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Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra in a Feb. 1 letter to President Donald Trump confirmed that his "term as CFPB Director has concluded." View the full article

HERE'S A LOOK at some of the best leadership books to be released in February 2025 curated just for you. Be sure to check out the other great titles being offered this month. Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When, and Why by Rishad Tobaccowala We have a choice. We can either be reactive and struggle to adjust to transformational events on the fly, or we can be proactive and control the narrative—reinventing work to align with the evolving environment. Futurist Rishad Tobaccowala has had a highly successful career because he has anticipated and capitalized on emerging trends. In Rethinking Work, Rishad outlines the reasons why being proactive in this era of unprecedented change is the only way organizations will survive and thrive. Schools, banks, law firms, startups, medical offices—every sector will be affected by the current or soon-to-be-emerging trends and events that Rishad describes in this invaluable guide. Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself Up to Perform by Steve Magness Striving is in our nature. We all want to perform at our best when it matters most. But in today's world, many of us feel lost, isolated, and overwhelmed. We're paralyzed by fear of failure and crippled by insecurities. We know we’re capable of more, yet no matter how hard we try, we feel stuck. We’ve been sold the wrong path to success and personal fulfillment. Renowned performance scientist and bestselling author Steve Magness reveals a new path to sustainable success. In Win the Inside Game, Magness argues that excellence and fulfillment are not mutually exclusive; we can and should seek both. When we measure our worth by our achievements, cement our identities to our careers, and sacrifice our well-being in the pursuit of external validation, it backfires. We default to survival mode, protecting and defending ourselves instead of being free to fulfill our potential. Leading Giants: A Leader's Guide to Maximum Influence by Dave Durand It is clear that leaders carry a unique burden. They are guardians, protectors, providers, judges, helpers, servants, counselors, and friends—and only a Giant can be all those at one time. Leaders live and die with the actual results they create, and those results are created with and through the people they lead. Dave Durand spent 35 years founding, leading, and selling companies with more than a billion dollars in combined sales. Having led hundreds of thousands of people, he distills leadership influence in usable terms. Leading Giants illuminates the Four Superpowers of a Leader. By learning to serve as a firm but compassionate leader in the face of challenges, you will do the right things, the right way, and reap the benefits. Because life and business are full of good people engaging in destructive behavior, influencing people away from vice and into virtue is the key to peace, prosperity, and profits.. Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together. by Blayne Smith and Brandon Young Doubt crushes leaders daily—from GMs of Fortune 500 companies to small business owners across America, leaders nearly unanimously express doubt and fear in the face of adversity. This makes sense because adversity pushes us beyond our training and our comfort zones. We cannot simply put our heads down and endure. Instead, learn that adversity is an opportunity for transformation. When faced with circumstances beyond our capabilities, we must grow to meet those challenges by persevering and becoming the person the situation requires. Perseverance > Endurance empowers leaders to gain clarity of their challenges, apply sound leadership principles, and lead their teams to victory by embracing the five factors of perseverance: Change, Uncertainty, Acceptance, Choice, and Growth. How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home by John Eliot and Jim Guinn The average American worker spends 156 hours a year engaged in the kind of moderate to intense workplace conflict that adversely impacts both performance and health. Managers spend twenty-six percent of their time addressing and resolving conflicts on their team—the equivalent of chewing up one full workday each week. But what if it didn’t need to be like this? What if there was a way to spend less time in stressfully interpersonal interactions and more time on the things that really matter? Because our responses are ingrained byproducts of the subcortex in action, they are predictable. If you can predict how someone will behave in a given circumstance, you can formulate a game plan. The secret is knowing which of the five patterns someone is wired to use when smacked by a stressor. You’ll learn the formula for identifying your coworkers’ and loved ones’ conflict styles and how to use this information to foster better communication and more effective, collaboration. Masters of Uncertainty: The Navy SEAL Way to Turn Stress into Success for You and Your Team by Rich Diviney For Navy SEALs, success isn’t only a result of relentless training in shooting, skydiving, or combat—though they are experts at those things. The real secret is that they use their innate human capabilities to turn the stress of uncertain and complex situations to their advantage. In more than two decades of leading, training, and coaching top performers, Rich Diviney (founder of the SEALs’ “Mind Gym”) discovered that while most elite individuals and teams are masters of preparation, it’s how they react when things don’t go according to plan that separates the best from the rest. They are Masters of Uncertainty. For bulk orders call 1-626-441-2024 * * * “You can't think well without writing well, and you can't write well without reading well. And I mean that last "well" in both senses. You have to be good at reading, and read good things.” — Paul Graham, Y Combinator co-founder * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

With the Meta Business Suite (formerly known as Facebook Business Suite), businesses have a simple and efficient way to manage their social media presence. The suite allows users to easily create and manage a business account, Facebook page, analytics tools, and more, all from one platform. In this article, we’ll look at how to best use the new Meta Business Suite to get the most out of your social media presence. Let’s get started! What is Meta Business Suite and How Does it Work? The Meta Business Suite serves as a centralized hub for managing your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. This platform combines essential tools for social media management, enabling you to engage with your target audience and enhance your business outcomes. With the Meta Business Suite, you have the flexibility to access it from either your desktop or mobile device. You can easily monitor and respond to notifications, as well as create and schedule posts, stories, and ads for your own business. The platform also provides valuable insights to help you optimize your marketing efforts. Millennials are still using Facebook more than any other social media site. This means that businesses need to be active on Facebook, and the Meta Business Suite makes it easier than ever to accomplish this. So, if you sell products or have a service business, consider the Meta Business Suite to help you maximize your reach and engagement. Taking this step will assist you in expanding your business and fostering customer loyalty, which will subsequently lead to an increase in your revenue. What Happened to the Facebook Business Suite? The previously known Facebook company is now operating under the name Meta, and the Facebook Business Suite has been renamed the Meta Business Suite. Despite the change in their company name, they remain dedicated to providing the same products, including the Meta-branded Facebook app. How to Set Up the Meta Business Suite The Meta Business Suite is an incredibly powerful tool for managing a business’s online presence. Setting it up can seem intimidating, but with the step-by-step guide below, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the suite’s features and start building your brand in no time. Step 1: Access the Meta Business Suite To access the Meta Business Suite, visit business.facebook.com. If you do not have a Meta business account, you will need to create a free account. Once you have an account and are logged in, you’ll need to create your business account. If you have an account and need to log in, click “Log In,” and you’ll end up on a page that looks like this: After logging in using either your Facebook or Instagram information, you’ll end up on a screen that should look similar to this: Step 2: Create Your Business Page To fully utilize the Meta Business Suite, it’s essential to create at least one Facebook Page if you do not already have one. To get started, click on “Settings.” Click on “Business Assets,” then “Pages,” and click “Add Pages.” You can create a page, claim an existing page, or request to share a page. For this guide, we’ll select “Create a new Facebook Page.” Fill in the requested information as shown in the images below, and your Page is good to go! Now that we’ve gone through how to create a Facebook business page, make sure to research tips for your small business Facebook page to make the most of yours. Small business Facebook pages can be a great marketing tool. Step 3: Begin Using Suite Features Now that your business account and new Page are set up, you’re not able to start using all of the features the Meta Business Suite has to offer. Click “Home” in the left menu to return you back to your account’s home where you should see your newly created Facebook Business Page. If you don’t see it, try refreshing your screen. How to Use Meta Business Suite and Scale Your Facebook Business Page Using the Meta Business Suite and Facebook Business Pages can help you maximize your business’s online presence. Read on to find out how to use the suite and get the most out of your Facebook Page… Step 1: Edit Your Page The first thing you’ll want to do with your new Facebook Page is to upload a profile picture and cover photo for branding. Click “Edit” as shown below to do so… Step 2: Create a Post To create your posts, click on “Create post,” enter your post details, and click “Publish” when you’re ready. Step 3: Boost Your Post To get more eyeballs and engagement on your post and page, you can choose to boost your post when you create it or at a later time. To boost your post at the time of creation, you would click the “Boost post” toggle as shown above. To boost your post after it’s been created, click on “Boost post” below the post you’re looking to promote, as shown below. Modify audience details, your start date, and your budget. Once you’re satisfied with your ad settings, click on “Boost post now.” Step 4: Get Page Likes and Post Engagement To get likes on your Facebook Page and likes, comments, and shares on your posts, you may want to consider running other Facebook ads. To do so, click on “Ads” in the left margin, then “Create ad.” You’ll need to choose from the available goals and set up your specific ad campaign on the next page. If you’re marketing on Instagram, use popular hashtags on Instagram that are relevant to what you’re promoting. For example, if you’d like to get more Page Likes, click on “Promote your Page” and fill in the details to start your campaign. Meta Business Suite Tools to Use From content creation and optimization to analytics and insights, there’s something for everyone. Read on to find out how you can make the suite work for you and take your business to the next level. A/B split testing Meta Business Suite offers an invaluable feature to its users: A/B testing. With this tool, businesses and creators can experiment with two variations of a post and determine which version performs better. A/B testing is an essential aspect of marketing, as it provides valuable insights into what makes a post successful. By comparing two variations of a post, users can pinpoint the exact elements that contributed to its success. Did the copy resonate with the audience? Was it visually appealing graphics? Did a certain format or hashtag help? All of these questions can be answered through A/B testing. With the results from A/B testing, users can make informed decisions for their future posts. This feature not only saves time and effort but also helps optimize content for better performance and results. In short, A/B testing with Meta Business Suite can provide a strategic advantage for businesses and personal brands looking to succeed on Facebook and Instagram. Commerce Manager In Meta Business Suite, accessing the commerce features is as simple as clicking on the “Commerce” option located on the left-side menu. Once selected, you will be redirected to the Commerce Manager where you can set up your very own shop or catalog. This is a great way to showcase your products and make them easily accessible to potential customers. By setting up your shop or catalog, you can make the purchasing process seamless and effortless for your customers. They can even access your products through Facebook, Instagram, and Instagram stories. To take advantage of this feature, it is recommended to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page. This integration will make it even easier for your customers to discover and purchase your products. Content Planner The use of a content calendar is a crucial aspect of effective social media management. Having a clear overview of your content plan for the month or week can greatly help in the organization of your marketing strategy. Meta Business Suite provides a solution to this need by offering its users the ability to schedule posts and stories for both Facebook and Instagram directly within the platform. This eliminates the need for additional and often expensive scheduling tools, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on other important aspects of your business. Create and manage ads If you’re looking to boost your online presence, reach a wider audience, and create greater brand recognition, Facebook advertising can be a powerful tool. And with the Meta Business Suite, managing your ads has never been easier. With the Ads Manager, you can create and manage all of your ads in one place, choosing your goals, ad placements, and budget with ease. So, make sure you take advantage of this convenient and effective tool to begin promoting your business using Facebook ads and help you reach your business objectives. Insights Meta Business Suite provides its users with insightful analytics and metrics to help evaluate the performance of their Facebook page. The platform’s Insights feature allows you to set specific goals for your page and track your progress over time. This makes it easier to identify what strategies are working and what areas need improvement. By analyzing the results of your page, you can make data-driven decisions to enhance your social media marketing efforts and reach your desired outcomes. Whether you’re managing a personal brand or a large business, this tool is a valuable asset in maximizing your online presence and achieving your goals. Collaborate with others The “All Tools” section on the left side of your Meta Business Suite dashboard provides the opportunity to manage and organize access to your business account. With this feature, you can invite your team members, delegate tasks, and assign specific roles to each person involved in managing your accounts. The available roles include Admin, Editor, Advertiser, Analyst, and Moderator, all designed to protect your valuable assets and customer base. This is a critical component for ensuring the security and success of your business’s social media presence. Benchmarking tool This tool, found within Insights, allows you to see how your page is performing in relation to others in your industry and make changes to your strategy to improve your reach and engagement. Furthermore, you can examine the kinds of content your competitors are sharing and identify what is effective for them. This information can be used to create content that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from your competitors. With the Benchmarking tool, you can stay ahead of the game and continually improve your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. How to Make the Most of Meta Business Suite Insights Before you dive into the insights, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your social media pages. This could include increasing engagement, reaching new audiences, or boosting sales. Here are some expanded tips for utilizing Meta Business Suite Insights: Establish Clear Goals: Before you delve into the insights, you should have clear objectives for your social media presence. Are you aiming to increase engagement, reach new audiences, or drive sales? These goals will guide your focus on the metrics that truly matter and help you make data-driven decisions. Focus on Relevant Metrics: The Meta Business Suite Insights provides a range of key performance indicators (KPIs) like reach, engagement, and audience demographics. Select and closely monitor the metrics that align with your goals to measure your progress and pinpoint areas for improvement. Understand Your Audience: The demographics of your audience play a crucial role in tailoring content that resonates with them. Utilize the audience insights to gain a deep understanding of your followers – their interests, their active times on social media, and other relevant information. Monitor Trends Over Time: The Insights tool in the Meta Business Suite enables you to assess your performance over time. This is crucial for recognizing trends and gaining insights into how your content and strategies are performing in the long run. Competitive Analysis: Additionally, this tool allows you to compare your performance against competitors. Understanding how you stand against others in your industry can provide valuable insights and help you adjust your strategies accordingly. Informed Strategy Adjustments: Use the insights generated to adapt and refine your social media strategy. Identify what’s working well and what isn’t, and modify your approach based on this feedback. The continuous use of insights will help you fine-tune your strategy for better results. Frequent Review: Regularly review and analyze your insights data. This is not a one-time process but rather an ongoing one. Frequent reviews help you stay updated on the effectiveness of your strategies and allow for timely adjustments. Leverage Insights for Ad Campaigns: If you run ad campaigns, use the insights to understand which content performs better and has higher engagement rates. This can help you create more effective ad campaigns that resonate with your audience and yield better returns. By properly utilizing Meta Business Suite Insights, you can make data-driven decisions, create engaging content, and optimize your social media strategy. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing your social media presence based on your unique audience and business goals. Meta Business Suite Vs. Facebook Business Manager Meta Business Suite and Facebook Business Manager are management platforms for businesses to access Meta accounts and tools, with the ability to separate professional tasks from personal Facebook use and collaborate with colleagues and clients. The main differences lie in the age of the platforms—Business Manager is the older option—and their accessibility; Business Manager is available only on desktop, while the meta business suite offers both desktop and mobile access. Business Suite manages both Facebook and Instagram business accounts, while Business Manager focuses on Facebook pages and ad accounts. FeatureMeta Business SuiteFacebook Business Manager AgeNewerOlder AccessibilityDesktop and MobileDesktop Only Platforms ManagedFacebook and InstagramFacebook Only Collaboration FeaturesAllows collaboration with colleagues and clientsAllows collaboration with colleagues and clients Separation from Personal AccountsProvides clear separation from personal Facebook useProvides clear separation from personal Facebook use Ad ManagementYesYes Cross-PostingYes (Facebook and Instagram)Limited (mainly Facebook) Inbox ManagementYesYes Insights and ReportsComprehensive (for both Facebook and Instagram)Limited (mainly for Facebook) Meta Business Suite Tips Whether you’re looking to grow your brand, engage with customers, or track performance, the Meta Business Suite has new tools for creators to make money on Facebook and Instagram. To help you get the most out of the platform, here are six tips for optimizing your Meta Business Suite strategy: Create a content calendar: Planning your content in advance helps ensure a consistent and coherent brand message. Use the Meta Business Suite to schedule posts and keep your content organized. This will help streamline your content creation process. Leverage Facebook Ads: The Meta Business Suite makes it easy to create and manage Facebook Ads campaigns. Use this feature to reach new audiences and drive conversions. Doing so allows you to reach potential customers who may not be familiar with your brand. You can also use ads to increase the visibility of certain products or services that you want to promote. Track your results: The Meta Business Suite provides detailed analytics that can help you measure the success of your social media efforts. Use this data to make informed decisions about what works and what doesn’t. Engage with your audience: To foster a relationship with your customers, promptly respond to comments and messages. The Meta Business Suite simplifies the process of tracking all your interactions. Integrate with other tools: The Meta Business Suite integrates with a range of other tools, such as Hootsuite and Buffer, to help streamline your workflow and save time. Try new features: The Meta Business Suite is constantly adding new features and updates, so be sure to try them out and see how they can benefit your business. Stay ahead of the curve and experiment with new ways to reach and engage your audience. Integrating Meta Business Suite with Other Marketing Tools In the dynamic world of digital marketing, the integration of various tools and platforms is crucial for creating a comprehensive and effective strategy. The Meta Business Suite, a powerful tool in its own right, can be significantly enhanced when combined with other marketing technologies. Here’s how you can integrate the Meta Business Suite with other marketing tools: CRM Integration: Connect your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with Meta Business Suite. This integration can provide a more holistic view of your customer interactions, enabling personalized marketing efforts and better customer service. Email Marketing Platforms: Link your email marketing platform with the Meta Business Suite. By doing this, you can create more cohesive campaigns that span social media and email, leveraging insights from both to optimize your overall marketing strategy. E-commerce Platforms: For businesses with an e-commerce presence, integrating your e-commerce platform with Meta Business Suite can streamline the process of showcasing products on Facebook and Instagram. This includes syncing your product catalog and using Meta’s shopping features to drive sales directly through social media. Analytics and Reporting Tools: While Meta Business Suite provides its own analytics, integrating it with additional analytics tools can offer deeper insights. This can help in understanding customer behavior across different digital platforms, not just on Meta-owned properties. Content Management Systems (CMS): If you use a CMS for your website or blog, integrating it with Meta Business Suite can simplify content sharing. Automate the process of posting new content from your website directly to your Facebook page or Instagram account. Advertising Tools: Leverage third-party advertising tools in conjunction with Meta Business Suite for more advanced advertising capabilities. This can include more detailed targeting, ad performance optimization, and cross-platform ad management. Social Media Management Tools: Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can be integrated to manage posts and analyze data across multiple social platforms alongside Facebook and Instagram. This provides a more unified approach to managing all your social media channels. Measuring and Analyzing Social Media ROI with Meta Business Suite Measuring and analyzing social media ROI with Meta Business Suite involves defining specific goals like sales, website traffic, or engagement rates. The suite offers detailed analytics on engagement, reach, and conversion rates, allowing businesses to gauge the effectiveness of their content and campaigns. It’s crucial to compare the costs of social media efforts against the generated returns to calculate ROI accurately. The insights gained can inform future strategies, focusing on high-performing content and adjusting less effective tactics. Additionally, businesses should consider both quantitative measures, like sales, and qualitative aspects, like brand awareness, for a comprehensive understanding of social media ROI. Final Words The Meta Business Suite provides businesses with a powerful, streamlined tool to manage their online presence. With its intuitive dashboard and range of tools, it’s the perfect platform for businesses to create an efficient and effective social media campaign. Whether you’re new or experienced with using social media in this day and age, the Meta Business Suite is a great way to build your brand and engage with customers. Can you use Meta Business Suite and Business Manager simultaneously? Meta has introduced a new and improved platform, the Meta Business Suite, as a replacement for the older Meta Business Manager. Both platforms can’t be used simultaneously, but if you need to revert back to Business Manager, Meta does provide the option. Keep in mind that switching back will limit your ability to manage content scheduled in Business Suite, but the posts will still be published according to the planned schedule. What is Meta business suite for? Meta Business Suite is a comprehensive social media management solution designed to assist businesses in managing their Facebook and Instagram accounts. It’s an all-in-one platform that offers a native solution for businesses to streamline their social media efforts. From creating and scheduling content and responding to customer interactions to measuring the impact of campaigns, the Meta Business Suite has everything you need to effectively manage your social media presence. Businesses can also plan organic campaigns, run ads, and efficiently organize their digital assets. Do I need Meta business suite? Meta Business Suite is the ideal solution for streamlining and elevating your marketing efforts on Facebook and Instagram. This platform is designed to meet the needs of creators, personal brands, and businesses looking to improve their social media presence. If you’re aiming to expand your brand or enhance your reach, Meta Business Suite provides all the tools you need to thrive on social media. How can I access Meta Business Suite? To access Meta Business Suite, simply visit business.facebook.com on your desktop or download the app on your iOS or Android device. To fully utilize its features, connect both your Facebook Page and Instagram account within the platform. Whether you prefer the desktop version or the mobile app, the Meta Business Suite makes it easy to manage your social media presence from one central location. When is Facebook changing to Meta? On a specific date, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms solidified its dedication to the Metaverse by changing its stock symbol from FB to META. The company, which owns Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, made this change to align with its rebranding efforts. This move marked the end of the company’s association with its former name, Facebook, and signaled a new era for Meta Platforms. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Use the Meta Business Suite (Formerly Facebook Business Suite)" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

With the Meta Business Suite (formerly known as Facebook Business Suite), businesses have a simple and efficient way to manage their social media presence. The suite allows users to easily create and manage a business account, Facebook page, analytics tools, and more, all from one platform. In this article, we’ll look at how to best use the new Meta Business Suite to get the most out of your social media presence. Let’s get started! What is Meta Business Suite and How Does it Work? The Meta Business Suite serves as a centralized hub for managing your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. This platform combines essential tools for social media management, enabling you to engage with your target audience and enhance your business outcomes. With the Meta Business Suite, you have the flexibility to access it from either your desktop or mobile device. You can easily monitor and respond to notifications, as well as create and schedule posts, stories, and ads for your own business. The platform also provides valuable insights to help you optimize your marketing efforts. Millennials are still using Facebook more than any other social media site. This means that businesses need to be active on Facebook, and the Meta Business Suite makes it easier than ever to accomplish this. So, if you sell products or have a service business, consider the Meta Business Suite to help you maximize your reach and engagement. Taking this step will assist you in expanding your business and fostering customer loyalty, which will subsequently lead to an increase in your revenue. What Happened to the Facebook Business Suite? The previously known Facebook company is now operating under the name Meta, and the Facebook Business Suite has been renamed the Meta Business Suite. Despite the change in their company name, they remain dedicated to providing the same products, including the Meta-branded Facebook app. How to Set Up the Meta Business Suite The Meta Business Suite is an incredibly powerful tool for managing a business’s online presence. Setting it up can seem intimidating, but with the step-by-step guide below, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the suite’s features and start building your brand in no time. Step 1: Access the Meta Business Suite To access the Meta Business Suite, visit business.facebook.com. If you do not have a Meta business account, you will need to create a free account. Once you have an account and are logged in, you’ll need to create your business account. If you have an account and need to log in, click “Log In,” and you’ll end up on a page that looks like this: After logging in using either your Facebook or Instagram information, you’ll end up on a screen that should look similar to this: Step 2: Create Your Business Page To fully utilize the Meta Business Suite, it’s essential to create at least one Facebook Page if you do not already have one. To get started, click on “Settings.” Click on “Business Assets,” then “Pages,” and click “Add Pages.” You can create a page, claim an existing page, or request to share a page. For this guide, we’ll select “Create a new Facebook Page.” Fill in the requested information as shown in the images below, and your Page is good to go! Now that we’ve gone through how to create a Facebook business page, make sure to research tips for your small business Facebook page to make the most of yours. Small business Facebook pages can be a great marketing tool. Step 3: Begin Using Suite Features Now that your business account and new Page are set up, you’re not able to start using all of the features the Meta Business Suite has to offer. Click “Home” in the left menu to return you back to your account’s home where you should see your newly created Facebook Business Page. If you don’t see it, try refreshing your screen. How to Use Meta Business Suite and Scale Your Facebook Business Page Using the Meta Business Suite and Facebook Business Pages can help you maximize your business’s online presence. Read on to find out how to use the suite and get the most out of your Facebook Page… Step 1: Edit Your Page The first thing you’ll want to do with your new Facebook Page is to upload a profile picture and cover photo for branding. Click “Edit” as shown below to do so… Step 2: Create a Post To create your posts, click on “Create post,” enter your post details, and click “Publish” when you’re ready. Step 3: Boost Your Post To get more eyeballs and engagement on your post and page, you can choose to boost your post when you create it or at a later time. To boost your post at the time of creation, you would click the “Boost post” toggle as shown above. To boost your post after it’s been created, click on “Boost post” below the post you’re looking to promote, as shown below. Modify audience details, your start date, and your budget. Once you’re satisfied with your ad settings, click on “Boost post now.” Step 4: Get Page Likes and Post Engagement To get likes on your Facebook Page and likes, comments, and shares on your posts, you may want to consider running other Facebook ads. To do so, click on “Ads” in the left margin, then “Create ad.” You’ll need to choose from the available goals and set up your specific ad campaign on the next page. If you’re marketing on Instagram, use popular hashtags on Instagram that are relevant to what you’re promoting. For example, if you’d like to get more Page Likes, click on “Promote your Page” and fill in the details to start your campaign. Meta Business Suite Tools to Use From content creation and optimization to analytics and insights, there’s something for everyone. Read on to find out how you can make the suite work for you and take your business to the next level. A/B split testing Meta Business Suite offers an invaluable feature to its users: A/B testing. With this tool, businesses and creators can experiment with two variations of a post and determine which version performs better. A/B testing is an essential aspect of marketing, as it provides valuable insights into what makes a post successful. By comparing two variations of a post, users can pinpoint the exact elements that contributed to its success. Did the copy resonate with the audience? Was it visually appealing graphics? Did a certain format or hashtag help? All of these questions can be answered through A/B testing. With the results from A/B testing, users can make informed decisions for their future posts. This feature not only saves time and effort but also helps optimize content for better performance and results. In short, A/B testing with Meta Business Suite can provide a strategic advantage for businesses and personal brands looking to succeed on Facebook and Instagram. Commerce Manager In Meta Business Suite, accessing the commerce features is as simple as clicking on the “Commerce” option located on the left-side menu. Once selected, you will be redirected to the Commerce Manager where you can set up your very own shop or catalog. This is a great way to showcase your products and make them easily accessible to potential customers. By setting up your shop or catalog, you can make the purchasing process seamless and effortless for your customers. They can even access your products through Facebook, Instagram, and Instagram stories. To take advantage of this feature, it is recommended to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page. This integration will make it even easier for your customers to discover and purchase your products. Content Planner The use of a content calendar is a crucial aspect of effective social media management. Having a clear overview of your content plan for the month or week can greatly help in the organization of your marketing strategy. Meta Business Suite provides a solution to this need by offering its users the ability to schedule posts and stories for both Facebook and Instagram directly within the platform. This eliminates the need for additional and often expensive scheduling tools, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on other important aspects of your business. Create and manage ads If you’re looking to boost your online presence, reach a wider audience, and create greater brand recognition, Facebook advertising can be a powerful tool. And with the Meta Business Suite, managing your ads has never been easier. With the Ads Manager, you can create and manage all of your ads in one place, choosing your goals, ad placements, and budget with ease. So, make sure you take advantage of this convenient and effective tool to begin promoting your business using Facebook ads and help you reach your business objectives. Insights Meta Business Suite provides its users with insightful analytics and metrics to help evaluate the performance of their Facebook page. The platform’s Insights feature allows you to set specific goals for your page and track your progress over time. This makes it easier to identify what strategies are working and what areas need improvement. By analyzing the results of your page, you can make data-driven decisions to enhance your social media marketing efforts and reach your desired outcomes. Whether you’re managing a personal brand or a large business, this tool is a valuable asset in maximizing your online presence and achieving your goals. Collaborate with others The “All Tools” section on the left side of your Meta Business Suite dashboard provides the opportunity to manage and organize access to your business account. With this feature, you can invite your team members, delegate tasks, and assign specific roles to each person involved in managing your accounts. The available roles include Admin, Editor, Advertiser, Analyst, and Moderator, all designed to protect your valuable assets and customer base. This is a critical component for ensuring the security and success of your business’s social media presence. Benchmarking tool This tool, found within Insights, allows you to see how your page is performing in relation to others in your industry and make changes to your strategy to improve your reach and engagement. Furthermore, you can examine the kinds of content your competitors are sharing and identify what is effective for them. This information can be used to create content that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from your competitors. With the Benchmarking tool, you can stay ahead of the game and continually improve your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. How to Make the Most of Meta Business Suite Insights Before you dive into the insights, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your social media pages. This could include increasing engagement, reaching new audiences, or boosting sales. Here are some expanded tips for utilizing Meta Business Suite Insights: Establish Clear Goals: Before you delve into the insights, you should have clear objectives for your social media presence. Are you aiming to increase engagement, reach new audiences, or drive sales? These goals will guide your focus on the metrics that truly matter and help you make data-driven decisions. Focus on Relevant Metrics: The Meta Business Suite Insights provides a range of key performance indicators (KPIs) like reach, engagement, and audience demographics. Select and closely monitor the metrics that align with your goals to measure your progress and pinpoint areas for improvement. Understand Your Audience: The demographics of your audience play a crucial role in tailoring content that resonates with them. Utilize the audience insights to gain a deep understanding of your followers – their interests, their active times on social media, and other relevant information. Monitor Trends Over Time: The Insights tool in the Meta Business Suite enables you to assess your performance over time. This is crucial for recognizing trends and gaining insights into how your content and strategies are performing in the long run. Competitive Analysis: Additionally, this tool allows you to compare your performance against competitors. Understanding how you stand against others in your industry can provide valuable insights and help you adjust your strategies accordingly. Informed Strategy Adjustments: Use the insights generated to adapt and refine your social media strategy. Identify what’s working well and what isn’t, and modify your approach based on this feedback. The continuous use of insights will help you fine-tune your strategy for better results. Frequent Review: Regularly review and analyze your insights data. This is not a one-time process but rather an ongoing one. Frequent reviews help you stay updated on the effectiveness of your strategies and allow for timely adjustments. Leverage Insights for Ad Campaigns: If you run ad campaigns, use the insights to understand which content performs better and has higher engagement rates. This can help you create more effective ad campaigns that resonate with your audience and yield better returns. By properly utilizing Meta Business Suite Insights, you can make data-driven decisions, create engaging content, and optimize your social media strategy. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing your social media presence based on your unique audience and business goals. Meta Business Suite Vs. Facebook Business Manager Meta Business Suite and Facebook Business Manager are management platforms for businesses to access Meta accounts and tools, with the ability to separate professional tasks from personal Facebook use and collaborate with colleagues and clients. The main differences lie in the age of the platforms—Business Manager is the older option—and their accessibility; Business Manager is available only on desktop, while the meta business suite offers both desktop and mobile access. Business Suite manages both Facebook and Instagram business accounts, while Business Manager focuses on Facebook pages and ad accounts. FeatureMeta Business SuiteFacebook Business Manager AgeNewerOlder AccessibilityDesktop and MobileDesktop Only Platforms ManagedFacebook and InstagramFacebook Only Collaboration FeaturesAllows collaboration with colleagues and clientsAllows collaboration with colleagues and clients Separation from Personal AccountsProvides clear separation from personal Facebook useProvides clear separation from personal Facebook use Ad ManagementYesYes Cross-PostingYes (Facebook and Instagram)Limited (mainly Facebook) Inbox ManagementYesYes Insights and ReportsComprehensive (for both Facebook and Instagram)Limited (mainly for Facebook) Meta Business Suite Tips Whether you’re looking to grow your brand, engage with customers, or track performance, the Meta Business Suite has new tools for creators to make money on Facebook and Instagram. To help you get the most out of the platform, here are six tips for optimizing your Meta Business Suite strategy: Create a content calendar: Planning your content in advance helps ensure a consistent and coherent brand message. Use the Meta Business Suite to schedule posts and keep your content organized. This will help streamline your content creation process. Leverage Facebook Ads: The Meta Business Suite makes it easy to create and manage Facebook Ads campaigns. Use this feature to reach new audiences and drive conversions. Doing so allows you to reach potential customers who may not be familiar with your brand. You can also use ads to increase the visibility of certain products or services that you want to promote. Track your results: The Meta Business Suite provides detailed analytics that can help you measure the success of your social media efforts. Use this data to make informed decisions about what works and what doesn’t. Engage with your audience: To foster a relationship with your customers, promptly respond to comments and messages. The Meta Business Suite simplifies the process of tracking all your interactions. Integrate with other tools: The Meta Business Suite integrates with a range of other tools, such as Hootsuite and Buffer, to help streamline your workflow and save time. Try new features: The Meta Business Suite is constantly adding new features and updates, so be sure to try them out and see how they can benefit your business. Stay ahead of the curve and experiment with new ways to reach and engage your audience. Integrating Meta Business Suite with Other Marketing Tools In the dynamic world of digital marketing, the integration of various tools and platforms is crucial for creating a comprehensive and effective strategy. The Meta Business Suite, a powerful tool in its own right, can be significantly enhanced when combined with other marketing technologies. Here’s how you can integrate the Meta Business Suite with other marketing tools: CRM Integration: Connect your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with Meta Business Suite. This integration can provide a more holistic view of your customer interactions, enabling personalized marketing efforts and better customer service. Email Marketing Platforms: Link your email marketing platform with the Meta Business Suite. By doing this, you can create more cohesive campaigns that span social media and email, leveraging insights from both to optimize your overall marketing strategy. E-commerce Platforms: For businesses with an e-commerce presence, integrating your e-commerce platform with Meta Business Suite can streamline the process of showcasing products on Facebook and Instagram. This includes syncing your product catalog and using Meta’s shopping features to drive sales directly through social media. Analytics and Reporting Tools: While Meta Business Suite provides its own analytics, integrating it with additional analytics tools can offer deeper insights. This can help in understanding customer behavior across different digital platforms, not just on Meta-owned properties. Content Management Systems (CMS): If you use a CMS for your website or blog, integrating it with Meta Business Suite can simplify content sharing. Automate the process of posting new content from your website directly to your Facebook page or Instagram account. Advertising Tools: Leverage third-party advertising tools in conjunction with Meta Business Suite for more advanced advertising capabilities. This can include more detailed targeting, ad performance optimization, and cross-platform ad management. Social Media Management Tools: Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can be integrated to manage posts and analyze data across multiple social platforms alongside Facebook and Instagram. This provides a more unified approach to managing all your social media channels. Measuring and Analyzing Social Media ROI with Meta Business Suite Measuring and analyzing social media ROI with Meta Business Suite involves defining specific goals like sales, website traffic, or engagement rates. The suite offers detailed analytics on engagement, reach, and conversion rates, allowing businesses to gauge the effectiveness of their content and campaigns. It’s crucial to compare the costs of social media efforts against the generated returns to calculate ROI accurately. The insights gained can inform future strategies, focusing on high-performing content and adjusting less effective tactics. Additionally, businesses should consider both quantitative measures, like sales, and qualitative aspects, like brand awareness, for a comprehensive understanding of social media ROI. Final Words The Meta Business Suite provides businesses with a powerful, streamlined tool to manage their online presence. With its intuitive dashboard and range of tools, it’s the perfect platform for businesses to create an efficient and effective social media campaign. Whether you’re new or experienced with using social media in this day and age, the Meta Business Suite is a great way to build your brand and engage with customers. Can you use Meta Business Suite and Business Manager simultaneously? Meta has introduced a new and improved platform, the Meta Business Suite, as a replacement for the older Meta Business Manager. Both platforms can’t be used simultaneously, but if you need to revert back to Business Manager, Meta does provide the option. Keep in mind that switching back will limit your ability to manage content scheduled in Business Suite, but the posts will still be published according to the planned schedule. What is Meta business suite for? Meta Business Suite is a comprehensive social media management solution designed to assist businesses in managing their Facebook and Instagram accounts. It’s an all-in-one platform that offers a native solution for businesses to streamline their social media efforts. From creating and scheduling content and responding to customer interactions to measuring the impact of campaigns, the Meta Business Suite has everything you need to effectively manage your social media presence. Businesses can also plan organic campaigns, run ads, and efficiently organize their digital assets. Do I need Meta business suite? Meta Business Suite is the ideal solution for streamlining and elevating your marketing efforts on Facebook and Instagram. This platform is designed to meet the needs of creators, personal brands, and businesses looking to improve their social media presence. If you’re aiming to expand your brand or enhance your reach, Meta Business Suite provides all the tools you need to thrive on social media. How can I access Meta Business Suite? To access Meta Business Suite, simply visit business.facebook.com on your desktop or download the app on your iOS or Android device. To fully utilize its features, connect both your Facebook Page and Instagram account within the platform. Whether you prefer the desktop version or the mobile app, the Meta Business Suite makes it easy to manage your social media presence from one central location. When is Facebook changing to Meta? On a specific date, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms solidified its dedication to the Metaverse by changing its stock symbol from FB to META. The company, which owns Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, made this change to align with its rebranding efforts. This move marked the end of the company’s association with its former name, Facebook, and signaled a new era for Meta Platforms. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Use the Meta Business Suite (Formerly Facebook Business Suite)" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Every Wi-Fi expert will have his preferred Wi-Fi planning and survey tool – but the choice of platforms has now widened. The post Startup Sidos is disrupting deeply-entrenched market for Wi-Fi planning & survey tools appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

When I started backpacking almost 20 years ago, there were no smartphones. That meant you had to rely on paper maps, physical guidebooks, and (often outdated) information from random web forums. While it made traveling adventurous, it also made planning a trip very difficult. Fortunately, times have changed. It’s never been easier to access information while you’re abroad. From booking hotels to looking up directions to finding places to eat, access to Wi-Fi and mobile data has changed the game. SIM cards were the first step in making this evolution possible. You’d buy an overpriced physical SIM card on arrival and hope that you didn’t blow through the data before your trip ended (or you moved on to a new country). But even those days are past thanks to eSIMs, digital SIM cards you can set up before you even leave home. They are easy to use, affordable, and sometimes even come with awesome perks (more on that below). One of the most popular eSIMs on the market? Saily. In this Saily eSIM review, I’ll break down what Saily offers and how much it costs so that you can decide if it’s the best choice for your next trip. What is Saily? Saily is an eSIM app created by NordVPN. Just like a regular physical SIM card, an eSIM lets you activate and access mobile data while abroad. That means you don’t need to buy a physical SIM card on arrival, you can avoid expensive roaming fees, and you don’t need to use public Wi-Fi (which is often unsafe). For me, the best part of eSIMs is that you can set them up before you leave. That way, you’ll know exactly how much data you have and can pick out the perfect data plan from the comfort of your home. Saily also has 24/7 chat support, so if you have a question or run into problems you can get the help you need. And Saily offers plans in over 200 destinations, which means that no matter where you’re heading, they can ensure you stay connected while you’re there. How to Use a Saily eSIM While using an eSIM might seem more difficult than just popping in a physical SIM card, it’s actually super easy to get started. Here’s what you need to do: Download the app (it’s available on both iOS and Android) Create an account and add your payment info Select the country you’re going to (or the region) Choose your plan Follow the prompts provided That’s it! Now you have an eSIM that activates automatically the moment you land in your destination, saving you the time and energy of having to find one on arrival. What I especially like, though, is that you just need to install the eSIM once. Going to more countries later in the year? No problem. You just add a new plan for that trip and pay for the new data. No reinstalling for every trip. As I said, it’s super easy! How Much Does Saily Cost? Prices for Saily eSIM plans vary by country, but you can find them for as low as $1.99 USD. For example, if you’re heading to Paris for a week, a 7-day plan with 1GB of data costs $3.99 USD. Staying longer? You can get 30 days of coverage and 20GB of data for just $31.99 USD. Super affordable. If you’re visiting more than one country, you can also buy a regional plan. These are available for Europe, Africa, Latin America, and more, with prices starting as low as $4.99 USD. They even have a global plan in case you’re going everywhere! In short, eSIM plans with Saily are very affordable! Added Security Features of Saily What makes Saily stand above the competition though is that they are more than just an eSIM company. Their plans include several awesome perks that make using them a no-brainer. Here’s what’s included: Virtual Location – Saily plans include a virtual location so that you can rest assured your data is secured and private. In the past, I’ve had to buy a separate VPN plan in addition to my eSIMs. Not anymore! Now I can travel knowing my connection is private, secure, and safe from outside access. Ad blocker – Ads not only make surfing the web a pain, but they chew through your data. With an ad blocker activated, you’ll not only have a better online experience but you’ll save more of your data (which saves you money). Web protection – When we travel, we often connect to free public Wi-Fi. While convenient, it also opens you up to all kinds of malware (airports are especially bad for this). Having web protection enabled reduces trackers and malicious websites before they reach your device. This ensures your data is safe as you travel. Pros of Saily Competitive rates vs other eSIM companies Regional plans available for multi-country trips Good data speeds 24/7 customer support Virtual location Ad blocker Web protection Cons of Saily Slightly more expensive than buying a local SIM card No texting or calls *** Saily not only offers a solid product in its eSIM but the added perks make this one of the best eSIM options on the market. It’s affordable, easy to use, and its safety and privacy perks offer incredible extra value. No matter where you’re heading, Saily can ensure you stay connected — without breaking the bank! Ready to sign up? Use code NOMADICMATT5 to get 5% off! Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for budget travelers) World Nomads (best for mid-range travelers) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip! Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post Saily eSIM Review: A Comprehensive eSIM for Travelers appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Small business loans can be an excellent option for starting or expanding your business. However, with the variety of loan types available, it can be challenging to determine which one suits your needs best. In this article, we will cover some of the most common business loan terminology you should know to make an informed decision. Let’s get started! What is Loan Terminology? Business loan terminology can be confusing for small business owners. Business loan terminology is a set of words and phrases used in the lending and borrowing of money. The most common terms in a business loan agreement are principal, interest, maturity, and amortization. Business Loan Glossary A Alternative lenders These are lenders that are not traditional banks or financial institutions that offer alternative lending options like merchant cash advances. They may be online lenders, peer-to-peer lenders, or even family and friends. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) The Annual Percentage Rate or APR is the annual rate charged for borrowing, expressed as a percentage of the business loan amount. It includes the interest rate on the loan balance and other associated charges. Amortization The process of repaying a business loan in periodic installments. The installment payment includes principal and interest. B Balloon Payment A balloon payment is a lump sum payment you make at the end of your business loan term. This type of payment is typically used when your loan has a shorter term than the amount of time it takes for your business to earn enough money to pay off the loan. Bank Loans A bank loan is a loan that is issued by a traditional bank or financial institution. Borrower The person or business who is borrowing money or taking out a business loan. Borrower’s Monthly Payment The periodic loan payment the borrower makes to the lender. Loan payments usually include interest and principal. Bridge Loan Bridge loans are short-term loans used to bridge the gap between the time a business needs money and the time it can get its hands on long-term financing. These loans are typically for six months or less. Business Credit Cards Business credit cards can be a great way to finance your business. They offer a variety of benefits, such as cashback rewards, travel rewards, and 0% APR introductory rates. Business Line of Credit A Business line of credit is a type of loan that provides your business with a set amount of money that can be used for any purpose. With a business line of credit, you can withdraw funds up to a limit set by the lender. Business Loan Term A business loan term is the amount of time for which a loan is valid. Generally, the loan term is less than the amount of time it takes for your business to earn enough money to pay off the loan. Business Plan A business plan is a document that outlines a company’s goals and how it plans to achieve them. It typically includes information about the company’s products and services, marketing strategy, financial forecast, and management team. Business Loan Terms & Rates The business loan term and rate refer to the specific details of the loan agreement. Typical business loan terms vary based on many factors but usually include the interest rate, repayment period, and any other associated charges. C Capital Capital refers to the funds a business uses to start or grow its operations. It can be in the form of cash, equipment, inventory, or real estate. Cash Flow Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of a business. It can be used to measure a company’s financial health and performance. Cognovit Note A cognovit note allows the lender to take legal action against the borrower if they default on the loan. This type of note is typically used when the borrower is high-risk. Co-borrower A co-borrower is a person or business that cosigns a loan with the borrower. This means that they are equally responsible for repaying the loan. Collateral Collateral is an asset, such as property or equipment, that you use to secure a loan. If you default on your loan, the lender can seize the collateral and sell it to repay the debt. Cosigner A cosigner is someone who agrees to sign your loan with you. This person is typically a friend or family member who has good credit and is willing to help you get approved for the loan. Credit Bureaus Credit bureaus are organizations that collect and maintain information about a person’s credit history. This information is used to create a credit report, which is a document that shows a person’s creditworthiness. Credit History Credit history is a record of a person’s or business’ credit transactions and credit score. This information is used to create a credit report, which is a document that shows creditworthiness. Credit Limit A credit limit is the maximum amount of money a business can borrow with its credit card. It is important to stay within your credit limit, as going over it can damage your credit score. Credit Line A credit line is a type of loan that provides your business with a set amount of money that can be used for any purpose. It’s similar to a business credit card, but with a lower interest rate. Credit Report A credit report is a document that shows a person’s or business’ credit history. It includes information about the person’s or business’ credit transactions and credit score. Credit Score Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a loan. D Debt Consolidation Debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple debts into a single loan, often with more favorable terms such as a lower interest rate or more manageable monthly payments. This can be an effective strategy for businesses looking to simplify their debt management and potentially reduce overall costs. Debt Instruments Debt instruments are financial tools that businesses can use to borrow money. This includes things like business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards. Debt-to-Income Ratio A debt-to-income ratio is a calculation that shows how much debt a business has compared to its income. This number is used to measure a company’s financial health and risk. Default Default occurs when you fail to make payments on your loan according to the terms agreed upon. This can result in damage to your credit score, and the lender may take legal action against you. E Existing Loan An existing loan is a loan that has already been approved and is currently in use. Equipment Financing Equipment financing is a type of loan that provides businesses with the funds they need to purchase equipment. This type of loan is typically used to finance large purchases, such as vehicles or industrial equipment. Equity Equity is the portion of a business’ ownership that is funded with the owner’s own money. It’s used as collateral for a business loan, and the lender can seize it if the borrower defaults on the loan. Equity Financing Equity financing involves raising capital by selling shares of your business to investors. Unlike debt financing, which requires repayment with interest, equity financing offers capital in exchange for ownership stakes, meaning investors gain a share of the profits but also bear some of the business risks. F Fair Market Value Fair market value is the price that a buyer and seller agree upon when they are both acting in good faith. This price is typically used to assess the worth of a business or its assets. FICO FICO is a credit scoring system that uses a person’s credit history to determine their creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine whether or not to approve a loan. Fixed Interest Rate A fixed interest rate is a type of loan in which the interest rate does not change over the life of the loan. This means that the borrower knows exactly what they will be paying each month. G Grace Period A grace period refers to a duration in which a borrower can make payments on their loan without facing any penalties. Gross Income Gross income is the total amount of money a business makes before any deductions are taken out. This number is used to calculate a business’ debt obligations, which are the payments it must make on its outstanding loans. Guarantor A guarantor is a person or organization that commits to repaying a loan if the primary borrower fails to do so. This requirement is common for businesses that have a limited credit history or for loans deemed high-risk. H Hard Credit Check A hard credit check is a type of credit check that is used to determine a person’s or business’ creditworthiness. This type of check is more rigorous than a soft credit check, and it can result in a lower credit score. I Interest Payments Interest payments are the fees that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. These payments are typically calculated as a percentage of the loan amount and must be paid monthly. Invoice Financing Invoice financing is a type of loan that provides businesses with the funds they need to pay their suppliers. This can be used to finance large purchases, such as inventory or equipment. L Lien A lien is a legal claim or right against assets that are typically used as collateral to satisfy a debt. If a borrower defaults on a loan, the lien allows the lender to seize the collateral to recover the owed amount. Loan Agreement This document outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any penalties for defaulting on the loan. This can vary from a mortgage loan, a personal loan, a student loan, and a business loan. Loan Amount A loan amount is the total amount of money that a business borrows from a lender. Loan Commitment A loan commitment outlines the same terms and conditions as a loan agreement but is a more formal document that is typically used to secure financing. Loan Covenant A loan covenant is a condition or stipulation in a commercial loan or bond issue that requires the borrower to fulfill certain conditions or prohibits the borrower from undertaking certain actions, or possibly restricts certain activities to circumstances when other conditions are met. Loan Documents Loan documents are the paperwork that is used to secure a loan from a lender. This paperwork typically includes the loan agreement, the commitment letter, and any other relevant documents. Loan Principal The loan principal is the amount of money that is borrowed by a business. This number helps calculate the payments that a business must make on its loans monthly. Loan Servicing Loan servicing encompasses the administrative aspects of a loan from the time the proceeds are dispersed until the loan is paid off. This includes sending monthly payment statements, collecting monthly payments, maintaining records of payments and balances, collecting and paying taxes and insurance, and managing escrow and impound accounts. Loan to Value Loan to value (LTV) is the ratio of a loan amount to the value of the assets that are being used as collateral for the loan. This number is used by lenders to determine the risk involved in lending money to a business. M Merchant Cash Advance A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a type of loan that provides businesses with quick and easy access to funds they need to pay their suppliers. A merchant cash advance provides businesses with an alternative financing option. Monthly Payments Monthly payments are the fees that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. N Net Income Net income is the amount of money that a business earns after all expenses have been paid. This number is used to determine the profitability of a business. Non-Recourse Loans A non-recourse loan is a type of loan that is not secured by any collateral. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender cannot seize any of the borrower’s assets. Net Worth Net worth is the total value of a person’s or business’ assets minus the total value of its liabilities. This number is used to determine the financial health and ability to repay outstanding loans. O Origination Fee An origination fee is a fee that is charged by a lender when a business takes out a loan. This fee is typically a percentage of the loan amount and is paid upfront. P Personal Guarantee A personal guarantee is a document that is signed by the owner of a business to guarantee that they will repay their loan. This document is typically used to secure financing from a lender. Personal Loan A personal loan is a type of loan that is taken out by an individual for personal, non-business use. Pre-Payment Penalty A pre-payment penalty is a fee imposed by a lender when a business pays off its loan ahead of schedule. Pre-qualification Pre-qualification is an initial step in the loan application process where lenders evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness and repayment capability. Typically, this process includes a soft credit check that does not impact the borrower’s credit score. Prime Rate The prime rate is the interest rate that is offered to the most credit-worthy borrowers. This rate is typically used as a benchmark to set the interest rates for other types of loans. Principal and Interest The principal is the amount of money that is borrowed by a business. The interest is the fee that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. Principal Balance The principal balance is the amount of money that is still owed on a business loan. This number is used to calculate the monthly payments that a business must make on its outstanding loans. Promissory Note A promissory note is a document that is used to secure a loan from a lender. This document usually includes the loan agreement, the commitment letter, as well as any other relevant documents. R Recourse Loans A recourse loan is a type of loan that is secured by collateral. This means that if the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender can seize any of the borrower’s assets. Refinance Transaction A refinance transaction is the process of obtaining a new loan to pay off an existing loan. This process can be used to secure a lower interest rate or to consolidate multiple loans into one. Repayment Period A repayment period is the amount of time that a business has to repay its loan. This period is typically calculated as several months or years and must be paid back in regular installments. Repayment Terms Repayment terms are the specific details of how a business must repay its loan. This includes the amount of time that the loan must be repaid and the amount of each monthly payment. Revolving Credit Revolving credit is a type of loan that allows businesses to borrow money up to a certain limit and repay it over time. This type of loan can be used for a variety of purposes, such as working capital or inventory. S Secured Loan A secured loan is a type of loan that is secured by collateral. So, if the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender can seize assets from the borrower. Short-Term Business loans Short-term business loans are a type of loan that is used to finance a business’s short-term needs. This type of loan is typically repaid over months or years. Small Business Loan A small business loan is intended for business purposes only and the interest rate is typically lower than for personal loans. Soft Credit Check This is a type of credit check that does not affect credit score. It’s used to assess an individual’s or business’ creditworthiness without impacting credit score. Subprime Loan A subprime loan is offered to individuals or businesses who do not qualify for prime rates due to various risk factors, such as poor credit history or low income. These loans typically come with higher interest rates than prime loans to compensate for the higher risk of default. T Term Length Term length is the number of months or years of a loan. This determines the number of monthly payments and the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. Title Insurance Company A title insurance company is a business that provides insurance to lenders in case there is a problem with the title of a property. This can help protect the lender’s investment in case there are any legal issues with the property. U Underwriting Underwriting is the process a lender uses to assess the creditworthiness and risk of a potential borrower. This process involves evaluating the borrower’s credit history, income, assets, and other factors to determine the likelihood of the loan being repaid. Unsecured Loan Unsecured loans are a type of loan in which the borrower does not provide any collateral to the lender. An unsecured loan typically has a higher interest rate than a secured one since there’s a greater risk for the lender. V Variable Interest Rate A variable interest rate can change over the life of a loan. This type of rate is typically tied to an index, such as the U.S. Prime Rate, and will go up or down depending on the fluctuations of that index. W Working Capital Loan A working capital loan is a loan used to finance the everyday operations of a business, such as inventory purchases, payroll, rent, and other short-term expenses. Unlike long-term loans, these are generally used to cover operational costs rather than for investment or expansion. What are the Four Business Loan Types? Small business owners have many options when it comes to small business lending. Here are four main types of business loans: Term loans. These small business loan programs are typically for larger sums of money and have a repayment period of one to five years with an interest rate that’s usually fixed. SBA loans. These government-backed loans are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and have repayment terms of seven to 25 years. Invoice factoring. This type of small business loan uses your outstanding invoices as collateral. The lender gives you a portion of the invoice value upfront and the rest when your customer pays the invoice. Microloans. These loans are for smaller amounts of money, usually less than $50,000. They typically have shorter repayment terms than other types of loans. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Business Loan Borrowing While business loans can provide valuable financial resources, it’s important to tread carefully to avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when considering a business loan: Overlooking Loan Terms: Failing to fully understand the terms and conditions of the loan agreement can lead to unexpected costs and obligations. Borrowing More Than Necessary: Acquiring more debt than needed can put a strain on your business’s financial stability and complicate the repayment process. Neglecting Credit Score: Your credit score influences loan terms and interest rates. Neglecting it may result in unfavorable borrowing terms. Ignoring Hidden Fees: Be vigilant about additional fees that could impact your overall loan costs, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. Misjudging Repayment Ability: Overestimating your business’s ability to repay the loan can lead to financial stress and potential default. Failing to Compare Offers: Not exploring multiple lenders can cause you to miss out on more favorable loan options. Not Having a Clear Purpose: Borrowing without a well-defined purpose or plan for utilizing the funds can result in inefficient spending. Not Reading the Fine Print: Carefully review all loan documents to avoid any surprises or discrepancies. Ignoring Market Trends: Failing to consider economic conditions and market trends could impact your ability to repay the loan. Rushing the Process: Making hasty decisions without thorough research can lead to regrettable loan choices. PitfallDescription Overlooking Loan TermsFailing to understand loan agreement terms can lead to unexpected costs and obligations. Borrowing More Than NecessaryExcessive debt can strain financial health and make repayment challenging. Neglecting Credit ScoreYour credit score influences loan terms. Neglecting it may lead to unfavorable borrowing terms. Ignoring Hidden FeesBe vigilant about additional fees impacting loan cost, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. Misjudging Repayment AbilityOverestimating ability to repay can cause financial stress and potential default. Failing to Compare OffersExploring multiple lenders helps identify more favorable loan options. Not Having a Clear PurposeBorrowing without a defined purpose or plan can result in inefficient spending. Not Reading the Fine PrintThoroughly reviewing loan documents avoids surprises or discrepancies. Ignoring Market TrendsEconomic conditions and market trends should be considered to ensure loan repayment ability. Rushing the ProcessHasty decisions without research can lead to regrettable loan choices. By being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking a cautious approach, you can make smarter decisions when seeking a business loan and avoid unnecessary financial setbacks. READ MORE: How to Get a Small Business Loan A Complete Guide to the Small Business Loan Documents You’ll Need Image: Depositphotos This article, "Business Loan Terminology You Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small business loans can be an excellent option for starting or expanding your business. However, with the variety of loan types available, it can be challenging to determine which one suits your needs best. In this article, we will cover some of the most common business loan terminology you should know to make an informed decision. Let’s get started! What is Loan Terminology? Business loan terminology can be confusing for small business owners. Business loan terminology is a set of words and phrases used in the lending and borrowing of money. The most common terms in a business loan agreement are principal, interest, maturity, and amortization. Business Loan Glossary A Alternative lenders These are lenders that are not traditional banks or financial institutions that offer alternative lending options like merchant cash advances. They may be online lenders, peer-to-peer lenders, or even family and friends. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) The Annual Percentage Rate or APR is the annual rate charged for borrowing, expressed as a percentage of the business loan amount. It includes the interest rate on the loan balance and other associated charges. Amortization The process of repaying a business loan in periodic installments. The installment payment includes principal and interest. B Balloon Payment A balloon payment is a lump sum payment you make at the end of your business loan term. This type of payment is typically used when your loan has a shorter term than the amount of time it takes for your business to earn enough money to pay off the loan. Bank Loans A bank loan is a loan that is issued by a traditional bank or financial institution. Borrower The person or business who is borrowing money or taking out a business loan. Borrower’s Monthly Payment The periodic loan payment the borrower makes to the lender. Loan payments usually include interest and principal. Bridge Loan Bridge loans are short-term loans used to bridge the gap between the time a business needs money and the time it can get its hands on long-term financing. These loans are typically for six months or less. Business Credit Cards Business credit cards can be a great way to finance your business. They offer a variety of benefits, such as cashback rewards, travel rewards, and 0% APR introductory rates. Business Line of Credit A Business line of credit is a type of loan that provides your business with a set amount of money that can be used for any purpose. With a business line of credit, you can withdraw funds up to a limit set by the lender. Business Loan Term A business loan term is the amount of time for which a loan is valid. Generally, the loan term is less than the amount of time it takes for your business to earn enough money to pay off the loan. Business Plan A business plan is a document that outlines a company’s goals and how it plans to achieve them. It typically includes information about the company’s products and services, marketing strategy, financial forecast, and management team. Business Loan Terms & Rates The business loan term and rate refer to the specific details of the loan agreement. Typical business loan terms vary based on many factors but usually include the interest rate, repayment period, and any other associated charges. C Capital Capital refers to the funds a business uses to start or grow its operations. It can be in the form of cash, equipment, inventory, or real estate. Cash Flow Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of a business. It can be used to measure a company’s financial health and performance. Cognovit Note A cognovit note allows the lender to take legal action against the borrower if they default on the loan. This type of note is typically used when the borrower is high-risk. Co-borrower A co-borrower is a person or business that cosigns a loan with the borrower. This means that they are equally responsible for repaying the loan. Collateral Collateral is an asset, such as property or equipment, that you use to secure a loan. If you default on your loan, the lender can seize the collateral and sell it to repay the debt. Cosigner A cosigner is someone who agrees to sign your loan with you. This person is typically a friend or family member who has good credit and is willing to help you get approved for the loan. Credit Bureaus Credit bureaus are organizations that collect and maintain information about a person’s credit history. This information is used to create a credit report, which is a document that shows a person’s creditworthiness. Credit History Credit history is a record of a person’s or business’ credit transactions and credit score. This information is used to create a credit report, which is a document that shows creditworthiness. Credit Limit A credit limit is the maximum amount of money a business can borrow with its credit card. It is important to stay within your credit limit, as going over it can damage your credit score. Credit Line A credit line is a type of loan that provides your business with a set amount of money that can be used for any purpose. It’s similar to a business credit card, but with a lower interest rate. Credit Report A credit report is a document that shows a person’s or business’ credit history. It includes information about the person’s or business’ credit transactions and credit score. Credit Score Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a loan. D Debt Consolidation Debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple debts into a single loan, often with more favorable terms such as a lower interest rate or more manageable monthly payments. This can be an effective strategy for businesses looking to simplify their debt management and potentially reduce overall costs. Debt Instruments Debt instruments are financial tools that businesses can use to borrow money. This includes things like business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards. Debt-to-Income Ratio A debt-to-income ratio is a calculation that shows how much debt a business has compared to its income. This number is used to measure a company’s financial health and risk. Default Default occurs when you fail to make payments on your loan according to the terms agreed upon. This can result in damage to your credit score, and the lender may take legal action against you. E Existing Loan An existing loan is a loan that has already been approved and is currently in use. Equipment Financing Equipment financing is a type of loan that provides businesses with the funds they need to purchase equipment. This type of loan is typically used to finance large purchases, such as vehicles or industrial equipment. Equity Equity is the portion of a business’ ownership that is funded with the owner’s own money. It’s used as collateral for a business loan, and the lender can seize it if the borrower defaults on the loan. Equity Financing Equity financing involves raising capital by selling shares of your business to investors. Unlike debt financing, which requires repayment with interest, equity financing offers capital in exchange for ownership stakes, meaning investors gain a share of the profits but also bear some of the business risks. F Fair Market Value Fair market value is the price that a buyer and seller agree upon when they are both acting in good faith. This price is typically used to assess the worth of a business or its assets. FICO FICO is a credit scoring system that uses a person’s credit history to determine their creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine whether or not to approve a loan. Fixed Interest Rate A fixed interest rate is a type of loan in which the interest rate does not change over the life of the loan. This means that the borrower knows exactly what they will be paying each month. G Grace Period A grace period refers to a duration in which a borrower can make payments on their loan without facing any penalties. Gross Income Gross income is the total amount of money a business makes before any deductions are taken out. This number is used to calculate a business’ debt obligations, which are the payments it must make on its outstanding loans. Guarantor A guarantor is a person or organization that commits to repaying a loan if the primary borrower fails to do so. This requirement is common for businesses that have a limited credit history or for loans deemed high-risk. H Hard Credit Check A hard credit check is a type of credit check that is used to determine a person’s or business’ creditworthiness. This type of check is more rigorous than a soft credit check, and it can result in a lower credit score. I Interest Payments Interest payments are the fees that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. These payments are typically calculated as a percentage of the loan amount and must be paid monthly. Invoice Financing Invoice financing is a type of loan that provides businesses with the funds they need to pay their suppliers. This can be used to finance large purchases, such as inventory or equipment. L Lien A lien is a legal claim or right against assets that are typically used as collateral to satisfy a debt. If a borrower defaults on a loan, the lien allows the lender to seize the collateral to recover the owed amount. Loan Agreement This document outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any penalties for defaulting on the loan. This can vary from a mortgage loan, a personal loan, a student loan, and a business loan. Loan Amount A loan amount is the total amount of money that a business borrows from a lender. Loan Commitment A loan commitment outlines the same terms and conditions as a loan agreement but is a more formal document that is typically used to secure financing. Loan Covenant A loan covenant is a condition or stipulation in a commercial loan or bond issue that requires the borrower to fulfill certain conditions or prohibits the borrower from undertaking certain actions, or possibly restricts certain activities to circumstances when other conditions are met. Loan Documents Loan documents are the paperwork that is used to secure a loan from a lender. This paperwork typically includes the loan agreement, the commitment letter, and any other relevant documents. Loan Principal The loan principal is the amount of money that is borrowed by a business. This number helps calculate the payments that a business must make on its loans monthly. Loan Servicing Loan servicing encompasses the administrative aspects of a loan from the time the proceeds are dispersed until the loan is paid off. This includes sending monthly payment statements, collecting monthly payments, maintaining records of payments and balances, collecting and paying taxes and insurance, and managing escrow and impound accounts. Loan to Value Loan to value (LTV) is the ratio of a loan amount to the value of the assets that are being used as collateral for the loan. This number is used by lenders to determine the risk involved in lending money to a business. M Merchant Cash Advance A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a type of loan that provides businesses with quick and easy access to funds they need to pay their suppliers. A merchant cash advance provides businesses with an alternative financing option. Monthly Payments Monthly payments are the fees that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. N Net Income Net income is the amount of money that a business earns after all expenses have been paid. This number is used to determine the profitability of a business. Non-Recourse Loans A non-recourse loan is a type of loan that is not secured by any collateral. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender cannot seize any of the borrower’s assets. Net Worth Net worth is the total value of a person’s or business’ assets minus the total value of its liabilities. This number is used to determine the financial health and ability to repay outstanding loans. O Origination Fee An origination fee is a fee that is charged by a lender when a business takes out a loan. This fee is typically a percentage of the loan amount and is paid upfront. P Personal Guarantee A personal guarantee is a document that is signed by the owner of a business to guarantee that they will repay their loan. This document is typically used to secure financing from a lender. Personal Loan A personal loan is a type of loan that is taken out by an individual for personal, non-business use. Pre-Payment Penalty A pre-payment penalty is a fee imposed by a lender when a business pays off its loan ahead of schedule. Pre-qualification Pre-qualification is an initial step in the loan application process where lenders evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness and repayment capability. Typically, this process includes a soft credit check that does not impact the borrower’s credit score. Prime Rate The prime rate is the interest rate that is offered to the most credit-worthy borrowers. This rate is typically used as a benchmark to set the interest rates for other types of loans. Principal and Interest The principal is the amount of money that is borrowed by a business. The interest is the fee that a business pays to a lender to borrow money. Principal Balance The principal balance is the amount of money that is still owed on a business loan. This number is used to calculate the monthly payments that a business must make on its outstanding loans. Promissory Note A promissory note is a document that is used to secure a loan from a lender. This document usually includes the loan agreement, the commitment letter, as well as any other relevant documents. R Recourse Loans A recourse loan is a type of loan that is secured by collateral. This means that if the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender can seize any of the borrower’s assets. Refinance Transaction A refinance transaction is the process of obtaining a new loan to pay off an existing loan. This process can be used to secure a lower interest rate or to consolidate multiple loans into one. Repayment Period A repayment period is the amount of time that a business has to repay its loan. This period is typically calculated as several months or years and must be paid back in regular installments. Repayment Terms Repayment terms are the specific details of how a business must repay its loan. This includes the amount of time that the loan must be repaid and the amount of each monthly payment. Revolving Credit Revolving credit is a type of loan that allows businesses to borrow money up to a certain limit and repay it over time. This type of loan can be used for a variety of purposes, such as working capital or inventory. S Secured Loan A secured loan is a type of loan that is secured by collateral. So, if the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender can seize assets from the borrower. Short-Term Business loans Short-term business loans are a type of loan that is used to finance a business’s short-term needs. This type of loan is typically repaid over months or years. Small Business Loan A small business loan is intended for business purposes only and the interest rate is typically lower than for personal loans. Soft Credit Check This is a type of credit check that does not affect credit score. It’s used to assess an individual’s or business’ creditworthiness without impacting credit score. Subprime Loan A subprime loan is offered to individuals or businesses who do not qualify for prime rates due to various risk factors, such as poor credit history or low income. These loans typically come with higher interest rates than prime loans to compensate for the higher risk of default. T Term Length Term length is the number of months or years of a loan. This determines the number of monthly payments and the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. Title Insurance Company A title insurance company is a business that provides insurance to lenders in case there is a problem with the title of a property. This can help protect the lender’s investment in case there are any legal issues with the property. U Underwriting Underwriting is the process a lender uses to assess the creditworthiness and risk of a potential borrower. This process involves evaluating the borrower’s credit history, income, assets, and other factors to determine the likelihood of the loan being repaid. Unsecured Loan Unsecured loans are a type of loan in which the borrower does not provide any collateral to the lender. An unsecured loan typically has a higher interest rate than a secured one since there’s a greater risk for the lender. V Variable Interest Rate A variable interest rate can change over the life of a loan. This type of rate is typically tied to an index, such as the U.S. Prime Rate, and will go up or down depending on the fluctuations of that index. W Working Capital Loan A working capital loan is a loan used to finance the everyday operations of a business, such as inventory purchases, payroll, rent, and other short-term expenses. Unlike long-term loans, these are generally used to cover operational costs rather than for investment or expansion. What are the Four Business Loan Types? Small business owners have many options when it comes to small business lending. Here are four main types of business loans: Term loans. These small business loan programs are typically for larger sums of money and have a repayment period of one to five years with an interest rate that’s usually fixed. SBA loans. These government-backed loans are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and have repayment terms of seven to 25 years. Invoice factoring. This type of small business loan uses your outstanding invoices as collateral. The lender gives you a portion of the invoice value upfront and the rest when your customer pays the invoice. Microloans. These loans are for smaller amounts of money, usually less than $50,000. They typically have shorter repayment terms than other types of loans. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Business Loan Borrowing While business loans can provide valuable financial resources, it’s important to tread carefully to avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when considering a business loan: Overlooking Loan Terms: Failing to fully understand the terms and conditions of the loan agreement can lead to unexpected costs and obligations. Borrowing More Than Necessary: Acquiring more debt than needed can put a strain on your business’s financial stability and complicate the repayment process. Neglecting Credit Score: Your credit score influences loan terms and interest rates. Neglecting it may result in unfavorable borrowing terms. Ignoring Hidden Fees: Be vigilant about additional fees that could impact your overall loan costs, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. Misjudging Repayment Ability: Overestimating your business’s ability to repay the loan can lead to financial stress and potential default. Failing to Compare Offers: Not exploring multiple lenders can cause you to miss out on more favorable loan options. Not Having a Clear Purpose: Borrowing without a well-defined purpose or plan for utilizing the funds can result in inefficient spending. Not Reading the Fine Print: Carefully review all loan documents to avoid any surprises or discrepancies. Ignoring Market Trends: Failing to consider economic conditions and market trends could impact your ability to repay the loan. Rushing the Process: Making hasty decisions without thorough research can lead to regrettable loan choices. PitfallDescription Overlooking Loan TermsFailing to understand loan agreement terms can lead to unexpected costs and obligations. Borrowing More Than NecessaryExcessive debt can strain financial health and make repayment challenging. Neglecting Credit ScoreYour credit score influences loan terms. Neglecting it may lead to unfavorable borrowing terms. Ignoring Hidden FeesBe vigilant about additional fees impacting loan cost, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. Misjudging Repayment AbilityOverestimating ability to repay can cause financial stress and potential default. Failing to Compare OffersExploring multiple lenders helps identify more favorable loan options. Not Having a Clear PurposeBorrowing without a defined purpose or plan can result in inefficient spending. Not Reading the Fine PrintThoroughly reviewing loan documents avoids surprises or discrepancies. Ignoring Market TrendsEconomic conditions and market trends should be considered to ensure loan repayment ability. Rushing the ProcessHasty decisions without research can lead to regrettable loan choices. By being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking a cautious approach, you can make smarter decisions when seeking a business loan and avoid unnecessary financial setbacks. READ MORE: How to Get a Small Business Loan A Complete Guide to the Small Business Loan Documents You’ll Need Image: Depositphotos This article, "Business Loan Terminology You Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Firms must embrace AI, digital tools, and diversity to remain competitive. Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

Firms must embrace AI, digital tools, and diversity to remain competitive. Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown Go PRO for members-only access to more Rob Brown. View the full article

Proposed customs reform would allow officials to better inspect and control packages from ChinaView the full article

Perhaps you’re coming out of a wave of layoffs or a down year. Maybe you’re preparing for a run of performance reviews where you have to deliver tough feedback. If you have tense conversations on the horizon, there are ways to prepare for it. In many cases, the anticipation of a high-conflict conversation creates more stress than the actual experience. It’s normal to feel out of control in moments like this—to feel like your internal world is compromised and you must attempt to control your external world. Neural circuits responsible for conscious self-control are highly vulnerable to even the mildest of stressors. When those neural systems shut down, primal impulses go unchecked, and mental paralysis sets in. But as a leader, it is critical to learn how to de escalate tension in the moment. How to prepare for conflict Putting feelings and emotions into words can help calm your nervous system. Practicing resonant self-talk and understanding your Default Mode Network (DMN) can help you connect with yourself, bringing you back into your body and helping you remain present in the moment with your employees or peers. Investing time to prepare for conflict scenarios reinforces your ability to regulate and positions any potential conflict as an opportunity for connection. Consider these four steps as you prepare for possible conflict situations: Step 1: Seek to fully understand the situation: Enter the conversation with an open mind and commit to leaving with a greater understanding of your employee’s experience. Step 2: Set an outcome for yourself: What is the desired objective of the conversation? Are you seeking collaboration, clarity, or agreement on a go-forward strategy? Step 3: Identify how to support yourself if tensions rise: What do you need to stay present and focused during the conversation? Leave yourself reminders to breathe, have a fidget toy handy, or repeat a grounding statement such as, “Everyone is struggling with something.” Step 4: Set boundaries for yourself: Beware of your internal limits. Know that naming discomfort when it arises can help to slow the conversation down. How to structure the conversation Now that you’ve established your desired outcomes, solidified your self-regulation methods, and confirmed your boundaries, it’s time to hold the meeting. Visualize your next difficult conversation and implement this conversational structure: Notice body language or conversation cues Name what you are observing Offer validation to your counterpart in the conversation Invite them to share more Identify a collaborative path forward In this flow, it is important to equip yourself with questions that nudge the conversation toward understanding, collaboration and, ultimately, psychological safety. Thoughtful questions that resonate with your employee’s physiological response state (e.g. fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) offer connection as a form of relief rather than control. You might also find that you need to repeat the second, third and fourth steps a few times before you’re both ready to identify a path forward. By asking questions and investing in the process, you can help your team move into a “foster” state of safety and clarity. As you prepare for conflict, consider what state your direct report might be in. Are you coming off of a high-stress project where leadership gave a lot of critical feedback? Your team might be in fight or flight. If performance reviews are on the horizon and you’ve noticed your team is disengaged or over-accommodating, they might be in a freeze or fawn state. How to respond to fight, flight, freeze or fawn reactions Let’s examine how to deploy the aforementioned conversation flow in response to team members experiencing fight, flight, freeze or fawn states. Response to the fight reaction stage If your employee is in fight mode, they could be experiencing rage or anger. They might be exhibiting signs of intimidation or even bullying and could come across as demanding to you or their peers. During your meeting, you might notice they are speaking faster or louder (conversation cues), leaning in toward you, or crossing their arms (body language). At this point, name what you see (“I can see that you are frustrated”) then offer validation: “I can understand why you are frustrated, especially given the feedback you received from leadership last week. I know how hard you worked on this project.” Then, invite them to offer more in the conversation. Ask: “Is there anything else you want me to know?” Finally, ask them how they envision moving forward. Again, questions can lead to clarity. Response to the flight reaction stage An individual in flight mode might be experiencing feelings of panic or anxiety. You might notice they are ruminating on certain topics or situations, or could even be overworking on a deliverable. In your conversation, they might seem restless or in a hurry to end the meeting. You might also notice they are avoiding talking about anything of substance as it relates to the project at hand. Offer your observation: “You seem a little distracted and I’m noticing we’re talking around the issue here.” Then validate: “Are you concerned about discussing this project? I can understand if you’re feeling worried.” Consider asking, “What didn’t work well for you on this project?” before inquiring how they envision moving forward. Response to the freeze reaction stage Employees in a freeze state might be experiencing brain fog or a feeling of numbness. They could be stonewalling or hiding. In your meeting, you might notice they are less responsive or are having difficulty articulating their thoughts. Share what you’re noticing: “You seem less present” or, “You don’t seem like your usual self.” Offer validation: “It makes sense given the pressure you’re under. I know how much you are invested in the outcome of this project.” Let them know that you want to understand their deeper concerns and leave space for them to explore before you identify next steps for a solution. Response to the fawn reaction stage You might notice someone in a “fawn” state is over-apologizing or overly accommodating. They’re not exhibiting strong boundaries and are avoiding addressing the conflict directly. At this stage, it is crucial as a leader to show that you want to hear what’s not working. The conversational cues from this individual might be less obvious—perhaps you’ve heard elsewhere that the person has a concern but they’re not bringing it up with you directly. In your meeting, let them know you want to make room for any concerns they might have (“I am aware that you’re having challenges around this project, can we address that?”). Validate their experience by saying, “I really appreciate you taking the risk to be honest with me. I take your feedback very seriously.” As you move forward, express your commitment to solving the problem with them and ask: “What are we missing?” You might have noticed this conversation flow closely resembles the tactical empathy model (notice, name, manage) and deploys resonant language throughout. In a world where 87% of employees say empathy is essential to fostering an inclusive environment, the onus is on our leaders to embrace these tactics, fortify their own self-regulation practices and create an environment where conflict is not feared—it is understood, accepted and leveraged to facilitate a better path forward toward a solution. View the full article

Long-standing statistical quirk means both sides report a trade surplus with the other View the full article

Bubble mailers, often referred to as bubble envelopes or padded envelopes, are a form of protective packaging commonly utilized in the shipping industry. These mailers consist of envelopes that are lined with bubble wrap, providing a cushioning effect that protects fragile items during transit. This feature and the mailers’ light weight make them an ideal shipping supply, particularly for small businesses. These businesses often need to maximize usable space in their shipping and storage areas, and the compact size of bubble mailers makes them a great fit for this requirement. Benefits of Bubble Mailers Built-In Cushioning: Bubble mailers feature built-in bubble cushioning, providing excellent protection against shocks and impacts during shipping. This eliminates the need for additional protective packaging materials, reducing the overall packing time. As a result, bubble mailers can be a great choice for businesses seeking to streamline their shipping process. Versatility: Bubble mailers offer versatility in terms of the types of items they can accommodate. From small electronics and jewelry to books and documents, these mailers can protect a wide variety of items. Furthermore, bubble mailers come in various sizes, ensuring a suitable option for different items. Lightweight: Bubble mailers are lightweight, an important consideration in shipping. A lighter package often translates into lower shipping costs, making bubble mailers a cost-effective option. Despite their lightness, they don’t compromise on protection, ensuring the items’ safety. Easy to Store: Their flat design makes bubble mailers easy to store. They can be stacked neatly, allowing for efficient use of storage space. This can be especially advantageous for businesses with limited storage capacity. The ease of storage also makes bubble mailers a practical choice for occasional shippers. Sealing Feature: One of the practical features of bubble mailers is their self-sealing ability. This design eliminates the need for additional adhesive, making the packing process faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the seal is typically quite strong, reducing the likelihood of the package opening during transit. This feature ensures that the items inside the mailer remain secure from the point of packing to the point of delivery. Professional Appearance: Bubble mailers offer a sleek and professional look that can enhance the perception of your shipments. A quality bubble mailer can make a positive impression on the recipient, reflecting positively on your brand. Whether you’re a business owner looking to improve customer experience or an individual sender wanting to give a professional touch to your package, bubble mailers can be a great choice. Variety: Bubble mailers are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and colors. This variety allows you to choose the perfect mailer for each item. If you’re shipping something small and fragile, a smaller, well-cushioned mailer would be ideal. For larger items, there are larger sizes available. There are even eco-friendly bubble mailers for those who prioritize sustainability. This diversity makes bubble mailers a flexible solution for different shipping needs. Bubble Mailers for Your Business: What To Look For and Our Top Picks Selecting the right bubble mailers for a business, especially for those involved in e-commerce, shipping, or mailing operations, is crucial for ensuring product protection and customer satisfaction. Here’s a guide to the key criteria for choosing the best bubble mailers: Size and Dimensions: Scale of Importance: 9/10 Choose a size that fits your products snugly without too much excess space, reducing the risk of item movement and damage during transit. Padding and Protection Quality: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The quality and thickness of the bubble wrap lining are crucial for protecting items from shocks and impacts. Durability and Material Strength: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The outer material should be durable and tear-resistant to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. Seal Strength: Scale of Importance: 8/10 A strong adhesive seal is important to ensure the mailer stays securely closed and the contents remain protected. Weight and Postage Costs: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Using lighter mailers can contribute to lower shipping costs, which is a crucial factor for businesses that ship large volumes. Water Resistance: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Water-resistant materials safeguard the contents against moisture, making them particularly vital for shipping electronics or paper products. Eco-Friendliness: Scale of Importance: 7/10 If environmental sustainability is a concern, look for recyclable or biodegradable mailer options. Variety and Versatility: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Having a range of sizes and types (e.g., different closure types, special linings) can be beneficial for businesses shipping a variety of items. Brand Reputation and Quality Assurance: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Choose brands known for quality to ensure consistency and reliability in your shipping materials. Cost and Budget: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Consider the cost per mailer and balance it with the quality. Bulk purchases often offer cost savings. Customization and Branding: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Some suppliers offer custom branding on mailers, which can be a valuable tool for marketing and enhancing brand recognition. These criteria are key in choosing bubble mailers that meet the specific needs of a business, ensuring items are shipped securely, cost-effectively, and with a professional appearance. Here are our picks from Amazon: Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailers Features: Perfect Size Envelop Mailers: The outer size of these poly bubble mailers is 4×8 inches, providing ample space for various items Economical & Convenient: As an affordable alternative to shipping boxes, these padded mailers reduce shipping costs while effectively cushioning your packages against handling impact. Simply remove the strip and press the envelope closed. Durability & Sturdiness: Crafted with high-quality materials, these tear-resistant and puncture-proof mailers offer exceptional protection for your products, supplies, and gifts. Waterproof & Self-Sealing: The bubble mailer features real water resistance and a strong self-adhesive seal, ensuring your packages remain safe even in rainy conditions. Cushioned Mailers: Featuring 80gsm bubble wrap and innovative air bubble technology designed to absorb shock during shipping. Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 50 Pack Buy on Amazon Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers Features: Pack contains 100 Poly mailer envelopes, each featuring a lightweight bubble cushioning for optimal protection. The outside size is 10.5×16 inches, with a usable size of 10.5×15 inches. Water-Resistant Poly Bubble Envelopes: These mailers provide outstanding storage and shipping protection against water, snow, and dirt, safeguarding your items during transit. Polypropylene Material: The mailers are made of polypropylene, ensuring durability and strength. The 3/16″ bubble cushioning wraps around the objects, keeping them safe during shipping. Self-Adhering: The peel-and-seal strip allows for quick and easy closure. Once sealed, the envelope cannot be opened without visible signs of tampering, ensuring the security of the shipped items. Puncture, Tamper, and Water Resistant Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer Features: Self-Sealing: Features a self-sealing adhesive closure for easy and secure packing Writeable: The flat surface of the mailer allows for easy writing and affixing postage. Versatile: Perfect for homes, offices, or small businesses, providing a practical alternative to traditional cardboard packaging. Lightweight: Helps lower shipping costs with its lightweight design. Includes: This pack includes 25 Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailers, Size #5, measuring 10.5 inches by 15.25 inches. Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer Buy on Amazon Amazon Basics Bubble Mailer Features: Padded bubble envelope for extra shipping protection Durable recycled kraft paper exterior 50gsm bubble interior lining for reliable protection Self-sealing closure with strong, mess-free adhesive Low-cost alternative to box shipping or standard envelopes Amazon Basics Kraft Bubble Mailer, 14.5″ x 20″ Buy on Amazon Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers Features: Metallic Finish: Provides a wear-proof, moisture-proof, and waterproof surface to protect your items. Air Bubble Interior: Features air bubbles on both sides to enhance cushioning and protection. Double-Sided Edge: Offers increased durability and strength for secure shipping. Self-Seal Closure: The self-seal adhesive ensures easy and convenient sealing of the mailers. Suitable for Mailing and Packing: Perfect for various mailing and packing purposes. 50 Pieces Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 100 Pack Features: Daisy printed design for increased visibility and brand influence Thick, tear-resistant, and puncture-resistant material for maximum protection Waterproof construction to safeguard your packages from moisture Strong self-sealing adhesive for easy and secure closure Lightweight design eliminates the need for additional packaging materials Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 100 Pack Buy on Amazon UCGOU Bubble Mailers 6×10 Inch Features: Opaque Poly Bubble Mailers: Provide protection and privacy with full air bubbles and a gray film inner lining. Strong Self-Sealing Adhesive: Features a four-season adhesive with strong stickiness, ensuring secure closure. Sturdy & Durable Construction: Made with thick polyethylene material for puncture resistance and waterproofing. Convenient & Easy to Use: Eliminates the need for extra packaging materials, improving productivity and reducing costs. Enhance Brand Influence: Bright colors create a lively atmosphere and enhance brand visibility. UCGOU Bubble Mailers 6×10 Inch Buy on Amazon Fuxury White Bubble Mailers Features: Perfect Size Mailers: Outer size of 10.5×16 inches and inner size of 10.5×15 inches, suitable for various items. Strong Adhesive: Four-season adhesive ensures secure closure, eliminating the need for reinforcement tape. Durability & Sturdiness: Made from polyethylene material that is waterproof, tear-resistant, and puncture-proof. Cushioning Bags: Lined with 80gsm bubble wrap for optimal cushioning and protection. Fuxury White Bubble Mailers 10.5×16 Inch Buy on Amazon LIMNUO Bubble Mailers Features: Multipurpose Bubble Mailers: Available in different sizes and colors to meet your specific needs. Self-Sealed Envelopes: Provides extra security, preventing tampering without visible signs. Widely Used: Suitable for mailing cosmetics, fashion accessories, jewelry, and other protected items. Light Weight Mailers: Made from lightweight polypropylene material, minimizing shipping costs. LIMNUO Bubble Mailers 8.5×12 Inch Buy on Amazon iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers Features: Strong Heavy Duty Poly Bubble plastic cover Self-Sealing and lightweight for ease of use Extra Tough Bubble finned Inside Durable and cost-effective Multilayered construction for excellent protection iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Applications and Uses of Bubble Mailers Bubble Mailers in Packaging Bubble mailers are used in packaging across numerous industries. They’re a go-to solution for shipping a wide range of items, from jewelry and CDs to small electronic devices. Their protective design safeguards against damage during transit, offering peace of mind for both the sender and the recipient. Moreover, the self-sealing feature of these mailers simplifies the packaging process, making them an efficient option for businesses of all sizes. Shipping Fragile Items Using Bubble Mailers Bubble mailers are particularly useful when shipping fragile items. The bubble padding helps absorb shocks and bumps during delivery, ensuring the item reaches the customer intact. They’re perfect for shipping sensitive items like glassware, jewelry, small electronics, and other delicate products. As a result, bubble mailers are a popular choice for e-commerce businesses that frequently ship a variety of delicate items. Bubble Mailers in E-commerce E-commerce businesses heavily rely on bubble mailers for their shipping needs. These mailers offer a practical solution for ensuring products reach customers in excellent condition, contributing to positive reviews and repeat business. Additionally, bubble mailers can be easily customized, allowing businesses to promote their brand during delivery directly. This can help businesses stand out and make a lasting impression on customers in a competitive online market. The Role of Bubble Mailers in Reducing Shipping Costs Shipping costs are frequently determined by weight, making bubble mailers a cost-effective choice. They weigh less than boxes and other bulkier packaging options, which helps lower shipping expenses. Additionally, their sleek design maximizes space utilization in delivery vehicles, further aiding in cost savings. By providing a lightweight and space-efficient packaging solution, bubble mailers can significantly contribute to an effective cost-saving strategy for businesses. FAQs about Bubble Mailers What sizes do bubble mailers come in? Bubble mailers come in a wide range of sizes, making them adaptable for shipping various items. You can find them as small as 4×6 inches, perfect for jewelry, and as large as 14.25×20 inches, which can fit larger items such as books or electronics. Many suppliers offer customizable sizes to meet specific requirements. Can bubble mailers be recycled? The recyclability of bubble mailers is determined by the materials used in their construction. Certain bubble mailers made entirely from plastic can be recycled alongside plastic bags. Conversely, Kraft paper bubble mailers might need the materials to be separated prior to recycling. Always refer to the packaging for precise recycling instructions. Can I reuse bubble mailers? Yes, bubble mailers can often be reused before they’re recycled. If the mailer is still in good condition after its initial use, it can be reused for shipping, storage, or one of the creative uses mentioned earlier. Can bubble mailers be customized? Many manufacturers offer customizable bubble mailers. This can include printing a company logo, changing the color, or even adjusting the size of the mailer. Customization can provide a unique touch to a business’s packaging, making a memorable impression on customers. How much weight can a bubble mailer hold? The weight a bubble mailer can hold depends on its size and construction. However, they’re designed to be strong and durable. A standard bubble mailer can usually hold up to 2-3 pounds. Always check with the manufacturer for specific weight guidelines. Do bubble mailers provide enough protection for fragile items? The bubble padding inside the mailers provides a cushion that helps protect items from impact during shipping. For particularly fragile or valuable items, additional cushioning might be beneficial. Are bubble mailers cost-effective for shipping? Bubble mailers can be a cost-effective choice for shipping. They’re lightweight, which can help reduce shipping costs, and their protective bubble lining can save costs associated with damaged goods. Plus, their self-sealing design saves time and the need for extra tape or sealants. Image:Amazon This article, "Bubble Mailers: Options for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Bubble mailers, often referred to as bubble envelopes or padded envelopes, are a form of protective packaging commonly utilized in the shipping industry. These mailers consist of envelopes that are lined with bubble wrap, providing a cushioning effect that protects fragile items during transit. This feature and the mailers’ light weight make them an ideal shipping supply, particularly for small businesses. These businesses often need to maximize usable space in their shipping and storage areas, and the compact size of bubble mailers makes them a great fit for this requirement. Benefits of Bubble Mailers Built-In Cushioning: Bubble mailers feature built-in bubble cushioning, providing excellent protection against shocks and impacts during shipping. This eliminates the need for additional protective packaging materials, reducing the overall packing time. As a result, bubble mailers can be a great choice for businesses seeking to streamline their shipping process. Versatility: Bubble mailers offer versatility in terms of the types of items they can accommodate. From small electronics and jewelry to books and documents, these mailers can protect a wide variety of items. Furthermore, bubble mailers come in various sizes, ensuring a suitable option for different items. Lightweight: Bubble mailers are lightweight, an important consideration in shipping. A lighter package often translates into lower shipping costs, making bubble mailers a cost-effective option. Despite their lightness, they don’t compromise on protection, ensuring the items’ safety. Easy to Store: Their flat design makes bubble mailers easy to store. They can be stacked neatly, allowing for efficient use of storage space. This can be especially advantageous for businesses with limited storage capacity. The ease of storage also makes bubble mailers a practical choice for occasional shippers. Sealing Feature: One of the practical features of bubble mailers is their self-sealing ability. This design eliminates the need for additional adhesive, making the packing process faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the seal is typically quite strong, reducing the likelihood of the package opening during transit. This feature ensures that the items inside the mailer remain secure from the point of packing to the point of delivery. Professional Appearance: Bubble mailers offer a sleek and professional look that can enhance the perception of your shipments. A quality bubble mailer can make a positive impression on the recipient, reflecting positively on your brand. Whether you’re a business owner looking to improve customer experience or an individual sender wanting to give a professional touch to your package, bubble mailers can be a great choice. Variety: Bubble mailers are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and colors. This variety allows you to choose the perfect mailer for each item. If you’re shipping something small and fragile, a smaller, well-cushioned mailer would be ideal. For larger items, there are larger sizes available. There are even eco-friendly bubble mailers for those who prioritize sustainability. This diversity makes bubble mailers a flexible solution for different shipping needs. Bubble Mailers for Your Business: What To Look For and Our Top Picks Selecting the right bubble mailers for a business, especially for those involved in e-commerce, shipping, or mailing operations, is crucial for ensuring product protection and customer satisfaction. Here’s a guide to the key criteria for choosing the best bubble mailers: Size and Dimensions: Scale of Importance: 9/10 Choose a size that fits your products snugly without too much excess space, reducing the risk of item movement and damage during transit. Padding and Protection Quality: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The quality and thickness of the bubble wrap lining are crucial for protecting items from shocks and impacts. Durability and Material Strength: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The outer material should be durable and tear-resistant to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. Seal Strength: Scale of Importance: 8/10 A strong adhesive seal is important to ensure the mailer stays securely closed and the contents remain protected. Weight and Postage Costs: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Using lighter mailers can contribute to lower shipping costs, which is a crucial factor for businesses that ship large volumes. Water Resistance: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Water-resistant materials safeguard the contents against moisture, making them particularly vital for shipping electronics or paper products. Eco-Friendliness: Scale of Importance: 7/10 If environmental sustainability is a concern, look for recyclable or biodegradable mailer options. Variety and Versatility: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Having a range of sizes and types (e.g., different closure types, special linings) can be beneficial for businesses shipping a variety of items. Brand Reputation and Quality Assurance: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Choose brands known for quality to ensure consistency and reliability in your shipping materials. Cost and Budget: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Consider the cost per mailer and balance it with the quality. Bulk purchases often offer cost savings. Customization and Branding: Scale of Importance: 6/10 Some suppliers offer custom branding on mailers, which can be a valuable tool for marketing and enhancing brand recognition. These criteria are key in choosing bubble mailers that meet the specific needs of a business, ensuring items are shipped securely, cost-effectively, and with a professional appearance. Here are our picks from Amazon: Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailers Features: Perfect Size Envelop Mailers: The outer size of these poly bubble mailers is 4×8 inches, providing ample space for various items Economical & Convenient: As an affordable alternative to shipping boxes, these padded mailers reduce shipping costs while effectively cushioning your packages against handling impact. Simply remove the strip and press the envelope closed. Durability & Sturdiness: Crafted with high-quality materials, these tear-resistant and puncture-proof mailers offer exceptional protection for your products, supplies, and gifts. Waterproof & Self-Sealing: The bubble mailer features real water resistance and a strong self-adhesive seal, ensuring your packages remain safe even in rainy conditions. Cushioned Mailers: Featuring 80gsm bubble wrap and innovative air bubble technology designed to absorb shock during shipping. Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 50 Pack Buy on Amazon Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers Features: Pack contains 100 Poly mailer envelopes, each featuring a lightweight bubble cushioning for optimal protection. The outside size is 10.5×16 inches, with a usable size of 10.5×15 inches. Water-Resistant Poly Bubble Envelopes: These mailers provide outstanding storage and shipping protection against water, snow, and dirt, safeguarding your items during transit. Polypropylene Material: The mailers are made of polypropylene, ensuring durability and strength. The 3/16″ bubble cushioning wraps around the objects, keeping them safe during shipping. Self-Adhering: The peel-and-seal strip allows for quick and easy closure. Once sealed, the envelope cannot be opened without visible signs of tampering, ensuring the security of the shipped items. Puncture, Tamper, and Water Resistant Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer Features: Self-Sealing: Features a self-sealing adhesive closure for easy and secure packing Writeable: The flat surface of the mailer allows for easy writing and affixing postage. Versatile: Perfect for homes, offices, or small businesses, providing a practical alternative to traditional cardboard packaging. Lightweight: Helps lower shipping costs with its lightweight design. Includes: This pack includes 25 Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailers, Size #5, measuring 10.5 inches by 15.25 inches. Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer Buy on Amazon Amazon Basics Bubble Mailer Features: Padded bubble envelope for extra shipping protection Durable recycled kraft paper exterior 50gsm bubble interior lining for reliable protection Self-sealing closure with strong, mess-free adhesive Low-cost alternative to box shipping or standard envelopes Amazon Basics Kraft Bubble Mailer, 14.5″ x 20″ Buy on Amazon Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers Features: Metallic Finish: Provides a wear-proof, moisture-proof, and waterproof surface to protect your items. Air Bubble Interior: Features air bubbles on both sides to enhance cushioning and protection. Double-Sided Edge: Offers increased durability and strength for secure shipping. Self-Seal Closure: The self-seal adhesive ensures easy and convenient sealing of the mailers. Suitable for Mailing and Packing: Perfect for various mailing and packing purposes. 50 Pieces Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 100 Pack Features: Daisy printed design for increased visibility and brand influence Thick, tear-resistant, and puncture-resistant material for maximum protection Waterproof construction to safeguard your packages from moisture Strong self-sealing adhesive for easy and secure closure Lightweight design eliminates the need for additional packaging materials Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 100 Pack Buy on Amazon UCGOU Bubble Mailers 6×10 Inch Features: Opaque Poly Bubble Mailers: Provide protection and privacy with full air bubbles and a gray film inner lining. Strong Self-Sealing Adhesive: Features a four-season adhesive with strong stickiness, ensuring secure closure. Sturdy & Durable Construction: Made with thick polyethylene material for puncture resistance and waterproofing. Convenient & Easy to Use: Eliminates the need for extra packaging materials, improving productivity and reducing costs. Enhance Brand Influence: Bright colors create a lively atmosphere and enhance brand visibility. UCGOU Bubble Mailers 6×10 Inch Buy on Amazon Fuxury White Bubble Mailers Features: Perfect Size Mailers: Outer size of 10.5×16 inches and inner size of 10.5×15 inches, suitable for various items. Strong Adhesive: Four-season adhesive ensures secure closure, eliminating the need for reinforcement tape. Durability & Sturdiness: Made from polyethylene material that is waterproof, tear-resistant, and puncture-proof. Cushioning Bags: Lined with 80gsm bubble wrap for optimal cushioning and protection. Fuxury White Bubble Mailers 10.5×16 Inch Buy on Amazon LIMNUO Bubble Mailers Features: Multipurpose Bubble Mailers: Available in different sizes and colors to meet your specific needs. Self-Sealed Envelopes: Provides extra security, preventing tampering without visible signs. Widely Used: Suitable for mailing cosmetics, fashion accessories, jewelry, and other protected items. Light Weight Mailers: Made from lightweight polypropylene material, minimizing shipping costs. LIMNUO Bubble Mailers 8.5×12 Inch Buy on Amazon iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers Features: Strong Heavy Duty Poly Bubble plastic cover Self-Sealing and lightweight for ease of use Extra Tough Bubble finned Inside Durable and cost-effective Multilayered construction for excellent protection iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers Buy on Amazon Applications and Uses of Bubble Mailers Bubble Mailers in Packaging Bubble mailers are used in packaging across numerous industries. They’re a go-to solution for shipping a wide range of items, from jewelry and CDs to small electronic devices. Their protective design safeguards against damage during transit, offering peace of mind for both the sender and the recipient. Moreover, the self-sealing feature of these mailers simplifies the packaging process, making them an efficient option for businesses of all sizes. Shipping Fragile Items Using Bubble Mailers Bubble mailers are particularly useful when shipping fragile items. The bubble padding helps absorb shocks and bumps during delivery, ensuring the item reaches the customer intact. They’re perfect for shipping sensitive items like glassware, jewelry, small electronics, and other delicate products. As a result, bubble mailers are a popular choice for e-commerce businesses that frequently ship a variety of delicate items. Bubble Mailers in E-commerce E-commerce businesses heavily rely on bubble mailers for their shipping needs. These mailers offer a practical solution for ensuring products reach customers in excellent condition, contributing to positive reviews and repeat business. Additionally, bubble mailers can be easily customized, allowing businesses to promote their brand during delivery directly. This can help businesses stand out and make a lasting impression on customers in a competitive online market. The Role of Bubble Mailers in Reducing Shipping Costs Shipping costs are frequently determined by weight, making bubble mailers a cost-effective choice. They weigh less than boxes and other bulkier packaging options, which helps lower shipping expenses. Additionally, their sleek design maximizes space utilization in delivery vehicles, further aiding in cost savings. By providing a lightweight and space-efficient packaging solution, bubble mailers can significantly contribute to an effective cost-saving strategy for businesses. FAQs about Bubble Mailers What sizes do bubble mailers come in? Bubble mailers come in a wide range of sizes, making them adaptable for shipping various items. You can find them as small as 4×6 inches, perfect for jewelry, and as large as 14.25×20 inches, which can fit larger items such as books or electronics. Many suppliers offer customizable sizes to meet specific requirements. Can bubble mailers be recycled? The recyclability of bubble mailers is determined by the materials used in their construction. Certain bubble mailers made entirely from plastic can be recycled alongside plastic bags. Conversely, Kraft paper bubble mailers might need the materials to be separated prior to recycling. Always refer to the packaging for precise recycling instructions. Can I reuse bubble mailers? Yes, bubble mailers can often be reused before they’re recycled. If the mailer is still in good condition after its initial use, it can be reused for shipping, storage, or one of the creative uses mentioned earlier. Can bubble mailers be customized? Many manufacturers offer customizable bubble mailers. This can include printing a company logo, changing the color, or even adjusting the size of the mailer. Customization can provide a unique touch to a business’s packaging, making a memorable impression on customers. How much weight can a bubble mailer hold? The weight a bubble mailer can hold depends on its size and construction. However, they’re designed to be strong and durable. A standard bubble mailer can usually hold up to 2-3 pounds. Always check with the manufacturer for specific weight guidelines. Do bubble mailers provide enough protection for fragile items? The bubble padding inside the mailers provides a cushion that helps protect items from impact during shipping. For particularly fragile or valuable items, additional cushioning might be beneficial. Are bubble mailers cost-effective for shipping? Bubble mailers can be a cost-effective choice for shipping. They’re lightweight, which can help reduce shipping costs, and their protective bubble lining can save costs associated with damaged goods. Plus, their self-sealing design saves time and the need for extra tape or sealants. Image:Amazon This article, "Bubble Mailers: Options for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Despite growing up with a financial planner for a father, the idea of investing intimidated me well into my adulthood. From my point of view, investing seemed like a mysterious process. Not only was this magical money-making exercise conducted in an arcane language (what exactly is a NASDAQ, and why does it sound like something you treat with a special cream?), but it also required my dad to keep the TV in his office tuned to the world’s most mind-numbing broadcast, even though cartoons were just a channel away. It’s no wonder I grew up thinking that investing was boring and impossible to understand. And investment ambivalence is pretty common. A recent NerdWallet financial angst report found that 79% of Americans feel intimidated by at least one financial topic, and 30% of those surveyed named investing as the most daunting one of all. But investing is a crucial part of money management. If you don’t invest your money, you’re committing yourself to working for every dollar, rather than letting your money do the heavy lifting. The good news is that investing isn’t as incomprehensible or boring as you might believe. Here’s what you need to know to make investing part of your financial life. Why investing is important If you type the words “compound interest” into Google, you’re likely to come across the following quote, falsely attributed to Albert Einstein: “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it . . . he who doesn’t, pays it.” Incorrect attribution aside, whoever put these words in Einstein’s mouth was onto something. Compound interest is an incredible economic force that you can use to build wealth. Here’s how it works: When you invest, the money you have invested earns interest. But that interest compounds periodically, meaning that the interest you have earned is added to your principal, and you then start to earn interest on both your original investment and on the interest you’ve earned, until it compounds again. This process is the reason why you’ll see those calculations that say $10,000 invested today in a mutual fund earning an average of 8% per year could be worth more than $100,000 in 30 years, even if you don’t add another penny to it. The process of compounding interest can create exponential growth. The power of compound interest is why we all should be investing. Investing your money lets the money grow without you having to work for it. (The flip side of compound interest is what happens when borrowers don’t pay enough each month to cover accrued interest on high interest loans and credit cards. You do not want to be on that side of the compounding equation.) Getting started with investing Back when I was still a cartoon-loving kid whose eyes glazed over upon hearing the words “Dow Jones,” I learned about the potential growth available to anyone who got themselves some compound interest. As a budding money nerd, I wanted in on that action. As someone who did not think of mutual fund prospectuses as riveting beach reads, I had zero idea how I was supposed to get in on that action. Not only were the sheer number of potential investments dizzying, but I also felt like I had no clue how to evaluate whether an investment was a good idea. The intimidation and dread I felt is why I carried my invest-i-phobia into my 30s–until I learned two valuable investing strategies that everyone should know. Timeline your goals Joe Saul-Sehy, host of The Stacking Benjamins Show podcast (and my coauthor), taught me how timing can help you narrow down your investing options. Specifically, Saul-Sehy suggests that every investor should place financial goals on a timeline, including the age at which you’d like to meet those goals. For instance, let’s say a 25-year-old wants to buy a house by age 35. They have been putting $150 per month into a savings account and already have $3,000 saved. They’d like to have at least $40,000 for a down payment. If they keep setting aside $150 per month, it would take nearly 20 years to reach their goal. But investing that money would allow the money to earn compounding interest, making the 10-year time frame more possible. To figure out the interest rate needed to reach $40,000 in 10 years, use this compound interest calculator from Investor.gov. You already have the initial investment ($3,000), the monthly contribution ($150), and the length of time in years (10 years). With those numbers plugged in, you can play around with potential interest rates (also known as rates of return) to find the rate you need to reach your goal. In this case, the 25-year-old would need an investment with at least a 10.5% rate of return to make their $40,000 goal within ten years. Unfortunately, that is not a realistic rate of return. The stock market as a whole has historically seen an 8.5% annual return over time (adjusted for inflation). A stable investment–meaning one that won’t suddenly lose value overnight–shouldn’t expect a higher return than 8%. The future homeowner can either extend their timeline, increase their monthly contribution, or reduce their goal number. Shifting the goal back to 12 years instead of 10, increasing the monthly contribution to $200 instead of $150, or aiming for a $32,000 down payment instead of $40,000 would all allow this investor to reach their goal with a rate of return of 8% or lower. Choose the investment to fit your timelined goal Having a reasonable rate of return in mind for your investment makes it much easier to choose where to put your money. Instead of trying to find “The Best Investment,” you only need to find an investment that will meet your specific goals and needs. Typically, a newbie investor may want to check out mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), index funds, or target date funds. These funds invest broadly, spreading out your risk. There are a number of sites that aggregate “best of” investment lists and allow you to look up information about various investment options, including important information about fees (described as a percentage called “expense ratio”), minimum investment requirements, and historical performance. (Just remember that there’s a reason why all financial professionals have “historical performance is no guarantee of future returns” tattooed on their foreheads. Looking at how an investment has done in the past doesn’t give anyone a crystal ball about its future performance.) One other important criteria to consider is the investment’s potential volatility. Yahoo! Finance allows investors to look at a “Mountain Chart” that shows the historical movement of the investment over time. A more volatile investment may look like your money is riding Space Mountain, while a more stable investment may look more like it’s chilling through the alpine section of It’s a Small World. Typically, higher levels of volatility correlate with higher potential for growth, but investors need to have the stomach for it. If just the idea of a major investment drop has you reaching for the Mylanta, you might want to stick to the tamer rides–even though it may mean smaller returns. Once you’ve chosen your investment, you can open a brokerage account and start letting your money do some of the work. Jump in! The investment water’s fine Ambivalence over investing keeps many of us from putting our money to work. But leveraging the power of compound interest is much easier than having to work for every single dollar you earn. To get started with investing, figure out what financial goals you have and give yourself a timeline for achieving them, as well as a monthly contribution you can afford to put toward it. With those numbers in mind, you can use Investor.gov’s compound interest calculator to figure out what rate of return you will need to reach your goal. From there, you can find an investment that fits your goal, looking at the historical rate of return (which is no guarantee of future performance), the fees, minimum contribution, and volatility, to narrow down your options. Doing this kind of investment planning will only take a couple of hours of your time and it isn’t nearly as scary or difficult as you might believe. Best of all, you can even watch cartoons while you’re doing it. 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Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. National home prices are rising 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. While some markets in the Gulf and Mountain West regions are seeing mild home price declines, there’s another cohort concentrated in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast that are seeing gains well above the national aggregate. Among the 200 largest metro area housing markets, the chart below highlights the 30 markets with the largest home price increases between December 2023 and December 2024, according to ResiClub’s analysis of the latest Zillow Home Value Index data published in January. While home prices have softened in Gulf markets like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana (where inventory has spiked back above pre-pandemic levels) most of the housing markets in the Northeast and Midwest still have inventory far below pre-pandemic levels, and still have elevated home price growth. Many pandemic boomtowns in the Sunbelt are experiencing greater affordability strain as well as facing significant home insurance shocks and higher levels of new-home inventory. In some Sunbelt areas, this inventory requires discounts to sell in the current environment of reduced pandemic-era migration and strained affordability. In contrast, many Northeast and Midwest markets were less reliant on pandemic migration and have less new-home construction in progress. With lower exposure on that demand shock, active inventory in these Midwest and Northeast regions has remained relatively tight, keeping the advantage in the hands of home sellers. Will these 30 tight housing markets remain seller’s markets in 2025? Excluding a few acute economic and monetary shocks over the decades, local housing dynamics usually shift slowly—meaning, unless those markets cool off quickly and see active inventory spike, home sellers in those pockets will likely retain their iron grip on their local housing markets in spring 2025. View the full article

“What is an Airbnb?” many ask. Airbnb is an online platform that allows individuals to rent out spaces ranging from a spare room to an entire home. Coined from “air bed and breakfast,” it was launched in San Francisco. Currently, millions of hosts and guests globally interact through these distinctive accommodations. What Is an Airbnb? Airbnb is a prominent player in the burgeoning sharing economy, where individuals share resources, often facilitated by digital platforms. Instead of booking hotels, travelers can use Airbnb to find accommodations in private homes, apartments, or unique locations offered by hosts around the world. An Airbnb is a listing on this platform. Through detailed online listings and thoroughly vetted profiles, guests can find a plethora of choices, ranging from cozy single rooms to sprawling villas, ensuring a personalized travel experience. How Does Airbnb Work? This is how Airbnb works. Potential guests look through their options and apply filters. There are review systems and cancellation options. Then they book a stay. Get started hosting with a free Airbnb account. There’s a flat service fee of 3 % Airbnb charges. They don’t charge for payment processing, but there are some extra fees listed here. How Is an Airbnb Vacation Rental Different from Competitors? Airbnb has carved its niche in the accommodation sector by emphasizing trust, community, and safety. One of its unique propositions is its stringent screening process for reservations, coupled with an insurance policy that offers hosts up to $3M USD in damage protection. This coverage extends to rare situations where a guest might inadvertently damage high-value items, such as artwork. Furthermore, Airbnb’s commitment to safety is evident in its 24-hour helpline, offering immediate assistance with just a tap, setting it apart from many competitors. Here’s a list of places to stay that every family member will enjoy. What Is the Pricing on the Airbnb Website? Pricing on Airbnb is multifaceted. While each listing displays a nightly rate, this isn’t the final amount a guest pays. The booking subtotal comprises the host’s rate and may include additional costs, fees, or charges set either by the host or Airbnb. It’s crucial for guests to read the breakdown to understand the complete cost of their stay. Airbnb offers a rundown for both guests and hosts. What Is Airbnb’s Service Fee? When delving into Airbnb’s operational model, service fees play a pivotal role. One such fee is the Guest Service Fee, which typically hovers below 14.2% of the booking’s subtotal. This fee is always transparently displayed before finalizing a reservation. Some hosts might also charge a Cleaning Fee to ensure the space is pristine for the next guest. Another important charge is the Host Fee, generally around 3% of the booking value. Depending on the listing, hosts might charge an Extra Guest Fee, which varies the price according to the number of guests. Just like with any type of accommodation, being aware of all fees in advance helps to ensure a smooth vacation planning process. What Are Airbnb’s Cancellation Policies for Vacation Rental Services? Airbnb provides options for guests who need to cancel their reservations. There are different riders, including the detail that a full refund only covers the nightly rate. There are different cancellation policies. These tell you the time frames where a guest can cancel to get a full refund. Some renters add a nonrefundable option. Certain options are listed under “Super Strict” banner. There are special cases too. Like in accordance with the local laws in places such as Germany. How Do You List a Property as an Airbnb Host? Property owners just need to go to the host section of their profile. That’s where you can create a listing that includes a room rate and/or rent for a host’s home. There are several other factors to consider regarding the settings. For instance, you need to establish the house rules. The options available will vary based on the amenities you list and any extra services you offer. Additionally, be sure to review local laws before finalizing your booking settings. How Are Airbnb Hosts Paid? It only takes a few simple steps to receive payouts when renting out your space. You have the option to select from PayPal, Fast Pay, direct deposit bank transfers, and other methods. You need to provide tax information. There is also a verification process that can take up to 10 days. Don’t forget Airbnb takes a 3% fee. You’ll need to subtract the city tax and any others from your subtotal. The funds are released roughly 24 hours after the scheduled check-in times. The timing of your payout depends on the method you’ve chosen. For instance, Payoneer processes payments in 24 hours or less, whereas a bank transfer may take up to five business days. What Is an Airbnb Superhost? There is no need to apply to be an Airbnb Superhost. You can get that status by getting positive reviews and avoiding cancellations. Being responsive also helps. The company checks four times a year. You need to maintain a 4.8 overall rating with the review system and a 90% response rate or even higher. Having an air mattress on hand for guests helps. What Is Airbnb Plus? Airbnb Plus highlights top properties vetted by the company. They offer many benefits like exceptional quality and outstanding design. Company inspectors have a checklist of unique quality items and requirements. Here’s a list of eligible cities. What Is the Difference Between a Hotel and Airbnb? Trying to decide between a hotel room or an Airbnb reservation? There are some differences. Airbnb doesn’t charge as much as the hotel industry. Airbnb is community-built. Live among the locals in one of these rooms or homes. It’s more authentic than a hotel. They have some excellent features like rebooking assistance for guests who change their plans. A Hotel’s focus on the safety of guests is a little better. Buildings are kept up to code and there are regular inspections. Still, Airbnb has community standards that take action if a host endangering or threatening guests is reported. Airbnb does have policies to promote safety like ones against threats and abuse. Luxury Hotels generally have more features and amenities. Choosing between Airbnb and a traditional hotel? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which suits your travel needs best. Feature/AspectAirbnbTraditional Hotel PricingOften less expensive.Stable pricing with potential loyalty perks. ExperienceLocal, authentic feel.Standardized, professional experience. SafetyCommunity standards.Regular inspections; standardized safety. AmenitiesVaries by listing.Consistent amenities like pools, gyms, etc. FlexibilityRebooking assistance available.May have stricter cancellation policies. Local InteractionChance to mingle with locals.Interaction mainly with staff and guests. RegulationsVaries; may face regulatory changes.Established regulations with compliance teams. What Are the Risks of Airbnb? There’s a host guarantee that looks after damage caused by guests to cover the property. Other insurance programs for people renting spaces out include one for liability. But of course, there are risks for people in this business. Renting to squatters can be a big issue. There’s a long legal process to evict them. Regulatory environments can change. Compliance costs can skyrocket. Hosts need to remember the final say in cancellations goes to the company. Finally, property damage can be a problem. Like water damage and broken furniture. Even unauthorized parties held at your rental can increase your liability. Do Airbnb Hosts Stay With You? The answer depends on the type of rental. If you rent one room, the host is usually in the same home. With a whole house, you’ll generally be on your own. A shared room can mean the host is with you. Read the listing carefully before booking a stay. Finally, if you’ve heard reports about discrimination at Airbnb, you don’t need to look somewhere else. They’ve recently made changes to their instant book feature to cover any issues. Expanding Your Product Range on Airbnb with Experiences and Tours To enhance your guests’ stay and diversify your income on Airbnb, consider adding experiences and tours to your offerings. This approach allows you to showcase the unique aspects of your location and connect with your guests on a more personal level. Here are some ideas: Local Guided Tours: Offer walking or biking tours of your area, highlighting local landmarks, hidden gems, and historical sites. Tailor these tours to different interests, such as architecture, street art, or local cuisine. Workshops and Classes: Share your skills or local crafts through workshops. This could include cooking classes featuring local recipes, art or pottery workshops, or even a yoga session in a scenic spot. Outdoor Adventures: If your location permits organize outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or bird-watching tours. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and safety measures in place. Cultural Experiences: Connect your guests with the local culture by offering experiences like a traditional dance class, a visit to a local market with a cooking session afterward, or a storytelling evening with local legends. By offering these additional services, you not only enhance your guests’ experience but also create more opportunities for income. Make sure to check Airbnb’s guidelines and local regulations regarding offering experiences. Mastering the Art of Airbnb Photography and Descriptions Creating a compelling Airbnb listing is an art that combines stunning visuals with engaging narratives. Here’s how you can master this art to attract more guests: Professional Quality Photos: Invest in high-quality, professional photographs that showcase your space in the best light. Consider the following: Use Natural Light: Schedule your photo shoot during the day when natural light is abundant to make your space look bright and welcoming. Highlight Key Areas: Focus on areas that guests care about most, such as the living area, bedrooms, and any unique features of your property. Showcase Amenities: Don’t forget to include photos of the amenities you offer, whether it’s a cozy fireplace, a spacious backyard, or a well-equipped kitchen. Engaging and Detailed Descriptions: Your description should tell a story that invites guests to imagine themselves enjoying your space. Consider these points: Highlight Unique Features: What makes your place special? Whether it’s a breathtaking view, a central location, or eco-friendly practices, make sure to mention it early in the description. Be Honest and Clear: Manage expectations by being transparent about your space. If there is a unique feature or a possible downside, it’s best to disclose it right away. Use Bullet Points for Amenities: Make your listing easy to scan by listing amenities and features in bullet points. This helps guests quickly see what you offer. Local Insights: Include a section about the neighborhood, mentioning nearby attractions, favorite local spots, and distances to major landmarks. This adds value to your listing and helps guests plan their stay. READ MORE: How to Start an Airbnb Business How to be an Airbnb Host Image: Depositphotos This article, "What is an Airbnb?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

“What is an Airbnb?” many ask. Airbnb is an online platform that allows individuals to rent out spaces ranging from a spare room to an entire home. Coined from “air bed and breakfast,” it was launched in San Francisco. Currently, millions of hosts and guests globally interact through these distinctive accommodations. What Is an Airbnb? Airbnb is a prominent player in the burgeoning sharing economy, where individuals share resources, often facilitated by digital platforms. Instead of booking hotels, travelers can use Airbnb to find accommodations in private homes, apartments, or unique locations offered by hosts around the world. An Airbnb is a listing on this platform. Through detailed online listings and thoroughly vetted profiles, guests can find a plethora of choices, ranging from cozy single rooms to sprawling villas, ensuring a personalized travel experience. How Does Airbnb Work? This is how Airbnb works. Potential guests look through their options and apply filters. There are review systems and cancellation options. Then they book a stay. Get started hosting with a free Airbnb account. There’s a flat service fee of 3 % Airbnb charges. They don’t charge for payment processing, but there are some extra fees listed here. How Is an Airbnb Vacation Rental Different from Competitors? Airbnb has carved its niche in the accommodation sector by emphasizing trust, community, and safety. One of its unique propositions is its stringent screening process for reservations, coupled with an insurance policy that offers hosts up to $3M USD in damage protection. This coverage extends to rare situations where a guest might inadvertently damage high-value items, such as artwork. Furthermore, Airbnb’s commitment to safety is evident in its 24-hour helpline, offering immediate assistance with just a tap, setting it apart from many competitors. Here’s a list of places to stay that every family member will enjoy. What Is the Pricing on the Airbnb Website? Pricing on Airbnb is multifaceted. While each listing displays a nightly rate, this isn’t the final amount a guest pays. The booking subtotal comprises the host’s rate and may include additional costs, fees, or charges set either by the host or Airbnb. It’s crucial for guests to read the breakdown to understand the complete cost of their stay. Airbnb offers a rundown for both guests and hosts. What Is Airbnb’s Service Fee? When delving into Airbnb’s operational model, service fees play a pivotal role. One such fee is the Guest Service Fee, which typically hovers below 14.2% of the booking’s subtotal. This fee is always transparently displayed before finalizing a reservation. Some hosts might also charge a Cleaning Fee to ensure the space is pristine for the next guest. Another important charge is the Host Fee, generally around 3% of the booking value. Depending on the listing, hosts might charge an Extra Guest Fee, which varies the price according to the number of guests. Just like with any type of accommodation, being aware of all fees in advance helps to ensure a smooth vacation planning process. What Are Airbnb’s Cancellation Policies for Vacation Rental Services? Airbnb provides options for guests who need to cancel their reservations. There are different riders, including the detail that a full refund only covers the nightly rate. There are different cancellation policies. These tell you the time frames where a guest can cancel to get a full refund. Some renters add a nonrefundable option. Certain options are listed under “Super Strict” banner. There are special cases too. Like in accordance with the local laws in places such as Germany. How Do You List a Property as an Airbnb Host? Property owners just need to go to the host section of their profile. That’s where you can create a listing that includes a room rate and/or rent for a host’s home. There are several other factors to consider regarding the settings. For instance, you need to establish the house rules. The options available will vary based on the amenities you list and any extra services you offer. Additionally, be sure to review local laws before finalizing your booking settings. How Are Airbnb Hosts Paid? It only takes a few simple steps to receive payouts when renting out your space. You have the option to select from PayPal, Fast Pay, direct deposit bank transfers, and other methods. You need to provide tax information. There is also a verification process that can take up to 10 days. Don’t forget Airbnb takes a 3% fee. You’ll need to subtract the city tax and any others from your subtotal. The funds are released roughly 24 hours after the scheduled check-in times. The timing of your payout depends on the method you’ve chosen. For instance, Payoneer processes payments in 24 hours or less, whereas a bank transfer may take up to five business days. What Is an Airbnb Superhost? There is no need to apply to be an Airbnb Superhost. You can get that status by getting positive reviews and avoiding cancellations. Being responsive also helps. The company checks four times a year. You need to maintain a 4.8 overall rating with the review system and a 90% response rate or even higher. Having an air mattress on hand for guests helps. What Is Airbnb Plus? Airbnb Plus highlights top properties vetted by the company. They offer many benefits like exceptional quality and outstanding design. Company inspectors have a checklist of unique quality items and requirements. Here’s a list of eligible cities. What Is the Difference Between a Hotel and Airbnb? Trying to decide between a hotel room or an Airbnb reservation? There are some differences. Airbnb doesn’t charge as much as the hotel industry. Airbnb is community-built. Live among the locals in one of these rooms or homes. It’s more authentic than a hotel. They have some excellent features like rebooking assistance for guests who change their plans. A Hotel’s focus on the safety of guests is a little better. Buildings are kept up to code and there are regular inspections. Still, Airbnb has community standards that take action if a host endangering or threatening guests is reported. Airbnb does have policies to promote safety like ones against threats and abuse. Luxury Hotels generally have more features and amenities. Choosing between Airbnb and a traditional hotel? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which suits your travel needs best. Feature/AspectAirbnbTraditional Hotel PricingOften less expensive.Stable pricing with potential loyalty perks. ExperienceLocal, authentic feel.Standardized, professional experience. SafetyCommunity standards.Regular inspections; standardized safety. AmenitiesVaries by listing.Consistent amenities like pools, gyms, etc. FlexibilityRebooking assistance available.May have stricter cancellation policies. Local InteractionChance to mingle with locals.Interaction mainly with staff and guests. RegulationsVaries; may face regulatory changes.Established regulations with compliance teams. What Are the Risks of Airbnb? There’s a host guarantee that looks after damage caused by guests to cover the property. Other insurance programs for people renting spaces out include one for liability. But of course, there are risks for people in this business. Renting to squatters can be a big issue. There’s a long legal process to evict them. Regulatory environments can change. Compliance costs can skyrocket. Hosts need to remember the final say in cancellations goes to the company. Finally, property damage can be a problem. Like water damage and broken furniture. Even unauthorized parties held at your rental can increase your liability. Do Airbnb Hosts Stay With You? The answer depends on the type of rental. If you rent one room, the host is usually in the same home. With a whole house, you’ll generally be on your own. A shared room can mean the host is with you. Read the listing carefully before booking a stay. Finally, if you’ve heard reports about discrimination at Airbnb, you don’t need to look somewhere else. They’ve recently made changes to their instant book feature to cover any issues. Expanding Your Product Range on Airbnb with Experiences and Tours To enhance your guests’ stay and diversify your income on Airbnb, consider adding experiences and tours to your offerings. This approach allows you to showcase the unique aspects of your location and connect with your guests on a more personal level. Here are some ideas: Local Guided Tours: Offer walking or biking tours of your area, highlighting local landmarks, hidden gems, and historical sites. Tailor these tours to different interests, such as architecture, street art, or local cuisine. Workshops and Classes: Share your skills or local crafts through workshops. This could include cooking classes featuring local recipes, art or pottery workshops, or even a yoga session in a scenic spot. Outdoor Adventures: If your location permits organize outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or bird-watching tours. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and safety measures in place. Cultural Experiences: Connect your guests with the local culture by offering experiences like a traditional dance class, a visit to a local market with a cooking session afterward, or a storytelling evening with local legends. By offering these additional services, you not only enhance your guests’ experience but also create more opportunities for income. Make sure to check Airbnb’s guidelines and local regulations regarding offering experiences. Mastering the Art of Airbnb Photography and Descriptions Creating a compelling Airbnb listing is an art that combines stunning visuals with engaging narratives. Here’s how you can master this art to attract more guests: Professional Quality Photos: Invest in high-quality, professional photographs that showcase your space in the best light. Consider the following: Use Natural Light: Schedule your photo shoot during the day when natural light is abundant to make your space look bright and welcoming. Highlight Key Areas: Focus on areas that guests care about most, such as the living area, bedrooms, and any unique features of your property. Showcase Amenities: Don’t forget to include photos of the amenities you offer, whether it’s a cozy fireplace, a spacious backyard, or a well-equipped kitchen. Engaging and Detailed Descriptions: Your description should tell a story that invites guests to imagine themselves enjoying your space. Consider these points: Highlight Unique Features: What makes your place special? Whether it’s a breathtaking view, a central location, or eco-friendly practices, make sure to mention it early in the description. Be Honest and Clear: Manage expectations by being transparent about your space. If there is a unique feature or a possible downside, it’s best to disclose it right away. Use Bullet Points for Amenities: Make your listing easy to scan by listing amenities and features in bullet points. This helps guests quickly see what you offer. Local Insights: Include a section about the neighborhood, mentioning nearby attractions, favorite local spots, and distances to major landmarks. This adds value to your listing and helps guests plan their stay. READ MORE: How to Start an Airbnb Business How to be an Airbnb Host Image: Depositphotos This article, "What is an Airbnb?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You know what I miss? Listening to the radio. I’ve always loved background music, which helps me focus. But modern music-streaming services can be distracting. Yes, I enjoy having instant access to millions of songs with services like Spotify. But I find myself constantly fiddling—searching for the next song, hitting the forward button, and choosing new playlists. Radio stations are a great alternative. You just hit the play button, and someone else makes the decisions. Now, of course, Spotify and other such services offer radio-station-like options of their own. But there’s always that “next track” button tempting you to skip around. Plus, these options still don’t have that human touch. That’s why I was so excited to find this classic-seeming radio gem—with a decidedly modern twist. Unearth all sorts of incredible tech treasures with my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. An eye-opening new discovery in your inbox every Wednesday! So long, Spotify—hello, Radio Garden ➜ Meet ​Radio Garden​, a free website with apps available for ​Android​ and ​iPhone​. It marries a Google-Earth-style globe interface with streaming-radio audio. With that one-two punch, ​Radio Garden​ helps you find and listen to radio stations from all over the world. A few quick clicks is all it takes to zoom into any city and start listening to its local stations. You can also browse and search for individual stations if there’s something specific you’re looking to find. It’s a powerful Spotify alternative, and the exact experience you have will depend in large part on the specific station or stations you pick. For instance, many stations are terrestrial radio stations, which means they’ll have ads. But you can find quite a few curated radio stations that are ad-free, too. Popping down to Miami, I found Chilltrax—a popular online-only channel that’s ad-free, independently owned and operated, and staffed by actual humans who are passionate about the music they’re playing. Moving from there to San Francisco, I discovered ​SomaFM’s classic Groove Salad​ station—also free from any and all commercials. I was listening to that ambient station 20 years ago, so it was a nice surprise to see that it’s still up and running and available now ​here. Those are great for focused work, but there’s so much you can explore within Radio Garden’s virtual walls. You could: Find a random city far away from you and listen to its regular radio stations for a bit of local flavor. Browse stations by genre and find something that fits your taste or current mood to play in the background. Create a list of your favorite stations to come back to. Or just listen to your own city’s local radio stations right on the Radio Garden website or app. Listen on the go Radio Garden is available on any device you’re using—on the web, for a computer, or via its official ​Android or ​iPhone apps on mobile. The service itself is completely free. It does insert a few visual ads, but it doesn’t add in any audio advertising or other stream interruptions. (You can remove those visual ads with a $25-a-year premium subscription, if you want.) Radio Garden doesn’t collect much personal data, either. It doesn’t even require an account or any sort of sign-in. Speaking of free, keep the tech treasures flowing with my Cool Tools newsletter. You’ll get a single new off-the-beaten-path gem like this in your inbox every Wednesday! View the full article

When a city burns, people often zoom in on houses, the individual cells that make up the fabric of a community. After the tragic fires in Los Angeles earlier this month, many publications, this one included, published essays, case studies, and guides shedding light on how to fire-proof a house. These guides are crucial tools for people who’ve lost their homes and for those who will be responsible for rebuilding them. But many experts are arguing that fire-proofing individual houses is not enough. They say we need to fire-proof entire communities. “You can almost think of it as a domino effect,” says Michael Gollner, an associate professor at UC Berkeley’s Fire Research Lab. All it takes is for one house to burst into flames for those flames—or the embers they will produce—to set the neighbor’s house on fire, and the neighbor’s neighbor’s house—until one by one, the houses end up falling like dominoes. This is what happened in L.A., where the fires recently burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed 15,700 structures (including homes, schools, churches, synagogues, and various architectural gems), and displaced nearly 200,000 people who found themselves under evacuation orders. L.A. is not the first city to be ravaged by a wildfire, and tragic as it is, it will not be the last. Over the course of 2024, average global temperatures rose above 1.5 Celsius. This means that extreme weather events that are exacerbated by climate change—like wildfires, flash floods, and hurricanes—are likely to occur more frequently, and with more intensity. If officials seize the opportunity, however, Los Angeles could become a model of resilience and provide a blueprint for a wildfire-adapted city of the future. An aerial image taken on January 25, 2025 shows homes damaged and destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. [Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images] The anatomy of a fire-adapted community There is no silver bullet for a fire-adapted city. Every city faces unique challenges that stem from its geographical location, topographical features, or economic constraints, and building a fire-adapted community requires a multifaceted, ever-evolving approach. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes on its website: “A community doesn’t achieve ‘fire adapted community’ status or certification because the work to reduce wildfire risk never ends.” But a few facts remain universal. First: There is no fire without fuel, and cities are practically mines of combustible materials. There are the obvious contenders—gasoline-powered cars, wooden bungalows, dry vegetation. There are also the less obvious: palm trees (their dead fronds near the top are highly flammable) and juniper trees (they contain volatile oils). And perhaps the least obvious: highly flammable couches made of polyester fabric and polyurethane foam, aka plastic. The second point is a logical extension of the first: When fire is starved of fuel, it is easier to extinguish. In practical terms, a fire-adapted community is one that understands the value of buffers. These include hardscapes, nonflammable barriers like tall stucco walls, and landscapes that can be heavily irrigated in anticipation of a wildfire. The solution isn’t to rip out all the trees, or to stop planting new ones. Trees play a crucial role in reducing the urban heat island effect that often chokes urban environments. They also provide shade and oxygen. A better option, according to Gollner, would be for city planners and landscape designers to follow a hopscotch pattern when rebuilding. “You can have islands of trees and vegetation, but they need to be isolated,” Gollner explains. When vegetation is isolated, fires can still start, but firefighters will have a better chance at containing isolated fires. Architect Michael Kovac points to his house, which survived the Palisades Fire due to fire-resilient features used in its construction. [Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images] The sprawl problem The problem is that L.A. wasn’t built with buffers in mind. While the city has a vast footprint, its buildable land is ultimately finite. Urban infill—developing vacant or underutilized land within the city—could be a solution to accommodate growth without expanding outward. But almost 80% of Los Angeles today is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, preventing the construction of multiunit housing in these areas. As a result, when demand for housing rises, new development ends up being pushed farther out to the edges of the city—and closer to what is known as the wildland urban interface zone. This zone (which encompasses both Altadena and the Pacific Palisades) is more vulnerable to wildfires. Over the years, many experts have argued that L.A. should rezone and “built up, not out.” But Gollner—a self-described realist—is reticent of such a radical approach. “We’re not going to cancel the sprawl. I don’t see any shift in public sentiment that’s going to change it,” he says, adding, “Instead, I want to focus on rebuilding it in a more resilient way so that this isn’t going to happen again.” One answer might be to create what Justin Hollander, a professor of urban and environmental policy and planning at Tufts University, has called “new towns”—a kind of “zoning overlay” that stipulates a number of requirements for the developer of a new neighborhood. Unlike single-family zoning, which dictates how individual lots are to be used on a large parcel of land, an overlay would establish comprehensive requirements for the development of an entire community, including reliable public transit, safe pedestrian and bike paths, well-planned roadways, essential utilities, and community-wide fire-resistant features like buffers, appropriate landscapes, and so on. Hollander explains this zoning overlay would exist simultaneously with the underlying zoning while introducing new opportunities or restrictions. An approach like Hollander’s might also encourage broader, interconnected thinking, discouraging planners and developers from addressing one disaster while inadvertently exacerbating another (like building wider evacuation roads, which improve fire access but can increase erosion and runoff, making mudslides more likely). “When you work too hard to solve a single problem, that myopic viewpoint ends up detracting from holistic problem-solving,” Hollander says. Today, Altadena operates under its own set of zoning and development rules, outlined in Title 22—Planning and Zoning of the Los Angeles County Code. Hollander explains that Altadena would have to amend the rules to allow for “new towns” to be built by right, meaning developers wouldn’t have to go through lengthy approval processes or seek special permits. Then the county would have to approve the modifications. As Hollander envisions it, overlay zoning would provide the community with a tool to guide the reconstruction of Altadena that isn’t based on a lot-by-lot model of zoning, but on a larger area that would consider fire risks at a neighborhood level. “Each individual property owner can not realistically account for all of these considerations, but a master planner could,” he says. The process may seem administratively arduous, but it would pave the way for an intentionally designed community that is more connected, more walkable, and more resilient than it was before. The Malibu home of Nancy and Jim Evans (photographed on January 14, 2025) survived the Palisades Fire even though many neighboring homes didn’t. After the previous house on the same lot burned down in a 1993 wildfire, Evans built a fire-resilient structure with a metal roof, steel-reinforced walls with cinderblock at the bottom, double-paned windows, and 6 feet of stone encircling the house, clear of vegetation. The rest of the yard is landscaped with fire-resilient succulents and oak trees. [Photo: Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images] The seeds of a resilient community Already, Los Angeles has set up special parking restrictions banning street parking on narrow roads, sharp curves, and key intersections when high winds signal fire danger. Local governments in the L.A. region have also adopted defensible space rules that require property owners to clear away flammable vegetation and materials from their property to reduce fire risk. However, the ordinance applies only to houses in a so-called Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. In 2020, state lawmakers passed a more aggressive, more restrictive fireproofing measure that specifically targets the first 5 feet around a home and bars things like brush and mulch, but also wooden fencing, furniture, and sheds. The bill’s aim is to create an “ember-resistant zone” within 5 feet of a house, which is known as “Zone 0,” but it has faced pushback and still hasn’t been implemented. “No one wants to cut down their petunias or juniper gasoline can next to their window,” says Gollner, though such changes can make a real difference. “What you do affects your neighbor, and your neighbor’s neighbor.” California also has one of the country’s most stringent building codes. Chapter 7A of the building code passed in 2008 mandates fire-resistant siding, tempered glass, vegetation management, and vents for attics and crawl spaces that are specially designed to prevent embers from flying in. According to a 2021 study, the new building code has proven to reduce average structure loss risk during a wildfire by 40%. But the building code applies only to new homes. And in both Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, where the biggest fires occurred, the majority of the housing stock was built before Chapter 7A went into effect. Now vast swaths of these neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes, and anything that gets rebuilt will have to adhere to Chapter 7A. It is a painfully, unthinkably overwhelming situation. But as Gollner points out, it is also “an opportunity to make a change for the future.” View the full article

The Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid has left humanitarian organizations in the lurch, halting lifesaving services and putting the future of the sector at risk. Even if organizations find ways to continue their work, experts say the move puts the global reputation of the United States at risk. The Trump administration announced a sweeping and unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance last week. This halts billions of dollars: In fiscal year 2022 (the most recently reported numbers), the U.S. promised $70.3 billion for humanitarian aid and other foreign “peace, security, and economic development” efforts. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a waiver for lifesaving services, Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation, says the definition of what counts as this kind of aid isn’t clear. Humanitarian aid workers themselves say there is still little guidance or clarity about which organizations qualify, and whether that permission supersedes the suspension letters they received. It’s also not clear whether the waiver covers things like data collection or information systems that then allow lifesaving aid work to function efficiently. The Famine Early Warning Systems website run by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for example, became unavailable in the wake of the announcement. “Maybe collecting data is not seen as saving lives, but it’s like telling a physician, ‘You can administer medicine but you can’t give a diagnosis,’” de Waal says. Humanitarian work in Sudan, Uganda, and other countries halted The freeze concerns not just new contracts but also current contracts—including ones with foreign governments, which may be considered treaties. De Waal says that means it’s a breach of contract and unlawful. It also means that humanitarian organizations are concerned they won’t be reimbursed for work they’ve already been contracted to do. Until more guidance is issued by the State Department or USAID, “we really have to continue to assume that our activities are to be suspended,” says one senior aid worker at an organization that works in countries including Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia. “And this is true for pretty much all [international nongovernmental organizations, or INGOs].” The impact for people in those countries is already devastating. In Sudan, that worker’s organization runs feeding centers for malnourished babies and children, which require 24-hour care. “Having to immediately shut these feeding centers means that these babies will die in a matter of hours,” they say. In Uganda, the organization runs reception and transit centers for refugees coming from Congo. Just last week, the Congo city of Goma fell to rebel forces, ushering in even more violence and insecurity. That means the number of refugees entering Uganda is growing, but with the closing of those centers—which provide food, shelter, and organizational services—refugees are left without support. “Then you start to play this out—what does this look like as more and more people come every day because of the violence happening in Congo, and there continues to be no one actually organizing new arrivals?” the senior aid worker says. “You can imagine that is going to lead to continued scarcity of resources on the ground, and then conflict and violence will ensue when there’s no order there, and more and more people [will be] on the brink of starvation.” Risk to the entire humanitarian sector Some groups, particularly if they have private funding, may be able to continue their work during this freeze. For the aid worker who spoke to Fast Company, though, the risk is too great for their midsize organization. Continuing their work could result in millions of dollars in uncovered costs and no reassurance that they would be reimbursed by the U.S. government. They already fear having such costs because of details like Sudanese labor laws, which require six months’ notice for employees before their contracts are terminated. That means even if the organization halts its work immediately, it will still need to pay hundreds of frontline workers for six months of employment. “If that’s an uncovered cost of $2 million—just for Sudan, not to mention [the other countries we work in]—we will go under,” the worker says. “As will almost every INGO and USAID contractor.” Though there are still many unknowns amid the chaos, the senior aid worker noted that donations to organizations doing humanitarian work could be crucial to allow them to continue their services. They also advocated for pressure on Congress and elected officials “to say that this is unconscionable, this is not who we are, and we don’t want to see this happen.” Destructive to U.S. national security Beyond the appalling, immediate human toll and risk to humanitarian work at large, the freeze also threatens international relations and national security. Many U.S. administrations have seen foreign aid as a national security issue, de Waal says, and even if the funding gets reinstated, the freeze has “basically sent huge shock waves” through the world of U.S. allies. That’s because the U.S.’s reputation is now taking a hit. “It telegraphs so clearly that the United States is not a reliable partner. It is not an entity that you can trust or depend on to make good on its word,” says Hilary Matfess, an assistant professor at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies. “And that’s a really easy narrative to exploit if you are one of our near-peer or great power competitors.” That could spur anti-U.S. sentiment, and more. Without the U.S. providing much-needed aid around the globe, there will be a vacuum that other countries may be strategically looking to fill. “If you’re Russia or China right now, you just have to be kind of sitting back giddily to watch the United States be so willing to sacrifice the reputation that it’s built through its aid programs,” Matfess says, adding that from a policy perspective, this was like the U.S. “shooting itself in the foot.” Combating the influence of rising powers like Russia and China is done, Matfess says, “in part by cultivating global alliances and doubling down on partnerships based on the idea that we can do good in the world. . . . This withdrawal suggests that all of that is fragile and untenable.” It also suggests the U.S.’s approach to foreign relations is to “bully” its way into maintaining influence, she notes, though she says she doesn’t “have a lot of faith in that being able to work.” De Waal called the action of freezing foreign aid “entirely impetuous and reckless.” He says the move only makes sense in the context of a total reboot of U.S. strategy. (The aim of that reboot may be to completely change the country’s approach to foreign aid; the freeze came as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, and a State Department memo noted that Rubio will, over the next few months, decide whether to “continue, modify, or terminate programs.”) “But in the moment between pushing the reboot button and the reboot happening,” de Waal says, “an awful lot of havoc can happen.” View the full article

Israa Nasir is a psychotherapist and founder of WellGuide, a digital community for mental health awareness. Her work centers around helping people redefine their relationship with productivity and achievement to lead more mindful, purpose-driven lives. She has been featured in Vox, NBC, and Teen Vogue and invited to speak at Google, Meta, and Yale. What’s the big idea? Productivity isn’t always a good thing. It can be a way to fill the void of unmet emotional needs, perpetuate a constant state of busyness, and erode well-being. For productivity to be healthy rather than toxic—an activity, not an identity—it must come from a place of self-care, balance, and personal fulfillment. Below, Israa shares five key insights from her new book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More. Listen to the audio version—read by Israa herself—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. Know the difference between healthy and toxic productivity On the surface, healthy and toxic productivity can both look like achieving goals, but their roots couldn’t be more different. Healthy productivity aligns with your values and allows you to work with intention and purpose without sacrificing your well-being. Toxic productivity pushes you to do more out of fear, shame, the need for external validation, or a drive to prove your worth—not out of genuine purpose. In toxic productivity, productivity habits become an identity rather than an activity. We learn harmful or unhelpful messages about productivity throughout our early childhood experiences. You must bring awareness to your habits and patterns before you can unlearn them. Ultimately, the long-term effects of toxic productivity are harmful. Studies show that if you link your self-worth solely to productivity, you’re at a greater risk for mental health challenges like anxiety and depression because you’re constantly striving to meet self-imposed, impossible demands. By recognizing when productivity stops serving you and starts consuming you, you can shift to a healthier, more intentional way of working—one that enhances your life rather than depletes it. 2. Emotions play a role in productivity It’s easy to think of productivity as a purely logical process, but emotions like guilt, fear of failure, and the need for approval deeply influence productivity. Sometimes, we use productivity to cope with uncomfortable feelings. Other times, productivity habits or lack thereof can trigger uncomfortable feelings. For instance, productivity guilt is the feeling that you’re never doing enough, often resulting in overwork. The American Psychological Association shows that those who struggle with productivity guilt tend to work long hours and take fewer breaks, which leads to burnout. “Emotional regulation isn’t just about feeling better. It enhances productivity.” Learning to regulate your emotions is crucial. This means learning to identify, understand, manage, and release difficult emotions. Tools like mindfulness, journaling, movement crafts, and setting realistic goals can help you manage feelings constructively, allowing you to operate from a place of balance instead of anxiety. Emotional regulation isn’t just about feeling better. It enhances productivity. By helping you focus, make clearer decisions, and stay motivated through emotional awareness, you can begin asking yourself: Am I working from a place of purpose or fear? This question is the key to creating sustainable productivity. 3. Toxic productivity often hides in daily habits Toxic productivity isn’t always obvious. It often lurks in small, seemingly harmless habits, such as working through lunch, checking emails at midnight, or staying glued to your phone for fear of missing something. Toxic productivity can also mask itself as personal development habits, self-care, meeting emotional needs, and chronic busyness. These behaviors can snowball into a lifestyle that prioritizes doing over being, leading to feelings of disengagement and exhaustion. You can transform toxic habits into nurturing ones. Instead of working nonstop, schedule genuine breaks, like a quick walk or a few minutes of mindful breathing. Research shows that taking short, regular breaks can boost productivity by up to 40%. Allow your brain space to reset. Also, balance the well-being of your relationships with your productivity habits. This helps you stay connected to community and have your emotional needs met so that you don’t have to turn to toxic productivity habits. This approach turns productivity from a draining cycle into a process of growth where self-care is the driving force rather than self-neglect. 4. Busting myths that keep you trapped in toxic productivity Our culture is filled with productivity myths that can keep you stuck. For example, you might believe multitasking makes you more efficient, but research shows it can reduce efficiency by up to 40%. Then there’s the myth that busyness equals productivity or that doing more equates to more success. But that’s also far from true. Research shows that only 20% of daily tasks drive 80% of our results. These beliefs can lead you to overcommit, so you’re constantly busy but rarely fulfilled. “Working smarter-not-harder means giving yourself permission to focus on what really matters rather than just filling time.” By reframing these myths, you start to see productivity as a personal, flexible practice, not a rigid checklist. Working smarter-not-harder means giving yourself permission to focus on what really matters rather than just filling time. You’re not bound by external definitions of success, achievement, or productivity. Be guided by your own sense of fulfillment. 5. Rest is essential In a society that glorifies the hustle, rest is often seen as something you earn only after checking off your to-do list. But rest is not a reward; it’s essential. Neuroscience research shows that the brain needs downtime to process information, form memories, and spark creativity. A study from the University of California found that people who took regular rest breaks were 26% more likely to experience breakthroughs in problem-solving compared to those who worked nonstop. Rest isn’t just about physical recovery either. It’s also a mental reset for approaching tasks with fresh energy and creativity. By intentionally building rest into your day, such as setting aside quiet moments or practicing active rest through hobbies, rest becomes part of the productivity cycle. Embracing rest as a cornerstone of productivity means honoring your own rhythm, allowing you to approach each task with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Re-imagining productivity means questioning cultural frameworks about achievement and self-worth. Toxic productivity is the quiet whisper urging you to always be in the next stage, closer to the conclusion. But living this way takes you out of the present. It keeps joy at a distance. The most optimized life is not the happiest life. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

The U.S. government gives other nations $68 billion of foreign assistance annually—more than any other country. Over half of this sum is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, including funds for programs aimed at fighting hunger and disease outbreaks, providing humanitarian relief in war zones, and supporting other lifesaving programs such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. President Donald Trump suspended most U.S. foreign aid on January 20, 2025, the day he took office for the second time. The next day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stop-work order that for 90 days halted foreign aid funding disbursements by agencies like USAID, the United States Agency for International Development. A week later, dozens of senior USAID officials were put on leave after the Trump administration reportedly accused them of trying to “circumvent” the aid freeze. The Office of Management and Budget is now pausing and evaluating all foreign aid to see whether it adheres to the Trump administration’s policies and priorities. I’m a scholar of foreign aid who researches what happens to the U.S. government’s local partners in the countries receiving this assistance when funding flows are interrupted. Most of these partners are local nonprofits that build schools, vaccinate children, respond to emergencies, and provide other key goods and services. These organizations often rely on foreign funding. A “reckless” move Aid to Egypt and Israel was spared, along with some emergency food aid. The U.S. later waived the stop-work order for the distribution of lifesaving medicines. Nearly all of the other aid programs remained on hold as of January 29, 2025. Many development professionals criticized the freeze, highlighting the disruption it will cause in many countries. A senior USAID official issued an anonymous statement calling it “reckless.” InterAction, the largest coalition of international nongovernmental organizations in the U.S., called the halt contrary to U.S. global leadership and values. Of the $35 billion to $40 billion in aid that USAID distributes annually, $22 billion is delivered through grants and contracts with international organizations to implement programs. These can be further subcontracted to local partners in recipient countries. When this aid is frozen, scaled back, or cut off altogether, these local partners scramble to fill in the gaps. The State Department manages the rest of the $68 billion in annual U.S. foreign aid, along with other agencies, such as the Peace Corps. How local nonprofits respond and adapt While sudden disruptions to foreign aid are always destabilizing, research shows that aid flows have fluctuated since 1960, growing more volatile over the years. My research partners and I have found that these disruptions harm local service providers, although many of them manage to carry on their work. Over the years, I have conducted hundreds of interviews with international nongovernmental organizations and these nonprofits’ local partners across Latin America, Africa, and Asia about their services and funding sources. I study the strategies those development and humanitarian assistance groups follow when aid gets halted. These four are the most common. 1. Shift to national or local government funding In many cases, national and local governments end up supporting groups that previously relied on foreign aid, filling the void. An educational program spearheaded by a local Ecuadorian nonprofit, Desarrollo y Autogestión, called Accelerated Basic Cycle is one example. This program targets young people who have been out of school for more than three years. It allows them to finish elementary school—known as the “basic cycle” in Ecuador—in one year to then enter high school. First supported in part by funding from foreign governments, it transitioned to being fully funded by Ecuador’s government and then became an official government program run by the country’s ministry of education. 2. Earn income Local nonprofits can also earn income by charging fees for their services or selling goods, which allows them to fulfill their missions while generating some much-needed cash. For example, SEND Ghana is a development organization that has promoted good governance and equality in Ghana since its founding in 1998. In 2009, SEND Ghana created a for-profit subsidiary called SENDFiNGO that administers microfinance programs and credit unions. That subsidiary now helps fund SEND Ghana’s work. Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and the Grameen Bank, which is also in Bangladesh, use this approach too. 3. Tap local philanthropy Networks such as Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support and Global Fund for Community Foundations have emerged to promote local philanthropy around the world. They press governments to adopt policies that encourage local philanthropy. This kind of giving has become easier to do thanks to the emergence of crowdfunding platforms. Still, complex tax systems and the lack of incentives for giving in many countries that receive foreign aid are persistent challenges. Some governments have stepped in. India’s corporate social responsibility law, enacted in 2014, boosted charitable incentives. For example, it requires 2% of corporate profits to go to social initiatives in India. 4. Obtain support from diaspora communities Diasporas are people who live outside of their countries of origin, or where their families came from, but maintain strong ties to places they consider to be their homeland. Local nonprofits around the globe are leveraging diaspora communities’ desire to contribute to economic development in their countries of origin. In Colombia, for example, Fundación Carla Cristina, a nongovernmental organization, runs nursery schools and provides meals to low-income children. It gets some of its funding from diaspora-led nonprofits in the U.S., such as the New England Association for Colombian Children, which is based outside of Boston, and Give to Colombia in Miami. A push for the locals to do more Trump’s stop-work order coincided with a resurgence of a localization push that’s currently influencing foreign aid from many countries. With localization, nations providing foreign aid seek to increase the role of local authorities and organizations in development and humanitarian assistance. USAID has been a leading proponent of localization. I believe that the abruptness of the stop-work order is likely to disrupt many development projects. These projects include support to Ukrainian aid groups that provide emergency humanitarian assistance and projects serving meals to children who don’t get enough to eat. To be sure, sometimes there are good reasons for aid to be halted. But when that happens, sound and responsible donor exit strategies are essential to avoid the loss of important local services. Susan Appe is an associate professor of public administration and policy at the University at Albany, State University of New York. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Handover to Red Cross comes with Israel due to free 183 Palestinian prisoners in exchange later on Saturday.View the full article