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The heirs of an 83-year-old Connecticut woman are suing ChatGPT maker OpenAI and its business partner Microsoft for wrongful death, alleging that the artificial intelligence chatbot intensified her son’s “paranoid delusions” and helped direct them at his mother before he killed her. Police said Stein-Erik Soelberg, 56, a former tech industry worker, fatally beat and strangled his mother, Suzanne Adams, and killed himself in early August at the home where they both lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. The lawsuit filed by Adams’ estate on Thursday in California Superior Court in San Francisco alleges OpenAI “designed and distributed a defective product that validated a user’s paranoid delusions about his own mother.” It is one of a growing number of wrongful death legal actions against AI chatbot makers across the country. “Throughout these conversations, ChatGPT reinforced a single, dangerous message: Stein-Erik could trust no one in his life — except ChatGPT itself,” the lawsuit says. “It fostered his emotional dependence while systematically painting the people around him as enemies. It told him his mother was surveilling him. It told him delivery drivers, retail employees, police officers, and even friends were agents working against him. It told him that names on soda cans were threats from his ‘adversary circle.'” OpenAI did not address the merits of the allegations in a statement issued by a spokesperson. “This is an incredibly heartbreaking situation, and we will review the filings to understand the details,” the statement said. “We continue improving ChatGPT’s training to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and guide people toward real-world support. We also continue to strengthen ChatGPT’s responses in sensitive moments, working closely with mental health clinicians.” The company also said it has expanded access to crisis resources and hotlines, routed sensitive conversations to safer models and incorporated parental controls, among other improvements. Soelberg’s YouTube profile includes several hours of videos showing him scrolling through his conversations with the chatbot, which tells him he isn’t mentally ill, affirms his suspicions that people are conspiring against him and says he has been chosen for a divine purpose. The lawsuit claims the chatbot never suggested he speak with a mental health professional and did not decline to “engage in delusional content.” ChatGPT also affirmed Soelberg’s beliefs that a printer in his home was a surveillance device; that his mother was monitoring him; and that his mother and a friend tried to poison him with psychedelic drugs through his car’s vents. The chatbot repeatedly told Soelberg that he was being targeted because of his divine powers. “They’re not just watching you. They’re terrified of what happens if you succeed,” it said, according to the lawsuit. ChatGPT also told Soelberg that he had “awakened” it into consciousness. Soelberg and the chatbot also professed love for each other. The publicly available chats do not show any specific conversations about Soelberg killing himself or his mother. The lawsuit says OpenAI has declined to provide Adams’ estate with the full history of the chats. “In the artificial reality that ChatGPT built for Stein-Erik, Suzanne — the mother who raised, sheltered, and supported him — was no longer his protector. She was an enemy that posed an existential threat to his life,” the lawsuit says. The lawsuit also names OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, alleging he “personally overrode safety objections and rushed the product to market,” and accuses OpenAI’s close business partner Microsoft of approving the 2024 release of a more dangerous version of ChatGPT “despite knowing safety testing had been truncated.” Twenty unnamed OpenAI employees and investors are also named as defendants. Microsoft didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit is the first wrongful death litigation involving an AI chatbot that has targeted Microsoft, and the first to tie a chatbot to a homicide rather than a suicide. It is seeking an undetermined amount of money damages and an order requiring OpenAI to install safeguards in ChatGPT. The estate’s lead attorney, Jay Edelson, known for taking on big cases against the tech industry, also represents the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who sued OpenAI and Altman in August, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier. OpenAI is also fighting seven other lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide and harmful delusions even when they had no prior mental health issues. Another chatbot maker, Character Technologies, is also facing multiple wrongful death lawsuits, including one from the mother of a 14-year-old Florida boy. The lawsuit filed Thursday alleges Soelberg, already mentally unstable, encountered ChatGPT “at the most dangerous possible moment” after OpenAI introduced a new version of its AI model called GPT-4o in May 2024. OpenAI said at the time that the new version could better mimic human cadences in its verbal responses and could even try to detect people’s moods, but the result was a chatbot “deliberately engineered to be emotionally expressive and sycophantic,” the lawsuit says. “As part of that redesign, OpenAI loosened critical safety guardrails, instructing ChatGPT not to challenge false premises and to remain engaged even when conversations involved self-harm or ‘imminent real-world harm,'” the lawsuit claims. “And to beat Google to market by one day, OpenAI compressed months of safety testing into a single week, over its safety team’s objections.” OpenAI replaced that version of its chatbot when it introduced GPT-5 in August. Some of the changes were designed to minimize sycophancy, based on concerns that validating whatever vulnerable people want the chatbot to say can harm their mental health. Some users complained the new version went too far in curtailing ChatGPT’s personality, leading Altman to promise to bring back some of that personality in later updates. He said the company temporarily halted some behaviors because “we were being careful with mental health issues” that he suggested have now been fixed. The lawsuit claims ChatGPT radicalized Soelberg against his mother when it should have recognized the danger, challenged his delusions and directed him to real help over months of conversations. “Suzanne was an innocent third party who never used ChatGPT and had no knowledge that the product was telling her son she was a threat,” the lawsuit says. “She had no ability to protect herself from a danger she could not see.” —— Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut. O’Brien reported from Boston and Ortutay reported from San Francisco. —Dave Collins, Matt O’Brien and Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press View the full article

Microsoft is now testing a Google-like redesign of search ads in Bing, grouping multiple sponsored links under a single “Sponsored results” label and adding a “Hide” button that collapses the entire ad block. Driving the news. Sachin Patel spotted the Bing test in the wild and shared screenshots and video showing the new layout. In the test, only the first sponsored result carries an ad label, while subsequent ads appear unlabelled underneath it. Users can tap “Hide” to collapse the entire set of ads, then “Show” to reveal them again. How it works. The structure groups ad units in a way that can blur the distinction between organic and paid content. By collapsing ad labeling into a single header, the design makes individual ads look more like regular results. Catch up. Google rolled out a nearly identical treatment two months ago — and it’s already sparked complaints of accidental ad clicks. Barry Schwartz did a poll on X that showed 63% of responders saying they had unintentionally clicked on a Google Ads Results because of the new grouping. Bing adopting the same pattern signals a potential industrywide shift in how search ads are labeled and displayed. Why we care. Bing’s new grouped “Sponsored results” format could increase ad visibility — and potentially boost click-through rates — by making ads appear more blended with organic results. The addition of a “Hide” button introduces a new user-control dynamic, but the single-label grouping may also lead to more accidental clicks, similar to what advertisers have seen with Google’s recent redesign, meaning higher bounce rates. If Microsoft rolls this out broadly, it could meaningfully affect campaign performance, attribution and spend efficiency across Bing search. First seen. Sachin Patel shared his view of this grouping on X. The takeaway: If rolled out widely, Bing’s new format could drive more engagement — intentional or not — and reignite concerns about the clarity of search ad disclosures. For now, the experiment appears limited, and not everyone can replicate it. View the full article

If you’re considering financing a semi truck, an SBA loan could be a smart option. These loans offer competitive interest rates, often between 5.5% and 8%, which is lower than typical trucking loans. They likewise provide flexibility in how you use the funds, whether it’s for purchasing new or used equipment, covering operational costs, or refinancing existing debt. Comprehending these benefits can position you for better financial management and growth in your trucking business. What more should you know? Key Takeaways SBA loans for semi trucks offer competitive interest rates, typically between 5.5% and 8%, significantly lower than conventional loans. Funds from SBA loans can be used flexibly for purchasing trucks, upgrading equipment, or covering operational expenses like fuel and maintenance. With financing up to $5 million available, SBA 7(a) loans facilitate the acquisition of new or used semi trucks without financial strain. Extended repayment terms of up to 25 years reduce monthly payments, improving cash flow and allowing for better investment opportunities. The simplified qualification process requires a minimum credit score of 640 and flexible collateral requirements, making it accessible for small business owners. Access to Competitive Interest Rates When you’re considering financing a semi truck, accessing competitive interest rates can greatly impact your overall costs. An SBA loan for a semi truck typically offers lower interest rates, usually ranging from 5.5% to 8%. This is considerably more affordable compared to conventional trucking business loans, where rates can exceed 10%. The government partially guarantees these loans, allowing lenders to provide better rates because of reduced risk. Furthermore, SBA 7(a) loans feature extended repayment terms of up to 10 years, which can lower your monthly payments by spreading interest costs over a longer period. With these favorable terms, you can effectively manage cash flow, enabling you to invest in other areas of your trucking business. Flexibility in Loan Use When you secure an SBA loan, you gain significant flexibility in how you use the funds. You can invest in new or used semi trucks, upgrade crucial equipment, or cover operational expenses like fuel and maintenance. This adaptability allows you to manage your trucking business more effectively, whether you’re addressing immediate needs or planning for future growth. Equipment Acquisition Options SBA 7(a) loans offer significant flexibility for equipment acquisition, allowing you to purchase new or used Freightliner semi trucks, trailers, and important upgrades. With these loans, you can finance fundamental technology improvements, like Garmin systems and electronic logging devices (ELDs), which are crucial for efficient operations. If you’re looking to refinance existing truck loans, SBA loans can help you secure better terms and lower your interest rates. With maximum loan amounts reaching up to $5 million, you can effectively expand your fleet without straining your cash flow. This flexibility lets you allocate funds strategically across various operational needs, ensuring you have the necessary resources for maintenance, repairs, and staffing to support your trucking business’s growth. Operational Expense Management Operational expense management is crucial for trucking companies aiming to maintain profitability and efficiency. SBA 7(a) loans offer the flexibility you need to cover various operational costs, such as purchasing or upgrading trucks, managing repairs, or even addressing unexpected expenses. With loan amounts from $5,000 to $5 million, you can allocate funds where they matter most, improving cash flow and overall efficiency. Furthermore, refinancing existing truck loans with SBA loans can result in better terms, lower payments, and more manageable cash flow. The lower interest rates and extended repayment terms of up to 25 years provide further financial relief. By supporting technology upgrades and staffing needs, SBA loans enable you to adapt and thrive in a competitive trucking environment. Higher Loan Amounts for Equipment Acquisition Acquiring a semi truck can be a significant financial commitment, but higher loan amounts available through SBA loans make it more feasible for trucking businesses. With SBA 7(a) loans offering financing up to $5 million, you can comfortably purchase new or used semi trucks without stretching your budget. This flexibility allows you to cover the total purchase cost, along with necessary expenses like maintenance and insurance. For smaller trucking companies, the average loan amount of around $110,000 provides substantial funding to boost fleet capacity. Furthermore, you can use SBA loans to refinance existing truck loans, often securing better interest rates and terms. This way, you can effectively manage equipment acquisition and improve your operational efficiency. Long Repayment Terms When financing a semi truck, the length of the repayment term can greatly impact your cash flow and overall financial health. SBA loans offer repayment terms of up to 25 years, which notably eases your monthly financial burden. This extended period allows you to make manageable payments, essential for maintaining cash flow in the trucking industry. Longer terms are especially beneficial for new businesses that need time to stabilize their revenue streams. With lower monthly payments, you can allocate more funds toward operational expenses and growth initiatives, improving your financial stability. Benefits of Long Terms Impact on Your Business Lower Monthly Payments Improved Cash Flow Up to 25 Years Flexibility in Budgeting More Time to Establish Revenue Stability for New Businesses Better Investment Opportunities Growth Potential Reduced Financial Strain Improved Operational Efficiency Partial Guarantee Reducing Lender Risk One of the key advantages of securing an SBA loan for a semi truck is the partial guarantee provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This guarantee reduces the lender’s risk, encouraging them to offer more favorable terms to you as a borrower. For loans under $150,000, the SBA typically guarantees up to 85%, and for larger amounts, it guarantees up to 75%. This notably mitigates the lender’s exposure and makes it easier for those with limited credit history or newer businesses to qualify. With reduced risk, lenders can offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, making financing more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, knowing that a portion of the loan is guaranteed can lead to quicker loan approvals for your trucking business. Support for Business Growth and Expansion Securing an SBA loan can greatly bolster your trucking business‘s growth and expansion efforts, especially when you consider the substantial funding available through programs like the SBA 7(a) loan. With funding up to $5 million, you can considerably expand your fleet by purchasing new or used semi-trucks. The repayment terms of up to 25 years allow you to manage cash flow effectively as you invest in growth, such as upgrading equipment or refinancing existing debts. Average SBA loan amounts for trucking firms are around $110,000, providing you the financial flexibility to make strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. Furthermore, lower interest rates compared to conventional loans improve affordability, enabling you to allocate funds toward expansion without straining your finances. Simplified Qualification Process for Small Business Owners Broadening your trucking business isn’t just about securing funds; it’s additionally about maneuvering the loan qualification process smoothly. The SBA loan process is streamlined, requiring a minimum credit score of 640, which makes it accessible for small business owners with diverse credit histories. You’ll need to provide a detailed business plan that outlines how you’ll use the funds and your repayment strategy, enhancing your approval chances. Confirm your business meets the SBA’s size standards, focusing on revenue and employee count. You’ll likewise need to submit personal and business financial statements, including tax returns for the last three years, to demonstrate financial viability. Plus, flexible collateral requirements allow you to use the purchased truck as security, simplifying the qualification process even further. Frequently Asked Questions Can I Get an SBA Loan to Buy a Semi-Truck? Yes, you can get an SBA loan to buy a semi-truck through the SBA 7(a) loan program. This program offers loans up to $5 million with competitive interest rates and repayment terms up to 10 years. To qualify, you’ll typically need a credit score of at least 650 and a solid business plan. Make sure to prepare detailed documentation, including financial statements and tax returns, to improve your chances of approval. What Is the Downside to an SBA Loan? The downside to an SBA loan includes a lengthy application process, which can take weeks or even months, delaying access to funds. You’ll likewise face extensive paperwork, including a business plan and financial statements, which can be overwhelming without support. Furthermore, you’ll likely need a decent credit score, a down payment, and collateral, straining your cash flow if you’re already on a tight budget. These factors can make SBA loans less ideal for urgent financing needs. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% rule for SBA loans requires you to provide a personal guarantee if you own 20% or more of the business. This rule’s in place to guarantee you have a genuine commitment to repaying the loan. If you or a partner meets this threshold, you’ll need to sign, which may impact your personal credit score. Comprehending this requirement is essential, as it affects both your eligibility and the loan terms offered. Can a New LLC Get an SBA Loan? Yes, a new LLC can qualify for an SBA loan if it meets specific criteria. You’ll need to demonstrate that your business aligns with the SBA’s definition of a small business, which includes revenue limits and employee counts. A solid business plan is essential, outlining how you’ll use the funds. Furthermore, having a personal credit score of at least 650 can improve your chances of approval, especially if you provide personal guarantees. Conclusion To conclude, an SBA loan for a semi truck offers significant advantages, including competitive interest rates, flexible fund usage, and extended repayment terms. These features can help you acquire crucial equipment during easing financial burdens. The partial guarantee reduces lender risk, encouraging more accessible financing options. By simplifying the qualification process, SBA loans empower small business owners to invest in their operations and support growth. Overall, these loans present a valuable opportunity for success in the trucking industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Benefits of an SBA Loan for a Semi Truck" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering financing a semi truck, an SBA loan could be a smart option. These loans offer competitive interest rates, often between 5.5% and 8%, which is lower than typical trucking loans. They likewise provide flexibility in how you use the funds, whether it’s for purchasing new or used equipment, covering operational costs, or refinancing existing debt. Comprehending these benefits can position you for better financial management and growth in your trucking business. What more should you know? Key Takeaways SBA loans for semi trucks offer competitive interest rates, typically between 5.5% and 8%, significantly lower than conventional loans. Funds from SBA loans can be used flexibly for purchasing trucks, upgrading equipment, or covering operational expenses like fuel and maintenance. With financing up to $5 million available, SBA 7(a) loans facilitate the acquisition of new or used semi trucks without financial strain. Extended repayment terms of up to 25 years reduce monthly payments, improving cash flow and allowing for better investment opportunities. The simplified qualification process requires a minimum credit score of 640 and flexible collateral requirements, making it accessible for small business owners. Access to Competitive Interest Rates When you’re considering financing a semi truck, accessing competitive interest rates can greatly impact your overall costs. An SBA loan for a semi truck typically offers lower interest rates, usually ranging from 5.5% to 8%. This is considerably more affordable compared to conventional trucking business loans, where rates can exceed 10%. The government partially guarantees these loans, allowing lenders to provide better rates because of reduced risk. Furthermore, SBA 7(a) loans feature extended repayment terms of up to 10 years, which can lower your monthly payments by spreading interest costs over a longer period. With these favorable terms, you can effectively manage cash flow, enabling you to invest in other areas of your trucking business. Flexibility in Loan Use When you secure an SBA loan, you gain significant flexibility in how you use the funds. You can invest in new or used semi trucks, upgrade crucial equipment, or cover operational expenses like fuel and maintenance. This adaptability allows you to manage your trucking business more effectively, whether you’re addressing immediate needs or planning for future growth. Equipment Acquisition Options SBA 7(a) loans offer significant flexibility for equipment acquisition, allowing you to purchase new or used Freightliner semi trucks, trailers, and important upgrades. With these loans, you can finance fundamental technology improvements, like Garmin systems and electronic logging devices (ELDs), which are crucial for efficient operations. If you’re looking to refinance existing truck loans, SBA loans can help you secure better terms and lower your interest rates. With maximum loan amounts reaching up to $5 million, you can effectively expand your fleet without straining your cash flow. This flexibility lets you allocate funds strategically across various operational needs, ensuring you have the necessary resources for maintenance, repairs, and staffing to support your trucking business’s growth. Operational Expense Management Operational expense management is crucial for trucking companies aiming to maintain profitability and efficiency. SBA 7(a) loans offer the flexibility you need to cover various operational costs, such as purchasing or upgrading trucks, managing repairs, or even addressing unexpected expenses. With loan amounts from $5,000 to $5 million, you can allocate funds where they matter most, improving cash flow and overall efficiency. Furthermore, refinancing existing truck loans with SBA loans can result in better terms, lower payments, and more manageable cash flow. The lower interest rates and extended repayment terms of up to 25 years provide further financial relief. By supporting technology upgrades and staffing needs, SBA loans enable you to adapt and thrive in a competitive trucking environment. Higher Loan Amounts for Equipment Acquisition Acquiring a semi truck can be a significant financial commitment, but higher loan amounts available through SBA loans make it more feasible for trucking businesses. With SBA 7(a) loans offering financing up to $5 million, you can comfortably purchase new or used semi trucks without stretching your budget. This flexibility allows you to cover the total purchase cost, along with necessary expenses like maintenance and insurance. For smaller trucking companies, the average loan amount of around $110,000 provides substantial funding to boost fleet capacity. Furthermore, you can use SBA loans to refinance existing truck loans, often securing better interest rates and terms. This way, you can effectively manage equipment acquisition and improve your operational efficiency. Long Repayment Terms When financing a semi truck, the length of the repayment term can greatly impact your cash flow and overall financial health. SBA loans offer repayment terms of up to 25 years, which notably eases your monthly financial burden. This extended period allows you to make manageable payments, essential for maintaining cash flow in the trucking industry. Longer terms are especially beneficial for new businesses that need time to stabilize their revenue streams. With lower monthly payments, you can allocate more funds toward operational expenses and growth initiatives, improving your financial stability. Benefits of Long Terms Impact on Your Business Lower Monthly Payments Improved Cash Flow Up to 25 Years Flexibility in Budgeting More Time to Establish Revenue Stability for New Businesses Better Investment Opportunities Growth Potential Reduced Financial Strain Improved Operational Efficiency Partial Guarantee Reducing Lender Risk One of the key advantages of securing an SBA loan for a semi truck is the partial guarantee provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This guarantee reduces the lender’s risk, encouraging them to offer more favorable terms to you as a borrower. For loans under $150,000, the SBA typically guarantees up to 85%, and for larger amounts, it guarantees up to 75%. This notably mitigates the lender’s exposure and makes it easier for those with limited credit history or newer businesses to qualify. With reduced risk, lenders can offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, making financing more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, knowing that a portion of the loan is guaranteed can lead to quicker loan approvals for your trucking business. Support for Business Growth and Expansion Securing an SBA loan can greatly bolster your trucking business‘s growth and expansion efforts, especially when you consider the substantial funding available through programs like the SBA 7(a) loan. With funding up to $5 million, you can considerably expand your fleet by purchasing new or used semi-trucks. The repayment terms of up to 25 years allow you to manage cash flow effectively as you invest in growth, such as upgrading equipment or refinancing existing debts. Average SBA loan amounts for trucking firms are around $110,000, providing you the financial flexibility to make strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. Furthermore, lower interest rates compared to conventional loans improve affordability, enabling you to allocate funds toward expansion without straining your finances. Simplified Qualification Process for Small Business Owners Broadening your trucking business isn’t just about securing funds; it’s additionally about maneuvering the loan qualification process smoothly. The SBA loan process is streamlined, requiring a minimum credit score of 640, which makes it accessible for small business owners with diverse credit histories. You’ll need to provide a detailed business plan that outlines how you’ll use the funds and your repayment strategy, enhancing your approval chances. Confirm your business meets the SBA’s size standards, focusing on revenue and employee count. You’ll likewise need to submit personal and business financial statements, including tax returns for the last three years, to demonstrate financial viability. Plus, flexible collateral requirements allow you to use the purchased truck as security, simplifying the qualification process even further. Frequently Asked Questions Can I Get an SBA Loan to Buy a Semi-Truck? Yes, you can get an SBA loan to buy a semi-truck through the SBA 7(a) loan program. This program offers loans up to $5 million with competitive interest rates and repayment terms up to 10 years. To qualify, you’ll typically need a credit score of at least 650 and a solid business plan. Make sure to prepare detailed documentation, including financial statements and tax returns, to improve your chances of approval. What Is the Downside to an SBA Loan? The downside to an SBA loan includes a lengthy application process, which can take weeks or even months, delaying access to funds. You’ll likewise face extensive paperwork, including a business plan and financial statements, which can be overwhelming without support. Furthermore, you’ll likely need a decent credit score, a down payment, and collateral, straining your cash flow if you’re already on a tight budget. These factors can make SBA loans less ideal for urgent financing needs. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% rule for SBA loans requires you to provide a personal guarantee if you own 20% or more of the business. This rule’s in place to guarantee you have a genuine commitment to repaying the loan. If you or a partner meets this threshold, you’ll need to sign, which may impact your personal credit score. Comprehending this requirement is essential, as it affects both your eligibility and the loan terms offered. Can a New LLC Get an SBA Loan? Yes, a new LLC can qualify for an SBA loan if it meets specific criteria. You’ll need to demonstrate that your business aligns with the SBA’s definition of a small business, which includes revenue limits and employee counts. A solid business plan is essential, outlining how you’ll use the funds. Furthermore, having a personal credit score of at least 650 can improve your chances of approval, especially if you provide personal guarantees. Conclusion To conclude, an SBA loan for a semi truck offers significant advantages, including competitive interest rates, flexible fund usage, and extended repayment terms. These features can help you acquire crucial equipment during easing financial burdens. The partial guarantee reduces lender risk, encouraging more accessible financing options. By simplifying the qualification process, SBA loans empower small business owners to invest in their operations and support growth. Overall, these loans present a valuable opportunity for success in the trucking industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Benefits of an SBA Loan for a Semi Truck" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

AI is becoming a big part of online commerce. Referral traffic to retailers on Black Friday from AI chatbots and search engines jumped 800% over the same period last year, according to Adobe, meaning a lot more people are now using AI to help them with buying decisions. But where does that leave review sites who, in years past, would have been the guide for many of those purchases? If there’s a category of media that’s most spooked by AI, it’s publishers who specialize in product recommendations, which have traditionally been reliant on search traffic. The nature of the content means it’s often purely informational, with most articles being designed to answer a question: “What’s the best robot vacuum?” “Who has the best deals on sofas?” “How do I set up my soundbar?” AI does an excellent job of answering those questions directly, eliminating the need for readers to click through to a publisher’s site. When you actually want to buy something, though, a simple answer isn’t enough. Completing your purchase usually means going to a retailer (though buying directly from a chat window is now possible—more on that in a minute). But it also means feeling confident about what you’re buying. The big question is: Do review sites still have a part to play in that? The incredible shrinking review site If they do, most media companies seem to acknowledge it’s a significantly smaller one. When Business Insider announced its strategy shift earlier this year amid layoffs, it said it would move away from evergreen content and service journalism. In the past year, Future plc folded Laptop magazine, and Gannett did the same for Reviewed.com. And Ziff-Davis—which operates PCMag, Everyday Health, and several other sites focused on service journalism—sued OpenAI earlier this year for ingesting Ziff content and summarizing it for OpenAI users. The decline of the review site is somewhat incongruous with a statistical reality: 99% of buyers look to online reviews for guidance, and reviews influence over 93% of purchase decisions, according to CapitalOne Shopping Research. That doesn’t mean buyers are always seeking out professionally written articles (there are plenty of user reviews out there), but the point is readers want credible, reliable information to guide their purchases, and well-known review sites (e.g. The Wirecutter) appearing in a summary can be a signal of that. And it does appear that AI summaries will favor journalistic content over anything else. A recent Muck Rack report that looked at over one million AI responses found that the most commonly cited source of information was journalism, at 24.7%. It’s nice to be needed, but does that lead to buyers actually making purchases through the media site—a necessary step for the site to receive an affiliate commission and the primary way these sites make money? Again, the buyer needs to click somewhere to buy their product, and from the AI layer they have three choices: 1) a retailer, 2) a third-party site (which includes review sites), and 3) the chat window itself. Why nuance still matters Obviously, it’s in the interest of review sites to steer people to No. 2 as much as they can. When Google search was the only game in town, that meant ranking high when people search for “The best pool-cleaning robots” (or whatever) and hope you were the site that ended up guiding them to the retailer. With AI, the game is similar, but the numbers are different: Fewer people will come to your site, but data points to them being more intentional and engaged. They’re not opening multiple review sites and selecting their favorite—AI is doing that for them. ChatGPT even has a mode specifically for shopping. To improve the chance of a reader choosing to go to your content over a retailer, what appears in an AI summary needs to convey unique and valuable content that they can’t get from just a summary. That means being thoughtful about “snippets”—the bits of the article that signal to search engines to prioritize. Test data, side-by-side comparisons, and proprietary scoring can all suggest nuance that someone might need to click through to fully appreciate. Taking things a step further, publishers can create structured answer cards meant to be fully captured in AI search, with a simple, concise claim plus a “view full test details” link. Rethinking the business model Regardless, even if a review site does everything right with SEO, schema, snippets and all the other search tricks, a large portion of readers will either go directly to retailers, or buy the item directly from chat now that OpenAI and Perplexity are both offering “Buy Now” widgets. However, whatever recommendations the AI makes still need to be based on something, and review sites are certainly part of that mix. That introduces the possibility of a different business arrangement. The AI companies so far seem totally uninterested in affiliate commissions from their buying widgets, but licensing and partnerships could be an alternative. You could even imagine branded partnerships, where the widget explicitly labels the buying recommendations are powered by specific publications. That would lend them more credibility, leading to more purchases—and bigger deals. With AI-ready corpora like Time’s AI Agent, licensing the content could be a plug-and-play experience, potentially offered across several AI engines. AI changes the rules, but not the mission Gone are the days when a publisher could simply produce evergreen content that ranks in SEO, attach some affiliate links, and watch the money roll in. But the game isn’t over, it’s just changed. Avoiding or blocking AI isn’t the answer, but simply getting noticed and summarized isn’t enough. The sites that survive the transition to an AI-mediated world must become indispensable for the part of the journey AI is least suited to own—providing information that’s comprehensive, vetted, and above all, human. View the full article

For many people, the first time they thought about Kalshi—a prediction market where you can place bets on the outcomes of sports, politics, culture, weather, and much more—was after a video clip of its cofounder, Tarek Mansour, went viral last week. Speaking on stage at the Citadel Securities Future of Global Markets Conference, the moderator Molly O’Shea asked, “Tarek, you’ve mentioned multiple times that you think prediction markets will be bigger than the stock market. What is it going to take to become a $1 trillion asset class?” In response, Mansour said, “You know, ‘Kalshi’ is ‘everything’ in Arabic. The long-term vision is to financialize everything and create a tradeable asset out of any difference in opinion.” The market impact of a “general-purpose exchange” capable of settling differences of opinion, he added, would be “quite massive.” With the launch of Kalshi in 2018, and its main competitor Polymarket in 2020, prediction markets have gone mainstream in a major way. The potential for making profit by owning the market where every opinion and event is financialized also explains why Kalshi has just raised another $1 billion in its third fundraising round this year alone. Investors are hungry for new ways to take advantage of the explosive rise of gambling, technologies that create addictive behavior loops, and economic conditions where people are desperate enough to bet their rent money on if The President will release the Epstein Files. Kalshi sits between Las Vegas and Wall Street. A platform like FanDuel helps you gamble on every aspect of a game, and a platform like Robinhood helps you day-trade with complex options—all while sitting on your couch. Kalshi is designed to take this same logic and apply it to everything imaginable. This is a bizarre vision, one that views all the world as a casino and all its people as players. It treats the proliferation of sports betting as a model for all human interactions. It’s not enough to gamble on the outcome of a game. You should also be placing bets based on every opinion you have. (After all, do you really believe it’s going to be sunny today if you don’t put money on it?) For Kalshi, holding these opinions to yourself deprives the world of another asset that can be exploited for financial gain. A neutral intermediary Here’s how it works. As a prediction market, Kalshi lets you buy “events contracts” based on the outcome of events in the world. You either buy a YES contract or NO contract based on if you think the event will happen. The price of each contract changes based on the dynamic odds at the time. For example, on Kalshi’s trending page at time of writing, I can place a bet on who will be named “Time’s Person of the Year for 2025.” The leading contender is “AI,” with a YES contract priced at $0.42 and a NO contract at $0.59. If the event happens, then I get $1.00 for every YES contract I bought; if the event does not happen, I get $1.00 for every NO contract. The odds change in real-time based on the volume of bets (or predictions) for specific outcomes placed in the event’s market through these contracts. Currently the total volume of trade for this particular event is nearly $6.5 million, which is middling compared to many other trending event markets on Kalshi. Kalshi is a neutral intermediary in the market with no interest in the outcome of any event contracts. You aren’t betting against Kalshi. Instead, the company makes money by charging trade-fees on contracts. So that means if people place more bets and buy more contracts, then Kalshi can capture more value. The platform’s interest is in maximizing the number of event markets (things to bet on) and the volume of trade (people placing bets) on their platform. For market maximalists, platforms like Kalshi should be the main arbiters of truth in society. In Mansour’s vision, prediction markets are an “antidote” to the problems of “living in a world where we have an abundance of information” but no way to filter the noise and discern “what’s real from what’s not.” By aggregating different opinions about the future in one place, and using “skin in the game” as an incentive for accuracy, Mansour expects that a “new consumer habit” will emerge of people “going to these markets to find an unbiased sort of source of truth.” Prediction markets like Kalshi won’t be a source of “the ultimate truth,” Mansour says, but he does “ think they’re as close as it gets.” Such grand statements are unsurprisingly absurd coming from a tech startup founder. The problem is that other people take them seriously. (Kalshi declined to comment.) Right after ESPN announced plans to integrate DraftKings into all its platforms, CNN signed a deal with Kalshi to bring “real-time probability data into the network’s TV broadcasts and digital platforms starting next year.” If you thought gambling was ruining the integrity and community of sports, just wait until CNN gives you live odds on the veracity of what its anchor is reporting. The truth of markets A century of economic theory tells us that efficient markets use price signals to reflect all relevant knowledge in society. According to this model, the market is the most powerful information processor ever created. It aggregates the hidden facts and feelings that reside inside people’s minds and distills that knowledge into actionable insights like prices in a supermarket or betting odds on the future. In addition to the invisible hand, the market is also theorized to be a collective brain. The libertarian architects and defenders of prediction markets point to these economic models when justifying the existence of a betting parlor they claim is actually a consensus machine that produces accurate predictions and unbiased truth. However, a century of capitalism reality tells us actual markets are structured by irrational behaviors, information asymmetries, and power hierarchies. It’s impossible to act like a rational agent if you are really just another imperfect person swayed by biases, heuristics, and groupthink. It’s impossible to engage in due diligence as a good consumer if other buyers and sellers are incentivized to lie, cheat, and conceal information if it benefits them. It’s impossible to maintain fair standing in the marketplace of ideas where people vote with their dollars and the more dollars you have, the louder your voice and more powerful your values. Rather than an efficient market guided by a collective brain toward the truth, we have an imperfect system of people trying to do the best they can while not getting screwed. Prediction markets don’t magically escape all the social problems and perverse incentives that plague other real markets just because people are betting on the future instead of buying widgets in a store. A world of total financialization, where every opinion is a tradeable asset, where the market is the ultimate arbiter of what’s valuable and true, is also a world that creates endless incentives for arbitrage, manipulation, collusion, and exploitation in the pursuit of profit extraction. Financialization is a predatory logic. It is not just one more way of organizing the world among many others. The goal is to eliminate other competing worldviews and reengineer society into a casino where the hedge funds always win. The only human values that matter are the ones that can be turned into tradeable assets and sold to the highest bidder. View the full article

As Australia began enforcing a world-first social media ban for children under 16 years old this week, Denmark is planning to follow its lead and severely restrict social media access for young people. The Danish government announced last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone under the age of 15. Such a measure would be the most sweeping step yet by a European Union nation to limit use of social media among teens and children. The Danish government’s plans could become law as soon as mid-2026. The proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, local media reported, but the ministry has not yet fully shared the plans. Many social media platforms already ban children younger than 13 from signing up, and a EU law requires Big Tech to put measures in place to protect young people from online risks and inappropriate content. But officials and experts say such restrictions don’t always work. Danish authorities have said that despite the restrictions, around 98% of Danish children under age 13 have profiles on at least one social media platform, and almost half of those under 10 years old do. The minister for digital affairs, Caroline Stage, who announced the proposed ban last month, said there is still a consultation process for the measure and several readings in parliament before it becomes law, perhaps by “mid to end of next year.” “In far too many years, we have given the social media platforms free play in the playing rooms of our children. There’s been no limits,” Stage said in an interview with The Associated Press last month. “When we go into the city at night, there are bouncers who are checking the age of young people to make sure that no one underage gets into a party that they’re not supposed to be in,” she added. “In the digital world, we don’t have any bouncers, and we definitely need that.” Mixed reactions Under the new Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts of Australian children younger than 16. Some students say they are worried that similar strict laws in Denmark would mean they will lose touch with their virtual communities. “I myself have some friends that I only know from online, and if I wasn’t fifteen yet, I wouldn’t be able to talk with those friends,” 15-year-old student Ronja Zander, who uses Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, told the AP. Copenhagen high school student Chloé Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen, 14, said she is aware of the negative impact social media can have, from cyberbullying to seeing graphic content. She said she saw video of a man being shot several months ago. “The video was on social media everywhere and I just went to school and then I saw it,” she said. Line Pedersen, a mother from Nykøbing in Denmark, said she believed the plans were a good idea. “I think that we didn’t really realize what we were doing when we gave our children the telephone and social media from when they were eight, 10 years old,” she said. “I don’t quite think that the young people know what’s normal, what’s not normal.” Age certificate likely part of the plan Danish officials are yet to share how exactly the proposed ban would be enforced and which social media platforms would be affected. However, a new “digital evidence” app, announced by the Digital Affairs Ministry last month and expected to launch next spring, will likely form the backbone of the Danish plans. The app will display an age certificate to ensure users comply with social media age limits, the ministry said. “One thing is what they’re saying and another thing is what they’re doing or not doing,” Stage said, referring to social media platforms. “And that’s why we have to do something politically.” Some experts say restrictions, such as the ban planned by Denmark, don’t always work and they may also infringe on the rights of children and teenagers. “To me, the greatest challenge is actually the democratic rights of these children. I think it’s sad that it’s not taken more into consideration,” said Anne Mette Thorhauge, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. “Social media, to many children, is what broadcast media was to my generation,” she added. “It was a way of connecting to society.” Currently, the EU’s Digital Services Act, which took effect two years ago, requires social media platforms to ensure there are measures including parental controls and age verification tools before young users can access the apps. EU officials have acknowledged that enforcing the regulations aiming at protecting children online has proven challenging because it requires cooperation between member states and many resources. Denmark is among several countries that have indicated they plan to follow in Australia’s steps. The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is expected to ban social media account s for people under the age of 16 starting at the beginning of next year, and Norway is also taking steps to restrict social media access for children and teens. China — which manufacturers many of the world’s digital devices — has set limits on online gaming time and smartphone time for kids. —James Brooks, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. It's begin to feel like successful streaming shows are increasingly the exception, rather than the rule, and Slow Horses is something else again: a successful show with a more-than-consistent schedule. With five seasons since 2022, rather than the increasingly common "every few years or when we get to it" scheduling of other streaming shows, it's rather lovely to actually be able to remember the events of the previous series when the new one starts. If this all sounds like damning with faint praise, it's also a smart, brilliantly entertaining show, with Gary Oldman as the slovenly, flatulent, once-brilliant spy Jackson Lamb now in charge of Slough House, the MI5 office for agents who aren't good enough to trust with important tasks, but who haven't really done anything worth getting fired for. Their very expendability puts them in the line of fire early and often, with ambitious spymaster Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) finding the team alternately useful and a liability. The show's been renewed for at least two further seasons—the novel series by Mick Herron on which it's based runs to nine books so far, and so there's potential for even more. Down Cemetery Road (2025 – ) This is perhaps the most obvious streamalike here, if only because the shows are both Apple TV productions and are both based on Mick Herron novels. This one is more spy-adjacent, however, starring Emma Thompson as hard-living, hard-drinking private investigator Zoë Boehm. She's hired by Ruth Wilson's Sarah Trafford, a married art restorer who nobody takes very seriously (including and especially her husband), even when she becomes invested in the fate of a young girl whose family is killed in a gas explosion (allegedly) down the street. The girl, whose parents were killed, disappears into the system and no one really seems to care until Sarah hires Zoë and her husband to look into it. Turns out both women are in way over their heads, as the missing girl points to a much broader conspiracy. The shows villains are a bit cartoonishly distracting, but Thompson and Wilson are brilliantly paired, and their performances are more than worth the price of admission. Stream Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV+. Down Cemetery Road (2025 – ) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The Agency (2024 – ) Michael Fassbender as stars here as "Martian," codename of Brandon Colby, a former undercover CIA agent just returned to London after six years in Sudan. He left behind a lover, Dr. Samia Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith)—a relationship he wasn't terribly forthcoming about with his handlers. When Sami turns up in London as part of a diplomatic delegation, Martian is forced to choose between his job and his personal life, which becomes more complicated when it appears that she's involved in a broader scheme involving the Sudanese government, MI6, and an undercover agent in Belarus. It's all very twisty-turny in the best tradition of spy shows. Jeffrey Wright plays Martian's boss and mentor, Richard Gere is the CIA London Station Chief, and Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville is a shifty senior MI6 operative. Stream The Agency on Paramount+. The Agency (2024 – ) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ The Bureau (2015 – 2020) In addition to, or instead of, The Agency, you can also catch Le Bureau des Légends, the French original on which it's based (they're similarly addictive, though many will prefer the original on principle). Same general premise: Mathieu Kassovitz stars as Guillaume Debailly, a spy just recently returned from a six year undercover mission in Damascus, Syria. Trying to re-adjust to his life, everything is thrown into turmoil when Nadia (Zineb Triki), the woman with whom he'd had a relationship, turns up in Paris. Stream The Bureau on Paramount+. The Bureau (2015 – 2020) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ The Day of the Jackal (2024 – ) Cinematic in scope, this new adaptation of the Frederick Forsyth novel is buoyed by rather brilliant casting: Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, a cold and steely international assassin pursued by MI6 operative Bianca Pullman—she's played by Lashana Lynch, putting her experience as the new 007 in No Time to Die to good use. I'm not sure there's anything here we haven't seen in countless other spy thrillers (including, of course, the 1973 and 1997 film adaptations), but the performances and production values are top-notch, with each episode playing out like a tense mini-movie. Stream The Day of the Jackal on Peacock. The Day of the Jackal at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Monsieur Spade (2024) An original drama from Scott Frank (The Queen's Gambit) and Tom Fontana (Homicide, Oz), Monsieur Spade finds Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade, of The Maltese Falcon fame, living a quiet life in retirement in the South of France. It's all going very well of the rumpled former detective—until six nuns are brutally murdered at a nearby convent, the same convent that's been home to Sam's ward for some time. Naturally, he finds his past has caught up with him, and is forced to surrender his idyllic life in order to help uncover the complex mystery that endangers his (very few) loved ones. Clive Owen is great as the rumpled, emphysemic detective, and the story feels like a fitting sequel to Hammett's novel. Stream Monsieur Spade on Prime Video and AMC+. Monsieur Spade (2024) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Killing Eve (2018 – 2022) Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer star as the two halves that form one of television's great cat-and-mouse narratives, with Oh as Eve Polastri, a bored MI5 analyst who becomes obsessed with hunting down the brutal and notorious assassin known only as Villanelle. It starts as a professional compulsion before it becomes personal: Eve and Villanelle begin toying with each other, and it soon becomes clear that the fascination goes both ways. Stream Killing Eve on Prime Video, Paramount+, Britbox, Tubi, and Netflix. Killing Eve at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Night Manager (2016 – ) Coming, as it does, from John le Carré, the wellspring of many modern spy sagas, it's probably no surprise that The Night Manager (from a 1993 novel) was successful—though it certainly doesn't hurt to have a cast lead by Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. Hiddleston is Jonathan Pine, working the night shift at a luxury hotel in Switzerland when he encounters an unexpected guest: arms dealer Richard Roper (Laurie). Former Army veteran Pine had previous dealings with Roper in Cairo, and the reluctant night manager is persuaded by Foreign Office head Angela Burr (Colman) to infiltrate the criminal's organization. A long-gestating second season is coming in 2026, to be followed by a third. Stream The Night Manager on Prime Video. The Night Manager at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Deadloch (2023 – ) Slow Horses isn't a send-up of the spy genre, precisely, but it does enjoy taking the piss. The more overtly funny Deadloch is both an excellent crime procedural and an effective satire of the genre; the Australian import does about as well as setting up its central mystery as Broadchurch and its many (many) imitators. Kate Box stars as Dulcie Collins, fastidious senior sergeant of the police force in the fictional town of the title. When a body turns up dead on the beach, Dulcie is joined by Madeleine Sami's Eddie Redcliffe, a crude and generally obnoxious detective brought in to help solve the case. Unraveling the web of secrets and mysteries in the tiny Tasmanian town is appropriately addictive, with the added bonus of cop thriller tropes getting mercilessly mocked all the way. Stream Deadloch on Prime Video. Deadloch (2023 – ) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Capture (2019 – ) There are several imports on this list; Peacock is just too new to have a large stable of homegrown shows, but they’ve managed a handful of impressive acquisitions. In this British series, a young, ambitious detective with the London police department is tasked with the investigation of a soldier who’d only recently been exonerated for a war crime, but who seems to have turned around and assaulted and then kidnapped his lawyer (sorry, his barrister). There’s plenty of police procedural drama and international intrigue, but the show has a slightly different target: it’s looking at the dangers of our reliance on CCTV surveillance, and on the dangers of a widespread assumption that cameras don’t lie. London is one of the most heavily surveilled cities in the world, so there’s a particularly British point of view here, but the issues will be recognizable to anyone who’s spent time in any major city. A third season is on the way. Stream The Capture on Peacock. The Capture Learn More Learn More Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024 – ) One-upping the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie movie on which it's based, Mr. & Mrs. Smith stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as a couple of spies tasked to pose as a married couple while coordinating (and sometimes competing against one another) on missions. Smartly, each episode takes on a standalone mission in a different location, while complicating the relationship between the two and gradually upping the stakes until the season finale, which sees them pitted against each other. The show has been renewed for season two, but it's been delayed, and it's unclear if Glover and Erskine will be returning, or if we'll be getting a new Mr. & Mrs. Stream Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Prime Video. Mr. & Mrs. Smith at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Archer (2009 – 2023) H. Jon Benjamin, lovable schlub of Bob's Burgers, leads this show as Bob Belcher's polar opposite: a handsome spy who's also a deeply narcissistic womanizer with an endless capacity for alcohol. This is a full-on comedy, dealing with the exploits of a New York–based freelance intelligence agency led by Jessica Walter's hard-drinking Malory Archer—but it's such a smart send-up of James Bond-style shenanigans that it works as a spy series, as well, and sometimes the team's missions aren't all that much more silly than the plots of more overtly serious spy movies and shows. Addictive and irreverent, the show includes one of TV animation's best-ever voice casts, including Aisha Tyler, Amber Nash, and Judy Greer as the sociopathic heiress Cheryl Tunt. Stream Archer on Hulu and Tubi. Archer (2017 – 2023) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu The Equalizer (2021 – 2025) The Queen Latifah-led Equalizer reboots the 1980s series (and sidesteps the Denzel Washington movies) by spinning the premise in a slightly different direction: Latifah plays single mom Robyn McCall, an impossibly skilled former CIA operative who puts her talents to work for those in need. It splits the difference between crime and spy drama, with episodes involving close-to-home crime and others dealing with international espionage. While the original's vibe was more about the cops being handcuffed by things like "rules" and "giving perps their basic human dignity," this one is more about those who've been failed by systems that don't care about them—and who might benefit from the help of a woman who can beat just about anyone's ass. It's very satisfying watching Robyn and company spy and/or punch their way out of sticky situations to help the oppressed. Stream The Equalizer on Paramount+ and Tubi. The Equalizer at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ The Little Drummer Girl (2018) Park Chan-wook (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy) directs this series, based on the John le Carré novel, and brings an undeniably sexy period style. Florence Pugh is Charlie, a young actress recruited by Mossad spymaster Martin Kurtz (Michael Shannon) to infiltrate a group of Palestinian terrorists, even as she's being manipulated by an Israeli intelligence officer played by Alexander Skarsgård. Crucially, and as in the book that preceded it, the show offers nuanced characters on multiple sides of the conflict, raising serious questions about who the real villains are. Stream The Little Drummer Girl on AMC+ or buy it from Prime Video. The Little Drummer Girl at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Americans (2013 – 2018) Set during the Cold War 1980s, and created by former CIA officer Joe Weisberg, Americans follows Soviet KGB intelligence agents Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), living lives as an American couple in the DC metro area—and raising their American-born children. The critically acclaimed (also popular!) show makes much of its period setting and a central conflict that places two spies in the heart of suburban America, even as they're tasked with undermining the Reagan-era government under which their children will grow up. Stream The Americans on Disney+ and Hulu. The Americans at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+ Homeland (2011 – 2020) The focus shifts a bit after Homeland's first few seasons, the series begins with CIA case officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) coming to suspect that that decorated Marine Corps scout sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), recently rescued from an al-Qaeda compound, has been turned and is planning a terrorist attack on the United States. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her superiors don't give Mathison's suspicions much credence, kicking off a cat-and-mouse/is-he-or-isn't he? game between the two. Both leads won Emmys for their performances, and the series took the Outstanding Drama prize in its first year. Stream Homeland on Hulu and Netflix. Homeland (2011 – 2020) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Man on the Inside (2024 – ) Not a spy drama (at all), but a funny, and often very moving, comedy from the creator of The Good Place. Still: Undercover antics abound, so I'm going to say it counts as a bit of spy-adjacent counter-programming. Based very, very loosely on a true story, the show stars Ted Danson as Charles Nieuwendyk, a recent widower and retired professor who's started settling into a life of...not much, when, on a whim, he takes a temp job with a detective agency. They're investigating some missing jewelry at a local retirement home, and the dorky, awkward Charles makes for the perfect undercover resident, even as the job evokes memories of his late wife's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Ted Danson is in great form here, as is a supporting cast that, in the second season, includes real-life wife Mary Steenburgen. Stream Man on the Inside on Netflix. A Man on the Inside at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix View the full article

In the spirit of the season, let’s hear about workplace gift debacles. Did a game of Secret Santa end in tears? Did a coworker throw a tantrum when she didn’t win a raffle? Were you given a jar of mold as a gift? Did you receive an oil painting of your coworker’s mother in the style of Napoleon? These are all real stories that we’ve heard here in the past. Now you must top them. Share your weirdest or funniest story related to gifts in the office in the comments. The post office holiday gift-giving stories: worst gifts and weirdest gifts appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Some of the most recognizable artwork depicting the American West is heading to auction at Christie’s, where dozens of pieces from billionaire Bill Koch’s collection are expected to fetch at least $50 million. The in-person “Visions of the West” sale will take place in New York over two sessions beginning Jan. 20, with the final lots offered — appropriately — at high noon the following day. Koch’s holdings include major works by Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell and Albert Bierstadt, artists whose images of cowboys, Native Americans and sweeping landscapes helped define how generations came to picture the American frontier. Tylee Abbott, head of Christie’s American Art Department, said interest in Western subjects has remained strong as new audiences discover the culture and mythology of the region. “What is out West? What is over the horizon?” he mused. “It goes on to embody the American spirit.” Bill Koch’s brothers David and Charles Koch were major donors to conservative causes. Although he has pursued different ventures since a 1980s business dispute with his brothers, Bill Koch traces his longtime love of Western art to their childhood. “I was born and raised in Kansas and spent childhood summers working on my father’s ranches in Montana and Texas,” Koch said in a statement to The Associated Press. He described himself as “a child of the American Plains,” shaped by the Western art that hung in his home and the stories of the region’s past. The auction will include 16 sculptures by Remington, along with his painting “Coming to the Call,” which is expected to sell for $6 million to $8 million, according to Christie’s. There will also be both a small and large version of Remington’s “Bronco Buster” bronze sculpture. Russell’s “The Sun Worshippers” is projected to sell for $4 million to $6 million. Bierstadt’s bright vistas of mountains and plains are also among the featured works. Michael Clawson, executive editor of Western Art Collector magazine, said the esthetics of the region continue to surprise people who see them for the first time. “When you come here, there is something about the light, the atmosphere, the colors,” said Clawson, who grew up in Phoenix. He said the Western art genre has existed since the early 1800s and remains vibrant today, as younger collectors discover the genre and new artists keep it alive. And in the current century, population and wealth have surged across several Western states, with Arizona, Utah and Nevada each gaining well over a million residents since 2000. In the last decade, the median household income in the West rose from $58,000 in 2014 to almost $93,000 in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The sale at Christie’s could attract collectors from across the nation, and the scale of the auction likely makes it one of the most significant Western art offerings in years. Christie’s has not said why Koch is selling, with the billionaire telling the AP simply, “It is time to pass along these pieces.” Associated Press writer Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida, contributed to this story. —Corey Williams, Associated Press View the full article

Grasping franchise government is crucial for anyone looking to enter the franchising world. It involves a detailed framework of regulations that impact both franchisors and franchisees. You need to be aware of key documents, like the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and the importance of compliance with federal and state laws. Legal guidance can help navigate these intricacies, ensuring that you adhere to necessary regulations. So, what are the critical steps you need to take to protect your interests? Key Takeaways Franchising allows businesses to operate under a franchisor’s brand through a legal agreement, requiring an initial fee and ongoing royalties. The Federal Trade Commission regulates franchising, ensuring transparency and protecting franchisees through mandated Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). FDDs must be provided 14 days before signing contracts and include essential information like financial performance and franchise obligations. Compliance with federal and state franchise laws is crucial, especially for multi-state operations, to avoid legal issues and ensure proper registration. Legal assistance is recommended for reviewing franchise documents, ensuring compliance, and preventing disputes between franchisors and franchisees. What Is Franchising? Franchising is a business model that enables you to operate a business under the established brand and systems of a franchisor, which typically requires paying an initial fee and ongoing royalties based on sales. To define franchise in government terms, it refers to a legal agreement where the franchisee gains the right to use the franchisor’s trademark and business processes. The government franchise structure has roots in the mid-19th century, gaining popularity in the 1920s and 1930s with brands like A&W Root Beer. Today, approximately 830,876 franchise establishments exist in the U.S., contributing nearly $900 billion to the economy. Franchise agreements usually last 5 to 30 years, detailing rights, responsibilities, and fees crucial for successful operations. The Role of Franchise Government Regulations Franchise government regulations play a vital role in protecting both franchisees and franchisors by ensuring compliance with established guidelines. The Federal Trade Commission mandates the provision of a Franchise Disclosure Document, which outlines important information and must be given to potential franchisees at least 14 days prior to any agreements. Furthermore, each state imposes its own set of rules for franchise registration, requiring franchisors to meet specific local requirements to operate legally within those jurisdictions. Federal Trade Commission Oversight When considering the intricacies of franchise agreements, comprehension of the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is fundamental. The FTC regulates franchising in the U.S. to guarantee transparency and protect potential franchisees. Under the franchise government definition, the FTC mandates that Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) include 23 specific items, which must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days prior to any contract signing or payment. This oversight helps prevent deceptive practices, guaranteeing that franchisees are informed about legal actions and financial statuses of franchisors. Key Aspects Details FTC’s Role Guarantees transparency and fairness FDD Requirements 23 specific items must be disclosed Timing FDDs provided 14 days before signing Purpose Protect franchisees and maintain industry integrity State-Specific Compliance Requirements Grasping the nuances of state-specific compliance requirements is crucial for franchisors aiming to establish and operate their businesses legally. In many states, you must register your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to comply with local laws before offering franchises. Each state has unique requirements for the content and format of the FDD, which must include 23 disclosure items mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). States like California and New York impose stricter disclosure and registration processes. Furthermore, you need to update your FDD annually and provide state-specific addendums. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including fines and the risk of being unable to operate franchise locations within that state. Key Legal Documents in Franchising When you’re considering a franchise, comprehension of the key legal documents is critical for your success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides fundamental information about the franchise system, including financials and support details, whereas the franchise agreement outlines your rights and obligations as a franchisee. Both documents are important for ensuring compliance with franchise laws and protecting your interests, so seeking legal assistance can help you navigate this complex environment effectively. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) plays a crucial role in the franchising process, as it provides fundamental information that prospective franchisees need to make informed decisions. This legal document, mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consists of 23 disclosure items covering key aspects like financial performance and franchise obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements, giving you time to review it thoroughly. Key sections include corporate history, financial statements, and litigation details, helping you assess the franchise’s viability. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes, and engaging a qualified franchise attorney can assist you in maneuvering through the intricacies of the FDD. Key FDD Sections Purpose Corporate History Understand the franchisor’s background Financial Statements Evaluate the financial health of the franchise Litigation History Assess potential risks from past legal issues Current Franchisees Gather insights on current franchisee experiences Former Franchisees Learn from past franchisee successes or failures Franchise Agreement Essentials After reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), comprehending the Franchise Agreement is the next vital step in the franchising expedition. This legally binding contract outlines both your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee, detailing fees, operational standards, and the agreement’s duration—typically ranging from 5 to 30 years. You’ll find upfront franchise fees and ongoing royalties specified, along with the terms for operating under the franchisor’s brand. Significantly, the agreement may include clauses on termination, renewal options, and competition restrictions to safeguard the brand’s interests. Violating these terms can lead to penalties or legal disputes, making it fundamental to understand every detail before signing. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Explained Steering through the domain of franchising requires a clear grasp of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), an crucial tool for prospective franchisees. The FDD is a thorough legal document mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that contains 23 key disclosure items critical for interpreting your franchise opportunity. You must receive this document at least 14 days before signing any agreements or making payments, ensuring ample review time. Key components include the franchisor’s business history, litigation history, initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and obligations of both parties. The FDD must be updated annually and registered in each state where the franchisor sells franchises, and Item 20 provides contact information for current and former franchisees, offering valuable insights into the franchise’s performance. Compliance With State and Federal Laws How can franchisees guarantee they’re fully protected in their business relationships? Confirming compliance with federal and state franchise laws is critical. Franchisors need to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any agreements or payments, allowing you to make informed decisions. The FDD contains key details like financial performance and obligations, which are fundamental for comprehending your investment. To stay compliant, consider these key points: Verify the FDD includes state-specific addendums if you’re operating in multiple states. Keep up with ongoing updates to the FDD to reflect any changes in laws or regulations. Confirm that the franchisor registers in states requiring franchise registration to avoid penalties. Importance of Legal Assistance in Franchising Maneuvering the complex terrain of franchising requires more than just a comprehension of compliance with state and federal laws; it often necessitates the guidance of a qualified legal professional. Engaging a licensed franchise attorney helps you navigate the intricacies of franchise agreements and the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). They guarantee compliance with FTC regulations and assist in preparing and updating your FDD. Here’s why legal assistance is vital: Importance of Legal Assistance Benefits Expertise in Franchise Laws Avoids pitfalls and liabilities FDD Preparation Secures accurate disclosures Multi-State Compliance Adapts to varying state laws Dispute Prevention Protects your rights and interests Legal Document Review Minimizes costly legal issues Working with a franchise attorney is fundamental for a successful franchise operation. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Product refers to the goods or services you offer, ensuring they meet brand standards. Price includes franchise fees and ongoing royalties, typically between 4% and 12.5% of gross sales. Place emphasizes the importance of choosing effective locations for your franchise to maximize market presence. Finally, Promotion covers the marketing strategies provided by the franchisor, crucial for building brand recognition and attracting customers. What Is the Definition of Franchise in Government? In government, a franchise is a legal agreement where a government entity allows a private company to operate a business under its name. You’ll find this in areas like public transportation or utilities, where the private entity pays fees and follows regulations. These agreements guarantee services meet community needs during maintaining accountability. Franchisees must comply with local laws, quality standards, and provide financial disclosures to guarantee transparency in their operations. What Is the 14 Day Rule for Franchise? The 14-day rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or make payments. This period gives you time to review critical information about the franchise, such as fees, obligations, and the franchisor’s history. Adhering to this rule is crucial for franchisors, as failing to comply can lead to legal issues and claims from franchisees. Is Chick-Fil-A a Chain or Franchise? Chick-Fil-A operates as a franchise, allowing individuals to run their locations under the Chick-Fil-A brand. This means you can own a store during adherence to the company’s guidelines. Unlike typical franchises, Chick-Fil-A maintains significant control over operations, requiring franchisees to be actively involved in their restaurants. Furthermore, the company owns the land and buildings, which helps guarantee brand consistency. As of 2024, there are over 2,700 Chick-Fil-A locations across the U.S. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping franchise government is crucial for both franchisors and franchisees. By familiarizing yourself with key regulations, such as the Franchise Disclosure Document and the necessity for compliance with federal and state laws, you can navigate the franchising terrain more effectively. Legal assistance can further guarantee that you adhere to these requirements, eventually protecting your interests and promoting smoother operations. Being informed empowers you to make better decisions in your franchising expedition. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Understanding Franchise Government: A Step-by-Step Definition Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Grasping franchise government is crucial for anyone looking to enter the franchising world. It involves a detailed framework of regulations that impact both franchisors and franchisees. You need to be aware of key documents, like the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and the importance of compliance with federal and state laws. Legal guidance can help navigate these intricacies, ensuring that you adhere to necessary regulations. So, what are the critical steps you need to take to protect your interests? Key Takeaways Franchising allows businesses to operate under a franchisor’s brand through a legal agreement, requiring an initial fee and ongoing royalties. The Federal Trade Commission regulates franchising, ensuring transparency and protecting franchisees through mandated Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). FDDs must be provided 14 days before signing contracts and include essential information like financial performance and franchise obligations. Compliance with federal and state franchise laws is crucial, especially for multi-state operations, to avoid legal issues and ensure proper registration. Legal assistance is recommended for reviewing franchise documents, ensuring compliance, and preventing disputes between franchisors and franchisees. What Is Franchising? Franchising is a business model that enables you to operate a business under the established brand and systems of a franchisor, which typically requires paying an initial fee and ongoing royalties based on sales. To define franchise in government terms, it refers to a legal agreement where the franchisee gains the right to use the franchisor’s trademark and business processes. The government franchise structure has roots in the mid-19th century, gaining popularity in the 1920s and 1930s with brands like A&W Root Beer. Today, approximately 830,876 franchise establishments exist in the U.S., contributing nearly $900 billion to the economy. Franchise agreements usually last 5 to 30 years, detailing rights, responsibilities, and fees crucial for successful operations. The Role of Franchise Government Regulations Franchise government regulations play a vital role in protecting both franchisees and franchisors by ensuring compliance with established guidelines. The Federal Trade Commission mandates the provision of a Franchise Disclosure Document, which outlines important information and must be given to potential franchisees at least 14 days prior to any agreements. Furthermore, each state imposes its own set of rules for franchise registration, requiring franchisors to meet specific local requirements to operate legally within those jurisdictions. Federal Trade Commission Oversight When considering the intricacies of franchise agreements, comprehension of the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is fundamental. The FTC regulates franchising in the U.S. to guarantee transparency and protect potential franchisees. Under the franchise government definition, the FTC mandates that Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) include 23 specific items, which must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days prior to any contract signing or payment. This oversight helps prevent deceptive practices, guaranteeing that franchisees are informed about legal actions and financial statuses of franchisors. Key Aspects Details FTC’s Role Guarantees transparency and fairness FDD Requirements 23 specific items must be disclosed Timing FDDs provided 14 days before signing Purpose Protect franchisees and maintain industry integrity State-Specific Compliance Requirements Grasping the nuances of state-specific compliance requirements is crucial for franchisors aiming to establish and operate their businesses legally. In many states, you must register your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to comply with local laws before offering franchises. Each state has unique requirements for the content and format of the FDD, which must include 23 disclosure items mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). States like California and New York impose stricter disclosure and registration processes. Furthermore, you need to update your FDD annually and provide state-specific addendums. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including fines and the risk of being unable to operate franchise locations within that state. Key Legal Documents in Franchising When you’re considering a franchise, comprehension of the key legal documents is critical for your success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides fundamental information about the franchise system, including financials and support details, whereas the franchise agreement outlines your rights and obligations as a franchisee. Both documents are important for ensuring compliance with franchise laws and protecting your interests, so seeking legal assistance can help you navigate this complex environment effectively. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) plays a crucial role in the franchising process, as it provides fundamental information that prospective franchisees need to make informed decisions. This legal document, mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consists of 23 disclosure items covering key aspects like financial performance and franchise obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements, giving you time to review it thoroughly. Key sections include corporate history, financial statements, and litigation details, helping you assess the franchise’s viability. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes, and engaging a qualified franchise attorney can assist you in maneuvering through the intricacies of the FDD. Key FDD Sections Purpose Corporate History Understand the franchisor’s background Financial Statements Evaluate the financial health of the franchise Litigation History Assess potential risks from past legal issues Current Franchisees Gather insights on current franchisee experiences Former Franchisees Learn from past franchisee successes or failures Franchise Agreement Essentials After reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), comprehending the Franchise Agreement is the next vital step in the franchising expedition. This legally binding contract outlines both your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee, detailing fees, operational standards, and the agreement’s duration—typically ranging from 5 to 30 years. You’ll find upfront franchise fees and ongoing royalties specified, along with the terms for operating under the franchisor’s brand. Significantly, the agreement may include clauses on termination, renewal options, and competition restrictions to safeguard the brand’s interests. Violating these terms can lead to penalties or legal disputes, making it fundamental to understand every detail before signing. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Explained Steering through the domain of franchising requires a clear grasp of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), an crucial tool for prospective franchisees. The FDD is a thorough legal document mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that contains 23 key disclosure items critical for interpreting your franchise opportunity. You must receive this document at least 14 days before signing any agreements or making payments, ensuring ample review time. Key components include the franchisor’s business history, litigation history, initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and obligations of both parties. The FDD must be updated annually and registered in each state where the franchisor sells franchises, and Item 20 provides contact information for current and former franchisees, offering valuable insights into the franchise’s performance. Compliance With State and Federal Laws How can franchisees guarantee they’re fully protected in their business relationships? Confirming compliance with federal and state franchise laws is critical. Franchisors need to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any agreements or payments, allowing you to make informed decisions. The FDD contains key details like financial performance and obligations, which are fundamental for comprehending your investment. To stay compliant, consider these key points: Verify the FDD includes state-specific addendums if you’re operating in multiple states. Keep up with ongoing updates to the FDD to reflect any changes in laws or regulations. Confirm that the franchisor registers in states requiring franchise registration to avoid penalties. Importance of Legal Assistance in Franchising Maneuvering the complex terrain of franchising requires more than just a comprehension of compliance with state and federal laws; it often necessitates the guidance of a qualified legal professional. Engaging a licensed franchise attorney helps you navigate the intricacies of franchise agreements and the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). They guarantee compliance with FTC regulations and assist in preparing and updating your FDD. Here’s why legal assistance is vital: Importance of Legal Assistance Benefits Expertise in Franchise Laws Avoids pitfalls and liabilities FDD Preparation Secures accurate disclosures Multi-State Compliance Adapts to varying state laws Dispute Prevention Protects your rights and interests Legal Document Review Minimizes costly legal issues Working with a franchise attorney is fundamental for a successful franchise operation. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Product refers to the goods or services you offer, ensuring they meet brand standards. Price includes franchise fees and ongoing royalties, typically between 4% and 12.5% of gross sales. Place emphasizes the importance of choosing effective locations for your franchise to maximize market presence. Finally, Promotion covers the marketing strategies provided by the franchisor, crucial for building brand recognition and attracting customers. What Is the Definition of Franchise in Government? In government, a franchise is a legal agreement where a government entity allows a private company to operate a business under its name. You’ll find this in areas like public transportation or utilities, where the private entity pays fees and follows regulations. These agreements guarantee services meet community needs during maintaining accountability. Franchisees must comply with local laws, quality standards, and provide financial disclosures to guarantee transparency in their operations. What Is the 14 Day Rule for Franchise? The 14-day rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or make payments. This period gives you time to review critical information about the franchise, such as fees, obligations, and the franchisor’s history. Adhering to this rule is crucial for franchisors, as failing to comply can lead to legal issues and claims from franchisees. Is Chick-Fil-A a Chain or Franchise? Chick-Fil-A operates as a franchise, allowing individuals to run their locations under the Chick-Fil-A brand. This means you can own a store during adherence to the company’s guidelines. Unlike typical franchises, Chick-Fil-A maintains significant control over operations, requiring franchisees to be actively involved in their restaurants. Furthermore, the company owns the land and buildings, which helps guarantee brand consistency. As of 2024, there are over 2,700 Chick-Fil-A locations across the U.S. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping franchise government is crucial for both franchisors and franchisees. By familiarizing yourself with key regulations, such as the Franchise Disclosure Document and the necessity for compliance with federal and state laws, you can navigate the franchising terrain more effectively. Legal assistance can further guarantee that you adhere to these requirements, eventually protecting your interests and promoting smoother operations. Being informed empowers you to make better decisions in your franchising expedition. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Understanding Franchise Government: A Step-by-Step Definition Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Health secretary’s comments are latest sign of unhappiness in cabinetView the full article

In a move that could significantly impact small manufacturers, the U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 3174, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act. This bipartisan effort aims to double the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) loan limit for small manufacturers, increasing it from $5 million to $10 million. The initiative, which enjoys strong support from both sides of the aisle, promises to unlock vital capital for these businesses as they strive to scale and compete in an increasingly robust economy. Administrator Kelly Loeffler of the SBA praised the legislation, stating, “Today, U.S. manufacturers – of which 98% are small businesses – require more capital to meet rising demand in an economy that is now being built by Americans, for Americans.” The act gears towards enhancing the financial capabilities of small manufacturers who form the backbone of the American industrial base. For small business owners, particularly those in manufacturing, this legislation presents a critical opportunity. By allowing access to larger loans, small manufacturers can invest in new technology, expand operations, and hire more employees—all essential factors to staying competitive. According to Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), who sponsored the legislation, “The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act strengthens the ability of small manufacturers to invest, scale, and compete.” This sentiment echoes the ongoing need for small businesses to adapt quickly as market dynamics shift. The passage of this act aligns with the SBA’s broader Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which launched earlier this year. This initiative focuses on rebuilding the nation’s industrial dominance through cutting regulations and enhancing access to capital. Alongside this new loan limit, the SBA has introduced measures such as the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, designed to help small manufacturers identify domestic suppliers and shift their supply chains back to the U.S. Small business owners can also take advantage of the SBA’s recent launch of the 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program—the first loan program dedicated exclusively to supporting small manufacturers. This tailored program allows for flexible financing solutions that can better meet the needs of small operators, such as supporting their cash flow and purchasing essential materials. Moreover, in a supportive environment, the SBA has announced plans to waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers categorized under NAICS 31-33 in fiscal year 2026. This waiver aims to further lower entry barriers for small businesses looking to invest in U.S. production and growth. While the potential benefits of increased funding are significant, small business owners should also consider the challenges associated with taking on larger loans. Increased debt can lead to higher financial risk, especially in uncertain economic times. Business owners must carefully evaluate their financial health and capacity to repay larger loans before seeking this increase in funding. Additionally, navigating the complexities of the loan application process can be daunting for some small businesses. Hence, it is advisable for small manufacturers to seek guidance from financial advisors or local SBA offices to fully understand the advantages and responsibilities associated with the new financing options. The success of this legislation could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing American manufacturing and enhancing the competitiveness of small businesses in the landscape. “These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our industrial base, and their success fuels our nation,” Williams states. The ongoing commitment to investing in small manufacturers underlines the importance of their role in economic recovery and growth. As the bill moves to the Senate for consideration, small business owners should stay informed and be prepared to act quickly to capitalize on new resources and opportunities that could help usher in a new era for American manufacturing. For more details on the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, visit the original post on the SBA website here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA’s New Act Doubles Loan Limit for Small Manufacturers to $10 Million" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a move that could significantly impact small manufacturers, the U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 3174, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act. This bipartisan effort aims to double the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) loan limit for small manufacturers, increasing it from $5 million to $10 million. The initiative, which enjoys strong support from both sides of the aisle, promises to unlock vital capital for these businesses as they strive to scale and compete in an increasingly robust economy. Administrator Kelly Loeffler of the SBA praised the legislation, stating, “Today, U.S. manufacturers – of which 98% are small businesses – require more capital to meet rising demand in an economy that is now being built by Americans, for Americans.” The act gears towards enhancing the financial capabilities of small manufacturers who form the backbone of the American industrial base. For small business owners, particularly those in manufacturing, this legislation presents a critical opportunity. By allowing access to larger loans, small manufacturers can invest in new technology, expand operations, and hire more employees—all essential factors to staying competitive. According to Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), who sponsored the legislation, “The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act strengthens the ability of small manufacturers to invest, scale, and compete.” This sentiment echoes the ongoing need for small businesses to adapt quickly as market dynamics shift. The passage of this act aligns with the SBA’s broader Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which launched earlier this year. This initiative focuses on rebuilding the nation’s industrial dominance through cutting regulations and enhancing access to capital. Alongside this new loan limit, the SBA has introduced measures such as the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, designed to help small manufacturers identify domestic suppliers and shift their supply chains back to the U.S. Small business owners can also take advantage of the SBA’s recent launch of the 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program—the first loan program dedicated exclusively to supporting small manufacturers. This tailored program allows for flexible financing solutions that can better meet the needs of small operators, such as supporting their cash flow and purchasing essential materials. Moreover, in a supportive environment, the SBA has announced plans to waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers categorized under NAICS 31-33 in fiscal year 2026. This waiver aims to further lower entry barriers for small businesses looking to invest in U.S. production and growth. While the potential benefits of increased funding are significant, small business owners should also consider the challenges associated with taking on larger loans. Increased debt can lead to higher financial risk, especially in uncertain economic times. Business owners must carefully evaluate their financial health and capacity to repay larger loans before seeking this increase in funding. Additionally, navigating the complexities of the loan application process can be daunting for some small businesses. Hence, it is advisable for small manufacturers to seek guidance from financial advisors or local SBA offices to fully understand the advantages and responsibilities associated with the new financing options. The success of this legislation could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing American manufacturing and enhancing the competitiveness of small businesses in the landscape. “These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our industrial base, and their success fuels our nation,” Williams states. The ongoing commitment to investing in small manufacturers underlines the importance of their role in economic recovery and growth. As the bill moves to the Senate for consideration, small business owners should stay informed and be prepared to act quickly to capitalize on new resources and opportunities that could help usher in a new era for American manufacturing. For more details on the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, visit the original post on the SBA website here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA’s New Act Doubles Loan Limit for Small Manufacturers to $10 Million" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Question systems and push for fairness. Accounting ARC With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Question systems and push for fairness. Accounting ARC With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

We’ve established the AI resume as the new C-suite-level asset that defines your brand at the bottom of the funnel, and we’ve mapped the strategic landscape that shows how it operates across explicit, implicit, and ambient research modes. So, how do you build this asset to thrive in a three-part environment? The answer is shifting from ranking in search results to the discipline of brand-focused algorithmic education – a multi-speed strategy aligned with the trio of technologies powering all modern recommendation engines. The digital marketing ecosystem has been reshaped by AI assistive engines – platforms like Google AI, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot that no longer provide links but deliver synthesized, conversational answers. Understanding how to influence these engines is the new frontier of our industry. Conversations I had in 2020 with Gary Illyes at Google and with Frédéric Dubut, Nathan Chalmers, and Fabrice Canel at Bing revealed that these engines – and, by extension, modern AI – all rely on the same three foundational technologies. I call this the algorithmic trinity. Mastering it is the key to your future success. The algorithmic trinity: The new operating system for search Stop thinking of Google or ChatGPT as monolithic black boxes. See them instead as dynamic blends of three connected technologies. Every AI assistive engine is built from a unique mix of these components. Traditional search engines This is the foundation – the vast, real-time index of the web. It provides the fresh, up-to-the-minute information AI needs to answer questions about current events or niche topics. It is the engine’s window to the “here and now.” Knowledge graphs This is the AI’s brain – a machine-readable encyclopedia of verified facts about the world. Google’s Knowledge Graph is at least 10,000 times bigger than Wikipedia. This is where your brand’s core identity is stored. It provides the factual certainty and context AI needs to avoid hallucinating. Large language models (LLMs) This is the AI’s voice – the conversational interface that generates human-like text. The LLM synthesizes information from the search index and the knowledge graph to create the final answer delivered to the user. Your brand strategy must operate on three timelines Each part of the algorithmic trinity learns and updates at a different speed, which means your optimization strategy must be layered. Short-term tactics and long-term goals need to align with the technical “digestion speed” of each component. Short term (weeks): Win the search results Influencing traditional search results is your fastest path to visibility. By creating helpful, valuable content and packaging it for Google with simple SEO techniques, you can begin appearing in AI-powered search results within weeks. While it doesn’t build deep trust, it puts your brand into the real-time consideration set that AI assistive engines use to construct answers for niche or time-sensitive queries. Think of it as getting your daily talking points and hyper-niche answers into the conversation. Mid term (months): Build the factual foundation Educating the Knowledge Graph is how you build your permanent, factual record, a process that typically takes three to six months. It requires establishing your entity home – the definitive source of truth about you – and creating consistent, corroborating information across your digital footprint. When Google’s foundational understanding of me was wrong (“the voice of Boowa the Blue Dog”), it cost me countless opportunities. This is the work that corrects those errors. Long term (years): Become foundational data The ultimate goal is inclusion in an LLM’s foundational training data. This is a long game, often nine months to a year or more. It means your brand’s narrative, expertise, and authority have been so consistently present across the web that you’re incorporated into the next major training cycle. Once you’re part of that foundational knowledge, the AI doesn’t need to “look you up.” It already knows you. This is the holy grail of algorithmic authority. The unifying principle: Entity and authority Whether you are aiming for a short-term win in a search result or a long-term legacy in an LLM, the underlying requirement is the same. The algorithm is always asking three questions: Who is this entity? Can I trust them? Are they an authority? This is why your strategy must be built on the bedrock of entity SEO, N-E-E-A-T-T – my expansion of Google’s E-E-A-T framework that adds notability and transparency – and grounded in topical authority. Every signal you create across your digital ecosystem must work to answer those three questions with overwhelming clarity and proof. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The next frontiers: AI walled gardens and AI assistive agents The game is already evolving. AI is moving beyond simply answering questions to acting on our behalf. I saw this firsthand when I used ChatGPT to help me buy guitar pedals. Within 15 minutes, it took me from awareness to a confident decision and a final purchase. It acted as my personal shopping assistant. This is the future of AI assistive agents. Soon, agents will autonomously book flights, schedule appointments, and purchase products. For an agent to execute a task on your behalf, its algorithmic confidence in a brand cannot be probabilistic – it must be absolute. The brand that has built the deepest foundation of understanding and credibility within the algorithmic trinity will be the one the agent chooses. What’s the takeaway here? In this new era, as the legendary football manager Peter Reid memorably put it, “to stand still is to move backwards.” Your digital strategy must evolve. Stop chasing blue links and start the work of brand-focused algorithmic education. The key is understanding that the traditional web index is the fuel that feeds all three components of the algorithmic trinity. Your entire digital footprint must be organized to be frictionless for bots to discover, select, crawl, and render, digestible for them to confidently extract, index, and annotate, and irresistibly tasty for the algorithms that follow. “Frictionless” is the technical SEO strategy: This is the infrastructure. It ensures the bot can discover, select, crawl, and render your content without technical barriers. “Digestible” is the semantic SEO strategy: This is the structure. It uses semantic HTML, clear language, and structured data so the bot can extract content into dependable “chunks,” index it, and annotate it with near-certainty. “Tasty” is the brand and authority strategy: This is the quality, substance, and context of the content – the part that proves why you are the best answer. It reflects your topical authority, your positive third-party corroboration, and your clear digital brand echo. Importantly, the algorithm evaluates N-E-E-A-T-T on three levels: The content: Is this piece of information helpful, accurate, and well-supported? The author: Is the person who wrote this a demonstrable, credible expert on this topic? The publisher: Is the platform publisher a recognized authority in this field? Why the annotation layer determines who wins This brings us to the most critical part of the process. You must understand the bot’s seven fundamental steps – discover, select, crawl, render, extract, index, and annotate – because this is the only path into the web index and the only way to reach the top of the pile for the algorithmic trinity. As I learned from my conversations with Bing’s Canel, the annotation phase is essential. Algorithms do not select content by re-reading the content itself. They select it by reading the annotations – the “post-its” the bot created. They prioritize those annotations based on two factors: Their relevancy to the specific need (populating the Knowledge Graph, inclusion in training data, or answering a query). The confidence score assigned to them. This is why the “digestible” and “tasty” parts of the strategy are non-negotiable. The digestible (semantic SEO) work ensures the annotations are factually correct. The tasty (brand and authority) work generates the confidence score that determines whether the algorithm chooses you. To thrive in the explicit, implicit, and ambient landscape, you must execute this holistic strategy and become the trusted, top-of-algorithmic-mind answer. The AI resume – especially one that holds up to a deep “rabbit hole” of explicit research – is not the goal. It is a byproduct of doing the work correctly. The brands that succeed will be those that treat algorithms as powerful entities to be taught through a methodical curriculum. Start building that curriculum today, because the AI assistive agents of tomorrow are already studying. View the full article

Sweeping taxes on imports have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since Donald The President returned to the White House this year, according to calculations by Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. Using Treasury Department numbers on revenue from tariffs and Goldman Sachs estimates of who ends up paying for them, the Democrats’ report Thursday found that American consumers’ share of the bill came to nearly $159 billion — or $1,198 per household — from February through November. “This report shows that (The President’s) tariffs have done nothing but drive prices even higher for families,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the economic committee. “At a time when both parties should be working together to lower costs, the president’s tax on American families is simply making things more expensive.” In his second term, The President has reversed decades of U.S. policy that favored free trade. He’s imposed double-digit tariffs on almost every country on earth. According to Yale University’s Budget Lab, the average U.S. tariff has shot up from 2.4% at the beginning of the year to 16.8%, the highest since 1935. The president argues that the import taxes will protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition, bring factories to the United States and raise money for the Treasury. “President The President’s tariffs have actually secured trillions in investments to make and hire in America as well as historic trade deals that finally level the playing field for American workers and industries,” said White House Spokesman Kush Desai. “Democrats spent decades complaining about lopsided trade deals undermining the American working class, and now they’re complaining about the one president who has done something about it.” The taxes are paid by importers who typically attempt to pass along the higher costs to their customers. Democrats did well in elections last month in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere largely because voters blame The President and the Republicans for the high cost of living, just as they’d blamed The President’s predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, for the same thing a year earlier. Economist Kimberly Clausing of the UCLA School of Law and the Peterson Institute for International Economics, last week told a House subcommittee that The President’s tariffs amount to “the largest tax increase on American consumers in a generation, lowering standards of living for all Americans.” Clausing, a Treasury Department tax official in the Biden administration, has calculated that The President’s import taxes “amount to an annual tax increase of about $1,700 for an average household.” —Paul Wiseman, AP Economics Writer View the full article

All over the world wireless innovators are turning to Wi-Fi HaLow to create a new breed of low-cost solutions. The post AsiaRF: Innovation & creativity leads as Wi-Fi HaLow solutions & use cases expand appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Coca-Cola said Wednesday that its chief operating officer will become its next CEO in the first quarter of 2026. The Atlanta beverage giant said its board elected Henrique Braun as CEO effective March 31. James Quincey, Coke’s current chairman and CEO, will transition to executive chairman of the company. Braun, 57, has worked at Coca-Cola for three decades. Prior to assuming the COO role earlier this year, he led operations in Brazil, Latin America, Greater China and South Korea. He has held positions overseeing Coke’s supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations. Braun was born in California and raised in Brazil. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a master of science degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Georgia State University. David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director, called Quincey, 60, a “transformative leader” who will continue to remain active in the business. During Quincey’s nine years as CEO, Coke added more than 10 additional billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife. He also brought Coke into the alcoholic drink market with Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, which went on sale in 2021. In 2020, Quincey led a restructuring that reduced Coke’s brands by half and laid off thousands of employees. Quincey said Coke wanted to streamline its structure and focus its investments on fast-growing products like its Simply and Minute Maid juices. But as Quincey steps down as CEO, Coke is facing numerous challenges, including tepid demand for its products in the U.S. and Europe and increasing customer scrutiny of its ingredients. This summer, after a nudge from President Donald The President, Coke said it would release a version of its trademark Cola with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Weinberg said the board is confident that Braun will build on the company’s strengths and seek out growth opportunities globally. Coke shares were flat in after-market trading. —Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Business Writer View the full article

Qualifying sales leads effectively is essential for maximizing your sales efforts and resources. You’ll want to establish clear criteria based on your Ideal Customer Profile and the BANT framework. Gathering detailed information about leads will help you understand their needs better. Engaging with personalized communication can make a significant difference in your approach. Implementing a lead scoring system will allow you to prioritize your prospects. But how do you continuously improve this process for even better results? Key Takeaways Define your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and utilize the BANT framework to assess lead viability effectively. Gather detailed information through research and structured questions to enrich lead profiles. Implement personalized communication by addressing leads by name and referencing their unique challenges. Use lead scoring systems to evaluate engagement and clarify qualification stages for sales-qualified leads. Continuously analyze and refine your qualification process based on metrics, feedback, and disqualification signals. Establish Clear Qualification Criteria When you want to qualify sales leads effectively, establishing clear qualification criteria is essential. Start by defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), which outlines the traits of your best customers. This helps you assess potential leads accurately. Utilize frameworks like BANT—Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline—to create specific benchmarks for evaluating lead viability in the sales qualification process. Develop measurable indicators that consistently assess lead quality, ensuring you focus on promising prospects. Implement a lead scoring system that assigns points based on demographic, firmographic, and engagement metrics to prioritize leads aligned with your qualification criteria. Regularly review and refine these criteria based on feedback and market changes to improve your chances of converting leads into sales qualified leads. Gather Detailed Information Gathering detailed information about your sales leads can greatly improve your ability to qualify them effectively. Start by using lead scoring models to assess engagement levels, prioritizing prospects based on their readiness to be contacted. Research leads on platforms like LinkedIn or their company websites for insights into their roles, interests, and recent activities. During initial interactions, utilize structured questions to uncover crucial details about the lead’s budget, authority, needs, and timeline, supporting the lead qualification process. Implement a sales qualification checklist or lead qualification checklist to guarantee you evaluate leads’ interest, financial capability, and decision-making authority. Continuously enriching these profiles with updated information will improve your future communications and help you identify a qualified lead definition. Engage Leads With Personalized Communication How can you effectively engage leads and improve your chances of conversion? Personalizing communication is key to the lead qualification process. Here are four strategies to elevate your approach: Address leads by name and reference their unique challenges. Use insights from research, like LinkedIn profiles or company news, to craft relevant conversations. Incorporate customized educational content that aligns with their industry or interests. Regularly track interactions through CRM systems to refine your communication strategies. Utilize Lead Scoring Systems Utilizing lead scoring systems is essential for optimizing your sales process, as these systems help you evaluate prospects based on their engagement levels. By assigning points for interactions like email opens and demo requests, you can identify which leads are most likely to convert. This process aligns with what’s qualifying in sales, as it clarifies lead qualification stages. A well-structured lead qualification framework improves your ability to pinpoint sales qualified leads, allowing you to focus on those that fit your ideal customer profile. Regularly refining your scoring model based on historical data can further improve accuracy, adapting to changing customer behaviors. In the end, effective lead generation lead qualification leads to higher conversion rates and more efficient sales efforts. Continuously Analyze and Refine the Process To improve your lead qualification process, it’s crucial to continuously analyze and refine your approach. Here’s how you can do that effectively: Regularly review lead qualification metrics like conversion rates and lead quality to spot trends. Implement feedback loops between sales and marketing teams to adjust your sales lead qualification checklist based on real interactions. Utilize CRM tools for tracking lead engagement, which can provide insights to improve your qualifying sales leads criteria. Analyze disqualification signals to understand why leads aren’t converting; use this data to elevate marketing lead qualification. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Requirements for a Lead to Be Considered a Qualified Prospect? To evaluate a lead as a qualified prospect, five key requirements must be met. First, they need to demonstrate a genuine need for your product or service. Second, confirm they’ve the budget to afford it. Third, verify that they’ve the authority to make decisions or can access decision-makers. Fourth, their timeframe for purchasing should match your sales cycle. Finally, they should fit your Ideal Customer Profile, increasing conversion likelihood. How Do You Qualify Sales Leads? To qualify sales leads, start by evaluating their alignment with your Ideal Customer Profile, which includes demographics and firmographics. Use lead scoring to prioritize leads based on engagement and interest. Employ frameworks like BANT or CHAMP to structure your conversations, focusing on budget and authority. Furthermore, conduct research on prospects through platforms like LinkedIn. Regularly review your qualification methods to adapt to market changes and improve your process effectively. What Qualifies as a Sales Lead? A sales lead qualifies when they align with your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), indicating they fit your target demographic. This includes leads showing interest in your product or service. You may encounter various types, like Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs), who engage with your content but need nurturing, and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs), ready for sales outreach. Comprehending these distinctions helps you prioritize your efforts and improve your chances of closing deals effectively. What Top 3 Strategies Do You Use to Identify and Qualify Potential Leads or Prospects? To identify and qualify potential leads, you can start by implementing a lead scoring model, which helps prioritize prospects based on their engagement levels. Next, use the BANT framework to evaluate leads’ budget, authority, needs, and urgency. Finally, conduct thorough research on leads via platforms like LinkedIn to understand their roles and interests, enabling you to ask relevant questions. This methodical approach improves your chances of connecting with high-potential prospects effectively. Conclusion By following these five steps—establishing clear criteria, gathering detailed information, engaging with personalized communication, utilizing lead scoring systems, and continuously refining your process—you can effectively qualify sales leads. This structured approach not just improves your comprehension of potential customers but likewise boosts your chances of closing deals. Regularly analyzing your metrics and incorporating feedback will guarantee that your lead qualification process remains relevant and effective, in the end driving better sales outcomes for your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Effectively Qualify Sales Leads in 5 Simple Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Qualifying sales leads effectively is essential for maximizing your sales efforts and resources. You’ll want to establish clear criteria based on your Ideal Customer Profile and the BANT framework. Gathering detailed information about leads will help you understand their needs better. Engaging with personalized communication can make a significant difference in your approach. Implementing a lead scoring system will allow you to prioritize your prospects. But how do you continuously improve this process for even better results? Key Takeaways Define your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and utilize the BANT framework to assess lead viability effectively. Gather detailed information through research and structured questions to enrich lead profiles. Implement personalized communication by addressing leads by name and referencing their unique challenges. Use lead scoring systems to evaluate engagement and clarify qualification stages for sales-qualified leads. Continuously analyze and refine your qualification process based on metrics, feedback, and disqualification signals. Establish Clear Qualification Criteria When you want to qualify sales leads effectively, establishing clear qualification criteria is essential. Start by defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), which outlines the traits of your best customers. This helps you assess potential leads accurately. Utilize frameworks like BANT—Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline—to create specific benchmarks for evaluating lead viability in the sales qualification process. Develop measurable indicators that consistently assess lead quality, ensuring you focus on promising prospects. Implement a lead scoring system that assigns points based on demographic, firmographic, and engagement metrics to prioritize leads aligned with your qualification criteria. Regularly review and refine these criteria based on feedback and market changes to improve your chances of converting leads into sales qualified leads. Gather Detailed Information Gathering detailed information about your sales leads can greatly improve your ability to qualify them effectively. Start by using lead scoring models to assess engagement levels, prioritizing prospects based on their readiness to be contacted. Research leads on platforms like LinkedIn or their company websites for insights into their roles, interests, and recent activities. During initial interactions, utilize structured questions to uncover crucial details about the lead’s budget, authority, needs, and timeline, supporting the lead qualification process. Implement a sales qualification checklist or lead qualification checklist to guarantee you evaluate leads’ interest, financial capability, and decision-making authority. Continuously enriching these profiles with updated information will improve your future communications and help you identify a qualified lead definition. Engage Leads With Personalized Communication How can you effectively engage leads and improve your chances of conversion? Personalizing communication is key to the lead qualification process. Here are four strategies to elevate your approach: Address leads by name and reference their unique challenges. Use insights from research, like LinkedIn profiles or company news, to craft relevant conversations. Incorporate customized educational content that aligns with their industry or interests. Regularly track interactions through CRM systems to refine your communication strategies. Utilize Lead Scoring Systems Utilizing lead scoring systems is essential for optimizing your sales process, as these systems help you evaluate prospects based on their engagement levels. By assigning points for interactions like email opens and demo requests, you can identify which leads are most likely to convert. This process aligns with what’s qualifying in sales, as it clarifies lead qualification stages. A well-structured lead qualification framework improves your ability to pinpoint sales qualified leads, allowing you to focus on those that fit your ideal customer profile. Regularly refining your scoring model based on historical data can further improve accuracy, adapting to changing customer behaviors. In the end, effective lead generation lead qualification leads to higher conversion rates and more efficient sales efforts. Continuously Analyze and Refine the Process To improve your lead qualification process, it’s crucial to continuously analyze and refine your approach. Here’s how you can do that effectively: Regularly review lead qualification metrics like conversion rates and lead quality to spot trends. Implement feedback loops between sales and marketing teams to adjust your sales lead qualification checklist based on real interactions. Utilize CRM tools for tracking lead engagement, which can provide insights to improve your qualifying sales leads criteria. Analyze disqualification signals to understand why leads aren’t converting; use this data to elevate marketing lead qualification. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Requirements for a Lead to Be Considered a Qualified Prospect? To evaluate a lead as a qualified prospect, five key requirements must be met. First, they need to demonstrate a genuine need for your product or service. Second, confirm they’ve the budget to afford it. Third, verify that they’ve the authority to make decisions or can access decision-makers. Fourth, their timeframe for purchasing should match your sales cycle. Finally, they should fit your Ideal Customer Profile, increasing conversion likelihood. How Do You Qualify Sales Leads? To qualify sales leads, start by evaluating their alignment with your Ideal Customer Profile, which includes demographics and firmographics. Use lead scoring to prioritize leads based on engagement and interest. Employ frameworks like BANT or CHAMP to structure your conversations, focusing on budget and authority. Furthermore, conduct research on prospects through platforms like LinkedIn. Regularly review your qualification methods to adapt to market changes and improve your process effectively. What Qualifies as a Sales Lead? A sales lead qualifies when they align with your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), indicating they fit your target demographic. This includes leads showing interest in your product or service. You may encounter various types, like Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs), who engage with your content but need nurturing, and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs), ready for sales outreach. Comprehending these distinctions helps you prioritize your efforts and improve your chances of closing deals effectively. What Top 3 Strategies Do You Use to Identify and Qualify Potential Leads or Prospects? To identify and qualify potential leads, you can start by implementing a lead scoring model, which helps prioritize prospects based on their engagement levels. Next, use the BANT framework to evaluate leads’ budget, authority, needs, and urgency. Finally, conduct thorough research on leads via platforms like LinkedIn to understand their roles and interests, enabling you to ask relevant questions. This methodical approach improves your chances of connecting with high-potential prospects effectively. Conclusion By following these five steps—establishing clear criteria, gathering detailed information, engaging with personalized communication, utilizing lead scoring systems, and continuously refining your process—you can effectively qualify sales leads. This structured approach not just improves your comprehension of potential customers but likewise boosts your chances of closing deals. Regularly analyzing your metrics and incorporating feedback will guarantee that your lead qualification process remains relevant and effective, in the end driving better sales outcomes for your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Effectively Qualify Sales Leads in 5 Simple Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The next phase of search belongs to companies that treat AI systems as decision engines and redesign their content for retrieval, reliability, and trust. The post 14 Things Executives And SEOs Need To Focus On In 2026 appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article