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I was told to stay off screens for a few days last week due to a possible concussion (I’m fine), so this was originally published in 2020. A reader writes: Recently, a coworker and I were assigned to go on a business trip for a work conference. It was held at a convention center in a different part of the state about two and a half hours away. We’d be taking a company car, and the drive there during rush hour can be horrendous. My manager and I agreed it would be best to leave early in the morning to beat most of the traffic. My coworker and I were supposed to meet at our office and leave at 5:30 am. 5:45 rolled around and my coworker still wasn’t at the office. I tried calling her three times during that 15-minute period and she didn’t answer. I decided to leave without her because I didn’t want to be late for the conference. It turns out she didn’t arrive at the office until 6:05 am, which is well past the time we were told to leave. She had no emergency situation so there was justification for her to be so late. She ended up driving her own car to the conference instead of going in a company car. When I arrived back at work at the end of the day, my manager was furious at me for going without my coworker. I feel her anger is very misplaced because I was not the one who was late and I attended the conference on time as I was supposed to. It is the late coworker who should be disciplined because she was late to the conference and did not come when we agreed to. Who do you think is wrong here? Well … I don’t love how anyone involved handled things. Most obviously, your coworker should have been on time. When someone has gotten up early to meet you at 5:30 am, basic respect dictates that you need to be on time. Being 35 minutes late isn’t cool, and neither was not contacting you to let you know what was going on. But on your side, deciding to leave after only 15 minutes strikes me as premature. I wouldn’t blame you at all for deciding to leave after half an hour, but 15 minutes isn’t enough of a grace period in this situation. It wasn’t essential that you leave exactly on time; you were just hoping to beat the worst of morning traffic and you could have given her a little more time. If she’d hit bad traffic, for example, or had a child care emergency or so forth and shown up 16 minutes late, it would be unreasonable for you to have already left. (This is especially since you were driving a company car and your coworker driving herself separately increased the travel costs.) That said, even if you had given her a full half hour, it sounds like she still wouldn’t have been there — so ultimately the outcome (you leaving without her) would have been the same. If I were your manager, I’d be annoyed with you for taking off so quickly, and it would make me question your judgment. But I’d be far more annoyed with your coworker for being 35 minutes late. Hopefully your manager has talked to your coworker about the lateness (and keep in mind you wouldn’t necessarily know about it if she had). But you’ve got to take responsibility for your actions too — you did jump the gun and leave too quickly, and you should own that and make it clear you’d handle it differently in the future. For example, you could say, “I should have waited longer. When I couldn’t reach Jane at all, I got concerned that she’d overslept or otherwise wasn’t going to be here anytime soon. But in retrospect, I should have given her more time, and if something like this ever comes up again, I will.” If your manager is really “furious” (which is an overreaction), I’d leave it there. But if she’s just annoyed, you could also say, “How long should I have waited in that situation? Half an hour sounds more reasonable to me in retrospect, but in this case that still wouldn’t have been enough. If something like this ever happens again, what’s the best way for me to handle it?” The post I’m in trouble for leaving for a business trip without a late coworker appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Finally, some good news for renters: Housing rental market concessions are at their highest level in over a decade, as lower demand and higher supply drive landlords to compete for prospective tenants by offering all sorts of incentives and freebies. Let’s take a look at the numbers. In January, 16.6% of stabilized apartments in the U.S. were offering some type of concession, one point higher than the previous month, and the highest since over a decade ago in 2014, according to RealPage Market Analytics as reported by CNBC. What is a rent concession? Rent concessions are generally one-time incentives, freebies, or perks, such as free rent for a few months, free parking, or waiving a security deposit. They are a way to attract tenants by reducing the short-term cost of housing when signing a lease, but not actually lowering the rent price, according to Redfin. Landlords tend to offer these types of perks when demand for rentals is low, flat, or even falling, as it is in some regions now, the real estate brokerage platform said. In January, the average concession added up to five weeks of free rent, per CNBC. Gift cards are also popular. U.S. median rent hits four-year low At the same time that concessions are up, rents hit a four-year low, with national median rents at $1,667 in February, down 1.7% compared to a year ago. That’s the lowest level recorded since March 2022, according to Realtor.com’s February Rental Report, which was published on Tuesday. However, the median rent still remain high in a few key markets, such as: California ($2,895), Hawaii ($2,869), Massachusetts ($2,595), and New York ($2,592). “The persistent softness we’re seeing is increasingly translating into real savings for renters who, for a long time, felt the market was out of reach,” chief economist at Realtor.com Danielle Hale said. View the full article

Ireland’s economic footprint in the United States is growing again. Irish companies are planning at least $6.1 billion in new investments in the U.S., expanding across industries including technology, manufacturing, and food and nutrition. The spending push, unfolding as the U.S. ramps up infrastructure for artificial intelligence and other energy-intensive technologies, reflects a deepening economic relationship between the two countries. The move was also touted in advance of the annual St. Patrick’s Day visit by Micheál Martin, Ireland’s taoiseach, or prime minister, to the White House, after calls by President The President for foreign trading partners to invest in the United States. Ireland’s longstanding ties to the United States—and the millions of Americans who claim Irish heritage—are a regular feature of mid-March political rhetoric. While The President has pointed to Irish business investment and the number of U.S. presidents with Irish ancestry, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a St. Patrick’s Day speech to highlight Ireland’s role in labor organizing and anti-colonial solidarity movements. But Ireland’s economic ties to the United States extend well beyond political symbolism. Ireland is already the fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the country, with the top 10 Irish companies employing more than 125,000 people in the United States, according to Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s business development arm. “That speaks to their level of confidence in the U.S. market and the size of the growth opportunity,” says Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia. In recent years, Irish businesses have been investing in particular in the U.S. data center boom, drawing on decades of relationships with major American tech firms that run European operations from Ireland. The Emerald Isle has also developed experience hosting data centers and managing their effect on the electrical grid and other resources—but also faces increased opposition to further build-outs at home due to those very impacts. “Irish companies have really honed and perfected their skillset and talent in those areas over the last 20 [to] 30 years, and in fact, have led out on data center builds right across Ireland and right across Europe,” Melia says. Now, they’re increasingly turning their eyes to the United States, where Irish companies and a growing number of American employees are working to produce a variety of infrastructure, tools, and materials to fuel the growth in data centers, driven in part by the rush of investment into artificial intelligence. “It’s really supply and demand,” says David Maher, senior vice president at Limerick-based H&MV Engineering. “And it’s providing really good opportunity at the moment.” H&MV builds infrastructure that connects big energy consumers like data centers, as well as generating facilities like solar power sites, to utilities and the broader electrical grid. It’s seen revenue rise to more than $1 billion per year, and in January announced the acquisition of Amarillo, Texas-based Cooke Power Services. Maher says demand for the company’s expertise will extend beyond the immediate data center boom as utilities continue deploying technologies like renewables and battery storage. That outlook is echoed by other Irish companies expanding into the United States, who also point to the need to continually revamp existing data centers to support new technology and improve efficiency. “I don’t see this as a short-term industry—it’s only just starting,” says Orla Good, commercial director at Portwest, a Westport, Ireland-based company that’s among the leading makers of protective workwear. “Once, I’m sure, the capacity has been built, there will be retrofitting on some of the older data centers in order to catch them up technology-wise with the newer ones.” Portwest operates a distribution center in Kentucky, managing logistics around gear like innovative lightweight arc-protection wear that can safeguard workers from electricity while reducing heat risk. The company invested $4.4 million in the 71,000-square-foot site and plans to open a second site in Nevada this year, and it anticipates U.S. headcount to rise from just over 100 today to more than 200 within the next two years. Irish companies like Portwest didn’t arrive at their technical expertise by happenstance, Good says. “Ireland is very strong historically on adapting to new ways of working, innovative in the form of creative ideas and problem solving, and we have a strong heritage of STEM in our education system,” she says. And that culture is a good fit for collaboration with American businesses, says Enterprise Ireland’s Melia. “I often say we love to find a problem and then we love to solve it,” she says. “And I think that mixes really well with the go-and-get-up attitude that we see in the United States.” Other Ireland-based companies are also contributing to the infrastructure needed to get new data centers up and running—and existing ones revamped—while employing increasing numbers of workers in the United States. “There’s a huge volume of work coming down the road,” says J.J. O’Hara, CEO of Irish construction innovation center Future Cast. “Every one of the data centers that was built 10 years or older, is going to have to be retrofitted.” Electrical equipment maker CEL Critical Power in 2025 invested more than $40 million in a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Williamsburg, Virginia, and building material giant Kingspan expanded sites in multiple states in 2025, with additional expansions targeted for 2026. The company employs about 2,700 people across 17 states. Irish companies are also delivering technologies that can make building and operating data centers and other structures more efficient. Ireland’s Midland Steel last year signed an exclusive deal with Nucor, the largest U.S. steel producer, to license its FasterFix rebar technology, which can make build times dramatically faster and work with Nucor’s existing steel recycling systems to cut waste. Evercam, which makes technology to monitor construction sites with cameras and drones and verify that what is being built matches plans created in building information modeling (BIM) software, recently announced plans to expand in North America. Operating across multiple continents helps Evercam innovate, says managing director Nick Leysath, allowing the company to share practices and research across different markets. “The advantage of operating globally is really being able to knowledge share across these markets,” he says, which can include transposing data protection policies from Europe and the Middle East to the United States and doing U.S.-based R&D informed by partnerships with robotics and AI startups. Years of workplace ties—and the extensive cultural connections between the United States and Ireland, particularly visible around St. Patrick’s Day—makes cross-Atlantic collaboration easy, Melia says. “It’s a perfect mix of a heritage and business culture across our two countries,” she says. View the full article

The Strait of Hormuz is a small strip of water connecting the Persian Gulf to the world’s oceans, and it has become a big problem for the global economy. On a typical day, ships carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil sail out of the Gulf through the narrow passageway. But the war with Iran means it’s effectively closed, hemming in more than 90% of that crude and refined products, according to the International Energy Agency. The Islamic Republic has vowed to block the region’s oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single liter” to be shipped to its enemies. The snarls have sent oil prices above $100 per barrel and threatened a surge of painful inflation for the global economy if the blockage lasts a long time. “The scale of what is at stake cannot be overstated,” said Hakan Kaya, senior portfolio manager at investment management firm Neuberger Berman. Some energy analysts believe oil prices could jump to $150 per barrel if the strait remains closed for weeks and conditions worsen. That would mean even higher gasoline prices for drivers worldwide, undercutting household budgets already pressured by high inflation. It would also raise costs for businesses, which could in turn raise prices for customers. “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” President Donald The President said in a posting on his social media network Saturday. Here’s what to know about the strait and the widening Iran war. A key waterway for global shipping The Strait of Hormuz is a bending waterway, about 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. From there, ships can then travel to the rest of the world. While Iran and Oman have their territorial waters in the strait, it’s viewed as an international waterway all ships can ply. The UAE, home to the skyscraper-studded city of Dubai, also sits near the waterway. The strait long has been important for trade The Strait of Hormuz through history has been important for trade, with ceramics, ivory, silk and textiles moving from China through the region. In the modern era, it is the route for supertankers carrying oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iran. The vast majority of it goes to markets in Asia, including Iran’s top oil customer, China. While there are pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the UAE that can avoid the passage, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says “most volumes that transit the strait have no alternative means of exiting the region.” Threats to the route have caused global energy prices to spike before, like in June during the Israel-Iran war. Mounting attacks The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, says it has received 21 reports of incidents affecting vessels in and around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as of Tuesday. It lists 16 attacks and five others as “suspicious activity,” involving tankers, tugs, cargo and other vessels. The waterway is effectively shut The strait is effectively closed as Iran targets energy infrastructure and traffic through the strait. Previously, Iran temporarily shut down parts of the strait in mid-February for what it said was a military drill. In past times of tension and conflict, Iran has at times harassed shipping though the narrows, and during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, both sides attacked tankers and other vessels, using naval mines to completely shut down traffic at points. But Iran up until now not carried out repeated threats to close the waterway altogether since then, even during last year’s 12-day war when Israel and the U.S. bombarded Iran’s key nuclear and military sites. The U.S. is rolling out ship reinsurance in the region through the U.S. International Development Finance Corp., a government agency that partners with the private sector to back global investment projects, in an effort to get ships moving through the strait again. Political risk insurance is a type of coverage intended to protect firms against financial losses caused by unstable political conditions, government actions, or violence. Marine insurers had been canceling or raising rates for insurance in the region. The U.S. reinsurance facility will insure losses up to approximately $20 billion on a rolling basis, according to the International Development Finance Corp., focusing on insuring cargo and physical damage to a ship’s structure and operating machinery to start. The President said that, if necessary, the U.S. Navy would escort oil tankers through the strait, though that has yet to happen. On Wednesday, The President’s Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefly posted on social media that the U.S. Navy had escorted a tanker through the strait, but he later deleted the false claim. The initial posting and walk back helped send oil prices and stock markets swinging sharply, showing how the singular focus of markets is on getting ships through the strait again. Some traffic is getting through. A vessel-tracker said Tuesday that 15 ships moved through the Strait of Hormuz in the past three days. MarineTraffic, which tracks positions of ships globally, said they included eight bulk vessels, five tankers and two Liquified Petroleum Gas carriers. Rejection from NATO The President said NATO and most other allies have rejected his calls to help secure the Strait of Hormuz as Iran war rages on. The President fumed in a post on social media that the U.S. is not getting support “despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot” be allowed to secure a nuclear weapon. “I am not surprised by their action, however, because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street,” The President added. “We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need.” Global shippers suspend operations Global shippers have issued service alerts saying they have suspended operations in the area. “Those ships that got stuck in the Gulf are not going anywhere,” said Tom Goldsby, logistics chairman in the Supply Chain Management Department at the University of Tennessee. “There’s also a whole host of ships that were heading into the Gulf to replace them, and of course they’re anchored or going elsewhere now.” The effort to free up oil As the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill, a group representing many of the world’s wealthiest countries said it will release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history. The International Energy Agency said it will make 400 million barrels of oil available from its members’ emergency reserves, which is more than double the 182.7 million barrels that the IEA’s 32 member countries released in 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But while such moves can replenish some of the oil supplies blocked in the Persian Gulf, they do so only for the short term. For a longer-term fix, analysts say the Strait of Hormuz needs to clear. The White House is also looking into waiving Jones Act requirements. The 1920s law is often blamed for making gas more expensive. It requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be moved on U.S.-flagged vessels, and is designed to protect the American shipbuilding sector. —Jon Gambrell and Mae Anderson, Associated Press Associated Press writers Cara Anna, Stan Choe, Collin Binkley, and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report. View the full article

Bloc will not budge on granting UK greater access to its markets unless Labour accepts greater obligations, say industry analystsView the full article

The private investment firm Oksenholt Capital Management holds over 1 million shares of the government-sponsored enterprises' stock, but said that's a small portion of its total portfolio. View the full article

YouTube is experimenting with a format that keeps ads visible even after users skip — potentially reshaping how advertisers think about skippable inventory. What’s happening. YouTube is testing a sticky banner overlay that appears once a user skips an ad. Instead of the ad disappearing entirely, a branded card remains on-screen until the viewer actively dismisses it. How it works. After hitting “skip,” users return to their video as normal, but a persistent banner tied to the original ad stays visible within the player, extending the advertiser’s presence beyond the initial skip. Why we care. This test from YouTube creates a way to maintain visibility even when users skip ads, potentially increasing brand recall without requiring full ad views. It also changes how skippable performance may be evaluated, as impressions and engagement could extend beyond the initial ad, giving brands more value from the same inventory within Google’s ecosystem. Why it’s notable. Skippable ads have traditionally meant lost visibility once skipped. This format changes that dynamic by offering a second chance for exposure, even when users opt out of the full ad experience. Impact for advertisers. The update creates an opportunity for extended brand visibility and recall, but could also influence engagement metrics and how users perceive ad interruptions. The bottom line. If rolled out widely, the sticky banner test could redefine what a “skipped” ad means — turning it into continued, lower-friction exposure rather than a full exit for advertisers on YouTube. First seen. This update was first spotted by Founder & CEO of Adsquire Anthony Higman who shared spotting it on LinkedIn. View the full article

Running a manufacturing operation without clear documentation quickly leads to delays, miscommunication and costly mistakes. Manufacturing documents bring structure to production workflows, helping teams stay aligned, track progress accurately and ensure every stage of the process is executed with consistency and control. What Are Manufacturing Documents? Manufacturing documents are structured records used to plan, execute, monitor and control production activities. They include materials, processes, schedules, instructions and quality requirements. These documents ensure consistency across operations, support traceability and provide a reliable framework for managing manufacturing workflows from start to finish. As important as documentation is, manufacturing businesses need planning, scheduling, and tracking tools to manage their operations and projects. ProjectManager offers tools such as task lists, Gantt charts, timesheets, workload charts and real-time dashboards and reports, which allow manufacturers to plan their processes, create production timelines, establish budgets and track costs. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-cta-e1712005286389-1600x659.jpgLearn more What Is Manufacturing Document Management? Manufacturing document management is the process of organizing, storing, controlling and maintaining manufacturing documents throughout their lifecycle. It involves version control, access permissions, document workflows and traceability to ensure accurate, up-to-date information is available to teams, supporting production efficiency, compliance and efficient coordination across manufacturing operations. Manufacturing Document Management Tips Managing manufacturing documents effectively requires structure, consistency and the right systems in place to keep information accurate, accessible and aligned with production workflows. Establish a centralized system where all manufacturing documents are stored and easily accessible. Implement version control to ensure teams always work from the latest document revisions. Define clear access permissions so only authorized personnel can edit critical documents. Standardize document formats to improve readability and consistency across manufacturing operations. Regularly review and update documents to reflect current processes and production requirements. Use automated workflows to streamline approvals, updates and document distribution across teams. Train employees on proper document usage to reduce errors and improve operational efficiency. 1. Production Plan A production plan is a detailed document that outlines what products will be manufactured, in what quantities, and within a specific project timeline. It includes information on production sequences, required resources, work centers, and scheduling parameters that define how manufacturing activities are organized and executed. Without a clear production plan, coordinating tasks across teams becomes unpredictable and inefficient. It allows managers to align resources, balance workloads and ensure production targets are met on time while minimizing disruptions, delays and unnecessary operational costs throughout the manufacturing process. Provides a structured overview of manufacturing activities, helping teams understand production priorities and sequencing clearly. Improves resource allocation by matching labor, equipment and materials with planned production demands. Supports better schedule control by aligning production tasks with realistic timelines and capacity constraints. Reduces operational inefficiencies by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing workflows before production begins. Enhances coordination between departments by ensuring everyone works from a shared production schedule. 2. Master Production Schedule A master production schedule is a time-phased manufacturing document that specifies which finished goods will be produced, in what quantities, and on which dates. It translates demand data into scheduled production outputs, detailing planned order releases and completion timelines across a defined planning horizon. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Master-production-schedule-example-600x256.pngProjectManager’s master production schedule template From a planning standpoint, this document bridges demand forecasts with actual production execution. It helps teams coordinate manufacturing schedules with sales expectations, ensuring the right products are produced at the right time while maintaining alignment between inventory levels, production capacity and customer delivery commitments. Aligns production output with demand forecasts to reduce excess inventory and prevent stockouts. Improves visibility into future production requirements across the entire manufacturing planning horizon. Supports better coordination between sales, operations and supply chain planning functions. Enhances production scheduling accuracy by providing a clear, time-phased manufacturing roadmap. Enables proactive decision-making when adjusting production based on changing demand conditions. 3. Bill of Materials A bill of materials is a structured manufacturing document that lists all raw materials, components, subassemblies and quantities required to produce a finished product. It defines the hierarchical relationship between parts, including item specifications, reference designators and assembly sequences used during manufacturing processes. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bill-of-materials-sample-600x353.pngProjectManager’s bill of materials template When teams rely on accurate material data, production runs more smoothly and predictably. This document ensures that every required component is accounted for, helping procurement, inventory and production teams stay aligned while avoiding shortages, delays or errors that can disrupt manufacturing operations. Provides complete visibility into all materials and components required for product manufacturing. Improves inventory management by clearly defining material requirements for each production run. Reduces production errors caused by missing, incorrect or improperly specified components. Supports accurate cost estimation by detailing quantities and specifications of required materials. Enhances coordination between procurement, inventory and production teams throughout operations. 4. Purchase Order A purchase order is a formal manufacturing document issued by a buyer to a supplier that details requested materials, quantities, pricing, delivery dates, and payment terms. It serves as an official transaction record, including item descriptions, specifications and agreed conditions documented before procurement activities begin. /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Purchase-Order-Screenshot-600x369.jpgProjectManager’s purchase order template Once procurement activities start, this document becomes the backbone of supplier coordination. It ensures that materials are ordered correctly, delivered on time and aligned with production schedules, while also providing a reference point for tracking orders, managing supplier performance and resolving discrepancies during purchasing processes. Establishes clear communication between buyers and suppliers regarding materials, quantities and delivery expectations. Improves procurement accuracy by documenting exact specifications and agreed purchasing terms in detail. Supports order tracking by providing a reference for monitoring supplier deliveries and timelines. Reduces disputes with suppliers by clearly defining pricing, quantities and contractual conditions upfront. Enhances financial control by linking purchasing activities with budgeting and cost management processes. 5. Work Order A work order is a detailed manufacturing document that authorizes and outlines specific production tasks to be completed on the shop floor. It includes information such as job instructions, required materials, labor assignments, equipment usage and process steps needed to execute a defined manufacturing activity. /wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Work-Order-Screenshot-600x438.jpgProjectManager’s work order template On the shop floor, clarity is everything, and this document provides it. It directs operators on what needs to be done, how it should be done and when tasks must be completed, ensuring that production activities stay organized, consistent and aligned with the overall manufacturing schedule. Provides clear instructions for production tasks, reducing confusion and improving execution accuracy. Ensures consistency in manufacturing processes by standardizing how work is performed across teams. Improves accountability by assigning tasks, responsibilities and timelines to specific personnel. Supports production tracking by documenting progress and completion status of manufacturing activities. Enhances operational efficiency by organizing workflows and minimizing downtime or task misalignment. 6. Standard Operating Procedure A standard operating procedure is a formal manufacturing document that provides step-by-step instructions for performing specific tasks or processes. It includes detailed guidelines, required tools, safety requirements and quality standards, ensuring that each activity is carried out consistently according to predefined operational methods and technical specifications. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOP-Template-image-e1773764840298-600x356.jpgProjectManager’s standard operating procedure template When processes vary between operators, results become unpredictable and harder to control. This document brings uniformity by guiding how tasks should be executed, helping teams maintain consistent output quality, reduce variability and ensure that operations follow established safety, compliance and performance standards across manufacturing workflows. Ensures consistent execution of manufacturing tasks regardless of operator experience or skill level. Reduces errors and rework by clearly defining standardized procedures and expected outcomes. Improves training efficiency by providing clear, repeatable instructions for onboarding new employees. Supports compliance with safety regulations and quality standards across manufacturing operations. Enhances process control by minimizing variation and maintaining uniform production performance. 7. Non-Conformance Report A non-conformance report is a manufacturing document used to record instances where products, materials or processes fail to meet specified quality standards. It captures details such as the nature of the defect, affected items, inspection results, and reference specifications associated with the identified non-compliance. Whenever something goes wrong in production, documenting it properly becomes critical. This manufacturing document helps teams investigate issues, track defects and ensure that corrective actions are identified and implemented, preventing the same problem from recurring and protecting overall product quality and customer satisfaction. Provides a structured way to document and track quality issues across manufacturing processes. Improves root cause analysis by capturing detailed information about defects and failures. Supports corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurring production problems over time. Enhances quality control by ensuring non-conforming products are identified and addressed quickly. Strengthens compliance by maintaining documented records of quality issues and resolutions. 8. Assembly Instructions Assembly instructions are a manufacturing document that provides detailed, step-by-step guidance for putting together components into a finished product. They include sequences, diagrams, required tools, torque specifications, part orientations and technical notes that define how each assembly operation should be carried out on the shop floor. On a busy production line, even small misunderstandings can lead to defects or delays. This document guides operators through each step, ensuring components are assembled correctly, consistently and in the right order, helping maintain product quality while keeping the assembly process aligned with overall production requirements. Reduces assembly errors by providing clear, detailed instructions for each production step. Improves product consistency by standardizing how components are assembled across all units. Supports faster training by giving new operators structured guidance for assembly tasks. Enhances production efficiency by minimizing confusion and rework during assembly operations. Ensures compliance with technical specifications, tolerances and product design requirements. 9. Quality Control Plan A quality control plan is a manufacturing document that defines inspection procedures, testing methods, acceptance criteria and control points used to verify product quality. It outlines when inspections occur, what characteristics are measured, and which standards must be met throughout different stages of the manufacturing process. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Quality-control-template-screenshot-600x151.pngProjectManager’s quality control template Keeping quality consistent across production requires more than occasional inspections. This document establishes a structured approach to monitoring outputs, helping teams detect issues early, maintain compliance with standards and ensure that finished products meet defined quality expectations before reaching customers or moving to the next stage. Provides a clear framework for inspecting and verifying product quality at each stage. Improves defect detection by defining specific checkpoints and measurable acceptance criteria. Ensures compliance with industry standards, regulations and internal quality requirements. Reduces waste and rework by identifying quality issues early in the process. Enhances customer satisfaction by consistently delivering products that meet expectations. 10. Stock Register A stock register is a manufacturing document that records inventory movements, quantities on hand, item descriptions and storage locations. It tracks incoming and outgoing materials, including dates, transaction references and balances, providing a continuously updated record of inventory levels across warehouses, production areas and storage facilities. /wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stock-Register-Format-600x250.pngProjectManager’s stock register template Inventory quickly becomes difficult to manage without a reliable tracking system in place. This document helps teams monitor stock levels, avoid shortages or overstocking and maintain accurate records, ensuring materials are available when needed and aligned with production schedules and procurement planning activities. Provides real-time visibility into inventory levels across warehouses and production areas. Reduces stock discrepancies by maintaining accurate records of material movements and balances. Supports better inventory planning by aligning stock levels with production requirements. Minimizes production delays caused by missing or unavailable materials during operations. Improves traceability by documenting when and where inventory transactions occur. 11. Material Requisition Form A material requisition form is a manufacturing document used to request materials, components or supplies from inventory or procurement teams. It includes item descriptions, quantities, required dates, requesting departments and authorization details, serving as a formal record of internal material requests within manufacturing operations. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Material-Requisition-Form-600x348.pngProjectManager’s material requisition form template When production teams need materials, delays often come from unclear or undocumented requests. This document streamlines the process by clearly specifying what is needed and when, ensuring materials are issued efficiently while maintaining control over inventory usage and supporting accurate tracking of material consumption. Standardizes how materials are requested, reducing confusion and miscommunication between teams. Improves inventory control by documenting material usage and tracking internal requests accurately. Ensures timely material availability by clearly communicating production requirements in advance. Enhances accountability by requiring authorization and recording who requested specific materials. Supports cost tracking by linking material usage to specific jobs or production activities. 12. Routing Sheet A routing sheet is a manufacturing document that defines the sequence of operations required to produce a product. It lists each process step, associated work centers, machines, tools and standard processing times, outlining the exact path materials follow as they move through the production workflow. As products move through different stages, coordination between work centers becomes critical to avoid delays. This document guides how work progresses across the production line, helping teams follow the correct sequence of operations while maintaining alignment between equipment usage, labor allocation and overall production scheduling requirements. Provides a clear sequence of operations, ensuring tasks are performed in the correct order. Improves production efficiency by optimizing workflows and reducing unnecessary process delays. Supports capacity planning by identifying required machines, tools and work centers for tasks. Enhances scheduling accuracy by defining processing times for each production operation. Reduces bottlenecks by mapping out the flow of materials across the production process. How ProjectManager Helps Manage Manufacturing Projects ProjectManager gives manufacturing businesses a centralized platform to plan production, manage resources and track progress and costs in real time. Teams can build detailed project schedules on Gantt charts, use task lists to assign tasks to the shop floor, track costs with timesheets, balance employees’ workloads and monitor progress with real-time dashboards and reports. ProjectManager also offers AI features and online collaboration features so nothing falls through the cracks. Teams can share manufacturing documents, comment on tasks and stay aligned without back-and-forth emails or outdated files. On top of that, ProjectManager integrates with tools such as QuickBooks, Salesforce and Acumatica, and offers an open API so manufacturing organizations can connect with their favorite tools. ProjectManager is online project management software that empowers manufacturers to plan, manage and track production in real time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 12 Key Manufacturing Documents (with Free Templates) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Google is incrementally improving metric visibility in Performance Max, giving advertisers more insight into how creative choices — particularly video — impact performance. What’s happening. Google Ads has introduced a new “Ads using video” segment within Performance Max channel performance reporting, allowing advertisers to break down results based on whether video assets were included. Why we care. Marketers can now compare performance across placements that used video versus those that didn’t, offering a clearer view into the role video plays across Google’s automated inventory. It helps answer a key question in an automated environment: whether investing in video assets is driving better results, allowing you to make more informed creative and budget decisions inside Google Ads. Between the lines. As video becomes more central across surfaces like YouTube and beyond, this update gives advertisers a way to validate the impact of investing in video assets within automated campaigns. The bottom line. The new segment adds a layer of clarity to Performance Max, helping advertisers better evaluate video’s contribution without changing how campaigns are run inside Google Ads. First spotted. This update was first spotted by PPC News Feed founder Hana Kobzova. View the full article

Google is expanding Personal Intelligence to free U.S. users in AI Mode, connecting Gmail and Photos to search. Gemini app and Chrome rollout starting. The post Google AI Mode’s Personal Intelligence Now Free In U.S. appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Nearly one decade after its release, the Switch's core design is still pretty ingenious: You can play games of all kinds, including graphically-demanding AAA titles, both on your TV as well as on the go. Of course, the console wouldn't work well if it ran out of battery 30 minutes after playing Skyrim or Tears of the Kingdom, so Nintendo reduces the performance of many games to preserve battery life. The original Switch has a 720p display anyway, so you don't really notice the downgrade in resolution, and any hit frame rates is justified by, well, the fact you're playing Skyrim out of the house. The Switch 2 carries over this design "tradition," if you will, only more so: The upgraded hardware now supports games with higher resolution and higher frame rates, but you can only run games in 4K when connected to your TV. (The dock even has a fan built into it to keep the console cool.) When playing in handheld, the resolution drops to a maximum of 1080p—not a big deal, when the display is also 1080p. Nintendo Switch 2 $659.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $659.99 at Amazon $699.99 Save $40.00 The issue, however, comes when you run Switch 1 games in handheld mode on Switch 2. While those games will run at their full 1080p resolution in docked mode, they'll drop down to their more limited performance modes when in handheld—even on Nintendo's more powerful console. While the overall effect won't be any different when playing on a Switch 1 versus a Switch 2, it's a shame, since the latter could theoretically handle those older games at their "docked" settings. “Handheld Mode Boost” runs Switch 1 games at full resolutionNintendo, it seems, finally has a solution. In the company's latest system update for Switch 2 (version 22.0.0), Nintendo added a new setting called "Handheld Mode Boost." According to the update's release notes, Handheld Mode Boost will run "compatible Switch software as if in TV Mode." In other words, Switch 1 games will run in their full resolution when playing in handheld mode on Switch 2. Take, for example, Tears of the Kingdom. That game can run at 900p when docked (even 1080p Zelda is too much for the Switch 1 to handle in docked mode), but drops down to 720p in handheld mode. But now, you'll be able to play it as it runs on your TV, but on your Switch 2's screen instead. That'll be the case for many games—at least, the ones that are "compatible." Nintendo didn't specify which titles those might in its release notes, so this could be a case-by-case basis. Now, this isn't going to make every Switch 1 game suddenly Switch 2-level. Remember: The Switch 1 is running old hardware, even by 2017 standards. Even in docked mode, the best you can hope for is 1080p at 60 fps, and that's for less-demanding titles. The more intense the game, the lower the frame rate, and, potentially, the lower the resolution. Again, both open-world Zeldas on Switch run at a maximum of 900p at 30 fps. If you want to experience those games in a higher resolution (1080p at 60 fps), you'll need to fork up the $10 each for Nintendo's Switch 2 upgrades. But for games that don't have official Switch 2 upgrades, or for gamers who don't want to spend extra money to upgrade games they already own, this new setting is quite useful. Just be prepared for some glitches or oddities: Nintendo says that the effect of this mode will vary based on the game itself. Since this is emulating TV mode, the touch screen may not work, and your Joy-Con 2 controllers will be interpreted as a Switch 2 Pro controller. You can still use other controllers, but you'll need to detach them from the Switch 2 first. How to enable "Handheld Mode Boost"To play your compatible Switch 1 games in their full resolution, you'll need to manually activate this feature. First, make sure your Switch 2 is running version 22.0.0 or newer. You can check from Settings > System > System Update. Next, under Settings > System, choose "Nintendo Switch Software Handling." Now, tap the toggle next to "Handheld Mode Boost." View the full article

A year ago, Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans were rejoicing. The beloved ‘90s series was finally getting a follow-up, thanks to the announcement of a sequel series coming to Hulu. But that excitement has turned to outrage as of March 14, when star Sarah Michelle Gellar announced on social media that Buffy wasn’t coming back from the dead after all. The reboot series, titled Buffy: New Sunnydale, would see Gellar reprise her role as the titular teenage vampire hunter, now all grown up and mentoring a new slayer, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao was set to direct and executive produce after pitching the project to Gellar four years ago. The team had already filmed a pilot for the series. But on Friday, March 13, both Zhao and Gellar received unexpected phone calls telling them the project had been canceled. Gellar was caught off-guard: She was just stepping on stage for the premiere of her new movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, at the SXSW Film & TV Festival when the news came through. “Let me tell you, nobody saw this coming,” Gellar said in an interview with People. That includes the head of Searchlight Pictures, the studio behind both Buffy: New Sunnydale as a co-producer and Ready or Not 2. “I got the call as we were stepping onto stage for the premiere of their own movie,” Gellar continued. The timing was equally poor for Zhao, who was just days away from heading to the Academy Awards as a Best Director nominee for Hamnet. “For them to call us on the Friday of what should have been Chloé’s victory lap for an incredible film, and my world premiere of something that I worked very hard for is . . .” Gellar said, trailing off. “That says something.” Why would Hulu pull the plug so abruptly? Gellar attributed the cancellation to a single Hulu executive, who she did not name. “We had an executive on our show who was not only not a fan of the original, but was proud to constantly remind us that he had never seen the entirety of the series and how it wasn’t for him,” she said. “That’s very hard when you’re taking a property that is as beloved as Buffy, not just to the world, but to me and Chloé. So that tells you the uphill battle that we had been fighting since day one, when your executive is literally proud to tell you that he didn’t watch it,” Gellar added. Buffy fans were predictably devastated by the switch-up. After Gellar broke the news with an Instagram video the next morning, they mourned and raged in her comments section. “This has absolutely ruined my year,” one fan wrote. “Someone needs to pick up this pilot and save it!!” pleaded another. Gellar said the fan response proves the irony of working with that unnamed Hulu executive. “The fans, they were the only reason we were doing this show in the first place,” she says. “We were doing it because everybody loves it. So how do you do a show that’s beloved with someone that doesn’t love it?” Hulu did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment, but outlets including Deadline report that Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich is likely the executive in question, citing sources close to the project. On the red carpet for Sunday night’s Academy Awards, Zhao also responded to the reboot’s cancellation. “Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans,” Zhao said. “So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open and we welcome the mystery. And what this might lead us to.” Gellar also said she hopes fans don’t let the cancellation affect their memory of the original series. “Buffy is timeless,” she said. “And the one thing I do want all these fans to know is that legacy is still there and this doesn’t diminish it. It doesn’t change it. That legacy is still there—for them.” View the full article

Students using AI to cheat on homework or tests is a source of much discussion. But some scholars argue the greater risk of students using AI is that they will simply not learn. Approximately 90% of 1,100 U.S. students surveyed at two-year and four-year colleges in 2025 reported using generative AI for everything from drafting assignments to clarifying complex concepts. But when students use AI as a tutor or study partner, not as an immediate answer generator, does it make it easier or harder for them to learn? We are economists who tried to answer this question by designing an AI tool using ChatGPT’s custom GPT feature, with the web access of the chatbot disabled. We named the tool Macro Buddy and trained it to guide some students at one of our undergraduate macroeconomics classes at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, through their reasoning rather than giving them direct answers. We found in our research, conducted in spring 2025, that students who used Macro Buddy, alongside peer discussion, earned higher exam scores than students who worked alone, without this AI tutor. Meet your new tutor One of our macroeconomics courses enrolled 140 undergraduate students, mostly in their first or second year of college, divided across four sections. Students’ course materials, assignments and exams were identical across all four sections. Students were generally not allowed to use AI tools or collaborate with classmates during exams. Students took all tests in person and were not allowed to reference any notes or other materials during the exam. As a result, exam scores reflected what students understood and could explain on their own—without the help of AI or any other outside source. After all students took their first exam, we randomly assigned the four class sections to take on a different study format. We prompted one group of students to work individually, without Macro Buddy; another group of students worked in groups, without Macro Buddy; a third group of students worked individually, with Macro Buddy; and a fourth group of students worked in groups, with Macro Buddy. We wanted to compare how different study approaches—working alone, working with classmates, using Macro Buddy or combining both—altered how well students did on exams. Macro Buddy’s skills We trained Macro Buddy with the help of lecture transcripts, slides and homework questions specifically from this macroeconomics course. Macro Buddy had internet access turned off, so it relied only on the instructor’s course materials. Macro Buddy was designed to act like a tutor, not an answer machine. Instead of giving students complete solutions, Macro Buddy asked follow-up questions meant to guide students toward an answer. For example, if a student asked why lower prices might increase consumers’ spending, Macro Buddy would not offer a quick, full explanation. It might instead ask what happens to people’s purchasing power when prices fall. The student would then have to connect the concepts and explain their reasoning, in their own words, step by step. This distinction between explaining an idea and receiving a finished answer matters. An AI tool that simply delivers answers can allow students to skip thinking through a problem. One study found that when college students rely on a chatbot as a crutch, they perform worse when they no longer have access to it. A tool that asks questions requires students to do the work themselves, even while receiving guidance. This is the very process that makes learning stick. What happened to students’ learning The one group of students that continued working individually, without AI, served as our control group. The other three groups changed how they studied: One began working in groups without AI, one worked individually with Macro Buddy, and the last group combined group work with Macro Buddy. All of the students’ average scores declined when they took their second exam, across all four study groups. By the third exam, however, differences across sections became clearer. Students who used both Macro Buddy and group discussion earned the highest average scores. Students who used Macro Buddy alone also scored higher than those who worked alone without Macro Buddy. Students who worked in groups without Macro Buddy showed smaller improvements, when compared to the students in other groups. The third exam happened several weeks after we introduced the new study formats. By that point, students in the combined group may have grown more comfortable using Macro Buddy to test their understanding, while also explaining ideas to classmates. Working with peers meant having to articulate reasoning clearly and respond to questions, which can deepen understanding over time. Why this matters Some critics of AI worry that students will rely on AI to do the hardest parts of learning for them. This reflects a fear that students may stop practicing the skills that build expertise. Students become experts in their fields while struggling with confusing material, revising explanations and seeing whether they truly understand an idea. Our experiment suggests erosion of learning when using AI is not inevitable. We found that when AI is designed as a tutor that asks questions instead of simply giving answers—and when students are also required to explain their reasoning to classmates—the technology can support learning rather than replace it. Most students today use general-purpose chatbots that are not designed as tutors. They type in a question and receive a response. But our findings suggest that even small design choices, such as building an AI chatbot with guiding questions, can shape how students engage with the material. Peer discussion also adds something to the learning process that AI cannot provide: social accountability and exposure to alternative reasoning. Together, these practices encourage students to think through problems more actively. The evidence from our experiment highlights a practical distinction: AI can be used to replace thinking, or it can be used to support it. The impact may depend less on the technology itself and more on how it is structured and integrated into learning. Saharnaz Babaei-Balderlou is a teaching assistant professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Shishir Shakya is an assistant professor of economics at Appalachian State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Jack Satt also tells court that financier’s statements to FCA ‘did not align with my understanding’ View the full article

Americans 70 years or older held 26% of the United States' $48 trillion in real estate wealth in the third quarter of last year, Redfin said. View the full article

America’s leading public storage provider, Public Storage (NYSE: PSA), has announced plans to acquire one of its main competitors, National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE: NSA), further solidifying its position as the dominant storage provider in the country. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed merger, and how the news is affecting the companies’ stock prices. What’s happened? Yesterday, Public Storage announced plans to acquire one of its main competitors, National Storage Affiliates. As of December 31, Public Storage operated 3,533 self-storage facilities across 40 states. As of the same date, National Storage Affiliates Trust operated 1,063 self-storage properties across 37 states and Puerto Rico. As noted by the Associated Press, National Storage Affiliates is currently the fourth-largest storage provider by market cap. After Public Storage’s first-place position, competitors Extra Space Storage and CubeSmart take second and third place. Under the terms of the proposed merger, the storage assets of the first- and fourth-largest storage companies will combine, making Public Storage’s dominance in the public storage sector even more pronounced. Public Storage’s incoming CEO, Tom Boyle, said that the deal will allow the company “to strategically and accretively expand our platform with assets that are highly complementary with our portfolio, deepen our significant market presence, and enhance our long-term per share growth profile.” According to the terms of the deal, National Storage Affiliates shareholders “will receive 0.14 of a share of PSA common stock or partnership units for each NSA share or unit they own.” As of the time of this writing, Public Storage has a market cap of around $51 billion, while National Storage Affiliates’ market cap sits around $6 billion. Public Storage says that after the merger is complete, the combined company is expected to have aorund a market cap of around $57 billion and a “total enterprise value of approximately $77 billion.” How have PSA and NSA stock reacted? When Public Storage announced the proposed merger yesterday, the company’s stock price closed down about 2.7% to just below $290 per share. But while PSA shares were down on the news, NSA shares soared. As of yesterday’s closing price, NSA shares surged more than 30%, closing at above $40 each. Currently, in early morning trading today, PSA shares have recouped some losses, gaining about 1% to $292.70 as of the time of this writing. NASA shares are also up slightly, gaining about 1.2% to $40.74. Year-to-date, PSA shares have climbed more than 13%, and NSA shares have risen 45%. Over the past 12 months, PSA shares are down about 2.2%, and NSA shares are up around 9.8% What happens next? The boards of both Public Storage and National Storage Affiliates have already “unanimously approved the transaction,” according to the company. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. However, that closure is still subject to regulatory approvals as well as the approval of National Storage Affiliates’ equity holders. View the full article

Elon Musk and Tesla want to call their autonomous robotaxi service Cybercabs, a name that would seem to fit snugly with the company’s line of “Cyber” products. But an obscure French beverage wholesaler, run by someone who appears to be a devoted Musk fan, could ruin those plans. UniBev, based in Ajaccio, France, beat Tesla to filing for the trademark for Cybercab. Last week, Musk’s company struck back, filing a 167-page complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that called UniBev “a bad faith trademark squatter, who started as a Tesla fan.” UniBev has until April 19 to respond to the complaint. Should the issue go to trial, a decision could be delayed until 2027. That would put Tesla in a bind, since it expects to begin production on the vehicles in April, with sales planned to launch before the end of the year. Tesla has also submitted trademark filings for “Cybercar” and “Cybervehicle,” which could allow it to bypass regulatory requirements in some cities tied to the word “cab.” There are no indications, however, that it plans to step back from the Cybercab name. Tesla did not reply to Fast Company‘s request for comment. Ironically, Tesla shoulders much of the blame for the dispute. It publicly announced the Cybercab name on April 23, 2024, during an earnings call. At the time, though, no one at the company had filed for a trademark. That gave UniBev co-owner, and Tesla shareholder, Jean-Louis Lentali an opening to file a trademark application in France on April 29. (Tesla did not apply for the trademark until October.) Under international trademark law, Lentali’s application was given priority. At the moment, UniBev holds rights to the Cybercab trademark in the United States and internationally. Tesla, in its complaint, cited UniBev’s long history of registering patents and trademarks referencing the automaker and speculating about products tied to it. Those include French rights to the names Cyber Diner, Cybervan, and XCab, as well as U.S. rights to Teslaquila and Teslaquila Hard Seltzer. Tesla, it is worth noting, holds trademarks for CyberBeast (for vehicles), CyberBeer (for beverages), CyberHammer (for “exercise equipment”), CyberVessel (for drinkware), and CyberWhistle (for toys). It has released products tied to all of those trademarks. The company did not go so far as to call UniBev and Lentali trolls, but it clearly suggested as much. “The United States trademark system exists to protect legitimate commercial actors and consumers, rather than to reward those who seek to exploit the registration process for improper purposes,” the complaint reads. “Allowing the Bad Faith Application to register would undermine this purpose.” UniBev, it added, filed the application without any intention of launching a vehicle in the United States. To date, the company has not made any vehicles or demonstrated the capacity to do so. (Founded in 2022, UniBev has worked exclusively on the B2B side of the beverage industry.) Musk has repeatedly pointed to the Cybercab as a major part of Tesla’s future. (He has also emphasized the Optimus humanoid robots.) As with many of his announcements, however, he was in retrospect overly optimistic about the go-to-market timeline. Many of Musk’s products, both cars and rockets, have been delayed multiple times, often by years. The Cybertruck, initially promised for 2019, did not reach buyers’ garages until late 2023. In 2019, Musk said the Cybercab (then described as self-driving robotaxis) would launch in 2022. That timeline slipped to 2023. He finally revealed the design in 2024 and later promised an arrival date of 2026, with a price “under $30,000” and rider costs of about 20 cents per mile. The vehicles, he said, would turn parking lots into parks. In January, however, he acknowledged that production rates for both the Cybercab and Optimus “will be agonizingly slow.” Year to date, Tesla’s stock is down more than 9%. View the full article

The Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to keep interest rates steady when it concludes its regular meeting tomorrow, but rising uncertainty about inflation in the wake of the Iran war is clouding the monetary policy outlook. View the full article

Incredibly, when you think about it, US-based venture capital has remained structurally unchanged for half a century. The well known model revolves around the 10-year fund lifecycle, the 2-and-20 fee structure, and the relentless push for growth and outsized returns. Decisions are made in mysterious ways and are known to be full of bias against founders who don’t fit a certain mold. But even as rivers of investment flow into anything touching AI, there may yet be an ironic twist to come. Venture investing involves optionality and power laws. Very few investments will generate any returns at all, but the sector is premised on the idea that within any portfolio there will be just a few startups that will enjoy a spectacular exit, through an initial public offering or by being acquired by a deep-pocketed established firm. VC’s are betting on their ability to sniff out the rare winners amidst a sea of potential startups. But in many ways, it’s a terrible business—by some accounts 95% of the industry’s total returns are generated by less than 5% of its firms. Nonetheless, venture capital is firmly planted in the economy and in the public consciousness as the way that innovations get funded and businesses grow. For many entrepreneurs taking venture capital money is seen as a badge of honor and a financial boost for quick growth. Nonetheless, there are any number of complaints that founders have with regard to their investors, ranging from misguided expectations to unwanted advice to egregiously unfair business practices with respect to the equity and control that the firms extract. So why turn to a venture capitalist? Mainly because there were issues that no founder could address on their own or with capital that was ready to hand. The logic of venture capital was always premised on scarcity. Capital was scarce. Technical talent was scarce. The infrastructure to build, test, and distribute a technology product was scarce. VCs existed to bridge those gaps—to provide the resources a promising team needed before the market could prove them right. In exchange, they took equity, board seats, and influence over strategy. It was a reasonable bargain, forged in the conditions of the 1970s and refined through the personal computer, internet, and mobile revolutions. AI is dismantling every one of those scarcities. The collapsing cost of creation Consider what it actually costs to start a technology company today. A founder who five years ago needed $2 million and eighteen months to build a minimum viable product can now do it alone in six weeks for the cost of a few cloud subscriptions. Tools like Cursor, Lovable, and Replit, powered by large language models, have compressed the software development cycle so dramatically that technical co-founders—long considered mandatory—are increasingly optional. One solo founder, Maor Shlomo, built an AI startup called Base44 entirely alone, reached 300,000 users and $3.5 million in annual recurring revenue, and sold it to Wix for $80 million in cash—in six months. That is not an outlier story. It is an emerging template. Indeed, 80% of companies that go public do so without venture funding. More than half of successful startup exits last year were achieved by solo founders. The minimum viable team for building a significant technology business has dropped to one. When the cost of creation falls this far, the fundamental value proposition of a venture capitalist—we will give you the money to build in exchange for a commitment to give us your first born—starts to lose its grip. You do not need the money any more to get to a first product, a real user base, or even meaningful revenue. What you need money for is distribution, sales, and scale. And those needs arrive much later in the company’s life, at which point the founder’s negotiating leverage has increased dramatically. Capital at the extremes Where investment dollars are flowing in the economy resembles a barbell. At one end, an unprecedented concentration of capital in a handful of AI infrastructure companies—OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, Databricks—that require the kind of compute investment that resembles project finance more than traditional venture backing. These are not startups in any meaningful sense; they are capital infrastructure projects, and they are absorbing the majority of venture dollars. 41% of all VC money invested in 2025 went to just 10 startups, according to Pitchbook. At the other end are thousands of small, capital-efficient AI application businesses that need very little money and generate meaningful returns quickly. Cursor reached $500 million in annual recurring revenue with fewer than 50 employees, and is now up to about $2 billion. Midjourney, the AI image generation company, crossed $200 million in revenue with roughly 40 people and has taken no venture funding at all. A 28 person startup called Gamma’s founder, Grant Lee, actively rejects invitations from potential VC’s. These businesses do not need—and in many cases do not want—a VC on their cap table and their board The middle is collapsing. The classic venture model of Series A, B, and C rounds funding a startup’s progression from idea to scale is becoming less relevant for a growing category of businesses. AI-powered companies are reaching profitability earlier, growing faster, and requiring less capital at each stage. Industry analysts report that AI startups are reaching $1 million in annual revenue up to four months faster than comparable SaaS companies were reaching the same milestone just a few years ago. The gatekeeper premium There is a deeper challenge for venture capital, one that goes beyond deal economics. For decades, VCs served as gatekeepers to a network of resources that founders couldn’t access on their own: introductions to enterprise customers, relationships with talent recruiters, connections to co-investors, and the credibility signal of a prominent firm’s backing. That access premium justified the equity cost. AI is eroding that premium too. Machine learning tools can now identify potential customers, analyze competitive landscapes, surface talent, and predict market opportunities faster than any junior associate. Founders can use AI to understand their own metrics deeply, identify the right investors for their stage, and run their own due diligence on potential partners. The information asymmetry that once made VCs indispensable—they knew things founders didn’t—is flattening. Some prominent investors have acknowledged this openly, arguing that the future of venture will involve smaller teams using better tools rather than massive platforms with armies of analysts and associates. The VC firm of 2030 will look less like a financial intermediary and more like a high-powered advisory network, one that adds value through judgment and relationships in conditions of genuine uncertainty rather than through capital deployment and information advantages. What survives None of this means venture capital disappears. The frontier AI companies—the ones building and training foundational models—require capital at a scale that no bootstrapped founder can self-fund. Anthropic’s most recent funding round was $30 billion and valued the company at $380 billion. These investments look less like early-stage venture and more like the kind of patient, infrastructure capital that once built railroads and power grids. They will continue to attract large allocations. And there will always be categories of business where scale still confers advantage—where network effects, regulatory moats, or capital-intensive physical infrastructure mean that a well-funded incumbent can overwhelm a lean competitor. In those sectors, the traditional venture model retains its logic. But the universe of businesses where that logic applies is shrinking. Every year, more categories of valuable economic activity become accessible to small, capital-light teams with AI leverage. Every year, the assumption that you need millions of dollars and a VC’s blessing to build something significant becomes less defensible. The last venture capitalists will not be the ones who ran out of money. They will be the ones who ran out of founders who needed them. View the full article

Joe Kent is first high-profile resignation over conflict he claims ‘serves no benefit to the American people’ View the full article

UK chancellor’s reforms include allowing local areas to keep some proceeds from higher income tax receiptsView the full article

When you’re looking to finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, comprehending your options is vital. You’ll find conventional loans, SBA 504 and 7a loans, and both fixed and adjustable rate loans among your choices. Each option has unique down payment requirements and terms that can suit various financial situations. Exploring these avenues can pave the way for property ownership and business growth, but knowing which option fits your needs best is fundamental. Let’s break down these financing choices. Key Takeaways Conventional loans require a 20% down payment and are suitable for purchasing, improving, or refinancing owner-occupied properties. SBA 504 loans offer down payments as low as 10%, financing both real estate and essential equipment for businesses. SBA 7a loans allow for various uses, including real estate purchase, with down payments starting at 15% and amounts up to $5 million. Adjustable rate loans provide lower initial rates but may fluctuate, requiring careful financial assessment and planning. Fixed rate loans offer stable interest rates and predictable payments, making them ideal for long-term financial stability. Conventional Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans When you’re considering financing for your business’s real estate needs, conventional owner-occupied commercial real estate loans can be a viable option. These loans typically require a down payment of around 20% of the property value, which is often lower than the 25% or more needed for investment property loans. You can use these loans to purchase, improve, or refinance properties primarily occupied by your business, ensuring at least 51% of the space is designated for operations. Conventional loans offer both fixed and adjustable interest rates, providing flexibility to match your financial strategy. Loan terms usually range from 5 to 25 years, letting you choose a repayment schedule that aligns with your cash flow. Nevertheless, be prepared to submit thorough financial documentation, including personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and proof of liquidity for your down payment, as approval often hinges on these factors. SBA 504 Loans SBA 504 Loans offer a structured way for businesses to finance the purchase or improvement of owner-occupied commercial real estate. With down payments as low as 10% and the potential to cover up to 90% of project costs, these loans provide a valuable opportunity for eligible borrowers. You’ll find that the fixed interest rates and long terms make budgeting simpler, but comprehending the specific eligibility requirements is essential for securing this financing option. Loan Structure Overview For businesses looking to finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, comprehension of the structure of SBA 504 loans can be crucial. These loans provide long-term capital financing with a down payment as low as 10%. The typical structure involves a partnership between a Certified Development Company (CDC) and a bank, where the CDC finances up to 40% of the project cost, whereas the bank covers the remaining 50%. SBA 504 loans offer fixed interest rates, ensuring stability in monthly payments, with terms ranging from 10 to 25 years for the real estate component. Furthermore, you can use these loans to finance major equipment and machinery vital for your business operations, making them a versatile option for growth and expansion. Eligibility and Requirements Qualifying for an SBA 504 loan involves meeting specific eligibility requirements that confirm the financing primarily supports business operations. To be eligible, your business must occupy at least 51% of the property being financed. Furthermore, the properties eligible for these loans include land, buildings, and improvements, along with certain equipment. Here’s a quick overview of key eligibility criteria: Requirement Details Property Occupancy At least 51% must be owner-occupied Loan Amount Up to $5 million, with exceptions Property Types Land, buildings, improvements, equipment Down Payment As low as 10% Repayment Terms 10 to 25 years These criteria confirm that the financing effectively supports your business operations. Benefits for Businesses Comprehending the advantages of SBA 504 Loans can greatly impact your business’s financial strategy. These loans allow you to finance up to 90% of the total project cost, considerably reducing the capital needed to purchase or improve owner-occupied commercial real estate. With down payments as low as 10%, they’re accessible for small businesses that often face challenges with larger conventional loan requirements. In addition, SBA 504 Loans offer long-term fixed interest rates, ensuring predictable monthly payments and shielding you from market fluctuations. With terms extending up to 25 years, you can improve cash flow and financial stability. Eligible expenses include not just property purchases but also construction, renovation, and equipment costs, facilitating thorough business growth investments. SBA 7a Loans SBA 7a Loans serve as a versatile financing solution for businesses looking to invest in owner-occupied commercial real estate. These loans offer flexible financing options, allowing you to make down payments as low as 15% and enjoy terms of up to 25 years. You can use an SBA 7a Loan for various purposes, such as purchasing or refinancing real estate, acquiring equipment, or funding working capital. With loan amounts reaching up to $5 million, this program caters to both small and medium-sized businesses. Backed by the Small Business Administration, SBA 7a Loans reduce risks for lenders, which often leads to more favorable loan terms for you. You’ll find competitive interest rates, with both fixed and variable options available based on your lender and loan structure. This makes the SBA 7a a robust choice for financing your commercial real estate needs, providing the support you need to grow your business. Adjustable Rate Loans When considering financing options for commercial real estate, adjustable rate loans can be an appealing choice due to their typically lower initial interest rates. These loans often result in reduced monthly payments at the start, making them attractive for budgeting purposes. Nevertheless, it’s vital to understand that after the initial fixed period, the interest rates may fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially leading to higher payments down the line. Many adjustable rate loans come with caps that limit how much the interest rate can increase during each adjustment period, providing some protection against steep rises. Typical adjustment periods can vary, commonly occurring every 1, 3, or 5 years. Before opting for this type of loan, you should carefully assess your financial situation and consider market trends, as adjustable rate loans can introduce uncertainty into long-term budgeting and cash flow management. Fixed Rate Loans Fixed rate loans are an excellent option for those seeking predictability in their commercial real estate financing. With a fixed rate loan, you secure a stable interest rate throughout the loan term, ensuring consistent monthly payments and shielding yourself from market fluctuations. Typically, these loans require a down payment ranging from 10% to 25% of the property’s value, depending on your financial profile and the lender’s criteria. You can choose from various term lengths, often spanning from 3 to 10 years, allowing you to align the loan duration with your business plans. This type of financing is particularly attractive for long-term financial planning, as locking in an interest rate can lead to substantial savings over the loan’s life. As an owner of owner-occupied commercial real estate, you can utilize fixed rate loans for property purchases, renovations, or refinancing existing debt, enhancing your financial stability and growth potential. Refinancing Options Refinancing options for owner-occupied commercial real estate play a crucial role in optimizing your financial strategy, especially if you’ve seen improvements in your credit score since your original loan. You can consider various refinancing avenues, including conventional loans, SBA 504 loans, and SBA 7(a) loans. These typically require down payments ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the lender and loan type. Refinancing allows you to secure lower interest rates, which can lead to reduced monthly payments and overall financing costs. Moreover, many lenders offer programs that let you access equity built in your property, which can be useful for further business investments or debt consolidation. Keep in mind that the refinancing process requires documentation similar to your original loan application, such as personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and proof of income. Lenders will also assess the property’s condition and market value to confirm its continued worth. Local Lender Benefits Local lenders offer several advantages that can greatly benefit businesses seeking financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate. One key benefit is their ability to make quicker decisions, allowing you to secure financing more efficiently than you might with larger, national banks. Their familiarity with local market dynamics means they can provide customized loan options that particularly meet your business’s needs. Furthermore, local lenders typically maintain direct communication channels, ensuring responsive customer service throughout the loan application and approval process. They often provide competitive rates and flexible terms, making them a great choice for small businesses. Moreover, local lending institutions emphasize building long-term relationships with clients, creating a supportive environment for your ongoing business growth and development. By choosing a local lender, you’re not just securing financing; you’re also partnering with a financial institution that understands your community and is invested in your success. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 5 Cs of commercial lending are crucial factors lenders evaluate when considering a loan application. They include Character, which looks at your credit history; Capacity, evaluating your ability to repay based on income; Capital, determining your investment in the project; Collateral, which involves the assets securing the loan; and Conditions, focusing on the economic environment and loan terms. Comprehending these elements can help you strengthen your application and improve your chances of approval. What Is the 2% Rule in Commercial Real Estate? The 2% Rule in commercial real estate suggests that a property’s annual rent should be at least 2% of its purchase price. For instance, if you buy a property for $1 million, it should generate a minimum of $20,000 in annual rent. This guideline helps you quickly assess the investment’s viability, especially for single-tenant properties. Nevertheless, it’s best to combine this rule with other financial metrics for a thorough evaluation. What Is Owner Occupied Commercial Financing? Owner-occupied commercial financing is a type of loan particularly for businesses that occupy at least 51% of a property. These loans often have lower down payment requirements, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, compared to investment properties. Lenders assess your business’s financial health and the property’s condition when determining loan terms and approval. This financing can additionally fund renovations, enhancing both property value and operational efficiency for your business. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Real Estate? The 3-3-3 rule in real estate helps you assess a property’s value and potential by examining three key factors over a three-year horizon. First, analyze the location, focusing on market conditions and growth prospects. Next, evaluate the property’s condition through inspections to anticipate maintenance costs and repairs. Finally, consider financing options, including loan types and interest rates, which can greatly impact your investment strategy and the property’s long-term viability. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring financing options for owner-occupied commercial real estate is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you choose conventional loans, SBA 504 or 7a loans, or opt for fixed or adjustable rate loans, each option has unique benefits customized to your needs. Refinancing can further improve your financial strategy, and working with local lenders can provide personalized support. By comprehending these avenues, you can effectively secure the funding necessary for property ownership and business growth. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Key Financing Options for Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re looking to finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, comprehending your options is vital. You’ll find conventional loans, SBA 504 and 7a loans, and both fixed and adjustable rate loans among your choices. Each option has unique down payment requirements and terms that can suit various financial situations. Exploring these avenues can pave the way for property ownership and business growth, but knowing which option fits your needs best is fundamental. Let’s break down these financing choices. Key Takeaways Conventional loans require a 20% down payment and are suitable for purchasing, improving, or refinancing owner-occupied properties. SBA 504 loans offer down payments as low as 10%, financing both real estate and essential equipment for businesses. SBA 7a loans allow for various uses, including real estate purchase, with down payments starting at 15% and amounts up to $5 million. Adjustable rate loans provide lower initial rates but may fluctuate, requiring careful financial assessment and planning. Fixed rate loans offer stable interest rates and predictable payments, making them ideal for long-term financial stability. Conventional Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans When you’re considering financing for your business’s real estate needs, conventional owner-occupied commercial real estate loans can be a viable option. These loans typically require a down payment of around 20% of the property value, which is often lower than the 25% or more needed for investment property loans. You can use these loans to purchase, improve, or refinance properties primarily occupied by your business, ensuring at least 51% of the space is designated for operations. Conventional loans offer both fixed and adjustable interest rates, providing flexibility to match your financial strategy. Loan terms usually range from 5 to 25 years, letting you choose a repayment schedule that aligns with your cash flow. Nevertheless, be prepared to submit thorough financial documentation, including personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and proof of liquidity for your down payment, as approval often hinges on these factors. SBA 504 Loans SBA 504 Loans offer a structured way for businesses to finance the purchase or improvement of owner-occupied commercial real estate. With down payments as low as 10% and the potential to cover up to 90% of project costs, these loans provide a valuable opportunity for eligible borrowers. You’ll find that the fixed interest rates and long terms make budgeting simpler, but comprehending the specific eligibility requirements is essential for securing this financing option. Loan Structure Overview For businesses looking to finance owner-occupied commercial real estate, comprehension of the structure of SBA 504 loans can be crucial. These loans provide long-term capital financing with a down payment as low as 10%. The typical structure involves a partnership between a Certified Development Company (CDC) and a bank, where the CDC finances up to 40% of the project cost, whereas the bank covers the remaining 50%. SBA 504 loans offer fixed interest rates, ensuring stability in monthly payments, with terms ranging from 10 to 25 years for the real estate component. Furthermore, you can use these loans to finance major equipment and machinery vital for your business operations, making them a versatile option for growth and expansion. Eligibility and Requirements Qualifying for an SBA 504 loan involves meeting specific eligibility requirements that confirm the financing primarily supports business operations. To be eligible, your business must occupy at least 51% of the property being financed. Furthermore, the properties eligible for these loans include land, buildings, and improvements, along with certain equipment. Here’s a quick overview of key eligibility criteria: Requirement Details Property Occupancy At least 51% must be owner-occupied Loan Amount Up to $5 million, with exceptions Property Types Land, buildings, improvements, equipment Down Payment As low as 10% Repayment Terms 10 to 25 years These criteria confirm that the financing effectively supports your business operations. Benefits for Businesses Comprehending the advantages of SBA 504 Loans can greatly impact your business’s financial strategy. These loans allow you to finance up to 90% of the total project cost, considerably reducing the capital needed to purchase or improve owner-occupied commercial real estate. With down payments as low as 10%, they’re accessible for small businesses that often face challenges with larger conventional loan requirements. In addition, SBA 504 Loans offer long-term fixed interest rates, ensuring predictable monthly payments and shielding you from market fluctuations. With terms extending up to 25 years, you can improve cash flow and financial stability. Eligible expenses include not just property purchases but also construction, renovation, and equipment costs, facilitating thorough business growth investments. SBA 7a Loans SBA 7a Loans serve as a versatile financing solution for businesses looking to invest in owner-occupied commercial real estate. These loans offer flexible financing options, allowing you to make down payments as low as 15% and enjoy terms of up to 25 years. You can use an SBA 7a Loan for various purposes, such as purchasing or refinancing real estate, acquiring equipment, or funding working capital. With loan amounts reaching up to $5 million, this program caters to both small and medium-sized businesses. Backed by the Small Business Administration, SBA 7a Loans reduce risks for lenders, which often leads to more favorable loan terms for you. You’ll find competitive interest rates, with both fixed and variable options available based on your lender and loan structure. This makes the SBA 7a a robust choice for financing your commercial real estate needs, providing the support you need to grow your business. Adjustable Rate Loans When considering financing options for commercial real estate, adjustable rate loans can be an appealing choice due to their typically lower initial interest rates. These loans often result in reduced monthly payments at the start, making them attractive for budgeting purposes. Nevertheless, it’s vital to understand that after the initial fixed period, the interest rates may fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially leading to higher payments down the line. Many adjustable rate loans come with caps that limit how much the interest rate can increase during each adjustment period, providing some protection against steep rises. Typical adjustment periods can vary, commonly occurring every 1, 3, or 5 years. Before opting for this type of loan, you should carefully assess your financial situation and consider market trends, as adjustable rate loans can introduce uncertainty into long-term budgeting and cash flow management. Fixed Rate Loans Fixed rate loans are an excellent option for those seeking predictability in their commercial real estate financing. With a fixed rate loan, you secure a stable interest rate throughout the loan term, ensuring consistent monthly payments and shielding yourself from market fluctuations. Typically, these loans require a down payment ranging from 10% to 25% of the property’s value, depending on your financial profile and the lender’s criteria. You can choose from various term lengths, often spanning from 3 to 10 years, allowing you to align the loan duration with your business plans. This type of financing is particularly attractive for long-term financial planning, as locking in an interest rate can lead to substantial savings over the loan’s life. As an owner of owner-occupied commercial real estate, you can utilize fixed rate loans for property purchases, renovations, or refinancing existing debt, enhancing your financial stability and growth potential. Refinancing Options Refinancing options for owner-occupied commercial real estate play a crucial role in optimizing your financial strategy, especially if you’ve seen improvements in your credit score since your original loan. You can consider various refinancing avenues, including conventional loans, SBA 504 loans, and SBA 7(a) loans. These typically require down payments ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the lender and loan type. Refinancing allows you to secure lower interest rates, which can lead to reduced monthly payments and overall financing costs. Moreover, many lenders offer programs that let you access equity built in your property, which can be useful for further business investments or debt consolidation. Keep in mind that the refinancing process requires documentation similar to your original loan application, such as personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and proof of income. Lenders will also assess the property’s condition and market value to confirm its continued worth. Local Lender Benefits Local lenders offer several advantages that can greatly benefit businesses seeking financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate. One key benefit is their ability to make quicker decisions, allowing you to secure financing more efficiently than you might with larger, national banks. Their familiarity with local market dynamics means they can provide customized loan options that particularly meet your business’s needs. Furthermore, local lenders typically maintain direct communication channels, ensuring responsive customer service throughout the loan application and approval process. They often provide competitive rates and flexible terms, making them a great choice for small businesses. Moreover, local lending institutions emphasize building long-term relationships with clients, creating a supportive environment for your ongoing business growth and development. By choosing a local lender, you’re not just securing financing; you’re also partnering with a financial institution that understands your community and is invested in your success. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Cs of Commercial Lending? The 5 Cs of commercial lending are crucial factors lenders evaluate when considering a loan application. They include Character, which looks at your credit history; Capacity, evaluating your ability to repay based on income; Capital, determining your investment in the project; Collateral, which involves the assets securing the loan; and Conditions, focusing on the economic environment and loan terms. Comprehending these elements can help you strengthen your application and improve your chances of approval. What Is the 2% Rule in Commercial Real Estate? The 2% Rule in commercial real estate suggests that a property’s annual rent should be at least 2% of its purchase price. For instance, if you buy a property for $1 million, it should generate a minimum of $20,000 in annual rent. This guideline helps you quickly assess the investment’s viability, especially for single-tenant properties. Nevertheless, it’s best to combine this rule with other financial metrics for a thorough evaluation. What Is Owner Occupied Commercial Financing? Owner-occupied commercial financing is a type of loan particularly for businesses that occupy at least 51% of a property. These loans often have lower down payment requirements, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, compared to investment properties. Lenders assess your business’s financial health and the property’s condition when determining loan terms and approval. This financing can additionally fund renovations, enhancing both property value and operational efficiency for your business. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Real Estate? The 3-3-3 rule in real estate helps you assess a property’s value and potential by examining three key factors over a three-year horizon. First, analyze the location, focusing on market conditions and growth prospects. Next, evaluate the property’s condition through inspections to anticipate maintenance costs and repairs. Finally, consider financing options, including loan types and interest rates, which can greatly impact your investment strategy and the property’s long-term viability. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring financing options for owner-occupied commercial real estate is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you choose conventional loans, SBA 504 or 7a loans, or opt for fixed or adjustable rate loans, each option has unique benefits customized to your needs. Refinancing can further improve your financial strategy, and working with local lenders can provide personalized support. By comprehending these avenues, you can effectively secure the funding necessary for property ownership and business growth. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Key Financing Options for Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Sony doesn't know how to name earbuds, but it sure knows how to build them. The WF-100XM5 buds were my favorite wireless earbuds last year, and they've since been supplanted by the Sony WF-1000XM6 buds. Generally, whenever Sony releases a new version of its flagship earbuds, you can generally trust they will be the best your money can buy until the next iteration rolls around—and right now, you can get the WF-1000XM6 buds at a discount for the first time. They're $298 (originally $329.99), the lowest price since the recent release, according to price tracking tools. Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, with Studio-Quality Sound, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Black Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model) $298.00 at Amazon $329.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal Get Deal $298.00 at Amazon $329.99 Save $31.99 Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, with Studio-Quality Sound, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Platinum Silver Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model) $298.00 at Amazon $329.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal Get Deal $298.00 at Amazon $329.99 Save $31.99 SEE -1 MORE The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are a direct competitor with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), both outstanding options we have reviewed here in Lifehacker. The Bose are better suited for those looking for simplicity, user-friendliness, and comfort, while the Sonys are best for audiophiles looking to tweak and customize their experience exactly how they like it, with more options and features. The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are my favorite for pure listening enjoyment. Yes, they are comfortable and have amazing ANC, but the audio quality, especially when you tweak the EQ and are able to listen to audio in LC3 and Sony’s own LDAC codecs, is the best in the market for Bluetooth earbuds. As you can read in Lifehacker's review, Sony has improved the microphone count and quality, making calls, ANC, and transparency mode sound clear and more responsive to noise in your environment. As far as battery life, you can get eight hours when listening with just the buds, and 24 hours from the charging case. If you're an Apple user, I think the AirPods Pro 3 are a better option since they're cheaper and better suited for iPhones. If you're not, these Sony buds are my top recommendation—provided you want the best audio quality from Bluetooth earbuds you can find—and the current price is the lowest I've seen yet (and I don't expect them to go much lower in 2026). Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam Plus (2025) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Years ago I used to do lots of list-type posts (10 things you should know about work by the time you’re 30, 8 signs you’re a bad boss, etc). I came across this one from 2017 and thought it was worth resurrecting. If you’re like a lot of people, you might get anxious when you have to talk to your boss – or you might leave the conversation feeling unsure of what kind of impression you made. Or maybe you’ve just noticed that your relationship with your manager could be smoother. Whatever the case, the following seven phrases will help you get what you need from your boss, communicate better, and keep yourself in good standing. 1. “We can do X or Y. I propose Y because…” The idea here is that you’re not just dumping a problem on your boss and waiting for her to come up with a solution. Instead, you’re thinking through how to solve the problem and proposing a way forward. This makes your boss’s job easier, because she has something concrete to react to – and in many cases can just say “yes, that sounds great, go do that.” It also positions you as someone who proactively solves problems, and that’s a skill that’s nearly always going to be needed if you want to take on more responsibility or get promoted. 2. “I’m of course glad to do it the way you asked, but I want to flag that one possible problem is X.” If you think that something your manager is asking you to do is a bad idea, this framing can help you raise it without looking argumentative. You’re clearly saying that you’re perfectly happy to do what your boss has asked, but you’re also offering a perspective that she might not have considered and might find helpful. 3. “I realized that I’m not entirely sure what you meant when you said X earlier.” Sometimes your manager might say something that leaves you confused or even worried, but the conversation moved on before you had a chance to ask about it. That does not mean you are sentenced to leave with your uncertainty or worry forever, just because you missed your chance in the moment! It’s perfectly okay to ask about it later. In fact, most managers would strongly prefer that you do bring it up later, so that they have a chance to clarify whatever they meant. 4. “Can we talk about how I should prioritize?” I hear from a lot of people who are frustrated about their workloads but who haven’t asked for help in prioritizing. Instead, they assume they’re just supposed to get it all done quickly, and as a result they end up stressed out or letting things fall through the cracks. It’s important to realize that your manager may not realize how large your workload has become or that you have two big projects due on the same day or that other conflicts are getting in the way. Your manager is probably busy and has lots to juggle, and is relying on you to speak up if your workload has become unmanageable. If she’s decent at her job, she’ll be glad to give input on how you should prioritize – and even on what you might be able to push back or jettison altogether. 5. “Thanks for giving me that feedback – it’s really useful to hear.” Too often, people get upset or defensive when receiving critical feedback – and while that shouldn’t make managers hesitant to give feedback in the future, the reality is that it often does. Other people don’t have much of a reaction at all, leaving their managers stumped about whether they’re really processing the conversation. But if instead you’re cheerful and openly appreciative of the guidance, you’ll likely ensure that your boss gives you a steady stream of guidance that will help you get better and better at what you do. And you’ll probably be thought of us as exceptionally mature and easy to work with. 6. “Is there a way I could make it easier for you to give input?” If you have trouble getting the input from your boss that you need in order to move projects forward, try asking this question. You might find out that you’d get faster answers if you call rather than emailing, or if you grab your boss for two minutes in the hallway after the morning staff meeting, or even that she’ll spot your emails faster if you use a particular subject line structure, or all sorts of other possibilities. 7. “Can I repeat back my understanding of this assignment to make sure I’ve got it?” This is a particularly good question to ask if you’ve noticed that your boss sometimes doesn’t mention crucial details until you’re already halfway through an assignment (or worse, finished with it), or that you two don’t always leave conversations with the same understanding of what was agreed to. Giving a quick summary of what you’re taking away from the conversation may help her realize that she needs to share additional key details with you and will help you both spot places where you might not be on the same page. The post key phrases to use when you talk to your boss appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article