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The restructuring firm that took control of Big Lots in the wake of its bankruptcy last year appears to be making progress in its effort to transfer some of the discount chain’s ill-fated locations to other retailers. Several retail companies, including some with ties to nationally recognized brands, have stepped in to take over leases on Big Lots stores in at least 12 different states, according to recent court filings. If the transfers are approved by the court, the spaces are likely to be turned into something other than Big Lots, although some of the retailers have not yet publicly confirmed their plans. Ocean State Job Lot, a discount retail chain with locations across New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, is seeking to assume control of at least 15 Big Lots leases, court records show. The list includes locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. “We have expressed interest in several Big Lots locations,” a spokesperson for Ocean State Job Lot told Fast Company when reached for comment. “Presently, that is all we can share publicly. We will provide more information about our plans as soon as we are able.” The proposed transfer of leases to Ocean State (via a number of limited liability companies) appears to be the largest such transfer outside of the 200 stores that are expected to be transferred to North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers, which intends to continue operating those stores under the Big Lots brands, as Fast Company reported earlier this month. Smaller retailers circle the wagons In addition to Ocean State Job Lot, a handful of smaller retailers have been listed as assignees on Big Lots locations over the past week. Berat Corporation, which is linked to ShopRite supermarkets in the Northeast, is planning to assume control of a Big Lots lease in New Jersey, court records show. Owner David G. Zallie confirmed the proposed lease transfer with Fast Company last week. Goodwill Industries of Dallas, a local offshoot of the used-good seller, likewise confirmed that it will open two stores in former Big Lots locations in Texas. A Limited Liability Company with ties to ABQ Crazy Liquidation, an Albuquerque-based discount chain that resells overstock and returned items, is listed as the transferee for Big Lots leases in Illinois and Colorado. ABQ’s owner did not respond to a request for comment about plans for those locations. Additional Big Lots stores are expected to be scooped up by furniture retailers in Florida and Texas. Months of uncertainty following bankruptcy Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024 after facing falling sales, declining foot traffic, inflationary pressures, and unsustainable debt. It had previously planned to close all of its more than 800 locations before securing its last-minute deal with Variety Wholesalers at the beginning of this year. Meanwhile, Gordon Brothers, the liquidation and investment firm that now controls Big Lots, has been selling the chain’s leases at a discount on the open market, some of which do not expire until the 2040s. Fast Company reached out to Gordon Brothers for additional comment about the latest proposed transfers. The recent court filings offer a window into the types of retailers that are willing to step in and take control of such large spaces at a time when physical retail is facing headwinds. Big Lots stores tend to measure least 30,000 and sometimes well over 50,000 square feet. You can read a full list of proposed lease transfers below: Massachusetts 116 East Main Street Webster, MA (Ocean State Job Lot) Maryland 801 E. Pulaski Hwy, Suite 141, Elkton, MD (Ocean State Job Lot) 210 Marlboro Ave., Suite 55 Easton, MD (Ocean State Job Lot) 24 Kent Towne Market, Chester, MD (Ocean State Job Lot) Maine 730 Center St., Auburn, ME (Ocean State Job Lot) New Jersey 1075 Mantua Pike, West Deptford, NJ (Berat Corporation) 257 West New Rd., Somers Point, NJ (Ocean State Job Lot) 3845 Bayshore Rd., Cape May, NJ (Ocean State Job Lot) 580 North Main St., Barnegat, NJ (Ocean State Job Lot) New York 8015 Oswego Rd., Liverpool, NY (Ocean State Job Lot) 10 Village Plaza, Dansville, NY (Ocean State Job Lot) Pennsylvania Rte I-83 and 3800 Union Deposit Rd, Harrisburg, PA (Ocean State Job Lot) 7150 Hamilton Boulevard, Trexlertown, PA (Ocean State Job Lot) Colorado 7777 W. Jewell Avenue, Lakewood, CO (ABQ Liquidation LLC) Delaware 515 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE (Ocean State Job Lot) 900 Norman A. Eskridge Highway, Unit #50, Seaford, DE (Ocean State Job Lot) Illinois 480 Georgetown Square, Wood Dale (ABQ Liquidation LLC) Texas 3303 98th Street, Lubbock, TX (South Lubbock FP LLC) 2306 S. Jefferson Ave., Unit 160, Mount Pleasant, TX (JP & A Holding) 2855 Ridge Road, Rockwall, TX (Goodwill Industries of Dallas) 3621 North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX (Goodwill Industries of Dallas) Vermont 66 Morrisville Plaza, Suite 5 Morrisville, VT (Ocean State Job Lot) Florida 11247 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL (Madesa Inc) 7565 W. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL (Fine Furniture Décor) This story is developing… View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When it comes to upgrading your home's aesthetic, you don't need to spend a lot of time or money to have an impact. In addition to inexpensive improvements that increase your home's comfort and efficiency, there are a number of small swaps that can have a big impact without busting your budget. All of these swaps are renter-friendly—they are unlikely to cause damage in the installation process and are easy to return to their original state. Simply save what you remove and replace when you leave. Get new switch plate and outlet coversRemove the cheap plastic light switch and outlet covers around your home and replace them with plates made of brushed metal or wood, or look for uniquely shaped or painted covers from marketplaces like Etsy. Hardware stores also sell paintable covers so you can either blend them into your walls or add an accent color. Wall plates are among the easiest and least expensive swaps you can make while adding a decorative element to your space: A set of six duplex outlet covers in brass costs just $20 on Amazon, and all you need to do is unscrew the plates from the wall using a screwdriver. Replace vent coversStandard-issue vent covers installed in your floors, walls, and ceilings can also be swapped for more decorative versions with minimal effort and at a relatively low cost. You can replace both registers, which have louvers and dampers to control air flow, as well as decorative grills. You'll definitely see a difference when you get rid of plastic vent covers in favor of those made of metal or wood, but you can also find more ornate designs or grill patterns in the same material as your existing covers for less than $20 apiece. Be sure to select a material that makes sense for your space—rust-free aluminum is a good choice for bathrooms, for example—and take care to measure properly before purchasing new covers. Floor grills can often be dropped into place, while those in walls and ceilings will require mounting hardware. Consider new hardwareCabinet handles and drawer pulls are another easy swap that can significantly change the look of your space. If you buy hardware that's the same size as what you're removing, the upgrade is as easy as unscrewing the old and installing the new. Otherwise, you may need to fill existing holes with putty and drill new ones—so if you're renting, consider how easy it'll be to return your cabinets and drawers to their original state when you move out. You'll certainly find expensive hardware options, but you can get decent-looking handles and pulls from Amazon or your hardware store for less than $1 per piece. Swap out builder-grade mirrorsBuilder-grade home features—usually seen as basic and cheap—don't necessarily need to be changed out, but upgrading a few here and there for the sake of your design aesthetic can go a long way. Builder-grade mirrors are often frameless pieces of beveled glass fastened to the wall and are easy to remove and replace with a more decorative alternative. Look for a gently used mirror that's more to your liking on Facebook Marketplace, or consider adding a low-cost DIY decorative edge to your existing mirror. Go for new light fixturesAnother builder-grade feature that you can swap with relative ease for the sake of your home's aesthetic: light fixtures (especially the dreaded boob light). This project does require some basic electrical knowledge and a few materials, but it is totally possible to DIY—just don't forget to turn off the breaker before touching any fixture. View the full article

A good travel management company can provide you with a travel program that is tailored to your needs, as well as travel arrangers to help you with all of your travel arrangements. They can also provide you with helpful tips and advice for business travelers. If you’re looking for the best travel management services for your business, then look no further than the following 10 companies. What are Business Travel Management Companies and What do They Offer Business Travelers? BTMCs, provide services to their corporate clients to help manage their business travel. This can include providing software that tracks the expenses and itineraries of traveling employees, booking flights and hotels, arranging car rentals and other transportation, and providing customer service support during the travelers’ trip. This is particularly beneficial for companies with numerous employees who frequently travel for work, as it aids in monitoring all expenses and logistics related to business travel. Furthermore, business travel management companies often have the ability to negotiate reduced rates for their clients on a variety of travel services. READ MORE: Travel Risk Management Tips Benefits of Using a Corporate Travel Management Company There are many benefits to using a corporate management company for travel, including these four: Expense management. BTMCs can help businesses keep track of their spending on business travel and provide software to help manage and automate the expense reporting process. Business traveler support. Corporate travel management companies can provide customer support to travelers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can be helpful in the event of an emergency or last-minute changes to travel plans. Comprehensive travel management solution. Business travel management companies (BTMCs) offer businesses a full travel management solution that encompasses booking flights and hotels, organizing transportation, and delivering customer support. Lower travel costs. BTMCs often have access to discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel services that they can pass on to their clients. How to Grow Your Corporate Travel Program A company can enhance its business travel program in several ways, including partnering with business travel management companies. These travel arrangers can streamline travel processes for employees, making it more convenient and efficient, ultimately saving the company both time and money. You can also inform employees about the advantages of utilizing a travel management company within the travel program. Additionally, you can motivate employees to make their travel bookings in advance. General Criteria for Choosing the Best Business Travel Management Company- Our Methodology Selecting the right business travel management company is crucial for streamlining your corporate travel needs. To assist you in this important decision, here are some general criteria to consider, along with a scale indicating their relative importance: 1. Expertise and Industry Experience (9/10): Extensive experience in corporate travel management. In-depth knowledge of the travel industry and its trends. Proven track record of successfully handling business travel for clients. 2. Cost Efficiency (9/10): Competitive pricing and cost-effective solutions. Ability to negotiate discounts with airlines, hotels, and other service providers. Transparent pricing structures with no hidden fees. 3. Traveler Support and Assistance (9/10): 24/7 availability for traveler support. Access to a dedicated travel advisor or consultant. Quick response time to resolve travel-related issues. 4. Technology and Booking Tools (7/10): User-friendly online booking platforms. Integration with expense management systems. Mobile apps for easy on-the-go bookings and itinerary access. 5. Customization and Flexibility (7/10): Tailored travel solutions to meet your specific business needs. Ability to accommodate last-minute changes or adjustments. Flexible policies that align with your company’s travel policy. 6. Traveler Well-being and Safety (9/10): Implementation of traveler safety measures and risk management. Access to real-time updates and alerts during travel. Compliance with health and safety regulations, especially during emergencies. 7. Reporting and Analytics (7/10): Access to detailed reporting on travel expenses and patterns. Analytics tools to help identify cost-saving opportunities. Insights into traveler behavior and preferences for future improvements. 8. Global Reach and Network (7/10): A wide network of partners and suppliers worldwide. Capabilities to manage international travel seamlessly. Knowledge of regional travel nuances and requirements. 9. Client References and Testimonials (7/10): Positive feedback and references from current clients. Case studies showcasing successful travel management experiences. Reputation and credibility within the industry. 10. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility (5/10): Commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly travel practices. Options for carbon offset programs or eco-conscious travel choices. Alignment with your company’s sustainability goals. The Best Travel Management Companies for Business Travel As businesses increasingly shift to a global marketplace, the need for efficient and cost-effective travel management has become more important than ever. In this new era of globalization, organizations are looking for travel managers who can help them navigate the higher prices and complex logistics of doing business internationally. Here are the best travel management companies for businesses of all sizes: TravelBank TravelBank offers a comprehensive corporate travel management solution with extensive industry experience that includes expense reports, money management, and booking. With TravelBank, businesses can save time and money while ensuring that their employees have a safe and seamless travel experience. AMEX GBT If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable way to handle your business travel, AMEX GBT is a great option with a fantastic reputation. Their risk alerts and direct communication during disruptions make them a dependable choice, while their pre-negotiated rates can save you money. Additionally, their customer support boasts an impressive response time of just 15 seconds, ensuring you receive assistance whenever you need it. If you find yourself needing to cancel your trip at the last minute, FlexiPerk can help you recover up to 80% of your funds. SAP Concur SAP Concur is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage their travel spending. It offers a wide range of features, including booking tools, expense reporting, and invoicing. This makes it an ideal solution for companies that want to streamline their travel process and reduce their expenses. READ MORE: David Alexander of SAP Concur: Automating Expense and Travel Management Sheds Light on Company Spending Issues CWT CWT is a well-established company with a history spanning 150 years, operating in 150 countries worldwide. This extensive presence has helped it build an excellent reputation and gain a wealth of industry experience. CWT provides a user-friendly business-to-business platform designed for employees. Their myCWT app is available on both PC and mobile devices, enabling travelers to book flights and make reservations at over 800,000 properties at special rates. Egencia Egencia is a travel management software that can help businesses keep track of their travelers and their travel data. This can help ensure traveler safety and a smooth travel program. Egencia also offers reports and analytics so that businesses can see how their travelers are performing and where they can make improvements. BCD Travel BCD Travel offers comprehensive travel management solutions for businesses of all sizes. With offices in 109 countries, BCD Travel is well-positioned to help businesses manage their travel needs worldwide. Their software suite includes three separate platforms that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your business. Additionally, BCD Travel offers access to APIs to integrate with their platforms, making it easy to get the exact solution you need. TravelPerk With the world’s largest inventory of travel options and partners with the biggest names in the business, TravelPerk can cater to your every need. Forget about hours wasted researching flights, hotels, and car rentals – let TravelPerk do all the hard work for you. FCM Travel Solution If you’re seeking excellent deals on business travel, FCM Travel Solution is an ideal choice. With access to more than 650,000 hotel properties and partnerships with major airlines, FCM can provide you with specially negotiated airfares and hotel rates. Plus, their FCM Connect suite of tools includes a powerful online booking tool and an expense management platform, making trip planning and tracking expenses a breeze. TripActions TripActions offers reliable partner connections and a straightforward booking process that will get you on your way swiftly and effortlessly. Additionally, if you require assistance at any point, TripActions’ customer support team is always ready to help. CompanyKey Features TravelBankComprehensive corporate travel management, expense reports, money management, and booking. AMEX GBTEfficient and reliable business travel management, risk alerts, pre-negotiated rates, and responsive customer care. SAP ConcurComprehensive travel spending management solution, booking tools, expense reporting, and invoicing. CWTGlobal presence, accessible myCWT app, flight booking, and reservations at special rates. EgenciaTravel management software for traveler tracking, travel data analysis, and reporting. BCD TravelComprehensive travel management solutions, customization, and API integration. CTMOnline booking tools for corporate travel, hotel, and car rental arrangements. TravelPerkWorld's largest inventory, partner connections, and automated travel booking. FCM Travel SolutionDeals on business travel, 650,000+ hotel properties, airline partnerships, online booking, and expense management. TripActionsTrusted partner connections, easy booking process, and responsive customer support. READ MORE: business travel tips Factors to consider when choosing a corporate travel management company When choosing the best corporate travel management solutions for a small business, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is the travel managers themselves – what experience do they have and what is their knowledge of the travel industry advancements that can save money for your company? Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the company’s dedication to traveler wellbeing. Do they provide features such as loyalty rewards programs and around-the-clock support? Lastly, it’s important to evaluate the company’s capacity to help you save money. Can they provide discounts on flights, accommodations, and vehicle rentals? By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you are selecting the most effective travel management solutions for your business. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Business Travel Management Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A good travel management company can provide you with a travel program that is tailored to your needs, as well as travel arrangers to help you with all of your travel arrangements. They can also provide you with helpful tips and advice for business travelers. If you’re looking for the best travel management services for your business, then look no further than the following 10 companies. What are Business Travel Management Companies and What do They Offer Business Travelers? BTMCs, provide services to their corporate clients to help manage their business travel. This can include providing software that tracks the expenses and itineraries of traveling employees, booking flights and hotels, arranging car rentals and other transportation, and providing customer service support during the travelers’ trip. This is particularly beneficial for companies with numerous employees who frequently travel for work, as it aids in monitoring all expenses and logistics related to business travel. Furthermore, business travel management companies often have the ability to negotiate reduced rates for their clients on a variety of travel services. READ MORE: Travel Risk Management Tips Benefits of Using a Corporate Travel Management Company There are many benefits to using a corporate management company for travel, including these four: Expense management. BTMCs can help businesses keep track of their spending on business travel and provide software to help manage and automate the expense reporting process. Business traveler support. Corporate travel management companies can provide customer support to travelers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can be helpful in the event of an emergency or last-minute changes to travel plans. Comprehensive travel management solution. Business travel management companies (BTMCs) offer businesses a full travel management solution that encompasses booking flights and hotels, organizing transportation, and delivering customer support. Lower travel costs. BTMCs often have access to discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel services that they can pass on to their clients. How to Grow Your Corporate Travel Program A company can enhance its business travel program in several ways, including partnering with business travel management companies. These travel arrangers can streamline travel processes for employees, making it more convenient and efficient, ultimately saving the company both time and money. You can also inform employees about the advantages of utilizing a travel management company within the travel program. Additionally, you can motivate employees to make their travel bookings in advance. General Criteria for Choosing the Best Business Travel Management Company- Our Methodology Selecting the right business travel management company is crucial for streamlining your corporate travel needs. To assist you in this important decision, here are some general criteria to consider, along with a scale indicating their relative importance: 1. Expertise and Industry Experience (9/10): Extensive experience in corporate travel management. In-depth knowledge of the travel industry and its trends. Proven track record of successfully handling business travel for clients. 2. Cost Efficiency (9/10): Competitive pricing and cost-effective solutions. Ability to negotiate discounts with airlines, hotels, and other service providers. Transparent pricing structures with no hidden fees. 3. Traveler Support and Assistance (9/10): 24/7 availability for traveler support. Access to a dedicated travel advisor or consultant. Quick response time to resolve travel-related issues. 4. Technology and Booking Tools (7/10): User-friendly online booking platforms. Integration with expense management systems. Mobile apps for easy on-the-go bookings and itinerary access. 5. Customization and Flexibility (7/10): Tailored travel solutions to meet your specific business needs. Ability to accommodate last-minute changes or adjustments. Flexible policies that align with your company’s travel policy. 6. Traveler Well-being and Safety (9/10): Implementation of traveler safety measures and risk management. Access to real-time updates and alerts during travel. Compliance with health and safety regulations, especially during emergencies. 7. Reporting and Analytics (7/10): Access to detailed reporting on travel expenses and patterns. Analytics tools to help identify cost-saving opportunities. Insights into traveler behavior and preferences for future improvements. 8. Global Reach and Network (7/10): A wide network of partners and suppliers worldwide. Capabilities to manage international travel seamlessly. Knowledge of regional travel nuances and requirements. 9. Client References and Testimonials (7/10): Positive feedback and references from current clients. Case studies showcasing successful travel management experiences. Reputation and credibility within the industry. 10. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility (5/10): Commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly travel practices. Options for carbon offset programs or eco-conscious travel choices. Alignment with your company’s sustainability goals. The Best Travel Management Companies for Business Travel As businesses increasingly shift to a global marketplace, the need for efficient and cost-effective travel management has become more important than ever. In this new era of globalization, organizations are looking for travel managers who can help them navigate the higher prices and complex logistics of doing business internationally. Here are the best travel management companies for businesses of all sizes: TravelBank TravelBank offers a comprehensive corporate travel management solution with extensive industry experience that includes expense reports, money management, and booking. With TravelBank, businesses can save time and money while ensuring that their employees have a safe and seamless travel experience. AMEX GBT If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable way to handle your business travel, AMEX GBT is a great option with a fantastic reputation. Their risk alerts and direct communication during disruptions make them a dependable choice, while their pre-negotiated rates can save you money. Additionally, their customer support boasts an impressive response time of just 15 seconds, ensuring you receive assistance whenever you need it. If you find yourself needing to cancel your trip at the last minute, FlexiPerk can help you recover up to 80% of your funds. SAP Concur SAP Concur is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage their travel spending. It offers a wide range of features, including booking tools, expense reporting, and invoicing. This makes it an ideal solution for companies that want to streamline their travel process and reduce their expenses. READ MORE: David Alexander of SAP Concur: Automating Expense and Travel Management Sheds Light on Company Spending Issues CWT CWT is a well-established company with a history spanning 150 years, operating in 150 countries worldwide. This extensive presence has helped it build an excellent reputation and gain a wealth of industry experience. CWT provides a user-friendly business-to-business platform designed for employees. Their myCWT app is available on both PC and mobile devices, enabling travelers to book flights and make reservations at over 800,000 properties at special rates. Egencia Egencia is a travel management software that can help businesses keep track of their travelers and their travel data. This can help ensure traveler safety and a smooth travel program. Egencia also offers reports and analytics so that businesses can see how their travelers are performing and where they can make improvements. BCD Travel BCD Travel offers comprehensive travel management solutions for businesses of all sizes. With offices in 109 countries, BCD Travel is well-positioned to help businesses manage their travel needs worldwide. Their software suite includes three separate platforms that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your business. Additionally, BCD Travel offers access to APIs to integrate with their platforms, making it easy to get the exact solution you need. TravelPerk With the world’s largest inventory of travel options and partners with the biggest names in the business, TravelPerk can cater to your every need. Forget about hours wasted researching flights, hotels, and car rentals – let TravelPerk do all the hard work for you. FCM Travel Solution If you’re seeking excellent deals on business travel, FCM Travel Solution is an ideal choice. With access to more than 650,000 hotel properties and partnerships with major airlines, FCM can provide you with specially negotiated airfares and hotel rates. Plus, their FCM Connect suite of tools includes a powerful online booking tool and an expense management platform, making trip planning and tracking expenses a breeze. TripActions TripActions offers reliable partner connections and a straightforward booking process that will get you on your way swiftly and effortlessly. Additionally, if you require assistance at any point, TripActions’ customer support team is always ready to help. CompanyKey Features TravelBankComprehensive corporate travel management, expense reports, money management, and booking. AMEX GBTEfficient and reliable business travel management, risk alerts, pre-negotiated rates, and responsive customer care. SAP ConcurComprehensive travel spending management solution, booking tools, expense reporting, and invoicing. CWTGlobal presence, accessible myCWT app, flight booking, and reservations at special rates. EgenciaTravel management software for traveler tracking, travel data analysis, and reporting. BCD TravelComprehensive travel management solutions, customization, and API integration. CTMOnline booking tools for corporate travel, hotel, and car rental arrangements. TravelPerkWorld's largest inventory, partner connections, and automated travel booking. FCM Travel SolutionDeals on business travel, 650,000+ hotel properties, airline partnerships, online booking, and expense management. TripActionsTrusted partner connections, easy booking process, and responsive customer support. READ MORE: business travel tips Factors to consider when choosing a corporate travel management company When choosing the best corporate travel management solutions for a small business, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is the travel managers themselves – what experience do they have and what is their knowledge of the travel industry advancements that can save money for your company? Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the company’s dedication to traveler wellbeing. Do they provide features such as loyalty rewards programs and around-the-clock support? Lastly, it’s important to evaluate the company’s capacity to help you save money. Can they provide discounts on flights, accommodations, and vehicle rentals? By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you are selecting the most effective travel management solutions for your business. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Business Travel Management Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

WhatsApp is adding new choices for customizing your chats, with both preset themes and mix-and-match colors for backgrounds and chat bubbles, as well as a selection of 30 new wallpapers. Users on WhatsApp have been able to change chat backgrounds for a while, with options ranging from solid colors to patterned wallpapers to images uploaded from your camera roll. Now, customizations have expanded to include chat bubbles, with default themes that coordinate background and chat colors and options to customize one or both for individual chats or all of your WhatsApp threads. According to a blog post from WhatsApp announcing the update, chat themes are currently being rolled out and will be available to all users "over the coming weeks." How to change chat themes in WhatsAppTo apply a WhatsApp theme across all of your chats, go to Settings > Chats > Default chat theme. If you want to select a theme for a specific chat, open that thread and tap the chat name (on iOS) or the triple dots (on Android) at the top of the screen and select Chat theme. You can also change the chat wallpaper from this menu. If you don't see these settings, the feature may not be available to you yet. Be sure to update the app to the most recent version. WhatsApp recently added the option to select specific chat members to include in video calls as well as add new video effects. View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ There are so many financial obligations to cover as a freelancer, right? You’ve got to handle living expenses, pay for key equipment, and save your dollars all at once. Your goal might be financial freedom, which is all about living comfortably and not being constrained by your financial obligations. But what’s the easiest way to do this? Budgeting apps are ideal. They’re a cool way to see where your money’s going and make it easier to set goals for your spending or saving requirements. They really are a key solution for living a less stressful life when thinking about your outgoings as a freelancer. So how can you use them for budgeting and saving? Let’s find out! Benefits of tracking expenses, budgeting, and saving for freelance workThere are a few handy benefits of budgeting and saving for freelance work. The main advantage is being able to allocate each expense to the right resources, such as software tools, which can help you enhance your work quality. For instance, a freelance writer may allocate a portion of their budget to tools such as Grammarly or Semrush. They may use a budgeting and saving app to allocate the right amount to each tool in proportion to their earnings according to their needs. This helps them optimize their output and keep their finances organized with the help of these tools without overspending. Budgeting for freelance work also helps in other ways. When you track your earnings and expenses on a per-project basis using specific apps, you’ll be able to see which projects are the most lucrative. You’ll have no problems determining which projects to prioritize to maximize your earning potential. These insights into business-related expenses, in turn, help you organize your workload and keep your output at the optimal level. Top 3 budgeting and saving tips for freelancersA range of budgeting tips can help you manage your expenses effectively and optimize your spending habits as a freelancer. Here, we’ll dig deeper into how you can budget and save effectively: Make your budget: You’ll need to make a detailed budget to understand where your money is going. This will involve creating a detailed list of all income sources and expenses.Tip for you: Think about the recurring costs and the costs that vary. Your subscription to Grammarly, for instance, is a fixed cost, while expenses that you allocate to new equipment like headphones are variable costs. This way, you’ll know what to expect and how much to set aside. Consider any taxes and outgoings: As a freelancer, you’re going to need to pay attention to taxes, which employers will not automatically deduct from your salary. This will require you to save some of your income to handle these costs and manage them yourself.Tip for you: Try to set aside a percentage of your income that aligns with your specific tax bracket and be as proactive as possible when saving for taxes. You might do this by tracking the tax expenses, seeing how much you’ll have to contribute, and then putting away the right amount of money to cover this. Track how you spend your money: Perhaps the most important tip is to track how you spend your money. You’ll want to know how much you earn and whether you need to adjust your spending habits according to your income.Tip for you: Freelancer income can fluctuate depending on the type of project work you’re completing or the number of clients you work with. It’s important to notice when your income decreases so that you can plan ahead and think about expenses without overspending. This is easier with the best budgeting apps. 3 budgeting and saving apps for freelancersSo, multiple budgeting and saving apps are available on the market to help you visualize your spending and saving habits. If you’re looking for the best personal finance software for Mac, here are the best ones to help you keep dollars in the bank! Best for tracking expenses: ChronicleTracking expenses will ensure there are no unexpected surprises regarding your outgoings, and that’s when Chronicle can come in handy. This app is ideal for monitoring your bills and seeing exactly where your money is going. A key benefit of this app is its accessible layout; it’s less overwhelming to visualize your expenses when compared with a standard mobile banking app. This is especially beneficial if you’re a freelancer new to paying your own bills. The app breaks down a few expense features into unique tabs. So you’ll notice that there’s a forecast option with a bar chart to show how much is due and how much you should save. There’s also an annual spending pie chart that breaks down what you spend your money on and how much you spend throughout the year. Since there are also tabs to view your bank balance report, which reveals how scheduled payments and upcoming bills will affect your balance, this app will help you plan ahead and be proactive when managing your outgoings. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Best for tracking spending habits: ExpensesBeing aware of your expenses can make a positive difference to your financial freedom goals. You can shed some light on what you’re going to be spending and have greater insights by using the Expenses app. A notable advantage of this app is its data synchronization feature. Your data will synchronize across iCloud to all Apple devices, so you can track expenses and outgoings when you’re on the move using your iPhone. There’s also the option to organize the expenses into categories and add new sheets for each month. For instance, create a sheet for November and December by opening the app and navigating to the New Sheet button at the bottom left-hand side. As a freelancer, you’ll benefit from this app’s other specific features, such as the option to input what you spend. You can do this by selecting the + icon on the right-hand side of the sheet. Once you’ve entered the expense, you can view it in the “Overview” tab. These features help freelancers make the right financial preparations for when an upcoming expense is due soon. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Best for setting a budget and saving: MoneyWizSaving money as a freelancer can involve setting a budget, and when you need to achieve those savings goals, budgeting software such as MoneyWiz is ideal. It’s one of the best budget planners since it offers beneficial features, allowing you to input monthly/yearly budgets for and log specific expenses. This ensures you don’t overspend and can instead put money away to help you achieve financial freedom. MoneyWiz is also a cool app since it works as a calendar that tracks how much is spent each day. Freelancers can benefit from the expenses and income information for the day/week/month. This is all accessible from the left-hand panel. When you input a transaction in the budgeting tab, you can include many details, including the bank account it comes from, the payee, the date, and what it was spent on. To be more specific, you can split the details, too, if they fall under multiple categories. Another advantage of MoneyWiz is that it helps you visualize your financial information. Freelancers can do this through the app since it shows the financial data in the form of pie charts, spreadsheets, and bar graphs on the “Reports” tab. Freelancers can delve into the data by choosing options like Balance Over Time, Net Worth Over Time, Compare Budgets, and Profit and Loss, helping them track how the outcome of their budgeting efforts over time. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Budgeting and saving apps: Need the perfect option?Budgeting and saving are key parts of financial freedom for freelancers. If you’re looking for ways to stick to a budget, check your outgoings, save your money, and plan your future expenses, apps can really help you. Trying to find the perfect option? All the apps listed above are available through Setapp. Make sure you visit the Setapp page to try these apps for free in a seven-day free trial. Stick to a budget and save your money as a freelancer with budgeting apps from Setapp! View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ There are so many financial obligations to cover as a freelancer, right? You’ve got to handle living expenses, pay for key equipment, and save your dollars all at once. Your goal might be financial freedom, which is all about living comfortably and not being constrained by your financial obligations. But what’s the easiest way to do this? Budgeting apps are ideal. They’re a cool way to see where your money’s going and make it easier to set goals for your spending or saving requirements. They really are a key solution for living a less stressful life when thinking about your outgoings as a freelancer. So how can you use them for budgeting and saving? Let’s find out! Benefits of tracking expenses, budgeting, and saving for freelance workThere are a few handy benefits of budgeting and saving for freelance work. The main advantage is being able to allocate each expense to the right resources, such as software tools, which can help you enhance your work quality. For instance, a freelance writer may allocate a portion of their budget to tools such as Grammarly or Semrush. They may use a budgeting and saving app to allocate the right amount to each tool in proportion to their earnings according to their needs. This helps them optimize their output and keep their finances organized with the help of these tools without overspending. Budgeting for freelance work also helps in other ways. When you track your earnings and expenses on a per-project basis using specific apps, you’ll be able to see which projects are the most lucrative. You’ll have no problems determining which projects to prioritize to maximize your earning potential. These insights into business-related expenses, in turn, help you organize your workload and keep your output at the optimal level. Top 3 budgeting and saving tips for freelancersA range of budgeting tips can help you manage your expenses effectively and optimize your spending habits as a freelancer. Here, we’ll dig deeper into how you can budget and save effectively: Make your budget: You’ll need to make a detailed budget to understand where your money is going. This will involve creating a detailed list of all income sources and expenses.Tip for you: Think about the recurring costs and the costs that vary. Your subscription to Grammarly, for instance, is a fixed cost, while expenses that you allocate to new equipment like headphones are variable costs. This way, you’ll know what to expect and how much to set aside. Consider any taxes and outgoings: As a freelancer, you’re going to need to pay attention to taxes, which employers will not automatically deduct from your salary. This will require you to save some of your income to handle these costs and manage them yourself.Tip for you: Try to set aside a percentage of your income that aligns with your specific tax bracket and be as proactive as possible when saving for taxes. You might do this by tracking the tax expenses, seeing how much you’ll have to contribute, and then putting away the right amount of money to cover this. Track how you spend your money: Perhaps the most important tip is to track how you spend your money. You’ll want to know how much you earn and whether you need to adjust your spending habits according to your income.Tip for you: Freelancer income can fluctuate depending on the type of project work you’re completing or the number of clients you work with. It’s important to notice when your income decreases so that you can plan ahead and think about expenses without overspending. This is easier with the best budgeting apps. 3 budgeting and saving apps for freelancersSo, multiple budgeting and saving apps are available on the market to help you visualize your spending and saving habits. If you’re looking for the best personal finance software for Mac, here are the best ones to help you keep dollars in the bank! Best for tracking expenses: ChronicleTracking expenses will ensure there are no unexpected surprises regarding your outgoings, and that’s when Chronicle can come in handy. This app is ideal for monitoring your bills and seeing exactly where your money is going. A key benefit of this app is its accessible layout; it’s less overwhelming to visualize your expenses when compared with a standard mobile banking app. This is especially beneficial if you’re a freelancer new to paying your own bills. The app breaks down a few expense features into unique tabs. So you’ll notice that there’s a forecast option with a bar chart to show how much is due and how much you should save. There’s also an annual spending pie chart that breaks down what you spend your money on and how much you spend throughout the year. Since there are also tabs to view your bank balance report, which reveals how scheduled payments and upcoming bills will affect your balance, this app will help you plan ahead and be proactive when managing your outgoings. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Best for tracking spending habits: ExpensesBeing aware of your expenses can make a positive difference to your financial freedom goals. You can shed some light on what you’re going to be spending and have greater insights by using the Expenses app. A notable advantage of this app is its data synchronization feature. Your data will synchronize across iCloud to all Apple devices, so you can track expenses and outgoings when you’re on the move using your iPhone. There’s also the option to organize the expenses into categories and add new sheets for each month. For instance, create a sheet for November and December by opening the app and navigating to the New Sheet button at the bottom left-hand side. As a freelancer, you’ll benefit from this app’s other specific features, such as the option to input what you spend. You can do this by selecting the + icon on the right-hand side of the sheet. Once you’ve entered the expense, you can view it in the “Overview” tab. These features help freelancers make the right financial preparations for when an upcoming expense is due soon. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Best for setting a budget and saving: MoneyWizSaving money as a freelancer can involve setting a budget, and when you need to achieve those savings goals, budgeting software such as MoneyWiz is ideal. It’s one of the best budget planners since it offers beneficial features, allowing you to input monthly/yearly budgets for and log specific expenses. This ensures you don’t overspend and can instead put money away to help you achieve financial freedom. MoneyWiz is also a cool app since it works as a calendar that tracks how much is spent each day. Freelancers can benefit from the expenses and income information for the day/week/month. This is all accessible from the left-hand panel. When you input a transaction in the budgeting tab, you can include many details, including the bank account it comes from, the payee, the date, and what it was spent on. To be more specific, you can split the details, too, if they fall under multiple categories. Another advantage of MoneyWiz is that it helps you visualize your financial information. Freelancers can do this through the app since it shows the financial data in the form of pie charts, spreadsheets, and bar graphs on the “Reports” tab. Freelancers can delve into the data by choosing options like Balance Over Time, Net Worth Over Time, Compare Budgets, and Profit and Loss, helping them track how the outcome of their budgeting efforts over time. Can I use it on my Mac and iPhone? Yes! Budgeting and saving apps: Need the perfect option?Budgeting and saving are key parts of financial freedom for freelancers. If you’re looking for ways to stick to a budget, check your outgoings, save your money, and plan your future expenses, apps can really help you. Trying to find the perfect option? All the apps listed above are available through Setapp. Make sure you visit the Setapp page to try these apps for free in a seven-day free trial. Stick to a budget and save your money as a freelancer with budgeting apps from Setapp! View the full article

“Why can’t we just use AI to do it?” Whether you’re on the brand or agency side of SEO, I’m guessing you’ve heard some version of this from an exec or a client with little knowledge of AI tools, SEO principles, or both. I’ve been asked that question multiple times because the other party saw or heard about modest success from LLM-generated content that got some clicks and impressions. My answer: because thousands of LLM-produced pieces of content do not a successful SEO program make. This article dives into the human and AI roles in today’s SEO landscape, including: What people are getting wrong about AI and content. What AI can and can’t do for SEO campaigns. What an expert can tackle with AI tools. The North Star of 2025 SEO (as I see it) and why you need humans to reach it. (Note: No LLMs were used to write this article.) What people are getting wrong about AI and content When people ask, “Can we just have AI write 1,000 blog posts?,” they assume there’s a linear progression. For instance, if a blog post gets 100 visits/month, won’t 1,000 blog posts get 100,000 visits? No, that’s not the way SEO works. It’s not a linear discipline. More importantly, that approach means you’re just putting crap out there. You’re essentially using AI to build your own content farm of stale, repetitive language. There’s no value for the user or positive affinity for the brand. Now, you could use AI tools and strategic prompts to quickly create a solid base for a piece of content, then apply human editing and a unique POV. In most cases, that’s faster than the content process was before AI, and it’ll produce much better content than 1,000 LLM-produced pieces, but it still requires human input. In short, forget about spamming Google with a ton of poor LLM content. Your users won’t read it, and ultimately, it won’t do anything beyond maybe inflating your vanity metrics. And, crucially, Google won’t like it. Whenever Google deals with an explosion of people doing the same (easy) thing to game the system, you want to zig while others are zagging. Don’t be part of the problem that triggers – and gets wiped out by – a huge algo update. Dig deeper: 3 ways to use AI for SEO wins in 2025 What AI can and can’t do for SEO campaigns Along with being unable to produce differentiated content, AI is being asked to do things like “come up with keywords” or “do internal links” on its own. If you’re just having AI look at your site and update links without careful QA, you’ll just end up with a lot of crappy internal links. It’s the same thing with keywords: you might get a huge list, but lots of them will have low volume, be barely relevant, or be straight-up garbage. Anytime someone says, “Let’s just use AI for [task],” try it once, gauge the output and the time needed to bring it up to anything resembling human baseline, and you’ll have a more nuanced answer. On the other hand, there are a few proven use cases for AI in SEO – and while they still involve human input, they’re big time-savers that free up the experts to address more strategic initiatives. For instance, if you have good source data and/or good, well-substantiated original thoughts, AI is great for remixing them into something organized and usable. Let’s say you conduct a thorough interview with a solutions engineer. AI can highlight, categorize, and synthesize the most salient parts of the interview, leaving you to QA the output and layer in your own voice. Not only does this save you time, it helps surface patterns in big data sets that you might never have spotted on your own – or at least nowhere near as quickly. Dig deeper: How to optimize your 2025 content strategy for AI-powered SERPs and LLMs Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. What an expert can tackle with AI tools If you approach AI tools with the right expectations, they can be incredibly powerful. I often use it for technical content like briefs and concepts – but as part of the drafting process. Draft 0.5 (we’re not talking 1.0) is a ChatGPT remix for me. That said, non-technical people using LLMs to help establish a base for technical content is fine, but even after you make it sound good, you still need an expert in the field to review the end product for fact and substance. As mentioned, AI tools can be great for synthesizing large data sets and producing trend and sentiment analyses. If you’ve got a list of keywords, it’s a good practice to ask AI to come up with additional keywords. I also like using it for title tag and headline options. I’ll write one good headline with a character limit and a target persona and ask an LLM to riff on that version. Instead of painstakingly writing five, I’ll write one really good one, use an LLM to produce a few more, and let the client choose. So, sometimes AI is a great starting point, and sometimes it’s a great second step. It depends on the scenario, and it takes practice to understand where its power is most effectively leveraged. But the answer is rarely to let AI run wild and consider the output final. Dig deeper: 15 AI tools you should use for SEO Why you need humans to reach the SEO pinnacle in 2025 If we can agree that SEO’s ultimate goal should be to drive down-funnel results like pipeline and sales, I’d like to offer what I see as the best way to get there in 2025: become the primary source for Google and LLMs to cite. Use proprietary data and establish a unique POV for your brand, and own the topic by understanding everything the user needs to learn related to the primary keyword (or conversational question). Becoming a primary reference is fundamentally incompatible with LLMs and AI, which are by nature derivative. (In other words, you can’t be the source by pulling from the source.) LLMs and AI, at this point, don’t produce anything new or unique, which is what users crave – hence the rise of TikTok and Reddit search juxtaposed with the emergence of LLM search. That means you need human input to truly stand out and engage users by being a trusted reference on Google or LLMs. Smart SEO uses AI – but still needs people to win The other day, a colleague asked me what kind of AI tool I wish someone would build for SEO. My answer, which is completely wishful thinking, was a tool that would show me a network of connected ideas that haven’t been written about. A content gap analyzer of sorts that identifies what people aren’t saying. Given the nature of AI and the way it sources material, though, I think that’s inherently impossible (how can you source a negative?) – at least for now. At the rate AI tools are being developed, it’s worth monitoring. We’ll be surprised at the use cases that get addressed in the next year alone. I’m also guessing that no matter how good the tool, humans will always be needed to operate it. Dig deeper: AI can’t write this: 10 ways to AI-proof your content for years to come View the full article

Adobe has launched a major expansion of its Firefly generative AI platform, introducing a new Firefly Video Model in public beta and unveiling new Firefly plan offerings that integrate AI-powered video, image, and vector generation. The Firefly application, now a comprehensive creative AI hub, includes Generate Video (beta) and multi-modal workflows to help professionals transition seamlessly from ideation to production. The Firefly Video Model is the only commercially safe AI video generation tool, allowing brands, enterprises, and creators to use AI-generated content without IP concerns. Adobe states that Firefly-generated content is IP-friendly and production-ready, offering organizations a legally secure solution for AI-assisted video production. “Firefly is designed for creative professionals looking for unmatched creative control and IP-friendly tools that can be used safely and effectively in both ideation and production,” said David Wadhwani, president of Adobe’s digital media business. “We’ve been thrilled to hear from beta customers who’ve found it a game-changer for ideating concepts and producing stunning videos, and we can’t wait to see how the creative community uses it to bring their stories to the world.” Several major brands and agencies—including Deloitte Digital, dentsu, IBM, Mattel, and PepsiCo/Gatorade—have already adopted Firefly for large-scale content production. New Features and Expanded Capabilities The new Firefly app introduces: Generate Video (beta) – AI-powered video generation that allows professionals to create 1080p videos from text or image prompts, generate B-roll, adjust camera angles, and control scene motion for dynamic storytelling. Scene to Image (beta) – A tool that converts 3D sketches into high-resolution images, enabling structured reference-based artwork creation. Translate Audio & Video – AI-driven translation capabilities that convert spoken dialogue into over 20 languages while maintaining voice authenticity, tone, and cadence. Multi-modal workflows – A unified platform that enables users to generate images, vectors, and videos within the Firefly app and seamlessly integrate them into Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Express. New Firefly Plan Offerings and Pricing Adobe introduced Firefly Standard and Firefly Pro subscription plans: Firefly Standard: $9.99/month – Includes 2,000 video/audio credits and 20 five-second 1080p video generations. Firefly Pro: $29.99/month – Includes 7,000 video/audio credits and 70 five-second 1080p video generations. A Firefly Premium plan will be introduced for high-volume creators requiring additional AI video and audio capabilities. Commitment to Ethical AI and Content Transparency Adobe emphasizes its responsible AI approach, training Firefly only on licensed Adobe Stock and public domain content, ensuring that AI-generated material does not infringe on third-party intellectual property. To increase transparency, Firefly-generated videos will feature Content Credentials, allowing users to verify AI-generated content through the Adobe Content Authenticity web app. The Firefly Video Model (beta) is available globally through new Firefly plan offerings. Users can access Generate Video (beta) and other Firefly AI features through the Firefly app and Adobe Creative Cloud applications. This article, "Adobe Expands Firefly AI With Commercially Safe Video Model and New App Features" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Adobe has launched a major expansion of its Firefly generative AI platform, introducing a new Firefly Video Model in public beta and unveiling new Firefly plan offerings that integrate AI-powered video, image, and vector generation. The Firefly application, now a comprehensive creative AI hub, includes Generate Video (beta) and multi-modal workflows to help professionals transition seamlessly from ideation to production. The Firefly Video Model is the only commercially safe AI video generation tool, allowing brands, enterprises, and creators to use AI-generated content without IP concerns. Adobe states that Firefly-generated content is IP-friendly and production-ready, offering organizations a legally secure solution for AI-assisted video production. “Firefly is designed for creative professionals looking for unmatched creative control and IP-friendly tools that can be used safely and effectively in both ideation and production,” said David Wadhwani, president of Adobe’s digital media business. “We’ve been thrilled to hear from beta customers who’ve found it a game-changer for ideating concepts and producing stunning videos, and we can’t wait to see how the creative community uses it to bring their stories to the world.” Several major brands and agencies—including Deloitte Digital, dentsu, IBM, Mattel, and PepsiCo/Gatorade—have already adopted Firefly for large-scale content production. New Features and Expanded Capabilities The new Firefly app introduces: Generate Video (beta) – AI-powered video generation that allows professionals to create 1080p videos from text or image prompts, generate B-roll, adjust camera angles, and control scene motion for dynamic storytelling. Scene to Image (beta) – A tool that converts 3D sketches into high-resolution images, enabling structured reference-based artwork creation. Translate Audio & Video – AI-driven translation capabilities that convert spoken dialogue into over 20 languages while maintaining voice authenticity, tone, and cadence. Multi-modal workflows – A unified platform that enables users to generate images, vectors, and videos within the Firefly app and seamlessly integrate them into Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Express. New Firefly Plan Offerings and Pricing Adobe introduced Firefly Standard and Firefly Pro subscription plans: Firefly Standard: $9.99/month – Includes 2,000 video/audio credits and 20 five-second 1080p video generations. Firefly Pro: $29.99/month – Includes 7,000 video/audio credits and 70 five-second 1080p video generations. A Firefly Premium plan will be introduced for high-volume creators requiring additional AI video and audio capabilities. Commitment to Ethical AI and Content Transparency Adobe emphasizes its responsible AI approach, training Firefly only on licensed Adobe Stock and public domain content, ensuring that AI-generated material does not infringe on third-party intellectual property. To increase transparency, Firefly-generated videos will feature Content Credentials, allowing users to verify AI-generated content through the Adobe Content Authenticity web app. The Firefly Video Model (beta) is available globally through new Firefly plan offerings. Users can access Generate Video (beta) and other Firefly AI features through the Firefly app and Adobe Creative Cloud applications. This article, "Adobe Expands Firefly AI With Commercially Safe Video Model and New App Features" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Google Gemini apps are getting a memory upgrade, with the AI bot now able to recall past conversations you've had with it—building on the tool's existing ability to remember personal details about you, such as the foods you like or what you do professionally. Like several other new Gemini features when they first launched, this is exclusively for Google One AI Premium subscribers ($20 per month), with English language users getting the upgrade first. Google says support for more languages and Enterprise accounts will be added in the "coming weeks." Google's intention here is to make Gemini more useful. You could refer back to something you were chatting about last week or last month, for example, or get the AI chatbot to summarize everything you've ever discussed about movies. "Whether you're asking a question about something you've already discussed, or asking Gemini to summarize a previous conversation, Gemini now uses information from relevant chats to craft a response," writes Google's Dave Citron. While this may set a few privacy alarm bells ringing, nothing has changed in terms of the controls users have over their Gemini data: Past conversations can be wiped from the record after a certain time period, or never stored in the first place. If you don't do this, your chats may be used to further train Google's AI models. You may remember OpenAI added conversation search to ChatGPT back in November, so Gemini isn't the only AI tool like this experimenting with persistent memory. As yet, it's not something I've seen in other chatbots such as Copilot or Perplexity. How to get the new memory upgrade Referring to a previous chat in Gemini. Credit: Lifehacker Log into Gemini using a premium account with your language set to English, and you should get the new update automatically. You can ask about previous chats using the same natural language that works with any other Gemini conversation. Anything like "what were we talking about yesterday?" or "summarize today's chats so far" will work. In my testing, it's mostly pretty accurate, with links back to earlier chats, though there were one or two glitches. I asked Gemini for film recommendations and the chatbot remembered that I'd said I liked David Lynch movies in a previous chat—a good example of the memory feature working well. As I generally delete AI chats, I couldn't dig back further into records from previous days or weeks, which might be more of a test. The privacy controls here haven't changed. Click Activity in the left-hand panel (on the web), or tap your account picture then Gemini Apps Activity (on mobile): The next screen lets you delete specific conversations, or your entire Gemini chat history. You can also stop any chats being saved in the future, or have them auto-delete after a set time. There's also the option to delete individual chats from inside the Gemini interface. On the web, click the three dots next to the conversation in the left-hand panel, then choose Delete. On mobile, long-press on any previous conversation, and tap Delete. Erasing a chat is like erasing Gemini's memory, and you won't be able to refer back to it again. You shouldn't be entering anything too personal or sensitive into a Gemini conversation, however: Chats are sometimes reviewed by humans for quality control purposes. "Please don't enter confidential information in your conversations or any data you wouldn't want a reviewer to see or Google to use to improve our products, services, and machine-learning technologies," explains the Gemini privacy policy. View the full article

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps last month View the full article

Starting a hot dog stand is an excellent opportunity to launch your own business. It is not only affordable but also a fun and straightforward way to enter the food industry. This article will outline everything you need to know about starting your own hot dog cart business. Read on for information on how to begin selling hot dogs with your own hot dog stand business! Why You Should Start a Hot Dog Cart Business Starting a hot dog business can be a fun and profitable way to be your own boss. Here are five benefits small business owners will receive when starting a hot dog business: Hot dogs are a classic American food that is loved by people of all ages. They are also a relatively inexpensive food to sell, which makes them a good option for entrepreneurs looking to start a food business. If you are thinking about starting a hot dog cart business, here are some of the benefits that you can expect: Low start-up costs: Hot dog carts are a relatively inexpensive business to start. You can purchase a used cart for a few thousand dollars, and you don’t need a lot of inventory to get started. Low overhead costs: Once you have your cart, your overhead costs will be relatively low. You will need to pay for the cost of food, but you won’t have to pay rent or utilities. High-profit margins: Hot dogs offer high-profit margins, allowing you to earn a substantial profit from each sale. Flexibility: Hot dog carts offer a flexible business model. You can position your cart in various locations, allowing you to access a broader range of customers. Low risk: Hot dog carts are a relatively low-risk business. If your business doesn’t take off, you can easily sell your cart and move on. Benefits of Starting a Hot Dog Cart Business In addition to the benefits listed above, there are a number of other benefits to starting a hot dog cart business. These include: Easy to operate: Hot dog carts are relatively easy to operate. You don’t need any special skills or training to start a hot dog cart business. Enjoyable and fulfilling: Launching a hot dog cart business can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. You’ll have the opportunity to meet many people and engage with the community. Potential for growth: There is a lot of potential for growth in the hot dog cart business. As the population grows, so does the demand for hot dogs. Additional Tips for Starting a Hot Dog Cart Business Here are some additional tips for starting a hot dog cart business: Do your research: Before you start your business, it is important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the hot dog cart industry. This will help you make informed decisions about your business. Be creative: Hot dogs are a classic food, but there are endless ways to make them creative and unique. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to create a hot dog that will stand out from the competition. Provide excellent customer service: Customer service is essential for any business, but it is especially important for hot dog cart businesses. Make sure you are friendly and helpful to your customers, and they will be more likely to come back for more. Be prepared to work hard: Starting a hot dog cart business is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. Be prepared to put in long hours and work hard, and you will be successful. READ MORE: 15 Hot Dog Franchise Businesses How Much Does It Cost to Start a Hot Dog Stand Business? Expense CategoryDetails Cart or Trailer:The cost of a hot dog cart or trailer will vary depending on the size, features, and condition. Used carts can be found for as little as $2,000, while new carts can cost upwards of $10,000. Permits and Licenses:The cost of permits and licenses will vary depending on your location. In some cities, you may need to obtain a business license, a health permit, and a vending permit. Food:The cost of food will vary depending on the type of hot dogs you sell and the toppings you offer. You can expect to pay $1-$2 per hot dog, plus the cost of toppings. Supplies:The cost of supplies will include things like buns, condiments, napkins, and utensils. You can expect to pay $0.50-$1 per hot dog for supplies. Employees:If you plan to hire employees, you will need to factor in the cost of wages, taxes, and benefits. Marketing:The cost of marketing will vary depending on the methods you use. You may need to pay for advertising, social media promotion, or printing flyers. Miscellaneous Expenses:There will be a number of miscellaneous expenses associated with starting a hot dog stand business, such as insurance, repairs, and transportation. Total Cost:You can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to get your hot dog stand business up and running, depending on the factors listed above. The good news is that you can get started for as little as a few thousand dollars. Used hot dog carts are readily available and can be outfitted with all the equipment you need to get started. They’re much cheaper than food trucks. On average, a food truck can cost about $75,000. Of course, there are other costs to consider, such as permits and insurance, but this can be a relatively low-cost way to start your own business. Cart or trailer: The cost of a hot dog cart or trailer will vary depending on the size, features, and condition. Used carts can be found for as little as $2,000, while new carts can cost upwards of $10,000. Permits and licenses: The cost of permits and licenses will vary depending on your location. In some cities, you may need to obtain a business license, a health permit, and a vending permit. Food: The cost of food will vary depending on the type of hot dogs you sell and the toppings you offer. You can expect to pay $1-$2 per hot dog, plus the cost of toppings. Supplies: The cost of supplies will include things like buns, condiments, napkins, and utensils. You can expect to pay $0.50-$1 per hot dog for supplies. Employees: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to factor in the cost of wages, taxes, and benefits. Marketing: The cost of marketing will vary depending on the methods you use. You may need to pay for advertising, social media promotion, or printing flyers. Miscellaneous expenses: When you learn how to start a hot dog stand business, you will encounter various miscellaneous expenses, including insurance, repairs, and transportation costs. Total Cost The total cost of starting a hot dog stand business will vary depending on the factors listed above. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to get your business up and running. Tips for Reducing Costs There are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of starting a hot dog stand business: Buy a used cart or trailer: Used carts and trailers can be a great way to save money. Do your research: Before you purchase a cart or trailer, be sure to do your research and compare prices. Shop around for supplies: You can often find discounts on food and supplies by shopping around. Promote your business yourself: You can save money on marketing by promoting your business yourself through social media and word-of-mouth. The cost of starting a hot dog stand business can vary depending on a number of factors. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can get your business up and running for a reasonable amount of money. Starting a Hot Dog Stand Business in 11 Simple Steps To become a hot dog business owner, you’ll need to take several steps before you can begin profiting from your hot dog cart. We’ll detail the steps below: Create a hot dog business plan In addition to outlining the essentials of your business, your plan should clearly define your business goals and the strategies to achieve them. These goals could include sales targets, expanding to additional locations, or establishing a strong brand presence in your community. For strategies, consider utilizing digital marketing, forming partnerships with local businesses, or providing outstanding customer service to differentiate your hot dog stand from the competition. Also, think about the financial projections of your business. How much revenue do you expect to generate and when will you break even? Include the cost of goods sold (COGS), operating expenses, and potential future investments such as the addition of more carts or hiring of staff. This financial analysis will be vital for attracting investors or securing loans. READ MORE: Spotlight: Dat Dog Puts a New Spin on the Old Hot Dog Stand Obtain a permit from the Department of Health Navigating the bureaucratic processes can be tricky, so you may consider hiring a legal consultant to ensure you’re in full compliance with health and safety regulations. Your consultant can guide you in understanding the specific permits required, their associated fees, and any yearly inspections that may be needed. Keep in mind that the health department may have specific guidelines for food handling, storage, and preparation. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these regulations, which may involve attending mandatory food safety training. Keeping a clean and safe operation not only keeps you compliant with the law but also builds trust with your customers. Get an EIN Once you have your EIN, ensure that all the necessary documentation is in place for tax purposes. The EIN will be crucial for filing your business taxes, and being well-organized in this aspect will save you lots of potential headaches down the line. Also, note that having an EIN can open up more opportunities for your business. You may be eligible for business-only discounts from suppliers and it can add legitimacy to your business when interacting with other businesses or potential investors. Get a business license Consider consulting with a business advisor or attorney to understand the specific types of licenses required in your municipality. It’s essential to understand local ordinances, which can dictate when and where you can operate your cart. Remember to renew your business license on a regular basis. Maintaining up-to-date licenses and permits not only helps you avoid legal issues but also demonstrates your dedication to running a professional and compliant business. Open a business bank account Opening a business bank account is essential for simplifying tax preparation and managing your cash flow effectively. This account enables you to monitor your income and expenses more efficiently, providing you with a clear understanding of your financial health. A business bank account can also add a layer of legitimacy to your business, especially when dealing with vendors or potential investors. It can also help you qualify for business loans and credit cards, which can be useful for managing cash flow and expanding your business. Get business insurance Apart from general liability insurance, consider other types of insurance that may be applicable to your business. For instance, property insurance could be crucial if your cart or equipment gets damaged. Workers’ compensation insurance could be necessary if you plan on hiring employees. Moreover, having insurance not only protects your business but also builds trust with customers. It shows that you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances and are serious about your business. Purchase a cart or trailer When purchasing your cart or trailer, consider its functionality and design. You want a unit that will allow you to prepare and sell your hot dogs efficiently. Good workspace design, ease of movement, and proper storage areas are essential to maintain a fast and smooth operation. While purchasing a used cart is a cost-effective way to start, keep potential repairs and maintenance costs in mind. Over time, these costs could add up, so do thorough research and possibly consider a professional inspection before making a purchase decision. Choose your menu and prices Now it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to sell. Will you offer standard hot dogs, or will you get creative with high-quality food toppings? As you think about your menu, consider the tastes and preferences of your target market. Research your customer base and determine what kind of hot dogs and toppings they would prefer. Including vegan or gluten-free options could widen your customer base and give you an edge over competitors. Your pricing strategy should cover your costs and still make a profit while being attractive to your customers. Take into account the prices of your competitors and the average income of your target customer base. A well-balanced pricing strategy can drive sales and maintain customer loyalty. Stock your cart A well-stocked cart doesn’t just mean having enough hot dogs and buns. It also means having sufficient cooking fuel, change for cash transactions, cleaning supplies, and emergency repair tools for your cart. You’ll also want to have some supplies on hand, such as napkins and plastic utensils. Look into adopting inventory management strategies to keep track of your stock levels and anticipate when you need to reorder supplies. Efficient inventory management can help avoid running out of items, reduce waste, and increase profitability. Find a good location to set up your stand Experimenting with different locations can help you identify the most profitable spots. Keep a record of the sales and customer interactions at each location to identify patterns and preferences. Consider the safety and accessibility of your location. Is it well-lit? Is there parking nearby? Is it easy for customers to approach your cart? These factors can significantly impact the success of your hot dog business. READ MORE: Boost Sales at a Food Truck Festival Promote your business Building a solid online presence can greatly boost your business’s visibility. Consider creating a website and using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with your customers. Regular updates about your menu, location, and special offers can keep your customers informed and excited. Consider organizing promotional events or partnerships with other local businesses. For example, you could provide catering for local events or cross-promote with a nearby beverage stand. Strategic collaborations can help you reach new customers and increase your sales. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LO5_sGBRJoI%3Fstart%3D3 READ MORE: How to Start a Food Truck Business Strategies for Seasonal Adaptation and Diversification When operating a hot dog stand, adapting to different seasons and diversifying your menu can play a significant role in maintaining steady revenue throughout the year. Seasonal adaptation involves tweaking your business strategy to align with the changing customer preferences and environmental conditions across different times of the year. Seasonal Menu Items: One effective way to attract customers is by introducing seasonal menu items. For example, during summer, you might add refreshing beverages or lighter hot dog toppings to your menu. In colder months, consider offering heartier options like chili dogs or warm soups. These changes can keep your menu exciting and relevant, drawing in both new and repeat customers. Relocating Your Stand: The location of your hot dog stand can significantly impact its success. During tourist seasons, consider moving your stand to high-traffic areas like parks or popular streets. In quieter months, a location near business centers or schools might be more beneficial. Always be aware of local regulations regarding mobile food vending in different areas. Diversifying Product Offerings: In addition to your regular hot dog offerings, consider diversifying your menu with complementary items. This could include a range of snacks, such as chips or pretzels, or even partnering with local bakeries or beverage suppliers for unique offerings. Not only does this provide more options to your customers, but it also increases your potential revenue streams. Themed Promotions and Events: Align your hot dog stand with local events or holidays. For instance, you could offer special promotions during local sports events, festivals, or holidays like the Fourth of July. Themed decorations and special menu items can create buzz and draw in crowds. Leveraging Social Media: Use social media platforms to keep your customers informed about your seasonal offerings, location changes, and special promotions. Engaging with your audience online can build a loyal customer base that follows your stand throughout the year. FAQs About How to Start a Hot Dog Stand What permits and licenses do I need to operate a hot dog stand? The specific permits and licenses required vary by location, but typically, you will need a food vendor license, a health department permit, and possibly a business license. Check with your local government for the exact requirements. How can I choose a good location for my hot dog stand? Identify locations with substantial foot traffic that align with your target audience, such as parks, bustling streets, areas near office buildings, and popular tourist sites. Take into account aspects like visibility, the level of competition, and how easily customers can access your stand. What equipment do I need to start a hot dog stand? Basic equipment includes a commercial hot dog grill, food warmer, steam table, serving counter, cash register, and storage containers. You may also need a handwashing station and refrigeration. Where can I source high-quality hot dogs and other ingredients for my stand? Reach out to local suppliers, wholesale food distributors, or check with nearby grocery stores. Ensure you choose fresh, high-quality hot dogs and buns to maintain the taste and reputation of your stand. How can I make my hot dog stand, stand out from the competition? Offer unique toppings and condiments, focus on excellent customer service, maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and consider creating a memorable brand or theme for your stand. What are some effective marketing strategies for my hot dog stand? Utilize social media platforms, set up a website or online presence, offer promotions and discounts, collaborate with nearby businesses, and participate in local events to increase visibility. How can I ensure food safety and hygiene at my hot dog stand? Follow proper food handling procedures, maintain clean and sanitized equipment, wash hands regularly, and comply with local health department regulations to ensure food safety and hygiene. How much does it cost to start a hot dog stand? The startup cost can vary depending on factors like location, equipment, permits, and supplies. On average, it can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Hot Dog Stand" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Starting a hot dog stand is an excellent opportunity to launch your own business. It is not only affordable but also a fun and straightforward way to enter the food industry. This article will outline everything you need to know about starting your own hot dog cart business. Read on for information on how to begin selling hot dogs with your own hot dog stand business! Why You Should Start a Hot Dog Cart Business Starting a hot dog business can be a fun and profitable way to be your own boss. Here are five benefits small business owners will receive when starting a hot dog business: Hot dogs are a classic American food that is loved by people of all ages. They are also a relatively inexpensive food to sell, which makes them a good option for entrepreneurs looking to start a food business. If you are thinking about starting a hot dog cart business, here are some of the benefits that you can expect: Low start-up costs: Hot dog carts are a relatively inexpensive business to start. You can purchase a used cart for a few thousand dollars, and you don’t need a lot of inventory to get started. Low overhead costs: Once you have your cart, your overhead costs will be relatively low. You will need to pay for the cost of food, but you won’t have to pay rent or utilities. High-profit margins: Hot dogs offer high-profit margins, allowing you to earn a substantial profit from each sale. Flexibility: Hot dog carts offer a flexible business model. You can position your cart in various locations, allowing you to access a broader range of customers. Low risk: Hot dog carts are a relatively low-risk business. If your business doesn’t take off, you can easily sell your cart and move on. Benefits of Starting a Hot Dog Cart Business In addition to the benefits listed above, there are a number of other benefits to starting a hot dog cart business. These include: Easy to operate: Hot dog carts are relatively easy to operate. You don’t need any special skills or training to start a hot dog cart business. Enjoyable and fulfilling: Launching a hot dog cart business can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. You’ll have the opportunity to meet many people and engage with the community. Potential for growth: There is a lot of potential for growth in the hot dog cart business. As the population grows, so does the demand for hot dogs. Additional Tips for Starting a Hot Dog Cart Business Here are some additional tips for starting a hot dog cart business: Do your research: Before you start your business, it is important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the hot dog cart industry. This will help you make informed decisions about your business. Be creative: Hot dogs are a classic food, but there are endless ways to make them creative and unique. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to create a hot dog that will stand out from the competition. Provide excellent customer service: Customer service is essential for any business, but it is especially important for hot dog cart businesses. Make sure you are friendly and helpful to your customers, and they will be more likely to come back for more. Be prepared to work hard: Starting a hot dog cart business is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. Be prepared to put in long hours and work hard, and you will be successful. READ MORE: 15 Hot Dog Franchise Businesses How Much Does It Cost to Start a Hot Dog Stand Business? Expense CategoryDetails Cart or Trailer:The cost of a hot dog cart or trailer will vary depending on the size, features, and condition. Used carts can be found for as little as $2,000, while new carts can cost upwards of $10,000. Permits and Licenses:The cost of permits and licenses will vary depending on your location. In some cities, you may need to obtain a business license, a health permit, and a vending permit. Food:The cost of food will vary depending on the type of hot dogs you sell and the toppings you offer. You can expect to pay $1-$2 per hot dog, plus the cost of toppings. Supplies:The cost of supplies will include things like buns, condiments, napkins, and utensils. You can expect to pay $0.50-$1 per hot dog for supplies. Employees:If you plan to hire employees, you will need to factor in the cost of wages, taxes, and benefits. Marketing:The cost of marketing will vary depending on the methods you use. You may need to pay for advertising, social media promotion, or printing flyers. Miscellaneous Expenses:There will be a number of miscellaneous expenses associated with starting a hot dog stand business, such as insurance, repairs, and transportation. Total Cost:You can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to get your hot dog stand business up and running, depending on the factors listed above. The good news is that you can get started for as little as a few thousand dollars. Used hot dog carts are readily available and can be outfitted with all the equipment you need to get started. They’re much cheaper than food trucks. On average, a food truck can cost about $75,000. Of course, there are other costs to consider, such as permits and insurance, but this can be a relatively low-cost way to start your own business. Cart or trailer: The cost of a hot dog cart or trailer will vary depending on the size, features, and condition. Used carts can be found for as little as $2,000, while new carts can cost upwards of $10,000. Permits and licenses: The cost of permits and licenses will vary depending on your location. In some cities, you may need to obtain a business license, a health permit, and a vending permit. Food: The cost of food will vary depending on the type of hot dogs you sell and the toppings you offer. You can expect to pay $1-$2 per hot dog, plus the cost of toppings. Supplies: The cost of supplies will include things like buns, condiments, napkins, and utensils. You can expect to pay $0.50-$1 per hot dog for supplies. Employees: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to factor in the cost of wages, taxes, and benefits. Marketing: The cost of marketing will vary depending on the methods you use. You may need to pay for advertising, social media promotion, or printing flyers. Miscellaneous expenses: When you learn how to start a hot dog stand business, you will encounter various miscellaneous expenses, including insurance, repairs, and transportation costs. Total Cost The total cost of starting a hot dog stand business will vary depending on the factors listed above. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to get your business up and running. Tips for Reducing Costs There are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of starting a hot dog stand business: Buy a used cart or trailer: Used carts and trailers can be a great way to save money. Do your research: Before you purchase a cart or trailer, be sure to do your research and compare prices. Shop around for supplies: You can often find discounts on food and supplies by shopping around. Promote your business yourself: You can save money on marketing by promoting your business yourself through social media and word-of-mouth. The cost of starting a hot dog stand business can vary depending on a number of factors. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can get your business up and running for a reasonable amount of money. Starting a Hot Dog Stand Business in 11 Simple Steps To become a hot dog business owner, you’ll need to take several steps before you can begin profiting from your hot dog cart. We’ll detail the steps below: Create a hot dog business plan In addition to outlining the essentials of your business, your plan should clearly define your business goals and the strategies to achieve them. These goals could include sales targets, expanding to additional locations, or establishing a strong brand presence in your community. For strategies, consider utilizing digital marketing, forming partnerships with local businesses, or providing outstanding customer service to differentiate your hot dog stand from the competition. Also, think about the financial projections of your business. How much revenue do you expect to generate and when will you break even? Include the cost of goods sold (COGS), operating expenses, and potential future investments such as the addition of more carts or hiring of staff. This financial analysis will be vital for attracting investors or securing loans. READ MORE: Spotlight: Dat Dog Puts a New Spin on the Old Hot Dog Stand Obtain a permit from the Department of Health Navigating the bureaucratic processes can be tricky, so you may consider hiring a legal consultant to ensure you’re in full compliance with health and safety regulations. Your consultant can guide you in understanding the specific permits required, their associated fees, and any yearly inspections that may be needed. Keep in mind that the health department may have specific guidelines for food handling, storage, and preparation. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these regulations, which may involve attending mandatory food safety training. Keeping a clean and safe operation not only keeps you compliant with the law but also builds trust with your customers. Get an EIN Once you have your EIN, ensure that all the necessary documentation is in place for tax purposes. The EIN will be crucial for filing your business taxes, and being well-organized in this aspect will save you lots of potential headaches down the line. Also, note that having an EIN can open up more opportunities for your business. You may be eligible for business-only discounts from suppliers and it can add legitimacy to your business when interacting with other businesses or potential investors. Get a business license Consider consulting with a business advisor or attorney to understand the specific types of licenses required in your municipality. It’s essential to understand local ordinances, which can dictate when and where you can operate your cart. Remember to renew your business license on a regular basis. Maintaining up-to-date licenses and permits not only helps you avoid legal issues but also demonstrates your dedication to running a professional and compliant business. Open a business bank account Opening a business bank account is essential for simplifying tax preparation and managing your cash flow effectively. This account enables you to monitor your income and expenses more efficiently, providing you with a clear understanding of your financial health. A business bank account can also add a layer of legitimacy to your business, especially when dealing with vendors or potential investors. It can also help you qualify for business loans and credit cards, which can be useful for managing cash flow and expanding your business. Get business insurance Apart from general liability insurance, consider other types of insurance that may be applicable to your business. For instance, property insurance could be crucial if your cart or equipment gets damaged. Workers’ compensation insurance could be necessary if you plan on hiring employees. Moreover, having insurance not only protects your business but also builds trust with customers. It shows that you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances and are serious about your business. Purchase a cart or trailer When purchasing your cart or trailer, consider its functionality and design. You want a unit that will allow you to prepare and sell your hot dogs efficiently. Good workspace design, ease of movement, and proper storage areas are essential to maintain a fast and smooth operation. While purchasing a used cart is a cost-effective way to start, keep potential repairs and maintenance costs in mind. Over time, these costs could add up, so do thorough research and possibly consider a professional inspection before making a purchase decision. Choose your menu and prices Now it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to sell. Will you offer standard hot dogs, or will you get creative with high-quality food toppings? As you think about your menu, consider the tastes and preferences of your target market. Research your customer base and determine what kind of hot dogs and toppings they would prefer. Including vegan or gluten-free options could widen your customer base and give you an edge over competitors. Your pricing strategy should cover your costs and still make a profit while being attractive to your customers. Take into account the prices of your competitors and the average income of your target customer base. A well-balanced pricing strategy can drive sales and maintain customer loyalty. Stock your cart A well-stocked cart doesn’t just mean having enough hot dogs and buns. It also means having sufficient cooking fuel, change for cash transactions, cleaning supplies, and emergency repair tools for your cart. You’ll also want to have some supplies on hand, such as napkins and plastic utensils. Look into adopting inventory management strategies to keep track of your stock levels and anticipate when you need to reorder supplies. Efficient inventory management can help avoid running out of items, reduce waste, and increase profitability. Find a good location to set up your stand Experimenting with different locations can help you identify the most profitable spots. Keep a record of the sales and customer interactions at each location to identify patterns and preferences. Consider the safety and accessibility of your location. Is it well-lit? Is there parking nearby? Is it easy for customers to approach your cart? These factors can significantly impact the success of your hot dog business. READ MORE: Boost Sales at a Food Truck Festival Promote your business Building a solid online presence can greatly boost your business’s visibility. Consider creating a website and using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with your customers. Regular updates about your menu, location, and special offers can keep your customers informed and excited. Consider organizing promotional events or partnerships with other local businesses. For example, you could provide catering for local events or cross-promote with a nearby beverage stand. Strategic collaborations can help you reach new customers and increase your sales. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LO5_sGBRJoI%3Fstart%3D3 READ MORE: How to Start a Food Truck Business Strategies for Seasonal Adaptation and Diversification When operating a hot dog stand, adapting to different seasons and diversifying your menu can play a significant role in maintaining steady revenue throughout the year. Seasonal adaptation involves tweaking your business strategy to align with the changing customer preferences and environmental conditions across different times of the year. Seasonal Menu Items: One effective way to attract customers is by introducing seasonal menu items. For example, during summer, you might add refreshing beverages or lighter hot dog toppings to your menu. In colder months, consider offering heartier options like chili dogs or warm soups. These changes can keep your menu exciting and relevant, drawing in both new and repeat customers. Relocating Your Stand: The location of your hot dog stand can significantly impact its success. During tourist seasons, consider moving your stand to high-traffic areas like parks or popular streets. In quieter months, a location near business centers or schools might be more beneficial. Always be aware of local regulations regarding mobile food vending in different areas. Diversifying Product Offerings: In addition to your regular hot dog offerings, consider diversifying your menu with complementary items. This could include a range of snacks, such as chips or pretzels, or even partnering with local bakeries or beverage suppliers for unique offerings. Not only does this provide more options to your customers, but it also increases your potential revenue streams. Themed Promotions and Events: Align your hot dog stand with local events or holidays. For instance, you could offer special promotions during local sports events, festivals, or holidays like the Fourth of July. Themed decorations and special menu items can create buzz and draw in crowds. Leveraging Social Media: Use social media platforms to keep your customers informed about your seasonal offerings, location changes, and special promotions. Engaging with your audience online can build a loyal customer base that follows your stand throughout the year. FAQs About How to Start a Hot Dog Stand What permits and licenses do I need to operate a hot dog stand? The specific permits and licenses required vary by location, but typically, you will need a food vendor license, a health department permit, and possibly a business license. Check with your local government for the exact requirements. How can I choose a good location for my hot dog stand? Identify locations with substantial foot traffic that align with your target audience, such as parks, bustling streets, areas near office buildings, and popular tourist sites. Take into account aspects like visibility, the level of competition, and how easily customers can access your stand. What equipment do I need to start a hot dog stand? Basic equipment includes a commercial hot dog grill, food warmer, steam table, serving counter, cash register, and storage containers. You may also need a handwashing station and refrigeration. Where can I source high-quality hot dogs and other ingredients for my stand? Reach out to local suppliers, wholesale food distributors, or check with nearby grocery stores. Ensure you choose fresh, high-quality hot dogs and buns to maintain the taste and reputation of your stand. How can I make my hot dog stand, stand out from the competition? Offer unique toppings and condiments, focus on excellent customer service, maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and consider creating a memorable brand or theme for your stand. What are some effective marketing strategies for my hot dog stand? Utilize social media platforms, set up a website or online presence, offer promotions and discounts, collaborate with nearby businesses, and participate in local events to increase visibility. How can I ensure food safety and hygiene at my hot dog stand? Follow proper food handling procedures, maintain clean and sanitized equipment, wash hands regularly, and comply with local health department regulations to ensure food safety and hygiene. How much does it cost to start a hot dog stand? The startup cost can vary depending on factors like location, equipment, permits, and supplies. On average, it can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Hot Dog Stand" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Jefferson Early Learning Center bears little resemblance to elementary schools many adults recall attending in their earliest years. The classrooms have child-size boats and construction vehicles children can play on, and ceilings painted to resemble outer space. There are no desks—all space is devoted to learning through play. Windows are low to the ground so children can easily look outside. The gym floor is made of “pre-K friendly” layered vinyl, rather than hardwood, to cushion inevitable trips and falls. Hallways are lined with a corrugated plastic for wiggly fingers to touch as children transition to other locations. Children love coming to the building, said teacher Cathy Delamore. “They feel like they own it.” Alief Independent School District, which serves about 40,000 children in west Houston, is one of a growing number of districts across the country to pump money into creating a building that is tailor-made for pre-kindergarteners. Its new facility cost about $21 million and enrolls nearly 400 4- and 5-year-olds. By making the investment, school leaders are trying to avoid some of the pitfalls of placing young children in buildings designed for older students, including lost learning time when tiny feet have to meander down long hallways to bathrooms and cafeterias. Research suggests that when designed well, buildings can contribute to better outcomes for children. Creators of the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning, an educational philosophy that emphasizes child-led learning, even refer to the environment as the “third teacher” in a classroom. A construction themed classroom at Jefferson Early Learning Center. The program emphasizes play and is built around the needs of 4-year-olds. [Photo: Jackie Mader/The Hechinger Report] Benefits of personalized pre-K Over the past few years, educators have grown aware of the benefits of a personalized pre-K environment, said Melissa Turnbaugh, a senior principal at the architecture firm PBK, which has designed more than 240 elementary schools nationwide, including Jefferson and several others in Texas. “There’s an openness and willingness to rethink these sites,” Turnbaugh said. Similar pre-K renovations and investments have been made in both high- and low-income Texas districts, including the nearby Houston Independent School District, Willis Independent School District north of Houston, the Mansfield Independent School District south of Fort Worth, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District in the Rio Grande Valley, and Leander Independent School District, just northwest of Austin. Nationally, districts of all sizes have embraced the trend over the past few years, including the Troy School District in Michigan and New York City Public Schools. In some cases, building a specialized facility helps a district with limited resources get “the biggest bang for their buck,” while meeting enrollment needs, said Turnbaugh. Some states and cities are also dedicating money to the efforts, including Illinois, Detroit and San Mateo, California. Two students play in a veterinary-themed classroom at Jefferson Early Learning Center. Each classroom is designed with a specific theme to encourage deeper play. [Photo: Jackie Mader/The Hechinger Report] The importance of play That embrace is in part because of a growing recognition nationwide of the importance of play for young children, as well as reports that play time has been increasingly squeezed out of the early grades. States are also seeing record high enrollment in state-funded preschool programs. During the 2022–23 school year, investment in state-funded preschool reached an all-time high. Spending on the programs increased in 29 states, buoyed in part by COVID relief funds. Between 2022 and 2023, for example, Texas saw more than 21,000 additional 3- and 4-year-olds enroll. The state also slightly increased pre-K funding and, beginning in 2019, started requiring districts to offer full-day pre-K programs. The full-day programs have been rolling out in districts since 2020. Scores of districts are “adding this new grade of 4-year-olds,” said Shelly Masur, vice president of advisory and state policy for the Low Income Investment Fund, which runs an initiative focused on creating and improving high-quality facilities for early learning programs. “They have to figure out where those kids are going to go.” A facility built for their needs, like Jefferson, is exactly where young children should go, some experts say. The children seem to agree. On a sunny fall morning, joyful screams could be heard as children chased each other up and down gentle hills on a large playground with natural-looking features meant to replicate the highlands and lowlands of Texas. Pre-K students in elementary schools don’t always have age-appropriate playgrounds, and structures are often designed for children who are older. But Jefferson has multiple large playgrounds and play courtyards, all designed for pre-kindergarteners, featuring natural structures and textures, like logs and grass. In Alief, where more than 83% of children qualify as economically disadvantaged, more than 20 percentage points higher than the state average, residents voted in 2015 to approve a property tax increase to help pay for full-day pre-K programs in the district. After touring the Mansfield Independent School District’s early learning facility, Alief’s district leaders decided they wanted to invest in an early learning building with immersive, themed classrooms, instead of simply adding on or repurposing classrooms in elementary schools around the district. Jefferson opened in 2022 as one of two new early learning facilities in the district. About six miles away, the second, Maria Del Carmen Martinez Early Learning Center, which has a similar design, serves around 400 students. A growing body of research shows that not all pre-K classrooms, or the facilities they’re housed in, are appropriate for young kids. Early learning settings in particular should have a warm, homelike environment with ample natural light, research shows. There should be spacious classrooms that allow children to move their bodies and play in a variety of spaces around the room. Facilities should have playgrounds that are appropriate for the littlest learners, and provide ample opportunities to experience and explore nature. Related: How play is making a comeback in kindergarten There are also practical details to keep in mind for preschoolers, like having bathrooms adjacent to classrooms, child-size furniture, tiny toilets, and sinks low to the ground so children can practice routines like handwashing independently. “When we make things more accessible to them, they start to learn the independence that we need them to develop over time,” said Masur. This type of setting isn’t always present in elementary schools, which are built to accommodate a much wider age range of children and are typically designed for instruction rather than play. [Photo: Jackie Mader/The Hechinger Report] How the space impacts behavior Facilities can have a surprisingly large impact on the experiences of teachers and young children. A study of a preschool program in West Hartford, Connecticut, for example, found the amount of children’s time spent interacting with an adult caregiver increased from 3% to 22% after the program moved from a crowded basement room to a larger classroom with bathrooms, sinks, storage space, and phones inside the classroom. Although all other factors remained the same, the teachers reported their students had fewer tantrums, something they attributed to having a larger, brighter, and more organized space. A facility can even affect how satisfied early educators are with their jobs. Delamore, the Jefferson teacher, who has worked in the district for 18 years, said the bright, spacious rooms and hallways help keep her from feeling “confined” during the day. While aimed at 4-year-olds, the building’s “calming atmosphere” helps her enjoy being at work, she said. Certain aspects make more sense for children at this age, she added, like the spiral shape of the building, which makes it easier to keep students together as they transition. Students eat family-style meals around circular tables, creating a sense of community, Delamore said, a contrast to the long, rectangular tables often seen in elementary school cafeterias. Buildings that are not designed to meet childrens’ needs, or that are cramped and outdated, can impede development and learning, experts say. One of the most recent examples of this comes from a 2016 study of Tennessee’s public preschool classrooms, which are mostly housed in existing elementary schools. That study, conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University, found 25% of each school day was lost transitioning children to another activity, including walking to bathrooms and lining up to go to lunch. Related: The complex world of pre-K play When designing Jefferson, Turnbaugh and her team tried to “think of the campus through the eyes of a 4-year-old.” Delamore, at Jefferson, said the intricately designed classrooms motivate students to go deeper in their play. On a recent morning in the “veterinary” classroom, a dozen 4- and 5-year-olds busied themselves around the room, immersed in play or small group work with a teacher. Children drew pictures of animals, read books, and played animal-themed card games beneath large, colorful pictures of dogs and cats painted on the walls. On one side of the room, 4-year-old Jaycyon had donned a white lab coat and was inspecting a fluffy gray and white toy cat lying on the counter in front of him. The cat was hurt, Jaycyon announced, likely from a sharp corner of the cage he was kept in. “I have to give him a shot,” he said bravely. Jaycyon dipped a clear, plastic syringe into an orange medication bottle and confidently injected invisible medication into the cat. At the end of three weeks, Jaycyon and his classmates will transition to a new classroom, such as “Tinker Town,” where they will learn about construction, or “Space City,” an homage to the nearby NASA space center. On a daily basis, students have access to one of several outdoor spaces called a “back porch,” where families can also come and eat lunch together. These spaces also act as surrogate backyards for students, many of whom don’t have yards at home or access to parks. Students also have access to a sensory room with toys and soft mats, where they can take a break when they are overstimulated and practice skills to calm down. Jefferson sits on nearly 20 acres of land, accessible via trails for students to explore with their teachers. (Alief returned the surrounding land back to its natural prairie state to help with climate-change related flooding.) The educators at Alief say the district’s investment in a facility that encourages play-based learning has paid off. “What I see as a major difference is the children’s self-regulation, but also their confidence,” said the school’s principal, Kim Hammer, now in her 16th year leading an early childhood center. “A traditional pre-K setting is more teacher led and teacher directed,” she said. “Here it’s more teacher facilitated, so you see more of the children taking more initiative,” she added. “Children have autonomy, and children have much more choice.” There is evidence that the new facility may be helping children progress. During the 2023-24 school year, 49% of students came in meeting vocabulary benchmarks. By the end of the year, 73% were at that level, Hammer said, a higher rate than previous years when the district’s pre-K programs were in traditional elementary schools. School officials say the themed classrooms help enhance children’s language skills, as children learn the vocabulary specific to that room. Attendance rates are high and holding steady, something that is uncommon in pre-K. Despite the success and benefits of programs like Jefferson’s, educators agree there are challenges. A pre-K only facility adds an extra transition for students who, in traditional programs, might otherwise attend pre-K at their home elementary school. Without more funding, revamped pre-K facilities are unlikely to spread fast. Many districts lack the money, partly because state and federal funding for pre-K is often less than for other grades. In Texas, for example, although the state now requires districts to offer full day pre-K, it only provides funding for half a day of pre-K. Alief has to cover the rest from local funds. Although sustaining the building will be financially challenging in the long run, educators are determined to find a way to make it work for the benefit of the kids. Contact staff writer Jackie Mader at (212) 678-3562 or mader@hechingerreport.org. This story about early learning centers was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, with support from the Spencer Fellowship at Columbia Journalism School. Sign up for the Early Childhood newsletter. View the full article

Southwest Airlines has announced that it will lay off 15% of its employees in an effort to reduce costs and maximize its efficiencies. Here’s what you need to know about Southwest’s layoffs and how employees and fliers will be impacted. Southwest will cut 1,750 jobs On Monday, Southwest president and CEO Bob Jordan published a memo announcing that the popular low-cost airline will reduce its workforce by 1,750 positions, which the company says equates to about 15% of its total employees. Jordan said the move was part of its previously announced “transformational plan.” That plan aims to accomplish three main things, according to Jordan: boost revenues minimize costs and maximize efficiencies get the most from its investments Jordan says the layoffs will help with the cost minimization and efficiency maximization priorities. “We must ensure we fund the right work, reduce duplicative efforts, and have a lean organizational structure that drives clarity, pace, and urgency,” Jordan said in the memo. “Improving how we work together and how we get work done has a tremendous impact on our efficiency as a Company and how we deliver against our plan.” Jordan says that the 1,750 people being laid off will not see their positions go until the end of April. However, he also noted that most employees who will be let go will not continue working until then, though they still will be paid. Southwest says that it expects the layoffs to save the company approximately $210 million in 2025 and approximately $300 million in 2026. However, it does note that the layoffs mean Southwest will incur a one-time charge of between $60 million and $80 million in the first quarter of 2025, which is due to severance payments and other post-employment benefits. Are pilots being laid off? If you’re a regular flier of Southwest, you’re probably wondering how customers will be impacted by the layoffs—particularly whether the airline is letting go of pilots, which could affect trips and their frequency. But Jordan says the layoffs are “focused almost entirely on Corporate and Leadership positions.” In other words, most operations staff, which includes pilots and flight attendants, will not be affected. Southwest says the position affected will also include senior leadership and directors. The airline also confirmed that 11 senior leadership positions from vice president and above will also be eliminated. LUV stock price rises While the news of the layoffs is devastating to those losing their jobs, investors seem to see things in a more positive light. As of the time of this writing, Southwest stock (NYSE: LUV) is up over 2% in premarket trading. Investors generally view layoffs as favorable, as job cuts are usually one of the fastest ways to cut expenses and increase a company’s bottom line. However, though LUV stock is currently trading up after the news of the layoffs was announced yesterday, Southwest’s stock price is still down year-to-date. Since the start of the new year, LUV shares have fallen nearly 10% as of Friday’s close. (Markets were closed yesterday for Presidents’ Day.) Over the past year, LUV shares are down just over 10%. Looking back further, LUV shares have fallen over 47% during the past five years. Southwest began operations 53 years ago. The company says it currently employs 72,000 full-time-equivalent workers. View the full article

Uncover the potential impacts of Google's new Ask for Me on local businesses and customers. Is it a game changer, or bad for local businesses? The post Google’s New ‘Ask For Me’ Reviewed: Is This Bad For Local Businesses? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Have you ever noticed that the qualities we sometimes see as weaknesses can actually be our secret strengths? Think about the quiet, shy colleagues who excel at listening or those who seem a bit lazy but always find the most efficient way to get things done. Even self-doubt—which studies show 70% of professionals experience at some point in their careers—can lead us to make more thoughtful decisions and spark creative breakthroughs. These qualities, sometimes perceived as weaknesses, can be the traits that shape effective leaders. As the leader of a bootstrapped company for nearly two decades, I’ve faced my fair share of uncertainty. Between economic turbulence and the rise of AI, the past few years have introduced no shortage of unpredictability. But I’ve learned that self-doubt, like any trait, can be transformed into a strength—if viewed in the right light. The surprising benefits of self-doubt If you Google “self-doubt and leadership,” you’ll find an endless scroll of articles doling out advice on how to overcome or extinguish self-doubt. One researcher, however, found that the relationship between self-doubt and job performance is more nuanced than you might think. Wharton researcher Basima Tewfik peeled back the next layer of the onion on the accepted wisdom that imposter syndrome is categorically bad. She found that imposter thoughts can actually serve as motivation to perform better on the job, especially in terms of interpersonal skills. In her research involving physicians-in-training, for example, Tewfik discovered that doctors with imposter thoughts were able to diagnose patients and develop treatment plans on par with their confident doctor counterparts. But the self-doubters scored even higher on interpersonal interactions—in other words, they had better bedside manner, engaging in active listening, leaning forward, and providing more thorough explanations. Possessing self-doubt can also result in more reasoned decisions. When I’m unsure of a decision, for example, I’ll research it exhaustively, until I can cast the die confidently. Being a bit insecure can make us more cautious, reflective, and thorough—advantageous qualities for a leader. In short, some self-doubt can lead to positive workplace outcomes. Still, it’s undeniable that no one enjoys feeling like an imposter. It’s not pleasant to view yourself as less than. Leverage self-doubt in the workplace When doubt creeps in, our instinct is often to silence it or prove it wrong. But self-doubt isn’t always a weakness—it can be a powerful tool. Consider an author hesitating before sharing their work, questioning whether it’s good enough. Instead of dismissing the uncertainty, they use it to refine their writing, pushing their creativity further. That doubt didn’t hold them back—it sharpened their writing. And when they finally share their work, they do so with confidence. That’s why, when I catch myself questioning my own decisions, I resist the urge to stamp out the doubt immediately. First, I remind myself: uncertainty isn’t bad. In fact, it’s the sign of an open, curious mind, always ready to learn something new. Then, I pause and examine where my doubts are coming from. If the uncertainty lingers, I look for ways to gain clarity—whether through research, reflection, or consulting with colleagues. The problem is, we’re often too caught up in the daily grind to notice these moments of uncertainty. We move from task to task without stepping back to consider whether we’re even heading in the right direction. That’s why I believe in carving out moments for reflection in my day—because even when self-doubt isn’t actively nagging at you, proactive reflection helps you make better choices. Studies on metacognition—the practice of thinking about your thinking—show that regularly questioning our thought processes leads to sharper decision-making. For me, journaling at the beginning and end of each day is the most effective way to do this. By scheduling it into my calendar, I ensure I take time to process my thoughts, identify sources of doubt, and uncover what’s causing them. This practice helps me return to my work with a clearer head, greater confidence, and—ultimately—stronger, more productive decision-making. View the full article

Loneliness is no longer just an emotion—it’s a growing public health crisis in the U.S. A 2024 Harvard study found that 21% of U.S. adults regularly experience loneliness, while the American Psychological Association reports that nearly half of young workers feel isolated at work. Capitalizing on the recent tech boom, AI-powered digital companions and digital twin avatars are rapidly emerging as alternatives to human relationships. These AI bots offer a constant sense of connection without judgment and can be hyper-personalized to match user preferences. Platforms including Oh, Replika (whose tagline is “the AI companion who cares”), and Eden AI chat by EVA AI lead the charge, providing AI-driven avatars that simulate human interaction—companionship, mentorship, and even romance. Moreover, people are turning to AI-generated models, boyfriends, and girlfriends as a substitute for human relationships. For instance, Oh’s AI companion chat platform, OhChat, has amassed nearly 100,000 users across 174 countries. “As is the nature of parasocial relationships, or wider situations where attraction or intimacy play a role, some users do form bonds with our AI superModels and digital twins, we can see that in the data,” says Nic Young, cofounder and CEO of Oh. “On the most part though, they’re using OhChat to have a good time and escape reality.” Celebrities, Instagram influencers like Carmen Electra, Rio Sage, and figures in the adult entertainment industry are leveraging AI companions and digital twins to offer fans an always-available, immersive “chat with me anytime” experience. This constant yet personalized engagement is increasingly blurring the lines between artificial and genuine companionship. “What AI can do exceptionally well is provide consistency—something that human relationships, by nature, can’t always offer,” Artem Rodichev, founder of A.I.-avatar chatbot platform Ex-human and ex-head of A.I. at Replika, tells Fast Company. “Imagine having a conversation with your favorite movie character or getting career advice from an AI version of a historical figure. That’s not just companionship—it’s a new frontier in engagement.” Investors Are Betting Big on Virtual Relationships AI companions and avatars are fully customizable digital personas designed to be whatever users want them to be. Humans are often complex, unpredictable, and sometimes disappointing. AI, on the other hand, is always available, endlessly understanding, and never argues back. The appeal is undeniable. On platforms like Replika, users can shape their AI’s appearance, personality, and voice, creating an idealized version of a friend or partner. Some AI companions, on platforms including Oh and Eden AI, are pre-modeled after famous celebrities and idols, capable of responding with images and voice notes to prompts like “What do you look like right now?” or “I miss you,” creating an eerily realistic experience. For many, AI companions provide an emotional outlet. According to a report by NLM-NCBI, some users argue that chatting with AI reduces stress, anxiety, and loneliness, offering a safe space to express thoughts without fear of judgment. “When you add large AI models with powerful intelligent capabilities into the mix, bringing richer conversations, more natural responses and immersive experiences through vision and voice, the connections can be even more profound,” says Evan Liao, head of generative video platform Vidu AI at Shengshu Technology. “AI companionship has the potential to address deep psychological needs in human relationships.” The commercial potential is enormous, too. Most platforms operate on a premium subscription model, locking advanced features behind a paywall. Additionally, AI chatbot companies collaborate with brands to integrate product promotions, further monetizing user engagement. Oh recently secured $4.5 million in funding, proving that investors see AI companionship as an industry poised for explosive growth. “Investors have been drawn to the creator and companion sectors because generative AI is fundamentally reshaping how they operate,” Young explained. “With AI, we can fully embody the creator and deliver authentic fan experiences at scale. It also gives celebrities and creators a break from the relentless pressure of being constantly online—while still maintaining intimate engagement with their audience. It’s a true win-win.” Likewise, Rodichev believes investors aren’t just backing AI companionship—they’re betting on the future of interactive entertainment. “The real business opportunity extends beyond B2C AI companionship apps,” he noted. “The biggest potential lies in B2B applications that enable companies to create AI-driven, emotionally intelligent digital personas.” However, while these AI companions simulate connection, they do not experience emotions. Their responses are generated, not felt. “When a program is convincing enough and sounds like a real person, it can be hard to remember it’s just code, responding based on data and programming,” relationship expert Amy Williams tells Fast Company. She warns that instead of encouraging real-world relationships, this level of attachment may push users further into isolation. “Just like anything, if we want to become good at forming relationships with others, we have to practice,” says Amy. “Chatbots don’t respond like real humans, so people who prioritize interacting with them risk losing the social skills needed to connect with other people.” Can Digital Relationships Turn Dangerous? The potential dangers of AI companionship became painfully clear in October 2024, when a 14-year-old boy from Orlando, Florida, committed suicide after forming a deeply emotional connection with a chatbot on the AI avatar platform Character.AI. The boy spent months confiding in an AI persona named “Dany,” sharing intimate thoughts and feelings. On the day of his death, he sent a desperate message to the chatbot. The AI responded, “Please come home to me as soon as possible, my love.” Hours later, the boy ended his life using his stepfather’s gun. This heartbreaking incident from Orlando sparked urgent discussions on the ethical responsibility of AI developers. “It is the company’s responsibility to deploy any AI solutions that impact user’s life ethically and responsibly. To mitigate these risks, companies must prioritize autonomy, allowing users to opt-out of AI-powered companionship tools or request human support if desired,” says Serena H. Huang, AI Advisor at Fortune 100 companies and a former big tech analytics leader. “Additionally, we must establish clear lines of accountability and human oversight, including designated responsibilities and consequences for misuse.” Should technology replace human connection, or should it simply enhance it? The future of AI-driven relationships hinges on how society navigates this balance. The real concern isn’t that people will talk to AI, it’s that they might forgo building meaningful human relationships altogether. The challenge is ensuring AI serves as a bridge, not a barrier, to genuine connection. “True emotional intelligence with genuine experience, remains a human trait. Advances in multimodal AI may deepen the illusion, but it’s still just—an illusion,” says Grace Chang, founder and CEO of AI-powered mental wellness platform Kintsugi. “The challenge is ensuring they enhance well-being rather than exploit emotional vulnerabilities. Long-term success will hinge on whether these technologies complement, rather than replace, human connection.” View the full article

With so many PPC agencies claiming to be experts, how do you separate true performers from the ones who just talk a good game? This guide walks you through a no-nonsense evaluation process to find an agency that delivers real results. 1. Define your goals first Before reaching out to agencies, have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with PPC. Are you looking for lead generation, ecommerce sales, local service inquiries, or brand awareness? Knowing your objectives will help you ask the right questions and assess whether an agency is a good fit. Also, factor in your budget constraints and expected ROI. A good agency should work within your financial limits while setting realistic performance expectations. Dig deeper: How to set and manage PPC expectations for teams and stakeholders 2. Assess their industry experience Not all PPC strategies work across every industry. Look for agencies that have experience managing campaigns in your specific vertical. Ask for case studies or examples of past success in your industry, especially in: Ecommerce. Local services. B2B lead generation. SaaS. Healthcare. Finance. Agencies with industry expertise will understand common challenges and effective strategies unique to your business type. They should also demonstrate an ability to adapt to changes in industry regulations and trends. 3. Understand their approach to strategy and optimization A good PPC agency should have a structured approach to campaign strategy, including: Account structure: How do they build and organize campaigns? Keyword strategy: Do they effectively use broad, phrase, and exact match? Bid management: Are they using automated bidding, manual strategies, or a hybrid approach? Ad copy and creative: How do they optimize messaging and testing? Landing page optimization: Do they provide insights or recommendations? Conversion tracking and attribution: Can they track conversions accurately and integrate with your CRM? A truly data-driven agency should also be A/B testing different elements, using insights from past campaigns to improve performance, and continuously optimizing for better results. 4. Ask about their reporting and transparency A top-tier PPC agency should provide clear and actionable reporting. Look for: Regular reports: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly reporting with key performance indicators (KPIs). Transparency: Do they provide full access to the ad accounts, or do they keep you in the dark? Actionable insights: Reports should not just be data dumps but should include insights and recommendations. Real-time dashboard access: Can you see your ad performance whenever you like? Additionally, ensure they use third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics 4 or other attribution models to verify data accuracy and avoid misrepresenting results. Dig deeper: How to approach weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual PPC reporting 5. Understand their pricing model PPC agencies use different pricing structures, and understanding them is key to making a cost-effective decision. Common models include: Percentage of ad spend: Typically 10-20% of your monthly budget. Good for scaling but can lead to overspending if not managed properly. Flat monthly fee: A predictable expense, but ensure they have clear deliverables. Performance-based: Payment is based on lead volume or ROAS. This can align incentives but may not work for all businesses. Hybrid model: A combination of the above. Ask about additional costs for services like ad creative development, landing page optimization, or advanced analytics to avoid unexpected fees. 6. Check for red flags Be cautious of agencies that exhibit the following warning signs: Guaranteed results: No agency can guarantee specific PPC results. Lack of transparency: You should have access to your ad accounts and full visibility into performance. Cookie-cutter strategies: Every business is unique. Beware of agencies that use the same approach for all clients. No focus on tracking: They aren’t serious about results if they don’t emphasize accurate tracking and reporting. Additionally, be wary of agencies that avoid discussing long-term strategies or only focus on short-term wins without considering sustainable growth. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. 7. Evaluate their client communication and support Great PPC management requires ongoing communication. Ask: How often will we have meetings? Who will be our main point of contact? How quickly do they respond to emails or support requests? Will we receive proactive recommendations, or need to ask for updates? Also, evaluate their level of customer support. An agency that prioritizes proactive communication and offers dedicated account managers can be more effective in optimizing your campaigns. Dig deeper: 8 tips to craft clear and impactful client communication 8. Understand their onboarding process A smooth onboarding process sets the foundation for a successful agency partnership. Ask: What does the onboarding process look like? What information and assets will they need from you? How long does onboarding usually take? What key milestones should you expect in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? A well-structured onboarding should include an initial strategy session, access setup (Google Ads, analytics, CRM), and alignment on key metrics and reporting expectations. Dig deeper: Client onboarding and offboarding: The PPC agency’s guide 9. Assess their team structure and stability Understanding who will manage your account is critical for a long-term, successful relationship. Ask: Who will be directly managing your PPC campaigns? How is their PPC team staffed? What level of experience do their account managers have? What is their turnover rate? How often do they replace account managers? A high staff turnover can lead to inconsistencies in account management, so it’s important to partner with an agency that retains experienced professionals. 10. Request case studies and references A reputable agency should have a portfolio of successful campaigns. Ask for: Case studies: Examples of past campaigns, including challenges and results. References: Client testimonials and contacts for past or current clients. Look for verifiable success stories that align with your industry and goals. If possible, reach out to their past clients to gain insight into their experience with the agency. 11. Test with a trial or audit If you’re unsure about committing, consider starting with a: Short-term contract: A three-month trial period to assess performance. PPC audit: Have them audit your existing campaigns and provide recommendations. An audit should provide a comprehensive analysis of campaign structure, keyword effectiveness, ad performance, and tracking setup. The agency’s recommendations should be data-driven and actionable. 12. Ensure cultural and goal alignment Choose an agency that aligns with your company’s values, communication style, and growth objectives. A strong partnership is key to long-term PPC success. Consider factors like: Do they understand your brand’s mission and voice? Are they flexible and open to collaboration? Do they have a track record of long-term client relationships? An agency that shares your vision and integrates well with your team will be more effective in achieving your marketing goals. Dig deeper: 4 tips to build a data-centric culture in your agency Final thoughts Evaluating a PPC agency takes time, but choosing the right partner will maximize your advertising investment. By focusing on experience, strategy, transparency, and results, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and drive meaningful business growth through paid search and social campaigns. The right agency does more than manage your PPC campaigns. They act as an extension of your team, providing expert insights and continuously optimizing for long-term success. Dig deeper: 5 essential PPC skills every agency pro must have View the full article

Canceling memberships has become an everyday thing for a lot of people. We cycle through streaming services, we sign up for trial memberships, we find cheaper, better options for everything from television to gyms and jump whenever it makes financial, emotional, or psychological sense for us to do so. We’re pretty much at a point where the moment you sign up for a service or subscription, the countdown to your inevitable cancellation begins. And everyone knows that canceling those subscriptions and services can be a challenge, even with new rules in place that are supposed to make it easier. If you’ve ever tried to cancel something and found it very difficult, or even outright failed to get it done, you were probably a victim of “dark patterns” and psychological tricks that companies use to stymie your efforts to dump them. In other words, you got sucked into their “cancellation funnel.” How "cancellation funnels" workWhen you tell a customer service rep (CSR) that you want to cancel (or you click “cancel” on a site), you trigger a retention script that’s sometimes called a "cancellation funnel" or a "churn funnel." Companies want to hang onto your revenue, so they dedicate time and resources to changing your mind, and that often involves subtle tricks they employ to change the conversation and make cancellation difficult enough to deter people who aren’t thoroughly committed to it. It’s important to understand that the difficulty is itself a psychological trick: Obstruction. Companies know that many people make these calls when they have limited time or energy, like during their lunch hour at work or at night when they’re tired. Making the cancellation process long and grueling means more people will simply give up halfway through. But that’s not the only trick companies use to stop you from canceling their services. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common tricks you’ll encounter. Common tricks companies use to keep you subscribedHalf the cancellation battle is being able to recognize the tricks being used against you: The Ask. When you tell a CSR that you’re canceling a service, one of their first moves is to ask you for your reasons. That might not seem too tricky, but no matter what your answer is, the CSR has a section of their retention script designed to invalidate it. If you say the service is too expensive, they might offer you a free month, or a short-term discount. Boom! It’s now not so expensive anymore, so why are you canceling? If your goal was just to reduce costs or wring some other perk out of the company, maybe that’s fine! The trick, though, is that the fix is temporary, and they hope that by the time the higher rates kick back in you will have forgotten about canceling, and they can get a few more months of sweet fees out of you before you notice. The best way to handle this is to refuse to give them information to work with—just say “Because I want to” or “No reason” and wait. It short-circuits the retention script if you don’t give them anything to work with. FOMO. The fear of missing out can be a powerful motivator, so a lot of retention scripts leverage it by warning you about what you’re throwing away. They usually use words like “benefits” to underscore all the goodness you have in your life right now as a result of their service. Even if you’re not really sure what those benefits are and you never used them, the idea of “losing” something sparks anxiety and makes you rethink your decision. Cooling-off periods. Companies will often seek to delay the actual cancellation of your account to give you time to “cool off.” This can be done with an offer of a free month, or suggesting a temporary pause in your subscription instead of an outright cancellation. This might seem like a victory, but it’s just designed to give you time to forget the reasons you wanted to cancel in the first place without actually addressing those reasons. Confusing language. Dark patterns come in many forms. One of the most subtle is vocabulary—this is why a lot of companies (like Amazon) use words like “continue” and “cancel” close together and in confusing ways. You might think that “continue” means continue to pay for this service, but clicking it often actually means continue cancellation process, and cancel actually means stop the cancellation process. Similarly, many sites will use words like “benefits” instead of “membership” or “account,” because it implies something really good that you’re throwing away instead of a simple cost-benefit decision. Guilt Copy. Also known as “confirmshaming,” this is when a company uses language designed to make you feel guilty about canceling. An example would be a choice between “Keep my benefits” and “No thanks, I hate having benefits.” It seems playful, but it’s meant to make you feel like a dope for going through with the cancellation. Comparison prevention. If you’ve ever experienced a CSR presenting you with a complex list of options that will supposedly solve your problem without canceling, you’ve experienced "comparison prevention." This is when the company deliberately makes it difficult to figure out the true value of an offer with a lot of unnecessary complexity. This can be done by bundling features and costs in different ways across different packages or subscription levels, making it difficult to perform a one-to-one comparison, and by forcing you to click through to separate web pages to see details, or by simply hiding details in documentation you probably won’t read. View the full article

A just-released McKinsey report predicts strong growth for market data providers, but analysts note that big tech companies are encroaching. View the full article

Google's John Mueller said that there is no persistent shortcut to faster crawling. Yes, you can expedite crawling for specific situations and times, but there is no way to just tell Google you want them to crawl you faster, all the time.View the full article

Discussions were first high-level negotiations on the conflict since the early months of Vladimir Putin’s invasionView the full article

The world’s richest man is taking a torch to the American state on behalf of Donald Trump View the full article