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What is accounting? In this article, we’ll explain how to get started with an accounting system for your small business. You’ll also learn about accounting, from basic definitions of the basic types to practical applications. A small business owner must maintain records of financial transactions. What’s more, that small business owner must achieve an understanding of how the business transactions fit into the big picture of revenue and expenses. This is where a strong understanding of accounting principles becomes so important. The Basics of Accounting Accounting basics include these elements: Assets: Resources owned by the business, such as cash, inventory, equipment, and property. Liabilities: Debts or obligations owed by the business, including loans, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. Equity: Represents the owner’s stake in the business, calculated as assets minus liabilities. Income: Revenue generated from sales or services provided. Expenses: Costs incurred in operating the business, such as rent, utilities, wages, and supplies. The Definition of Accounting Accounting is the systematic process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting financial transactions of a business entity. It involves the preparation of financial statements to provide stakeholders with relevant information about the financial position and performance of the business. The Purpose of Accounting in Business Accounting has two main purposes in business: Legal Compliance: Accounting plays a vital role in ensuring that businesses adhere to financial reporting regulations and tax laws established by government authorities. Business Management: Accounting provides valuable insights into the financial health of the business, enabling informed decision-making, budgeting, and strategic planning. It helps identify areas for improvement, monitor cash flow, and evaluate the profitability of operations. A Brief History of Accounting Accounting has its roots dating back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary forms of record-keeping were used to track economic transactions. The double-entry bookkeeping system, attributed to Luca Pacioli in the 15th century, revolutionized accounting by introducing the concept of debits and credits to record transactions accurately. Over time, accounting principles and practices evolved, influenced by industrialization, globalization, and advancements in technology. The establishment of accounting standards and regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) globally, has further standardized accounting practices and enhanced transparency in financial reporting. Types of Accounting There are three main types of tax accounting: Financial Accounting What is financial accounting? This type of accounting focuses on the preparation of financial statements for external stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. It involves recording and summarizing business transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Financial accounting provides a historical perspective on the financial performance and position of the business through reports like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Cost Accounting What is cost accounting? This method is concerned with the analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities within the business. It provides internal management with information for decision-making related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control. Cost accounting techniques include job costing, process costing, and activity-based costing, among others. Managerial Accounting What is managerial accounting? This approach emphasizes delivering pertinent financial information to internal management to aid in planning, controlling, and making decisions. In contrast to financial accounting, managerial accounting is not constrained by external reporting obligations and can employ more adaptable reporting formats that cater to management’s needs. Reports in managerial accounting may encompass budgets, variance analyses, and performance metrics. FeatureFinancial AccountingCost AccountingManagerial Accounting Primary FocusPreparation of financial statements for external stakeholders.Analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities.Providing financial information for internal management to support planning, controlling, and decision-making. AudienceExternal stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulatory agencies).Internal management.Internal management. Reporting StandardsGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).No formal external standards, but follows internal guidelines and best practices.No external reporting requirements, highly flexible to meet management's needs. Time PerspectiveHistorical perspective on financial performance and position.Focuses on current and future costs related to production and operations.Often future-oriented, assisting in forecasting and planning. Reports GeneratedBalance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements.Cost sheets, product costing reports, variance reports.Budgets, variance analyses, performance metrics, forecasting reports. ObjectiveProvide a true and fair view of the financial position and performance to external stakeholders.Help management in making decisions related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control.Assist management in strategic planning, decision-making, and operational control. Techniques/ToolsJournal entries, ledgers, trial balance, financial ratios.Job costing, process costing, activity-based costing, standard costing.Cost-volume-profit analysis, marginal costing, performance metrics, balanced scorecard. There are additional styles that may appeal to certain businesses, like double entry accounting and accrual accounting, that some businesses may consider. Financial Statements: The Backbone of Financial Accounting Here are the basic components of tax accounting in financial statements: Balance Sheet: Also known as the statement of financial position, the balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial condition at a specific point in time. It lists the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity, showing the relationship between what the company owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities and equity). The balance sheet equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. Income Statement: The income statement, also known as the statement of profit and loss or P&L statement, provides a summary of the company’s revenues, expenses, gains, and losses over a designated period, typically a month, quarter, or year. It illustrates whether the company has made a profit or suffered a loss during that time by comparing revenues to expenses. The fundamental equation is Revenue – Expenses = Net Income (or Net Loss). Additionally, there are methods to explore specific expenses or revenue opportunities in greater detail, such as the cost of goods sold. Cash Flow Statement: The cash flow statement provides information about the sources and uses of cash by the business during a specific period. It categorizes cash flows into operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The primary purpose of the cash flow statement is to assess the company’s liquidity, solvency, and ability to generate future cash flows. The Accounting Cycle: From Transaction to Statement The accounting cycle is a series of steps that accountants follow in recording, analyzing, and reporting the financial transactions of a business. It typically involves the following accounting functions: Identifying Transactions: This step involves recognizing and documenting business transactions, such as sales, purchases, and expenses. Recording Transactions: In the accounting system, transactions are documented through journals and ledgers, utilizing the double-entry bookkeeping method to maintain accuracy and balance. Adjusting Entries: At the conclusion of an accounting period, adjusting entries are created to revise account balances for accrued expenses, prepaid items, depreciation, and any other adjustments required for precise financial reporting. Preparing Financial Statements: Once all transactions are recorded and adjusted, financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) are prepared to summarize the financial performance and position of the business. Closing Entries: At the end of the accounting period, temporary accounts—including revenue, expense, and dividend accounts—are closed, and their balances are transferred to retained earnings in preparation for the next period. Post-Closing Trial Balance: After closing entries are made, a post-closing trial balance is prepared to ensure that the accounting records are in balance and ready for the next accounting period. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) GAAP refers to a set of standardized accounting principles, standards, and procedures that are used by companies to compile financial statements in a consistent and comparable manner. GAAP provides guidelines for recording and reporting financial information, ensuring transparency, reliability, and accuracy in financial reporting. These principles are established by various standard-setting bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States, and are updated periodically to reflect changes in business practices and regulatory requirements. Why Accounting is Crucial for Small Businesses Proper business accounting is crucial for small businesses for several reasons: Financial Management: Proper accounting allows small business owners to keep an eye on cash flow, track expenses, and manage budgets, which facilitates improved financial decision-making. Compliance: Accurate accounting ensures that small businesses comply with tax laws, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting standards, reducing the risk of penalties, fines, or legal issues. Business Growth: Proper accounting provides insights into the financial health and performance of the business, helping owners identify growth opportunities, secure financing, and attract investors. Stakeholder Confidence: Well-maintained financial records instill confidence in stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and customers, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the business. When Do You Need an Accountant? Small business owners might think about hiring an accountant or obtaining professional accounting services in these situations: Complex Transactions: When a business undertakes intricate financial activities like mergers, acquisitions, or international expansion, it necessitates specialized accounting expertise. Tax Preparation and Planning: During tax season, to ensure compliance with tax laws, maximize deductions, and optimize tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities. Financial Analysis: When the business requires in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, or budgeting to support strategic decision-making and business planning. Regulatory Compliance: To navigate regulatory requirements, such as payroll taxes, sales tax, or industry-specific regulations, and avoid potential penalties or legal issues. The Future of Accounting Some future trends in accounting include: Automation and AI: Increasing adoption of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual tasks. Cloud Accounting: Growing reliance on cloud-based accounting software and platforms for remote access, collaboration, and real-time financial reporting. Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analytics tools and techniques to extract insights from financial data, identify trends, and drive informed decision-making. Sustainability Reporting: Rising focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, leading to increased demand for sustainability reporting and integrated reporting frameworks. Blockchain Technology: Exploration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent financial transactions, audit trails, and digital asset management. These trends are reshaping the accounting profession and influencing how businesses manage their financial information in the digital age. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yYX4bvQSqbo%3Fsi%3DtQw4UfLDQcUE22sN FAQs: What is Accounting What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping? The difference between bookkeeping and accounting mainly lies in the type of record keeping and analysis. Here’s a deeper look into both. Bookkeeping Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and organizing financial data. It involves tasks such as recording sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, as well as maintaining ledgers and journals. Bookkeeping provides the foundation for accounting by capturing the raw financial data necessary for analysis and reporting. Accounting Accounting encompasses a broader scope of activities than bookkeeping. It involves interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing financial data to generate meaningful insights and reports. Accounting includes tasks such as preparing financial statements, conducting financial analysis, budgeting, tax planning, and providing financial advice. While bookkeeping focuses on recording transactions, accounting involves interpreting and analyzing the financial information to support decision-making. How often should a small business review its financial statements? Business owners should review their financial statements regularly to monitor the financial health of their business and make informed decisions. The frequency of review may vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, but it’s generally recommended to review financial statements at least monthly. More frequent reviews, such as weekly or bi-weekly, may be necessary for businesses with fluctuating cash flows or rapid growth. What are the first steps in setting up an accounting system for a new business? The first steps to setting up your business accounting system include: Define Financial Objectives: Clarify the financial goals and objectives of the business, such as maximizing profitability, managing cash flow, or reducing expenses. Choose Accounting Method: Decide on the accounting method (e.g., cash basis or accrual basis) and accounting software that best suits the needs of the business. Establish a Chart of Accounts: Create a chart of accounts to categorize and organize financial transactions, including assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses. Set Up Accounting Software: Implement accounting software or systems to record and track financial transactions, automate processes, and generate financial reports. Establish Internal Controls: Create internal controls to protect assets, deter fraud, and guarantee the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Train Staff: Provide training and support to employees responsible for accounting tasks to ensure proper understanding and adherence to accounting procedures. Is it necessary for a small business to adhere to GAAP? While Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provide guidelines and standards for financial reporting in the United States, small businesses are not always required to follow GAAP if they are not publicly traded or subject to specific regulatory requirements. However, following GAAP principles is generally recommended for small businesses to ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility in financial reporting. Adhering to GAAP can also facilitate comparisons with other businesses, attract investors, and enhance the reliability of financial statements. Can accounting software replace an accountant? Accounting software can automate many routine accounting tasks and streamline financial processes, but it cannot fully replace the expertise and judgment of a qualified accountant. While the best free accounting software can handle data entry, transaction processing, and report generation, accountants play a crucial role in interpreting financial information, providing strategic advice, conducting financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. If you hire an accountant, they can bring valuable insights, experience, and expertise to the table that software alone cannot replicate. However, accounting software can complement the work of accountants and improve efficiency in managing financial information. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Accounting? Everything You Need to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations, help businesses pivot, and support long-term viability. A 30-day review period will follow the application deadline. “As the backbone of our communities, small businesses in the impacted communities have felt immense financial strain since the Key Bridge collapse,” said BCF President and CEO Shanaysha Sauls. “This program is designed to give them the working capital they need to adapt and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our region.” Funding and Background Established within 48 hours of the Key Bridge collapse, the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund has raised $16 million from national, regional, and local businesses and individual donors. The fund has provided cash assistance to Port of Baltimore workers, charitable organizations, and community programs supporting those affected. The latest phase shifts focus to direct small business support. “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 significantly affected small businesses throughout the impacted areas of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County” said GBC President and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas. “The establishment of today’s Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program will be instrumental in supporting the small businesses and healthy commercial corridors that are central to a strong regional economy.” Eligibility and Application Process Eligible businesses must demonstrate financial impact from the bridge collapse and meet the following criteria: Located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, or Northern Anne Arundel County. Operational for at least two years as of March 26, 2024, with a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 in one of the prior two years. Provide a 2023 profit and loss statement, a year-end 2024 balance sheet, and a 2024 profit and loss statement. Employ at least two people, including the owner(s). Businesses must apply through designated partner organizations, which will assist applicants in English and Spanish: Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) – for businesses in Anne Arundel County. Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) – for businesses in Baltimore City. Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) – for businesses in Baltimore County. Continued Support for Small Businesses In addition to direct grants, BCF continues to support small business development through other funding initiatives. In September 2024, BCF and GBC launched a technical assistance program to help small businesses build capacity. Nonprofits offering these services are encouraged to apply for funding at bcf.org/keybridgesmallbusiness. Governor Wes Moore praised the initiative, stating, “IIn Maryland, we move mission-first, people-always. After the collapse of the Key Bridge, we worked in partnership with leaders across the public and private sectors and all levels of government to protect and uplift our small businesses. And today, we take another step forward in our commitment to that pledge.” For more information on the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program and application details, visit bcf.org/keybridge-directgrant-smallbiz. This article, "Baltimore Community Foundation Launches Grant Program for Key Bridge Collapse Recovery" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations, help businesses pivot, and support long-term viability. A 30-day review period will follow the application deadline. “As the backbone of our communities, small businesses in the impacted communities have felt immense financial strain since the Key Bridge collapse,” said BCF President and CEO Shanaysha Sauls. “This program is designed to give them the working capital they need to adapt and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our region.” Funding and Background Established within 48 hours of the Key Bridge collapse, the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund has raised $16 million from national, regional, and local businesses and individual donors. The fund has provided cash assistance to Port of Baltimore workers, charitable organizations, and community programs supporting those affected. The latest phase shifts focus to direct small business support. “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 significantly affected small businesses throughout the impacted areas of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County” said GBC President and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas. “The establishment of today’s Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program will be instrumental in supporting the small businesses and healthy commercial corridors that are central to a strong regional economy.” Eligibility and Application Process Eligible businesses must demonstrate financial impact from the bridge collapse and meet the following criteria: Located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, or Northern Anne Arundel County. Operational for at least two years as of March 26, 2024, with a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 in one of the prior two years. Provide a 2023 profit and loss statement, a year-end 2024 balance sheet, and a 2024 profit and loss statement. Employ at least two people, including the owner(s). Businesses must apply through designated partner organizations, which will assist applicants in English and Spanish: Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) – for businesses in Anne Arundel County. Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) – for businesses in Baltimore City. Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) – for businesses in Baltimore County. Continued Support for Small Businesses In addition to direct grants, BCF continues to support small business development through other funding initiatives. In September 2024, BCF and GBC launched a technical assistance program to help small businesses build capacity. Nonprofits offering these services are encouraged to apply for funding at bcf.org/keybridgesmallbusiness. Governor Wes Moore praised the initiative, stating, “IIn Maryland, we move mission-first, people-always. After the collapse of the Key Bridge, we worked in partnership with leaders across the public and private sectors and all levels of government to protect and uplift our small businesses. And today, we take another step forward in our commitment to that pledge.” For more information on the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program and application details, visit bcf.org/keybridge-directgrant-smallbiz. This article, "Baltimore Community Foundation Launches Grant Program for Key Bridge Collapse Recovery" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wikipedia has faced political threats for years, but this time, it may be at a breaking point. Republicans have ramped up attacks against Wikipedia as yet another “woke” institution. Leaked documents from The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank that, show a plan for exposing specific Wikipedia editors. In January, Elon Musk, the billionaire-turned-government-efficiency-czar, called the online library an “extension of legacy media propaganda.” (He also once offered to pay $1 billion for the site if it changed its name to “Dickipedia.”) Conservatives have long accused Wikipedia of political prejudice. (And it’s not just staunch Republicans: Wikipedia cofounder Larry Sanger, who has never publicly identified himself as a Republican, turned on the digital library almost immediately after leaving in 2002, claiming it had a top-down left-wing bias.) In 2006, critic Andrew Schlafly even founded his own iteration of the site, Conservapedia. That conversation of bias continued for the following 20 years, and conservative think tanks have continually pumped out reports about Wikipedia’s supposed liberal tilt. Musk is in the middle of the latest controversy But those were complaints, not attacks. Now, Musk and the MAGA movement could effectively kill Wikipedia. This cycle started with Musk’s inauguration arm-raise, which his Wikipedia page said was “compared to a Nazi salute,” but added that “Musk denied any meaning” behind the gesture. That particular entry sent Musk into a tirade on his social media platform X, first posting about Wikipedia as “propaganda,” and later saying that we should “defund” it. (Wikipedia is supported by individual and corporate donations—not federal funds.) Wikipedia’s cofounder Jimmy Wales shot back: “I think Elon is unhappy that Wikipedia is not for sale.” While Musk is the public face of the latest crusade, there’s been plenty of behind-the-scenes discussion about Wikipedia. According to documents obtained by Forward, The Heritage Foundation aims to target not just Wikipedia, but the site’s editors. These individual contributors often work under online pseudonyms but, using strategies like digital fingerprinting and edit-tracking, The Heritage Foundation seems to promote finding these editors’ real-life identities. It’s still unclear how The Heritage Foundation would use the information tracked, but the idea of being targeted itself could spook editors off the platform. These threats have Wikimedia executives worried. According to 404 Media, the leaders hosted a series of calls in the past few weeks about their ongoing political struggles, with Wales saying that he’s “keeping an eye on the rising noise of criticism from Elon Musk and others.” Considering that The Heritage Foundation was behind Project 2025—the legislative blueprint that has made its way into the White House during Trump’s second term—their fears may be justified. Wikipedia at the center of language politics The left has gotten in some jabs against Wikipedia, too. Liberals have struggled with the site’s glacial conversations around potential edits to sensitive subjects. Should Ernest Hemingway’s trans daughter be referred to as “Gloria” or their birth name, “Gregory?” Should the term “squaw,” which the federal government deemed derogatory, be removed from the names of notable locations? These conversations can take weeks. Pro-Palestine activists have also been frustrated with the site’s language surrounding Israel. Our politics has centralized around language. The left and the right have spent years squabbling over just which words are appropriate—but now, under Trump, the right is turning that fight into legislative shutdowns. Any site that traffics in words is under threat, from the online databases that Trump has shut down to the trans terminology Trump scrubbed from the Stonewall Monument. The culture wars have come for our public information sources. And Wikipedia is on the chopping block. 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. Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch Ultra last summer—it was marketed as competition for the Apple Watch Ultra, with an emphasis on outdoor and exercise features. Fast forward half a year after its release, and now you can get the Galaxy Watch Ultra starting at $409.06 (originally $649.99), the lowest price it has been, according to price-checking tools. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $409.06 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $240.93 Get Deal Get Deal $409.06 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $240.93 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $417.99 at Amazon $649.99 Save $232.00 Get Deal Get Deal $417.99 at Amazon $649.99 Save $232.00 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $419.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $230.00 Get Deal Get Deal $419.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $230.00 SEE 0 MORE The Galaxy Watch Ultra excels at one aspect over other watches: outdoorsy features. If you're an avid hiker or an athlete who spends long hours outdoors, this smartwatch is a great choice. The biggest downside is that it only comes in one size, 47mm, and the screen is a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display (it is brighter than previous Samsung AMOLED smartwatches). Like a good rugged watch, this one is tough, made out of Grade 4 titanium, and has an IP68 water- and dust-resistant rating. You can also take it up high altitudes (up to 9,000 meters) and it can withstand up to 10ATM of pressure (about 330 feet underwater). You also get a built-in siren in case of emergencies. Since this is the LTE version, you don't rely on wifi or Bluetooth for satellite signal (and yes, you can take calls on it). The watch uses Wear OS from Samsung and comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The 590mAh battery is one of the best for its price point, making it very competitive and perfect for outdoor use. If you don't use any power-saving modes, it'll last 60 hours, but it can go up to 100 hours if you're conservative. One of the new features this watch brings is AI-based health metrics and advanced sleep tracking, which you can read more about on PCMag's "excellent" review. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly and smaller option for more general use, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at $239 (originally $299.99) is a great option. View the full article

Six steps to take. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

Six steps to take. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

ORGANIZATIONAL teams determine overall performance, shape culture, drive growth, and deliver results — or not. Today’s teams face a new reality. Never before have they encountered the changes and challenges brought on them by remote, hybrid, and in-person work environments. Add in the emergence of AI and countless other workforce and societal trends, and it’s apparent that yesterday’s approaches no longer apply to today’s realities. This time of disruption demands that organizational leaders take an honest look at their teams and how they function and then apply accurate data to inform new ideas, explore strategies, and pursue professional development to position themselves for success. A recent study of 1,000 working Americans revealed essential actions needed for navigating today’s evolving work environments and team dynamics. The findings point to seven key behaviors, practices, and mindsets that describe high-achieving teams. Together, these qualities will enable leaders to reshape culture and drive high performance. As leaders realize the importance of getting it right to survive this new environment, they can draw from the study’s data-driven guidance and take action to redirect the trajectory of today’s teams. These key insights will inform leaders on where and how to take immediate action that will have impact and add immediate value to their teams: 1. Ensuring accountability. The study found that some 4 out of 10 people on a team at work are not experiencing the accountability that is so often requisite for trust, collaboration, teamwork, and results. Further, 54 percent have mentally checked out because a member wasn’t stepping up or was ineffective. In contrast, great teams are accountable to their leader and to each other — whether or not the leader is around. 2. Addressing distractions. The number and magnitude of distractions confronting workers has greatly increased through new technology, social and global events, and changes in the workforce and work environment — think hybrid and work-from-home settings. The findings showed that 1 in 3 workers were on teams without established standards to address distractions. In contrast, high-achieving teams have clear, agreed-upon, and proven standards to increase the likelihood of alignment, efficiency, and positive outcomes. 3. Elevating direct communication. A majority (57%) of workers said their teams do not freely share issues and ideas without being prompted — often referred to as “reactive honesty.” More alarming, 1 in 8 (12%) remain silent even when prompted to speak up. In contrast, high-achieving teams share issues and ideas without being prompted. Teams that embrace “straight-line communications” — addressing challenges directly through clear, direct communication — promote faster resolutions, better collaboration, and greater success. 4. Systemizing communication. The study explored communication on teams from a variety of angles and found that 39 percent of workers feel out of the loop on their teams. In contrast, a clear communication strategy and framework creates a foundation for effective, consistent communication across teams at all levels. Holding regular informative meetings, engaging in active listening, and instilling trust were among the top strategies for systemizing effective communication. 5. Understanding the influence of power. Close to half (44%) of workers said they felt only conditional power — or even powerless — on their teams. For leaders at every level, it’s important to understand the mindset, role, and influence of power on teams. Those who do so help to better engage and unlock the high achievement of different team members. 6. Optimizing differing work environments. Study findings highlighted the difficulty of addressing differences in workplace preferences. More than two-thirds (69%) reported that they found working in person at the office to be the most effective type of team interaction — followed by email (45%), online video conferencing (44%), and instant messaging (43%). High-achieving teams continually examine the interactions that allow them to most effectively move forward. 7. Promoting consistent high achievement. A great majority (75%) of workers said that being on a consistently high-achieving team would be a significant improvement to their work experience. In this time of workplace complexity, creating highly effective teams is a key solution to overcoming intrusive organizational challenges and to creating great cultures that drive results. * * * Steven Gaffney is the CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company. He is a leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT).TM With 30 years of experience working with top leaders and executive teams from Fortune 500 companies, associations, and government agencies, he is an authority on issues from team achievement and thriving cultures to leading change and daily innovation. He is the author of UnConditional Power: Thriving In Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating or Complex, and the forthcoming Scaling Culture: The Non-Negotiables of Success. Learn more at stevengaffney.com. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

Consumers expect prices will climb at an annual rate of 3.5% over the next five to 10 years, according to the final February reading from the University of Michigan. View the full article

Frontrunner for chancellor expresses doubts over US Nato commitments, with the far-right AfD set for its best resultView the full article

Google Ads is making a major change to its Search Partner Network by automatically opting all accounts out of serving ads on parked domains, websites that are registered but not actively developed, starting March 19. Details: Google will automatically opt out all advertiser accounts from showing ads on parked domains. The change will roll out gradually over several months. Advertisers can still manually opt in through their account’s Content suitability settings. Why we care. The change will affect all advertisers using Google’s Search Partner Network, potentially reducing ad reach but improving quality of ad placements. Between the lines. While Google hasn’t explicitly stated why they’re making this change, it likely stems from concerns about ad quality and effectiveness, as parked domains typically generate lower-quality traffic. Before this. Google announced in September that ads would no longer appear on parked domains for new accounts by default, starting in October. First seen. We first noted this update when Founder of Zato Marketing Kirk Williams, shared the email he received from Google, on LinkedIn: What’s next. Advertisers will need to actively choose to show ads on parked domains, marking a reversal from the previous default opt-in approach. Go deeper. Parked domains are part of Google’s Search Partner Network, which extends advertisers’ reach beyond Google’s own search results pages. View the full article

UnitedHealth Group, America’s largest insurer, is facing yet another crisis. The company’s stock price (NYSE: UNH) plummeted in early trading this morning after a new report alleged that the private insurance provider is facing a probe from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over its Medicare billing practices, a claim UnitedHealth Group denies. Here’s what to know: UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices Shares in UnitedHealth Group fell this morning after the Wall Street Journal published a report stating that the $400 billion company was under investigation by the DOJ over its Medicare billing practices. The report states that the investigation is a civil fraud case and not a criminal one. At the heart of the investigation are DOJ concerns that UnitedHealth is recording patient diagnoses that generate additional payments to its Medicare Advantage plans. As the WSJ notes, UnitedHealth Group (aka UHG) and other insurers get lump sum payments from the federal government via the Medicare Advantage system. If patients have certain conditions, those lump sum payments can increase, generating more profit for insurers. Fast Company reached out to the DOJ for comment. The alleged investigation follows a December report from the WSJ in which the publication looked at billions of Medicare records. Those records allegedly showed that patients who joined Medicare Advantage plans saw “huge increases” in diagnoses that were more lucrative to UnitedHealth. “Doctors said UnitedHealth . . . trained them to document revenue-generating diagnoses, including some they felt were obscure or irrelevant,” the Journal reported. “The company also used software to suggest conditions and paid bonuses for considering the suggestions, among other tactics, according to the doctors.” In short, the DOJ may be concerned that UHG is trying to pad its bottom line by assigning unneeded diagnoses to patients in order to increase their taxpayer-fueled payments from the federal government. Reached for comment by Fast Company, a UnitedHealth Group spokesperson sent the following statement: “The Wall Street Journal continues to report misinformation on the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The government regularly reviews all MA plans to ensure compliance and we consistently perform at the industry’s highest levels on those reviews. We are not aware of the “launch” of any “new” activity as reported by the Journal. We are aware, however, that the Journal has engaged in a year-long campaign to defend a legacy system that rewards volume over keeping patients healthy and addressing their underlying conditions. Any suggestion that our practices are fraudulent is outrageous and false.” Yet another crisis for UHG The alleged DOJ civil fraud investigation is the second major recent crisis for UnitedHealth Group. On December 4, a gunman fatally shot Brian Thompson, CEO of UHG’s UnitedHealthcare unit, as he arrived for an early-morning investors conference in midtown Manhattan. Yet the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO did not generate an outpouring of support for the company, as might be expected. Instead, it generated widespread glee on social media from Americans increasingly angry about the state of the country’s private healthcare industry, which many find unfair and unaffordable. That glee saw UnitedHealthcare and many other health insurers remove photos of their executives from their websites. UnitedHealth received further scorn after UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty published an ill-received op-ed in the New York Times, which generated an outpouring of new responses from Americans conveying the challenges they’ve faced trying to get needed treatment—or getting UnitedHealth to pay for the treatment. In the aftermath of Thompson’s killing and the public outcry from Americans about the struggles they’ve faced with UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s stock fell and hasn’t recovered since. UNH shares fall again Before the public outcry against UnitedHealthcare began in early December, the UnitedHealth Group’s stock price was trading at over $600 per share. By mid-December, it had fallen to below $500 per share. Today, the company’s stock is even lower. As of the time of this writing, UNH shares are down nearly 9% on news of the alleged DOJ probe. Shares are currently trading below $460 each. As of today’s fall, UNH shares are now down over 9.4% year-to-date. Over the past 12 months, UNH shares have fallen over 12%. View the full article

Everything you need to know about the parties, policies and voting in Sunday’s pollsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart doorbell, and don't mind going the pre-owned route, this (Like New) Blink Video Doorbell is now $27.99 (down from $44.99)—its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. Prime members get free shipping, while non-Prime shoppers need to hit the $35 minimum threshold for free delivery. Like-New Blink Video Doorbell $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $44.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Get Deal $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $44.99 Save $17.00 That "Like New" tag means this device has been refurbished, tested, and certified to work like a fresh-out-of-the-box unit. And to back that up, it comes with the same one-year limited warranty as a brand-new one (so you're not rolling the dice on reliability). Available in black or white, the video doorbell connects via 2.4 GHz wifi and offers wired (16-24 VAC) and wireless (AA battery-powered) setups, with Blink claiming up to two years of battery life—though real-world performance varies depending on settings and use. Its 135° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view gives decent coverage (although it’s not the widest out there) with 1080p HD video quality and infrared night vision for after-dark monitoring. It also integrates well with Echo Show devices for live feeds, lets you chat with visitors via two-way audio, and supports custom Alexa routines. That said, it doesn’t work with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT, which could feel limiting, notes this PCMag review. Like most budget smart doorbells, cloud storage requires subscriptions. You get a free 30-day trial, but after that, a $3 per month Basic plan is required to save and share motion-triggered recordings and keep video history (up to 60 days) for a single camera. If you have multiple cameras, the Plus plan ($10/month) covers unlimited devices. If you don’t want to deal with subscriptions, there’s an option for local storage, but you’ll need the Sync Module 2 and a USB drive (up to 256GB), which are sold separately. Without a subscription or the hub, you can still use live view and two-way audio, but only in response to a doorbell press or motion event—no on-demand access to saved footage (so if you miss an event there’s no way to check what happened). At $28, this is an easy buy—but if you want full functionality, you might end up spending more down the line. A new Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 bundle costs $69.99. View the full article

The prospect of banning the sale of so-called lab-grown meat might seem like a no-brainer in Nebraska, where beef is king, but some of the proposal’s staunchest opposition has come from ranchers and farming groups who say they can compete without the government’s help. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen — one of the largest pork producers in the country — is behind the push to ban cultivated meat, saying he wants to protect ranchers and meat producers. The Republican governor signed an executive order last August to keep state agencies and contractors from procuring lab-created meat, even though it could be years before such products are on store shelves. A number of ranchers and meat industry groups are pushing back on the governor’s plan. Dan Morgan is a fourth-generation cattle rancher from central Nebraska who supplies high-end beef to all 50 states and six countries. He welcomes companies seeking to produce lab-grown meat to “jump into the pool” and try to compete with his Waygu beef. Stifling competition in a free market should be anathema in a Republican-dominated state like Nebraska, he said. “It sounds like a bunch of right-wing Republicans echoing a bunch of left-wing Democrats,” he said, adding that the government should be limited to regulating the new product’s labels and inspecting its facilities to ensure food safety. “After that, it’s up to the consumer to make the decision about what they buy and eat.” Nebraska is among about a dozen states that have introduced measures to ban the manufacture, sale or distribution of lab-grown products. Two states — Florida and Alabama — have already enacted such bans. The target of the bills is “cell-cultivated” or “cell-cultured” meat, which is grown from the cells of animals in bioreactor steel tanks. The cells are bathed for weeks in nutrients, prompting them to grow and divide, turning them into skeletal muscle, fat and connective tissues. The push to ban cultivated meat comes well before the innovation could be considered an industry. While more than two dozen companies are working to develop such meat products, only two — Upside Foods and Good Meat, both based in California — have been approved by the federal government to sell cultivated chicken in the U.S. Even then, none of the companies are close to mass producing and selling the products on store shelves. In recent weeks, supporters of the Nebraska bill have shifted their arguments from industry protection to questions of safety surrounding cell-cultured meat. That includes its sponsor, state Sen. Barry DeKay, a Nebraska rancher, and Sherry Vinton, the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Both testified in support of the bill at a committee hearing earlier this week, calling cultured meat “synthetic food” and voicing concern about possible health implications from eating it. But it’s been no secret that the push for a ban is rooted in shielding Nebraska’s traditional meat industry. Nebraska tops all other states for beef production and beef exports, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Pillen named the ban among his top priorities during his State of the State address last month. “The backers of these products are cut from the same cloth as the anti-farmer activists who want to put our agriculture producers out of business, and we need to recognize them as such,” he said. The Association for Meat, Poultry and Seafood Innovation, the lobbying group for the emerging cultured meat industry, disputes Pillen’s insistence that it’s a threat to the traditional meat industry, noting studies that show global demand for meat-based protein will double by 2050. “We’re really a complementary component here,” said Suzi Gerber, executive director of the association. “So it’s a little bit mystifying to me why any individual stakeholder would see this as a threat.” Several farm organizations, including Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Pork Producers, agree they’re not worried about competition from the emerging industry. Those groups prefer a sister bill that would only require they be clearly labeled as lab-grown products to separate them from traditional meat. More than a dozen states have also issued similar labeling bills, and some — like Colorado — have seen ban efforts abandoned in favor of labeling measures. Paul Sherman is an attorney with the Institute for Justice, which is representing Upside Foods in its lawsuit challenging the Florida ban. He said it’s no surprise most of the proposed bans are being pushed by those with connections to traditional agriculture. “I think it certainly shows that the purpose of these laws isn’t about protecting public health and safety,” he said. “It’s about protecting traditional agriculture from economic competition. And that is not a legitimate use of government power.” —Maregery A. Beck, Associated Press View the full article

Officials had been studying hard limit as way to reduce numbers View the full article

If you’re unfamiliar with What is Canva, it’s an excellent tool for producing professional-quality designs. Many individuals are curious about whether they can sell products made with images created with Canva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Canva personal or commercial use policy to help you understand what you can and cannot do with your creations. Can You Use Canva for Commercial Use? Canva is an excellent tool for creating stunning designs on your personal computer or mobile device, even if you aren’t a professional graphic designer. According to the license agreement, all free photos, music, and video files available on the Canva platform can be used for both commercial and noncommercial purposes. Even though Canva provides a royalty-free license, be sure to check the image source if you’re using any photos, music, or videos that contain identifiable people, places, logos, or trademarks. These may have additional restrictions. Can You Use Canva Design for Client Work? Yes, you can use Canva for client work. Canva users can use a free account or upgrade to a paid account for more features and options. For example, with a paid account, you can remove the Canva watermark from your designs. You can also use Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise if you need more design features and options, such as branded templates, team collaboration, and more. Can You Use Canva for a Social Media Post? Yes, you can use Canva to create social media posts for personal or promotional purposes. You can choose from a variety of free images and any stock photo on Canva, or you can upload your own. Canva provides a diverse selection of templates and tools that assist you in creating visually appealing, professional designs. Canva Commercial Use Guidelines Canva is a great resource for anyone looking for high-quality stock media. You can use all of the photos, videos, and music files on Canva for free for commercial purposes. If an image, music, or video file features an identifiable person, place, logo, or trademark, it is advisable to verify the source of the media or reach out to Canva support if you have any uncertainties. Nonetheless, Canva cannot assure that all free stock media available on its site includes the necessary commercial use releases. When it comes to what you can’t do with Canva’s stock media photos, music, and videos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you can’t sell unaltered copies as stock media. This means no selling the files as-is on stock photo platforms or as prints, posters, or other physical products. You also can’t redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. Lastly, you can’t use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in a way that implies endorsement by people or brands featured in the files. So no using shots of people using your product to suggest they’re fans of it, for example. Ways You Can Get Creative Using Canva With Canva you can create professional-looking graphics for yourself or clients using their simple drag-and-drop interface. Here are five examples of products that can be created using Canva. Business Cards – Every business needs business cards! With Canva, you can create custom cards for yourself or your client’s business. With the easy-to-use Canva design tools, you can create a card that’s perfect for any occasion. Flyers – Designing an attractive flyer can be simple and quick. Using Canva’s free flyer maker, you can produce a beautiful design in just minutes, regardless of your prior design experience. With an extensive selection of templates available, you can craft professional-quality designs effortlessly. Social Media Graphics – When it comes to creating amazing graphics for social media, there’s no tool more versatile or user-friendly than Canva. With a wide range of stock media, templates, and tools available, anyone can create stunning visuals for their social media accounts – no design experience is necessary! Infographics – Canva’s free online infographic maker helps you easily create your own unique and professional infographics in minutes using stock media, even for non-designers. Ebooks – Whether you’re creating a design for online or electronic publications, Canva design makes it simple to achieve the results you want. Where to Sell Your Canva Designs and Templates If you’re a designer, Canva is a great way to create professional-looking designs and templates. But what do you do when you’re finished with them? Here are six places to sell your Canva designs and templates. Etsy Etsy is a popular marketplace for selling handmade and vintage items. You can also sell digital products, like Canva templates. To sell on Etsy, you’ll need to create an account and set up a shop. Then, you can upload your designs and set your own prices. Design Bundles On Design Bundles, you can sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and Canva template designs. You can create an account for free and upload your designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Market Creative Market is an additional platform for selling design resources. To start selling on Creative Market, you must create an account and submit your designs for approval. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Bundles The Design Bundles marketplace allows you to sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and templates, and set your own prices. You can also choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Fabrica Creative Fabrica is another platform where you can sell design resources. To start selling on Creative Fabrica, you must create an account and submit your designs for evaluation. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Cuts Design Cuts lets you sell design resources as well. You can create an account for free and upload your fonts, graphics, and template designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Can You Use Canva Pro Images for Commercial Use? Yes, you can use Canva images for personal and commercial use, like marketing and advertising. Canva Pro’s monthly fee covers unlimited licenses for the images. This indicates that you only need to pay for them a single time, after which you can use them indefinitely. However, please remember that you cannot redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. You also cannot use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in any manner that suggests endorsement by the individuals or brands depicted in those files. What is Stock Media on Canva? Stock media is a library of royalty-free videos, stock images, and audio files that you can use in your designs on Canva. You can search for specific Canva images or browse by subject matter, and all the files in the library are licensed for commercial use. This means you can use them in your designs without worrying about copyright infringement. Are the Images on Canva Copyrighted? Yes, the images on Canva are copyrighted and licensed to you. This includes photos, templates, videos, and elements. You can use these images for commercial, promotional, and other business purposes. However, you cannot sell or redistribute unaltered media as your own. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Can You Sell Products Made with Canva?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re unfamiliar with What is Canva, it’s an excellent tool for producing professional-quality designs. Many individuals are curious about whether they can sell products made with images created with Canva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Canva personal or commercial use policy to help you understand what you can and cannot do with your creations. Can You Use Canva for Commercial Use? Canva is an excellent tool for creating stunning designs on your personal computer or mobile device, even if you aren’t a professional graphic designer. According to the license agreement, all free photos, music, and video files available on the Canva platform can be used for both commercial and noncommercial purposes. Even though Canva provides a royalty-free license, be sure to check the image source if you’re using any photos, music, or videos that contain identifiable people, places, logos, or trademarks. These may have additional restrictions. Can You Use Canva Design for Client Work? Yes, you can use Canva for client work. Canva users can use a free account or upgrade to a paid account for more features and options. For example, with a paid account, you can remove the Canva watermark from your designs. You can also use Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise if you need more design features and options, such as branded templates, team collaboration, and more. Can You Use Canva for a Social Media Post? Yes, you can use Canva to create social media posts for personal or promotional purposes. You can choose from a variety of free images and any stock photo on Canva, or you can upload your own. Canva provides a diverse selection of templates and tools that assist you in creating visually appealing, professional designs. Canva Commercial Use Guidelines Canva is a great resource for anyone looking for high-quality stock media. You can use all of the photos, videos, and music files on Canva for free for commercial purposes. If an image, music, or video file features an identifiable person, place, logo, or trademark, it is advisable to verify the source of the media or reach out to Canva support if you have any uncertainties. Nonetheless, Canva cannot assure that all free stock media available on its site includes the necessary commercial use releases. When it comes to what you can’t do with Canva’s stock media photos, music, and videos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you can’t sell unaltered copies as stock media. This means no selling the files as-is on stock photo platforms or as prints, posters, or other physical products. You also can’t redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. Lastly, you can’t use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in a way that implies endorsement by people or brands featured in the files. So no using shots of people using your product to suggest they’re fans of it, for example. Ways You Can Get Creative Using Canva With Canva you can create professional-looking graphics for yourself or clients using their simple drag-and-drop interface. Here are five examples of products that can be created using Canva. Business Cards – Every business needs business cards! With Canva, you can create custom cards for yourself or your client’s business. With the easy-to-use Canva design tools, you can create a card that’s perfect for any occasion. Flyers – Designing an attractive flyer can be simple and quick. Using Canva’s free flyer maker, you can produce a beautiful design in just minutes, regardless of your prior design experience. With an extensive selection of templates available, you can craft professional-quality designs effortlessly. Social Media Graphics – When it comes to creating amazing graphics for social media, there’s no tool more versatile or user-friendly than Canva. With a wide range of stock media, templates, and tools available, anyone can create stunning visuals for their social media accounts – no design experience is necessary! Infographics – Canva’s free online infographic maker helps you easily create your own unique and professional infographics in minutes using stock media, even for non-designers. Ebooks – Whether you’re creating a design for online or electronic publications, Canva design makes it simple to achieve the results you want. Where to Sell Your Canva Designs and Templates If you’re a designer, Canva is a great way to create professional-looking designs and templates. But what do you do when you’re finished with them? Here are six places to sell your Canva designs and templates. Etsy Etsy is a popular marketplace for selling handmade and vintage items. You can also sell digital products, like Canva templates. To sell on Etsy, you’ll need to create an account and set up a shop. Then, you can upload your designs and set your own prices. Design Bundles On Design Bundles, you can sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and Canva template designs. You can create an account for free and upload your designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Market Creative Market is an additional platform for selling design resources. To start selling on Creative Market, you must create an account and submit your designs for approval. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Bundles The Design Bundles marketplace allows you to sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and templates, and set your own prices. You can also choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Fabrica Creative Fabrica is another platform where you can sell design resources. To start selling on Creative Fabrica, you must create an account and submit your designs for evaluation. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Cuts Design Cuts lets you sell design resources as well. You can create an account for free and upload your fonts, graphics, and template designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Can You Use Canva Pro Images for Commercial Use? Yes, you can use Canva images for personal and commercial use, like marketing and advertising. Canva Pro’s monthly fee covers unlimited licenses for the images. This indicates that you only need to pay for them a single time, after which you can use them indefinitely. However, please remember that you cannot redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. You also cannot use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in any manner that suggests endorsement by the individuals or brands depicted in those files. What is Stock Media on Canva? Stock media is a library of royalty-free videos, stock images, and audio files that you can use in your designs on Canva. You can search for specific Canva images or browse by subject matter, and all the files in the library are licensed for commercial use. This means you can use them in your designs without worrying about copyright infringement. Are the Images on Canva Copyrighted? Yes, the images on Canva are copyrighted and licensed to you. This includes photos, templates, videos, and elements. You can use these images for commercial, promotional, and other business purposes. However, you cannot sell or redistribute unaltered media as your own. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Can You Sell Products Made with Canva?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

National security adviser Mike Waltz tells conference that ‘economic partnership’ will be ‘good’ for KyivView 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

Artificial intelligence may be threatening to take your job, but the tech can also help you find a new one, Google thinks: It's just rolled out a new AI-powered tool called "Career Dreamer," which leverages AI algorithms to help you identify roles that are suited to your skills and experience. Google says it's worked with groups including students, recent graduates, adult learners seeking a career change, and veterans to help develop the tool. It's part of the wider "Grow with Google" portal, which offers a variety of tools and guides for job seekers and businesses—many of which involve some form of AI. Credit: Lifehacker This isn't a full end-to-end job application app, but rather a way of exploring jobs that you'd do well at—and which you might not otherwise have thought of. In the announcement blog post, Grow with Google's Lisa Gevelber points to a stat from the World Economic Forum: Workers now hold an average of 12 different jobs across their lifetime, and that number's growing. "The less traditional your career path is, the harder it can be to frame your previous experiences into one cohesive narrative, or to understand what careers align with your particular skills and strengths," writes Gevelber. Tell the AI what you do and the skills you've gained. Credit: Lifehacker Career Dreamer is able to "connect the dots" for you, and you don't need to invest much time or effort—just tell the tool a bit about your expertise, past work, and interests. From there, you can switch to Gemini to take the next steps, like working on a cover letter. You can try Career Dreamer for free here. How to use Career DreamerClick the Start button, and the first prompt asks you to share a current or previous role. As you work through the various screens that help Career Dreamer learn a little bit about you, you'll be asked about the specific tasks you've done and the skills you've learned along the way—so researched technology trends and written articles, would be two examples from my own career. You get a Career Identity Statement written for you. Credit: Lifehacker Eventually you get to a Career Identity Statement, which sums up your career journey so far—from here you can add more previous roles and existing skills, your education history, and any additional (work-related) interests. You can keep regenerating your Career Identity Statement as you go, though it tends to always sound rather generic (and like something you'd see a lot of on Linkedin). Switch to the Explore Paths tab, and you get a chart of roles you might be interested in—some pulled from recruitment databases, and others thought up by AI. You can click on any of the results for more information about the job, and narrow down the selection based on your experiences, education, skills, and interests. Career Dreamer tells you the roles you're suited to. Credit: Lifehacker As AI might soon be able to do the job of telling you how to manage your Windows notifications or how good the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is, I thought I'd spin up Career Dreamer myself and see if there were any alternative career paths I could take outside of tech journalism. I didn't find the suggestions all that inspiring; it was just the usual obvious alternatives to tech journalism—public relations, technical writing, web developing, editing—but your mileage may vary. Everything is wrapped up in a slick interface and is easy to use, even if the end results are rather generic. The tool gives you the option to Jump to Gemini, where you can start exploring more about potential roles, brush up your resume, and explore different paths for your career. There's no way to log into Career Dreamer, but the site should remember your previous session by identifying your browser and device, if you leave and come back. View the full article

Contract closings in January decreased 4.9% to an annualized rate of 4.08 million, data released Friday by the National Association of Realtors show. View the full article

The ‘special relationship’ has underpinned the UK’s security since the Suez Canal debacle — but the world has changedView the full article

In a James Bond shakeup that stirred the film industry, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that the studio has taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would be stepping back. Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli formed a new joint venture in which they will co-own James Bond intellectual property rights—but Amazon MGM will have creative control. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal is expected to close sometime this year. “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson said in a statement. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.” Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $6.1 billion, a purchase that was significantly motivated by the acquisition of one of the movies’ most beloved and long-running franchises. Since the Daniel Craig era of 007 concluded with 2021’s No Time to Die, Broccoli and Wilson have reportedly clashed with Amazon MGM over the direction of Bond. The announcement Thursday means that for the first time in the more than half a century of Bond, a Broccoli won’t be greenlighting the next 007 film, or picking who inherits his tux. Amazon MGM also anticipates expanding the franchise beyond movies. “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.” Bond had been a family business since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli secured the rights to adaptations of Ian Fleming’s novels and kicked off a run of 25 Bond films produced by Eon Productions, beginning with 1962’s Dr. No. Those movies have accrued $7.6 billion in box office. In 1995, the elder Broccoli handed over control of Eon to his daughter, Broccoli, and stepson, Wilson. In recent years, the 64-year-old Broccoli has largely taken the lead as Wilson, 83, has aged into retirement. “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli,” Broccoli said in a statement. “I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.” Broccoli and Wilson’s previous standoff with Amazon MGM had essentially frozen development on the next Bond movie. No script, director or star has yet been announced for the next installment, an unusually long break for a franchise that has typically spaced films two or three years apart. Broccoli also produced the 2022 film Till and the musical Buena Vista Social Club, opening next month on Broadway. A key point for the producers in the Amazon acquisition of MGM was a commitment to theatrically release James Bond films. That Bond’s future is now in the hands of an e-commerce giant with one of the leading streaming services will immediately prompted doubts from some fans about Bond’s new corporate overloads. Other billion-dollar movie franchises, such as the Disney-owned Star Wars and Marvel brands, have in recent years struggled with over-saturation. Even Joe Russo, codirector of four Marvel Cinematic Universe films including Avengers: Endgame, pleaded to Amazon MGM: “DON’T cinematic universe James Bond.” “It is one of our last, great theatrical events,” Russo said on X. “Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs.” In an interview last fall ahead of receiving an honorary Oscar alongside her brother, Broccoli told the Associated Press that, in an era of upheaval in the movie industry, boldness was necessary. “People are playing it very safe,” Broccoli said. “I think in times of crisis like this, you’ve got to be brave.” —Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer View the full article

T-Mobile is making moves to make sure it’s “first” among first responders. The mobile giant announced that as a part of its T-Priority solution—a portion of T-Mobile’s 5G network that’s set aside specifically for use by first responders, to avoid network congestion and slowdowns during emergencies—it’s signed a contract with the City of New York to be the single carrier for the city’s public safety network comprising more than 40,000 personnel, and is allowing free limited-time access to T-Priority through its first responder rate plans. Additionally, the company is partnering with others in the industry to create an advanced 5G ecosystem, which should help numerous tools such as drones and AI-powered deployables perform better in the field. That partnership includes companies like Samsung and Skydio. T-Mobile is also making a $2 million donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports the families of fallen first responders. “These are big investments, and it’s incredibly important work,” said Callie Field, president of T-Mobile Business Group, at an event in New York City on Thursday announcing the news. “We launched T-Priority for a reason. It was time to get this community better options . . . Even in 2025, when we expect instant communication, there are times when they can’t connect.” Field went on to say that almost two-thirds of first responders say they are concerned about network connectivity. As such, Field said T-Mobile saw the announced moves as the company’s “responsibility.” T-Mobile’s moves may be significant for emergency services, as first responders can find it difficult to communicate when cell service goes down. While fire and police departments generally do have other ways to get in touch with one another—via walkie-talkies or pagers, which should work in the event that cell service is down—when carrier networks are clogged up or otherwise crippled, it can hamper responses and potentially cost lives. T-Mobile’s data says that T-Priority can offer up to 40% more 5G capacity to ensure first responders can stay connected, and it’s designed to emphasize speed for data-intensive communications. T-Priority also meshes with T-Mobile’s plan to launch T-Mobile Starlink this year, which will help get signals through to parts of the country that are not reachable by cell towers. View the full article