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Regarding customer surveys, comprehending best practices can markedly influence the quality of your insights. By defining clear objectives, you can tailor your questions to gather specific information. Crafting concise and engaging questions is vital, as it encourages participation and improves the quality of responses. Choosing the right survey platform guarantees ease of use and efficient distribution. Nevertheless, the process doesn’t end there. It’s fundamental to analyze feedback effectively and continually refine your approach. What other strategies can improve your survey effectiveness? Key Takeaways Define clear objectives to ensure all questions align with desired insights and support actionable business decisions. Craft concise and engaging questions, mixing open and close-ended types to gather richer data. Choose a user-friendly survey platform that allows for real-time tracking and effective distribution methods. Analyze feedback using advanced analytics to identify trends and prioritize changes based on customer pain points. Continuously improve your survey process by regularly reviewing methodologies and adapting to participant expectations. Define Clear Objectives for Your Survey When you’re planning a customer survey, it’s crucial to define clear objectives first, as this sets the foundation for your entire project. Specific goals guide your design process, ensuring that each question aligns with the insights you want to gather. By writing down these objectives, you maintain clarity and direction, which improves the overall effectiveness of your survey. When thinking about what does a survey look like, keep in mind a focused approach eliminates unrelated questions that could confuse respondents. This focus minimizes the risk of vague or misleading items, ensuring the reliability of your data. Clear objectives additionally support actionable business decisions, allowing you to prioritize changes based on your findings. In the end, following these customer survey best practices will lead to more meaningful insights, making your survey efforts worthwhile. Craft Concise and Engaging Questions Clear objectives pave the way for effective survey questions that resonate with respondents. To guarantee clarity, keep your questions short and focused. Lengthy phrases can confuse participants and lead to inaccurate answers. Incorporate a mix of open-ended and close-ended questions to enrich your data, but limit the open-ended options to prevent overwhelming respondents. Avoid leading questions, as they can bias responses; each question should maintain a neutral tone, allowing for honest feedback. Use relatable, straightforward language, steering clear of internal jargon that might alienate some participants. Testing your survey questions with a small audience is essential; this helps identify potential confusion or biases before full deployment. Choose the Right Survey Platform How do you select the right survey platform for your needs? Start by evaluating the features each platform offers. For instance, SurveyMonkey provides an extensive library of pre-designed templates, which can save you time in survey creation, whereas Qualtrics focuses on thorough experience management solutions. If you need something quick and user-friendly, Google Forms integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace tools and allows real-time response tracking. Next, consider the platform’s distribution methods. Some tools offer varied options for reaching respondents effectively, which can improve your survey’s reach. A user-friendly interface is also crucial, as it enhances the survey creation and response experience, leading to higher response rates and better quality insights. Analyze Feedback for Actionable Insights Analyzing feedback is essential for uncovering trends and patterns that can drive improvements in your products and services. By effectively utilizing advanced analytics and sentiment analysis, you can proactively identify anomalies that highlight customer pain points. This allows you to adapt your offerings in response to customer needs. Engaging respondents in the analysis process can furthermore encourage collaboration across your teams, leading to more actionable insights. Prioritizing changes based on the impact of customer feedback guarantees that you focus on improvements that notably enhance the customer experience. In addition, regularly revisiting and updating your surveys based on previous feedback helps maintain their relevance and responsiveness to evolving customer expectations. This continuous loop of analysis and action not merely strengthens customer relationships but also positions your brand favorably in a competitive market. Finally, effective analysis of feedback is an essential step in implementing meaningful changes that resonate with your audience. Continuously Improve Your Survey Process As you endeavor to improve the effectiveness of your customer surveys, it’s vital to continually refine your survey process. Regularly review and update your methodologies based on feedback from previous surveys. This not just aligns you with best practices but likewise keeps your surveys relevant and engaging. Cultivate a culture of learning by sharing insights across teams to elevate decision-making and collaboration. It’s important to adapt your approach to meet changing participant expectations. Utilize pilot testing with a small audience to identify confusing elements in your survey design before wider distribution. Finally, set regular intervals for re-evaluating your survey processes to guarantee they meet the evolving needs of your customers. Best Practices Actions to Implement Review Methodologies Update based on feedback Cultivate Collaboration Share insights across teams Pilot Testing Test questions with a small group Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are Consistency, Communication, and Care. Consistency means you provide reliable service across all interactions, avoiding confusion. Communication involves actively listening to feedback and keeping customers informed, nurturing trust. Care emphasizes showing genuine concern for customers’ needs and preferences, which builds emotional connections. Which Are the Important Elements to Remember While Doing a Customer Survey? When conducting a customer survey, remember to clearly define your objectives. This helps in designing questions that align with your goals. Use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions for thorough data. Keep surveys concise, ideally under ten questions, to improve participation. Randomize the question order to reduce bias, and place sensitive questions later to build trust. Finally, test your survey for clarity to guarantee respondents understand and engage with the questions effectively. What Makes a Good Customer Survey? A good customer survey focuses on clear objectives that align with your business goals, guaranteeing you collect relevant data. Keep it concise with ten or fewer questions to boost response rates and minimize fatigue. Use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions for richer feedback. Ascertain the design is user-friendly, employing clear language and visual appeal. Finally, pilot test your questions to identify any biases or clarity issues before launching the survey. What Are the 7 Steps to Creating a Good Survey? To create a good survey, start by defining your objectives and identifying your target audience. Next, design clear and concise questions that avoid jargon. Use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions to gather diverse insights. Pilot the survey with a small group to catch any issues. After refining it, consider offering incentives to boost response rates. Finally, distribute the survey widely and explore the collected data for actionable insights. Conclusion By implementing these five best practices, you can improve the effectiveness of your customer surveys. Defining clear objectives guarantees your questions yield valuable insights, whereas crafting concise questions keeps participants engaged. Selecting the right platform simplifies distribution and collection. Analyzing feedback allows for actionable changes, and continuously improving your survey process guarantees ongoing benefits. By following these steps, you’ll not just gather useful information but likewise promote a better comprehension of your customers’ needs and preferences. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Best Practices for Customer Surveys You Need to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The “Architects of AI” were named Time’s person of the year Thursday, with the magazine citing 2025 as when the potential of artificial intelligence “roared into view” with no turning back. “For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the possible, the Architects of AI are TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year,” Time said in a social media post. The magazine was deliberate in selecting people — the “individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI” — rather than the technology itself, though there would have been some precedent for that. “We’ve named not just individuals but also groups, more women than our founders could have imagined (though still not enough), and, on rare occasions, a concept: the endangered Earth, in 1988, or the personal computer, in 1982,” wrote Sam Jacobs, the editor-in-chief, in an explanation of the choice. “The drama surrounding the selection of the PC over Apple’s Steve Jobs later became the stuff of books and a movie.” One of the cover images resembling the “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph from the 1930s shows eight tech leaders sitting on the beam: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, AMD CEO Lisa Su, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the CEO of Google’s DeepMind division Demis Hassabis, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, who launched her own startup World Labs last year. Another cover image shows scaffolding surrounding the giant letters “AI” made to look like computer componentry. Five of the eight people selected — Musk, Zuckerberg, Huang, Altman and Su — are already billionaires with a collective fortune of $870 billion, based on the latest estimates compiled by Forbes magazine. Much of the wealth has been accumulated during the past three years of AI fever. It made sense for Time to anoint AI because 2025 was the year that it shifted from “a novel technology explored by early adopters to one where a critical mass of consumers see it as part of their mainstream lives,” Thomas Husson, principal analyst at research firm Forrester, said by email. The magazine noted AI company CEOs’ attendance at President Donald The President’s inauguration this year at the Capitol as a herald for the prominence of the sector. “This was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back or opting out,” Jacobs wrote. Some experts expressed caution over the AI boom and the race to develop increasingly powerful systems. “Leading AI companies are working feverishly to replace humans in every facet of life, and they’re not being shy about it,” said Anthony Aguirre, executive director of the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, which works on AI safety issues. “The impact on our society could be catastrophic if there are no guardrails protecting what’s human, and most important to us.” AI was a leading contender for the top slot, according to prediction markets, along with Huang and Altman. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope whose election this year followed the death of Pope Francis, was also considered a contender, with The President, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani topping lists as well. After winning his second bid for the White House, The President was named 2024’s person of the year by the magazine, succeeding Taylor Swift, who was the 2023 person of the year. The magazine was bought by Marc Benioff in 2018. Benioff, one of the co-founders of cloud-computing firm Salesforce, has called AI “probably the most important” technological wave of his lifetime. He has repeatedly said he doesn’t get involved in Time’s editorial decisions. The magazine’s selection dates from 1927, when its editors have picked the person they say most shaped headlines over the previous 12 months. —Mike Catalini, Associated Press Associated Press writers Matt O’Brien, Kelvin Chan, and Michael Liedtke contributed to this article. View the full article

SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic will break new ground — potentially with the scale of their lossesView the full article

Amazon’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence aim to revolutionize how small businesses operate by enhancing their access to cutting-edge technology. With the introduction of four new models in its Nova portfolio, alongside groundbreaking services like Nova Forge and Nova Act, Amazon unleashes powerful tools that empower organizations to create tailored AI solutions. Amazon’s Nova 2 models promise industry-leading performance at competitive prices. These models elevate capabilities in reasoning, multimodal processing, conversational AI, code generation, and agentic tasks, offering small businesses the opportunity to leverage high-level AI technology without breaking the bank. “Nova 2 models deliver industry-leading price-performance across reasoning, multimodal processing, conversational AI, code generation, and agentic tasks,” an Amazon spokesperson stated. The Nova Forge service is particularly noteworthy as it allows businesses to build their customized models. Using an “open training” approach, organizations can infuse their proprietary data into the model early in the training process. This tailored approach enables small businesses to adapt the AI to their specific needs and challenges, enhancing relevance and efficacy. On the automation front, Nova Act achieves a remarkable 90% reliability rate for browser-based UI workflows. “Nova Act achieves breakthrough 90% reliability for browser-based UI automation workflows built by early customers,” highlighted an Amazon representative. This high reliability can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce manual labor, and enhance productivity. Key Takeaways: The Nova 2 models feature robust capabilities in multiple AI applications and are tailored for price-conscious businesses. Nova Forge enables organizations to create custom AI models using their own data, allowing for more relevant and effective applications. Nova Act offers a high degree of reliability in task automation, making it suitable for businesses that require consistency and efficiency. While these developments present promising opportunities, small business owners should approach them with a discerning eye. First, implementing AI solutions like Nova Forge requires a certain technical proficiency and understanding of AI technologies. This could mean investing time and resources into training staff or hiring specialized talent to manage these new systems effectively. Moreover, data security and privacy concerns can also pose challenges. As businesses seek to integrate proprietary data into AI models, they must be vigilant against potential breaches that could compromise sensitive information. Establishing strong data governance practices becomes imperative. Additionally, small business owners might consider the costs associated with initial setup and ongoing maintenance when adopting these technologies. Although the payoffs can be significant, particularly in time savings and operational efficiency, the upfront investment can be a hurdle for businesses operating on tight budgets. In navigating these challenges, small business owners should engage with relevant resources to demystify AI integration. Local workshops, online courses, or collaborations with tech-savvy firms can provide invaluable insights tailored to their specific sectors and needs. Amazon’s expanded Nova portfolio not only democratizes access to advanced AI technologies but also encourages small business growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging these tools, small businesses can optimize operations and enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace. For further details on Amazon’s Nova advancements, visit the original press release: Amazon Press Release. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Amazon Unveils Nova Expansion with New AI Models and Customization Tools" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Amazon’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence aim to revolutionize how small businesses operate by enhancing their access to cutting-edge technology. With the introduction of four new models in its Nova portfolio, alongside groundbreaking services like Nova Forge and Nova Act, Amazon unleashes powerful tools that empower organizations to create tailored AI solutions. Amazon’s Nova 2 models promise industry-leading performance at competitive prices. These models elevate capabilities in reasoning, multimodal processing, conversational AI, code generation, and agentic tasks, offering small businesses the opportunity to leverage high-level AI technology without breaking the bank. “Nova 2 models deliver industry-leading price-performance across reasoning, multimodal processing, conversational AI, code generation, and agentic tasks,” an Amazon spokesperson stated. The Nova Forge service is particularly noteworthy as it allows businesses to build their customized models. Using an “open training” approach, organizations can infuse their proprietary data into the model early in the training process. This tailored approach enables small businesses to adapt the AI to their specific needs and challenges, enhancing relevance and efficacy. On the automation front, Nova Act achieves a remarkable 90% reliability rate for browser-based UI workflows. “Nova Act achieves breakthrough 90% reliability for browser-based UI automation workflows built by early customers,” highlighted an Amazon representative. This high reliability can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce manual labor, and enhance productivity. Key Takeaways: The Nova 2 models feature robust capabilities in multiple AI applications and are tailored for price-conscious businesses. Nova Forge enables organizations to create custom AI models using their own data, allowing for more relevant and effective applications. Nova Act offers a high degree of reliability in task automation, making it suitable for businesses that require consistency and efficiency. While these developments present promising opportunities, small business owners should approach them with a discerning eye. First, implementing AI solutions like Nova Forge requires a certain technical proficiency and understanding of AI technologies. This could mean investing time and resources into training staff or hiring specialized talent to manage these new systems effectively. Moreover, data security and privacy concerns can also pose challenges. As businesses seek to integrate proprietary data into AI models, they must be vigilant against potential breaches that could compromise sensitive information. Establishing strong data governance practices becomes imperative. Additionally, small business owners might consider the costs associated with initial setup and ongoing maintenance when adopting these technologies. Although the payoffs can be significant, particularly in time savings and operational efficiency, the upfront investment can be a hurdle for businesses operating on tight budgets. In navigating these challenges, small business owners should engage with relevant resources to demystify AI integration. Local workshops, online courses, or collaborations with tech-savvy firms can provide invaluable insights tailored to their specific sectors and needs. Amazon’s expanded Nova portfolio not only democratizes access to advanced AI technologies but also encourages small business growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging these tools, small businesses can optimize operations and enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace. For further details on Amazon’s Nova advancements, visit the original press release: Amazon Press Release. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Amazon Unveils Nova Expansion with New AI Models and Customization Tools" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This fall, President The President took aim at the H-1B visa, in a move that has been telegraphed for years amid criticism that the program diverts jobs away from American workers. In September, The President announced that new applications for the work visa would now be subject to a $100,000 fee—a bold attempt to curtail excessive use of the H-1B program. The H-1B program, which was established through the Immigration Act of 1990, has been widely embraced by tech employers to enable hiring skilled talent from abroad, with companies like Amazon and Meta sponsoring thousands of H-1B workers every year. While H-1B workers hail from dozens of countries, an outsized portion of them—about 80%—are hired from India and China. But the program has also repeatedly come under fire due to claims that it outsources jobs and undercuts wages by paying foreign workers below market rate. The President’s proclamation has sparked confusion as employers have scrambled to figure out how the fee would reshape their hiring and recruitment plans—and which workers would be subject to it. For the big tech companies that are among the most avid users of the H-1B visa, a $100,000 fee is not a huge price to pay. But lawyers say many companies that use the visa more sparingly are now unable to shoulder the steep cost of hiring H-1B workers. “What we’re seeing is the $100,000 fee is not just impacting small employers who are like, ‘we can’t pay that,’” says immigration lawyer Sandra Feist, who works with many people who are seeking an H-1B visa. “No employer that I have spoken with—and that includes very large organizations and large universities—has said it’s worth it. This impact is being felt across all sizes of companies and institutions.” In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a major business lobbying group, has filed a lawsuit challenging the fee, deeming it “unlawful” and “cost-prohibitive” for employers seeking to hire H-1B workers. Feist says several companies she works with that typically enter the H-1B lottery on an annual basis are reevaluating their hiring strategy and planning to sit it out next year. In many cases, the muddled rollout of the fee and the lack of clarity on exceptions has created a chilling effect that is discouraging employers from sponsoring foreign workers altogether, even if they already have a visa. “There are a lot of instances where this fee does apply and is prohibitive, but there are also many circumstances where this fee would not apply based on the current guidance that we’ve received,” Feist says. “But employers are so fearful of the uncertainty and volatility around immigration.” How the fee is impacting employers The same logic has influenced how early and mid-stage startups are approaching hiring at the moment, according to Sophie Alcorn, an immigration lawyer who works with tech startups and founders. A significant portion of H-1B visas are held by people who came to the U.S. as students and simply changed their immigration status. But many founders are now hesitant to hire foreign nationals, even if they have already obtained a work visa or are currently authorized to work in the U.S. “A lot of small businesses just don’t have the resources or information to understand that if those people are maintaining valid status in the U.S., then the $100,000 fee would not apply to them,” Alcorn says, citing the example of speaking with a recent graduate who had three job offers revoked when their immigration status was disclosed. (This person was authorized to work without restriction for the year ahead.) H-1B workers can often play a significant role at small companies and startups, where they might be the sole person hired with their particular skillset, Alcorn says. Due to the visa fee, however, Alcorn has found that startups are steering clear of those workers and opting instead to hire people who have secured the O-1 visa. (That visa does not have to be tied to the employer, and is awarded to people who possess “extraordinary ability” in their field. It can offer more flexibility and job mobility than the H-1B, particularly in fields that rely on freelance or contract work.) But this can deny opportunities to workers who don’t have the qualifications they might need to secure an O-1. “A lot of the really brilliant, talented engineers are not famous and don’t have a public profile,” she adds. “Many of them are not PhD researchers. They’re often very scrappy individuals with a lot of work experience.” The $100,000 fee is supposed to only apply to new applications—but existing H-1B workers are feeling the effects of it all the same. While H-1B workers can transfer their visa status if they find a new job, the restrictions of the visa can leave people in a precarious limbo if they get laid off. H-1B workers who lose their jobs are granted a 60-day grace period to find new employment and retain their visa status. In this job market, however, it’s no small feat for workers to land a new role within that timeframe. Sharadha Kodem, an immigration lawyer who represents many H-1B workers, says that with the $100,000 fee in place, employers may be forced to pay up if they want to hire an H-1B worker but are unable to do so within 60 days. If a worker has to leave the country in the interim, their new employer risks being saddled with the $100,000 fee when they return with a new visa, Kodem says. What this means for foreign workers For aspiring H-1B workers—be it students or refugees with temporary status protecting them from deportation—the fee has thrown a wrench in their future plans. The The President administration has claimed that the $100,000 fee will not be levied on current H-1B workers or recent graduates who are seeking to change their status and switch to an H-1B visa. But their guidance also notes that the fee will be imposed if a worker is “deemed ineligible for a change of status or extension.” This vague language gives the administration “broad discretion” to determine who is eligible for a change of status, Feist says—and whether they will be slapped with a $100,000 bill. A recent Washington Post report found that foreign workers are already facing greater scrutiny—and denials—when they apply for work visas, including the H-1B. It’s not just tech workers or H-1B visa aspirants from India and China who are impacted by stringent policies like this one. “I’m working with a costume designer from Ukraine, and our plan was to file in the lottery this spring,” Feist says. “I’ll have to revisit that in light of the $100,000 fee.” Feist is working with several people from Ukraine who have temporary protected status, for whom securing an H-1B would have been their best chance at staying in the U.S. If the administration has the final say on whether the fee should be waived, they could arbitrarily foist it on applicants from certain countries, Feist says. “The general hope is that, as the administration sees what a chilling effect this has on employers who are seeking essential workers that they can’t find in the U.S. workforce, that they will slowly narrow the scope of the fee and perhaps provide more clear guidance,” she adds. “Our hope is that the administration sees the light.” Why this does not address H-1B abuses The The President administration has framed this fee as a ploy to discourage companies from abusing the H-1B program or using it to source cheaper labor. In practice, however, the fee seems to be making it more difficult for companies to use the program the way it was originally conceived: to recruit highly skilled talent that they can’t find stateside. Meanwhile, for the leading tech companies that routinely file thousands of H-1B petitions to sponsor workers from abroad, $100,000 amounts to the equivalent of a paltry rounding error—and hardly qualifies as an obstacle. Those companies will likely face less competition for H-1B approvals, as the fee deters many employers from applying at all. “This is benefiting the exact employers that [the administration says] they are targeting,” Feist says. “It is only very large companies that over rely upon H-1B and sponsor tens of thousands of them each year that will benefit from this. And normal employers who are hiring an ophthalmologist or a teacher or a therapist or an architect—they will be disadvantaged.” The debate over the H-1B program dates back decades, with people on both sides of the aisle calling for reform long before President The President assumed office. One of the key critiques of the program has been that deep-pocketed companies can effectively game the lottery by flooding it with applications—and that certain companies use the H-1B visa to undercut wages. The H-1B program has wage requirements but offers four different wage levels, and some research indicates that many workers are being paid at the lowest wage levels, which are supposed to be reserved for entry-level jobs. (Other research has found that employers are by and large paying market rate.) The backlog of green card applications also leaves many H-1B workers without a legitimate path to citizenship, forcing them to spend decades in the U.S. on a visa that is tied to their employment. Daniel Costa, the director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, says that employers who pay lower wages to H-1B workers—which typically includes outsourcing and staffing firms like Infosys, Cognizant, and Tata—still benefit from the program, even if they are now saddled with the $100,000 fee. “They’re multi-billion dollar companies, and they get a lot of wage savings from using the program,” he says. “So [the fee] is not very well-targeted, and it could have unintended effects. And it just doesn’t get at the heart of what’s wrong with the H-1B program.” What could actually reform the H-1B program The new fee fails to reform the H-1B program in a meaningful way, and it seems even The President is of two minds about the role of this visa. Even as The President has cracked down on legal immigration, he has touted the value of H-1B. In a Fox News interview last month—not long after he introduced the $100,000 fee—The President said the U.S. workforce lacked “certain talents” and needed the H-1B visa to bring over highly skilled workers. “You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘I’m going to put you into a factory and we’re going to make missiles,’” he added. There are changes to the H-1B program that could move the needle, though it’s not clear whether those efforts will actually target the companies that lean heavily on the H-1B visa. The The President administration is putting forth proposals that would likely amend the lottery system and prioritize applications for H-1B petitions that are at a higher wage level—in other words, give more weight to jobs that pay better. In theory, this could help prevent tech companies and outsourcing firms from exploiting the lottery system, while also ensuring H-1B workers are paid fairly. But some lawyers argue that it would simply reinforce the advantage held by tech firms, who can afford to pay higher wages, and make it more difficult for other applicants to land an H-1B visa if overall wages are depressed in their sector. The Labor Department has also stepped up enforcement of the H-1B program through an initiative called Project Firewall, which is intended to investigate potential abuses of the H-1B visa, including but not limited to wage theft. Still, as Costa points out, the threat of enforcement may not be a deterrent for billion-dollar employers that have come to rely on the H-1B visa. “Companies get disbarred from the program very, very rarely,” he says. “If the penalty is mostly just recovering back wages, then you’re just paying what you owed that worker anyway.” View the full article

All year long, I’ve made a weekly book recommendation when kicking off the weekend open thread. These aren’t work-related books; they’re just books I like, mostly fiction. Sometimes they’re books that I’m in the middle of reading, and other times they’re just long-standing favorites. Here’s the complete list of what I’ve recommended this year (maybe in time for holiday gift-shopping!). I’ve bolded my favorites of the favorites. (Interestingly, with some notable exceptions, it appears that what I was reading got lighter and lighter as the year went on.) Long Bright River, by Liz Moore. It’s SO GOOD! It’s the story of two sisters, close as children but estranged as adults. When one becomes a police officer while the other struggles with addiction. When the younger sister goes missing, the other tries to find her. I thought this would be a gritty police procedural, which isn’t normally my thing, but it’s a beautifully layered literary exploration of family bonds and addiction that will get you right in the gut. The best book I’ve read in months. (Amazon, Bookshop) Rental House, by Weike Wang. After the daughter of Chinese immigrants and the son of a white, working class family marry, they grapple with their relationship with each other and both sets of parents over the course of a summer vacation. (Amazon, Bookshop) God of the Woods, by Liz Moore. A teenager disappears from the summer camp her family owns, 14 years after her older brother similarly disappeared. (Amazon, Bookshop) Case Histories, by Kate Atkinson. After loving Liz Moore’s Long Bright River, I wanted more literary fiction mysteries where the character development gets as much attention as the plot. (Amazon, Bookshop) Perfume and Pain, by Anna Dorn. A cancelled writer searches for inspiration and develops a surprising relationship with her new neighbor. Funny and smart. (Amazon, Bookshop) Piglet, by Lottie Hazell. After her fiance confesses a betrayal two weeks before their wedding, a woman becomes inexplicably ravenous. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Safekeep, by Yael van der Wouden. When her brother’s girlfriend comes to stay with her in the Netherlands, a woman’s post-war life is upended. (Amazon, Bookshop) Blob: A Love Story, by Maggie Su. After a woman takes home a blob she finds in an alley, it grows into her ideal man. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett. The Queen of England stumbles into a mobile library and develops a love of reading, which upends her life as the monarch. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Rachel Incident, by Caroline O’Donoghue. A best friendship is upended when one of the friends begins an affair with a married professor. (Amazon, Bookshop) Real Americans, by Rachel Khong. This is an epic family saga told in three generations: a pair of scientists who fled China’s Cultural Revolution, their daughter, and the son she has in America with the wealthy heir to a pharmaceutical company, whose business is intertwined with her parents in ways she learns of only later. (Amazon, Bookshop) Show Don’t Tell, by Curtis Sittenfeld. I will read anything Curtis Sittenfeld writes, including short stories, which normally frustrate me for being … short. As she has moved into middle age, so have many of her characters, including one story that revisits the protagonist from her novel Prep. (Amazon, Bookshop) Every Tom, Dick & Harry, by Elinor Lipman. Yay for a new Elinor Lipman, who I believe is the Jane Austen of our time. A woman is hired to handle the estate sale of her small town’s brothel/B&B. There’s intergenerational friendship, a romance with the chief of police, family drama, a high school reunion, and much more. (Amazon, Bookshop) Three Days in June, by Anne Tyler. The night before a woman’s daughter is getting married, her ex shows up on her doorstep with no place to stay (and a cat). The story is the day before the wedding, the day of, and the day afterwards, and it’s charming and cozy and ended too soon. (Amazon, Bookshop) Greta & Valdin, by Rebecca K. Reilly. Greta and Valdin are siblings and roommates, one dealing with his break-up with a much older man, and one trying to figure out love and her career. It’s also about their large Maori-Russian-Catalonian family, and about struggling to find your way, and it’s funny. (Amazon, Bookshop) I See You’ve Called In Dead, by John Kenney. An obituary writer publishes his own obituary after drinking too much one night, then he learns his newspaper can’t fire him because their systems now list him as dead. (Amazon, Bookshop) Back After This, by Linda Holmes. A podcast producer who’s been wanting to host her own show gets offered the chance to do it … but she has to agree to let the show be about her dating life and to work with a relationship coach and influencer, of whom she’s highly skeptical. It’s smart and funny, and I looked forward to reading it every night and was sad when it was over. (Amazon, Bookshop) Three Junes, by Julia Glass. The story of three generations of a Scottish family, across three summers. It’s about the expectations and obligations of family, as well as marriage, love, and loss. One of my favorite books of all time. (Amazon, Bookshop) Dearly Departed, by Elinor Lipman. After the unexpected death of her mother, a single mom returns to her small hometown and realized life there was different than she’d previously understood. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Lynda Cohen Loigman. A retired pharmacist moves to a retirement community in Florida, where she reconnects with a man from her past. The story alternates between their relationship in the present day and what happened between them when they were growing up in Brooklyn in the 1920s. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Glitch, by Elisabeth Cohen. A tech company CEO who’s the walking embodiment of every piece of dehumanized corporate advice you’ve ever heard has her life disrupted when she meets a woman who appears to be the younger version of herself (literally — same name, same scar, same history). Darkly hilarious. (Amazon, Bookshop) Food Person, by Adam Roberts. A down-on-her-luck food writer is hired to ghostwrite a cookbook for a messy, narcissistic TV star who doesn’t even like food. Roberts, a food writer himself, seeds the whole thing with expertise about the food world, and it’s hilarious and in parts surprisingly moving. (Amazon, Bookshop) Consider Yourself Kissed, by Jessica Stanley. The title makes it sound like a light romance, but it’s the story of a woman who enters a relationship and finds, like many women before her, that her life must narrow so his can expand, and how she deals with that. (Amazon, Bookshop) Aftertaste, by Daria Lavelle. A chef who can taste ghosts’ favorite meals finds he can temporarily reunite people with their lost loved ones by preparing those foods. (Amazon, Bookshop) Girls Girls Girls, by Shoshana von Blanckensee. As soon as they graduate high school, two best friends (and secret girlfriends) drive to San Francisco and try to make a life there. It’s about being gay, Jewish, and loving your grandma. It’s also about strip clubs, cringing at yourself, and figuring out who you are versus who your family is. I loved it. (Amazon, Bookshop) Far and Away, by Amy Poeppel. A family in Dallas and a family in Berlin swap homes for the summer, then find their lives intertwining in unexpected ways. Funny and sweet, and I am already missing many of these characters. (Amazon, Bookshop) Park Avenue, by Renee Ahdieh. An ambitious young lawyer is asked to take on a case against a monstrously rich family’s patriarch, who seems to be hiding money from his kids and terminally ill wife. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Bedwetter, by Sarah Silverman (Amazon, Bookshop). If you like her comedy, you’ll like this. Warning: it is crude. If you don’t like really crude comedy, then let me suggest some hilarious but less crude books by other comics: I’m Just a Person by Tig Notaro (Amazon, Bookshop); I’d Like to Play Alone, Please by Tom Segura (Amazon, Bookshop) and You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein (Amazon, Bookshop). Musical Chairs, by Amy Poeppel, who loves nothing better than to assemble a big messy group of family and chosen family and let the chaos fly. This time, the musician daughter of a famous conductor, her chamber trio, her kids, her octogenarian father’s new fiancé, and assorted other characters gather at a ramshackle home in the country and nothing goes as planned. (Amazon, Bookshop) A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, by Sangu Mandanna. The latest from the author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this is just as cozy and delightful. After one of the most powerful witches in the world loses her magic and is exiled from the magicians’ guild, she must find her way back while running an enchanted inn that only people who truly need can find. (Amazon, Bookshop) Carnegie Hill, by Jonathan Vatner. A newlywed struggling with her marriage watches other relationships in various states of disarray in her her New York co-op building. It’s about people with money, people with less money, marriage, fidelity, and secrets. (Amazon, Bookshop) I’m Glad My Mom Died, by Jenette McCurdy. An incredible memoir about her abusive stage mom that grabs you and won’t let you put it down. (Amazon, Bookshop) Bring the House Down, by Charlotte Runcie. When a performer discovers a theater critic wrote a scathing review of her show the same night he slept with her, she creates a hit show about what happened. Told through the eyes of the critic’s friend and colleague, it’s an exploration of what (some) badly behaved men tell themselves and the chaos they create for those around them. (Amazon, Bookshop) Flying Solo, by Linda Holmes. After returning home to clean out her great-aunt’s house, a woman who recently called off her wedding finds a mysterious love letter and an even more mysterious wooden duck. (Amazon, Bookshop) Morningside Heights, by Cheryl Mendelson. The woman who wrote the amazing Home Comforts: the Art and Science of Keeping House also wrote a novel! Two married musicians grapple with the their careers, the troubled love lives of their friends, the aftermath of a neighbor’s death, and the way rapid gentrification may soon push them out of their beloved home. (Amazon, Bookshop) Sisters of Fortune, by Esther Chehebar, who’s been called “a Jewish Jane Austen.” Three sisters in the insular Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn try to figure out their relationships to men and to each other, as one begins to question her engagement. (Amazon, Bookshop) Sister Wife, by Christine Brown Woolley. I don’t know what made me pick this up but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. Written by one of the (former!) three sister wives from TLC’s reality show about a polygamous marriage, it’s absolutely fascinating. (Amazon, Bookshop) Single, Carefree, Mellow, by Katherine Heiny. I don’t normally like short stories but I will read everything Katherine Heiny writes and these short stories are just as funny and smart about love and relationships as her longer books. (Amazon, Bookshop) Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry. Two very different writers — one an outgoing celebrity journalist and one a Pulitzer-Prize-winning curmudgeon — compete to write the biography of a once-famous tabloid princess who long ago dropped out of sight. Not my favorite Emily Henry, but everything she writes is so entertaining that it’s still worth recommending. She’s an ideal author for when you want fluff that’s still smart and well-written. (Amazon, Bookshop) The Sisters Weiss, by Naomi Ragen. The daughter of a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish family rebels against the expectations of her parents and community, to mixed results. (Amazon, Bookshop) Everything Here Is Under Control, by Emily Adrian. Two estranged friends reunite when one is breaking under the strain of new motherhood. (Amazon, Bookshop) Land of Milk and Honey, by C Pam Zhang. With food supplies disappearing after an environmental disaster, a chef escapes to a job in the Italian Alps to cook in a closed oasis for the world’s elite. (Amazon, Bookshop) What Is Wrong With You? by Paul Rudnick. Both funny and poignant, it follows a motley cast of characters (including a former TV action star, a fired book editor, and a dentist in mourning) as they prepare to attend the wedding of one of their exes to a famous tech billionaire. (Amazon, Bookshop) Nobody’s Girl, by Virginia Roberts Giuffre. It’s an account of the author’s abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell (including abuse that simply took another form after she escaped them), and it’s absolutely harrowing. (Amazon, Bookshop) Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon, by Matthew Norman. After being recently widowed, a mom raising two young kids meets a man who recently lost his wife, and they slowly start to rebuild their lives. It is charming and legitimately funny and there’s a lot of Baltimore in it, and I loved it. (Amazon, Bookshop) Wreck, by Catherine Newman. A woman in middle age has a a delightful family, a mysterious rash, and a preoccupation with a local train accident. The family is the same one from her first book, Sandwich, but this book is 10 times funnier, and you don’t need to have read the first one to enjoy this one. (Amazon, Bookshop) Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters, by Adriana Trigiani and more. A bunch of well-known authors, including my personal favorite Elinor Lipman, reimagine the lives of some of Jane Austen’s minor characters, including Mary Bennett, Georgiana Darcy, Caroline Bingley, and Miss Bates. (Amazon, Bookshop) Buckeye, by Patrick Ryan. A short-lived affair in a small town in 1945 has long-lasting consequences for two families. I loved this! This ended up being my favorite book of everything I read this year. (Amazon, Bookshop) And if you’re looking for more, here are my lists of book recommendations from 2024 … from 2023 … from 2022 … from 2021 … from 2020 … from 2019 … from 2018 … from 2017 … from 2016 … and from 2015. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as an affiliate of Bookshop.org. I make a commission if you use these links. The post all of my 2025 book recommendations appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The government-sponsored enterprise removed a limit on adjustable-rate mortgages, and added flexibilities for repair, manufactured home and ADU financing. View the full article

Former Nato leader on the future of the transatlantic alliance View the full article

After the end of the draw periods that range from two to five years, the amortization begins, during which borrowers have a repayment period ranging from three to 25 years. View the full article

The database company’s stock looks like a leveraged bet on OpenAI being able to meet its long-term promisesView the full article

Creating a winning social media content strategy involves a systematic approach that begins with clear goal setting. You need to identify your objectives, understand your target audience, and analyze your competitors. This foundational work informs your content plan, enabling you to craft engaging material that resonates. By building a content calendar and leveraging data insights, you can optimize your posting strategy. The next steps will guide you in measuring results effectively and refining your approach for better engagement. Key Takeaways Set SMART goals to define specific, measurable objectives that align with your overall business vision. Research your audience and analyze competitors to understand preferences and effective content strategies. Develop a diverse content plan and calendar, scheduling posts strategically for maximum engagement. Measure key metrics regularly to assess performance and make data-driven adjustments to your strategy. Focus on continuous improvement by adapting content based on audience feedback and engagement trends. Identify and Set Goals When you start developing your social media content strategy, it’s crucial to identify and set clear goals, as this lays the foundation for your overall success. Establish SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to provide objectives that help measure ROI. For instance, you might aim to increase your follower count by 20% in six months or drive website traffic by 30% within a quarter. Align these goals with your broader business objectives to maximize brand visibility. Regularly revisit and adjust your goals based on performance data and analytics, ensuring you stay responsive to audience engagement and market trends. Focus on key metrics like engagement rates and conversion rates to evaluate how to create a content strategy for social media effectively. Research Your Audience To create content that truly resonates, you need to understand your audience’s demographics, preferences, and behaviors. Tools like Google Analytics can provide crucial insights. Furthermore, engaging surveys and polls allow you to gather direct feedback. Moreover, analyzing social media conversations helps you identify what topics and formats engage your target demographic most effectively. Demographic Insights Gathering How well do you really know your audience? To create an effective content strategy, you need to gather demographic insights. Start by using tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Page Insights to collect data on age, gender, location, and online behaviors. These metrics can shape your content creation and targeting strategies. Furthermore, conduct surveys and interviews to understand your audience’s preferences and pain points, enabling you to tailor content accordingly. Developing buyer personas based on these insights will help you visualize your ideal customers and their motivations. Finally, monitor industry trends and competitor activities to stay informed about shifts in demographics, ensuring your content remains relevant and appealing to your target market. Engaging Surveys and Polls Engaging surveys and polls serve as valuable tools for comprehending your audience, as they invite followers to share their preferences and opinions at the same time cultivating a sense of community. Utilizing platforms like Google Forms or built-in polling features on social media can improve audience interaction considerably, with posts featuring polls yielding up to 20% higher engagement than standard posts. By incorporating engaging questions, such as multiple-choice or rating scales, you can boost response quality and encourage more participation. This method not only helps gather demographic insights but likewise collects feedback on your content performance, allowing you to refine your strategies for producing more relevant, engaging content. Poll Type Engagement Level Multiple-choice High Rating scale Very High Open-ended Moderate Yes/No Low Analyzing Social Media Conversations Comprehension of your audience goes beyond engaging surveys and polls; it involves a thorough analysis of social media conversations. By examining these conversations, you can gather real-time insights into audience preferences, sentiment, and engagement patterns, all of which are crucial for effective content marketing strategy development. Tools like Sprout‘s AI-enabled Query Builder help you capture relevant discussions and identify trends, providing a clearer picture of how customers engage with your brand and industry. Pay close attention to the language and tone used by your audience, as this can inform adjustments to your brand voice. Regularly analyzing these conversations keeps your content relevant and aligned with current trends, in the end enhancing audience engagement and satisfaction. Analyze Your Social Media Competitors To strengthen your social media strategy, start by analyzing the content types and engagement practices of at least five competitors. Look at what formats they use, how often they post, and how their audience interacts with their content. This assessment will help you identify successful tactics and trends, allowing you to refine your own approach and maintain a competitive edge. Competitor Content Types During the analysis of your competitors’ social media content types, it’s crucial to understand the environment in which your brand operates. Start by identifying the types of content they produce, such as videos, blogs, or infographics, to see what resonates with their audience. By examining their posts, you can discover trends in high and low performance, which can inform how to create a content marketing strategy customized to your brand. Utilize competitive analysis tools to gather quantitative data on engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments. Furthermore, assess the language and tone they use to guarantee your content aligns with your voice as you appeal to potential customers. Regular audits can reveal gaps in their strategies, offering opportunities for unique content. Engagement Practices Assessment Analyzing your competitors’ engagement practices provides valuable insights that can shape your own social media strategy. Conducting a competitive analysis allows you to identify effective content types and audience engagement methods. By using quantitative data from analysis tools, you can evaluate metrics like engagement rates and follower growth. Pay attention to the language and tone in their high-performing posts to align with your brand voice. Additionally, note the trends in content types that resonate, such as videos or user-generated content. Regular audits will help you compare your performance and spot gaps for improvement in your engagement practices. Competitor Engagement Rate Content Type Competitor A 5% Video Competitor B 3% Infographic Competitor C 6% User-Generated Content Competitor D 4% Blog Post Competitor E 2% Polls Develop a Social Media Content Plan Creating a social media content plan involves careful consideration of various elements that work together to engage your audience effectively. A structured approach guarantees you maintain interest and encourage interaction. Here are key components to include in your content strategy plan: Diverse Content Types: Incorporate how-tos, user-generated content, and live events to keep your audience engaged. Data-Driven Insights: Use insights from previous content audits to adapt your strategy based on trends and preferences. Repurpose High-Performing Content: Maximize reach by sharing successful content across different platforms as you maintain your brand messaging. Additionally, utilizing tools like Sprout’s Ideal Send Times can help you determine the best posting times, enhancing audience engagement and guaranteeing a cohesive execution of your content plan. Build a Content Calendar Building a content calendar is vital for organizing and visualizing your social media posts, as it helps guarantee a consistent posting schedule aligned with your marketing goals. By incorporating diverse content types, such as educational, promotional, and user-generated content, you’ll keep your audience engaged and encourage interaction. Scheduling posts in advance allows for strategic planning around national holidays, events, and relevant themes, maximizing content relevance and reach. Utilize tools like Sprout’s Ideal Send Times to identify the best times to post, enhancing audience engagement and visibility. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your content calendar based on performance analytics is fundamental for improving future content strategies and enhancing overall effectiveness, making it a key element in building a content strategy that works. Measure Results and Optimize Strategy After establishing a solid content calendar, the next step involves measuring results and optimizing your strategy to confirm effectiveness. To guarantee your content development strategy aligns with your goals, focus on key metrics that matter. Regularly assess reach, engagement, and conversions. Use tools like Sprout Social to track analytics and audience insights. Conduct A/B testing to discover what content resonates best. Implement monthly performance reviews to evaluate your alignment with SMART goals. By concentrating on three to five core metrics, you can avoid data overwhelm and maintain targeted efforts. This approach will help you effectively measure results and optimize strategy, confirming continuous improvement in your social media efforts. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 C’s of Social Media Strategy? The 7 C’s of social media strategy are Clarity, Consistency, Creativity, Content, Community, Conversation, and Conversion. Clarity guarantees your message aligns with brand goals. Consistency builds trust by maintaining a uniform voice and posting schedule. Creativity captures attention through engaging content. Community nurtures relationships with followers, whereas Conversation encourages interaction. Finally, Conversion measures how effectively your strategy turns engagement into sales or desired actions, enhancing overall effectiveness. What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 Rule on social media suggests that for every 15 pieces of content you share, five should educate, five should entertain, and five should promote your brand or products. This balanced approach guarantees you provide value to your audience during the same time achieving your business goals. What Is the 50/30/20 Rule for Social Media? The 50/30/20 rule for social media content suggests you allocate 50% of your posts to engaging and entertaining your audience, 30% to informative and educational content, and 20% to promotional material. This balanced strategy keeps your followers interested without overwhelming them with sales pitches. By diversifying your content, you improve engagement rates and cultivate a more authentic connection. Regularly reviewing your content’s performance can likewise help you adjust your strategy based on audience preferences. How to Build a Content Strategy for Social Media? To build a content strategy for social media, start by setting SMART goals that align with your marketing objectives. Conduct audience research to create detailed buyer personas, ensuring your content resonates with your target demographic. Develop a diverse content plan that includes various formats, and maintain a content calendar for consistent posting. Analyze competitors to identify effective practices and regularly gauge performance using key metrics to optimize your strategy based on data insights. Conclusion In summary, establishing a successful social media content strategy involves a systematic approach, starting with clear goals and audience comprehension. By analyzing competitors, developing a content plan, and maintaining a content calendar, you can guarantee your posts resonate with your audience. Regularly measuring results allows for optimization, enabling you to adapt to changes effectively. Following these steps not solely improves engagement but additionally aligns your social media efforts with your overall business objectives for sustained growth. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Create a Winning Social Media Content Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating a winning social media content strategy involves a systematic approach that begins with clear goal setting. You need to identify your objectives, understand your target audience, and analyze your competitors. This foundational work informs your content plan, enabling you to craft engaging material that resonates. By building a content calendar and leveraging data insights, you can optimize your posting strategy. The next steps will guide you in measuring results effectively and refining your approach for better engagement. Key Takeaways Set SMART goals to define specific, measurable objectives that align with your overall business vision. Research your audience and analyze competitors to understand preferences and effective content strategies. Develop a diverse content plan and calendar, scheduling posts strategically for maximum engagement. Measure key metrics regularly to assess performance and make data-driven adjustments to your strategy. Focus on continuous improvement by adapting content based on audience feedback and engagement trends. Identify and Set Goals When you start developing your social media content strategy, it’s crucial to identify and set clear goals, as this lays the foundation for your overall success. Establish SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to provide objectives that help measure ROI. For instance, you might aim to increase your follower count by 20% in six months or drive website traffic by 30% within a quarter. Align these goals with your broader business objectives to maximize brand visibility. Regularly revisit and adjust your goals based on performance data and analytics, ensuring you stay responsive to audience engagement and market trends. Focus on key metrics like engagement rates and conversion rates to evaluate how to create a content strategy for social media effectively. Research Your Audience To create content that truly resonates, you need to understand your audience’s demographics, preferences, and behaviors. Tools like Google Analytics can provide crucial insights. Furthermore, engaging surveys and polls allow you to gather direct feedback. Moreover, analyzing social media conversations helps you identify what topics and formats engage your target demographic most effectively. Demographic Insights Gathering How well do you really know your audience? To create an effective content strategy, you need to gather demographic insights. Start by using tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Page Insights to collect data on age, gender, location, and online behaviors. These metrics can shape your content creation and targeting strategies. Furthermore, conduct surveys and interviews to understand your audience’s preferences and pain points, enabling you to tailor content accordingly. Developing buyer personas based on these insights will help you visualize your ideal customers and their motivations. Finally, monitor industry trends and competitor activities to stay informed about shifts in demographics, ensuring your content remains relevant and appealing to your target market. Engaging Surveys and Polls Engaging surveys and polls serve as valuable tools for comprehending your audience, as they invite followers to share their preferences and opinions at the same time cultivating a sense of community. Utilizing platforms like Google Forms or built-in polling features on social media can improve audience interaction considerably, with posts featuring polls yielding up to 20% higher engagement than standard posts. By incorporating engaging questions, such as multiple-choice or rating scales, you can boost response quality and encourage more participation. This method not only helps gather demographic insights but likewise collects feedback on your content performance, allowing you to refine your strategies for producing more relevant, engaging content. Poll Type Engagement Level Multiple-choice High Rating scale Very High Open-ended Moderate Yes/No Low Analyzing Social Media Conversations Comprehension of your audience goes beyond engaging surveys and polls; it involves a thorough analysis of social media conversations. By examining these conversations, you can gather real-time insights into audience preferences, sentiment, and engagement patterns, all of which are crucial for effective content marketing strategy development. Tools like Sprout‘s AI-enabled Query Builder help you capture relevant discussions and identify trends, providing a clearer picture of how customers engage with your brand and industry. Pay close attention to the language and tone used by your audience, as this can inform adjustments to your brand voice. Regularly analyzing these conversations keeps your content relevant and aligned with current trends, in the end enhancing audience engagement and satisfaction. Analyze Your Social Media Competitors To strengthen your social media strategy, start by analyzing the content types and engagement practices of at least five competitors. Look at what formats they use, how often they post, and how their audience interacts with their content. This assessment will help you identify successful tactics and trends, allowing you to refine your own approach and maintain a competitive edge. Competitor Content Types During the analysis of your competitors’ social media content types, it’s crucial to understand the environment in which your brand operates. Start by identifying the types of content they produce, such as videos, blogs, or infographics, to see what resonates with their audience. By examining their posts, you can discover trends in high and low performance, which can inform how to create a content marketing strategy customized to your brand. Utilize competitive analysis tools to gather quantitative data on engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments. Furthermore, assess the language and tone they use to guarantee your content aligns with your voice as you appeal to potential customers. Regular audits can reveal gaps in their strategies, offering opportunities for unique content. Engagement Practices Assessment Analyzing your competitors’ engagement practices provides valuable insights that can shape your own social media strategy. Conducting a competitive analysis allows you to identify effective content types and audience engagement methods. By using quantitative data from analysis tools, you can evaluate metrics like engagement rates and follower growth. Pay attention to the language and tone in their high-performing posts to align with your brand voice. Additionally, note the trends in content types that resonate, such as videos or user-generated content. Regular audits will help you compare your performance and spot gaps for improvement in your engagement practices. Competitor Engagement Rate Content Type Competitor A 5% Video Competitor B 3% Infographic Competitor C 6% User-Generated Content Competitor D 4% Blog Post Competitor E 2% Polls Develop a Social Media Content Plan Creating a social media content plan involves careful consideration of various elements that work together to engage your audience effectively. A structured approach guarantees you maintain interest and encourage interaction. Here are key components to include in your content strategy plan: Diverse Content Types: Incorporate how-tos, user-generated content, and live events to keep your audience engaged. Data-Driven Insights: Use insights from previous content audits to adapt your strategy based on trends and preferences. Repurpose High-Performing Content: Maximize reach by sharing successful content across different platforms as you maintain your brand messaging. Additionally, utilizing tools like Sprout’s Ideal Send Times can help you determine the best posting times, enhancing audience engagement and guaranteeing a cohesive execution of your content plan. Build a Content Calendar Building a content calendar is vital for organizing and visualizing your social media posts, as it helps guarantee a consistent posting schedule aligned with your marketing goals. By incorporating diverse content types, such as educational, promotional, and user-generated content, you’ll keep your audience engaged and encourage interaction. Scheduling posts in advance allows for strategic planning around national holidays, events, and relevant themes, maximizing content relevance and reach. Utilize tools like Sprout’s Ideal Send Times to identify the best times to post, enhancing audience engagement and visibility. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your content calendar based on performance analytics is fundamental for improving future content strategies and enhancing overall effectiveness, making it a key element in building a content strategy that works. Measure Results and Optimize Strategy After establishing a solid content calendar, the next step involves measuring results and optimizing your strategy to confirm effectiveness. To guarantee your content development strategy aligns with your goals, focus on key metrics that matter. Regularly assess reach, engagement, and conversions. Use tools like Sprout Social to track analytics and audience insights. Conduct A/B testing to discover what content resonates best. Implement monthly performance reviews to evaluate your alignment with SMART goals. By concentrating on three to five core metrics, you can avoid data overwhelm and maintain targeted efforts. This approach will help you effectively measure results and optimize strategy, confirming continuous improvement in your social media efforts. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 C’s of Social Media Strategy? The 7 C’s of social media strategy are Clarity, Consistency, Creativity, Content, Community, Conversation, and Conversion. Clarity guarantees your message aligns with brand goals. Consistency builds trust by maintaining a uniform voice and posting schedule. Creativity captures attention through engaging content. Community nurtures relationships with followers, whereas Conversation encourages interaction. Finally, Conversion measures how effectively your strategy turns engagement into sales or desired actions, enhancing overall effectiveness. What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 Rule on social media suggests that for every 15 pieces of content you share, five should educate, five should entertain, and five should promote your brand or products. This balanced approach guarantees you provide value to your audience during the same time achieving your business goals. What Is the 50/30/20 Rule for Social Media? The 50/30/20 rule for social media content suggests you allocate 50% of your posts to engaging and entertaining your audience, 30% to informative and educational content, and 20% to promotional material. This balanced strategy keeps your followers interested without overwhelming them with sales pitches. By diversifying your content, you improve engagement rates and cultivate a more authentic connection. Regularly reviewing your content’s performance can likewise help you adjust your strategy based on audience preferences. How to Build a Content Strategy for Social Media? To build a content strategy for social media, start by setting SMART goals that align with your marketing objectives. Conduct audience research to create detailed buyer personas, ensuring your content resonates with your target demographic. Develop a diverse content plan that includes various formats, and maintain a content calendar for consistent posting. Analyze competitors to identify effective practices and regularly gauge performance using key metrics to optimize your strategy based on data insights. Conclusion In summary, establishing a successful social media content strategy involves a systematic approach, starting with clear goals and audience comprehension. By analyzing competitors, developing a content plan, and maintaining a content calendar, you can guarantee your posts resonate with your audience. Regularly measuring results allows for optimization, enabling you to adapt to changes effectively. Following these steps not solely improves engagement but additionally aligns your social media efforts with your overall business objectives for sustained growth. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Create a Winning Social Media Content Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. The holidays are hectic enough without adding “deep clean floors” to your already packed to-do and errands list, which is why buying a robot mop and vacuum is more appealing than ever. Right now, the Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum/Mop is $219.99 (originally $359.99) on Amazon—a 39% discount that marks its lowest price to date, according to price-tracking tools. roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $219.99 at Amazon $359.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal Get Deal $219.99 at Amazon $359.99 Save $140.00 An anti-tangle brush makes this a solid choice for pet owners who have furry friends that shed, and the self-emptying dock holds nearly two months' worth of debris, so you don’t have to empty the bin each time you run it. Another major perk is the 10,000 Pa HyperForce suction, which is surprisingly strong for a sub-$250 price point, as is the fact that it can vacuum and mop in one run. This member of the Q-series lineup features smart navigation and LiDAR mapping, making it easy to plan routes, create multi-floor maps, and customize no-go zones. Compared to Roborock predecessors in this mid-tier price range, this model has been upgraded with more automation and power and has a 150-minute max runtime, which is enough battery life to manage most homes in a single run. That said, the mopping system is still basic compared to pricier S-series models like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, which uses hot water, automatic detergent dispensing, and heated air drying. The Q7 M5+ also lacks obstacle avoidance, only connects to 2.4GHz wifi, and the self-emptying dock uses disposable bags that you’ll need to replace, adding an additional ongoing cost. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a mid-range self-emptying robot vacuum and mop hybrid, the Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum/Mop is a strong choice given its low maintenance nature, strong suction, and smart navigation for under $250—especially if you’re a pet owner. If you want the best-in-class cleaning power or premium features like obstacle avoidance, you’ll need to upgrade to the higher-end S-series, but expect to pay significantly more. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $358.00 (List Price $358.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278.00 (List Price $399.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $74.99 (List Price $189.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The lowest-priced properties purchased by investors typically left them in the red when sold, according to the latest home flipping report from Attom. View the full article

Walt Disney and OpenAI make for very odd bedfellows: The former is one of the most-recognized brands among children under the age of 18. The near-$200 billion company’s value has been derived from more than a century of aggressive safeguarding of its intellectual property and keeping the magic alive among innocent children. OpenAI, which celebrated its first decade of existence this week, is best known for upending creativity, the economy, and society with its flagship product, ChatGPT. And in the last two months, it has said it wants to get to a place where its adult users can use its tech to create erotica. So what the hell should we make of a just-announced deal between the two that will allow ChatGPT and Sora users to create images and videos of more than 200 characters, from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the Mandalorian, starting from early 2026? Terms of the deal As part of the three-year agreement, OpenAI has committed to continuing to implement robust trust and safety measures, as well as controls to stop illegal or harmful content. Disney hopes that means you can’t make lewd footage of Belle and the Beast—but given the precarity of AI-model guardrails, and the ease with which they can be jailbroken, there’s no guarantee. That’s what makes the deal so puzzling for Disney, an externally benign behemoth that has long acted like an attack dog in defending unauthorized use of its intellectual property. “Some Disney fans and content creators will undoubtedly celebrate the news and the opportunity to play in the Company’s sandbox in a more official way,” says Rebecca Williams, a researcher who studies Disney and its business at the University of South Wales. “But there are clear questions over copyright here.” Among them is how much influence Disney—infamously controlling over how its characters are depicted—will have over the 800 million ChatGPT users’ creations. Although the deal reportedly will result in the creation of a joint steering committee to dictate the use of IP, this is a company that has previously sued providers of costumed characters for child birthday parties for unauthorized use of its IP. And as it brokered its deal with OpenAI, lawyers for Disney sent a letter to Google alleging copyright infringement on a “massive scale.” (Google did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment on the claims.) “Disney is famously an IP defender and very aggressive,” says Carissa Véliz, an AI ethicist at the University of Oxford, “and OpenAI just throws it out the window.” Character control There’s also a big shift in how Disney is ceding control of how its characters are depicted—not least given Sam Altman’s statement this fall that he wants to give verified adult users of OpenAI tools the ability to engage in erotic interactions, and, more generally, to loosen restrictions on OpenAI’s tools. “Disney’s statement frames this very much as giving fans control, offering them more creativity, and greater opportunities to connect with Disney characters and stories,” says Williams. “It remains to be seen whether this is what fans actually want” The deal also requires a shift for OpenAI, too. Presumably, that approach to slackening controls for users across OpenAI apps and services to be more permissive in what they can say, do, and create using the firm’s technology will have to be tightened more when talking about Disney properties. Alongside letting Disney fans create their own AI versions of favorite characters, the House of Mouse is also leaping headlong into the AI space: As part of the agreement, Disney is investing $1 billion in equity into OpenAI and will reportedly become a “major customer” of the company. A new frontier for copyright The deal also alters both firms’ approach to copyright. All the talk between Bob Iger and Sam Altman about redefining the future of storytelling is bluster, reckons Adam Eisgrau, senior director for AI, creativity and copyright policy at the Chamber of Progress, a tech trade group. “The biggest story today is what they apparently also have agreed between the lines,” he says. That includes the idea that “there’s no future in content companies fighting fair use to sue generative AI developers for direct copyright infringement over training inputs,” and that generative AI developers want to cut more deals “to preclude secondary liability legal fights over their outputs.” But more than anything else, the deal potentially changes the idea of what made Disney Disney, reckons Véliz. “How is it going to affect creativity in the long run?” she asks. “The raison d’etre for IP is to incentivize creativity, and when we undermine it, we give talent fewer reasons to focus on being creative,” she explains. “It’s very ironic that a company like Disney, known for valuing talent, for valuing creativity, for valuing craftsmanship, is making a deal with a company that arguably represents the opposite of that.” View the full article

Not sure what to get the freelancer in your life for the holidays? Do you want to show them you support the independent path they’re on? We’ve created for you the Ultimate 2025 Freelancers Gift Guide, with gifts that will help empower the freelancer you’re shopping for in their work, and help them take a well-earned break when they need it. And as a bonus — all of these gifts are created and sold by freelancers and small businesses themselves! For the New FreelancerMutualism written by Freelancers Union founder, Sara HorowitzBreak Up With Your Job hat, from our friends at Freelancing Females99 Classics headphones by Meze AudioFor the Work-From-Home WarriorMain Character Candle by Mise En Scènt, located in Industry City (home to the Freelancers Hub)The Brick, for cutting down on screentime and increasing focusSet Piece, a romance novella written by Freelancers Union Marketing Director Lana SchwartzFor the Freelance ArtistA hand-crafted mug for tea, coffee, or anything else they like to drink, by Aziza MirzanKnitting for Olive Pure Silk Yarn, sold at Brooklyn General StoreUsed camera equipment from our partners at MPBFor the NomadFreelancers Union hoodie, for keeping warm wherever they goFreelancers Union tote, for hauling their belongings anywhere they needSlingshot 2026 Organizer, for staying organized and on top of deadlinesFor the Deadline AddictLilac’s 30 pc. Continental Assortment of Dark Chocolate with Fruits & Nuts, for creative fuelFreelancers Union mug, to remind them who’s boss (they are)View the full article

Not sure what to get the freelancer in your life for the holidays? Do you want to show them you support the independent path they’re on? We’ve created for you the Ultimate 2025 Freelancers Gift Guide, with gifts that will help empower the freelancer you’re shopping for in their work, and help them take a well-earned break when they need it. And as a bonus — all of these gifts are created and sold by freelancers and small businesses themselves! For the New FreelancerMutualism written by Freelancers Union founder, Sara HorowitzBreak Up With Your Job hat, from our friends at Freelancing Females99 Classics headphones by Meze AudioFor the Work-From-Home WarriorMain Character Candle by Mise En Scènt, located in Industry City (home to the Freelancers Hub)The Brick, for cutting down on screentime and increasing focusSet Piece, a romance novella written by Freelancers Union Marketing Director Lana SchwartzFor the Freelance ArtistA hand-crafted mug for tea, coffee, or anything else they like to drink, by Aziza MirzanKnitting for Olive Pure Silk Yarn, sold at Brooklyn General StoreUsed camera equipment from our partners at MPBFor the NomadFreelancers Union hoodie, for keeping warm wherever they goFreelancers Union tote, for hauling their belongings anywhere they needSlingshot 2026 Organizer, for staying organized and on top of deadlinesFor the Deadline AddictLilac’s 30 pc. Continental Assortment of Dark Chocolate with Fruits & Nuts, for creative fuelFreelancers Union mug, to remind them who’s boss (they are)View the full article

The investor markets already set mortgage rates to include the 25 basis point reduction the FOMC announced, and it is too early to see the longer-term effect. View the full article

Mickey Mouse, welcome to the AI era. Fans will soon be able to create short-form generative AI videos featuring more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters thanks to a three-year agreement that The Walt Disney Co. inked Thursday with OpenAI. In addition to a $1 billion equity investment in the tech company, Disney will become the first major content licensing partner on OpenAI’s Sora app. The new collaboration offers an opportunity for Disney to “extend the reach of our storytelling” through AI, Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, said in a statement. “Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love.” As for what Disney gets out of this deal, the media giant said it will become a “major customer” of OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity. Disney employees will also have access to ChatGPT and use OpenAI’s tools to build new products and experiences. DISNEY’S CLASHES WITH AI The move by Disney is interesting on two fronts: The company is famously and aggressively protective of its characters, while it has had other recent clashes over AI. In June, Disney and Universal Pictures sued the AI image creator Midjourney, alleging that the company trained its AI models on their intellectual property. And Disney jumped into another AI-related legal tussle this week. The company sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google on Wednesday, accusing the tech giant of using UA to engage in copyright infringement on a “massive scale,” as Variety reported. By partnering with OpenAI, Disney is busting open its massive toy chest of popular characters spanning the decades—from Mickey Mouse to Darth Vader, Ariel, and Captain America—as fodder for AI creators. The company even teased that some of these fan-created videos could stream on Disney+. It will be interesting to see how this partnership plays out once fans can start creating videos, which is estimated to begin sometime in early 2026. When Sora launched in September, the blowback came fast and furious after users flocked to the platform to create AI-generated videos featuring all sorts of popular characters. Within weeks, the Motion Picture Academy urged OpenAI to stop allowing copyright infringement on the platform. EMPHASIS ON RESPONSIBILITY But Disney and OpenAI emphasized in their announcement that the companies have a shared commitment to the responsible use of AI, which includes protecting the rights of creators. “This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences,” Sam Altman, cofounder and CEO of OpenAI, said in a statement. How, exactly, opening up the Disney library of characters to use on an AI platform benefits society is a bit unclear. But the agreement seemingly will give Disney more control over how its characters are used in this new era. And, at the very least, investors seem intrigued by the partnership. Disney shares rose nearly 1.5% amid a broader market rally as of mid-day Thursday. View the full article

Communist party leadership pledges to ‘stabilise’ major engine of economic growthView the full article

Last week, Netflix announced it was buying Warner Bros. in a massive $82.7 billion deal. The streaming giant’s acquisition will set Netflix, which already leads the streaming wars, even further apart from competitors, as it will also add HBO, a Warner subsidiary. But while the deal will further cement Netflix’s domination, questions are swirling around how it will impact viewers, as well as the talent platforms rely on. Streaming platforms have recently undergone consolidation, creating three mega-platforms. According to a Forbes survey, Netflix is the most popular streaming service in America with 55% of Americans saying they use it, followed by Amazon Prime (51%), and Disney+ (49%). And, for talent, like actors and writers, the further consolidation of streaming platforms may escalate financial worries that have already been growing for some in the entertainment industry. In recent years, a number of actors have openly raised concerns about fair pay, as streaming platforms began to change the game. While traditional broadcast series pay residuals for each re-airing, as a percentage of the actor’s salary, later agreements changed the way actors earned residuals entirely. The new formula was based around a predetermined licensing fee, rather than the number of re-runs. Netflix, which seemed to favor paying actors more upfront while rather than residuals may have been particularly guilty of underpaying talent. And there was no shortage of actors calling the streaming giant out. A number of actors on some of Netflix’s most popular shows have spoken about their low-ball paychecks, having to keep their day jobs, or even pay for their own transportation to the set — a conversation which gained traction with the 2023 writer’s strike. Alysia Reiner, who played the warden Natalie (Fig) Figueroa, in Netflix’s hit series, Orange is the New Black, told New York Magazine in a 2023 interview, about the “risk” that actors took during the early days of streaming, saying that “the reward for Netflix does not seem in line with the reward for all of us who took that risk.” Reiner continued, “I can go anywhere in the world and I’m recognized, and I’m so deeply grateful for that recognition. Many people say they’ve watched the series multiple times, and they quote me my lines. But was I paid in a commensurate way? I don’t think so.” With the latest transaction under way, SAG-AFTRA addressed the reignited concerns around talent’s pay in a Dec. 5 statement, explaining that the consolidation “raises many serious questions about its impact on the future of the entertainment industry, and especially the human creative talent whose livelihoods and careers depend on it.” The statement continued, “A deal that is in the interest of SAG-AFTRA members and all other workers in the entertainment industry must result in more creation and more production, not less. It must do so in an environment of respect for the talent involved.” However, it seems like those things may not come without a fight, especially given how Netflix prefers to put big-budget films directly on its streaming service for subscribers, rather than opting for theatrical releases. That recent transaction has some groups, like the Directors Guild of America (DGA), already expressing “significant concerns ” over the development. In a Dec. 5 statement, the DGA said, “We believe that a vibrant, competitive industry — one that fosters creativity and encourages genuine competition for talent — is essential to safeguarding the careers and creative rights of directors and their teams.” The DGA added that it will be meeting with the streaming giant “to outline our concerns and better understand their vision for the future of the company.” Jon Shavitz, an independent filmmaker and writer living in Los Angeles, also addressed concerns around the deal in a recent blog post, writing that the experience of going to the movie theater is endangered as the giants take over, but it’s not because audiences don’t want theatrics, which, in his view, is utterly irreplaceable. “Audiences still want the big screen,” Shavitz writes. “They still want the magic of the lights coming down and the quiet anticipation before the picture starts. They still want to gasp with a hundred people at the same time. You can’t algorithm that. You can’t stream your way out of that fundamental human appetite for an exciting theatrical-only event.” Still, Shavitz tells Fast Company that the concern creators are feeling around financials, as well as potentially fewer jobs, is “fair.” He says that, simply, the streaming model “doesn’t work” as far as getting talent paid fairly. Still, the writer says he’s also hopeful that people within the industry “will fight to fix what’s broken,” noting that he believes the economics of deals such as this which don’t support talent, could ultimately “force a return to core business fundamentals.” By that he means an eventual return to the ever-evaporating exclusive theatrical windows. As he writes in his blog, Netflix’s deal is an “overreach” that will force both those working within the industry, as well as audiences, to decide between “a streaming-only future for major release films, or working to restore the very thing that made cinema a cultural force in the first place…”. Once the deal goes through, whatever happens next, Shavitz says, will be “up to us — industry and non-industry people alike — to fight for the theatrical experience.” Fast Company reached out to Netflix for comment. View the full article

If budgeting spreadsheets and lofty financial goals leave you stressed rather than inspired, consider another New Year’s ritual: an end-of-year money audit. The word “audit” might not sound all that fun. But just like an accountant, it’s helpful to approach your money behavior as neutral and impersonal as possible. “At the end of every year, people tend to jump straight into resolutions: cutting spending, tightening budgets, and promising themselves they’ll ‘finally get disciplined’ in the new year,” Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally Bank, told Fast Company. “But I think the most meaningful financial reset starts somewhere much quieter: with your emotions. One of the most overlooked parts of financial wellness is understanding the emotional habits behind our money choices.” It’s not about creating a strict budget; it’s taking stock of the emotional habits behind your spending. When you understand what’s working (or not), you can make more intentional choices about what to amplify, adjust, or leave in 2025. Before the holidays get rolling, it can be helpful to take a pause to conduct an emotional money audit. December is a great time to do this because you can go into the new year feeling confident about where you are financially and plan for the upcoming year. Here’s how Howard recommends people approach their own audit, to start off 2026 on the right financial footing. Start with reflection, not restriction “Look back at the year through the lens of how your spending made you feel—secure, stressed, impulsive, proud?” Howard says. “Notice patterns without judgment. Ask yourself which habits supported your financial well-being and which ones held you back.” More than one in five American adults (22%) said they’d had to dip into their savings to cover their expenses in the past year. And as traditional milestones, like starting a family and homeownership, feel further out of reach for many, “treat culture,” the habit of indulging in small luxuries has taken grip. Examine the habits beneath your behaviors And yet much of our adult spending behavior started long before we were old enough to even make our own money. “I call these our ‘money roots,’” Howard says. “Take a moment to understand what triggers certain financial choices and which habits you want to start, continue, or stop heading into 2026.” Get a clear, full picture of your finances According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans owe more debt than at any point in history—more than $18.5 trillion in total. In such circumstances, it can be easier to bury your head in the sand or throw caution to the wind and book that three-week trip to Europe. “When you don’t have a clear picture of what’s coming in and going out, everyday decisions can feel overwhelming,” Howard says. “Start by listing out your current income, expenses, savings, and debt.” Be specific so you can see where your money is actually going. Create a realistic, values-based spending plan for 2026 “Money wellness isn’t about always saying ‘no’ to spending,” says Howard. “It’s just as much about saying “yes” intentionally—to the things that you truly value.” Figure out your core values, and invest in them. Is it an expensive gym membership or overpriced fitness class? Is it that coffee you buy on the way to work everyday that puts a smile on your face? Budget for the purchases that bring you joy and cut costs elsewhere. The goal is never perfection—it’s progress The power of compounding is not limited to investments. “Focus on creating positive financial wellness momentum to propel you into the new year,” says Howard. “Set clear, manageable milestones and outline small, steady steps to build traction, like setting a weekly money check-in, automating tiny transfers towards your goals, or reviewing one spending category at a time.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Gift shopping for the DIYer in your life can be a challenge. Tools are the obvious choice, but truly handy folks probably already have most, if not all, of the tools they need (in addition to a long list of tools they only needed once but still hang onto). And even if they do need a specific tool, your chances of picking out the precise make and model they want are pretty slim. But no matter what level of DIYer you're shopping for, they likely need other stuff besides tools, from safety gear (which too many DIYers neglect), to cold-weather accessories, to the little extras that can make around-the-house projects a little easier, and maybe even more fun. Protective gear is a great option for DIY giftsSafety is paramount—it’s terrifyingly easy to injure yourself while working with any kind of tool. Just as important is the “wear and tear” your body goes through while working with loud power tools and while contorting your body in ways nature never intended. A few safety and comfort essentials for the DIYer in your life include: Work boots: Cold, wet feet make any job more miserable than it has to be, and if your DIY friend hasn’t dropped a hammer on their foot yet, don’t worry, they will. A pair of waterproof, toe-protecting work boots is a great gift. Cut-resistant gloves: Working with power saws or hand saws means risking a nasty cut. Cut-resistant gloves protect those hands from all kinds of nicks and scrapes—and worse. Safety glasses: The number of DIYers who think they don’t have to worry about eye injuries is, frankly, stunning. Do your handy loved one a favor and give them some protective eyewear. Knee pads: I once spent a few days bent over in my crawl space, working, and my knees took a real beating. Knee pads may not be sexy, but they will be appreciated. Hearing protection: Working with power tools can be hard on the ears. A pair of noise-canceling, rechargeable headphones that play music and allow hands-free operation of your phone while preventing hearing damage are a must-have. Cold-weather work gear is a practical gift optionWhen I first started my DIY journey, my solution for working outside in the cold was to put on multiple layers of my regular clothes, which limited my mobility and made me sweat up a storm. A better idea? Some work gear designed for the cold weather: Thermal gloves will keep hands from going numb while still offering protection. Base layers: The key to staying warm without getting chilled by your own sweat while working outside lies in having the right base layers—tops and bottoms. Headgear: Keeping the head and neck warm while working outside is the key to keeping your whole body warm, because so much heat is lost through the head. A combination hat, scarf, and headlamp solves the problem. Stocking stuffers for DIYersSome gifts for the DIYer are just about making every job a little easier or a little more fun. Tool belts and work aprons: I went an embarrassingly long time carrying my tools around in my pockets or in awkward bundles. A tool belt gives you a perfect hands-free way to transport your gear, and a work apron does the same while protecting your clothes and body from dirt and projectiles. The Bucket Boss: Another solution for lugging around your tools is a bucket organizer like the Bucket Boss, which makes bringing along every tool you might need a lot easier. A magnetic wristband: Give the gift of never having to carry a dozen nails in your mouth ever again. A headband lamp: At some point, every DIYer gets tired of trying to balance a flashlight in just the right spot. A lamp they can use hands-free will quickly become a favorite gift. A rugged Bluetooth speaker: Sure, everyone owns a bluetooth speaker these days—but handypeople will appreciate a Bluetooth speaker that’s durable enough for a worksite and that also uses the same batteries as their power tools. Anti-fatigue mat: Ah, the simple joys of standing hunched over a workbench for hours at a time. An anti-fatigue mat will spare your DIYer’s back and leave them refreshed after every job. Boot and glove dryer: There’s nothing worse than getting up to continue a big project only to discover that your boots and gloves are still soaked from the day before. Drying those items out in an hour or less? Magical. Beverage holster: Anyone who’s done work around their house knows that DIY work is fueled by refreshing beverages. Whatever your drink of choice, make it easy to have on hand at all times with this nifty holster. View the full article

US proposes ‘compromise’ option of demilitarised buffer that excludes both Ukrainian and Russian forces, says KyivView the full article