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Many freelancers believe inflation is just a distant line in government reports, something that barely dents their day-to-day hustle. If you find yourself thinking, “It’s just a few extra dollars at the store,” you are not alone. Yet behind those small changes is a slow but steady force that can quietly chip away at your financial security, often without immediate warning signs. Here’s a fact that may surprise you. Data from the 2025 Freelancer Rates Report shows that while rates have gone up slightly on average, many freelancers adjust their pricing less than once per year, often falling behind the real cost of living. If you skipped a rate adjustment, you are already making less than you did just a year ago, even if your workload hasn’t changed. But how exactly does this subtle erosion happen, and what can you realistically do to stop it before it harms your business? Why Inflation Matters for FreelancersInflation is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time, but the real cost for freelancers is often misunderstood. Freelancers lack a boss to grant a cost-of-living raise, so when there’s inflation it affects them more, especially when they don't charge more for their services. Without insurance from union contracts or payroll formulas, every missed rate check eats away at financial health, often quietly and without immediate warning.​ It’s not just the price of eggs. Think rising software fees, equipment costs, utilities, professional memberships, almost everything takes a small jump year over year. A licensing renewal that was $100 is suddenly $110. Add that up across your entire business and household, and you could face hundreds in annual extra outlays, without even factoring in groceries or medical spend.​ The Hidden Erosion of Stagnant RatesIf your client rates or project fees haven’t shifted upward in a year or more, inflation is winning. Here’s the math: if you charged $3,000 a month from freelancing in 2023 and have the same figure today, you’re actually losing cash. That’s because $3,000 now likely covers only $2,880 worth of 2023 expenses if inflation ran at 4% this year. This subtle erosion, often “just” $50–100 a month, sneaks up and can eventually dent emergency savings, retirement funds, and day-to-day living. Many freelancers hold off on raising rates, worried about losing clients or sounding “pushy.” Yet the longer you wait, the harder it can be to catch up. Delayed increases often mean bigger, more abrupt jumps that clients notice, and sometimes resist. Meanwhile, you’re absorbing months or years of undervalued work, and that gap rarely closes all at once. What Freelancers Can Do About Inflation—Step by StepReview and Update Your Rates Annually Put a yearly date on your calendar, even if it’s just a 3% bump, regular reviews ensure you keep pace with rising costs. Benchmark rates in your specialty, but don’t ignore local inflation data, which is usually published monthly by central banks or government bureaus.Add a Small Buffer to All Quotes Instead of pegging your fee to last year’s costs, anticipate this year’s price jumps. Add 5–10% to quotes and project estimates to build in protection against unexpected expense hikes. This “inflation buffer” helps you absorb software fee jumps, energy prices, or insurance premium spikes without last-minute renegotiations.Explain Rate Changes in Plain Language When you need to raise your rates, don’t hide the reason. Tell clients directly: costs have changed, and you’re adjusting to continue delivering great work. Framing it around the actual value you deliver (fast turnarounds, reliable expertise, consistent results) helps make the change concrete and justified.Track Every Business Expense Monthly Set a recurring reminder to review your full business budget, subscriptions, travel, marketing, even co-working spaces. Spotting small rises early can help you negotiate, switch vendors, or pass along increases before small changes become budget busters. Favor annual or multi-year payment plans when possible to lock in lower rates.Invest Your Excess Earnings When inflation is high, cash loses value sitting idle. After covering living costs and building an emergency fund, consider putting extra funds in high-yield savings, short-term bonds, or other investment vehicles that at least match or beat inflation. Every percentage point counts for protecting your wealth.Diversify Your Clients and Services Widen your portfolio across sectors, geographies, and types of work. Different industries experience inflationary pressure at varying rates. If one segment slows, others may hold steady, or even increase. New clients are often the most open to new, inflation-adjusted rates.Use Tools and Calculators to Stay Informed Freelancer finance apps, budgeting tools, and inflation calculators are available for free or low cost. Tools like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint, or even spreadsheet templates make it easy to audit your progress and ensure your rates are keeping up with your spending profile.Build Automatic Increases into Client Contracts Whenever possible, write in annual percentage rate increases for ongoing or retainer work. This makes conversations easier and ensures clients expect, and plan for, routine adjustments.The Takeaway: You Are Your Own CFOInflation isn’t going away, and for freelancers, pretending it’s “not that bad” comes at real cost. But the fix doesn’t require genius. It’s built on simple routines: review, adjust, explain, and audit. Start now and you’ll regain control before invisible losses turn into a wealth gap you can’t outrun. Ready to take one concrete action this week? Add a rate review date to your calendar right now, and protect your future income, one micro-step at a time. View the full article

Many freelancers believe inflation is just a distant line in government reports, something that barely dents their day-to-day hustle. If you find yourself thinking, “It’s just a few extra dollars at the store,” you are not alone. Yet behind those small changes is a slow but steady force that can quietly chip away at your financial security, often without immediate warning signs. Here’s a fact that may surprise you. Data from the 2025 Freelancer Rates Report shows that while rates have gone up slightly on average, many freelancers adjust their pricing less than once per year, often falling behind the real cost of living. If you skipped a rate adjustment, you are already making less than you did just a year ago, even if your workload hasn’t changed. But how exactly does this subtle erosion happen, and what can you realistically do to stop it before it harms your business? Why Inflation Matters for FreelancersInflation is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time, but the real cost for freelancers is often misunderstood. Freelancers lack a boss to grant a cost-of-living raise, so when there’s inflation it affects them more, especially when they don't charge more for their services. Without insurance from union contracts or payroll formulas, every missed rate check eats away at financial health, often quietly and without immediate warning.​ It’s not just the price of eggs. Think rising software fees, equipment costs, utilities, professional memberships, almost everything takes a small jump year over year. A licensing renewal that was $100 is suddenly $110. Add that up across your entire business and household, and you could face hundreds in annual extra outlays, without even factoring in groceries or medical spend.​ The Hidden Erosion of Stagnant RatesIf your client rates or project fees haven’t shifted upward in a year or more, inflation is winning. Here’s the math: if you charged $3,000 a month from freelancing in 2023 and have the same figure today, you’re actually losing cash. That’s because $3,000 now likely covers only $2,880 worth of 2023 expenses if inflation ran at 4% this year. This subtle erosion, often “just” $50–100 a month, sneaks up and can eventually dent emergency savings, retirement funds, and day-to-day living. Many freelancers hold off on raising rates, worried about losing clients or sounding “pushy.” Yet the longer you wait, the harder it can be to catch up. Delayed increases often mean bigger, more abrupt jumps that clients notice, and sometimes resist. Meanwhile, you’re absorbing months or years of undervalued work, and that gap rarely closes all at once. What Freelancers Can Do About Inflation—Step by StepReview and Update Your Rates Annually Put a yearly date on your calendar, even if it’s just a 3% bump, regular reviews ensure you keep pace with rising costs. Benchmark rates in your specialty, but don’t ignore local inflation data, which is usually published monthly by central banks or government bureaus.Add a Small Buffer to All Quotes Instead of pegging your fee to last year’s costs, anticipate this year’s price jumps. Add 5–10% to quotes and project estimates to build in protection against unexpected expense hikes. This “inflation buffer” helps you absorb software fee jumps, energy prices, or insurance premium spikes without last-minute renegotiations.Explain Rate Changes in Plain Language When you need to raise your rates, don’t hide the reason. Tell clients directly: costs have changed, and you’re adjusting to continue delivering great work. Framing it around the actual value you deliver (fast turnarounds, reliable expertise, consistent results) helps make the change concrete and justified.Track Every Business Expense Monthly Set a recurring reminder to review your full business budget, subscriptions, travel, marketing, even co-working spaces. Spotting small rises early can help you negotiate, switch vendors, or pass along increases before small changes become budget busters. Favor annual or multi-year payment plans when possible to lock in lower rates.Invest Your Excess Earnings When inflation is high, cash loses value sitting idle. After covering living costs and building an emergency fund, consider putting extra funds in high-yield savings, short-term bonds, or other investment vehicles that at least match or beat inflation. Every percentage point counts for protecting your wealth.Diversify Your Clients and Services Widen your portfolio across sectors, geographies, and types of work. Different industries experience inflationary pressure at varying rates. If one segment slows, others may hold steady, or even increase. New clients are often the most open to new, inflation-adjusted rates.Use Tools and Calculators to Stay Informed Freelancer finance apps, budgeting tools, and inflation calculators are available for free or low cost. Tools like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint, or even spreadsheet templates make it easy to audit your progress and ensure your rates are keeping up with your spending profile.Build Automatic Increases into Client Contracts Whenever possible, write in annual percentage rate increases for ongoing or retainer work. This makes conversations easier and ensures clients expect, and plan for, routine adjustments.The Takeaway: You Are Your Own CFOInflation isn’t going away, and for freelancers, pretending it’s “not that bad” comes at real cost. But the fix doesn’t require genius. It’s built on simple routines: review, adjust, explain, and audit. Start now and you’ll regain control before invisible losses turn into a wealth gap you can’t outrun. Ready to take one concrete action this week? Add a rate review date to your calendar right now, and protect your future income, one micro-step at a time. View the full article

If Nike hired Michael Jordan to work at headquarters, would you expect the marketing team to start sinking three-pointers? Of course not. He’s extraordinary, but skill doesn’t spread by proximity. Here’s a better question: What do Nike employees need to know about basketball? The rules. Game duration. Equipment specs. Enough to design better shoes, write sharper campaigns, and forecast demand accurately. They don’t need to play in the NBA. And Nike doesn’t need to hire NBA players to improve its business. The same is true for AI. Most companies don’t need extreme AI talent to unlock real efficiency gains. They need people across the organization to understand how AI applies to their work. Until leaders get specific about which AI skills matter, where they live, and how they show up in day-to-day work, no amount of hiring AI experts will make an organization truly AI-enabled. THREE TYPES OF AI SKILLS “AI skills” aren’t a single capability. In practice, it’s three categories, each with its own learning curves, and business outcomes. 1. AI literacy: Everyone’s baseline 2. AI integration: Technical professionals’ everyday craft 3. AI creation: Specialists’ deep work 1. AI literacy is everyone’s job I like to think of this as teaching the entire company how to drive with GPS. Not everyone needs to build the map. But everyone should know when the directions are reliable, when the route is risky, and when the system is confidently wrong. First is AI literacy. Employees need to understand what AI can do, what it can’t, and what it will do when it doesn’t know the answer. Literacy prevents common failures: over-trusting outputs, under-using tools, and feeding poor context. Second is AI tool fluency, which is role-specific. A marketer generating content, a recruiter screening candidates, and a support lead drafting responses all need different AI tools. One reason I like IKEA’s approach is that they’re treating AI literacy as every employee’s responsibility, and the company’s responsibility to enable it. They equipped thousands of coworkers with Microsoft’s generative AI tools and gave them time to learn. What did this look like in practice? Designers generate product visualizations, store managers create training presentations, and supply chain analysts draft forecasting reports. Everyone, not just one department. 2. AI integration is a core skill for technical teams If AI literacy is “drive with GPS,” AI integration is “install the GPS into the car.” This is where engineering teams earn their keep. Integration skills include prompt design, system evaluation, and knowing when AI belongs in the flow. Here is what this looks like when done as a system. Salesforce created an internal demo series called Thoughtluck Thursdays, where engineers show short, practical demos of how they integrated AI into their processes and then share patterns other teams can reuse. Salesforce’s approach works because it creates repeatable templates and guardrails other engineers can ship. 3. AI creation is a specialty, not a company-wide requirement AI creation is the ability to develop, train, and refine models. It requires deep expertise in data collection and preparation, model training, evaluation, and specialized techniques. It is also the smallest cohort of most organizations. If you are not building models as a core part of your product strategy, you do not need a large AI creation team. You need a small number of specialists, and the rest of the organization needs to become competent in usage and integration. EXTERNAL HIRING HAS ITS PLACE Let me be clear: External hiring isn’t wrong. It’s necessary when you need skills you genuinely don’t have, especially in AI creation. But hiring people with “AI skills” on their résumés cannot be your primary path to AI literacy and integration. First, there is no established market for AI skills. The capabilities are too new, the demand is everywhere, and the talent pool is impossibly thin. Every company is chasing the same small group of people, and most of those people are already employed or starting their own companies. Second, it is harder to teach someone the ins and outs of your business than to teach them how to incorporate AI into their daily work. The biggest returns come from reskilling the people who already understand your business, your culture, and your systems. This is where hiring and training stop being separate motions and start becoming one system. HR OWNS THIS Don’t get me wrong, IT teams are essential. They evaluate vendors, manage security, and integrate systems. But selecting the right tools doesn’t determine whether AI changes how work gets done by the people doing the work. Building the right skills does. That’s why HR needs a seat at the table from day one to ask the right questions: Who gets trained first? How will we train them? Which roles evolve? How will performance be measured? Are there larger talent mobility needs? Here’s where to start: 1. Pick one team. Choose a group that’s already eager to experiment, has clearly defined processes already, and can measure impact. 2. Give them three months and a small budget. Let them explore AI tools relevant to their work. Provide training. Remove barriers. Measure what breaks and what works. 3. Share the results company-wide. The wins, the failures, the unexpected friction points. Make it real and specific. That’s your AI strategy. Not a nine-figure hire or a top-down mandate or a hope that capability spreads. Build the skills where work happens, scale what works, and repeat. Tigran Sloyan is the CEO and cofounder of CodeSignal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Nothing, an upstart tech brand from the U.K. that makes products like phones, smartwatches, and headphones, has quickly become one of my favorites lately. Its products offer unique features and designs, and the prices are competitive. Right now, Nothing's latest budget over-ear headphones, which were released in October, the CMF Headphone Pros, are just $79 (originally $99), the product's lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. This is a great option for anyone looking to get budget over-the-ear headphones that punch above their weight. CMF Pro ANC Wireless Headphones (Dark Grey) Bluetooth 5.4 Over The Ear Headset, 50H ANC Playtime, Bass&Treble Slider, Custom EQ&Spatial Audio, Hi-Res LDAC $79.00 at Amazon $99.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $79.00 at Amazon $99.00 Save $20.00 Very much like Nothing's CMF Buds Pro 2 earbuds, the CMF Headphone Pros are budget headphones that punch above their weight. They are an affordable alternative to the popular Headphone 1 (which will cost you $299), and are the first to seamlessly integrate into the Nothing/CMF ecosystem, including smartphones, watches, and other audio products. There is a companion Nothing X app that allows you to customize action buttons, among other things, but the cool thing about these headphones is the control you get without needing the app. There is a multi-function roller on one side of the headphone that you can roll to adjust volume or press to control the ANC modes, which include adaptive ANC (adjusting cancellation/transparency in real-time) and Spatial Audio (creates an immersive, 3D soundstage for music/movies). On the other side, you'll find an "Energy Slider," which tunes your sound in real-time, instantly adjusting the treble and bass balance. You get an impressive 100 hours of playback on a single charge (reduced to up to 50 hours with ANC turned on) as well as AAC, SBC, and LDAC support. They have an IPX2 rating for resistance against sweat, and there is a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening. Nothing is well known for its minimalistic design, but these headphones go a bit further by allowing you to mix and match the earcups with different colors (they sell for $25). These are a good option for those looking for a bold style budget over-ear headphones that have great battery life and punch above their price point. View the full article

The honeymoon phase of "figuring out hybrid" is officially over. View the full article

Announcement comes as Donald The President’s desire to acquire Arctic island leads to alarm among European alliesView the full article

There are likely occasions in your day-to-day life in which you allow someone else to use your phone, whether it's letting your kid play a game or sharing content with a friend. You may do this without thinking about the privacy implications and what might happen if another person has access to everything on your device and—accidentally or on purpose—uses it to view your search history, scroll through your photos, or send messages to your contacts. If you're an Android user, you should enable app pinning to keep others from snooping around your device. This feature keeps the user in the pinned app until you enter your PIN, pattern, or password. (On iOS, you can achieve a similar effect with Guided Access, which also allows you to set time limits and disable the keyboard and touch input.) Enable app pinning on AndroidTo pin apps, you'll need to enable the feature in your phone's Settings app. To do so, go to Security or Security & location > Advanced > App pinning and toggle on Use app pinning and Ask for PIN before unpinning. Before handing your phone over, open to the app screen you want to pin, then swipe up to the middle of the screen and hold to open your Overview. Tap the app's icon, then tap Pin. This will keep the user locked into that app until you unpin (using your PIN, pattern, or password). Depending on your device navigation settings, there are a few ways to unpin an app: Gesture navigation: Swipe up and hold 2-button navigation: Touch and hold Back + Home 3-button navigation: Touch and hold Back + Overview Note that pinning won't prevent someone from using the app fully, such as swiping through your photos or typing in the search bar, as Android doesn't have the option to disable touch. Pinned apps can also open other apps. At the very least, though, it keeps someone from having access to anything and everything on your device. View the full article

President The President said he would prohibit large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. While the executive couldn't bar such investments on its own, a legislative ban could gain bipartisan support. View the full article

I write a lot about productivity, which means I also read a lot about it. Over the last few months, I've noticed an uptick in people discussing something called "cognitive overload," citing it as a potential reason for a decline in output. The phrase stuck out to me as one of those buzzy terms that has the potential to be overused until it's meaningless—but at its core, it certainly has a real, clear definition that can be helpful tool in maximizing productivity. Basically, cognitive overload is what happens when you're inundated with more information than your brain can process, so your brain just gives up altogether, making hard to focus on anything at all. Here's what to know about it and what to do once you identify it. What causes cognitive overload?You know all those jokes on social media about how a single news item or food product from modern times would kill a person born just a few centuries ago? They're funny and hyperbolic, but they're grounded in the fact that while the ways in which we produce things and share information have advanced wildly, the human brain has basically remained the same. We say it all the time but it bears repeating: We're just not cut out to handle the onslaught of stimuli we get on a daily basis. Think of how many times your phone lights up on a given day. I just checked my screentime app and discovered that though it's only early afternoon, I've gotten 150 notifications straight to my lock screen already today. It's only Wednesday, so I'm averaging 213 a day, which my phone assures me is down 20% from last week and I'm quite sure I'll pick back up by the time Sunday rolls around. Considering that a few months ago, I redid all my phone settings so not all of my notifications got blasted to my lock screen, this is concerning. That's just a lot of information to constantly see. As it turns out, text-based info is the main cause of cognitive overload, at least according to one study. Emails, Slack and Teams messages, texts, calendar notifications—the never-ending stream of these bad boys is a major contributor to the overall feeling of being unable to process or do anything. If you think about an average day when you've felt too zapped to work, it probably included plenty of those. Audio-visual stimuli are less debilitating, according to the study, so a Zoom or phone call or a manager stopping by your desk may not trip you up as badly. Beyond feeling like you can't even think straight or like you're too overwhelmed to take action on any one task, you may be able to recognize cognitive overload from other signs. If incoming messages make you feel frustrated or detached, for instance, no matter what they say, this could be happening to you. That's actually the symptom I experience most often, for what it's worth. When I'm overwhelmed by too much information, I find myself thinking, "What do you want?!" every time my phone lights up, before I even see who is reaching out. (Sorry, Mom.) How I'm battling cognitive overloadAs I was going through the study and thinking over cognitive overload, I realized I've already been implementing a few tricks that may have been helping me avoid it. As mentioned above, I banned my least-used apps from sending me notifications a few months ago. For years, I've also tinkered with my MacBook settings so I don't get any form of push notification on my computer. My phone is next to me at all times; there's no good reason for the top right corner of my laptop screen to be whacking me with the same notifications the phone is already showing me. A few other tried-and-true productivity approaches came to mind for me once I got a good grasp of what cognitive overload actually is. The one-touch rule of inbox management could be useful for you if you find that messages get you worked up. With that, you open each message as you get it and make an instant decision about what to do with the contents. It might seem counterintuitive to face each incoming message head-on if you're trying to avoid feeling burned out by the sheer volume of them, but I've found that when I see a message preview at the top of my screen and do nothing about it, it nags at me all day. Addressing it instantly helps me clear my mind and keep working. Otherwise, the way you go about battling this is going to be pretty subjective, although I do have one more recommendation: If you're not familiar with the Pomodoro technique, get familiar now. With it, you work for a set amount of time (usually 25 minutes) before taking a small break (usually five). When you're in those focus sessions, you should be completely distraction-free, putting your devices in Do Not Disturb mode or even using specialized apps to block other, distracting apps. Knowing you have to work seriously for a certain amount of time can help get you in the zone and push you away from information and decision paralysis while knowing you eventually get a break can help you stay relaxed as you go. View the full article

Robert F Kennedy Jr accuses past administrations of ‘lying’ to the public ‘to protect corporate profit-taking’View the full article

President Donald The President’s administration has introduced a new, inverted food pyramid with fewer food groups. The new three-section food pyramid is part of the administration’s new nutrition policy announced Wednesday, which encourages Americans to eat whole or minimally processed foods, which it calls “real food,” and has been a long time interest of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. His policy interests also shine through on the initiative’s new website, realfood.gov, which features copy that reads like a MAHA manifesto. The National Design Studio gave the website a minimalist design that takes cues from consumer companies like Chobani and Sweetgreen, with clean, sans-serif typefaces and playful illustrations. The new pyramid The original pyramid, released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992, featured six sections. The new version is flipped and has three: protein, dairy, and healthy fats; vegetables and fruits; and whole grains. Sweets have been removed. “It’s upside-down, a lot of people would say,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said at a White House press conference. “But it was actually upside-down before and we just righted it.” The new pyramid graphic makes do with fewer groups by combining categories from the original food pyramid. Whole grains, once included in the base of the original pyramid, now make up the smallest portion of the new version, while old categories—fruits and vegetables, and meat and dairy—are combined. The graphic is colorful, with eye-catching, painterly illustrations of example foods that might appear in a ’70s health food magazine. But the infographic is less successful as a piece of communication design. It’s not clear how literally the placement of foods within the graphic is meant to be. And although supporting documents about the new pyramid offer specific guidelines, like suggesting saturated fat consumption shouldn’t exceed 10% of total daily calories, the new pyramid doesn’t communicate specifics itself. Users can hover over each section of the pyramid for additional information, but it doesn’t provide much. The pyramid doesn’t indicate how many servings dairy or healthy fats should you have. And to determine your protein target, realfood.gov asks Americans to take on the additional step of first calculating their weight in kilograms. (Quite frankly, we don’t know what that is.) The federal government’s new guidance, which gets updated every five years, also removes specific recommendations about daily alcohol consumption and only suggests to drink less. It also calls for more protein and full-fat dairy. Government designers have worked to improve upon the food pyramid before. In 2005, an updated graphic made the food segments slice upwards instead of dividing the shape horizontally. In 2011, it ditched the pyramid altogether for MyPlate, a skeuomorphic representation of dietary guidelines that used a circular graphic to represent portions as they’d appear on a plate. The new 2026 pyramid represents the The President administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” priorities under Kennedy’s Health Department and comes two days after the agency cut its number of recommended vaccines for children, worrying medical groups. The new recommendations are not meant to be a strict diet, according to its website, but “a flexible framework meant to guide better choices.” It’s minimalist, for sure, but whether Americans find it a useful guide to healthy living remains to be seen. View the full article

A Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) strategy focuses on leveraging customer experiences to promote a brand or product. It relies on genuine interactions, encouraging satisfied customers to share their positive feedback. This approach builds trust and cultivates engagement through exceptional service. Comprehending how WOMM works and its key components can improve your marketing efforts. But what specific tactics can you implement to maximize this strategy’s potential? Key Takeaways A Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) strategy encourages consumers to share their positive experiences with a brand, enhancing trust and credibility. Effective WOMM focuses on creating memorable customer experiences that inspire sharing through conversations, social media, or reviews. Engaging influencers and leveraging digital channels can amplify WOMM by expanding reach and increasing visibility of consumer recommendations. Implementing referral programs can boost customer acquisition significantly, encouraging satisfied customers to refer friends and family. Monitoring feedback and addressing negative word of mouth promptly is crucial for maintaining a positive brand reputation and recovering dissatisfied customers. Definition of Word of Mouth Marketing Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) refers to the process where consumers share their experiences and opinions about a brand or product, resulting in spontaneous recommendations among their friends, family, and social circles. To define word of mouth marketing, it’s essential to understand that it hinges on genuine consumer interactions, often facilitated through social media, online reviews, and user-generated content. This marketing strategy is considered the most trusted form of advertising, as 88% of consumers prefer personal recommendations over other types. WOMM is likewise cost-effective, relying on authentic endorsements rather than paid promotions, which improves brand loyalty and can lead to increased sales. Engaging with customers through exceptional experiences and attentive service can amplify WOMM, encouraging more sharing and positive discussions about your brand. The Importance of Word of Mouth Marketing Utilizing the strength of consumer recommendations can greatly impact purchasing decisions and boost brand visibility. Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) is trusted by 88% of consumers, making it a critical tool for driving sales. It accounts for 36% of brand discovery among U.S. internet users, highlighting its significance. When you employ effective word of mouth marketing techniques, you can cultivate a loyal customer base, as those acquired through referrals tend to purchase more frequently and remain loyal longer. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of word of mouth marketing: Benefit Description Impact on Business Increases Trust Consumers trust recommendations over advertising Higher conversion rates Amplifies Visibility Genuine discussions boost brand presence Improved brand awareness Drives Loyalty Referrals lead to repeat customers Longer customer retention Cost-Effective Low-cost compared to traditional marketing Better ROI Rapid Spread of Information Positive experiences shared quickly Increased customer reach How Word of Mouth Marketing Works When customers share their positive experiences with a brand, it creates a ripple effect that markedly influences potential buyers’ purchasing decisions. This is the essence of a word of mouth marketing strategy. When you encourage your customers to share their experiences—whether through personal conversations, social media posts, or reviews—you’re leveraging trust, as approximately 88% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising. To initiate effective WOMM, consider implementing referral programs, engaging with your community, and providing exceptional customer service. Digital platforms further amplify this effect, allowing consumers to quickly and broadly share their opinions, with 36% of U.S. internet users citing WOM as their primary source of discovering brands. Key Components of an Effective Strategy To build an effective word-of-mouth marketing strategy, you’ll want to focus on creating memorable experiences and engaging with influencers. Memorable experiences not only delight customers but additionally encourage them to share their stories, increasing your brand’s visibility. Meanwhile, partnering with influencers can amplify your message, as their endorsements often carry significant weight in shaping consumer opinions and driving purchases. Memorable Experiences Creation Creating memorable experiences is essential for nurturing positive word-of-mouth marketing, as exceptional customer service plays a core role in shaping how customers perceive your brand. When you provide engaging, personalized interactions, like handwritten notes or customized recommendations, you improve emotional connections that lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion. In addition, implementing referral programs can greatly boost word-of-mouth marketing, as referred customers are often 30% to 57% more likely to bring in new clients. Encouraging community engagement through events or social media also creates lasting memories and advocacy, with 75% of consumers believing brand communities enrich their overall experience. In the end, comprehending the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising can help you cultivate loyal customers who willingly share their positive experiences. Engaging Influencer Partnerships Engaging influencer partnerships serves as a crucial component in building an effective word-of-mouth marketing strategy, as these influencers can greatly amplify your brand’s reach and credibility. Research shows that 63% of shoppers are more likely to purchase products recommended by trusted social media influencers, making them valuable advocates for your brand. Micro-influencers often achieve higher engagement rates, averaging 10.3%, owing to their closer connection with audiences. Utilizing product seeding without posting requirements can lead to organic promotion, as demonstrated by Graza’s successful strategy. Tools like Modash help you identify suitable influencers aligned with your brand’s niche. Finally, tracking influencer impact through UTM-tagged links allows you to measure effectiveness accurately, enhancing your WOM marketing strategies and minimizing misattribution. Creating Memorable Customer Experiences When businesses prioritize memorable customer experiences, they tap into a potent driver of word-of-mouth marketing. Creating exceptional experiences encourages customers to share positive stories, amplifying your reach. Research shows that 88% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any advertisement. By exceeding customer expectations, you can cultivate advocacy and increase the likelihood of referrals. Here’s a table illustrating the benefits of memorable experiences: Aspect Impact on WOMM Example Customer Satisfaction 3x more referrals Personal follow-up calls Personalized Interactions Builds loyalty Customized offers for repeat customers Social Currency Encourages sharing Unique packaging Feedback Engagement Increases purchase frequency Incorporating customer suggestions The advantages of word of mouth advertising stem from these efforts, as satisfied customers become enthusiastic advocates, driving organic growth for your brand. Leveraging Digital Channels for WOMM Digital channels have become vital for amplifying word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM), as they greatly expand the reach and visibility of consumer recommendations. With 36% of U.S. internet users identifying WOM as their primary source for brand discovery, it’s clear that leveraging platforms like social media and online reviews is fundamental. Digital word of mouth marketing effectively captures authentic consumer experiences, making it easier for your brand to gain traction. Utilizing micro-influencers can improve trust and engagement, as they often boast higher engagement rates compared to larger influencers. In addition, implementing share-optimized URLs and features like “Send to a friend” on your digital platforms encourages sharing and tracking, tapping into dark social dynamics where product links are frequently circulated. This strategy not merely increases brand visibility but also leads to higher conversion rates, with referred customers purchasing notably more than those acquired through traditional channels. Embrace these digital tools for effective word of mouth advertising. The Role of Influencers in Word of Mouth Marketing Influencers play a pivotal role in amplifying word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) by leveraging their authority and reach to sway consumer opinions. Their recommendations can notably affect purchasing decisions, making them crucial allies for brands. Here are some key ways influencers improve WOMM: Higher Engagement: Micro and nano influencers often achieve engagement rates of up to 10.3%, surpassing larger influencers. Authenticity: They share user-generated content, nurturing trust and relatability among their followers. Organic Buzz: Sending products for free can lead to genuine mentions, with 4-5 out of 10 influencers likely to post about them. Measurable Impact: Brands can track traffic and engagement from influencer promotions, ensuring accurate attribution. These word of mouth promotion examples highlight how influencers can drive effective WOMM strategies, boosting brand visibility and consumer trust. Measuring the Success of Word of Mouth Marketing To measure the success of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts, you need to track referrals effectively and analyze brand sentiment. By using tools like Google Analytics, you can pinpoint how customers heard about your brand and which channels drive the most traffic. Furthermore, monitoring customer feedback and discussions will help you understand public perception, allowing you to refine your strategies for better engagement and retention. Tracking Referrals Effectively Effective tracking of referrals is crucial for measuring the success of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts, as it allows you to identify which channels are most beneficial for your business. Here are some strategies to improve your tracking: Use UTM parameters to create unique links for each influencer or referral source, aiding in traffic measurement. Employ tools like Bitly or Switchy to generate trackable URLs, making it easy to monitor clicks. Implement loyalty programs with unique promo codes, simplifying referral tracking. Regularly analyze traffic spikes to uncover untracked referrals from private channels. Analyzing Brand Sentiment Analyzing brand sentiment is vital for comprehending how consumers perceive your brand and the effectiveness of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts. You can measure brand sentiment using tools like SparkToro or Talkwalker, which track online conversations and assess consumer feelings based on social media interactions and reviews. Furthermore, collecting qualitative data by asking customers how they heard about your brand offers valuable insights into your word of mouth ads’ effectiveness. Monitoring engagement through email marketing and loyalty programs helps quantify the impact of referrals on sales. Regularly addressing negative word-of-mouth content is critical for maintaining a positive brand reputation. By tracking brand sentiment over time, you can identify trends and adapt your strategies to improve customer experiences effectively. Encouraging User-Generated Content Encouraging user-generated content (UGC) can greatly improve your brand’s visibility and trustworthiness in today’s digital environment. UGC showcases authentic consumer experiences, which are vital for effective WOM advertising. Here are some strategies to boost UGC: Run Contests or Challenges: Motivate customers to share their experiences through engaging contests or challenges, which can increase participation. Highlight UGC on Social Media: Showcase positive UGC on your brand’s platforms to cultivate community and build trust, as 79% of people find such content trustworthy. Offer Incentives: Provide discounts or features to customers who share their content, prompting a 30% increase in engagement. Utilize Short-Form Videos: Encourage customers to create short-form videos, as 73% of consumers prefer these for product research. Implementing these strategies can considerably improve user-generated content, driving engagement and trust in your brand. Addressing Negative Word of Mouth Though negative word of mouth can spread quickly in today’s digital environment, effectively addressing it is vital for maintaining a positive brand perception. You need to respond to complaints without delay, as studies show that brands engaging with dissatisfied customers can recover up to 70% of them. Transparency and authenticity are important; 85% of consumers prefer brands that acknowledge their shortcomings openly. Utilizing monitoring tools like sentiment analysis can help you track negative mentions and engage proactively with customers, minimizing potential fallout. Moreover, cultivating strong customer relationships through exceptional service and regular engagement reduces the chances of negative word of mouth. Satisfied customers are less likely to share adverse experiences. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Word-Of-Mouth in Marketing? Word-of-mouth in marketing refers to the natural sharing of experiences and recommendations among consumers. It occurs when customers discuss products or services, influencing others’ purchasing decisions. This type of marketing is impactful due to the fact that people tend to trust personal recommendations over advertisements. It can manifest through social media posts, reviews, and direct conversations. Companies can encourage word-of-mouth by creating memorable experiences, ensuring quality products, and maintaining positive customer relationships. What Are the 5 T’s of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing? The 5 T’s of word-of-mouth marketing are Talkers, Topics, Tools, Threads, and Time. Talkers are individuals sharing opinions about your brand, whereas Topics encompass the messages they discuss. Tools are the platforms used for sharing, like social media and blogs. Threads represent the networks through which conversations flow, and Time refers to the timing of discussions, which can impact their relevance and effectiveness. Together, these elements help generate and sustain brand conversations. What Are the Four P’s of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing? The Four P’s of word-of-mouth marketing are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The Product refers to quality and features that exceed customer expectations, encouraging recommendations. Price involves perceived value; competitive pricing can improve sharing. Place pertains to distribution channels, ensuring easy access for consumers, which facilitates conversations. Finally, Promotion includes strategies like referral programs that stimulate word-of-mouth sharing, effectively generating positive discussions about your brand or product. What Is a Word-Of-Mouth Example? A clear example of word-of-mouth marketing is Ben & Jerry’s. Their unique flavor combinations and social activism encourage customers to share their experiences online and in conversations. Another instance is Glossier, which builds a community of loyal customers who actively promote their products through reviews and social media posts. Both brands effectively leverage satisfied customers to improve visibility, drive engagement, and ultimately increase sales through genuine recommendations and shared experiences. Conclusion In conclusion, a Word of Mouth Marketing strategy is vital for building brand trust and nurturing customer loyalty. By focusing on creating memorable experiences, leveraging influencers, and encouraging user-generated content, you can effectively amplify positive recommendations. Measuring success and addressing negative feedback are fundamental for continuous improvement. Implementing these components will not just improve your brand’s visibility but will additionally drive conversions, making WOMM a significant tool for any marketing strategy. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Word of Mouth Marketing Strategy?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) strategy focuses on leveraging customer experiences to promote a brand or product. It relies on genuine interactions, encouraging satisfied customers to share their positive feedback. This approach builds trust and cultivates engagement through exceptional service. Comprehending how WOMM works and its key components can improve your marketing efforts. But what specific tactics can you implement to maximize this strategy’s potential? Key Takeaways A Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) strategy encourages consumers to share their positive experiences with a brand, enhancing trust and credibility. Effective WOMM focuses on creating memorable customer experiences that inspire sharing through conversations, social media, or reviews. Engaging influencers and leveraging digital channels can amplify WOMM by expanding reach and increasing visibility of consumer recommendations. Implementing referral programs can boost customer acquisition significantly, encouraging satisfied customers to refer friends and family. Monitoring feedback and addressing negative word of mouth promptly is crucial for maintaining a positive brand reputation and recovering dissatisfied customers. Definition of Word of Mouth Marketing Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) refers to the process where consumers share their experiences and opinions about a brand or product, resulting in spontaneous recommendations among their friends, family, and social circles. To define word of mouth marketing, it’s essential to understand that it hinges on genuine consumer interactions, often facilitated through social media, online reviews, and user-generated content. This marketing strategy is considered the most trusted form of advertising, as 88% of consumers prefer personal recommendations over other types. WOMM is likewise cost-effective, relying on authentic endorsements rather than paid promotions, which improves brand loyalty and can lead to increased sales. Engaging with customers through exceptional experiences and attentive service can amplify WOMM, encouraging more sharing and positive discussions about your brand. The Importance of Word of Mouth Marketing Utilizing the strength of consumer recommendations can greatly impact purchasing decisions and boost brand visibility. Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) is trusted by 88% of consumers, making it a critical tool for driving sales. It accounts for 36% of brand discovery among U.S. internet users, highlighting its significance. When you employ effective word of mouth marketing techniques, you can cultivate a loyal customer base, as those acquired through referrals tend to purchase more frequently and remain loyal longer. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of word of mouth marketing: Benefit Description Impact on Business Increases Trust Consumers trust recommendations over advertising Higher conversion rates Amplifies Visibility Genuine discussions boost brand presence Improved brand awareness Drives Loyalty Referrals lead to repeat customers Longer customer retention Cost-Effective Low-cost compared to traditional marketing Better ROI Rapid Spread of Information Positive experiences shared quickly Increased customer reach How Word of Mouth Marketing Works When customers share their positive experiences with a brand, it creates a ripple effect that markedly influences potential buyers’ purchasing decisions. This is the essence of a word of mouth marketing strategy. When you encourage your customers to share their experiences—whether through personal conversations, social media posts, or reviews—you’re leveraging trust, as approximately 88% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising. To initiate effective WOMM, consider implementing referral programs, engaging with your community, and providing exceptional customer service. Digital platforms further amplify this effect, allowing consumers to quickly and broadly share their opinions, with 36% of U.S. internet users citing WOM as their primary source of discovering brands. Key Components of an Effective Strategy To build an effective word-of-mouth marketing strategy, you’ll want to focus on creating memorable experiences and engaging with influencers. Memorable experiences not only delight customers but additionally encourage them to share their stories, increasing your brand’s visibility. Meanwhile, partnering with influencers can amplify your message, as their endorsements often carry significant weight in shaping consumer opinions and driving purchases. Memorable Experiences Creation Creating memorable experiences is essential for nurturing positive word-of-mouth marketing, as exceptional customer service plays a core role in shaping how customers perceive your brand. When you provide engaging, personalized interactions, like handwritten notes or customized recommendations, you improve emotional connections that lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion. In addition, implementing referral programs can greatly boost word-of-mouth marketing, as referred customers are often 30% to 57% more likely to bring in new clients. Encouraging community engagement through events or social media also creates lasting memories and advocacy, with 75% of consumers believing brand communities enrich their overall experience. In the end, comprehending the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising can help you cultivate loyal customers who willingly share their positive experiences. Engaging Influencer Partnerships Engaging influencer partnerships serves as a crucial component in building an effective word-of-mouth marketing strategy, as these influencers can greatly amplify your brand’s reach and credibility. Research shows that 63% of shoppers are more likely to purchase products recommended by trusted social media influencers, making them valuable advocates for your brand. Micro-influencers often achieve higher engagement rates, averaging 10.3%, owing to their closer connection with audiences. Utilizing product seeding without posting requirements can lead to organic promotion, as demonstrated by Graza’s successful strategy. Tools like Modash help you identify suitable influencers aligned with your brand’s niche. Finally, tracking influencer impact through UTM-tagged links allows you to measure effectiveness accurately, enhancing your WOM marketing strategies and minimizing misattribution. Creating Memorable Customer Experiences When businesses prioritize memorable customer experiences, they tap into a potent driver of word-of-mouth marketing. Creating exceptional experiences encourages customers to share positive stories, amplifying your reach. Research shows that 88% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any advertisement. By exceeding customer expectations, you can cultivate advocacy and increase the likelihood of referrals. Here’s a table illustrating the benefits of memorable experiences: Aspect Impact on WOMM Example Customer Satisfaction 3x more referrals Personal follow-up calls Personalized Interactions Builds loyalty Customized offers for repeat customers Social Currency Encourages sharing Unique packaging Feedback Engagement Increases purchase frequency Incorporating customer suggestions The advantages of word of mouth advertising stem from these efforts, as satisfied customers become enthusiastic advocates, driving organic growth for your brand. Leveraging Digital Channels for WOMM Digital channels have become vital for amplifying word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM), as they greatly expand the reach and visibility of consumer recommendations. With 36% of U.S. internet users identifying WOM as their primary source for brand discovery, it’s clear that leveraging platforms like social media and online reviews is fundamental. Digital word of mouth marketing effectively captures authentic consumer experiences, making it easier for your brand to gain traction. Utilizing micro-influencers can improve trust and engagement, as they often boast higher engagement rates compared to larger influencers. In addition, implementing share-optimized URLs and features like “Send to a friend” on your digital platforms encourages sharing and tracking, tapping into dark social dynamics where product links are frequently circulated. This strategy not merely increases brand visibility but also leads to higher conversion rates, with referred customers purchasing notably more than those acquired through traditional channels. Embrace these digital tools for effective word of mouth advertising. The Role of Influencers in Word of Mouth Marketing Influencers play a pivotal role in amplifying word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) by leveraging their authority and reach to sway consumer opinions. Their recommendations can notably affect purchasing decisions, making them crucial allies for brands. Here are some key ways influencers improve WOMM: Higher Engagement: Micro and nano influencers often achieve engagement rates of up to 10.3%, surpassing larger influencers. Authenticity: They share user-generated content, nurturing trust and relatability among their followers. Organic Buzz: Sending products for free can lead to genuine mentions, with 4-5 out of 10 influencers likely to post about them. Measurable Impact: Brands can track traffic and engagement from influencer promotions, ensuring accurate attribution. These word of mouth promotion examples highlight how influencers can drive effective WOMM strategies, boosting brand visibility and consumer trust. Measuring the Success of Word of Mouth Marketing To measure the success of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts, you need to track referrals effectively and analyze brand sentiment. By using tools like Google Analytics, you can pinpoint how customers heard about your brand and which channels drive the most traffic. Furthermore, monitoring customer feedback and discussions will help you understand public perception, allowing you to refine your strategies for better engagement and retention. Tracking Referrals Effectively Effective tracking of referrals is crucial for measuring the success of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts, as it allows you to identify which channels are most beneficial for your business. Here are some strategies to improve your tracking: Use UTM parameters to create unique links for each influencer or referral source, aiding in traffic measurement. Employ tools like Bitly or Switchy to generate trackable URLs, making it easy to monitor clicks. Implement loyalty programs with unique promo codes, simplifying referral tracking. Regularly analyze traffic spikes to uncover untracked referrals from private channels. Analyzing Brand Sentiment Analyzing brand sentiment is vital for comprehending how consumers perceive your brand and the effectiveness of your word-of-mouth marketing efforts. You can measure brand sentiment using tools like SparkToro or Talkwalker, which track online conversations and assess consumer feelings based on social media interactions and reviews. Furthermore, collecting qualitative data by asking customers how they heard about your brand offers valuable insights into your word of mouth ads’ effectiveness. Monitoring engagement through email marketing and loyalty programs helps quantify the impact of referrals on sales. Regularly addressing negative word-of-mouth content is critical for maintaining a positive brand reputation. By tracking brand sentiment over time, you can identify trends and adapt your strategies to improve customer experiences effectively. Encouraging User-Generated Content Encouraging user-generated content (UGC) can greatly improve your brand’s visibility and trustworthiness in today’s digital environment. UGC showcases authentic consumer experiences, which are vital for effective WOM advertising. Here are some strategies to boost UGC: Run Contests or Challenges: Motivate customers to share their experiences through engaging contests or challenges, which can increase participation. Highlight UGC on Social Media: Showcase positive UGC on your brand’s platforms to cultivate community and build trust, as 79% of people find such content trustworthy. Offer Incentives: Provide discounts or features to customers who share their content, prompting a 30% increase in engagement. Utilize Short-Form Videos: Encourage customers to create short-form videos, as 73% of consumers prefer these for product research. Implementing these strategies can considerably improve user-generated content, driving engagement and trust in your brand. Addressing Negative Word of Mouth Though negative word of mouth can spread quickly in today’s digital environment, effectively addressing it is vital for maintaining a positive brand perception. You need to respond to complaints without delay, as studies show that brands engaging with dissatisfied customers can recover up to 70% of them. Transparency and authenticity are important; 85% of consumers prefer brands that acknowledge their shortcomings openly. Utilizing monitoring tools like sentiment analysis can help you track negative mentions and engage proactively with customers, minimizing potential fallout. Moreover, cultivating strong customer relationships through exceptional service and regular engagement reduces the chances of negative word of mouth. Satisfied customers are less likely to share adverse experiences. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Word-Of-Mouth in Marketing? Word-of-mouth in marketing refers to the natural sharing of experiences and recommendations among consumers. It occurs when customers discuss products or services, influencing others’ purchasing decisions. This type of marketing is impactful due to the fact that people tend to trust personal recommendations over advertisements. It can manifest through social media posts, reviews, and direct conversations. Companies can encourage word-of-mouth by creating memorable experiences, ensuring quality products, and maintaining positive customer relationships. What Are the 5 T’s of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing? The 5 T’s of word-of-mouth marketing are Talkers, Topics, Tools, Threads, and Time. Talkers are individuals sharing opinions about your brand, whereas Topics encompass the messages they discuss. Tools are the platforms used for sharing, like social media and blogs. Threads represent the networks through which conversations flow, and Time refers to the timing of discussions, which can impact their relevance and effectiveness. Together, these elements help generate and sustain brand conversations. What Are the Four P’s of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing? The Four P’s of word-of-mouth marketing are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The Product refers to quality and features that exceed customer expectations, encouraging recommendations. Price involves perceived value; competitive pricing can improve sharing. Place pertains to distribution channels, ensuring easy access for consumers, which facilitates conversations. Finally, Promotion includes strategies like referral programs that stimulate word-of-mouth sharing, effectively generating positive discussions about your brand or product. What Is a Word-Of-Mouth Example? A clear example of word-of-mouth marketing is Ben & Jerry’s. Their unique flavor combinations and social activism encourage customers to share their experiences online and in conversations. Another instance is Glossier, which builds a community of loyal customers who actively promote their products through reviews and social media posts. Both brands effectively leverage satisfied customers to improve visibility, drive engagement, and ultimately increase sales through genuine recommendations and shared experiences. Conclusion In conclusion, a Word of Mouth Marketing strategy is vital for building brand trust and nurturing customer loyalty. By focusing on creating memorable experiences, leveraging influencers, and encouraging user-generated content, you can effectively amplify positive recommendations. Measuring success and addressing negative feedback are fundamental for continuous improvement. Implementing these components will not just improve your brand’s visibility but will additionally drive conversions, making WOMM a significant tool for any marketing strategy. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Word of Mouth Marketing Strategy?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

GameStop is providing details on a new compensation package for CEO Ryan Cohen that is dependent on him meeting certain “significant” performance targets. The video game retailer said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday that Cohen would have to grow its market capitalization to $100 billion and it would need to hit $10 billion in cumulative performance EBITDA — or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — for his award to fully vest. GameStop said Cohen won’t receive any guaranteed pay, which it defines as no salary, no cash bonuses, and no stock that simply vests over time. “His compensation is entirely ‘at-risk,’ meaning he will only be paid if the company achieves significant market and operational goals,” GameStop said in the filing. “This structure ensures that Mr. Cohen’s incentives are directly aligned with creating long-term value for GameStop’s stockholders.” The structure is similar to a pay package that Tesla shareholders approved for CEO Elon Musk, in which Musk would receive Tesla stock worth $1 trillion if he hits certain performance targets over the next decade. Cohen’s compensation package with GameStop includes stock options to buy more than 171.5 million common shares for $20.66 each. Shareholders must approve the new pay package at a special meeting in March or April. Shares of GameStop rose 4% to $21.49 in midday trading, giving the company a market cap of roughly $9.26 billion. The company’s shares are down substantially from May 2024 when influential investor Keith Gill, popularly known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to declare his support for GameStop. Gill helped ignite a “meme” stock craze in early 2021, when GameStop’s stock price soared above $120. —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

Square has announced a significant enhancement to its offerings for small business owners by expanding its partnership with Thrive, a leading inventory management system. This new integration aims to simplify the way retailers manage their catalogs, inventory, and sales across both physical and online platforms, specifically focusing on e-commerce functionalities with Shopify. As the retail landscape becomes increasingly complex, especially during busy seasons like the holidays, this integration offers a streamlined solution for sellers. The integration allows Square sellers to create and edit product listings directly within their Square dashboard, ensuring that these updates are automatically reflected on their Shopify storefronts. This feature is particularly important as 50% of Square’s retail sellers operate on multiple sales fronts, complicating inventory management. By enabling real-time synchronization between in-store and online inventory, sellers can avoid issues such as overselling and stock discrepancies, significant concerns for any retail operation. Morgan Kuntze, Global Partnerships Lead at Block, states, “Sellers today increasingly operate across channels, but keeping them in sync shouldn’t multiply their workload.” This sentiment reflects a crucial pain point for many small business owners who often struggle with the demands of multitasking across platforms. The core functionalities offered by the Thrive integration include: Unified Catalog Management: Retailers can create and modify product listings in Square, which will automatically sync to Shopify. This ensures that product information is consistent across both platforms. Real-time Inventory Updates: Square and Shopify will adjust stock quantities bi-directionally, thereby minimizing any risk of overselling. Square as the Source of Truth: All catalog updates occur within the Square system, providing accurate reporting and analytics for businesses across all sales channels. Bach Le, CEO of Thrive, emphasizes, “Thrive Inventory eliminates back office guesswork by automating real-time updates between Square and Shopify.” This integration aims to resolve common issues such as stockouts and overselling, particularly crucial during peak shopping seasons when accurate inventory management can make or break a business. However, while the benefits are compelling, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. Setting up the integration may require time and training, particularly for those who may not be familiar with either platform. Additionally, reliance on a single system for key operations might be concerning for some business owners who prefer to keep multiple data backups. This is something to address when deploying the new systems. Small business owners like Daniel Janelle, owner of Puzzled in Albuquerque, already appreciate the benefits of this integration. He stated, “With our business operating across channels, keeping Square and Shopify in sync was one of our highest priorities. Thrive’s integration solved that instantly – now our inventory, catalog, and reporting all stay consistent, which means fewer errors and more time focused on serving our customers.” For businesses that fit specific criteria, the Thrive integration appears to be advantageous. It serves small retail businesses operating both online and in-store through Square, but it is particularly useful for those managing Shopify storefronts alongside one or multiple Square locations. The Thrive integration is currently available to Square sellers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and Spain. Small business owners interested in leveraging this new feature can sign up directly through the Thrive website or contact their sales team for a demo to better understand how the integration can fit into their operations. Square continues to enhance its ecosystem by forming valuable partnerships, which ultimately simplify processes for small business owners and allow them to focus on what they do best—servicing their customers. For further information or to learn more about this integration, visit the original press release at Square’s official release. With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, small business owners may find this integration an invaluable tool in maintaining efficient inventory management and ensuring a smooth operation across their channels. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Square Integrates with Thrive to Streamline Inventory Management for Retailers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Square has announced a significant enhancement to its offerings for small business owners by expanding its partnership with Thrive, a leading inventory management system. This new integration aims to simplify the way retailers manage their catalogs, inventory, and sales across both physical and online platforms, specifically focusing on e-commerce functionalities with Shopify. As the retail landscape becomes increasingly complex, especially during busy seasons like the holidays, this integration offers a streamlined solution for sellers. The integration allows Square sellers to create and edit product listings directly within their Square dashboard, ensuring that these updates are automatically reflected on their Shopify storefronts. This feature is particularly important as 50% of Square’s retail sellers operate on multiple sales fronts, complicating inventory management. By enabling real-time synchronization between in-store and online inventory, sellers can avoid issues such as overselling and stock discrepancies, significant concerns for any retail operation. Morgan Kuntze, Global Partnerships Lead at Block, states, “Sellers today increasingly operate across channels, but keeping them in sync shouldn’t multiply their workload.” This sentiment reflects a crucial pain point for many small business owners who often struggle with the demands of multitasking across platforms. The core functionalities offered by the Thrive integration include: Unified Catalog Management: Retailers can create and modify product listings in Square, which will automatically sync to Shopify. This ensures that product information is consistent across both platforms. Real-time Inventory Updates: Square and Shopify will adjust stock quantities bi-directionally, thereby minimizing any risk of overselling. Square as the Source of Truth: All catalog updates occur within the Square system, providing accurate reporting and analytics for businesses across all sales channels. Bach Le, CEO of Thrive, emphasizes, “Thrive Inventory eliminates back office guesswork by automating real-time updates between Square and Shopify.” This integration aims to resolve common issues such as stockouts and overselling, particularly crucial during peak shopping seasons when accurate inventory management can make or break a business. However, while the benefits are compelling, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. Setting up the integration may require time and training, particularly for those who may not be familiar with either platform. Additionally, reliance on a single system for key operations might be concerning for some business owners who prefer to keep multiple data backups. This is something to address when deploying the new systems. Small business owners like Daniel Janelle, owner of Puzzled in Albuquerque, already appreciate the benefits of this integration. He stated, “With our business operating across channels, keeping Square and Shopify in sync was one of our highest priorities. Thrive’s integration solved that instantly – now our inventory, catalog, and reporting all stay consistent, which means fewer errors and more time focused on serving our customers.” For businesses that fit specific criteria, the Thrive integration appears to be advantageous. It serves small retail businesses operating both online and in-store through Square, but it is particularly useful for those managing Shopify storefronts alongside one or multiple Square locations. The Thrive integration is currently available to Square sellers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and Spain. Small business owners interested in leveraging this new feature can sign up directly through the Thrive website or contact their sales team for a demo to better understand how the integration can fit into their operations. Square continues to enhance its ecosystem by forming valuable partnerships, which ultimately simplify processes for small business owners and allow them to focus on what they do best—servicing their customers. For further information or to learn more about this integration, visit the original press release at Square’s official release. With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, small business owners may find this integration an invaluable tool in maintaining efficient inventory management and ensuring a smooth operation across their channels. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Square Integrates with Thrive to Streamline Inventory Management for Retailers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Octopuses are brilliant, emotional, and mysterious. Can they ever be farmed humanely? And if they can, should they be? Fast Company contributor Clint Rainey is the first journalist in the world to be let inside a cutting-edge effort to build the first commercial octopus farm. Exclusive documentary. Coming in 2026. Check out the full article: https://www.fastcompany.com/91448602/octopus-could-be-the-next-commercially-farmed-seafood-should-it-be View the full article

Blackstone stock fell by as much as 9.3% after The President said he was "immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes." View the full article

Everybody knows this coworker—the one who spirals about cost-cutting layoffs when snacks vanish from the break room. The one who thinks they’re getting fired because their boss hasn’t been using emojis with them lately. The one who’s the office Chicken Little: anxious, somewhat frantic, often misguided . . . and who can’t stop talking to others about whatever it is they’re anxious about. This person—and it could be you—may be justified, as it makes sense for employees to be nervous right now: layoffs are at an all-time high, and January is a common month for layoffs. But for the office Chicken Little, it’s not the dismal mass termination numbers alone that are scary: It’s the unknown future that’s sending them into sustained panic mode. “Uncertainty is a huge trigger to the stress response” in the body, says physician Esther Sternberg, who’s long studied the effects of stress on humans. Fast Company spoke with several psychology experts who shared what makes someone more prone to anxiety spirals and loops, tips for dealing with their unending office pessimism, and how to escape your own layoff-related worries. What causes anxiety spirals People who quickly turn even minorly negative information into potential catastrophes “tend to be really high in neuroticism,” says clinical psychologist Melanie McNally. Neuroticism, one of psychology’s “Big Five” personality traits, measures one’s disposition in the face of negative emotions. Think of the coworker who just knows they’re getting axed after being left off a group email—when in reality the person who sent it genuinely just forgot. “A minor budget cut isn’t just a cost-saving measure” to these folks, says organizational psychologist Ali Shehab. Instead, the misplaced vigilance takes it as a “sign that the company is failing. ‘I will be fired, and I will never find a job again’.” This is often seen as a protective mechanism that attempts to provide certainty amidst stress-inducing uncertainty. When working with this “glass-half-empty” type in the past, Yvonne Castañeda, a social worker specializing in trauma, says she’s noticed that contentment seems to feel “scary” or “wrong” for some folks, or that safety can’t be trusted. This could come from their upbringing: Parents who were perhaps overly worried and dwelt on potential dangers left this person with a mindset that they’re not going to be okay. The mindset could even manifest after a traumatic event, like a loss, after which the person feels like they don’t deserve or “want to be happy again,” says Castañeda. But McNally says these people might just have “limited social support.” Perhaps they can’t go home at the end of the workday and bounce their concerns off friends or family for a calming ear and alternative perspective, and then coworkers end up becoming their primary outlet for airing worries. For David Rosmarin, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Center for Anxiety, the description of this archetype is much simpler. “They’re called ‘Americans’,” he says. Such behavior “doesn’t even come from being pessimistic. It comes from control.” As Americans, he adds, we’re taught to banish feelings of discomfort as soon as they visit us. With the prevailing cultural interest in instant gratification and immediate answers to any query, it’s no surprise that many experience what Rosmarin calls “intolerance of uncertainty,” whether it’s about the weather or our job security. But the irony is that obsessing with certainty just fuels anxiety. Navigating this energy at work While some workers vent fears to others—either out of fear, a desire for control, or simply a need for a sounding board—McNally reminds us that emotions are “contagious.” “Most likely, you’re spreading stress” if you indulge in the anxiety spiral, she says. And for those around the person, “it’s very easy to get sucked into that tornado,” Castañeda adds. “Maybe you attempt to say something to cheer them up, it backfires, and suddenly you’re in conflict.” Still, experts who spoke with Fast Company note that it’s helpful to share anxiety with others. The mental health benefits of having people you can trust at work are real. But when people regularly act on that compulsion to vocalize fears, to the point that it spreads unnecessary stress, it’s best for colleagues to set boundaries. “If the conversation is becoming cyclical and harmful,” says Shehab, the move is to “gently disengage.” You can say that you hear the person is worried, but right now you need to concentrate on an important deadline. “’Let’s focus on the work we can control for the next hour,’” Shehab suggests communicating. Experts generally recommend acknowledging and validating an anxious colleague’s concerns before trying to help them change their outlook. Dismissing someone’s fears or telling them to “calm down,” says McNally, “does not work.” Instead, just listen—if you’re feeling grounded and open enough to hearing them out without spiraling yourself. “Hold the space. Don’t try to make it better,” Castañeda suggests. “You’re not going to do that.” Rosmarin suggests “reflective listening,” a “basic psychotherapy technique” that tends to make people feel at ease and understood. For example, imagine a coworker says, “’I’m freaking out about layoffs. They happened this time last year, and I can tell that they’re going to happen again’.” You can respond with something like, “Yeah, you’re right about last year, and that is totally scary to think about.” Validating the feelings of someone who’s spiraling can help ground them by making them feel heard—so at least they’re not anxious about having unfounded anxieties. Shehab also suggests using facts to pin down the anxiety’s source. “’What concrete evidence do we have that a layoff is happening today?’” Shehab suggests posing to a concerned coworker (or yourself). “’What are the actual company metrics right now?’” This, he says, “engages the prefrontal cortex”: the part of the brain responsible for rational thought that often gets “hijacked by the hyperactive amygdala,” the brain’s fear center, during anxiety loops. Research shows that venting can be helpful, but that’s only true for a few minutes before it becomes counterproductive. McNally suggests setting a timer for three to four minutes. When the timer goes off, transition to a new activity that’s going to totally occupy your attention—like dancing to an all-time favorite song, or cooking dinner with your family. Validate the fear, act with empathy, and then ground the fear in the present with facts and gently challenging reframes. Nipping the spiral in the bud Whether it’s with nervous colleagues, or yourself, look for “what’s at the root of the anxiety,” Rosmarin says. Are you most concerned about rent payments? It could help to work on outlining a new personal budget in case of layoffs. Is thinking about finding a new job the biggest stressor? Update your résumé and start networking. Letting go mentally, and grounding yourself in calm action, can change your physiological reaction to anxiety: “There’s less adrenaline flowing through your system” when you do that, says Rosmarin. In “high-stress, high-control” situations, says Sternberg, “you’re actually energized.” Facing a possible layoff is high-stress, low-control—but facing it while applying for new jobs gives you back some control, and can alleviate some of the negative stress feelings. Otherwise, adds Sternberg, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising to reduce anxiety. Again, it all comes down to uncertainty . . . and learning to live with it. If you can help your colleague (or yourself) accept it or use it to fuel productivity, the more likely everyone is to avoid anxiety spirals. “The question isn’t whether you can control the outcome,” says Rosmarin. It’s “embracing the fact that we’re not fully in the driver’s seat.” View the full article

U.S. employers posted far fewer jobs in November than the previous month, a sign that employers aren’t yet ramping up hiring even as growth has picked up. Businesses and government agencies posted 7.1 million open jobs at the end of November, the Labor Department said Wednesday, down from 7.4 million in October. Layoffs also dropped, however, as companies appear to be holding onto workers even as they are reluctant to add staff. The report suggests that the “low-hire, low-fire” job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job security but those out of work struggling to find new jobs. The moribund labor market stands in contrast with data showing solid economic growth, which topped 4% at an annual rate in last year’s July-September quarter, the latest data available. Economists forecast growth slowed but remained solid in the final three months of 2025. A key question for this year is whether hiring will pickup to match healthy growth, or whether sluggish job gains will eventually drag down the economy. There is a third possibility: Automation and artificial intelligence could enable steady economic growth without creating many jobs. Further insights into that question will emerge Friday when the monthly jobs report for December will be released. The number of postings in November was the fewest since September 2024. But outside that month, it was the lowest in nearly five years. Open jobs in November fell sharply in shipping and warehousing, restaurants and hotels, and in state and local government. They rose in retail and construction. The number of Americans who quit their jobs ticked higher in November, which is seen as a good sign, because workers typically quit when they are more confident they can find a better job, or already have one. Yet quits remained historically low, at 3.16 million, up from just under 3 million in October. The figures provide some critical measures of the job market after last fall’s government shutdown delayed the release of data on hiring and inflation. Wednesday’s report is known as the job openings and labor turnover survey, or JOLTS, and provides key insights into the state of hiring and firing. Separately, payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that businesses added 41,000 jobs in December, an improvement after they shed 29,000 positions in November. ADP’s report is based on anonymous payroll records the company maintains for 26 million employees. Small firms — with fewer than 50 workers — added 9,000 jobs, an encouraging reversal after they shed jobs in previous months. Smaller firms have been hard-hit by President Donald The President’s tariffs, with less ability to absorb or pass on the costs compared with larger companies, economists say. “It is a slower labor market,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “The labor market isn’t falling off a cliff. We still see some job growth, and we don’t see an uptick in layoffs.” The Bank of America Institute, which tracks changes in the number of paychecks landing in its customers’ accounts, said it saw signs that hiring picked up in December. Job gains rose to 0.6% in December, compared with a year earlier, up from just 0.2% in November. “It does look like, in our data, that the worst of the slowdown could be behind us,” David Tinsley, senior economist at Bank of America Institute, said in a call with reporters. —Christopher Rugaber, AP economics writer View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. After a decade, Stranger Things is at an end. Well, I mean, except for planned animated and live-action spin-offs...and possibly an unlikely secret extra episode related to the 'Conformity Gate' theory; adherents are convinced that the whole thing we watched was just Vecna messing with our Hawkins crew. But the story that started way back in 2016 is mostly over, almost for sure! Given the pace of life these days, the end of the Obama administration feels, somehow, as distant as the series' nostalgic 1980s setting. The show solidified Netflix as the streamer to beat in terms of original programming, and introduced a new generation of child stars who are all now firmly adults. The show's blend of nostalgia, horror, and small-town weirdness has been wildly influential (and endlessly copied), but its success is based, also, on its synthesis and deft reworking of deeply familiar elements. In that spirit, here are a few shows of the past and present that, in various ways, carry some of those Stranger vibes. From (2022 – ) Travel to The Town (we never get a name for it), a palce from which no one can ever leave. The residents and visitors aren't metaphorically trapped, but literally so, as in the later seasons of Stranger Things, as they are beset by creatures come from the woods that kill anyone found outside after dark. The Matthews family learn all about this firsthand when they roll into the place in their RV and soon find themselves trapped alongside the local sheriff (Harold Perrineau) just as it's getting dark. The monsters here aren't just mindlessly hungry, they're cunning and sadistic, and more than capable of killing residents in gory ways. It's a supernatural spin on the "small towns ain't what they seem" vibe. Stream From on MGM+. From (2022 – ) at MGM+ Learn More Learn More at MGM+ I Am Not Okay With This (2020) Sophia Lillis, straight from playing Beverly Marsh in the It movies, stars as Sydney Novak, a 17-year-old living in a small town with her mother and sister. Her father recently died by suicide; she has a crush on her best friend; and all she and her mother do is argue. In the middle of all of that, she discovers that she had powers triggered by her emotions, both of which she'll need to learn to control if she wants to get her life in order. As the lead, Lillis sells the hell out of this offbeat coming-of-age story which was canceled after one season. Because of course it was. Stream I Am Not Okay With This on Netflix. I Am Not Okay With This (2020) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Pluribus (2025 – ) Complete tonal mismatch here aside, there are few stranger shows streaming right now than this weird sci-fi apocalypse from Breaking Bad's Vince Gilligan. Rhea Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, a fantasy romance author and general grouch who becomes one of only 13 people on the planet immune to the "Joining"—the result of an alien virus that transforms the rest of humanity into a peaceful, perky, and perpetually content hive mind. Carol refuses to surrender her miserableness in the face of a loss of identity, fighting instead to restore humanity to its admittedly cruddy ways. Thrilling, heartbreaking, and oddly funny, the show manages to address some big questions about what it means to be human, and what we'd be willing to give up to change. Stream Pluribus on Apple TV+. Pluribus (2025 – ) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ Haven (2010 – 2015) There are few (if any) teens here, but Haven (based on the Stephen King short story "The Colorado Kid") has got the "weird stuff goes down in a small town" vibe down pat. Emily Rose stars as Audrey Parker, an FBI Special Agent sent to the title town of Haven, Maine on a routine case. Soon, she gets drawn into “the Troubles," a series of harmful supernatural events that have recurred throughout the town’s history—and, by no coincidence, are happening again. A supernatural-case-of-the-week format gives way to a bigger mystery when Audrey comes to learn that this isn’t her first time in Haven, nor the first time she’s encountered the Troubles. Lucas Bryant and Eric Balfour co-star. Stream Haven on Peacock and Prime Video. Haven (2010 – 2015) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Dark (2017 – 2020) Dark began as a mystery involving a missing child and evolved, over its three seasons, into a wildly complex narrative: a time travel-driven story that explores dark family secrets over the course of several generations. The German import has a striking look and incredibly atmospheric feel, with an ensemble cast of teens and adults whose narratives are deftly intertwined. Especially given the title, you'd be absolutely right to assume that the tone here is quite a bit more dark than that of Stranger Things, but the shows have plenty in common, including an interest in the '80s. Stream Dark on Netflix. Dark (2017 – 2020) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Fear Street (2021 – ) Not a series, precisely, but a series of movies that play out like a miniseries (at least initially), and that play in the retro-nostalgia horror-vibe that Stranger Things does so well. Adapted from the R. L. Stine books, Fear Street Part One: 1994 kicks off the series by introducing the town of Shadyside, which the local kids call “Shittyside,” and has a dark history of multiple murders, most of them covered up. A group of teens upsets the grave of a witch, kicking off the revival of a murderous cult. There are some legit gore and scares (it’s YA, more or less, but definitely not kids’ stuff) as Janiak pays homage to a wide range of horror movies past. The series continues with an impeccable camp slasher homage in Fear Street Part Two: 1978, and then an origin tale that brings the initial trilogy to a conclusion in Fear Street Part Three: 1666. There's a standalone fourth film, as well, and more on the way, but you're fine sticking with the initial trilogy. Stream Fear Street Part One: 1994 on Netflix. Fear Street at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Paper Girls (2022) This would be the easiest possible recommendation for Stranger Things fans, were it not for the fact that the well-reviewed show was cancelled after one season (though it still ends with a fairly satisfying wrap up). Based on the pretty great comic book series from Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, the show follows four young friends—Erin, Tiff, Mac, and KJ—on their paper route the morning after Halloween in 1988. After the skies turn pink and they're accosted by competing groups of weirdos, they head for the safety of Erin's house, only to discover they're suddenly in 2019. Made into targets by their inadvertent time travel, the girls have to stay alive while also deciding whether they want to take the chance to change their own timelines. Stream Paper Girls on Prime Video. Paper Girls (2022) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Tales From the Loop (2020) A gorgeous-looking anthology (sort of), Tales From the Loop takes place in the small town of Mercer, Ohio—a town that happens to sit upon the titular Loop, a physics lab exploring mysteries for which science has no answers. Each episode offers the story of a person or family in the town impacted by the work of the Loop, in slow-burning stories about the intersection of technology and human existence. It’s based on a conceptual art book by artist Simon Stålenhag, and successfully ports over that book’s striking look and feel. It's far quieter and more meditative than something like Stranger Things, but worth your time if that's your mood. Stream Tales from the Loop on Prime Video. Tales from the Loop (2020) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Midnight Club (2022) The least buzzy of Mike Flanagan's Netflix offerings is every bit as good as Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher, et al. Based on the YA novel by Christopher Pike, it follows a group of eight terminally ill young patients at a bucolic hospice home run by a secretive and mysterious doctor (A Nightmare on Elm Street's Heather Langenkamp). Each night the kids meet secretly to share scary stories, with each also promising to return from beyond the grave when the time comes. Spooky and surprisingly moving, the show was planned as more than a miniseries, and the cancellation left some questions unanswered, but the ending is still pretty satisfying. Stream The Midnight Club on Netflix. The Midnight Club (2022) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991, 2017) Teens and adults in a deceptively quiet small town (in the '80s, no less) face tragedy accompanied by supernatural threats from outside of our normal space and time. That's a reasonably fair synopsis of both Stranger Things and Twin Peaks, but it also serves to obscure the massive tonal differences between the two shows. Kyle MacLachlan plays FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, who arrives in the title town to investigate the murder of teenager homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). His arrival in town precipitates a (very) long night of the soul as Cooper uncovers secrets and mysteries among the town's delightfully, and often disturbingly, weird residents. Stream Twin Peaks on Paramount+ or buy episodes from Prime Video. Twin Peaks at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Alice in Borderland (2020 – ) The Upside Down of Stranger Things is a dark, challenging, chaotic mirror to our own reality—so imagine a similarly sinister parallel space, now with a bit more obvious structure. Video-game obsessed Arisu gets his wish, after a fashion, when he finds himself, along with a couple of friends, transported to an alternate, eerily abandoned version of Tokyo—the title’s Borderland—vividly brought to life via some clever green screen work. The three are directed to an arena and given the instructions for the game, which they’ll be playing whether they want to or not. The first competition involves a locked-room-style puzzle; if they fail, the room goes up in flames with them in it—think Ready Player One, with deadlier stakes. There are games each night, though the rules allow for winners to get time off. There are a lot of rules, actually, but the games are cleverly and sadistically constructed. Stream Alice in Borderland on Netflix. Alice in Borderland at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix School Spirits (2023– ) Peyton List stars as Maddie, a teenager in small-town Wisconsin for whom her death is very much just the beginning. Stuck in a high school in the afterlife (because hell is definitely for children), she goes on a journey to solve her own murder while uncovering secrets and lies in both worlds. It all sounds a bit grim, but the show has a sense of fun about it: While Maddie does develop the ability to communicate with the living, her world is populated by ghost teens from various eras and generations, with customs, mores, and cliques having developed in ghost high school just as in our world. Stream School Spirits on Paramount+ or buy episodes from Prime Video. School Spirits (2023– ) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Goosebumps (2023 – ) Taking a turn off of Fear Street, we return to R.L. Stine—who is, after all, our reigning master of YA horror (his name appearing on well over 300 books). In contrast with earlier adaptations, this series ditches the episodic anthology format of the 1990s series in favor of a more anthologized teen drama, probably in direct response to the popularity of Stranger Things. The first season is set in the present (while involving a mystery from the past), so skips the nostalgic charms (and traps) of the Netflix series, finding a modern group of teens in a weird town encountering the various monsters and scares (many of them legitimately freaky). Each season shifts the focus to a new story, with a new cast of actors in their mid-20s playing teens. Stream Goosebumps on Disney+. Goosebumps (2023 - ) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+ Yellowjackets (2021 – ) This time-jumping survival drama is about a group of teenage girls becoming stranded in the wilderness in 1996 and doing terrible things to survive—the extent of which we only learn about via flashbacks from the present, where the events of those 19 months continue to have an impact. There are teases of the supernatural here, much of it ambiguous, but there's plenty of horror in a past that we're still seeing fleshed (ahem) out. Where Stranger Things revels in its '80s setting, Yellowjackets more cynically posits that there's a huge difference between the version of the past we talk about and the one that really happened. Stream Yellowjackets on Paramount+ (the first two seasons are also on Netflix) or you can buy episodes from Prime Video. Yellowjackets (2021 – ) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016) The much-loved, if relatively short-lived, animated series follows twin siblings Mabel and Dipper Pines (Kristen Schaal and Jason Ritter) sent to spend the summer with their great-uncle (aka "Grunkle") Stan (voiced by show creator Alex Hirsch). While helping Stan run his mystery-themed tourist shack, the kids run into a series of supernatural mysteries, many related to the show's ultimate antagonist, dream demon Bill Cipher. Like Stranger Things, the series came to a planned conclusion (albeit after four years rather than ten), and it's finale was similarly a ratings blockbuster—the highest rated telecast in the history of Disney XD, as a matter of fact. Stream Gravity Falls on Disney+ and Hulu. Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+ View the full article

A reader writes: My job is 99% remote with some on-site event expectations. On-site events are typically mandatory, which is fine with me. I recently asked for events to be either predictable (e.g., first Friday in August) or to have lots of notice, so we can schedule vacations or things like dental cleanings around those events. During the conversation, my manager said that even when we were fully on-site, she sometimes had to move appointments if her boss scheduled a meeting. She gave the example of a short-notice 9 am meeting the next day and thus needing to move her kids’ appointments. That gave me pause. I understand rescheduling things like haircuts or some types of personal commitments, but it’s so hard to schedule physicals, dental cleanings, some medical imaging, etc. that I’d be hard pressed to move those for a work event. Likewise, she said we don’t need to cancel flights for work events, but it was kind of implied that if you have a PTO day planned but aren’t going anywhere (maybe for your birthday or a hobby day) you should plan to attend the work event instead. This won’t come up often, maybe a few times a year, but the emphasis on work taking priority over pre-planned PTO gave me the ick. Am I overreacting? Is this typical? If this isn’t normal, how can I protect my own time away from the office in a professional way? P.S. I don’t know if it matters, but I’m salaried (not hourly) and I have vacation time to draw from. On-site events are generally team-building and networking; my job is desk-work, not anything like patient care or politics where a meeting would be an emergency. No, this is weird! People aren’t normally expected to reschedule appointments that have already been booked and time off approved just because their boss wants to have a short-notice meeting that day or an event comes up afterwards. There are some exceptions to this — a truly crucial meeting that for some reason can’t be put off, or an event that’s a central part of your job to be at. But those would be unusual exceptions, not normal practice. And even then, the conflict would normally be acknowledged and discussed (“I’m so sorry, I know you’re scheduled to be out that day but this is our only shot at saving this account — any chance you’d be able to rearrange things to make it?”); you wouldn’t be expected to just see the conflict and decide on your own to cancel your already-set plans. (An exception might be if you’re in a very senior role and would be expected to know on your own that this was the only shot at saving the account and take the initiative to act accordingly.) But for more routine meetings? The normal response to that is, “I’m out that day; would Thursday or Friday work instead?” However, while your boss is being incredibly weird and her expectations are not in sync with normal professional expectations, if these are her expectations you have to figure out how to navigate them. The easiest thing is to just assert normal professional boundaries, meaning that if you get the sense she’s expecting you to be at something you won’t be available for (again, assuming it’s not a rare high-states exception), you’d simply say, “I have an appointment I can’t move that day,” followed by whatever makes sense next (which could be “I can see if Jane can fill in” or “could we schedule it for Thursday when I’m back?” or so forth). If she pushes back, you’d say, “It’s a medical appointment that can’t be moved” or “it would be really tough for me to change it; are there other options?” or otherwise assert the boundary that no, pre-scheduled things can’t be moved without true and rare need. If she takes issue with that, I’d think about your options for escalating it because, unless you’ve seen direct evidence that this is the culture of your whole office and not just your boss’s idiosyncrasy, it’s likely that your employer doesn’t want her interfering with people’s time off this way. If you have good rapport with her boss, it might be something you could ask their guidance on (“asking their guidance” is a good way of bringing it to their attention without explicitly complaining about it). Or in some offices, HR might be well positioned to step in. But you shouldn’t accept this as a normal thing. The post my boss says you should always move personal appointments for work appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Wheelchairs are available at airports, hotels, resorts, theme parks, and on cruises, but standard wheelchairs require ongoing effort and can struggle through difficult terrain. Standard wheelchairs are simply less capable than electric ones. WheelMove wants to change that. WheelMove is a portable wheelchair attachment that turns any standard wheelchair into an electric one, allowing people to travel more easily wherever they are. It debuted at CES 2026, marking a significant leap in accessibility for wheelchair users who travel. When I found WheelMove at CES "Unveiled," I thought back to a recent family trip just two weeks ago, where two of my older family members often rented wheelchairs. They don't use wheelchairs in their day-to-day lives, but walking through a theme park all day wasn't possible. They needed support navigating the park, and the rest of us gladly took shifts pushing their wheelchairs. With a portable attachment like WheelMove, though, wheelchair users can use less effort and enjoy more independence through the battery-powered, remote-controlled attachment. Credit: Iyaz Akhtar Riders simply attach WheelMove to the front of any standard wheelchair, and the device lifts the wheelchair's smaller front wheels off the ground. Once attached, the rider controls the WheelMove through a basic remote control on their armrest, thigh, or wherever is most comfortable. The attachment weighs under 20 pounds, including its 10-inch wheel, 250W motor, and a battery that goes about 15 miles on a charge. Carrying an additional battery can double its range before needing to recharge, and it can navigate terrains including gravel, grass, and uneven surfaces like cobblestone. WheelMove is an incredibly innovative assistive technology poised to broaden personal mobility for those who need it, and it's also one of the finalists for the official Best of CES 2026 awards for the travel category. Pre-orders are available in France where the start-up is based, but the founders plan to expand internationally later this year. It costs about €5,000 or $6,000. View the full article

United Arab Emirates-funded trip underscores growing international interest in Reform UKView the full article

Google now adds Call Assets to Vehicle Ads so shoppers can call dealers right from the ad. Why we care. Vehicle Ads already attract high-intent buyers. Click-to-call removes friction at the exact moment they’re ready to speak with a dealer. The big picture. Automotive advertising is shifting toward immediacy. Buyers don’t want more forms. They want answers, availability, and a real person. Call-enabled Vehicle Ads shorten the path from search to conversation. Between the lines. Advertisers now carry more responsibility. When the ad becomes the point of conversion, call handling, staffing, and response quality directly shape performance. Dealers that treat phone calls as a core conversion channel will win. Those who don’t will feel the drop-off. First seen. Google Ads specialist Thomas Eccel spotted the update and shared it on LinkedIn. Bottom line. Vehicle Ads didn’t just gain visibility. They moved closer to the sale. View the full article