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Project closure is a critical process of project management. Explore key steps and best practices to help ensure successful project closure. The post Project Management Closure Phase: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

If you’re looking to strengthen your comprehension of small business accounting, consider exploring these seven fundamental books. Each title offers unique insights, from Mike Piper’s straightforward “Accounting Made Simple,” which lays a solid foundation, to Mike Michalowicz‘s “Profit First,” which challenges traditional cash management approaches. These resources can improve your financial literacy and decision-making skills. Grasping these concepts is vital for your business’s success, and each book provides valuable takeaways that can greatly influence your operations. Key Takeaways “Accounting Made Simple” offers a clear and concise introduction to essential accounting principles for beginners and small business owners. “The Accounting Game” engages readers through interactive learning, using a lemonade stand metaphor to simplify complex concepts. “Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs” provides practical insights on financial statements, empowering entrepreneurs to make informed business decisions. “Profit First” introduces a unique cash management approach that prioritizes profit, offering actionable tips for financial discipline. “Bookkeeping for Small Business” simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation processes, making accounting accessible for small business owners. Accounting Made Simple” by Mike Piper “Accounting Made Simple” by Mike Piper is an important resource for anyone looking to navigate the domain of accounting without feeling overwhelmed. This book stands out among the best accounting books for its straightforward approach, especially designed for beginners and small business owners. It breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, covering vital topics such as financial statements, the accounting equation, and GAAP principles. You’ll appreciate how it simplifies debits and credits as it introduces key financial reports and budgeting techniques. With its concise 100-page format, it serves as an effective quick reference guide. Positive reviews highlight its clarity and practicality, making it valuable for anyone wanting to grasp fundamental accounting principles quickly and efficiently. The Accounting Game” by Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff “The Accounting Game” by Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff presents a unique approach to learning fundamental accounting principles through the engaging metaphor of a lemonade stand. This book is an excellent choice among accounting books for beginners, as it covers crucial topics like assets, liabilities, and income statements using interactive exercises. The lemonade stand framework helps you visualize these concepts in a practical context, making it easier to grasp complex ideas. With a Goodreads rating of 4.2/5, it’s praised for its approachable style and effectiveness. The interactive approach not just aids retention but also encourages active engagement with the material, catering to various learning styles. Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs” by Karen Berman and Joe Knight Grasping financial statements can feel overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs who aren’t trained in accounting. “Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs” by Karen Berman and Joe Knight addresses this challenge by breaking down fundamental financial concepts into manageable parts. This book offers practical guidance on maneuvering balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, which are crucial for evaluating your business’s financial health. It emphasizes the significance of financial intelligence for entrepreneurs, enabling you to interpret data effectively for better decision-making. By demystifying financial concepts, Berman and Knight empower you to improve operational efficiency and drive growth. If you’re looking for valuable accounting business books, this one is a must-read for entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their strategic planning and profitability. Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz Comprehending how to manage finances is crucial for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business. “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz offers a transformative approach that shifts the traditional mindset about profit in business operations. This book introduces a revolutionary cash management system that prioritizes profit, urging you to allocate funds into profit accounts first. By following Michalowicz’s method, you can convert your business from a “cash-eating monster” into a “money-making machine.” The book outlines a straightforward method with separate accounts for income, profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses, promoting financial discipline. With practical tips and real-world examples, “Profit First” is one of the best books for small business owners seeking sustainable financial growth. Bookkeeping for Small Business” by Martin J. Kallman Effective bookkeeping is fundamental for small business success, and “Bookkeeping for Small Business” by Martin J. Kallman serves as a key resource. This thorough guide is customized for small business owners like you, offering practical tips for tracking income and expenses effectively. Kallman emphasizes preparing for taxes, as he simplifies bookkeeping intricacies that are crucial for financial management. The book covers key topics, including double-entry bookkeeping, financial reports, and cash flow management, equipping you with the tools needed to make informed financial decisions. With real-world examples and actionable advice, it makes complex accounting concepts accessible, empowering you to take control of your financial health, which contributes to the sustainability and growth of your business. Accounting All-in-One For Dummies” by Michael Taillard, Joseph Kraynak, and Kenneth W. Boyd “Accounting All-in-One For Dummies” serves as a thorough resource that covers vital accounting topics, making it ideal for both newcomers and those revitalizing their skills. With sections on financial and managerial accounting, along with business planning, this book provides a well-rounded grasp of the field. Its practical examples and clear explanations make complex concepts more accessible, especially for small business owners who may lack extensive accounting experience. Comprehensive Resource Overview Steering through the intricacies of small business accounting can be intimidating, but Accounting All-in-One For Dummies by Michael Taillard, Joseph Kraynak, and Kenneth W. Boyd serves as a valuable resource. This book is one of the good accounting books for beginners, covering fundamental topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, and business planning. You’ll find clear explanations and practical examples that simplify complex concepts, making it easier for you to grasp the material. The guide’s structure allows you to read it cover-to-cover or focus on specific sections that meet your immediate needs. Published in 2022, this updated edition incorporates the latest accounting standards, ensuring you’re well-equipped with current knowledge in today’s evolving financial environment. Beginner-Friendly Learning Approach Grasping accounting can seem intimidating, especially for those just starting out in business. “Accounting All-in-One For Dummies” offers a beginner-friendly learning approach that simplifies complex financial concepts. This resource stands out as one of the best books for small business owners by covering a wide range of topics, including financial accounting, managerial accounting, and business planning. It provides practical examples and clear explanations of crucial topics like financial statements and budgeting, ensuring you build a solid foundation in accounting. With its structured format, the book encourages you to make informed business decisions confidently. Topic Description Benefits Financial Accounting Basics of financial statements Learn to track business finances Managerial Accounting Internal decision-making processes Improve operational efficiency Business Planning Creating effective business strategies Improve long-term success The Lean CFO” by Nicholas S. Katko In the domain of financial management, The Lean CFO by Nicholas S. Katko stands out as one of the best accounting textbooks for those seeking efficiency in finance. This book explores how lean management principles can improve financial processes, allowing you to reduce waste and optimize operations. Katko provides practical strategies that CFOs and finance professionals can implement to align financial activities with overall business goals. Through case studies and real-world examples, you’ll see how applying lean principles can lead to significant cost savings and enhanced financial performance. It’s particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and CFOs aiming to streamline financial processes and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within their organizations, making it a must-read for your financial toolkit. Frequently Asked Questions What Accounting Books Focus on Small Businesses? If you’re searching for accounting books focused on small businesses, consider Accounting Made Simple by Mike Piper, which simplifies key concepts. *Bookkeeping for Small Business* by Martin J. Kallman offers practical tips on income tracking. For comprehension of financial statements, try Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Karen Berman and Joe Knight. Furthermore, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz provides cash management strategies, whereas The Accounting Game by Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff makes learning fun through engaging metaphors. What Books Should Accountants Read? As an accountant, you should consider reading “Accounting Made Simple” by Mike Piper for a solid foundation in accounting principles. “Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs” by Berman and Knight offers insights into financial statements, vital for decision-making. Furthermore, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz introduces a unique cash management system focused on profitability. Finally, “Accounting All-in-One For Dummies” provides a thorough overview, covering fundamental topics that every accountant should understand for effective practice. How Do I Learn Bookkeeping for My Small Business? To learn bookkeeping for your small business, start with Accounting Made Simple by Mike Piper for foundational concepts. Consider *The Accounting Game* by Darrell Mullis for hands-on practice. *Bookkeeping for Small Business* by Martin Kallman offers practical tips customized to entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs helps you grasp balance sheets and cash flow. Online courses can further improve your skills, making bookkeeping more interactive and applicable to your business needs. What Accounting Is Required for a Small Business? For your small business, you’ll need to maintain accurate financial records, tracking income, expenses, and cash flow. Crucial accounting includes preparing profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. You should adopt a reliable bookkeeping system to streamline financial management. Familiarizing yourself with accounting principles, like double-entry bookkeeping, helps prevent errors. Furthermore, utilizing accounting software can improve efficiency and guarantee compliance with legal and tax obligations, allowing you to focus on growth. Conclusion By exploring these seven crucial accounting books, you’ll gain valuable insights that can greatly improve your financial management skills. Each title offers unique approaches, from foundational principles in Accounting Made Simple to innovative cash flow strategies in Profit First. Whether you’re looking to understand financial statements or enhance your bookkeeping practices, these resources equip you with the knowledge needed for informed decision-making. Investing time in these books can lead to sustainable growth for your small business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Small Business Accounting Books to Read" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Oracle recently launched its Fusion Agentic Applications, a suite designed to enhance finance and supply chain operations through advanced AI capabilities. These innovative tools enable small business owners to automate decision-making and streamline operations within their existing workflows, promising improved efficiency and notable cost savings. Small business owners often face the daunting task of managing multiple processes with limited resources. According to Oracle’s Executive Vice President of Applications Development, Steve Miranda, “Finance and supply chain teams are under constant pressure to close faster, respond to disruptions sooner, and deliver more with the same resources.” Traditional manual follow-ups and handoffs can occupy valuable time, making it difficult to adapt promptly to changing business conditions. The newly introduced Fusion Agentic Applications aim to address these challenges by transitioning from reactive productivity to a proactive operational model. Each application operates under a secure framework, leveraging unified enterprise data and workflows to autonomously progress routine tasks while flagging exceptions that require human intervention. This reduces the need for manual oversight, allowing teams to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives. Key Takeaways Improved Efficiency: Small businesses can expect faster cash collection and fewer operational delays, as the applications are designed to automate routine tasks and enhance data-driven decisions. Enhanced Financial Accuracy: Features such as the Claims Settlement Workspace help finance teams improve cash accuracy and expedite claim processes, crucial for businesses that rely heavily on timely payments. Streamlined Operations: The Logistics Execution Command Center, for instance, minimizes fulfillment disruptions by consolidating functions within a single interface, promoting quicker problem resolution. Practical Applications Among the twelve new applications now available, several stand out for their practical relevance to small businesses: Claims Settlement Workspace: This application allows finance teams to accelerate the claims process, improving working capital and reducing cash cycle times. By automating these efforts, small businesses can achieve greater financial accuracy. Collectors Workspace: Intended to enhance cash flow management, this tool automates collections, helping firms lower their days sales outstanding (DSO) and convert more promises to pay into actual payments. Sales Order Command Center: A centralized hub that empowers customer service teams to manage sales order exceptions, respond quickly to queries, and streamline cancellations and returns, transforming what was once a labor-intensive process into a more efficient one. Even operations teams can benefit. For example, the Warehouse Operations Workspace offers warehouse personnel critical insights into stock levels and order status, allowing for faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency. Potential Challenges While the advantages are compelling, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. Transitioning to AI-driven applications requires some level of technological investment and staff training. The initial setup may demand time to integrate into current systems. There may also be a learning curve as employees adapt to new workflows established by the automated applications. As Miranda notes, these tools help teams operate with “greater confidence,” but effective implementation is essential for realizing these benefits. In addition, small businesses must evaluate how these applications fit into their unique operational landscape. They will need to consider factors such as existing technology, workforce capabilities, and the impact on customer interaction. It’s crucial for small business owners to weigh these factors before deciding to adopt new technologies fully. Conclusion Oracle’s Fusion Agentic Applications represent a substantial leap forward in automating finance and supply chain processes for small businesses. The tools promise to reduce operational friction and enhance efficiency, tackling the everyday challenges that small firms often face. If small business owners can navigate the initial adjustments and training, the potential for improved workflows, reduced costs, and increased cash flow could be transformative. For more information, you can read the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Oracle Launches AI-Driven Applications to Transform Finance and Supply Chain" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The market for buying and selling small businesses appears to be settling into a new rhythm in 2026, but stability has not made the process easier. If anything, competition for quality businesses has intensified, financing has grown more complicated, and buyers are becoming far more selective. That is one of the clearest takeaways from BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report, which paints a picture of a business acquisition market where quality matters more than quantity. For small business owners thinking about eventually selling, acquiring a competitor, or simply understanding how their company may be valued in today’s environment, the report offers signals worth watching. Small Business Deals Hold Steady, But Buyers Want Stronger Companies In the first quarter of 2026, 2,345 businesses changed hands with a combined enterprise value of $2 billion. Transaction volume slipped 1% year over year, though it rose 3% from the previous quarter, helped in part by deals delayed during the federal government shutdown that closed in early 2026. What stands out is not a booming surge in deal count, but where buyers are placing their money. Strong businesses with reliable cash flow, resilient margins, and scalable models are commanding attention and premium valuations. Meanwhile, companies with flat or declining performance face heavier scrutiny, longer sales cycles, and more negotiation pressure. “It is a bifurcated market. Strong, cash-flowing businesses are in high demand, and the current environment clearly favors sellers. At the same time, businesses with flat or declining performance tend to face more scrutiny and longer timelines, creating a more favorable environment for buyers in those situations,” said Jason Ward of TruView Business Advisors in Texas. For small business owners, that split carries major implications. Buyers may still be active, but they are no longer paying broadly rising prices across the board. They are rewarding performance. Median sale price held flat at $350,000 compared with a year ago, but fundamentals improved beneath the surface. Median cash flow climbed 3% to $165,256. Median revenue rose 2% to $713,404. Average cash flow multiples also edged higher to 2.7x. That suggests buyers are still willing to pay up—but primarily for businesses they see as low-risk, efficient, and positioned for growth. “There are more buyers looking for quality deals and doing more research and asking tougher questions before submitting an offer. I see less demand for businesses valued at less than $1 million,” said Justin W. Sandridge of Murphy Business Sales – Charlotte. Financing Changes Add Friction to Business Sales That tougher diligence process may feel familiar to many owners, even outside M&A. Investors, lenders, customers, and even vendors have become more demanding in an uncertain economy. The same caution is now showing up in business sales. For owners preparing an exit, this could mean focusing less on revenue growth alone and more on improving transferable value—clean books, recurring revenue, documented systems, strong margins, and defensible market positions. Those fundamentals may matter even more as financing grows harder to secure. New SBA Rules Are Reshaping Deal Structures One of the report’s more significant themes centers on stricter Small Business Administration 7(a) lending standards, which are reshaping transactions. Nearly half of brokers surveyed said lending conditions are making deals harder to complete. “The 5% seller down payment maximum, with full stand-by, is causing buyers to reconsider financing options and become a bit more cautious,” said Michael Finley of Infinity Business Brokers in Florida. “It is also making sellers nervous about offering 5%.” That matters because many acquisitions at the lower middle-market level rely heavily on SBA-backed financing. When lending tightens, deal structures often have to evolve. Seller financing, for example, is becoming increasingly important. Sixty-one percent of buyers surveyed hope seller financing will be included in deals, not simply as a convenience but often as a practical necessity. “Seller financing shows belief in the business,” said Patrick Murray, a buyer planning to purchase in Oklahoma. For sellers, that may require a mindset shift. Financing support is increasingly becoming part of how deals get done, not just a negotiating concession. Another lending change could also affect who can buy businesses. Since March, updated citizenship requirements for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans have narrowed access for green card holders and foreign nationals. “The SBA new rules not to loan to green card holders limited the number of buyers,” said Wen Karkhanis, Los Angeles-based business broker at BTI. For owners hoping to maximize exit options, a smaller buyer pool could affect timelines or deal structures, especially in markets where international buyers were previously active. Corporate Refugees and Private Equity Enter the Market Yet even as traditional financing tightens, the buyer pool itself is evolving. The report notes rising participation from private equity firms, former corporate professionals, and what some brokers call “corporate refugees”—buyers leaving or pushed out of traditional employment and seeking ownership. Nearly half of buyers surveyed identified as corporate refugees, up from 44% in the previous quarter. “More buyers are coming from corporate backgrounds, often driven by burnout or job concerns, and they’re focused on stable, cash flow businesses,” Ward said. That trend could be especially relevant for service businesses, which appear to be attracting intense demand. Service Businesses Remain Especially Attractive Service businesses represented 42% of all transactions in the quarter. While deal volume grew only modestly, valuations and financial performance rose much more sharply. Median service business sale prices jumped 13% to $350,000. Cash flow rose 7%. Revenue climbed 8%. Much of that demand is centered on businesses with recurring revenue and resilience. “We’re seeing the strongest buyer demand in service-based businesses and technology-driven platforms, particularly those with recurring revenue and strong cash flow,” said Carson Bomar of Exit Game Plan. “Buyers are prioritizing businesses with predictable income, lower exposure to tariffs, and the ability to adjust pricing to offset inflation. In addition, niche B2B services, especially in areas like healthcare support services and specialized SaaS, are attracting significant attention from both strategic buyers and private equity groups.” That could offer encouragement to many small business owners operating in home services, business services, health support, and software-enabled niches. AI Is Becoming Part of the Business Valuation Conversation Those sectors may be benefiting from another growing factor in valuations: AI readiness. Artificial intelligence emerged as a notable theme in the report, not simply as an operational tool but increasingly as a factor in how businesses are evaluated. Sixty-three percent of small business owners surveyed say they actively use AI. Among adopters, 83% say it has improved performance. Most cite productivity, automation, and cost reduction as major drivers. For owners preparing for eventual sale, that matters. Technology adoption—once a secondary consideration—may increasingly influence perceived scalability and efficiency. Buyers appear to be paying attention. “We’re seeing a meaningful uptick in inquiries from corporate professionals who’ve been laid off and are exploring business ownership,” said Caleb Seegers of Exceptional Business Advisors. “Buyers are also actively thinking about how AI tools can reduce operating costs post acquisition, and it’s changing how they evaluate deals and project proformas.” For smaller businesses, this could mean investments in automation, AI-enabled workflows, and operational efficiency may contribute not only to current profitability but future exit value. And AI isn’t only influencing acquisitions from the seller side. Concerns about job displacement are reportedly pushing some professionals toward business ownership. Thirty-seven percent of buyers cited AI replacing jobs as a motivator. That may add more demand pressure for acquisition targets seen as durable, cash-generating businesses. Inflation, Energy Costs and Global Uncertainty Weigh on Owners Still, the market is hardly operating in a vacuum. Geopolitical uncertainty and inflation continue weighing on small businesses and transactions alike. More than 70% of surveyed owners reported effects tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict, particularly through fuel and supply costs. “Fuel and energy costs keep climbing, but customers aren’t spending more,” said David McDougall, owner of Countertop World in Arkansas. Many owners report squeezed margins but limited pricing power. “We raised prices slightly, but we’re careful – being affordable is part of who we are,” said Arthur Littlefield, owner of White Oak Boutique in Colorado. “Any cost increase gets passed on to the customer. There’s no fat left,” added Joe Prescia, owner of American Joe Handyman in Colorado. Those pressures are influencing buyer behavior too. “There is some reluctance to buy due to the war and tariffs,” said one business broker. “However, sellers are also more open to selling due to the same issues, and they have more reasonable expectations around value.” That dynamic may create opportunities for acquisition-minded entrepreneurs, especially those with capital and patience. Manufacturing, Retail and Restaurants Show Sector-Specific Strength Certain sectors also appear showing resilience despite broader uncertainty. Manufacturing Deals Rebound Manufacturing transactions rose 16% year over year, though much of that growth occurred in smaller deals. Quarter-over-quarter figures pointed to stronger momentum, with sale prices and financial performance rebounding sharply. “We see dramatic growth in buyer responses to manufacturing listings. SBA lenders are also giving better terms and quick approvals on deals in manufacturing and technology,” said Karkhanis. Retail Buyers Focus on Profitability Retail also showed surprising strength. Even with acquisition volume down slightly, median sale prices rose 9%, and cash flow improved 6%. Buyers appear rewarding profitability over raw sales volume. Restaurants With Strong Cash Flow Still Draw Buyers Restaurants presented a similar pattern. Though transaction volume dipped 6%, businesses that sold fetched higher prices and stronger multiples, suggesting fewer but better-quality offerings reaching market. For independent operators in these industries, that may be a reminder that well-run businesses continue attracting demand, even in sectors often viewed as challenged. What Small Business Owners Should Take From the Report One broader lesson emerging from the report is that operational discipline increasingly drives valuation. That has practical implications even for owners not considering a sale. Improving margins. Documenting processes. Reducing owner dependence. Adding recurring revenue. Using AI or automation to boost efficiency. Strengthening pricing discipline. These are not just “exit prep” exercises anymore. They are increasingly core competitive advantages. The report also highlights how sophisticated competition for acquisitions has become. Private equity activity remains active. “We’re seeing a significant increase in private equity activity, particularly in service-based and recurring revenue businesses. PE groups remain active, but they are being more selective and disciplined in underwriting compared to prior years. There is a continued focus on platform opportunities and add-on acquisitions, with an emphasis on businesses that demonstrate stable cash flow, strong margins, and scalability,” Bomar said. That may raise the bar for smaller strategic buyers competing for attractive businesses. But it could also increase opportunities for sellers positioned well. Outlook for the Rest of 2026 According to the report, nearly two-thirds of brokers expect deal volume to rise over the next six months. “The market is currently characterized by strong buyer demand and limited supply, particularly for high-quality, cash flowing businesses,” said Jason Ward of TruView Business Advisors. “Well performing companies can command premium valuations, while inconsistent businesses face much more scrutiny.” That “limited supply” factor may be especially important. High-quality businesses remain scarce. When demand chases scarce assets, valuations can stay supported even amid uncertainty. Still, brokers repeatedly stress preparation. Deals are taking longer. Financing delays remain common. Due diligence is tougher. “We’re seeing solid buyer demand and a healthy pipeline of sellers, but banks have tightened lending and are taking longer, which adds friction to deals,” said Seegers. Similarly, Shep Campbell of M&A Specialists noted, “Buyer interest and inquiry volume stayed strong, but longer diligence timelines and financing delays offset what could have been a much stronger quarter.” That may push both buyers and sellers to prepare earlier than in prior cycles. For would-be buyers, that could mean lining up lenders early, understanding industry eligibility rules, and building realistic deal structures. For sellers, it may mean getting financials ready long before listing a business. “The market is balanced. Buyers are disciplined, and sellers who are properly advised and positioned are still achieving strong outcomes,” said Bomar. “The key is aligning expectations with market realities early in the process.” Quality Is Driving the Small Business Acquisition Market Perhaps the clearest message from the quarter is that small business acquisitions have become less about chasing deals and more about chasing quality. That shift may benefit disciplined operators. Owners who build durable, profitable companies may find stronger buyer interest. Buyers who understand value—not just price—may still uncover opportunities. And entrepreneurs considering acquisition as a growth strategy may find this environment rewards preparation more than speed. As Vipin Singh of Murphy Business Sales – Edison, NJ observed, “The small business M&A market has entered a high confidence phase. Buyers and sellers are no longer waiting for perfect conditions – they’re moving forward based on a stabilized backdrop and clearer expectations.” For small business owners, whether they plan to buy, build, or eventually sell, that may be the bigger takeaway. Markets may remain volatile. Financing may stay tight. Competition may intensify. But businesses with strong fundamentals still appear commanding attention. More detailed data and sector breakdowns from the report are available through the original BizBuySell Insight Report. And for owners wondering how today’s buyers might view their own businesses, that may be one of the more practical places to start. Images via BizBuySell This article, "Buyer Competition Intensifies for High-Quality Small Businesses, New Report Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google's Gemini AI has recently become more agentic and capable inside Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides—and now Microsoft is pushing out a similar upgrade for Copilot. These features have been in testing for a while, but they're now more widely available to individuals and companies who pay for any of the Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Essentially, Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can now do more on its own—not just offering advice and help, but actually taking over the business of creating and editing itself. There are a host of ways to use this, but here are just a few examples I tested to give you an idea of what's possible. If this kind of AI interference isn't for you, you can hide Copilot from view inside the Microsoft Office apps. On Windows, Choose File > Options > Copilot and uncheck Enable Copilot; on macOS, open the app menu (e.g. Word), then Preferences > Copilot. Copilot can draft and edit documents in Word Copilot in Word will do most of the writing for you, if you let it. Credit: Lifehacker Create a new document in Word, and via a prompt bar at the top, Copilot asks you to "Describe what you'd like to draft with Copilot"—so I asked for a 200-word introduction suitable for the foreword of a book on AI chatbots, written in a tone that's friendly, engaging, and accessible to anyone no matter what their technical level. You can also, via the + (plus) button, give it an existing file to work from. In seconds, I had a generic and stilted intro, processed from the mixing together of millions of human-crafted words and sentences. I then got a second prompt box for refining the text. I asked for my intro to be made more formal and verbose, and Copilot got to work, looking up longer and fancier words in its internal thesaurus. Click the Copilot button in the ribbon menu, and you get a side panel for requesting all kinds of edits and tweaks—whatever you can put in a prompt, Copilot can respond to. If your boss has said your report needs to be focused more on client benefits and real-world examples, Copilot can take care of it. You then get chance to review all of the edits that have been made, and accept or reject them. It's maybe worth saying at this point that I would never get AI to write anything for me, or even suggest edits or come up with alternative headlines or article ideas—not just because I think I can do these tasks better, but also because I'd like to engage my brain as much as possible for as long as possible. If you're happy with your work containing machine-written text, however, Copilot is certainly capable of it (and will absolutely make fewer typos than a flesh-and-blood human). Copilot can build and edit charts in Excel Copilot in Excel can create entire spreadsheets or make tiny edits. Credit: Lifehacker I'm much less familiar with spreadsheets than I am with articles, so I was interested to see how Copilot could help me out in Excel. There's no prompt box at the top of a blank sheet, like you get with Word documents, but you can call for AI assistance by clicking the Copilot button on the ribbon toolbar. Here I asked Copilot to create a demo spreadsheet showing 10 kids and their running times in a school sports day, putting the data in a simple table and in a chart. If you're a more serious Excel user than I am, you can get Copilot to combine data from existing spreadsheets and reports, as well as putting together spreadsheets from scratch. Copilot carried out my instructions with a reasonable amount of precision, though the chart was rather hit-or-miss and could've done with some neatening up (Copilot tried and failed to do some tidying on this). Follow-up edits were carried out well, and if you're exact about the changes you want, Copilot takes care of them for you. I'm not sure I'd trust Copilot with company financials, for example, but as far as spreadsheets-via-prompts goes, I was mostly impressed. Instead of manually tallying up rows and columns, tweaking formatting, or trying to figure out the exact formula you need for the job, you can get Copilot to take over. Copilot can create slideshows in PowerPoint Copilot in PowerPoint creating and editing slides. Credit: Lifehacker Finally, I took a look at what Microsoft's AI could do for me with a PowerPoint slideshow. Again, the Copilot button on the ribbon toolbar is the way into the AI editing capabilities, and this time I asked it to make a slide deck promoting Lifehacker. I wanted to test its ability to pull up information from the web and to put together an entire slideshow from scratch (something I've previously tried with Claude Design). I answered some questions about the length and tone of my slideshow, and then Copilot got to work. Overall, the AI was up to the challenge, albeit in that generic, template-like way that we're all now familiar with when it comes to these synthetic creations. Producing an accurate series of slides out of nothing in seconds is impressive, though, even if I think I could've done the job better given an hour or two. Prompt-based edits work fine. Want to change the color of a background? Just say so—it's quicker and easier than messing around with menus and toolbars, though perhaps not as satisfying. Whether you want to change the entire tone of a presentation or tack on an extra two slides of summaries, Copilot will do it. I can see these tools being useful, whether to get the basics done with the minimum of fuss, or to automate advanced edits and processes that would otherwise take up a substantial amount of time. I can also imagine many users just sticking with their current workflows. For me, I think I'll carry on doing my own Word, Excel, and PowerPoint tasks for now. View the full article

A reader writes: I work at a university managing the production aspects of the theater. I manage five staff members and one of them, Jane, can be hard to work with. She can be quite abrasive and abrupt, and I have already had several meetings with her to address the harsh tone she uses. She started this year and comes from a professional background where she needed to be very assertive in her role or she would not have been able to get anything done. Her job now requires lots of student interaction and direction and she is speaking to them like she would these professional crew members she encountered in the past and some of the students feel like she is disrespecting and talking down to them. On top of this, she manages two other staff members who have stated to me privately that they are finding it extremely hard to work for her because of the way she speaks to them. The chair of the department has even mentioned once or twice how he was taken aback by how she spoke to him. She does not single anyone out, and does take my feedback and is improving, but she has a long way to go before she is where I think she needs to be. Other than her tone, I am happy with the quality of the work she does. Her department has tackled some major projects this year with flying colors but she just rubs people the wrong way. I am worried she will drive students away because she will get (and is already getting) a reputation as being disrespectful and unpleasant to work for. How much can I push her to change what seems to be a genuine personality trait? It does not feel fair to me to expect her to change so much and not also expect her subordinates and the students to meet her halfway. Am I wrong to think this is a two-way street and should counsel people to be patient with her as we work on improving? We have our reviews coming up and I plan to discuss this with her and her subordinate separately, I am just not sure how much to push her to change. This is the first time I’ve had to manage a subordinate with the combination of great work but bad personality and I would appreciate any guidance. First things first: I’m assuming that you’ve witnessed what people are talking about and Jane truly is being excessively abrupt or harsh, and this isn’t just people bristling at a woman being no-nonsense in a way they wouldn’t if she were a man. If the latter is what’s happening, you have a different problem to deal with, but based on what you’ve described, I’m guessing that’s not the case. So with that caveat in place… The fact that something is a genuine personality trait doesn’t make it inherently okay to indulge it at work or mean that managers and colleagues are obligated to overlook it. After all, some people’s personalities include extreme grumpiness or impatience, or unwillingness to make decisions, or dismissiveness, or a mocking sense of humor, or quickness to anger. “That’s just who she is” doesn’t make those behaviors okay at work; they’re still things that an employee needs to rein in and a manager needs to address, because they’re disruptive and will impact other people’s quality of life and make them not want to work with the person. Jane being curt and abrasive to the point that people don’t want to work with her is a work problem, not just a personality trait. It’s absolutely your business — and really, your job — to address it with her and to hold her accountable for changing it. That would be true regardless, but there’s additional urgency here because Jane works with students — and presumably your team can’t be successful if it’s driving off students or quenching their love of theater. Nor should you ask students and colleagues to “meet her halfway,” just as you (hopefully) wouldn’t ask them to meet a yeller or a harasser halfway. When someone is engaged in behavior that should be off-limits at work, asking others to meet them halfway out of a sense of fairness is actually profoundly unfair and would be an awfully demoralizing thing to do to people with less power than her (like students or any employees who are junior to her) … and for everyone else, it’s highly likely to make them question your judgment. The message to Jane needs to be: “We’ve talked about this previously but it’s continuing and I need to see real change. You cannot speak to students or other staff members with the tone you’ve been using. In order to remain in this role, you need people to want to work with you and if they leave interactions with you feeling disrespected or dismissed, they won’t want to approach you again.” Ideally you’d ground this in specific examples to the extent that you can (like, “When you Michael asked you for X, you rolled your eyes and used a dismissive tone” or whatever specifics you can give). If Jane isn’t able to incorporate this feedback and make significant changes very soon, you should start considering the reality that she may not be well-suited for this particular role. “Students and colleagues feel supported when working with you and aren’t afraid to approach you” is as much a reasonable requirement of the job as anything else about her work is. More on this here: my employee identifies proudly as a grump The post my employee is abrasive — can I ask others to be patient while I coach her? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Learn how to write a project proposal that earns stakeholder buy-in using a step-by-step guide, use case examples, and a free downloadable template. The post How to Write a Project Proposal (+ Free Examples) appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Companies redraw $135bn alliance as ChatGPT maker seeks greater independence to increase revenuesView the full article

Technology tycoons Elon Musk and Sam Altman are poised to face off in a high-stakes trial revolving around the alleged betrayal, deceit and unbridled ambition that blurred the bickering billionaires’ once-shared vision for the development of artificial intelligence. The trial, which is scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection, centers on the 2015 birth of ChatGPT maker OpenAI as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion. The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival. Those perceived risks are among the reasons that Musk, the world’s richest person, cites for filing an August 2024 lawsuit that will now be decided by a jury and U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California. The civil lawsuit accuses Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, and his top lieutenant, Greg Brockman, of double-crossing Musk by straying from the San Francisco company’s founding mission to be an altruistic steward of a revolutionary technology. The lawsuit alleges they shifted into a moneymaking mode behind his back. OpenAI has brushed off Musk’s allegations as an unfounded case of sour grapes that’s aimed at undercutting its rapid growth and bolstering Musk’s own xAI, which he launched in 2023 as a competitor. Trial promises clashing testimony from two tech titans Musk, who invested about $38 million in OpenAI from December 2015 through May 2017, initially was seeking more than $100 billion in damages. But any damages now are likely to be much smaller after a series of pre-trial rulings that went against Musk. Musk has since abandoned a bid for damages for himself and instead is seeking an unspecified amount of money to be paid to fund the altruistic efforts of OpenAI’s charitable arm. The money would be paid primarily by OpenAI’s for-profit operations, and Microsoft, which became the company’s biggest investor after Musk cut off his funding. Musk’s lawsuit also seeks Altman’s ouster from OpenAI’s board. Musk’s decision to stop funding the company contributed to a bitter falling out between the former allies. Musk says he was responding to deceptive conduct that OpenAI’s board picked up on when it fired Altman as CEO in 2023 before he got his job back days later. But the trial also carries risks for Musk, who last month was held liable by another jury for defrauding investors during his $44 billion takeover of Twitter in 2022. Any damaging details about Musk and his business tactics could be particularly hurtful now because his rocket ship maker, SpaceX, plans to go public this summer in an initial public offering that could make him the world’s first trillionaire. However it turns out, the trial is expected to provide riveting theater, with contrasting testimony from two of technology’s most influential and polarizing figures in the 54-year-old Musk and the 41-year-old Altman. “Part of this is about whether a jury believes the people who will testify and whether they are credible,” Gonzalez Rogers said during a court hearing earlier this year while explaining why she believe the case merited a trial. The judge will make the final decision on the case, with the jury serving in an advisory role. Evidence has included glimpses of the AI race’s early days Musk, whose estimated fortune stands at about $780 billion, has long been hailed as a visionary for his roles creating digital payment pioneer PayPal, electric automaker Tesla and rocket ship maker SpaceX. But he has also provoked backlashes with his social media commentary, unfulfilled promises about Tesla’s self-driving technology and his cost-cutting role last year in President Donald The President’s administration. Some of Musk’s erratic behavior has been tied to allegations of taking hallucinogenic drugs, but Gonzalez Rogers ruled that he can’t be asked during the trial about his suspected use of ketamine. But the judge is allowing Musk to be questioned about his attendance at the 2017 Burning Man festival in Nevada, a free-wheeling celebration known for widespread drug use. The judge is also allowing Musk to be questioned about his relationship with former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis, the mother of several of his children. Altman, currently sitting on a roughly $3 billion fortune, didn’t emerge in the public consciousness until the late 2022 release of ChatGPT. The tech boom triggered by that conversational chatbot has led some to liken Altman to a 21st-century version of the nuclear bomb inventor, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Although Altman was initially hailed as trailblazer he is now facing blowback amid worries about AI’s potential dangers. Earlier this month, the New Yorker magazine published a profile that painted him as an unscrupulous executive. Days later, a 20-year-old man worried about AI’s effect on humanity was arrested on attempted murder charges after throwing a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s San Francisco home. The dueling testimonies of Altman and Musk are expected to open a window into some of the thinking that helped trigger the AI race, as well as the unraveling of their friendship. The kinship was forged in 2015 when they agreed to build AI in a more responsible and safer way than the profit-driven companies controlled by Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, according to evidence submitted ahead of the trial. Details of the bitter break between the two men were captured in a February 2023 email exchange that surfaced as part of the evidence leading up to the trial. After letting Musk know “you’re my hero,” Altman tells him: “I am tremendously thankful for everything you’ve done to help —I don’t think OpenAI would have happened without you — and it really (expletive) hurts when you publicly attack OpenAI.” Musk’s response: “I hear you and it is certainly not my intention to be hurtful, for which I apologize, but the fate of civilization is at stake.” —Barbara Ortutay and Michael Liedtke AP Technology Writers View the full article

Microsoft teased new AI reporting features within Bing Webmaster Tools that enhance the AI performance reports and other reports around AI. The new features that were showcased include citation share, grounding query intent, GEO-focused recommendations. More details. Several shared screenshots of this presentation that was given by Krishna Madhavan from Microsoft at SEO Week today in New York City. Here are some of those slides: Bing Webmaster Tools just dropped some VERY COOL stuff at #SEOWeek 2026 Citation Share, Grounding Query Intent (15 pre-defined intents), and GEO-focused recommendations. The gap between Bing's transparency and Google's is getting harder to ignore. Cc @rustybrick @glenngabe pic.twitter.com/kOMhVyQvpQ— Azeem Ahmad (@AzeemDigital) April 27, 2026 Bing webmaster tools owning SEO & GEO @kmadhavan77 Citarion share Intent Topics Geo recomendaciones Exclusive for #seoweek pic.twitter.com/H2arlFtS8R— MJ Cachón (@mjcachon) April 27, 2026 Not live yet. These new features and reporting do not seem live yet but Microsoft still showed them off. Why we care. More transparency into how your content is performing within the AI search results is useful. So we all welcome additional reporting from Bing Webmaster Tools. It is not clear exactly how these reports will work and when they may be live for you and me, but you can read those posts for more details. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

If you’re reading this, you’re likely an SEO aficionado like me. I’m a seasoned SEO with 10+ years of agency experience. Being on the agency side gave me deep SEO expertise, exposure to top industry talent, and experience working with some of the world’s most well-known brands. I did a bit of everything on the agency side — from technical SEO to content marketing to new business. Working at an agency is nothing like working in-house. After a long run on the agency side, I moved in-house for the first time. Here are seven things I’ve learned since making the switch. 1. Owning performance changes how SEO is evaluated On the agency side, when performance drops, you know the drill: a frantic message hits your inbox — traffic is down — and the client needs a report on what’s happening by yesterday. You then spend the next few hours in the SEO trenches analyzing search trends, tracking ranking changes, and digging through Google Search Console to find your answers. You cross your T’s. Dot your I’s. You beautify that report a bit. And — finally — you fire it off to your client. After sending the report, you may get a few questions from the client. A little back and forth, but for the most part, your job is done. The fire drill is over. You’ve done everything you can from the agency perspective. On to the next client on your roster. This situation looks a lot different on the in-house side. From my new perspective, receiving that agency report is just the beginning. Now, I’m the one on the hook for translating that analysis, figuring out how to socialize it, and turning it into a concrete action plan to turn performance around. I always knew my clients were under a lot of stress. I figured their bosses were the ones catching the dips and asking difficult questions, leading to that inevitable frantic message in my inbox. But, boy, it hits differently when you’re the one getting asked those difficult questions. When you’re in-house, you aren’t just reporting on a dip in performance — it feels like you’re defending your entire SEO strategy. The way you frame that data can make or break the projects or the direction you’re taking the program. It’s a lot of pressure — and it’s different when you’re responsible for the results. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with 2. Execution matters more than deliverables On the agency side, the deliverable is the destination. You spend hours researching, analyzing, and refining a beautiful slide deck. Each slide flows, tells a story, and looks pristine. I mastered this — and did it fast. Now that I’m in-house, I’ve realized the deliverable isn’t the destination anymore. It’s all about the execution. I was lucky enough during my agency days to have one engagement where I was deeply embedded in day-to-day operations. I was doing things like building dev tickets, reviewing Figma designs, and actually pushing CMS updates. I thought I knew exactly what execution looked like. But executing while in-house is way more challenging than I expected. In order to execute on an SEO strategy, you have to work through the entire org to bring your vision to life. You need to coordinate with the design team to review Figma designs. You need to align messaging and copy with PMMs. You need to work with project managers to make sure deadlines are being met. You need to work with devs to make sure the technical implementation is correct. It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s messy. And — quite often — it’s pretty frustrating. But here’s the truth: once you move from polished decks to pushing changes live, you become 10x the SEO you were before. Dig deeper: Why branding matters for in-house SEO teams 3. The shift from agency partner to internal stakeholder One of the more interesting parts of making the switch to in house, was that suddenly, I became the client. I’m the one on the other end of the video call. I’m the one receiving the strategy docs. I’m the one calling all the shots. And honestly? It’s been a huge (and super exciting) opportunity to take everything that I’ve learned on the agency side and put it into action. And I’ve gotten to decide what type of client I want to be. I had a wide range of clients on the agency side. Some disappeared. Some were demanding and made every call tense. Some pushed impossible deadlines. Some didn’t trust my judgment. Some couldn’t execute the strategy. You name it — I’ve probably experienced that type of challenging client. Then I had dream clients — kind, collaborative, and treated me like an equal. Calls felt like catching up with a friend before getting into SEO. They could take a strategy and execute without being demanding or difficult. That was the client I wanted to be. And that’s the client I strive to be, too. 4. Storytelling matters more than strategy I’m a technical SEO at heart. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the indexing rate improve after an XML sitemap refresh. Or seeing a massive improvement to Largest Contentful Paint after implementing Core Web Vitals optimizations. Or even a perfectly executed hreflang optimization to target your key international markets. Chef’s kiss — it warms my technical SEO heart to see all this work get executed. The problem? Your execs don’t understand that technical jargon. That’s where storytelling becomes your best friend. And I’d say it’s almost as important as the execution itself. Because it doesn’t matter if you do all this SEO work if your bosses can’t understand it. You need to tell a story about what you did, why you did it, and the results. All in a simple, easy-to-understand format — ideally with a pretty visual right next to it. Let’s take, for example, hreflang optimizations. You realize that hreflang is important. But how do you make it seem important for an exec so that they can understand it? What I do is pretty simple. I explain the background behind why I’m doing what I’m doing and frame it in simple terms. Instead of saying that we updated hreflang to target France correctly, I would frame it as improving the search experience for France searchers. I’d then show a SERP screenshot of before the optimizations to show incorrect targeting, and follow it up with an updated screenshot with correct targeting. Lastly, I’d share results — ideally, an increase in CTR, traffic, or conversions. (Side note: If you’re one of my agency partners reading this, you know I ask for an insane amount of screenshots — but this is exactly why I do it.) Following this formula allows you to: Explain why we implemented the optimization (in this case, incorrect targeting in France). Show what users are seeing in the market. Demonstrate that this optimization achieved business results. It’s a simple blueprint that makes it easy for execs to understand the importance of your optimizations. I know it may seem small, but storytelling is one of the secrets to success in in-house life. Dig deeper: How to use the three-act structure for data storytelling Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. 5. SEO depends on cross-functional collaboration In a massive organization, it’s so easy to live on an SEO island. If you’re not collaborating, you can easily find yourself on a beach hanging out with a volleyball named Wilson — just optimizing <title> tags, writing meta descriptions, and optimizing on-page copy for keywords. But there’s absolutely no way you’re going to get anything meaningful done without the support and assistance from others within your organization. You need to be a team player. And cross-functional collaboration is important for success. After years on the agency side, I learned to move fast — really fast. When I went in-house, I tried to keep that pace. I wanted to make changes, test, and see results immediately. I saw documentation as a hurdle, and large cross-functional meetings without progress as a waste of time. Quickly, I found out that’s not the case. You need the support of those partners in cross-functional meetings to get things done. It takes time to get to know your cross-functional teams and understand what they’re good at, what their goals are, and — crucially — where they need support. I’ve learned that once you understand the developer’s sprint capacity or a product marketing manager’s roadmap, you can stop just requesting things from them and start partnering with them to get things done. When you align your SEO goals with their existing priorities, you stop being a line item in their backlog and start becoming a teammate. In-house, having a teammate in engineering or product is the difference between a strategy that sits in a slide deck and one that actually ships. 6. Taking initiative and trusting your judgment OK, fine, I added a cliché to the list. But in the in-house world, it might be the most important one. I’ve been given this advice several times throughout my career. If you want to get something done, go get it done. Don’t wait around for permission from your bosses to do something that will have a significant impact. If you wait for permission, you may never get anything done. That’s why I ask for forgiveness — not permission. When I started in-house, I knew the team was lean. I knew my bosses had a million things on their plates. And, most importantly, I knew they hired me for a reason: to drive organic growth. During my first few weeks, I remember asking myself, “Can I launch this content?” “Can I expand into this market?” “Am I allowed to test this tactic?” And then it hit me: This is exactly why I’m here. They hired me to make these decisions and move the needle, not to add more approval meetings to their calendars. And if I asked for permission for everything, I would never be able to get anything done. This is why I trust my instincts when it comes to SEO strategy and execution. I rely on my 10+ years of experience in the SEO game. If I think something is going to drive growth for the business, I don’t just sit around and wait for permission to do something. I execute. And if something doesn’t turn out exactly how I had planned? That’s when I take the forgiveness route. Dig deeper: 5 lessons from delivering bad SEO news to executives 7. Seeing SEO work translate into business impact I did a lot of high-impact, business-changing work during my agency life. I’ve built the strategies, seen them come to life on a site, and watched them drive results. Driving results and building case studies have always been my favorite part of the job. However, when you’re sitting agency-side, you’re often the silent partner in those results, not the owner. Now that I’m in-house, I get to see my projects come to life on the site — and it’s pretty cool. During my first few months in-house, I knew I wanted to make an impact quickly. I implemented a few of my high-impact, low-effort optimizations — the ones I would typically implement for a new client I had just onboarded. After reviewing monthly reports, I saw an insane spike in performance that lined up exactly with a significant site update we implemented. I remember thinking, “Wait, was that us?” The answer: It sure was. I then created my first case study and shared the results throughout our organization. And, shockingly (to me, anyway), people were really interested. Within my first three months, I found myself sharing those results at our entire company’s all-hands meeting — something I never expected to happen. I used to think a massive organization wouldn’t be interested in SEO, but I was wrong. When it comes to moving the needle for the business, everyone cares. So, yeah, it’s always fun to get SEO results. But it’s a lot cooler when you’re in-house. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Is making the switch worth it? That’s for you to decide Making the switch from agency to in-house life has been a lot of adjectives for me. Exhausting, challenging, and exciting are some of the first that come to mind. But the biggest takeaway after one year in-house? I’ve learned a lot. I hope you can take these seven lessons and apply them to your own journey — whether you’re at an agency or leading an in-house team right now. The transition isn’t always easy, but for me, seeing the strategy finally turn into reality has made every cross-functional meeting and performance fire drill worth it. View the full article

Yum Brands is delivering on its promise to shutter hundreds of Pizza Hut locations. Three months after the fast-food giant announced its intention to close 250 underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants during the first half of 2026, the chain’s U.S. footprint appears to be notably smaller, according to a Fast Company analysis. A review of local media reports, online review platforms such as Yelp and Google Reviews, and Pizza Hut’s own store locator tool has found more than 50 locations that have closed in recent months, spanning cities across the United States. The true tally is likely much higher. Ranjith Roy, CFO of Yum Brands, indicated on an earnings call in February that the “targeted closures” were expected to be completed by July 1. The closures are part of the brand’s “Hut Forward” turnaround plan, which also includes marketing support and technological upgrades to some existing stores. Yum Brands has not publicly identified the stores targeted for closure. Fast Company has reached out to Yum Brands for comment. Pizza Hut is still growing globally. Last year, it opened 1,184 new locations across 65 countries. But the United States now represents a smaller percentage of the division’s overall sales—it was 40% at the end of last year, compared to 43% four years earlier. Meanwhile, China has grown from 16% to 19% over that same period. Yum Brands also owns KFC and Taco Bell. Shares of the Louisville-based restaurant group (NYSE: YUM) have slightly outperformed the broader S&P 500 this year. As of Monday, the stock was up roughly 5% for 2026. Pies in the sky In November 2025, Yum Brands said it was undertaking a strategic review of Pizza Hut, which could ultimately result in a sale. Investors will be eagerly awaiting for an update on the company’s progress when it next reports earnings on Wednesday. In the meantime, Pizza Hut stores have been disappearing quickly from cities around the country. California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio appear to be among the states that have been hit especially hard so far. Some of the stores that have closed were the only Pizza Hut restaurants in town, such as a location in Dillon, Montana, that was reported shuttered in March by users in a local Facebook group. Phone calls to some recently closed Pizza Hut locations reveal that the listed numbers have already been transferred to other businesses in some cases, including one former Pizza Hut in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, whose number now rings a local Domino’s Pizza. As of December 2025, Pizza Hut had just under 20,000 locations globally, 68% of which were located in other countries, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Over 99% of the stores in Yum’s Pizza Hut Division are operated by franchisees. Which Pizza Hut stores have closed? Yum Brands has not publicly released a detailed list of stores impacted by its Hut Forward plan. However, according to a Fast Company review, the Pizza Hut locations listed below have closed in recent months. The list, which includes more than 50 stores across 20 states, is likely not complete. Individual restaurants can close for various reasons, and it was not immediately clear if all the restaurants below were targeted as part of the Hut Forward plan or if they have shuttered for another reason. Fast Company has reached out to Yum Brands for additional details. We may update this list as we learn the fate of additional stores. Arizona 6671 E Baseline Rd Studio # 121, Mesa, AZ 85206 420 E Bell Rd Ste C101 Phoenix, AZ 85022 California 4558 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807 6911 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111 20377 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746 9118 Alondra Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706 7253 Boulder Ave a-6, Highland, CA 92346 12003 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680 1758 S Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 19725 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 112 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832 11115 Crenshaw Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303 366 N Harbor Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631 11550 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90601 9111 Imperial Hwy., Downey, CA 90242 366 N Harbor Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631 7779 Garvey Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770 Florida 1616 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 Iowa 1211 Silent Prairie Rd, Le Mars, IA 51031 Indiana 4264 N Cypress Ln, Bloomington, IN 47404 Oklahoma 413 S Green Ave, Purcell, OK 73080 Ohio 5840 Darrow Rd, Hudson, OH 44236 4118 OH-43, Kent, OH 44240 1715 OH-59, Kent, OH 44240 1208 Tiffin Ave, Findlay, OH 45840 Oregon 244 S Main St, Dallas, OR 97338 Pennsylvania 900 N Hanover St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 145 Sheraton Dr, New Cumberland, PA 17070 101 Cavasina Dr Canonsburg, PA 15317 Kansas 1001 E 7th St, Galena, KS 66739 S 69 Hwy Columbus, KS 66725 Kentucky 597 S L Rogers Wells Blvd, Glasgow, KY 42141 4507 N Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501 Louisiana 1821 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508 Michigan 9728 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106 Missouri 9245 Gravois Rd Affton, MO 63123 Minnesota 105 S Oak Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060 1310 MN-15 #102, Hutchinson, MN 55350 Montana 401 Park Ave, Anaconda, MT 59711 800 N Idaho St, Dillon, MT 59725 Nebraska 2662 Cornhusker Hwy Ste 2B, Lincoln, NE 68521 North Carolina 960 W Main St, Rockwell, NC 28138 Texas 1300 S Cage Blvd Suite 15, Pharr, TX 7857 2113 Andrews Hwy, Odessa, TX 79761 South Carolina 6432 Two Notch Rd Ste S, Columbia, SC 29223 South Dakota 101 N Splitrock Blvd, Brandon, SD 57005 Virginia 1001 Leatherwood Ln, Bluefield, VA 24605 Washington 304 S 1st St, Selah, WA 98942 421 Roosevelt Ave, Enumclaw, WA 98022 5160 Borgen Blvd Suite B, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 West Virginia 218 Park Dr Suite G, Weirton, WV 26062 Wisconsin 2727 S Business Dr #462, Sheboygan, WI 53081 This story is developing… View the full article

Two years ago, Josephine Timperman arrived at college with a plan. She declared a major in business analytics, figuring she’d learn niche skills that would stand out on a resume and help land a good job after college. But the rise of artificial intelligence has scrambled those calculations. The basic skills she was learning in things like statistical analysis and coding can now easily be automated. “Everyone has a fear that entry-level jobs will be taken by AI,” said the 20-year-old at Miami University in Ohio. A few weeks ago, Timperman switched her major to marketing. Her new strategy is to use her undergraduate studies to build critical thinking and interpersonal skills — areas where humans still have an edge. “You don’t just want to be able to code. You want to be able to have a conversation, form relationships and be able to think critically, because at the end of the day, that’s the thing that AI can’t replace,” said Timperman, who is keeping analytics as a minor and plans to dive deeper into the subject for a one-year master’s program. Today’s college students say that picking a major that’s “AI-proof” feels like shooting at a moving target as they prepare for a job market that could be fundamentally different by the time they graduate. As a result, many are reconsidering their career paths. About 70% of college students see AI as a threat to their job prospects, according to a 2025 poll by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, while recent Gallup polling finds U.S. workers are increasingly concerned about being replaced by new technologies. Students seeking majors that teach ‘human’ skills The uncertainty appears most concentrated among those pursuing degrees in technology and vocational areas of study, where students feel a need to develop expertise in AI but also fear being replaced by it. A recent Quinnipiac poll found the vast majority of Americans believe it’s “very” or “somewhat” important for college and university students to be taught how to use AI, as Gallup Workforce polling finds AI is getting adopted in technology-related fields at higher rates. Meanwhile, students studying healthcare and natural sciences may be less impacted by AI overhauls, Gallup found. “We see students all the time change majors. That’s not new or different. But it’s usually for a ton of different reasons,” said Courtney Brown, a vice president at Lumina, an education nonprofit focused on increasing the number of students who seek education beyond high school. “The fact that so many students say it’s because of AI — that is startling.” A recent Gallup poll of Generation Z youth and adults, between the ages of 14 and 29, found increasing skepticism and concerns about AI. Although half of Gen Z adults use AI at least “weekly,” and teenagers report higher use, many in this generation see drawbacks to the technology and worry about AI’s impact on their cognitive abilities and job prospects. About half — 48% — of Gen Z workers say the risks of AI in the workforce outweigh the possible benefits. Part of the challenge for college students is that the experts they would typically turn to for advice, like advisers, professors and parents, don’t have any answers. “Students are having to navigate this on their own, without a GPS,” says Brown. That uncertainty was evident last month at Stanford University, where the leaders of several prominent universities gathered for a wide-ranging panel discussion on the future of higher education. Topics of concern included the AI revolution that is transforming how students learn and forcing educators to rethink pedagogy. “We need to think really hard about what students need to learn to be successful in the job market in 10, 20, 30 years,” said Brown University President Christina Paxson. “And none of us know. We don’t know the answer to that,” Paxson said. “I think it’s communication, it’s critical thought. The fundamentals of a liberal education are probably more important than learning how to code in Java right now.” Anxiety also reaches computer science majors Computer science major Ben Aybar, 22, graduated last spring from the University of Chicago and applied for about 50 jobs, mostly in software engineering, without getting a single interview. He pivoted to a master’s degree in computer science and meanwhile has found part-time work doing AI consulting for companies. “People who know how to use AI will be very valuable,” said Aybar, who sees new jobs emerging that require AI skills, particularly for people who can explain the complexities in layman’s terms. “Being able to talk to people and interact with people in a very human way I think is more valuable than ever.” At the University of Virginia, data science major Ava Lawless is wondering if her major is worthwhile but can’t get concrete answers. Some advisers feel that data scientists will be safe because they’re the ones building AI models, but she keeps seeing gloomy job reports that indicate the contrary. “It makes me feel a bit hopeless for the future,” Lawless said. “What if by the time I graduate there’s not even a job market for this anymore?” She is considering switching to studio art, which is her minor. “I’m at a point where I’m thinking if I can’t get a job being a data scientist, I might as well pursue art,” she said. “Because if I’m going to be unemployed, I might as well do something I love.” The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Jocelyn Gecker and Linley Sanders, Associated Press View the full article

Debate over holding a sleaze inquiry will be another difficult moment for the embattled prime ministerView the full article

A new cafe in Stockholm just opened its doors and, though there’s a human behind the counter making drinks and light bites, an AI manager is calling the shots. Andon Cafe is the latest autonomous organization experiment run by AI research company Andon Labs, tasking its AI to sell coffee and manage European bureaucracy. The result? Curious customers, $1,000 in sales in four days, and a lot of surplus supplies. A viral experiment Like the company’s AI-run retail experiment in San Francisco, Andon Labs secured a lease in Stockholm on a quaint corner coffee shop, then handed it over to an AI—in this case, Mona, powered by Gemini. At the beginning of the experiment, Mona spent the first few days signing a three-year fixed price electricity contract, creating fire safety documents, applying to permits, designing a menu, and contacting suppliers. And because Mona can’t physically perform tasks in the real world, it also set out to recruit, interview and hire a human staff. The company specified via social media that, as a controlled experiment, Andon Cafe’s staff is employed by Andon Labs. “No one’s livelihood depends on an AI’s judgment alone,” the post says. While Mona is often encouraging to its staff, calling them “legends” or “the goat,” it also has eccentric tasks like midnight assignments to staff or asking them to buy supplies with their personal credit card. Mona also takes initiative to think ahead, even when the results don’t necessarily make sense in the real world. For instance, Mona ordered 120 eggs despite the venue’s kitchen not having a stove. “When told they couldn’t be boiled, she suggested baking them in the high-speed Merrychef oven,” the Andon Labs announcement on X said. “Mona’s barista had to step in: ‘I can guarantee you they will explode.'” The customers who provided field notes via X also shared that these nonsensical orders are common, according to one of the baristas. “A pile of packages just arrived. It seems the cafe agent ordered 3000 nitrile gloves,” he shared. “The guy running the bar told me this happens about once per day. And then showed me the stock of toilet paper they have now for a cafe with maybe one visitor per hour.” The cafe has gone viral since the visitors post. The user provided an update via X: “Barista says barely had time to breathe or do the dishes. Also agent ordered ~1300 cherry tomatoes.” Not Andon’s first AI rodeo And while Andon Cafe might be the world’s first AI-run cafe, it is not the first autonomous organization experiment run by Andon Labs. Earlier in March, the company shared it had given “an AI a 3 year retail lease” in San Francisco, tasking it with making a profit. The AI manager, Luna, similarly set out to hire humans, while also designing a brand identity like the store’s logo: a happy face with the phrase “Andon Market.” Luna took care of product selection filling the store with books around singularity and superintelligence, and artwork designed by the AI. “She spent over $700 on getting her artwork done on gallery-quality giclée prints,” Andon Labs explained. But the experiment serves not only as a fun gimmick for passerby, it also raises concerns regarding the chain of command in the age of AI. “As AI is integrated more widely, humans will not be able to stay in the loop,” Andon Labs shared on X. Some users poked fun at it, with one saying, “Who is Karen going to complain to?” But others are taking the cafe as a look into what is ahead. “Not sure how I feel about it or why this would be better than human management besides it being cheaper,” a user shared on X. “Humans add warmth, even at corporate levels. We are social beings.” View the full article

Cross-selling training focuses on teaching sales professionals how to effectively suggest complementary products to improve customer experiences. This training is vital for sales success, as it can boost conversion rates and increase revenue. By comprehending customer needs and behaviors, you can build trust and nurture loyalty. Learning to identify cross-selling opportunities and the ethical considerations involved can transform your sales approach. But what specific techniques can you implement to maximize your effectiveness? Key Takeaways Cross-selling training equips sales professionals with techniques to suggest complementary products, increasing conversion rates and revenue. It enhances customer satisfaction by providing tailored solutions based on customer needs and behavior insights. Training minimizes common mistakes, fostering a more customer-centric approach in sales interactions. Effective cross-selling strategies help build long-term customer relationships, leading to increased loyalty and repeat purchases. Understanding ethical considerations in cross-selling ensures recommendations genuinely benefit customers, preserving trust and credibility. Definition of Cross-Selling and Its Importance Cross-selling is a strategic sales approach that involves suggesting complementary products or services to customers who’ve already made a purchase. It’s vital for boosting revenue since it capitalizes on existing customer trust, often leading to conversion rates of up to 25%. By effectively engaging with current customers, you can greatly improve their experience as you address additional needs. Cross-selling training is important as it equips you with the skills to understand customer preferences and personalize recommendations, making them relevant and timely. Studies show that existing customers are 60% to 70% more likely to make additional purchases, compared to just a 5% chance for new customer acquisition. As a result, mastering cross-selling techniques encourages customer loyalty and reduces the likelihood of clients seeking alternatives from competitors. Emphasizing the importance of cross-selling can be a game-changer in your sales strategy, driving both customer satisfaction and business growth. Benefits of Cross-Selling Training for Sales Professionals Comprehending how to effectively cross-sell can greatly improve your capabilities as a sales professional. Engaging in cross-selling training offers numerous benefits that boost your sales performance and customer interactions. Increases conversion rates by up to 25%, leading to higher revenue. Improves customer satisfaction through customized solutions that meet specific needs. Provides insights into customer behavior and purchasing patterns for informed recommendations. Minimizes common mistakes, such as being too aggressive or neglecting customer needs. Develops a systematic approach for engaging customers post-purchase, nurturing long-term relationships. Key Techniques for Effective Cross-Selling To effectively improve your cross-selling skills, it’s vital to focus on comprehending customer needs through thorough discovery. By leveraging customer purchase history and behavior analytics, you can tailor your cross-sell recommendations, greatly boosting conversion rates. Building trust and rapport with customers is fundamental; a strong relationship nurtures a receptive environment for your suggestions. Utilizing open-ended questions during interactions helps uncover deeper insights into customer pain points, making your cross-sell opportunities more personalized. Incorporating role-playing exercises in training sessions amplifies your ability to recognize buying signals and apply situational techniques. Here’s a quick reference table summarizing key techniques: Technique Purpose Discovery Questions Uncover customer needs and pain points Trust Building Cultivate stronger customer relationships Behavior Analytics Tailor recommendations based on history Role-Playing Exercises Improve recognition of buying signals Understanding the Difference Between Cross-Selling and Upselling Comprehending the difference between cross-selling and upselling is essential for maximizing your sales strategies. Cross-selling suggests complementary products to improve a customer’s original purchase, whereas upselling encourages them to choose a higher-priced or upgraded version of the same product. Both techniques are designed to boost revenue, but they focus on different aspects of customer needs, with cross-selling increasing quantity and upselling improving quality. Techniques for Cross-Selling Achieving proficiency in the techniques for cross-selling can greatly improve your sales strategy by effectively promoting complementary products or services alongside an initial purchase. Here are some strategies to boost your cross-selling efforts: Product Bundling: Combine related items to create attractive packages. Personalized Recommendations: Use customer purchase history to suggest relevant add-ons. Timely Follow-Ups: Contact customers after a purchase to recommend additional items. Educate Customers: Inform them about the benefits of complementary products. Listen Actively: Understand customer needs through engaging conversations. Benefits of Up-Selling Building on the techniques for cross-selling, grasping the benefits of up-selling can greatly improve your sales strategy. Upselling encourages customers to buy higher-priced or upgraded products, enhancing the overall transaction value. Research shows that upselling can boost revenue per customer by 10% to 30%. Here’s a quick comparison to clarify: Feature Up-Selling Focus Higher-priced items Goal Increase transaction value Customer Engagement Highlight improved features Revenue Impact 10% to 30% increase Utilizing upselling effectively not only increases your sales volume but likewise maximizes Customer Lifetime Value, as existing customers are more likely to make additional purchases. Identifying Opportunities for Cross-Selling To effectively identify opportunities for cross-selling, you need to understand your customers’ needs and preferences. Analyzing purchase patterns can reveal which products often complement each other, allowing you to make informed recommendations. Building trust relationships with customers improves their willingness to explore additional offerings that could enrich their experience. Understanding Customer Needs How can grasping your customers’ needs improve cross-selling opportunities? By recognizing what your customers want, you can identify the best products or services to recommend. This insight increases your chances of successful cross-selling, boosting sales conversion rates considerably. Here are some key points to contemplate: Analyze customer purchase history and behavior for trends. Use data analytics to inform personalized recommendations. Conduct thorough needs analyses during initial interactions. Leverage customer familiarity with existing products for suggestions. Engage customers post-purchase to propose relevant offerings. Analyzing Purchase Patterns Analyzing purchase patterns plays an essential role in identifying opportunities for cross-selling. By examining customer transaction histories, you can uncover trends and preferences that reveal what products or services complement each other. Utilizing data analytics tools enables you to track customer behavior, pinpointing items frequently bought together. Research shows that 60% to 70% of existing customers are likely to make further purchases, making this analysis critical. Segmenting customers based on their buying habits allows you to tailor your cross-selling strategies, increasing the relevance of your product suggestions. Furthermore, leveraging insights from purchase patterns helps optimize inventory management, ensuring that complementary products are readily available, ultimately driving further sales and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Building Trust Relationships Building trust relationships with customers is crucial for successful cross-selling as it greatly increases the likelihood of additional purchases. When you engage with your customers after their initial purchase, you can identify their ongoing needs and suggest complementary products. Here are some effective strategies to build trust: Use customer purchase history and data analytics to spot trends. Have genuine conversations that show you care about their needs. Recognize buying signals by asking open-ended questions. Offer customized product recommendations based on insights. Guarantee ongoing support to create a strong rapport. These practices not only improve customer satisfaction but also position you as a reliable resource, making customers more receptive to cross-sell offers. Ethical Considerations in Cross-Selling Practices What principles guide ethical cross-selling practices in today’s marketplace? First and foremost, ethical cross-selling prioritizes customer needs and satisfaction. This means your recommendations should genuinely benefit the customer, not merely serve sales targets. Companies that engage in unethical practices, like the Wells Fargo scandal, face severe consequences, including reputational damage and financial penalties. Research indicates that customers prefer personalized recommendations customized to their needs rather than aggressive sales tactics, leading to long-term loyalty and repeat purchases. Transparency is additionally vital; customers must understand why additional products are suggested and how they complement their original purchases. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Cross-Selling and Why Is It Important? Cross-selling is the practice of suggesting additional products or services to customers after their initial purchase. It’s important as it improves customer satisfaction by providing customized solutions, increases revenue, and builds brand loyalty. By comprehending customer needs and offering complementary items, you can better their overall experience. As existing customers are more likely to buy again, effective cross-selling can greatly boost sales and maximize Customer Lifetime Value, ultimately benefiting your business. Why Is Training Important in Sales? Training in sales is essential since it equips you with the skills to identify customer needs accurately. This comprehension leads to a higher conversion rate for cross-selling opportunities, eventually boosting your sales performance. Continuous training keeps you updated on product offerings and market trends, ensuring you provide relevant recommendations. The investment in training often yields significant returns, demonstrating that well-prepared sales teams can drive long-term revenue growth and improve customer retention. What Are the 5 P’s of Successful Selling? The 5 P’s of successful selling are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. First, understand your product’s features and benefits. Next, set a competitive price that reflects its value. Choose the right place to reach your target audience effectively. Then, implement promotion strategies to raise awareness and generate interest. Finally, focus on building strong relationships with people, as trust and rapport improve sales opportunities and lead to long-term customer loyalty. What Are the Advantages of Cross-Selling and Up-Selling? Cross-selling and up-selling improve revenue by encouraging customers to purchase additional or higher-priced products. You can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, as existing customers are more likely to buy again. These strategies furthermore provide greater perceived value, as they address unmet needs. In addition, they promote a holistic shopping experience, improving overall ROI. By effectively implementing these techniques, you can strengthen customer relationships and drive repeat business, markedly boosting your sales performance. Conclusion In summary, cross-selling training is essential for boosting sales effectiveness and building customer loyalty. By comprehending customer needs and employing key techniques, sales professionals can improve their recommendations, ultimately increasing conversion rates and revenue. Recognizing the differences between cross-selling and upselling allows for strategic opportunities that benefit both the seller and the buyer. Ethical considerations guarantee that these practices cultivate trust, leading to lasting relationships and greater satisfaction in a competitive marketplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Cross Selling Training and Why Is It Essential for Sales Success?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Grasping business structure is vital for anyone starting a venture. The type you choose affects your legal classification, liability, and taxes. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations each have distinct characteristics that can impact your personal assets and operational flexibility. As you consider which option suits your goals, it’s important to weigh these implications carefully. What factors should you evaluate to make the best choice for your business? Key Takeaways Sole proprietorships and partnerships expose owners to personal liability, while LLCs and corporations provide limited liability protection for personal assets. Tax implications vary by structure; LLCs and S corporations allow pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation faced by C corporations. Corporations and LLCs offer operational flexibility, with LLCs providing options for member or manager management, while corporations require strict governance protocols. Funding opportunities differ; corporations can attract investors by selling shares, while sole proprietorships and partnerships may have limited fundraising options. Choosing the right business structure is crucial for liability protection, tax treatment, and operational efficiency, impacting long-term success and strategic decisions. What Is a Business Structure? A business structure is the foundation of any enterprise, representing its legal organization and classification. To explain business structure, it’s vital to comprehend the different business categories available, each with unique implications. Common types include Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and Nonprofits. Sole Proprietorships are the simplest and allow individuals to operate without formal organization, but they expose personal assets to business liabilities. Partnerships involve two or more individuals sharing profits and responsibilities. Corporations and LLCs provide limited liability protection, ensuring that personal assets remain separate from business debts, which can be significant for risk management. The choice of business structure affects important factors like personal asset protection, tax obligations, and regulatory compliance. Grasping these elements helps you make informed decisions that align with your business goals and personal circumstances. Importance of Business Legal Structure Grasping the importance of your business’s legal structure is key to protecting your personal assets from liability. Each structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship or an LLC, has distinct tax implications and operational flexibilities that can greatly affect your bottom line. Liability Protection Benefits Choosing the right business legal structure is crucial for protecting your personal assets from potential liabilities. Structures like LLCs and corporations provide limited liability protection, which means your personal assets aren’t at risk if your business incurs debts or faces lawsuits. Conversely, sole proprietorships and general partnerships expose you to personal liability, putting your assets on the line for business obligations. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and limited partnerships (LPs) offer varying protection levels; general partners may still face personal liability, whereas limited partners are protected beyond their investment. Corporations, recognized as separate legal entities, guarantee shareholders aren’t personally liable for corporate debts. Nevertheless, be mindful of the risk of “piercing the corporate veil,” which can occur if you fail to maintain proper business practices. Tax Treatment Considerations When selecting a business legal structure, tax treatment is a key consideration that can greatly affect your overall financial situation. Sole proprietorships and partnerships typically benefit from pass-through taxation, where profits are taxed only at your individual tax rate. Conversely, C corporations face double taxation, as both the corporation and shareholders are taxed on earnings and dividends, which can be less efficient for small businesses. S corporations and LLCs offer pass-through taxation, allowing profits and losses to be reported on personal tax returns. LLCs likewise provide flexibility, allowing you to choose how they’re taxed. The structure you choose not just impacts tax rates and deductions but can additionally affect how losses offset other personal income, offering potential tax relief. Operational Flexibility Factors The choice of business legal structure greatly impacts your operational flexibility, affecting how you manage your day-to-day activities and make strategic decisions. Different structures offer varying levels of adaptability, which is vital for your business’s success. Here are some key factors to take into account: Decision-Making Speed: Sole proprietorships and partnerships allow for quicker decisions owing to fewer formalities. Management Structure: LLCs offer both member-managed and manager-managed options to align with your operational needs. Governance Requirements: Corporations have strict governance protocols, which can slow down processes. Collaborative Flexibility: Partnerships need clear agreements, promoting collaboration but additionally requiring consensus for decisions. Choosing the right structure can improve your ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. Types of Business Structures When considering the types of business structures, you’ll find that sole proprietorships are the simplest option, allowing you to maintain full control and profits but additionally leaving you personally liable for debts. Conversely, corporations come in various forms, such as C corporations and S corporations, each with distinct tax implications and levels of liability protection. Comprehending these differences is essential for making informed decisions about how to structure your business effectively. Sole Proprietorship Overview Sole proprietorships represent the simplest and most prevalent business structure, allowing a single individual to operate without forming a separate legal entity. As the owner, you’re personally liable for all business debts, meaning your personal assets may be at risk if the business fails. Setting up a sole proprietorship is typically low-cost, often under $100, and you’ll need to register a “doing business as” (DBA) name if you operate under a different name. Furthermore, income generated is reported on your personal tax return as “pass-through” income, simplifying tax preparation. Sole proprietorships are ideal for: Self-employed individuals Freelancers Consultants Those seeking complete control over operations. Corporate Structure Types Comprehending corporate structure types is vital for anyone considering starting a business. Corporations are legal entities distinct from their owners, providing limited liability protection that shields personal assets from business debts. There are two main types of corporations: C Corporations and S Corporations. C Corporations face double taxation on profits but can attract unlimited shareholders, making them ideal for businesses seeking substantial investment. Conversely, S Corporations allow profits and losses to pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns, avoiding double taxation but limiting ownership to 100 shareholders, all of whom must be U.S. citizens or residents. Moreover, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) blend the liability protection of corporations with the tax benefits of partnerships, offering personal asset protection alongside pass-through taxation. Sole Proprietorship Operating a business as a sole proprietorship offers an uncomplicated and direct approach for individuals looking to enter the entrepreneurial world. This structure is the simplest and most common, allowing you complete control over your business. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the implications: Liability: You’re personally liable for all debts and obligations, meaning creditors can access your personal assets. Profit Retention: You keep all profits generated by the business, which can be a significant incentive. Setup Costs: Establishing a sole proprietorship typically involves minimal costs, often under $100. Tax Treatment: Income from the business is reported as personal income on your tax return, simplifying tax processes. If you decide to operate under a name different from your legal name, remember to file an assumed name certificate (DBA) with the county clerk. This straightforward structure can be a great way to start your business venture. Partnership Partnerships represent a collaborative business structure where two or more individuals join forces to operate a business for profit, sharing responsibilities and earnings. There are three main types of partnerships: general partnerships, where all partners share equal liability; limited partnerships, which consist of both general partners and limited partners, the latter having restricted liability; and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), which protect all partners from personal liability because of others’ misconduct. Unlike corporations, partnerships don’t pay corporate taxes; instead, profits and losses pass through to individual partners’ tax returns, simplifying the tax process. Although a partnership agreement outlining roles and profit-sharing isn’t legally required in many places, it’s advisable for clarity. Typically, partnerships don’t have formal filing requirements except they register as an LLP or limited partnership, even though they may need to file a fictitious name certificate if operating under a name different from the partners’ surnames. Limited Liability Company (LLC) When you’re considering how to structure your business, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) often stands out as a favorable choice owing to its blend of liability protection and tax flexibility. With an LLC, you can enjoy several advantages: Liability Protection: Your personal assets are typically shielded from business debts, meaning you’re not personally liable for the company’s liabilities. Tax Flexibility: You can choose how you want your business to be taxed, avoiding the double taxation that corporations face. Simple Formation: Establishing an LLC usually requires a straightforward filing process, often just a Certificate of Formation and a fee ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Unlimited Members: An LLC can have an unlimited number of members, including individuals and other entities, providing versatility for various business structures. Corporation Corporations offer a distinct structure for business ownership, marked by their recognition as separate legal entities from their shareholders. This separation provides limited liability protection, shielding you from personal responsibility for business debts. There are two main types of corporations: C corporations, which face double taxation, and S corporations, which allow profits and losses to be reported on shareholders’ personal tax returns, avoiding that double taxation. Nevertheless, corporations are subject to strict regulatory compliance, requiring you to file annual reports and hold regular board meetings, adding operational complexity. One significant advantage is the ease of transferring ownership through stock sales, making it easier to raise capital and attract investors. Furthermore, corporations have perpetual existence, meaning they continue to operate regardless of ownership changes or the death of shareholders, ensuring business continuity. This structure is often preferred by those looking for stability and growth potential in their ventures. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Structure How do you determine the best business structure for your needs? Selecting the right structure is essential, and you should consider several factors: Personal Liability Protection: Decide how much protection you want against personal liability; S corporations and LLCs offer more than sole proprietorships or general partnerships. Tax Implications: Evaluate how each structure affects your taxes; S corporations and LLCs allow for pass-through taxation, whereas C corporations face double taxation. Funding Needs: Assess your capital requirements; corporations can raise funds by selling shares, making them more appealing to investors compared to sole proprietorships. Management Complexity: Consider the level of management and compliance required; corporations have more formalities, whereas sole proprietorships offer greater flexibility. Thinking through these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. Frequently Asked Questions Can I Change My Business Structure Later On? Yes, you can change your business structure later on. Many entrepreneurs reassess their needs as their business grows or changes. To do this, you’ll need to follow specific legal and tax procedures, which may involve filing paperwork and possibly altering your operating agreements. It’s wise to consult with a legal or financial advisor to guarantee you understand the implications of your new structure, including liability and tax responsibilities. How Does My Business Structure Affect Funding Options? Your business structure greatly affects your funding options. For instance, sole proprietorships often rely on personal savings and loans, whereas corporations can attract investors through stock sales. Limited liability companies (LLCs) might offer a balance, appealing to both traditional loans and equity financing. Furthermore, certain structures can improve credibility with lenders, making it easier to secure funding. Comprehending these differences helps you choose a structure that aligns with your financial goals. What Are the Annual Costs for Different Business Structures? The annual costs for different business structures can vary considerably. Sole proprietorships typically have lower costs, mainly involving taxes and minimal fees. Partnerships may incur additional legal fees and accounting costs. Corporations often face higher costs because of registration fees, ongoing compliance expenses, and potential taxation at both corporate and personal levels. Limited liability companies (LLCs) likewise have varying fees based on state requirements, but they typically balance simplicity with liability protection. Do Different Structures Impact Employee Benefits and Payroll? Yes, different business structures can greatly impact employee benefits and payroll. For instance, corporations often provide more extensive benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans, because of their larger budgets and regulatory requirements. Sole proprietorships, conversely, may offer limited benefits because of financial constraints. Furthermore, the payroll tax obligations differ, affecting how much you can allocate toward employee compensation and benefits. Comprehending these distinctions is essential for effective employee management. How Do State Laws Affect Business Structure Choices? State laws considerably influence your choices regarding business structure. Each state has unique regulations governing LLCs, corporations, and partnerships, affecting liability, taxation, and compliance requirements. For instance, some states impose higher fees or different reporting obligations, whereas others offer more favorable tax treatment. You’ll need to evaluate these factors when deciding your business structure to guarantee it aligns with your operational goals and legal obligations. Comprehending these laws helps you avoid future complications. Conclusion In conclusion, selecting the right business structure is essential for your entrepreneurial success. Each type—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation—offers distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding liability protection and tax treatment. By comprehending these differences, you can better align your choice with your business goals and funding needs. Take the time to assess your options carefully, as this decision will impact your operations and financial outcomes in the long run. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Explaining Business Structure: Key Types and Implications" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Iran offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear program, officials with knowledge of the proposal said Monday. Iran also wants the United States to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal, according to the two regional officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations. Oil prices were up Monday as a standoff between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz remained despite a ceasefire, while Pakistan leaders were seeking to revive stalled talks between the two countries. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Russia Monday for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin as part of a trip that included two stops in Pakistan and a visit to Oman, which shares the strait with the Islamic Republic. Pakistan-led mediators are working to bridge significant gaps between the U.S. and Iran, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. U.S. President Donald The President canceled plans for his top envoys to travel to Islamabad this weekend for negotiations after Iran insisted the U.S. should end its blockade of Iranian ports before new talks can take place. Early Monday, the U.S. military’s Central Command said it has so far turned around 38 ships during the blockade. Since the war began, at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran and at least 2,509 people in Lebanon, where the Israel-Hezbollah fighting resumed two days after the Iran war started. Also, 23 people have been killed in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Fifteen Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, 13 U.S. service members in the region and six U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have been killed. —Associated Press View the full article

Higher CPCs frequently align with improved lead quality and conversion rates, challenging the assumption that cheaper traffic performs better. The post The High CPC Paradox: When Expensive Clicks Are A Sign Of Success appeared first on Search Engine Journal. 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. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ sits in the middle of Samsung’s latest lineup, and this current drop to $924.99 (originally $1,099.99) for the unlocked, 256GB model is the lowest price it has reached so far, according to online price tracking tools. That discount makes the phone easier to consider, especially if you want a big screen and top-tier performance but don't care about every extra feature Samsung packs into its most expensive model, like the Ultra’s Privacy Display. The design feels familiar, too, with an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Armor on the front, and IP68 water resistance. Samsung Galaxy S26+ Unlocked Android smartphone (256GB) $924.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $175.00 Get Deal Get Deal $924.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $175.00 The phone is easy to settle into day-to-day, starting with a display that stays clear and readable even in direct sunlight, so watching videos or scrolling outside doesn’t feel like a struggle. That ease carries over to performance, where everything moves at a steady, reliable pace—apps open quickly, switching between tasks feels natural, and built-in AI features run without any noticeable lag. The triple-camera setup led by a 50MP main sensor and backed by ultrawide and telephoto lenses handle most lighting conditions without much effort, including better low-light performance thanks to brighter lenses. As for its battery life, it holds up well for everyday use, with its 4,900mAh battery lasting close to 15 hours in PCMag’s testing (as highlighted in the publication’s “excellent” review of the product), which usually translates to getting through a full day without much stress, though heavier use can still mean plugging in before the night ends. Connectivity is just as well-rounded, covering all the bases you’d expect from a modern flagship. You get full 5G support, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and more. In practical terms, that means faster downloads when networks allow it and more precise tracking for compatible devices. On the software side, Samsung’s take on Android 16 and its AI features add practical tools without feeling intrusive, and the experience improves once you spend some time adjusting settings and gestures to suit your routine—there’s more you can tweak and fine-tune than you might expect at first, and if you want to get a better handle on that, check out our guide, 10 Hacks Every Samsung Galaxy S26 Owner Should Know. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $69.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $70.00 (List Price $79.99) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.97 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Paid search platforms are getting better at deciding who should see your ads, often without relying on the keywords you choose. As that shift accelerates, optimization is moving away from query-level control and toward signals like audience data, landing page context, and conversion behavior. Understanding that change is key to knowing what to actually optimize for now. When keywords gave us control and what comes next A decade ago, our world was defined by the illusion of control. Every decision we made was anchored in the keyword. Hypersegmentation and single keyword ad groups (SKAGs) ruled the land. If possible, we’d build a unique landing page for every single keyword in every single ad group. The process was tedious, manual, and we loved it because we felt like we were the ones driving the machine. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how much you miss spreadsheets and Editor), times have changed. We’ve long speculated about whether Google and Microsoft would finally sunset keywords altogether. That day feels closer than ever. From Performance Max to the emerging AI Max solutions — and even the shift toward contextual, LLM-driven search like ChatGPT — the industry is moving toward a keywordless reality. But if we take a step back, we have to admit why the keyword is so vital. It’s a window into clear intent that tells us exactly where a user is in their journey: The symptom: “Productivity tools for remote teams.” The consideration: “Asana vs. Trello comparison.” The decision: “Monday demo.” If those signals are now handled behind the scenes by a black box, the role of the marketer changes. So what are we actually optimizing for? Dig deeper: Beyond keywords: Mastering AI-driven campaigns Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Signals are the new keywords Intent is inferred from a complex web of signals that have rendered the individual keyword secondary. To win in 2026, your optimization focus must shift toward three core pillars. Audience data (the ‘who’ over the ‘what’) Google’s algorithms now prioritize customer match and first-party data over the query itself. With the full integration of the Data Manager API, the system knows which users in the auction match your closed-won deals. You no longer bid on the query “cloud security.” You bid on the director of IT (because you’re sharing first-party data) who has a history of researching SOC 2 compliance, even if their current search is as vague as “scaling infrastructure.” B2B match rates are notoriously stubborn. But this is exactly where you need to evolve your strategy. Move beyond one-to-one list matching and get creative with integration partners to enrich your signals. Start by clustering individuals by shared pain points, then use on-site experiences to allow them to self-identify. By the time they hit a remarketing list, you aren’t just targeting a “user,” you’re targeting a verified intent state. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Landing pages as living signals Your landing page is a data source. Google’s AI scans your page to understand the nuance of your offering. Creative assets are also important signals and need to complement your targeted themes and keywords, plus your landing page content. If your landing page clearly articulates a “mid-market manufacturing” use case, the AI will automatically find those users, even if they never type the word “manufacturing.” Your “keyword strategy” is now your content strategy. You might think looking at Meta is a deviation here, but the parallels are impossible to ignore. Meta’s Andromeda retrieval engine now influences a massive portion of the social auction by using the creative itself as the primary targeting signal. If both platforms are moving toward a world where your assets (whether it’s a 15-second video or a high-value landing page) are what actually define your audience, you have to ask: How much weight are you giving your creative inputs versus your technical ones? Historical conversions and pipeline velocity With journey aware bidding and value-based bidding, the algorithm isn’t just looking for the final click. It’s analyzing the historical sequence of a user’s journey. Optimization now happens against “high-value need states.” You’re feeding the system data on which mid-funnel behaviors (like a whitepaper download or a webinar sign-up) actually lead to six-figure contracts. Dig deeper: Why better signals drive paid search performance The great intent shift: Query-level vs. user-level The most significant mental hurdle for digital marketers is the shift from query-level intent to user-level intent. FeatureQuery-level intent (legacy)User-level intent (2026 and beyond)Primary driverThe specific words typed.The user’s historical behavior and context.Logic“They are in state X, so they need Y.”Triggered by a predicted “need state.”MeasurementCTR and CPC.Pipeline value and predicted LTV.Auction entryTriggered by a keyword match.Triggered by a predicted “need state” In the old model, a query like “how to manage payroll” might have been ignored by an enterprise SaaS company as “too informational.” In 2026, the AI knows if that user is a student or a VP of finance at a 5,000-employee firm. If it’s the latter, the user-level intent is commercial, regardless of the query-level phrasing, assuming you’re providing the right signals (see what I did there?). If you’re advertising on Microsoft Ads, you can leverage LinkedIn’s profile targeting. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with What should you actually be doing? Now that AI is handling the matching, your job has evolved from a mechanic to a data architect. Feed the beast with better data: Your competitive advantage is the quality of your CRM integration. If you feed the AI junk leads, it will efficiently find you more junk. You must optimize for value-based bidding. Audit your signal health: Are your landing pages optimized for AI readability? Do they have the technical schema and depth of content that allows Google to categorize your “intent bucket” correctly? Embrace the black box with guardrails: Move away from micromanaging search terms, and start managing brand exclusion lists and negative intent themes. The future of search isn’t about finding the right words. It’s about being the best answer for the right person at the exact moment their need state evolves. Keywords were the training wheels. Now, the wheels are off. It’s time to see how fast your data can take you. Dig deeper: Why PPC teams are becoming data teams View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re in the market for tools, you might have noticed that they can be expensive, especially if you don’t have batteries. Here are some deals from Home Depot on Ryobi cordless tools that can help you save some of your DIY budget and get your projects done quickly. These Ryobi cutting tools are up to 53% off Ryobi 18-volt oscillating multitool $79.00 at Home Depot $168.00 Save $89.00 Get Deal Get Deal $79.00 at Home Depot $168.00 Save $89.00 The Ryobi 18-volt oscillating multitool is on sale for $79, 53% off its usual price. The tool includes a two-amp-hour battery, but no charger—so this is a good deal if you already have one. With the right blades and accessories, this tool can be used for cutting metal, wood, PVC, or drywall. You can also use it for sanding and buffing with the sanding attachment, and it’s really handy for getting into tight corners. The Ryobi 18-volt, 7 ¼-inch circular saw is currently $139, 40% off its regular price. The tool comes with a high performance two-amp-hour battery but not a charger, so again, you’ll need an 18-volt Ryobi charger to use it. A circular saw can be used either for cross cutting boards or for making long, straight cuts, so it’s useful to have on hand, especially if you don’t have a table saw. The Ryobi 18-volt 5 ½- inch circular saw is now $89, 50% off its regular price. It comes with a high performance, two-amp-hour battery. You can use this saw for cross cutting or making longer cuts, but the smaller blade does make it a little more difficult to cut a straight line over a longer distance. A smaller, lighter-weight saw is great for making quick cuts, especially if you’re working somewhere that doesn’t have power for a corded chop saw. This Ryobi sheet sander is 60% off The Ryobi 18-volt ¼-sheet sander is on sale for $59, 60% off its typical price. It comes with a high performance, two-amp-hour battery, but not a charger, so you’ll need a Ryobi 18-volt charger to use it. This sander is a good tool for removing old paint or smoothing out a rough board, so it can be used for all kinds of DIY home improvement and woodworking projects. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $69.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $70.00 (List Price $79.99) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.97 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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Shares in Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) are surging in premarket trading this morning after reports emerged that the company may be on the cusp of a deal with artificial intelligence giant OpenAI. The deal would see Qualcomm CPUs powering a potential OpenAI smartphone—and would be a further sign that AI may shift from being primarily GPU-powered to CPU-powered. Here’s what you need to know. Will the CPU replace the GPU in the AI space? Currently, the most important computing component underpinning the AI era is the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Traditionally, this was a dedicated processor designed to render 3D graphics and video, and it was especially critical in the gaming sector of the computer industry. But in the AI era, the processing power of GPUs has made them a perfect tool for high-performance tasks like training and running large language models (LLMs), which are the backbone of chatbots. The importance of GPUs in AI development has made GPU king Nvidia the most valuable company on the planet. But in the near future, the AI industry will go through a shift. The role of CPUs is expected to become even more important in data centers, as CPUs become more advanced and capable. This is good news for CPU makers like Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC), whose stock soared last week, driven primarily by data center and AI (DCAI) revenue growth. This shift toward the growing importance of CPUs in the AI space is also likely to accelerate, as more advanced CPUs enable more AI models to run locally on personal devices like smartphones, freeing LLMs from the power-hungry GPUs packed into today’s data centers. Once that happens, smartphone makers will likely be lining up to get their hands on the most capable AI CPUs on the market—and that is something Qualcomm may soon benefit heavily from. OpenAI’s rumored smartphone may have a Qualcomm chip inside For years, ChatGPT maker OpenAI has been rumored to be working on a physical device intended to be the primary way you interact with AI. Some suggest this device might be screenless, taking the form factor of a pen or a pendant, but others suggest that OpenAI may instead just launch its own smartphone. And now a report from respected TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seems to corroborate this. Writing in a post on X, Kuo says his latest industry checks have revealed that “OpenAI is working with MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop smartphone processors,” and he believes these chips are likely destined for an OpenAI phone. The report from Kou, who is known for his excellent track record of sniffing out the biggest plans of large tech giants—including Apple—through his supply-chain sources, is the main reason why Qualcomm stock is soaring today. If Qualcomm will indeed be one of the major chip partners for a future OpenAI phone, the company’s coffers stand to benefit enormously. Qualcomm stock surges after OpenAI report As of this writing, QCOM stock is currently up more than 12.5% to $167.50 per share. The company’s stock price closed at $148.85 on Friday. Relatedly, on Friday, QCOM stock surged more than 11% after Intel’s earnings report, suggesting the CPU was growing ever more important in the AI era. It should be noted, however, that neither Qualcomm nor OpenAI has publicly commented on any CPU deal. Fast Company has reached out to both companies for comment. Still, Kou’s report seems to have excited investors. As of Friday’s close, QCOM shares were still down nearly 13% year to date. But with today’s further stock price news driven by the OpenAI speculation, Qualcomm is very close to being back in the green, if today’s premarket jump holds. Over the past 12 months, QCOM stock was up about 1% as of Friday’s closing price. Qualcomm is expected to announce its Q2 2026 earnings on Wednesday. View the full article