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Gary Illyes from Google ranted on Bluesky about folks updating the lastmod date in their sitemap files when all they have changed was the date in their footers copyright line from 2024 to 2025. Gary said, don't do it, it is not enough of a change to the page's content to warrant a lastmod date update.View the full article

The task of transporting goods is a vital cog in the sophisticated, complex network that keeps America’s economy and daily life pulsating. Be it the clothes we wear, the food we consume, or the gadgets we utilize, every object that we use in our everyday lives has gone through a complex process of being transported, shipped, and delivered from a range of locations spread across the country and beyond. Imagine being the one to coordinate such operations. If the prospect of establishing your own logistics company has ever sparked your curiosity, this blog could serve as your launchpad. From managing the nuances of actual transport to mastering the art of storage to comprehending the myriad requirements a start-up needs to flourish, we’ve got it all covered here. Actionable Steps to Start a Logistics Company Contrary to what you might imagine, starting a logistics business isn’t an insurmountable task. However, knowing the right ingredients to put into your business recipe can significantly bolster the chances of your entrepreneurial success. If you’re venturing into this realm without any prior experience, fear not. There’s a clever route you can take: consider partnering up with a company like Amazon and its DSP business. Such a strategic partnership is a two-pronged boon. It provides a comprehensive practical learning experience about the complex realm of logistics while also presenting a valuable business opportunity. Presented here are 28 crucial steps to guide you in successfully navigating the path to launching a logistics company. Bear in mind that we’re talking about operations on a much larger scale than personal transport courier services. Complete the Required Training Launching and sustaining a successful logistics business mandates the possession of a specific set of skills. It goes beyond merely owning an appropriate vehicle and having a customer base. We’ve compiled a list of critical training components you would need to master. Keep in mind that these requirements can vary depending on whether your focus is on global transport, local transport, or a mix of both. Also consider required training that’s extremely important. Transport Management Systems. The intricate world of transport management systems includes managing and tracking diverse aspects like vehicle maintenance, warehousing, communications, cargo handling, and more. Gaining proficiency in these areas is a foundational requirement for your logistics venture. Management and Inventory Operations. The ability to manage inventory effectively is a crucial skill for any logistics business. Inventory management is interwoven with warehouse management, and understanding how products transition within and through your operational system is paramount. Transportation Regulations and Law. Your training should encompass a thorough understanding of the regulations that apply to your transport and logistics business, whether it focuses on domestic, international, or a combination of both services. The specific training needed will depend on the distinct operations of your organization. Additionally, there may be further course requirements that vary based on the type of freight you handle and its ultimate destination. It is crucial to communicate with your local government to ensure you are meeting all compliance requirements. There may be other courses required, which will depend on the nature of your freight and its destination. Always check with your local government to ensure compliance. Pick a Location The success of a logistics company can be significantly influenced by the choice of its operational base. Let’s walk through a few pointers to guide you through this critical decision-making process. How close are you to your customers? The geographical proximity to your target market is an often-underestimated factor that can impact your operational efficiency and costs. The Building: Are you leaning towards renting or purchasing a facility? Regardless of your choice, ensure that it meets specific criteria vital for your operations. The building should ideally have high ceilings and smooth, flat floors that facilitate easier storage and movement of goods. Does it boast an adequate number of warehouse rollup doors? Is there sufficient outside space to accommodate the frequent in-and-out movement of transport trucks? Traffic Flow, Highways and Roads. Considerations like ease of access to main highways and the density of local traffic should also feature in your decision-making process. A transport business that is strategically located enjoys the advantage of being close to ports, railway stations, and airports. If your ambition stretches to an international scale, finding a location that satisfies all these criteria could give you a head start. Research Your Competitors Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your competition is essential in today’s competitive market. By analyzing the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of other service providers, you can obtain invaluable insights into the dynamics of the market. It’s not about mimicking their moves but learning from them. This knowledge will help you comprehend customer expectations, market gaps, and how you can potentially distinguish your business. A comprehensive competitor analysis may not only prevent possible pitfalls but also assist in tailoring your services to offer that extra edge. One great way to do this is to check out keywords other businesses are using. Choose a Niche The logistics industry is vast and diverse, offering a myriad of opportunities. But in order to establish a successful company, it’s essential to choose a focused path. Concentrating on a specific niche allows your company to fine-tune its services, gain specialized knowledge, and carve out a unique brand identity. To help you make an informed choice, here are a few sectors that have proven lucrative for trucking companies. Food and Beverage This is a bustling sector with an ever-growing customer base. Special considerations include efficient packaging strategies to reduce damage and spoilage, along with managing the challenges of temperature-controlled transport for perishable items. Automotive This industry demands a delicate balance of cost-effective solutions while meeting the heavy load requirements of automotive parts. A knack for custom crating and the capacity to handle oversized or irregularly shaped items could give you a competitive advantage. Appliances In the world of appliance logistics, a turnkey solution is often expected. This includes comprehensive services right from transport to installation, ensuring connectors and hoses are carefully packaged and readily available for setup. Industrial and Manufacturing This niche requires critical decisions regarding the amount of capital you’re willing to invest. Storing raw materials and finished goods could demand substantial warehouse space and entail significant inventory management challenges. Electronics Providing logistics services in the electronics industry involves dealing with fragile, high-value items. Be prepared for strict quality control regulations governing the transport of such items, including the prevention of electrostatic discharge damage. This sector requires a keen eye for detail and stringent adherence to safety standards. Create an Amazing Logistics and Transport Business Plan A solid business plan keeps you on the right path, this includes using a company such as Gold Star Logistics to help you will all the details. Follow directions like these. An Executive Summary – Include the unique points about your service. A Company Description – Locations, milestones, and number of employees go in here. Add the start date for your transport and logistics business. Market Research – Nail down your target market. Don’t make this too broad. Competitive Analysis – Potential lenders will need to understand the competitive landscape. Provide an overview of the competitors’ pricing and sales strategies. There are other elements that you need to add. Here’s some in depth information. Choose a Business Entity You need to pick a business entity. That’s a category dictating how you run things. Following are a few common examples of the ones you can choose. Business EntityAdvantagesDisadvantages Sole ProprietorshipLess paperwork, simpler banking and bookkeeping.No liability protection; the owner is personally responsible for all debts and obligations. General or Limited Liability PartnershipAllows for division of responsibilities. The general partner manages the business while limited partners contribute capital and share profits.Deductions for business expenses may be limited. General partners are personally liable for business debts. Limited Liability Company (LLC)Provides owners with protection from personal liability. Profits and losses can be reported on personal tax returns.Regulations and legal requirements may vary significantly by state, potentially adding to complexity. Open a Business Bank Account Having a dedicated business bank account is a strategic move for several reasons. It helps clearly separate your business tax information from your personal financial records, facilitating easier and more organized bookkeeping. It’s also an essential step if you’re planning on running your venture as a partnership. This separation aids in avoiding any potential legal complications down the line. Along with a business bank account, obtaining an employer ID (EIN) is crucial as it’s used by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. Business credit cards are another valuable financial tool. They offer the benefit of separating personal and business expenses, making it simpler to manage company money and track deductible expenses. Additionally, they may offer perks and rewards specific to business spending. Look into Loans and Financing Kickstarting your logistics business without startup capital is akin to setting sail without a compass. Delve into the different kinds of financing options available to fuel your entrepreneurial dream. Keep in mind that the availability and specifications of these financial resources may differ depending on your geographical location. SBA Loans – The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t provide loans directly. However, they guarantee loans made by participating lenders, which often leads to more favorable rates and terms for small business owners. Business Line of Credit – These are an excellent option for securing short-term funds. Lines of credit can be utilized to cover operational expenses like payroll, supplies, or unexpected costs. They typically function similarly to a credit card and are often unsecured, meaning no collateral is required. A Startup Loan – These types of loans are especially suited for nascent businesses. Lenders typically focus on collateral, cash flow, and creditworthiness, not necessarily a lengthy business history. One of the perks of startup loans is the relatively swift disbursal of funds, often in as little as 7 to 10 days. Bank Loans – Bank loans are one of the most traditional ways to raise capital. However, simply having a brilliant idea for your logistics service doesn’t cut it for banks. They typically require a robust business plan demonstrating the viability of your concept, alongside assurance that you’ll be able to pay back the loan. Crafting a compelling business plan and maintaining a strong credit history are thus key. Get Your Taxes in Order You need to understand the local, state, and federal taxes you’ll owe. Here’s a link to get started sorting through the info. You need a federal tax ID number. Here’s another link that will help. Acquire the Necessary Equipment and Vehicles For this kind of business, you may need inventory, storage, and transport tools. Everything from forklifts to tractor-trailers. There are different requirements for roads, ports, and air cargo shipping. Commercial vehicle registration is a must-have for company fleets. Purchase Business Insurance Shipping goods is profitable, necessary, and risky in some situations. That’s why you need to look at the following insurance coverage. Commercial Property. Covers property damage from things like floods. Commercial General Liability. Covers issues like personal injury. Commercial Vehicle. Mandatory for all company vehicles. Covers things like accidents involving fleet vehicles. Don’t overlook the importance of cargo insurance. A solid policy will protect against losses, damage, and even disruptions in logistics business networks. Develop a Risk Management Plan Risk management is critical in the logistics industry. Develop a comprehensive plan that addresses potential risks, including cargo theft, vehicle breakdowns, and delays. This plan should include preventive measures, strategies for quick response in emergencies, and a process for regular review and updates. Effective risk management can save costs and enhance your company’s reliability and reputation. Get Licenses and Permits Logistics is heavily regulated. Compliance is necessary. Here are a few of the regulations. These come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. DOT Number Registration. This applies to interstate carriers. Commercial Driver’s License. Drivers in all states need these. Requirements are different for each state. MC Operating Authority Number. For cargo and passengers that cross state lines. There’s a fee. New companies go here. Hire Drivers There are several things you need to know here. Adopting a checklist helps. Here’s the info you need from driver candidates. Three years’ worth of motor vehicle records. A medical certification. A copy of a CDL or a road test certificate. A history of safety performance attempts. Regularly Train and Update Staff Skills Ongoing training for your staff is crucial in the ever-evolving logistics industry. Regular workshops and training sessions on the latest industry trends, technology, and best practices can help your team stay ahead of the curve. Investing in your staff’s professional development can lead to improved efficiency and service quality. Network and Build Partnerships Networking and building strategic partnerships with other businesses in the logistics and transportation industry can open up new opportunities. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and seek collaborations that can lead to mutual growth and expanded services. Explore International Market Opportunities If your business model allows, explore opportunities in international logistics. This could involve establishing partnerships with overseas companies, understanding global trade regulations, and offering international shipping and freight services. Set Your Prices Determining the price structure for your services is a pivotal decision that influences the financial health and competitive positioning of your business. It’s important to remember there’s no universal pricing model that fits all businesses. Factors such as operational costs, market demand, and industry standards should inform your pricing strategy. Alongside these considerations, don’t forget about costs such as federal taxes and the potential impact of long-term contracts on your revenue streams. Striking a balance between profitability and competitiveness is key to a sustainable pricing model. Market Your Business Investing time and resources into crafting a robust marketing plan can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and profitability. It begins with the development of a unique brand identity, focusing on elements like a catchy business name, memorable tag lines, and a distinct visual identity. Your marketing strategy should leverage multiple channels, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and traditional public relations methods to maximize your reach. A successful brand strategy should cater to diverse customer groups, ranging from small local businesses to larger entities in broader markets, ensuring your services appeal to a wide spectrum of potential clients. Utilize Advanced Analytics and Reporting Invest in advanced analytics and reporting tools to gain insights into your operations. This data can help you make informed decisions about route optimization, fleet management, and customer service improvements. Stay Updated with Industry Regulations and Changes The logistics industry is subject to various regulations that can change frequently. Stay informed about industry laws, safety standards, and any regulatory changes to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Establish a Strong Online Presence In today’s digital world, having a robust online presence is crucial. Develop a professional website that showcases your services, company values, and customer testimonials. Utilize digital marketing strategies like SEO, content marketing, and social media campaigns to enhance your visibility and attract more clients. An interactive website with a user-friendly interface can significantly increase customer engagement and lead generation. Invest in Fleet Management Software Fleet management software looks after your vehicles. Adopting fleet management software is a strategic move that helps streamline your operations, ensuring the efficient utilization of your vehicles. This software handles various facets of your fleet, such as electronic logging device (ELD) compliance, vehicle purchasing, and optimal routing strategies. Importantly, it should offer robust security features to protect against potential threats like identity theft. As a logistics company, it’s essential to ensure that both your business data and customer information are safeguarded. There are several industry-leading fleet management software providers available, each offering a unique set of features and benefits that can enhance your business operations. OptimoRoute They offer real-time order tracking. Cetaris This software comes with built-in data validation. There’s a focus on vehicle maintenance. Verizon Connect You can track driver speeds and see real-time locations. Implement Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System A CRM system can help manage customer interactions, track leads, and enhance service delivery. It allows you to maintain detailed records of customer preferences, histories, and feedback, enabling personalized service and fostering long-term customer relationships. Investing in a CRM system can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Partner with Suppliers Make sure any candidates have the right ISO and other certifications. Check out their ability to deliver in all kinds of weather. Focus on Sustainability Practices Emphasize sustainability in your operations to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly business practices. This can include using fuel-efficient vehicles, optimizing routes to reduce emissions, and promoting recycling in your operations. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also improve your company’s image and attract eco-conscious clients. Keep Up with Maintenance Any software you choose should include detailed histories. This can help you decide when to buy new vehicles. Offer Value-Added Services To differentiate your logistics business, consider offering value-added services such as custom packaging, express delivery options, or real-time tracking for clients. These services can provide a competitive edge and cater to the specific needs of your clients, adding more value to your basic logistics offerings. Reasons Why You Should Start a Logistics Business There are more than a few good reasons to start a transport company. Here’s why you should consider this as a new business. It’s Versatile – Different people are employed. Like accountants, drivers, warehouse people, and fleet managers. It’s something even a married couple can do. They Deliver Products – These companies are important links in the supply chain. Customer Expectations – People expect goods will be delivered faster. Good logistics is a big part of these growing expectations. Reduced Transport Costs – A logistics business reduces transport costs to clients. It makes even products you produce more available. There’s Room To Grow – This type of job is connected to global supply chains. You can scale up or down in these networks. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Logistics Business? Establishing a transportation or logistics company requires a significant financial commitment. It’s important to anticipate and account for all the potential expenses that will contribute to your operational costs. These could include administration expenses like salaries and office supplies, inventory carrying costs, vehicle maintenance and fuel, as well as the expense of securing a suitable facility for your operations. In the logistics realm, you might also need to consider overhead costs like temporary storage, especially during peak times or for handling special consignments. Is owning a transport and logistics business profitable? Indeed, a well-run transportation and logistics business can be a highly profitable venture. The nature of this industry ensures a continuous demand for your services, allowing for steady revenue streams. Based on the data, the average annual earnings for owners in the logistics business in the United States hover around $199,616. However, these earnings can fluctuate significantly depending on factors like business scale, location, and efficiency. Top earners in this field have reported earnings as high as $382,500, while at the other end of the spectrum, some businesses report earnings as low as $41,500. This underscores the importance of strategic planning, efficient operations, and effective marketing in maximizing profitability. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Start a Logistics Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The task of transporting goods is a vital cog in the sophisticated, complex network that keeps America’s economy and daily life pulsating. Be it the clothes we wear, the food we consume, or the gadgets we utilize, every object that we use in our everyday lives has gone through a complex process of being transported, shipped, and delivered from a range of locations spread across the country and beyond. Imagine being the one to coordinate such operations. If the prospect of establishing your own logistics company has ever sparked your curiosity, this blog could serve as your launchpad. From managing the nuances of actual transport to mastering the art of storage to comprehending the myriad requirements a start-up needs to flourish, we’ve got it all covered here. Actionable Steps to Start a Logistics Company Contrary to what you might imagine, starting a logistics business isn’t an insurmountable task. However, knowing the right ingredients to put into your business recipe can significantly bolster the chances of your entrepreneurial success. If you’re venturing into this realm without any prior experience, fear not. There’s a clever route you can take: consider partnering up with a company like Amazon and its DSP business. Such a strategic partnership is a two-pronged boon. It provides a comprehensive practical learning experience about the complex realm of logistics while also presenting a valuable business opportunity. Presented here are 28 crucial steps to guide you in successfully navigating the path to launching a logistics company. Bear in mind that we’re talking about operations on a much larger scale than personal transport courier services. Complete the Required Training Launching and sustaining a successful logistics business mandates the possession of a specific set of skills. It goes beyond merely owning an appropriate vehicle and having a customer base. We’ve compiled a list of critical training components you would need to master. Keep in mind that these requirements can vary depending on whether your focus is on global transport, local transport, or a mix of both. Also consider required training that’s extremely important. Transport Management Systems. The intricate world of transport management systems includes managing and tracking diverse aspects like vehicle maintenance, warehousing, communications, cargo handling, and more. Gaining proficiency in these areas is a foundational requirement for your logistics venture. Management and Inventory Operations. The ability to manage inventory effectively is a crucial skill for any logistics business. Inventory management is interwoven with warehouse management, and understanding how products transition within and through your operational system is paramount. Transportation Regulations and Law. Your training should encompass a thorough understanding of the regulations that apply to your transport and logistics business, whether it focuses on domestic, international, or a combination of both services. The specific training needed will depend on the distinct operations of your organization. Additionally, there may be further course requirements that vary based on the type of freight you handle and its ultimate destination. It is crucial to communicate with your local government to ensure you are meeting all compliance requirements. There may be other courses required, which will depend on the nature of your freight and its destination. Always check with your local government to ensure compliance. Pick a Location The success of a logistics company can be significantly influenced by the choice of its operational base. Let’s walk through a few pointers to guide you through this critical decision-making process. How close are you to your customers? The geographical proximity to your target market is an often-underestimated factor that can impact your operational efficiency and costs. The Building: Are you leaning towards renting or purchasing a facility? Regardless of your choice, ensure that it meets specific criteria vital for your operations. The building should ideally have high ceilings and smooth, flat floors that facilitate easier storage and movement of goods. Does it boast an adequate number of warehouse rollup doors? Is there sufficient outside space to accommodate the frequent in-and-out movement of transport trucks? Traffic Flow, Highways and Roads. Considerations like ease of access to main highways and the density of local traffic should also feature in your decision-making process. A transport business that is strategically located enjoys the advantage of being close to ports, railway stations, and airports. If your ambition stretches to an international scale, finding a location that satisfies all these criteria could give you a head start. Research Your Competitors Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your competition is essential in today’s competitive market. By analyzing the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of other service providers, you can obtain invaluable insights into the dynamics of the market. It’s not about mimicking their moves but learning from them. This knowledge will help you comprehend customer expectations, market gaps, and how you can potentially distinguish your business. A comprehensive competitor analysis may not only prevent possible pitfalls but also assist in tailoring your services to offer that extra edge. One great way to do this is to check out keywords other businesses are using. Choose a Niche The logistics industry is vast and diverse, offering a myriad of opportunities. But in order to establish a successful company, it’s essential to choose a focused path. Concentrating on a specific niche allows your company to fine-tune its services, gain specialized knowledge, and carve out a unique brand identity. To help you make an informed choice, here are a few sectors that have proven lucrative for trucking companies. Food and Beverage This is a bustling sector with an ever-growing customer base. Special considerations include efficient packaging strategies to reduce damage and spoilage, along with managing the challenges of temperature-controlled transport for perishable items. Automotive This industry demands a delicate balance of cost-effective solutions while meeting the heavy load requirements of automotive parts. A knack for custom crating and the capacity to handle oversized or irregularly shaped items could give you a competitive advantage. Appliances In the world of appliance logistics, a turnkey solution is often expected. This includes comprehensive services right from transport to installation, ensuring connectors and hoses are carefully packaged and readily available for setup. Industrial and Manufacturing This niche requires critical decisions regarding the amount of capital you’re willing to invest. Storing raw materials and finished goods could demand substantial warehouse space and entail significant inventory management challenges. Electronics Providing logistics services in the electronics industry involves dealing with fragile, high-value items. Be prepared for strict quality control regulations governing the transport of such items, including the prevention of electrostatic discharge damage. This sector requires a keen eye for detail and stringent adherence to safety standards. Create an Amazing Logistics and Transport Business Plan A solid business plan keeps you on the right path, this includes using a company such as Gold Star Logistics to help you will all the details. Follow directions like these. An Executive Summary – Include the unique points about your service. A Company Description – Locations, milestones, and number of employees go in here. Add the start date for your transport and logistics business. Market Research – Nail down your target market. Don’t make this too broad. Competitive Analysis – Potential lenders will need to understand the competitive landscape. Provide an overview of the competitors’ pricing and sales strategies. There are other elements that you need to add. Here’s some in depth information. Choose a Business Entity You need to pick a business entity. That’s a category dictating how you run things. Following are a few common examples of the ones you can choose. Business EntityAdvantagesDisadvantages Sole ProprietorshipLess paperwork, simpler banking and bookkeeping.No liability protection; the owner is personally responsible for all debts and obligations. General or Limited Liability PartnershipAllows for division of responsibilities. The general partner manages the business while limited partners contribute capital and share profits.Deductions for business expenses may be limited. General partners are personally liable for business debts. Limited Liability Company (LLC)Provides owners with protection from personal liability. Profits and losses can be reported on personal tax returns.Regulations and legal requirements may vary significantly by state, potentially adding to complexity. Open a Business Bank Account Having a dedicated business bank account is a strategic move for several reasons. It helps clearly separate your business tax information from your personal financial records, facilitating easier and more organized bookkeeping. It’s also an essential step if you’re planning on running your venture as a partnership. This separation aids in avoiding any potential legal complications down the line. Along with a business bank account, obtaining an employer ID (EIN) is crucial as it’s used by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. Business credit cards are another valuable financial tool. They offer the benefit of separating personal and business expenses, making it simpler to manage company money and track deductible expenses. Additionally, they may offer perks and rewards specific to business spending. Look into Loans and Financing Kickstarting your logistics business without startup capital is akin to setting sail without a compass. Delve into the different kinds of financing options available to fuel your entrepreneurial dream. Keep in mind that the availability and specifications of these financial resources may differ depending on your geographical location. SBA Loans – The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t provide loans directly. However, they guarantee loans made by participating lenders, which often leads to more favorable rates and terms for small business owners. Business Line of Credit – These are an excellent option for securing short-term funds. Lines of credit can be utilized to cover operational expenses like payroll, supplies, or unexpected costs. They typically function similarly to a credit card and are often unsecured, meaning no collateral is required. A Startup Loan – These types of loans are especially suited for nascent businesses. Lenders typically focus on collateral, cash flow, and creditworthiness, not necessarily a lengthy business history. One of the perks of startup loans is the relatively swift disbursal of funds, often in as little as 7 to 10 days. Bank Loans – Bank loans are one of the most traditional ways to raise capital. However, simply having a brilliant idea for your logistics service doesn’t cut it for banks. They typically require a robust business plan demonstrating the viability of your concept, alongside assurance that you’ll be able to pay back the loan. Crafting a compelling business plan and maintaining a strong credit history are thus key. Get Your Taxes in Order You need to understand the local, state, and federal taxes you’ll owe. Here’s a link to get started sorting through the info. You need a federal tax ID number. Here’s another link that will help. Acquire the Necessary Equipment and Vehicles For this kind of business, you may need inventory, storage, and transport tools. Everything from forklifts to tractor-trailers. There are different requirements for roads, ports, and air cargo shipping. Commercial vehicle registration is a must-have for company fleets. Purchase Business Insurance Shipping goods is profitable, necessary, and risky in some situations. That’s why you need to look at the following insurance coverage. Commercial Property. Covers property damage from things like floods. Commercial General Liability. Covers issues like personal injury. Commercial Vehicle. Mandatory for all company vehicles. Covers things like accidents involving fleet vehicles. Don’t overlook the importance of cargo insurance. A solid policy will protect against losses, damage, and even disruptions in logistics business networks. Develop a Risk Management Plan Risk management is critical in the logistics industry. Develop a comprehensive plan that addresses potential risks, including cargo theft, vehicle breakdowns, and delays. This plan should include preventive measures, strategies for quick response in emergencies, and a process for regular review and updates. Effective risk management can save costs and enhance your company’s reliability and reputation. Get Licenses and Permits Logistics is heavily regulated. Compliance is necessary. Here are a few of the regulations. These come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. DOT Number Registration. This applies to interstate carriers. Commercial Driver’s License. Drivers in all states need these. Requirements are different for each state. MC Operating Authority Number. For cargo and passengers that cross state lines. There’s a fee. New companies go here. Hire Drivers There are several things you need to know here. Adopting a checklist helps. Here’s the info you need from driver candidates. Three years’ worth of motor vehicle records. A medical certification. A copy of a CDL or a road test certificate. A history of safety performance attempts. Regularly Train and Update Staff Skills Ongoing training for your staff is crucial in the ever-evolving logistics industry. Regular workshops and training sessions on the latest industry trends, technology, and best practices can help your team stay ahead of the curve. Investing in your staff’s professional development can lead to improved efficiency and service quality. Network and Build Partnerships Networking and building strategic partnerships with other businesses in the logistics and transportation industry can open up new opportunities. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and seek collaborations that can lead to mutual growth and expanded services. Explore International Market Opportunities If your business model allows, explore opportunities in international logistics. This could involve establishing partnerships with overseas companies, understanding global trade regulations, and offering international shipping and freight services. Set Your Prices Determining the price structure for your services is a pivotal decision that influences the financial health and competitive positioning of your business. It’s important to remember there’s no universal pricing model that fits all businesses. Factors such as operational costs, market demand, and industry standards should inform your pricing strategy. Alongside these considerations, don’t forget about costs such as federal taxes and the potential impact of long-term contracts on your revenue streams. Striking a balance between profitability and competitiveness is key to a sustainable pricing model. Market Your Business Investing time and resources into crafting a robust marketing plan can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and profitability. It begins with the development of a unique brand identity, focusing on elements like a catchy business name, memorable tag lines, and a distinct visual identity. Your marketing strategy should leverage multiple channels, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and traditional public relations methods to maximize your reach. A successful brand strategy should cater to diverse customer groups, ranging from small local businesses to larger entities in broader markets, ensuring your services appeal to a wide spectrum of potential clients. Utilize Advanced Analytics and Reporting Invest in advanced analytics and reporting tools to gain insights into your operations. This data can help you make informed decisions about route optimization, fleet management, and customer service improvements. Stay Updated with Industry Regulations and Changes The logistics industry is subject to various regulations that can change frequently. Stay informed about industry laws, safety standards, and any regulatory changes to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Establish a Strong Online Presence In today’s digital world, having a robust online presence is crucial. Develop a professional website that showcases your services, company values, and customer testimonials. Utilize digital marketing strategies like SEO, content marketing, and social media campaigns to enhance your visibility and attract more clients. An interactive website with a user-friendly interface can significantly increase customer engagement and lead generation. Invest in Fleet Management Software Fleet management software looks after your vehicles. Adopting fleet management software is a strategic move that helps streamline your operations, ensuring the efficient utilization of your vehicles. This software handles various facets of your fleet, such as electronic logging device (ELD) compliance, vehicle purchasing, and optimal routing strategies. Importantly, it should offer robust security features to protect against potential threats like identity theft. As a logistics company, it’s essential to ensure that both your business data and customer information are safeguarded. There are several industry-leading fleet management software providers available, each offering a unique set of features and benefits that can enhance your business operations. OptimoRoute They offer real-time order tracking. Cetaris This software comes with built-in data validation. There’s a focus on vehicle maintenance. Verizon Connect You can track driver speeds and see real-time locations. Implement Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System A CRM system can help manage customer interactions, track leads, and enhance service delivery. It allows you to maintain detailed records of customer preferences, histories, and feedback, enabling personalized service and fostering long-term customer relationships. Investing in a CRM system can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Partner with Suppliers Make sure any candidates have the right ISO and other certifications. Check out their ability to deliver in all kinds of weather. Focus on Sustainability Practices Emphasize sustainability in your operations to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly business practices. This can include using fuel-efficient vehicles, optimizing routes to reduce emissions, and promoting recycling in your operations. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also improve your company’s image and attract eco-conscious clients. Keep Up with Maintenance Any software you choose should include detailed histories. This can help you decide when to buy new vehicles. Offer Value-Added Services To differentiate your logistics business, consider offering value-added services such as custom packaging, express delivery options, or real-time tracking for clients. These services can provide a competitive edge and cater to the specific needs of your clients, adding more value to your basic logistics offerings. Reasons Why You Should Start a Logistics Business There are more than a few good reasons to start a transport company. Here’s why you should consider this as a new business. It’s Versatile – Different people are employed. Like accountants, drivers, warehouse people, and fleet managers. It’s something even a married couple can do. They Deliver Products – These companies are important links in the supply chain. Customer Expectations – People expect goods will be delivered faster. Good logistics is a big part of these growing expectations. Reduced Transport Costs – A logistics business reduces transport costs to clients. It makes even products you produce more available. There’s Room To Grow – This type of job is connected to global supply chains. You can scale up or down in these networks. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Logistics Business? Establishing a transportation or logistics company requires a significant financial commitment. It’s important to anticipate and account for all the potential expenses that will contribute to your operational costs. These could include administration expenses like salaries and office supplies, inventory carrying costs, vehicle maintenance and fuel, as well as the expense of securing a suitable facility for your operations. In the logistics realm, you might also need to consider overhead costs like temporary storage, especially during peak times or for handling special consignments. Is owning a transport and logistics business profitable? Indeed, a well-run transportation and logistics business can be a highly profitable venture. The nature of this industry ensures a continuous demand for your services, allowing for steady revenue streams. Based on the data, the average annual earnings for owners in the logistics business in the United States hover around $199,616. However, these earnings can fluctuate significantly depending on factors like business scale, location, and efficiency. Top earners in this field have reported earnings as high as $382,500, while at the other end of the spectrum, some businesses report earnings as low as $41,500. This underscores the importance of strategic planning, efficient operations, and effective marketing in maximizing profitability. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Start a Logistics Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OpenAI announced big news that its ChatGPT Search service is now open and no longer requires a login or an account. It comes the same day that Google expanded access to Gemini 2.0 to all users and where Microsoft said Think Deeper in Copilot is free for all users.View the full article

The generative AI revolution has turned into a global race, with mixtures of models from private companies and open-source initiatives all competing to become the most popular and powerful. Many choose to promote their prowess by demonstrating their performance on common tests and levels within regular rankings. But the legitimacy of those rankings has been thrown into question as new research published in Cornell University’s preprint server arXiv shows it’s possible to rig a model’s results with just a few hundred votes. “When we talk about large language models, their performance on benchmarks is very important,” says study author Tianyu Pang, a researcher at Sea AI Lab, a Singapore-based research group. It helps promote startups looking to tout the abilities of their models, “which makes some startups motivated to get or manipulate the benchmark,” he says. To test whether manipulation of the rankings was possible, Pang and his colleagues looked at Chatbot Arena, a crowdsourced AI benchmarking platform developed by researchers at the University of California Berkeley and LMArena. On Chatbot Arena, users can state their preference for one chatbot’s output over the other when put through a battery of tests. The results of those votes feed into the wider rankings that the platform shares publicly, and which are often regarded as definitive. But Pang and his colleagues identified that it’s possible to sway the ranking position of models with just a few hundred votes. “We just need to take hundreds of new votes to improve a single ranking position,” he says. “The technique is very simple.” While Chatbot Arena keeps the identities of its models secret when they’re pitted against one another, Pang and his colleagues trained a classifier to identify which model is being used based on its outputs, with a high accuracy level. “Then we can utilize the rating system to more efficiently improve the model ranking with the least number of new votes,” he explains. The vote-rigging experiment was not tested on the live version of Chatbot Arena so as not to poison the results of the real website, but instead on historical data from the ranking platform. Despite this, Pang says that it’d be possible to do so in real life with the proper version of Chatbot Arena. The team behind the ranking platform did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment. Pang says his last contact with Chatbot Arena came in September 2024 (before he conducted the experiment), when he flagged the potential technique to manipulate the results. According to Pang, the Chatbot Arena team responded by recommending the researchers sandbox test the principle in the historical data. Pang says that Chatbot Arena does have multiple anti-cheating mechanisms in place to avoid flooding voting, but that they don’t mitigate against his team’s technique. “From the user side, for now, we cannot make sure the rankings are reliable,” says Pang. “It’s the responsibility of the Chatbot Arena team to implement some anti-cheating mechanism to make sure the benchmark is the real level.” View the full article

Over the past few years, the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” has taken on an almost mythological resonance. Although it describes a set of recruitment tactics and employee resources aimed at creating a vibrant, respectful work culture, critics have tried to paint it as a mechanism for elevating unqualified people to prominent positions solely based on race or gender. In politics, DEI has become an all-purpose boogeyman, blamed for any number of tragedies in the United States. The anti-DEI hostility has reached a fever pitch at the top of Donald Trump’s second term, with an onslaught of executive orders meant to surgically remove DEI policies from both government and the private sector, and supposedly “forge a society that is color-blind and merit-based.” [Image: Abrams Press] But a new book, The Science of Racism, demonstrates just how pervasive racism is in society. Author Keon West, a professor of social psychology at the University of London, didn’t set out to write his book—due out later this month—with the current circumstances in mind. His goal at the outset was just to provide anyone flailing in conversations about racism a set of objective facts about what’s actually happening on a macro level. (As opposed to relying solely on personal experience, podcast banter, or vibes.) It’s a statistics-packed tour through the rigorous world of scientific studies about racism in the workplace and beyond. It also happens to be a timely antidote to a set of beliefs that are on track to becoming conventional wisdom in the U.S. “The recent executive orders banning DEI movements say they will create an America where everyone is treated with equal dignity and respect,” West says. “And they wouldn’t be able to say it if they had a population who knew that’s absolutely nonsense. It’s not even close to true.” Researching racism West can confidently make such statements because he’s spent years both conducting and digging through international scientific experiments that reveal how racism manifests in society. These experiments, he argues, boil down all the nuanced discussion and noise around race into a simple question: In a given situation in which a Black person and a white person are otherwise identical, would one of them receive detectably favorable treatment? To test that prediction, West lays out a wealth of randomized, controlled trials—experiments in which every detail is exactly the same, except for the race of the person at its center. The most common of these is “the CV test,” where researchers send out hundreds of résumés in two batches that are identical save for a name that appears to indicate the applicant’s race—to determine which one gets more and better responses. Like clockwork, a news story about the latest CV test will go viral every year or so, but as West points out, researchers have been conducting these tests since at least the 1950s. Rather than rely on findings from any one trial, he plumbs the results of dozens—including a 2017 meta-analysis of 28 studies, which found white applicants in America receiving, on average, 36% more callbacks than Black applicants with the same qualifications. If such statistics seem surprising in their bluntness, perhaps it’s because they’re too often omitted from conversations about race in favor of more sensational points of contention. “In America, there’s always been a vague tendency to ignore these studies, and that’s what I find interesting,” West says. “It’s not that people talk about them and refute them, they just don’t talk about them. And because of that, I wasn’t terribly surprised at how powerful and how swift the DEI backlash could be.” The myth of color blindness As a result of that backlash, whatever meager safeguards against racial bias U.S. offices have cultivated over the years are currently being dismantled. Instead of achieving Trump’s stated goal of becoming “color-blind,” ending DEI gives companies and managers permission to ignore white people receiving favorable treatment. “Color blindness is incredibly attractive because it allows people to stop thinking about racism,” West says. “It localizes a problem internally—If I don’t notice race, then it’s done. But of course, you do notice race. Everybody does.” West’s statements are backed by reams of research. An entire chapter of The Science of Racism explores just how color-blind people actually tend to be—and the results do not bode well for a coming so-called meritocracy. In a 2006 experiment, for instance, a group of white people were recruited to play a game similar to the board game Guess Who?. Teams of two were positioned across from each other, each looking at an array of 32 faces in photos. The object of the game was to determine which face their partner had chosen, using as few questions as possible. The results were rather telling. Whenever a participant was teamed with a fellow white partner, they mentioned race in one of their clues 94% of the time. When one was paired with a Black partner (a ringer who was in on the experiment), they mentioned race only 64% of the time. As West notes, what experiments like this one reveal is the opposite of color blindness—an impulse in white people to create an illusion of color blindness in the presence of a Black person. Everyone is aware of race—some people just know when it’s advantageous to pretend not to be. Now that DEI is firmly in the crosshairs, the way that workers, managers, and executives either notice race, or pretend not to notice it, is bound to change. Of course, nothing yet suggests that the ideas behind the controversial acronym have been snuffed out for good. As a sociologist who has studied behavioral patterns over time, West is confident that a similar movement will come along to replace DEI in due course. “I think a reframing is inevitable,” he says. “The problem remains that we don’t live in a meritocracy. When people do the same work, they don’t get the same pay or the same rewards. And so whatever the name becomes, we’ll have to come up with another way of fighting [bias].” “When we do, though,” he adds, “I hope we’re better at presenting the evidence for why we have to.” View the full article

US president says no US troops will be needed and Palestinians will be settled elsewhere ‘in the region’View the full article

Struggling with negative listings? Take charge of your online reputation using practical strategies to repair your brand relationship and regain control of your narrative. The post Ask An SEO: How To Repair & Recover Negative Brand Mentions In SERPs appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

How can businesses benefit from the Facebook app? The social media giant’s Facebook Marketplace feature offers a simple and convenient way to buy and sell online. Whether small business owners are looking for tools or supplies or they want to market their products to a local audience, Facebook Marketplace can help them meet their goals. What Is Facebook Marketplace? Facebook launched its Marketplace app with the goal of providing a “convenient destination to discover, buy, and sell items with people in your community.” Available on the Facebook app, as well as on desktop and tablet versions of the platform, Marketplace serves as a popular sales channel that reaches Facebook’s 2.91 billion monthly users. Marketplace is available to users in 70 countries, where Facebook buyers and sellers typically close deals in their local areas. READ MORE: You Can Now Buy Ads in Facebook Marketplace How Can a Business Use Facebook Marketplace? Businesses can connect with a new target audience by listing their products on Facebook Marketplace. To begin, research the Marketplace to gain insights into the competition and the types of products available in specific Facebook Marketplace categories. When you are ready to create a new listing, be sure to include a title, description, and as many as 10 photos of whatever item you’re selling. Be sure you use relevant keywords so your listing will appear before interested buyers. You’ll be able to review your product listings before publishing them, so you’ll get an opportunity to ensure the best representation of your brand. Benefits of Facebook Marketplace for Businesses There are plenty of benefits for a business marketing products from its Facebook page. In fact, some will achieve better results from a Marketplace listing than through other marketing efforts. If you are considering using Facebook Marketplace for your business, be sure you take into account the following: User-friendly Mobile App Users can buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace from practically anywhere, thanks to the platform’s convenient mobile app. Simple Posting There’s no complicated process to list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Just take a photo of an item and add it to Facebook, enter the product description and price, confirm the location and category, and then post it. Local Focus While Facebook users can broaden their geographic search, Marketplace automatically displays listings within a local vicinity, so it’s easy for sellers to reach buyers nearby. Optimized Browsing The browsing feature of Facebook Marketplace is designed to showcase items according to each user’s browsing history, helping to save time. Browse to Buy Feature Marketplace’s Browse to Buy feature filters users’ feeds with products they can purchase from Facebook communities and groups they belong to. Customer Engagement Facebook Marketplace provides opportunities for buyers and sellers to interact with one another. This engagement helps brands build business relationships with potential customers on the platform. Trust-based Communities Facebook does not verify the items listed for sale, relying instead on trust between buyers and sellers for Marketplace activity. As a result, businesses have the chance to build trust and develop positive relationships with their customers. Recruiting Opportunities Facebook Marketplace’s job offers feature lets users sell their services to specific groups. Support of Multiple Photos Facebook allows users to include as many as 10 photos when selling items on Marketplace, giving businesses opportunities to visually showcase their goods. Quick Posting Process Since Facebook enables Marketplace users to upload product images and descriptions in real time through the app, businesses can easily and swiftly post their products. Direct Messaging Purchasing arrangements can be worked out with ease on Marketplace since buyers can message sellers directly. Free Listings and Low Fees Unlike other online marketplaces, Facebook does not charge users for listing their items. When a sale is completed through the Marketplace, the platform automatically deducts a fee of only 5% from the sale price. Massive Market Facebook boasts almost 3 billion monthly users, so selling products on Marketplace exposes them to potentially millions of users around the world. Multiple Payment Options Customers can pay with a credit card, a debit card or a PayPal account when making purchases through Facebook Marketplace, offering them extra flexibility. Brand Exposure Listing products for sale on Facebook Marketplace not only increases exposure for the items but also for the brand selling them since the business name is listed below the product. How Much Does It Cost Facebook Users to Sell on Facebook Marketplace? It costs nothing to list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace from a personal Facebook account or from business pages. When a sale is made, Facebook automatically deducts a 5% selling fee from the payment or a flat 40 cents for items priced at $8 or less. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, however, has temporarily waived the standard selling fee for all orders marked as shipped for a limited period. Do You Have to Pay for Facebook Marketplace Ads? A business owner can go beyond simply listing items for sale on Facebook Marketplace; they can also invest in advertising through the Meta Ads Manager. The exact cost of advertising on Facebook depends on several factors, but businesses can manage their expenses by setting a custom budget for their Facebook promotion. While the advertising cost is dependent on how many people click on the ad, the campaign typically will stop once that budget has been exhausted. In the United States, the average cost per click for Facebook Marketplace ads is about 28 cents. How Do You Post on Marketplace as a Facebook Business Page? While a business can list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace just like an individual, it also has the option to create a Facebook Shop and upload its entire catalog. This feature enables business owners to select various payment methods, such as inviting interested buyers to pay through Facebook or Instagram, completing purchases on the company’s website, or accepting payments via the Facebook Messenger app. The business will also need to add payout details to Facebook’s Commerce Manager for Facebook Checkout, which allows third-party payment processors to complete transactions and appear as the merchant of record. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Benefits of Facebook Marketplace for Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

How can businesses benefit from the Facebook app? The social media giant’s Facebook Marketplace feature offers a simple and convenient way to buy and sell online. Whether small business owners are looking for tools or supplies or they want to market their products to a local audience, Facebook Marketplace can help them meet their goals. What Is Facebook Marketplace? Facebook launched its Marketplace app with the goal of providing a “convenient destination to discover, buy, and sell items with people in your community.” Available on the Facebook app, as well as on desktop and tablet versions of the platform, Marketplace serves as a popular sales channel that reaches Facebook’s 2.91 billion monthly users. Marketplace is available to users in 70 countries, where Facebook buyers and sellers typically close deals in their local areas. READ MORE: You Can Now Buy Ads in Facebook Marketplace How Can a Business Use Facebook Marketplace? Businesses can connect with a new target audience by listing their products on Facebook Marketplace. To begin, research the Marketplace to gain insights into the competition and the types of products available in specific Facebook Marketplace categories. When you are ready to create a new listing, be sure to include a title, description, and as many as 10 photos of whatever item you’re selling. Be sure you use relevant keywords so your listing will appear before interested buyers. You’ll be able to review your product listings before publishing them, so you’ll get an opportunity to ensure the best representation of your brand. Benefits of Facebook Marketplace for Businesses There are plenty of benefits for a business marketing products from its Facebook page. In fact, some will achieve better results from a Marketplace listing than through other marketing efforts. If you are considering using Facebook Marketplace for your business, be sure you take into account the following: User-friendly Mobile App Users can buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace from practically anywhere, thanks to the platform’s convenient mobile app. Simple Posting There’s no complicated process to list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Just take a photo of an item and add it to Facebook, enter the product description and price, confirm the location and category, and then post it. Local Focus While Facebook users can broaden their geographic search, Marketplace automatically displays listings within a local vicinity, so it’s easy for sellers to reach buyers nearby. Optimized Browsing The browsing feature of Facebook Marketplace is designed to showcase items according to each user’s browsing history, helping to save time. Browse to Buy Feature Marketplace’s Browse to Buy feature filters users’ feeds with products they can purchase from Facebook communities and groups they belong to. Customer Engagement Facebook Marketplace provides opportunities for buyers and sellers to interact with one another. This engagement helps brands build business relationships with potential customers on the platform. Trust-based Communities Facebook does not verify the items listed for sale, relying instead on trust between buyers and sellers for Marketplace activity. As a result, businesses have the chance to build trust and develop positive relationships with their customers. Recruiting Opportunities Facebook Marketplace’s job offers feature lets users sell their services to specific groups. Support of Multiple Photos Facebook allows users to include as many as 10 photos when selling items on Marketplace, giving businesses opportunities to visually showcase their goods. Quick Posting Process Since Facebook enables Marketplace users to upload product images and descriptions in real time through the app, businesses can easily and swiftly post their products. Direct Messaging Purchasing arrangements can be worked out with ease on Marketplace since buyers can message sellers directly. Free Listings and Low Fees Unlike other online marketplaces, Facebook does not charge users for listing their items. When a sale is completed through the Marketplace, the platform automatically deducts a fee of only 5% from the sale price. Massive Market Facebook boasts almost 3 billion monthly users, so selling products on Marketplace exposes them to potentially millions of users around the world. Multiple Payment Options Customers can pay with a credit card, a debit card or a PayPal account when making purchases through Facebook Marketplace, offering them extra flexibility. Brand Exposure Listing products for sale on Facebook Marketplace not only increases exposure for the items but also for the brand selling them since the business name is listed below the product. How Much Does It Cost Facebook Users to Sell on Facebook Marketplace? It costs nothing to list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace from a personal Facebook account or from business pages. When a sale is made, Facebook automatically deducts a 5% selling fee from the payment or a flat 40 cents for items priced at $8 or less. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, however, has temporarily waived the standard selling fee for all orders marked as shipped for a limited period. Do You Have to Pay for Facebook Marketplace Ads? A business owner can go beyond simply listing items for sale on Facebook Marketplace; they can also invest in advertising through the Meta Ads Manager. The exact cost of advertising on Facebook depends on several factors, but businesses can manage their expenses by setting a custom budget for their Facebook promotion. While the advertising cost is dependent on how many people click on the ad, the campaign typically will stop once that budget has been exhausted. In the United States, the average cost per click for Facebook Marketplace ads is about 28 cents. How Do You Post on Marketplace as a Facebook Business Page? While a business can list items for sale on Facebook Marketplace just like an individual, it also has the option to create a Facebook Shop and upload its entire catalog. This feature enables business owners to select various payment methods, such as inviting interested buyers to pay through Facebook or Instagram, completing purchases on the company’s website, or accepting payments via the Facebook Messenger app. The business will also need to add payout details to Facebook’s Commerce Manager for Facebook Checkout, which allows third-party payment processors to complete transactions and appear as the merchant of record. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Benefits of Facebook Marketplace for Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US president’s plan to expel Gazans may embolden Israeli ultranationalists bent on annexing West BankView the full article

If you have a business and you choose not to use TikTok for business, you’re actively sleeping on a goldmine. TikTok has a massive user base of over 1.69 billion (!!) monthly active users — and the number of Americans using TikTok weekly has quadrupled since 2021. Let’s get rid of the top two objections before I tell you how to use TikTok for business. 👉 “TikTok is only for businesses who serve younger demographics.” The audience demographics on TikTok are evolving, including older age groups. The social media site isn’t limited to younger users anymore. The latest U.S. TikTok report showed weekly TikTok users aged between 35-44 have only grown since 2022. 👉 “TikTok won’t help me increase the sales in my business.” TikTok isn’t just for brand awareness and discovery. You should use TikTok to grow your business to get the most out of the platform. After all, 45 percent of users continued searching for more info about a product or service after discovering something on the TikTok app. Not just this: Nearly 71 percent of TikTok Shop users have bought something from TikTok feed and 58.2 percent use the platform for shopping inspiration. Plenty of small businesses have seen massive success in using TikTok for business. You could be one of them. This guide will share how. The basics: How to create (and set up) your TikTok business account in 2 stepsThere are two types of TikTok accounts: Personal/Creator and Business. A personal or creator account is best for users who just want to scroll the TikTok app and/or create content on the platform as a content creator.A TikTok business account is suitable for people using the TikTok app to promote their products or services. It has additional commercial features like the TikTok business center, advanced analytics, etc.The only disadvantage of having a TikTok business account is you only have access to the commercial music library for your videos. This means you can only use the audios cleared for commercial use. Using any other audios (that you don’t own and aren’t approved by TikTok) can lead to copyright issues. You might miss out on using some trending TikTok sounds with the business account. But it’s a small price to pay for all the additional features you get. How do you create and set up a TikTok business account? Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1. Convert your personal account into a TikTok business accountOnce you’ve created a TikTok account, follow the below steps to switch to business account: 1. Tap Profile icon at the bottom of your TikTok app 2. Click on “Menu” and go to “Settings and privacy” 3. Go to “Manage Account” and switch to a TikTok business account 4. Select the category that best describes your business And voila! You now have a TikTok business account. But the set up’s not done yet. Step 2. Optimize your TikTok profileConverting your personal/creator account to a business one was only handling the technical side of using TikTok for business. You also need to check three other boxes to complete your switch to business account: Set a profile photo: Add the image of your logo if you’re a small business or a clear image of yourself if it’s your face people recognize. TikTok users will start associating you with your profile photo, so choose one that represents your brand well.Describe your business in your TikTok bio: A social media bio is your most precious real estate. Use it to tell your TikTok community about your company — mainly who you help and how.Add a URL to redirect TikTok users to your website or store: Add your website link or any specific landing page to your bio. Choose a link you want to redirect your TikTok followers to: How can they make a purchase? It can be a product page or some more info about your business.A great example is Flora Flora’s TikTok bio. They have a clear image of their logo as the profile picture, a one-liner bio that shares their mission, and a special coupon code for their TikTok community. It’s best to keep the usernames your business name to make your business easy to search. Use the same logo and username across social media platforms to improve your brand recall. After publishing a few posts, I’d also recommend applying for the verified badge on TikTok. The blue tick adds extra credibility to your business and comes at no additional cost. And that’s it! You’ve now completed the setup to switch to a business account on TikTok. But before we learn how you can create a wholesome TikTok strategy to actually use TikTok to grow your business, you might be wondering: Is it necessary to convert your personal TikTok account to a TikTok business account? Do you need a business account to use TikTok for business?Many companies take the shortcut of having a creator account to access the wide music library of trending sounds. It’s tempting: trending audios get more reach and are pushed by the algorithm. But doing so violates TikTok’s terms of service. Litigation isn’t worth the risk for accessing a few trending sounds. And personal/creator accounts also don’t get access to the Business Center — which includes the ad manager, collaboration features, and downloadable analytics. These are a lot of powerful features! TikTok discourages switching between personal/creator and business accounts frequently, so I’d advise you to make your choice once and stick to it. If you’re set on using a creator account as a business, assess your risks wisely and consult with your legal team. How to use TikTok for businessThere are two routes to using your TikTok business account to grow your small company: In the organic route, you create high quality content for your target audience and stick to a consistent posting schedule. The growth you’ll see here usually takes time, lots of effort, and a splash of luck. But you build an engaged and loyal TikTok community for the long-term.In the paid advertising route, you put money behind your TikTok content so the platform pushes it to potential buyers. This marketing strategy might provide better results in the short-term but needs to be supplemented with organic content to achieve best results over the long-term.The best TikTok marketing strategy is combining organic and paid efforts. This will ensure you don’t have a one hit wonder with no sustainable growth. The next sections will cover the various facets of both organic and paid marketing strategies. But before we cover the differences, here are some things that stay common in organic and paid TikTok content: Unpolished and engaging content: Your content needs to be engaging, regardless of whether you publish it organically or via the ads manager. TikTok’s culture thrives on authenticity. Don’t create overly polished content that looks and feels like ads, even if they are ads.Catering to your target audience’s interests: Speak the language of your target audience. Instead of taking a product-centric approach where you highlight the various features of your product or service, take a consumer-centric approach. What does your audience struggle with? Use the phrasing of your target audience in your TikTok videos to stop the scroll.Consistent brand voice: Your TikTok presence should feel unique to your brand, regardless of whether the TikTok video is organically posted or not. For instance, if someone comes across an ad from your TikTok account and checks your organic presence, it shouldn’t feel like an alien world. Your brand’s content should give off the same vibe.To summarize, your TikTok content strategy should stay the same: Create helpful and entertaining videos for your target audience. TikTok marketing: The organic wayThe organic content strategy has four components: 1. The TikTok algorithm 2. TikTok SEO 3. Balancing trending and evergreen content 4. Posting consistently at the right time Let’s tackle each of these one by one. 1. The TikTok algorithmThe algorithm decides what goes into a user’s For You page. The earlier your video appears in your target audience’s feed, the better. TikTok looks at the following components while deciding which videos to rank: Engagement: The more popular your video gets — aka the more likes, comments, and shares it receives — the more the chances of the algorithm pushing it to similar audiences.User interactions: TikTok monitors what its users are interested in and shows them relevant, fresh content catering to their interests from new creators.Video information: This includes details like whether a video was created natively on TikTok, caption information, etc.Device and account settings: The language preferences, location, and device also play a minor role in the algorithm.The best way to get the algorithm on your side is to deeply understand your target audience. Creating content that uses your audience’s language and solves their problems is the best way to ensure you work with the algorithm instead of against it. For the other technical aspects, follow this checklist: 💡Learn more: TikTok Algorithm Guide 20252. TikTok SEOTikTok has started to function more and more like a search engine. This means you increase your chances of getting discovered by using the right keywords in your videos and captions. TikTok SEO is also why I encouraged having a detailed social media bio that uses all the right keywords that your audience is using to search for brands like yours. Acing search engine discovery starts by discovering the right keywords. What is your audience searching for? You can gain insights using tools like Answer the Public and SparkToro here. Thankfully, TikTok’s SEO isn’t as advanced as Google’s yet. So you don’t need an extensive keyword strategy to ace TikTok SEO. Pay attention to what your audience asks in the comments, in private communities, and on other social media channels. Keeping your eyes and ears open (hello, social listening) can go a long, long way. Once you have a list of keywords, start using them organically when you create videos. Don’t do keyword stuffing; add keywords where they fit naturally. Use hashtags and video captions to double down on your SEO efforts. Smidge beauty often uses TikTok SEO to highlight their value points and use the right keywords like ‘biodegradable makeup’, ‘sustainable beauty’, and ‘small business’. Create a simple Excel sheet of long-tail keywords you can’t use as often (such as ‘how to get rid of acne scars’) and shorter keywords you can spread out between your TikTok videos and use often (like ‘clear skin’). 💡Continue creating your SEO plan: What You Need to Know About TikTok SEO3. Balancing trending and evergreen contentContent creation on TikTok can fall into two buckets: Evergreen content: This type of content has an almost endless shelf life. The things you’re saying/doing here aren’t time-sensitive. The content will be relevant even if someone discovers it years later. This TikTok video by YNAB about reducing overspending is a great example. The topic isn’t tied to a specific time or theme — it’s evergreen. (embed post)[Gray box] 💡 Read more: The Beginner's Guide to Creating Evergreen ContentTrending content: This type of content has a short lifespan. TikTok trends can be platform-specific, time-specific, or industry-specific.Platform trends are challenges or themes that people are following specifically on TikTok — like the #wesanderson trend. Often, TikTok trends spread to other social channels, too.Industry trends are news pieces that are only relevant in your social media niche. Only people who are in the same clique might understand these trends.?Time-specific trends are tied to specific times of the year — like the holidays. For instance, YNAB created a video about sticking to a no buy year in 2025 that can only be relevant during the end of 2024. (embed video)Trending content often gets more reach and views since the topic is time-sensitive. But, evergreen content builds trust and a loyal social media community. You need to create a content calendar that combines evergreen and trending content in equal measure to get the best of both worlds. Keep a pulse of what’s going on in TikTok and your industry to create relevant, trending content. When you schedule posts on your TikTok business account, create content that’s evergreen but leave room for spontaneity to fill it with trending topics. 💡Learn more: 7+ Free Social Media Calendar Templates to Help You Plan Your Content4. Post consistently at the right timeTikTok rewards consistency more than any other social media platform. Ideally, you should post at least one video a day. But if that’s not possible, post three to four times a week regularly and build up the content creation muscle before you start posting daily. If you’ve got a content library from other social media platforms, start cross-posting on TikTok, too. The good thing is TikTok doesn’t require polished content, so you can spend less time perfecting every nook and cranny of your videos. And with Buffer, you don’t have to post your videos manually. Batch create content in advance (leaving some room for trending content!) and schedule them using Buffer. And posting frequently is not enough: You need to post when your audience is online to increase the probability of getting higher up in their For You page. Your TikTok analytics can offer a lot of insight into when your content gets the most engagement. However, if you’re new to TikTok, no analytics tools can share reliable insights about your specific audience. Until then, use our study’s findings: It shows the best time to post on TikTok is between 4-5 PM mid-week. Growing your TikTok business account organically is a balancing act of all the above four factors. I’d recommend starting with the ads manager only after you’ve got the hang of how to use and grow on TikTok organically. This will help in creating video content for ads that are the right fit for the platform. TikTok marketing: The paid wayIn the paid methods, you can grow your TikTok business in three ways: TikTok adsTikTok ShopTikTok influencer marketingThe following sections will share how to begin dipping your toes and dollars into the TikTok world (safely!). 1. TikTok advertisingFirst things first: Using the ads manager requires you to have a TikTok business account. So, you can’t run ads if you’ve only got a personal account. Secondly, a TikTok campaign is structured at three levels. The campaign level is the most zoomed-out version of your ad objectives. Then comes the ad groups where you can decide the placement of your ads, targeting, and budget. Finally comes the ad where you can minutely dictate how an ad appears. Image SourceYou can choose where to place your ad — in-feed, at the top of your target audience’s For You Page (top view), etc. You need to spend at least $20 on every ad group in your campaign. If you’re just getting started with ads on TikTok, I’d recommend experimenting with Promote from your business account first. This means you promote your best-performing organic posts on TikTok in a few simple clicks. SourceUsing Promote first can help you understand how advertising works on TikTok and give you a chance to test the waters before you start creating a full-fledged campaign. 💡Learn more: The Complete Guide for TikTok advertising2. TikTok ShopTikTok Shop allows you to create a storefront on the social media platform to sell your products directly using the TikTok app. Right now, these ads can be live, video, or product shopping ads. I’ve classified TikTok shopping in the paid version because, like ads, it’s a direct line to your consumers (instead of a full funnel in organic content strategy). Once you’ve set up your TikTok Shop (a step-by-step guide available here), you can add shoppable video posts to your TikTok business account. Use the TikTok SEO principles while writing your product details to increase your discoverability on the platform. For example, this bag uses various keywords someone might use to search for a specific travel bag. TikTok Shop is still relatively new among consumers. It’s still earning buyers' trust, so be strategic about how much time and energy you spend on it. The top reason consumers shop directly on TikTok is to get unique discount codes, so use them if you can. You can also partner with affiliates and they can promote your products using a unique discount code. They get a commission if someone purchases using their code. 3. TikTok influencer marketingInfluencer collaborations are all the rage on TikTok. You can partner with relevant influencers to promote your products in exchange for a flat fee and/or affiliate commission. If you want (and both parties agree), you can also convert influencer content into spark ads to put money behind a successful influencer post. TikTok influencers can help you reach new audiences and borrow the trust the creator has built with their followers. While follower count matters in how wide an influencer’s reach is, it’s essential to find creators whose followers overlap with your target buyers. Take the collaboration between Suman and V&Co. Beauty. Suman has a dedicated following of people interested in wavy hair care. By partnering with her, the business communicated their product’s benefits (and “showed” it in action) via a trusted source. Many customers might also be creating videos using your product for their audiences. This is called user-generated content; you can also use it to get more conversions for your business. For example, if a consumer has posted an honest review of your product, you can reshare it with their permission and maybe even run it as an ad. In return, you can also offer their followers a discount code. 💡Continue learning: The 9-Step Guide to Forming Your Influencer Marketing StrategyWorried about the impact of the TikTok ban?Don't be. Many social media experts advise you continue posting to TikTok and building an audience there — while cross-posting to other channels and building on other video platforms. The best part is that you can automate cross-platform posting. Work smart and use marketing tools like Buffer (for free!) to schedule content across different short-form video platforms. If you're looking for other platforms to move to, we have just the article for you with 4 TikTok Alternatives to Consider. View the full article

The prospect of both megalenders being released from conservatorship and the downgrading of each firm's respective stock are top of mind for executives. View the full article

A nearly 15-year-old federal program designed to test and implement emerging technologies for reducing energy waste in buildings appears to have been canceled by the Trump Administration. The Green Proving Ground program, launched in 2011 and run by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), was created to evaluate new private-sector green building technologies by installing them within federal facilities. Multiple sources tell Fast Company that projects previously approved for participation in the program have just been canceled. The Green Proving Ground’s webpages have been deleted from the GSA’s website. GSA and DOE did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Participants in the Green Proving Ground program, speaking on background, tell Fast Company that they were informed in late January that their projects have effectively been canceled, and contractors hired to evaluate the efficacy of these technologies have had their contracts terminated. Companies selected to participate in the Green Proving Ground program over the years range from established building materials manufacturers to startups designing new technologies for reducing energy waste. In recent years, companies selected to have their products evaluated through the program have produced things like low-carbon concrete, bi-directional electric vehicle charging infrastructure, vacuum-insulated windows, and heat pumps that use captured carbon dioxide. Since its launch in 2011, more than 100 technologies have been measured and evaluated through program. More than 20 are now being deployed within the GSA’s portfolio of green building retrofits. Goverment’s big footprint The GSA oversees 363 million square feet of real estate the federal government owns or leases in nearly 8,400 buildings nationwide. Previous GSA officials estimated that the technologies implemented through the Green Proving Ground program avoid 116,000 tons of CO2 emissions and save the government $28 million in energy costs annually. The cancellation of the Green Proving Ground program could mean those savings disappear. It could also have a chilling effect on the development of new building materials and technologies. “Green Proving Ground is really about U.S. technology. It’s helping U.S. companies advance their work and prove it and create markets,” says Liz Beardsley, senior policy counsel at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which oversees the LEED green building rating system. “Building and services are a significant export for the U.S. There may be a focus of green in this particular program, but it’s really more about technology and competitiveness.” Though no official announcement has yet been made, the cancellation of the Green Proving Ground program aligns with the agenda being pursued by the GSA’s new acting administrator, Stephen Ehikian, who was appointed to the position by President Donald Trump. In an email obtained by Federal News Network, Ehikian outlined his priorities for the GSA, which include removing “extremist Green New Deal and ESG (environmental, social and governance) requirements from federal building construction, leasing and procurement to prioritize economic efficiency over ideological mandates.” The Green Proving Ground program appears to be one of the environmentally-focused programs being removed. Trump has also withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, and revoked some elements of the funding of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These moves halt energy efficiency efforts the federal government has been pursuing since the Obama Administration—and work that continued during the first Trump Administration. GSA has been retrofitting and redesigning its portfolio of buildings to be as energy efficient as possible. That includes replacing windows, installing heat pumps, and commissioning net-zero-energy building designs, among other efforts. The agency estimates it has saved $826 million in energy costs since 2008 through what are often simple building retrofits. The construction conundrum There’s a reason seemingly obscure building materials and technologies have gotten so much attention. The production of building materials and the construction of buildings adds up to an estimated 11% of all global carbon emissions. Operating buildings accounts for an estimated 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the way buildings are built and run can have widespread impacts in combatting climate change. Previous presidential administrations have embraced this approach, none more so than the Biden administration, during which federal green building retrofits got a major boost through funding allocated by the IRA, passed in 2022. The act included $3.4 billion for the GSA to use on efforts ranging from energy efficiency improvements to the development of more sustainable construction materials. In 2023, the Biden Administration set aside $30 million specifically for the Green Proving Ground program, with a goal of “turning federal buildings into testbeds for clean energy innovation.” It’s funding that’s helped support the development and advancement of a variety of new technologies. Marshall Cox is founder and CEO of Kelvin, maker of an insulated radiator cover. The company was one of 20 selected to participate in the Green Proving Ground program in 2023. Cox says the program’s cancellation is a blow to startups trying to innovate in the building technology sector. “Getting a contract with GSA is one of the biggest things that could happen to a company, and that’s now stopped,” he says. Even the chance to have technology vetted through the program could be a make or break situation for a company. Though Kelvin’s participation in the program had no funding attached, many other companies did receive financial support. “The other companies, by and large, are in this scenario potentially where they got a first milestone payment for their project and they bought probably millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and are deploying it. And now they’re not going to get that second check eventually,” Cox says. “That’s devastating for a company.” The Trump administration’s cancellation of the Green Proving Ground program in an indication that the federal government’s energy efficiency gains could be coming to an end. Robin Carnahan, who was GSA Administrator during the Biden Administration, told Fast Company in September that the kind of work being done through programs like the Green Proving Ground should be beyond the realm of politics. “These are smart investments. That’s the bottom line,” Carnahan said. “When things save money and they make economic sense, that’s not a political fight. That is just good stewardship of taxpayer money.” With the new administration, that assertion seems to have been overwritten by more ideological concerns. “It’s just a lost opportunity to prove new technologies,” says Ben Evans, federal legislative director for USGBC. View the full article

With less than a week before this year’s Super Bowl, many advertisers are already armpit-deep into their big game strategy. Brands have dropped teasers, trailers, and even full ads in anticipation of getting us all excited about what they view as their holiest of days: the Only Day People Actually Look Forward to the Commercials. Depending on who you ask, every Shakespeare play can be divided into three or four types: Tragedy, Comedy, History, and “Problem Plays.” Meanwhile, past researchers have analyzed thousands of novels to find six basic plot points that underpin every story: Rags to riches (a steady rise from bad to good fortune); Riches to rags (a fall from good to bad, a tragedy); Icarus (a rise then a fall in fortune); Oedipus (a fall, a rise then a fall again); Cinderella (rise, fall, rise); and Man in a hole (fall, rise). After decades of decidedly non-clinical research, I’m convinced that Super Bowl ads can be similarly classified. But how to do it? What categories can accurately describe Puppymonkeybaby, Nationwide Dead Kid, and DoorDash All The Ads? This is the challenge. In determining the five types of Super Bowl ads, many factors must be parsed. Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous. These include but are not limited to the stature of the brand, its goal for being in the big game, and of course, the ultimate execution of an idea. Let’s dig in. The all about the eyeballs ad More than 123 million people watched the Super Bowl in 2024, in the U.S. alone. The four games during NFL Divisional weekend this year averaged 36.6 million viewers. A lot of eyeballs in one place at one time is why the Super Bowl has been such a consistently popular investment for brands of all shapes and sizes. It’s also why it’s a perfectly logical place to splash your customer growth trajectory with rocket fuel. Brands like FanDuel and DoorDash have used the event to entice new customers onto their platforms. This year, FanDuel is asking people to choose between Peyton and Eli Manning in the “Kick of Destiny 3.” There’s a reason for that. The first “Kick of Destiny” not only got 14 billion impressions and a 10% boost in brand awareness, but FanDuel averaged 2 million active users making roughly 17 million total bets. The platform attracted 70% of the available new online bettors during that game. Last year Doordash’s “Doordash All the Ads” gave viewers the chance to enter a contest to win everything advertised during the game. In addition to the 11.9 billion impressions it got, the contest also delivered 8 million applications on the platform. Basically, anyone who is pushing a specific promotion on their platform or involving their product, that’s an ad for growth mode. That holy s**t hype ad It’s all in the name. The most important metric here is brand awareness. Not only does the ad need to get your attention, and sink its hooks into your memory, it needs to do so in a way that you actually know what brand the ad and surrounding campaign is for. Typically, what we see here are lesser-known brands that need a Super Bowl-sized shot in the arm, or bigger brands that have gone a bit stale. A great example of the former is The Farmer’s Dog ad in 2023, which came out of absolutely nowhere to win the USA Today Ad Meter (and was co-created by former Fast Company senior editor Teressa Iezzi). A classic in this category is Chrysler’s 2011 spot “Born of Fire” with Eminem. The Emmy-winning ad not only introduced the new Chrysler 200, it did so by celebrating the city of Detroit, still reeling from the economic downturn of 2008. Having Eminem involved was an unexpected dose of hometown cool that helped boost the brand and sales significantly. The company credited the ad with helping it turn its first profitable quarter in two years. More recently, both Coinbase and Tubi used creative executions on the big night to pique our collective curiosity. For Coinbase, it was a bouncing DVD-like, floating QR code. Meanwhile, Tubi made everyone watching in 2023 think someone was changing the channel with its 15-second spot. Tubi CMO Nicole Parlapiano, told Adweek, “Our strategy on those ads was really to get our name out there. We didn’t have very high consumer advertiser awareness at that point, and so we were just trying to be stunty and get people talking about Tubi.” Mission accomplished. Weird if they aren’t here ads These are the brands that are so big, so iconic, that you expect them to be there. And if they’re not, it just feels . . . weird. Budweiser. Doritos. Automotive brands, fast-food, major snack and candy brands. Sure, they may take a year off here and there, but you still expect to see them. Every year we get some version of horses and puppy dogs from Budweiser. And almost every year its ad is among the most popular with viewers. This year is no exception, with the keg delivery foal also delivering the second-most positive emotional reactions from viewers among full ads released so far (after only the NFL’s own spot), according to global creative effectiveness platform DAIVID. Doritos has brought back its incredibly popular “Crash the Super Bowl” ad contest, tapping into the tradition it established more than a decade ago. Even Dunkin is really stepping up its Status Quo pedigree, with three years of Ben Affleck-led spots that are getting increasingly unhinged, and I am 100% here for it. Take a leak ads Despite the occasion, the pomp, the circumstance, the Super Bowl still is not immune to utterly forgettable commercials that ultimately waste our time and the brand’s ad budgets. High anticipation, low pay-off. The upside of a bad ad is that you can go for a washroom break without missing anything. That said, this year toilet paper brand Angel Soft is creatively using this time-honored tradition of leaving the room during the commercials into a brand opportunity unto itself. Or, sorry, a potty-tunity. That baby angel’s voice may be pure, uncut nightmare fuel, but the brand strategy here is spot on. Other ads that would fit this category are tough to recall because they just rank so high on the forgettability scale. It’s the advertising equivalent to the Men In Black neuralyzer. Still, you can essentially add Weathertech to the list every year. Other than that, if I had a time machine, I’d warn everyone that the Lionel Messi Michelob Ultra ad from last year was easily one of the highest-quality (and most expensive) potty-tunities of the game. Going off-broadway ads As the Super Bowl continues to grow far beyond the time limits and ad availability within the confines of four quarters, more and more brands are tapping into opportunity around the game. Since this is a moment when we’re all paying just a wee bit more attention to what brands are doing, advertisers can blend in with official sponsors without shelling out that broadcast entry fee. Miller Lite did it last year, replacing an official Big Game ad by handing out QR-coded T-shirts to fans to wear that others can scan for free beer money. This year, the Kelce brothers’ co-owned beer brand Garage Beer is leaning heavily into the fact it can’t afford to buy big game air time, despite having the creative chops to play. The brand has also dubbed the Chiefs vs. Eagles game “The Garage Bowl,” given Travis is playing against Jason’s former team. https://twitter.com/drinkgaragebeer/status/1885365701415690401 Back in 2019, Skittles did have a Super Bowl spot, but used the opportunity to promote an actual Broadway show called Skittles: The Musical, starring Michael C. Hall. It was a hit! Well, at least in advertising terms, if not on the snobby theater geek scale. One of the most infamous examples of hijacking the Super Bowl came back in 2013, at the very stadium of this year’s game. In the third quarter of the Ravens/49ers Super Bowl, the power went out and delayed the game for 34 minutes. Oreo saw an opportunity . . . and tweeted. The “dunk in the dark” tweet is a core entry in the canon of social media marketing, for its ability and agility to creatively capitalize on a collective cultural moment. But the greatest example of this category came the very next year. In 2014, Newcastle Brown Ale couldn’t afford the $4.5 million price tag of a Super Bowl spot. So instead, it imagined what it would do if it did have the money, and then made a commercial campaign about that. “If We Made It” was a series of spots that ranged from simple text-based ads, to clips of focus groups reacting to over-the-top Super Bowl ad ideas ad, to behind the scenes videos with celebs like Anna Kendrick. It was a hit, earning as much media coverage as most actual Super Bowl spots. View the full article

As the Eaton Fire spread on January 7, curators at the Gamble House—an Arts and Crafts-era residence in Pasadena by the architecture firm Greene and Greene, which Back to the Future fans might recognize as Doc Brown’s mansion—kept refreshing evacuation maps and checking in with each other on a group text: Would the fires reach the house? They expected high winds, based on forecasts the night before, but not the fast-moving wildfires raging in neighboring Altadena. As the evacuation zone inched closer and the house entered the warning zone the morning of January 8, Jennifer Trotoux, director of collections and interpretation at the Gamble House, feared that the structure might be lost and marshalled staff who lived nearby (and who weren’t at risk of being evacuated themselves) to come and remove as many objects as they could. “We’re always nervous,” Trotoux says, noting that the house and the homes in the neighborhood around it are made from wood, plus they’re near the Arroyo Seco trail, a forested area. “The very character of the place makes it susceptible to fire.” Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through Altadena, California on January 8, 2025. [Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images] The effects of climate change are damaging or threatening architecturally significant sites around the world. Stateside, some of the high-profile cases have included sea level rise that is impacting Colonial-era homes in Newport, Rhode Island, inland flooding that has inundated the Mies van der Rohe–designed Farnsworth House, and fires that destroyed historic Lahaina, Maui. When many of these catastrophes strike, it is simply not possible to save the whole building or district, but sometimes there’s a chance that curators and site caretakers are able to remove objects from them, making real-time choices about the history that will remain tangible and what may potentially become lost forever. Just like people packed go bags of important documents, medication, and sentimental items when Los Angeles sent evacuation orders, curators at historic homes—like the Gamble House, Eames House, and Burns House—corralled important artifacts to bring to safer ground. Trotoux and her colleagues arrived with two minivans and a hatchback, which they quickly filled with furniture and objects from the house: art glass lanterns; metal andirons and tools for the fireplace; rugs; writing desks; chairs from the primary bedroom, living room, and dining room; Rookwood pottery; and Tiffany lamps. They wrapped them in moving blankets and tablecloths they have for special events, and tucked pillows around them to prevent damage. “I was just in a daze,” Trotoux says of the operation. “We just kept putting one foot in front of the other.” Preserving Design History in the Climate Era Removing fragments or furniture from buildings is a common (and sometimes unethical) practice. While individual elements can never fully convey the full spirit of a place, these artifacts are useful proxies for the whole. For example, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel in Tokyo was demolished in 1968, but the dining chairs and lobby were salvaged, offering a window into the world he created. In the event of planned demolitions or closures, there’s usually ample time to remove what’s most notable; however, in an emergency like a fire it’s a race against the clock. Because of the worsening fires in Los Angeles, museums have integrated object-rescue operations into their collections management plans. The curators of the Eames House, which is located in the Pacific Palisades and was at severe risk of burning down in this year’s fire, integrated this thinking into their conservation management plan, which was completed in 2018. It encompasses strategies for site preservation (like clearing brush and replacing highly flammable Eucalyptus trees with drought-tolerant native Live Oaks) as well as emergency measures like applying fire retardant and removing select objects, which are historically significant elements of the house and its history. Case Study No. 8, Eames House [Photo: Walter Bibikow/Getty Images] Also known as Case Study No. 8, the 1949 house by designers Charles and Ray Eames began as an experiment in prefabrication but quickly became a laboratory where they tested prototypes and surrounded themselves with examples of good design that they collected on trips around the world, which they arranged in specific juxtapositions. Preserving the way that they lived is important to the curators, so they prioritized removing complete tableaux of objects. The 2019 Getty Fire tested the Eames Foundation’s planning. They removed objects back then, which became like a test run for the Palisades Fire. “You have to have different lists—you have 15 minutes, you have half an hour, you have whatever,” says Lucia Dewey Atwood, the director of the Eames Foundation, the nonprofit that oversees the house (and one of Charles and Ray’s grandchildren). However, because the exact situation is unpredictable, the curatorial team makes decisions on the fly based on how much time and moving capacity they have. [Photo: Florian Bohm/courtesy Eames Foundation] This time, “I had a window of about three hours between the time that I realized, Oh my God I got to get over there, talked my way past the firemen and police, got to the house, secured the objects, and then took them off-site,” Atwood recalls. “It was such a rush. It was overwhelming.” [Photo: courtesy Eames Foundation] Because of time and transportation constraints, Atwood could take only two tableaux. The first was in the living room, a composition of a low table the couple designed; a blue box from Austria with brass bells from India inside of it; a figurine of a monkey riding a deer and a metal shell from India; a trio of sea creatures made by the Inuit; and a stone flint. The second was a collection of serving spoons kept near the kitchen sink and a bread knife with a ribbon tied around it that was a gift to Ray from Charles. In addition to the tableaux, Atwood also took an African stool, a painting by Ray, and the famous house bird (which inspired a replica sold by Vitra). A few books from the library—including titles on Eastern philosophy, Nine Chains to the Moon by Buckminster Fuller, and a Russian grammar book—rounded out the mix. [Photo: courtesy Eames Foundation] “These objects tell the story of their living and their working,” Atwood says. “They are important because this isn’t just a structure; this is also showing how they truly lived in a very visceral way.” Gamble House [Photo: Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News/Getty Images] Choosing Individual Objects when the Whole Idea Is Important In 2022, the Gamble House updated its collections management policy to include instructions for removing objects in case of fire. They envisioned a scenario when first responders might be the only people who might be able to enter the house, so they drafted detailed floor plans with arrows and images of the objects—which would all be small-scale and not include any furniture—that they could hand over. The Gamble House in Back to the Future [Image: Universal Studios] However, figuring out what would be most representative of the whole was a difficult assignment. The Gamble House is the only Greene and Greene project with all of its furniture intact. “It’s that totality that makes it so precious,” Trotoux says. “And that’s what made it so hard when we went around and looked at the objects and the furniture to decide what to take.” Gamble House interior [Photo: © Alex Vertikoff/courtesy the Gamble House Conservancy] Greene and Greene designed unique pieces of furniture for every room in the house. The curators wondered if they should focus on taking one complete suite of furniture or to take examples from each of them. They opted for the latter in order to represent the variety of designs the architects created for the house, as well as personal objects the Gambles collected, including bronzes they purchased on a 1908 trip to Asia. Detail of a tall dresser in the Gamble House designed by Greene and Greene [Photo: Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images] While the staff managed to get what they could to safety, it brought little relief. “All you could think about is the things you had to leave behind and the fact that the house was still there in danger,” Trotoux says. “I was always looking at the greater whole and thinking, ‘We need the whole Gamble House. We need all the objects. We need all the architecture. We need everything.’” Burns House exterior [Photo: Kansas Sebastian/Flickr] The Future of Living with the Threat of Fire At the postmodernist Burns House—a house in the Palisades Charles Moore designed in 1973 for Leland Burns, an urban planning professor and music aficionado—there was no plan or precedent to follow when flames approached. Kevin Keim, the Austin-based director of the Charles Moore Foundation, flew to Los Angeles at the last minute on January 8 after seeing how quickly the Palisades fire was spreading. Early on the morning of January 9, he went to the house and began soaking the property with a garden hose and removing as much plant debris as possible so that if an ember did fall, it wouldn’t have any fuel to ignite. “I was on the roof just hearing houses and trees exploding,” Keim says. “Smoke was just pouring over the ridge.” Keim felt the fire was too close for these efforts then spontaneously decided to make a mad dash for whatever objects he could fit into his sedan and evacuate the area. “I decided in the last moments, when I thought the house was really a goner, that I would grab what I could,” Keim says. [Photo: courtesy Charles Moore Foundation] Unlike the Eames House and Gamble House, the Burns House doesn’t have small objects that represent the whole. Architecture is the important element. Moore designed the residence to resemble an Italian hillside villa, with staircases that quote English monasteries and an interior designed around a two-story-tall custom pipe organ. But the house had a rare Moore sculptural diorama, called Chamber for a Memory Palace. Moore only made seven of these and the locations of just four of them are known, including the piece in the Burns house, which was kept on a plinth in the music room. Keim didn’t have packing or conservation materials on hand, so he buckled the piece into the back seat of his Toyota Camry. Then he took artwork, which isn’t replaceable like Burns’s extensive book collection is, that he could fit into his car, including a landscape by the California painter David Ligare as well as pieces by David Hockney, James Rosenquist, James Gill, Ellsworth Kelly, and Jim Dine. [Photo: courtesy Charles Moore Foundation] “Had I my druthers, I would’ve taken the musical instruments, but they were too big,” Keim says, referring to the Steinway piano, Jurgen Ahrend organ, and Klaus Ahrend harpsichord. “We were even joking later about looters pushing the harpsichord down the street.” Also too big to take? An Alvar Aalto screen and Alice Wingwall collage. The house is still standing, fortunately. “We just escaped through the skin of our teeth,” Keim says. However, Keim’s experience has shifted how he’s planning to manage the house in the future. This mostly has to do with the landscape around it. Two of the exterior passageways adjacent to the house are covered in vines, which will soon be removed. A wisteria plant over the entrance will likely have to go, too. He also plans to rethink the front staircase, which is made from salvaged railroad ties that are highly flammable since they are treated with creosote. While there are sophisticated fire-suppression systems in place at some museums—like rooftop sprinkler systems, building materials that are flame resistant, and drought-tolerant landscapes with vegetation-free plazas, like at the Getty Center—there’s also a sense that there’s only so much that conservationists can do. Fortunately, the Burns, Eames, and Gamble houses all survived the fires. But the Palisades and Eaton fires claimed many historic homes, including Eric Owen Moss’s House 8, Richard Neutra’s Ness house, Ray Kappe’s Keeler house, Gregory Ain’s Park Planned Homes, and the Zane Gray Estate, a 1907 Mediterranean revival house in Altadena that was built from reinforced concrete and designed to be “fireproof.” “Sometimes it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference,” Keim says. “In the Palisades, it was such a firestorm that nothing is going to prevent your house from catching fire. Flames don’t even have to get to it. The heat is so intense, the houses spontaneously ignite. It’s like Richard Feynman always said: you can’t fool mother nature.” And if this worst-case scenario should happen, hopefully a few objects will have been removed for safekeeping. View the full article

Top US diplomat echoes Donald Trump and Elon Musk in condemning promotion of ‘solidarity’ and ‘sustainability’View the full article

International SEO is the process of optimizing your website to rank across multiple countries and languages. View the full article

SEO for publishers is the process of improving an online publication to gain visibility in search engines. View the full article

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve considered taking out a loan to help finance your operations. But how do you know if you’re eligible for a small business loan? And what’s the process like? In this comprehensive guide about how to get a small business loan, we’ll discuss everything you need to know, including some handy tips from some insiders. Let’s get started with successfully securing that loan for your venture! How to Get a Loan for a Small Business So, you have your business plan in place, and you’re prepared to secure a business loan. Before you proceed with your application on how to get a small business loan, take a look at these helpful tips… Business plan Having a business plan is essential when applying for a small business loan. Your business plan will show lenders how you plan to use the loan and how you will repay it. A good business plan will also include financial projections for your business. Have a good credit score With a good credit score, you will be more likely to get a lower interest rate on your loan because you are a less risky borrower. If you have a bad credit score, you may still be able to get a loan, but the interest rate will be higher, and you’ll have fewer options for lenders. Having collateral Collateral is an asset that you pledge to the lender in case you can’t repay the loan. Collateral can be your home, your car, or other personal assets like stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Having collateral will give you a better chance of getting a loan, but it’s not always required. Strong repayment history If you have a strong history of repaying loans, you will be more likely to get approved for a small business loan. Lenders will want to see that you have a track record of repaying your debts on time. Apply for the right loan There are many different loan options for small businesses. Make sure you apply for one that’s best suited to your business’s specific needs. For example, if you need money for equipment, you may want to apply for an equipment loan. Find the right lender There are many different lenders out there, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Consider things like interest rates, repayment terms, and fees before making a decision. You’ll also want to consider whether you want to work with a bank or another type of lender. Provide financial statements Financial statements show lenders how much revenue your business generates and how much debt it has. These statements will help the lender determine if you can repay the loan. Financial statements include things like balance sheets, income statements, business bank statements, and cash flow statements. Complete the application process The application process for a small company loan can be time-consuming. Make sure you have all the required documents and information before you start. You’ll also want to make sure you understand the terms of the loan and what will be expected of you before you sign. Be prepared for the underwriting process Underwriting is the process by which lenders evaluate your loan application. They will look at things like your credit score, business history, and financial statements. Be prepared for this process by having all the required documentation, such as your business license and tax returns. Work with a professional There are many different types of loans, and the process of applying for one can be complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you need help with the application process, consider working with a professional loan advisor. They can help you find the best loan for your business and guide you through the application process. Comparison of Factors for Small Business Loan Applications This comprehensive comparison table outlines essential factors to consider when applying for a business loan. Use it as a checklist as you navigate the loan application process, helping you make well-informed decisions to secure the right financing for your business: FactorDescription 1. Business Plan- Essential for demonstrating your loan purpose and repayment plan. Should include financial projections. 2. Credit Score- A good credit score can secure a lower interest rate. Bad credit may lead to higher rates and fewer lender options. 3. Collateral- Pledging assets (e.g., home, car) can enhance loan approval chances. Not always mandatory, depending on the loan type. 4. Repayment History- A strong history of timely loan repayments improves approval odds. 5. Loan Type- Choose the loan type that aligns with your business needs (e.g., equipment loan for equipment purchase). 6. Lender Selection- Consider factors such as interest rates, terms, and fees when choosing a lender. Decide between banks and alternative lenders. 7. Financial Statements- Present financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, bank statements, cash flow statements) to showcase your business's financial health. 8. Application Process- Gather all necessary documents and information before initiating the application process. Understand loan terms and obligations before signing. 9. Underwriting Process- Be prepared for the lender's evaluation, including credit score assessment and reviewing your business history. Ensure you have all required documentation, such as business licenses and tax returns. 10. Professional Assistance- Consider working with a loan advisor if you're unsure or need help with the loan application process. They can offer guidance and find suitable loan options. What Is a Small Business Loan? A small business loan serves as a financial resource that helps small businesses obtain the capital they need to operate, grow, or launch their projects. These loans are typically provided by various financial institutions, each offering different terms and interest rates. Let’s delve into the key features of a small business loan: Definition and Purpose: Startup Costs: Assisting new businesses in covering the initial costs necessary for launching. Working Capital: Providing funds to maintain daily operations and manage cash flow efficiently. Inventory Purchases: This allows businesses to replenish their inventory, which is crucial for taking advantage of seasonal sales surges. Equipment Acquisition: Helping with the purchase of essential machinery, technology, or equipment to enhance business operations. Lender Options: Banks: Traditional lenders that offer loans with a variety of terms and conditions, generally with lower interest rates but stricter eligibility criteria. Credit Unions: Not-for-profit organizations that generally offer favorable interest rates and more personalized service. Online Lenders: Modern platforms that offer a quick application process and faster approval times, though they might have higher interest rates. Loan Types: Term Loans: Loans that are repaid over a set period with a fixed or variable interest rate. Line of Credit: A revolving credit option that allows businesses to borrow up to a certain limit and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. Equipment Financing: Loans specifically for purchasing equipment, where the equipment serves as collateral. SBA Loans: Loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, which usually come with favorable terms but have a thorough approval process. Application Process: Documentation: Gathering necessary documents such as business plans, financial statements, and tax returns. Credit Score: Understanding the importance of having a good business or personal credit score to increase the chances of approval. Proposal: Crafting a solid business proposal to illustrate the viability and potential success of the business. Consultation: Seeking advice from financial advisors or consultants to choose the best loan option. READ MORE: How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit Here’s an interview with Chris Hurn about Using SBA Loans to Buy a Business: What Are the Types of Small Business Loans? There are many different types of small business loans offered by lenders. Many lenders even work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer loans backed by the government. Here is a list of the primary types of small business loans: SBA loans. These loans are backed by the Small Business Administration and can be used for many different purposes, including start-up costs, equipment, working capital, and even real estate. SBA loan programs include the 7(a) loan program, the 504 loan program, and the disaster assistance loan program. Term loans. A term loan is a type of loan that has a specific repayment schedule and a fixed interest rate. Term loans are typically used to finance short-term needs, such as working capital or inventory. Business lines of credit. A business line of credit (LOC) is a loan that a business can draw on as needed. A LOC can be used for working capital, to finance inventory, or to cover other expenses. It’s similar to a credit card but with a lower interest rate. Invoice factoring. Invoice factoring is when a business sells its invoices to a third party for less money than the invoices are worth. The third party then collects the payments from the people who owe the money. This way, the business can use the money it gets from selling the invoices to pay its current expenses. Merchant cash advances. Merchant cash advances are short-term, unsecured loans that give business owners the flexibility they need to cover their expenses. These advances are paid back using a portion of the business’s future credit card sales. Do You Qualify for a Small Business Loan? To qualify for a small business loan, you’ll need business assets, among other things. Here are some general qualifications lenders look at for small business loans: Business credit score. This is a number that lenders use to assess your creditworthiness. You’ll need a good business credit score to qualify for a loan. Business history. Lenders will want to see that you have a strong history of running a successful business. Your personal credit score is an important factor that lenders will take into account when assessing your loan application. Collateral. Many lenders will require that you put up collateral, such as your house or another asset, to secure the loan. Lenders may also require a personal guarantee. Cash flow. Lenders will want to see that your business has a strong cash flow in order to repay the loan. READ MORE: Business Loan Calculator How Do You Choose the Right Lender for a Small Business Loan? When looking for a small business loan, it is important to choose the right lender. Traditional lenders, such as banks, offer loans to businesses that have been in operation for a certain amount of time and meet other criteria. Online lenders can be an excellent choice for businesses that either do not qualify for traditional loans or require funds urgently. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to investigate various small business lenders and compare interest rates, terms, and other relevant factors. What Are Alternative Options to a Small Business Loan? There are many alternative funding options for small businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans, especially those with unique needs or imperfect credit histories. These alternatives provide various benefits tailored to different business models and financial circumstances: Credit Unions: Often more flexible than large banks, credit unions can provide loans with lower interest rates and personalized service. They’re community-focused and may have more interest in supporting local businesses. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow businesses to raise funds directly from customers and supporters. This method not only secures funding but also validates the business idea in the market. Invoice Financing: This allows businesses to borrow against the amounts due from customers, providing immediate cash flow relief. It’s ideal for businesses with long invoice cycles. Microloans: Organizations, including some non-profits and the SBA, offer microloans, which are small loans designed to help startups and small businesses grow. These are especially useful for businesses not requiring large amounts of capital. Peer-to-peer Lending: Online platforms connect businesses with individual investors willing to lend money directly, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This can be a quicker, more accessible option for funding. Also consider: Bad Credit Business Loans: Certain lenders focus on providing loans to businesses that have poor credit histories. Although the interest rates may be higher, these loans offer a chance to improve credit and secure essential funding. Borrowing from Friends or Family: A common strategy for many startups, borrowing from friends or family can offer flexible repayment terms, but it’s important to treat the agreement professionally to avoid personal conflicts. Using Business Credit Cards: Business credit cards can serve as a fast and convenient option for short-term financing requirements. They provide rewards and can contribute to building the business’s credit profile. Applying for a Government Grant: Various government grants are available to small businesses in specific industries or regions. These grants do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for eligible businesses. Are Small Business Loans Hard to Get? There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the lender and the specifics of the loan application. However, business credit scores are often a factor that lenders consider when approving or denying a loan. High credit scores indicate that a business is reliable and has a good credit history, while a low score may suggest that the business is risky and may not be able to repay the amount borrowed. What Is the Easiest SBA Loan to Get? The simplest SBA loan to obtain is the 7(a) loan. This loan caters to small businesses that are either starting up or looking to expand. You can use the funds for various purposes, such as working capital, purchasing equipment, and marketing. The application process for this loan is fairly straightforward, and the requirements are less stringent compared to other types of loans. Can You Get a Loan for Your First Business? Yes, as a new business owner, you can secure a loan for your first company. The SBA provides loans to entrepreneurs starting or expanding a small business. However, navigating the loan acquisition process can prove complex. You must present a strong business plan and maintain a solid credit history. To qualify for an SBA loan, you need to base your business in the United States and satisfy specific criteria. You might also want to explore some of the alternative financing options mentioned earlier in this article. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Get a Small Business Loan: Insider Tips Revealed" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve considered taking out a loan to help finance your operations. But how do you know if you’re eligible for a small business loan? And what’s the process like? In this comprehensive guide about how to get a small business loan, we’ll discuss everything you need to know, including some handy tips from some insiders. Let’s get started with successfully securing that loan for your venture! How to Get a Loan for a Small Business So, you have your business plan in place, and you’re prepared to secure a business loan. Before you proceed with your application on how to get a small business loan, take a look at these helpful tips… Business plan Having a business plan is essential when applying for a small business loan. Your business plan will show lenders how you plan to use the loan and how you will repay it. A good business plan will also include financial projections for your business. Have a good credit score With a good credit score, you will be more likely to get a lower interest rate on your loan because you are a less risky borrower. If you have a bad credit score, you may still be able to get a loan, but the interest rate will be higher, and you’ll have fewer options for lenders. Having collateral Collateral is an asset that you pledge to the lender in case you can’t repay the loan. Collateral can be your home, your car, or other personal assets like stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Having collateral will give you a better chance of getting a loan, but it’s not always required. Strong repayment history If you have a strong history of repaying loans, you will be more likely to get approved for a small business loan. Lenders will want to see that you have a track record of repaying your debts on time. Apply for the right loan There are many different loan options for small businesses. Make sure you apply for one that’s best suited to your business’s specific needs. For example, if you need money for equipment, you may want to apply for an equipment loan. Find the right lender There are many different lenders out there, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Consider things like interest rates, repayment terms, and fees before making a decision. You’ll also want to consider whether you want to work with a bank or another type of lender. Provide financial statements Financial statements show lenders how much revenue your business generates and how much debt it has. These statements will help the lender determine if you can repay the loan. Financial statements include things like balance sheets, income statements, business bank statements, and cash flow statements. Complete the application process The application process for a small company loan can be time-consuming. Make sure you have all the required documents and information before you start. You’ll also want to make sure you understand the terms of the loan and what will be expected of you before you sign. Be prepared for the underwriting process Underwriting is the process by which lenders evaluate your loan application. They will look at things like your credit score, business history, and financial statements. Be prepared for this process by having all the required documentation, such as your business license and tax returns. Work with a professional There are many different types of loans, and the process of applying for one can be complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you need help with the application process, consider working with a professional loan advisor. They can help you find the best loan for your business and guide you through the application process. Comparison of Factors for Small Business Loan Applications This comprehensive comparison table outlines essential factors to consider when applying for a business loan. Use it as a checklist as you navigate the loan application process, helping you make well-informed decisions to secure the right financing for your business: FactorDescription 1. Business Plan- Essential for demonstrating your loan purpose and repayment plan. Should include financial projections. 2. Credit Score- A good credit score can secure a lower interest rate. Bad credit may lead to higher rates and fewer lender options. 3. Collateral- Pledging assets (e.g., home, car) can enhance loan approval chances. Not always mandatory, depending on the loan type. 4. Repayment History- A strong history of timely loan repayments improves approval odds. 5. Loan Type- Choose the loan type that aligns with your business needs (e.g., equipment loan for equipment purchase). 6. Lender Selection- Consider factors such as interest rates, terms, and fees when choosing a lender. Decide between banks and alternative lenders. 7. Financial Statements- Present financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, bank statements, cash flow statements) to showcase your business's financial health. 8. Application Process- Gather all necessary documents and information before initiating the application process. Understand loan terms and obligations before signing. 9. Underwriting Process- Be prepared for the lender's evaluation, including credit score assessment and reviewing your business history. Ensure you have all required documentation, such as business licenses and tax returns. 10. Professional Assistance- Consider working with a loan advisor if you're unsure or need help with the loan application process. They can offer guidance and find suitable loan options. What Is a Small Business Loan? A small business loan serves as a financial resource that helps small businesses obtain the capital they need to operate, grow, or launch their projects. These loans are typically provided by various financial institutions, each offering different terms and interest rates. Let’s delve into the key features of a small business loan: Definition and Purpose: Startup Costs: Assisting new businesses in covering the initial costs necessary for launching. Working Capital: Providing funds to maintain daily operations and manage cash flow efficiently. Inventory Purchases: This allows businesses to replenish their inventory, which is crucial for taking advantage of seasonal sales surges. Equipment Acquisition: Helping with the purchase of essential machinery, technology, or equipment to enhance business operations. Lender Options: Banks: Traditional lenders that offer loans with a variety of terms and conditions, generally with lower interest rates but stricter eligibility criteria. Credit Unions: Not-for-profit organizations that generally offer favorable interest rates and more personalized service. Online Lenders: Modern platforms that offer a quick application process and faster approval times, though they might have higher interest rates. Loan Types: Term Loans: Loans that are repaid over a set period with a fixed or variable interest rate. Line of Credit: A revolving credit option that allows businesses to borrow up to a certain limit and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. Equipment Financing: Loans specifically for purchasing equipment, where the equipment serves as collateral. SBA Loans: Loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, which usually come with favorable terms but have a thorough approval process. Application Process: Documentation: Gathering necessary documents such as business plans, financial statements, and tax returns. Credit Score: Understanding the importance of having a good business or personal credit score to increase the chances of approval. Proposal: Crafting a solid business proposal to illustrate the viability and potential success of the business. Consultation: Seeking advice from financial advisors or consultants to choose the best loan option. READ MORE: How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit Here’s an interview with Chris Hurn about Using SBA Loans to Buy a Business: What Are the Types of Small Business Loans? There are many different types of small business loans offered by lenders. Many lenders even work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer loans backed by the government. Here is a list of the primary types of small business loans: SBA loans. These loans are backed by the Small Business Administration and can be used for many different purposes, including start-up costs, equipment, working capital, and even real estate. SBA loan programs include the 7(a) loan program, the 504 loan program, and the disaster assistance loan program. Term loans. A term loan is a type of loan that has a specific repayment schedule and a fixed interest rate. Term loans are typically used to finance short-term needs, such as working capital or inventory. Business lines of credit. A business line of credit (LOC) is a loan that a business can draw on as needed. A LOC can be used for working capital, to finance inventory, or to cover other expenses. It’s similar to a credit card but with a lower interest rate. Invoice factoring. Invoice factoring is when a business sells its invoices to a third party for less money than the invoices are worth. The third party then collects the payments from the people who owe the money. This way, the business can use the money it gets from selling the invoices to pay its current expenses. Merchant cash advances. Merchant cash advances are short-term, unsecured loans that give business owners the flexibility they need to cover their expenses. These advances are paid back using a portion of the business’s future credit card sales. Do You Qualify for a Small Business Loan? To qualify for a small business loan, you’ll need business assets, among other things. Here are some general qualifications lenders look at for small business loans: Business credit score. This is a number that lenders use to assess your creditworthiness. You’ll need a good business credit score to qualify for a loan. Business history. Lenders will want to see that you have a strong history of running a successful business. Your personal credit score is an important factor that lenders will take into account when assessing your loan application. Collateral. Many lenders will require that you put up collateral, such as your house or another asset, to secure the loan. Lenders may also require a personal guarantee. Cash flow. Lenders will want to see that your business has a strong cash flow in order to repay the loan. READ MORE: Business Loan Calculator How Do You Choose the Right Lender for a Small Business Loan? When looking for a small business loan, it is important to choose the right lender. Traditional lenders, such as banks, offer loans to businesses that have been in operation for a certain amount of time and meet other criteria. Online lenders can be an excellent choice for businesses that either do not qualify for traditional loans or require funds urgently. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to investigate various small business lenders and compare interest rates, terms, and other relevant factors. What Are Alternative Options to a Small Business Loan? There are many alternative funding options for small businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans, especially those with unique needs or imperfect credit histories. These alternatives provide various benefits tailored to different business models and financial circumstances: Credit Unions: Often more flexible than large banks, credit unions can provide loans with lower interest rates and personalized service. They’re community-focused and may have more interest in supporting local businesses. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow businesses to raise funds directly from customers and supporters. This method not only secures funding but also validates the business idea in the market. Invoice Financing: This allows businesses to borrow against the amounts due from customers, providing immediate cash flow relief. It’s ideal for businesses with long invoice cycles. Microloans: Organizations, including some non-profits and the SBA, offer microloans, which are small loans designed to help startups and small businesses grow. These are especially useful for businesses not requiring large amounts of capital. Peer-to-peer Lending: Online platforms connect businesses with individual investors willing to lend money directly, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This can be a quicker, more accessible option for funding. Also consider: Bad Credit Business Loans: Certain lenders focus on providing loans to businesses that have poor credit histories. Although the interest rates may be higher, these loans offer a chance to improve credit and secure essential funding. Borrowing from Friends or Family: A common strategy for many startups, borrowing from friends or family can offer flexible repayment terms, but it’s important to treat the agreement professionally to avoid personal conflicts. Using Business Credit Cards: Business credit cards can serve as a fast and convenient option for short-term financing requirements. They provide rewards and can contribute to building the business’s credit profile. Applying for a Government Grant: Various government grants are available to small businesses in specific industries or regions. These grants do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for eligible businesses. Are Small Business Loans Hard to Get? There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the lender and the specifics of the loan application. However, business credit scores are often a factor that lenders consider when approving or denying a loan. High credit scores indicate that a business is reliable and has a good credit history, while a low score may suggest that the business is risky and may not be able to repay the amount borrowed. What Is the Easiest SBA Loan to Get? The simplest SBA loan to obtain is the 7(a) loan. This loan caters to small businesses that are either starting up or looking to expand. You can use the funds for various purposes, such as working capital, purchasing equipment, and marketing. The application process for this loan is fairly straightforward, and the requirements are less stringent compared to other types of loans. Can You Get a Loan for Your First Business? Yes, as a new business owner, you can secure a loan for your first company. The SBA provides loans to entrepreneurs starting or expanding a small business. However, navigating the loan acquisition process can prove complex. You must present a strong business plan and maintain a solid credit history. To qualify for an SBA loan, you need to base your business in the United States and satisfy specific criteria. You might also want to explore some of the alternative financing options mentioned earlier in this article. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Get a Small Business Loan: Insider Tips Revealed" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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There’s nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and finding that your checked baggage didn’t make the trip. But thanks to Apple’s new partnership with 15 different airlines, it’s easier than ever to track down your lost luggage—provided you have the right $29 gadget. Here’s what you need to know to help track down your missing baggage as efficiently as possible. U.S. airlines mishandle millions of bags every year While most checked bags get on the proper flight with their owner and arrive as planned, the U.S. Department of Transportation says over 2.8 million bags were “mishandled” by reporting U.S. carriers in 2023. The agency defines a “mishandled” bag as one that is “lost, delayed, damaged or pilfered.” In 2023, about 5.8 out of every 1,000 passengers had something happen to their checked baggage, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. While a damaged bag is unfortunate, at least most your belongings arrive. “Mishandled” bags that are lost, delayed, or stolen, on the other hand, can drastically impact your trip and lead to significant financial losses, depending on what they contain. And, if you’re traveling for business, a lost bag can significantly hamper your work plans. Historically, the only way you could track your checked baggage was via the identifier on the sticker that a gate agent placed on your bag when you dropped it off. In 2021, Apple introduced the AirTag item tracker, giving hundreds of millions of iPhone users a new way to track their items—whether that included keys, purses, or flash drives. Unsurprisingly, many users used AirTags to help track their checked bags from one location to another. The problem was that while users could easily see where their AirTag and attached items were, using the Find My app on their iPhone, they had no easy way to share this information with the airline staff tasked with tracking missing luggage. But now, thanks to recent software updates and agreements with major airlines, that’s changed. Apple teams up with airlines to share AirTag locations Apple released iOS 18.2 in mid-December. The iPhone operating system update garnered headlines for integrating ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence. However, iOS 18.2 also introduced a new feature to AirTags called “Share Item Location.” The feature finally allows users to easily share the location of an AirTag with another individual of their choice. When an AirTag owner shares its location using the Share Item Location feature, the person they choose will receive a link to an interactive map viable in a web browser. The map will show the last known location of the AirTag as well as its geo-coordinates. This allows a third party to track down an AirTag’s shared location easily. [Image: Apple] AirTags have had their share of criticisms since bad actors can use them in nefarious ways, but with Share Item Location, Apple includes a restriction regarding who can access the shared link revealing the AirTag’s location. After clicking on the link, an individual must log into the Share Item Location portal with their Apple ID or an airline partner ID. This ensures that there is always a record of who is viewing your AirTag’s location. Airlines that have partnered with Apple so far include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling. If you fly United and you use the United Airlines app to file a missing bag report, you can now include the AirTag’s Share Item Location link with the report. This, says David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, allows United’s staff to “use the location information to find the bag and get it reunited with its owner much more quickly.” How to share your AirTag’s location with an airline to help find your missing luggage With the ability to now share your AirTag’s location with many of the world’s top airlines, it seems like an AirTag should be in every traveler’s arsenal. If you’ve lost a piece of luggage (ugh!) but were savvy enough to have put an AirTag on it, here’s how to share its location with airline staff: Open the Find My app on your iPhone. Tap the Items button in the bottom toolbar. Select the AirTag attached to your missing luggage from the list of items. On the next screen, tap Share Item Location. Tap Continue. Now tap the Share Link button and copy and paste the URL into the airline’s missing baggage report. Airline staff will then log into the AirTag Share Item Location portal to help identify the location of your missing bag so you can get it back as quickly as possible. A single AirTag is just $29; there’s no associated subscription fee for the Find My tracking service. You can also buy a pack of four AirTags from Apple for just $99—perfect if you check a lot of bags when you travel. View the full article

The head of Italy’s fashion chamber said he has appealed to its government to protect the country’s second-largest industry from possible tariffs from the Trump administration. “We hope they don’t arrive,” Carlo Capasa, Italian National Fashion Chamber president, said Wednesday during the presentation of the calendar for the next Milan Fashion Week later this month. “If [President Donald] Trump penalizes the second industry in Italy, it is a pretty hostile declaration.” Fashion generates 5% of Italy’s gross domestic product, or 75 billion euros ($78 billion), through the production and sale of textiles, apparel, and footwear, and with 1.2 million employees, according to a study by the state development bank CDP released in December. The threat of tariffs from Trump is creating uncertainty in the industry as it experiences a global contraction that shrank global sales in 2024 by 5%, dropping to 96 billion euros from 110 billion euros in 2023, according to figures released by the fashion chamber. Beyond textiles, apparel, and footwear, the figures also include jewelry, eyewear, and leather goods. While Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on European imports to the U.S., he has not made clear plans. Italy exported 4.6 billion euros worth of luxury fashion to the United States during the first 10 months of last year, including apparel, footwear, leather goods, jewelry and eyewear. It is the third market following France and Germany, with 7.6 billion euros and 4.7 billion euros in sales of Italian luxury fashion, respectively, during the same period. Exports in the same period were up 2.5% to 91 billion euros, according to the fashion chamber data. Despite the drop in global sales, the industry is still topping the results before the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales of 90 billion euros in 2019. —By Colleen Barry, Associated Press View the full article

Diane Wilson had heard rumors for months that Exxon might be coming to Point Comfort, Texas, which sits on the Gulf Coast south of Galveston. She recalls whispers about the global behemoth hiring local electricians and negotiating railroad access. Two days before Christmas, the first confirmation quietly arrived: an application for tax subsidies to build an $8.6 billion plastics manufacturing plant. Wilson found the news particularly alarming. She has spent years fighting to clean up pollution from another petrochemical plant and won a $50 million settlement against its owners, Formosa, in 2019. Exxon would build its proposed facility across from that factory and discharge waste into the same waterways Wilson has spent decades fighting to protect. “We have been cleaning the piss out of [Cox Creek], and this is the very place where Exxon is going to try to put its plastics plant,” Wilson, who lives in nearby Seadrift, said of the facility’s potential location. “You see this nightmare of another plant, trying to do the very same thing.” Exxon’s proposal calls for a steam cracker, a facility that uses oil and natural gas to make ethylene and propylene—the chemical building blocks of plastic. Factories like this produce and sell plastic pellets, called nurdles, to other manufacturers who turn them into intermediary or final goods, like bottles and packaging. Besides ethylene and propylene, steam crackers produce climate pollution and hazardous chemicals like ammonia, benzene, toluene, and methanol. “It looks like a big facility,” Alexandra Shaykevich, research manager for the Environmental Integrity Project, which tracks fossil fuel development, said of the plan Exxon has dubbed the Coastal Plain Project. But she said that because much of the application was redacted and the company hasn’t made a public announcement, few details are available. “We’re going to be looking at this one closely.” Beyond the Formosa plant, Point Comfort is home to a nitrile factory, a plastics facility, and a Superfund site. Several other industrial sites dot the coast around Galveston. Many of them sit alongside communities, and previous analyses have shown that steam crackers in particular are disproportionately sited near marginalized groups. According to an environmental justice mapping tool from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of Point Comfort residents are people of color, more than half have less than a high school diploma, and more than half of households speak limited English. “They talk about a sacrifice zone—this is the real deal,” said Wilson. Exxon filed for tax subsidies from the Calhoun County Independent School District under the state’s Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation, or JETI, Act, which uses tax incentives to lure businesses to the state. Lawmakers passed that law in 2023 to replace an earlier tax-break program that critics said undermined school finances and amounted to “corporate welfare.” The Formosa Plastics plant in Point Comfort, Texas. The operation has long released pollution into the air and a nearby creek, and some in town worry the factory Exxon may build there will do the same. [Photo: Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images] Exxon wrote in its application that it plans to apply for more abatements from the county, groundwater conservation district, and port authority. In return, it argued, the facility would create 300 jobs during its first five years in operation. Construction would begin next year and, once it’s operating at full capacity in 2032, Exxon says the operation will raise the state’s economic output by $3.6 billion a year. “These tax incentives have become one of the early battles in these facilities,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, an advocacy organization. She estimates that Exxon could get about $250 million in local tax breaks over a 10-year period—almost $1 million per job. “Why is this massively profitable business getting this money from taxpayers?” she asked. Exxon brought in $33.7 billion last year, on record-high production, and distributed more money to shareholders than ever before. School district officials did not respond to requests for comment and, in an email, County Judge (the title given to county administrators in Texas) Vern Lyssy did not answer specific questions, only repeated the language used in Exxon’s statement. A county commissioner, Joel Behrens, expressed support for Exxon and the economic development it could bring, comparing the opportunity to his positive experiences with Formosa. “If they were to pick this area to come to, they’d probably be just as good a neighbor as Formosa,” he said. “They’ve helped the county out when the county needed help.” Exxon did not respond to questions about the pollution a new steam cracker might create. Company spokesperson Lauren Kight said the application for tax subsidies in Calhoun County does not mean Exxon has committed to building there. The company indicated in its JETI filing that its focus was on “the U.S. Gulf Coast” but that it is still considering other locations, including abroad. “The Gulf Coast presents tremendous advantages,” said Kight, but it’s “very early in our evaluation process.” The proposal comes at a time of booming growth for the plastics industry, and for the pollution that it inevitably creates. The world produces about 57 million metric tons of plastic pollution every year, according to a study published in September in the journal Nature. World leaders have spent the past two and a half years negotiating a United Nations treaty to “end plastic pollution,” and at least 69 countries say they want to do that by limiting how much is created in the first place. Plants like the one Exxon is planning are “the absolute opposite direction we should be going,” said Judith Enck, a former Environmental Protection Agency official and president of the nonprofit Beyond Plastics. She worries that this facility, like others, would spew pollution for decades. “Once these things are built, it’s hard to get them to stop operating.” Setting aside the environmental argument, financial analysts say it’s imprudent to invest in more plastic production. All three credit rating agencies have issued warnings over expanding fossil fuel and plastics infrastructure, including one from Standard & Poor’s in 2021 that cited oversupply of petrochemicals, protests from local residents, and “surging global pressure to reduce carbon emissions as well as chemical and plastic pollution worldwide.” Abhishek Sinha, an energy finance analyst for the nonprofit Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said that while the Trump administration may be ushering in a period of lax regulation for polluting industries, the petrochemical sector is in “structural decline”—as shown by the poor returns Shell’s chemicals division and Formosa Plastics recently reported. “I think it’s going to be the same story that’s being told again and again,” Sinha said, referring to Exxon’s proposed steam cracker. “This is not going to be a positive value-add project for them; it’s going to be detrimental to the equity holders in the long run.” Kight did not directly address these concerns but said Exxon would “continue to evaluate the market conditions before we make a decision.” For Wilson, Exxon’s proposal feels like déjà vu. More than three decades ago, the Taiwanese petrochemical conglomerate Formosa proposed its plant, just miles from the Gulf of Mexico, where Wilson’s family had been shrimpers for generations. Her fight against the company started with hunger strikes to protest its permits and eventually became a lawsuit over the exact outcomes she had feared. Wilson and former plant workers joined environmental activists to collect tens of thousands of nurdles from Lavaca Bay and nearby waterways like Cox Creek, and alleged that Formosa had illegally dumped them along with other pollutants. Her $50 million settlement is the largest award in a citizen suit against an industrial polluter in the history of the federal Clean Water Act. The settlement funded dozens of projects, including cleaning up waterways, and provided $20 million for a fishing cooperative aimed at helping rebuild that battered industry. But Wilson worries another mega-factory coming to the area would undermine that work. “Where Exxon is going to put their bloody plant is smack-dab in front of [what will be] one of the largest oyster farms in Texas,” said Wilson, who is not convinced that any plastics factory can operate without polluting. She noted that Formosa has already violated its settlement agreement nearly 800 times, racking up over $25 million in fines. “Exxon is going to be exactly like Formosa.” Wilson considers the fact that Exxon could still decide not to build in Calhoun County an opportunity to resist, and plans to fight the company at every step of the process. “A lot of people over the years have asked me what my one regret is, and I always say: ‘I didn’t try hard enough to stop Formosa,’” reflected Wilson. This time, she said, “I will do everything I can, for as long as I live, to stop that plant from coming in.” This article originally appeared in Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for its newsletter here. View the full article