All Activity

Capital, technology and the federal government are just some of the concerns. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Capital, technology and the federal government are just some of the concerns. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

This year has so far been a pretty brutal one when it comes to store closures. Hundreds of retail stores have already shuttered due to everything from cost-cutting to bankruptcies. Major store closures so far in 2025 have included Rite Aid, Forever 21, Joann, Party City, Kohl’s, and Big Lots. But one major store chain seems to be bucking the trend by opening new locations. That store is the popular grocery chain Trader Joe’s. Despite some controversies and questionable alleged business practices as reported earlier this year by Fast Company, the chain is still beloved by many diehard adherents. And now it seems like Trader Joe’s is capitalizing on that popularity by opening at least 22 new stores in the near future. The chain currently has 581 stores spanning 42 states and Washington, D.C., according to USA Today. But soon 13 of those states and D.C. will be adding additional stores. (For context, Chain Store Age reported back in March 2024 that Trader Joe’s had “more than 500” locations.) Here’s the full list of Trader Joe’s’ new stores that are opening, according to data from the company’s “opening soon” tool on its store locator website. Fast Company reached out to Trader Joe’s to confirm the accuracy of the store locator figure and ask if any additional store openings are being planned. We will update this story if we hear back. Alabama Hoover, AL 35244 California Northridge, CA 91325 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (Sherman Oaks 2) Tarzana, CA 91356 Tracy, CA 95304 Yucaipa, CA 92399 Colorado Westminster, CO 80031 Louisiana New Orleans, LA 70119 (Mid-City) Massachusetts Boston, MA 02132 (West Roxbury) Maryland Rockville, MD 20850 (Town Square) New Jersey Iselin, NJ 08830 (Woodbridge) New York Glenmont, NY 12077 Staten Island, NY 10309 (Tottenville) Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (Northwest) Pennsylvania Berwyn, PA 19312 Exton, PA 73132 South Carolina Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 Texas McKinney, TX 75070 (West) San Antonio, TX 78230 (Northwest) Washington Bellingham, WA 98226 (Bellingham – North) Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. 20015 (Friendship Heights) Washington, D.C. 20017 (Brookland) Retail store closures could hit 15,000 in 2025 Despite Trader Joe’s’ expansion, America is expected to lose thousands of retail stores in 2025. According to a January report from Coresight Research, the U.S. could see up to 15,000 retail stores close this year. The cost of inflation and the increasing preference of consumers to shop online are reported to be two of the biggest factors influencing retail store closures in 2025. Of course, keep in mind that Coresight’s report was conducted before President Donald The President unleashed his tariffs on the world in April. It is likely that the increased cost of importing goods into the United States, which is borne by the retail chains that import the goods, could have a negative economic impact on some of those chains. If that happens, it’s possible that even more retailers might decide to close stores to cut costs. For now, only time will tell. View the full article

A Gantt chart is a project management tool used to view project tasks scheduled over a time period, and provides information on overall project progress. The post What Is a Gantt Chart? appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

The world’s auto industry is getting a shake-up from Chinese automakers that are quickly expanding across the globe, offering relatively affordable electric vehicles designed to wow car buyers with sleek designs and the latest high-tech interiors. Companies like BYD, Great Wall, Geely, and Chery Automobile are reaching outward as they build the scale they need to survive cutthroat competition in their home market. These generally are not state-run giants like SAIC, BAIC, and Guangzhou Automotive. The founder of Geely started out making refrigerators. BYD first built up its expertise in battery technology, now its biggest advantage as the world’s largest-selling EV maker. Some others are technology companies allied with automakers to offer autonomous driving. Here are some of the key players: Great Wall Motors Great Wall Motors, with the Haval, Wey, Ora, Poer, and Tank brands, is banking on overseas sales to keep growing after seeing its sales inside China fall by nearly 15% last year, even as the company’s net profit jumped more than 80%. The company has factories in Russia, Thailand and Brazil, where it is challenging Toyota’s popular Hilux pickup truck with its GWM Poer, a hybrid pickup of its own. Another mainstay is the Haval H6, a hybrid sports SUV. Great Wall has smoothed its transition to overseas production by buying factories of other automakers. In Thailand, it took over a factory formerly operated by General Motors Corp. In Brazil, it purchased a former Mercedes-Benz plant. “It is essential for volume to be big, otherwise the cost of production is too high,” Great Wall’s chairman, Wei Jianjun, said in a media huddle at the show. Wei, who also goes by the name Jack Wey, was born in Beijing but moved to nearby Hebei, home of the Great Wall. He led the company’s transition from vehicle modification to automaking, becoming China’s biggest maker of pickup trucks and a leading SUV maker. The company has a joint venture for EVs with BMW. Chery State-owned Chery Automobile says it was the first Chinese automaker to export overseas. It has sold more than 15 million of its Chery, Exeed, Omoda, and Jetour models overseas, mostly in the developing world and emerging markets, including Turkey and Ukraine. Chery reported selling 2.6 million vehicles overseas last year and is aiming for 3 million in 2025. It’s quickly expanding overseas production, setting up factories in Russia and Spain. It is expanding rapidly in Latin America. Chery’s tie-up with EV-maker Visionary Vehicles aimed to sell in North America but has not yet achieved that goal. The company has a 50-50 joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover, which is a subsidiary of Tata Motors of India that makes Jaguars and Land Rovers in China. It also collaborates with Huawei Technologies and e-commerce giant Alibaba. Chery still sells far more fuel-engine cars than EVs. Its battery electric vehicle company, Chery New Energy, makes minivehicles like the eQ1, or Small Ant, and the QQ Ice Cream. Its mainstays are the Tiggo lineup of SUVs and its Arrizo sedans. BYD BYD made more electric vehicles last year than Tesla, selling 3.52 million EVs in China, up 28% from a year earlier. Its strength in plug-in hybrids has helped as Chinese increasingly opt for the fallback of a fuel engine. The company, based in southern China’s Shenzhen, recently announced an ultra-fast EV charging system it says can provide a full charge for its latest EVs within five to eight minutes, about as long as a fill-up. It plans to build more than 4,000 of the new charging stations across China. The Chinese company started out making batteries and has been refining its battery and energy storage technology while building an auto empire that is expanding outside China. While BYD’s fanciest, latest premium models are expected to sell for up to about $40,000, it also makes much less expensive EVs including the Seagull, which sells for around $12,000 in China. BYD barely nudged ahead of Tesla in production of battery-powered EVs in 2024, making 1,777,965 compared with Tesla’s 1,773,443. Geely Geely Auto is perhaps the most famous Chinese automaker that many people have never heard of. The privately held company was founded as a refrigerator-maker by businessman Li Shufu in 1997 in eastern China’s Taizhou, which early on became a hub of private industry. Li began making strategic overseas acquisitions early on, buying Sweden’s Volvo Car Co. from Ford Motor in 2010. Geely’s purchase of a 49.9% stake in Malaysia’s Proton gave it a 51% stake in luxury sports car brand Lotus. It formed a 50-50 joint venture to make Smart city cars with Germany’s Daimler AG. It also works with Renault SA of France on powertrains and owns a stake in Aston Martin Lagonda. In March, it launched sales of its Geely EX5 SUVs in Australia and New Zealand, adding to its global reach. Geely also owns New York Stock Exchange-listed Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding, which makes a premium EV brand. Geely and Volvo own Swedish automaker Polestar, which has struggled in the U.S. market. Wuling China’s second-best selling EV brand is Wuling, a joint venture of Shanghai’s SAIC Motor, General Motors and Guangxi Auto. It sold more than 673,000 EVs in China and has a market share of only 6% compared with BYD’s nearly one-third share. Tesla came in third at 659,000 cars sold. Apart from its Baojun sedans and vans, Wuling mainly makes engines, commercial vehicles and special purpose vehicles like mini-EVs and golf carts. Others Other major Chinese brands of EVs include Nio, Xpeng, Li Auto and Leap Motor. State-run giants like Dongfeng Motor Group, which has an alliance with Nissan Motor Corp., and Changan Automobile, a partner with Japan’s Mazda Motor Corp. and with Ford Motor Co., are also quickly expanding EV sales. But the industry is fast-changing and competition in the home market is tough. That’s a key reason why the biggest automakers have focused attention on expanding into global markets. —Elaine Kurtenbach, AP Business Writer View the full article

Key Takeaways Lucrative Opportunity: Car rental franchises present an appealing business venture amid the growing demand for flexible transportation options in the booming travel industry. Franchise Structure: Entrepreneurs benefit from a proven franchise model that includes brand recognition, operational support, and training, which are vital for success. Financial Independence: Owning a car rental franchise can lead to financial freedom, with established brands potentially generating higher revenue due to customer trust. Market Competition: The car rental industry is competitive, requiring franchisees to differentiate their services through innovative offerings and excellent customer service to succeed. Critical Considerations: Key factors such as location selection and understanding franchise agreement terms are essential for franchise success and profitability. Support and Resources: Taking advantage of franchisor support, including training, marketing strategies, and operational manuals, is crucial for effective management and growth in the car rental sector. Thinking about diving into the world of car rental franchises? You’re not alone. With the travel industry booming and more people seeking flexible transportation options, car rental franchises offer a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. It’s a chance to tap into a market that thrives on convenience and accessibility. Overview of Car Rental Franchise A car rental franchise offers a viable small business opportunity within the growing franchise industry. Entrepreneurs can tap into a robust market driven by the increasing demand for flexible transportation solutions. Car rental franchises provide you with a structured franchise model, enabling you to leverage an established brand’s recognition and support network. When entering this space, you’ll sign a franchise agreement outlining your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee. This includes understanding royalty fees, initial investment requirements, and ongoing franchise fees. A well-prepared franchise disclosure document (FDD) will provide essential information about the business, including financial performance and obligations. Franchise training plays a crucial role in your success. It equips you with the skills needed to operate your business effectively. Additionally, the franchisor typically offers comprehensive franchise support, covering operations manuals, marketing strategies, and compliance guidelines. For multi-unit franchising, consider the advantages of owning multiple units under an exclusive territory, which can enhance profitability. Conduct franchise research to identify the best options for your specific goals. Analyzing location and market conditions can optimize your chances of success. Engaging with franchise consultants can provide insight into franchising trends and the metrics important for franchise growth. Participating in franchise expos can enhance your understanding of potential opportunities and franchise recruitment practices. This immersive experience can help you network with other franchisees and franchisors, facilitating valuable relationships that contribute to overall franchise success. Benefits of Owning a Car Rental Franchise Owning a car rental franchise offers numerous advantages that can lead to entrepreneurial success. This section explores key benefits that contribute to the appeal of this franchise opportunity. Financial Independence Owning a car rental franchise provides the potential for financial independence through a structured franchise model. Reputable brands often generate higher revenue due to established customer trust and loyalty. You can access financial resources and support from franchisors, which can facilitate franchise financing. Initial investment requirements vary, but many franchises offer options that suit different budgets, making this a versatile small business option. Brand Recognition Brand recognition significantly enhances your credibility and customer familiarity. Operating under a well-known name attracts more customers who value trust and reliability. This brand association can lead to increased revenue, while also easing the challenges of franchise marketing. The franchise system provides the tools and resources necessary for effective promotion and marketing strategies. By leveraging the power of an established brand, you position your franchise for growth and success in a competitive market. Challenges Faced by Car Rental Franchises Car rental franchises encounter several challenges that can impact profitability and growth. Understanding these obstacles helps you navigate the competitive landscape effectively. Market Competition The car rental industry is intensely competitive. Market saturation, driven by new entrants and expanding existing franchises, creates downward pressure on pricing. You face slimmer profit margins, making innovation essential to distinguish your franchise from others. The dominance of major players like Enterprise Holdings, Avis Budget Group, and Hertz Global Holdings adds to the challenge, as their scale allows for aggressive pricing discipline. Competing smaller franchisees must focus on unique offerings or customer service to carve out a niche in this crowded marketplace. Maintenance and Management Maintaining a reliable fleet is crucial for your car rental business. Effective fleet management requires regular maintenance, ensuring vehicles are available and safe for customers. You must implement a comprehensive operations manual that outlines maintenance schedules and protocols. Effective management encompasses tracking vehicle utilization and managing costs related to maintenance and repairs. Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to increased downtime, negatively impacting customer satisfaction and reducing repeat business. Establishing strong vendor relationships for maintenance services, along with a robust franchise training program, can enhance operational efficiency and franchise compliance. Key Considerations Before Starting a Car Rental Franchise Starting a car rental franchise requires careful assessment of various factors to ensure success in the competitive franchise industry. Here are essential considerations to help you navigate this opportunity. Location Selection Location plays a pivotal role in your franchise success. Evaluate areas with high demand for car rental services, such as those near airports, train stations, and tourist attractions. These spots offer significant foot traffic and interest from travelers. Conduct a thorough location analysis to identify proximity to major roads, public transport access, and sufficient parking space. Choosing an ideal location can drive franchise growth and establish a strong customer base. Franchise Agreement Terms Understanding the franchise agreement terms is crucial before signing any legal documents. Review franchise disclosure documents, which contain essential information about fees, operational guidelines, and your responsibilities as a franchisee. Pay attention to the initial investment required, including franchise fees that can range significantly based on the franchisor. Know the royalty fees associated with the franchise model, as these can impact your profitability. Ensure clarity about territory and any exclusive territory rights, which can affect competition in your market. Familiarize yourself with support and training provisions within the franchise operations manual to understand how the franchisor will assist you in building a successful business. Conclusion Owning a car rental franchise offers an exciting opportunity to tap into a growing market. With the right research and planning you can position yourself for success in a competitive landscape. Emphasizing brand recognition and customer trust can significantly enhance your business’s appeal. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within this industry will empower you to make informed decisions. By focusing on strategic location selection and effective fleet management you can create a thriving venture that meets the needs of today’s travelers. With dedication and the right support you can turn your car rental franchise into a profitable business that stands out in the market. Frequently Asked Questions What is a car rental franchise? A car rental franchise is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to operate a car rental service under an established brand. Franchisees benefit from brand recognition, support systems, and a structured operational framework, helping them compete in the growing travel and mobility marketplace. Why is the car rental industry growing? The car rental industry is growing due to increasing travel demand and the need for flexible transportation options. With more travelers seeking convenient mobility solutions, car rental franchises are capitalizing on this trend to meet customer needs and generate revenue. What are the benefits of owning a car rental franchise? Owning a car rental franchise offers financial independence, brand recognition, and access to proven marketing strategies. Franchisees benefit from established customer trust, which can lead to higher revenue and a more manageable entry into a competitive market. What challenges do car rental franchises face? Car rental franchises face challenges such as market competition, pricing pressures from major players, fleet management, and the need for innovation. Effective operational practices and strong vendor relationships are essential to overcoming these obstacles and building a successful franchise. How do I choose the right car rental franchise? Choosing the right car rental franchise requires thorough research. Consider factors like brand reputation, location demand, franchise fees, and support systems. Participating in franchise expos can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. What should I know about the franchise agreement? Understanding the franchise agreement is crucial. It outlines fees, operational guidelines, and the level of support provided. Carefully review these terms to ensure clarity and prepare yourself for a successful business operation before signing. How important is location for a car rental franchise? Location is vital for a car rental franchise’s success. Opt for areas with high demand, like those near airports or tourist attractions, to attract more customers and establish a strong market presence, leading to greater profitability. What kind of training and support can I expect? Franchise training and support vary by brand but often include initial training programs, ongoing operational support, and marketing assistance. This framework is essential for helping franchisees navigate their business and ensuring successful implementation of best practices. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking Success with a Car Rental Franchise: Your Guide to Thriving in the Travel Industry" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Alphabet spent much of its Q1 2025 earnings call last night talking up the growth of AI Overviews, but dodged a question seeking clarity on how Google’s AI-generated answers impact click-through rates and conversion. Why we care. Did Google decide that last night wasn’t “the moment to go into details of click-through rate and conversion and so on” because they don’t want to state what is becoming clear to most of us? That click-through rates from AI Overviews are, simply, lower? Because, on the organic side, data shows that is certainly the case (see our Dig Deeper section, below). Many websites have seen traffic decline since AI Overviews launched last May. The exchange. An analyst from JPMorgan asked (in part): “Can you just tell us how we should think about the 1.5 billion AI Overviews users just in terms of breadth of rollout? And I know you’re saying monetization at approximately the same rate. But what does that mean in terms of click-through rates and conversion?” Here’s how Philipp Schindler, Alphabet’s senior vice president and chief business officer, answered: “I don’t think this is the moment to go into the details of click-through rates and conversion and so on.” By the numbers. Schindler once again repeated Google’s year-old claim that AI Overviews “continue to drive higher satisfaction and Search usage.” Here’s what else Alphabet shared about AI Overviews and monetization during the earnings call: AI Overviews have “more than 1.5 billion users every month,” said Sundar Pichai, Alphabet/Google CEO. Yes, but. Let’s be honest. AI Overviews aren’t a product that has “users.” AI Overviews are a Google Search feature. All this number means is that 1.5 billion Google Search users are served AI Overviews every month – because you can’t opt out of seeing AI Overviews. The volume of commercial queries has increased since the launch of AI Overviews, Schindler said. This dataless data point is based on internal Google data from January that Google previously shared in this blog post. “For AI Overviews overall, we continue to see monetization at approximately the same rate,” Schindler said. Schindler was asked later in the call for clarity on this monetization, but basically repeated what he said earlier in the call: “But as I talked about it before, for AI Overviews overall, we see the monetization at approximately the same rate, which gives us a strong base on which we can innovate even more.” Google Search. More than 2 billion people use Search every day, according to Pichai, and they mentioned the 5 trillion annual searches statistic. Here’s what else was discussed related to Google Search performance in Q1: AI Mode: “…queries are twice as long as traditional Search queries,” and Google is seeing “significant growth in multimodal queries,” Pichai said. Circle to Search: Usage increased “nearly 40% this quarter and monthly visual searches with Lens have increased by 5 billion since October,” Pichai said. Revenue: Google reported $77 billion in Google revenues, a 10% increase in advertising revenue YoY. This was driven primarily by financial services, insurance, retail, healthcare, and travel verticals. Dig deeper. New data: Google AI Overviews are hurting click-through rates Google organic and paid CTRs hit new lows: Report Google sued by Chegg over AI Overviews hurting traffic and revenue Not appearing in Google AI Overviews significantly harms webpages: Study Google AI Overviews, clicks and traffic impact: Unraveling the mystery Google Search boss: AI Overviews boost click quality View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. View the full article

The traditional model of leadership, where a single individual is expected to provide all the answers, is becoming obsolete. In a world of accelerating complexity, hyper-specialization, and rapid change, no leader can single-handedly navigate the full spectrum of challenges facing modern organizations. The future of leadership is about curating the best insights, talent, and ideas, not dictating the direction. The best leaders will be those who act as architects of collaboration, assembling diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where expansive thinking thrives. This shift in leadership isn’t just about delegation—it’s about creating conditions for continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation. Leaders who embrace a curation mindset are best equipped to drive organizations forward in an unpredictable world. Why Curation is the New Leadership Superpower In a world overflowing with expertise, no single leader can master every domain. The leaders who thrive are those who: Curate Talent. They don’t just hire smart people; they intentionally build diverse teams with complementary skills and perspectives. Studies show that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones by 39% in problem-solving efficiency. Curate Ideas. They create spaces where unconventional thinking is not only encouraged but strategically leveraged. Google’s 20% time policy, which allows employees to spend part of their workweek exploring passion projects, has led to breakthroughs like Gmail and Google Maps. Curate Innovation. They design environments where experimentation, iteration, and cross-disciplinary collaboration drive meaningful breakthroughs. IDEO, a global design consultancy, uses cross-industry ideation sessions to unlock unexpected solutions, from healthcare innovation to urban design. Rather than positioning themselves as the ultimate expert, these leaders act as orchestrators, ensuring that the right voices are heard at the right moments. How Leaders Can Adopt a Curation Mindset The shift from traditional leadership to curation requires intentional practices. Here’s how leaders can start: Seek Out Outliers. Conventional wisdom often leads to conventional results. The best leaders actively engage with voices outside their immediate circles—contrarians, industry outsiders, and emerging thinkers who challenge the status quo. For instance, Netflix’s early decision to pivot from DVD rentals to streaming came from its leadership’s ability to absorb trends from tech, media, and consumer behavior research. Design for Collaboration, Not Just Efficiency. Many organizations optimize for productivity at the cost of creative collision. Leaders must create structured serendipity, allowing ideas from different disciplines to intersect in unexpected ways. Pixar’s open office architecture, where animators, writers, and tech teams share communal spaces, has fostered storytelling innovation. Facilitate, Don’t Dictate. Instead of being the sole decision-maker, adopt a facilitator’s mindset—guiding discussions, posing better questions, and allowing collective intelligence to emerge. Jeff Bezos’s “Disagree and Commit” principle at Amazon encourages debate, ensuring that the team moves forward with informed risk-taking even if consensus isn’t reached. Champion Psychological Safety. The best ideas often come from environments where individuals feel safe to challenge, experiment, and even fail. Research from Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety was the top predictor of high-performing teams. Unlocking Cross-Disciplinary Breakthroughs History’s most significant breakthroughs didn’t come from isolated silos but from cross-disciplinary collisions—where physics met art, where biology informed engineering, and where technology reshaped storytelling. Here are a few inspiring examples: NASA & The Sports Industry: NASA’s space suit advancements have directly influenced sportswear technology, improving gear used by Olympians. Bioengineering & Architecture: The Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe was designed using biomimicry principles based on termite mounds, leading to a 90% reduction in cooling costs compared to conventional buildings. AI & Music Composition: IBM’s Watson has been used to compose symphonies, merging artificial intelligence with classical music expertise to create never-before-heard compositions. Organizations that embrace curation-minded leadership will be better equipped to solve complex, multidimensional challenges. The organizations that thrive in the future will not be those with leaders who know the most—it will be those led by individuals who know how to bring the right minds together to figure things out. The ability to curate talent, ideas, and innovation will define the next generation of transformational leadership. So, as you reflect on your own leadership approach, ask yourself: Are you accumulating knowledge, or are you assembling the right people and perspectives to unlock something greater? The future belongs to curators. Are you ready to lead like one? View the full article

Beijing says there are no active talks and Washington should ‘stop creating confusion’View the full article

Behind the remains of a town scorched by fire, the foothills are lush with new green and filled with birdsong. Wildlife is returning to the Eaton Fire burn area and scientists are closely tracking it four months after the Los Angeles area wildfires tore through the Angeles National Forest and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in Altadena. Trail cameras installed by a group of volunteers documented the first mountain lion back in the area March 26. It was seen again as recently as two nights ago. “My first inclination was to share that to people who have lost so much during this fire and our community in Altadena, because it’s a sign of hope that nature’s returning, that nature’s resilient,” said Kristen Ochoa, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, medical school leading the effort. Ochoa, a long-time resident of Southern California, first began documenting the plants and animals that live in the area known as the Chaney Trail Corridor in July 2024. She founded the Chaney Trail Corridor Project and began uploading observations on iNaturalist, a volunteer-driven network of naturalists and citizen scientists that maps and shares documentation of biodiversity across the globe. Located right behind Altadena, with a trailhead only a mile (1.6 kilometers) up the road from neighborhoods that were decimated during the fires, the privately owned area adjacent to Angeles National Forest land was slated for sale and development into a sports complex. Ochoa and other volunteers set up a network of trail cameras to showcase the biodiversity of the area and take “inventory of everything that was valuable.” Much of the land was charred and barren after the fires, and the group also lost all of its cameras, watching as photos of the flames were transmitted before they went dark. But less than two months after the start of the fires, Ochoa was able to go back out and install new ones to start documenting the landscape’s recovery. “The thing I really remember is coming here right after the fire—there was so much birdsong,” Ochoa said. Many volunteers with the group are local residents who lost their homes and have told Ochoa that witnessing nature’s recovery in the area has brought hope to them as well. While the fires burned aggressively, they also burned unevenly, leaving patches of trees and a small oasis of greenery surrounding a stream untouched. Animals were able to seek refuge there while the rest of their home burned. They have not come across any deceased animals, she said, but there were reports of an injured bear and deer. The heavy rain that came in the weeks after the fires have helped with a quick recovery. On a recent Wednesday morning, Ochoa pointed out several charred San Gabriel oak trees—only found in Southern California—that had rampant green growth around their base. The “crown sprouting” comes from having deep and developed root systems that have helped the trees survive for hundreds of years, Ochoa said. An aggressive bloom of yellow mustard flowers, an invasive species, have also taken root on the hillsides, potentially crowding out native plants like the California sage brush and wild cucumber—a source of food for ground squirrels. The group is partnering with local scientists at UCLA to do research on how bats and birds have fared after the fires as well. As she installed a newly donated trail camera, she pointed out bobcat scat and fresh deer tracks on a ridge that had burned just months before. Two red-tailed hawks circled each other in a mating ritual high above in the sky, a sign of spring. —Jaimie Ding, Associated Press View the full article

UK financial watchdog only recorded planned enforcement against former star stockpicker on its register list this weekView 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 ever had to sit through a meeting with a whiteboard full of scribbles and arrows, you probably understand the need for a good diagramming tool. Right now, Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional is on sale for $19.97 for a lifetime license on StackSocial for new users only. It’s priced low enough to justify adding to your digital toolbox, whether you use it often or just occasionally. It’s the same full version of Visio Pro, licensed for one Windows PC, no subscription required. Visio turns overwhelming data into clean visuals. Visio keeps things intuitive, whether mapping a new office layout, building org charts from Excel data, or sketching a workflow diagram with a stylus on your touch device. The interface is packed with over 250,000 shapes and templates (that aren't included in the web version), including standards-compliant options like UML 2.5 and BPMN 2.0. It’s more than just drawing boxes and arrows—it lets you link diagrams to live data and keep everything dynamic. It’s ideal for IT, architecture, business analysis, and other professionals who don’t want to start from scratch whenever they plan something out. That said, it’s not the most plug-and-play experience for everyone. While the standalone license is solid, unlocking features like cloud collaboration, editing Power BI dashboards, or syncing with OneDrive requires additional Microsoft 365 subscriptions. If you're already in Microsoft’s ecosystem, this will slide right into place. If not, it could feel limited depending on how much integration you need. But this lifetime license is an affordable entry point into serious visual planning for single-PC users looking to diagram efficiently with powerful, pro-grade tools. Just be sure to redeem the code within 30 days, and make sure your system meets the basic Windows 10/11 or Server 2019 requirements. View 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

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google reported earnings last night and their ad revenue continues to grow...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