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UK financial watchdog only recorded planned enforcement against former star stockpicker on its register list this weekView the full article

Happy Monday! The job market keeps shifting, and it's not just about finding a role, but making sure it fits you. This week, I've pulled together reads on how to stand out, use AI without sounding like a robot, and why flexibility still matters (a lot). Hope it helps you move forward on your terms. – Vic Our Favorite Articles 💯How to Make Your Remote Job Application Stand Out in 2025 (Remotive)Writing “remote” in your resume header won’t cut it in 2025: here’s what actually helps you stand out. ​Read on​. Illustration by Jennifer Tapias DerchWant to Use AI as a Career Coach? Use These Prompts (HBR)AI can do more than write cover letters—if you know how to ask the right questions. ​Learn more​. Return-to-Office Mandates Are Bad for Employees—and Innovation (Inc)Turns out forcing people back to the office isn’t great for morale... or innovation. ​Read it here​​.​ (If needed, Brave is your friend for reading this one.) 2 in 5 Techies Quit Over Inflexible Workplace Policies (The Register)If nearly half of your team would leave over rigid policies… maybe it’s time to rethink the policy. ​Check it out​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Too many emails? Declutter your inbox with Meco, your home for reading newsletters. Try it for free Remotive Jobs 💼Let's get you hired! These teams are hiring now: 💻 Engineering👉 ​Software Engineer - Infrastructure Team at Discourse​ (Worldwide) 👉 ​Web Designer (Framer) at Contra​ (Worldwide) 👉 ​Senior Backend Engineer at Volatus Health​ (Worldwide) 👉 ​Senior Front End Developer at Missive​ (Americas, Europe, UK) 👉 ​Senior Microsoft PowerBI Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Enterprise System Engineer (Power Automate) at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Shopify Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Lead Software Engineer at Anima Health ​(North America, Europe, UK) 👉 ​Senior Independent Software Developer at A.Team​ (Americas, Europe, Israel) 👉 ​AI Video Creator at Contra​ (North America) 👉 ​iOS Developer at nooro​ (North America) 🎨 Design👉 ​3D Logo Designer at Contra​ (Worldwide) 👉 ​Senior Independent UX/UI Designer at A.Team​ (Americas, Europe, Israel) 👉 ​Social Media Ads Designer & Manager at Contra​ (North America) 📦 Product & Project Management 👉 ​Senior Ecommerce Project Manager at Contra​ (North America) Free Guides & Tools​Public Job Board​We curate 2,000 remote jobs so you don't have to! ​Find your remote job →​ ​Exclusive Webinar​3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking For A Remote Startup Job (And What To Do Instead) ​Register for free →​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely ​Check it out → Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

Uncover growth hidden in plain sight. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Uncover growth hidden in plain sight. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Siri is struggling. It's struggling to respond to simple questions or create simple calendar events. And the end still isn't in sight, now that Apple has mostly delayed Apple Intelligence's "smarter Siri" until the end of the year. Meanwhile, Perplexity AI's new Voice Assistant is here now, trying to capitalize on Apple's mess. In addition to answering questions, the AI's new Voice Mode is able to create calendar events and reminders, play music, and more. It can hold conversations, and even perform some web-based tasks. These are things that Siri just can't do, at least not yet. How to use Perplexity Voice Assistant on iOSDownload and open the latest version of the Perplexity app. In the Ask Anything bar, you'll see an animated Waveform icon to the right. That's the shortcut to the Voice Assistant. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Simply tap on it and start speaking. Perplexity will show an animation when you're speaking, and when it's responding to you. There's also an option to Mute the microphone for longer chats. This is more of a conversational space, so you can keep talking as Perplexity responds. Tap the Gear icon up top for settings. Here, you can disable the transcript feature, or enable a push to talk mode. You can also change the Assistant's voice. The Voice Mode works in the background, and only stops when you hit the X button in the app. So you can start the Voice Mode, switch to a different app, and continue talking to Perplexity in the background, if you wish. Credit: Khamosh Pathak For quicker access, you should add the Medium Perplexity widget to your home screen, since it has a shortcut to the Voice Mode. Alternately, you can create a shortcut and add it to your Home screen, Lock screen, Control Center, or even the Action button (to set that up, follow this guide.) What Perplexity Does better than SiriPerplexity integrates directly with Apple's default apps like Calendar, Reminders, Mail, Contacts, and more. As long as you give it permission, Perplexity can add events to your calendar, remind you of something, and even draft emails and text messages. As it stands, Perplexity also has a better knowledge base than Siri, as it's connected to the web. So asking something like "when was the Pixel 4a launched" brings up an instant response, while asking Siri requires a confirmation via ChatGPT. In my testing, I found Perplexity was reliable at creating calendar events and reminders, more than I often get with Siri. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Drafting an email shows a stark difference between the two approaches. I used the same prompt with both Siri and Perplexity: Draft an email asking Pranay if he's up for a Pickleball match this weekend. Siri took this literally, and drafted an email saying "if he's up for a Pickleball match this weekend." That's it. Perplexity, on the other hand, expanded this into a coherent sentence, added a Subject, and showed a compose box. All that was left for me to do was switch out my name and hit Send (Siri also doesn't send an email without your confirmation). Credit: Khamosh Pathak My experience with text messaging was more iffy. Perplexity couldn't just draft a message to Pranay, even though I gave it full access to my contacts (if you don't want to do that, you can dictate the email address or the phone number instead). Hopefully, this is a day-one issue and gets sorted out later on. Perplexity's Voice Assistant can also play music directly from Apple Music, using voice commands. And because Perplexity integrates with YouTube, it's quite quick when finding YouTube videos. I asked it to find a soothing video about the hidden art of ceramics in Japan, and in a couple of seconds, Perplexity started playing the video inside the app. What Perplexity Does that Siri just can't doPerplexity's Voice Assistant can converse with you with ease. There's a very smooth back and forth, where the assistant remembers the details that you asked before, knows the context to your prompts, and replies accordingly. It simply doesn't need to ask follow-up questions. Credit: Khamosh Pathak This is great for asking general questions, and for learning things. Instead of a 500 word response, Perplexity's AI assistant will give you a couple of sentences and will prompt you to ask further, sometimes even giving you clues about what you might want to ask about next. Perplexity can take actions on the web too, thought you have to be the one to take the final action, which is fair (and, honestly, appreciated). For example, I asked Perplexity to book a table at White Olive at 8 PM in New York City, and it opened Open Table with all those details already filled in. I had to confirm the details, and finish the booking myself. Then, I asked if Perplexity can call me an Uber, and it opened the Uber app with the location of the White Olive restaurant mapped in. These are the things that Siri with Apple Intelligence is supposed to be able to do for you, but we won't see these features until at least the end of the year, and we have no idea how exactly they will work. It's the transparency and consistency that mattersIn my limited hands-on testing, I noticed that Perplexity's responses were more consistent than Siri's, and since Voice Mode stays active by default, I asked nuanced questions without feeling like I need to hurry myself, like I do with Siri. Siri is sometimes great, and sometimes it just doesn't respond. Perplexity takes care of that issue. Of course, there were times with Perplexity ran into a wall, like with my text messaging question. Here too, it calmly told me it wasn't able to accomplish the task, and that it could try again if I wanted. Hopefully, these small issues will get sorted out with more updates. Of course, Perplexity can't replace Siri in the true sense, because Apple won't allow for it. Only Siri can access OS level features like changing toggles, settings, calling someone, replying to text messages, setting alarms, and so on. But for all the other things, if you're feeling frustrated with the limitations of Siri, Perplexity's Voice Assistant is definitely worth a try. View the full article

Google’s profits soared 50% in this year’s opening quarter, overcoming the competitive and legal threats that its internet empire is facing amid an economy roiled by a global trade war. The numbers released Thursday by Google parent Alphabet Inc. indicated the company is rising to the challenge so far, but investors are likely to remain concerned about the turbulent times ahead. The Mountain View, California, company earned $34.5 billion, or $2.81 per share, during the January-March period, up from $23.7 billion, or $1.89 per share, at the same time last year. Revenue rose 12% from last year to $90.2 billion. The results easily exceeded analysts’ projections, according to FactSet Research. “We continued to see healthy growth and momentum across the business,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai told analysts Thursday during a conference call. Alphabet’s stock gained more than 4% in extended trading after the numbers came out. The shares had fallen by 16% since the end of last year. Google’s first-quarter performance illustrated the continuing power of its long-dominant search engine in a sea of uncertainty. While grappling with competitive threats emerging as artificial intelligence reshapes technology, Google is also battling court decisions condemning its search engine and digital ad network as illegal monopolies. The AI-driven upheaval has opened new opportunities for people to find helpful advice, insights and information through more conversational search options from the likes of OpenAI and Perplexity. Google’s long-dominant search engine is countering the new competition with a feature called AI Overviews that appear above web links in its results. It is also testing a conversational tool called AI Mode that would usher in an even more radical change to its business model. “The company delivered a sound response to those questioning the solidity of the search business amid ever-increasing AI demand,” Investing.com analyst Thomas Monteiro said. But Google is trying to keep its business intact as by the U.S. Justice Department attempts to break up the company and impose other restraints after a federal judge last year branded its search engine an illegal monopoly. To make matters worse, its digital ad network also was found to be illegally abusing its power earlier this month in another case brought by the Justice Department. President Donald The President’s trade war has injected more uncertainty into the mix by rattling the financial markets amid fears the tariffs will reignite inflation while dragging the economy into a recession. Although Google’s digital services aren’t directly impacted by the tariffs, a recession would likely curtail the spending on ads that generate most of Alphabet’s revenue. But there were few signs of a slowdown in the past quarter. Google’s ad revenue during the period totaled $66.9 billion, an 8% increase from the same time a year ago. Although Google’s executives are mostly upbeat during Thursday’s call, they also acknowledged conditions should the trade war trigger a recession. “We are obviously not immune to the macro environment,” said Philipp Schindler, Alphabet’s chief business officer. The past quarter’s steady growth emboldened Alphabet to stand firm on plans to invest $75 billion on AI and other technologies this year while also pursuing approval of a $32 billion deal to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz. — This story has been corrected to reflect Alphabet’s first-quarter profit increased 50% from the same time last year, or $2.81 per share, and that its revenue for the January-March period totaled $90.2 billion. The story also has been corrected to reflect Google’s ad revenue for the first quarter totaled $66.9 billion, an 8% increase from a year ago. An earlier version reported the incorrect dollar amounts and percentage change. —Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer View the full article

Key Takeaways Resilience is Key: Successful mom entrepreneurs demonstrate the ability to adapt and persevere through the daily challenges of balancing motherhood and business. Effective Planning is Essential: Creating a solid business plan that includes financial management, market research, and growth strategies is critical for long-term sustainability. Networking Drives Success: Building relationships with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs can open doors to funding opportunities, partnerships, and valuable insights. Master Time Management: Implementing effective time management strategies, including scheduling and task delegation, enables mom entrepreneurs to prioritize both business and family commitments. Embrace Digital Marketing: Leveraging digital marketing techniques such as SEO and social media helps enhance brand visibility and customer engagement, crucial for business growth. Choose the Right Legal Structure: Understanding and selecting an appropriate legal structure is vital for compliance and maximizing financial benefits, significantly impacting business success. Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship might seem daunting, but many women are thriving in both roles. Mom entrepreneurs are redefining success by blending their passions with the demands of family life. They’re not just building businesses; they’re creating legacies while inspiring others along the way. In today’s fast-paced world, these women are proving that it’s possible to chase your dreams while nurturing your family. From innovative startups to established brands, successful mom entrepreneurs share a unique drive and resilience that sets them apart. Join us as we explore the journeys of these remarkable women and discover the secrets behind their success. Defining Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Successful mom entrepreneurs balance their roles as mothers and business leaders, embodying unique characteristics that drive their achievements. These women not only create thriving small businesses but also establish legacies that can inspire future generations. Characteristics of Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Resilience – Mom entrepreneurs face challenges daily yet adapt and persist in their ventures. Creativity – Innovative thinking helps craft unique business ideas that cater to specific market needs. Effective Planning – They develop comprehensive business plans, integrating market research and financial forecasts to guide their startups. Strong Networking Skills – Building relationships with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential investors expands opportunities for funding and collaboration. Time Management – Juggling family duties and business demands requires exceptional organization and prioritization. The Importance of Balance Achieving balance is crucial for mom entrepreneurs. This balance ensures that business growth aligns with family commitments. You can implement strategies such as setting clear business hours, delegating tasks, and utilizing tools that streamline marketing and customer acquisition. Emphasizing your target audience allows for effective branding and helps in developing products or services that resonate. By leveraging digital marketing strategies, like SEO and social media, you can maximize your business’s reach while maintaining family time. This balance fosters a healthy work-life dynamic, ensuring both your business and family thrive. Overcoming Challenges Mom entrepreneurs face distinctive challenges while balancing business and family responsibilities. Addressing these challenges directly influences success and reinforces resilience. Time Management Strategies Effective time management remains critical for mom entrepreneurs. Establishing a clear daily schedule not only aids in prioritizing tasks but also ensures dedicated work hours. Implementing tools for task management, such as calendar apps or project management software, streamlines operations and enhances productivity. Consider delegating non-essential tasks, outsourcing certain activities, or even collaborating with other entrepreneurs to free up your schedule. Utilizing digital marketing techniques can also help automate customer engagement, allowing you to focus on business growth and family time without sacrificing the quality of either. Overcoming Financial Hurdles Navigating financial challenges often poses a significant hurdle for mom entrepreneurs. Many rely on funding options like small business loans, crowdfunding, or angel investors to secure capital. A well-structured business plan may attract potential investors, outlining your business model, target audience, and marketing strategies. Keeping an eye on cash flow and budgeting effectively plays a vital role in maintaining financial health. Additionally, understanding the legal structure of your business, whether it’s an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation, ensures compliance and maximizes financial benefits. Engaging with financial mentors or business coaches can provide valuable insights to handle complex accounting and tax issues, securing your business’s long-term viability. Inspiring Success Stories Success stories from mom entrepreneurs highlight their ability to blend business ambitions with family responsibilities. These narratives inspire others pursuing their own ventures. Case Study: A Mom’s Journey to Success Janice Bryant Howroyd exemplifies remarkable entrepreneurial success. She launched her staffing firm, Act-1, using a $900 loan from her mother while caring for her young son. Over thirty years, Act-1 became the largest company of its kind owned by a woman of color, boasting over 70 branches and a net worth of $520 million as of 2018. Howroyd’s journey showcases her business acumen, including effective market research and a strong branding strategy. As the first African-American woman to own a billion-dollar business, she credits her family for their unwavering support. Her story demonstrates the power of resilience, innovation, and strategic networking in achieving business success despite personal challenges. Lessons Learned from Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Successful mom entrepreneurs provide valuable lessons applicable to anyone starting a small business. Resilience: Overcoming obstacles is crucial. Many mom entrepreneurs face unique challenges that require persistence and adaptability. Effective Planning: Establishing a solid business plan is essential. Focusing on financial management, including budgeting and cash flow analysis, ensures sustainability. Networking: Building a network of mentors and partners facilitates connections that can lead to funding options, such as grants or angel investors. Digital Marketing: Emphasizing online presence through SEO, social media, and email marketing can enhance customer acquisition and brand visibility. Legal Structure: Choosing the right legal structure—whether LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship—affects taxes and liability, making informed legal advice critical. Team Building: Hiring the right team boosts your business’s growth strategy. Strong leadership cultivates a productive work environment. These lessons remind you that achieving success as a mom entrepreneur is attainable through strategic decision-making and dedication. Embracing these insights can propel your journey towards a thriving business. Resources for Aspiring Mom Entrepreneurs Aspiring mom entrepreneurs find a wealth of resources to aid their journey in building successful businesses while managing family commitments. Accessing these resources can ease the path toward achieving your business goals. Networking Opportunities Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals is crucial to your business growth. Networking opportunities abound through local business associations, startup groups, and online forums. Attend workshops, conferences, and meetups to connect with others in your field. Use platforms like LinkedIn and social media to expand your professional network, share insights, and seek advice. By building relationships, you can gain valuable support and mentorship, which can significantly impact your startup’s trajectory. Online Tools and Platforms Leverage online tools and platforms to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Various resources are available for project management, accounting, and marketing. Tools like Asana and Trello help you manage tasks and timelines effectively. Accounting software like QuickBooks simplifies financial management, ensuring accurate tracking of cash flow and expenses. Additionally, consider using e-commerce platforms like Shopify to set up an online store, facilitating customer acquisition and sales. Employ digital marketing strategies such as email marketing, SEO, and content marketing to target your audience effectively and strengthen your brand presence. By utilizing these tools, you can implement a robust business plan, boost innovation, and focus on growth strategies that drive your business forward. Conclusion Embracing the journey of a mom entrepreneur can lead to incredible achievements and personal growth. By harnessing your resilience and creativity you can navigate the challenges of balancing business and family life. Remember that effective time management and strategic planning are your best allies in this pursuit. As you draw inspiration from the success stories of others don’t hesitate to seek out resources and networks that can support your goals. The path may be demanding but with dedication and the right tools you can create a thriving business while nurturing your family. Your journey as a mom entrepreneur is not just about success in business but also about redefining what that success looks like for you. Keep pushing forward and embrace the unique opportunities that lie ahead. Frequently Asked Questions What defines a successful mom entrepreneur? A successful mom entrepreneur is defined by qualities such as resilience, creativity, effective planning, strong networking skills, and excellent time management. These traits help them manage family commitments while building thriving businesses, effectively merging their passions with their responsibilities. What challenges do mom entrepreneurs face? Mom entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including time constraints, financial hurdles, and the struggle to balance business and family life. Directly addressing these challenges is crucial for their success and resilience as they navigate entrepreneurship. How can mom entrepreneurs manage their time effectively? Effective time management for mom entrepreneurs involves establishing clear daily schedules, utilizing task management tools, and delegating non-essential tasks. This strategy enhances productivity and ensures that both business growth and family commitments are attended to. What funding options are available to mom entrepreneurs? Mom entrepreneurs can explore various funding options such as small business loans, crowdfunding, and grants. A well-structured business plan is essential, and engaging with financial mentors can also help navigate financial challenges. How can networking benefit mom entrepreneurs? Networking offers mom entrepreneurs valuable opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals. Engaging in local business associations or online platforms can significantly impact business growth and provide support in their entrepreneurial journey. What online tools can help mom entrepreneurs? Mom entrepreneurs can leverage online tools like Asana for project management, QuickBooks for accounting, and e-commerce platforms for marketing. These resources streamline operations and enhance productivity, freeing up time to focus on growth strategies. What lessons can aspiring mom entrepreneurs learn from successful ones? Aspiring mom entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from their successful counterparts, such as the importance of resilience, effective planning, strong networking, and leveraging digital marketing. Embracing these principles can help them achieve success in their business endeavors. Image Via Envato This article, "Inspiring Stories of Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Balancing Family and Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Resilience is Key: Successful mom entrepreneurs demonstrate the ability to adapt and persevere through the daily challenges of balancing motherhood and business. Effective Planning is Essential: Creating a solid business plan that includes financial management, market research, and growth strategies is critical for long-term sustainability. Networking Drives Success: Building relationships with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs can open doors to funding opportunities, partnerships, and valuable insights. Master Time Management: Implementing effective time management strategies, including scheduling and task delegation, enables mom entrepreneurs to prioritize both business and family commitments. Embrace Digital Marketing: Leveraging digital marketing techniques such as SEO and social media helps enhance brand visibility and customer engagement, crucial for business growth. Choose the Right Legal Structure: Understanding and selecting an appropriate legal structure is vital for compliance and maximizing financial benefits, significantly impacting business success. Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship might seem daunting, but many women are thriving in both roles. Mom entrepreneurs are redefining success by blending their passions with the demands of family life. They’re not just building businesses; they’re creating legacies while inspiring others along the way. In today’s fast-paced world, these women are proving that it’s possible to chase your dreams while nurturing your family. From innovative startups to established brands, successful mom entrepreneurs share a unique drive and resilience that sets them apart. Join us as we explore the journeys of these remarkable women and discover the secrets behind their success. Defining Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Successful mom entrepreneurs balance their roles as mothers and business leaders, embodying unique characteristics that drive their achievements. These women not only create thriving small businesses but also establish legacies that can inspire future generations. Characteristics of Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Resilience – Mom entrepreneurs face challenges daily yet adapt and persist in their ventures. Creativity – Innovative thinking helps craft unique business ideas that cater to specific market needs. Effective Planning – They develop comprehensive business plans, integrating market research and financial forecasts to guide their startups. Strong Networking Skills – Building relationships with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential investors expands opportunities for funding and collaboration. Time Management – Juggling family duties and business demands requires exceptional organization and prioritization. The Importance of Balance Achieving balance is crucial for mom entrepreneurs. This balance ensures that business growth aligns with family commitments. You can implement strategies such as setting clear business hours, delegating tasks, and utilizing tools that streamline marketing and customer acquisition. Emphasizing your target audience allows for effective branding and helps in developing products or services that resonate. By leveraging digital marketing strategies, like SEO and social media, you can maximize your business’s reach while maintaining family time. This balance fosters a healthy work-life dynamic, ensuring both your business and family thrive. Overcoming Challenges Mom entrepreneurs face distinctive challenges while balancing business and family responsibilities. Addressing these challenges directly influences success and reinforces resilience. Time Management Strategies Effective time management remains critical for mom entrepreneurs. Establishing a clear daily schedule not only aids in prioritizing tasks but also ensures dedicated work hours. Implementing tools for task management, such as calendar apps or project management software, streamlines operations and enhances productivity. Consider delegating non-essential tasks, outsourcing certain activities, or even collaborating with other entrepreneurs to free up your schedule. Utilizing digital marketing techniques can also help automate customer engagement, allowing you to focus on business growth and family time without sacrificing the quality of either. Overcoming Financial Hurdles Navigating financial challenges often poses a significant hurdle for mom entrepreneurs. Many rely on funding options like small business loans, crowdfunding, or angel investors to secure capital. A well-structured business plan may attract potential investors, outlining your business model, target audience, and marketing strategies. Keeping an eye on cash flow and budgeting effectively plays a vital role in maintaining financial health. Additionally, understanding the legal structure of your business, whether it’s an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation, ensures compliance and maximizes financial benefits. Engaging with financial mentors or business coaches can provide valuable insights to handle complex accounting and tax issues, securing your business’s long-term viability. Inspiring Success Stories Success stories from mom entrepreneurs highlight their ability to blend business ambitions with family responsibilities. These narratives inspire others pursuing their own ventures. Case Study: A Mom’s Journey to Success Janice Bryant Howroyd exemplifies remarkable entrepreneurial success. She launched her staffing firm, Act-1, using a $900 loan from her mother while caring for her young son. Over thirty years, Act-1 became the largest company of its kind owned by a woman of color, boasting over 70 branches and a net worth of $520 million as of 2018. Howroyd’s journey showcases her business acumen, including effective market research and a strong branding strategy. As the first African-American woman to own a billion-dollar business, she credits her family for their unwavering support. Her story demonstrates the power of resilience, innovation, and strategic networking in achieving business success despite personal challenges. Lessons Learned from Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Successful mom entrepreneurs provide valuable lessons applicable to anyone starting a small business. Resilience: Overcoming obstacles is crucial. Many mom entrepreneurs face unique challenges that require persistence and adaptability. Effective Planning: Establishing a solid business plan is essential. Focusing on financial management, including budgeting and cash flow analysis, ensures sustainability. Networking: Building a network of mentors and partners facilitates connections that can lead to funding options, such as grants or angel investors. Digital Marketing: Emphasizing online presence through SEO, social media, and email marketing can enhance customer acquisition and brand visibility. Legal Structure: Choosing the right legal structure—whether LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship—affects taxes and liability, making informed legal advice critical. Team Building: Hiring the right team boosts your business’s growth strategy. Strong leadership cultivates a productive work environment. These lessons remind you that achieving success as a mom entrepreneur is attainable through strategic decision-making and dedication. Embracing these insights can propel your journey towards a thriving business. Resources for Aspiring Mom Entrepreneurs Aspiring mom entrepreneurs find a wealth of resources to aid their journey in building successful businesses while managing family commitments. Accessing these resources can ease the path toward achieving your business goals. Networking Opportunities Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals is crucial to your business growth. Networking opportunities abound through local business associations, startup groups, and online forums. Attend workshops, conferences, and meetups to connect with others in your field. Use platforms like LinkedIn and social media to expand your professional network, share insights, and seek advice. By building relationships, you can gain valuable support and mentorship, which can significantly impact your startup’s trajectory. Online Tools and Platforms Leverage online tools and platforms to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Various resources are available for project management, accounting, and marketing. Tools like Asana and Trello help you manage tasks and timelines effectively. Accounting software like QuickBooks simplifies financial management, ensuring accurate tracking of cash flow and expenses. Additionally, consider using e-commerce platforms like Shopify to set up an online store, facilitating customer acquisition and sales. Employ digital marketing strategies such as email marketing, SEO, and content marketing to target your audience effectively and strengthen your brand presence. By utilizing these tools, you can implement a robust business plan, boost innovation, and focus on growth strategies that drive your business forward. Conclusion Embracing the journey of a mom entrepreneur can lead to incredible achievements and personal growth. By harnessing your resilience and creativity you can navigate the challenges of balancing business and family life. Remember that effective time management and strategic planning are your best allies in this pursuit. As you draw inspiration from the success stories of others don’t hesitate to seek out resources and networks that can support your goals. The path may be demanding but with dedication and the right tools you can create a thriving business while nurturing your family. Your journey as a mom entrepreneur is not just about success in business but also about redefining what that success looks like for you. Keep pushing forward and embrace the unique opportunities that lie ahead. Frequently Asked Questions What defines a successful mom entrepreneur? A successful mom entrepreneur is defined by qualities such as resilience, creativity, effective planning, strong networking skills, and excellent time management. These traits help them manage family commitments while building thriving businesses, effectively merging their passions with their responsibilities. What challenges do mom entrepreneurs face? Mom entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including time constraints, financial hurdles, and the struggle to balance business and family life. Directly addressing these challenges is crucial for their success and resilience as they navigate entrepreneurship. How can mom entrepreneurs manage their time effectively? Effective time management for mom entrepreneurs involves establishing clear daily schedules, utilizing task management tools, and delegating non-essential tasks. This strategy enhances productivity and ensures that both business growth and family commitments are attended to. What funding options are available to mom entrepreneurs? Mom entrepreneurs can explore various funding options such as small business loans, crowdfunding, and grants. A well-structured business plan is essential, and engaging with financial mentors can also help navigate financial challenges. How can networking benefit mom entrepreneurs? Networking offers mom entrepreneurs valuable opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals. Engaging in local business associations or online platforms can significantly impact business growth and provide support in their entrepreneurial journey. What online tools can help mom entrepreneurs? Mom entrepreneurs can leverage online tools like Asana for project management, QuickBooks for accounting, and e-commerce platforms for marketing. These resources streamline operations and enhance productivity, freeing up time to focus on growth strategies. What lessons can aspiring mom entrepreneurs learn from successful ones? Aspiring mom entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from their successful counterparts, such as the importance of resilience, effective planning, strong networking, and leveraging digital marketing. Embracing these principles can help them achieve success in their business endeavors. Image Via Envato This article, "Inspiring Stories of Successful Mom Entrepreneurs Balancing Family and Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You might not be familiar with the phrase "peanut butter platform heels" but it apparently originates from a scientific experiment, where peanut butter was transformed into a diamond-like structure, under very high pressure—hence the "heels" reference. Except this never happened. The phrase is complete nonsense, but was given a definition and backstory by Google AI Overviews when asked by writer Meaghan Wilson-Anastasios, as per this Threads post (which contains some other amusing examples). The internet picked this up and ran with it. Apparently, "you can't lick a badger twice" means you can't trick someone twice (Bluesky), "a loose dog won't surf" means something is unlikely to happen (Wired), and "the bicycle eats first" is a way of saying that you should prioritize your nutrition when training for a cycle ride (Futurism). Google, however, is not amused. I was keen to put together my own collection of nonsense phrases and apparent meanings, but it seems the trick is no longer possible: Google will now refuse to show an AI Overview or tell you you're mistaken if you try and get an explanation of a nonsensical phrase. If you go to an actual AI chatbot, it's a little different. I ran some quick tests with Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT, and the bots attempt to explain these phrases logically, while also flagging that they appear to be nonsensical, and don't seem to be in common use. That's a much more nuanced approach, with context that has been lacking from AI Overviews. Someone on Threads noticed you can type any random sentence into Google, then add “meaning” afterwards, and you’ll get an AI explanation of a famous idiom or phrase you just made up. Here is mine[image or embed] — Greg Jenner (@gregjenner.bsky.social) 23 April 2025 at 11:15 Now, AI Overviews are still labeled as "experimental," but most people won't take much notice of that. They'll assume the information they see is accurate and reliable, built on information scraped from web articles. And while Google's engineers may have wised up to this particular type of mistake, much like the glue on pizza one last year, it probably won't be long before another similar issue crops up. It speaks to some basic problems with getting all of our information from AI, rather than references written by actual humans. What's going on?Fundamentally, these AI Overviews are built to provide answers and synthesize information even if there's no exact match for your query—which is where this phrase-definition problem starts. The AI feature is also perhaps not the best judge of what is and isn't reliable information on the internet. Looking to fix a laptop problem? Previously you'd get a list of blue links from Reddit and various support forums (and maybe Lifehacker), but with AI Overviews, Google sucks up everything it can find on those links and tries to patch together a smart answer—even if no one has had the specific problem you're asking about. Sometimes that can be helpful, and sometimes you might end up making your problems worse. Credit: Lifehacker Anecdotally, I've also noticed AI bots have a tendency to want to agree with prompts, and affirm what a prompt says, even if it's inaccurate. These models are eager to please, and essentially want to be helpful even if they can't be. Depending on how you word your query, you can get AI to agree with something that isn't right. I didn't manage to get any nonsensical idioms defined by Google AI Overviews, but I did ask the AI why R.E.M.'s second album was recorded in London: That was down to the choice of producer Joe Boyd, the AI Overview told me. But in fact, R.E.M.'s second album wasn't recorded in London, it was recorded in North Carolina—it's the third LP that was recorded in London, and produced by Joe Boyd. The actual Gemini app gives the right response: that the second album wasn't recorded in London. But the way AI Overviews attempt to combine multiple online sources into a coherent whole seems to be rather suspect in terms of its accuracy, especially if your search query makes some confident claims of its own. With the right encouragement, Google will get its music chronology wrong. Credit: Lifehacker "When people do nonsensical or 'false premise' searches, our systems will try to find the most relevant results based on the limited web content available," Google told Android Authority in an official statement. "This is true of Search overall, and in some cases, AI Overviews will also trigger in an effort to provide helpful context." We seem to be barreling towards having search engines that always respond with AI rather than information compiled by actual people, but of course AI has never fixed a faucet, tested an iPhone camera, or listened to R.E.M.—it's just synthesizing vast amounts of data from people who have, and trying to compose answers by figuring out which word is most likely to go in front of the previous one. View the full article

Chancellor’s comments comes as UK balances trade talks with both regionsView the full article

How is it possible that a company with such huge resources, including artificial intelligence tools, cannot deal with this?View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. There’s a little game I like to play sometimes, and it seems to be popular with other folks who tend to work out at home: What equipment would I buy if I were starting a new home gym from scratch? You can also play the advanced version: If you already have (insert common items here), what would you buy next? What follow are my picks for anybody starting a new home gym or looking to expand the one they have—whether that means a corner of your bedroom or a full-on garage-based weightlifting paradise. I'll start with space- and budget-friendly items, then move on to some bigger-ticket buys. Kettlebells If I had to put together a home gym from scratch, I think I would start with two kettlebells: one light enough to strict press or snatch, and one heavy enough to make swings and goblet squats challenging. For a beginner, that might be a 25 pound kettlebell and a 50 pound kettlebell; if you're stronger, obviously go heavier. The basic cast iron type is usually cheapest, while the colorful competition style kettlebells feel a bit nicer. By the way, I have a guide here to buying your first (or next) kettlebell. If I had a smidge of extra cash, I’d buy them as adjustable kettlebells, like this one from Kettlebell Kings, so they could get heavier as I got stronger. Competition-style adjustables are by far the best kind, since they keep the same smooth shape no matter what weight you load them to. This lets you do cleans, presses, and snatches, rather than limiting you to swings. Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Kettlebell - Adjustable Weight from 26 lb to 70 lb - Includes 7 Weight Plates for Strength Training at Home or Gym - Durable Steel Shell for Long-Lasting Use $217.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $330.00 Save $112.01 Get Deal Get Deal $217.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $330.00 Save $112.01 A pull-up barPulling exercises are some of the hardest to improvise outside of a gym (although if you took my advice about kettlebells, you could do rows with those). A doorway pull-up bar like this one barely takes up any space, but it opens up a ton of possibilities. If your doorframes don't allow you to wedge in a doorframe bar, try a pull-up tower like this one. ALLY PEAKS Pull Up Bar Thickened Steel Pipe Super Heavy Duty Steel Frame Upper Workout Bar| Multi-Grip Strength for Doorway | Indoor Chin-Up Bar Fitness Trainer for Home Gym Portable (silver2) $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $31.89 Save $3.90 Get Deal Get Deal $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $31.89 Save $3.90 A spin bikeCardio is good for you. I keep telling myself this, and I’m almost starting to believe it. With a spin bike, you can do intervals or steady state work while staying comfortably indoors when the road outside is dark, or wet, or icy. The price range of options here is wide. You can splurge on a top-of-the-line Peloton—see this comparison to decide between the Bike and the Bike+, and this rundown of power zone training, which is hands down the best way to use a Peloton. Or you can go for one of the budget bikes (like a Sunny) that are less than a fifth of the price. Sunny Health & Fitness Endurance Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike $275.99 at Walmart $880.34 Save $604.35 Get Deal Get Deal $275.99 at Walmart $880.34 Save $604.35 A rowing machineMy first choice for a cardio machine is the bike, as mentioned earlier. But if you want another device, I’d vote for a rower. Rowers involve your full body, and they’re great for interval training. The Concept 2 is probably the best-known (and, many would say, hands down the best) brand in this space. (Not a rower person? My third choice would be a treadmill.) Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine $1,229.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,299.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,229.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,299.99 Save $70.00 DumbbellsDumbbells are a great way to lift weights at home. They’re smaller than a barbell, less specialized than a set of kettlebells, and you can do a ton of different workouts with them. As with kettlebells, you’ll need to decide if you want to get a few pairs at specific fixed weights (cheaper to start), or go for a pricier adjustable set. Rubber hex dumbbells are the best bet if you want a selection of dumbbells you can just grab and use without adjusting. But if space is at a premium, Powerblock and Bowflex make quick-adjusting options that stacked up well against the competition in our adjustable dumbbell roundup. Or go with my colleague Meredith Dietz's favorite, the Rep Quickdraw. Rep Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells, Multiple weight ranges available including: 5-30, 5-40,5-50 and 5-60 lbs (5-30 lbs) $299.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon A benchIf you have dumbbells or want to do any sort of bro workout, you’re going to need a bench. I’m more of a barbell person, so I just got a flat bench that can fit in my rack when I want to bench press. But people who do more dumbbell work often prefer a sturdy adjustable bench that can be configured for incline or upright seated work. Keppi 1200LB Weight Bench, Heavy Duty Bench1000 PRO Adjustable Workout Bench Press Set for Home Gym Strength Training, Removable Foot Catch for Incline Flat Decline Sit Up Bench for Full Body Fitness $195.98 at Amazon $279.99 Save $84.01 Get Deal Get Deal $195.98 at Amazon $279.99 Save $84.01 A barbellIf you’re into powerlifting or weightlifting, or just want to go heavy in your general strength workouts, there’s really no substitute for a good ol’ barbell. “Standard” bars with a one-inch hole are common in budget sets, but your purchase will have more longevity if you opt for an “Olympic” style bar with two-inch collars. Get a 45-pound or 20-kilogram bar like this one unless you have a specific reason to get something else. (Women who do Crossfit or Olympic weightlifting may prefer the 15-kilogram women's bar that is used in competitions.) E.T.ENERGIC 7ft Olympic Barbell Bar 40lbs for Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Gym Home Exercises with Hard Chrome Sleeves for 2" Olympic Plates(700-lbs Capacity), Red and Black $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Get Deal Get Deal $139.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Iron weight platesYou’ve got a few options for plates—we’ll discuss another in a minute—but iron plates are the classic choice. They’re sturdy, appropriately heavy, and up to almost any job. Get any kind that appeals to you: regular metal plates, plastic-coated ones, vintage-style deep dish. Anything but hex plates. Cast Iron Weight Plates, 45 lbs $54.39 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $54.39 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Bumper platesNot everyone needs bumper plates, but if you’re one of those people who does, skip the iron plates entirely and go for the good stuff. Bumper plates are essential for Olympic lifts (the snatch and the clean and jerk) and they’re also nice to have for other lifts, like deadlifts. In general, the cheapest kind are made of black rubber and are labeled in pounds; expect to pay a premium if you want them in kilos with international standard color-coding. A squat rack or cageYou know you’ve Made It as a home gym owner when you have your own squat rack. Consider the amount of space you have available, since some racks require tall ceilings and all require a good bit of space around the sides so you can get to the bar to change the plates. There are folding racks, half racks, and full racks. You can also go the DIY route with one of those concrete-bucket-and-lumber squat stands everyone was using during lockdown. (Mine held up great for years, and only broke down when the buckets got too much UV damage from being in the sunlight so long.) Signature Fitness Squat Rack $1,198.98 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $1,198.98 at Amazon Resistance bandsThrow a band on your pullup bar and you have a way to do assisted pullups; hold a band in your hands instead and you can do band pull-aparts. Bands are also a great addition to your barbells if you don’t have quite enough plates (or if you’re a fan of conjugate training, in which case you’re probably already putting bands and chains on everything that isn’t nailed down.) If you want to use bands with barbells, look for the long loop type; if you want to use them on their own, look for the kind that clip to handles. SandbagsSandbags are the under-appreciated workhorses of many a home gym. Sand is dirt cheap—almost literally—but expect to pay a few bucks for a quality fabric sandbag to put it in. (That said, you can DIY this, and we have instructions.) Start with a bag that weighs maybe 50 pounds, and practice picking it up, carrying it, and generally doing anything people do with weights. Yes, you can even press it overhead if you’re careful. If that’s all too easy, go 100 pounds, or work toward handling one that weighs as much as you do—or more. You'll want to go with strongman style bags for the heavier weights. A plyo boxA box is a handy thing to have around, and one of the few things I’ve always wanted in my home gym but never found the space for. With one box, you can do box jumps or box squats. With two, you can do dips, or stand on top of them and set up a belt squat. The possibilities are endless. Specialty barsIf you’re shopping for the person who has everything, I’ll tell you what they don’t have: another specialty bar. After a normal barbell, a typical next purchase is a safety squat bar. You could also go for an axle, which is great for practicing strongman events, or a cambered or duffalo bar (honestly, I’m not sure why powerlifters love these so much, but they do). A dedicated deadlift bar is perfect for the deadlift specialist in your life, and a football bar or Swiss bar gives you lots of options for pressing. A log is another great strongman/strongwoman option, or an EZ-curl bar for the bodybuilder. Or grab a trap bar to do deadlifts on easy mode. View the full article

President Donald The President’s administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of a ban on transgender people in the military, while legal challenges proceed. Without an order from the nation’s highest court, the ban could not take effect for many months, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote, “a period far too long for the military to be forced to maintain a policy that it has determined, in its professional judgment, to be contrary to military readiness and the nation’s interests.” The high court filing follows a brief order from a federal appeals court that kept in place a court order blocking the policy nationwide. At the least, Sauer wrote, the court should allow the ban to take effect nationwide, except for the seven service members and one aspiring member of the military who sued. The court gave lawyers for the service members challenging the ban a week to respond. Just after beginning his second term in January, The President moved aggressively to roll back the rights of transgender people. Among the Republican president’s actions was an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life” and is harmful to military readiness. In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service. But in March, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, ruled for several long-serving transgender military members who say that the ban is insulting and discriminatory and that their firing would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations. The The President administration offered no explanation as to why transgender troops, who have been able to serve openly over the past four years with no evidence of problems, should suddenly be banned, Settle wrote. The judge is an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush and is a former captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps. In 2016, during Barack Obama’s presidency, a Defense Department policy permitted transgender people to serve openly in the military. During The President’s first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obama’s Democratic administration. The Supreme Court allowed that ban to take effect. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, scrapped it when he took office. The rules the Defense Department wants to enforce contain no exceptions. Sauer said the policy during The President’s first term and the one that has been blocked are “materially indistinguishable.” Thousands of transgender people serve in the military, but they represent less than 1% of the total number of active-duty service members. The policy also has been blocked by a federal judge in the nation’s capital, but that ruling has been temporarily halted by a federal appeals court, which heard arguments on Tuesday. The three-judge panel, which includes two judges appointed by The President during his first term, appeared to be in favor of the administration’s position. In a more limited ruling, a judge in New Jersey also has barred the Air Force from removing two transgender men, saying they showed their separation would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations that no monetary settlement could repair. Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report. Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. —Mark Sherman, Associated Press View the full article

There’s Blue Sky and then there’s Bluesky. Blue Sky, a paper goods company founded 16 years ago, appears to be seeing a massive bump in traffic to its website, www.bluesky.com, thanks to the newfound popularity of the social media platform of a nearly identical name. Blue Sky’s website saw 215,100 visitors in March of this year compared to 56,300 visitors in March of 2024, marking a 282% increase in visits, according to data from digital market intelligence firm Similarweb. At the same time, Bluesky, the X competitor hosted at bsky.app, saw a 864% growth in visitors. In March 2025, Similarweb tracked 169.8 million visitors, compared to 17.6 million in March 2024. Bluesky started as a research project at Twitter, but became an independent company in 2021. It launched its platform as an invite-only service in 2023 before opening up public registration in February 2024. The platform really took off, though, after the November presidential election, when X owner Elon Musk gained a large stake in President The President’s campaign and subsequent administration. The company now has more than 35 million users, according to a tracker built by software engineer Natalie Bridgers. With the massive growth, it could be that people are typing in “bluesky.com” to get to the social platform, unaware they’re going to be met with visually appealing planners. Blue Sky didn’t respond to Fast Company‘s requests for comment. 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’ve been eyeing a headset that toes the line between immersive tech and affordability, the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation is currently down to $89.99 on Woot (for six days or until it's sold out). That’s about $30 cheaper than Amazon’s current price and the lowest it’s ever been, according to price trackers. It ships with a 90-day Woot warranty, but do note: shipping isn’t available to Alaska, Hawaii, or P.O. boxes. Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation $89.99 at Woot $118.46 Save $28.47 Get Deal Get Deal $89.99 at Woot $118.46 Save $28.47 This model is officially licensed for PS5 and matches Sony’s aesthetic, so if you’re trying to keep a clean look with your console setup, this blends in pretty well. The headset's rotating earcups, plush leatherette memory foam, and metal frame give it a premium feel, though it can reportedly get a bit warm after long sessions. That said, while the materials feel nice overall, the creaky leatherette might bug you if you’re big on silence. Where the Kaira Pro gets interesting is with its HyperSense haptic feedback. Unlike rumble features on basic headsets, this one responds dynamically to the in-game audio and delivers directional vibrations—not just thumps from explosions, but subtle feedback based on where sound is coming from in the game. For example, if there's gunfire from your left? You’ll feel it in your left earcup. That alone makes it a different kind of experience—it's subtle tech that pulls you into the game without needing full surround sound. But even when the haptics are turned off, the headset delivers strong, well-balanced sound with its 50mm titanium drivers, especially when using Tempest 3D AudioTech on PS5, which adds more spatial awareness. Battery life holds up decently, offering around 11 hours with RGB lights and haptics on, or closer to 30 if you keep things toned down. It recharges via USB-C and supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, so you can hop between PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices without much friction. You can’t stream audio from both sources simultaneously, but switching is quick. The detachable mic filters out background noise fairly well, and the companion app gives you access to EQ controls for customizing sound profiles and lighting tweaks, which is nice if you like fine-tuning things. View the full article

By now, you’re almost certainly feeling the effects of the tariff teeter-totter by the U.S. that started earlier this month. Economic instability seems to be a fact of life nowadays. Large shifts in supply chains, along with stock market volatility, can be scary for advertisers. It’s hard to contemplate spending money on advertising when uncertainty rules the day. Here’s how to optimize B2B PPC campaigns in an uncertain economy. How a tough economy impacts B2B businesses B2B advertisers, who are selling products and services to other businesses, can be especially impacted by market swings. When it seems like every business is experiencing difficulties, it feels like your whole pipeline has dried up overnight. B2B advertisers might find that lead volume has dropped, or that velocity has slowed – leads take longer to close. You might find that prospects are moving away from enterprise solutions and choosing smaller or mid-market solutions instead. And tariffs can impact the entire supply chain, forcing a price increase to the end user. Scary stuff. As a business owner, your first impulse is to stop advertising entirely. Don’t fall into this trap! When faced with the need to cut costs, it’s tempting to look at advertising as an unneeded expense. But it is more important than ever in a down market. There is still a market for your product or service. Sure, leads might slow down and take longer to close. But it’s essential to be there when users are searching for you. If you stop advertising, you’ll lose awareness and leads. Then, when things turn around, you’ll have to start from square one. Better to continue advertising, even if you have to reduce budgets, to keep leads flowing. Think of it like investing in the stock market. This is a long-term play. If you sell all your stocks now, you won’t be able to take advantage of market gains when things improve. Advertising is a similar investment. That’s not to say you shouldn’t adjust your strategy. Performance changes are inevitable, and reacting appropriately to them is crucial. Dig deeper: 5 tips for strong media planning during a recession Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Key challenges and tactical responses Here are some changes you might see in your B2B PPC accounts, and how to deal with them. Increased number of competitors as demand softens Across most of our B2B PPC accounts, we’ve seen that competition and ad depth have increased significantly in Q1 and into Q2. Google recently updated its policies so advertisers can run multiple ads for the same business, app, or site on a single search results page, provided they occupy different ad locations. This means that a single deep-pocketed advertiser can appear more than once for the same search query. As advertisers fight for fewer customers, we’re likely to see this happen more and more. What to do As B2B advertisers, be intentional about what keywords you’re bidding on. Drop any vanity terms or overly broad keywords that don’t convert well. Now is not the time to bid on a short-tail term just because you feel you need to show up for it. Be ruthless about what keywords get to stay in your paid search accounts. Higher CPCs due to increased competition As competition rises, CPCs are up nearly across the board in Q1 from Q4 levels. In some of our B2B accounts, CPCs are up 80% or more quarter over quarter. What to do This is no time to set bid strategies and forget about them. Careful monitoring of performance is crucial, now more than ever. When CPCs are up this much, B2B advertisers can’t afford to let poor performing keywords or ad variations run for days or weeks. Fast action is needed. Scripts can really help with performance monitoring, as can creating automated reports or alerts in your accounts. This is also a good time to ensure you’re optimizing for the right customers. If you haven’t set up offline conversions yet, make it a priority to do so as soon as possible. Remember, smart bidding can only optimize for data it can see. If your campaigns are driving a lot of form fills, Google will think that’s good, even if the form fills are all junk. Feeding down-funnel data back into Google Ads is more important than ever to make sure you’re optimizing for quality, not just quantity. Longer lead to sale times I talked about lead velocity above. Skittish buyers are taking longer to make a purchase decision. But that doesn’t mean they’re not doing research. And it doesn’t mean you should pull back on advertising. When prospects are ready to buy, you want to be on their Day 1 list – the first company they call for when they’re ready to act. About 92% of buyers end up buying from their Day 1 List, according to Rishi Dave of Bain. You want to do everything you can to be on that list. What to do When’s the last time you reviewed your ad copy and landing pages? Do they need a refresh? Use your ad copy to weed out lower-quality prospects and tire-kickers. This is always a best practice, but it’s never more important than in tough times when advertisers pay a premium for every click. Ad copy should make it clear that yours is a B2B offering. Use words and phrases like “For Businesses,” “Enterprise Software,” and so on to help discourage consumers from clicking on your ads. Landing pages need to be extra-compelling. User patience for less-than-optimal pages is thin. Pages must: Grab visitor attention right away. Let users know you can solve their problems. Otherwise, visitors will quickly bounce and go visit one of your many competitors. Also, while it’s not strictly a PPC thing, make sure your nurture streams and retargeting strategies are in place and optimized. Take every opportunity to keep users warm and remind them why they should buy from you. Retargeting is especially important, and it needs to be done thoughtfully. If you aren’t investing in B2B retargeting across all paid media channels, now is the time to stand that up. If you are already doing retargeting, double down on optimizing those campaigns. Simply serving a generic ad to previous site visitors won’t cut it anymore. Make sure your targeting, message, and landing pages are as relevant as possible. Lower conversion values Recession-shy business decision makers are rethinking large investments in technology. Businesses that might have been looking for an enterprise solution are now scaling back and looking at lower-cost local or regional vendors. What to do As mentioned earlier, offline conversions will be more important than ever. Measuring results through the sales funnel and assigning values to each step allows B2B advertisers to take advantage of value-based bidding. Using value-based bidding will help the smart bidding algorithm find your business’s highest-value prospects, focusing ad spend on the highest potential ROI. Value-based bidding will help you attract customers willing to pay for the level of service you offer and weed out those looking for a lower-tier option. You might also want to consider competitor conquesting. Create ads and landing pages that describe how your product or service is superior to lower-cost alternatives. Be sure to set specific KPIs for your conquesting campaigns. Although direct lead generation from conquesting is challenging, it can be effective for stealing impression share and building remarketing audiences. Tactically, use brand inclusions and exclusions to ensure your ads serve to the right searchers. Carefully measure to make sure the campaigns are meeting your KPIs. In a tough economy, if the conquesting space gets too crowded, you might need to bow out – but it’s worth testing to find pockets of opportunity. Test lower-cost alternatives If you’ve been putting off testing Microsoft Ads, Reddit, TikTok, or paid social, now would be a good time to test the waters of Google alternatives. Microsoft Ads often sees lower CPCs than Google Ads and can work well for B2B advertisers. Emerging platforms like Reddit are also worth testing, especially if your audience hangs out there. Same for review sites like Capterra. If you’re in the B2B SaaS space, Capterra ads can be highly effective. It’s time to get creative Leave no stone unturned when trying new ideas that could improve efficiency and reduce costs. Stay the course, but be smart. By staying one step ahead of competitors, you can optimize your B2B campaigns for success in an uncertain economy. Dig deeper: PPC survival – Handling inflation and being ready for a recession View the full article

Apple aims to make most of its iPhones sold in the United States at factories in India by the end of 2026, and is speeding up those plans to navigate potentially higher tariffs in China, its main manufacturing base, a source told Reuters. Apple is holding urgent talks with contract manufacturers Foxconn and Tata to achieve that goal, said the person, who declined to be named as the planning process is confidential. Apple, Tata and Foxconn did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Apple sells over 60 million iPhones in the U.S. annually with roughly 80% of them made in China. The tech giant is now looking to move the majority of that production to India, the source said. Apple has already stepped up production in India to beat U.S. President Donald The President’s tariffs, shipping some 600 tons of iPhones worth $2 billion to the United States in March. The shipments from India marked a record for both its contractors Tata and Foxconn, with the latter alone accounting for smartphones worth $1.3 billion, Reuters reported last week. In April, the U.S. administration imposed 26% duties on imports from India, much lower than the more than 100% China was facing at the time. Washington has since paused most duties for three months, except for China. The President’s administration has since signalled openness to de-escalating the trade war between the world’s two largest economies that has raised fears of recession. The Financial Times first reported about Apple’s plan on Friday. As Apple diversifies its manufacturing beyond China, it has positioned India for a critical role. Foxconn and Tata, its two main suppliers there, have three factories in all, with two more being built. —Munsif Vengattil, Akash Sriram, and Disha Mishra, Reuters View the full article

Key Takeaways Role of Health Influencers: Health influencers significantly impact wellness journeys by sharing relatable advice and evidence-based information on various platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Criteria for Selection: When choosing health influencers, consider their engagement rate, content quality, audience alignment, brand voice consistency, and platform presence for effective partnerships. Engagement Strategies: Successful influencers prioritize community engagement by responding to follower comments and fostering discussions, which builds trust and brand loyalty. Impact on Wellness Decisions: Health influencers empower individuals to make informed health and nutrition choices, turning complex topics into accessible content that resonates with their audience. Emerging Trends: The rise of niche health influencers focusing on specific diets, fitness routines, and mental wellness offers unique opportunities for brands to partner and enhance community interaction. Shifting Focus Areas: There is an increasing emphasis on mental health and holistic wellness among health influencers, reflecting growing consumer interests and the need for brands to incorporate these themes into their social media strategies. In today’s digital age, health influencers play a crucial role in shaping our wellness journeys. With countless voices sharing insights on nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being, it can be overwhelming to know who to follow. The right influencers can inspire you to adopt healthier habits and provide valuable tips tailored to your lifestyle. From fitness gurus to nutrition experts, these individuals have built dedicated communities around their passion for health. They offer relatable advice and evidence-based information that can help you navigate your own wellness path. In this article, you’ll discover some of the top health influencers who are making waves and leading the charge toward a healthier you. Overview of Top Health Influencers Health influencers play a significant role in shaping wellness journeys through their strong online presence across various social media platforms. Their relatable advice and valuable insights can guide you toward healthier habits. Importance of Health Influencers Health influencers engage audiences on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, creating content that resonates with followers. Their ability to connect through storytelling and personal experiences fosters trust, which can significantly impact your decision-making regarding health and wellness. You might find that influencer marketing leads to greater brand awareness, especially for health-related products or services. These influencers often share user-generated content and reviews, further enhancing community interaction and customer feedback. Criteria for Selection When choosing health influencers to follow or partner with, consider several criteria: Engagement Rate: Look for influencers with high engagement rates. Higher interactions show that their audience values their content. Content Quality: Assess the quality of social media posts, including video content and storytelling capabilities. Well-produced content often reflects professionalism and dedication. Audience Alignment: Ensure their audience aligns with your target market. Consider demographic factors such as age, interests, and specific health topics. Brand Voice Consistency: Evaluate if the influencer maintains a consistent brand voice that matches your brand’s values and messaging. Platform Presence: Examine their presence on various social media platforms. Influencers excelling on Instagram and TikTok might be particularly effective for visual storytelling, while those active on LinkedIn could better reach a professional audience. By utilizing social media tools and analytics, you can track the success of influencer partnerships and measure the return on investment (ROI) from your social media campaigns. Profiles of Top Health Influencers Explore profiles of influential health experts shaping wellness decisions across various social media platforms. These influencers leverage their knowledge to connect with audiences, enhancing community engagement and promoting healthier lifestyles. Influencer 1: Dr. Mike Name: Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, known as “Doctor Mike.” Expertise: Board-certified family medicine physician. Influence: Dr. Mike engages millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. His content simplifies complex health topics, providing relatable health advice while debunking myths. Through engaging storytelling and interactive posts, he cultivates trust, helping you navigate your health journey. Influencer 2: Dr. Megan Rossi Name: Dr. Megan Rossi, known as “The Gut Health Doctor.” Expertise: Renowned gut health expert and registered dietitian with a PhD and research position at King’s College London. Influence: Dr. Rossi focuses on nutrition’s impact on gut health, empowering followers through informative Instagram stories and posts. Her social media strategy includes evidence-based tips for better dietary choices. By fostering community interaction, she enhances brand awareness around gut health. Influencer 3: [Insert Influencer Name Here] Name: [Insert Influencer Name Here]. Expertise: [Insert area of expertise]. Influence: [Insert description of influence, highlighting their social media platforms, engagement strategy, and approach to health promotion]. Each of these influencers showcases effective content creation and community management strategies, essential for bolstering your brand’s online presence and optimizing social media campaigns. Impact on Health and Wellness Health influencers shape wellness decisions across social media platforms. They empower individuals to make informed choices about health and nutrition. Social Media Reach Health influencers command significant reach on various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They leverage storytelling to connect with audiences, boost brand awareness, and create engaging content that resonates with followers. For instance, Dr. Mike’s content encourages audience engagement by simplifying complex health topics and debunking myths. Utilizing relevant hashtags and user-generated content enhances organic reach and fosters community growth. Small businesses can benefit from collaborations with such influencers to maximize their social media strategy. Community Engagement Effective community engagement leads to strong online presence and customer interaction. Health influencers actively communicate with their followers, responding to comments and feedback, which fosters trust and brand loyalty. Dr. Megan Rossi exemplifies this strategy through her focus on gut health, sharing evidence-based tips while engaging her audience in discussions. For small businesses, adopting similar community management practices encourages support and attracts potential customers. Regularly sharing video content, hosting Facebook groups, and utilizing social media analytics improves engagement rates and helps refine your social media campaigns. Trends in Health Influencing Health influencing continues to evolve with emerging influencers and shifting focus areas that impact small businesses using social media. Emerging Influencers You’ll find new health influencers rising to prominence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These influencers often focus on niche topics that span specific diets, fitness routines, or mental wellness strategies, attracting dedicated followings. Their engagement rates can be higher, offering small businesses unique opportunities for influencer partnerships that yield substantial brand awareness. For instance, you might see collaborations with micro-influencers who create authentic content and share user-generated content, enhancing community interaction and driving organic growth. Shifting Focus Areas Health influencers are increasingly prioritizing areas like mental health and holistic wellness. This shift aligns with growing consumer awareness about stress management and emotional well-being. As you develop your social media strategy, consider utilizing Instagram Stories and Facebook groups to share valuable content around these topics. Content creation should include storytelling techniques to foster deeper connections with your audience, elevating brand consistency and enhancing social media engagement. In doing so, you can leverage social media ads and organic reach to promote wellness programs, encouraging customer feedback and interaction that strengthens your online presence. Conclusion Health influencers play a vital role in shaping your wellness journey. By following the right voices you can access valuable insights and evidence-based advice that inspire healthier choices. Their ability to connect through storytelling fosters trust and encourages informed decision-making. As you navigate the digital landscape of health and wellness it’s essential to choose influencers who align with your goals and values. Engaging with these experts can enhance your understanding of nutrition fitness and mental well-being. Remember to leverage social media tools to track the effectiveness of these partnerships and maximize your engagement. Embracing the guidance of top health influencers can lead to transformative changes in your lifestyle and well-being. So take the time to explore and connect with those who resonate with you. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of health influencers? Health influencers guide individuals on wellness journeys by providing relatable advice and evidence-based information in areas like nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. They foster trust through storytelling, helping followers make informed health decisions. How can I choose the right health influencers to follow? To choose the right health influencers, consider their engagement rates, content quality, audience alignment, and consistency of their brand voice. Look for those who provide reliable information and resonate with your personal wellness goals. Why are health influencers important? Health influencers are crucial as they command a significant reach across social media platforms. They help raise awareness about health topics and inspire their followers to adopt healthier habits through relatable content and community engagement. How do health influencers impact social media marketing? Health influencers enhance social media marketing by offering brands authentic connections with engaged audiences. Collaborating with them can improve brand awareness and trust, as their recommendations often have a substantial influence on consumers’ health-related decisions. What are some current trends in health influencing? Current trends include the rise of new influencers focusing on niche topics like specific diets and mental wellness, primarily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There’s also an increasing emphasis on holistic wellness and stress management, addressing growing consumer awareness. How can small businesses benefit from health influencers? Small businesses can benefit from collaborating with health influencers to enhance brand awareness and improve engagement. By leveraging influencer partnerships, they can reach a larger audience and utilize effective community management to attract potential customers. What strategies can improve community engagement with health influencers? To improve community engagement, brands should regularly share valuable content, actively communicate with followers, and adopt storytelling techniques. Utilizing tools like Instagram Stories and Facebook groups can foster deeper connections and enhance social media interactions. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Top Health Influencers Shaping Your Wellness Journey Online" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Role of Health Influencers: Health influencers significantly impact wellness journeys by sharing relatable advice and evidence-based information on various platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Criteria for Selection: When choosing health influencers, consider their engagement rate, content quality, audience alignment, brand voice consistency, and platform presence for effective partnerships. Engagement Strategies: Successful influencers prioritize community engagement by responding to follower comments and fostering discussions, which builds trust and brand loyalty. Impact on Wellness Decisions: Health influencers empower individuals to make informed health and nutrition choices, turning complex topics into accessible content that resonates with their audience. Emerging Trends: The rise of niche health influencers focusing on specific diets, fitness routines, and mental wellness offers unique opportunities for brands to partner and enhance community interaction. Shifting Focus Areas: There is an increasing emphasis on mental health and holistic wellness among health influencers, reflecting growing consumer interests and the need for brands to incorporate these themes into their social media strategies. In today’s digital age, health influencers play a crucial role in shaping our wellness journeys. With countless voices sharing insights on nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being, it can be overwhelming to know who to follow. The right influencers can inspire you to adopt healthier habits and provide valuable tips tailored to your lifestyle. From fitness gurus to nutrition experts, these individuals have built dedicated communities around their passion for health. They offer relatable advice and evidence-based information that can help you navigate your own wellness path. In this article, you’ll discover some of the top health influencers who are making waves and leading the charge toward a healthier you. Overview of Top Health Influencers Health influencers play a significant role in shaping wellness journeys through their strong online presence across various social media platforms. Their relatable advice and valuable insights can guide you toward healthier habits. Importance of Health Influencers Health influencers engage audiences on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, creating content that resonates with followers. Their ability to connect through storytelling and personal experiences fosters trust, which can significantly impact your decision-making regarding health and wellness. You might find that influencer marketing leads to greater brand awareness, especially for health-related products or services. These influencers often share user-generated content and reviews, further enhancing community interaction and customer feedback. Criteria for Selection When choosing health influencers to follow or partner with, consider several criteria: Engagement Rate: Look for influencers with high engagement rates. Higher interactions show that their audience values their content. Content Quality: Assess the quality of social media posts, including video content and storytelling capabilities. Well-produced content often reflects professionalism and dedication. Audience Alignment: Ensure their audience aligns with your target market. Consider demographic factors such as age, interests, and specific health topics. Brand Voice Consistency: Evaluate if the influencer maintains a consistent brand voice that matches your brand’s values and messaging. Platform Presence: Examine their presence on various social media platforms. Influencers excelling on Instagram and TikTok might be particularly effective for visual storytelling, while those active on LinkedIn could better reach a professional audience. By utilizing social media tools and analytics, you can track the success of influencer partnerships and measure the return on investment (ROI) from your social media campaigns. Profiles of Top Health Influencers Explore profiles of influential health experts shaping wellness decisions across various social media platforms. These influencers leverage their knowledge to connect with audiences, enhancing community engagement and promoting healthier lifestyles. Influencer 1: Dr. Mike Name: Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, known as “Doctor Mike.” Expertise: Board-certified family medicine physician. Influence: Dr. Mike engages millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. His content simplifies complex health topics, providing relatable health advice while debunking myths. Through engaging storytelling and interactive posts, he cultivates trust, helping you navigate your health journey. Influencer 2: Dr. Megan Rossi Name: Dr. Megan Rossi, known as “The Gut Health Doctor.” Expertise: Renowned gut health expert and registered dietitian with a PhD and research position at King’s College London. Influence: Dr. Rossi focuses on nutrition’s impact on gut health, empowering followers through informative Instagram stories and posts. Her social media strategy includes evidence-based tips for better dietary choices. By fostering community interaction, she enhances brand awareness around gut health. Influencer 3: [Insert Influencer Name Here] Name: [Insert Influencer Name Here]. Expertise: [Insert area of expertise]. Influence: [Insert description of influence, highlighting their social media platforms, engagement strategy, and approach to health promotion]. Each of these influencers showcases effective content creation and community management strategies, essential for bolstering your brand’s online presence and optimizing social media campaigns. Impact on Health and Wellness Health influencers shape wellness decisions across social media platforms. They empower individuals to make informed choices about health and nutrition. Social Media Reach Health influencers command significant reach on various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They leverage storytelling to connect with audiences, boost brand awareness, and create engaging content that resonates with followers. For instance, Dr. Mike’s content encourages audience engagement by simplifying complex health topics and debunking myths. Utilizing relevant hashtags and user-generated content enhances organic reach and fosters community growth. Small businesses can benefit from collaborations with such influencers to maximize their social media strategy. Community Engagement Effective community engagement leads to strong online presence and customer interaction. Health influencers actively communicate with their followers, responding to comments and feedback, which fosters trust and brand loyalty. Dr. Megan Rossi exemplifies this strategy through her focus on gut health, sharing evidence-based tips while engaging her audience in discussions. For small businesses, adopting similar community management practices encourages support and attracts potential customers. Regularly sharing video content, hosting Facebook groups, and utilizing social media analytics improves engagement rates and helps refine your social media campaigns. Trends in Health Influencing Health influencing continues to evolve with emerging influencers and shifting focus areas that impact small businesses using social media. Emerging Influencers You’ll find new health influencers rising to prominence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These influencers often focus on niche topics that span specific diets, fitness routines, or mental wellness strategies, attracting dedicated followings. Their engagement rates can be higher, offering small businesses unique opportunities for influencer partnerships that yield substantial brand awareness. For instance, you might see collaborations with micro-influencers who create authentic content and share user-generated content, enhancing community interaction and driving organic growth. Shifting Focus Areas Health influencers are increasingly prioritizing areas like mental health and holistic wellness. This shift aligns with growing consumer awareness about stress management and emotional well-being. As you develop your social media strategy, consider utilizing Instagram Stories and Facebook groups to share valuable content around these topics. Content creation should include storytelling techniques to foster deeper connections with your audience, elevating brand consistency and enhancing social media engagement. In doing so, you can leverage social media ads and organic reach to promote wellness programs, encouraging customer feedback and interaction that strengthens your online presence. Conclusion Health influencers play a vital role in shaping your wellness journey. By following the right voices you can access valuable insights and evidence-based advice that inspire healthier choices. Their ability to connect through storytelling fosters trust and encourages informed decision-making. As you navigate the digital landscape of health and wellness it’s essential to choose influencers who align with your goals and values. Engaging with these experts can enhance your understanding of nutrition fitness and mental well-being. Remember to leverage social media tools to track the effectiveness of these partnerships and maximize your engagement. Embracing the guidance of top health influencers can lead to transformative changes in your lifestyle and well-being. So take the time to explore and connect with those who resonate with you. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of health influencers? Health influencers guide individuals on wellness journeys by providing relatable advice and evidence-based information in areas like nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. They foster trust through storytelling, helping followers make informed health decisions. How can I choose the right health influencers to follow? To choose the right health influencers, consider their engagement rates, content quality, audience alignment, and consistency of their brand voice. Look for those who provide reliable information and resonate with your personal wellness goals. Why are health influencers important? Health influencers are crucial as they command a significant reach across social media platforms. They help raise awareness about health topics and inspire their followers to adopt healthier habits through relatable content and community engagement. How do health influencers impact social media marketing? Health influencers enhance social media marketing by offering brands authentic connections with engaged audiences. Collaborating with them can improve brand awareness and trust, as their recommendations often have a substantial influence on consumers’ health-related decisions. What are some current trends in health influencing? Current trends include the rise of new influencers focusing on niche topics like specific diets and mental wellness, primarily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There’s also an increasing emphasis on holistic wellness and stress management, addressing growing consumer awareness. How can small businesses benefit from health influencers? Small businesses can benefit from collaborating with health influencers to enhance brand awareness and improve engagement. By leveraging influencer partnerships, they can reach a larger audience and utilize effective community management to attract potential customers. What strategies can improve community engagement with health influencers? To improve community engagement, brands should regularly share valuable content, actively communicate with followers, and adopt storytelling techniques. Utilizing tools like Instagram Stories and Facebook groups can foster deeper connections and enhance social media interactions. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Top Health Influencers Shaping Your Wellness Journey Online" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Data breaches targeting healthcare and compromising patient information seem to be coming fast and furious, the latest of which occurred at Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS), a massive nonprofit healthcare network in Connecticut. Hackers stole the data of more than 5.5 million individuals during an attack in March 2025. Other major cyber incidents revealed by healthcare organizations in recent weeks include Blue Shield of California's exposure of 4.7 million members' data to Google along with a breach at Maryland's Frederick Health Medical Group, which affected nearly a million patients. What happened at Yale New Haven Health? According to a public notice on the YNHHS website, the organization discovered "unusual activity" on its system on March 8, 2025, which was later identified as unauthorized third-party access that allowed bad actors to copy certain patient data. While the information stolen varies by individual, it may include the following: Name Date of birth Address Phone number Email address Race Ethnicity Social Security number Patient type Medical record number YNHHS says the breach did not include access to medical records, treatment information, or financial data (such as account and payment information). What to do if your records were affectedIf you've been a patient in the YNHHS network, your data may have been compromised. The organization began sending notices to those affected on April 14, so keep an eye out for a letter in the mail. YNHHS is providing complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services to patients whose Social Security numbers were stolen, with directions for taking advantage of these services presumably included in the mailed notices. You can call the support line at 855-549-2678 Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET if you have questions about the incident or how you may be affected. There are also class action lawsuits in the works seeking damages for individuals impacted by the breach, so you can keep an eye out for news on those filings. As always, you can't reclaim stolen data, but you can minimize the potential negative impact on your life. Freeze your credit, place a fraud alert, and request copies of your credit report regularly. Lock down your Social Security number to prevent identity theft. You should also review medical bills and statements from YNHHS and report any discrepancies immediately. Exercise good digital hygiene practices, such as avoiding clicking links in messages you receive. View the full article

A new report has uncovered a community of Roblox players who digitally re-create and “play” through real-life school shootings. Known as “Active Shooter Studios,” or A.S.S., the group has attracted hundreds of fans on Roblox with detailed recreations of horrific mass shootings, including Columbine, Uvalde, and Parkland, according to a report published this week by the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism. The disturbing games are created by anonymous users using Roblox’s in-game tools and browser. In one game viewed by Bloomberg, more than 60 players surrounded a school holding pitchforks, chanting the white supremacist phrase “You will not replace us.” The game has since been removed. One of A.S.S.’s most popular maps re-creates the 1999 Columbine shooting, allowing players to take on the roles of mass murderers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Players can maim and dismember others—something nominally prohibited by Roblox’s community standards—fighting to the death or eventually committing suicide when police arrive in the game. The A.S.S. is part of a darker corner of the internet known as the True Crime Community (TCC), an online subculture where followers idolize serial killers and mass murderers. The Columbine shooting is among the events most romanticized by TCC members. A Roblox spokesperson told Fast Company, “Roblox is committed to safety and civility, and our Community Standards explicitly prohibit any content or behavior that depicts, supports, glorifies, or promotes terrorist or extremist organizations in any way.” They confirmed that steps are taken to remove material and accounts that violate these standards. “We have a dedicated team focused on proactively identifying and swiftly removing such content, as well as banning the individuals who create it, and we will continue to diligently enforce our policies,” they added. This is not the first time such re-creations have been found on the platform. The ADL previously discovered re-creations of the 2019 mosque shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. Despite Roblox’s efforts, removing these maps often becomes a game of whack-a-mole. According to the report, A.S.S. members have started hosting games on paid Roblox private servers to evade detection. With over 80 million active users logging onto Roblox daily—many of them children or teens—games that glorify mass violence risk desensitizing players and may serve as a gateway to other extremist content. However, Roblox insisted “the vast majority” of users on its platform do not seek out A.S.S. content and that it is not easily searchable. “Because of the swift, proactive safety measures we have in place, it is very unlikely users would be exposed to such content on our platform,” the spokesperson said. “Combatting content that supports extremist views is an internet-wide challenge, as these individuals constantly try to evade detection,” they continued. “We work closely with other platforms and in close collaboration with law enforcement to keep content that violates our policies off our platform.” View the full article

This week, guess what, we saw more Google search ranking volatility heat up mid-week. Several new studies have come out showing that AI Overviews hurt click-through rates from search results. Google will stop supporting the...View the full article

Discover the essential PPC KPIs, beyond CTR and CPC, to measure profit, incrementality, and real business impact from your paid media. The post The 8 Most Important PPC KPIs You Should Be Tracking appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Doug Duncan may be retired from Fannie Mae, but not from the housing market—his new firm is ramping up with writing, speaking, and advisory work. View the full article

In the world of digital advertising, data is king. Yet, many PPC advertisers underutilize one of their most valuable sources of insights: their CRM data. Whether you’re a B2B or B2C marketer, your CRM is a gold mine of customer information that can significantly enhance your paid media strategy. To boost efficiency and scale, focus on the most impactful CRM data, such as: Job titles, industry, company size, and revenue for B2B. Age, gender, location, product preferences, and customer lifetime value (CLV) for B2C. This article tackles how to use CRM data to refine your targeting, craft compelling ad messaging, and create more relevant website content. Evaluate CRM data through clustering analysis First, you need to know how to organize your data to get the insights you’ll deploy in your paid campaigns. One powerful technique for organizing data is clustering analysis, which helps group similar customers based on shared characteristics. For this, I prefer the k‑modes algorithm, an extension of the k‑means method. The algorithm replaces means of clusters with modes – in other words, it replaces an aggregate average with attributes that appear frequently, which is much better for precise targeting. This allows you to identify primary audience segments that are most valuable to your business. For example: B2B: Clustering leads and opportunities by job role, industry, company size, and annual revenue. B2C: Segmenting customers based on demographics, interests, purchase behavior, CLV, and engagement levels. This analysis will help you uncover actionable insights to shape your advertising approach and ensure you focus on the right audiences. 3 ways to leverage CRM data for PPC advertising Once you’ve identified key audience clusters, apply those insights across Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads, and other paid platforms. While there are additional use cases, let’s focus on the three mentioned above. 1. Refine targeting without hyper-fragmenting ad accounts A common mistake is over-segmenting ad campaigns, which can lead to inefficient ad spend, limited insights, and hinder platform algorithms from optimizing performance. Instead, leverage your CRM insights to refine audience targeting strategically: LinkedIn and Facebook audiences: Upload CRM data to create custom audiences and lookalike audiences, ensuring you’re targeting high-value prospects similar to your existing customers. (Note: A few significant new releases from LinkedIn add even more heft to this recommendation.) Keyword themes in Google Ads: Use CRM insights to identify the job titles, industries, or pain points that resonate most with your customers and optimize your keyword strategy accordingly. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. 2. Craft messaging with ads geared toward primary personas Different customer segments respond to different messages. Use your CRM data to create tailored ad copy, imagery, and CTAs that align with the needs and interests of your primary personas: B2B example: If your CRM data reveals that C-suite executives respond best to finesse and expertise-driven content, create ads promoting whitepapers or exclusive webinars. B2C example: If your data shows that younger demographics prefer discounts while older customers value premium quality, adjust your ad messaging accordingly. 3. Creating relevant website content Your paid efforts shouldn’t stop at the ad level – your website must also reflect the personas you’re targeting. By using CRM insights, you can optimize your site to better convert visitors into customers: B2B: If your highest-value customers are from enterprise-level companies, make sure your website has dedicated pages for enterprise solutions and case studies, with messaging tailored to address their specific pain points and needs. A common issue I’ve seen with agency clients is that their landing pages lack depth; often, distinct personas would benefit from pages with more refined messaging. B2C: If a key demographic is young professionals interested in sustainability, highlight eco-friendly product attributes and include social proof from like-minded customers. These insights should extend beyond landing pages. It’s crucial to gather and evaluate whether your brand positioning across the entire site reflects the common themes that emerge when analyzing different personas. Final thoughts Your CRM isn’t just a database – it’s a strategic asset that can transform your paid media performance. You can drive more efficient and effective advertising campaigns by analyzing customer data through: Clustering. Refining targeting. Crafting tailored ad messaging. Ensuring your website content aligns with your audience. One final note here: this is not a one-and-done initiative. Use your judgment based on: How much and how quickly new data is entering your CRM. Any data cleanup projects that might alter the data. New product launches that could require fresh insights. Use this information to schedule regular and ad-hoc updates to your analysis. Don’t let your CRM data go to waste – use it to enhance your paid campaigns and increase your ROI. View the full article