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Entering the world of weddings isn’t just about love and romance; it’s a thriving industry with vast entrepreneurial opportunities. With many wedding business ideas available for aspiring entrepreneurs, one that often gets overlooked is wedding rentals. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a wedding rental business, keep reading this article for guidance and actionable insights about how to start a business in this exciting field. Understanding the Wedding Rentals Business The wedding rental industry has witnessed consistent growth, with couples seeking bespoke experiences for their big day. From thematic decors to couture gowns, the demand for unique and customized rentals is at an all-time high, making it an ideal time for entrepreneurs to venture into this market. Why Start a Wedding Rental Business? There’s no denying the allure and profitability of the wedding industry. Here’s why starting a wedding rental company could be your next best move: Lucrative Market: Weddings take place all year long, creating opportunities for a steady stream of income throughout the entire year. Diverse Inventory Options: The vast range of products, from gowns to lighting setups, allows businesses to tailor their inventory to specific market demands. Recurring Business: Beyond the initial wedding, occasions like anniversaries and vow renewals can provide ongoing business opportunities. Flexible Business Model: The adaptability of this business lets entrepreneurs operate from different setups, whether a physical storefront or an online platform. You may even integrate wedding rentals into other businesses that serve this market. For example, you could look into how to start a limo business. Creative Freedom: This industry allows for constant innovation, letting you bring dream weddings to life through fresh, trendsetting ideas. Starting a Successful Wedding Rental Business: A Step-by-Step Guide Diving into the wedding rental industry can be rewarding, given the timeless demand for weddings. However, to ensure the success and longevity of your business, certain foundational steps are pivotal. From understanding the nuances of your local market to assembling a dedicated team, each aspect significantly determines your business’s trajectory. Below, we delve into these key steps, offering insights and a business startup checklist to help you navigate the path to establishing a thriving wedding rental business. StepWhat is It?How to Do ItTip for Success Conduct a Market AnalysisUnderstanding local market conditions and potential competition.Research the local wedding rental landscape, survey potential clients, and analyze competitors' offerings.Regularly update your market research to stay ahead of trends and shifts in client preferences. Create a Business PlanA comprehensive plan outlining the business's strategy and operations.Document your business vision, define objectives, and detail operational aspects such as budget, staffing, and marketing.Revisit and adjust your business plan annually or when major changes occur. Register Your BusinessOfficially establishing your business within the legal framework.Choose a business name, register it, and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.Ensure you understand local and state regulations to avoid legal complications. Secure FundingObtaining financial support for starting or expanding your business.Explore different funding options such as bank loans, angel investors, or crowdfunding.Clearly define how you will use the funds and have a repayment strategy in place. Build a Reliable TeamAssembling a group of professionals to drive business operations.Recruit individuals who have the skills and experience relevant to the wedding rental industry. Train and onboard them effectively.Foster a team culture of continuous learning and prioritize clear communication. Assessing the Market Demand It’s vital to gauge the pulse of the local market. Conduct surveys, host focus groups, or simply engage with potential customers to understand their rental needs, budget constraints, and preferences. Business Planning for Success Wedding planning is the only aspect of a real company. Your business plan is your compass. It should detail your mission statement, market analysis, organizational structure, product line, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Regularly revisiting and updating this plan ensures your business remains on track. Registering Your Business and Obtaining a Business License Taking the plunge into the business world necessitates some bureaucratic navigation. Ensuring that your venture operates legally not only protects you from potential litigation but also establishes credibility with clients. Here’s how to navigate this terrain: Choosing a Business Name: Your business name should be memorable and resonate with the wedding rental industry. This helps potential clients find you more easily. Obtaining a Federal Tax ID: Known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN), this identification is essential for tax purposes and is a requirement for many business transactions. Securing Local Permits: Depending on where you’re based, local laws might necessitate specific permits for your type of business. Registering Your Business Entity: This decision entails choosing how you’ll structure your business, be it as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or entity. Business License: This is a fundamental requirement. A general business license ensures you can operate legally in your municipality, and it often needs renewal, so stay updated. Creating a Budget, Opening a Business Bank Account, and Financing Your Business Finances are the lifeblood of any business. Proper financial planning and management can mean the difference between success and failure. By forecasting potential expenses, estimating projected revenue, and setting clear financial boundaries, you can navigate the financial challenges of your venture: Budgeting: A detailed budget outlines both your operational costs and potential income, offering a clear financial overview. Business Bank Account: Keeping personal and business finances separate is crucial. Opening a dedicated account for your business ensures clearer financial tracking. Financing Options: There are numerous ways to secure funding, from traditional bank loans and small business grants to seeking out angel investors. Choose the option that aligns best with your needs and business model. Building a Reliable Team Having a stellar team can set your business apart. From the initial interaction with clients to the complexities of managing inventory, the skills and professionalism of your staff play a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction. Recruiting: Target individuals with relevant experience in the wedding or rental industry for key positions. Their expertise can be invaluable. Training: Constant training ensures that your team is updated with industry standards, trends, and best practices. Team Dynamics: Fostering a collaborative and positive work environment can enhance productivity and reduce employee turnover. Compensation and Benefits: Offering competitive salaries and benefits attracts top talent and ensures staff loyalty. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defining what’s expected of each team member from the onset can streamline operations and reduce potential conflicts. Creating an Attractive and User-Friendly Website In this digital age, an online presence is indispensable. Your website serves as a virtual storefront, showcasing your products and services to a global audience. Ensure it’s professionally designed, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Don’t forget to regularly update it with the latest inventory, client testimonials, and any promotional offers. Implementing a Booking and Payment System A streamlined booking and payment system can significantly enhance the customer experience when establishing a wedding rental business. With today’s tech-savvy consumers, having a digital, easy-to-use interface is not only expected but essential. This system can minimize manual errors, increase efficiency, and foster customer trust by providing a secure transaction environment. Evaluate Your Needs Assess your business’s unique requirements before diving into specific platforms or tools. Determine the volume of transactions, the types of products or services on offer, and any specific features you may require, such as inventory tracking or contract signing. Consider both your immediate needs and future growth prospects. Research Available Platforms There are myriad booking and payment systems on the market, each with its unique features and pricing models. Seek out platforms that are well-regarded in the wedding industry, as they are likely designed to meet specific nuances and customer expectations. Read reviews, request demos, and compare features to find a solution that aligns with your needs. Ensure Security Measures Security is paramount. The chosen system should employ robust encryption and comply with industry standards, ensuring that both business and client information remains protected. Regularly updating the software and staying informed about the latest security threats will also help keep your system secure. Integrate with Existing Infrastructure If you have an existing business website or other systems, make sure that the selected booking and payment platform integrates seamlessly. This integration may require working with web developers or using plugins. Seamless integration is crucial for user experience and operational efficiency. Train Your Team Once you’ve selected and integrated your booking and payment system, ensure your staff is well-versed in its operations. Conduct training sessions, provide reference materials, and foster an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions. Well-trained personnel will minimize errors and elevate the customer experience. Monitor and Adjust As with all business operations, it’s essential to review the system’s performance periodically. Collect customer and staff feedback, address any pain points, and make adjustments as necessary. This iterative process ensures that your system remains efficient, user-friendly, and beneficial to your business. Designing a Marketing and Promotion Strategy In the wedding industry, word of mouth is golden. Delivering impeccable customer service can lead to positive reviews, referrals, and repeat business, driving your venture’s success. Search Engine Optimization: A robust SEO strategy ensures that your website ranks high on search engine results, bringing in organic traffic. Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook allow you to showcase your products and engage with a broader audience. Partnerships with Industry Professionals: Collaborating with wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors can provide referrals and expand your client base. Local Advertisements: Utilizing local print and digital media is an effective way to reach the local market. Loyalty Programs: Offering incentives for repeat rentals or client referrals can boost your business’s growth. Providing Excellent Customer Service The wedding industry thrives on recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing. Offering exceptional customer service can lead to positive reviews and client referrals, cementing your business’s reputation in the market. Regularly solicit feedback, promptly address concerns, and strive to exceed client expectations. How to Start a Tuxedo Rental Business Weddings remain an evergreen event; formal wear is consistently demanded. Starting a tuxedo rental business can be lucrative, given that you take the right steps to establish your brand. Market Research and Analysis Conducting thorough market research helps in understanding your target audience, their preferences, and the current trends in the tuxedo rental business. This research will guide you in making informed inventory, pricing, and marketing strategy decisions. Finding the Right Suppliers The backbone of any tuxedo rental business lies in its inventory. Sourcing high-quality tuxedos is paramount. Establishing and nurturing relationships with reliable suppliers guarantees that your inventory remains stylish and of superior quality. Marketing Your Tuxedo Rental Business With numerous businesses in the wedding industry, setting yourself apart can be challenging. However, strategic marketing efforts can significantly enhance visibility and customer engagement. Online Presence: Establish a user-friendly website and engage in social media marketing. Display your collection and customer reviews, and offer online booking options. Local Collaborations: Partner with local wedding planners, venues, and photographers to promote your services. Offer Packages: Create packages with discounts for groomsmen or other wedding party members. Host Try-On Events: Organize events where potential customers can try on tuxedos, aiding in decision-making. Loyalty Programs: Reward returning customers with discounts or exclusive offers. How to Start a Wedding Decoration Rental Business The ambiance of a wedding is largely determined by its decor. Starting a wedding decoration rental business requires creativity and an understanding of the latest trends. Business Plan Creation Develop a comprehensive business plan that details your business model, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategies. It will serve as a roadmap for your business’s growth and help in securing financing. Sourcing and Storing Decorations The aesthetic appeal of your inventory is crucial. While sourcing, focus on variety and quality. Ensure that the items are stored properly to maintain their pristine condition. Fortunately, a variety of options are available to source wedding decorations, including: Attend Trade Shows: It’s a great way to find unique pieces and connect with suppliers. Purchase in Bulk: Buying in bulk can often lead to discounts and better deals. Storage Conditions: Ensure a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage. Inventory Management: Regularly check and maintain your inventory to ensure it’s in rentable condition. Invest in Packaging: Proper packaging can prevent wear and tear during transport. Decoration Trends to Keep an Eye On Staying updated with the latest decoration trends is essential. Couples look for unique and contemporary themes for their special day. Some popular themes include: Sustainable Decor: Eco-friendly and sustainable decorations are gaining popularity. Themed Weddings: From vintage to bohemian, themed decorations are in high demand. Interactive Decor: Photo booths, interactive wall displays, and more are being integrated. Minimalist Designs: Clean, simple, and elegant decors are becoming a favorite. Personalized Touches: Custom monograms or names integrated into the decor. Bright and Bold: Vibrant color palettes are making a comeback. Mixed Materials: Combining different materials like wood, metal, and fabric for a unique look. How to Start a Wedding Dress Rental Business Every bride dreams of wearing a perfect dress on her big day. Starting a wedding dress rental business can be a dream come true for many brides by providing them with their ideal dress at a fraction of the purchase price. Before you open for business, it’s ‘s vital to determine whether you’ll cater to luxury brands, budget-friendly options, or a mix. Selecting a Range of Dresses Variety is key. Ensure your collection caters to different body types, tastes, and wedding themes. When stocking your wedding dress inventory, remember the following classic and trendy dresses: Classic White Gowns: Timeless pieces that appeal to traditional brides. Bohemian Dresses: Flowy gowns for beach or outdoor weddings. Cultural Dresses: Catering to specific cultural wedding traditions can set you apart. Plus-Size Collection: Ensure every bride finds her fit. Designer Collaborations: Limited edition designer pieces can attract a luxury clientele. Short Dresses: Perfect for a casual wedding or a reception party. Colored Gowns: Not every bride wants white; offer shades like blush, gold, or even black. Convertible Dresses: Gowns that can be modified, like detachable trains or sleeves, offer versatility. Care and Maintenance of Wedding Dresses Maintaining the dresses in impeccable condition is paramount. Regular checks, cleaning, and repairs will ensure customer satisfaction and longevity of the inventory. Before you start cleaning rented wedding dresses, become aware of the following tips: Professional Cleaning: Post-rental, ensure each dress undergoes professional cleaning. Inspection After Every Use: Check for damages, stains, or wear and tear. Storage: Use garment bags and store them in a moisture-free environment. Repairs: Immediate mending or fixing of any damages is crucial. You may also learn how to become a tailor to make any necessary alterations. Handling Instructions: Educate customers on proper handling to minimize damages. How to Start a Wedding Supply Rental Business Wedding supplies encompass a broad range of items, from table settings to lighting. Establishing a wedding supply rental business involves meticulous planning and a keen understanding of wedding essentials. The Essentials: What Every Wedding Supply Rental Business Needs While the specific requirements can vary based on regional and cultural preferences, some items remain universally popular. No wedding supply rental business is complete without the following elements: Tables and Chairs: Essential for any wedding, ensure you have a variety of styles. Table Settings: Plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins in various styles cater to different wedding themes. Lighting Equipment: Good lighting sets the mood, from fairy lights to chandeliers. Dance Floors: Offer different sizes and finishes to suit venue requirements. Sound Systems: Quality sound systems for announcements and music are vital. Setting Up Logistics Efficient logistics are the backbone of a rental business. These encompass storage, transportation, and on-site setup. Proper organization ensures timely delivery, setup, and collection, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business. How to Start a Wedding Furniture Rental Business A wedding is incomplete without the right furniture. It plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance, ensuring comfort for guests, and complementing the overall theme. When launching a wedding furniture rental business, you first should determine if you’ll cater to luxury events, budget weddings, or a mix. It’s also important to understand the demands and preferences of your target clientele. Selecting a Range of Wedding Furniture Offering a diverse range ensures you cater to various wedding themes and settings. When selecting the range you will offer your customers, don’t forget the following essentials: Classic Wooden Chairs: Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. Lounge Furniture: Sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables for relaxed seating areas. Themed Pieces: Vintage sofas, rustic benches, or modern setups cater to specific themes. Bars and Counters: Essential for serving drinks and food. Decorative Pieces: Items like arches or centerpieces that enhance the setting. Storage and Maintenance of Wedding Furniture Proper care ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your inventory. Regular Cleaning: Dust, polish, and clean furniture pieces regularly. Climate-Controlled Storage: Protects from moisture and temperature variations. Prompt Repairs: Address any wear and tear immediately. Protective Coverings: Use covers during transportation to prevent damage. Rotate Inventory: Regularly rotate pieces in storage to avoid any one item from being overused. How to Start a Wedding Tent Rental Business Outdoor weddings are increasingly popular, making tent rentals a lucrative venture. However, they come with their set of challenges, including varying customer requirements and complex setups. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a garden ceremony, or a grand reception on a large field, understanding the event type will guide your inventory decisions. Sourcing High-Quality Tents The quality of tents is paramount. It ensures safety, withstands weather conditions, and meets client expectations. Weather-Resistant Materials: Tents should withstand rain, wind, or scorching sun. Versatility in Size and Style: Offer various sizes and styles to cater to different events. Transparent and Opaque Options: Some events prefer transparent tents to enjoy natural beauty, while others opt for opaque for privacy. Safety Standards: Ensure tents meet safety regulations and can withstand strong winds. Modular Options: Tents that can be expanded or contracted based on guest count are ideal. Tent Setup and Take-down Logistics Tent logistics can be tricky, considering their size and the intricacies involved in setting them up. Skilled Manpower: Train a team proficient in safely setting up and taking down tents. Safety Precautions: Use weights, ropes, and stakes appropriately to ensure stability. Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on weather predictions to make necessary preparations. Clear Instructions: Educate clients on safety precautions, especially in adverse weather. Inspection: Post-event, inspect the tent for damages or wear and tear. How to Start a Wedding Audio and Lighting Rental Business Sound and lighting are the soul of any event, and weddings are no exception. These elements set the mood and ensure everything runs smoothly. First, you’ll want to decide if you want to cater to small, intimate weddings, large-scale events, or both. This decision will influence your equipment inventory and pricing. The Essentials of Wedding Audio and Lighting Both sound and light contribute immensely to the overall experience of a wedding. Providing top-notch equipment ensures customer satisfaction. Microphones and Speakers: Essential for announcements, vows, and music. Mixers and Amplifiers: Ensure sound clarity and quality. LED Lights: Energy-efficient and versatile in creating ambiance. Spotlights: Highlight important moments or areas. Projectors and Screens: For displaying videos or slideshows during the event. Care and Maintenance of Audio and Lighting Equipment Regular maintenance ensures the equipment performs optimally and has a longer lifespan. Routine Checks: Before every event, test the equipment to ensure functionality. Professional Cleaning: Dust and grime can affect performance; regular cleaning is crucial. Storage: Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Software Updates: If applicable, keep software updated for optimum performance. Repairs: Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage. FAQs: How To Start A Wedding Rental Business How profitable are wedding rental businesses? Wedding rental businesses can be highly profitable, given the consistent demand for weddings annually. With proper planning, quality inventory, and effective marketing, businesses can see a considerable return on investment. Overheads are generally limited to maintenance, storage, and transportation, with the potential for high markup on rental prices. How can I differentiate my wedding rental business from competitors? Differentiation can be accomplished by providing unique inventory items, delivering exceptional customer service, offering competitive pricing for rental services, and fostering strong relationships with local wedding planners and venues. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices or focusing on niche themes can further distinguish your business. How can local wedding planners help my rental business? Local wedding planners represent a valuable opportunity for small businesses that provide wedding rentals. They frequently serve as the initial contact for couples and can endorse your services. By cultivating strong relationships with these planners, providing package deals or commissions, and demonstrating reliability, you can position yourself as their preferred choice for rentals. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Wedding Rental Business: Your Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Entering the world of weddings isn’t just about love and romance; it’s a thriving industry with vast entrepreneurial opportunities. With many wedding business ideas available for aspiring entrepreneurs, one that often gets overlooked is wedding rentals. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a wedding rental business, keep reading this article for guidance and actionable insights about how to start a business in this exciting field. Understanding the Wedding Rentals Business The wedding rental industry has witnessed consistent growth, with couples seeking bespoke experiences for their big day. From thematic decors to couture gowns, the demand for unique and customized rentals is at an all-time high, making it an ideal time for entrepreneurs to venture into this market. Why Start a Wedding Rental Business? There’s no denying the allure and profitability of the wedding industry. Here’s why starting a wedding rental company could be your next best move: Lucrative Market: Weddings take place all year long, creating opportunities for a steady stream of income throughout the entire year. Diverse Inventory Options: The vast range of products, from gowns to lighting setups, allows businesses to tailor their inventory to specific market demands. Recurring Business: Beyond the initial wedding, occasions like anniversaries and vow renewals can provide ongoing business opportunities. Flexible Business Model: The adaptability of this business lets entrepreneurs operate from different setups, whether a physical storefront or an online platform. You may even integrate wedding rentals into other businesses that serve this market. For example, you could look into how to start a limo business. Creative Freedom: This industry allows for constant innovation, letting you bring dream weddings to life through fresh, trendsetting ideas. Starting a Successful Wedding Rental Business: A Step-by-Step Guide Diving into the wedding rental industry can be rewarding, given the timeless demand for weddings. However, to ensure the success and longevity of your business, certain foundational steps are pivotal. From understanding the nuances of your local market to assembling a dedicated team, each aspect significantly determines your business’s trajectory. Below, we delve into these key steps, offering insights and a business startup checklist to help you navigate the path to establishing a thriving wedding rental business. StepWhat is It?How to Do ItTip for Success Conduct a Market AnalysisUnderstanding local market conditions and potential competition.Research the local wedding rental landscape, survey potential clients, and analyze competitors' offerings.Regularly update your market research to stay ahead of trends and shifts in client preferences. Create a Business PlanA comprehensive plan outlining the business's strategy and operations.Document your business vision, define objectives, and detail operational aspects such as budget, staffing, and marketing.Revisit and adjust your business plan annually or when major changes occur. Register Your BusinessOfficially establishing your business within the legal framework.Choose a business name, register it, and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.Ensure you understand local and state regulations to avoid legal complications. Secure FundingObtaining financial support for starting or expanding your business.Explore different funding options such as bank loans, angel investors, or crowdfunding.Clearly define how you will use the funds and have a repayment strategy in place. Build a Reliable TeamAssembling a group of professionals to drive business operations.Recruit individuals who have the skills and experience relevant to the wedding rental industry. Train and onboard them effectively.Foster a team culture of continuous learning and prioritize clear communication. Assessing the Market Demand It’s vital to gauge the pulse of the local market. Conduct surveys, host focus groups, or simply engage with potential customers to understand their rental needs, budget constraints, and preferences. Business Planning for Success Wedding planning is the only aspect of a real company. Your business plan is your compass. It should detail your mission statement, market analysis, organizational structure, product line, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Regularly revisiting and updating this plan ensures your business remains on track. Registering Your Business and Obtaining a Business License Taking the plunge into the business world necessitates some bureaucratic navigation. Ensuring that your venture operates legally not only protects you from potential litigation but also establishes credibility with clients. Here’s how to navigate this terrain: Choosing a Business Name: Your business name should be memorable and resonate with the wedding rental industry. This helps potential clients find you more easily. Obtaining a Federal Tax ID: Known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN), this identification is essential for tax purposes and is a requirement for many business transactions. Securing Local Permits: Depending on where you’re based, local laws might necessitate specific permits for your type of business. Registering Your Business Entity: This decision entails choosing how you’ll structure your business, be it as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or entity. Business License: This is a fundamental requirement. A general business license ensures you can operate legally in your municipality, and it often needs renewal, so stay updated. Creating a Budget, Opening a Business Bank Account, and Financing Your Business Finances are the lifeblood of any business. Proper financial planning and management can mean the difference between success and failure. By forecasting potential expenses, estimating projected revenue, and setting clear financial boundaries, you can navigate the financial challenges of your venture: Budgeting: A detailed budget outlines both your operational costs and potential income, offering a clear financial overview. Business Bank Account: Keeping personal and business finances separate is crucial. Opening a dedicated account for your business ensures clearer financial tracking. Financing Options: There are numerous ways to secure funding, from traditional bank loans and small business grants to seeking out angel investors. Choose the option that aligns best with your needs and business model. Building a Reliable Team Having a stellar team can set your business apart. From the initial interaction with clients to the complexities of managing inventory, the skills and professionalism of your staff play a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction. Recruiting: Target individuals with relevant experience in the wedding or rental industry for key positions. Their expertise can be invaluable. Training: Constant training ensures that your team is updated with industry standards, trends, and best practices. Team Dynamics: Fostering a collaborative and positive work environment can enhance productivity and reduce employee turnover. Compensation and Benefits: Offering competitive salaries and benefits attracts top talent and ensures staff loyalty. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defining what’s expected of each team member from the onset can streamline operations and reduce potential conflicts. Creating an Attractive and User-Friendly Website In this digital age, an online presence is indispensable. Your website serves as a virtual storefront, showcasing your products and services to a global audience. Ensure it’s professionally designed, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Don’t forget to regularly update it with the latest inventory, client testimonials, and any promotional offers. Implementing a Booking and Payment System A streamlined booking and payment system can significantly enhance the customer experience when establishing a wedding rental business. With today’s tech-savvy consumers, having a digital, easy-to-use interface is not only expected but essential. This system can minimize manual errors, increase efficiency, and foster customer trust by providing a secure transaction environment. Evaluate Your Needs Assess your business’s unique requirements before diving into specific platforms or tools. Determine the volume of transactions, the types of products or services on offer, and any specific features you may require, such as inventory tracking or contract signing. Consider both your immediate needs and future growth prospects. Research Available Platforms There are myriad booking and payment systems on the market, each with its unique features and pricing models. Seek out platforms that are well-regarded in the wedding industry, as they are likely designed to meet specific nuances and customer expectations. Read reviews, request demos, and compare features to find a solution that aligns with your needs. Ensure Security Measures Security is paramount. The chosen system should employ robust encryption and comply with industry standards, ensuring that both business and client information remains protected. Regularly updating the software and staying informed about the latest security threats will also help keep your system secure. Integrate with Existing Infrastructure If you have an existing business website or other systems, make sure that the selected booking and payment platform integrates seamlessly. This integration may require working with web developers or using plugins. Seamless integration is crucial for user experience and operational efficiency. Train Your Team Once you’ve selected and integrated your booking and payment system, ensure your staff is well-versed in its operations. Conduct training sessions, provide reference materials, and foster an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions. Well-trained personnel will minimize errors and elevate the customer experience. Monitor and Adjust As with all business operations, it’s essential to review the system’s performance periodically. Collect customer and staff feedback, address any pain points, and make adjustments as necessary. This iterative process ensures that your system remains efficient, user-friendly, and beneficial to your business. Designing a Marketing and Promotion Strategy In the wedding industry, word of mouth is golden. Delivering impeccable customer service can lead to positive reviews, referrals, and repeat business, driving your venture’s success. Search Engine Optimization: A robust SEO strategy ensures that your website ranks high on search engine results, bringing in organic traffic. Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook allow you to showcase your products and engage with a broader audience. Partnerships with Industry Professionals: Collaborating with wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors can provide referrals and expand your client base. Local Advertisements: Utilizing local print and digital media is an effective way to reach the local market. Loyalty Programs: Offering incentives for repeat rentals or client referrals can boost your business’s growth. Providing Excellent Customer Service The wedding industry thrives on recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing. Offering exceptional customer service can lead to positive reviews and client referrals, cementing your business’s reputation in the market. Regularly solicit feedback, promptly address concerns, and strive to exceed client expectations. How to Start a Tuxedo Rental Business Weddings remain an evergreen event; formal wear is consistently demanded. Starting a tuxedo rental business can be lucrative, given that you take the right steps to establish your brand. Market Research and Analysis Conducting thorough market research helps in understanding your target audience, their preferences, and the current trends in the tuxedo rental business. This research will guide you in making informed inventory, pricing, and marketing strategy decisions. Finding the Right Suppliers The backbone of any tuxedo rental business lies in its inventory. Sourcing high-quality tuxedos is paramount. Establishing and nurturing relationships with reliable suppliers guarantees that your inventory remains stylish and of superior quality. Marketing Your Tuxedo Rental Business With numerous businesses in the wedding industry, setting yourself apart can be challenging. However, strategic marketing efforts can significantly enhance visibility and customer engagement. Online Presence: Establish a user-friendly website and engage in social media marketing. Display your collection and customer reviews, and offer online booking options. Local Collaborations: Partner with local wedding planners, venues, and photographers to promote your services. Offer Packages: Create packages with discounts for groomsmen or other wedding party members. Host Try-On Events: Organize events where potential customers can try on tuxedos, aiding in decision-making. Loyalty Programs: Reward returning customers with discounts or exclusive offers. How to Start a Wedding Decoration Rental Business The ambiance of a wedding is largely determined by its decor. Starting a wedding decoration rental business requires creativity and an understanding of the latest trends. Business Plan Creation Develop a comprehensive business plan that details your business model, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategies. It will serve as a roadmap for your business’s growth and help in securing financing. Sourcing and Storing Decorations The aesthetic appeal of your inventory is crucial. While sourcing, focus on variety and quality. Ensure that the items are stored properly to maintain their pristine condition. Fortunately, a variety of options are available to source wedding decorations, including: Attend Trade Shows: It’s a great way to find unique pieces and connect with suppliers. Purchase in Bulk: Buying in bulk can often lead to discounts and better deals. Storage Conditions: Ensure a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage. Inventory Management: Regularly check and maintain your inventory to ensure it’s in rentable condition. Invest in Packaging: Proper packaging can prevent wear and tear during transport. Decoration Trends to Keep an Eye On Staying updated with the latest decoration trends is essential. Couples look for unique and contemporary themes for their special day. Some popular themes include: Sustainable Decor: Eco-friendly and sustainable decorations are gaining popularity. Themed Weddings: From vintage to bohemian, themed decorations are in high demand. Interactive Decor: Photo booths, interactive wall displays, and more are being integrated. Minimalist Designs: Clean, simple, and elegant decors are becoming a favorite. Personalized Touches: Custom monograms or names integrated into the decor. Bright and Bold: Vibrant color palettes are making a comeback. Mixed Materials: Combining different materials like wood, metal, and fabric for a unique look. How to Start a Wedding Dress Rental Business Every bride dreams of wearing a perfect dress on her big day. Starting a wedding dress rental business can be a dream come true for many brides by providing them with their ideal dress at a fraction of the purchase price. Before you open for business, it’s ‘s vital to determine whether you’ll cater to luxury brands, budget-friendly options, or a mix. Selecting a Range of Dresses Variety is key. Ensure your collection caters to different body types, tastes, and wedding themes. When stocking your wedding dress inventory, remember the following classic and trendy dresses: Classic White Gowns: Timeless pieces that appeal to traditional brides. Bohemian Dresses: Flowy gowns for beach or outdoor weddings. Cultural Dresses: Catering to specific cultural wedding traditions can set you apart. Plus-Size Collection: Ensure every bride finds her fit. Designer Collaborations: Limited edition designer pieces can attract a luxury clientele. Short Dresses: Perfect for a casual wedding or a reception party. Colored Gowns: Not every bride wants white; offer shades like blush, gold, or even black. Convertible Dresses: Gowns that can be modified, like detachable trains or sleeves, offer versatility. Care and Maintenance of Wedding Dresses Maintaining the dresses in impeccable condition is paramount. Regular checks, cleaning, and repairs will ensure customer satisfaction and longevity of the inventory. Before you start cleaning rented wedding dresses, become aware of the following tips: Professional Cleaning: Post-rental, ensure each dress undergoes professional cleaning. Inspection After Every Use: Check for damages, stains, or wear and tear. Storage: Use garment bags and store them in a moisture-free environment. Repairs: Immediate mending or fixing of any damages is crucial. You may also learn how to become a tailor to make any necessary alterations. Handling Instructions: Educate customers on proper handling to minimize damages. How to Start a Wedding Supply Rental Business Wedding supplies encompass a broad range of items, from table settings to lighting. Establishing a wedding supply rental business involves meticulous planning and a keen understanding of wedding essentials. The Essentials: What Every Wedding Supply Rental Business Needs While the specific requirements can vary based on regional and cultural preferences, some items remain universally popular. No wedding supply rental business is complete without the following elements: Tables and Chairs: Essential for any wedding, ensure you have a variety of styles. Table Settings: Plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins in various styles cater to different wedding themes. Lighting Equipment: Good lighting sets the mood, from fairy lights to chandeliers. Dance Floors: Offer different sizes and finishes to suit venue requirements. Sound Systems: Quality sound systems for announcements and music are vital. Setting Up Logistics Efficient logistics are the backbone of a rental business. These encompass storage, transportation, and on-site setup. Proper organization ensures timely delivery, setup, and collection, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business. How to Start a Wedding Furniture Rental Business A wedding is incomplete without the right furniture. It plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance, ensuring comfort for guests, and complementing the overall theme. When launching a wedding furniture rental business, you first should determine if you’ll cater to luxury events, budget weddings, or a mix. It’s also important to understand the demands and preferences of your target clientele. Selecting a Range of Wedding Furniture Offering a diverse range ensures you cater to various wedding themes and settings. When selecting the range you will offer your customers, don’t forget the following essentials: Classic Wooden Chairs: Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. Lounge Furniture: Sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables for relaxed seating areas. Themed Pieces: Vintage sofas, rustic benches, or modern setups cater to specific themes. Bars and Counters: Essential for serving drinks and food. Decorative Pieces: Items like arches or centerpieces that enhance the setting. Storage and Maintenance of Wedding Furniture Proper care ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your inventory. Regular Cleaning: Dust, polish, and clean furniture pieces regularly. Climate-Controlled Storage: Protects from moisture and temperature variations. Prompt Repairs: Address any wear and tear immediately. Protective Coverings: Use covers during transportation to prevent damage. Rotate Inventory: Regularly rotate pieces in storage to avoid any one item from being overused. How to Start a Wedding Tent Rental Business Outdoor weddings are increasingly popular, making tent rentals a lucrative venture. However, they come with their set of challenges, including varying customer requirements and complex setups. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a garden ceremony, or a grand reception on a large field, understanding the event type will guide your inventory decisions. Sourcing High-Quality Tents The quality of tents is paramount. It ensures safety, withstands weather conditions, and meets client expectations. Weather-Resistant Materials: Tents should withstand rain, wind, or scorching sun. Versatility in Size and Style: Offer various sizes and styles to cater to different events. Transparent and Opaque Options: Some events prefer transparent tents to enjoy natural beauty, while others opt for opaque for privacy. Safety Standards: Ensure tents meet safety regulations and can withstand strong winds. Modular Options: Tents that can be expanded or contracted based on guest count are ideal. Tent Setup and Take-down Logistics Tent logistics can be tricky, considering their size and the intricacies involved in setting them up. Skilled Manpower: Train a team proficient in safely setting up and taking down tents. Safety Precautions: Use weights, ropes, and stakes appropriately to ensure stability. Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on weather predictions to make necessary preparations. Clear Instructions: Educate clients on safety precautions, especially in adverse weather. Inspection: Post-event, inspect the tent for damages or wear and tear. How to Start a Wedding Audio and Lighting Rental Business Sound and lighting are the soul of any event, and weddings are no exception. These elements set the mood and ensure everything runs smoothly. First, you’ll want to decide if you want to cater to small, intimate weddings, large-scale events, or both. This decision will influence your equipment inventory and pricing. The Essentials of Wedding Audio and Lighting Both sound and light contribute immensely to the overall experience of a wedding. Providing top-notch equipment ensures customer satisfaction. Microphones and Speakers: Essential for announcements, vows, and music. Mixers and Amplifiers: Ensure sound clarity and quality. LED Lights: Energy-efficient and versatile in creating ambiance. Spotlights: Highlight important moments or areas. Projectors and Screens: For displaying videos or slideshows during the event. Care and Maintenance of Audio and Lighting Equipment Regular maintenance ensures the equipment performs optimally and has a longer lifespan. Routine Checks: Before every event, test the equipment to ensure functionality. Professional Cleaning: Dust and grime can affect performance; regular cleaning is crucial. Storage: Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Software Updates: If applicable, keep software updated for optimum performance. Repairs: Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage. FAQs: How To Start A Wedding Rental Business How profitable are wedding rental businesses? Wedding rental businesses can be highly profitable, given the consistent demand for weddings annually. With proper planning, quality inventory, and effective marketing, businesses can see a considerable return on investment. Overheads are generally limited to maintenance, storage, and transportation, with the potential for high markup on rental prices. How can I differentiate my wedding rental business from competitors? Differentiation can be accomplished by providing unique inventory items, delivering exceptional customer service, offering competitive pricing for rental services, and fostering strong relationships with local wedding planners and venues. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices or focusing on niche themes can further distinguish your business. How can local wedding planners help my rental business? Local wedding planners represent a valuable opportunity for small businesses that provide wedding rentals. They frequently serve as the initial contact for couples and can endorse your services. By cultivating strong relationships with these planners, providing package deals or commissions, and demonstrating reliability, you can position yourself as their preferred choice for rentals. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Wedding Rental Business: Your Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Removing clients isn’t just about profitability—it’s a firm-wide morale booster. Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

Removing clients isn’t just about profitability—it’s a firm-wide morale booster. Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

Gas prices in the U.S. have increased slightly, with the national average for a gallon of gasoline rising by two cents to $3.13, according to AAA. The increase comes amid concerns over potential tariffs, despite fluctuations in supply and demand. Meanwhile, the national average for public electric vehicle (EV) charging remains unchanged at 34 cents per kilowatt hour. New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows a minor increase in gasoline demand, climbing from 8.30 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.32 million b/d. Domestic gasoline supply also rose, increasing from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1 million barrels, while gasoline production dipped to 9.2 million barrels per day. Currently, the national average for a gallon of gas is seven cents higher than last month but one cent lower than a year ago. On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $71.03 per barrel, a $1.67 drop from the previous day. Crude oil inventories increased by 8.7 million barrels over the past week, bringing the total to 423.8 million barrels, which remains 5% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gas Price Breakdown: Most and Least Expensive States Most Expensive States for Gas: Hawaii – $4.55 California – $4.52 Washington – $3.99 Nevada – $3.71 Oregon – $3.62 Pennsylvania – $3.36 Alaska – $3.33 Arizona – $3.26 Washington, DC – $3.26 Illinois – $3.26 Least Expensive States for Gas: Mississippi – $2.68 Texas – $2.74 Louisiana – $2.77 Oklahoma – $2.77 Tennessee – $2.78 Arkansas – $2.80 Kentucky – $2.81 Alabama – $2.82 Kansas – $2.83 Missouri – $2.85 Electric Vehicle Charging Costs The cost of public EV charging remained stable, with Hawaii topping the list at 55 cents per kilowatt hour, followed by West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (44 cents), and Tennessee (42 cents). Most Expensive States for Public Charging: Hawaii – 55 cents/kWh West Virginia – 47 cents/kWh Montana – 44 cents/kWh Tennessee – 42 cents/kWh Idaho – 42 cents/kWh New Hampshire – 42 cents/kWh Arkansas – 42 cents/kWh Kentucky – 41 cents/kWh South Carolina – 41 cents/kWh Alaska – 41 cents/kWh Least Expensive States for Public Charging: Kansas – 22 cents/kWh Nebraska – 25 cents/kWh Missouri – 25 cents/kWh Maryland – 26 cents/kWh Delaware – 27 cents/kWh Iowa – 28 cents/kWh Texas – 28 cents/kWh Utah – 29 cents/kWh Michigan – 30 cents/kWh North Dakota – 30 cents/kWh With crude oil inventories still below the five-year average and market uncertainty driven by tariff concerns, gas prices may continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks. AAA advises consumers to monitor fuel prices closely and take advantage of cost-saving opportunities where available. This article, "Gas Prices Rise Amid Tariff Concerns, National Average Reaches $3.13" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Gas prices in the U.S. have increased slightly, with the national average for a gallon of gasoline rising by two cents to $3.13, according to AAA. The increase comes amid concerns over potential tariffs, despite fluctuations in supply and demand. Meanwhile, the national average for public electric vehicle (EV) charging remains unchanged at 34 cents per kilowatt hour. New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows a minor increase in gasoline demand, climbing from 8.30 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.32 million b/d. Domestic gasoline supply also rose, increasing from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1 million barrels, while gasoline production dipped to 9.2 million barrels per day. Currently, the national average for a gallon of gas is seven cents higher than last month but one cent lower than a year ago. On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $71.03 per barrel, a $1.67 drop from the previous day. Crude oil inventories increased by 8.7 million barrels over the past week, bringing the total to 423.8 million barrels, which remains 5% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gas Price Breakdown: Most and Least Expensive States Most Expensive States for Gas: Hawaii – $4.55 California – $4.52 Washington – $3.99 Nevada – $3.71 Oregon – $3.62 Pennsylvania – $3.36 Alaska – $3.33 Arizona – $3.26 Washington, DC – $3.26 Illinois – $3.26 Least Expensive States for Gas: Mississippi – $2.68 Texas – $2.74 Louisiana – $2.77 Oklahoma – $2.77 Tennessee – $2.78 Arkansas – $2.80 Kentucky – $2.81 Alabama – $2.82 Kansas – $2.83 Missouri – $2.85 Electric Vehicle Charging Costs The cost of public EV charging remained stable, with Hawaii topping the list at 55 cents per kilowatt hour, followed by West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (44 cents), and Tennessee (42 cents). Most Expensive States for Public Charging: Hawaii – 55 cents/kWh West Virginia – 47 cents/kWh Montana – 44 cents/kWh Tennessee – 42 cents/kWh Idaho – 42 cents/kWh New Hampshire – 42 cents/kWh Arkansas – 42 cents/kWh Kentucky – 41 cents/kWh South Carolina – 41 cents/kWh Alaska – 41 cents/kWh Least Expensive States for Public Charging: Kansas – 22 cents/kWh Nebraska – 25 cents/kWh Missouri – 25 cents/kWh Maryland – 26 cents/kWh Delaware – 27 cents/kWh Iowa – 28 cents/kWh Texas – 28 cents/kWh Utah – 29 cents/kWh Michigan – 30 cents/kWh North Dakota – 30 cents/kWh With crude oil inventories still below the five-year average and market uncertainty driven by tariff concerns, gas prices may continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks. AAA advises consumers to monitor fuel prices closely and take advantage of cost-saving opportunities where available. This article, "Gas Prices Rise Amid Tariff Concerns, National Average Reaches $3.13" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

True, you could stay at any hotel and use your room as a headquarters on a business trip. You’d make a wiser choice and enjoy the additional amenities if you stay at hotel brands that cater to the business traveler. Hotels for business travelers offer much more than the traditional complimentary breakfast. Business travelers’ amenities may include free shuttles from the airport, workspaces with faxing and printing, conference/meeting rooms, and free stays as loyalty rewards points accumulate. The Top Hotel Brands The leading hotel brands catering to hotels for business travelers are Hilton Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Choice Hotels, Windham Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, and Ritz Carlton Hotels. By frequently choosing these top hotel chains, you can accumulate rewards such as free nights and/or complimentary room upgrades. Each of these hotels offers a range of choices, from mid to upscale accommodations. For example, the upscale major hotel chains within the brands are upscale hotel resorts, which may include dry cleaning and ironing services, a spate of tours and activities, fitness centers, and more. READ MORE: Business Travel Tips The Best Hotels for Business Travelers Business travelers consider several factors when choosing the best major hotel chains, including location, necessary amenities, points/rewards programs, and pet-friendliness. The additional cost (usually between $20 and $40) for bringing a pet along is often lower than the daily rate for pet boarding. All provide complimentary breakfast and room service in addition to your guest room. Many hotels for business travelers can be classified as resort properties, as they offer additional amenities like club lounges, swimming pools, barbecue areas, and reserved parking. Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts by IHG This upscale brand is located in most major urban centers. A focus is on facilitating meetings. The Crown Plaza Hotels resorts also include work-life rooms (private rooms with office set up) or plaza workspaces (which multiple workers can use). For more info, see IHG Wyndham Hotels Resorts Wyndham’s choice hotels include 22 chains in 95 countries. The abundance of hotel chains under the Wyndham umbrella makes it a great choice for earning free rooms, and you’ll earn a free hotel room stay each time you pay for two stays. Wyndham reservations specialists offer a road trip planner. For more info, see Wyndham Hotels. Homewood Suites by Hilton When you join the Hilton Honors (annual fee) program, you’ll quickly reach elite status for business travel. Elite status means participation in generous points programs. There’s a free breakfast, but you won’t need it – suites include a one or two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and even an outdoor grill. Pets are welcome. For more info, see Hilton. Holiday Inn Express Holiday Inn Express is a great choice for business travelers’ meetings. Reservationists will assist you by blocking guest rooms for a meeting or conference. With the Holiday Inn Express rewards program, businesses will earn 3 points for every $1 spent by business guests. That includes lodging, meals, and other costs. For more info, see Holiday Inn Express. Intercontinental Hotels Group IHG is the largest hotel chain. It includes Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood, Residence Inn, Staybridge (long-term stays), and more. Choosing business lodging from IHG Hotels Resorts is a great choice for international travel since IHG hotel resorts are all over the world. For more info, see IHG. Hyatt Hotels Along with the benefits of the Grand Hyatt, the Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, and Hyatt House Properties, there’s an additional service that offers the business employee a chance to feel like a leisure traveler. It’s called Offsite meeting space. Hyatt specialized in helping “work teams” get away – to work, of course, but also to relax and reconnect in work lounges. For more info, see Hyatt. Hilton Hotels and Resorts Within the Hilton Honors program is Hilton hosting for your meetings and events. You’ll register as the meeting planner, and Hilton will help you set up the details using a checklist that you can tweak for your needs. Hilton is a pet-friendly hotel chain. For more info, see Hilton. Embassy Suites Embassy Suites, a brand by Hilton, is included in the Hilton Honors program. These hotels offer upgrades such as Embassy Business Link Business Centers, which are equipped with essential amenities like wifi, fax machines, and printers, available 24/7. For more info, see Embassy Suites. Conrad Hotels Conrad Hotels is another offering by Hilton. The Conrad Hotels are luxury lines with resort-like accommodations without resort fees. Companies often use Conrad Hotels to reward employees with a vacation-like stay while getting work done. For more info, see Conrad Hotels. Hampton Inn Hampton Inn is an offering by Hilton that offers moderate to mid-scale pricing. You’ll get a generous complimentary breakfast, wifi, and spacious lodging with room to spread out with desks and tables provided. With more than 2,500 Hampton Inn offerings in 30 countries, it’s a great option to build up rewards in the Hilton Honors program. Pets welcome. For more info, see Hampton Inn. Marriott Hotels Marriott Hotels provides benefits for hotels for business travelers, such as late check-outs and early check-ins when requested at the time of booking. You can also collaborate with a Marriott event planner to assist in organizing your work event or conference. Additionally, Marriott offers fax, copier, and overnight mail services. Through the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for car rental upgrades, future stays, and/or gift cards. For more info, see Marriott. Quality Inn by Choice Hotels This budget-friendly option from Choice Hotels features a complimentary hot breakfast. The Choice Hotels portfolio includes Comfort Inn, Mainstay, and Cambria. With over 7,000 locations available, you can earn points during your stay. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounted corporate rates. For more information, see Quality Inn. Ritz Carlton The Ritz Carlton offers luxury business travel accommodations with more amenities. If you’re organizing a business event, you’ll be connected with a Ritz Carlton meeting expert who will offer personalized service. The service can include arranging meeting extras, such as group outings to local attractions. For more info, see Ritz Carlton. Sheraton Buenos Ares Hotel and Convention Center This sprawling luxury hotel is the premier meeting spot in South America. It includes 21 different meeting venues and 10 different selections of room types. For example, room types range from the basic to the deluxe, apartment, and suite-style. Meeting venues include any equipment you need, such as LCD projectors and microphones. For more info, see Sheraton. Windward Passage The Windward Passage is located in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – business travelers don’t need a passport. Windward Passage services and amenities include free airport transportation, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, dry cleaning, and ironing services. For more info, see Windward Passage. How to Choose the Best Hotels for Business Travel The best hotel for your business travel depends on the amenities you need: Free nights Rewards or Loyalty program Fitness Center Pet friendly Conference and/or meeting rooms Fax and copy service Free wifi Free hot breakfast Swimming pool What is the best hotel chain for business travelers? One of the biggest differences in choosing the best hotel chain for your business is the size of your business. If you’re a sole proprietor, having a meeting or conference room available isn’t as important to you. If you’re a business owner with a team of business travelers on the road, you’ll opt for a chain with a good rewards points program. If, after a great year or special project, you want to reward that team, you’d choose from a list of business hotel resort destinations. If there are certain cities where you most often visit for business, obviously you’d choose from the business hotel offerings there. Business travel is considered a deductible expense for your business, but it’s wise to keep those costs manageable. One option is to enroll in a rewards program with a major hotel chain while opting for mid-scale hotel choices. What is a business-class hotel? Yes, you could stay at any hotel and conduct business work. You could use a hotspot on your cell phone to get on the internet. However, a business-class hotel focuses on the business traveler. You’ll typically get as minimum amenities free wifi and a space that’s set up for work, such as a desk designed for computer work, in your room. Many business-class hotels also offer workspaces where you can use fax machines and copiers as needed. Many of the workspaces are open 24/7. What sort of hotels are most popular for business? Both business and leisure travelers are looking for value. They don’t want to pay for amenities they don’t need. For example, you may not need a meeting room or business center for a work team. If it’s a one-night stay, you don’t need laundry service. If you travel 4 nights out of the week, of course, you want the benefit of good rewards or a loyalty program, where you’ll earn points or dollars towards future stays. READ MORE: Business Travel Tips How to Save Money While Traveling for Business Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hotels for Business Travelers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

True, you could stay at any hotel and use your room as a headquarters on a business trip. You’d make a wiser choice and enjoy the additional amenities if you stay at hotel brands that cater to the business traveler. Hotels for business travelers offer much more than the traditional complimentary breakfast. Business travelers’ amenities may include free shuttles from the airport, workspaces with faxing and printing, conference/meeting rooms, and free stays as loyalty rewards points accumulate. The Top Hotel Brands The leading hotel brands catering to hotels for business travelers are Hilton Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Choice Hotels, Windham Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, and Ritz Carlton Hotels. By frequently choosing these top hotel chains, you can accumulate rewards such as free nights and/or complimentary room upgrades. Each of these hotels offers a range of choices, from mid to upscale accommodations. For example, the upscale major hotel chains within the brands are upscale hotel resorts, which may include dry cleaning and ironing services, a spate of tours and activities, fitness centers, and more. READ MORE: Business Travel Tips The Best Hotels for Business Travelers Business travelers consider several factors when choosing the best major hotel chains, including location, necessary amenities, points/rewards programs, and pet-friendliness. The additional cost (usually between $20 and $40) for bringing a pet along is often lower than the daily rate for pet boarding. All provide complimentary breakfast and room service in addition to your guest room. Many hotels for business travelers can be classified as resort properties, as they offer additional amenities like club lounges, swimming pools, barbecue areas, and reserved parking. Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts by IHG This upscale brand is located in most major urban centers. A focus is on facilitating meetings. The Crown Plaza Hotels resorts also include work-life rooms (private rooms with office set up) or plaza workspaces (which multiple workers can use). For more info, see IHG Wyndham Hotels Resorts Wyndham’s choice hotels include 22 chains in 95 countries. The abundance of hotel chains under the Wyndham umbrella makes it a great choice for earning free rooms, and you’ll earn a free hotel room stay each time you pay for two stays. Wyndham reservations specialists offer a road trip planner. For more info, see Wyndham Hotels. Homewood Suites by Hilton When you join the Hilton Honors (annual fee) program, you’ll quickly reach elite status for business travel. Elite status means participation in generous points programs. There’s a free breakfast, but you won’t need it – suites include a one or two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and even an outdoor grill. Pets are welcome. For more info, see Hilton. Holiday Inn Express Holiday Inn Express is a great choice for business travelers’ meetings. Reservationists will assist you by blocking guest rooms for a meeting or conference. With the Holiday Inn Express rewards program, businesses will earn 3 points for every $1 spent by business guests. That includes lodging, meals, and other costs. For more info, see Holiday Inn Express. Intercontinental Hotels Group IHG is the largest hotel chain. It includes Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood, Residence Inn, Staybridge (long-term stays), and more. Choosing business lodging from IHG Hotels Resorts is a great choice for international travel since IHG hotel resorts are all over the world. For more info, see IHG. Hyatt Hotels Along with the benefits of the Grand Hyatt, the Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, and Hyatt House Properties, there’s an additional service that offers the business employee a chance to feel like a leisure traveler. It’s called Offsite meeting space. Hyatt specialized in helping “work teams” get away – to work, of course, but also to relax and reconnect in work lounges. For more info, see Hyatt. Hilton Hotels and Resorts Within the Hilton Honors program is Hilton hosting for your meetings and events. You’ll register as the meeting planner, and Hilton will help you set up the details using a checklist that you can tweak for your needs. Hilton is a pet-friendly hotel chain. For more info, see Hilton. Embassy Suites Embassy Suites, a brand by Hilton, is included in the Hilton Honors program. These hotels offer upgrades such as Embassy Business Link Business Centers, which are equipped with essential amenities like wifi, fax machines, and printers, available 24/7. For more info, see Embassy Suites. Conrad Hotels Conrad Hotels is another offering by Hilton. The Conrad Hotels are luxury lines with resort-like accommodations without resort fees. Companies often use Conrad Hotels to reward employees with a vacation-like stay while getting work done. For more info, see Conrad Hotels. Hampton Inn Hampton Inn is an offering by Hilton that offers moderate to mid-scale pricing. You’ll get a generous complimentary breakfast, wifi, and spacious lodging with room to spread out with desks and tables provided. With more than 2,500 Hampton Inn offerings in 30 countries, it’s a great option to build up rewards in the Hilton Honors program. Pets welcome. For more info, see Hampton Inn. Marriott Hotels Marriott Hotels provides benefits for hotels for business travelers, such as late check-outs and early check-ins when requested at the time of booking. You can also collaborate with a Marriott event planner to assist in organizing your work event or conference. Additionally, Marriott offers fax, copier, and overnight mail services. Through the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for car rental upgrades, future stays, and/or gift cards. For more info, see Marriott. Quality Inn by Choice Hotels This budget-friendly option from Choice Hotels features a complimentary hot breakfast. The Choice Hotels portfolio includes Comfort Inn, Mainstay, and Cambria. With over 7,000 locations available, you can earn points during your stay. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounted corporate rates. For more information, see Quality Inn. Ritz Carlton The Ritz Carlton offers luxury business travel accommodations with more amenities. If you’re organizing a business event, you’ll be connected with a Ritz Carlton meeting expert who will offer personalized service. The service can include arranging meeting extras, such as group outings to local attractions. For more info, see Ritz Carlton. Sheraton Buenos Ares Hotel and Convention Center This sprawling luxury hotel is the premier meeting spot in South America. It includes 21 different meeting venues and 10 different selections of room types. For example, room types range from the basic to the deluxe, apartment, and suite-style. Meeting venues include any equipment you need, such as LCD projectors and microphones. For more info, see Sheraton. Windward Passage The Windward Passage is located in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – business travelers don’t need a passport. Windward Passage services and amenities include free airport transportation, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, dry cleaning, and ironing services. For more info, see Windward Passage. How to Choose the Best Hotels for Business Travel The best hotel for your business travel depends on the amenities you need: Free nights Rewards or Loyalty program Fitness Center Pet friendly Conference and/or meeting rooms Fax and copy service Free wifi Free hot breakfast Swimming pool What is the best hotel chain for business travelers? One of the biggest differences in choosing the best hotel chain for your business is the size of your business. If you’re a sole proprietor, having a meeting or conference room available isn’t as important to you. If you’re a business owner with a team of business travelers on the road, you’ll opt for a chain with a good rewards points program. If, after a great year or special project, you want to reward that team, you’d choose from a list of business hotel resort destinations. If there are certain cities where you most often visit for business, obviously you’d choose from the business hotel offerings there. Business travel is considered a deductible expense for your business, but it’s wise to keep those costs manageable. One option is to enroll in a rewards program with a major hotel chain while opting for mid-scale hotel choices. What is a business-class hotel? Yes, you could stay at any hotel and conduct business work. You could use a hotspot on your cell phone to get on the internet. However, a business-class hotel focuses on the business traveler. You’ll typically get as minimum amenities free wifi and a space that’s set up for work, such as a desk designed for computer work, in your room. Many business-class hotels also offer workspaces where you can use fax machines and copiers as needed. Many of the workspaces are open 24/7. What sort of hotels are most popular for business? Both business and leisure travelers are looking for value. They don’t want to pay for amenities they don’t need. For example, you may not need a meeting room or business center for a work team. If it’s a one-night stay, you don’t need laundry service. If you travel 4 nights out of the week, of course, you want the benefit of good rewards or a loyalty program, where you’ll earn points or dollars towards future stays. READ MORE: Business Travel Tips How to Save Money While Traveling for Business Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hotels for Business Travelers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Is your résumé on trend? If it is, you’ll get more interviews. If not, expect to be rejected or ghosted by recruiters and hiring managers. These tips will help you craft a résumé that reflects your success in a changing world. First, understand what’s top-of-mind for CEOs and feature solutions in your résumé. Transformation, artificial intelligence, and return-to-office are more urgent than ever. Transformation CEOs worry that their organizations won’t be viable in 10 years if they don’t transform. So, ask yourself what you’ve contributed to preparing your organization for the future. Then, feature your greatest accomplishments and highest impact in résumé bullets. Ideas include: New business models Market expansions Technology modernization Customer experience improvements These types of change need efforts at all levels of the organization. Whether you led, were on the team, or supported a team member, identify and share your contributions to transformation. Finally, weave transformation skills into your résumé’s narrative. Some examples include: Needs assessments Cross-functional collaboration Data analytics Process and workflow automations Artificial Intelligence Many CEOs say they don’t feel prepared to integrate AI across their organizations. Beyond that, they don’t have AI-ready workforces. Use your résumé to show that you’re ready and willing to hit the ground running. If you have any of these accomplishments, mention them: Increase your productivity with AI Build an AI-based product Impact critical performance metrics such as revenue and profitability with AI Resolve an AI-related ethics issue Regardless of your level, you can prove you’re future-ready by talking about what you’ve done with AI. If you can, boil your achievement down to tangible, measurable impacts. Make sure to mention AI-related skills including specific AI tools and applications and certifications. Availability to work in the office Many CEOs want their employees back in the office three to five days a week. If you want to work on-site full-time, say that in your résumé. Add a page footer such as: “Available for on-site, hybrid, and remote roles.” People who will work on-site have access to more job opportunities. They also have less competition for those jobs. These tips will make you a more attractive 2025 employment candidate. Transformation and AI experience signal future-readiness and high potential for near-term positive impact. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Zillow economists have developed an economic model called Zillow’s Market Heat Index, which measures the competitiveness of housing markets across the U.S. This model analyzes factors such as home price changes, inventory levels, days on market, and buyer demand to generate a score indicating whether a market is hot (favoring sellers) or cool (favoring buyers). A higher score indicates a hotter metro-level housing market where sellers have more power. A lower score indicates a colder metro-level housing market where buyers have more power. According to Zillow, a score of 70 or above indicates a strong seller’s market, 55 to 69 is a seller’s market, 44 to 55 is a neutral market, 28 to 44 is a buyer’s market, and a score of 27 or below is a strong buyer’s market. Nationally, Zillow rates the U.S. housing market at a 50. Click here to view an interactive version of the map below. Among the 200 largest metro area housing markets, these 10 are the hottest markets, where sellers have the most power: Rochester, New York: 146 San Jose, California: 120 San Francisco, California: 91 Hartford, Connecticut: 83 Syracuse, New York: 81 Bridgeport, Connecticut: 76 Buffalo, New York: 75 Manchester, New Hampshire: 75 Boston, Massachusetts: 74 New York, New York: 73 And these are the 10 coldest markets, where buyers have the most power: Beaumont, Texas: 9 Gulfport, Mississippi: 12 Macon, Georgia: 17 Brownsville, Texas: 21 Evansville, Indiana: 23 Kennewick, Washington: 23 Longview, Texas: 24 Lubbock, Texas: 26 Mobile, Alabama: 28 Cape Coral, Florida: 32 Does ResiClub agree with Zillow’s assessment? Directionally, I believe Zillow has correctly identified many regional housing markets where buyers have gained power—particularly around the Gulf—as well as markets where sellers have maintained their grip, including large portions of the Northeast and Southern California. However, I believe Zillow’s model underestimates the strength sellers still hold across much of the Midwest. These two maps better illustrate my perspective on the current power dynamic. You can find my latest regional (metro and county-level) active inventory analysis here—and the latest regional (metro and county-level) home price analysis here. View the full article

The Super Bowl is a lot of things. NFL title game. Pop concert. Cultural institution. It’s also The Only Day People Care About Ads. That last one is worth a lot of money to the brands who decide to advertise during the big game. Back in 2000, E-Trade used its Super Bowl ad to joke about how much money it spent. A chimp hits play on a tape deck, climbs up on a lawn chair, and proceeds to clap and dance for 30 seconds. The tagline? “Well, we just wasted $2,000,000.” But how much does a Super Bowl commercial really cost? We’ve all probably seen headlines about the outrageous costs of a single 30-second spot, which, this year, is nearing about $8 million. And if we scroll back a decade, the cost in 2015 was about $4.5 million. Hold on, though. That’s for only 30 seconds of air time. Many brands have ads that are at least 60 seconds, sometimes even 90 seconds, and still others have multiple ads throughout the game. Back in 2018, in one of the greatest Super Bowl campaigns ever, Tide ran six ads. And again, that’s just the air time during the game and doesn’t include David Harbour’s cut. So how much does a Super Bowl ad really cost . . . what kind of numbers are we talking here? Let’s dig into it. By the numbers I spoke to sources who have worked on multiple Super Bowl campaigns for years and are familiar with the costs for this year’s game. They agreed to talk on background and outline the costs based on their experience across more than 10 Super Bowl campaigns, including this year. Here’s how it breaks down: Agency costs Let’s start where most of these commercial ideas do—the ad agencies. The bulk of Super Bowl ads are created by ad agencies, whether on annual retainer or working on the big game ad as a one-off. According to my sources, the ad agency costs for Super Bowl work can range from $3 million on up to about $6 million dollars. Production costs Once the idea is decided on, you have to make it. Film production costs for these average about $3 million to $4 million. Then there is post-production—editing, sound, visual effects, that kind of stuff—which hits about $1 million. The talent Now, who is in your commercial? According to iSpot.tv, celebrities have starred in around 70% of the ads in every Super Bowl since 2020. While a non-celebrity might run you about $250,000, even a B-list celebrity would cost about $1 million to cast. More realistically, say my sources, that number is about $3.5 to $5 million. Now think about all the ads you’ve seen already this year with multiple celebs—Uber Eats and Pringles, anyone? The music Okay, now what about a soundtrack? Plenty of ads have featured well-known songs. Budweiser loves a good tune. Last year, its ad featured “The Weight” by The Band, and this year’s spot has The Bellamy Brothers’s classic “Let Your Love Flow.” Licensing to use a popular song can range from $1 million to about $3 million. Meanwhile, Mountain Dew turned Seal into a seal and his 1994 hit “Kiss From a Rose” into a soda jingle “Kiss From a Lime.” Okay, so what’s our total for a 30-second spot so far? Let’s say, $4.5 million for the agency, $3.5 million for film production, $1 million for post-production, $8 million for two celebs (at $4 mil apiece), $2 million for a great song, and of course, the $8 million for the 30-seconds of airtime. That’s a grand total of $27 million. And we’re not done yet . . . You need to spend more on digital and social media ads, plus any other activations, which could add between $3 million and $10 million to the final cost. Oh, and another thing: In order to even have the privilege of buying that 30 seconds of ad space for $8 million, the Fox network requires advertisers to commit to another $8 million in media commercial time throughout the rest of the year. That means your original $8 million is really $16 million. After adding about $5 million for advertising and promoting your ad everywhere else, plus the extra $8 million of advertising commitment to Fox, we’ve come to our final destination: $40 million. So, what does it all mean? Could it possibly be worth it? A source close to Dunkin’ told CNN last year that Dunkin’ sold more donuts the day after the Super Bowl than any other day in its history. The crypto exchange Coinbase’s lo-fi spot in 2022 attracted so much interest that its app crashed because so many people went to download it all at the same time. Americans are expected to legally bet $1.39 billion on the Super Bowl this year, but they’re not the only ones taking a gamble. No matter how hard the commercials are trying to make you laugh, for the brands spending this kind of money, the big game is no joke. View the full article

Expect more security — and nerves — at this year’s Super Bowl victory celebration regardless of who wins Sunday’s matchup in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. A shooting that killed one person and wounded about two dozen others marred last year’s Chiefs victory rally, and a Philadelphia Eagles fan died last month after falling from a light pole while celebrating the team’s NFC championship victory. Kansas City plans to boost its police presence if the Chiefs win a third-straight title, and Philadelphia might grease its poles to thwart climbers if the Eagles win. New Orleans, which was the scene of a New Year’s Day truck-ramming attack and which is hosting the Super Bowl, plans to block some traffic routes. “There’s a lot of people that’ll think twice about attending an event like that,” fan Branson Albertson said Thursday as he, his wife and their kids posed for photos inside Kansas City’s Chiefs-bedecked Union Station, near where last year’s shooting happened. “But I still think there’ll be a big turnout,” he added. Events like victory parades present unique challenges because they are open, unpredictable and draw large crowds, said Alex del Carmen, an associate dean of the school of criminology at Tarleton State University in Texas. Last year, Chiefs players were jumping off floats to give fans high-fives as buses filled with the team wound through packed downtown Kansas City. Some of that would likely change this year regardless of where the celebration is held, he said. Other sports celebration in the U.S. also have ended in gun violence, including a shooting that injured several people in 2023 in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire in 2023 at a parking lot near the Texas Rangers’ World Series parade. All of these incidents are studied carefully, Del Carmen said. “What we can do is learn from the past and hopefully last year’s lessons were very, very vivid in the minds of those that are going to be planning these next events,” said del Carmen, who recruited students to help with security when the Super Bowl was played in Arlington, Texas, in 2011. There are limits to what safety measures organizers can put in place, particularly in Kansas City, which is in a state with few gun restrictions. Last year’s shooting, which appeared to stem from a dispute between several people, happened with more than 800 officers on hand to police an estimated crowd of 1 million people — which comes out to more than 1,000 paradegoers to every officer. “When you have that many people compacted into a confined space and everybody is shoulder to shoulder, it’s just hard to see everything, is hard to account for everything,” said Jason Armstrong, a former police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, and Apex, North Carolina, who is now a police consultant. “You know, we just have to have as many eyes out there as we can.” If the Chiefs win again, there will be 200 additional officers and the parade will move faster, said Mayor Quinton Lucas. He said last month that the city would “try our level best to make sure that we think of every contingency,” but he acknowledged that some people might not feel comfortable attending. “I understand that and I get that,” Lucas said. Sharon Billington, a 63-year-old Chiefs fan who also visited Union Station, said she plans to watch it on TV. She had family at last year’s festivities and was terrified. “The world is just not in a position to have that right now,” she said of a large rally. Philadelphia is known for having one of the league’s most rowdy fan bases. In recent years, zealous Eagles fans have climbed street signs, traffic lights, bus shelters and even theater marquees to lead the crowds below in cheers. In 2023, when the Eagles last won a National Football Conference title, a group of people crashed through the hard plastic roof of a bus shelter where they had been dancing, injuring several of them. But after a college student was killed by falling off a pole following the Eagles’ conference championship last month, Mayor Cherelle Parker is pleading with fans to stay safe. Officials have sometimes greased the poles ahead of time to thwart such antics — with mixed success — and may do so again this week. City officials promised they would be ready Sunday, with more police on hand and roads closed near City Hall, the Broad Street corridor, the stadium district and other places fans typically gather. “The Philadelphia Police Department is on an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure everyone’s safety,” Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said Friday. “Our officers will be out in full force across the city, ready to keep the festivities running smoothly.” “You don’t want to be in a celebratory moment, (and) have a tragedy occur,” Parker, sporting a kelly-green suit in a nod to the team, said after the Eagles clinched a Super Bowl spot. —Heather Hollingsworth and Maryclaire Dale, Associated Press View the full article

Are you seeking more engaging and persuasive methods to introduce your business? Do you have a significant event or product launch approaching and need to ensure your message attracts the right audience? If that’s the case, consider reviewing these five business introduction email examples that are guaranteed to capture your audience’s attention. Let’s dive in! Effective Introduction Email Templates These templates represent some of the best email introduction examples around. First up, let’s check out this email introduction letter template with blanks that you can copy and paste or use as inspiration for your own business email: Subject Line: ___________________________________________________ Dear __________, My name is _____, and I am ______. I am writing to _________________. I believe I can ______________________________________________. Here is a bit more information about why I am the right person for the job: ___________________________________________________________________. I would be more than happy to provide additional information about my skills and experience. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) More Useful Introduction Email Examples Let’s take a look at four more examples of email-introducing templates that you can use for different types of emails: Business Introduction Email Template Business introduction email templates are great for introducing yourself or your business to potential partners and customers. Subject Line: An Introduction To _____________ Dear ______, I am writing to introduce myself/my business, _________________. We are a __________ company that specializes in ___________________. We have been in business for ___ years, and we have a track record of providing excellent ___________ services. We believe in quality and customer satisfaction, which is why we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. We would love the opportunity to work with you and show you what we can do. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you out or answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Self Introduction Email Templates This sample of a self-introduction email can be utilized to present yourself to a prospective employer or client. Subject Line: Introduction – ___________ Dear _________, I’m _________ and I am writing to introduce myself. I recently came across your company and was impressed by the work you are doing. I am interested in ___________ and would love to learn more about the opportunities available at your company. I have a background in ___________, and I believe my skills and experience could be an asset to your team. I am a hard worker who is passionate about ____________, and I am confident that I could make a positive impact on your organization. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss this further. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Event-Triggered Introduction Email An event-triggered email is a great way to introduce yourself after a particular event has occurred. Subject Line: Introduction from ___________ Dear ___________, I’m __________, and I recently had the pleasure of meeting you at ___________ event. It was great to meet you and learn more about your work in _____________. As I mentioned, I am interested in _________________ and would love to discuss any potential opportunities for collaboration or partnership. I believe my skills and experience ___________ could be an asset to your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do or answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Referral Introduction Email Template Referral introduction email templates can be used to introduce yourself to a potential employer or client when you have been referred by a mutual contact. Self-introduction email samples look like the following… Subject Line: Introduction from ___________ Dear ___________, I’m __________, and I was referred to you by ___________. I’m writing to introduce myself and tell you about my skills and qualifications. As ___________ mentioned, I have extensive experience in ___________. I am confident that my expertise would be an asset to your team. I have a proven track record of success in ___________, and I am adept at ___________. My experience with ___________ has helped me develop strong ___________ skills. If you’re interested in continuing the conversation, I would be glad to share my portfolio with you and address any questions you might have. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, ___________ (Your name & contact details) Email TypeSubject LineMain PurposeKey Information Included Business Introduction EmailAn Introduction To _____________Introduce business/services to potential partnersBusiness name, services provided, business age & track record Self Introduction EmailIntroduction – ___________Introduce oneself to potential employer or clientPersonal skills, area of interest Event-Triggered Introduction EmailIntroduction from ___________Introduction after a specific eventEvent name, area of interest Referral Introduction EmailIntroduction from ___________Introduction via referral from mutual contactReferrer's name, personal expertise, and skills Why Are Email Introductions Important? Email introductions are vital in many professional settings because they facilitate initial contact and help build connections. Here are the main reasons why introductory emails are essential: First Impressions: An introductory email serves as the first point of interaction between you and the recipient. It sets the tone for future communications and offers a chance to make a positive impression. Personal Connection: These emails allow you to personalize your message, demonstrating interest and effort in reaching out. This personal touch can differentiate you from others and help build a rapport with the receiver. Contextual Clarity: By introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of your communication, you provide context to your message. This helps the recipient understand why you are contacting them, making your message more relevant and engaging. Professionalism: Sending a well-crafted introductory email reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you value the recipient’s time and are serious about your intentions, whether it’s applying for a job, seeking a business opportunity, or initiating a collaboration. Networking Opportunities: Introductory emails are a fundamental tool in networking. They allow you to expand your professional circle, opening doors to new opportunities, knowledge exchange, and potential partnerships. Enhancing Response Rates: A thoughtfully written introduction can increase your chances of receiving a response. By articulating your interest clearly and respectfully, you encourage the recipient to engage with you further. READ MORE: 12 Cold Email Tips How to Write an Email Introduction Crafting a professional introduction email is easier than you might expect. Follow these five steps to help you learn how to write a self-introduction email: Step 1: Write a catchy email subject line The subject line of the email should be engaging and to the point. Aim for specificity to capture the reader’s attention right away and clearly convey the email’s purpose. Step 2: Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing Include your name, job title, and the reason why you are writing. This will help to build trust and give the reader an understanding of your background and reasons for sending the email. Step 3: Explain the purpose of your email Make sure to include a brief explanation as to why you are sending this email and what you hope to achieve from it. Step 4: Provide a call-to-action Be sure to include a call-to-action at the end of your email so that the reader knows what to do next. This could be a link to your website, a request to contact you directly, or anything else relevant to your message. Step 5: Include a professional closing Conclude your email with a professional closing, like “Sincerely” or “Thank you,” followed by your name and contact information. This will help the reader remember who the email is from. READ MORE: 10 Cold Email Software Examples Common Mistakes to Avoid in Business Introduction Emails As vital as it is to know what to include in an introduction email, it’s equally crucial to recognize what pitfalls to steer clear of. Avoiding these common mistakes can make your introductory message more effective and leave a lasting impression: Sending Generic Emails: Customization is key. Tailor your message to the recipient to make it feel personal and show that you’ve done your homework. Using a No-Reply Email Address: This can come off as impersonal and may discourage recipients from engaging with you. Always use an address that allows for direct replies. Forgetting to Proofread: Simple grammatical errors and typos can undermine the professionalism of your email. Always double-check your content before hitting send. Overloading with Information: While it’s important to provide relevant information, overloading the recipient with too many details can be overwhelming. Stick to the essentials and provide links or attachments for additional information. Not Following Up: If you don’t get a response, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email after a week or so. But don’t pester the recipient with multiple follow-ups. Ignoring Mobile Optimization: Many people check their emails on mobile devices. Ensure your email is mobile-friendly to cater to all readers. Email Introduction Tips When emailing a new contact, it is important to remember a few key self-introductory email tips. Write catchy subject lines. Make sure your subject lines are catchy and relevant to the email content. A boring subject line can lead to your email not being opened or read. Keep it brief and to the point. Your email should be no more than three paragraphs in length. This will help ensure the recipient reads the entire message. Use a professional tone of voice. Remember to use a polite and respectful tone when introducing yourself. Nothing is more off-putting than an overly casual introduction. Be confident but not arrogant. Your email should convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity and demonstrate your confidence in your skills, but avoid coming off as arrogant. Avoid using slang or jargon. Using slang terms and industry-specific jargon can be off-putting to the recipient. Keep your language professional and easy to understand. Provide relevant information. Your email should include a brief overview of your skills, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the opportunity. Include a call to action. Your email should include a request for further dialogue, such as requesting an interview or meeting. Include a signature. Make sure to include your contact information in the signature of the email so that it is easy for the recipient to contact you. Thank the recipient for their time. End your email by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. This will demonstrate that you appreciate their taking the time to read your introduction. READ MORE: 50 Business Voicemail Greeting Examples How Do You Introduce Yourself in a Professional Email? Introducing yourself in a professional email can be difficult. You want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to ramble on for too long. Start by introducing yourself and your position, explain why you’re writing the email, and state what you hope to gain from the email exchange. By following these tips, you can create a concise and professional introduction that will make a good impression on your recipient. What Is the Most Important Element of an Email Introduction Example? The most important element of an email introduction is the subject line. A strong, catchy subject line will entice the reader to open the email and learn more. On the other hand, a generic or dull subject line may lead the recipient to delete the email without reading it. For this reason, it is important to craft a subject line that catches the recipient’s attention and encourages them to open your email. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Effective Email Introduction Examples" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Are you seeking more engaging and persuasive methods to introduce your business? Do you have a significant event or product launch approaching and need to ensure your message attracts the right audience? If that’s the case, consider reviewing these five business introduction email examples that are guaranteed to capture your audience’s attention. Let’s dive in! Effective Introduction Email Templates These templates represent some of the best email introduction examples around. First up, let’s check out this email introduction letter template with blanks that you can copy and paste or use as inspiration for your own business email: Subject Line: ___________________________________________________ Dear __________, My name is _____, and I am ______. I am writing to _________________. I believe I can ______________________________________________. Here is a bit more information about why I am the right person for the job: ___________________________________________________________________. I would be more than happy to provide additional information about my skills and experience. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) More Useful Introduction Email Examples Let’s take a look at four more examples of email-introducing templates that you can use for different types of emails: Business Introduction Email Template Business introduction email templates are great for introducing yourself or your business to potential partners and customers. Subject Line: An Introduction To _____________ Dear ______, I am writing to introduce myself/my business, _________________. We are a __________ company that specializes in ___________________. We have been in business for ___ years, and we have a track record of providing excellent ___________ services. We believe in quality and customer satisfaction, which is why we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. We would love the opportunity to work with you and show you what we can do. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you out or answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Self Introduction Email Templates This sample of a self-introduction email can be utilized to present yourself to a prospective employer or client. Subject Line: Introduction – ___________ Dear _________, I’m _________ and I am writing to introduce myself. I recently came across your company and was impressed by the work you are doing. I am interested in ___________ and would love to learn more about the opportunities available at your company. I have a background in ___________, and I believe my skills and experience could be an asset to your team. I am a hard worker who is passionate about ____________, and I am confident that I could make a positive impact on your organization. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss this further. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Event-Triggered Introduction Email An event-triggered email is a great way to introduce yourself after a particular event has occurred. Subject Line: Introduction from ___________ Dear ___________, I’m __________, and I recently had the pleasure of meeting you at ___________ event. It was great to meet you and learn more about your work in _____________. As I mentioned, I am interested in _________________ and would love to discuss any potential opportunities for collaboration or partnership. I believe my skills and experience ___________ could be an asset to your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do or answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, ______________ (Your name & contact details) Referral Introduction Email Template Referral introduction email templates can be used to introduce yourself to a potential employer or client when you have been referred by a mutual contact. Self-introduction email samples look like the following… Subject Line: Introduction from ___________ Dear ___________, I’m __________, and I was referred to you by ___________. I’m writing to introduce myself and tell you about my skills and qualifications. As ___________ mentioned, I have extensive experience in ___________. I am confident that my expertise would be an asset to your team. I have a proven track record of success in ___________, and I am adept at ___________. My experience with ___________ has helped me develop strong ___________ skills. If you’re interested in continuing the conversation, I would be glad to share my portfolio with you and address any questions you might have. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, ___________ (Your name & contact details) Email TypeSubject LineMain PurposeKey Information Included Business Introduction EmailAn Introduction To _____________Introduce business/services to potential partnersBusiness name, services provided, business age & track record Self Introduction EmailIntroduction – ___________Introduce oneself to potential employer or clientPersonal skills, area of interest Event-Triggered Introduction EmailIntroduction from ___________Introduction after a specific eventEvent name, area of interest Referral Introduction EmailIntroduction from ___________Introduction via referral from mutual contactReferrer's name, personal expertise, and skills Why Are Email Introductions Important? Email introductions are vital in many professional settings because they facilitate initial contact and help build connections. Here are the main reasons why introductory emails are essential: First Impressions: An introductory email serves as the first point of interaction between you and the recipient. It sets the tone for future communications and offers a chance to make a positive impression. Personal Connection: These emails allow you to personalize your message, demonstrating interest and effort in reaching out. This personal touch can differentiate you from others and help build a rapport with the receiver. Contextual Clarity: By introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of your communication, you provide context to your message. This helps the recipient understand why you are contacting them, making your message more relevant and engaging. Professionalism: Sending a well-crafted introductory email reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you value the recipient’s time and are serious about your intentions, whether it’s applying for a job, seeking a business opportunity, or initiating a collaboration. Networking Opportunities: Introductory emails are a fundamental tool in networking. They allow you to expand your professional circle, opening doors to new opportunities, knowledge exchange, and potential partnerships. Enhancing Response Rates: A thoughtfully written introduction can increase your chances of receiving a response. By articulating your interest clearly and respectfully, you encourage the recipient to engage with you further. READ MORE: 12 Cold Email Tips How to Write an Email Introduction Crafting a professional introduction email is easier than you might expect. Follow these five steps to help you learn how to write a self-introduction email: Step 1: Write a catchy email subject line The subject line of the email should be engaging and to the point. Aim for specificity to capture the reader’s attention right away and clearly convey the email’s purpose. Step 2: Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing Include your name, job title, and the reason why you are writing. This will help to build trust and give the reader an understanding of your background and reasons for sending the email. Step 3: Explain the purpose of your email Make sure to include a brief explanation as to why you are sending this email and what you hope to achieve from it. Step 4: Provide a call-to-action Be sure to include a call-to-action at the end of your email so that the reader knows what to do next. This could be a link to your website, a request to contact you directly, or anything else relevant to your message. Step 5: Include a professional closing Conclude your email with a professional closing, like “Sincerely” or “Thank you,” followed by your name and contact information. This will help the reader remember who the email is from. READ MORE: 10 Cold Email Software Examples Common Mistakes to Avoid in Business Introduction Emails As vital as it is to know what to include in an introduction email, it’s equally crucial to recognize what pitfalls to steer clear of. Avoiding these common mistakes can make your introductory message more effective and leave a lasting impression: Sending Generic Emails: Customization is key. Tailor your message to the recipient to make it feel personal and show that you’ve done your homework. Using a No-Reply Email Address: This can come off as impersonal and may discourage recipients from engaging with you. Always use an address that allows for direct replies. Forgetting to Proofread: Simple grammatical errors and typos can undermine the professionalism of your email. Always double-check your content before hitting send. Overloading with Information: While it’s important to provide relevant information, overloading the recipient with too many details can be overwhelming. Stick to the essentials and provide links or attachments for additional information. Not Following Up: If you don’t get a response, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email after a week or so. But don’t pester the recipient with multiple follow-ups. Ignoring Mobile Optimization: Many people check their emails on mobile devices. Ensure your email is mobile-friendly to cater to all readers. Email Introduction Tips When emailing a new contact, it is important to remember a few key self-introductory email tips. Write catchy subject lines. Make sure your subject lines are catchy and relevant to the email content. A boring subject line can lead to your email not being opened or read. Keep it brief and to the point. Your email should be no more than three paragraphs in length. This will help ensure the recipient reads the entire message. Use a professional tone of voice. Remember to use a polite and respectful tone when introducing yourself. Nothing is more off-putting than an overly casual introduction. Be confident but not arrogant. Your email should convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity and demonstrate your confidence in your skills, but avoid coming off as arrogant. Avoid using slang or jargon. Using slang terms and industry-specific jargon can be off-putting to the recipient. Keep your language professional and easy to understand. Provide relevant information. Your email should include a brief overview of your skills, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the opportunity. Include a call to action. Your email should include a request for further dialogue, such as requesting an interview or meeting. Include a signature. Make sure to include your contact information in the signature of the email so that it is easy for the recipient to contact you. Thank the recipient for their time. End your email by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. This will demonstrate that you appreciate their taking the time to read your introduction. READ MORE: 50 Business Voicemail Greeting Examples How Do You Introduce Yourself in a Professional Email? Introducing yourself in a professional email can be difficult. You want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to ramble on for too long. Start by introducing yourself and your position, explain why you’re writing the email, and state what you hope to gain from the email exchange. By following these tips, you can create a concise and professional introduction that will make a good impression on your recipient. What Is the Most Important Element of an Email Introduction Example? The most important element of an email introduction is the subject line. A strong, catchy subject line will entice the reader to open the email and learn more. On the other hand, a generic or dull subject line may lead the recipient to delete the email without reading it. For this reason, it is important to craft a subject line that catches the recipient’s attention and encourages them to open your email. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Effective Email Introduction Examples" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Observing Greenland from a helicopter, the main problem is one of comprehending scale. I have thought we were skimming low over the waves of a fjord, before noticing the tiny shadow of a seabird far below and realizing what I suspected were floating shards of ice were in fact icebergs the size of office blocks. I have thought we were hovering high in the sky over a featureless icy plane below, before bumping down gently onto ice only a few meters below us. Crevasses—cracks in the surface of glaciers—are the epitome of this baffling range of scales. Formed by stresses at the surface, their direction and size tell us how the ice sheet is flowing toward the ocean. Inland, far away from the fast-flowing glaciers that discharge hundreds of gigatonnes of icebergs a year into fjords, crevasses can be tiny cracks only millimeters wide. [Photo: Tom Chudley] As the ice speeds up, they can be meters in diameter, sometimes covered by deceptive snow bridges that require suitable safety equipment and rescue training to traverse. Finally, where the ice meets the ocean and no scientist would ever dare to stand, they can be monsters more than 100 meters from wall to wall. And across Greenland, they are growing. It shouldn’t be particularly surprising to scientists that crevasses are getting larger across Greenland. As the ocean warms, the ice sheet has sped up in response, increasing the stresses acting upon its surface. However, observations from satellites and in-person fieldwork are so poor that to date, we had no idea how extensively or quickly this process has been occurring. Cracks you could fly a helicopter through [Photo: Tom Chudley] Mapping cracks In a new study, my colleagues and I mapped crevasses across the entirety of the Greenland ice sheet in 2016 and 2021. To do this, we used the ArcticDEM: three-dimensional surface maps of the polar regions based on high-resolution satellite images. By applying image-processing techniques to more than 8,000 maps, we could estimate how much water, snow or air would be needed to “fill” each crevasse across the ice sheet. This enabled us to calculate their depth and volume, and examine how they evolved. We found that from 2016 to 2021, there were significant increases in crevasse volume across fast-flowing sectors of the Greenland ice sheet. In the southeast of the ice sheet, an area that has been particularly vulnerable to ocean-induced acceleration and retreat in the past few years, crevasse volume increased by over 25%. In most Greenland glaciers that flow into the ocean, scientists found crevasses are increasing in size and depth. [Image: Chudley et al./Nature Geoscience] However, against our expectations, crevasse volume across the whole ice sheet increased by only 4.3%. That’s much closer to an overall balance than the extremes observed in certain sectors. What had happened? In fact, the significant increases elsewhere were being offset by a single source: an outlet glacier known as Sermeq Kujalleq (Danish: Jakobshavn Isbræ). Sermeq Kujalleq is the fastest-flowing glacier on the planet, reaching speeds of nearly 50 meters a day and providing an outsized proportion of Greenland’s total sea-level rise contribution. In 2016, responding to an influx of cold water from the north Atlantic ocean, the glacier slowed and thickened. As it did this, the crevasses on the surface began to close—offsetting increases across the rest of the ice sheet. This slowdown was short-lived. Since 2018, Sermeq Kujalleq has once again reverted to acceleration and thinning in response to ongoing warming. We won’t be able to rely on it to offset ice-sheet-wide increases in crevassing in the future. Cracks grow into icebergs Crevasses play an integral part in the life cycle of glaciers, and as they grow they hold the potential to further accelerate ice-sheet loss. They deliver surface meltwater into the belly of the ice sheet: once inside, water can act to warm the ice or lubricate the bed that the glacier slides over, both of which can make the ice sheet flow faster into the ocean. Meanwhile, where the ice meets the sea, crevasses form the initial fractures from which icebergs can break off, increasing the output of icebergs into the ocean. In short, crevasses underpin the dynamic processes that occur across Greenland and Antarctica. However, these processes are very poorly understood, and their future evolution is the single largest uncertainty in our predictions of sea-level rise. Together, the increased discharge of ice holds the potential to add up to 10 meters of additional sea-level rise by 2300 (75% of all cities with more than 5 million inhabitants exist less than 10m above sea level). We need to better understand these processes—including crevasses—so that informed sea-level projections can form the basis of our responses to the global challenges that climate change presents. Since 2023, an international coalition of polar scientists has been urging the world to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the most catastrophic melt scenarios for global glaciers and ice sheets. Last month, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that 2024 was the first year in which average global temperatures exceeded this threshold. Every fraction of a degree matters. We may still be able to save ourselves from the worst of the damage the climate change will bring—but we are desperately running out of time. Tom Chudley is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the Department of Geography at Durham University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, the Joslyn Art Museum was a hub of culture for surrounding Midwestern towns. No matter how much or how little you knew about fine art, it was the place you could go to see works that you might not otherwise be able to access outside of the coasts. Decades after leaving Omaha, I returned this past December, and while visiting my mother’s house, I noticed a brochure for the Joslyn in her mail pile. It was unusually striking and had a look and feel that was vastly different from the Joslyn’s original brand identity. The old logotype, locked up with a pictorial mark, was traditional and respectable, but also very much tied to the past. The new brand consisted of a bespoke typographic system, with an angular logotype and a color scheme that made the brochure stand out from the mail pile. Weeks later, I saw Pentagram’s Instagram post about its work for the Joslyn. Pentagram’s Eddie Opara, whose team won the work—competing against multiple design studios, some in Nebraska—led the strategic and visual rebrand. The rebrand launched shortly after a new extension of the museum was completed by the famed architecture firm Snøhetta, who partnered with Omaha-based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture. [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] The museum’s glow-up is a notable investment in a region whose cultural contributions are often overlooked. As Dusty Davidson, Vice Chair of Joslyn’s Board of Governors, explained in the rational for hiring top tier design talent: “Great cities have world-class art institutions,” he says. “Snøhetta brought world-class architecture to Omaha, and we wanted a brand design that could be world-class.” Past with present Opening in 1931, the Joslyn Memorial as it was originally called, was designed by father-son architects John & Alan McDonald, whose work for the Joslyn landed the building on a list of the “finest buildings in the United States” in 1938. “When I saw it the first time, way back in the ’80s, I was gobsmacked by it,” says Snøhetta partner Craig Dykers of the original building. [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] In 1994 came an expansion, known as the Scott Pavilion, designed by British architect Norman Foster. Boxy in its look and feel, it’s well lit from almost any angle thanks to the large glass atrium with a 45-foot-high ceiling. Then, in fall 2024, the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion opened. The 42,000-square-foot expansion, led by Snøhetta, was the impetus for rethinking the Joslyn’s entire identity. [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] This architecture proved to be a rich source of inspiration for Opara and his team as they worked on the visual identity. “I remember on their first visit, we lost track of Eddie for a moment. He was at the top of the grand steps, seeing this lettering that is carved into the building in this really unique typeface and he was up taking photographs of it,” recalls Amy Rummel, the Joslyn’s director of marketing & public relations. “Later he told us, that was a real a moment, this building has a typeface that could be a seed for something new.” [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] The Joslyn’s resulting type system, designed by Pentagram alongside Berlin’s ABC Dinamo foundry, is multifaceted, connecting architecture, art, history, and culture. The bespoke typeface essentially functions as the museum’s core identity, in lieu of a solitary logo. The design is sharp yet elegant, and pulls the past and present together. “We looked at the different periods of art that the Joslyn has,” says Opara. “And we looked at the anatomy of the architecture to make display type, relating it to the Umóⁿhoⁿ (Omaha) and related Indigenous languages spoken in the region.” [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] Opara’s goal was to fuse those architectural designs with a rebrand that would speak to Omaha citizens who know and love the Joslyn. To do so, he and his team set out to understand the importance of the Joslyn to Nebraska and the neighboring states. “We really went to town in regards to having a conversation with not only the key stakeholders and the board, but also the community,” he says. “We did different surveys with Nebraska and neighboring states, to understand how the Joslyn is a magnet, and from a branding perspective it has lost its magnetism. What does it need to bring its magnetism back?” [Photo: courtesy Pentagram] Part of the answer is the shot in the arm effect that investing in top-tier design can have. The other is ensuring that bringing in outside talent doesn’t lose track of what has always mattered to local institution: its community. “In Omaha, in particular, you have a lot of people who generationally have the Joslyn as part of their families,” says Rummel. “They have personal experiences here such as, ‘I was married here,’ or, ‘I saw my first work of art at the Joslyn.‘ People are really invested in this particular museum.” View the full article

Super Bowl LIX is almost upon us, bringing with it a host of questions. Who’s gonna win? What brand will have the best commercial and who will star in it? Also, why are ticket sales plummeting? But there are a lot of questions most of us aren’t thinking about. Questions like, What if the game gets canceled? How will New Orleans and the NFL protect the city and venue from threats? What if an unforeseen event injures players, fans, workers, or worse . . . Taylor Swift? Most would rather not consider such horrors. I don’t think anyone wants to live in a world where Kendrick Lamar is a no-show for halftime. But one group focuses exclusively on questions like these, sometimes as early as two years before the big game: insurance companies. Because football’s biggest stage makes the Super Bowl one of the world’s riskiest events. The business of insuring the Super Bowl is as expensive as it is secretive. Many details (premiums, coverage, companies involved) are not public. So we tracked down Martin Ridgers, owner of MKR Specialty Insurance Brokerage. Ridgers has helped insure 10 Super Bowls, as well as the World Cup, the Olympics, and even presidential inaugurations. He provided some insight into what it takes to insure the Super Bowl. Super liability “It’s almost like setting up a small city when you execute an event of this magnitude,” Ridgers says. Which is why, he says, “It’s not really the NFL that’s setting up the Super Bowl. It’s the city, which creates its own committee and its own organization.” For this reason, since so much of the hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl happens off the field (and even outside the venue), the NFL strategically shifts most liability to the host city’s committee, which becomes responsible for everything from accidents at NFL-sponsored events to property damage and worker injuries. Traffic incidents, temporary structures, emergency-response delays, protecting fans (ranging in varying degrees of intoxication)—the list of risks is exhaustive. And it’s not just game day that needs to be insured. It’s the entire week of Super Bowl festivities. And with potential payouts in the $100 million-plus range, a select few insurance providers are even willing and able to cover such costs. “There’s probably less than five insurance companies in the United States or even worldwide that can deal with a Super Bowl,” Ridgers says. “So it’s not like they’re buying regular car insurance where they can go out to 20 insurance companies and get a quote.” The biggest risk It’s difficult to imagine Super Bowl LIX being canceled. But it’s not out of the question. In 2011, an ice storm paralyzed Dallas for several days and threatened Super Bowl XLV at JerryWorld. In 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey narrowly escaped a snowstorm, which hit less than 12 hours after the game. So just about every party involved—the city committee, the NFL, the television network airing the game, cleaning companies contracted for the event, local hotels—buy cancellation insurance. This makes cancellation the number-one risk on Super Bowl Sunday. The closest the Super Bowl has come to getting canceled was in 2013. During Super Bowl XLVII at the New Orleans Superdome, the site of this year’s game, the power went out during the third quarter. After 34 minutes, it came back on and the game continued. Had power not been restored and the game postponed as a result, an insurance policy would have likely been triggered to cover the costs of extra lodging, staffing, setup, and much more, according to Ridgers. “It’s unlikely that there was a claim in that instance because the power came back on,” he says. “But it opened the door for a variety of claims had that not been resolved.” Media liability is also a key consideration. These policies protect the network airing the game from broadcast interruptions (like power outages), sound issues, and in some cases FCC violations—you know, from unforeseen issues like wardrobe malfunctions. Insuring the halftime show Perhaps the biggest controversy in Super Bowl history—halftime or otherwise—came in 2004 at Super Bowl XXXVIII, when Justin Timberlake pulled off part of Janet Jackson’s costume during their performance, exposing her breast. This became known as “the wardrobe malfunction” and led to CBS facing $550,000 in FCC fines. The fines were later thrown out, but the incident shined a light on a crucial aspect of event insurance. “A lot of times, fines are not insurable,” Ridgers says. “I’m not saying that they can’t be insurable, I’m saying they’re not necessarily insurable. Because [being fined] means you are guilty of a violation of something you know you shouldn’t have done in the first place.” The cost of defending fines, however, is insurable, Ridgers says—through if the accused party is found guilty, they may be required to pay the insurance company back. Beyond wardrobe malfunctions Indoor pyrotechnics, crews assembling stages and platforms quickly and on the spot, artists performing on stage, backup dancers . . . with or without wardrobe malfunctions, executing a spectacle like the Super Bowl halftime show is a liability nightmare. According to Ridgers, it’s not the NFL or the city or the venue that typically insures the halftime show. It’s the artist. “I’ve worked with people doing the halftime shows,” he says, “and most of the time they will set up a separate corporation or company just to do that show, then start attaching things to that. So if they bring in a secondary artist or somebody, they will become a part of that corporation or will be brought on as a subcontractor.” Security, he says, is usually the venue’s responsibility. So the artist is responsible for insuring the show—the setups, the pyrotechnics, the dancers, the crew, and the varying liability that comes with it. “The artist either hires a company that’s done it before or they have to create a company to protect what’s happening during the halftime show,” he says. According to Ridgers, insuring the 12-to-15-minute halftime show alone can cost more than $100,000. Protecting Taylor, hosting Trump Taylor Swift won’t be the only A-list celebrity attending Super Bowl LIX. (And it won’t even be her first time.) Strange as it may seem, Donald Trump will be the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl in the game’s 58-year history. “Just because we know publicly that Taylor Swift is going to be there doesn’t change anything,” Ridgers says. “There would be plenty of other artists and important people showing up. Now . . . the president? That can increase my exposure.” This is where, Ridgers says, he needs more information than the Secret Service is typically willing to give. Where the president will be, for how long, and what he’ll be doing are all critical factors in calculating the risk associated with his attendance. As you can imagine, those details are often sparse. “Let’s say they come out and say the president is going to take the stage in the middle of the field,” Ridgers says. “Now, it becomes a political rally rather than just a football event. That could change the premiums. It could change the terms and conditions. And it could change whether I insure the show or not.” Defense wins championships The burden of insuring Super Bowl LIX is as massive as the event itself and the liability that goes with it. Rather than a single policy, Super Bowl insurance operates as a complex portfolio starting with a base policy and layering on additional coverage. While premiums and general coverage amounts are not publicly disclosed, we can use our imaginations. The city of Las Vegas spent $60 million to host last year’s Super Bowl. The New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee was responsible for Super Bowl XLVIII. Played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it was the most expensive ever at $70 million. Factor in the myriad of liabilities across the board, and the potential payout and the premiums stack up pretty quickly. “The [Super Bowl] itself can sometimes cost into the seven figures to insure,” Ridgers says, electing not to share any further details. Essentially, when hosting an event like the Super Bowl, the opportunities for things to go wrong are almost infinite, so the event has to be insured as such. When discussing the responsibility of putting on Super Bowl LIX, Ridgers compared it to that of owning a tiger. “There’s really not a lot of defense if I’ve got a tiger and the tiger bites your head off,” he says. “I can say, ‘My tiger’s been nice and kind for the last 10 years!’ It doesn’t matter. It’s considered a weapon immediately.” View the full article

Tj Power is the lead neuroscientist at the DOSE Lab and cofounder of Neurify, a trailblazing organization in the mental health sector. He is also a renowned international speaker, having captivated audiences worldwide and worked with major corporations and health services. What’s the big idea? Human brain chemistry is at odds with modern lifestyles. The activities and habits that naturally boost dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins have been largely replaced by routines that leave us feeling depleted. Uplift mood, tune focus, boost energy, and deepen relationships by fostering optimum conditions for your body’s favorite neurotransmitters. Below, Tj shares five key insights from his new book, The DOSE Effect: Optimize Your Brain and Body by Boosting Your Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. Listen to the audio version—read by Tj himself—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. Dopamine that requires effort is better Dopamine is your brain’s motivational fuel. When elevating your dopamine levels, focus on the idea of earning dopamine and not just getting instant, quick hits. In our hunter-gatherer past, dopamine rewarded us for effort. It made activities like hunting for food or building shelter feel good so that we wanted to keep doing these things. Today, dopamine is getting hijacked by quick hits like social media, sugary snacks, and online shopping. These easy dopamine fixes cause brief neurochemical spikes that then crash out and make us feel quite low. To optimize dopamine naturally, start your day with action. Instead of going on your phone first thing in the morning, go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, splash some water on your face, or even get a little bit of sunlight. This kind of action naturally starts generating dopamine in your brain. Throughout your day, really connect with goal-oriented tasks. Maybe that’s tackling a challenging project at work or cleaning your home. We all know that feeling, for example, when you need to change and wash your bedding. It’s an annoying task that isn’t particularly fun. You wake up one morning and think, yeah, I should probably change and wash my bedding today. And then a few days later, you’re like, oh yeah, I need to. You go through the hell of unbuttoning the duvet, getting the sheet off, jamming it in the washing machine so it all fits in one load, getting it out, drying it, and putting it all back on the bed. Eventually, you find yourself getting into your freshly washed bed, and you think about how nice it feels to be under clean covers. No one regrets washing their bedding. That’s dopamine. Dopamine rewards you for an effortful task that is beneficial to you as a human being. Try to limit quick dopamine behaviors. Replace endless scrolling with something like reading, writing, solving a problem, or connecting with a human. If we can reduce quick dopamine and increase slow dopamine, then our brain will operate much better. 2. Build connection through the love hormone Oxytocin is a connection chemical that strengthens relationships and develops trust. In the past, oxytocin was essential to survival because it drove cooperation within tight-knit social communities. Today, digital habits and individualistic lifestyles weaken oxytocin pathways, leaving us feeling isolated and lonely. To elevate oxytocin, consider a few of these actions: Physical touch. Hugging someone for five seconds is a scientifically proven way to raise oxytocin. Deepen social moments. When socializing with people you love, remove distractions. Get that phone as far away as possible. Eye contact is a priority. Listen actively and ask interesting questions. Altruism. Pro-social behavior—like acts of kindness, helping a friend, writing someone a thank you, or smiling at someone and asking how their day’s going—increases oxytocin. 3. Have a dose of nature’s antidepressant Serotonin is the body’s mood booster. Spending time outdoors in the sunlight and consuming unprocessed foods supports serotonin production. Unfortunately, our modern indoor lifestyles and processed diets deplete this chemical, leading to mood swings and fatigue. To boost serotonin levels, spend more time outdoors. On a sunny day, you might only need five minutes outside to achieve a nice increase in this chemical. On cloudy days, you’ll require 10 to 15 minutes. Often, we only go outside when it’s sunny, neglecting the cloudy days when we really should be getting out there. A simple rule I like to follow is the principle of seeing sunlight before checking social media every single morning. As someone who’s addicted to my phone, going on social media first thing in the morning primes my brain for that dopamine loop, causing me to stay on my phone all day. Observing sunlight before social media is an essential routine in my life that helps maintain my serotonin levels. The second part of this is prioritizing gut health to increase serotonin. Ninety percent of this chemical is made in your gut. Anytime you eat fibrous, rich, nutrient-dense foods, your body uses them to generate serotonin. The third part is a practice called underthinking. When overthinking, our brains and thoughts go rapidly and often in a negative direction. It’s important that we know how to calm down our bodies in those moments. If we settle our hearts and reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), our thoughts will also calm. We often do this with a physiological sigh. This is where you take a double inhalation through the nose, followed by a big exhalation from the mouth. Repeating this three to five times—double in, one out, double in, one out—builds serotonin and slows overthinking. 4. Use endorphins to alleviate pain Endorphins are your brain’s natural painkillers. They’re activated by physical activity, hot environments, and laughing regularly. For our ancestors, endorphins were critical for enduring the physical demands and stressors of surviving in the wild. To activate them in your life, you need to make sure you move daily. Exercise triggers this chemical. Take a 10-minute walk. Try walking faster or up a hill, or turn it into a little jog or sprint. Any moment of physical activation is great. “To activate them in your life, you need to make sure you move daily.” Next, I suggest experimenting with heat therapy, like a warm bath or sauna. You may have experienced this before getting in a bath: suddenly, you feel a bit more relaxed, neurobiologically speaking. That’s because endorphins are released into your brain, calming you down. Finally, we really need laughter. Our research at the DOSE Lab shows that humans in our modern world are not laughing enough. We ask people, on a scale from one to 10, how frequently they laugh. Using data from 50,000 people, we got an average answer of only 5.1. If your personal answer to that question is a low number, you need to prioritize happy social moments or funny movies and TV shows. Things that get you laughing are essential for this chemical. 5. Get happy from DOSE Happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion. It’s deeply rooted in brain chemistry. You can transform your mental and emotional state by understanding and intentionally boosting dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Start with small changes to your daily lifestyle: phone habits, food choices, and time spent outside. Over time, you’ll notice significant shifts in your motivation, mood, relationships, and happiness. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

If you tune into the Puppy Bowl on Sunday, you’ll likely see a key person’s influence — even if you don’t actually see her. Victoria Schade is a dog trainer and novelist who’s the show’s lead puppy trainer and wrangler. She’s the one making sure the shelter pups have a conflict-free contest and that they’re captured at their most adorable—all from off-camera. It is Schade who gets the puppies to look up during the “The Star-Spangled Banner” or run through a tunnel to get to the field for the starting lineups. She’s on the lookout for possible conflicts or nervous dogs. “My responsibilities include ensuring puppy happiness and safety during gameplay,” she says. “So if there’s any moment where a puppy looks like they’re overwhelmed or they just need a break, I’ll step out and give them a little break on the sideline.” Schade has been working with the doggies on the Animal Planet show for 19 years and is believed to be the longest serving member of the Puppy Bowl crew. She also works the kitten halftime show and calls filming both her favorite week of the year. “I think she is one of the most dedicated, hardest working people out there in the business,” says Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner, now in his 14th year. “She doesn’t ever seem to run out of energy. She never says no to a request and there’s always brightness and sunshine from her with every step.” Schade has coached hundreds of dogs over the years but never adopted one from the show—until now. She took home Boris, known on the show as Mr. Pickles, from Dallas Dog rescue. “I saw star quality. So this was the year,” she says. Treats and funny noises Early on, Schade was responsible for recruiting and selecting the puppies, a task now that leans on animal rescue groups and shelters throughout the country. These days, she’s the lead trainer. “If you’re seeing the puppy looking up at the camera, I’m typically right there with the treat,” she says. “It’s a lot of treats and funny noises. And that does the trick.” This year, Schade is stepping out from the sidelines and joining Schachner on camera for an hour-long pre-game kickoff show, which features a doggie combine and a draft. Other show highlights include segments with Dan Smyers, from superstar country duo Dan + Shay, and Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. Schade has developed some very special animal-related skills over the years, including anticipating when one of the players needs to relieve itself. “One of my Puppy Bowl skills is reading butts. So I know when a puppy is going to go to the bathroom and I’ll typically say like, ‘Watch out in the 20-yard-line, we’re going to have a deposit’ and everyone’s ready to go with that cleanup.” The Puppy Bowl made its debut as counter-programming to the Super Bowl in 2005. Dogs score touchdowns on a gridiron carpet when they cross the goal line—any goal line—with a toy in their mouth. The show is really just an excuse to spend time watching adorable, clumsy pups play with chew toys, wag their tails furiously and lick the camera. A deeper reason is to encourage animal adoption. According to the ASPCA, approximately 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized each year and 2 million shelter dogs are adopted. Most of the puppies are usually adopted by airtime, since the show was filmed in the fall. But the point is to show that animals just like the ones on the show can be found at any shelter at any time. This year’s three-hour television event will feature 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states—and one from Nicaragua, a Chihuahua-German shepherd. There will be 11 special-needs dogs. “That’s the most amount we’ve ever had,” says Schachner. “Look out for Jolene, who is a pitbull mix that’s in a wheelchair. Look out for a three-legged Boston terrier from New York City. And my personal favorite, is Sprinkle, who is a blind and deaf Aussie. So it’s just incredible to watch them play.” The inaugural Puppy Bowl was watched by nearly 6 million viewers. Last year, 12.6 million viewers tuned in. In comparison, this year’s Golden Globes attracted 9.3 million. Practical advice for raising puppies Schade, whose first book was Bonding With Your Dog, and who then pivoted to writing pet-oriented novels, like Life on the Leash and Dog Friendly, is a wealth of information about our four-legged friends. She advises dog owners to learn to read the body language of their pet, to try to understand what they’re trying to say. Like tail-wagging—how tight? And where is the tail positioned? Schade is a big advocate for positive reinforcement and science-based training, not the so-called alpha dog approach, which uses intimidation or force. “There’s no need to be the alpha, which has been debunked anyway. You are your dog’s ally. You’re their friend. You’re their No. 1. And it’s a relationship based in compassion and understanding.” That means load up on treats. She advocates keeping them in your pocket and consistently using them as rewards for good behavior, especially when potty training. “I cannot stress it enough: When you think you’re treating enough, treat more because, especially during puppyhood, it is such a critical learning period and every interaction is a chance to teach something.” —By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press View the full article

Ever since DeepSeek burst onto the scene last month, there’s been no shortage of opinions about what the Chinese startup’s artificial intelligence accomplishments mean for America’s AI giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. However, there’s one company that’s usually been absent from any discussion of just how bad DeepSeek’s arrival is for many of America’s tech giants: Apple. Whenever a tech insider or analyst mentions Apple and DeepSeek together, its usually to suggest that the arrival of the Chinese LLM could be beneficial to the iPhone maker. Is that really the case? AI technology is moving so quickly (DeepSeek virtually appeared out of nowhere) that it seems futile to make long-term predictions about any advancement’s ultimate impact on the industry, let alone an individual company. Still, I can see a few ways that Apple may benefit from DeepSeek and its successes. Partnering with DeepSeek can give Apple Intelligence a way into China The most direct way that Apple could benefit from DeepSeek’s arrival is if the company decided to actually partner with the Chinese startup. It’s no secret that Apple badly wants to bring Apple Intelligence to China, as the company’s software chief, Craig Federinghi, told me last June when it first previewed its AI platform. China is Apple’s second-largest market after the US. Apple believes that the addition of Apple Intelligence to its phones represents a unique selling point that will attract new iPhone users and encourage existing ones to upgrade, leading to increased sales. Increasing sales in China is very important to Apple, where its phones have been struggling recently against domestic rivals (the Cupertino company recently saw its China sales drop 11.1% on an annual basis). The problem for Apple is that China has stringent laws surrounding AI systems—even those designed for consumers. That’s why, to meet the country’s legal requirements, Apple might likely partner with an already approved AI provider in China. Indeed, in December, Reuters reported that Apple was in early talks with Tencent and ByteDance about the possibility of integrating their AI models into Apple Intelligence in the country. But now Apple may have a third option: DeepSeek. From both a technological and optical perspective, choosing the small startup’s LLM for integration with Apple Intelligence in the country could be a wise move. Technologically, integrating DeepSeek into Apple Intelligence on iPhones in China could confer several performance benefits. Two significant advantages of DeepSeek over other LLMs are that it can run on less powerful chips and uses less energy. This makes it perfect for Apple’s Apple Intelligence platform, which tries to perform as much on-device computing as possible to make things speedier and more private for its users. Partnering with DeepSeek over other AI providers in China may also be excellent optics for Apple from a marketing standpoint, at least locally. Ever since DeepSeek upstaged the much better-funded U.S. tech giants, the small startup has become a point of pride in the nation. Its founder, Liang Wenfeng, even reportedly received a hero’s welcome when he returned to his hometown of Zhanjiang over the Lunar New Year holiday. If Apple wants to increase sales in China, what better way than by touting that the AI developed by China’s tech hero is powering Apple Intelligence? AI R&D just got cheaper for Apple Even if Apple doesn’t partner directly with DeepSeek, the Chinese startup’s disruption of the U.S. AI industry seems to offer some indirect advantages for Apple. Before DeepSeek’s arrival, general wisdom held that if a company wanted to be competitive in the AI race—to be in it to win it—it needed to invest tens of billions of dollars in research and development. After all, that’s what OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Google have done. Apple could have thrown the same amount of money into AI development in order to catch up with its U.S. rivals—but DeepSeek’s success shows that the company may not have to do that anymore. DeepSeek says that its model was trained for less than $6 million, a pittance compared to the money OpenAI and Meta, for example, have spent training their models. And DeepSeek’s R1 LLM outperforms OpenAI’s and Meta’s models in many areas. If it’s now known that powerful LLMs that can compete with the heavyweights can be created and trained for just cents on the dollar, Apple no longer needs to consider spending tens of billions to catch up and can direct its massive cash stockpiles elsewhere. Further, DeepSeek claims it took just two months to train its model. If that’s the case, then Apple will be able to catch up to its U.S. competitors in no time. Apple’s position in the AI race So, does DeepSeek’s arrival give Apple a leg up in the AI race? When it comes to potentially bringing Apple Intelligence to China and boosting iPhone sales in the country, it very well may. But outside of China, it’s impossible to say if DeepSeek’s arrival will actually materially benefit Apple’s position in the AI race long-term. DeepSeek’s innovations seem to show that you don’t need to spend billions of dollars and years training advanced AI models. This revelation doesn’t only benefit Apple, however. While Apple now might not have to spend the time and money its US competitors did to create a model on the scale of ChatGPT and Llama, neither do other companies now, which levels the playing field for everyone, big and small. Besides, who knows what other AI breakthroughs are just around the corner? DeepSeek virtually came out of nowhere. There’s no guarantee it won’t be upstaged by another groundbreaking AI advancement in the months ahead that disrupts the industry all over again. And because of that, it’s impossible to say who will be in what place on the future AI leaderboards—no matter if you’re talking about Apple, OpenAI, or DeepSeek itself. View the full article

Israel to free about 180 Palestinian prisoners later on Saturday as ceasefire stretches into third weekView the full article

Saving the planet is so 2024. Clean energy leaders across the globe are now tailoring their messages to emphasize the greener side of green: wealth-building. It’s an idea that sells far better in the new world of nationalism and tycoon leaders. Messaging from the U.S. renewable energy industry and the United Nations on climate change has typically focused on the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions for the sake of environmental and human health. To bolster the argument, they cite record-shattering heat around the world, the frequent climate disasters costing billions of dollars and the human toll of it all. But a sharper emphasis on profit potential has become evident as President Donald Trump stormed into office with a flurry of rollbacks to clean energy initiatives and an emphatic declaration of plans to “unleash” oil, gas and mining. In a lobbying blitz in Washington this week, solar, wind, hydropower and other clean-energy interests touted their role in a “robust American energy and manufacturing economy” and sported lapel pins that said “American energy dominance” — a favorite Trump phrase. Meanwhile, in a major policy speech Thursday in Brazil, the U.N.’s top climate official played up the $2 trillion flowing into clean-energy projects and recalled a friend telling him that appealing to people’s “better angels” only goes so far. That friend, according to U.N. Climate Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, added: “In the great horserace of life … ‘always back self-interest … what’s in it for me.’ ” It’s not that clean energy backers haven’t made the case before. But a different landscape, especially in the U.S., stands to make it more potent. “It’s a very winning message for outreach to conservatives because it’s really true,” said former U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, a South Carolina Republican who founded the conservative climate group RepublicEN.org. “If we play our cards right and lead the world to this, we can create a lot of wealth, create a lot of jobs here in America.” Inglis pointed to Elon Musk’s empire-building on electric cars, solar panels and batteries. “When right-of-center people hear, ’you know, you can you make a profit at this’ then it makes sense. Otherwise, it’s like, why are people giving stuff away?” Inglis said. Jobs especially have long been a big selling point for solar and wind energy and electric cars, but there’s a push to not think of self-interest as a dirty word — and instead to harness it, United Nations officials said. When Stiell mentioned the $2 trillion in his speech for clean energy, he called it “unstoppable because of the colossal scale of economic opportunity it presents.” Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer, who is also a professor of international affairs, said climate change is such a difficult problem, “if some people feel the need to cater to narrower self-interests which can be bundled into a solution to the problem, why not?” In letters and at more than 100 congressional meetings this week, industry leaders from the Solar Energy Industries Association, Oceantic Network and other organizations appealed to keep crucial tax incentives in place so their projects can be globally competitive. The appeal targets lawmakers who might dismiss climate change but be open to an economic rationale, said Jessie Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition, which spearheaded a letter. “In the past administration, obviously, we emphasized the common interest around climate mitigation,” Stolark said. “The messaging with this current administration and with the Republicans is shifting more to that energy piece, the economic piece, the jobs piece. “I think you want to meet an audience where they are, what’s important to them, what’s going to drive the conversation forward.” Liz Beardsley, senior policy counsel at the U.S. Green Building Council that was part of the sweeping lobbying effort, said the economy has always been a core component of its messages, and that “doing good is also good for business.” To Lisa Sachs, director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, messaging that climate efforts were strictly for the planet was actually disingenuous. “The honesty and coherence of the business and financial sectors in making the economic case for the transition is refreshing, at least, after years of doublespeak, greenwashing and confusion,” Sachs said. “It’s not a perfect strategy from a climate or social perspective, as the private sector cannot on its own fully decarbonize the economy … But under this administration, it’s probably our best bet for progress.” President Trump may not be reachable, but his Energy and Interior secretaries are and they have power, said Frank Maisano, a longtime Washington spokesman for energy interests from oil and gas to wind and batteries. It’s time for a change, said Joanna Depledge, a climate historian at Cambridge University in England: “Banging on about the catastrophic climate crisis is obviously doing no good at all.” —Seth Borenstein and Alexa St. John, Associated Press Associated Press reporter Tammy Webber contributed to this report. The Associated Press’s 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. View the full article

Ethan Bernstein is a professor of business administration in the Organizational Behavior unit at the Harvard Business School. He spent five years at The Boston Consulting Group and two years in executive positions at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Michael Horn is the author of several books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Choosing College, Blended, and From Reopen to Reinvent. He is the cofounder of and distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute. He also teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and cohosts the higher education podcast Future U. Bob Moesta is the president and founder of the Re-Wired Group, an adjunct lecturer at the Kellog School of Management at Northwestern University, and a research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute. What’s the big idea? No job will tick every box on your dream job requirements. It’s important to put in the work to understand what role and environment will provide progress in your career, not perfection. To switch jobs productively and expect job satisfaction, critical steps need to be completed before submitting your application anywhere. Below, coauthors Ethan, Michael, and Bob share five key insights from their new book, Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career. Listen to the audio version—read by Michael and Ethan—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. Identify the root causes of why you want to change jobs. Every year, roughly one billion people change jobs. If you’re like most people, you’re probably switching jobs roughly every four years. Hundreds of millions report that they’re disappointed with the outcome of their switch. Maybe you ended up in a new role and then quit quietly. Maybe you started your next job search just months after starting a new job. Or maybe you’re like the two-thirds of American workers who report to Gallup that they are disengaged in their current jobs. When most people think about changing jobs, they tend to focus on the features they want, like better hours, less travel, higher pay, a worthier title, faster advancement, greater responsibility, more impact, and more vacation or benefits. All those things sound nice, but such lists rarely help us progress in our careers because they fail to ground us in the true reasons we’re looking for something new. What is actually driving a job move right now? By using the Jobs to Be Done theory around why people change behavior and studying over a thousand people who have switched jobs, we’ve distilled the forces that cause someone to make a switch. We didn’t just study people who were thinking about changing jobs because bitchin’ ain’t switchin’. People love to complain and think about what could be better. But to understand what really causes these changes meant looking at those who made the switch. When we looked at the functional, social, and emotional forces that pushed someone to make a job move, we noticed they clustered into four common patterns, which we call quests for progress: Get Out. When a person can’t see a way to thrive in their current job or their manager makes it feel like a dead end. They want to escape where they can be supported and challenged. Regain Control. When a person feels overwhelmed (or bored) in an aspect of life. They want to find an employer that gives a say in how to allocate time and do work. Regain Alignment. When a person’s current employer does not fully value their experience, knowledge, or credentials. They want an environment and role in which they are respected, acknowledged, and reengaged by making full use of their skills. Take the Next Step. When a person has reached a career or life milestone and wants an exciting place to move forward and take on more responsibility. 2. Make career progress by figuring out specifically what you want to do in your next job. The most straightforward way to determine what quest you’re on is to understand how you want your next job to motivate or energize you each day and how you want it to make use of your capabilities. By understanding whether you’re looking to build or reset along those two dimensions, you can figure out what quest you’re on. For example, one individual longed for a reset from a role at a large multinational company where, in her view, “overachievers [went] to feel bad about themselves.” She wanted to reset how her job energized her. In contrast, an individual at a tech company was energized by her team. She wanted her next job to build on that feeling of community spirit with a culture where “people stood up for each other.” The other question is how your job makes use of your capabilities. One individual who had worked in the global health arena found herself as the chief of staff to the executive director of a research institute. She loved the organization’s mission but quickly realized that her role wasn’t aligned with her skillset. She wasn’t sufficiently respected for her capabilities and wasn’t challenged to grow them further. She found a new role within the same organization so she could reset how work made use of her capabilities. When another individual considered leaving the military, a phone call telling her she was up for a prestigious promotion persuaded her to stay. That’s because the new role would allow her to build on her current capabilities—something she desired. 3. Job seekers should build three to five prototypes of what they could do next. In product development, successful designers learn what progress customers want to make in their lives before building prototypes to test their early ideas. They experiment with multiple rough mock-ups that they can easily change. Career choices benefit from experimentation, too. If you try to skip to the end by picking one option off a list of job postings, you’re likely to either get overwhelmed by the variety of possibilities or end up overly constrained by the first options you consider. You probably want to get to the answer of what’s next quickly, but that’s the hard way to switch jobs. “A good job move is about smart tradeoffs.” There is no perfect or dream job that fulfills every dimension. A good job move is about smart tradeoffs. If you think there is a perfect job, then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and, crucially, you don’t know how to make trade-offs, so that you can make real progress. Crafting multiple prototypes is productive in the short term and the long run. It helps uncover the interdependencies and trade-offs inherent in a quest. Having three to five prototypes will help because, like in new product development, the contrasts between them indicate what is critical and what you’re willing to give up. Humans are not always great at identifying exactly what we want to do in life, but the human brain is quite good at ruling out certain options when it sees them alongside others. To build prototypes, talk to people in jobs like the ones you’ve mocked up. To be clear: This isn’t a standard informational interview. Many informational interviews meander around the topic of how someone came to their current role and only vaguely touch on what it’s like in practice. They tend to focus on how the interviewer can get a similar job, perhaps at the same company, even if that’s not the intent. That’s not how we want you to do this. We want you to be hyper-focused on what people do daily and weekly in their role—and how those activities pertain to what energizes you and the capabilities you want to use in your next job. That’s how you’ll figure out what is a good move and what isn’t. 4. Learn to tell your career story effectively. After you’ve identified your quest and prototyped jobs to figure out what you want to do next, in an ideal world, you would go to the job market and find a no-hassle match. But, like other matchmaking endeavors, finding your next job is never that easy. Part of the reason you have done so much work to get to this point is because what organizations think applicants want isn’t typically the same as what you actually want. As a result, they have trouble attracting the right people and developing them effectively. You are living in an imperfect world where you will have to translate your prototype into a career narrative that managers and organizations can understand. Learning how to tell that career narrative to the world is critical. Conventionally, people might have referred to this as an elevator pitch. But most people see an elevator pitch as a chance to sell yourself to others. We’re not trying to make you a salesperson (yet)—we want you to be a storyteller first. Tell the story between the lines of your résumé; share the story spine, not just the highlights. You don’t have to be a born storyteller to craft a good story spine. You can take your cues from one of the best storytellers in the world: Pixar. “Turning your quest for progress into a story is an effective way to get noticed and be understood.” In 2011, Emma Coats, a storyboard artist at Pixar, tweeted 22 guidelines to make anyone a better storyteller. Her fourth point about creating a “story spine” to provide narrative structure has received the most sustained attention. Given that the human brain is wired to learn and retain information through stories, turning your quest for progress into a story is an effective way to get noticed and be understood. The story spine will help you create and tell this story well. In Job Moves, we help you follow a Mad Libs-like template to craft your career story and nail it so that employers understand where you’ve been, and be compelled about where you’re going and why. 5. Successful job switching is a social process. At every turn, switching jobs is social. Trying to figure out what quest you’re on? Turn to a trusted friend, mentor, manager, or colleague to unpack your last job switch. Looking to understand what drives your energy and what capabilities you want to continue developing? A mentor can help you spot trends and clues from your past jobs. Building prototypes? You’ll benefit from others extending their networks to you—from informational interviews to learning about new opportunities and ultimately landing a job. Despite all the activity on online job boards, most roles are still filled through personal connections. If we recognized that a good job move is a social process for finding the best outcomes for individuals and organizations, then we would build a common language around job moves that includes vocabulary for why a person usually moves, what quest they are on as they do so, how to generate options together, and how applicants can tell their stories. That’s why we wrote a social book with chapters for job movers, mentors, and even organizational leaders. Even though few people feel comfortable talking about why they might or might not move jobs, it’s the best way to make progress. Here’s an analogy. Consumers expect a customized user experience each time they buy a product: a digital storefront tailored to them and their purchasing patterns. Apps know how to do that from data collected about a consumer’s buying behavior. Because we’ve gotten so used to customized user experiences, we’re expecting customized employee experiences as well. But the only way that can happen is if we share enough data on ourselves–our pushes and pulls, energy drivers and drains, capabilities, quests, prototypes, story spines—for that to be possible. The ultimate key is to encourage people to think progress not perfection, as you pay it forward and help others make job moves. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

Repeal of ‘de minimis’ exemption had sparked turmoil at US customs and postal service as shipments piled upView the full article

Nowadays, when you hear someone talk about faxing, there’s a decent chance it’s the punchline to a groan-inducing dad joke. (Not that I would ever be guilty of such silliness, of course. I stick strictly to the fax.) And yet, here in the futuristic-feeling time of 2025, we all find ourselves facing the very occasional and impossibly baffling need to send something somewhere specifically by fax. Try as you might, sometimes, you just can’t avoid it. (One might even say those are just the fax of life!) Faxing is antiquated technology through and through, but for whatever reason, we as a society don’t quite seem ready to shed it entirely—despite the fact that we’ve got approximately 4.3 gablillion better ways to transmit documents, be it via messaging, email, or secure cloud sharing. Heck, you could even ask Gemini or ChatGPT to summon a virtual carrier pigeon and see what sort of nonsense they cough up in response. When the specific request for a fax slaps you back to reality, though, you’ve got no choice but to figure out some way to make it happen. You certainly won’t find any easy options within the apps Google gives you as part of its Workspace productivity suite. But good golly, have I got just the tool for you to tuck away in your virtual toolbox for the next time that need arises. Unearth all sorts of little-known tech treasures with my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. A useful new discovery in your inbox every Wednesday! Free fax, no tax All right—we’ll make this fax and furious: ➜ The next time you find yourself facing the hilarious but unavoidable demand to send something via fax, an app called HP Smart is the tool you need. ​HP Smart​ is a completely free app that looks like a run-of-the-mill interface for futzing around with an HP-made printer. And it is that, on the surface—but beneath that uninspiring outer layer is a hidden gem of a feature that anyone can take advantage of, whether you have a physical printer in front of you or not. ⌚ It’ll take you about two minutes to figure out and get running the first time, then all of 20 seconds to use after that. ✅ You just open up the app on whatever type of device you’re using—phone, computer, carrier pigeon, you name it—and then: Make your way through the initial setup screens. The app will ask you to sign in with an HP account. Fret not, though, for you can create one right then and there, on the spot, for free. On the app’s main screen, find the “Mobile Fax” option. If you don’t see that right away—which I didn’t, the first time I opened the app on Android—look for an option to “Personalize Tiles” at the bottom of the screen. You should then be able to activate the toggle next to “Mobile Fax,” which’ll then cause the missing option to appear. Click or tap that option (or peck it, in the case of a carrier pigeon), then tap the command to compose a new fax. And hey, how ’bout that? There, in front of your fax-addled face-beak, will be a simple screen for specifying your lucky recipient and selecting exactly what files you want to transmit. Fill out a few fast fields, and poof: HP Smart will send any file or photo as a fax for you. You can select an existing file or photo, if you have a digital version already ready, or you can use the app’s built-in camera option to capture a virtual copy of a physical document right then and there. You can even add in your own custom cover page, if you’re really feelin’ wild. Need a cover sheet? Yep: HP’s app can handle that, too. And that’s pretty much it! Hit that Send Fax button, then just sit back and watch as HP Smart works its retro-tech transforming magic. You’ll see your fax being sent right from your phone or computer. Within a matter of moments, you’ll see confirmation that your fax has been delivered, as a physical sheet of paper somewhere in the real world—all for the ever-reasonable price of precisely $0. The app lets you send faxes to ​a sprawling list of countries​ that isn’t limited only to the U.S. It’s specifically for sending faxes, though; if you for some reason need to receive a fax, please go get your head examined. Sorry. Them’s just the fax—and nothin’ but the fax. HP Smart is available as a native app for ​Android​, ​iOS​, ​Windows​, and ​Mac​. It is completely free to use for now, with no caveats or catches and no credit cards required. Officially, HP says it’s part of an ongoing “trial,” but the trial has been running for months with no sign of an imminent end (and if HP does ever decide to start charging for the service, it says it’ll give 30 days’ notice before making any such shift). HP promises that faxes sent through its service are confidential, secure, and even compliant with the strict U.S. HIPAA privacy regulations. Get even more productivity-boosting goodness in your inbox with my free Cool Tools newsletter—a single new standout discovery every Wednesday! View the full article