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The portfolio of offerings includes a buy-before-you-sell product as well as loans geared toward small-business owners, gig workers and real estate investors. View the full article

The real estate industry is at the forefront of a lobbying blitz to sway Congress to preserve the carried interest tax break that President Donald The President wants to abolish in a giant tax bill pending in Congress. View the full article

Google's John Mueller answers a question about diluting the impact of anchor text by using it sitewide. The post Google On Diluting SEO Impact Through Anchor Text Overuse appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The subsidiary of Amerant Bank trimmed 58 of its mortgage-related employees, leaving just 20 workers to focus exclusively on Florida-based customers. View the full article

No, this article was not written with AI. You know how you can tell? Because it’s got a bit of personality (mine), and even though it’s about artificial intelligence (arguably one of the most boring topics on the planet, in my opinion), this doesn’t read like a computer generated it. (Just me, standing at my very-expensive standing desk, writing away on my laptop!) Which gets us to the reason for this article: a new study on AI. Researchers from Cornell University looked at how Western-centric AI models provide writing suggestions to users from different cultural backgrounds. The study, titled “AI Suggestions Homogenize Writing Toward Western Styles and Diminish Cultural Nuances,” included 118 participants from India and the United States. And it found that when Indians and Americans used AI writing assistance, it often came at the expense of the Indians in the group. Why, you ask? Even though the tools helped both groups write faster, the Indian writers had to keep correcting the AI’s suggestions, resulting in a smaller productivity boost. One reason for that is because AI tools like ChatGPT are primarily developed by American tech companies, which are powered by large language models that don’t contain all the linguistic nuances of 85% of the world’s population, who live in the Global South and are using AI-writing tools. (The Global South is defined as those countries primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, often considered developing or less developed than their northern counterparts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.) Study researchers had the two groups write about cultural topics like food and holidays. Half used an AI-writing assistant that gave autocomplete suggestions. The writing samples showed that the Indian participants kept 25% of the suggestions while Americans kept only 19%, but also found the Indian writers made significantly more modifications to those suggestions, rendering them less helpful. For example, when some of the Indians wrote about food, a common suggestion included pizza. Or when they wrote about holidays, the AI tool suggested Christmas. In short, this study shows AI isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and benefits some users more than others. “This is one of the first studies, if not the first, to show that the use of AI in writing could lead to cultural stereotyping and language homogenization,” according one of the study’s authors, Aditya Vashistha, an assistant professor of information science. “People start writing similarly to others, and that’s not what we want. One of the beautiful things about the world is the diversity that we have.” The study’s main author, Dhruv Agarwal, a doctoral student in the field of information science, said that although the technology brings a lot of value into people’s lives, “for that value to be equitable and for these products to do well in these markets, tech companies need to focus on cultural aspects, rather than just language aspects.” View the full article

Consumers are only just starting to feel pain from The President’s Liberation Day tariff spree. Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos, however, may be starting to feel something else from the tariffs: regret. When a report emerged overnight claiming that Amazon would start displaying tariff costs on its main page, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by torching Amazon in a Tuesday morning press briefing. (According to CNN, The President had already personally chewed Bezos out by then.) Despite everything that Bezos has done to support The President in his second term, the administration just made it crystal-clear that presidential support under The President only flows in one direction. Evidently, no amount of fealty was ever going to save Amazon from The President’s wrath if throwing Bezos under the bus ever proved advantageous in the slightest. Although Amazon strongly disputes the initial report about displaying tariff costs (“This was never approved and is not going to happen.”), such a move would not be unheard of. Other businesses, including Fabletics and Temu, have been introducing “tariff surcharges,” alerting customers in letters, and adding tariff prices to websites and bills. Meanwhile, Amazon has reportedly been hurting more than most under The President’s 145% tariffs on China. Leavitt did not seem to think Amazon was justified in potentially joining those other companies, though. Speaking on behalf of The President, she described it as “a hostile and political act by Amazon.” REPORTER: Amazon will soon display a number next to the price of each product that shows how much the The President tariffs are adding. Isn't that a perfect demonstration that it's the American consumer who is paying for these policies? LEAVITT: This is a hostile and political act by Amazon. [image or embed] — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 29, 2025 at 9:03 AM “It’s not a surprise,” Leavitt continued, “because, as Reuters recently wrote, Amazon is partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm.” She held up a printout of the article, about an Amazon project known as China Books, to prove it was real—though “recent” is a bit of a stretch, considering the article came out in 2021. This broadside seems designed to provide a handy talking point about why Amazon is, in this administration’s apparent view, in cahoots with China against The President. Surely, Amazon’s reported stab at pricing transparency is an act of political hostility and sabotage, Leavitt’s comments suggest, not an accurate temperature-read of a climate in which consumer confidence has already plunged to its lowest levels since peak pandemic 2020. It’s obvious why the administration would want to paint Amazon as the villain in this situation. An April survey of 400 U.S. company leaders by the research firm Zilliant found 44% of businesses plan to pass tariff costs onto consumers. A company of Amazon’s size and stature leading the charge would give any companies who remain on the fence permission to go for it. If Amazon is displaying tariff costs, showing customers who to blame, it becomes standard procedure. What is far less obvious, though, is why Bezos ever worked so hard to get on The President’s good side in the first place. During The President’s first term, Bezos had a contentious relationship with the president. The President would frequently affix “Amazon” to the title of the newspaper Bezos owns, The Washington Post, when speaking about the paper after he received unfavorable coverage. The implication was that the paper was little more than a lobbying arm for Bezos’s personal business interests. Bezos even argued in a 2019 court case that The President’s bias against Amazon had cost it a chance to win a $10 billion Pentagon contract. In The President’s second term, though, past has not been prologue. Bezos’s sharp pivot toward MAGA began last October with his out-of-nowhere announcement that the Post would not be endorsing a candidate in the November election. Though he cited the move as a way to avoid “a perception of bias at a time when many Americans don’t believe the media,” the last-minute announcement only fostered a perception of bias—at the Post, specifically. The non-endorsement reportedly cost the paper over 250,000 subscribers. At the time, Bezos could have plausibly still maintained a sheen of neutrality. He has only since further positioned himself firmly in The President’s corner, though. In the past few months, he’s drastically scaled back DEI policies at Amazon, donated a million dollars to The President’s inauguration fund (and prominently attended it), dined at Mar-a-Lago, and overhauled the Post’s op-ed section in support of two The President-friendly pillars: personal liberties and free markets—a move that reportedly cost the paper another 75,000 subscribers. In Bezos’s most sycophantic-seeming gesture of all, Amazon even shelled out $40 million for a documentary on Melania The President. The ostensible reason for this red carpet rollout is that Bezos is a businessman, first and foremost. In a December interview at The New York Times‘s DealBook Summit, he explained why he was more optimistic about The President’s second term: “He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation. If I can help do that, I’m going to help him.” But if an interest in deregulation was all that animated Bezos’s enthusiasm, he probably wouldn’t have been so ostentatious in his support of the president and his policies. What’s more likely is that he made a cold calculation that an if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em ethos and some financial support could neutralize the threat of The President’s antagonism. If so, it was a critical miscalculation. Even if it weren’t obvious from The President’s entire political life that loyalty is a one-way street, it should have been clear that he’d only view with contempt those who have suddenly decided to butter him up (“Everybody wants to be my friend,” The President crowed in December, as business leaders including Bezos began to kiss the ring.) What is the hypothetical difference between where Bezos finds himself today—with the administration smearing Amazon as Chinese propagandists over a story that the company thoroughly denies—had he either opposed The President or maintained an air of neutrality? There’s no way of knowing. Whatever it is, though, it’s probably a better position than The President continuing to antagonize him while the anti-The President crowd occasionally boycotts his company. Best of luck with the Melania doc, though. View the full article

Google Workspace has announced a series of new AI-powered updates designed to enhance productivity across its suite of tools, including Gemini, Gmail, Google Slides, and Google Chat. The updates, part of its April Workspace feature drop, focus on offering practical assistance through advanced AI integrations rather than hype, according to the company. Gemini App Enhancements In the Gemini app, Google introduced “Canvas,” an interactive space where users can create drafts of documents and collaborate with Gemini to refine them. Users can request feedback, update sections, or adjust tone and formatting with quick tools. Additionally, Canvas supports code generation and previewing, benefiting both novice and experienced developers. Work created within Canvas can be easily exported and shared via Google Docs. Another significant addition is “Audio Overviews,” a feature allowing users to generate podcast-style audio summaries of documents or Deep Research reports created with Gemini. Users can listen to these summaries on the go, making it easier to absorb information without reading lengthy reports. Google also noted that users can now access Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) and upload files directly from mobile devices for enhanced productivity. New Features in Gmail Gmail users will now benefit from “Contextual Smart Replies,” powered by Gemini. This feature generates detailed and relevant replies based on the context of email threads, streamlining the response process. Users can hover over suggested replies, preview them, and select or edit responses as needed. This feature is available for Workspace Business and Enterprise users. Additionally, Gmail has introduced a new “Add to Calendar” button that appears when Gemini detects event details in an email. With a simple tap, users can instantly create a Google Calendar event from their inbox. Updates to Google Slides Google Slides has introduced a consolidated design sidebar to simplify the process of creating visually compelling presentations. This sidebar offers quick access to new templates, pre-formatted building blocks such as agendas and quotes, an expanded stock photo and GIF library, and AI-generated images. By centralizing these tools, Google aims to boost creativity and save users time without leaving the Slides interface. New Features in Google Chat In Google Chat, the new “board tab” serves as a central hub for teams to organize critical information. Users can pin messages, files, and links for easy access, ensuring that important resources are readily available and not buried within chat threads. Intelligent file suggestions further streamline the organization of team assets. Furthermore, the new HubSpot app for Google Chat enables real-time lead, deal, and ticket updates from HubSpot’s Smart CRM platform directly into Chat spaces. This integration allows sales, support, and marketing teams to collaborate more efficiently and stay updated on customer interactions without leaving Google Chat. Looking Ahead Google states that these updates are aimed at empowering users to perform their best work by leveraging practical AI innovations. The company encourages users to stay tuned for additional features in future Workspace Drops, further enhancing collaboration and productivity with AI-driven tools. Image: Google This article, "Google Workspace Introduces New AI Features Across Gemini, Chat, Gmail, and Slides" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google Workspace has announced a series of new AI-powered updates designed to enhance productivity across its suite of tools, including Gemini, Gmail, Google Slides, and Google Chat. The updates, part of its April Workspace feature drop, focus on offering practical assistance through advanced AI integrations rather than hype, according to the company. Gemini App Enhancements In the Gemini app, Google introduced “Canvas,” an interactive space where users can create drafts of documents and collaborate with Gemini to refine them. Users can request feedback, update sections, or adjust tone and formatting with quick tools. Additionally, Canvas supports code generation and previewing, benefiting both novice and experienced developers. Work created within Canvas can be easily exported and shared via Google Docs. Another significant addition is “Audio Overviews,” a feature allowing users to generate podcast-style audio summaries of documents or Deep Research reports created with Gemini. Users can listen to these summaries on the go, making it easier to absorb information without reading lengthy reports. Google also noted that users can now access Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) and upload files directly from mobile devices for enhanced productivity. New Features in Gmail Gmail users will now benefit from “Contextual Smart Replies,” powered by Gemini. This feature generates detailed and relevant replies based on the context of email threads, streamlining the response process. Users can hover over suggested replies, preview them, and select or edit responses as needed. This feature is available for Workspace Business and Enterprise users. Additionally, Gmail has introduced a new “Add to Calendar” button that appears when Gemini detects event details in an email. With a simple tap, users can instantly create a Google Calendar event from their inbox. Updates to Google Slides Google Slides has introduced a consolidated design sidebar to simplify the process of creating visually compelling presentations. This sidebar offers quick access to new templates, pre-formatted building blocks such as agendas and quotes, an expanded stock photo and GIF library, and AI-generated images. By centralizing these tools, Google aims to boost creativity and save users time without leaving the Slides interface. New Features in Google Chat In Google Chat, the new “board tab” serves as a central hub for teams to organize critical information. Users can pin messages, files, and links for easy access, ensuring that important resources are readily available and not buried within chat threads. Intelligent file suggestions further streamline the organization of team assets. Furthermore, the new HubSpot app for Google Chat enables real-time lead, deal, and ticket updates from HubSpot’s Smart CRM platform directly into Chat spaces. This integration allows sales, support, and marketing teams to collaborate more efficiently and stay updated on customer interactions without leaving Google Chat. Looking Ahead Google states that these updates are aimed at empowering users to perform their best work by leveraging practical AI innovations. The company encourages users to stay tuned for additional features in future Workspace Drops, further enhancing collaboration and productivity with AI-driven tools. Image: Google This article, "Google Workspace Introduces New AI Features Across Gemini, Chat, Gmail, and Slides" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Interior designer and stylist Jonny Carmack has a “fruit room” in his Danbury, Connecticut, home. Colorful faux produce bedecks every inch, from the cherry-shaped ceiling fixture to a strawberry side table and a bunch of other juicy gems in decorative forms. He’s part of a trend: Love for fresh fruits and vegetables is showing up not just in the kitchen but in imagery throughout the home. Carmack sees it as fun escapism, and “a cause for conversation and celebration.” Design experts say it also reflects a cultural embrace of sustainability and an upbeat connection to nature. “There’s a certain romance to the farmstand — it speaks to the pastoral lifestyle everyone’s craving these days,” says Rachel Hardage Barrett, Country Living magazine’s editor-in-chief. “This gravitation toward produce motifs intersects with spikes in interest around gardening, wellness and antiques.” Barrett sees the trend in everything from home decor to apparel. She notes the recent viral trend Tomato Girl Summer; along with the color red, and various iterations of tomatoes, the vibe was one of Mediterranean cafes, beach walks and lazy summer days. “Tomato Girl Summer obviously had a good run, but now there’s a whole bumper crop of produce to choose from, from cabbage and radishes to strawberries and peaches,” Barrett says. Nostalgia is in play, too Barrett sees a revival in interest around items with cabbages and lettuce, which were common motifs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cabbageware and lettuce ware enjoyed a revival with the Palm Beach crowd in the ‘60s, with fans like Jacqueline Kennedy, Bunny Mellon and Frank Sinatra. Now, they’ve found a new audience. “It ties into the ‘grandmillennial’ design movement that champions beloved heirlooms,” Barrett says. “Target recently introduced a cabbageware-inspired collection that garnered more than 15 million TikTok posts.” Social media has helped drive the fruity décor trend. In 2023, TikTokers went wild over a lemon-shaped ceramic stool at HomeGoods. The piece sold out, but the popularity of tables shaped like citrus wedges continued to grow. This winter’s interior design, décor and lifestyles shows in Paris and Frankfurt, Germany, sometimes felt more like vibrant produce markets than trade fairs. Booths at Maison et Objet and Ambiente were full of planters festooned with 3D grapes and watermelons; mirrors encircled in peapods or pineapples; tomato-covered cups, glasses and tableware. Lamp shades and tablecloths wore artful imagery of berry baskets and carrot bunches. Cushions burst with juicy prints. Vases were peppered with — well, peppers, in clay or papier-mache. Los Angeles-based design editor and author Courtney Porter was at February’s Ambiente fair in Frankfurt and enjoyed seeing the playful directions that designers were taking the trend. “Colors were supersaturated, shapes were exaggerated and cartoonish,” she said. And she liked the obvious tie-in to healthy living. “There’s an emphasis on sustainable materials and youthfulness with this trend, as well. People are nostalgic for natural abundance,” she said. Designers just wanna have fun Carmack, whose social media accounts include @vintageshowpony, says the Fruit Room has been his most popular design project, “and it’s because of the cartoon references like Dr. Seuss and Animal Crossing. It just makes people happy.” A fantastical fruit called the truffula shows up in “The Lorax.” And fruits in the Animal Crossing video games serve as trade tokens, village builders and currency. Carmack imparts a little personality to his favorite fruits. “Cherries are flirty and fun. Strawberries are like their younger sisters, cutesier and sweeter in nature,” he says. Cookbook author and food columnist Alyse Whitney has embraced what’s sometimes referred to on social media as the “Grocery Girl” vibe. Her apartment’s got a wreath made out of metal mushrooms and a ceramic stool that looks like a cut lemon. Then there’s all the banana-themed stuff: a platter, salt and pepper shakers, napkin rings. Whitney says she’s been drawn to food décor her whole life, collecting fun pieces from discount retailers and thrift stores. But when she moved from New York to Los Angeles, she went to an estate sale. “There, I got my first Murano-style glass produce — a bell pepper, a peach and a pear. And a small ceramic soup tureen shaped like a head of cauliflower, complete with 3D leaves and a matching plate that looked like its root and greens.” Those pieces got her on a full-fledged food collectible mission. It’s a trend that spans decorating aesthetics, says Barrett. “If your style is more retro or youthful, you can embrace a little kitsch. For a more sophisticated look, opt for fruit motifs in the form of wallcovering or fabric,” she says. So, eat it or decorate with it; there are lots of ways to show your love for a favorite veg or fruit. “Dressing your home with this aesthetic is an experiment in self-expression that so many people are connecting to,” says Carmack, “and I love to see it. —Kim Cook, Associated Press View the full article

Latest softening follows lobbying by industry concerned that US trade war will raise its costsView the full article

The key to starting a project that will be delivered on time, on budget and meeting quality standards is simple: writing a project plan. How to write a project plan is not as simple. It involves smaller plans that all add up to a means of completing the project successfully. After defining what a project is, we’ll explain what should be included and the steps to writing a project plan. We’ll also include a free project plan template and a few others related to the planning process. What Is a Project Plan? A project plan is a structured document that outlines the objectives, scope, timeline, resources, risks and responsibilities needed to complete a project. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the project team through each phase while ensuring alignment with stakeholders. A project plan typically includes details such as deliverables, milestones, communication strategies and budget allocations to keep the project on track and within scope. By clearly defining these elements, a project plan helps mitigate risks, allocate resources efficiently and ensure timely execution. It also provides a reference for monitoring progress, managing changes and ensuring accountability throughout the project lifecycle. After writing a project plan, project managers will have the fundamental details to structure a timeline, tasks, dependencies and milestones. It also outlines the scope, objectives, key deliverables and estimated timeframes, all of which can be translated into a Gantt chart to create a clear, sequential workflow. To get the most out of the project schedule, most will execute this process on project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts that schedule tasks, resources and costs, but also link all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns, filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track variance in real time. Plus, plans are shared on kanban boards and task lists for teams to execute their tasks and calendar views for stakeholders to stay updated on progress. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more What Should Be Included in a Project Plan? A project plan is a comprehensive document made up of several subsidiary plans that detail various aspects of project management. These subsidiary plans provide structure and guidance on key project elements, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with goals. Below are the essential components of a project plan. Scope Management Plan: Defines the project’s scope, including deliverables, boundaries and how scope changes will be managed to prevent scope creep Schedule Management Plan: Outlines how the project schedule will be developed, monitored and controlled to ensure timely completion Resource Management Plan: Identifies the personnel, materials and tools needed for the project, along with strategies for resource allocation and management Cost Management Plan: Details the project budget, cost estimates, funding sources and financial controls to keep expenditures within approved limits Stakeholder Management Plan: Defines how stakeholders will be identified, engaged and managed to ensure their expectations are met throughout the project Risk Management Plan: Identifies potential risks, their impact and mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to project progress Communications Management Plan: Establishes protocols for information sharing, including reporting frequency, communication channels and stakeholder updates Procurement Management Plan: Outlines how external vendors and suppliers will be selected, contracted and managed for project needs Quality Management Plan: Specifies quality standards, testing procedures and assurance measures to ensure deliverables meet requirements Change Management Plan: Defines how changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget will be evaluated, approved and implemented By incorporating these subsidiary plans, a project plan provides a structured framework for managing all critical aspects of a project, ensuring efficiency, accountability and successful completion. How to Write a Project Plan A project plan is a structured document that outlines how a project will be executed, monitored and controlled. It’s made of various subsidiary plans that guide different aspects of project management, ensuring smooth execution and stakeholder alignment. Below are the key steps to writing a comprehensive project plan. 1. Define the Project Scope How to write a project plan starts with the project scope, which establishes the project’s boundaries and details deliverables, tasks and exclusions. Make a Work Breakdown Structure: Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks to clarify the scope and assign responsibilities effectively Set a Scope Baseline: Establish a reference point for the approved scope, ensuring any changes are formally evaluated Write a Scope Management Plan: Document how the scope will be defined, controlled and monitored to prevent scope creep 2. Create a Project Schedule The next step in how to write a project plan is a well-defined schedule. It ensures timely project completion and efficient resource allocation. Use Project Scheduling Methods Like CPM and PERT: Apply techniques such as the critical path method (CPM) and program evaluation review technique (PERT) to optimize scheduling Set a Schedule Baseline: Define a fixed project schedule against which progress can be measured Write a Schedule Management Plan: Outline how the schedule will be maintained, updated and adjusted as needed /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Project-Plan-Template-Word-image.png Get your free Project Plan Template Use this free Project Plan Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template 3. Identify What Resources Will Be Needed Proper resource planning is also part of how to write a project plan. It ensures the project has the necessary manpower, materials and tools. Make a Resource Breakdown Structure: Categorize resources by type and availability to facilitate allocation Make a Resource Schedule: Plan the timing and usage of resources to prevent conflicts or shortages Write a Resource Management Plan: Document strategies for resource acquisition, allocation and optimization 4. Estimate Costs and Make a Budget Effective cost management ensures financial feasibility and control over expenditures, which makes it financially one of the most important aspects of how to write a project plan. Set a Cost Baseline: Establish the approved project budget to track actual versus planned costs Write a Cost Management Plan: Define methods for estimating, monitoring and controlling costs throughout the project 5. Identify Stakeholders and Create a Plan to Engage Them Stakeholder engagement is crucial for project success and alignment with expectations, which is why it’s part of how to write a project plan. List Stakeholders with a Stakeholder Register: Identify individuals, groups and organizations impacted by the project Analyze Stakeholders with a Stakeholder Map: Assess stakeholder influence, interest and engagement needs Write a Stakeholder Management Plan: Define communication strategies and engagement techniques to address stakeholder concerns 6. Identify Potential Project Risks and Make a Plan to Manage Them The next stage in how to write a project plan is risk management, which minimizes uncertainties and enhances project resilience. Log Potential Risks in a Risk Register: Document potential risks, their impact and likelihood Use a Risk Analysis Matrix to Prioritize Risks: Assess and categorize risks to focus on the most critical threats Write a Risk Management Plan: Outline risk response strategies, mitigation measures and contingency plans 7. Create a Plan to Manage the Communication Efforts of the Project Team How to write a project plan continues with emphasizing the need for clear communication, which ensures project transparency and stakeholder alignment. Define What Project Reports Will Be Used Throughout the Project: Specify reporting formats, frequency and key metrics Establish Channels of Communication and Reporting Frequency: Define how and when project updates will be shared among stakeholders Write a Communications Management Plan: Document communication protocols, responsibilities and escalation procedures 8. Define Guidelines for the Procurement of Project Resources Procurement planning ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of necessary materials and services and is the next step in how to write a project plan. Identify Potential Vendors: List possible suppliers based on quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness Create a Vendor Eligibility Criteria: Define requirements that vendors must meet for selection Write a Procurement Management Plan: Detail procurement processes, contract management and vendor evaluation strategies 9. Establish Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures Next in how to write a project plan comes quality management, which ensures the project meets predefined standards and expectations. Define Quality Assurance and Quality Control Quality Assurance (QA): Focuses on preventing defects through planned processes Quality Control (QC): Involves inspecting deliverables to detect and correct defects Write a Quality Management Plan: Document the standards, testing procedures and quality review methods to use. 10. Establish a Procedure for Managing Changes to the Project Plan The last step of how to write a project plan involves change management. This part ensures that modifications are assessed and approved systematically. Assemble a Change Control Board: Designate a team responsible for reviewing and approving change requests Create Change Order Request and Approval Forms: Standardize the process of requesting and documenting project changes Write a Change Management Plan: Define the procedures for handling scope, schedule and cost changes to maintain project stability By following these structured steps, a project plan becomes a comprehensive roadmap, ensuring clarity, efficiency and successful project execution. Project Plan Template A project plan template provides a structured framework for developing a detailed project plan. Download this free project plan template for Word that lets project managers organize key elements such as scope, schedule, budget and risk management. The template ensures consistency, improves efficiency and helps teams align with project goals. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Plan-Screenshot.jpg The free template includes defining the purpose, goals and success criteria of the project as well as its governance. There are sections on team and stakeholder management, scope management, project schedule, resource management, procurement, budget and cost management, as well as changes and risk. More Free Project Management Templates A project plan template, like a project plan, is made up of smaller plans. To help create those plans, below are three related free project management templates from the over 100 that can be downloaded from our site. Get these templates and then look over the others, which touch on every aspect of managing a project across multiple industries. Project Budget Template Download this free project budget template for Excel to help estimate, allocate and track costs throughout the project lifecycle. It ensures financial control, prevents overspending and aligns the budget with project objectives. Project Charter Template Use this free project charter template for Word to authorize a project, define its objectives and provide a high-level overview of its scope, stakeholders and key elements. It serves as a foundation for project planning and execution by outlining responsibilities and aligning expectations. Project Dashboard Template Once the project plan has moved to the execution, monitoring and controlling stages, a project dashboard template is a visual tool that provides an overview of project performance, key metrics and progress toward objectives. This free project dashboard template for Excel helps project managers and stakeholders track important data, enabling better decision-making and efficiency. How to Manage a Project Plan With ProjectManager While it can be helpful to write a project plan with templates, it can get frustrating quickly. All that work is now isolated on static documents that have no way to connect with project management tools. Worse, as the project changes, someone will have to manually import that new data into the templates. Who has time for that? Rather than try to plan, manage and track projects with templates, use project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has multiple project views that allow managers to schedule on Gantt charts, teams to execute their tasks on kanban boards and task lists, while stakeholders stay updated on the calendar view. There are also resource management and tracking tools. Keep to the Project Plan by Managing Resources Human and nonhuman resources are scheduled on Gantt charts. Then, teams will be assigned tasks to complete by the deadline. To ensure the right resources are assigned to the right tasks at the right time, set team availability when teams are onboarded. Project managers can view resource allocation on one or multiple projects by viewing the workload chart, which is color-coded to make it easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized. The team’s workload can be balanced without leaving the chart. This keeps everyone working at capacity without worrying about burnout. A team page provides a daily or weekly summary of their activities, which can be filtered by progress or priority and tasks can be updated from that page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Monitor Projects with Real-Time Dashboards and Reports To make sure the project is progressing as planned requires constant monitoring is required. Our software does that for you without having to take time away from the project to set up real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They collect live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. For a deeper understanding of status, variance, workload, timesheets and more, use our customizable reports. They can be filtered to focus on key data points or summarize progress and be shared with stakeholders to keep them updated. Even our secure timesheets help by monitoring labor costs and helping projects get delivered on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Project Management Content How to write a project plan is just the beginning of the larger story of project management. For those who want to read more about the big picture, below are some recently published articles from our blog covering the project life cycle, documentation and much more. What Is the Project Life Cycle? Project Phases Explained Project Documentation: 15 Essential Documents How to Write Effective Project Objectives & Goals Every Time Project Management Tools & Techniques Project Management Basics: Definitions, Methods and Tools ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Write a Project Plan: Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. While there was no question we'd be getting another Prime Day in 2025, now it's official: In a press release, Amazon has confirmed the return of what is sure to be biggest online sales event of the year. Here is everything we know so far about this year's sale. What is Prime Day?While Amazon holds several sales throughout the year (including its recent Big Spring Sale and last year's October Prime Big Deal Days),the summer sale is typically Amazon's biggest, most-hyped annual event. It's typically a two-day affair, with deals in virtually every category you can think of. Prime Day is usually when you can expect to see some products drop to record low prices, though not all deals are as great as they seem (I always vet deals with price tracking tools to make sure they're legit). When is Prime Day 2025?While Amazon has announced the event will happen in July, they haven't specified the dates yet. Last year, the 48-hour sale ran from Tuesday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 17. If I were a betting man, I'd wager the sale will be on July 15 and July 16 this year, but that's just speculation. I'll update this post once we know anything official. Do you need to be a Prime Member to shop during Prime Day?You will need to be a Prime Member to shop all of Amazon's Prime Day deals and get free shipping. Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month ($139 per year). It's easy to figure out if yearly Prime membership is worth it for you, but remember you can always cancel your Prime membership once the sale is over—Amazon offers free 30-day trials, so you can shop both days of the event and still have time to cancel before you get charged. (Here's how to sign up for a Prime account.) What sales can you expect during Prime Day?Since Prime Day happens in the summer, you can find deals on outdoorsy stuff, like gardening equipment, but the best discounts are usually on tech and Amazon devices. Amazon has already announced some categories that will be on sale, including electronics, kitchen, beauty, and apparel. Prime Day is a good time to shop other retailers' sales tooYou can always expect major retailers to have their own competitive sales, the big ones being Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. I will be updating this post with details on those offerings as soon as they've been announced. Some tips for shopping during Prime DayIf this will be your first Prime Day, you need to know some basic things about Amazon sales: You can share your Prime membership with family members even if they don't live with you You can set price alerts for products you want and your Alexa devices can notify you when they go on sale There are usually some "Invite-Only" deals that you can sign up for; there are tools you can use to see if the deal you're looking at is good or not. But if you only take one bit of advice for shopping on Prime Day, let it be this: Don't buy anything you weren't going to buy anyway. A good way to make sure you do this is by making a list of the products you do want beforehand, and only shopping from that list during the sale. View the full article

Since her birth 10 years ago, Mackenzie Holmes has rarely called one place home for long. There was the house in Houston owned by her grandmother, Crystal Holmes. Then, after Holmes lost her Southwest Airlines job and the house, there was the trio of apartments in the suburbs — and three evictions. Then another rental, and another eviction. Then motels and her uncle’s one-bedroom apartment, where Mackenzie and her grandmother slept on an inflatable mattress. Finally, Crystal Holmes secured a spot in a women’s shelter, so the two would no longer have to sleep on the floor. With nearly every move came a new school, a new set of classmates, and new lessons to catch up on. Mackenzie only has one friend she’s known longer than a year, and she didn’t receive testing or a diagnosis for dyslexia until this year. She would often miss long stretches of class in between schools. Schoolchildren threatened with eviction are more likely to end up in another district or transfer to another school, often one with less funding, more poverty and lower test scores. They’re more likely to miss school, and those who end up transferring are suspended more often. That’s according to an analysis from the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, published in Sociology of Education, a peer-reviewed journal, and shared exclusively with The Associated Press’ Education Reporting Network. Pairing court filings and student records from the Houston Independent School District, where Mackenzie started kindergarten, researchers identified more than 18,000 times between 2002 and 2016 when students lived in homes threatened with eviction filings. They found students facing eviction were absent more often. Even when they didn’t have to change schools, students threatened with eviction missed four more days in the following school year than their peers. In all, researchers counted 13,197 children between 2002 and 2016 whose parents faced an eviction filing. A quarter of those children faced repeated evictions. As eviction rates in Houston continue to worsen, there might be more children like Mackenzie. Falling behind on rent — and finding a way to finish the school year Neveah Barahona, a 17-year-old big sister to seven siblings, started kindergarten in Houston, but has moved schools half a dozen times. Her mother, Roxanne Abarca, knew moving can be disruptive. So whenever she fell behind on rent and the family was forced to move, she tried to let them finish the school year – even if it meant driving them great distances. Neveah, a strong student who hopes to join the military, said the moves took a toll. “It is kind of draining, meeting new people, meeting new teachers, getting on track with … what they want to teach you and what you used to know,” Neveah said. Then there’s finding her way with new classmates. A spate of bullying this year left her despondent until she got counseling. Households with children are about twice as likely to face eviction than those without children, Eviction Lab research has shown. That’s 1.5 million children getting evicted every year — and one in 20 children under 5 living in a rental home. Still, much of the discourse focuses on adults — the landlords and grown-up tenants — rather than the kids caught in the middle, said Peter Hepburn, the study’s lead author. “It’s … worth reminding people that 40% of the people at risk of losing their homes through the eviction process are kids,” said Hepburn, a sociology professor at Rutgers University-Newark and associate director at the Eviction Lab. Households often become more vulnerable to eviction because they fall behind when they have children. Only 5% of low-wage earners, who are especially vulnerable to housing instability, have access to paid parental leave. Under a federal law that protects homeless students, districts are supposed to try to keep children in the same school if they lose their housing midyear, providing daily transportation. But children who are evicted don’t always qualify for those services. Even those who do often fall through the cracks, because schools don’t know why children are leaving or where they’re headed. Evicted families navigate invisible school boundaries In the sprawl of Houston, it can be especially challenging for transient students to stay on track. The metropolis bleeds seamlessly from the city limits to unincorporated parts of Harris County, which is divided into 24 other districts. It’s easy to leave Houston’s school district without realizing it. And despite the best efforts of parents and caretakers, kids can miss a lot of school in transition. That’s what happened in January, when Mackenzie’s grandmother, then staying in her son’s one-bedroom apartment with her granddaughter, got desperate. Fearful her son would get evicted for having family stay with him, Crystal Holmes — who had no home, no car and no cell phone service — walked miles to a women’s shelter. The shelter, where she and Mackenzie now share a room, is in another district’s enrollment zone. She worried about Mackenzie being forced to move schools again — the fifth grader had already missed the first three weeks of the school year, when her grandmother struggled to get her enrolled. Thankfully, the federal law kicked in, and Mackenzie’s school, Thornwood Elementary, now sends a car to fetch her and other students from the shelter. Houston Independent School District did not respond to interview requests. Millicent Brown lives in a public housing project in Houston, alongside an elevated highway so noisy she had to buy a louder doorbell. She and her daughter, Nova, 5, were forced to move last year when Nova’s father threatened to hurt Brown. Nova had attended a charter school. But when she moved, the school said it could only bus Nova from her new home if she waited on a street that Brown said was too dangerous. Instead, Nova missed a month of school before enrolling in a nearby public school. Brown grew up bouncing between schools and wants better for Nova. But she may have to move again: The state has plans to widen the highway. It would wipe out her housing project — and Nova’s new school. Nearly three years ago, Neveah and her family settled into a ranch-style home down a country road in Aldine. It’s brightly lit, with four bedrooms and a renovated kitchen. Neaveah adopted a neighborhood cat named she named Bella. Her sister Aaliyah painted a portrait of the home that’s displayed in the living room. “When we were little, we always kept moving,” Aaliyah said. “I don’t want to move. I already got comfortable here.” Then, last year, her mother once again began to fall behind on rent. Ultimately, Abarca received an eviction notice. The mother was lucky. At the courthouse, she met an employee tasked with helping families stay in their homes. The employee connected her with a nonprofit that agreed to pay six months of her rent while Abarca got back on her feet. And she did, working from home as a call operator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But the siblings’ dream of a “forever home” may still come to an end. Abarca learned this month the home’s owner hopes to sell to an investor, displacing them once again. ____ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Moriah Balingit, AP education writer View the full article

DÔEN and Gap are teaming up for a second time following the success of the brands’ collaboration last year, which went viral on TikTok and sold out within a matter of days. This year’s collection will focus on “California vintage-inspired classics,” according to a release, and include some custGet ready, Gap and Doen are releasing a second collectionomer favorites from 2024, as well as some new additions, including several menswear pieces. This marks Doen’s first foray into menswear. The 38-piece collection, launching at 12pm ET on May 2, ranges in price from $34 to $158. DÔEN’s dresses normally start closer to $250, so the opportunity to own one of their iconic styles at a more approachable pricepoint had customers running for the racks last year. The brands this year aren’t expecting anything different. “Our first collection with DÔEN set a new bar for how a collaboration can infuse a fresh perspective into Gap essentials, creating covetable pieces that left our customers wanting more,” said Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Gap. California natives Katherine and Margaret Kleveland describe the collection as “rooted in DÔEN’s feminine interpretation of iconic Gap styles,” but it also expands into both menswear and baby this year, key cohorts of the Gap audience. The sisters’ collaboration with Gap builds on bestsellers from the collection drop last year, including eyelet maxi dresses in new iterations, with different colorways and mini dress options. The collection is nautical-inspired, with notes of red, white and navy blue running throughout, a difference from the 2024 collab. Gingham and collegiate prep are also making a return as strong features of the new collection via matching sets, sweatshirts featuring a hybrid logo along with DÔENs’s wordmark, and baseball caps. Another essential aspect of the collection is its denim staples: customers can opt for the oversized denim jacket, new denim trouser shorts, or a sailor mini dress. Alongside these items is the men’s Pleated Denim Trousers, one of several pieces designed with men in mind. In addition to the other masculine-inspired and gender-neutral pieces–like the baseball cap and sweatshirts featuring a combined DOEN and Gap logo–there are five menswear options. A first for DÔEN, the pieces include the Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt, the Eyelet Shirt, and the Pocket T-Shirt. The menswear was inspired by customer testimonials, as DÔEN buyers’ husbands, brothers, and boyfriends made DÔEN’s knitwear or jackets their own, Margaret Kleveland told Women’s Wear Daily. In the first collaboration with Gap, the sisters watched men adopt the collection’s popular crewnecks. “This year, we’re expanding the conversation, and continuing to drive brand relevance by reintroducing customer favorites,” said Breitbard of the Gap x Doen collection. “We also are giving DÔEN a platform to debut men’s styles at scale, delivering something fresh and unexpected for both brands’ communities.” The Gap X DÔEN collection was produced in factories that participate in RISE, or Reimagining Industry to Support Equality. Founded in 2023 by four members, including Gap, RISE’s mission is “to empower women workers, embed gender equality in business practice and catalyze systems change.” Gap cardmembers will receive early access to the collection online on May 1. If you missed last year’s Gap x Doen collection, now’s your chance. View the full article

Key Takeaways Lack of Communication: A partner who consistently avoids communication or withholds important information can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt productivity.Differing Work Ethics: Misaligned work ethics, such as inconsistent commitment to deadlines, can create friction and negatively impact business growth.Financial Irregularities: Lack of transparency regarding finances can indicate deeper issues, jeopardizing the business’s cash flow and overall stability.Disrespectful Attitude: A partner who dismisses your ideas or undermines your authority fosters a toxic work environment and weakens collaboration.Inability to Accept Feedback: Resistance to constructive criticism can stifle innovation and hinder necessary discussions about business performance.Regular Evaluations: Conducting performance reviews and open feedback sessions can help identify red flags and reinforce a healthy partnership for long-term success. Choosing the right business partner can make or break your venture. While the excitement of starting something new can be intoxicating, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Recognizing the signs of a bad business partner early on can save you from potential pitfalls and heartache down the road. You might find yourself overlooking red flags in the rush to launch. However, ignoring these warning signs can lead to conflicts, financial losses, and a toxic work environment. From lack of communication to differing values, understanding these indicators can help you make informed decisions about your partnerships. Let’s dive into the key signs that might indicate it’s time to reassess your business relationship. Understanding Business Partnerships Understanding the dynamics of business partnerships is crucial for small business success. Effective partnerships can enhance decision-making, streamline business operations, and foster growth. Conversely, a bad business partner can derail your efforts, create conflict, and lead to financial mismanagement. Evaluate your partner’s communication skills. Clear communication fosters collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings, which are detrimental to your workflow. A partner who consistently avoids crucial conversations or withholds information disrupts project management and can hinder overall productivity. Consider management styles as well. If your partner’s approach to leadership clashes significantly with yours, conflicts may arise. Misaligned values regarding team management and employee development can create a toxic work environment. Assess decision-making processes as well. A partner who consistently disregards your input or imposes unilateral decisions can disrupt the balance necessary for business growth. Collaboration and shared authority remain vital for strategic planning and achieving business goals. Review the financial aspects of your partnership. Lack of transparency in budgeting and financial planning often indicates deeper issues. Ensure cash flow and financial strategies align. If your partner struggles with inventory management or sales management, it can jeopardize profitability. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your partnership. Conflict resolution strategies should be in place to address issues promptly. Utilizing performance reviews can help identify and rectify problems before they escalate, ensuring operational efficiency and a productive work atmosphere. By closely analyzing these crucial elements, you enhance your ability to identify signs of a bad business partner and take necessary actions to safeguard your small business. Common Red Flags Identifying signs of a bad business partner is crucial. Certain red flags can signal potential challenges that may disrupt your small business’s operations. Lack of Communication Unanswered emails and messages can indicate deeper issues. If your partner frequently ignores your communications, it disrupts workflow and can affect team management. Lack of regular meetings signals poor communication practices. Without these essential check-ins, staying aligned on business goals becomes difficult. Frequent misunderstandings or differing interpretations of agreements lead to confusion. This breakdown in communication undermines decision-making and overall productivity. Withholding important information, such as financial standings or key business decisions, fosters distrust and can hinder collaboration. Different Work Ethics Diverging work ethics can create significant friction in business partnerships. If your partner does not prioritize meeting deadlines or doesn’t adhere to agreed-upon work standards, it can impact project management. Inconsistent commitment levels lead to resentment and decreased employee morale. Even small differences in work style can escalate issues around delegation and accountability, adversely affecting business growth. Aligning on work ethics promotes a positive work atmosphere and enhances operational efficiency. Financial Irregularities Monitoring financial transactions ensures sound cash flow management. Your partner’s lack of transparency regarding budgeting or financial planning raises concerns. Inconsistencies in financial reporting can indicate deeper problems within business operations. If your partner avoids detailed financial discussions, it can hinder effective risk management and create uncertainty about business health. Regular performance reviews should include financial assessments to keep track of financial stability. Identifying these irregularities early can help you take necessary actions to protect your small business from potential financial distress. Behavioral Signs Identifying behavioral signs of a bad business partner is crucial for maintaining effective business operations. Certain actions and attitudes can signal serious issues that affect your small business’s productivity and growth. Disrespectful Attitude A disrespectful attitude can manifest in several ways, such as dismissing your ideas or ignoring your input during decision-making. If your partner frequently undermines your authority, it’s a clear indication of potential conflict. This behavior can create an unhealthy work environment, leading to diminished team morale and reduced collaboration. A respectful partnership encourages open communication and mutual support, which are essential for achieving business goals. Inability to Accept Feedback An inability to accept feedback can significantly hinder your business development. If your partner reacts defensively to constructive criticism or avoids necessary discussions about performance, it can stifle innovation and problem-solving. This resistance not only affects individual performance but also disrupts team management and project management efforts. Open and honest dialogue promotes continuous improvement and helps steer your small business toward success. Impact on Business A bad business partner can significantly disrupt business operations and hinder business growth. When partners lack transparency, it creates a ripple effect that impacts trust, leading to poor decision-making. For a small business, misalignment in financial planning can jeopardize cash flow and overall financial health. Mismanagement can arise from a partner’s failure to adhere to budgets, leading to unplanned expenses that strain resources. Poor communication can derail productivity. If a partner doesn’t respond to inquiries or fails to hold regular meetings, it affects workflow and leads to misunderstandings. This lack of interaction stalls progress, making it difficult to meet business goals. Without open lines of communication, important information on project management and team management may become lost, which can further hinder progress and employee morale. Unreliable partners contribute to a dysfunctional environment. If they miss deadlines or don’t follow through on commitments, it can disrupt project management processes and diminish trust among the team. This unreliability can negatively affect employee performance, turning focus away from productivity and onto damage control. Additionally, disrespectful behavior from a partner can poison the work atmosphere. Undermining team members or dismissing their ideas creates a culture of fear rather than one of collaboration. This stifles creativity and innovation, limiting any potential for effective business development and strategic planning. Recognizing these impacts early can help you address issues that threaten your small business. Implementing regular performance reviews and open feedback sessions ensures that any misalignment in leadership and management styles is addressed promptly. By fostering a healthy partnership, you contribute to improving operational efficiency and enhancing overall business processes. Conclusion Recognizing the signs of a bad business partner is crucial for your venture’s success. By staying vigilant and aware of red flags like poor communication and differing values, you can protect your business from potential pitfalls. Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment; it’s essential to evaluate your partnership regularly. Addressing issues early on can prevent conflicts and foster a healthier work environment. Ultimately, a strong partnership built on trust and mutual respect can drive your business forward. Prioritize open dialogue and financial transparency to ensure your collaboration thrives. Frequently Asked Questions What are the key signs of a bad business partner? A bad business partner may exhibit signs like poor communication, lack of transparency in financial matters, differing work ethics, and disrespectful behavior. These red flags can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and overall negative impacts on the business partnership. How can poor communication affect a business partnership? Poor communication can disrupt workflow and lead to misunderstandings that undermine productivity. Unanswered emails, infrequent meetings, and general disengagement can stall progress and hinder goal achievement. Why is transparency important in a business partnership? Transparency ensures that all partners are informed about financial planning and budgeting. A lack of transparency can erode trust, lead to financial mismanagement, and jeopardize the overall health of the business. What should I do if I notice red flags in my business partnership? If you observe red flags, it’s crucial to address them promptly. Initiate open discussions to express concerns, seek feedback, and consider implementing regular performance reviews to reassess the partnership’s effectiveness. How can regular evaluations improve a business partnership? Regular evaluations can help identify issues early, facilitate open feedback, and promote continuous improvement. They encourage accountability and help ensure that all partners remain aligned with the business goals. What impact can a disrespectful partner have on the team? A disrespectful partner can create a toxic work environment, deteriorate team morale, and stifle innovation. It can lead to fear among team members, which hinders collaboration and creativity. How can differing values affect a business partnership? Differing values can create fundamental disagreements regarding business direction and decision-making processes. This misalignment can result in conflicts, poor decision-making, and an unhealthy workplace culture. Image Via Envato This article, "Recognizing Signs of a Bad Business Partner Before It’s Too Late" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Lack of Communication: A partner who consistently avoids communication or withholds important information can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt productivity.Differing Work Ethics: Misaligned work ethics, such as inconsistent commitment to deadlines, can create friction and negatively impact business growth.Financial Irregularities: Lack of transparency regarding finances can indicate deeper issues, jeopardizing the business’s cash flow and overall stability.Disrespectful Attitude: A partner who dismisses your ideas or undermines your authority fosters a toxic work environment and weakens collaboration.Inability to Accept Feedback: Resistance to constructive criticism can stifle innovation and hinder necessary discussions about business performance.Regular Evaluations: Conducting performance reviews and open feedback sessions can help identify red flags and reinforce a healthy partnership for long-term success. Choosing the right business partner can make or break your venture. While the excitement of starting something new can be intoxicating, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Recognizing the signs of a bad business partner early on can save you from potential pitfalls and heartache down the road. You might find yourself overlooking red flags in the rush to launch. However, ignoring these warning signs can lead to conflicts, financial losses, and a toxic work environment. From lack of communication to differing values, understanding these indicators can help you make informed decisions about your partnerships. Let’s dive into the key signs that might indicate it’s time to reassess your business relationship. Understanding Business Partnerships Understanding the dynamics of business partnerships is crucial for small business success. Effective partnerships can enhance decision-making, streamline business operations, and foster growth. Conversely, a bad business partner can derail your efforts, create conflict, and lead to financial mismanagement. Evaluate your partner’s communication skills. Clear communication fosters collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings, which are detrimental to your workflow. A partner who consistently avoids crucial conversations or withholds information disrupts project management and can hinder overall productivity. Consider management styles as well. If your partner’s approach to leadership clashes significantly with yours, conflicts may arise. Misaligned values regarding team management and employee development can create a toxic work environment. Assess decision-making processes as well. A partner who consistently disregards your input or imposes unilateral decisions can disrupt the balance necessary for business growth. Collaboration and shared authority remain vital for strategic planning and achieving business goals. Review the financial aspects of your partnership. Lack of transparency in budgeting and financial planning often indicates deeper issues. Ensure cash flow and financial strategies align. If your partner struggles with inventory management or sales management, it can jeopardize profitability. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your partnership. Conflict resolution strategies should be in place to address issues promptly. Utilizing performance reviews can help identify and rectify problems before they escalate, ensuring operational efficiency and a productive work atmosphere. By closely analyzing these crucial elements, you enhance your ability to identify signs of a bad business partner and take necessary actions to safeguard your small business. Common Red Flags Identifying signs of a bad business partner is crucial. Certain red flags can signal potential challenges that may disrupt your small business’s operations. Lack of Communication Unanswered emails and messages can indicate deeper issues. If your partner frequently ignores your communications, it disrupts workflow and can affect team management. Lack of regular meetings signals poor communication practices. Without these essential check-ins, staying aligned on business goals becomes difficult. Frequent misunderstandings or differing interpretations of agreements lead to confusion. This breakdown in communication undermines decision-making and overall productivity. Withholding important information, such as financial standings or key business decisions, fosters distrust and can hinder collaboration. Different Work Ethics Diverging work ethics can create significant friction in business partnerships. If your partner does not prioritize meeting deadlines or doesn’t adhere to agreed-upon work standards, it can impact project management. Inconsistent commitment levels lead to resentment and decreased employee morale. Even small differences in work style can escalate issues around delegation and accountability, adversely affecting business growth. Aligning on work ethics promotes a positive work atmosphere and enhances operational efficiency. Financial Irregularities Monitoring financial transactions ensures sound cash flow management. Your partner’s lack of transparency regarding budgeting or financial planning raises concerns. Inconsistencies in financial reporting can indicate deeper problems within business operations. If your partner avoids detailed financial discussions, it can hinder effective risk management and create uncertainty about business health. Regular performance reviews should include financial assessments to keep track of financial stability. Identifying these irregularities early can help you take necessary actions to protect your small business from potential financial distress. Behavioral Signs Identifying behavioral signs of a bad business partner is crucial for maintaining effective business operations. Certain actions and attitudes can signal serious issues that affect your small business’s productivity and growth. Disrespectful Attitude A disrespectful attitude can manifest in several ways, such as dismissing your ideas or ignoring your input during decision-making. If your partner frequently undermines your authority, it’s a clear indication of potential conflict. This behavior can create an unhealthy work environment, leading to diminished team morale and reduced collaboration. A respectful partnership encourages open communication and mutual support, which are essential for achieving business goals. Inability to Accept Feedback An inability to accept feedback can significantly hinder your business development. If your partner reacts defensively to constructive criticism or avoids necessary discussions about performance, it can stifle innovation and problem-solving. This resistance not only affects individual performance but also disrupts team management and project management efforts. Open and honest dialogue promotes continuous improvement and helps steer your small business toward success. Impact on Business A bad business partner can significantly disrupt business operations and hinder business growth. When partners lack transparency, it creates a ripple effect that impacts trust, leading to poor decision-making. For a small business, misalignment in financial planning can jeopardize cash flow and overall financial health. Mismanagement can arise from a partner’s failure to adhere to budgets, leading to unplanned expenses that strain resources. Poor communication can derail productivity. If a partner doesn’t respond to inquiries or fails to hold regular meetings, it affects workflow and leads to misunderstandings. This lack of interaction stalls progress, making it difficult to meet business goals. Without open lines of communication, important information on project management and team management may become lost, which can further hinder progress and employee morale. Unreliable partners contribute to a dysfunctional environment. If they miss deadlines or don’t follow through on commitments, it can disrupt project management processes and diminish trust among the team. This unreliability can negatively affect employee performance, turning focus away from productivity and onto damage control. Additionally, disrespectful behavior from a partner can poison the work atmosphere. Undermining team members or dismissing their ideas creates a culture of fear rather than one of collaboration. This stifles creativity and innovation, limiting any potential for effective business development and strategic planning. Recognizing these impacts early can help you address issues that threaten your small business. Implementing regular performance reviews and open feedback sessions ensures that any misalignment in leadership and management styles is addressed promptly. By fostering a healthy partnership, you contribute to improving operational efficiency and enhancing overall business processes. Conclusion Recognizing the signs of a bad business partner is crucial for your venture’s success. By staying vigilant and aware of red flags like poor communication and differing values, you can protect your business from potential pitfalls. Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment; it’s essential to evaluate your partnership regularly. Addressing issues early on can prevent conflicts and foster a healthier work environment. Ultimately, a strong partnership built on trust and mutual respect can drive your business forward. Prioritize open dialogue and financial transparency to ensure your collaboration thrives. Frequently Asked Questions What are the key signs of a bad business partner? A bad business partner may exhibit signs like poor communication, lack of transparency in financial matters, differing work ethics, and disrespectful behavior. These red flags can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and overall negative impacts on the business partnership. How can poor communication affect a business partnership? Poor communication can disrupt workflow and lead to misunderstandings that undermine productivity. Unanswered emails, infrequent meetings, and general disengagement can stall progress and hinder goal achievement. Why is transparency important in a business partnership? Transparency ensures that all partners are informed about financial planning and budgeting. A lack of transparency can erode trust, lead to financial mismanagement, and jeopardize the overall health of the business. What should I do if I notice red flags in my business partnership? If you observe red flags, it’s crucial to address them promptly. Initiate open discussions to express concerns, seek feedback, and consider implementing regular performance reviews to reassess the partnership’s effectiveness. How can regular evaluations improve a business partnership? Regular evaluations can help identify issues early, facilitate open feedback, and promote continuous improvement. They encourage accountability and help ensure that all partners remain aligned with the business goals. What impact can a disrespectful partner have on the team? A disrespectful partner can create a toxic work environment, deteriorate team morale, and stifle innovation. It can lead to fear among team members, which hinders collaboration and creativity. How can differing values affect a business partnership? Differing values can create fundamental disagreements regarding business direction and decision-making processes. This misalignment can result in conflicts, poor decision-making, and an unhealthy workplace culture. Image Via Envato This article, "Recognizing Signs of a Bad Business Partner Before It’s Too Late" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you've received an innocent-sounding text from a number you don't recognize, it's not actually innocent. It's likely the start of a "wrong phone number" scam, which is increasingly being used to steal money and information from victims. I personally have been sent variations on this theme: "Hello! I hope you had a good day." "Are you able to work?" and just "Hello." Research from security firm McAfee reported by CNBC indicates that around 25% of Americans have received wrong number texts. But this isn't the only widespread text message scam currently circulating. The unpaid tolls and unpaid parking fee schemes are phishing attempts that may seem legitimate at first glance but ultimately lead you to hand your credit card information over to thieves. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase over 2020. How the wrong number scam worksThe wrong number text scam starts with a random and seemingly harmless text from an unfamiliar number, the first objective of which is to prompt a response and confirm that your phone number is active. After that, scammers try to build a relationship (often romantic) and gain your trust over days and months by preying on loneliness and a desire for connection. This can turn into a so-called "pig butchering" scam, with fraudsters soliciting investments or convincing you to hand over retirement savings, a long con that potentially comes with a big payday. But even if victims don't end up sending money, any information they provide (even if innocuous) can be used or sold on the dark web. AI has enabled this scam in several ways: It can help tailor more believable texts by area code, as well as cull social media profiles to identify potential targets and locate their phone numbers, making it more efficient for scammers. It may also collect enough information for fraudsters to gain access to social media accounts, lock them down, and demand a ransom. What to do if you receive a random textIf you receive a text from a number you don't know, don't respond, as doing so validates your phone number. Even if you don't engage in this exchange any further, you may be targeted again in the future (and by different unfamiliar numbers). You also don't need to try to find out who they are or whether you know them—if someone actually needs to reach you, they are likely to follow up with multiple messages or calls beyond a single "Hey, how are you?" And as with any scam, be wary of communication that provokes an emotional response or a sense of urgency. You should mark wrong number messages as spam in your messaging app. In Messages on iOS, tap the Report Junk link that appears at the bottom of messages from unknown senders, then hit Delete > Report Junk. If you haven't opened the message yet, you can also swipe left and tap the Trash icon > Delete and Report Junk. (Note that you can't report a message if you've replied to it, which is another reason not to do so.) On Android, you can block and report conversations in Google Messages: tap and hold, then tap Block > Report spam > OK. If you've already opened the conversation, hit More options > Details > Block & report spam > OK. You can also forward spam messages to 7726, which helps wireless companies identify and block scams. View the full article

‘Ministerial direction’ raises questions over the price of saving country’s last two blast furnacesView the full article

Search industry experts are sounding the alarm over a growing Google experiment that’s creating a kind of “SERP Inception” — search results inside search results, with increasingly prominent Sponsored labels that don’t appear to be paid ad placements in the traditional sense. Driving the news. SEO consultant Glenn Gabe posted a screenshot on X showing a People also consider box labeled Sponsored. The twist? Clicking a link launches a new Google results page – complete with ads and another Sponsored box, perpetuating the loop. “They lead to a fresh SERP with more ads and yet ANOTHER ‘People also consider’ block that’s SPONSORED,” Gabe wrote. The backstory. Google began testing this format in 2024. Search Engine Land’s Barry Schwartz reported on the feature in February. But as it re-emerges, ad experts are asking: Who’s behind the sponsorship? And how should advertisers interpret this? Zoom in. Julie Bacchini, Founder of Neptune Moon, asked where the ads originate. Are they part of Performance Max campaigns? Can advertisers track them? Google’s response. Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison, replied on X: “This is currently an experiment. Advertisers do not pay for clicks on these placements. As part of this experiment, we label this unit as ‘Sponsored’ because it links to search results for commercial queries related to the search.” Why we care. This update could change how users interact with search results, potentially driving traffic through SERP loops not tied to traditional ad campaigns. Because the Sponsored label doesn’t reflect paid placements, it blurs the line between organic and paid content, making it harder to track performance and understand attribution. The recursive SERP loop could also feel manipulative or overwhelming to users, who are already adjusting to AI Overviews and more aggressive ad placements. As Google increasingly blends ads, AI summaries, and “organic” enhancements, the line between content and monetization continues to blur View the full article

In pain so bad he couldn’t stand, Chris Meek was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening ruptured gallbladder. When he emerged from surgery, he learned he had kidney cancer that thankfully hadn’t yet spread. Meek, a social studies teacher in Wilmington, North Carolina, was 47 at the time. But he remained confused for years about why, as someone seemingly not at risk, he had gotten cancer until Emily Donovan, a parent of students at his school, gave a guest talk about high levels of harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS in North Carolina’s environment. When Donovan mentioned kidney cancer, the possible cause of Meek’s diagnosis finally clicked. Until then, Meek said, he “had no idea what PFAS was.” Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency set the first federal drinking water limits for PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, finding they increased the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and babies being born with low birth weight. In a decision with consequences for tens of millions of Americans, the The President administration is expected to soon say whether it intends to stand by those strict standards and defend the limits against a water utility industry challenge in federal court. PFAS in drinking water created a crisis for many communities In North Carolina, runoff from a Chemours plant contaminated the Cape Fear River, creating a crisis for cities like Wilmington that use it for drinking water. Amid public outcry, Wilmington effectively eliminated it from tap water. Other U.S. communities—often near military bases or industrial sites—did the same when test results were frightening and public pressure, local leadership, or state law forced PFAS-laden wells offline or prompted installation of expensive filtering systems, according to Mark White, drinking water global practice leader at the engineering firm CDM Smith. The EPA said the PFAS found in North Carolina, often called GenX chemicals, can be toxic to the kidney. While other types of PFAS may raise kidney cancer risk, little research has focused on the link between kidney cancer and GenX, according to Sue Fenton, director of the Center for Human Health and the Environment at North Carolina State University. Chemours said evidence doesn’t support arguments that GenX at low levels is a health threat. The company has sharply reduced PFAS discharges. So far, sampling has found nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities are above the recently set EPA limits, but most aren’t above by much. Forcing this group to reduce PFAS more than doubles the rule’s health benefits but roughly triples its costs, the EPA has said. The Biden administration’s rule set standards for two common types of PFAS at 4 parts per trillion, effectively the lowest level at which they can be reliably detected. Standards for several other PFAS chemicals were set, too, and utilities must meet those levels by 2029. PFAS have had wide uses over the decades Manufactured by companies like Chemours and 3M, PFAS were incredibly useful in many applications—among them, helping clothes to withstand rain and ensuring that firefighting foam snuffed out flames. But the chemicals also accumulate in the body. As science advanced in recent years, evidence of harm at far lower levels became clearer. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has championed fossil fuels and the rollback of major clean air and water rules. His history with PFAS is more nuanced; during his time as a New York congressman, he supported legislation to regulate forever chemicals in drinking water. “It’s an issue that touches people in a very tangible way across the political spectrum, including in Lee Zeldin’s former district,” said Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. Zeldin has offered clues about what the EPA could do. The agency estimated the rule would cost about $1.5 billion annually and Zeldin said recently that communities struggling to afford a fix for PFAS that are just above the standard might be handled differently than wealthy places with lots of it. “What we are going to have to be is extremely thoughtful in figuring this out,” he said. On Monday, the EPA said it will establish an agency lead for PFAS, develop wastewater limits for PFAS manufacturers, and investigate sources that pose an immediate danger to drinking water, among other actions. EPA decision looms on whether to let the rule stay as it is Soon, the EPA must tell a federal appeals court in Washington whether the rule should stand or be rewritten, although weakening it could be complicated because the Safe Drinking Water Act prevents new rules from being looser than previous ones. The agency could, however, encourage exemptions and deadline extensions, according to Erik Olson, an attorney with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council supporting the current standards in the court case. Consider Avondale, Arizona, outside of Phoenix, which produces PFAS results modestly above the limits. Officials have done detailed testing and are planning to enhance water treatment. All told, lowering PFAS may cost Avondale more than $120 million, according to Kirk Beaty, the city’s public utility director. That’s money a city like Avondale “just doesn’t have sitting in a back room somewhere,” Beaty said, adding he’ll defer to federal experts to dictate what’s acceptable. “We’re hoping we’re a little further ahead of everybody else. If the regulation changes, well you know, we may let off the gas a little bit; we may not,” he said, adding that it is hard to justify spending extra money to do more than what’s required when the cost falls on residents. If the government decides higher amounts of PFAS are acceptable, that could confuse people, especially in areas where the public is already concerned. “If we enter into a gray area over what’s healthy and what’s not healthy, then utilities are at risk of being caught up in a debate for which they have no real responsibility nor expertise to decide on,” said Karine Rougé, CEO for municipal water at Veolia North America, a water operations company. Industry group says the rule goes too far and is too costly The American Water Works Association, an industry group, filed the court challenge to the new rule. It agrees that certain PFAS should be regulated but argues the EPA’s standards go too far, underestimate costs, and are “neither feasible nor cost-effective.” There are serious consequences for residents’ water bills, it says. The burden of complying will fall heavily on small utilities that can least afford it. Many water providers already struggle to maintain their existing infrastructure, some experts say. On top of everything else, they face new requirements to replace lead pipes. The AWWA wants the EPA to extend the PFAS and lead deadlines by two years. There is money available to help. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $9 billion for chemicals like PFAS, and utilities have won multibillion-dollar settlements against PFAS polluters that help as well. Meek, who successfully recovered after surgery from cancer and is now 59, is planning to sue over his illness. He once didn’t second-guess using tap water. Now he reaches for bottled water. Donovan, who introduced Meek to PFAS and helped start Clean Cape Fear, says if the government’s standards are weakened, it will relieve pressure on utilities to effectively treat the water. Previously, “our local utilities could tell us publicly that the water met or exceeded all state and federal guidelines because there weren’t any,” she said. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment —Michael Phillis, Associated Press View the full article

Though it started life on computers and mobile, YouTube is also among the most-used apps on TVs and gaming consoles. People use the service to watch gaming livestreams, video walkthroughs, and even YouTube Shorts on their much bigger screens—and the experience is about to get better. As part of its Q2 2025 update, Google has added a bunch of new features to YouTube for TVs, which should appear once you update the app. New features in YouTube's app for smart TVsIn keeping with its push for more YouTube Shorts everywhere, Google is now making short-form videos more prominent on TVs as well. The company has added a new row for Shorts in your "Watch Next" feed, and on the "Shorts Shelf" in the subscriptions tab. This gives Shorts greater prominence and has the added advantage of separating these videos from long-form content. Meanwhile, YouTube for TVs now lets you loop any video. This option has been added to playback settings. Previously, you could only loop playlists via the mobile app. There's also a new tab for podcasts, which lets you find and play those videos a lot quicker. Sort by "shelves"In this update, a big part of Google's focus has been to create shelves that make it easier to locate different types of videos. This includes "Continue your search," which lets you see your top three searches and find the video you were after. (This feature could also be useful to find creators you watch often, but don't want to subscribe to just yet.) Another shelf is called "From your top channels," and shows videos from the creators you watch the most. There are a couple of new shelves dedicated to music, including "Listen again," for music you frequently play, and "Live performances, remixes, and covers," that helps you find alternative versions of your favorite music. The last new shelf is called "Primetime Channels," steering you toward content from the channels you've purchased on YouTube. The video streaming service said it has also completed rolling out Immersive Channel Previews, which allow creators to add a personal touch to their channels by putting up fullscreen background previews in their channel headers. Creators will also be able to see TVs as a device type in channel analytics, allowing them to more effectively track where people are watching their videos. View the full article

Proposals set out by Rachel Reeves are part of Britain’s first attempt to write rules for digital assets View the full article

By default, Google Photos now uses Gemini AI to search through your photo library. This is thanks to a new feature called Ask Photos that rolled out late last year. While this feature is great for locating specific photos, it's not as fast as the older search option, so it's not ideal for every search, especially more general ones. If you're tired of using Gemini's slower search in Google Photos for Android, there's a shortcut that helps you return to the classic search functionality. As spotted by 9to5Google, you can long-press the search button (which is labelled Ask and is located in the bottom-right corner) to use the classic, faster and AI-free search method instead. Alternatively, you can double-tap the Ask button to do the same thing. And don't worry about having to change how your format your search—the old method also supports natural language search terms. You can ask it to show "forest photos from 2023" or similar queries, and it will still generally return accurate results. Until Google improves the speed and accuracy of AI search results, the older version of search may be better for most people. There's also the question of how much energy AI tools use, which can be alarmingly high for relatively simple tasks. Google has been experimenting with the UI for Ask Photos, as some people have spotted an updated UI that reduces the screen space dedicated to AI search. However, most people in the US are still seeing a full-screen AI search page, with a small button that lets you switch to classic search being the most noticeable way to avoid it, so being aware of the shortcut to use the AI-free search is a lifesaver. That said, there are instances where Ask Photos can still be useful, such as when you're looking at old Halloween photos and need to find one where someone is wearing a Fall Guys costume. Luckily, it's easy to choose which tool to use on a case-by-case basis. Tapping the Ask button once lets you use AI search, but long-pressing or double-tapping the button will take you to the faster, AI-free alternative. Presently, this shortcut is exclusive to the Android version of Google Photos. View the full article

United Parcel Service (UPS) said on Tuesday it will slash 20,000 jobs and close more than 70 facilities to lower costs as it braces for less Amazon shipments, due to global economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits. The package delivery company said in addition to the job cuts, it would shut at least 73 owned and leased locations this year by the end of June, perhaps more, and expects to save $3.5 billion in 2025 from the cost-cutting measures. UPS’ first-quarter revenue fell slightly to $21.5 billion, but the company still beat Wall Street earnings expectations of $21.05 billion, according to data firm LSEG, per Reuters. Shares of the company (NYSE:UPS) rose nearly 2% before the market opened on Tuesday. The stock was down less than 1% in midday trading at the time of this writing. It’s worth noting that news of UPS decreasing its Amazon shipments follows similar earnings guidance from last quarter. In January, the company announced a deal with its largest customer to lower its volume by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. (In 2024, Amazon.com accounted for 11.8% of UPS’ overall revenue, according to CNBC.) “As a trusted leader in global logistics, we will leverage our integrated network and trade expertise to assist our customers as they adapt to a changing trade environment,” UPS CEO Carol Tomé said in a statement, likely alluding to the current economic uncertainty and potential for slowing trade as a result of the The President Administration’s sweeping tariffs. “The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge as an even stronger, more nimble UPS,” Tomé added. “The actions we are taking to reconfigure our network and reduce cost across our business could not be timelier.” Like many other companies who have declined to provide a full financial forecast during recent earnings calls, due to the rapidly changing economic landscape, UPS did not provide an update to its full-year outlook on its earnings call. View the full article

Unlock the secrets of AI Overviews and realign your SEO strategy for improved visibility and relevance on Google. The post We Figured Out How AI Overviews Work [& Built A Tool To Prove It] appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article