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Steven Heine is a professor of social and cultural psychology at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Cultural Psychology, the top-selling book in the field. His research has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, Newsweek, and New Scientist, among other publications. What’s the big idea? A lot of people right now feel lost, anxious, and despaired. During these dark times, preserving a sense of meaning in our lives is vital. Fortunately, meaning can be cultivated and ground us when life feels turbulent. The emerging field of existential psychology is refining practices for tuning in to the worth, purpose, and importance of your life. Below, Steven shares five key insights from his new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times. Listen to the audio version—read by Steven himself—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. Meaning in life helps protect against anxiety. Everyone seems on edge these days. The world is going through somewhat of a mental health crisis as rates of anxiety, depression, and deaths of despair have jumped sharply in many countries. How can we cope with these dark times? The sense of leading a meaningful life protects us from anxiety and uncertainty. When people feel that their lives are meaningful, a sense of purpose guides them, and their life makes sense. They feel that what they do matters and can make a difference in the world. People who feel their lives are meaningful can stand strong in the face of the slings and arrows thrown at them by these uncertain times. They enjoy greater well-being and fare better in coping with their anxieties. The emerging field of existential psychology has provided evidence-based answers to what makes a life meaningful. Ultimately, meaning is about connections, and a meaningful life is richly connected. For example, interpersonal connections play a key role because people feel that their lives are more meaningful when they spend time with their closest relationships, especially when taking on a caretaker role. People also feel more meaningful when they are part of a community because it gives them a sense of belongingness and identity. People’s connections to their work can also provide a sense of purpose and mastery. And people feel meaningful when their lives are connected to the transcendent realm, feeling that they are part of something much larger than the material world. When people’s lives are sufficiently connected in these domains, they are existentially grounded. Their lives make sense, they feel a sense of purpose in what they do, and they feel that their lives matter in the grand scheme of things. This mindset helps people thrive during trying times. 2. We tell stories to make sense of life. Our lives only feel meaningful when they seem to make sense. But the key challenge is that life often doesn’t seem coherent. For example, we may seem like quite different people in different situations. We might act silly with friends, but on our daily commute, we may be short-tempered, and then at work, we become ambitious and responsible. Which persona is the real self? Or we might struggle to identify a common thread connecting the different chapters of our lives. We might realize that the person we were in high school shares little in common with how we now think of ourselves. How can we weave all the different threads of our self together? We accomplish this by telling stories. We create stories with our self as the central character, going on a journey where we confront all the experiences and challenges in our lives. These stories help us organize our understanding of who we are, what we are doing, and why we are doing it. It lays the foundation of self. “Stories integrate those inconsistent facets of ourselves because they allow us to focus on particular episodes and edit out parts that don’t quite fit.” Importantly, the stories we tell are not typically literal accounts of what happened but improvised tellings that make our lives feel sensible. Stories integrate those inconsistent facets of ourselves because they allow us to focus on particular episodes and edit out parts that don’t quite fit. When we tell our stories well, we feel that our lives make sense. While each story we tell about ourselves is unique in certain respects, it often shares features in common with stories told by others. Many of our stories share common themes, such as redemption, when our story highlights how we conquered a challenge, or a theme of contamination, when our story explains how our life suddenly went off a cliff. Also, our stories rest upon simple but extremely important premises that guide how we experience the events in our lives. Our stories might be built around key premises such as “I am good” or “People get what they deserve.” These premises serve as a lens through which we see how our life unfolds. Part of leading a meaningful life is learning how to narrate the events in our lives through a compelling and sensible story. 3. When meaning is threatened, we seek to rebuild it. A key challenge with leading a meaningful life is that things often don’t feel meaningful. Feelings of meaning ebb and flow like the tide. But we have a psychological need to feel that things are meaningful. When things feel meaningless, we become especially motivated to make things seem meaningful again. It’s akin to feeling hungry when we haven’t had enough food. Likewise, our brains signal to us when our lives aren’t sufficiently meaningful. Research points to our brains having a sense-making system that strives to keep things feeling meaningful. When things feel meaningless, our brains detect a signal indicating a lack of sufficient meaning, and we are prepared to try to regain a sense of meaning. It’s a homeostatic system, much like your thermostat at home, that only becomes triggered when meaning is insufficient. This is all occurring beneath our awareness. There are different ways to rebuild a sense of meaning. Much research finds that people feel more meaningful after engaging in nostalgic reflections. Remembering how we were in past chapters of our life stories provides us with a better appreciation for how we became the person we are now, boosting our sense of meaning. We are most likely to drift off in a nostalgic reverie precisely when we feel that life is unsatisfyingly low in meaning. For example, our lives feel more meaningless when we are lonely or bored. When a sense of meaning is hard to come by, we make unconscious efforts to boost meaning. So, we often turn to memories in an effort to regain an existential footing. We may play songs from the soundtrack of our youth or flip through a photo album. Our sense-making system was tripped, and nostalgic reflections are one way to regain a sense of meaning. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that since the 2010s, the world has undergone a nostalgia boom. Movie theatres are playing remakes of films that were created decades earlier. New television series set in previous decades are discussed as much for their plots as they are for how they nailed the décor, fashion, and music of those times. During this anxious period, we’ve felt a collective need for meaning, and the world has been turning to the past to gain the meaning-boosting effects of nostalgia. 4. Life struggles can provide greater meaning. Feeling meaningful and feeling happy share much in common. However, there is more to meaning in life than positive feelings. We can learn a lot by focusing on how meaning is distinct from happiness. Jean-Paul Sartre perceptively observed that “human life begins on the far side of despair,” and much research supports this contention. One study explored the characteristics of people with more meaningful lives and found that they reported more negative life experiences, even though these experiences came with a cost to happiness. Our struggles can often feel meaningful. Likewise, we can see this relation when considering where meaningful lives are commonly found. Curiously, you are more likely to find them where life is harder. On average, the poorer a country, the more meaningful its citizens report their lives to be. The comfort and ease that people living in wealthier countries can enjoy appear to come at an existential cost: it often doesn’t provide the struggles that people rely on to build resilience and meaning. “People’s spiritual lives often become deeper after a trauma.” Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” Research finds that people often do rise to the challenges that life throws at them. The most common reaction to trauma is post-traumatic growth. People make more meaning in the aftermath of trauma because their relationships often become closer, as they usually receive a great deal of social support. It is also common for people to develop a new sense of purpose as they re-evaluate their lives, and they often become more altruistic toward others who have experienced tragedies. People also tend to grow because they discover that they had inner strengths that they hadn’t realized. In addition, people’s spiritual lives often become deeper after a trauma. And last, the realization that so much can be lost in an instant makes survivors of trauma more appreciative of what they still have. They no longer take their lives for granted. We can never lead a life without suffering, and our struggles certainly come with a cost to happiness. But it is reassuring that difficult times can help make our lives more meaningful. 5. Meaning in life can be cultivated. Meaning in our lives can be nurtured. We are not born with a certain amount of meaning; meaning can be cultivated, just like any other ability. First, there are existential exercises that provide temporary boosts to feelings of meaning, which can be invaluable for helping us get out of a rut. I think of these as the existential equivalent of a shot of espresso. One simple exercise helps people feel existentially grounded—a clear understanding of who they are and what they stand for. People will feel more grounded after reflecting upon their most important values. Simply writing a brief paragraph about your most important values puts you in a better position to respond with greater resilience to challenges. A second way to cultivate a more meaningful life is to examine your life’s foundations for meaning: our connections, especially with closest relationships, with communities, with work, and with a transcendent realm. I encourage you to conduct an existential audit of yourself to evaluate how deeply connected you are in these domains and identify where you have the most room for growth. Hardly anyone is richly connected in all these domains, but meaning is fungible. That is, the meaning you derive from one domain of connections can make up for a shortfall of meaning in another domain. It’s as though we can pay for the meaning in our lives from different accounts. Remember that our life stories tie together the threads of our lives and provide a sense of coherence, purpose, and importance. We cannot change the past, but this doesn’t mean that our life stories are carved in stone. As the author Gabriel García Márquez put it, “What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” Some ways of telling a life story provide more meaning than other ways, and you would likely benefit from reflecting on your own life story in a different way. One of the most successful templates for stories, which the mythologist Joseph Campbell calls the Hero’s Journey, focuses on an individual conquering difficult challenges with a band of allies. When people are instructed to think of their own lives in terms of the individual elements from the Hero’s Journey template, they come to feel that their lives are more meaningful. If you try to identify your transformations, allies you’ve relied on, or seemingly insurmountable quests, you too can likely learn how to reflect on your life in a more constructive, meaningful way. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

There’s one scarce resource that nearly everyone wishes they had more of: time. It always seems like there are more things to do than hours in the day. Many ways to squeeze more productivity out of your workday may leave you feeling burned out. But there are ways to trim the time spent on many aspects of life that will leave you with at least a little more wiggle room. Here are a few strategies: Create a guide to reduce interruptions If you often lose hours responding to emails and Slack messages asking different versions of the same questions, create an FAQ document with the answers all in one place. If you want to take it one step further, you can follow the lead of former Google vice president and Stripe COO Claire Hughes-Johnson, who created a “Working with Claire” guide. It’s basically a reference manual to instruct people you work with. Fast Company writer Stephanie Vozza, explains: “In her guide, Hughes-Johnson sets expectations, such as how to share information with her, and the amount of time she needs to send a response. It also includes her preferences, styles, and approaches, as well as alternative sources for help when employees are in a pinch and can’t move forward.” Trim all your meetings by at least 10 minutes Yes, many people think all meetings are a waste of time. And while some companies have taken the extreme approach of eliminating all recurring meetings, many meetings are necessary and help build and maintain relationships. However, very few of us fully pay attention for the entire length of a meeting—especially remote meetings. In fact, LiveCareer found that 9% of people start losing focus in less than 10 minutes into a meeting, while 43% said they lasted 20 to 30 minutes. Only 4% of people said they stayed focused for an hour or more. Knowing that attention (and therefore usefulness) drops off after 20 minutes, trim the meetings you have control over. Half-hour meetings become 20 minutes, hour-long meetings become 40 minutes, and by the end of the week you’ve reclaimed several hours. Do it now or delegate it To-do lists are a great productivity and organization tool, but we all waste a lot of time accumulating and then coming back to small tasks that end up eating up more time than they’re worth. Vladislav Podolyako, founder and CEO of Folderly, uses what he calls the “Touch it Once” (TIO) principle. Here’s how it works for him: “If I can do a task in 10 minutes or less, I do it right away. If not, I either delegate it to someone else or set it aside for at least a week.” Podolyako uses emails as a perfect example, explaining that many of the emails he receives require quick decisions. “If I’m just bcc-ed, usually my action is no action at all. If I know someone who knows an answer better, I forward [the] email.” He adds that he saves time by focusing on “being helpful instead of crafting a beautiful-looking but useless email.” View the full article

The decision to hire a business manager can serve as a pivotal moment in a company’s trajectory. This decision is often based on the business manager’s job description, which provides a clear and comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities expected from the candidate. A skilled business manager not only brings order to daily operations but also catalyzes growth and innovation. They play a crucial role in implementing strategies that might come from unusual ways to promote a job opening, ensuring each strategy aligns with the company’s broader vision. By effectively coordinating teams, implementing training plan templates, and overseeing business development, this key role can steer a company toward unparalleled success. Moreover, during the recruitment process, a great business manager is also skilled in handling various aspects, such as crafting a respectful interview rejection letter when needed. What is a Business Manager? A business manager acts as the linchpin that holds various aspects of a company together. They are responsible for coordinating business operations, from human resources to finance, ensuring seamless functionality. Their responsibilities also include understanding how to onboard new employees efficiently and effectively, reducing the time it takes for a new hire to become a productive member of the team. Moreover, the business manager plays a crucial role in implementing business strategies that align with the company’s goals and vision. This might involve innovative methods, such as exploring unusual ways to promote a job opening, or more traditional avenues like posting on job platforms. Overseeing teams across different departments, the manager ensures that everyone is working cohesively toward common objectives. One challenging decision that often falls on the business manager is whether I should hire a family member. This decision requires careful consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks, ensuring that personal relationships do not compromise the company’s best interests. In the realm of business development, the role of the business manager is vital for identifying new opportunities, forging partnerships, and driving revenue growth. They also work diligently to reduce hiring bias to ensure that recruitment processes are fair, objective, and inclusive. In essence, a business manager serves as the backbone of any successful enterprise, ensuring that the business runs efficiently while also focusing on expansion and profitability. When Should You Hire a Business Manager? Recognizing the right time to bring a business manager into your organization is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this role. Various signs and scenarios can indicate the need for such a professional. These range from rapid business growth to the complexities of client management. If you’re currently navigating the process of recruitment, it may be helpful to explore job platforms to widen your search and find the best candidate for your organization’s specific needs. StepDescriptionTools/ResourcesKey Considerations Define the RoleClearly specify the responsibilities and expectations of the business manager.Job description templateEnsure alignment with company objectives. Determine QualificationsDecide on the necessary skills, experience, and education.Industry benchmarksConsider soft skills like leadership and adaptability. Advertise the PositionUse multiple channels to reach a wide pool of potential candidates.Job platforms, company websiteHighlight company culture and benefits. Initial ScreeningReview resumes and cover letters to shortlist candidates.Resume screening softwareLook for relevant experience and qualifications. Interview ProcessConduct thorough interviews, possibly in multiple rounds.Video conferencing tools, interview roomEvaluate cultural fit and problem-solving skills. Skill AssessmentTest the candidate's relevant skills with real-world scenarios or tasks.Assessment platforms, test projectsEnsure tests are relevant to your business's needs. Background & Reference CheckValidate the candidate's history and get feedback from previous employers.Background check servicesLook for consistency and potential red flags. Salary & Benefit NegotiationAgree on compensation, benefits, and other employment terms.Compensation surveysEnsure the offer is competitive and fair. OnboardingIntroduce the new hire to the company, its culture, and their specific role.Onboarding checklist, HR softwareEnsure a smooth transition for the new manager. Continuous FeedbackRegularly check in with the manager and provide feedback to ensure alignment.Performance review templatesEstablish clear communication channels. Business Growth and Expansion When a company experiences rapid growth, the need for a business manager becomes increasingly evident. The complexities that come with expansion—such as entering new markets or scaling operations—require specialized oversight. A business manager can oversee these initiatives, making sure that growth is sustainable and in line with the company’s long-term goals. Need for Specialized Expertise At certain moments, a business might encounter challenges or opportunities that necessitate specialized knowledge and skills. Whether dealing with regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, or technological upgrades, hiring a business manager with the appropriate expertise can help navigate the complexities of these processes. Strategic Planning and Implementation Long-term success requires more than just day-to-day business management; it demands strategic planning and execution. A business manager can help formulate and implement strategies that are crucial for achieving the company’s long-term goals, ensuring that every department’s efforts contribute to this overarching vision. Client Management Managing client relationships effectively is crucial for the sustainability of a business. A business manager can supervise client accounts to ensure that deliverables are fulfilled and relationships are nurtured while also identifying opportunities for deeper engagement and increased revenue. Overwhelmed Business Owners For small business owners who find themselves overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks that running a business entails, hiring a business manager can be a lifesaver. This professional can take on a range of responsibilities, allowing the owner to focus on core business activities, thereby driving growth and profitability. Essential Skills and Qualifications for Business Managers Identifying the appropriate skills and qualifications in a potential business manager is essential for ensuring that the role contributes effectively to your organization. These skills are not merely desirable; they are vital for fostering business success, leading teams, and executing strategies. Skill or QualificationDescriptionWhy It's Important Business AcumenUnderstanding of market trends, financial management, and operational efficiency.Enables informed decisions aligned with company goals. Analytical AbilitiesCapacity to analyze complex data and situations for effective decision-making.Identifies opportunities and threats for better guidance. Leadership SkillsAbility to inspire and manage teams, ensuring projects are completed on time.Ensures team cohesion and timely project completion. Communication SkillsEssential for conveying strategies and negotiating deals effectively.Facilitates clear understanding and effective negotiations. Business Acumen A deep understanding of the business world is indispensable for a business manager. This includes knowledge of market trends, financial management, and operational efficiency. Business acumen enables the manager to make informed decisions that align with the company’s goals and contribute to its growth. Analytical Abilities The capacity to analyze complex data and situations sets apart exceptional business managers. These analytical skills are essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. A manager with strong analytical abilities can identify opportunities and threats, thereby guiding the company more effectively. Leadership and Interpersonal Skills Leadership qualities, coupled with strong interpersonal skills, are vital for any business manager. The capacity to lead and motivate teams is crucial for ensuring that projects are finished on schedule and goals are achieved. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills are vital for fostering relationships both within the organization and with external stakeholders. Communication Skills Clear and effective communication is a cornerstone skill for the best business managers. Whether it’s conveying strategies to the team or negotiating deals with clients, the ability to communicate clearly can make or break important business relationships. Cost to Hire a Business Manager Hiring a business manager involves various costs, including salary expectations and potential recruitment agency fees. According to data from the Society for Human Resource Management and Zippia, the average cost per hire is approximately $4,700. This figure can increase significantly when considering benefits, which can amount to up to 40% of an employee’s base salary. Crafting an Effective Business Manager Job Description Creating a comprehensive and appealing job description is a critical step in attracting the best candidates for the business manager role. The document should clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required, making it easier for prospective candidates to assess their fit for the position. By being thorough and transparent in the business manager job description, companies can streamline the hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding the ideal candidate. Where to Find Qualified Business Manager Candidates Finding the right candidates for the role of a business manager is a task that requires strategic planning and a multi-faceted approach. Various platforms and methods exist to source qualified managers, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Whether you choose to participate in traditional networking events or utilize online platforms, the essential factor is understanding where to search and how to effectively connect with potential candidates. Traditional Networking Events and Conferences Industry-specific conferences, seminars, and business networking events offer a fertile ground for finding qualified business managers. These settings provide an opportunity to meet candidates who not only possess the required skills but also are actively engaged in the industry. The face-to-face interactions that occur at these events allow for a more nuanced assessment of a candidate’s suitability for your organization. Online Job Platforms and Business Forums In today’s digital age, online platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed have become indispensable tools for sourcing talent. These platforms offer a wide reach, allowing you to tap into a diverse pool of candidates with varying levels of expertise and experience. Business forums also serve as a valuable resource, providing insights into a candidate’s thought leadership and industry engagement. By utilizing these online resources, companies can efficiently screen and identify candidates who meet their specific needs and qualifications. The Interview Process: Evaluating a Business Manager Candidate The interview process is a vital step in the hiring journey, providing a structured framework to assess a candidate’s fit for the business manager role. This phase enables employers to explore a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and cultural alignment in greater depth, leading to more informed hiring decisions. Preliminary Screening for Business Managers Before conducting in-depth interviews, it is crucial to perform preliminary screening to narrow down the candidate pool. This process includes a careful assessment of resumes and cover letters to pinpoint individuals who satisfy the job’s fundamental requirements. Initial phone or video interviews can help narrow down this list further by offering a glimpse into the candidate’s communication skills and enthusiasm for the role. In-Person Interviews and Scenario-Based Questions For a more comprehensive assessment, in-person interviews coupled with scenario-based questions are highly effective. These strategies offer valuable insights into a candidate’s business acumen, decision-making abilities, and leadership skills. Scenario-based questions, in particular, can simulate real-world challenges, allowing you to gauge how well the candidate can build relationships and navigate complex business situations. The Role of Business Owners in Hiring Managers The owner of the business should play a central role in the hiring process, particularly when it comes to selecting a business manager. Doing so ensures that the chosen candidate aligns well with the company’s vision, culture, and long-term goals. By being intricately involved in the hiring process, business owners can make certain that the new manager will be a valuable addition to the team, capable of driving the company toward success. Hiring an Online Business Manager The concept of an online business manager is gaining traction as remote work becomes more prevalent. An online business manager operates from a remote location, overseeing various aspects of business operations, strategy implementation, and team management. The role offers added flexibility, allowing businesses to tap into a broader talent pool without geographical constraints. However, online business managers face unique challenges, such as managing remote teams and ensuring effective communication. To successfully navigate the digital landscape, online business managers must possess strong organizational skills, be proficient in remote work tools, and have excellent communication abilities. Onboarding and Integrating a New Business Manager Successfully integrating a new business manager into your company is crucial for long-term success. Proper onboarding ensures that the manager understands the company’s culture, objectives, and key stakeholders. When designing an onboarding process for your new business manager, be sure to consider the following essential elements: Orientation Program: Conduct a comprehensive orientation program to familiarize the new manager with the company’s policies and culture. This helps in setting the right expectations and provides a roadmap for success. Meet Key Stakeholders: Arrange meetings with key stakeholders within the company. This enables the new manager to understand the dynamics and build relationships from the get-go. Clear Objectives: Clearly outline the objectives and expectations for the role. This ensures that the manager knows what to focus on and how to align their efforts with the company’s goals. Mentorship: Assign a mentor within the organization to guide the new manager during the initial phase. This provides an additional layer of support and facilitates quicker integration. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins during the first few months to discuss progress, challenges, and any required adjustments. This keeps the lines of communication open and allows for timely course corrections. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Business Manager Hiring the right business manager is a complex process, and mistakes can be costly. Common MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid Inadequate ScreeningPoor hireConduct thorough background checks and verify references. Vague Job DescriptionAttracts wrong candidatesClearly outline responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required. Ignoring Cultural FitTeam frictionAssess the candidate's values and work style. Rushing the ProcessRegrettable hiring decisionsTake time to evaluate multiple candidates. Neglecting OnboardingHindered effectivenessInvest in a structured onboarding process. Being aware of common pitfalls, such as the following, can help you make more informed decisions: Inadequate Screening: Failing to thoroughly screen candidates can lead to a poor hire. Always conduct background checks and verify references to ensure the candidate’s credibility. Vague Job Description: A poorly defined job description can attract the wrong candidates. Make sure to clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role. Ignoring Cultural Fit: Overlooking the importance of cultural fit can result in friction within the team. Assess how well the candidate’s values and work style align with the company’s culture. Rushing the Process: Hastily making a hiring decision can lead to regret later. Take the time to evaluate multiple candidates and consider conducting second interviews for a more thorough assessment. Neglecting Onboarding: Failing to properly onboard a new manager can hinder their effectiveness. Invest in a structured onboarding process to set the manager up for success. FAQs: How to Hire a Business Manager How often should a business manager report to the business owner? The frequency with which a business manager should report to the business owner can vary depending on the nature of the business and the level of trust between the two parties. However, regular communication is essential for effective management and alignment with the company’s goals. Weekly or bi-weekly meetings are generally recommended for a detailed update, while daily or semi-weekly check-ins may be beneficial for more dynamic or fast-paced businesses. How important is business planning expertise when hiring a business manager? Business planning expertise is a critical skill set for any business manager. This expertise enables the manager to formulate effective strategies, allocate resources wisely, and set achievable objectives for the team. A manager well-versed in business planning can significantly contribute to the company’s growth and profitability. Therefore, when hiring a business manager, prioritizing candidates with strong business planning skills is highly advisable. What distinguishes a great business manager from a good one? The difference between a great and a good business manager often lies in their ability to inspire and lead a team, coupled with a keen sense for innovation. While a good manager can effectively oversee operations and meet targets, a great manager goes beyond these basics. They foster a positive work environment, encourage team members to reach their full potential, and are not afraid to take calculated risks to drive the business forward. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Hire a Business Manager" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The decision to hire a business manager can serve as a pivotal moment in a company’s trajectory. This decision is often based on the business manager’s job description, which provides a clear and comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities expected from the candidate. A skilled business manager not only brings order to daily operations but also catalyzes growth and innovation. They play a crucial role in implementing strategies that might come from unusual ways to promote a job opening, ensuring each strategy aligns with the company’s broader vision. By effectively coordinating teams, implementing training plan templates, and overseeing business development, this key role can steer a company toward unparalleled success. Moreover, during the recruitment process, a great business manager is also skilled in handling various aspects, such as crafting a respectful interview rejection letter when needed. What is a Business Manager? A business manager acts as the linchpin that holds various aspects of a company together. They are responsible for coordinating business operations, from human resources to finance, ensuring seamless functionality. Their responsibilities also include understanding how to onboard new employees efficiently and effectively, reducing the time it takes for a new hire to become a productive member of the team. Moreover, the business manager plays a crucial role in implementing business strategies that align with the company’s goals and vision. This might involve innovative methods, such as exploring unusual ways to promote a job opening, or more traditional avenues like posting on job platforms. Overseeing teams across different departments, the manager ensures that everyone is working cohesively toward common objectives. One challenging decision that often falls on the business manager is whether I should hire a family member. This decision requires careful consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks, ensuring that personal relationships do not compromise the company’s best interests. In the realm of business development, the role of the business manager is vital for identifying new opportunities, forging partnerships, and driving revenue growth. They also work diligently to reduce hiring bias to ensure that recruitment processes are fair, objective, and inclusive. In essence, a business manager serves as the backbone of any successful enterprise, ensuring that the business runs efficiently while also focusing on expansion and profitability. When Should You Hire a Business Manager? Recognizing the right time to bring a business manager into your organization is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this role. Various signs and scenarios can indicate the need for such a professional. These range from rapid business growth to the complexities of client management. If you’re currently navigating the process of recruitment, it may be helpful to explore job platforms to widen your search and find the best candidate for your organization’s specific needs. StepDescriptionTools/ResourcesKey Considerations Define the RoleClearly specify the responsibilities and expectations of the business manager.Job description templateEnsure alignment with company objectives. Determine QualificationsDecide on the necessary skills, experience, and education.Industry benchmarksConsider soft skills like leadership and adaptability. Advertise the PositionUse multiple channels to reach a wide pool of potential candidates.Job platforms, company websiteHighlight company culture and benefits. Initial ScreeningReview resumes and cover letters to shortlist candidates.Resume screening softwareLook for relevant experience and qualifications. Interview ProcessConduct thorough interviews, possibly in multiple rounds.Video conferencing tools, interview roomEvaluate cultural fit and problem-solving skills. Skill AssessmentTest the candidate's relevant skills with real-world scenarios or tasks.Assessment platforms, test projectsEnsure tests are relevant to your business's needs. Background & Reference CheckValidate the candidate's history and get feedback from previous employers.Background check servicesLook for consistency and potential red flags. Salary & Benefit NegotiationAgree on compensation, benefits, and other employment terms.Compensation surveysEnsure the offer is competitive and fair. OnboardingIntroduce the new hire to the company, its culture, and their specific role.Onboarding checklist, HR softwareEnsure a smooth transition for the new manager. Continuous FeedbackRegularly check in with the manager and provide feedback to ensure alignment.Performance review templatesEstablish clear communication channels. Business Growth and Expansion When a company experiences rapid growth, the need for a business manager becomes increasingly evident. The complexities that come with expansion—such as entering new markets or scaling operations—require specialized oversight. A business manager can oversee these initiatives, making sure that growth is sustainable and in line with the company’s long-term goals. Need for Specialized Expertise At certain moments, a business might encounter challenges or opportunities that necessitate specialized knowledge and skills. Whether dealing with regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, or technological upgrades, hiring a business manager with the appropriate expertise can help navigate the complexities of these processes. Strategic Planning and Implementation Long-term success requires more than just day-to-day business management; it demands strategic planning and execution. A business manager can help formulate and implement strategies that are crucial for achieving the company’s long-term goals, ensuring that every department’s efforts contribute to this overarching vision. Client Management Managing client relationships effectively is crucial for the sustainability of a business. A business manager can supervise client accounts to ensure that deliverables are fulfilled and relationships are nurtured while also identifying opportunities for deeper engagement and increased revenue. Overwhelmed Business Owners For small business owners who find themselves overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks that running a business entails, hiring a business manager can be a lifesaver. This professional can take on a range of responsibilities, allowing the owner to focus on core business activities, thereby driving growth and profitability. Essential Skills and Qualifications for Business Managers Identifying the appropriate skills and qualifications in a potential business manager is essential for ensuring that the role contributes effectively to your organization. These skills are not merely desirable; they are vital for fostering business success, leading teams, and executing strategies. Skill or QualificationDescriptionWhy It's Important Business AcumenUnderstanding of market trends, financial management, and operational efficiency.Enables informed decisions aligned with company goals. Analytical AbilitiesCapacity to analyze complex data and situations for effective decision-making.Identifies opportunities and threats for better guidance. Leadership SkillsAbility to inspire and manage teams, ensuring projects are completed on time.Ensures team cohesion and timely project completion. Communication SkillsEssential for conveying strategies and negotiating deals effectively.Facilitates clear understanding and effective negotiations. Business Acumen A deep understanding of the business world is indispensable for a business manager. This includes knowledge of market trends, financial management, and operational efficiency. Business acumen enables the manager to make informed decisions that align with the company’s goals and contribute to its growth. Analytical Abilities The capacity to analyze complex data and situations sets apart exceptional business managers. These analytical skills are essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. A manager with strong analytical abilities can identify opportunities and threats, thereby guiding the company more effectively. Leadership and Interpersonal Skills Leadership qualities, coupled with strong interpersonal skills, are vital for any business manager. The capacity to lead and motivate teams is crucial for ensuring that projects are finished on schedule and goals are achieved. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills are vital for fostering relationships both within the organization and with external stakeholders. Communication Skills Clear and effective communication is a cornerstone skill for the best business managers. Whether it’s conveying strategies to the team or negotiating deals with clients, the ability to communicate clearly can make or break important business relationships. Cost to Hire a Business Manager Hiring a business manager involves various costs, including salary expectations and potential recruitment agency fees. According to data from the Society for Human Resource Management and Zippia, the average cost per hire is approximately $4,700. This figure can increase significantly when considering benefits, which can amount to up to 40% of an employee’s base salary. Crafting an Effective Business Manager Job Description Creating a comprehensive and appealing job description is a critical step in attracting the best candidates for the business manager role. The document should clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required, making it easier for prospective candidates to assess their fit for the position. By being thorough and transparent in the business manager job description, companies can streamline the hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding the ideal candidate. Where to Find Qualified Business Manager Candidates Finding the right candidates for the role of a business manager is a task that requires strategic planning and a multi-faceted approach. Various platforms and methods exist to source qualified managers, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Whether you choose to participate in traditional networking events or utilize online platforms, the essential factor is understanding where to search and how to effectively connect with potential candidates. Traditional Networking Events and Conferences Industry-specific conferences, seminars, and business networking events offer a fertile ground for finding qualified business managers. These settings provide an opportunity to meet candidates who not only possess the required skills but also are actively engaged in the industry. The face-to-face interactions that occur at these events allow for a more nuanced assessment of a candidate’s suitability for your organization. Online Job Platforms and Business Forums In today’s digital age, online platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed have become indispensable tools for sourcing talent. These platforms offer a wide reach, allowing you to tap into a diverse pool of candidates with varying levels of expertise and experience. Business forums also serve as a valuable resource, providing insights into a candidate’s thought leadership and industry engagement. By utilizing these online resources, companies can efficiently screen and identify candidates who meet their specific needs and qualifications. The Interview Process: Evaluating a Business Manager Candidate The interview process is a vital step in the hiring journey, providing a structured framework to assess a candidate’s fit for the business manager role. This phase enables employers to explore a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and cultural alignment in greater depth, leading to more informed hiring decisions. Preliminary Screening for Business Managers Before conducting in-depth interviews, it is crucial to perform preliminary screening to narrow down the candidate pool. This process includes a careful assessment of resumes and cover letters to pinpoint individuals who satisfy the job’s fundamental requirements. Initial phone or video interviews can help narrow down this list further by offering a glimpse into the candidate’s communication skills and enthusiasm for the role. In-Person Interviews and Scenario-Based Questions For a more comprehensive assessment, in-person interviews coupled with scenario-based questions are highly effective. These strategies offer valuable insights into a candidate’s business acumen, decision-making abilities, and leadership skills. Scenario-based questions, in particular, can simulate real-world challenges, allowing you to gauge how well the candidate can build relationships and navigate complex business situations. The Role of Business Owners in Hiring Managers The owner of the business should play a central role in the hiring process, particularly when it comes to selecting a business manager. Doing so ensures that the chosen candidate aligns well with the company’s vision, culture, and long-term goals. By being intricately involved in the hiring process, business owners can make certain that the new manager will be a valuable addition to the team, capable of driving the company toward success. Hiring an Online Business Manager The concept of an online business manager is gaining traction as remote work becomes more prevalent. An online business manager operates from a remote location, overseeing various aspects of business operations, strategy implementation, and team management. The role offers added flexibility, allowing businesses to tap into a broader talent pool without geographical constraints. However, online business managers face unique challenges, such as managing remote teams and ensuring effective communication. To successfully navigate the digital landscape, online business managers must possess strong organizational skills, be proficient in remote work tools, and have excellent communication abilities. Onboarding and Integrating a New Business Manager Successfully integrating a new business manager into your company is crucial for long-term success. Proper onboarding ensures that the manager understands the company’s culture, objectives, and key stakeholders. When designing an onboarding process for your new business manager, be sure to consider the following essential elements: Orientation Program: Conduct a comprehensive orientation program to familiarize the new manager with the company’s policies and culture. This helps in setting the right expectations and provides a roadmap for success. Meet Key Stakeholders: Arrange meetings with key stakeholders within the company. This enables the new manager to understand the dynamics and build relationships from the get-go. Clear Objectives: Clearly outline the objectives and expectations for the role. This ensures that the manager knows what to focus on and how to align their efforts with the company’s goals. Mentorship: Assign a mentor within the organization to guide the new manager during the initial phase. This provides an additional layer of support and facilitates quicker integration. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins during the first few months to discuss progress, challenges, and any required adjustments. This keeps the lines of communication open and allows for timely course corrections. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Business Manager Hiring the right business manager is a complex process, and mistakes can be costly. Common MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid Inadequate ScreeningPoor hireConduct thorough background checks and verify references. Vague Job DescriptionAttracts wrong candidatesClearly outline responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required. Ignoring Cultural FitTeam frictionAssess the candidate's values and work style. Rushing the ProcessRegrettable hiring decisionsTake time to evaluate multiple candidates. Neglecting OnboardingHindered effectivenessInvest in a structured onboarding process. Being aware of common pitfalls, such as the following, can help you make more informed decisions: Inadequate Screening: Failing to thoroughly screen candidates can lead to a poor hire. Always conduct background checks and verify references to ensure the candidate’s credibility. Vague Job Description: A poorly defined job description can attract the wrong candidates. Make sure to clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role. Ignoring Cultural Fit: Overlooking the importance of cultural fit can result in friction within the team. Assess how well the candidate’s values and work style align with the company’s culture. Rushing the Process: Hastily making a hiring decision can lead to regret later. Take the time to evaluate multiple candidates and consider conducting second interviews for a more thorough assessment. Neglecting Onboarding: Failing to properly onboard a new manager can hinder their effectiveness. Invest in a structured onboarding process to set the manager up for success. FAQs: How to Hire a Business Manager How often should a business manager report to the business owner? The frequency with which a business manager should report to the business owner can vary depending on the nature of the business and the level of trust between the two parties. However, regular communication is essential for effective management and alignment with the company’s goals. Weekly or bi-weekly meetings are generally recommended for a detailed update, while daily or semi-weekly check-ins may be beneficial for more dynamic or fast-paced businesses. How important is business planning expertise when hiring a business manager? Business planning expertise is a critical skill set for any business manager. This expertise enables the manager to formulate effective strategies, allocate resources wisely, and set achievable objectives for the team. A manager well-versed in business planning can significantly contribute to the company’s growth and profitability. Therefore, when hiring a business manager, prioritizing candidates with strong business planning skills is highly advisable. What distinguishes a great business manager from a good one? The difference between a great and a good business manager often lies in their ability to inspire and lead a team, coupled with a keen sense for innovation. While a good manager can effectively oversee operations and meet targets, a great manager goes beyond these basics. They foster a positive work environment, encourage team members to reach their full potential, and are not afraid to take calculated risks to drive the business forward. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Hire a Business Manager" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

UK prime minister is expected to hold talks with US president later this monthView the full article

As a subject for delightful conversation, personal insurance ranks somewhere between polyp removal and credit default swaps. Which means most of us don’t know what we don’t know. No one likes to dwell on what might go wrong in the future—which is part of the reason why we all tend to regard insurance professionals with a healthy level of skepticism. But protecting yourself and your money from the unexpected has to be part of getting your financial house in order. Otherwise, a single bad event could erase all your hard work. To figure out what kinds of insurance you might need, start with the following basic rules of the insurance industry. Social benefit and private profit The goal of insurance is to share risk among a large pool of people. If everyone pays a small amount—known as the premium—to their insurance company, the insurer assumes the risk of any one individual suffering a large loss. At that point, the insurance company will pay out to make that individual whole after the loss. But insurance companies are not there just as a social benefit. These companies are in business to make a profit. This means insurers make it their business to understand what kinds of losses are most likely to happen. And if something is more likely to occur, the insurance company will charge higher premiums for it. This is why life insurance for a nonsmoking 20-something costs pennies compared to the giant chunk of change the same insurance costs for a pack-a-day 58-year-old with diabetes. It’s possible the young adult might die in a freak stamp-collecting accident and perhaps the smoker might live to 109—but the odds are that the 20-something has decades of life ahead and the 58-year-old does not. Since it is more likely that the insurance company will have to pay out for the smoker’s life insurance policy relatively soon, the premiums for that policy are higher. This is how the insurance company protects its profits while still offering the payout benefits. Mo’ money, mo’ likely The insurance industry’s understanding of probable outcomes can help consumers identify which policies they need. Specifically, if a personal insurance policy is expensive, that usually means the insurer thinks it’s likely it will have to make a payout—and that can indicate that you might need that kind of coverage. This is not a one-to-one correlation, of course. Just because a policy is expensive doesn’t mean you need it. And some types of insurance—identity theft insurance and renters insurance, for example—are extremely helpful to have and generally low-cost. But understanding why insurers charge high premium prices can help consumers figure out which types of policies they might need. The most expensive types of insurance include the following. Disability This kind of personal insurance helps pay a portion of your salary until you’re able to go back to work, which can help keep you financially stable. While you might assume that you’re unlikely to suffer a disability, since the most strenuous thing you do is staple Mr. Lumberg’s TPS reports, remember that about 1 out of every 4 current 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching retirement age. That’s why it’s expensive to purchase disability insurance—but also why it’s important. Auto insurance Car crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States, with a total about 120 people killed per day in car accidents. Getting behind the wheel is the riskiest activity most Americans engage in on a daily basis, which means the insurance to protect you from that risk is also expensive. (The good news is that you can lower your risk and your auto insurance costs by driving like your dad: hands on 10 and 2, brake gently, check your mirrors, and assume everyone on the road is trying to kill you.) Life insurance Even though you won’t notice if you die without life insurance, any dependents who rely on your income will struggle if you pass away. And that likelihood is 100%, since none of us are getting out of this thing alive. Life insurance is cheapest for young and healthy individuals—who are the least likely to need it or buy it—and the price goes up with age and health problems. Homeowners insurance This kind of insurance not only covers damage to your home and possessions because of a covered disaster, but also liability for injuries or property damage experienced by a visitor to your home. (This is why dog owners, even apart from the growing trend to take out healthcare policies on our furry friends, may pay a higher premium than pet-free homeowners, and certain dog breeds are not covered at all—since they are more likely to bite a stranger.) And even though homeowners insurance covers damage caused by certain disasters, not all types of hazards are covered. In particular, flooding is a common hazard that isn’t covered. Flood insurance Nearly no insurers include flood damage in homeowners or renters insurance policies. Instead, you may have to purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is a partnership between the federal government, insurance companies, and local communities to provide affordable flood protection. This is because floods are so likely to happen in so many areas that the federal government had to help subsidize the cost of flood insurance. While these are not the only hazards you should protect yourself against, these are the ones the insurance industry (and its army of statistics nerds) think are most likely to occur. That means it’s a good idea to start with the types of losses you are most likely to face. Protect your moneymaker In addition to looking at which hazards are most likely, it’s also helpful to think about what valuables you have that would be most difficult to replace. For most people, these valuables fall into the same categories as the most expensive types of insurance: your earning potential, your life, and your home represent your most valuable assets. But it’s important to insure whatever assets you have that would be financially devastating to lose. For example, opera singers have been known to insure their voices, since they can’t earn their living if they can’t sing. More commonly, small business owners and freelancers often purchase professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, to protect themselves from lawsuits. Thinking about insurance as protection against financial loss can help you pinpoint what kinds of personal insurance you need most. Don’t fear the reaper (or the insurance rep) There’s a reason no one invites Ned Ryerson to dinner: talking about the kinds of doom-and-gloom that insurance professionals know intimately is a major bummer. But personal insurance is an important part of a healthy budget. You need insurance to protect you from the risk of a devastating financial loss, which it does by spreading the risk among a pool of individuals and asking the insurance company to assume the financial risk. Understanding how insurers price their policies can help you figure out which types of personal insurance are most important, since the industry charges higher premiums to protect against the most likely losses. That’s why disability insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, and flood insurance are among the most expensive types of policies available. Insurers know they are likely to have to make payouts on these policies, so they price the premiums accordingly. Consumers can also figure out the right coverage by thinking about what assets it would be financially devastating to lose. For most people, that includes their income potential, life, and home, but depending on your circumstances, you may also want to protect other important assets that you rely on or would be unable to replace. View the full article

The American economy runs on what are known as heuristics, a diverse array of mental short-cuts that help consumers make a dizzying number of choices to navigate the wild complexity of everyday life. These shortcuts help us select the restaurants we may choose to patronize, the cars we drive, the food we purchase, and the schools we attend and to which we send our children. We rely on scoring systems, certifications, and ranking methodologies to consider what movies to see, what music to listen to, and whether to purchase fair-trade products. These shortcuts come in many forms, from the complex (like the tools used to rate bonds and other financial products) to the straightforward (like the letter grades that many municipalities generate to inform consumers whether a particular restaurant follows safe food-handling practices). Sometimes these systems are managed and operated by the government, like the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s system for grading automobiles and trucks for their performance in crash tests, but often by private entities, like Consumer Reports. Sometimes the ratings are purely peer-to-peer and aggregated, like the ubiquitous “five-star” rating systems for ride-hailing companies or delivery services. In the end, consumers rely on these systems every day to make decisions great and small, to help make sense of a complex world where we are too easily prone to information overload. One area that cries out for a methodology that would provide consumers with critical details about the products and services they are using is one that is largely devoid of these types of shortcuts: our online life. We search, scroll, bank, shop, talk, text, stream, post, like, stan, and even hook up in the digital world. And we enter sites, download apps, communicate over platforms, access our financial information, and provide intimate details about our health and welfare without the slightest clue about what the entities with which we share such information do with it. The truth is, most will use it for their own profit and often sell it to data brokers: the third-party entities that, in turn, pass it along to other companies that might then use and abuse it, selling us products, pushing content to us we may not want, and perhaps even getting us to engage in behavior we might otherwise avoid if we were truly educated consumers about the uses and abuses of our digital data. AI only amplifies that influence. But what if there was a way to use the power of heuristics to protect our digital privacy through simple shortcuts that could give consumers basic information about how different sites, apps, and platforms were exploiting the digital activities they harvest from us? At present, some American states and the European Union have created rules of the road for the sunny information “superhighway,” as it was once called so quaintly in the 1990s. Instead of an information superhighway where consumers can travel at will, free of harm or surveillance, when we enter the digital world today, a better metaphor is the “Upside Down”: the shadowy, parallel world from the hit TV series Stranger Things, where entities with access to our digital lives create replicants of us that follow us around, always just below the surface, waiting to do us harm. We are already living in a world where we get asked to “accept” a particular company’s “cookies” policy or its terms of service. These relatively “light touch” disclosure regimes are the product of laws and regulations passed around the world. The European’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has largely set the global standard because tech companies do not want to have to ascertain when a particular consumer is subject to those regulations or not. And it is the GDPR, and the European Union, that we have to thank for those ubiquitous pop-ups that ask us to accept the company’s cookies policy. But those rules actually mask what is going on under the hood. Companies can comply with the disclosure requirements by giving consumers the option of accepting their practices or not, and burying those disclosures in user agreements that are unintelligible to the average user. As a result, current practices in the digital world require a far more robust regulatory response than that which the relatively weak disclosure regimes that presently exist currently offer. Consumers are also routinely presented with complex terms of service, which few will read to the end, and even a smaller number will completely understand. Indeed, rare is the consumer who ever actually reviews these policies prior to entering a site or download an app. If they did, they would likely find few privacy-protective policies, if any. Instead, more likely than not, a review of those policies would reveal that the company engages in cross-site tracking, sells consumers’ information, and forces such consumers to go to arbitration even for violations of those very terms of service policies, among other things. What legal protections do exist on the internet actually largely protect companies, and not consumers. Laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act insulate many companies that engage in activities online from being sued for the content on their sites. Courts, too, following federal law, largely enforce the terms of service that require that disputes about a company’s actions must be resolved, not through the courts, but through arbitration. All of this is a result of a powerful tech lobby that not only fights any meaningful regulation of their activities but also complains that any government intervention will stifle innovation and the economic benefits and convenience these companies generate. Enter the Zone But there is another way, one that does not require the heavy hand of government, that can still foster innovation and put the power in the hands of consumers to drive business behavior and not the other way around. A more robust regulatory regime for the digital world could draw on the power of grading systems to send a clear message to consumers about the risks that particular apps or sites may pose to our digital privacy. It would provide this information to consumers in an easy-to-understand format that does not require a deep dive into the bowels of a company’s end-user agreement, or a certificate in legalese. Instead, whenever a consumer accessed a site, app, or platform, that service would communicate whether it is protective of the consumer’s privacy or not. While there are many ways that a company can protect, or violate, a consumer’s privacy, and engage in activity that makes it unaccountable to that consumer should it breach their privacy, a simple, easy-to-understand system would grade companies on how well they do in terms of protecting their customers’ privacy or routinely violate it. That information would be communicated through one letter, a grade, that the company would have to reveal prominently as any consumer accessed the service. The consumer would then know, immediately, whether this is an entity that looks out for consumer privacy and which tends to exploit it. But where would such grades come from? Some grading systems are opaque, with the ultimate grade issued by a government agency, like the restaurant letter grades in New York City. One can assume that an “A” grade means that the restaurant meets basic quality standards. And it’s hard to find a restaurant worth their salt that does not have that A grade. In fact, anything less is usually enough to ward off many customers. In a regime for the digital world, one could adopt a type of digital “zoning” modelled after land-use restrictions in IRL. In land-use zoning, certain uses are permitted and others are excluded in particular areas or zones. You generally don’t have a power plant or waste treatment facility abutting single-family homes. That’s because of zoning. If an area is “zoned” for particular uses, individuals and businesses that wish to engage in those uses are free to do so within it. Developers, government regulators, commercial establishments and residents can easily find out what is permitted and what is not from a predetermined description of particular zones. Anyone can comply with those restrictions, or find themselves facing litigation, fines, an order to stop what they are doing, and perhaps even dismantle any illegal development that has occurred. Zoning in the digital world could work much the same way. Privacy-protective uses will be clustered in the best zone; let’s call it “Zone A.” In that zone, companies would not track a consumer’s activities on their site, not even keep personally identifying information unless it was necessary for their own purposes, and certainly would not sell such information to third parties. They would agree to stiff punishments for violations of their consumers’ privacy and allow those disputes to be resolved in a court of law, instead of forcing individuals to go through business-friendly arbitration settings of those businesses’ choosing, as many companies choose to do today. Ultimately, a company agreeing to provide this suite of privacy-protective practices by operating within Zone A would be able to market to its customers that they are doing so by displaying an “A” prominently on their home page, their app’s site on an app store, or whenever a consumer starts to enter that site from their smartphone. If a company failed to provide these sorts of privacy protections, it would not receive that grade. Instead, it could choose from a number of different zones that would offer a different suite of protections along a spectrum, from best to worst. When a company provides some privacy protective measures, that would justify it displaying a higher grade, even if not an A. The system would cluster an array of practices—covering search, sale of data, monitoring user behavior, etc.—and grade companies on the extent to which they meet the more privacy-protective practices or are more likely to take advantage of their customers. Those companies that are least protective of their customers’ data would earn an “F.” All companies would have to display their grade prominently whenever a consumer engages with that company’s site, service, app, or platform. Consumers would have an immediate read on whether the company is looking out for the customer or abusing their data for its own benefit. While disclosure-based regimes are sometimes themselves abused, by, for example, companies making it difficult to understand what their policies are, or burying the important disclosure in legalese, a disclosure regime that is clear and easy to understand will put the power back in the hands of the consumer. Such a regime could create a race to the top, with companies vying to be more protective of their consumers’ data because they have to be completely transparent about their data privacy practices. Instead of stifling innovation and competition, digital zoning could actually encourage both, prompting companies to find ways to deliver their products and services in ways that are more protective of their customers’ interests and not less. Moreover, companies have a clear choice within this regime: no particular grade would be mandated. Companies would be free to do as they please with their customers’ data—provided they are open and honest about their practices. What are the exact contours of this system and who would get to begin to cluster the different practices that determine the grade companies would receive? All of us. Legislators, technology companies, online safety and security experts, and consumers could engage in a dialogue around these issues to start to chart a course forward when it comes to our digital life that will encourage innovation that is protective of our privacy and does not simply see privacy as, at best, something to get around, or, worse, something to exploit. This type of robust and meaningful disclosure can occur without heavy-handed government intervention. Government will certainly have a hand in helping to write the rules of the road and setting the contours of the zones, with extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, but it will not need to engage in extensive regulation of private companies. Of course, there will be a need to police company practices to make sure they are complying with the requirements of the letter grade they say they deserve, but that can be accomplished by stiff penalties, fines, and damages actions when companies misrepresent the types of protections they afford their customers. Such policing can come from state attorneys general and consumers themselves. It will also require strong whistleblower protections so that employees are free to come forward if the companies for which they work are not following the law, as well as stiff penalties for companies that engage in this sort of fraudulent behavior. Digital zoning would establish a clear and easy-to-understand approach to online privacy, empowering consumers while promoting corporate transparency and accountability. It could create a market-driven system that makes clear to consumers which companies protect their privacy and which might violate it. And it can enlist the government to police the boundaries of the zones, and not necessarily impose command-and-control policies from on high. Such a market-driven approach would place the consumers in the driver’s seat and give them a clear sense of the rules of the road—and who is following them around. As technology becomes more and more present in our lives, it’s important we have a clearer way to know if the companies we do business with are harvesting our data or selling it to those who will use it for purposes we don’t know, and would never accept if we knew it was happening. The time is right for us to better understand how technology serves us, rather than having such technology serve us up to anyone eager to exploit our data. Adapted from The Private Is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Ray Brescia. Published by NYU Press. Copyright © 2025 by Ray Brescia. All rights reserved. View the full article

The American economy runs on what are known as heuristics, a diverse array of mental short-cuts that help consumers make a dizzying number of choices to navigate the wild complexity of everyday life. These shortcuts help us select the restaurants we may choose to patronize, the cars we drive, the food we purchase, and the schools we attend and to which we send our children. We rely on scoring systems, certifications, and ranking methodologies to consider what movies to see, what music to listen to, and whether to purchase fair-trade products. These shortcuts come in many forms, from the complex (like the tools used to rate bonds and other financial products) to the straightforward (like the letter grades that many municipalities generate to inform consumers whether a particular restaurant follows safe food-handling practices). Sometimes these systems are managed and operated by the government, like the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s system for grading automobiles and trucks for their performance in crash tests, but often by private entities, like Consumer Reports. Sometimes the ratings are purely peer-to-peer and aggregated, like the ubiquitous “five-star” rating systems for ride-hailing companies or delivery services. In the end, consumers rely on these systems every day to make decisions great and small, to help make sense of a complex world where we are too easily prone to information overload. One area that cries out for a methodology that would provide consumers with critical details about the products and services they are using is one that is largely devoid of these types of shortcuts: our online life. We search, scroll, bank, shop, talk, text, stream, post, like, stan, and even hook up in the digital world. And we enter sites, download apps, communicate over platforms, access our financial information, and provide intimate details about our health and welfare without the slightest clue about what the entities with which we share such information do with it. The truth is, most will use it for their own profit and often sell it to data brokers: the third-party entities that, in turn, pass it along to other companies that might then use and abuse it, selling us products, pushing content to us we may not want, and perhaps even getting us to engage in behavior we might otherwise avoid if we were truly educated consumers about the uses and abuses of our digital data. AI only amplifies that influence. But what if there was a way to use the power of heuristics to protect our digital privacy through simple shortcuts that could give consumers basic information about how different sites, apps, and platforms were exploiting the digital activities they harvest from us? At present, some American states and the European Union have created rules of the road for the sunny information “superhighway,” as it was once called so quaintly in the 1990s. Instead of an information superhighway where consumers can travel at will, free of harm or surveillance, when we enter the digital world today, a better metaphor is the “Upside Down”: the shadowy, parallel world from the hit TV series Stranger Things, where entities with access to our digital lives create replicants of us that follow us around, always just below the surface, waiting to do us harm. We are already living in a world where we get asked to “accept” a particular company’s “cookies” policy or its terms of service. These relatively “light touch” disclosure regimes are the product of laws and regulations passed around the world. The European’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has largely set the global standard because tech companies do not want to have to ascertain when a particular consumer is subject to those regulations or not. And it is the GDPR, and the European Union, that we have to thank for those ubiquitous pop-ups that ask us to accept the company’s cookies policy. But those rules actually mask what is going on under the hood. Companies can comply with the disclosure requirements by giving consumers the option of accepting their practices or not, and burying those disclosures in user agreements that are unintelligible to the average user. As a result, current practices in the digital world require a far more robust regulatory response than that which the relatively weak disclosure regimes that presently exist currently offer. Consumers are also routinely presented with complex terms of service, which few will read to the end, and even a smaller number will completely understand. Indeed, rare is the consumer who ever actually reviews these policies prior to entering a site or download an app. If they did, they would likely find few privacy-protective policies, if any. Instead, more likely than not, a review of those policies would reveal that the company engages in cross-site tracking, sells consumers’ information, and forces such consumers to go to arbitration even for violations of those very terms of service policies, among other things. What legal protections do exist on the internet actually largely protect companies, and not consumers. Laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act insulate many companies that engage in activities online from being sued for the content on their sites. Courts, too, following federal law, largely enforce the terms of service that require that disputes about a company’s actions must be resolved, not through the courts, but through arbitration. All of this is a result of a powerful tech lobby that not only fights any meaningful regulation of their activities but also complains that any government intervention will stifle innovation and the economic benefits and convenience these companies generate. Enter the Zone But there is another way, one that does not require the heavy hand of government, that can still foster innovation and put the power in the hands of consumers to drive business behavior and not the other way around. A more robust regulatory regime for the digital world could draw on the power of grading systems to send a clear message to consumers about the risks that particular apps or sites may pose to our digital privacy. It would provide this information to consumers in an easy-to-understand format that does not require a deep dive into the bowels of a company’s end-user agreement, or a certificate in legalese. Instead, whenever a consumer accessed a site, app, or platform, that service would communicate whether it is protective of the consumer’s privacy or not. While there are many ways that a company can protect, or violate, a consumer’s privacy, and engage in activity that makes it unaccountable to that consumer should it breach their privacy, a simple, easy-to-understand system would grade companies on how well they do in terms of protecting their customers’ privacy or routinely violate it. That information would be communicated through one letter, a grade, that the company would have to reveal prominently as any consumer accessed the service. The consumer would then know, immediately, whether this is an entity that looks out for consumer privacy and which tends to exploit it. But where would such grades come from? Some grading systems are opaque, with the ultimate grade issued by a government agency, like the restaurant letter grades in New York City. One can assume that an “A” grade means that the restaurant meets basic quality standards. And it’s hard to find a restaurant worth their salt that does not have that A grade. In fact, anything less is usually enough to ward off many customers. In a regime for the digital world, one could adopt a type of digital “zoning” modelled after land-use restrictions in IRL. In land-use zoning, certain uses are permitted and others are excluded in particular areas or zones. You generally don’t have a power plant or waste treatment facility abutting single-family homes. That’s because of zoning. If an area is “zoned” for particular uses, individuals and businesses that wish to engage in those uses are free to do so within it. Developers, government regulators, commercial establishments and residents can easily find out what is permitted and what is not from a predetermined description of particular zones. Anyone can comply with those restrictions, or find themselves facing litigation, fines, an order to stop what they are doing, and perhaps even dismantle any illegal development that has occurred. Zoning in the digital world could work much the same way. Privacy-protective uses will be clustered in the best zone; let’s call it “Zone A.” In that zone, companies would not track a consumer’s activities on their site, not even keep personally identifying information unless it was necessary for their own purposes, and certainly would not sell such information to third parties. They would agree to stiff punishments for violations of their consumers’ privacy and allow those disputes to be resolved in a court of law, instead of forcing individuals to go through business-friendly arbitration settings of those businesses’ choosing, as many companies choose to do today. Ultimately, a company agreeing to provide this suite of privacy-protective practices by operating within Zone A would be able to market to its customers that they are doing so by displaying an “A” prominently on their home page, their app’s site on an app store, or whenever a consumer starts to enter that site from their smartphone. If a company failed to provide these sorts of privacy protections, it would not receive that grade. Instead, it could choose from a number of different zones that would offer a different suite of protections along a spectrum, from best to worst. When a company provides some privacy protective measures, that would justify it displaying a higher grade, even if not an A. The system would cluster an array of practices—covering search, sale of data, monitoring user behavior, etc.—and grade companies on the extent to which they meet the more privacy-protective practices or are more likely to take advantage of their customers. Those companies that are least protective of their customers’ data would earn an “F.” All companies would have to display their grade prominently whenever a consumer engages with that company’s site, service, app, or platform. Consumers would have an immediate read on whether the company is looking out for the customer or abusing their data for its own benefit. While disclosure-based regimes are sometimes themselves abused, by, for example, companies making it difficult to understand what their policies are, or burying the important disclosure in legalese, a disclosure regime that is clear and easy to understand will put the power back in the hands of the consumer. Such a regime could create a race to the top, with companies vying to be more protective of their consumers’ data because they have to be completely transparent about their data privacy practices. Instead of stifling innovation and competition, digital zoning could actually encourage both, prompting companies to find ways to deliver their products and services in ways that are more protective of their customers’ interests and not less. Moreover, companies have a clear choice within this regime: no particular grade would be mandated. Companies would be free to do as they please with their customers’ data—provided they are open and honest about their practices. What are the exact contours of this system and who would get to begin to cluster the different practices that determine the grade companies would receive? All of us. Legislators, technology companies, online safety and security experts, and consumers could engage in a dialogue around these issues to start to chart a course forward when it comes to our digital life that will encourage innovation that is protective of our privacy and does not simply see privacy as, at best, something to get around, or, worse, something to exploit. This type of robust and meaningful disclosure can occur without heavy-handed government intervention. Government will certainly have a hand in helping to write the rules of the road and setting the contours of the zones, with extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, but it will not need to engage in extensive regulation of private companies. Of course, there will be a need to police company practices to make sure they are complying with the requirements of the letter grade they say they deserve, but that can be accomplished by stiff penalties, fines, and damages actions when companies misrepresent the types of protections they afford their customers. Such policing can come from state attorneys general and consumers themselves. It will also require strong whistleblower protections so that employees are free to come forward if the companies for which they work are not following the law, as well as stiff penalties for companies that engage in this sort of fraudulent behavior. Digital zoning would establish a clear and easy-to-understand approach to online privacy, empowering consumers while promoting corporate transparency and accountability. It could create a market-driven system that makes clear to consumers which companies protect their privacy and which might violate it. And it can enlist the government to police the boundaries of the zones, and not necessarily impose command-and-control policies from on high. Such a market-driven approach would place the consumers in the driver’s seat and give them a clear sense of the rules of the road—and who is following them around. As technology becomes more and more present in our lives, it’s important we have a clearer way to know if the companies we do business with are harvesting our data or selling it to those who will use it for purposes we don’t know, and would never accept if we knew it was happening. The time is right for us to better understand how technology serves us, rather than having such technology serve us up to anyone eager to exploit our data. Adapted from The Private Is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Ray Brescia. Published by NYU Press. Copyright © 2025 by Ray Brescia. All rights reserved. View the full article

The 50th anniversary celebration of “Saturday Night Live” is so big, it’s not even on Saturday. Airing Sunday and spanning three hours, the, yes, live “SNL 50: The Anniversary Celebration” will assemble a dream team of stars who have helped the show become an enduring pop culture force, including alumni like Tina Fey and Eddie Murphy, notable hosts like Dave Chappelle and Steve Martin and at least four of the surviving original cast members: Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman. The show will also pack in musical guests, with Paul McCartney, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny and Miley Cyrus among those scheduled to appear, as well. The special is double the usual 90 minutes of each “SNL” episode. With so much television and comedy history to cover, here are some key things to know about the “SNL50” show. When is the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary tribute show? NBC will air “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” on Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. The anniversary show will also stream on Peacock. Which ‘SNL’ alums are slated to appear? Oh, so many. NBC says in addition to Murphy, Fey and some of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, you can expect: Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chris Rock, Fred Armisen, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Pete Davidson, Seth Meyers, Tracy Morgan, Will Ferrell and Will Forte. Current cast member Kenan Thompson’s appearance was also touted. Which notable hosts will appear on ‘SNL50’? Martin, who has left an indelible comedic mark on “SNL” over the years, will be among the many successful hosts returning for the show’s 50th celebration. Other prolific and returning hosts range from actors like Tom Hanks, Martin Short, and Scarlett Johansson (who is married to current “SNL” cast member Colin Jost) to athletes like Peyton Manning. Former “SNL” writer John Mulaney will appear, as will Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, Kim Kardashian, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Quinta Brunson, Robert De Niro and Woody Harrelson. Is there a regular edition of ‘Saturday Night Live’ this week? No, the show is on a break this week. Timothée Chalamet hosted the most recent “Saturday Night Live” broadcast, on Jan. 25. He did double duty, performing Bob Dylan songs — Chalamet plays Dylan in the Oscar-nominated film “A Complete Unknown” and spent years preparing for the role. But fans tuning in Saturday night during the regular time slot can see the show’s very first episode, from October 1975 and hosted by George Carlin, beginning at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and 8:30 p.m. Pacific. What musical guests will appear during the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary tributes? Music is a huge part of “SNL” and a mix of global artists are scheduled to make an appearance on “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration.” It’s important to note that NBC hasn’t specifically said artists like McCartney, Cyrus, Bad Bunny and others will perform. Lovers of music on “SNL” have other chances to celebrate. NBC has scheduled “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” for Friday night. It’ll stream live on Peacock, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. The Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Bad Bunny, Jack White, Cyrus, Robyn, Bonnie Raitt are some of the planned performances. The musical legacy of “SNL” is also explored in the documentary “Ladies and Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music,” from Oscar-winner Questlove. It’s currently streaming on Peacock. “Watching ‘SNL’ those first seasons gave me a musical vocabulary that I don’t think would have happened on its own,” he told The Associated Press last month before the special aired. Who was in the first ‘SNL’ cast and why won’t all of them appear? The first “Saturday Night Live” cast was known as the Not Ready for Prime Time Players and consisted of Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Laraine Newman, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris and Jane Curtin. Radner and Belushi have since died. Aykroyd’s absence from the list of returning cast members was unclear, though he posted enthusiastically about the 50th anniversary on social media last week. Aykroyd’s publicist did not return the AP’s request for comment. As part of its anniversary celebration, Peacock is streaming a four-part documentary series, “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” about the show. Will there be a red carpet? It’s fitting that the anniversary special falls smack in the middle of awards season, because it definitely sounds like an awards show — three hours, on a Sunday … and with a red carpet, to boot. “SNL50: The Red Carpet” will air live on NBC, Peacock and E!, the network announced Thursday. Beginning at 7 p.m Eastern, the carpet show will be hosted by “SNL” alum Leslie Jones and NBC News’ Willie Geist. Matt Rogers, an actor and comedian who co-hosts the podcast “Las Culturistas” with “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang, will serve as a correspondent. Amelia Dimoldenberg of “Chicken Shop Date” fame — no stranger to red-carpet correspondency — will report from the red carpet for the “SNL50: Red Carpet Livestream” on “SNL” social and digital platforms. View the full article

I broke its neck. When making a vase at the potter’s wheel, I torqued its slippery neck clear off the pot as I tried to thin it into a graceful curve. I find vases gratifying to make and their shapes especially pleasing to the eye. But vases also must be handled with particular care because one part of their “body” – the neck – is often so narrow that it can be easily broken. That day at the wheel, I realized that it was not unlike the human neck. Though only a small portion of the human body – about 1% by surface area – our necks have an outsize influence on our psyche and culture. From selfies to formal portraits, the neck positions the head in expressive poses. The neck’s vocal cords vibrate to make meaningful words and moving songs. We passionately kiss it and spritz it with alluring perfume. We use it to nod our head in agreement, tilt our head in confusion and bow our head in prayer. Ornaments such as necklaces can express fashion sense as well as signal wealth and status. Collars can accent the face in portraits as well as denote occupational class, blue collar versus white collar. Yet, for all its aesthetic and expressive potency, the neck is also a site of fear and deep vulnerability. Villains and vampires zero in on the neck. Stressful days at work make us clench our neck muscles until they ache. A pleasant meal can be jolted into terror if a morsel slips into the wrong tube in the neck, sending us into a coughing fit. For millennia, people in power have oppressed their subjects by exploiting the narrowness and fragility of the neck – a dark history of dominating and terrorizing one another using shackles, nooses and guillotines. The widely circulated video of George Floyd’s murder was a brutal reminder that violent asphyxiation is hardly confined to the distant past. Marie Antoinette’s execution by guillotine on 16 October 1793: at left, Sanson, the executioner, showing Marie Antoinette’s head to the people. [Art: Wikipedia] As I became aware of the significance of the neck in culture, I began to explore how these two attributes – its expressive vitality and unnerving vulnerability – could coexist and be concentrated so intensely in one small region of the body. Eventually, it became a book. I am foremost a biologist, and in writing my book, I came to see that the neck’s vitality and vulnerability are rooted in its biology: The neck performs an especially wide variety of crucial functions, and it is the product of a quirky evolutionary history. The neck does so many things, all at the same time. For example, it transports over 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) of blood, air and food between the head and the torso every single day. It moves the head every six seconds on average to direct our visual attention. Its vocal cords vibrate hundreds of times per second with every spoken word. But this multifunctionality, this vitality, is possible only because of its vulnerability. To be mobile and flexible, the neck must be narrow, and so it is easily strained. Its crucial transport tubes – the windpipe, esophagus and blood vessels – must also be thin and near the surface, making them easily punctured and compressed. From water to land Our vertebrate ancestors “invented” this peculiar contraption as they evolved from water to land. Our fish ancestors had no neck because they needed a single rigid axis to move efficiently through water. Since moving around on land did not require a stiff spinal column, early terrestrial vertebrates evolved flexibility just behind the head, enabling them to widely scan the environment and to direct their mouths toward prey without moving their whole bodies. Picture a zebra swinging its head side to side surveying the savanna for predators, or a lizard tilting its head down and to the side to snap up a crawling bug. Early land vertebrates also evolved lungs, and this transformation freed up the gill structures that fish used for breathing to evolve into various useful – and sometimes problematic – neck structures, such as the voice box, tonsils and the little flap that separates the windpipe and esophagus. ‘American Flamingo’ by Robert Havell and John James Audubon, 1838. [Art: National Gallery of Art] This repurposing of scraps left over from the gills of our distant ancestors contributed to the diverse capacities of our neck. But as products of a quirky evolutionary “renovation,” humans and other land vertebrates live with a jerry-rigged design that fates us to carry many collateral vulnerabilities at the neck. The peculiar human neck While the human neck retains the basic design of our ancestors, it’s nonetheless quite unusual among vertebrates. Most land vertebrates elevate their bodies on four legs, so their necks must be long enough to lower their heads to the ground to feed and strong enough to raise it up high to look around. Again, think of a zebra feeding on the savanna. Because humans walk on two legs, we balance our head atop our spine. Since we use our hands to grab our food, we don’t need strong neck muscles to move the head around. So, compared with most mammals our size, our necks are relatively weak, making them more prone to strain and injury. As another milestone in human evolution, the voice box migrated to a relatively low position in the neck, and this unusual placement contributes to our capacity to make an especially broad range of vocal sounds that we use for speech. However, this descent of the voice box within the throat also makes us more susceptible to choking and sleep apnea. The neck epitomizes the dual nature of the human condition, the ways in which beauty and frailty are often entwined, two sides of the same coin in our biology, in our relationships – and, yes, even in ceramic vases. Kent Dunlap is a professor of biology at Trinity College. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

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The Oscars are less than a month away, but before Hollywood’s biggest night, the folks across the pond have their turn to celebrate. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) will take place on Sunday, February 16, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Historically viewed as a strong predictor of the Oscars, the BAFTAs just might offer a sneak peak of what’s to come—especially in this unconventional year full of controversies, disasters, and shifting front-runners. Here’s everything you should know and how to tune in. What does Prince William have to do with it? As part of his royal duties, the prince of Wales is the president of BAFTA. He and his wife, Kate Middleton, often attend the big event looking quite stunning. It was announced on Tuesday that neither will attend this year. Instead, William prerecorded a special video message. Last year, he attended solo because of Kate’s cancer treatments. She is back to public-facing royal duties but still has a reduced schedule. Who is hosting the 2025 BAFTA awards? Just because the Windsors will not be present, that doesn’t mean other celebrities won’t abound. David Tennant will host for the second year in a row. The boy band Take That will perform their hit song “Greatest Day,” which was used in the opening scene of best film contender Anora. Jeff Goldblum, who played the Wizard of Oz in Wicked, will tickle the ivories during the always-moving In Memoriam segment. Who are some of the standout nominees? Let’s not forget the nominees, although not all will attend. After offensive tweets were brought to light, Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón is not expected to be present. She is the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA. Last week she issued a statement saying that she hopes her work can speak for itself. “My silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is,” concluding: “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.” Despite the controversy, the show must go on and there is plenty of spotlight for the year’s biggest contenders. Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller Conclave reigns supreme here with 12 nominations. Jacques Audiard’s musical offering Emilia Pérez is a close second with 11, while Brady Corbet’s immigrant story The Brutalist, with nine nominations, is nothing to scoff at. Timothée Chalamet will be doing double duty, representing both Dune: Part Two and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Check out the full list of nominees on the BAFTA website. Beyond the competitive categories, Warwick Davis will be honored with the BAFTA fellowship. This lifetime achievement award celebrates his impressive body of work in films such as Star Wars, Willow, and Harry Potter. How can I watch or stream the 2025 BAFTA awards? If you live in the UK, tune into BBC One or stream it on iPlayer at 7 p.m. local time. For those of us in the United States, BritBox has the exclusive streaming rights and the ceremony begins at 2 p.m. ET. You can sign up directly with the streaming service and even take advantage of a seven-day free trial. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can also catch the action by adding BritBox to your subscription. There’s a free trial option here as well. Whatever way you decide to watch, a pot of tea and some biscuits would be excellent refreshment choices—or a gin and tonic depending on your mood. View the full article

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NetSuite has introduced a range of AI-driven innovations, new product offerings, and integrations designed to enhance business efficiency, streamline processes, and support diverse revenue models. These updates, announced at SuiteConnect New York, aim to automate operations, reduce manual workload, and improve financial and procurement functions for organizations of all sizes. AI and Automation Updates NetSuite has expanded its AI capabilities to accelerate data management, optimize product configurations, and improve issue resolution. New features include: NetSuite Text Enhance for automating data entry in custom text fields. Prompt Management API for centralized AI model deployment. NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant to streamline product configurations. NetSuite Expert for SuiteAnswers to assist customers with AI-powered insights. “NetSuite provides an enterprise-grade platform for businesses of all sizes that delivers the scalability, performance, AI innovation, and security that customers need to support any stage of growth,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president, Oracle NetSuite. “With new AI-powered advisor and assistant features and a broad range of other updates to help businesses of all sizes, we continue to enable our customers to gain more value from the suite.” New Product and Integration Enhancements Several new solutions have been launched to improve operational flexibility and business model adaptability: NetSuite SuiteSuccess Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) Edition: A pre-configured platform tailored for businesses offering both products and services, streamlining financials, inventory, project management, and revenue recognition. NetSuite Connector for Outlook: Enables seamless data synchronization between Microsoft Outlook and NetSuite, reducing manual data entry and improving sales efficiency. NetSuite Advanced Procurement: Enhances purchasing efficiency with real-time supplier collaboration via Oracle Business Network, automating supplier catalog access and purchase order generation. NetSuite SuiteBilling Enhancements: Introduces prepay functionality and customizable subscription invoicing, allowing businesses to collect payments in advance and manage consumption-based pricing models. Digital Business Network Alliance Integration: Automates electronic invoice exchanges, helping businesses streamline settlement processes and optimize working capital. Migration to Oracle Autonomous Database NetSuite is transitioning to Oracle Autonomous Database within Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enhancing security, reliability, and performance. This migration will provide NetSuite customers with AI-driven automation and database management improvements. Availability These latest updates reinforce NetSuite’s commitment to delivering AI-powered business tools that enhance productivity and efficiency. For more information on these new features, visit NetSuite’s AI Advantage. This article, "NetSuite Expands AI Capabilities and Product Enhancements to Boost Business Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

NetSuite has introduced a range of AI-driven innovations, new product offerings, and integrations designed to enhance business efficiency, streamline processes, and support diverse revenue models. These updates, announced at SuiteConnect New York, aim to automate operations, reduce manual workload, and improve financial and procurement functions for organizations of all sizes. AI and Automation Updates NetSuite has expanded its AI capabilities to accelerate data management, optimize product configurations, and improve issue resolution. New features include: NetSuite Text Enhance for automating data entry in custom text fields. Prompt Management API for centralized AI model deployment. NetSuite CPQ AI Assistant to streamline product configurations. NetSuite Expert for SuiteAnswers to assist customers with AI-powered insights. “NetSuite provides an enterprise-grade platform for businesses of all sizes that delivers the scalability, performance, AI innovation, and security that customers need to support any stage of growth,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president, Oracle NetSuite. “With new AI-powered advisor and assistant features and a broad range of other updates to help businesses of all sizes, we continue to enable our customers to gain more value from the suite.” New Product and Integration Enhancements Several new solutions have been launched to improve operational flexibility and business model adaptability: NetSuite SuiteSuccess Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) Edition: A pre-configured platform tailored for businesses offering both products and services, streamlining financials, inventory, project management, and revenue recognition. NetSuite Connector for Outlook: Enables seamless data synchronization between Microsoft Outlook and NetSuite, reducing manual data entry and improving sales efficiency. NetSuite Advanced Procurement: Enhances purchasing efficiency with real-time supplier collaboration via Oracle Business Network, automating supplier catalog access and purchase order generation. NetSuite SuiteBilling Enhancements: Introduces prepay functionality and customizable subscription invoicing, allowing businesses to collect payments in advance and manage consumption-based pricing models. Digital Business Network Alliance Integration: Automates electronic invoice exchanges, helping businesses streamline settlement processes and optimize working capital. Migration to Oracle Autonomous Database NetSuite is transitioning to Oracle Autonomous Database within Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enhancing security, reliability, and performance. This migration will provide NetSuite customers with AI-driven automation and database management improvements. Availability These latest updates reinforce NetSuite’s commitment to delivering AI-powered business tools that enhance productivity and efficiency. For more information on these new features, visit NetSuite’s AI Advantage. This article, "NetSuite Expands AI Capabilities and Product Enhancements to Boost Business Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) has announced updates to Catalyst, its next-generation composable storefront technology, designed to simplify and accelerate ecommerce site deployment. The new feature allows marketers to launch and customize storefronts with a single click from the BigCommerce Control Panel, eliminating the need for extensive development time and resources. Seamless Storefront Deployment and Flexibility Catalyst provides a fully integrated marketing-friendly visual editor, Makeswift, allowing brands to design high-performance storefronts without rigid templates or costly development efforts. Built with Next.js and React, Catalyst is optimized for Core Web Vitals scores of 100 out of the box, ensuring superior site speed and performance. “The adoption of composable commerce has been slow due to the time and resources needed to build a solid, integrated and scalable framework. Historically, this has prevented too many brands and retailers from taking advantage of the flexibility, speed and other benefits that a composable approach provides,” said Al Williams, General Manager of B2C at BigCommerce. “With Catalyst, BigCommerce has flipped the script on composable and opened the market, making it easy and fast to launch a storefront that delivers incredible customer experiences and can scale with the business.” Integrated with Core BigCommerce Capabilities Catalyst is fully integrated with BigCommerce’s core functionality, offering: Customizable checkouts and robust APIs Multi-storefront support for scaling businesses B2B ecommerce tools for complex transactions Seamless integrations with third-party hosting, search, and content management systems Availability Catalyst is now available for BigCommerce merchants, offering a streamlined approach to launching and managing high-performance ecommerce storefronts. The platform’s modular architecture ensures businesses can scale efficiently while maintaining full creative control over their digital experiences. Image: BigCommerce This article, "BigCommerce Introduces Catalyst for Faster, More Flexible Ecommerce Storefronts" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article