financing options, such as invoice factoring and merchant cash advances, can provide businesses with quick access to capital when traditional loans aren’t feasible. Invoice factoring allows you to sell unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount, giving you immediate cash flow and typically funding within 24 to 48 hours. This method helps manage cash flow gaps by converting accounts receivable into working capital without additional debt. On the other hand, merchant cash advances offer a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of your future credit card sales. Although this option provides quick access to funds, it often comes with higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. Both options feature faster approval processes and more flexible qualification criteria, making them accessible even for businesses with less-than-perfect credit. Invoice factoring may be limited to outstanding invoices, whereas Square cash advances can offer larger sums based on projected sales. Construction-to-Permanent Loans: Streamlining Your Financing For businesses looking to finance commercial building projects, construction-to-permanent loans offer a streamlined solution by merging the construction and long-term mortgage processes into a single loan. This approach minimizes the hassle of securing multiple loans and simplifies the shift from construction to permanent financing. Key features of construction-to-permanent loans include: Flexible construction periods of 12 to 36 months, followed by permanent financing lasting up to 25 years. Variable interest rates during construction, converting to fixed rates post-completion. Down payment requirements typically ranging from 20-30% of the total project cost, with lenders covering 70-90% of construction expenses. Simplified cash flow management, allowing interest payments only on drawn funds during construction. Frequently Asked Questions What Kind of Loan Do You Need for a Commercial Building? To finance a commercial building, you’ll typically need a commercial construction loan. These loans are short-term, lasting 12 to 36 months, and cover 70-90% of project costs, requiring a down payment of 10-30%. You can choose from various options, like SBA 504 loans, which require a 10% down payment, or hard money loans, covering 65-80%. Interest rates usually range from 4% to 15%, depending on market conditions and lender terms. What Are the 5 C’s of Commercial Lending? The 5 C’s of commercial lending are crucial for comprehending your creditworthiness. First, there’s Character, which evaluates your reputation and credit history. Next, Capacity measures your ability to repay the loan based on income and cash flow. Capital refers to your investment, usually requiring a down payment of 10-30%. Collateral involves the assets you pledge against the loan, typically the property. Finally, Conditions consider the loan terms and market environment affecting repayment. What Is the Best Bank for Commercial Construction Loans? When searching for the best bank for commercial construction loans, consider your project’s specific needs. Bank OZK is a strong contender, focusing heavily on construction financing. Goldman Sachs offers substantial resources, particularly for large projects. Wells Fargo provides various financing options, including construction-to-permanent loans. UMB Bank is known for competitive terms, catering to diverse projects. Finally, Starwood Property Trust specializes in significant loans, typically over $40 million, for large-scale developments. What Is the Best Type of Construction Loan? The best type of construction loan for your project is commonly a commercial construction loan. These short-term loans, lasting 12 to 36 months, typically cover 70-90% of total costs. You’ll need a down payment, often ranging from 10% to 40%. Payments are interest-only during construction, based on drawn funds. Interest rates vary, commonly between 4% and 15%, and some loans allow conversion to permanent financing once your project is complete. Conclusion In summary, when financing commercial building construction, you have several viable options to evaluate. Traditional bank loans and SBA loans provide structured financing, whereas hard money loans offer quick access if needed. Private equity partnerships can cover full costs, and construction-to-permanent loans simplify the process. Furthermore, alternative financing methods like invoice factoring and merchant cash advances can provide rapid funding. Assess these options carefully to determine which best aligns with your project’s needs and financial goals. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Loans for Commercial Building Construction to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google appears to be testing a new “Sponsored Shops” format in Google Shopping results that highlights entire stores instead of individual products — a potential shift in how brands compete in Shopping ads. What’s happening. Instead of displaying only single product listings, the new block groups multiple products from the same retailer into one sponsored unit. The format features the store name, several products from that shop, and signals such as ratings and brand presence, effectively creating a mini storefront directly inside the Shopping results. Why we care. The new “Sponsored Shops” format in Google Shopping could shift competition from individual products to entire stores. Instead of winning visibility with a single SKU, brands may need stronger product feeds, better ratings, and broader assortments to appear in these store-level placements. It also introduces multiple click paths within one ad unit, which could change how traffic flows between product pages and store pages. If the format scales, it may reshape how advertisers optimise campaigns across Google Shopping — prioritising brand presence and feed quality, not just product-level bids. The big picture. The test suggests a move slightly up the funnel for Shopping ads. Rather than focusing solely on a single SKU, brands can showcase a broader product assortment and reinforce their store identity within one placement. Why it’s notable. Store-level visibility means advertisers can highlight multiple products at once, increasing exposure per impression. It also strengthens brand presence by combining store name, ratings, and product range in one block. For users, it makes discovery easier by allowing them to browse several items from the same retailer without navigating away from results. Between the lines. If the format rolls out widely, it could reward brands with strong product feeds, high seller ratings, and clear brand trust signals. Merchants with well-structured feeds and competitive assortments may gain more visibility compared with those relying on a few individual product listings. What to watch. One open question is how users will interact with the different clickable elements inside the ad unit. Marketing Operating Lead, Stephanie Pratt commented on this and what measurement split we may expect: “It’ll be interesting to see the split of clicks on each part of the ad unit, and how much is on the brand name vs product and if that will confuse some consumers The bottom line. If “Sponsored Shops” expands beyond testing, it could push Google Shopping toward more store-level competition — shifting strategy from purely product-level optimisation to building stronger brand presence within the Shopping ecosystem. Fist seen. This update was spotted by PPC Specialist Arpan Banerjee who shared a screenshot of the update on LinkedIn. View the full article

A reader writes: I have a newish direct report. He’s generally pretty good and is always supportive and encouraging towards his team, which is great. He’s also always encouraging and supportive towards people more senior to him, including me, which is getting less great. I hear a lot of, “Excellent spot!” when I point out a mistake. Or, “That’s a really good idea, [MyName]” or “‘that’s a great suggestion, thank you,” in an encouraging tone of voice, or “that’s a really good point” when actually it is not a particularly good point and all I said was X is unclear and he needs to rewrite it. Yes, I did make a good suggestion! It is my job as manager to make good suggestions! I actually phrased it as an instruction! It’s nothing that I would object to at all if it were occasional, but it’s so consistent and feels patronizing. Sometimes I just want an “OK, will do” and don’t need to be reassured every time that I have his full approval for my corrections. He also has a tendency to explain things I already know quite well. He does it to pretty much everyone, but I’m not sure other senior people interact with him frequently enough to register it in the same way. I feel I should say something but I’m not sure how to start — “we’re all human, praise is nice, but maybe not quite so much”? For what it’s worth, we’re similar ages though he’s been at the company longer, and I’m female but he does it to men too. 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 patronizes me when I correct his work appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Companies that scale AI-generated content do so with the knowledge that they are making a trade-off, we believe, choosing speed and scale at the expense of quality. We agree that AI is faster than any human, and it makes a…Read more ›View the full article

They’re not the same thing. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

They’re not the same thing. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

When Apple takes the virtual stage in June for WWDC 2026, avid fans might expect the company to announce a number of new features for updates like iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. And while these updates will almost assuredly sport some key features and changes from the "OS 26" era, the best new feature might not be a feature at all. In fact, it might be the exact opposite. In his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman ran through some of Apple's thought processes with its upcoming updates, per Gurman's sources. It seems that following the company's big delays and stumbles in rolling out big AI features, and its Liquid Glass design overhaul, the company is in a position to focus more on iterative updates rather than sweeping changes. As such, Gurman expects "years of gradual improvements," starting with iOS 27, which he has said since November will be a "Snow Leopard-like" release. For those out of the loop, Mac OS X Snow Leopard is a famous OS update in Apple world. Apple announced Snow Leopard as having zero new features, as the update was intensely focused on delivering bug fixes and stability updates to Mac OS (now macOS). Snow Leopard didn't actually ship with zero new features—there was a new QuickTime player and a fresh version of Safari—but the emphasis was really on shipping a new OS for the Mac that felt the same as before, but just worked better. If that's the philosophy Apple wants to carry onto iOS 27, I'm all for it. iOS 26 hasn't been too buggy in my experience, but I keep encountering other users who swear the update has negatively impacted their iPhones. The one complaint I keep hearing is about the keyboard, which users allege is buggy beyond belief. While there are general steps you can take to make the iOS keyboard work better for you, any software bugs affected it will require Apple's intervention—not the end user. I would also like Apple to extend those plans to its other big updates this year, as well. The first couple of versions of macOS 26 (Tahoe) received an even poorer reception online than iOS 26, from what I've seen. The negative reviews kept me from updating my M1 iMac until macOS 26.3, which beta testers found to be less buggy than previous versions. Indeed, my M1 Mac can handle macOS 26.3, but it's still a bit laggy at times. While you could chalk that up to the five-year-old chip, I'd bet Apple could optimize its OSes across the board to make the experience a bit smoother for any devices that will be compatible with any of the OS 27 updates. If Apple can make macOS Tahoe run smooth on the MacBook Neo, running a binned, two-year-old iPhone chip, I imagine my iMac could run macOS 27 with some grace. iOS 27 will have actual new features, tooLike Snow Leopard, Apple won't actually have zero new features to ship with iOS 27. The biggest feature of all will be rolling out its new "AI Siri," which despite being announced in 2024 for iOS 18, has encountered delay after delay. But Gurman says the other big iOS 27 "feature" will be support for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, introducing things like split-screen apps for the first time on iOS. It'd be great if Apple extended this support to standard iPhones as well (especially the Max), but Gurman seems to think this will remain a foldable perk only. Remember, this year marks Apple's 50th anniversary, and the company likely has some big plans in store. But I think the best thing the company could do to celebrate is make sure that all of its devices are running optimized versions of their respective OSes. Happy Birthday, Apple! View the full article

A few meters below the former site of Seville’s 1992 World Expo, a promising climate experiment blending ancient technology and modern science is underway. Rows of black pipes run along the ceiling and down the bare concrete walls. These, in turn, connect to bright blue and green tubes and enormous silver pumps. In a control room to the side, an array of monitors display the heat, humidity and wind speed above. “We have deployed several types of cooling systems here, each one used depending on climatic conditions,” says Maria de la Paz Montero Gutiérrez, a researcher at the University of Seville, from down in the building’s bowels where she is helping supervise the project. In 2020, authorities began to install these cooling systems in two public spaces in the Isla de La Cartuja neighborhood of what is one of Europe’s hottest cities. Every day about 30,000 people come to work and study in this northwestern district, which is mostly non-residential and home to university campuses, museums, and businesses. Under the EU-funded project CartujaQanat, the so-called “qanats”—networks of underground aqueducts—were constructed in a newly-built 750-square meter site known as the Agora, which is large enough to fit about 400 people, as well as in a renovated amphitheater from the ‘90s that has a capacity of about 200 people. The system, created millennia ago but updated for the 21st century, works by cooling water underground in the naturally low temperatures at night. To cool water more quickly, some is also sent to the roof via solar-powered pumps and sprayed out of nozzles in a thin layer through a method known as a “falling film,” before draining back down underground. By day, as outdoor temperatures peak, the cool water is sent above ground into the ceiling to counteract the heat. Water is also funneled into subterranean pipes that cool air (up to 36,000 square meters an hour), which is then released via ducts in the public spaces. Outside, mist is sprayed in order to lower temperatures through evaporation. “We have half re-invented the qanats, taking from their engineering ingenuity,” says head of the multi-stakeholder project, Lucas Perea Gil, whose team began operating the cooling system in 2022, running seasonally from March to October every year. The original qanats, according to Nilou Vakil, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Kansas, date back 3,000 years to ancient Persia, or modern day Iran. The same system has been used in many regions across the Islamic world, from Balochistan to Jordan. Historically, she says, they were used in arid areas to transport water from underground sources to irrigate crops and feed animals, but also for cooling homes. “That’s how they were able to create civilization in places you couldn’t have humans living in before,” explains Vakil, who has researched the history of the qanats. “They allowed people to live with heat before the arrival of electricity.” The project also represents something of a revival of past local practices. Similar water management technologies were deployed by the Moors across Andalusia, including at Granada’s Alhambra, several hundred years ago. Seville’s low-emission solution is an encouraging response to the rising threat of extreme urban heat in Spain’s fourth largest city, home to 1.5 million people. Last year, Seville broke a record after recording 30 days above 40C (104F)—compared with an average of 12.8 days a year over the previous decade. The city gets so hot these days it’s earned the unenviable nickname of the “Frying Pan of Spain.” And scientists project that due to manmade climate change, by 2050, Seville is likely to hit summer peaks of 50C (122F) while suffering an average 20% decline in rainfall. That extreme heat, an increasing reality for cities around the world, is already causing serious harm to the population. The Carlos III Health Institute estimated that about 1,180 people died because of high temperatures during a heatwave in Spain between May and July last year. Meanwhile, researchers have calculated that more than 11,000 people died due to extreme heat in Spain during summer 2022. “It’s a really serious health issue,” says Anna Beswick, a policy fellow at the London School of Economics working on climate adaptation and resilience. “Global average temperatures are rising, and so are extreme temperatures. Cities have specific vulnerabilities since they hold and retain heat more than other areas.” City authorities are urgently trying to find solutions to beat the heat, especially ones that aren’t energy intensive like air-con, which can be costly and counterintuitive for climate goals. In Los Angeles, for example, the use of heat-reflective white paint on the streets has been effective in cutting temperatures. In Rotterdam, green roofs are helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect and to keep air clean. Others such as Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital city, have gone as far as to hire Chief Heat Officers. “There’s a lack of visibility over heat, it’s a silent killer, which is why governance on this is so important,” says Beswick, who last year published a report about low-cost, low-carbon cooling systems. Seville has historically adapted to heat through its narrow streets and shaded courtyards and more recently by becoming the first city in the world to name and categorize heatwaves. Now, it’s showing impressive impact with the updated qanats—as well as other cooling techniques that are part of the project, including deploying heat-reflective paint, wind and sun blockers, and vegetation on interior walls. Research by the University of Seville, shared with Next City, found the project led to indoor temperatures being as much as 12 degrees Celsius lower than outdoors in the summer of 2025. At the same time, the project, which received 80% of its €5 million budget from the European Union’s Urban Innovative Actions office, requires zero energy. During the summer of 2025, CartujaQanat’s 380-square-meter rooftop solar panels produced 55,000 kWh, while running the machinery such as pumps consumed 42,000 kWh. “It demonstrates that ancient tech can hold a very important point in our current environment,” says Vakil. “Cooling is one of the biggest issues that we are going to face in the future. Seville’s project serves as a scalable prototype.” They’ve already learned important lessons for future iterations, such as the fact that they only needed three of the nine water pumps they purchased. “We thought we needed more,” says Gil. “But we didn’t. We learned from that. So, in the future, this model can be cheaper.” CartujaQanat’s success has led to delegations from California, Germany and Dubai, among others, to visit the site to draw inspiration and take notes. But it won’t work in all cities. As Vakil points out, the qanat system is unlikely to be effective in humid climates since it relies on evaporation. The project is also helping to revitalize the Isla de la Cartuja neighborhood, which despite its proximity to the city center, is a largely underused area. Local workers come to relax in the Agora during lunch breaks, teenagers use it to skateboard, and there are regular classes for all kinds of dance: hip hop, flamenco, swing and tango. According to Gil, the reclaiming of space for the public is a significant motivation, particularly as extreme heat could force people to hide in their homes—at the loss of socializing. It also shows how cities can re-develop large and unused public spaces. “We wanted to create a comfortable space that people don’t have to pay for,” he says. Charo Sollero, who since last year has been running tango classes for groups of up to 60 people, is one of the beneficiaries. “It’s an open space that’s not too hot, it’s perfect for us,” she says. “We get together to eat and drink and then dance for hours and hours.” While the floor is not made of wood, the material traditionally used for tango dancing, the space is a much cooler option than the hotel they previously met up. “It’s clear the temperatures are getting hotter in Seville every year,” adds Sollero. And the city is wasting no time in rolling out this low-emission cooling model to other locations. Next year it will inaugurate the systems at a bus stop, square and school in the city’s Macarena neighborhood. In time, it will expand further. “We believe that they can help us live with the heat that is coming,” says Gil. This story was originally published by Next City, a nonprofit news outlet covering solutions for equitable cities. Sign up for Next City’s newsletter for their latest articles and events. View the full article

Twelve ways it can be better. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Twelve ways it can be better. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Lawyers for bank and plaintiff tell judge they have reached agreement in principle to resolve case View the full article

Tusk’s government has found a way to use Safe loans for San anti-drone systemView the full article

NetSuite is often the core of operations for enterprise-size organizations, centralizing a number of essential workflows. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best platform for every workflow. A one-off project with a contractor might be managed in a tool like Asana or Trello. Specific reports might be run in spreadsheets. Software development projects happen in dedicated tools. NetSuite integrations can pull data from these different tools back into NetSuite, giving you an overview of everything going on in your organization. Here’s everything you need to know about NetSuite integrations. What is NetSuite? NetSuite is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, a type of system that centralizes finance, customer relationship management (CRM), product inventory, HR features, and e-commerce. Many enterprise-sized organizations use ERPs like NetSuite to handle the vast majority of their operations without needing to build a massive tool stack. That said, organizations might also rely on separate project management, ticketing, and software development tools. What is NetSuite integration? A NetSuite integration connects NetSuite with other tools, bridging the gap between them. This can give your finance team complete context on work happening in a separate project management tool, tie specific expenses to software development work, and more. All without long email chains or copying and pasting data back and forth. NetSuite is often integrated with tools like: Project management tools like Asana, Smartsheet, and Jira. CRM platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce. Customer support apps like ServiceNow and Zendesk. Software development platforms like GitHub and GitLab. Why does NetSuite integration matter? Integrating NetSuite with the other tools you use creates significant benefits, such as: Better reporting: NetSuite has deep reporting features that gives everyone from finance to HR a better look into what happens throughout the organization. But without the right integration, these reports can miss essential data from other tools. Increased productivity: Having to manually ship data back and forth between NetSuite and other tools takes time. With a NetSuite integration, your teams can get that time back and dedicate it to more productive tasks. Full context for all teams: NetSuite integrations can pull data from just about every business function into NetSuite. That means any team can get context on software development, project management, and more. Alignment across teams: With NetSuite integrations, every team in your organization can have access to the same data. They all work with the same context, allowing them to collaborate more efficiently. 4 types of NetSuite integration NetSuite integrations aren’t all created equal. This can be due to a difference in the technology behind them (e.g., one-way automation vs. two-way sync) or the reason they’re built (e.g., covering as many connectors as possible or covering a single use case). NetSuite integrations can vary across three important factors: Ease-of-use: How easy is setting up the integration? Can any business user build and maintain integrations or are technical skills required? Breadth: How many integrations does the platform offer? Are they spread out over different types of tools or only cover a specific kind? Depth: Does the integration platform only support a few fields or is it more comprehensive? Can it reliably automate a range of actions or only a few? Here are some of the most popular types of integrations for NetSuite: NetSuite Connector: NetSuite Connector is a built-in integration solution NetSuite users can deploy to map integrations between NetSuite and ecommerce, marketplace, logistics, point-of-sale systems, and more. Using these integrations can be technically limited and hard to customize, but they’re built right into NetSuite. Automation platforms: Platforms like Zapier use simple, trigger-action logic to automate a wide range of actions across thousands of apps. These actions range from automatically creating new work items to updating individual fields and even archiving work items. The advantage of these integrations come with the wide breadth of tools they support, but they can perform fewer actions in these tools. Two-way sync: A two-way sync tool like Unito builds relationships between work items in NetSuite and other tools. This allows work items to be automatically created to match items you create manually, as well as automatically updating fields across tools. Agentic AI: AI agents are the closest you can get to having robotic coworkers. They can independently take actions and make decisions the same way a human can. Some AI agents can even work across tools, transferring data and taking actions. How to integrate NetSuite with Unito Here’s a look at how an integration between NetSuite and other tools works with Unito. Step-by-step integration guide Connect tool accounts to Unito: After signing up for Unito, click +Create Flow and connect NetSuite and the tool you’re integrating to Unito. Choose flow direction: Most Unito integrations support both one-way and two way flows, allowing you to choose between syncing data out of NetSuite, into NetSuite, or both. Set rules: With Unito rules, you can build simple trigger-action logic chains to filter out work items you don’t need synced or automate certain actions. All you need to do is pick a trigger and choose the action you want the rule to take. Map fields: Unito’s field mappings match data in NetSuite with similar data in other tools, so information always ends up in the right place. In most flows, Unito can map these automatically, and you can customize them further from there. Launch your flow: Once you’ve mapped your fields, your flow is ready to launch. After an initial sync, Unito will automatically update work items as you work. Want to see this Unito integration in action? Check out this video demo. Challenges to watch out for when integrating NetSuite Before you pick a NetSuite integration, consider the following challenges. Deployment times and technical resources NetSuite is a platform used by enterprise organizations, and these organizations need enterprise-grade integrations. But some of these integrations can take weeks or months to deploy, meaning it can be some time before you see any return on your investment. Additionally, they might require significant technical resources to deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain, and not all organizations have the resources to do this internally. Integration depth Integration depth refers to the number of fields an integration can modify or sync data out of, as well as the types of actions it can automate. Some integrations, for example, only handle a few fields. They might even not allow you to interact with data between tools, only giving you a snapshot of a connected work item in a read-only view. Deeper integrations aren’t always better — this will depend on the workflows you need to automate. Real-time integration Not all integrations support real-time data transfers, which are essential for some workflows. When researching integration platforms, you’ll want to investigate this capability. Some vendors may advertise real-time integrations but, in reality, only sync data every 15 minutes or so. Not all workflows need real-time integrations, but it’s something worth researching when comparing vendors. Performance and scalability Enterprise organizations have different integration needs than smaller businesses. A smaller team with workflows that only see a small amount of data might be well-served by a single Zapier automation. An enterprise organization might need multiple automations to accomplish the same result, but this approach rarely scales well. Automation chains require significant maintenance to work right, and they start to crumble with enterprise-level data needs. When researching integration solutions, consider this challenge carefully. How to keep NetSuite integrations secure Because NetSuite integrations move data between platforms, data security is especially important. Here are some ways you can keep these integrations secure. Compliance As an organization that handles data, you’re subject to various regulations covering your responsibilities in keeping that data safe. But if you’re in specific jurisdictions or industries, you have to abide by additional regulations, such as California’s CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) or healthcare’s HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). When researching integration vendors, ensure they use processes that comply with whatever regulations you need to comply with. Access control Access control allows you to do two things: Restrict who has access to a specific platform or service. Determine what someone who has access to that platform or service can do. Many integration solutions have role-based permissions, which allows you to strictly control who has access to an integration platform without managing individual credentials — which rapidly becomes untenable when you have hundreds of teams. Picking an integration solution with rigorous access control features can help you keep your integrations secure. Security certifications Security certifications like SOC 2 Type 2 give you a framework to follow for keeping customer data secure. Integration vendors can acquire these certifications just like any organization, which allows you to quickly compare data security across vendors. Best practices when integrating NetSuite When rolling out your first NetSuite integration, consider these best practices: Start with a small pilot project between a few NetSuite records and work items in another tool. This allows you to test out an integration solution before it has access to all the data in your NetSuite workspace. Evaluate the results of a pilot project before implementing integrations at scale. Look for situations where the integration solution saves essential time, where it stumbles, and where your team had to adapt the way they work. Consider whether you need an integration solution that can be restricted to technical users (e.g., your IT team) or one that’s more accessible for all users. Once a year, review the integration vendor you’ve chosen and compare their offering to the broader market to ensure they’re still competitive. Use built-in NetSuite integrations when possible to enhance any third-party integrations you deploy. Ready to integrate Freshservice? Meet with Unito product experts and see what a two-way integration can do. Talk with sales View the full article

Grasping the franchise and franchisee relationship is vital for success in this business model. This relationship is guided by a franchise agreement, which details the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Although franchisees have the independence to operate their businesses, they must likewise adhere to the standards set by the franchisor. Effective communication and support play significant roles in this partnership, but challenges can arise. Exploring these dynamics can reveal effective strategies for maneuvering the intricacies of franchising. Key Takeaways Franchising involves a franchisee operating under a franchisor’s established brand, following a defined franchise agreement outlining mutual rights and responsibilities. Franchisees maintain operational independence while adhering to franchisor guidelines, balancing autonomy with brand consistency and compliance. Effective communication between franchisors and franchisees fosters trust, minimizes misunderstandings, and enhances collaboration for business success. The franchise growth and maturity phases require ongoing support from franchisors, with accountability measures ensuring performance alignment between both parties. Common challenges include communication gaps and misaligned expectations, necessitating regular reviews and clear objectives to maintain a healthy franchise relationship. The Definition of Franchising Franchising serves as a strong business model that allows you to operate under an established brand as well as leveraging the systems and support provided by the franchisor. In this legal agreement, the franchisee gains the right to run a business using the franchisor’s trademark, operating systems, and overall business format. The franchise agreement clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both the franchisor and franchisee, establishing the foundation of their relationship. A key difference between franchisor and franchisee is that the franchisor owns the brand and provides training, marketing, and ongoing support, whereas the franchisee independently operates the unit. This structure not only benefits franchisees seeking business opportunities but additionally helps franchisors expand their brand presence effectively. The Importance of Clear Communication Effective communication is fundamental for the success of any franchise relationship, as it helps build trust and minimizes misconceptions between franchisors and franchisees. The franchisee vs franchisor dynamic thrives on clear communication, which reduces confusion and nurtures a strong partnership. Establishing regular communication channels, like meetings and newsletters, guarantees both parties receive consistent updates and feedback. Maintaining a reliable flow of information is important for addressing challenges swiftly. Providing contact information for key personnel and a dedicated hotline improves accessibility in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Encouraging transparency in sharing information keeps franchisees informed, promoting collaboration and innovation. Comprehending the franchisee and franchisor difference is critical, as it emphasizes the importance of open dialogue for mutual success. The Role of the Franchisor In the franchise model, the franchisor plays a vital role by providing the brand and business model that you, as a franchisee, rely on for your operations. They also offer fundamental training and ongoing support to guarantee you understand the operational guidelines and can effectively run your business. Furthermore, franchisors manage marketing efforts and enforce compliance standards, making certain that all franchise locations maintain the same quality and brand integrity. Brand and Business Model Although many entrepreneurs seek independence in business ownership, partnering with a franchisor can provide a structured pathway to success through a well-established brand and a proven business model. The franchisor offers franchisees the right to use their trademarks, enhancing brand recognition and building customer trust. Comprehending the difference between franchisee and franchisor is essential, as the latter sets operational guidelines and standards, ensuring consistency across locations. This franchise and franchisee relationship is formalized through a franchise agreement, which outlines roles and responsibilities. In addition, effective marketing efforts led by the franchisor help drive customer traffic to franchisee locations. Training and Support Provided When you become a franchisee, the training and support provided by the franchisor play a vital role in your business’s success. Franchisors typically offer thorough training programs that cover operational procedures, customer service standards, and marketing strategies, ensuring consistency across the brand. Ongoing support includes regular updates on best practices, new products, and technology improvements, helping you stay competitive. Moreover, franchisors often create advisory councils with franchisees to facilitate communication and gather feedback, making your input valuable in decision-making. They may assist with site selection, lease negotiations, and local marketing initiatives to help you launch and grow your business. Comprehending the difference between franchise and franchisee is important, as it defines your role and the support you receive. Marketing and Compliance Standards Marketing and compliance standards, established by the franchisor, play an important role in maintaining a consistent brand identity across all franchise locations. These standards guarantee that every franchisee presents the brand uniformly, which is vital for customer recognition and loyalty. The franchisor manages overall marketing and advertising efforts, providing franchisees with promotional materials and strategies designed to boost customer engagement and sales. Adhering to these marketing standards is mandatory; failure to comply could lead to penalties or jeopardize your franchise agreement. Regular updates and support from the franchisor help you stay aligned with compliance expectations. Moreover, you can collaborate with the franchisor to customize local marketing initiatives as you adhere to the established framework, balancing local outreach with brand consistency. The Role of the Franchisee Franchisees play a crucial role in the success of a franchise operation by managing their units in alignment with the franchisor’s established guidelines. As a franchisee, you’re not just an operator; you’re a key player in maintaining brand integrity. Here are some of your core responsibilities: Adhere to Standards: You follow the franchisor’s operational guidelines to guarantee consistency and quality. Financial Investment: You invest your capital, taking on the financial risk associated with your franchise’s success or failure. Training Participation: You engage in training programs to acquire necessary skills for effective management. Day-to-Day Control: You make daily decisions, like hiring staff and setting prices, during still aligning with the franchisor’s strategies. Your role is crucial for the franchise’s overall performance and reputation. Understanding Franchise Agreements Grasping the intricacies of a franchise agreement is fundamental for anyone entering the franchise business, as this legal document defines the relationship between you and the franchisor. It outlines your rights and obligations, ensuring clarity. Key components often include the franchise duration, fees, territorial rights, and operational guidelines. You’ll need to adhere to specific standards set by the franchisor to maintain brand consistency. Before signing, the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided, detailing critical information about the opportunity. Furthermore, the agreement may include renewal options, termination clauses, and conditions for transferring ownership. Comprehending these elements is crucial, as they can greatly impact your investment and future success as a franchisee. Phases of the Franchise Relationship In the franchise relationship, you’ll encounter four key phases: Recruitment, Growth, Maturity, and The End or a New Beginning. Each phase presents unique dynamics and expectations, starting with trust-building during Recruitment and moving through the extensive support needed in Growth. As you progress to Maturity, both parties aim for stability and mutual comprehension, setting the stage for potential reassessment in the final phase. Recruitment Phase Overview The recruitment phase is crucial in establishing a successful franchise relationship, as it sets the groundwork for future collaboration between franchisors and prospective franchisees. This phase begins with identifying suitable franchisees and establishing clear expectations. To guarantee a strong foundation, consider these key elements: Mutual Interest: Build trust through ongoing communication and shared goals. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Provide prospective franchisees with important details about the opportunity. Effective Communication: Keep lines open to nurture a positive relationship and shared vision. Alignment with Brand Values: Confirm that franchisees resonate with the franchise’s mission and culture. A successful recruitment phase greatly impacts the franchise system’s overall performance and future success. Growth and Maturity Stages As franchisees shift from the recruitment phase into the Growth stage, they encounter a significant period that shapes the trajectory of their business. This phase kicks off after signing the franchise agreement and typically lasts three years. During this time, you’ll need substantial support and training from your franchisor. Regular communication and thorough training programs are crucial for nurturing a strong relationship and ensuring your satisfaction. As you move into the Maturity phase, expect a more predictable relationship where ongoing training and marketing support become indispensable. Nevertheless, be cautious; disenchantment may arise if you feel the support diminishes, potentially affecting your decision to renew contracts. Effective communication and mutual comprehension are key to maintaining trust and collaboration throughout both phases. Mutual Goals and Objectives Mutual goals and objectives form the backbone of a successful franchise relationship, driving both franchisors and franchisees toward shared outcomes. By aligning interests, both parties can improve overall success. Here are some key mutual goals: Brand Growth: Both franchisors and franchisees aim to expand brand visibility and market share. Increased Profitability: Focusing on strategies that boost profits benefits everyone involved. Customer Satisfaction: Happy customers lead to repeat business and positive brand reputation. Operational Efficiency: Regular communication and adherence to performance metrics streamline operations. Franchise agreements typically outline expectations and objectives, promoting accountability. When both parties actively pursue common objectives, they often see improved performance metrics, including higher sales and customer retention rates, boosting the franchise system’s success. Independence vs. Support As franchisees operate as independent business owners, they must navigate the delicate balance between exercising their autonomy and adhering to the support provided by franchisors. You make key decisions on hiring, employee scheduling, and pricing during the process of following the operational guidelines set by your franchisor. The franchise agreement specifies the level of independence you have alongside the support offered, which typically includes training, marketing assistance, and operational standards. Although franchisors provide valuable resources to improve your performance, they don’t manage your day-to-day operations, allowing you to maintain control. Striking the right balance between independence and support is essential, as effective franchisor guidance can greatly impact your satisfaction and overall success in running your franchise. Common Challenges in Franchise Relationships In franchise relationships, communication gaps often lead to misunderstandings, which can greatly impact franchisee satisfaction. When support from franchisors falls short of expectations, franchisees may feel isolated and discontented. Furthermore, misaligned expectations regarding operational autonomy can create tension, making it essential for both parties to establish clear communication and support systems. Communication Gaps in Franchising How can communication gaps impact the franchisor-franchisee relationship? These gaps often arise from a lack of regular updates and inconsistent messaging, leading to misconceptions. When franchisees feel isolated because of insufficient feedback channels, their satisfaction and performance can suffer. To mitigate these issues, consider the following strategies: Establish regular check-ins to discuss concerns and updates. Share information transparently to build trust and rapport. Foster a collaborative environment by reviewing communication methods regularly. Practice empathy and mutual comprehension during negotiations to bridge gaps. Support Limitations From Franchisors Whereas franchisees often expect robust support from their franchisors, the reality is that this support can be limited by the terms of the franchise agreement. Franchisors typically provide advisory support rather than direct managerial oversight, leaving you responsible for your business outcomes. The franchise agreement clearly outlines the limits of support, as franchisors can’t risk their assets on franchisee failures. During critical growth phases, you might feel isolated and dissatisfied if you perceive a decline in support. Although training and resources are expected, their effectiveness can vary considerably among franchise systems. Misaligned Expectations Between Parties Misaligned expectations between franchisees and franchisors can create significant challenges that undermine the success of the franchise relationship. To navigate these intricacies, it’s crucial to recognize common pitfalls: Underestimating Support Needs: Franchisees often expect more hands-on help during the initial growth phase than franchisors typically provide. Role Confusion: Franchisees may assume franchisors will manage operations thoroughly, whereas franchisors usually offer only advisory support. Ambiguities in Agreements: A lack of clarity in franchise agreements can lead to misunderstandings about responsibilities and performance metrics. Communication Gaps: Breakdown in communication can prevent franchisees from grasping the franchisor’s vision and strategic goals. Regularly reviewing and adjusting mutual goals can help mitigate these challenges and encourage a healthier franchise relationship. Building Trust and Collaboration Building trust and collaboration between franchisors and franchisees is crucial for a successful franchise relationship, as these elements create a foundation for achieving shared goals. Trust develops through consistent communication and regular check-ins, allowing both parties to work together effectively. By cultivating a collaborative environment, franchisors and franchisees can improve performance during addressing challenges that arise. Transparency in operations and decision-making processes further strengthens this trust, making franchisees feel valued and involved in the brand’s direction. Mutual comprehension is fundamental, as recognizing each other’s perspectives helps resolve conflicts and build stronger connections. Moreover, effective training and support from franchisors equip franchisees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, promoting a more collaborative partnership overall. Strategies for Success in Franchising Successful franchising relies on effective strategies that improve the relationship between franchisors and franchisees. Here are some key approaches to guarantee success: Establish Clear Communication: Maintain open channels for updates and feedback to build trust and collaboration. Implement Extensive Training: Provide thorough training programs during the initial growth phase to help franchisees understand operational guidelines. Utilize Digital Signage: Boost brand visibility and engagement with digital signage for real-time updates and promotions, aiding franchisees in consistency. Set SMART Goals: Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for both parties to guarantee alignment and accountability. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Relationship Between a Franchiser and a Franchisee? The relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee is defined by a contractual agreement. You, as a franchisee, gain the right to operate a business using the franchisor’s trademarks and business model. As you manage daily operations independently, you must adhere to the franchisor’s established guidelines for quality and service. The franchisor provides training and support, but your success largely relies on your management skills and decision-making abilities. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. You must guarantee that your product aligns with brand standards and appeals to your target market. Set competitive pricing that reflects your offerings’ value. Choose locations strategically to maximize customer access and improve business performance. Finally, utilize effective promotion strategies, leveraging marketing resources from the franchisor to communicate your franchise’s value proposition and attract customers effectively. What Are the Key Aspects of the Franchisor Franchisee Relationship? The key aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship include mutual support, adherence to established standards, and effective communication. Franchisors provide vital resources like training and operational guidelines, whereas franchisees manage daily operations independently. Both parties should align on goals to improve growth and profitability. Regular communication promotes trust and collaboration, ensuring that feedback is exchanged effectively. Maintaining this balance is fundamental for a successful partnership in the franchise business model. What Is the Franchise Relationship Model? The franchise relationship model is a structured partnership where the franchisor grants the franchisee the right to operate a business using its brand and systems. You’ll invest capital and follow guidelines to maintain brand consistency. This model emphasizes mutual dependence, as both parties aim for shared success. Effective communication and support from the franchisor are crucial, whereas you retain some operational independence, allowing you to make decisions critical to your business’s performance. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the franchise and franchisee relationship is essential for success. Clear communication, adherence to franchise agreements, and mutual support nurture a collaborative environment. Both franchisors and franchisees must recognize their roles and navigate common challenges to build trust. By focusing on these aspects, you can improve your partnership and drive growth. In the end, a strong relationship between franchisor and franchisee leads to operational consistency and a thriving business model for both parties involved. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Understanding the Franchise and Franchisee Relationship" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Grasping the franchise and franchisee relationship is vital for success in this business model. This relationship is guided by a franchise agreement, which details the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Although franchisees have the independence to operate their businesses, they must likewise adhere to the standards set by the franchisor. Effective communication and support play significant roles in this partnership, but challenges can arise. Exploring these dynamics can reveal effective strategies for maneuvering the intricacies of franchising. Key Takeaways Franchising involves a franchisee operating under a franchisor’s established brand, following a defined franchise agreement outlining mutual rights and responsibilities. Franchisees maintain operational independence while adhering to franchisor guidelines, balancing autonomy with brand consistency and compliance. Effective communication between franchisors and franchisees fosters trust, minimizes misunderstandings, and enhances collaboration for business success. The franchise growth and maturity phases require ongoing support from franchisors, with accountability measures ensuring performance alignment between both parties. Common challenges include communication gaps and misaligned expectations, necessitating regular reviews and clear objectives to maintain a healthy franchise relationship. The Definition of Franchising Franchising serves as a strong business model that allows you to operate under an established brand as well as leveraging the systems and support provided by the franchisor. In this legal agreement, the franchisee gains the right to run a business using the franchisor’s trademark, operating systems, and overall business format. The franchise agreement clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both the franchisor and franchisee, establishing the foundation of their relationship. A key difference between franchisor and franchisee is that the franchisor owns the brand and provides training, marketing, and ongoing support, whereas the franchisee independently operates the unit. This structure not only benefits franchisees seeking business opportunities but additionally helps franchisors expand their brand presence effectively. The Importance of Clear Communication Effective communication is fundamental for the success of any franchise relationship, as it helps build trust and minimizes misconceptions between franchisors and franchisees. The franchisee vs franchisor dynamic thrives on clear communication, which reduces confusion and nurtures a strong partnership. Establishing regular communication channels, like meetings and newsletters, guarantees both parties receive consistent updates and feedback. Maintaining a reliable flow of information is important for addressing challenges swiftly. Providing contact information for key personnel and a dedicated hotline improves accessibility in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Encouraging transparency in sharing information keeps franchisees informed, promoting collaboration and innovation. Comprehending the franchisee and franchisor difference is critical, as it emphasizes the importance of open dialogue for mutual success. The Role of the Franchisor In the franchise model, the franchisor plays a vital role by providing the brand and business model that you, as a franchisee, rely on for your operations. They also offer fundamental training and ongoing support to guarantee you understand the operational guidelines and can effectively run your business. Furthermore, franchisors manage marketing efforts and enforce compliance standards, making certain that all franchise locations maintain the same quality and brand integrity. Brand and Business Model Although many entrepreneurs seek independence in business ownership, partnering with a franchisor can provide a structured pathway to success through a well-established brand and a proven business model. The franchisor offers franchisees the right to use their trademarks, enhancing brand recognition and building customer trust. Comprehending the difference between franchisee and franchisor is essential, as the latter sets operational guidelines and standards, ensuring consistency across locations. This franchise and franchisee relationship is formalized through a franchise agreement, which outlines roles and responsibilities. In addition, effective marketing efforts led by the franchisor help drive customer traffic to franchisee locations. Training and Support Provided When you become a franchisee, the training and support provided by the franchisor play a vital role in your business’s success. Franchisors typically offer thorough training programs that cover operational procedures, customer service standards, and marketing strategies, ensuring consistency across the brand. Ongoing support includes regular updates on best practices, new products, and technology improvements, helping you stay competitive. Moreover, franchisors often create advisory councils with franchisees to facilitate communication and gather feedback, making your input valuable in decision-making. They may assist with site selection, lease negotiations, and local marketing initiatives to help you launch and grow your business. Comprehending the difference between franchise and franchisee is important, as it defines your role and the support you receive. Marketing and Compliance Standards Marketing and compliance standards, established by the franchisor, play an important role in maintaining a consistent brand identity across all franchise locations. These standards guarantee that every franchisee presents the brand uniformly, which is vital for customer recognition and loyalty. The franchisor manages overall marketing and advertising efforts, providing franchisees with promotional materials and strategies designed to boost customer engagement and sales. Adhering to these marketing standards is mandatory; failure to comply could lead to penalties or jeopardize your franchise agreement. Regular updates and support from the franchisor help you stay aligned with compliance expectations. Moreover, you can collaborate with the franchisor to customize local marketing initiatives as you adhere to the established framework, balancing local outreach with brand consistency. The Role of the Franchisee Franchisees play a crucial role in the success of a franchise operation by managing their units in alignment with the franchisor’s established guidelines. As a franchisee, you’re not just an operator; you’re a key player in maintaining brand integrity. Here are some of your core responsibilities: Adhere to Standards: You follow the franchisor’s operational guidelines to guarantee consistency and quality. Financial Investment: You invest your capital, taking on the financial risk associated with your franchise’s success or failure. Training Participation: You engage in training programs to acquire necessary skills for effective management. Day-to-Day Control: You make daily decisions, like hiring staff and setting prices, during still aligning with the franchisor’s strategies. Your role is crucial for the franchise’s overall performance and reputation. Understanding Franchise Agreements Grasping the intricacies of a franchise agreement is fundamental for anyone entering the franchise business, as this legal document defines the relationship between you and the franchisor. It outlines your rights and obligations, ensuring clarity. Key components often include the franchise duration, fees, territorial rights, and operational guidelines. You’ll need to adhere to specific standards set by the franchisor to maintain brand consistency. Before signing, the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided, detailing critical information about the opportunity. Furthermore, the agreement may include renewal options, termination clauses, and conditions for transferring ownership. Comprehending these elements is crucial, as they can greatly impact your investment and future success as a franchisee. Phases of the Franchise Relationship In the franchise relationship, you’ll encounter four key phases: Recruitment, Growth, Maturity, and The End or a New Beginning. Each phase presents unique dynamics and expectations, starting with trust-building during Recruitment and moving through the extensive support needed in Growth. As you progress to Maturity, both parties aim for stability and mutual comprehension, setting the stage for potential reassessment in the final phase. Recruitment Phase Overview The recruitment phase is crucial in establishing a successful franchise relationship, as it sets the groundwork for future collaboration between franchisors and prospective franchisees. This phase begins with identifying suitable franchisees and establishing clear expectations. To guarantee a strong foundation, consider these key elements: Mutual Interest: Build trust through ongoing communication and shared goals. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Provide prospective franchisees with important details about the opportunity. Effective Communication: Keep lines open to nurture a positive relationship and shared vision. Alignment with Brand Values: Confirm that franchisees resonate with the franchise’s mission and culture. A successful recruitment phase greatly impacts the franchise system’s overall performance and future success. Growth and Maturity Stages As franchisees shift from the recruitment phase into the Growth stage, they encounter a significant period that shapes the trajectory of their business. This phase kicks off after signing the franchise agreement and typically lasts three years. During this time, you’ll need substantial support and training from your franchisor. Regular communication and thorough training programs are crucial for nurturing a strong relationship and ensuring your satisfaction. As you move into the Maturity phase, expect a more predictable relationship where ongoing training and marketing support become indispensable. Nevertheless, be cautious; disenchantment may arise if you feel the support diminishes, potentially affecting your decision to renew contracts. Effective communication and mutual comprehension are key to maintaining trust and collaboration throughout both phases. Mutual Goals and Objectives Mutual goals and objectives form the backbone of a successful franchise relationship, driving both franchisors and franchisees toward shared outcomes. By aligning interests, both parties can improve overall success. Here are some key mutual goals: Brand Growth: Both franchisors and franchisees aim to expand brand visibility and market share. Increased Profitability: Focusing on strategies that boost profits benefits everyone involved. Customer Satisfaction: Happy customers lead to repeat business and positive brand reputation. Operational Efficiency: Regular communication and adherence to performance metrics streamline operations. Franchise agreements typically outline expectations and objectives, promoting accountability. When both parties actively pursue common objectives, they often see improved performance metrics, including higher sales and customer retention rates, boosting the franchise system’s success. Independence vs. Support As franchisees operate as independent business owners, they must navigate the delicate balance between exercising their autonomy and adhering to the support provided by franchisors. You make key decisions on hiring, employee scheduling, and pricing during the process of following the operational guidelines set by your franchisor. The franchise agreement specifies the level of independence you have alongside the support offered, which typically includes training, marketing assistance, and operational standards. Although franchisors provide valuable resources to improve your performance, they don’t manage your day-to-day operations, allowing you to maintain control. Striking the right balance between independence and support is essential, as effective franchisor guidance can greatly impact your satisfaction and overall success in running your franchise. Common Challenges in Franchise Relationships In franchise relationships, communication gaps often lead to misunderstandings, which can greatly impact franchisee satisfaction. When support from franchisors falls short of expectations, franchisees may feel isolated and discontented. Furthermore, misaligned expectations regarding operational autonomy can create tension, making it essential for both parties to establish clear communication and support systems. Communication Gaps in Franchising How can communication gaps impact the franchisor-franchisee relationship? These gaps often arise from a lack of regular updates and inconsistent messaging, leading to misconceptions. When franchisees feel isolated because of insufficient feedback channels, their satisfaction and performance can suffer. To mitigate these issues, consider the following strategies: Establish regular check-ins to discuss concerns and updates. Share information transparently to build trust and rapport. Foster a collaborative environment by reviewing communication methods regularly. Practice empathy and mutual comprehension during negotiations to bridge gaps. Support Limitations From Franchisors Whereas franchisees often expect robust support from their franchisors, the reality is that this support can be limited by the terms of the franchise agreement. Franchisors typically provide advisory support rather than direct managerial oversight, leaving you responsible for your business outcomes. The franchise agreement clearly outlines the limits of support, as franchisors can’t risk their assets on franchisee failures. During critical growth phases, you might feel isolated and dissatisfied if you perceive a decline in support. Although training and resources are expected, their effectiveness can vary considerably among franchise systems. Misaligned Expectations Between Parties Misaligned expectations between franchisees and franchisors can create significant challenges that undermine the success of the franchise relationship. To navigate these intricacies, it’s crucial to recognize common pitfalls: Underestimating Support Needs: Franchisees often expect more hands-on help during the initial growth phase than franchisors typically provide. Role Confusion: Franchisees may assume franchisors will manage operations thoroughly, whereas franchisors usually offer only advisory support. Ambiguities in Agreements: A lack of clarity in franchise agreements can lead to misunderstandings about responsibilities and performance metrics. Communication Gaps: Breakdown in communication can prevent franchisees from grasping the franchisor’s vision and strategic goals. Regularly reviewing and adjusting mutual goals can help mitigate these challenges and encourage a healthier franchise relationship. Building Trust and Collaboration Building trust and collaboration between franchisors and franchisees is crucial for a successful franchise relationship, as these elements create a foundation for achieving shared goals. Trust develops through consistent communication and regular check-ins, allowing both parties to work together effectively. By cultivating a collaborative environment, franchisors and franchisees can improve performance during addressing challenges that arise. Transparency in operations and decision-making processes further strengthens this trust, making franchisees feel valued and involved in the brand’s direction. Mutual comprehension is fundamental, as recognizing each other’s perspectives helps resolve conflicts and build stronger connections. Moreover, effective training and support from franchisors equip franchisees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, promoting a more collaborative partnership overall. Strategies for Success in Franchising Successful franchising relies on effective strategies that improve the relationship between franchisors and franchisees. Here are some key approaches to guarantee success: Establish Clear Communication: Maintain open channels for updates and feedback to build trust and collaboration. Implement Extensive Training: Provide thorough training programs during the initial growth phase to help franchisees understand operational guidelines. Utilize Digital Signage: Boost brand visibility and engagement with digital signage for real-time updates and promotions, aiding franchisees in consistency. Set SMART Goals: Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for both parties to guarantee alignment and accountability. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Relationship Between a Franchiser and a Franchisee? The relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee is defined by a contractual agreement. You, as a franchisee, gain the right to operate a business using the franchisor’s trademarks and business model. As you manage daily operations independently, you must adhere to the franchisor’s established guidelines for quality and service. The franchisor provides training and support, but your success largely relies on your management skills and decision-making abilities. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. You must guarantee that your product aligns with brand standards and appeals to your target market. Set competitive pricing that reflects your offerings’ value. Choose locations strategically to maximize customer access and improve business performance. Finally, utilize effective promotion strategies, leveraging marketing resources from the franchisor to communicate your franchise’s value proposition and attract customers effectively. What Are the Key Aspects of the Franchisor Franchisee Relationship? The key aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship include mutual support, adherence to established standards, and effective communication. Franchisors provide vital resources like training and operational guidelines, whereas franchisees manage daily operations independently. Both parties should align on goals to improve growth and profitability. Regular communication promotes trust and collaboration, ensuring that feedback is exchanged effectively. Maintaining this balance is fundamental for a successful partnership in the franchise business model. What Is the Franchise Relationship Model? The franchise relationship model is a structured partnership where the franchisor grants the franchisee the right to operate a business using its brand and systems. You’ll invest capital and follow guidelines to maintain brand consistency. This model emphasizes mutual dependence, as both parties aim for shared success. Effective communication and support from the franchisor are crucial, whereas you retain some operational independence, allowing you to make decisions critical to your business’s performance. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the franchise and franchisee relationship is essential for success. Clear communication, adherence to franchise agreements, and mutual support nurture a collaborative environment. Both franchisors and franchisees must recognize their roles and navigate common challenges to build trust. By focusing on these aspects, you can improve your partnership and drive growth. In the end, a strong relationship between franchisor and franchisee leads to operational consistency and a thriving business model for both parties involved. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Understanding the Franchise and Franchisee Relationship" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Every day more than $4 billion worth of goods cross the United States’ borders with Canada and Mexico—U.S. auto parts headed for car factories in northern Mexico, cartons of Mexican avocados bound for California supermarkets, Canadian aluminum destined to become cans of Campbell Soup. Much of this bustling cross-border commerce is duty-free, thanks to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, that President Donald The President negotiated with America’s northern and southern neighbors during his first term. But the future of the USMCA , which took effect July 1, 2020, is cloudy as the three countries begin what could be a tempestuous attempt to renew the pact this year. The United States is demanding changes to the treaty, and the top U.S. trade negotiator told Politico in December that The President would be willing to pull the United States out of the pact if he can’t get the deal he wants. The President also suggested last fall that the United States could negotiate separate deals with Canada and Mexico, ending the three-country North American bloc that previous administrations saw as crucial to competing economically with China and the European Union. The talks kick off Monday between U.S. and Mexican trade officials. The North American economies could agree to renew USMCA as it is for another 16 years— a prospect that appears unlikely. Or they could keep working on ways to improve it; under a convoluted renewal process, they have until 2036 to reach an agreement — or the pact expires. Meantime, any USMCA country can pull out of the pact provided it gives its two partners six months’ notice – an option that Canada and Mexico, heavily dependent on trade with the United States, fear the impulsive The President might end up choosing. At stake is $1.6 trillion worth of annual trade in goods between the United States and its two USMCA partners. Mexico and Canada are far ahead of China in both exports to and imports from the United States. American farmers are especially keen to see the deal renewed: Last year, they shipped nearly $31 billion in agricultural products to Mexico and $28 billion to Canada. U.S. imports from Canada and Mexico were spared the worst of The President’s 2025 tariffs; many goods compliant with USMCA rules continued to enter the United States duty free. Still, a number of products did not get protection from the U.S. levies, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which face a 25% tariff. A 50% tariff on steel, aluminum and copper remains in effect, as does a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes. The USMCA replaced the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement negotiated by President George H.W. Bush and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The President and other critics had criticized NAFTA as a killer of U.S. jobs because it encouraged U.S. companies to relocate factories south of the border to take advantage of low-wage Mexican labor and then send goods back to the United States duty free. The USMCA, ratified by Congress with rare support from Republicans and Democrats alike, ended up being very similar to NAFTA. But it did contain provisions designed to encourage factories in the region to pay higher wages and make sure that more of what they made originated in North America. The new pact updated North American trade rules for the digital age. The USMCA, for instance, bars the United States, Mexico and Canada from slamming each other with import taxes on music, software, games and other products sold electronically. A proud The President declared the USMCA “the fairest, most balanced and beneficial trade agreement we have ever signed.” But the president’s enthusiasm seems to have waned. In January, he expressed little interest in the upcoming talks to renew the agreement. The effort, he said, offered “no real advantage to us. It’s irrelevant to me.” The USMCA did little to ease one of The President’s biggest complaints: The U.S. deficit in the trade of goods with Mexico, which rose last year to a record $197 billion as the United States reduced its reliance on Chinese imports. The U.S. also ran a merchandise trade deficit with Canada of $46.4 billion last year, a decrease from 2024. “Improvements are required for it to deliver the high-wage U.S. manufacturing powerhouse and balanced trade (The President) promised and we need,” said Lori Wallach, director of the Rethink Trade program at the American Economic Liberties Project. The United States plans to push for a series of changes, including stronger rules to ensure that goods from China won’t slip into the United States under USMCA; to encourage more production in the United States; and to ensure more access to Canada’s protected dairy market for U.S. farmers. Mexico’s core priorities are to avoid a major rewrite of the agreement and to make rules of origin more flexible —allowing imports of parts from outside North America when they are not available in the region. Mexican negotiators also want assurances that anything agreed to will stick, providing insurance against The President’s unpredictability and his enthusiasm for tariffs. Mexico wants to minimize tariffs as much as possible. Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico wants to strengthen the dispute resolution system already in place under the treaty. That would not eliminate the possibility of tariffs, but it would provide clear, swift channels for seeking solutions when problems arise, he said. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration will have to simultaneously manage existing security issues, which are ongoing after the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s leader in late February, and which could influence economic matters. Mexico anticipates that Canada will join the talks later, but its top priority in the coming months is to reach agreements and maintain the free trade with the United States, its main commercial partner. Mexico is pushing the idea that the treaty is also good for the US. “The integration of our countries is an absolute prerequisite for the United States to remain competitive,” Ebrard said recently. “We must move forward together; otherwise, we will not succeed.” —Paul Wiseman and María Verza, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. On Monday, Apple officially announced the AirPods Max 2. As the name implies, this is the first major update to the AirPods Max since Apple introduced the over-the-ear headphones in 2020. The company previously rolled out a minor refresh for the AirPods Max, but this only replaced the original pair's Lightning port with USB-C, and enabled Apple to add a couple neat perks via software update. AirPods Max 2, however, come with new features out of the gate—features that Apple's earbuds have actually had for years. First, an answer to the question most likely on your mind: No, Apple did not change the price. These headphones are still $549, which is expensive, even for high-end over the ear headphones. Take a look at PCMag's list of the best headphones for 2026, and you'll see similar options from competitors like Sony and Bose reach up to $450 or $460, but none break $500—and you'll often find huge discounts on these headphones to boot. The AirPods Max's price tag has always made these headphones hard to recommend, even though I personally love them. That's still the case with the AirPods Max 2. Still, Apple is offering a lot more functionality for the same price, and seeing as $549 in 2020 is worth nearly $700 in 2025, you are getting quite a bit more for your money with the AirPods Max 2. The new headphones get Apple's H2 chip, which Apple says improves noise cancellation by up to 1.5 times, and enables "even more natural" Transparency mode. The company says the new headphones have a new high dynamic range amplifier "for even cleaner audio," while maintaining the sound signature from the previous generation AirPods Max. Meanwhile, Spatial Audio sounds "better than ever" with "more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs." Like the USB-C AirPods Max, these headphones support 24-bit 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via a wired USB-C cable. AirPods Max 2's "new" featuresSo, according to Apple, AirPods Max 2 sound better than AirPods Max. That's to be expected from a new generation of headphones. In my view, however, the real upgrade here are all the "intelligent" features that AirPods Max 2 now support. For the first time, AirPods Max supports Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation and Transparency levels to match your environment. That also includes Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers the volume and reduces background sounds when you start speaking. That way, you can hear someone clearly while having a conversation with your AirPods Max on, and when you're done talking, your audio comes back at its previous volume. The new AirPods also support Voice Isolation, which blocks out background noise and emphasizes your voice during calls, as well as Personalized volume, which adjusts the volume based on your past preferences. There's "Loud Sound Reduction," which caps the loudness of externals sounds while preserving the sounds themselves. (You could wear these to a concert and still hear everything, but protect yourself from sounds that are too loud.) You can also nod or shake your head to interact with Siri, rather than speak your commands. (If Siri asks you whether you'd like to respond to a message, you can nod to accept, or shake your head to dismiss.) You can also take advantage of Live Translation, Apple's feature that translates conversations on the fly. The thing is, none of these features are actually new, and with exception to some (namely Live Translation), have been available on some AirPods models for years. It's great that Apple finally added them to the AirPods Max, but it is frustrating that the USB-C model didn't include them for that $549 price point. Apple says that you can pre-order AirPods Max 2 starting March 25, in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, and that the headphones will be available starting early next month. Now that these headphones are official, however, keep an eye out for discounts on the previous generation AirPods Max. Amazon tends to have good deals on AirPods Max from time to time, and now that there's a new model, the previous ones should go down in price even more—as long as there's availability. As of this piece, the best deals appear to be on renewed models. AirPods Max (Renewed) $399.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon View the full article

The words “incremental” and “incrementality” get thrown around in affiliate marketing, but they might not mean what they sound like. There may be no increase in actual sales, new customers, or revenue. Affiliate marketers who refer to incrementality often look at it only within the affiliate channel, not across your company as a whole. To determine whether affiliates are truly incremental, ask a simple question: Would the sale have happened without the affiliate program? The answer determines whether the partner is bringing you new customers and revenue or simply intercepting customers already in your checkout flow. Why high-intent traffic doesn’t always mean incremental value The word “incrementality” in affiliate programs is similar to an affiliate, an agency, or a network using “high intent” to describe the traffic. High intent means the person has a strong intent to purchase, which is a good thing. What is left out is whether that touchpoint would happen if there were no affiliate program at all. High intent could be used by a coupon site where the touchpoint is a consumer already at checkout, going to Google and typing in “your brand + coupons.” If you close your affiliate program today, these same touchpoints will likely still happen. Your company saves money because you no longer pay commissions, network fees, manager salaries, or agency fees. Yes, the traffic is high intent. It’s your customers already checking out of your shopping cart. It doesn’t get more “high intent” than that. The touchpoint may be low- or no-value because it happens whether you have a program or not, and you may be losing money on the sale because of it. Note: Not all coupon sites or deal touchpoints are bad. Some shopping cart interceptions may add value (including brand + coupon), so don’t take action without testing. Use your data and test to see if the same or a similar amount of sales happens without an affiliate program before making decisions. The more customers checking out of your own shopping cart, the more sales the affiliate in the top positions of Google make. The less you have, the less they make. They rely on you having your own traffic to intercept so they can make money, which is why they are sometimes called parasitic affiliates. And that’s where incrementality comes in. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with What incremental sales and value actually mean If this touchpoint isn’t bringing in new customers, and it happens even when you don’t have a program, are the sales incremental? This starts with defining what incremental sales and value are. Incremental sales are sales that are introduced by the partner and that your company doesn’t have access to without the partner. Incremental value is when the affiliate increases the value of the customer by doing things you can’t do without them, including increasing items in the cart, increasing order value, building consumer trust that results in more conversions, and helping move products you need to clear off a shelf through their own marketing efforts. You, as the brand, can feature a coupon code, a deal, or a bundle without an affiliate program. If you have no program, you can submit those same deals to the sites showing up for your brand + coupons and get the same or a similar amount of sales with the increased AOV or items in cart. But you don’t have to spend money on network fees, commissions and affiliate manager salaries. If a deal or bundle exists only on the partner’s platform (website, videos, password-protected communities, newsletter blasts, etc.) and it doesn’t appear for your brand on Google, YouTube, etc., their active community is what drives sales. That’s something you can’t do without them. The affiliate is adding incremental value. Dig deeper: Where affiliates can get traffic beyond Google search Here are a few types of affiliate content and programs that can add real incremental value. Product and brand comparisons There are two types of comparisons: brands and products. Comparing two products from any brand (e.g., bandages sold at most retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, and Walmart), the affiliate controls where traffic goes and which brand gets the sale. This may not be customer acquisition for big brands, since they already have millions of customers, but it’s high-value because without that affiliate deciding to send the customer to you, you don’t get the sale. The person could be comparing two types of electronics or adaptors for a specific purpose. Then they decide which retailer to send the consumer to and explain why they recommend that one. They could mention the service guarantees, extra guides, prices, or social causes the brands support. Each of these helps convince the consumer to shop with their recommendation, increasing the incrementality and value. If no brand is mentioned at all in the content, they can change out the affiliate links and destination at any time, so your brand can be cut out, and you lose. This is where the affiliate holds the power, as they control their traffic and add incremental value. Brand comparisons get tricky. Comparing you and a competitor adds credibility because it’s a “trusted third party” who is putting their name on the line. They likely do help the customer make a decision, but it isn’t new customer acquisition, as the customer is already in your funnel. But it’s a value-adding touchpoint in the customer acquisition funnel. Tip: If you have a non-affiliate doing the brand comparison, you’re more profitable because you don’t pay commissions on it in perpetuity. For example, you pay a one-time fee of $500 for an unbiased and honest comparison vs. paying $2,000 in commissions over the course of the year. Your company is more profitable by $1,500 the first year and $2,000 each additional year until the comparison is no longer accurate or shows up for your brand vs. the competitor. Then there’s the big incremental value add for small brands. By being added to a comparison with the two big brands, you gain access to their comparison traffic and their customer funnel. The credibility from their brands and the reviewer may build trust for your brand, and this comparison is likely to be customer acquisition and incremental in revenue, not to mention getting your competitors’ customers. These types of partners include: Review and comparison websites. Listicle sites (SEO and PPC). YouTubers. Communities and forums with UGC and shopping guides. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Creators who do and don’t do reviews Creators is a blanket term for anyone who creates content, including: Social media influencers. YouTubers. Bloggers. Streamers. Podcasters. Others who build a following. They create top-funnel and high-value traffic and mid- and low-value traffic. I’ll break this section into two parts starting with the mid- and low-value. Reviews only When creators do a review only, the initial review gets distributed to anyone who subscribes, and this is top-funnel and builds trust. Then it gets tricky on incrementality. Once the initial review is live and the subscribers have already viewed it, the top-funnel incrementality is over. Now, algorithms start to pick it up and show it for your own customers already in your funnel. Unlike the coupon example, where the sale is likely to happen just before the person clicks the pay now button, the customer review touchpoint isn’t as “high intent” yet. This consumer is looking for validity and credibility before making a purchase. The reviewer provides credibility as a trusted third party and helps the consumer make a decision. When the algorithms show this review, it isn’t bringing you new customers, so there’s no full customer acquisition. But if you currently have only bad reviews showing up, and the affiliates have good reviews showing the benefits and presenting you in a good light, this can increase customer confidence, making the conversions happen. Not to mention it helps repair your brand reputation. Affiliates will be faster to create review content than customers because they are incentivized with commissions. The same goes for non-affiliate ambassadors and influencers. Incrementality here is similar to comparisons. If you pay an influencer or ambassador a one-time fee of $200 for the review, that’s the only cost. When you have affiliates doing the review and earning commissions, each affiliate earns on each one, which could be $500 in commissions each year, while network fees, affiliate manager salaries, bonuses, etc., cost your company more than the influencer or ambassador. With that said, it’s easier to get affiliates to update their reviews and create new ones as your company updates, since they’re making money by keeping them up to date. You’d need to pay the influencer or ambassador again each time, unless they are in a good mood and decide to do it for free. The ones that genuinely value their readers or visitors will do it free and quickly because they want to make sure their audience and visitors get accurate information. With that said, it’s almost impossible to do it for every brand they feature, especially if they’ve been around for 10 years. This is why a fee is normally required. It’s too much for any one or even four- and five-person team. Stephanie Robbins from Right Side Up also shared a situation where a review can be highly incremental. New brands without a ton of branded search and without demand yet could benefit from review affiliates. By getting reviews going early in the company’s life, they have an established foundation for growth. These established reviews help block competitors from taking their branded search. Once the brand starts to pick up, it will need to replace affiliate reviews with non-affiliate reviews via SEO to save money. Dig deeper: The best affiliate networks by need and use case Non-reviews Non-review creators are huge for incrementality, and there’s no shortage of them. Listicle affiliates. Tutorial creators. Communities for like-minded people. Apps that provide solutions. Media buyers. Listicle affiliates These affiliates create “top ten” and “best” lists, including media companies, PPC affiliates, and bloggers with roundups and shopping guides. The ones that don’t optimize for your brand + reviews or bid on your branded terms in search engines are bringing you customers with a higher intent to purchase. The consumer here knows they need something and is shopping, but they don’t know which brand to choose. Being on these lists builds trust and may reach a consumer who hasn’t heard of you (especially if you’re not one of the big names in the space). Tutorial creators You can see them on YouTube, Skool, and other platforms, teaching workshops and creating written guides on how to fix a roof, bake a cake, set up a server, or take care of a goldfish, which likely provides a lot of incrementality for your brand. The ones that don’t add “with [Brand]” to the title (How to take a photo with a Canon camera vs. how to take a photo) and throughout the content have a captive audience that you can’t reach without them. Because their traffic does not need your brand, they control who gets the referrals. Being in these guides brings you high-value and incremental customers. The conversion rates may be higher because the tutorial presold the product, and the creator put their name on the line by recommending you. Community This same form of trust comes from community moderators and the highly respected members. When people are there because they love sharing parenting advice, common passions for bird watching or cooking gluten-free meals, video game or tabletop game enthusiasts, or anything else, they trust the community. When the owner of the community says this is the brand to trust, that trust passes through, and the community shops. While they may not be new customers each time, they are incremental, and you get brand credibility, which is one of the hardest things to earn. Apps There’s no shortage of apps, and now that AI is powering features, affiliate sales are being made. Some apps may let you find celebrity styles you like and then use affiliate data feeds to find similar clothes and recommend them to the user. Others might have you snap a photo of your room, then use affiliate datafeeds to show what furniture could look like in it and let you mix and match to create your perfect space. These are high-value touchpoints with incrementality because the app controls where the person shops and pre-sells the items by giving them an experience with the products. Media buyers Media buyers purchase ads across the web, in communities, and other spaces. As long as they’re not buying ad space via the pages in your checkout, targeting your own website if you run ads on it, or using your brand as a target, they’re adding incrementality by reaching the audience your ads can’t reach. Some have a lot of experience on third-party platforms, and others may have a budget when you’re already tapping yours out, so they work as an extension of your own efforts. Dig deeper: How amplifying creator content strengthens trust and lowers media costs See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Don’t confuse affiliate attribution with incrementality Incrementality in affiliate marketing means the affiliate brings you a new customer and drives a sale that likely wouldn’t have happened without them or without the program at all. When an affiliate relies on your existing traffic, incrementality drops substantially. You’ll often hear terms like “high-intent traffic” used to make this sound more valuable than it is. Use your data and your knowledge to determine what is right for your business and what incrementality means for you. Don’t rely on one channel alone. Key takeaways: When an affiliate drives revenue, increases cart value, and moves products without relying on the brand’s own traffic, they’re adding incremental revenue and customers to your business. If the sales happen whether you have a program or not, there’s little to no incremental value (i.e., affiliates that only intercept your own customers already in your checkout process). View the full article

I was told to stay off screens for a few days last week due to a possible concussion (I’m fine), so today and tomorrow will include some posts from the archives. This was originally published in 2015. A reader writes: I took employment at a nonprofit as an economic researcher about seven months ago. Overall, I love my job and what I get to do and helping people, but there is one major issue: My boss, who is the founder and head of the organization, thinks he is a mayan shaman. I am not joking. He spends crazy amounts of money (sometimes company money) to fund his “spiritual projects” and recently has been telling me to do ludicrous projects like comparing chakra colors in different cultures and staring at a candle to find a sacred angle. Seriously. I’ve been able to handle it just fine until now. He is getting crazier by the day and I don’t know how to handle it anymore because if I tell him anything, he will say the “darkness has possessed me” and then be uncommunicative when I need information. What can I do? Is there anything, because I don’t want to quit my job but this is getting out of hand. He sends texts to us at the middle of the night with his “visions” and when one of our employees was pregnant he would call it the “christ child” and say that one quarter of the DNA must be his. I swear this is not a fake situation or question. Shamans have to have day jobs, I guess. And he’s welcome to believe he’s a shaman. Who knows, maybe he is. But the problem here is that he’s letting his spiritual beliefs interfere with work and apparently misusing the organization’s resources. But I doubt there’s a lot you can do here. This is your boss, the head of the organization, and ultimately he’s calling the shots here. If you really wanted to try to get this addressed, you’d have two options: Talk to him directly, or talk to the board of directors. If you talk to him directly, I’d say something like this: “Percival, I respect your religious beliefs, but I’m not comfortable discussing religion at work or being given religious assignments to work on. I was hired to do economic research and our organization isn’t religious in nature. Is there a way for us to work well together without bringing religion into it?” Ideally, you’d do this with a group of coworkers who feel the same rather than on your own; it’s harder to ignore a group of employees than one lone one — but either way, it’s a reasonable thing to say. That said, will it work? I doubt it. This is a guy who’s telling you that darkness has possessed you and claiming some sort of parentage over a quarter of an employee’s baby. In other words, probably not open to reasoned conversation on these topics. So that leaves you with the second option: Talk to the board. Every nonprofit is required to have a board of directors that serves as its ultimate governing body and which is responsible for ensuring that the organization is well managed and fiscally sound. The board is basically this guy’s boss — even though he’s the founder and even though he’s in charge of day-to-day operations. He might have a seat on the board, but there are presumably other board members, which means that he can be outvoted. The board would presumably want to know that the head of the organization is using resources to find sacred candle angles and freezing out employees when he thinks the darkness has possessed them. But that said … unless you care passionately about this organization and want to take an active role in getting this situation straightened out, your better bet might be to leave. This isn’t likely to change overnight, there’s likely to be some tension if you go to the board, and — maybe most importantly — do you really trust this guy’s leadership, even if he cools it with the shamanism talk at work? I mean, let’s say that the board puts a stop to all the behavior you’ve written about, and it even happens quickly — you’re still going to be working at an organization led by a guy who thought all of this was reasonable to begin with. Is that the job you want? In light of that, it might make sense to skip past all these steps and just start working on leaving. (Alternately, maybe just embrace the whole thing and have him influence the spirit world in your favor. That could be useful too.) Read an update to this letter here. The post my boss thinks he is a mayan shaman appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

LinkedIn is launching a new AI-powered feed ranking system that uses large language models and GPUs to analyze post content and surface more relevant updates to its 1.3 billion members. Why we care. Understanding how LinkedIn surfaces content is critical if you want your posts — or your brand’s — to be discovered. The new system prioritizes topical relevance and engagement patterns, LinkedIn said. Posts that demonstrate expertise and align with emerging professional conversations may travel farther across the network — even without existing connections. The details. LinkedIn rebuilt much of its feed recommendation system using large language models, transformer models, and GPU infrastructure. The overhaul centers on two systems: retrieving relevant posts and ranking them in the feed. Unified retrieval system. LinkedIn replaced several separate discovery systems with a single LLM-powered retrieval model. Previously, feed candidates came from multiple sources, including network activity, trending posts, collaborative filtering, and topic-based systems. The new approach uses LLM-generated embeddings to understand what posts are about and how they connect to your professional interests. Now, LinkedIn can link related topics even when they use different terminology. For example, engagement with posts about small modular reactors could surface content about electrical grid infrastructure or renewable energy. Ranking that follows your interests. After retrieval, LinkedIn ranks posts using a transformer-based sequential model. Instead of evaluating posts independently, the model analyzes patterns across your past interactions — including likes, comments, dwell time, and other signals. This helps LinkedIn detect how your professional interests evolve and recommend content that reflects those shifts. System performance and infrastructure. The system runs on GPU infrastructure designed to process millions of posts while keeping feeds fresh. The architecture can update content embeddings within minutes and retrieve candidates in under 50 milliseconds, LinkedIn said. Improving feed quality and authenticity. LinkedIn also announced updates to improve content quality: Cracking down on automated engagement. LinkedIn is taking action against comment automation tools, browser extensions, and engagement pods that create inauthentic conversations. These tools violate platform rules and undermine real professional discussions, LinkedIn said. Reducing engagement bait and generic posts. LinkedIn plans to show less content designed purely to drive comments or clicks — including posts asking people to comment “Yes” to boost reach, posts pairing unrelated videos with text to game distribution, and recycled thought-leadership with little substance. Helping new members personalize their feeds faster. LinkedIn is testing an “Interest Picker” during signup that lets new users choose topics such as leadership, job search skills, or career growth, helping deliver relevant content from day one. View the full article