ResidentialBusiness

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

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

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

Generative AI tools continue to improve in terms of their photo editing capabilities, and OpenAI's latest upgrade brings Adobe Photoshop right inside your ChatGPT app window (alongside Adobe Acrobat for handling PDFs, and Adobe Express for graphic design). It's available to everyone, for free—you just need a ChatGPT account and an Adobe account. As per Adobe, the idea is to make "creativity accessible for everyone" by plugging Photoshop tools directly into ChatGPT. The desktop version of Photoshop already comes with plenty of generative AI features of its own, so this is AI layered on top of more AI—but is it actually useful? How to get started with Photoshop inside ChatGPTAdobe Photoshop, Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat are available now inside ChatGPT on the desktop, on the web, and on iOS. At the time of writing, you can also get Adobe Express inside ChatGPT for Android, with Photoshop and Acrobat "coming soon." To weigh the capabilities of the new integration, I tested it in a desktop web browser. To get started, all you need to do is type "Photoshop" at the start of your prompt: ChatGPT should recognize what you're trying to do, and select Adobe Photoshop as the tool to use for the next prompt. You'll also need to click through a couple of confirmation dialog boxes, and connect an Adobe account (if you don't have one, you can make one for free). You'll need to connect ChatGPT to your Adobe account. Credit: Lifehacker With all the connections and logins completed, Photoshop is then added to the overflow menu in the prompt box, so just click on the + (plus) to select it. You can start describing what you want to happen using the same natural, conversational language you'd use for any other ChatGPT prompt. You do need to also upload an image or provide a public link to one—if you don't do this before you submit your prompt, you'll be asked to do it after. You don't need to know the names of all the Photoshop tools: Just describe what you want to happen and the relevant tools will be selected for you. One example Adobe gives is using the prompt "make my image pop," which brings up the Bloom, Grain, and Lens Distortion effects—and each one can be adjusted via sliders on screen. It's actually quite simple to use. Simple adjustments can be made with on-screen sliders. Credit: Lifehacker If you do know the name of the tools you want, you can call them up by name, and the classic brightness and contrast sliders are a good place to start. You can either say something like "make the picture brighter" or "adjust the image brightness"—both will bring up an overlay you can use to make brightness adjustments, but if you use the former prompt, the image will already have been made a little brighter. ChatGPT and Photoshop let you add edit upon edit as needed, and you can save the image at any stage. There's also the option to open your processed file in the Photoshop web app whenever you like: This web app uses a freemium model, with advanced features requiring a subscription, and seems to be what the ChatGPT integration is largely based on. What you can do with Adobe in ChatGPTAdobe offers a handy ChatGPT prompts cheat sheet you can browse through, which gives you a good idea of what's possible, and what you're still going to need Photoshop proper for. Note that you can specify certain parts of the image to focus on (like "the face" or "the car") but this depends on Photoshop-in-ChatGPT being able to correctly figure out where you want your selection to be. It needs to be pretty obvious and well delineated. When I tried cutting out objects and removing backgrounds, this worked well—but then I had to turn to Photoshop on the web to actually drop in a different background. There's no way to work with layers or masks here, and you can't remove people or objects from photos, either. Sometimes, however, you do get a spool of "thinking" from ChatGPT about how it can't do what the user is asking for. Cut-outs are one of the tricks you can do. Credit: Lifehacker I was able to apply some nice colorizations here, via prompts like "turn all the hues in this image to blue," and I like the way ChatGPT will give you further instructions on how to get the effect you want. You can even say "show some examples" and it gives you a few presets to choose from—all of which can be adjusted via the sliders again. The ability to run prompts like "turn this into an oil painting" or "turn this into a cartoon" are useful too, though the plug-in is limited by the effects available in Photoshop for the web: You'll be directed to the closest effect and advised how to tweak it to get the look you want. Actually, some of these effects work better in ChatGPT's native image editor, which maybe explains why Adobe wanted to get involved here. ChatGPT removed someone from this picture, no Photoshop required. Credit: Lifehacker If ChatGPT's image manipulation gets good enough, then Photoshop is no longer going to be needed by a substantial number of users: ChatGPT can already remove people and objects from photos, for example, quite effectively. What it's not quite as good at is some of the basic adjustments (like colors and contrast) that Adobe software has been managing for years. For quick, basic edits you want to type out in natural language—especially where you want to adjust the edits manually and need advice on what to do next—Photoshop inside ChatGPT is a handy tool to be able to turn to, especially as it's free. For serious edits, though, you're still going to want to fire up the main Photoshop app, or maybe even shun Adobe altogether and make use of ChatGPT's steadily improving editing tools. View the full article

Deal forms part of broader tie-up for media giant’s intellectual property to feature within ChatGPT maker’s productsView the full article

This IMHO interview explores Marie Haynes’ view of an agent-led future, and why the SEOs who master agentic systems early will hold a critical advantage. The post Well-Known SEO Explains Why AI Agents Are Coming For You & What To Do Now appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

I expected the dark-themed landing page to lose. Everything I knew about conversion optimization said the light background should win. Light themes are standard for B2B lead generation pages because they offer better readability, cleaner visual hierarchy, and align with accessibility standards. Unbounce’s analysis of 41,000 landing pages establishes baseline patterns favoring light backgrounds. It seemed like a safe bet. But after splitting paid traffic 50/50 between a dark landing page and a light landing page for our industrial fleet repair SaaS, the light variant achieved a 16.62% higher CTR yet delivered 42% fewer total conversions. This isn’t an argument for universal adoption of dark themes. It’s a case study in why audience context and industry-specific psychological associations matter more than following aggregate best practices derived from different populations. Why light seemed like the obvious choice We operate in a niche B2B SaaS vertical serving the transportation industry – specifically businesses that maintain commercial vehicles and equipment. Our target buyers are shop owners and operators who spend their days in industrial environments managing technicians, equipment, and demanding commercial customers. Going into this test, I had specific expectations. Light backgrounds would convert better for text-heavy lead generation pages. Professional B2B landing page design principles emphasize whitespace and visual hierarchy. For our 7-field form targeting busy shop operators, light mode with dark text should provide superior readability. Blue CTAs would outperform. Blue is commonly associated with trust and security, which are critical for B2B software purchases. Our treatment used a blue CTA button for this reason. I was wrong on both counts. Dig deeper: 5 tips for creating a high-converting PPC landing page The test: Isolating visual design We ran a standard 50/50 split test through Google Ads and Meta, directing traffic to two landing pages with identical copy but drastically different visual presentations. The control featured a dark theme: Black background throughout. White text overlay. High-contrast white form fields on the dark backdrop. A black CTA button with a red outline. A dark overlay on the background image (trucks and an industrial environment). No brand logo in the header. The treatment used a light theme: White and light gray background. Dark text on the light background. Light gray form fields on white. A blue CTA button. A lighter overlay on the same background image. The brand logo was prominently displayed in the header. We kept everything else identical, particularly the: Headline. Body copy. Value proposition. 7-field form structure (email, name, business name, phone, shop type, technician count). Page layout. This variable isolation is critical. If you change multiple elements, you cannot attribute results to any single change. The test ran for 3 to 4 weeks on Google Ads search campaigns and Meta (Facebook and Instagram). The total spend on Google was $8,205.97, resulting in 767 clicks and 30 conversions. What happened: The light theme’s CTR advantage was misleading The results from Google Ads: Dark theme: 10,250 impressions. 466 clicks (4.55% CTR). 19 conversions (4.08% conversion rate). Cost per conversion: $274.67. Light theme: 5,677 impressions (44.6% fewer). 301 clicks (5.30% CTR). 11 conversions (3.65% conversion rate). Cost per conversion: $271.56. The light theme’s CTR was 16.62% higher, which would typically be interpreted as a win. But it attracted lower-quality traffic that converted at comparable or worse rates. Meanwhile, Google’s algorithm allocated 44.6% fewer impressions to the light variant, resulting in 42% fewer total conversions despite essentially identical cost per conversion. We ran the same test simultaneously on Meta, and the results were even more definitive. The dark theme significantly outperformed the light theme in conversions, with the light variant rarely generating conversions at all. This cross-platform consistency suggested the finding wasn’t an algorithmic quirk – it was an audience preference. MetricControl (Dark)Treatment (Light)Impressions10,2505,677 (-44.6%)Clicks466301 (-35.4%)CTR4.55%5.30% (+16.62%)Conversions1911 (-42.1%)Conversion Rate4.08%3.65% (-10.5%)Cost per Conversion$274.67$271.56 (-1.1%) Note: Google’s algorithm allocated significantly fewer impressions to the light theme, likely detecting lower engagement signals that affected Quality Score. Dig deeper: Dynamic landing pages: What works, what fails, and how to test Why the dark theme won: Audience psychology over design theory The result makes sense when you consider who we’re targeting and what they respond to psychologically. Identity alignment: ‘This is for people like me’ Commercial transportation businesses are industrial workplaces. The aesthetic is functional, not decorative. Dark colors, metal surfaces, concrete floors, and equipment with black housings. The environmental psychology of these spaces shapes what feels trustworthy to the people who work in them. The dark landing page matched that identity. It signaled “built for your industry” without explicitly stating it. The light theme, with its clean, modern aesthetic and prominent branding, resembled consumer SaaS: professional, polished, and aimed at someone else. This pattern consistently appears in optimization testing: designs that reflect the visitor’s environment convert better than those that aspire to a different aesthetic standard. Form contrast: Making interaction obvious The white form fields on the dark background created exceptional contrast. They were visually unmissable. The form demanded attention not through size or position, but through contrast that made it impossible to ignore. The light theme’s gray-on-white form fields blended into the page. They required conscious visual search. For a 7-field B2B form targeting busy shop operators, reducing cognitive load through clarity matters more than aesthetic refinement. Tonal weight: Seriousness signals value Dark backgrounds communicate weight, substance, seriousness, and luxury. They feel significant. Light backgrounds communicate ease, accessibility, and friendliness. All valuable qualities for many products, but potentially wrong for expensive B2B software aimed at industrial buyers. Industrial software is a significant operational investment. It touches every part of the business: scheduling, invoicing, inventory, and customer relationships. Buyers need to feel that the software is substantial enough to handle that responsibility. The dark theme’s visual gravity supported that perception. The light theme’s brightness worked against it. Category conventions: The familiar is trustworthy Most heavy equipment, repair tools, and industrial software use dark interfaces. Parts catalogs, diagnostic software, and inventory systems typically trend toward dark themes with high-contrast elements. This isn’t random. It’s a category convention that has emerged because it works in these contexts. Category conventions matter. Violating them can signal innovation, but it can also signal unfamiliarity. For risk-averse buyers making expensive B2B purchases, the familiar aesthetic reduced perceived risk rather than creating it. The CTA color lesson Despite following best practices by using a blue CTA button on the light theme (the color associated with trust in B2B contexts), it underperformed against the black button with red outline on the dark theme. This violated conventional color psychology, but the explanation is straightforward: contrast matters more than color choice. The black-and-red button created a dramatic contrast against the dark background and white form fields, making it impossible to miss. The blue button, while theoretically the “correct” choice, blended into the light design’s overall aesthetic, reducing its visual prominence despite proper color selection. Dig deeper: How to design landing pages that boost SEO and maximize conversions Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The real lesson: Test design psychology, not just design The lesson isn’t “dark beats light.” It’s that design is a carrier for psychological signals that vary by context. Your test hypothesis should be about the message your design sends, not the design itself. Before your next test, ask: What does this design signal about who the product is for? Does it match your buyer’s identity, or create distance? What emotional response does it create? Weight/seriousness versus lightness/ease? Trust versus skepticism? Familiarity versus novelty? How does it fit category conventions? Are you violating expectations intentionally (differentiation) or accidentally causing confusion? What does it demand of the visitor? Does high contrast reduce cognitive load, or does darkness create strain? How does it connect to the previous step? Are you maintaining aesthetic continuity from ad/email/referral source? These questions matter more than “which color converts better” because the answer to that question is always “it depends.” Dig deeper: PPC landing pages: How to craft a winning post-click experience How to run your own landing page design test If you want to run a similar experiment, here’s what I learned about proper test structure. Create true visual opposites Don’t test shades of the same approach. Develop genuinely distinct aesthetic treatments that represent unique psychological perspectives. Dark versus light is a clear contrast. Light blue versus light green is not. Keep everything else identical Same copy, form, value prop, CTA, page structure, and URL parameters. Change only the visual treatment. If you change multiple variables, you can’t attribute results to any single change. Proper A/B testing requires variable isolation to draw valid conclusions. Monitor both ad and landing page performance Track CTR separately from conversion rate. If one variation gets higher CTR but lower conversion rate, you’ve discovered a message-match problem – the ad is attracting the wrong traffic. Also, monitor if Google’s algorithm allocates impressions differently. If one variation gets significantly fewer impressions, the algorithm may be detecting lower quality scores or engagement signals. Calculate true cost per conversion Don’t just compare conversion rates. Calculate actual cost per conversion including ad spend. A variation with slightly lower conversion rate but significantly lower CPC might win on efficiency. Look at confidence intervals, not just point estimates With smaller conversion volumes, confidence intervals matter more than point estimates. The conversion rates were too close to call a definitive winner based on the sample size. Consider audience segmentation If possible, segment results by device, geography, time of day, or other demographic factors. Dark themes might perform differently for mobile versus desktop, or for different age ranges. Run qualitative analysis Use heatmaps to see where users focus attention on each variation. Run session recordings to watch actual navigation behavior. Survey converters and non-converters to understand perception differences. We didn’t do this for this test, but it would strengthen the analysis significantly. Dig deeper: Audience targeting in Google Ads Search campaigns: How to layer data for better results Why audience context The Presidents best practices The dangerous part of best practices in optimization is the implicit universality claim. “Light backgrounds convert better” becomes “light backgrounds always convert better for everyone,” which leads to cargo cult optimization, copying tactics without understanding context. Light backgrounds do tend to outperform in aggregate data. But averages hide variation. Industry-specific contexts reveal massive differences. What works for SaaS doesn’t work for events. What works for ecommerce doesn’t work for B2B services. Your optimization framework should start with “who is my audience and what signals do they respond to?” – not “what does research say works on average?” The most successful tests challenge assumptions rather than confirm them. This test challenged the assumption that modern, clean, light design is universally superior. It wasn’t, at least not for this audience. Dig deeper: Top 6 B2B paid media platforms: Where and how to advertise effectively Clarity in your tests creates clarity in your decisions Industrial B2B is just one example, but the principle holds everywhere: design only works when its signals match the audience. When you ground your tests in that question – not in aesthetics – you get cleaner data and clearer decisions. That shift turns every experiment into a reliable read on what your audience actually values, and that’s what drives consistent, defensible gains over time. 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Vibe coding has come to Washington. Figma’s AI prototyping tool Figma Make is now available to its Figma for Government users, letting government product managers and designers build and iterate on prototypes and apps with a prompt. The development comes as federal agencies face a looming—and possibly impossible—deadline. President Donald The President signed an executive order in August that established a National Design Studio and an initiative to improve government services by Independence Day next year, but government cuts mean there are fewer federal workers to get the job done. It’s a huge undertaking, considering the government’s digital footprint, which includes more than 10,000 websites used by more 400 million people, businesses, and organizations annually. The hope is that Figma Make will cut the production time of prototypes from weeks to hours, as federal teams will be able to use vibe coding, or letting an AI application make code for them, to iterate faster on mockup elements like a website user flow. Figma received FedRAMP authorization earlier this year, a clearance that gives its software a stamp of approval for use across the U.S. government. Already, the San Francisco–based design software company says it has more than 100 federal, regional, and local government agencies around the world as customers, including several U.S. federal government agencies, though they declined to name them. The news shows how Silicon Valley is taking a growing role in government design work in The President’s second term. The President named Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia chief design officer, and on Tuesday, the Defense Department announced it would use Google’s Gemini for its AI platform. Figma reported 38% year-over-year growth of $274 million in its November quarterly earnings call. CEO Dylan Field said about 30% of its biggest customers spending $100,000 or more in annual recurring revenue were using Figma Make on a weekly basis. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 just hit its lowest price yet at $129.99 (according to price trackers), down from its usual $249.99. If you already use a Samsung phone, this might be a good time to take a closer look. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 7, 40mm $339.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $339.99 at Amazon This 40mm Bluetooth model keeps things simple but refined, with an aluminum body and a 1.3-inch OLED display that’s crisp and easy to read. It weighs only 1 ounce, and while not super slim, it doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist. It’s built to handle real-world use with an IP68 rating, 5ATM waterproofing, and MIL-STD-810H certification. That means it can survive dust, splashes, and some rough handling. Just don’t expect it to hold up during extreme activities, since Samsung reserves those upgrades for the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Performance-wise, the Watch 7 gets a noticeable bump over the previous model. It runs Wear OS 5 with Samsung’s One UI 6 layered on top, which adds new tools like customizable widgets, photo editing, and built-in translation. The dual-frequency GPS tracks location more accurately than before, although this PCMag review notes that the watch can still be slightly off when logging runs or sleep. The screen is responsive, and gesture controls work well. The biggest limitation is battery life: With average use, you’ll get about 22 to 27 hours before needing a recharge. If you want all-day notifications and overnight sleep tracking, charging it daily will become part of the routine. Where the Galaxy Watch 7 stands out is in its health and fitness tracking. You get the basics like heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, and automatic workout detection. But it also adds body composition analysis, FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, and a new AI Energy Score that summarizes your fitness and sleep data into a single number. Some of the smarter features, like snore detection, only work if you have a Samsung phone nearby, which limits the experience for non-Samsung users. Still, at this new lower price, the Watch 7 offers strong value for Android users who want solid fitness tools in a durable, polished design. And if you're considering the new Galaxy Watch 8, it’s worth checking out this side-by-side comparison by PCMag to see how much of an upgrade it really is. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $358.00 (List Price $358.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278.00 (List Price $399.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $74.99 (List Price $189.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point Wednesday for the third time since September, bringing its key rate to about 3.6%, the lowest in nearly three years. Before September, it had gone nine months without a cut. The benchmark rate is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another, and the Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. The benchmark rate also affects the interest rates consumers pay to borrow money via credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products. Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth, including by boosting hiring. The challenge now is that inflation remains higher than the Fed’s 2% target but the job market has cooled. The government shutdown had also prevented the timely collection and release of some data the Fed relies on to monitor the health of the economy. Here’s what to know: Interest on savings accounts will continue to decline For savers, falling interest rates will continue to erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts. Three of the big five banks (Ally, American Express, and Synchrony) cut their savings account rates since the last Fed rate cut in October, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com. The top rates for high yield savings accounts right now remain around 4.35% to 4.6%. Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a return on money they may want to access in the near-term. A high yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.61%, according to Bankrate. A cut will impact mortgages gradually For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut, meaning mortgage rates continue to hover around the lowest levels in more than a year. Mortgage rates are also influenced by bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. “While there’s no guarantee that the Fed’s move will push mortgage rates lower, there’s reason to be optimistic that homebuyers could see rates below 6.00% in the next year, even if only briefly,” according to Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. “That would likely spur more Americans to refinance their current high-rate mortgages and possibly even to consider shopping for a new home.” Credit card rate relief could be slow Interest rates for credit cards are currently at an average of 19.80%, down from a record-high 20.79% set in August 2024, but still historically high. The Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news. “The reductions could mean hundreds of dollars in savings for debtors,” according to LendingTree’s Schulz. While the decrease is incremental, improved affordability could also help stabilize delinquency trends, according to Michele Raneri, vice president of U.S. research at credit reporting bureau TransUnion. “Lower borrowing costs can begin to ease household budgets, providing relief from inflationary pressures and reducing financial stress,” she said. Still, the best thing for anyone carrying a large credit card balance is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation. Raneri added that the current economic environment continues to be defined by “persistent affordability challenges.” Auto loans are not expected to decline soon Americans have faced steeper auto loan rates over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline anytime soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say. And more borrowers are falling behind on car payments, a sign of economic distress. In October, 6.65% of subprime borrowers were at least 60 days late on their payments, according to Fitch Ratings, the highest delinquency rate on record, since record-keeping began in the early 1990s. The costs of both new and used vehicles remain high, according to Bankrate, which may be in part due to a shortage of used cars. Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%, depending on the borrower’s credit score. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.05% on a 60-month new car loan. The cut signals the Fed cares about the labor market If you’re a job-seeker right now, the Fed rate cut is good news, since cheaper borrowing for businesses could help them invest in additional employees to grow their business. “Overall, we’ve seen a slowing demand for workers with employers not hiring the way they did a couple of years ago,” said Cory Stahle, senior economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “By lowering the interest rate, you make it a little more financially reasonable for employers to hire additional people. Especially in some areas – like startups, where companies lean pretty heavily on borrowed money – that’s the hope here.” Stahle acknowledged that it could take time for the rate cuts to filter down to employers and then to workers, but he said the signal of the reduction is also important. “Beyond the size of the cut, it tells employers and job-seekers something about the Federal Reserve’s priorities and focus. That they’re concerned about the labor market and willing to step in and support the labor market. It’s an assurance of the reserve’s priorities.” — The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Cora Lewis, Associated Press View the full article

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss are taking Gemini Space Station Inc. into the prediction market space. The cryptocurrency exchange’s CEO and president, respectively, said on Thursday that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has granted a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license to a company affiliate called Gemini Titan, LLC. Gemini Titan will offer event contracts written as yes-or-no questions about future occurrences, essentially letting U.S. users gamble on the outcomes of everyday events. As examples, Gemini in its announcement provided the questions, “Will 1 bitcoin end this year higher than $200k?” and “Will Elon Musk’s X end up paying the full $140 million fine to the European Commission in 2026?” The news comes three months after the Winklevoss twins, made infamous in the 2010 film The Social Network, brought Gemini public amid a wave of crypto-focused IPOs this year. Gemini’s shares (Nasdaq:GEMI) soared about 16% during after-hours and into premarket trading on Thursday. However, its stock is still down more than 64% from a high that it had reached around its market debut in September. “Making America the crypto capital of the world” The CFTC’s granting of the license comes half a decade after Gemini first applied on March 10, 2020. Tyler Winklevoss credited the approval to President The President “for ending the Biden Administration’s War on Crypto.” He also thanked the CFTC’s acting chairman, Caroline D. Pham, for her “hard work and dedication to help realize President The President’s vision for making America the crypto capital of the world.” Tyler Winklevoss continued his fawning: “It’s incredibly refreshing and invigorating to have a President and a financial regulator who are pro crypto, pro innovation, and pro America.” As for when Gemini Titan will be up and running, the release simply states that it’s “starting shortly.” U.S. customers should be able to use dollars to trade event contracts in their Gemini account on the web and, eventually, the mobile app. The company adds that Gemini Titan might add crypto futures, options, and perpetual contracts to its derivative offerings in the future. It will have to compete with existing prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. View the full article