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Rain-parched Southern California finally received some much-needed precipitation recently, offering some relief from the Los Angeles wildfires which displaced more than 150,000 people from their homes—and either razed or damaged some 15,000 structures. Of course, not everyone jumped to help. But amid the widespread devastation came what seems like, in our socially and politically fraught times, an unlikely ray of hope: A convergence of communities, of neighbors helping each other in whatever way possible and even heading out to assist complete strangers. The goodwill and altruism born from this calamity has been a boon to exhausted and overwhelmed firefighters and public resources. But why does it seem to take epic disasters to bring people together in the first place? Social behavior and trauma Psychological research provides fascinating insights into that very question. One particularly influential paper published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry in 2008 dubs this phenomenon of charity and communal support “altruism born of suffering.” “Research on altruism has focused on its positive roots, whereas research on the effects of victimization and suffering has focused on aggression and difficulties in functioning,” write the study authors. “However, anecdotal evidence, case studies, and some empirical research indicate that victimization and suffering can also lead people to care about and help others.” One of the paper’s authors, prominent psychologist and professor emeritus Ervin Staub at UMass Amherst, has expounded on his findings in the years since, noting the real-world evidence from studies of people’s social behavior following a traumatic event, such as the 2004’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean. “In one study, some participants reported that they have suffered because of abuse or violence against them in their families, because of harmful behavior against them as members of a group, or because of natural disasters,” Staub wrote in Psychology Today. “Months later they expressed more empathy with, and feelings of responsibility for helping people affected by the tsunami in Asia in 2004, and volunteered more to collect donations for them, than people who reported that they had not suffered. They also volunteered more for causes that involved helping people.” Tightening communities A trio of experts who spoke with Fast Company added further context to the social psychology of collective trauma events, group identity during times of disaster, and community cohesion after mass tragedies which helps explain this sudden impulse toward altruism and empathy. “There are place communities like we had in Altadena, and that’s very meaningful, and it’s not something that everyone has. But there are also these other kinds of communities of identity, you know, like people will say, I belong to the gay community, or I belong to the community around a particular organization,” says John Brekke, professor emeritus at the USC School of Social Work—and, incidentally, an Altadena resident whose own home was greatly damaged by the recent wildfires. “So, you know, it’s interesting when you see people who all of a sudden come together around this almost community of disaster, in a way, they feel themselves. They can be a part of something by participating in this community of helpers, really, either through giving money or lending time or actually taking people in, and that act of giving at the community level seems to be as meaningful as literally giving to someone that you’re right next to who needs some help.” There’s a neurobiological aspect to this, too, Brekke says, explaining that, “it not only feels good from a spiritual point of view, if people are being spiritual, but it also feels good from a psycho-biological perspective, because you get a rush of great stuff into your system when you are being empathic and when you are giving to others.” This includes biochemical releases of things like serotonin and oxytocin, which lead to feelings of contentment, well-being, and connection. Individualism and identity Unfortunately, whether that feeling of empathy and good will persists after a collective traumatic event like the wildfires is a more complicated question. Some of that has to do with American societal values. “American mainstream society is about rugged individualism,” says Jorja Leap, a professor of social welfare and executive director of the UCLA Social Justice Research Partnership. “Here you’re an individual, you’re taught. Whether it’s the frontier, whether it’s space travel, whether it’s running for office, we look at individual personality and individual strengths, and we tend to lift that up more than the idea of community, so people are expected to make it on their own.” So, while disasters such an earthquake or war may bring people together, there can be an ensuing cynicism, she adds. (Case in point: The ongoing battle over fire insurance and which communities’ houses will be rebuilt in Los Angeles.) “We may be incredibly altruistic and responsive and then incredibly cynical, and sometimes that cynicism is self-protective. I really believe that cynicism is just cover up for fear,” adds Leap. Another expert, Alison Holman, a professor at the UC Irvine School of Nursing and UCI’s School of Psychological Science, has extensive experience researching the effects of individual and collective traumas, including Southern California wildfires. Like USC’s Brekke, she believes identity is a key factor that drives empathy and altruism during crisis moments. “What may be happening is that people identify, to some extent, with the people, the victims,” she says. “We have found in our work that identifying with victims is really something that helps to encourage people to engage in pro-social behavior. So, when people identify with them, meaning, ‘Oh my God, I lived there, I lived in that area,’ or, ‘Oh my God, I’ve lost my home,’ or, ‘Oh my God, I know what it’s like to be threatened by that,’ it may just instigate in people that sense of identification that would make them want to help out.” That’s certainly a phenomenon playing out in Los Angeles at the moment. Whether it leads to lasting change in people and more community engagement after the blaze, and in an era where climate change is expected to lead to ever-cascading calamities, is a more open question. View the full article

Nearly a year after Adobe first teased video AI features, the company is finally bringing its new video AI model to market. Today, the company is launching its Firefly Video Model in public beta. The model comes alongside a new Firefly web application, which essentially gathers all of Adobe’s AI tools, including existing features like Text to Image and Generative Fill, under one roof. Users can access Firefly’s web app through two subscription tiers—Firefly Standard and Firefly Pro—which retail for $9.99 and $29.99 per month, respectively. [Image: Adobe]What is Adobe’s new Firefly video model?Firefly Video Model is Adobe’s answer to existing video models like Open AI’s Sora and Meta’s new Movie Gen. Using the brand’s new suite of tools, creators can turn a written prompt into a video clip, convert an existing image into a video, and even translate audio and video into multiple different languages. Adobe’s video AI capabilities are late to market, but that’s par for the course for a brand that got into generative AI nearly a year after its main competitors back in 2022. In the past, Adobe has set itself apart in the AI space with stringent IP protections (it only trains Firefly on licensed content and bills its new video model as the industry’s “first commercially safe” video AI) and by making significant improvements to its new features over time. It remains to be seen whether Firefly Video Model will follow a similar upward trajectory. What can it do?[Image: Adobe]Text to VideoFirefly’s Text to Video feature is most comparable to OpenAI’s Sora. Users enter a specific prompt in a text box, which is then converted to a five-second video clip. The feature incorporates Adobe’s signature easy-to-follow UI with a drop-down menu that allows creatives to tweak aspects of its output like shot size, camera angle, and motion. Image to VideoAdobe is positioning its Image to Video feature as a kind of brainstorming tool for video editors. It’s similar to Text to Video, except the user can input an image alongside a written prompt to bring a specific frame to life. In a demo video shared by the company, an editor takes a still frame of an astronaut flipping a switch and asks Image to Video to create a shot of the astronaut unplugging a cord instead. It’s an example of a quick edit that could help an editor better convey their project’s intended mood to supervisors, she says. [Image: Adobe]Translate VideoTranslate Video—available in 20 different languages—is Adobe’s offering to help creators cut down on translation and dubbing services. Per a press release, “With voice, tone, cadence and acoustic match when translating video content into different languages, creators can [spend] less time on dubbing performance and audio mixing.” Right now, Firefly Video Model isn’t especially groundbreaking, but it will help plenty of Adobe creators streamline their production processes without turning to an outside video AI application, especially when just about every design platform wants to be creatives’ only platform. In an interview with Fast Company back in September, Adobe CTO Ely Greenfield noted that, for a generative AI tool that produces common stock images to make it into an Adobe product, the result should be acceptable 10/10 times. However, he added, for results with more specificity, “getting it right 1/10 times is still a huge savings. It can be a little frustrating in the moment, but if we can give people good content 1/10 times that saves them from going back to reshoot something on deadline; that’s incredibly valuable.” As Adobe continues to iterate on its Firefly Video Model, that success rate is only bound to go up. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. A good video doorbell should do two things well: show you who’s at your door and make it easy to interact with them. The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) does both. Originally priced at $129.99, it's now $59.99, its lowest price ever, according to price trackers. Arlo Video Doorbell 2K $49.97 at Walmart $79.00 Save $29.03 Get Deal Get Deal $49.97 at Walmart $79.00 Save $29.03 That’s a serious drop for a doorbell that PCMag named Editor’s Choice and Best Video Doorbell of the Year 2024. With a crisp 2K resolution (1,944 x 1,944 pixels), a 180-degree field of view, and 12x digital zoom, this doorbell lets you see everything from a delivery driver’s face to the package at their feet. You can either hardwire it to an 8-24V transformer for continuous trickle charging or use it wirelessly with its built-in battery that lasts up to four months per charge via USB. It starts recording when motion is detected or when the doorbell button is pressed. When that happens, instead of just sending push notifications, this doorbell calls your phone which you can answer or decline like a regular call. If you pick up, you'll get a live video feed with two-way talk (or you can play a pre-recorded message if you’re not in the mood to chat). This PCMag review notes that daytime video has sharp details and vibrant colors, while night vision is clear in black-and-white up to 25 feet away. That said, it does not support color night vision—if you need that feature, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($149.99) might be a better alternative. Also, there’s no local storage, meaning if you want access to recorded clips, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription. Plans start at $7.99/month for a single camera (or $17.99/month for unlimited cameras), giving you 60 days of cloud storage, smart alerts, and object detection. And, if you require 24/7 emergency response, you'll need to subscribe to the $24.99/month Premium plan. You can manage and control the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K using the Arlo Secure app, including accessing live streams, using two-way/muting audio, adjusting motion detection settings, enabling different modes, activating voicemail or the inbuilt siren, and more. View the full article

Figure bolsters case for Federal Reserve to proceed slowly with interest rate cutsView the full article

Straws might seem insignificant, inspiring jokes about the plastic vs. paper debate, but the plastic straw has come to symbolize a global pollution crisis over the past decade. On Monday, President Donald Trump waded into the issue when he signed an executive order to reverse a federal push away from plastic straws, declaring that paper straws “don’t work” and don’t last very long. Trump said he thinks “it’s OK” to continue using plastic straws, although they’ve have been blamed for polluting oceans and harming marine life. In 2015, video of a marine biologist pulling a plastic straw out of a turtle’s nose sparked outrage worldwide and countries and cities started banning them, starting with the Pacific Island nation Vanuatu and Seattle in 2018. Here’s what to know about the larger fight over single-use plastics in the United States: What happens to plastic straws? More than 390 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States, most for 30 minutes or less, according to advocacy group Turtle Island Restoration Network. Plastic straws are usually thrown away after one use, going on to litter beaches and waterways and potentially killing marine animals that mistake them for food. The straws are not recyclable because they are so small. They take at least 200 years to decompose, the network said. They break down into incredibly tiny bits of plastic smaller than a fraction of a grain of rice. These microplastics have been found in a wide range of body tissues. Though research is still limited overall, there are growing concerns that microplastics in the body could potentially be linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other problems. Trump’s executive order claims that paper straws use chemicals that may carry risks to human health are more expensive to produce than plastic straws. Researchers from the University of Antwerp found forever chemicals known as PFAS to be present in paper, bamboo, glass and plastic straws, but not stainless steel ones, according to a 2023 study. The advocacy group Beyond Plastics said that while plastics are often cheaper than paper products, the cheapest option is to skip the straw. Judith Enck, a former Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator who now heads up Beyond Plastics, said she hopes that people react to the executive order by committing to using fewer plastic straws and that local and state governments do, too. “It’s easy to just kind of almost poke fun of this, ignore it,” she said Tuesday. “But this is a moment that we as individuals and state and local policymakers can make a statement that they disagree with this executive order and are committed to using less plastic straws. It’s not that hard to do.” Several states and cities have banned plastic straws and some restaurants no longer automatically give them to customers. What is being done globally? President Joe Biden administration’s had committed to phasing out federal purchases of single-use plastics, including straws, from food service operations, events and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The move was a way for the federal government to formally acknowledge the severity of the plastic pollution crisis and the scale of the response required to effectively confront it. Erin Simon, an expert on plastics and packaging at the World Wildlife Fund, said at the time that it sent a message around the world: If we can make change happen at scale, so can you. The declaration came in July, just a few months before negotiators met in South Korea to try to finish crafting a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution. Negotiators didn’t reach an agreement late last year, but talks resume this year. Under the Biden administration, the United States at first adopted a position viewed as favoring industry, stating that countries should largely develop their own plans instead of abiding by global rules. China, the United States and Germany are the biggest players in the global plastics trade. The United States changed its position heading into South Korea. The delegation said it would support having an article in the treaty that addresses supply, or plastic production. More than 100 countries want an ambitious treaty that limits plastic production while tackling cleanup and recycling. U.S. manufacturers have asked Trump to remain at the negotiating table but revert to the old position that focused on redesigning plastic products, recycling and reuse. Aren’t other plastics a problem? The environment is littered with single-use plastic food and beverage containers — water bottles, takeout containers, coffee lids, straws and shopping bags. Every year, the world produces more than 400 million tons of new plastic. About 40% of all plastics are used in packaging, according to the United Nations. In 2023, Ocean Conservancy volunteers collected more than 61,000 plastic straws and stirrers polluting beaches and waterways in the United States. There were even more cigarette butts, plastic bottles, bottle caps and food wrappers, the nonprofit said. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels. Negotiators at the United Nations climate talks known as COP28 agreed in 2023 the world must transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels and triple the use of renewable energy. As pressure to reduce fossil fuels has increased globally, oil and gas companies have been looking more to the plastics side of their business as a market that could grow. Trump strongly supports and gets support from the oil and gas industry. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press View the full article

As an introvert, I dread large conferences. I get invited to a number throughout the year, and I usually scramble to find excuses for why I can’t attend. Since I have spent much of my career posing as an extrovert, some people are surprised to discover that I really don’t enjoy networking at large gatherings. I worry about feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, not remembering people’s names, having to sit alone for meals, drawing a blank and not being able to engage in small talk, and, of course, worried I won’t know anyone there. Just thinking through all of this is absolutely exhausting. Last year, I was invited to speak and attend Transform, a conference focused on driving innovation in the workplace. The same dread took over me as I committed to attend. And after spending a few days in Las Vegas with a few thousand attendees, I think I finally cracked the code for myself on how to approach large conferences as an introvert. So this year, as I prepare to attend again, I have a game plan to get the most out of this conference. Here’s my advice on how to navigate and network at large conferences. Plan your days in advance, including who you’ll talk to Now, I prepare for the conference weeks before I even arrive. If possible, I try to stay at the hotel where the conference is taking place. And if not, as close as possible. I take a look at when the conference begins and when it ends, and I study the agenda topics and list of sessions. I take a note of the speakers and who is attending and see if I see any familiar faces. If available, I use the conference app to keep track of the sessions I want to attend and message and connect with people before the conference. I also check if any colleagues or friends are attending the conference, what days, and coordinate travel and even share Ubers to and from the airport. Last year, I planned to meet a friend who was also attending in the lobby in the mornings and walked to sessions together, and when I was feeling anxious I texted her to grab a coffee or snack. We also walked out of the conference at the end of the day and grabbed a drink. I was happy to have a buddy I could rely on when I was feeling out of place or overwhelmed by the crowds. Find the super connectors While large conferences can be intimidating, I also want to push myself to meet new people. I set a goal of meeting at least three new people a day. This can be daunting if you feel uncomfortable walking up to a stranger or breaking into a circle of people and introducing yourself. My plan now is to find the super connectors and have them help me meet new people. I try not to apply expectations on what these introductions could lead to. Some of these new people I have a lovely interaction with and we don’t connect again. And some of these new people I hit it off with and we stay in touch post conference. My friend Dinah Alobeid, a communications executive, is a super connector who knows a variety of people across sectors and industries. She had me grab a coffee with her and then invited me to stand with her and her team at the Greenhouse booth in the exhibitor area. It was an easier way to meet people who came to their booth, as opposed to going around the large area alone and trying to force myself to stop and booth after booth after booth and make small talk (I did do that later, and of course brought my friend Sarah along.) My friend David Landman, an human resources executive, is also a super connector who seems to make friends wherever he goes. He plugged me into all the social events that were happening. He also found me the very first morning of the conference during a break and introduced me to people. He then got me invited to lunches, happy hours, and dinners so I didn’t have to worry about who to meet with and if I would be sitting alone. He even met me in the lobby so we could walk over to evening events together. I felt so much more at ease not having to enter rooms alone where I may not know anyone. Prioritize time to decompress Finally, I stopped putting pressure on myself to do every single thing at the conference. There’s so much happening at a large conference like Transform you can want to make the most of it and take advantage of everything being offered. The first year I went, I tried to do it all, and left feeling exhausted and depleted. Now, I don’t pressure myself to attend every single session. I take breaks, I grab a coffee and go and recharge for a few minutes alone. I usually have my journal with me to take notes. I also go back to my hotel room to freshen up or sit in the quiet and recharge before heading back downstairs. I give myself permission to leave when I want to. I also find by doing this, I am much more present and attentive when I am at the conference and one on one conversations. One evening, I wasn’t feeling great and couldn’t make it out to dinner plans. My friend Sally Wolf, a wellbeing advisor and keynote speaker, invited me to come to her hotel room, and join her and her friend Danielle Farage, a speaker on Generation Z corporate talent. I was hesitant at first to go, and then felt at ease as soon as I walked into their room. We nibbled on snacks and chatted for over an hour. It was great to connect with conference attendees in a more informal, casual setting. With preparation and pre-planning, with the help of super connectors, and prioritizing time to decompress, large conferences don’t have to be an introvert’s worst nightmare. In fact, now with my plan in place, I am excited to attend Transform and other large conferences this coming year. I am on a mission to learn and open my mind to topics, be present and share my expertise and knowledge, and hopefully make at least one or two new friends along the way. View the full article

The theme park wars will shift into an even higher gear right before Memorial Day. On May 22, Universal Orlando is scheduled to open Epic Universe, it’s $6 billion expansion that’s meant to lure more visitors away from the Magic Kingdom and other assets of Walt Disney World and make the company’s theme-park hub a seven-day visit for tourists. Announced in 2019, Epic Universe will be the first new Central Florida theme park in more than 25 years. Divided into five lands, it’s a park that hopes to have something that appeals to all types of family members. And it’s a serious enough threat that Disney has announced a major upgrade to its Orlando parks, part of a 10-year, $60 billion investment in parks and experiences. For a park that’s so close to its opening day, there are still a lot of questions. Tickets went on sale last October, but unless you’re a hardcore theme-park junkie, you might not know what to expect from Epic Universe. Here’s what you can look forward to, if you’re planning (or thinking about planning) a vacation. Universal Epic Universe front gate [Rendering: Universal] Where is Epic Universe located? While it’s a part of Universal Orlando, the physical location of Epic Universe will be set about 2.5 miles southeast of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as Universal Volcano Bay water park and Universal CityWalk. To transport visitors back and forth, Universal will run buses between the parks and will have a separate parking area for Epic Universe visitors. What are the five lands of Epic Universe? The park’s layout is designed to let visitors enter a “portal,” which takes them to five different lands. Celestial Park This is the entry into Universal Epic Universe, with dining, shopping, and three attractions: a carousel, a dual-launch coaster, and interactive dancing fountains. The Helios Grand Hotel (more details below) will also be located in this area. Celestial Park [Rendering: Universal] The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic Universal has two other Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds: Daigon Alley at Universal Orlando and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Those are connected via the Hogwarts Express, but the Ministry of Magic will be a stand-alone park. The new park will include elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, and this area will let fans explore several international wizarding communities, from Paris in the 1920s to the U.K. in the 1990s. Food choices will include Café L’air De La Sirène and Le Goblet Noir. And yes, of course, you’ll be able to get a Butterbeer. Super Nintendo World Already a hit in Universal Studios’s California park, this interactive Nintendo-themed world is loaded with familiar characters from Mario to Bowser. It includes a big coaster (more on that below) and a live-action Mario Kart ride. It’s a larger park than its California cousin and has additional rides (such as Yoshi’s Adventure and Mine-Cart Madness) and interactive activities. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World [Rendering: Universal] Foodwise, Chef Toad is serving things up at the Toadstool Café—like the Mario Burger complete with a bun branded with Mario’s moustache and tiny red cap. There’s also the Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country. How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk On the Isle of Berk, you’ll be able to ride a dragon. You’ll also be able to explore the Viking village at the heart of the animated Dreamworks franchise. Dark Universe Universal embraces its monster-based roots, with reimagined classic creatures, including Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula. What will be the big rides? Epic Universe will have several big roller coasters, the standout of which will seemingly be Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World. This Donkey Kong-themed ride features an effect where the car will appear to jump over a gap in the tracks. The Wizarding World’s big draw will be Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, which features the return of Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge. Dark Universe’s big draw will be the animatronic-heavy Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, set under Frankenstein Manor. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry [Rendering: Universal] At Isle of Berk, you can ride Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a coaster that simulates a ride on a dragon’s back. And the Stardust Racers coaster will send visitors in Celestial Park zooming at 62 mph to heights of 133 feet. Will there be hotels? Three hotels are being built in the general area around Epic Universe, but the crown jewel will be the Grand Helios, which has a dedicated entrance to the park, along with a rooftop bar overlooking the park. Universal Helios Grand Hotel [Rendering: Universal] The others, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, are not within walking distance and will require some travel time to reach Epic Universe. How much will Epic Universe tickets cost? Right now, if you want to visit Epic Universe, you’ll need to buy either a three-, four- or five-day pass. And regardless of which one you choose, that will only get you into Epic Universe for a single day. The other days must be spent at the other Universal theme parks. For adults, those start at $117 per day. Kids are just a couple dollars less. If you’re already an annual passholder at Universal, you can buy one-day tickets, but those are already sold out for at least the first 17 days that Epic Universe will be open. Prices to add a ticket for the Epic Universe add-ons start at $122 a day. Individual tickets for Epic Universe will go on sale at a later date, which hasn’t been announced yet. View the full article

The United States Postal Service handles an average of 318 million pieces of mail every day, so there are going to be some mistakes. Carriers misread an addresses, letters shift around in the back of the truck, and people move without updating their addresses—all circumstances that could result in you receiving mail intended for someone else. Here’s what you should do if you get mail that doesn’t belong to you. What to do if mail is delivered to the wrong addressIf the mail you’ve received is not only for someone else, but for a different address than yours, you have two options to correct the mistake:
 Deliver it yourself. If the letter is clearly intended for a nearby neighbor, and you can physically open their mailbox, feel free to deliver the letter to the correct address yourself. It is not illegal to open someone’s mailbox (as long as it’s not locked), and it’s not illegal to personally forward mail to the correct address as long as the mail has proper postage. You could also knock on their door and hand it to them if you know them (or feel comfortable doing so). However, be aware that there are laws against placing other things—like flyers, notes, advertisements without postage, etc.—in mailboxes.

 Write a note and stick it in the outgoing. If the correct address is far away or you just don’t feel like dealing with delivering it yourself, write a note that says something to the effect of “wrong address” and attach it to the wrongly delivered piece of mail with a sticky note or a paperclip. A mail carrier will pick it up next time around and it will be delivered to the correct address in the next couple days.
It’s best not to write your note directly on the envelope or article and risk defacing someone else’s mail. If you use a marker or Sharpie and it bleeds through, it could cause the intended recipient more grief than is necessary. So use a paperclip or a sticky note instead. What to do if you receive mail for a former residentIf you’re receiving someone else’s mail with your correct address, you need to inform the mail carrier and post office that they no longer live there. Again, you can do that with a paper clipped note placed on the letter. To return to sender, simply write "Not at this address, return to sender" on the note and attach it to the piece of mail. Stick the mail in the outgoing box in a way that makes the error clear to your mail carrier the next time they come around. This might take a few tries, and you may even have to contact the post office if it continues. Check that the mail doesn’t say “[other person’s name] or current resident”; That mail is technically addressed to you as long as you live in that residence, whether you want to receive it or not. (Junk mail companies love that trick.) If you keep telling the post office “person doesn’t live here” with “or current resident” mail, they might assume the residence is vacant and stop sending mail there entirely. When in doubt, a trip to the post office or a phone call can often clear things up. Is it illegal to open someone else's mail?You bet it is. It's also illegal to throw someone else's mail away on purpose. Both are considered tampering (and both are considered jerk-y.) When you get someone else's mail, do not open it and do not throw it away, since both are punishable offenses (and no one likes offending or punishment). Don't worry, if you were mindlessly tearing open your stack of mail and realized you'd received someone else's and opened in error, you won't be taken away in cuffs. The law is intended to protect against unsavory types looking to gather personal information. View the full article

You’ve likely heard about holiday pay in employee compensation. Employees receive extra pay when they take paid time off for holidays. Understanding this concept can be immensely important as you prepare your business for the holidays or begin hiring for the first time. In this article, we’ll break down what holiday pay entails and whether it should be on your list of employee benefits. What is Holiday Pay? Holiday pay is a part of employee compensation, typically extra wages given during holidays. In the U.S., it stems from both federal laws and industry norms. Federal guidelines set the foundation, while industries often add their own practices, ensuring workers are rewarded for their holiday hours. The Difference Between Paid Holidays and Holiday Pay It’s important to grasp the difference between a paid holiday and getting extra for working on one. A paid holiday means you get your usual pay for the day off, while holiday pay means extra earnings for putting in hours on a holiday. Paid Holidays: What Are They? In the U.S., we’re talking about the classic typical paid holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. These are days when folks typically take a breather, and employers often ensure their team gets this time without missing out on their regular pay. How Holiday Pay Works Holiday pay sweetens the deal. If you’re clocking in on a holiday, you’ll usually see a little extra in your paycheck. This could be a bump in your hourly rate or even a special bonus. It’s a way for employers to show appreciation for the effort of putting in work on a holiday, giving employees an extra nudge to be there when it counts. Eligibility and Requirements for Receiving Holiday Pay Let’s explore who typically qualifies for holiday pay. Eligibility is often determined by factors like your job type, industry, and the specifics of your employment agreement. While these criteria can differ, understanding them is essential. Who is Entitled to Receive Holiday Pay? Eligibility for holiday pay varies depending on your employment status. Typically, full-time employees receive more holiday pay benefits compared to part-time or contractual workers. Additionally, the details may be influenced by your employer’s policies and the specific nature of your work. Common Practices in Different Industries Different industries have their own take on holiday pay. In healthcare, it’s common to ensure staff working holidays receive extra compensation. In the hospitality industry, bonuses or higher hourly rates on holidays are common. Office jobs often follow standard holiday pay practices outlined in employment contracts or company policies. Finding a common standard and communicating it to employees so that they understand their compensation and what is expected of them is among the hardest parts of being a manager. How Much is Holiday Pay? Now, let’s talk dollars and cents when it comes to holiday pay. It’s not just a flat amount; it can vary based on several factors. Let’s break it down. Standard Rates vs. Overtime Pay Holiday pay can vary in its form. In some cases, it is paid at your standard hourly rate, while in others, it may be higher, such as overtime pay. The exact rate typically depends on your employer’s policies and agreements. Factors Influencing Holiday Pay Amounts Several things play into how much holiday pay you might get. Here’s a closer look at several factors: Job Role Different positions within a company might have varying pay scales. For example, managerial roles might receive a different holiday pay rate than entry-level positions. Some roles, especially those in essential services like healthcare or public safety, might get higher holiday pay due to the nature and demand of their jobs on holidays. Tenure with the Company Employees with longer tenure at the company may receive increased holiday pay as recognition for their loyalty and experience. Some businesses have a tiered system where holiday pay increases with each year of service. Size of the Employer Larger companies might have more established policies and budgets for holiday pay, potentially offering more generous rates. Smaller businesses, while they may have a tighter budget, sometimes offer competitive holiday pay to retain their staff. Company’s Financial Health A company that has had a successful financial year might decide to reward its employees with higher holiday bonuses or pay. Conversely, a business facing financial struggles might offer reduced holiday pay or none at all. Presence of a Union or Collective Bargaining Agreement In organizations with robust unions or collective bargaining agreements, holiday pay rates may be standardized and are often higher compared to non-unionized settings. Location and Cost of Living Businesses located in areas with a higher cost of living might offer more holiday pay to help offset living expenses. Regional laws and standards might also dictate minimum holiday pay rates. Policy on Holiday Pay Not all companies offer holiday pay. For those that do, the way they calculate it can vary—some might offer a fixed bonus, others might provide double-time pay, and some might give an extra percentage of the daily rate. The number of holidays recognized by a company can also influence overall holiday earnings. Employee Performance Some companies might offer performance-based bonuses during the holiday season, meaning an employee’s recent performance could influence their holiday pay. Industry Norms Some industries may typically provide more generous holiday pay because of competitive pressures or the specific requirements of the work. For example, the hospitality industry might offer higher holiday pay rates to incentivize working during peak holiday times. Understanding these variables is crucial for employees when negotiating contracts or for employers when establishing fair and competitive holiday pay policies. Types of Holidays and Implications for Pay Let’s break down the different holidays in the U.S. and what they mean for your pay. Each has its own set of implications, from federal holidays to religious observances. CriterionFederal HolidaysReligious HolidaysFloating Holidays DefinitionHolidays recognized by the federal government, often marking national events or historical figures.Important days in various religions; they may vary greatly among different religious groups.Personal days that an employee can take off at their choosing, sometimes offered by businesses in lieu of, or in addition to, fixed holidays. Examples- New Year’s Day- Christmas (Christian)Typically not fixed to any specific day. - Independence Day- Hanukkah (Jewish)Employee chooses the day based on personal or family needs. - Thanksgiving- Eid (Islamic) Mandatory OfferingIn the U.S., businesses are not required to close or offer time off for federal holidays, but many choose to do so.Not mandatory, but businesses may offer to accommodate employees' religious practices.At the discretion of the business. Some companies offer them, some don’t. Schedule ImpactFixed dates; businesses can plan ahead for closures or reduced staffing.May change every year, especially for lunar calendars. Can make scheduling more challenging.Can be unpredictable, as employees select dates based on personal needs. Might create short-staff situations if not managed. Diversity & InclusivityBroadly recognized, but doesn’t accommodate all cultural or religious observances.Accommodating religious holidays promotes inclusivity and respects diversity.Promotes inclusivity by allowing employees to choose days important to them, whether cultural, religious, or personal. Financial ImplicationIf businesses decide to offer additional pay (like double time), it's on fixed, predictable days.Offering additional pay might be less predictable due to varying observances among employees.If offering additional pay, cost is less predictable due to the personal nature of these holidays. Legal ConsiderationsWhile not mandated for private businesses, some regulations might apply to federal contractors or other sectors.Employers must reasonably accommodate religious practices, including observances, unless it creates undue hardship.Largely determined by company policy, but must be applied consistently to avoid discrimination. Employee Morale & SatisfactionSeen as standard in many industries, can affect morale if not offered.Recognizing and accommodating boosts morale among diverse employee groups.Highly valued for their flexibility, allowing employees to observe personal or cultural events. Federal Holidays vs. Religious Holidays Federal holidays like Independence Day often mean paid time off, while religious holidays may require accommodations or special pay arrangements. Understanding the distinctions helps employers navigate these situations effectively. Floating Holidays: A Flexible Option Floating holidays are gaining traction for their adaptability. They let employees choose when to take their day off, catering to diverse cultural or personal preferences. Offering this option shows consideration for individual needs and promotes a more inclusive work environment. Holiday Season and Pay Considerations Employers might offer additional incentives to keep their workforce engaged during busy holiday seasons, like the end of the year. Bonuses, extra pay, or even additional time off can be part of these seasonal considerations. It’s a way to say thanks for the extra effort during the holidays. Utilize work schedule apps or online calendars to schedule these extra breaks in a way that won’t harm your business. Holiday Pay Policy and Calculations When it comes to offering holiday pay, companies usually have a clear policy in place. This policy outlines who’s eligible for holiday pay, how much they’ll get, and when they’ll receive it. Companies consider factors like employment contracts, federal and state laws, and internal guidelines to create a solid holiday pay policy. How to Calculate Holiday Pay Calculating holiday pay might seem tricky, but it follows a straightforward formula. Start by figuring out how much the employee normally earns. Next, work out the average daily earnings over a certain period. Finally, multiply that average by the number of days they’re taking off. This way, you make sure they’re fairly paid for their holiday time. The Role of the Fair Labor Standards Act The FLSA plays a crucial role in holiday pay regulations. It sets the minimum wage, overtime rules, and standards for employee classifications. When it comes to holiday pay, the FLSA doesn’t mandate it, but it can affect how companies approach holiday compensation. Complying with FLSA guidelines ensures fair treatment and pay for employees during holidays. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ovc16NUta94%3Fsi%3D85B6ynjTl7miiuym FAQs: Holiday Pay Are paid holidays the same as federally recognized holidays? Paid holidays and federally recognized holidays aren’t always identical. While federally recognized holidays like New Year’s Day and Independence Day are commonly paid, companies may offer additional paid holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Check your company’s policy to see which holidays they provide paid leave for. How does working on religious holidays differ from a federal holiday? Working on religious holidays versus federal holidays varies. Federal holidays are recognized nationwide, and most businesses close or provide extra pay. Religious holidays depend on an employee’s faith and company policies. Accommodations may include time off, flexible hours, or swapped workdays. How should holiday pay be calculated for hourly employees? Calculating holiday pay for hourly employees follows a simple formula. Start by determining their regular hourly rate. Then, calculate their average daily earnings over a specific period, often the past few weeks. Finally, multiply that average by the number of holiday hours worked. What is the difference between holiday pay and paid holidays? Holiday pay refers to the additional compensation employees receive when they work on holidays. It’s an extra payment beyond their regular wages. Paid holidays, on the other hand, are days when employees receive their regular pay even though they’re not working, typically on federally recognized holidays or as per company policy. Creating a standard policy that can easily be communicated can simplify hiring and keep current employees happy. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Holiday Pay and Should You Offer It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You’ve likely heard about holiday pay in employee compensation. Employees receive extra pay when they take paid time off for holidays. Understanding this concept can be immensely important as you prepare your business for the holidays or begin hiring for the first time. In this article, we’ll break down what holiday pay entails and whether it should be on your list of employee benefits. What is Holiday Pay? Holiday pay is a part of employee compensation, typically extra wages given during holidays. In the U.S., it stems from both federal laws and industry norms. Federal guidelines set the foundation, while industries often add their own practices, ensuring workers are rewarded for their holiday hours. The Difference Between Paid Holidays and Holiday Pay It’s important to grasp the difference between a paid holiday and getting extra for working on one. A paid holiday means you get your usual pay for the day off, while holiday pay means extra earnings for putting in hours on a holiday. Paid Holidays: What Are They? In the U.S., we’re talking about the classic typical paid holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. These are days when folks typically take a breather, and employers often ensure their team gets this time without missing out on their regular pay. How Holiday Pay Works Holiday pay sweetens the deal. If you’re clocking in on a holiday, you’ll usually see a little extra in your paycheck. This could be a bump in your hourly rate or even a special bonus. It’s a way for employers to show appreciation for the effort of putting in work on a holiday, giving employees an extra nudge to be there when it counts. Eligibility and Requirements for Receiving Holiday Pay Let’s explore who typically qualifies for holiday pay. Eligibility is often determined by factors like your job type, industry, and the specifics of your employment agreement. While these criteria can differ, understanding them is essential. Who is Entitled to Receive Holiday Pay? Eligibility for holiday pay varies depending on your employment status. Typically, full-time employees receive more holiday pay benefits compared to part-time or contractual workers. Additionally, the details may be influenced by your employer’s policies and the specific nature of your work. Common Practices in Different Industries Different industries have their own take on holiday pay. In healthcare, it’s common to ensure staff working holidays receive extra compensation. In the hospitality industry, bonuses or higher hourly rates on holidays are common. Office jobs often follow standard holiday pay practices outlined in employment contracts or company policies. Finding a common standard and communicating it to employees so that they understand their compensation and what is expected of them is among the hardest parts of being a manager. How Much is Holiday Pay? Now, let’s talk dollars and cents when it comes to holiday pay. It’s not just a flat amount; it can vary based on several factors. Let’s break it down. Standard Rates vs. Overtime Pay Holiday pay can vary in its form. In some cases, it is paid at your standard hourly rate, while in others, it may be higher, such as overtime pay. The exact rate typically depends on your employer’s policies and agreements. Factors Influencing Holiday Pay Amounts Several things play into how much holiday pay you might get. Here’s a closer look at several factors: Job Role Different positions within a company might have varying pay scales. For example, managerial roles might receive a different holiday pay rate than entry-level positions. Some roles, especially those in essential services like healthcare or public safety, might get higher holiday pay due to the nature and demand of their jobs on holidays. Tenure with the Company Employees with longer tenure at the company may receive increased holiday pay as recognition for their loyalty and experience. Some businesses have a tiered system where holiday pay increases with each year of service. Size of the Employer Larger companies might have more established policies and budgets for holiday pay, potentially offering more generous rates. Smaller businesses, while they may have a tighter budget, sometimes offer competitive holiday pay to retain their staff. Company’s Financial Health A company that has had a successful financial year might decide to reward its employees with higher holiday bonuses or pay. Conversely, a business facing financial struggles might offer reduced holiday pay or none at all. Presence of a Union or Collective Bargaining Agreement In organizations with robust unions or collective bargaining agreements, holiday pay rates may be standardized and are often higher compared to non-unionized settings. Location and Cost of Living Businesses located in areas with a higher cost of living might offer more holiday pay to help offset living expenses. Regional laws and standards might also dictate minimum holiday pay rates. Policy on Holiday Pay Not all companies offer holiday pay. For those that do, the way they calculate it can vary—some might offer a fixed bonus, others might provide double-time pay, and some might give an extra percentage of the daily rate. The number of holidays recognized by a company can also influence overall holiday earnings. Employee Performance Some companies might offer performance-based bonuses during the holiday season, meaning an employee’s recent performance could influence their holiday pay. Industry Norms Some industries may typically provide more generous holiday pay because of competitive pressures or the specific requirements of the work. For example, the hospitality industry might offer higher holiday pay rates to incentivize working during peak holiday times. Understanding these variables is crucial for employees when negotiating contracts or for employers when establishing fair and competitive holiday pay policies. Types of Holidays and Implications for Pay Let’s break down the different holidays in the U.S. and what they mean for your pay. Each has its own set of implications, from federal holidays to religious observances. CriterionFederal HolidaysReligious HolidaysFloating Holidays DefinitionHolidays recognized by the federal government, often marking national events or historical figures.Important days in various religions; they may vary greatly among different religious groups.Personal days that an employee can take off at their choosing, sometimes offered by businesses in lieu of, or in addition to, fixed holidays. Examples- New Year’s Day- Christmas (Christian)Typically not fixed to any specific day. - Independence Day- Hanukkah (Jewish)Employee chooses the day based on personal or family needs. - Thanksgiving- Eid (Islamic) Mandatory OfferingIn the U.S., businesses are not required to close or offer time off for federal holidays, but many choose to do so.Not mandatory, but businesses may offer to accommodate employees' religious practices.At the discretion of the business. Some companies offer them, some don’t. Schedule ImpactFixed dates; businesses can plan ahead for closures or reduced staffing.May change every year, especially for lunar calendars. Can make scheduling more challenging.Can be unpredictable, as employees select dates based on personal needs. Might create short-staff situations if not managed. Diversity & InclusivityBroadly recognized, but doesn’t accommodate all cultural or religious observances.Accommodating religious holidays promotes inclusivity and respects diversity.Promotes inclusivity by allowing employees to choose days important to them, whether cultural, religious, or personal. Financial ImplicationIf businesses decide to offer additional pay (like double time), it's on fixed, predictable days.Offering additional pay might be less predictable due to varying observances among employees.If offering additional pay, cost is less predictable due to the personal nature of these holidays. Legal ConsiderationsWhile not mandated for private businesses, some regulations might apply to federal contractors or other sectors.Employers must reasonably accommodate religious practices, including observances, unless it creates undue hardship.Largely determined by company policy, but must be applied consistently to avoid discrimination. Employee Morale & SatisfactionSeen as standard in many industries, can affect morale if not offered.Recognizing and accommodating boosts morale among diverse employee groups.Highly valued for their flexibility, allowing employees to observe personal or cultural events. Federal Holidays vs. Religious Holidays Federal holidays like Independence Day often mean paid time off, while religious holidays may require accommodations or special pay arrangements. Understanding the distinctions helps employers navigate these situations effectively. Floating Holidays: A Flexible Option Floating holidays are gaining traction for their adaptability. They let employees choose when to take their day off, catering to diverse cultural or personal preferences. Offering this option shows consideration for individual needs and promotes a more inclusive work environment. Holiday Season and Pay Considerations Employers might offer additional incentives to keep their workforce engaged during busy holiday seasons, like the end of the year. Bonuses, extra pay, or even additional time off can be part of these seasonal considerations. It’s a way to say thanks for the extra effort during the holidays. Utilize work schedule apps or online calendars to schedule these extra breaks in a way that won’t harm your business. Holiday Pay Policy and Calculations When it comes to offering holiday pay, companies usually have a clear policy in place. This policy outlines who’s eligible for holiday pay, how much they’ll get, and when they’ll receive it. Companies consider factors like employment contracts, federal and state laws, and internal guidelines to create a solid holiday pay policy. How to Calculate Holiday Pay Calculating holiday pay might seem tricky, but it follows a straightforward formula. Start by figuring out how much the employee normally earns. Next, work out the average daily earnings over a certain period. Finally, multiply that average by the number of days they’re taking off. This way, you make sure they’re fairly paid for their holiday time. The Role of the Fair Labor Standards Act The FLSA plays a crucial role in holiday pay regulations. It sets the minimum wage, overtime rules, and standards for employee classifications. When it comes to holiday pay, the FLSA doesn’t mandate it, but it can affect how companies approach holiday compensation. Complying with FLSA guidelines ensures fair treatment and pay for employees during holidays. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ovc16NUta94%3Fsi%3D85B6ynjTl7miiuym FAQs: Holiday Pay Are paid holidays the same as federally recognized holidays? Paid holidays and federally recognized holidays aren’t always identical. While federally recognized holidays like New Year’s Day and Independence Day are commonly paid, companies may offer additional paid holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Check your company’s policy to see which holidays they provide paid leave for. How does working on religious holidays differ from a federal holiday? Working on religious holidays versus federal holidays varies. Federal holidays are recognized nationwide, and most businesses close or provide extra pay. Religious holidays depend on an employee’s faith and company policies. Accommodations may include time off, flexible hours, or swapped workdays. How should holiday pay be calculated for hourly employees? Calculating holiday pay for hourly employees follows a simple formula. Start by determining their regular hourly rate. Then, calculate their average daily earnings over a specific period, often the past few weeks. Finally, multiply that average by the number of holiday hours worked. What is the difference between holiday pay and paid holidays? Holiday pay refers to the additional compensation employees receive when they work on holidays. It’s an extra payment beyond their regular wages. Paid holidays, on the other hand, are days when employees receive their regular pay even though they’re not working, typically on federally recognized holidays or as per company policy. Creating a standard policy that can easily be communicated can simplify hiring and keep current employees happy. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Holiday Pay and Should You Offer It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In another devastating blow to customers and employees of Joann Inc, the popular fabric and crafts retailer is moving to close a significant chunk of its brick-and-mortar locations as part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, according to a court filing on Wednesday. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 protection a second time last month, had initially said it would continue operating its approximately 800 stores as it restructured and sought a buyer. However, it told a court this week that it has now identified a number of underperforming locations during the bidding process that it wants to close as a way of cutting costs. “As the sale process progressed, and prospective bidders continued to conduct diligence and refine their potential bids, the Debtors and their advisors were able to identify a subset of underperforming stores that are unlikely to be considered or included in any going concern bid,” lawyers for the retailer said in the court filing. The filing lists hundreds of locations across more than 40 states, with big states like California, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan being hit the hardest. Joann says in the filing that it would like to begin store closing sales immediately. It warns that additional locations are likely to close as well. Reached for comment by Fast Company, Joann spokesperson Amanda Hayes confirmed the closings in a statement. “As part of the ongoing Chapter 11 process and our efforts to maximize the value of the business, JOANN has filed a motion seeking court authority to begin closing approximately 500 stores across the nation,” the statement read. “This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN.” A difficult needle to thread Founded in 1943, Joann has faced significant challenges in recent years, with factors such as the pandemic, inflation, and the broader shift to online retail hindering its operations. It was taken private last year when it filed for bankruptcy a first time, but it said at the time that it expected to continue operations once it emerged. A second bankruptcy came at the beginning of this year. Although Joann told customers that stores would remain open during the process, it warned that it could go out of business if it is unable to find a suitable buyer. Gordon Brothers, the restructuring firm that recently took control of embattled retailer Big Lots, has emerged as a “stalking horse” bidder for Joann. If it is successful, the firm is likely to liquidate and close all stores. This story is developing…. View the full article

Google Ads is rolling out mandatory brand guidelines. It requires you to officially document your business names and logos by March – or face automated changes to your ad campaigns. The big picture. The move represents Google’s latest effort to standardize brand presentation across its advertising platforms while giving businesses more control over their digital identity. Key details: Advertisers must update their brand guidelines before March. If no action is taken, Google will automatically select “top-performing” business names and logos based on campaign data. The change affects how brands appear across all Google’s ad platforms. Why we care. Clear brand identity boosts ad performance, trust, and competitive advantage. If needed, you should update your brand guidelines now to maintain control and align with your marketing strategy. What’s next. Businesses have until March to complete their brand guideline updates before automatic changes take effect. First seen. We were made aware of this update when Arpan Banerjee when he shared the alert he saw on X: Go deeper. Google provides tools for updating brand guidelines through their advertising platform, allowing companies to maintain control over their brand identity. View the full article

Trump is pushing European governments to commit much higher funding to armed forcesView the full article

Learn how audience layering in Google Ads can help you reach the right people and maximize the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns. The post Layering Success: How To Target High-Intent Users In Google Ads appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

In 2025, my LinkedIn feed became flooded with SEO thought leaders scrambling to define and stake their claim on the future of consumer search: generative engine optimization (GEO). Yet, most industry experts face a stark reality – few truly understand how to influence brand visibility in AI-driven search platforms and large language models (LLMs), let alone explain what this shift means for search marketing or how brands can capitalize on it. This article unpacks the rise of GEO, debunks common myths, and outlines what businesses must do to adapt before they fall behind. AI search and LLMs: A new era of information discovery AI-driven search platforms, like Google’s AI Overviews and Microsoft Bing’s AI-powered results, are redefining how users find information, moving from traditional keyword-based ranking to dynamic, AI-generated answers. Meanwhile, LLMs, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, power these systems by synthesizing vast amounts of data to provide conversational, non-deterministic responses. Ultimately, brands that adapt to how AI retrieves, interprets, and generates information could increase their long-term visibility, while those that don’t risk losing a critical new traffic source. To better understand how these changes are impacting users, I set out to explore the growing friction in organic search and the misconceptions surrounding GEO. Increasing user friction threatens the value of SERPs for consumers In October, Fractl (disclosure: I co-founded the agency) studied AI adoption in consumer search. We found that nearly half (48%) of respondents had used ChatGPT or a similar tool within the past week. As of January, ChatGPT is the 8th most visited website in the world, attracting 4.79 billion visits per month. Anyone who isn’t studying how to drive brand visibility in AI platforms is already too far behind to be spearheading your marketing efforts and hedging your brand’s future traffic sources. A few weeks ago, when nearly every Google query forced me to complete a tedious CAPTCHA, I felt like I was witnessing the beginning stages of Google Search’s slow collapse. Surely, a novice searcher would be even more frustrated than me by the growing friction and declining SERP quality, which would further accelerate the shift to newer, more valuable search platforms. I ran off to our own survey platform to run a quick pulse survey of 1,000 Americans, seeking to understand “What frustrates users most about Google’s search experience?” What I found was that the average consumer felt many of the same frustrations I felt every day as a search marketer: Google’s search experience frustrates users primarily due to excessive ads cluttering results (66.4%), making it harder to find valuable, organic content. Many also dislike inaccurate or misleading AI-generated summaries (44.7%), which can lead to misinformation. Irrelevant search results (38.8%) further add to the dissatisfaction, reducing efficiency. Privacy concerns, such as data tracking (35.9%) and frequent CAPTCHA interruptions (27.6%), also contribute to a less-than-ideal user experience, disrupting seamless browsing. The open-ended responses were the most entertaining (and something I plan to expand upon during my SMX Advanced session this summer in Boston). Dig deeper. Survey: 54% of people look through more search results vs. 5 years ago For today’s entertainment value – it’s not just our industry that has been sharing these frustrations over Google’s volatile SERPs, as the open-ended responses alluded to many of the same concerns we’ve all lamented over: Content quality issues “Lately all the search results are always from Reddit.” “Lack of relevant results in general – often, I will search for something and it will give me results for the opposite of what I searched for.” “Filtering certain links.” “It will provide out-of-date information.” “Multiple results with the same information.” AI-related frustrations “Please remove the AI-generated answers.” “The AI in general – usually I am on Google to go on other webpages.” “No toggle to remove AI search, search parameters seem to get ignored.” “Inability to opt out of AI summaries.” CAPTCHA complaints “Captcha services that refuse to accept answers, particularly the ones that load new images in over five-second delays.” “CAPTCHAs that are largely nonsensical/hard to understand what is wanted from the user.” Monetization and bias concerns “That search results are influenced by money paid to Google.” “Pushing Google apps, like always trying to open Google Maps.” “Sponsored websites.” “The censorship of conservative viewpoints and people.” While I’m not alone in my CAPTCHA frustrations, many users (36.8%) rarely encounter CAPTCHAs (1-2 times per week), while 32.5% never experience them. However, 22.1% reported occasional disruptions (3-5 times per week), and a smaller group (6.8%) faced them frequently (6+ times per week), with 1.8% dealing with daily interruptions. (Hello, fellow digital marketers!) But here’s the kicker: despite these interruptions, Google still holds its ground as the dominant search engine for 82.6% of respondents. That said, friction does lead to shifts. Around 11.4% of users are exploring privacy-first alternatives like DuckDuckGo and Brave, while 3.8% are venturing into AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Claude. This signals an emerging shift in consumer behavior driven by usability pain points that other search products are solving for. With increasing search quality concerns nudging users toward different search experiences, it’s only a matter of time before these small behavioral shifts compound into more significant market trends. Google still dominates consumer search – and likely will for the next few years. However, the rise of alternative search engines, AI-driven discovery tools, and direct interactions with LLMs means diversification should be on your radar if you work in marketing. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. How to drive brand visibility with generative engine optimization: Myths vs. facts Generative AI is changing how people search, but brands are still approaching it with an outdated SEO playbook. It’s time to debunk the biggest misconceptions about GEO and outline what actually works to increase brand visibility in AI-generated responses. To deepen our understanding of the current industry beliefs around AI rankings, my co-founder, Kristin Tynski, and I analyzed the past six months of mentions of “ChatGPT+Rankings” and “AI+Rankings” on LinkedIn. We found 403 unique LinkedIn posts that provided a view of how AI is discussed in professional circles, which we further analyzed through multi-label classification, sentiment analysis, temporal trend mapping, and advanced topic modeling. By leveraging a Latent Dirichlet allocation analysis for topic modeling, we were able to quickly distill the topics of interest for those who are on the bleeding edge of AI in marketing. Majority of conversations focusing on four key themes: AI in business strategy: Focus on workflow automation, decision support, and predictive analytics. Digital marketing and SEO: Emphasis on content automation, ranking strategies, and data-driven marketing. Customer engagement and chatbots: Exploration of AI’s role in customer service and the balance between automation and human interaction. AI ethics and misinformation: Discussion of bias, transparency, and responsible AI deployment. Most LinkedIn posts spanned multiple topic clusters, reinforcing that professionals view AI as an integrated force influencing various business functions. Frequent keyword pairings included: “AI and automation.” “Content optimization and predictive analytics.” “Chatbot and customer engagement.” This indicates a view of AI as a comprehensive tool for operational and strategic improvement. Compared to past data, current discussions showed a trend toward more positive sentiment and a heightened focus on ethical considerations. Above all else, the highest-engagement posts commonly articulated the view that “AI is a partner, not a replacement,” emphasizing the need for human oversight. After years of testing AI workflows and developing proprietary tools, we’ve seen firsthand how AI’s efficiency, combined with human strategy, drives brand growth and maximizes marketing ROI. Yet, many brand leaders still don’t understand how AI engines work. Skepticism is rising as everyone scrambles to establish thought leadership in a space they barely grasp. In an industry long plagued by snake oil salesmen, separating fact from fiction has never been more critical for marketers who want to stay on the bleeding edge of innovation and the future of search. Myth 1: AI search works like Google’s live web indexing Reality: LLMs primarily rely on pre-trained datasets, but some models can retrieve real-time information through internet-connected sources and RAG. Understanding the difference in AI models is key to understanding how to potentially influence your brand’s visibility in these up-and-coming answer engines. Seer Interactive put together a helpful chart to help drive this industry education: Simply put, while Google’s search index is continuously refreshed, most LLMs rely on historical snapshots of the web and are not updated in real time. Unless explicitly retrained, they may miss new articles, trends, or emerging discussions. While Tynski believes this will change before the end of the year, frequent retraining remains prohibitively expensive, meaning most models still operate on static data that can be months – or even years – old: GPT 4o: Last training update was December 2023. Claude 3.5 Sonnet: Trained on data up until April 2024. As a result, real-time events and newly published content may not always appear in AI-generated responses unless the model has direct access to live data sources. Key takeaways for adapting your brand strategy for LLM visibility In cases where AI-driven search platforms leverage real-time search integrations (e.g., ChatGPT’s “Search the web”), it’s valuable for brands to leverage proactive and reactive PR strategies to maintain frequent and fresh mentions that will be integrated into real-time data queries against authoritative news sources. Because LLMs don’t have fixed rankings and AI responses vary based on query phrasing, context, and model updates, businesses should use tracking tools to monitor their brand visibility across major AI models for a wide range of relevant queries. Dig deeper: Decoding LLMs: How to be visible in generative AI search results Myth 2: Links are the key to ranking in AI responses Reality: LLMs prioritize brand mentions, contextual relevance, and entity associations. For decades, SEO revolved around link building. Earning backlinks from high-authority sites was the golden ticket to building domain authority, trust signals, and rankings. But LLMs don’t “rank” content the same way Google does. They don’t crawl and index live web pages. They generate responses based on pre-trained data, considering word frequency, contextual relevance, and surrounding content. However, context matters as much as the mention itself. LLMs aggregate references from multiple sources and generate responses non-deterministically. As such, the visibility of a brand or idea depends on how often and in what context it appears across reputable training data. Some AI-powered search engines, like Perplexity, use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) – pulling from live search results to refine AI-generated responses. While this means traditional rankings still influence LLM-driven search, being part of a trusted corpus matters more than individual rankings. Ultimately, appearing in trusted, widely referenced sources – especially those with a strong likelihood of being part of an LLM’s training data – significantly increases your brand’s chances of being mentioned in AI-generated answers. This should be a big win for digital PR teams who constantly tout the benefits of a text mention for clients who become enraged when a journalist covers their brand name without providing a link. Tips for maximizing brand visibility in AI search with mentions and context Build your brand’s topical authority across entities by developing brand thought leaders and expert commentary to position your brand as a valuable source within high-context discussions across publishers and Q&A forums. Develop industry analyses and research-backed content that build brand authority and increase credible mentions, ensuring AI models reference and retrieve your content in responses. Leverage digital PR to secure brand mentions in high-authority publications, increasing your brand’s share of voice in LLM training data, including the diverse and credible publications outlined above. Dig deeper: How to monitor brand visibility across AI search channels Myth 3: It’s impossible to know which sources LLMs use for training data Reality: Research and monitoring tools can inform likely training sources and brand visibility. Although AI companies don’t disclose their full training datasets, there are ways to research and approximate where LLMs pull data from. For example, you can query ChatGPT for a list of publishers OpenAI has partnered with for its training data. While this response won’t be immediately exhaustive, it can provide clues about high-priority domains your digital PR team might want to prioritize for brand mentions depending on your vertical and brand expertise: Associated Press (AP): In July 2023, OpenAI and AP signed a deal allowing the AI company to license AP’s content archive going back to 1985 for training purposes. News Corp: In May 2024, OpenAI entered into an agreement with News Corp to integrate news content from The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Times, and The Sunday Times into its AI platform. The Atlantic and Vox Media: In May 2024, OpenAI signed deals with The Atlantic and Vox Media to share content, aiming to enhance the accuracy of AI models like ChatGPT by incorporating reliable news sources. Condé Nast: In August 2024, Condé Nast, publisher of titles such as The New Yorker, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, entered a multi-year deal with OpenAI, allowing the AI company to use content from its properties in ChatGPT and other products. Axel Springer: In December 2023, Axel Springer, owner of publications like Politico and Business Insider, partnered with OpenAI to have its content summarized within ChatGPT, including paywalled articles, with links and attribution. Future: In December 2024, OpenAI partnered with Future, bringing content from over 200 media brands, including Marie Claire, PC Gamer, and TechRadar, to ChatGPT. Hearst: In October 2024, OpenAI announced a partnership with Hearst, integrating content from its magazines and newspapers, such as the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, ELLE, and Runner’s World, into ChatGPT. GEDI: In September 2024, OpenAI partnered with GEDI, an Italian media group, to provide ChatGPT users access to high-quality Italian-language journalism. TIME: In June 2024, OpenAI entered a multi-year partnership with TIME, granting access to 101 years of archival content to enhance its products and display in response to user inquiries. Le Monde and Prisa Media: In March 2024, OpenAI signed contracts with Le Monde and Prisa Media to bring French and Spanish news content to its AI models. Reddit: In May 2024, Reddit and OpenAI announced a partnership to integrate Reddit’s content into OpenAI products, including ChatGPT, providing real-time, structured content to enhance AI tools. Axios: In January 2025, OpenAI announced a content partnership with Axios, expanding its work with the news industry. Beyond querying LLMs directly, there are tools that analyze which publishers and articles influence LLM training. Understanding how your brand appears in these datasets is crucial, as it affects AI-generated content, search visibility, and overall brand perception. Ways to track sources for LLM training data Use tools to monitor how your brand appears in Common Crawl data to understand how your content and brand mentions influence LLM training, AI-generated responses, and brand visibility. Use platforms like SparkToro and BuzzSumo to help identify which sites influence your audience and likely have a high influence in your industry from which AI models may be drawing data​. Pioneering strategies in the age of agentic workflows In 2025, SEO is about building the kind of brand trust and semantic authority that LLM-based ranking systems value, in the same way we have always suspected of Google. If you’re driving AI adoption within your organization, understanding the pitfalls of AI and developing trends in this emerging search frontier will help ensure your career for years to come. Position AI as an enhancement, not a replacement: AI should augment workflows, streamline processes, and improve decision-making – but human expertise remains essential for trust and strategic oversight. Proactively address AI ethics and misinformation: Brands should establish clear AI ethics guidelines, ensure transparency in AI-generated content, and prioritize credibility to build long-term audience trust. Leverage AI chatbots with human oversight: AI-powered engagement tools enhance customer interactions but require monitoring and fine-tuning to maintain accuracy and user experience. Drive brand credibility and visibility in LLMs: Consistently publishing high-quality content and securing brand mentions in trusted sources strengthens your brand’s entity recognition, contextual relevance, and authority – ultimately increasing visibility in AI-generated responses. Track your brand’s presence in AI models: Use monitoring tools to analyze how AI platforms reference your brand in key search queries. Optimize your content strategy by assessing your visibility against competitors for common FAQs relevant to your target audience. Companies that embrace this evolving search landscape will be the ones dominating brand visibility in the future of AI-driven search over the next 12-36 months. Brands that hesitate may find themselves losing valuable traffic to competitors who were early adopters in the age of AI. View the full article

Smashing Pumpkins' legendary frontman Bill Corgan and confrontational comedian Bill Burr look alike—both have shaved heads, stubbly beards, blue eyes, and similar facial structures. They look so much alike they could be brothers; so much alike that a lot of people think they are brothers. While it's possible, these people are probably wrong. Why people think Bill Corgan and Bill Burr are brothersThe rumor started with Corgan's appearance on Howie Mandel's podcast back in January. On the show, Corgan recounts the following conversation that he said happened a decade prior: My stepmother said to me, "Do you know who Bill Burr is?" Now at that point, I had never heard of Bill Burr … She said, "Well, he's this comedian…" And I think I even somehow called up a picture on the phone, and I kind of noticed right away, "Gee, he really looks like my father." Bill Burr looks more like my father than Bill Burr looks like me or I look like Bill Burr. So I said to my mother, "Why are you asking me this?"... She goes, "I think he might be one of your father's illegitimate children. Bill Burr might be one of the children that your father sired in his days being a traveling musician… My father did once tell me that I had a half-brother named Bill, who was born around the same time as me." A lot of people look like other people, so that doesn't mean much, and a single piece of family lore is anything but conclusive, but this evidence was apparently enough for Mandel to try to get to the bottom of it, in probably the worst way possible. Corgan and Burr: Worst. Family. Reunion. Ever.In a more recent episode of Howie Mandel Does Stuff, Mandel hosted Bill Burr and surprised the comedian with a special appearance from Corgan so the pair could compare notes on their fathers. Despite Mandel's assurance that he was "doing it out of love," the ambush did not go well. "You're an asshole," Burr tells Mandel. "He's just doing this for the fucking ratings," Burr adds. Corgan says he was told Burr was aware he was appearing on the show, but it seems Burr had no idea. Mandel eventually leaves the pair alone to talk things out. It's an uncomfortable, creepy conversation. Burr says his dad had multiple families. Corgan says his dad told him he was a musician where Burr's dad told him he was a dentist. Corgan points out that Bill Burr can't sing, and Billy Corgan isn't funny, so maybe they aren't related. It doesn't really reach any conclusion. Ultimately, the familial status of Corgan and Burr is inconclusiveThe bottom line is there isn't any solid reason to think that Bill and Billy have the same father. "They look alike" and "my mom said something once" isn't enough evidence to believe this rumor (even if Burr and Corgan believe it). Unless the results of a DNA test are made public, I'd file this under "probably not true." It's extremely unlikely for any person to become famous—there are a lot of singers and comedians out there—and it seems astronomically unlikely that two people would become famous at a Burr/Corgan level, but in two distinct fields. These aren't nepo babies we're talking about. The unique combination of talent, drive, personality, and luck that adds up to a career like either of these men is almost never seen. Two half-brothers developing all that independently is possible, but it would be a hell of a coincidence. The on-air results of the impromptu "family reunion" are inconclusive. Burr refers to "our dad" often on the podcast, and overall seems to accept the premise that they have the same father, but maybe he's playing along with the bit Mandel set up. Burr is a comedian so he knows how to run with a premise. He appeared on Mandel's show to promote an upcoming project, and seems to have succeeded wildly. I don't have any evidence one way or the other, and my gut says this is genuine, but I wouldn't exactly be surprised if this all turned out to be an elaborate set-up designed to get people talking and boost the careers of all three men; it wouldn't be the first time. Speaking of— Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are probably not brothers eitherMatthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson look alike too. Unlike Corgan and Burr, the actors are pals, but there's a rumor that they're brothers too. Just as Corgan's mother brought up the possibility that he was related to Burr, McConaughey's mom brought up a possible family relationship with Harrelson. “We're all sitting around in Greece one night talking and my mom out of nowhere in a little pause goes, ‘Oh, I knew your dad, Woody...,’ ” McConaughey said in an interview. “And we all went, ‘What was the ellipsis about?' ...And she goes, ‘Just saying, we might have frequented the same place out in West Texas one time when he was on furlough.' ” The pair have mentioned doing DNA tests in the past, but, so far, haven't released any results. Again, I don't know if it was a publicity stunt for a movie, but I wouldn't be surprised. View the full article

There is some chatter in the SEO community that Google Image Search may be down ranking, lowering the rankings, of AI-generated images, in favor of non-AI-generated images within the Google Image search results.View the full article

Google is making more changes to the Google Publisher Center, in March Google News will fully transition to automatically generated publication pages in March.View the full article

Microsoft has updated Bing Webmaster Tools to make selecting the date ranges a lot easier in the performance reports. Now the date selectors are very quick to select, and not deeper inside a menu option.View the full article

I’m not sure who first compared ChatGPT to Cliff Clavin, the garrulous mailman/barfly from TV’s Cheers. It’s so an apt comparison that many people probably came up with it independently. Cliff did know a lot of stuff—after all, he was a Jeopardy almost-winner. Yet he was also a blowhard who didn’t seem to realize when he was speaking outside the bounds of his expertise. If you were paying attention, you knew that his seeming level of confidence was unrelated to the value of what he had to say. Even as AI companies have managed to reduce their chatbots’ tendency to hallucinate, a certain degree of Clavin-ism has remained endemic to the category. But I’ve been playing with a new ChatGPT feature called “deep research,” which OpenAI announced last week. Instead of just being glib and eager to please, it weaves together facts and analysis into results with real substance. It’s not perfect, but it ranks with Google’s NotebookLM among the most impressive AI research tools I’ve tried. I don’t believe I’ve encountered a single hallucination in the tens of thousands of words it’s generated in response to my queries thus far. At the moment, taking advantage of deep research requires deep pockets: The feature is debuting as part of ChatGPT Pro, which costs $200 a month. (I treated myself to a one-off upgrade for February to try it out—fingers crossed that Fast Company reimburses me.) If further testing goes as expected, OpenAI says, it will come to the $20/month ChatGPT Plus in a month or so. Once it does, I expect to use it frequently. OpenAI’s blog post about deep research offers background on how it works, accompanied by charts showing its performance in various AI benchmarks. In use, what it feels like is a new kind of chatbot that actually does its homework. Far less dependent on a hermetically sealed LLM than most, it comes up with answers to questions in something closer to the way a human research assistant would, by consulting sources around the web in real time and synthesizing them into a cohesive whole. It’s a much more fleshed out, immediately useful example of agentic AI than Operator, another recently introduced ChatGPT feature that’s able to trawl the web on its users’ behalf. By human standards, deep research does its work swiftly, but it’s hardly instantaneous: OpenAI says to expect the process to take 5 to 30 minutes per query. As it chugs away, it usually displays a running list of notes. For example, following a request I made involving fast-food history, it noted “Searched for McDonald’s number of locations in the 1960s.” Once in a while, these snippets are mystifying non sequiturs: At one point, it told me “If necessary, I will escalate to HR for guidance.” Overall however, they make the feat of generating AI text feel less like a magic trick and more like a computational process we mere mortals might comprehend—a welcome change from AI’s often opaque nature. I threw a bunch of projects at deep research, such as writing a competitive analysis of the market for image editing software, explaining how mechanical watches work, comparing instant-photography technologies from Polaroid and Kodak, and chronicling attempts to suppress free speech in the U.S. from 1900 to 1950. In every instance, it came back with detailed responses full of well-chosen facts and crisp analysis, on a different plane of readability and quality than standard AI bot fare. It also provided Wikipedia-like citations for its work, a boon for full disclosure and an aid to further reading on a subject. Impressive though deep research is, certain types of requests revealed its weak spots. As with most generative AI bots, it has a relentlessly positive attitude that gets in the way of anything requiring critical appraisal: I tried to get it to be more blunt by asking about the most forgettable pop culture pap imaginable, and it always insisted everything was a cult favorite. And while OpenAI touts the feature as being able to provide “hyper-personalized recommendations on purchases that typically require careful research,” the more I knew about a product area, the less impressed I was by its advice. Its suggestions of cameras for street photography, for example, were muddled by some prices that were way, way off. And when I asked it about tablets capable of replacing a laptop, it waxed enthusiastic about the 2022 iPad Pros—apparently unaware that Apple replaced them last year. ChatGPT’s deep research feature really does go deeper than the average chatbot—and it cites its sources clearly. Thanks to the feature’s running notes and citations, some of its other current limitations are obvious. For instance, it often tried to read sources that might have been valuable—such as Consumer Reports—and gave up because they were paywalled. It also doesn’t seem to perform what I would consider truly dazzling feats of online derring-do, such as fishing material out of obscure PDFs salted away in the Internet Archive’s many nooks and crannies. OpenAI’s blog-post announcement mentions expansion plans that encompass “specialized data sources” and “subscription-based . . . resources,” implying that deep research could get meaningfully better without requiring foundational advances in its AI. Oh, and one other thing: It kept asking me if I’d like its answers to include charts and diagrams. I always said yes, but it never provided any. It would be nice if it eventually got this option it mistakenly believes it already has. In 1984, the famously demanding technologist and visionary Alan Kay deemed the original Macintosh to be the first personal computer good enough to be worth criticizing. Even with its current rough edges, deep research might be the first general-purpose AI-enhanced research tool to clear that bar—both a breakthrough right now and, with any luck, a preview of even better things to come. You’ve been reading Plugged In, Fast Company’s weekly tech newsletter from me, global technology editor Harry McCracken. If a friend or colleague forwarded this edition to you—or if you’re reading it on FastCompany.com—you can check out previous issues and sign up to get it yourself every Wednesday morning. I love hearing from you: Ping me at hmccracken@fastcompany.com with your feedback and ideas for future newsletters. I’m also on Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads. More top tech stories from Fast Company OpenAI shouldn’t accept Elon Musk’s $97 billion bid to buy it The eye-popping bid is too cheap to be taken seriously. But with Musk near the Trump White House, what happens next is anyone’s guess. Read More → What exactly is the point of the AI Action Summit? As representatives convene in Paris this week to discuss the future of AI, tech companies are moving beyond discussion and taking decisive action. Read More → How Apple could work with DeepSeek to pull ahead in the AI race DeepSeek made American tech giants seem vulnerable, but it could be a boon to Apple. Here’s why. Read More → This website combines Wikipedia and TikTok to fight doomscrolling WikiTok users can swipe through an endless stream of Wikipedia article stubs, discovering random facts and interesting information along the way. Read More → Roblox joins $27 million industry nonprofit to support online safety The gaming platform says it’s part of its ongoing work to promote safety for kids and others users. Read More → Meta’s AI randomly tried to throw a weird party for me—that I never asked for After I made a quip on Facebook about a Super Bowl ad, Meta’s AI curiously created a party invitation for me—and Puppy Monkey Baby. Read More → View the full article

UK Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed extradition of Joseph El-Khouri, curbing the reach of US prosecutorsView the full article

Google has posted a notice in the Google Ads console reminding advertisers about the upcoming brand guidelines changes that are now slotted for March 2025. This change was communicated numerous times and the deadline has been pushed off here and there.View the full article

In this post, we’ll explore 15 different franchise financing options for small business owners. So whether you’re looking for a traditional loan or something more creative, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you. Let’s get started! What Is Franchising? Franchising allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses with the support of a larger, more established company. Franchises offer brand recognition and a proven business model, which can be helpful for new business owners as they get started. Franchise business owners should have a business plan to guide them as they grow their businesses. READ MORE: See our Franchise Guide How Much Can Financing a Franchise Cost? Franchising offers an excellent opportunity to become your own boss and attain independence. However, it is crucial to comprehend the startup costs associated with it before making any commitments. Typically, the initial investment for most franchises falls between $75,000 and $500,000. The franchise fee will vary based on the specific franchise opportunity. Overall, the costs associated with owning a franchise can differ depending on the brand, the size of the business, and its location. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to fully grasp all the expenses involved before embarking on your franchise journey. Should You Get Financial Assistance Paying for Your Franchise Business? Franchise loans are available from many different lenders, and they can be a great way to finance your franchise business. Here are five things to consider to help determine your financing needs: How much money do you need to borrow? If you need equipment financing to buy expensive items like ovens and coolers, a business loan may be your best bet. What are the terms of the loan? Be sure to understand the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. What is the duration for repaying the loan? Understanding this will assist you in figuring out the amount of monthly payments you can manage. What is your credit score? Your credit score will affect the interest rate you qualify for, so it’s important to know what it is before you apply for a loan. What is the interest rate on the loan? The interest rate will affect your monthly payments, so be sure to compare rates from different lenders before choosing one. What Personal Assets Play a Role in Franchise Financing? When you seek a business loan to finance your franchise, the lender will probably require a personal guarantee. This indicates that you will be personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the lender may request collateral, which refers to an asset that can be used to back the loan. Savings and Investment Portfolios If you have money saved up in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. Your investment portfolio or savings account can also be used to make a down payment on a franchise loan. Severance Package If you’re leaving your current job to start a franchise, you may be able to use your severance package as collateral for a loan. This can help you get the financing you need to get your business off the ground. Home Equity If you have equity in your home, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. Using your home equity as collateral can help you secure a lower interest rate and possible tax benefits such as the interest being tax-deductible. Retirement Funds If you have money saved in a retirement account, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. You’ll likely be able to borrow a larger amount than you would without retirement funds as collateral, and the loan may have a lower interest rate. Choosing the Best Franchise Financing Options: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right financing options for your franchise, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure your small business’s success. We understand that every entrepreneur’s needs are unique, so we’ve developed a comprehensive set of criteria to guide you through this essential decision-making process. Each criterion will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important, allowing you to prioritize according to your specific circumstances. Interest Rates (5/5): The interest rate on your franchise financing significantly impacts your overall costs. Lower interest rates can save you substantial money in the long run, making this a top priority. Loan Term (4/5): Consider the length of the loan term. Longer terms may come with lower monthly payments but potentially higher total interest costs. Loan Amount (4/5): Assess whether the financing option provides the necessary capital to meet your franchise’s specific needs. Adequate funding is crucial for a successful start. Repayment Flexibility (4/5): Evaluate whether the financing allows for flexibility in making repayments. Options like interest-only payments during the initial phase can ease financial strain. Credit Requirements (4/5): Understand the credit score and financial history necessary to qualify for the financing option. Your creditworthiness can affect your eligibility and interest rates. Collateral Requirements (3/5): Determine whether the financing requires collateral. Collateral may include personal assets or business assets, impacting your risk exposure. Origination Fees (3/5): Be aware of any initial fees related to the financing. Elevated origination fees can raise the total expense of borrowing. Approval Speed (3/5): Take into account how urgently you require funds and the usual approval timeline associated with the financing option. Quick approval can be vital for franchise financing in time-sensitive situations. Lender Reputation (5/5): Research the reputation of the lending institution. A reputable lender is more likely to provide transparent terms and excellent customer service. Prepayment Penalties (2/5): Determine whether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can help you avoid unexpected costs. Additional Services (2/5): Some lenders offer value-added services, such as business coaching or networking opportunities. Consider whether these extras align with your needs. Customer Reviews (4/5): Seek out reviews and testimonials from other franchisees who have used the same financing option. Real experiences can provide valuable insights. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (1-5) Interest RatesThe rate at which you'll be borrowing funds. Lower rates can save you money in the long run.5 Loan TermThe length of the loan agreement. Longer terms may have lower monthly payments but higher overall costs.4 Loan AmountThe total funding available to meet your franchise's specific needs.4 Repayment FlexibilityFlexibility in making repayments, including options like interest-only payments during the initial phase.4 Credit RequirementsThe minimum credit score and financial history needed to qualify for the financing.4 Collateral RequirementsWhether the financing requires collateral, which can include personal or business assets.3 Origination FeesUpfront fees associated with the financing, which can impact the overall cost of borrowing.3 Approval SpeedThe typical approval timeline for the financing option, which can be crucial for time-sensitive opportunities.3 Lender ReputationThe reputation of the lending institution, as reputable lenders offer transparent terms and good customer service.5 Prepayment PenaltiesWhether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can avoid unexpected costs.2 Available Franchise Loan Options Business loans are available through a variety of financial institutions. Let’s take a look at some of your financing options: SBA Loans The Small Business Administration offers various SBA loans to help small businesses get started. The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular option, and it offers loans up to $5 million. Other SBA loan programs include the 504 loan program, which offers loans up to $5 million for equipment and real estate, and the microloan program, which offers loans up to $50,000. Franchisor Financing Many franchisors offer financing to help franchisees get started. Franchisor financing can be in the form of loans, lines of credit, or royalty-based financing. If you’re considering franchisor financing, be sure to compare the terms and rates from different lenders before choosing one. Commercial Bank Loan Commercial banks provide various loan options for small businesses, such as business loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. While loans from commercial banks generally feature lower interest rates compared to other loan types, qualifying for these loans can often be more challenging. Retirement Funds If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, you can use Rollover As Business Startups (ROBS). With ROBS, you can roll over the funds from your retirement account into a new business without paying taxes or penalties. This can be a good option if you have a large amount of money saved in a retirement account. Personal Savings If you have money saved in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it to finance your franchise. Using your savings can help you avoid taking on debt, but it will also tie up your assets in the business. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding is a way to raise money by soliciting donations from a large group of people. With crowdfunding, you can set up a profile on a website and solicit donations from friends, family, and strangers. Crowdfunding can be a good option if you don’t have access to traditional forms of financing. Term Loans A term loan is a type of business loan that offers a fixed amount of money for a set period of time. Term loans are typically repaid in monthly installments, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding equipment purchases or expanding your business. Small Business Credit Card A small business credit card can be a good option for financing your franchise. Small business credit cards typically have low interest rates and offer rewards, such as cashback or points, that can be used to offset the cost of your franchise. Equipment Financing If you need to purchase equipment for your franchise, you may be able to finance it through an equipment loan or lease. Equipment financing can be a good option if you don’t have the cash to purchase the equipment outright. Business Lines of Credit A business line of credit is a type of revolving credit that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding inventory or covering unexpected expenses. Business lines of credit typically have lower interest rates than other types of financing, such as credit cards. Credit Union Loans Credit unions provide a variety of loan products similar to those available at commercial banks. Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned, which often allows them to offer lower interest rates and reduced fees. Home Equity Loan & HELOCs If you own a home, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built up to finance your franchise. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are two common types of home equity financing. Home equity loans offer a fixed amount of money for a set period of time, while HELOCs offer a line of credit that can be used as needed. Severance Package If you’ve been laid off from your job, you may be able to use your severance package to finance your franchise. Severance packages typically include a lump sum of cash that can be used for a variety of purposes. Start a Partnership If you can’t afford the costs to open a franchise on your own, consider starting a partnership. With a partnership, you can pool your resources with another person or business to finance your franchise. Family & Friends If you have family or friends who are willing to invest in your franchise, you may be able to use their money to finance your business. However, you should be aware that taking money from friends or family can put a strain on your relationships. How Do You Qualify for Franchise Financing? When trying to get a business loan to meet your franchise financing needs, there are a few things that lenders will look at to determine if you qualify. Here are five things that may be considered: Personal credit score: Your score and personal credit history will be one of the first things a lender looks at when considering you for a loan. It’s important to know what your credit score is before you apply for a loan so you can be prepared. Business credit score: In addition to your personal credit score, the lender will also look at your business credit score. This is a score that’s based on the financial history of your business. Personal guarantee: A personal guarantee indicates that you are personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Lenders may request a personal guarantee when evaluating your application for a loan. Collateral: collateral is an asset that can be used to secure the loan. The lender may ask for collateral in the form of a savings account, investment portfolio, or home equity. Ability to repay: The lender will also consider your ability to repay the loan. They’ll look at things like your income, debts, credit history, and other factors to determine if you can afford the loan payments. Can You Buy a Franchise with No Money? No matter how you slice it, you’re going to need some money to finance a franchise. Franchises typically cost at least tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have any money or the ability to borrow some, then buying a franchise will not be an option for you. Can You Get SBA Loan Financing for a Franchise? The SBA provides loan programs that business owners can utilize to finance a franchise. However, not every franchise will meet the eligibility criteria. The SBA has established specific guidelines that a franchise must adhere to in order to qualify for financing. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Top Funding Options for Aspiring Franchise Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In this post, we’ll explore 15 different franchise financing options for small business owners. So whether you’re looking for a traditional loan or something more creative, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you. Let’s get started! What Is Franchising? Franchising allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses with the support of a larger, more established company. Franchises offer brand recognition and a proven business model, which can be helpful for new business owners as they get started. Franchise business owners should have a business plan to guide them as they grow their businesses. READ MORE: See our Franchise Guide How Much Can Financing a Franchise Cost? Franchising offers an excellent opportunity to become your own boss and attain independence. However, it is crucial to comprehend the startup costs associated with it before making any commitments. Typically, the initial investment for most franchises falls between $75,000 and $500,000. The franchise fee will vary based on the specific franchise opportunity. Overall, the costs associated with owning a franchise can differ depending on the brand, the size of the business, and its location. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to fully grasp all the expenses involved before embarking on your franchise journey. Should You Get Financial Assistance Paying for Your Franchise Business? Franchise loans are available from many different lenders, and they can be a great way to finance your franchise business. Here are five things to consider to help determine your financing needs: How much money do you need to borrow? If you need equipment financing to buy expensive items like ovens and coolers, a business loan may be your best bet. What are the terms of the loan? Be sure to understand the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. What is the duration for repaying the loan? Understanding this will assist you in figuring out the amount of monthly payments you can manage. What is your credit score? Your credit score will affect the interest rate you qualify for, so it’s important to know what it is before you apply for a loan. What is the interest rate on the loan? The interest rate will affect your monthly payments, so be sure to compare rates from different lenders before choosing one. What Personal Assets Play a Role in Franchise Financing? When you seek a business loan to finance your franchise, the lender will probably require a personal guarantee. This indicates that you will be personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the lender may request collateral, which refers to an asset that can be used to back the loan. Savings and Investment Portfolios If you have money saved up in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. Your investment portfolio or savings account can also be used to make a down payment on a franchise loan. Severance Package If you’re leaving your current job to start a franchise, you may be able to use your severance package as collateral for a loan. This can help you get the financing you need to get your business off the ground. Home Equity If you have equity in your home, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. Using your home equity as collateral can help you secure a lower interest rate and possible tax benefits such as the interest being tax-deductible. Retirement Funds If you have money saved in a retirement account, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. You’ll likely be able to borrow a larger amount than you would without retirement funds as collateral, and the loan may have a lower interest rate. Choosing the Best Franchise Financing Options: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right financing options for your franchise, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure your small business’s success. We understand that every entrepreneur’s needs are unique, so we’ve developed a comprehensive set of criteria to guide you through this essential decision-making process. Each criterion will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important, allowing you to prioritize according to your specific circumstances. Interest Rates (5/5): The interest rate on your franchise financing significantly impacts your overall costs. Lower interest rates can save you substantial money in the long run, making this a top priority. Loan Term (4/5): Consider the length of the loan term. Longer terms may come with lower monthly payments but potentially higher total interest costs. Loan Amount (4/5): Assess whether the financing option provides the necessary capital to meet your franchise’s specific needs. Adequate funding is crucial for a successful start. Repayment Flexibility (4/5): Evaluate whether the financing allows for flexibility in making repayments. Options like interest-only payments during the initial phase can ease financial strain. Credit Requirements (4/5): Understand the credit score and financial history necessary to qualify for the financing option. Your creditworthiness can affect your eligibility and interest rates. Collateral Requirements (3/5): Determine whether the financing requires collateral. Collateral may include personal assets or business assets, impacting your risk exposure. Origination Fees (3/5): Be aware of any initial fees related to the financing. Elevated origination fees can raise the total expense of borrowing. Approval Speed (3/5): Take into account how urgently you require funds and the usual approval timeline associated with the financing option. Quick approval can be vital for franchise financing in time-sensitive situations. Lender Reputation (5/5): Research the reputation of the lending institution. A reputable lender is more likely to provide transparent terms and excellent customer service. Prepayment Penalties (2/5): Determine whether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can help you avoid unexpected costs. Additional Services (2/5): Some lenders offer value-added services, such as business coaching or networking opportunities. Consider whether these extras align with your needs. Customer Reviews (4/5): Seek out reviews and testimonials from other franchisees who have used the same financing option. Real experiences can provide valuable insights. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (1-5) Interest RatesThe rate at which you'll be borrowing funds. Lower rates can save you money in the long run.5 Loan TermThe length of the loan agreement. Longer terms may have lower monthly payments but higher overall costs.4 Loan AmountThe total funding available to meet your franchise's specific needs.4 Repayment FlexibilityFlexibility in making repayments, including options like interest-only payments during the initial phase.4 Credit RequirementsThe minimum credit score and financial history needed to qualify for the financing.4 Collateral RequirementsWhether the financing requires collateral, which can include personal or business assets.3 Origination FeesUpfront fees associated with the financing, which can impact the overall cost of borrowing.3 Approval SpeedThe typical approval timeline for the financing option, which can be crucial for time-sensitive opportunities.3 Lender ReputationThe reputation of the lending institution, as reputable lenders offer transparent terms and good customer service.5 Prepayment PenaltiesWhether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can avoid unexpected costs.2 Available Franchise Loan Options Business loans are available through a variety of financial institutions. Let’s take a look at some of your financing options: SBA Loans The Small Business Administration offers various SBA loans to help small businesses get started. The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular option, and it offers loans up to $5 million. Other SBA loan programs include the 504 loan program, which offers loans up to $5 million for equipment and real estate, and the microloan program, which offers loans up to $50,000. Franchisor Financing Many franchisors offer financing to help franchisees get started. Franchisor financing can be in the form of loans, lines of credit, or royalty-based financing. If you’re considering franchisor financing, be sure to compare the terms and rates from different lenders before choosing one. Commercial Bank Loan Commercial banks provide various loan options for small businesses, such as business loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. While loans from commercial banks generally feature lower interest rates compared to other loan types, qualifying for these loans can often be more challenging. Retirement Funds If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, you can use Rollover As Business Startups (ROBS). With ROBS, you can roll over the funds from your retirement account into a new business without paying taxes or penalties. This can be a good option if you have a large amount of money saved in a retirement account. Personal Savings If you have money saved in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it to finance your franchise. Using your savings can help you avoid taking on debt, but it will also tie up your assets in the business. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding is a way to raise money by soliciting donations from a large group of people. With crowdfunding, you can set up a profile on a website and solicit donations from friends, family, and strangers. Crowdfunding can be a good option if you don’t have access to traditional forms of financing. Term Loans A term loan is a type of business loan that offers a fixed amount of money for a set period of time. Term loans are typically repaid in monthly installments, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding equipment purchases or expanding your business. Small Business Credit Card A small business credit card can be a good option for financing your franchise. Small business credit cards typically have low interest rates and offer rewards, such as cashback or points, that can be used to offset the cost of your franchise. Equipment Financing If you need to purchase equipment for your franchise, you may be able to finance it through an equipment loan or lease. Equipment financing can be a good option if you don’t have the cash to purchase the equipment outright. Business Lines of Credit A business line of credit is a type of revolving credit that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding inventory or covering unexpected expenses. Business lines of credit typically have lower interest rates than other types of financing, such as credit cards. Credit Union Loans Credit unions provide a variety of loan products similar to those available at commercial banks. Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned, which often allows them to offer lower interest rates and reduced fees. Home Equity Loan & HELOCs If you own a home, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built up to finance your franchise. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are two common types of home equity financing. Home equity loans offer a fixed amount of money for a set period of time, while HELOCs offer a line of credit that can be used as needed. Severance Package If you’ve been laid off from your job, you may be able to use your severance package to finance your franchise. Severance packages typically include a lump sum of cash that can be used for a variety of purposes. Start a Partnership If you can’t afford the costs to open a franchise on your own, consider starting a partnership. With a partnership, you can pool your resources with another person or business to finance your franchise. Family & Friends If you have family or friends who are willing to invest in your franchise, you may be able to use their money to finance your business. However, you should be aware that taking money from friends or family can put a strain on your relationships. How Do You Qualify for Franchise Financing? When trying to get a business loan to meet your franchise financing needs, there are a few things that lenders will look at to determine if you qualify. Here are five things that may be considered: Personal credit score: Your score and personal credit history will be one of the first things a lender looks at when considering you for a loan. It’s important to know what your credit score is before you apply for a loan so you can be prepared. Business credit score: In addition to your personal credit score, the lender will also look at your business credit score. This is a score that’s based on the financial history of your business. Personal guarantee: A personal guarantee indicates that you are personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Lenders may request a personal guarantee when evaluating your application for a loan. Collateral: collateral is an asset that can be used to secure the loan. The lender may ask for collateral in the form of a savings account, investment portfolio, or home equity. Ability to repay: The lender will also consider your ability to repay the loan. They’ll look at things like your income, debts, credit history, and other factors to determine if you can afford the loan payments. Can You Buy a Franchise with No Money? No matter how you slice it, you’re going to need some money to finance a franchise. Franchises typically cost at least tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have any money or the ability to borrow some, then buying a franchise will not be an option for you. Can You Get SBA Loan Financing for a Franchise? The SBA provides loan programs that business owners can utilize to finance a franchise. However, not every franchise will meet the eligibility criteria. The SBA has established specific guidelines that a franchise must adhere to in order to qualify for financing. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Top Funding Options for Aspiring Franchise Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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