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The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, may be visible in more than a dozen U.S. states Tuesday, December 9, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA). A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to reach Earth early to midday on Tuesday, potentially causing periods of “strong” G3 geomagnetic storms (on a scale of G1 to G5). The aurora borealis is the result of a geomagnetic storm that occurs when a coronal mass ejection (CME), an eruption of solar material, reaches Earth and causes swaths of purple, blue, and green in the night sky. This year’s increased solar activity (and thus, more frequent northern lights activity) is likely the result of an 11-year sun cycle peak. Here’s what to know about how to see the spectacular view. Where will the northern lights be visible? The aurora “may be visible over a number of northern U.S. states and lower Midwest to Oregon” on Tuesday, per the NOAA’s alert. According to the NOAA’s map, a total of 15 states are in the line of view for the aurora tonight. Those states include: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Maine. When is the best time to see the aurora borealis? For the best viewing, the NOAA recommends facing north, in a spot away from light pollution, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. You can track the aurora on the NOAA’s website, where the agency is providing updates and visibility in real time, with a 30-minute aurora forecast. View the full article

For an architect whose name and work have become known all over the world by laypeople and architecture fans alike, Frank Gehry’s buildings are about as far from the mainstream as one can get. Bent, curved, and clad in shiny metal, the most famous buildings by Gehry, who died last week at 96, are also the most improbable. Coming up with the flamboyant designs for landmark buildings like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles was only part of what made Gehry one of the most successful and celebrated architects in American history. Just as impressive are the ways Gehry helped explore and expand the architecture technologies used to actually build those swooping designs—revolutionizing the practice of architecture in the process. Frank Gehry Gehry worked for decades to advance new technologies and project management approaches that radically changed how architects work and the inventiveness they’ve been able to bring to modern buildings. “On the technology front he was really a pioneer,” says Aviad Almagor, vice president of innovation at the construction technology company Trimble. A visionary luddite Despite claiming a near-incomprehension of computers, Gehry and his Los Angeles-based firm, Gehry Partners, have been at the forefront of applying high-end technology solutions to architectural design, engineering, project management, and construction since the 1980s. Gehry was one of the earliest architects to experiment with and embrace computer-aided design approaches like optimizing outcomes through parametric design and digitizing designs from concept to construction through building information modeling. These are now standard practices in the world of architecture, but when Gehry and his firm started applying these approaches it was uncharted territory for the field. The breakthrough for Gehry came after his firm won a commission to design a large pavilion for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Gehry, a sculptor at heart, designed a massive abstract fish to be built using stainless steel mesh panels. Translating the design concept into a buildable set of two-dimensional blueprints proved complicated. According to an article on the project from Priceonomics, a contractor tried to build a mockup of the project six times, but couldn’t get it right. So Gehry’s team found a solution in a software tool developed by an aerospace manufacturer. Creating an advanced 3D model of the project allowed Gehry and his firm to more clearly communicate the precise shapes and curves of his design to the builders and contractors on the construction site. The project was completed on time and on budget. It was a transformative change for Gehry and his firm, which then used the approach to bring 3D models of its projects past the design phase and use them all the way through construction. This streamlined the designs of his most complicated buildings, while also minimizing the change orders that could have hampered their fidelity during construction. Gehry used this approach on his next major project, his breakthrough masterpiece design for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which opened in 1997. With a highly complex physical form and an exterior designed to be made form thousands of intricately bent and curved sheets of titanium, the design was anything but straightforward. An advanced 3D model of the project became an early version of building information modeling, or BIM, creating a single source of information about the design that could be used by the architects as well as the trades people and contractors who built the project. It made a seemingly impossible project possible, according to Samuel Omans, head of AI growth strategy at Autodesk, the architecture, engineering, and construction software company behind industry standard design tools like AutoCAD and Revit. “There was no way at that time that he could communicate the cut sheets and fabrication requirements necessary for that external cladding to the manufacturers and to the folks in the field using 2D drawings,” Omans says. “It just wasn’t possible.” During an interview for Wallpaper magazine at his L.A. studio in 2011, Gehry told me this BIM approach reinvented his practice. “That gave us more of a measure of control. It gave us the tools to control our process,” he said. “And I thought that was only valuable to my kind of work because I do very special shapes, but we’ve found over the years that it’s valuable to everyone.” Technology as a service That realization led Gehry’s firm to turn its expertise into a service. In 2002, the firm spun off a subsidiary called Gehry Technologies, which created an architecture-specific 3D modeling tool based off its experience designing with software built for the aerospace industry, as well as a cloud-based collaboration platform to take those 3D models from design concept to built project. Outside clients, including architecture firms ostensibly in competition with Gehry’s for big projects, streamed in to take advantage of the new toolset. In 2014, Trimble acquired Gehry Technologies for an undisclosed sum. “Bilbao is obviously one very famous project, but there were many others where this kind of technology was needed,” says Trimble’s Almagor, who was involved in the acquisition. “They provided services to support those complex projects and help create a much more efficient project without cost overruns, without schedule delays. It really dramatically changed the way a project can be delivered, and this industry is really challenged by cost and schedule.” Gehry’s architecture technology is now the basis of cloud-based design collaboration tools used by more than a million Trimble customers, and has influenced the shape of 3D design software produced by Autodesk, which had a partnership with Gehry Technologies in 2011. “They were a big part in helping to bring some of our software to the wider market,” says Omans, who is also on the faculty of Yale’s architecture school. He says as contemporary architects have embraced a wider range of inventive forms, this kind of technology has made it more feasible to turn inventive ideas into physical buildings. “The technology was able to drive more and more aesthetic experimentation . . . That approach to the model as the deliverable was absolutely fundamental in delivering some of the most complex projects of the last 25 years.” As an architect, Omans collaborated with Gehry’s firm several times over the years, and says this emphasis on technology stood in contrast to the analog design style of Gehry himself. “He would sit down with you and he’d be ripping paper apart and he’d be crunching up paper and he’d be drawing and sketching,” he says. “The technology kind of allowed him to become an orchestrator of these data-rich prototype models, not just not just the maker of drawings,” Omans adds. “For Frank, this was technology supporting creativity.” Without that technology, it’s hard to imagine many of Gehry’s best known works ever moving past the stage of one of those hand-made models. Even so, Gehry, who was born in 1929, kept his distance from the computers that enabled so much of his creative success. “I don’t know how to turn it on, or how to use it,” Gehry told me back in 2011. “It complicates my life.” View the full article

Smartphone display issues are nothing new. Most of us have dropped our phones the wrong way one time or another, and had to deal with the pain (and cost) of getting them fixed. But when your smartphone's screen starts acting up for no particular reason, it's pretty frustrating—especially if the manufacturer still holds you accountable for the repair fees. If that sounds like your experience with your Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, there's good news: Google is now launching an Extended Repair Program for the Pixel 9 Pro line. According to Google's announcement on Monday, the company has identified a "limited number" of Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL units that might exhibit display issues that impact the user's experience with the device. Should your Pixel 9 Pro's display show these symptoms, Google will fix the display at no cost to you. What it takes for your Pixel 9 Pro to qualifyThat doesn't mean any and all display issues on your Pixel 9 Pro device qualify here. Google has identified two specific problems that this Extended Repair Program actually covers. The first is a vertical line present on the display. The line has to run from the bottom of the screen to the top, so partial lines won't quality. The second is display flicker. If you notice your Pixel 9 Pro's display quickly getting brighter and darker, as if someone was flicking a switch back and forth, you qualify for the repair program. The Pixel 9 Fold is another story altogether. Like the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, Google is offering a free repair program for the 9 Pro Fold. However, unlike the other devices, there are no specific issues identified here. The problems may be display-related, but since the company won't specify, you could bring your 9 Pro Fold in for just about anything that's going wrong with it—as long as you didn't cause the issue yourself. In addition, Google won't actually fix your foldable, but will instead replace it entirely. The company is also being strict regarding the quality of the display outside of these issues across all Pixel 9 Pro devices. If your Pixel's display or cover-glass is cracked, that may disqualify you from the free repair. If Google finds liquid damage in your device, same story. In any of these cases, the company will still fix the display issues mentioned above, but they might charge you for it. How to get your Pixel 9 Pro fixedAffected Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold units qualify for repair as of Dec. 8, and coverage will last for three years after the original purchase date of the device. You will need to have your device inspected at a Google walk-in center, Google-authorized center, or an online repair store before the company can confirm eligibility. You can get started on your claim from Google's official repair site. This is good news for any Pixel 9 Pro users who have these specific issues—or any issues at all for Pixel 9 Pro Fold users. It joins a host of other Extended Repair Programs for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 4a battery program, the Pixel 6a battery program, the Pixel 7a repair program, and the Pixel 8 repair program, View the full article

Smaller, larger firms likely have different concerns. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

Smaller, larger firms likely have different concerns. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

Eight questions to ask yourself. By Martin Bissett Winning Your First Client Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Eight questions to ask yourself. By Martin Bissett Winning Your First Client Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

When it comes to major U.S. industries, three tends to be the magic number. Historically, auto manufacturing was long dominated by Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors—the so-called “Big Three,” which at one point controlled over 60% of the U.S. auto market. A dominant trio shows up elsewhere, too, in everything from the U.S. defense market—think Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrup Grumman—to cellphone service providers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon). The same goes for the U.S. airline industry, in which American, Delta, and United fly higher than the rest. The rule of three also applies to what Americans watch; the glory days of television were dominated by three giants: ABC, CBS, and NBC. Now, in the digital age, we are rapidly moving to a “Big Three” dominating streaming services: Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. The latest step in that process is Netflix’s plan to acquire Warner Bros. for $72 billion. If approved, the move would solidify Netflix as the dominant streaming platform. When streams converge Starting life as a mail DVD subscription service, Netflix moved into streaming movies and TV shows in 2007, becoming a first-mover into the sphere. Being an early adopter as viewing went from cable and legacy to online and streaming gave Netflix an advantage in also developing support technology and using subscriber data to create new content. The subsequent impact was that Netflix became a market leader, with quarterly profits now far exceeding its competitors, which often report losses. Today, even without the Warner Bros. acquisition, Netflix has a dominant global base of over 300 million subscribers. Amazon Prime comes second with roughly 220 million subscribers, and Disney—which includes both Disney+ and Hulu—is third, with roughly 196 million subscribers. This means that between them, these three companies already control over 60% of the streaming market. Netflix’s lead would only be reinforced by the proposed deal with Warner Bros., as it would add ownership of Warner subsidiary HBO Max, which is currently the fourth-biggest streamer in the U.S. with a combined 128 million subscribers. While some of them will overlap, Netflix is likely to still gain subscribers and better retain them with a broader selection of content. Netflix’s move to acquire Warner Bros. also follows prior entertainment industry consolidation, driven by a desire to control content to retain streaming service subscribers. In 2019, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for $71.3 billion. Three years later, Amazon acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.5 billion. Should the Netflix deal go through, it would continue this trend of streaming consolidation. It would also leave a clear gap at the top between the emerging Big Three and other services, such as Paramount+ with 79 million subscribers and Apple TV+, which has around 45 million. Paramount on Dec. 8, 2025, announced a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. in a proposed $108.4 billion deal that would, unlike the Netflix plan, include Warner Bros. subsidiary Discovery+. Why industries come in threes But why do industries converge to a handful of companies? As an expert on mergers, I know the answer comes down to market forces relating to competition, which tends to drive consolidation of an industry into three to five firms. From a customer perspective, there is a need for multiple options. Having more than one option avoids monopolistic practices that can see prices fixed at a higher rate. Competition between more than one big player is also a strong incentive for additional innovation to improve a product or service. For these reasons, governments—in the U.S. and over 100 other countries—have antitrust laws and practices to avoid any industry displaying limited competition. However, as industries become more stable, growth tends to slow, and remaining businesses are forced to compete over a largely fixed market. This can separate companies into industry leaders and laggards. While leaders enjoy greater stability and predictable profits, laggards struggle to remain profitable. Lagging companies often combine to increase their market share and reduce costs. The result is that consolidating industries quite often land on three main players as a source of stability—one or two risks falling into the pitfalls of monopolies and duopolies, while many more than three to five can struggle to be profitable in mature industries. What’s ahead for the laggards The long-term viability of companies outside the “Big Three” streamers is in doubt, as the main players get bigger and smaller companies are unable to offer as much content. A temporary solution for smaller streamers to gain subscribers is to offer teaser rates that later increase for people who forget to cancel until companies take more permanent steps. But lagging services will also face increased pressure to exit streaming by licensing content to the leading streaming services, cease operations, or sell their services and content. Additionally, companies outside the Big Three could be tempted to acquire smaller services in an attempt to maintain market share. There are already rumors that Paramount, which is a competing bidder for Warner Bros., may seek to acquire Starz or create a joint venture with Universal, which owns Peacock. Apple shows no immediate plan of discontinuing Apple TV+, but that may be due to the company’s high profitability and an overall cash flow that limits pressures to end its streaming service. Still, if the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal completes, it will likely increase the valuation of other lagging streaming services due to increased scarcity of valuable content and subscribers. This is due to competitive limits that restrict the Big Three from getting bigger, making the combination of smaller streaming services more valuable. This is reinforced by shareholders expecting similar or greater premiums from prior deals, driving the need to pay higher prices for the fewer remaining available assets. The cost to consumers So what does this all mean for consumers? I believe that in general, consumers will largely not be impacted when it comes to the overall cost of entertainment, as inflationary pressures for food and housing limit available income for streaming services. But where they access content will continue to shift away from cable television and movie theaters. Greater stability in the streaming industry through consolidation into a Big Three model only confirms the decline in traditional cable. Netflix’s rationale in acquiring Warner Bros. is likely to enable it to offer streaming at a lower price than the combined price of separate subscriptions, but more than Netflix alone. This could be achieved through additional subscription tiers for Netflix subscribers wanting to add HBO Max content. Beyond competition with other members of the “Big Three,” another reason why Netflix is unlikely to raise prices significantly is that it will likely commit to not doing so in order to get the merger approved. Netflix’s goal is to ensure it remains consumer’s first choice for streaming TV and films. So while streaming is fast becoming a Big Three industry, Netflix’s plan is to remain at the top of the triangle. This article was updated on Dec. 8, 2025, to take in news of Paramount’s hostile bid. David R. King is a Higdon professor of management at Florida State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

If you’re looking to explore unique handmade goods this season, you won’t want to miss the top ten craft sales. These events showcase a range of sustainable and eco-friendly products, from lively local markets to interactive booths that offer customization. You’ll find bold statement pieces made from natural fibers and have the chance to engage with fellow artisans. As you prepare for these gatherings, consider how they cultivate community support and highlight quality craftsmanship. What else can you expect at these events? Key Takeaways Explore local craft fairs featuring handmade, eco-friendly products that emphasize slow fashion and sustainability. Look for events showcasing bold statement pieces, such as colorful granny squares and oversized scarves. Attend interactive craft shows with engaging booths offering try-on sections and customization options for a unique experience. Research community-driven markets where crafters collaborate and share their insights to enhance your crafting network. Seek out craft sales with memorable displays that highlight quality, durable items made from natural or recycled materials. Embracing Slow Fashion and Sustainability As you explore the domain of craft sales this season, you’ll likely notice a significant shift in the direction of slow fashion and sustainability, driven by consumers’ growing preference for handmade and eco-friendly products. Crafting websites and DIY craft sites are buzzing with ideas that emphasize the use of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. These materials, alongside recycled and upcycled items, attract environmentally conscious customers looking for unique, high-quality pieces. Expect to see chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves as popular statement items. By participating in crafts sales focused on sustainable products, you not only support artisans but also promote community collaboration, helping to nurture a sustainable crafting environment that benefits everyone involved. Exploring Bold Statement Pieces Bold statement pieces have emerged as a defining trend in the craft sales environment, enchanting both makers and consumers with their distinctive designs and lively colors. Items like chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are particularly popular, drawing attention with their unique appeal. Utilizing chunky yarn not only speeds up production but also boosts profit potential, making these pieces highly desirable. Unique color combinations can enhance your brand identity, helping your products stand out. Engaging displays featuring these bold statement pieces encourage customer interaction, improving the shopping experience at craft shows. Furthermore, when considering craft party supplies, you might wonder, when does Hobby Lobby have yarn sales, and does yarn go on sale at Hobby Lobby? These questions can help you maximize your crafting efforts. Interactive Booths for Enhanced Customer Engagement Interactive booths can boost customer engagement by featuring try-on sections that allow you to experience products firsthand. Furthermore, themed photo opportunities can encourage you to share your experience on social media, boosting visibility for the booth. Engaging Try-On Sections Creating an engaging try-on section in your booth can greatly improve customer interaction and elevate sales. A full-length mirror allows customers to visualize how your crochet pieces will look on them, increasing purchase likelihood. Consider offering customization options, such as a selection of buttons for booties, which amplifies engagement and encourages personalization. This interactive display can considerably boost foot traffic, especially during events like the Hobby Lobby fabric sale schedule or the Hobby Lobby floral sale schedule. A well-organized try-on area creates memorable experiences, prompting customers to share their finds on social media, which promotes your brand. Incorporating this fun element into your booth sets you apart from competitors and nurtures customer loyalty during the Hobby Lobby spring shop sale schedule. Themed Photo Opportunities When customers encounter themed photo opportunities in your booth, they’re more likely to engage with your products and share their experiences online. Setting up attractive backdrops, like a pumpkin patch, can markedly boost your brand’s visibility through social media shares. Incorporating interactive booths, such as a try-on section with a full-length mirror, allows customers to connect directly with your products, enhancing their shopping experience and increasing purchase likelihood. Moreover, offering customization options, like unique buttons for booties, adds a personal touch that deepens customer engagement. Engaging displays that invite interaction create memorable experiences, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. This approach is particularly effective at larger craft shows, where high foot traffic can amplify customer engagement and drive sales. Craft Show Preparation Essentials Preparing for a craft show requires careful planning and attention to detail, as successful participation can greatly impact your sales. Start by researching current trends and consumer preferences to create high-quality, sustainable products. Focus on crafting unique displays that catch the eye, incorporating interactive elements to engage customers. For larger shows, set up customization options or photo areas to maximize interaction. Allow ample time for setup, guaranteeing your booth is visually appealing and organized for efficient customer flow. Continuously evaluate product performance during the event to adapt your offerings accordingly. Crucial Item Purpose Tips Trend Research Identify popular products Use social media insights Unique Displays Attract attention and improve experience Use bright colors and lighting Interactive Elements Engage customers for better sales Include customization options Setup Time Guarantee efficient customer flow Arrive early to organize Community Engagement and Support in Crafting Engaging with fellow crafters can greatly improve your success at craft shows. By sharing trends and ideas, you not only build collaborative connections but additionally create a supportive network that nurtures growth and innovation. This community approach encourages the exchange of valuable insights, making the crafting experience more rewarding for everyone involved. Building Collaborative Connections Building a collaborative network within the crafting community greatly improves your ability to succeed at craft shows. When you engage with fellow crafters, you promote collaboration and idea-sharing, which can lead to increased sales. Regular discussions or feedback sessions allow you to share insights and strategies that may boost your craft show performance. Utilizing social media platforms helps you connect with other makers, increasing your visibility and creating opportunities for partnerships and joint promotions. A supportive atmosphere encourages you to tackle challenges together, share valuable resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. By nurturing these connections, you not only strengthen your own business but likewise contribute to a thriving crafting community that benefits everyone involved. Sharing Trends and Ideas Crafting communities thrive when members actively share trends and ideas, creating a dynamic environment that fuels innovation. By building a supportive crochet business community, you improve collaboration and inspire creativity. Regularly sharing content about increasing sales at craft shows not just cultivates community but encourages learning from each other’s experiences. Engaging with fellow makers on social media platforms can lead to valuable connections and collaborative opportunities that benefit everyone involved. Hosting a waitlist for course updates keeps excitement high and encourages participation. Moreover, promoting a collaborative atmosphere by inviting feedback on trends strengthens your network of support, eventually benefiting your business and helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing crafting arena. Showcasing Unique and Timeless Designs In today’s competitive craft market, showcasing unique and timeless designs can considerably improve your sales potential. Bold crochet pieces, featuring chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves, are trending, making them ideal statement items for craft shows. By using lively colors and unique combinations, you can elevate your brand identity and attract more attention at sales events. Timeless designs, such as minimalist wearables, likewise cater to the increasing consumer preference for sustainable fashion. Incorporating recycled or upcycled materials, like thrifted yarn, appeals to eco-conscious shoppers. Moreover, engaging displays that highlight these unique and timeless designs create memorable experiences, encouraging customers to make purchases and share their finds on social media, in the end boosting your visibility and sales. The Importance of Quality and Eco-Friendly Products Quality and eco-friendly products have become increasingly important in today’s craft market, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable shopping habits. As a savvy shopper, you’ll notice the rising demand for handmade items crafted from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. Recycled and upcycled materials, such as thrifted yarn, are likewise gaining traction, promoting eco-conscious choices. Many consumers now favor timeless, high-quality pieces over fast fashion, emphasizing durability. Engaging displays at craft shows can improve your experience, showcasing unique crochet pieces, like chunky colorful granny squares, that highlight quality craftsmanship. Eco-Friendly Materials Benefits Natural Fibers Sustainable production Recycled Materials Reduces waste Timeless Designs Long-lasting quality Creating Memorable Craft Show Experiences As you prepare for a craft show, consider how engaging displays and interactive elements can greatly improve the customer experience. Creating try-on sections or customization options invites customers to interact with your products, boosting sales. A cute photo area with themed backdrops encourages social media sharing, promoting your brand and drawing more visitors to your booth. Utilize bold, unique crochet designs and vivid colors to make your products stand out in a crowded space. Offering high-quality, sustainable items, such as those made from natural fibers or recycled materials, resonates with current consumer interests. Finally, research customer preferences and trends to craft memorable experiences that not only engage attendees but also encourage repeat purchases at future events. Trends in Handmade Goods for the Season This season, handmade goods are seeing a notable shift in consumer preferences, particularly toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. Customers are increasingly favoring options like natural fiber yarns, including cotton, wool, and linen. In addition, bold crochet pieces with chunky, colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are trending, making them popular choices at craft shows. To improve the shopping experience, consider creating interactive booths with try-on sections or customization options, which can greatly boost sales. As you prepare for craft shows, focus on crafting high-quality, timeless pieces that reflect these trends as well as emphasizing sustainability and unique designs. Staying informed about current trends will help you create products that resonate with consumers and stand out in the market. Building Connections Within the Crafting Community Building connections within the crafting community opens up numerous networking opportunities for you as a crafter. By collaborating on projects or sharing innovative ideas, you not only improve your skills but additionally contribute to a lively atmosphere that nurtures creativity. Whether through local events or online platforms, engaging with fellow makers can lead to valuable partnerships that boost your craft business. Networking Opportunities for Crafters Networking opportunities abound for crafters looking to strengthen their connections within the crafting community. Engaging in interactive booths at craft shows not only attracts customers but also nurtures relationships with fellow crafters and vendors. Participating in local craft fairs and markets can help you network with other artisans, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. Building a presence on social media platforms is another effective way to connect with other makers, facilitating the exchange of best practices. Joining local crafting groups or online forums offers invaluable resources for support and inspiration. Regularly attending crafting events and workshops keeps you informed about industry trends as well as allowing you to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for handmade goods. Collaborative Projects and Ideas Engaging in collaborative projects can greatly improve your connections within the crafting community, especially when you involve others who share your interests. Building a supportive crochet business community promotes collaboration, inspiring creativity among crafters. You can connect with fellow makers on social media platforms, exchanging experiences and trends, nurturing camaraderie and support. Organizing group challenges or themed events encourages participation, helping crafters with similar interests gain visibility. Furthermore, offering workshops aimed at boosting confidence and sales at craft shows allows community members to learn from one another. Actively inviting feedback and sharing insights on trends can spark dialogue, leading to innovative ideas and improved product offerings. By engaging with others, you’ll cultivate valuable relationships that benefit everyone involved. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now? The hottest selling craft right now is handmade, eco-friendly products, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton and wool. These items appeal to consumers’ growing demand for sustainability. Bold crochet pieces, such as chunky granny squares and oversized scarves, are likewise trending because of their lively designs. Furthermore, products made from recycled materials are gaining popularity, as people increasingly seek items that reflect their environmental values and prioritize durability over fast fashion. What Is the Highest Selling Craft Item? The highest selling craft items typically include handmade jewelry, which often sells for $20 to $200, depending on its uniqueness and materials. Home décor items, such as macramé wall hangings and hand-poured candles, likewise attract buyers looking for personalized touches. Seasonal crafts, like holiday ornaments, see significant sales spikes during festive periods. Moreover, eco-friendly products are gaining traction, appealing to consumers focused on sustainability, making them increasingly popular in the crafting market. What Sells the Best at Craft Markets? At craft markets, handmade and eco-friendly products typically sell best. Items made from natural fibers, like cotton and wool, alongside unique statement pieces such as chunky scarves, attract attention. Vendors who create interactive booths, allowing customers to engage with products or customize items, improve sales. Unique displays and memorable shopping experiences encourage attendees to share on social media, further boosting visibility and interest in the products offered at these markets. What Sells Best at Handmade Markets? At handmade markets, products that emphasize quality and sustainability consistently sell best. Items made from natural fibers, like cotton or wool, attract eco-conscious consumers. Unique statement pieces, such as chunky crochet items or oversized scarves, can draw attention. Moreover, interactive booths that offer customization options improve customer engagement, leading to increased sales. Timeless items, including reusable market bags and zero waste sets, align with current trends and resonate well with attendees seeking sustainable choices. Conclusion Visiting these ten must-visit craft sales this season offers a unique opportunity to explore sustainable fashion and support local artisans. You’ll find a variety of handmade products, from bold statement pieces to eco-friendly crafts. Engage with interactive booths for personalized experiences and connect with others who share your passion. By participating in these events, you not only enrich your comprehension of craftsmanship but additionally contribute to a thriving community dedicated to quality and sustainability in handmade goods. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Must-Visit Crafts Sales This Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to explore unique handmade goods this season, you won’t want to miss the top ten craft sales. These events showcase a range of sustainable and eco-friendly products, from lively local markets to interactive booths that offer customization. You’ll find bold statement pieces made from natural fibers and have the chance to engage with fellow artisans. As you prepare for these gatherings, consider how they cultivate community support and highlight quality craftsmanship. What else can you expect at these events? Key Takeaways Explore local craft fairs featuring handmade, eco-friendly products that emphasize slow fashion and sustainability. Look for events showcasing bold statement pieces, such as colorful granny squares and oversized scarves. Attend interactive craft shows with engaging booths offering try-on sections and customization options for a unique experience. Research community-driven markets where crafters collaborate and share their insights to enhance your crafting network. Seek out craft sales with memorable displays that highlight quality, durable items made from natural or recycled materials. Embracing Slow Fashion and Sustainability As you explore the domain of craft sales this season, you’ll likely notice a significant shift in the direction of slow fashion and sustainability, driven by consumers’ growing preference for handmade and eco-friendly products. Crafting websites and DIY craft sites are buzzing with ideas that emphasize the use of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. These materials, alongside recycled and upcycled items, attract environmentally conscious customers looking for unique, high-quality pieces. Expect to see chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves as popular statement items. By participating in crafts sales focused on sustainable products, you not only support artisans but also promote community collaboration, helping to nurture a sustainable crafting environment that benefits everyone involved. Exploring Bold Statement Pieces Bold statement pieces have emerged as a defining trend in the craft sales environment, enchanting both makers and consumers with their distinctive designs and lively colors. Items like chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are particularly popular, drawing attention with their unique appeal. Utilizing chunky yarn not only speeds up production but also boosts profit potential, making these pieces highly desirable. Unique color combinations can enhance your brand identity, helping your products stand out. Engaging displays featuring these bold statement pieces encourage customer interaction, improving the shopping experience at craft shows. Furthermore, when considering craft party supplies, you might wonder, when does Hobby Lobby have yarn sales, and does yarn go on sale at Hobby Lobby? These questions can help you maximize your crafting efforts. Interactive Booths for Enhanced Customer Engagement Interactive booths can boost customer engagement by featuring try-on sections that allow you to experience products firsthand. Furthermore, themed photo opportunities can encourage you to share your experience on social media, boosting visibility for the booth. Engaging Try-On Sections Creating an engaging try-on section in your booth can greatly improve customer interaction and elevate sales. A full-length mirror allows customers to visualize how your crochet pieces will look on them, increasing purchase likelihood. Consider offering customization options, such as a selection of buttons for booties, which amplifies engagement and encourages personalization. This interactive display can considerably boost foot traffic, especially during events like the Hobby Lobby fabric sale schedule or the Hobby Lobby floral sale schedule. A well-organized try-on area creates memorable experiences, prompting customers to share their finds on social media, which promotes your brand. Incorporating this fun element into your booth sets you apart from competitors and nurtures customer loyalty during the Hobby Lobby spring shop sale schedule. Themed Photo Opportunities When customers encounter themed photo opportunities in your booth, they’re more likely to engage with your products and share their experiences online. Setting up attractive backdrops, like a pumpkin patch, can markedly boost your brand’s visibility through social media shares. Incorporating interactive booths, such as a try-on section with a full-length mirror, allows customers to connect directly with your products, enhancing their shopping experience and increasing purchase likelihood. Moreover, offering customization options, like unique buttons for booties, adds a personal touch that deepens customer engagement. Engaging displays that invite interaction create memorable experiences, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. This approach is particularly effective at larger craft shows, where high foot traffic can amplify customer engagement and drive sales. Craft Show Preparation Essentials Preparing for a craft show requires careful planning and attention to detail, as successful participation can greatly impact your sales. Start by researching current trends and consumer preferences to create high-quality, sustainable products. Focus on crafting unique displays that catch the eye, incorporating interactive elements to engage customers. For larger shows, set up customization options or photo areas to maximize interaction. Allow ample time for setup, guaranteeing your booth is visually appealing and organized for efficient customer flow. Continuously evaluate product performance during the event to adapt your offerings accordingly. Crucial Item Purpose Tips Trend Research Identify popular products Use social media insights Unique Displays Attract attention and improve experience Use bright colors and lighting Interactive Elements Engage customers for better sales Include customization options Setup Time Guarantee efficient customer flow Arrive early to organize Community Engagement and Support in Crafting Engaging with fellow crafters can greatly improve your success at craft shows. By sharing trends and ideas, you not only build collaborative connections but additionally create a supportive network that nurtures growth and innovation. This community approach encourages the exchange of valuable insights, making the crafting experience more rewarding for everyone involved. Building Collaborative Connections Building a collaborative network within the crafting community greatly improves your ability to succeed at craft shows. When you engage with fellow crafters, you promote collaboration and idea-sharing, which can lead to increased sales. Regular discussions or feedback sessions allow you to share insights and strategies that may boost your craft show performance. Utilizing social media platforms helps you connect with other makers, increasing your visibility and creating opportunities for partnerships and joint promotions. A supportive atmosphere encourages you to tackle challenges together, share valuable resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. By nurturing these connections, you not only strengthen your own business but likewise contribute to a thriving crafting community that benefits everyone involved. Sharing Trends and Ideas Crafting communities thrive when members actively share trends and ideas, creating a dynamic environment that fuels innovation. By building a supportive crochet business community, you improve collaboration and inspire creativity. Regularly sharing content about increasing sales at craft shows not just cultivates community but encourages learning from each other’s experiences. Engaging with fellow makers on social media platforms can lead to valuable connections and collaborative opportunities that benefit everyone involved. Hosting a waitlist for course updates keeps excitement high and encourages participation. Moreover, promoting a collaborative atmosphere by inviting feedback on trends strengthens your network of support, eventually benefiting your business and helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing crafting arena. Showcasing Unique and Timeless Designs In today’s competitive craft market, showcasing unique and timeless designs can considerably improve your sales potential. Bold crochet pieces, featuring chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves, are trending, making them ideal statement items for craft shows. By using lively colors and unique combinations, you can elevate your brand identity and attract more attention at sales events. Timeless designs, such as minimalist wearables, likewise cater to the increasing consumer preference for sustainable fashion. Incorporating recycled or upcycled materials, like thrifted yarn, appeals to eco-conscious shoppers. Moreover, engaging displays that highlight these unique and timeless designs create memorable experiences, encouraging customers to make purchases and share their finds on social media, in the end boosting your visibility and sales. The Importance of Quality and Eco-Friendly Products Quality and eco-friendly products have become increasingly important in today’s craft market, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable shopping habits. As a savvy shopper, you’ll notice the rising demand for handmade items crafted from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. Recycled and upcycled materials, such as thrifted yarn, are likewise gaining traction, promoting eco-conscious choices. Many consumers now favor timeless, high-quality pieces over fast fashion, emphasizing durability. Engaging displays at craft shows can improve your experience, showcasing unique crochet pieces, like chunky colorful granny squares, that highlight quality craftsmanship. Eco-Friendly Materials Benefits Natural Fibers Sustainable production Recycled Materials Reduces waste Timeless Designs Long-lasting quality Creating Memorable Craft Show Experiences As you prepare for a craft show, consider how engaging displays and interactive elements can greatly improve the customer experience. Creating try-on sections or customization options invites customers to interact with your products, boosting sales. A cute photo area with themed backdrops encourages social media sharing, promoting your brand and drawing more visitors to your booth. Utilize bold, unique crochet designs and vivid colors to make your products stand out in a crowded space. Offering high-quality, sustainable items, such as those made from natural fibers or recycled materials, resonates with current consumer interests. Finally, research customer preferences and trends to craft memorable experiences that not only engage attendees but also encourage repeat purchases at future events. Trends in Handmade Goods for the Season This season, handmade goods are seeing a notable shift in consumer preferences, particularly toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. Customers are increasingly favoring options like natural fiber yarns, including cotton, wool, and linen. In addition, bold crochet pieces with chunky, colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are trending, making them popular choices at craft shows. To improve the shopping experience, consider creating interactive booths with try-on sections or customization options, which can greatly boost sales. As you prepare for craft shows, focus on crafting high-quality, timeless pieces that reflect these trends as well as emphasizing sustainability and unique designs. Staying informed about current trends will help you create products that resonate with consumers and stand out in the market. Building Connections Within the Crafting Community Building connections within the crafting community opens up numerous networking opportunities for you as a crafter. By collaborating on projects or sharing innovative ideas, you not only improve your skills but additionally contribute to a lively atmosphere that nurtures creativity. Whether through local events or online platforms, engaging with fellow makers can lead to valuable partnerships that boost your craft business. Networking Opportunities for Crafters Networking opportunities abound for crafters looking to strengthen their connections within the crafting community. Engaging in interactive booths at craft shows not only attracts customers but also nurtures relationships with fellow crafters and vendors. Participating in local craft fairs and markets can help you network with other artisans, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. Building a presence on social media platforms is another effective way to connect with other makers, facilitating the exchange of best practices. Joining local crafting groups or online forums offers invaluable resources for support and inspiration. Regularly attending crafting events and workshops keeps you informed about industry trends as well as allowing you to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for handmade goods. Collaborative Projects and Ideas Engaging in collaborative projects can greatly improve your connections within the crafting community, especially when you involve others who share your interests. Building a supportive crochet business community promotes collaboration, inspiring creativity among crafters. You can connect with fellow makers on social media platforms, exchanging experiences and trends, nurturing camaraderie and support. Organizing group challenges or themed events encourages participation, helping crafters with similar interests gain visibility. Furthermore, offering workshops aimed at boosting confidence and sales at craft shows allows community members to learn from one another. Actively inviting feedback and sharing insights on trends can spark dialogue, leading to innovative ideas and improved product offerings. By engaging with others, you’ll cultivate valuable relationships that benefit everyone involved. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now? The hottest selling craft right now is handmade, eco-friendly products, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton and wool. These items appeal to consumers’ growing demand for sustainability. Bold crochet pieces, such as chunky granny squares and oversized scarves, are likewise trending because of their lively designs. Furthermore, products made from recycled materials are gaining popularity, as people increasingly seek items that reflect their environmental values and prioritize durability over fast fashion. What Is the Highest Selling Craft Item? The highest selling craft items typically include handmade jewelry, which often sells for $20 to $200, depending on its uniqueness and materials. Home décor items, such as macramé wall hangings and hand-poured candles, likewise attract buyers looking for personalized touches. Seasonal crafts, like holiday ornaments, see significant sales spikes during festive periods. Moreover, eco-friendly products are gaining traction, appealing to consumers focused on sustainability, making them increasingly popular in the crafting market. What Sells the Best at Craft Markets? At craft markets, handmade and eco-friendly products typically sell best. Items made from natural fibers, like cotton and wool, alongside unique statement pieces such as chunky scarves, attract attention. Vendors who create interactive booths, allowing customers to engage with products or customize items, improve sales. Unique displays and memorable shopping experiences encourage attendees to share on social media, further boosting visibility and interest in the products offered at these markets. What Sells Best at Handmade Markets? At handmade markets, products that emphasize quality and sustainability consistently sell best. Items made from natural fibers, like cotton or wool, attract eco-conscious consumers. Unique statement pieces, such as chunky crochet items or oversized scarves, can draw attention. Moreover, interactive booths that offer customization options improve customer engagement, leading to increased sales. Timeless items, including reusable market bags and zero waste sets, align with current trends and resonate well with attendees seeking sustainable choices. Conclusion Visiting these ten must-visit craft sales this season offers a unique opportunity to explore sustainable fashion and support local artisans. You’ll find a variety of handmade products, from bold statement pieces to eco-friendly crafts. Engage with interactive booths for personalized experiences and connect with others who share your passion. By participating in these events, you not only enrich your comprehension of craftsmanship but additionally contribute to a thriving community dedicated to quality and sustainability in handmade goods. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Must-Visit Crafts Sales This Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Layoffs have hit American workers hard in 2025, particularly in the government and tech sectors. Already this year, well over a million jobs have been lost due to layoffs—and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like a cessation of job cuts is on the horizon. Reports say that beverage and snack giant PepsiCo is the latest major American company getting ready to announce layoffs. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On Monday, PepsiCo (Nasdaq: PEP) issued a memorandum about its intention to enhance shareholder value in 2026. In the memo, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said that the planned initiatives were to accelerate “organic revenue growth, deliver record productivity savings and improve core operating margin, starting in 2026.” The initiatives include using a targeted approach on affordable price tiers for its products in various channels in order to stimulate sales growth, reducing operational costs, and using automation and digitalization “to advance and accelerate our global productivity initiatives,” according to the company. These initiatives are widely seen as a response to demands from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which took around a $4 billion stake in the company earlier this year. Elliott Investment Management is known for aggressively pursuing cost reduction and operational efficiencies in the companies in which it invests. But the above initiatives are allegedly not the only changes PepsiCo is preparing for. The company is reportedly also set to announce job layoffs. PepsiCo reportedly will cut jobs in the U.S. and Canada Besides the operational changes announced in its memo, PepsiCo is also reportedly set to eliminate jobs, according to multiple reports. Fast Company has reached out to PepsiCo for comment on the reported layoffs. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that the company instructed employees in some of its major North American offices to work from home this week. Those offices include locations in PepsiCo’s headquarters in Purchase, New York, as well as its offices in Chicago and Plano. Companies have increasingly required employees to work from home during weeks when layoffs are announced. Such mandates often make it easier on the company conducting the layoffs, as they soften the emotional toll the layoffs have on affected employees and those left behind. Layoffs can severely hurt employee morale, and so companies want to lessen the impact on the remaining workforce—and their productivity—in any way they can. At the time of this writing, no new layoffs have officially been announced by PepsiCo. However, as Bloomberg noted, recently, PepsiCo executives have spoken about “right-sizing the workforce.” (“Right-sizing” is a phrase companies have begun using in recent years to refer to layoffs.) In November, PepsiCo announced 500 layoffs after deciding to close two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando, Florida, according to FoodDive. How has PepsiCo stock reacted to the news? PepsiCo’s stock price seems to have shrugged off the company’s announcements about its plans to enhance shareholder value. Yesterday, PEP shares got a modest boost of less than 2%. And today in early morning trading, PEP shares are currently down about half a percent. Since the year began, PEP shares have lost about 4.5% of their value. Over the past twelve months, PepsiCo’s stock price is down about 8.9%. In October, PepsiCo reported its latest Q3 2025 results, which saw the company announce net revenue of $23.9 billion, an increase of about 2.6% year-over-year. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Garmin has released an end-of-year summary of users’ stats, Spotify Wrapped-style. But it’s only available to people who pay for Garmin Connect+, the new paid subscription that Garmin has offered since March of this year. I’ll show you what’s inside the Year in Review, and give you my thoughts on how the subscription service has weathered its first almost-year. Spoiler: The more things Garmin adds, the less they seem to know what they're doing. What’s in the Year in Review? Credit: Beth Skwarecki/Garmin Garmin’s Year in Review feature shows you a bunch of cute visuals of your activity throughout the year. For each metric, there is usually a summary or a total, followed by a graph showing that metric for each calendar month (January through December) with the “best” month for that metric highlighted. Sometimes a particular workout was called out for that metric, such as your longest run. The metrics included: Total steps Sleep score average Body Battery average daily high Number of activities, and your most common types Total activity time Total activity distance Total activity ascent Total activity calories (put in terms of “slices of chocolate cake” for some reason) Badges earned Personal records earned There are shareable cards for each, so it’s certainly fulfilling the function of a yearly recap, but it’s a bit boring to page through. I’m not sure why I’m supposed to care about my average Body Battery, and it’s not exactly a revelation that I did more gym workouts than bike rides. Perhaps this will get more polished in future years. Your Year in Review says more about Garmin than about youMore companies than ever are offering an annual summary this year, and it seems like each of them is having a little identity crisis. Is the summary meant to provide free marketing when you share the screenshots with your friends? Engage you more deeply with the algorithm, to encourage you to consume more content? Or is it just a reward for being a loyal customer? Garmin, by making theirs a premium feature, doesn’t seem to be prioritizing any of the above. I see two things going on here: They're competing with Strava, and grappling with what it means to exist as a hardware company in a subscription-based world. The Strava part is easiest to understand. Strava offers a premium subscription, and the main draw is that it comes with mapping tools and training analytics. People may gripe about having to pay to see their spot on a leaderboard or build a running route, but this model fundamentally works because people like and want those features. Strava’s “Year in Sport” is a premium feature as well, but people don’t subscribe just to get Year in Sport. It’s a little perk, not the whole point. Comparing Garmin’s recap to Strava’s, Strava’s feels more cohesive. There are fewer cards in the carousel, and they’re more relevant to things I care about. I get my activities and distance in the same card, find out how long I’ve kept my weekly streak (over a year!), see the days I was active, get reminded of one highlight run (definitely a memorable one), see my PRs for all the major distances, and get a shout-out on the one QOM and couple of Local Legend titles I earned. It’s easier for Strava to do this well because their platform is tailored to people with specific goals: to run or bike more and faster. Garmin tries harder to be everything to everybody. And then there’s the question of what Garmin is doing here. It’s always been a hardware company, starting out with GPS devices (back when “GPS device” was a standalone product category) and eventually becoming a maker of sports watches as well as gadgets like bike computers and boat navigation systems. The company seems to be having trouble finding its place in today's subscription-based world. I appreciate that it isn't removing features from existing products, but that makes me wonder what the point of Connect+ is supposed to be. Garmin’s Connect+ subscription doesn’t seem to be the paywall people are afraid of (or the cash cow Garmin is probably hoping for)Garmin has always been a hardware company at heart, but that model has been harder and harder to fit with the modern wearables market. Now that we all have smartphones, many of the features we expect from a Garmin watch are really features of a phone app. So to keep selling watches in different pricing tiers, Garmin ties specific features to the hardware you’ve bought. You’ll only get a “training status” in the app if you’ve paired a training status-capable watch, for example. (The Forerunner 265 counts, but not the 165.) I have to imagine Garmin execs wish they could start over, make just a few physical devices, and sell software features as subscription tiers. Everything in 2025 seems to be sold on a subscription basis or with some features paywalled behind a premium tier. So of course Garmin tried to move into that space. Garmin has long sold subscriptions for some devices, but those were always specific things like satellite messaging or high-definition marine charts, where the purpose and the cost made sense. Garmin Connect+, which launched this year, is basically a subscription for software features of the phone app, not a device. That’s good for Garmin users—no actual features of the watches get paywalled this way. Whatever features your Forerunner 265 had when you bought it, you get to keep those. New watches don’t seem to be missing any features (yet)—if anything, new releases like the Forerunner 570 and the Venu 4 seem to be adding features to justify their higher prices. But that leaves the Connect+ subscription without anything vital to offer. I’ve gone through and listed all the features you get, and I think the only one that’s really worthwhile is mirroring data to your phone, which both Apple and Coros will give you for free. The rest are all “huh?” features, like unlocking special badges or gaining access to an AI feature that is surely the least useful of all fitness apps’ AI features (and that’s really saying something). Garmin seems to be hoping that people will upgrade to the subscription because of its cool amazing attractive features, while carefully avoiding putting anything useful or essential in the subscription. That doesn’t seem to be a tightrope they can actually walk, unless they come up with new app features that don’t fit into their hardware models, but are actually useful and interesting. Features worth paying for are expensive to build, which explains why Garmin Trails is a dud so far—it’s just an empty shell of a service that users are supposed to fill with data, eventually, I guess. Year in Review must have been easy to build, but it doesn’t give us anything worth paying for. Garmin has been advertising the Year in Review to non-subscribers, suggesting that we pay for a subscription to access it. I just don’t think it’s working, Garmin. View the full article

Project scheduling can be hard, but software can make it more manageable. If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to an online project scheduling software, though, then project scheduling templates for Excel can be a decent substitute to get started. ProjectManager has dozens of free project management templates that you can download to assist in managing every phase of your project. Here are a few project scheduling templates to help you get started right away. But if you’re looking for project scheduling software that can take you to the next level of scheduling, then you want ProjectManager. Our cloud-based software can plan, monitor and report on your project schedule from start to finish. Make sure you’re meeting those milestones with our real-time dashboard, which, unlike templates or other software, requires no setup. Get started today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IT-projet-plan-gantt-chart-2025-cta-1.pngLearn more Why Use a Project Scheduling Template? This blog has several different scheduling templates, so whether you need to schedule a sprint with a kanban template, a weekly work schedule or a waterfall plan with a Gantt chart, it’s covered. There are project scheduling templates to help construction managers build schedules for projects, production schedules for manufacturing and project timelines for milestone tracking. Having different project scheduling templates means it’s easy to find a template that suits the job. Other reasons to use project scheduling templates is that they save time because they’re already made and can be customized quickly. They provide consistency. A standardized template ensures all essential elements are included. Having a clear framework for outlining tasks, deadlines and resources improves organization. Best Project Scheduling Templates for Excel Microsoft Excel isn’t naturally a good project scheduling tool. However, these free project scheduling templates can help you build a schedule and stick to it. Without them, you’ll have a hard time getting your project off the ground; with them, you’re on your way to a successful project. Transform your spreadsheets with these Excel scheduling templates. 1. Gantt Chart Template Project schedules are made up of tasks—a lot of tasks. The crucial step in scheduling any project is organizing those tasks. You need to estimate their duration and set a priority for each so your team knows what to do, and when to do it. A task list can start this process, but you’ll quickly find yourself hitting a wall unless you use a Gantt chart. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gantt-Chart-Screenshot-1600x648.jpg Gantt charts are visual tools that take every project task and place them on a timeline. You can see each task in relation to the others, since they’re represented as bars. Our Gantt chart template helps you set start and end dates, shows dependencies between tasks and breaks up the phases of your project by color to easily differentiate one from another. It’s an ideal project schedule template. You can discuss building the Gantt with your team, who’ll help you better estimate durations. Then, once you’ve created the schedule on your Gantt, share the chart with your stakeholders. It will provide a map of the project and help to orient them when you regularly update them throughout execution. 2. Work Breakdown Structure Template Before you can schedule, you have to know what you’re scheduling. A work breakdown structure is a tool that captures all your deliverables. It’s a tree diagram with the final deliverable on top and then a breakdown of each deliverable or task that got you there. It’s an essential scheduling tool. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WES-Screenshot.jpg Our free work breakdown structure template has everything you’ll need to see all the steps necessary to schedule in order to complete your project. First, you make a detailed task list broken up into the phases of your project. The second part of the template is the tree diagram, with the project on top and smaller and smaller deliverables beneath it. Now you know everything you have to add to your project schedule. 3. Work Schedule Template Your project schedule is just a collection of dates if you don’t coordinate it with your resources. Resources are anything you need to get the job done—this includes equipment, materials and, most importantly, your team. Organizing these resources to work with your schedule, and bring the project to a successful conclusion on time, is where a work schedule comes in handy. /wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Work-Schedule-Screenshot.jpg Our work schedule template allows you to collect all the people in your team or organization, and designate where they’re located (if they’re working remotely), including their working hours and what work they’re responsible for. All of this is laid out over a period of time, usually over a week or month. The flexibility of this project schedule template stems from its ability to adapt to various work schedules. There is the traditional 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. But some projects or organizations are working all week, around the clock. These shifts can be fixed or set as rotating. Whether your workers are part-time or full-time, this work schedule template will help you keep them organized. If you use ProjectManager, you’ll be able to do a lot more in terms of scheduling. Templates can only go so far. See what a schedule looks like on cloud-based project management software. Watch the video embedded below. 4. Task Tracking Template Once you have a project schedule and your resources are organized, the real fun begins. When executing your tasks, it’s important to have the means to monitor progress and make sure the actual progress meets the planned progress. Our task tracking template lets you capture your work and helps you keep on schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Task-Tracking-Screenshot-1600x515.jpg This project schedule template serves as more than a to-do list, but less than what task management software can do. However, the template will let you keep track of your task’s status, priority, time and resources. It follows the tasks through its life cycle from ready to assigned, terminated or expired, forwarded to finished or failed. If you’re looking for a more dynamic tool to track your tasks and keep you on schedule, then you’ll want to upgrade to an online project management software. You’ll get high-level views of progress with a dashboard and more in-depth data from the various reporting features. You’ll also want features to manage your resources and easily edit your schedule as changes occur. 5. Change Log Template The unexpected happens to even the best-planned projects. Your project schedule is a living document that needs to be able to respond to change requests from stakeholders. Or, other variables such as weather, sick team members or problems in your supply chain can interrupt your progress. You need to have a change log that keeps track of these changes. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Change-Log-Screenshot-1600x528.jpg Using our change log template helps you identify and follow the change as it moves through your project. This makes sure nothing falls through the cracks and gives you the tools you need to control and manage that change. The change log provides visibility into the process. You assign someone on your team to resolve it, which lets you establish accountability. You also get to prioritize the change, as not every change is equal in importance. Then, you can track the change from start to finish. The template has a place for you to number the change, when it was first identified, who owns it and its current status. Each row of the spreadsheet captures one change, so you have an orderly document to manage the process. 6. Project Plan Template A project schedule is part of the larger project plan. It must work in congress with all the other aspects of your project, such as resource allocation, costs and more. The project plan includes a lot of guiding documents that will inform you schedule, too, from the business case to the project charter. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Plan-Screenshot.jpg The free project plan template for Word helps you to organize all the important papers necessary to plan and schedule a project. You can attach all the pertinent files, such as your feasibility study, and then outline the scope of the project. Once you have completed your project plan, you can finalize your project schedule. 7. Project Milestones Template A milestone plan marks the key events, deliverables or checkpoints in a project timeline. Rather than tracking every small task, it highlights major achievements, like phase completions, approvals, or major deliverables, that signal meaningful progress. By defining these milestones early, teams and stakeholders get a shared roadmap of when important outcomes should occur, which helps align expectations, track progress and avoid surprises. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Milestones-Template-Screenshot.png With this Excel milestone chart, you lay out each milestone name, who’s responsible (“owner”), the expected date (or a start & end date), and status. As you update the sheet, the template builds a visual timeline, showing where each milestone falls over the project duration. It makes it easy to see upcoming deadlines or completed checkpoints at a glance, helping you coordinate phases, monitor overall progress and communicate key dates clearly to your team or stakeholders. 8. Project Network Diagram Template A project network diagram is a visual layout showing every task in a project and how those tasks relate to each other — which ones must happen first, which depend on others and the overall sequence of work. By mapping dependencies and the logical flow, it helps you spot the critical path, estimate overall schedule duration, avoid bottlenecks and organize tasks so the project runs smoothly from start to finish. /wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Project-network-diagram-template.png With this Excel template, you can list all project activities and draw the relationships between them; tasks become nodes, arrows or lines show dependencies and the flow of work is visible at a glance. It helps you plan the order of tasks, track which ones depend on others and maintain a clear, organized workflow as the project progresses. Perfect for projects with many interdependent tasks where sequence and timing are key. 9. Daily Task Tracker Template A daily task tracker helps you organize and monitor all the tasks you need to complete in one day, from start to finish. It brings structure and clarity to your day by listing what needs to be done, when it should be done and whether it’s completed or still pending. This keeps priorities visible, reduces the chance of forgetting important work and helps you stay focused and productive. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Daily-task-tracker-template.png This Excel template lays out your tasks by day and time, with columns for task description, deliverable details and status. You can plan each hour or block of time, track what you need to accomplish and mark tasks as finished once done. It’s flexible enough for personal to‑dos, work tasks or team assignments, giving you a simple, clear way to manage daily workload, track progress and avoid things slipping through the cracks. 10. PERT Chart Template A PERT (program evaluation review technique) chart is a project scheduling technique that helps project managers organize and coordinate tasks. This free PERT chart template for Excel is a visual representation of the project timeline. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pert-chart-template-screenshot.png The PERT chart template can be used by project managers to break down tasks and analyze them to estimate the minimum time needed to deliver the project. This allows for the scheduling of complex projects by visualizing the dependencies between tasks. This project scheduling template helps project managers calculate the PERT chart formula, which relies on the weighted average of three numbers that are based on the most pessimistic, most optimistic and most likely estimate for the project’s length. 11. Precedence Diagram Template A precedence diagram is a visual tool that illustrates the sequence and dependencies of all tasks in a project. Each task is represented as a node, and arrows indicate which tasks must be completed before others can start. By mapping out these relationships, teams can identify critical tasks, understand task flow and optimize scheduling. Using a precedence diagram early helps prevent bottlenecks and ensures projects stay on track. /wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Precedence-diagram-template.png With this Excel template, you list every activity, define which tasks must precede others, and set durations to build a project‑wide dependency map. The template generates a visual network diagram showing how tasks connect so you can immediately see which tasks depend on others, which run in parallel, and which form your project’s critical path. It’s a straightforward tool to help teams coordinate complex task sequences and plan project flow with clarity and precision. 12. Critical Path Template This project scheduling template uses critical path analysis to allow project managers to identify tasks that must be done in order to deliver a successful project. The free critical path template for Excel calculates the critical path, which is a valuable tool in creating a realistic schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/critical-path-method-screenshot.png A critical path chart is a network diagram. It shows tasks as nodes or boxes, which are connected by arrows that represent the dependencies between those tasks and point to the proper sequence of the task. Rather than have to do the calculation by hand, this project scheduling template does most of the work for the project manager. It’s ideal for scheduling complicated project timelines. It visualizes the longest, most important chain of tasks that must be completed to deliver the project on time. Now, project managers know which tasks must be prioritized and which can be set aside until later. 13. Task Tracker Dashboard A task tracker dashboard gives you a consolidated view of all tasks within a project, showing which ones are due, in progress, completed, or overdue, along with priorities, assignment and timing. It helps teams and managers stay organized, spot bottlenecks or overdue items, coordinate responsibilities and deadlines and keep the project moving smoothly. With a dashboard, you don’t rely on scattered notes or static lists: instead, you get a real-time (or regularly updated) snapshot of where work stands. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Task-Tracker-Dashboard-Template.png With this template, you create a structured task list, assigning each task a name, responsible person, start and end dates, priority level, and current status (not started, in progress, on hold, overdue, or complete). It automatically generates visual charts and summary graphics showing how many tasks are completed, in progress or overdue, making it easy to grasp the overall workload at a glance. The layout keeps everything centralized, so you can quickly filter, sort, and monitor tasks across dates, priorities and assignees. 14. Project Status Report Template The project status is a report that captures where the project is at a specific time. You can see it’s health and progress. This can be used to update stakeholders, but is also a valuable asset for project managers. They can use the status plan to see if they’re on schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Status-Report-Screenshot.jpg Using the free project status report template for Excel captures all the metrics you need to keep your project on track. There’s general information, a summary of the project status, the project health, a risk management overview and recommendations and concerns. This free template is vital to deliver your project on time. 15. Resource Plan Template Resources are a major part of any project schedule. They are the people and things that you’ll need to complete the tasks in your project. Allocating them works hand-in-glove with your project schedule. You need to know what and when you require the resource. /wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Resource-Plan-Screenshot-1600x569.jpg Using our free resource plan template for Excel helps you organize all your resources for the project. You can list all the team members on one side and then define them by which department they’re working in. Next, you can add their rate, cost and availability. It’s the free project scheduling template you need to track the availability of your resources. 16. Project Dashboard Template To make sure your schedule is on track once your team starts to execute it, you need to monitor its progress and performance. The status report is one such tool. Another is a project dashboard, which measures several project metrics and displays them in graphs and charts. /wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Project-Dashboard-template-UPDATE-1600x698.png The free project dashboard template for Excel is a powerful tool that allows you to track the status of your tasks, the workload of your team, task lengths and costs. However, all that data has to be manually put into the template and updated, whereas software does that work for you. 17. Estimate Template Another part of creating a project schedule is estimating. The more accurately you can forecast your project costs, the more accurate your project schedule will be. Estimating requires gathering data and then calculating that data to come up with what your project budget will be, which informs your project schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Project-Estimate-Screenshot.jpg To make better forecasts on project costs that will impact your project schedule, we have a free estimate template. This scheduling template is broken up into project phases. Under each of these is a list of tasks that has space to add the vendor or contractor, the labor and material costs and then a total. When you add up all the costs of your tasks, you’ll have a clear idea of what the project will require financially. 18. Risk Register Template Nothing can take you off schedule faster than when issues arise in your project. When planning a schedule, you need to be aware of what risks might show up, so you can quickly identify them and resolve them before they negatively impact the project. For that, you need a risk register. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Risk-Tracking-Screenshot.jpg A free risk register template allows you to collect all the potential issues that might impact your project. You can describe the risk in the far left column, then in the next column write how it would impact the project. Following that, there is a column to note your response, the level of the risk and who is responsible for identifying and resolving it. 19. Project Budget Template The budget is one of the most impactful elements of the project plan on your scheduling. You can’t keep working if you’re not funded. Therefore, a project manager must know what the costs of the project are before they can schedule the work to be completed by the deadline. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Budget-Screenshot.jpg With the project budget template for Excel, you have space to list all the labor and material costs, which tasks they are being used for and who is assigned to do that work. There are other line items, too, such as travel expenses, equipment rentals and fixed items, where the amount is set and doesn’t change. Capture the cost of your project with our free template. 20. Kanban Board Template One of the best project scheduling templates for visualizing workflow is the free kanban board template for Excel. A kanban board is made up of columns that represent each stage of a process or production cycle, while kanban cards are used to capture specific tasks. These cards then move from one column to another as they go through the process. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kanban-board-excel-template.jpg This scheduling template provides project managers with a window into the workflow of their team. They can foresee where there is potential for a bottleneck and reallocate resources to remove it before it impacts the schedule. Meanwhile, teams are able to manage their backlog and plan together as they collaborate on the board. While kanban boards are often thought of as tools used in scrum teams or when managing a project in an agile environment, they are more versatile than that. Managers might plan on Gantt charts and teams execute their tasks on kanban boards. ProjectManager Helps with Project Scheduling You can schedule a project using these free templates; however, you’ll find yourself overburdened and always behind. What you need is project management software that has real-time data to plan the project, but also monitor it as it’s being executed to help you stay on track. ProjectManager is an online tool that helps you plan your project schedule, monitor its progress and keep track of your team’s performance so you can meet your deadlines. Plan Your Schedule on Interactive Gantt Charts Getting all your project tasks, resources and costs to come in on time is complicated. Gantt charts are a great tool to organize all those activities and see them on a timeline that shows you the entire project in one place. You can link dependencies to avoid delays and even filter for the critical path. Then set a baseline and you’ll be able to track project variance to make sure you’re staying on schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gantt-chart-in-project-management-construction-project.png Use Multiple Project Views Managers love Gantt charts but teams don’t need to view the project schedule with that level of detail. They want to know which tasks are assigned to them and when they’re due. All the data scheduled on the Gantt simultaneously shows up on our other project views, such as the sheet, task list, kanban and calendar views. There’s one source of truth keeping everyone working on the same page but teams can track their tasks on calendars for important upcoming dates, robust task lists or the visual workflow of a kanban. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Light-Mode-Calendar-150-1.jpg Track Your Team’s Progress on Tasks As mentioned above, you can get a high-level view of the project with our real-time dashboard. To see how each team member is progressing on their assigned tasks, though, you can view the timesheets or generate a timesheet report. See how far your team has progressed in completing their tasks and know if you’re meeting the schedule or if you need to re-allocate resources to get back on track. Timesheets are secure and also streamline the payroll process. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Timesheet_Wide_Zoom-175.jpg Timesheets are just one of the many reports you can create with a keystroke. Get reports on time, cost and more to help you keep to your schedule. All reports can be filtered to show only the data you want to see and then easily shared with stakeholders to keep them updated. Our software not only helps you stay on schedule but has task and resource management, workflow automation and much more. It’s the only software you’ll need to manage your projects. Related Content Project Management Excel Templates and Spreadsheets PMO Templates for Excel and Word Project Management Templates for Google Sheets Excel Spreadsheet Templates for Tracking Tasks, Costs and Time Project Planning Templates for Excel and Word 13 Plantillas de programación de proyectos para Excel ProjectManager is award-winning software that plans, schedules and controls every aspect of your project. Our collaborative platform connects hybrid teams and helps them work better together regardless of where, when or how they work. Get started today for free. The post 20 Best Project Scheduling Templates for Excel appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. We’ve reached the end of television. Since the invention of the technology in the 1920s, TV screens have gradually grown larger, pictures clearer, and sets cheaper, until now: For all intents and purposes, we’re at the end of the road. This "nothing special" 65-inch Samsung unit, is, for most people, as good as a TV ever needs to be. It displays an image more highly detailed than most viewers can perceive from a couch-length viewing distance, its screen is as big as the average American living room can handle, and it costs less than $500. For 100 years, manufacturers and consumers have been chasing screen size and image clarity, so what happens now that the dog has caught the mail truck, and just about everyone has a TV that’s essentially perfect? A brief history of big-screen TVsTelevision has come a long way. If we traveled back in time to 1986 with the equivalent of $500 to buy a TV, we would only be able to afford the cheapest set from that year's Sears catalog. For $159.99, the same relative cost as a 65-inch Samsung today, you could snag a set featuring a 13-inch, 4:3 screen with an equivalent resolution of around 480i. (CRT televisions don't have pixels, but their screens displayed roughly 330–480 lines of usable detail depending on the signal.) By comparison, the Samsung has a 65-inch, 16:9 screen with a 3840×2160 resolution. Those CRTs originally displayed images by firing electrons at a phosphorescent screen inside a vacuum-sealed glass tube. The cathode ray tube (hence CRT) had to be deep enough for the electron beams to accelerate, with glass thick enough safely contain them. The result: heavy, deep, fragile machines that couldn’t practically support screens much larger than 40 inches without being prohibitively expensive and heavy. The 1981 Sony KV-3000R, a 30-inch model that cost $10,000 ($36,500 in today’s money) and weighed over 500 pounds, was at the top of the big CRT consumer market. It was technically possible to go bigger—Trinitron created a 45-inch CRT in 1989 that sold in Japan for $40,000—but these were not the kind of screens you'd find in anyone's living room. The projection TVs that followed were able to achieve their unheard-of screen sizes by using internal projectors and mirrors to project the cathode ray image onto a translucent screen, but this came with significant drawbacks. The sets were massive and could weigh up to 500 pounds, and the projected image was blurrier and dimmer than a typical CRT’s already "standard definition" image. Viewing angles were limited—you basically had to sit directly in front of it to see anything clearly—and projector bulbs had a limited lifespan and were expensive to replace. The limitations and cost of rear projection TVs didn’t dissuade people from adopting the technology, especially as they came down in price. By the 1990s, improvements in rear-projection optics, CRT projectors, and production efficiency made big-screen, rear projection TVs into a status symbol, resulting in 50-, 60-, and even 70-inch behemoths appearing in suburban living rooms. They were still heavy, fuzzy, and crazy expensive—a 61-inch Magnavox rear-projection television cost $2,999.99 in 1993—but everything changed in the late 90s with the release of the first plasma TVs. The flat screen revolutionPlasma and LCD TVs weren’t just better ways of displaying images, but worked on entirely differently principles altogether. In a plasma TV, each pixel is a tiny gas-filled cell that emits ultraviolet light when charged with electricity, which then excites phosphors on the display to create visible colors that resolve into an episode of Friends. LCD TVs use liquid crystals to control the passage of light sourced from a backlight behind. Each pixel contains a liquid crystal layer that can twist or block light, allowing precise control over color and brightness and thus a much more detailed look at Rachel’s hair. Both technologies supported far brighter and more defined images than rear projection TVs all without weighing 400 pounds, making big screen, high-definition displays obtainable for average consumers. Both LCD and plasma TVs had advantages and drawbacks—plasmas had faster response times (how quickly a pixel can adjust) and darker blacks than LCDs, but LCD TVs lasted longer (around 50,000 hours vs 30,000 hours), used less power, work better in brighter rooms, and weren't as prone to "burn in" as older plasma and CRT monitors. Ultimately, LCD won out, and plasma TVs became a thing of the past by 2014. In 2004, Sony introduced the first LED TVs. Where older LCD TVs use cold cathode fluorescent lamps for back lighting, LEDs use light-emitting diodes as backlighting. They're much more energy efficient and produce a brighter image, more accurate colors, and greater contrast than either LCD or Plasma displays. LED and other technical improvements also solved problems like narrow viewing angles, motion blur, and uneven backlighting that plagued earlier generations of flat screens. Flat panel displays were expensive at first, but prices fell rapidly. A 42-inch plasma cost around $20,000 in 1997, but cost less than $1,000 a decade later. As prices fell, resolution rose, from 720p (1,280 pixels wide by 720 pixels tall) to 1080p (1,920 pixels wide by 1,080 pixels long) to 4K (3,840 pixels wide by 2,160 pixels long), making it feasible for anyone to mount a giant TV on their living room wall and enjoy a level of realism and image quality previously only available in movie theaters. Fine tuning your television: All about backlightingAs screen size and resolution improved, so too did the qualitative aspects of TV images—contrast, color accuracy, and brightness. Older LCD TVs use fluorescent lamps to shine light through liquid crystals, but the crystals can't block all of the light, so no pixel is ever truly black. That's why you can tell whether an older LCD TV is on, even if there is no picture. LED displays are built with local dimming—backlights that can light up or dim zones of the screen as needed. The result is less light leaking through the pixels, and thus darker blacks. Mini-LED displays have many more backlighting "zones," sometimes thousands, further refining the darkness. QLED displays slide a film of "quantum dots" between the LED lights and the LCD front that dilate to improve color saturation and brightness. Organic light-emitting diode TVs (OLED) take it even further. Many OLED televisions don't have a backlight at all. Instead, each pixel in the display contains an organic material that lights up individually when electricity is applied. So when a pixel is black, it's off, which means it's totally black. OLED televisions aren't perfect—they tend to be less bright than LED or mini-LED displays—and the emerging technology of microLED TVs promises to solve that problem, but current six-figure price tags make them prohibitively expensive. We may have achieved peak televisionThe difference between a color image and a black-and-white one were immediately obvious when the first color TVs hit the market in the 1950s, as was the difference between high-definition and standard definition in late 1990s, but the distinction between an OLED and a QLED display are fine enough to be almost indistinguishable to the average consumer. I'm sure some people are passionately devoted to OLED over mini-LED, or feel you haven't really experienced Breaking Bad if you haven't seen it on a $100,000 microLED TV, but for the rest of us, midrange TVs are so close to "as good as they can possibly be" that granular technological improvements are meaningless. Now, no technology is perfect for everyone. CRT TVs, for instance, are better than the best LED TVs for old school gaming, and a 4K TV might not be detailed enough for some technical uses, but if you're just talking about the needs and desires of standard, living-room-dwelling watchers, current TV technology is all but perfect. Here are some reasons why: The limits of visionA standard 65-inch 4K television delivers a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, a density high enough to create an image that is pixel-invisible to a typical viewer sitting at reasonable distance from a television. You can buy an 8K TV (7,680 pixels wide by 4,320 pixels tall), but those extra pixels won’t make the picture look clearer or more highly defined in a practical way; they’ll only add more detail than you can physically see from your couch. For reasonable viewing, even 4K screens are overkill. Then, there's the question of size. TVs always could get bigger, but there’s a point where it doesn’t add value to the experience of watching. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers has determined that the best screen viewing experience for most people is achieved when sitting at a distance where your display screen is taking up 30 degrees of your vision. That’s about 8.5 feet away for a 65-inch TV, more than adequate for most living rooms, and even if it isn’t, commercially available televisions go up to 115-inches, which is big enough for all but a cathedral-sized rec room. The limits of light, color, and comfortContrast, the difference in brightness between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites that a screen can display, helps determine how vivid and detailed an image looks. OLED TVs don't have contrast ratios, because the contrast is infinite. Each pixel in an OLED TV is its own light source, so when a pixel is told to be black, it is literally off, and it doesn’t get blacker than that. In terms of color, modern OLED TVs can reproduce 98 to 100% of the colors used in movies and TV shows, so what you see on screen is all the color there is in source material. While other display types don't have OLED's infinite contrast ratio, they get pretty close: Some mini-LED TVs have a contrast ratio as high as 10,000,000:1. TVs are also brighter than ever. Displays designed for use outside are bright enough to be watchable in full sunlight, and their peak HDR brightness of 1,400 or so nits is far brighter than then the 250 nits of typical screen viewed indoors, which is already more than bright enough to be comfortable for your living room. The limits of contentAs far as what we watch on TV, if you define perfect TV as “the ability to watch anything I want, whenever I want,” we’re practically there. Viewers used to have a scarcity problem; you'd watch whatever happened to be on one of three channels and you'd like it. Now, our problem now is abundance. We’re overwhelmed with content to watch—there are millions of instantly available things to stream on your TV, from shows to movies to YouTube videos. While programming spread over thousands of channels and across dozens of pay and free streaming services is messy, almost every film or TV show ever produced is available somewhere, although it might take a little work (and monthly subscription fees) to find it. What’s next for TV? Consumer demand for bigger-screened televisions with higher quality displays has essentially driven the industry for the last 80 years, so what happens now that the race is almost over and we can all watch whatever we want on an all but-perfect TV? A marketing person might answer that TV makers will create reasons for people to want new TVs by expanding what TV actually is. You can see this happening with things Samsung’s The Wall or Sony’s Crystal LED—systems that let you cover an entire wall with seamless TV panels (if you have a spare $100,000 sitting around). But do people really want a TV wall enough to buy one, assuming they become more affordable? Some people would, sure, but a wall screen wouldn’t really make sitting on the couch watching TV better for most of us. A more down-to-earth potential future for TVs is represented by Samsung’s Frame, a “a lifestyle TV” designed to turn your screen into a gallery of digital art when you’re not watching Netflix. It’s cool, but if it doesn’t improve the experience of watching Pluribus, I’m not rushing out to replace my TV. When “big TV” tries to create a desire for TVs that do something other than just work like TVs, the results haven’t always worked. Back 2010, perhaps sensing the need for a “gotta have it” feature, the industry rolled out the first 3D TVs. Despite years of hyping the technology as the next big thing, consumers didn’t bite, and by 2017, 3D TV was a dead technology. It was cool, but not cool enough to justify buying a new TV when people just wanted to watch Game of Thrones. Another example: the “screenless screen” represented by AR/VR devices like the Apple VisionPro or Meta Quest 3. It’s too early to say for sure, but these much-hyped devices seem to be meeting with lukewarm consumer response as well. The one way your TV isn’t perfectDon’t get too smug about your perfect TV, though, as it's probably going to break soon. The profitability of the TV industry requires a lot of people buy new TVs every few years, so your 65-inch Samsung isn't designed to last as long as the clunky CRTs of yore. Older sets were fairly simple machines that could last for decades (if Elvis didn't shoot them), but modern flat-panels are packed with LEDs that dim and LCDs that flicker out. Maybe more importantly, almost all new TVs are smart TVs, which introduces new ways of adding obsolescence—manufacturers could stop updating your TV's operating system and streaming services could drop support too. Even if the display still works, you might find navigating your TV to be such a slow, cumbersome, and useless experience that you'll go out and pick up a new one, far earlier than you otherwise would. There's also the matter of privacy: These TVs are constantly watching what we do, and collect our data when connected to the internet. It's part of why TVs don't cost as much up front: You are subsidizing the price with your data. Disconnecting these TVs from the internet helps, but many streaming devices aren't much better, so you need to choose wisely. Choosing the right one, however, can expand the life of an old, otherwise functioning TV—until the hardware gives out, of course. The TVs we have today are brilliant, cheap, and enormous, but they’re also designed for a world where replacing your screen every five-seven years is normal, even if a “better” set doesn’t necessarily exist. View the full article

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. There will be more posts than usual this week, so keep checking back throughout the day. Remember the letter-writer whose partner was angry about how she handled harassment at work? Here’s the update. Addressing the domestic violence situation: following my post, we took more than a month away from each other. I stayed in our flat, he stayed with a friend and we had zero contact during this time. About 40 days in, my partner came home (as agreed), but he works away a lot so he booked jobs to be away Mon-Fri for four weeks and we used the weekends to talk about whether we wanted to and most importantly could, despite loving each other, work this out. He was, as before, very apologetic and very earnest. During the time apart, I worked hard to get to grips with the higher responsibilities in my new job and relaxed at home. I had friends round, I reupholstered some furniture (which still makes me laugh picturing this 32-year-old loose with fabric and a staple gun), and I rediscovered my single life routine of work, gym, cooking, and reading. I thought hard about all the comments to leave but this was a one-time event which surprised me because it was so unusual. It being a one-time event is how I managed to stay calm and strong in myself at the time. My partner sought help and, as a very private man, has done this on his own. A couple of commenters were right, he didn’t know he had issues until this happened and he saw himself, didn’t like it, and wanted to change. He went against his usual walled privacy a little to write me a journal each day whilst we were apart and he talked with his mother and sister more then and continues to do so now, which is wonderful — their previously strained relationship is recovering. It is evident he has done the work to overcome his issues from the logical and calm way he handles any conflict now. That past behavior which took me by such surprise has not reared its head at all — in any conflict with me, he is often the one to extend an olive branch first and leads by example. He looks after me, takes care of my needs above his own at all times, and supports me. I have a good feeling that he relies on his sister for help understanding me if and when needed which is great that he seeks help and advice and clearly wants to understand me. We are both constantly learning, but I guess him more so. The one thing from your advice, Alison, that really stood out to me was “If he simply can’t live with how you’ve decided to handle your own work situation, his options are to try to change your perspective respectfully or to leave.” I raised this point to him during our talks and it really helped us both work through everything with clarity on the options. Addressing the workplace harassment: Looking back at my old workplace, I am sad I didn’t do more. But someone’s comment on my post helped me make peace with it — I did what I could at the time and survived. New workplace has its own problems, all communication and change management driven, which I spoke up about on behalf of our team in a meeting with the board! My manager’s manager and the COO have asked me if I would consider a manager’s position as one is available, but my Plan A is financial adviser — managing people isn’t my dream. I’m well on the way to securing my dream job, and any Plan B is a waste of resource to me. A user by the handle Grumpy Elder Millennial read between the lines and understood my intentions in my original post — I just wanted assurance that I had done nothing wrong. I was very confused at the time being on the receiving end from someone I trust that I had been wrong, and I’m grateful for the assurance that I hadn’t. With time, my own space to come to this realization, and relying solely on my personal reflection, I now do wish I had done more, such as take the log I made of events to the director (a director who does want to do right by his employees, dreads doing the hard stuff but will get on with it when required, sometimes after a period of scrambling to maintain the status quo). I am okay with this being a lesson learned. I am grateful to everyone for their advice, no matter how hard to read! And thankful to everyone who wished me the best. I am happy that this seems to be one of those rare times where seeing the good in someone in a terrible situation was the right choice. The post update: my partner is angry about how I handled harassment at work appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Home Office assessment shows impact of latest changes to immigration regime over next five yearsView the full article

Netflix-Paramount bidding war leaves news network detested by Donald The President in limboView the full article

New rules means sellers and servicers will need to have plans demonstrating proper oversight of their artificial intelligence and machine learning practices. View the full article

If you’re considering a franchise opportunity, comprehension of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital. This legal document lays out fundamental information about the franchise, including the franchisor’s background, fees, and obligations. It’s designed to help you make informed decisions, with a mandatory 14-day review period to assess everything carefully. Knowing what’s in the FDD can greatly impact your franchise path, but many potential franchisees overlook its importance. What should you look for in this document? Key Takeaways The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal requirement for franchisors, detailing essential franchise information for potential franchisees. It contains 23 mandated items, including fees, obligations, and franchisor’s history, promoting transparency in franchise opportunities. The FDD must be provided at least 14 days before signing agreements, allowing franchisees to review terms thoroughly. Regular updates and compliance with state-specific regulations are essential for maintaining the FDD’s validity and legal standing. Legal professionals ensure the FDD meets requirements, simplifies language, and clarifies rights and responsibilities, minimizing misunderstandings and disputes. Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) When you’re considering investing in a franchise, comprehending the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital. This legal document must be provided to you at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or pay fees, ensuring you make informed decisions. The FDD contains 23 key items, detailing the franchisor’s background, initial and ongoing fees, and franchisee obligations, which are important for evaluating franchise opportunities. In states like Minnesota, franchise registration is necessary, whereas in Wisconsin, the FDD must comply with local regulations. These FDD franchise documents must be updated annually and include audited financial statements. They promote transparency and trust, serving as a foundational tool that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees. Key Components of the FDD The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) consists of several key components that potential franchisees must understand to make informed investment decisions. It includes 23 mandated items, covering crucial information about the franchise. Key elements are initial and ongoing fees (Items 5 and 6), estimated initial investment (Item 7), and a summary of franchisee obligations (Item 9) in a clear format. The FDD further details the franchisor’s management experience (Item 2) and any pertinent litigation or bankruptcy history (Items 3 and 4). In addition, it outlines support provided to franchisees, including training and advertising (Item 11). Financial performance representations (Item 19) may be included to help you gauge potential earnings, especially under regulations like Wisconsin franchise registration and California FDD requirements. Legal Requirements for Issuing an FDD When you’re looking to issue an FDD, timing and registration are key legal requirements you must follow. You need to provide the FDD to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before they sign any agreements or pay fees, ensuring they’ve ample time to review the necessary information. Furthermore, if you’re operating in certain states, such as New York, you must register your FDD with local authorities before making offers or sales, highlighting the importance of compliance with state-specific regulations. Timing of Disclosure Comprehending the timing of disclosure is important for both franchisors and prospective franchisees. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided at least 14 days before signing a franchise agreement or making any payment. This lead time allows for thorough review. Key points to remember include: The FDD issuance date indicates when it’s deemed complete and compliant. In registration states, the FDD must be filed with a state examiner before franchise offerings. Some states may modify the standard 14-day disclosure period, so it’s important to know local regulations. Timely disclosure is critical for compliance with federal regulations. Missing these requirements can result in significant legal consequences for the franchisor, emphasizing the need for diligence in the process. Registration Requirements Overview Comprehending the legal requirements for issuing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is essential for franchisors to navigate the complex environment of franchise regulation. You must issue the FDD at least 14 days before any signed agreement or payment to allow potential franchisees sufficient review time. In states with franchise registration laws, you’ll need to register the FDD with a state examiner prior to offering or selling franchises. The Amended Rule mandates that the FDD includes 23 specific disclosure items required by federal and state laws. Furthermore, FDD registration must be renewed annually within 120 days after your fiscal year-end, and any material changes must be updated immediately. Significantly, New York requires FDD registration regardless of where your franchisees are located. The 14-Day Disclosure Timeline When you’re considering a franchise opportunity, comprehension of the 14-day disclosure timeline is essential. This period starts as soon as you sign the receipt page of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and guarantees you have enough time to thoroughly review the information before making any commitments. Adhering to this timeline isn’t just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement that protects both you and the franchisor from rushed decisions. Disclosure Timing Requirements Comprehending the significance of disclosure timing is critical for anyone contemplating a franchise opportunity. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or exchange money. This waiting period guarantees you have ample time to review the information and make informed decisions. Key points to reflect on: The 14-day timeline prevents rushed commitments, nurturing better decision-making. The disclosure process begins once you sign the FDD receipt page, a fundamental step in compliance. Some states may have different regulations, so be aware of local laws that could affect the timeline. Timely disclosure is crucial for compliance with federal regulations, as failing to meet this requirement can lead to legal issues for the franchisor. Importance of Review Period The 14-day review period is essential for potential franchisees, as it provides a critical window to thoroughly examine the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before making any commitments. This timeframe guarantees you have ample opportunity to digest important details about fees, obligations, and potential risks associated with the franchise opportunity. The waiting period encourages informed decision-making, preventing hasty choices that could lead to regrets. Additionally, you can consult with legal and financial advisors during this time, allowing for a clearer comprehension of your investment. It’s important to highlight that failure to comply with the 14-day requirement can result in legal repercussions for franchisors, including potential claims for damages from franchisees. Always prioritize this review period for your own protection. Importance of Transparency in the FDD Transparency in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) plays a crucial role in guiding potential franchisees as they navigate their investment decisions. By providing clear and detailed information, the FDD helps you understand the franchise opportunity better. Here are a few key aspects of transparency in the FDD: It includes 23 specific disclosure items, such as the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy history, allowing you to assess risks. The legally mandated 14-day review period gives you ample time to digest the terms before committing. Detailed financial performance representations help you gauge potential profitability, enhancing informed decision-making. How the FDD Supports Franchisee Decision-Making Comprehending how the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) supports your decision-making is vital when considering a franchise investment. The FDD provides fundamental information about the franchisor’s business, including fees, financial performance, and your obligations as a franchisee. This document consists of 23 standardized items, ensuring transparency in the franchise relationship. By requiring disclosure at least 14 days before any agreement or payment, you gain sufficient time to review the terms carefully. The FDD not only details your rights and responsibilities but additionally helps you assess the potential profitability and feasibility of the opportunity. With insights into initial and ongoing fees and litigation history, the FDD empowers you to make informed investment decisions during minimizing misunderstandings with the franchisor. Updates and Maintenance of the FDD When you’re considering a franchise, keeping the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) updated is critical for ensuring both compliance and clarity in your business relationship. You need to adhere to specific timelines and requirements: Update the FDD annually within 120 days of your fiscal year-end to maintain compliance. If there are material changes to your franchise or business model, update it quarterly or immediately if misleading information is present. Renew your FDD registration annually to avoid expiration, submitting renewal applications well in advance. Role of Legal Professionals in FDD Preparation Legal professionals play a significant role in the preparation of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), guaranteeing that it meets all legal requirements and accurately reflects the franchisor’s business model. They assist in drafting the FDD in plain English, making it accessible and clear for potential franchisees. By helping to avoid over-disclosure, they make certain that only necessary information is included, streamlining the registration process. Franchise attorneys additionally provide critical guidance on updating the FDD regularly, reflecting any material changes and guaranteeing compliance with annual renewal requirements. Moreover, they navigate the intricacies of franchise agreements, clearly communicating the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, which is fundamental for a successful franchise relationship. Common Misunderstandings About the FDD What do you really know about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)? Many misconceptions surround the FDD, which is more than just a formality; it’s a significant legal document detailing rights and obligations for both franchisors and franchisees. Here are some common misunderstandings: Not all FDDs are identical; each one is unique to its franchise brand, covering specific structures, fees, and operational details. Professional assistance is often necessary; even seasoned business owners can miss critical details that affect their investments. The FDD plays a key role in preventing disputes, establishing clear expectations between the parties involved. Thoroughly reviewing the FDD is important for clarity and fairness, as overlooking it can lead to misunderstandings and financial risks down the line. Evaluating Franchise Opportunities Using the FDD Evaluating franchise opportunities using the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital for making informed investment decisions, as it provides a thorough overview of what you can expect from a franchise. The FDD includes 23 key items that cover fundamental aspects like fees, litigation history, and obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements, giving you ample time to review. Important sections like Item 7, which outlines the estimated initial investment, and Item 19, detailing financial performance, are critical for comprehending your financial commitments. The support and training provided by the franchisor, found in Item 11, can likewise greatly affect your success. Key Item Description Estimated Initial Investment Overview of startup costs (Item 7) Ongoing Fees Details of recurring payments (Item 6) Financial Performance Insights on sales potential (Item 19) Support and Training Level of assistance from the franchisor (Item 11) Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Franchise Disclosure Document FDD and Why Is It Important? A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a vital legal document that provides you with important information about a franchise opportunity. It includes details such as the franchisor’s history, fees, and obligations. The FDD helps you understand your rights and responsibilities before signing any agreements or making payments. What Is an FDD Document? An FDD, or Franchise Disclosure Document, is a legal document that provides vital information about a franchise opportunity. It includes 23 specific items detailing the franchisor’s business history, fees, and franchisee obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements or paying fees, allowing you to make informed decisions. It’s fundamental for comprehending your rights and responsibilities, along with the risks involved in the franchise investment. How Is an FDD Used in Franchising? In franchising, the FDD serves as a critical tool for potential franchisees. It outlines important details about the franchisor, including fees, obligations, and financial performance expectations. You’ll receive this document at least 14 days before signing any agreements, allowing you to make informed decisions. By reviewing the FDD, you can better understand the franchise relationship, ensuring transparency and minimizing disputes. It’s updated annually and whenever significant changes occur, keeping you informed. What Special Paperwork Is Necessary to Start a Franchise? To start a franchise, you’ll need key paperwork, primarily the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and a Franchise Agreement (FA). The FDD outlines vital information like fees and obligations, guaranteeing transparency. You’ll additionally need to check state regulations, as some require the FDD to be registered before selling franchises. Regular updates to the FDD are mandatory, keeping information current. Ascertain you understand these documents fully before proceeding with any agreements or payments. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital for anyone considering a franchise opportunity. The FDD provides fundamental details, including fees, obligations, and legal requirements, ensuring transparency in the franchise relationship. By taking the time to review this document during the mandated 14-day period, you can make an informed decision about potential risks and benefits. Consulting legal professionals can further improve your comprehension, helping you navigate the intricacies of franchise ownership effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are FDD Franchise Documents and Their Importance?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering a franchise opportunity, comprehension of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital. This legal document lays out fundamental information about the franchise, including the franchisor’s background, fees, and obligations. It’s designed to help you make informed decisions, with a mandatory 14-day review period to assess everything carefully. Knowing what’s in the FDD can greatly impact your franchise path, but many potential franchisees overlook its importance. What should you look for in this document? Key Takeaways The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal requirement for franchisors, detailing essential franchise information for potential franchisees. It contains 23 mandated items, including fees, obligations, and franchisor’s history, promoting transparency in franchise opportunities. The FDD must be provided at least 14 days before signing agreements, allowing franchisees to review terms thoroughly. Regular updates and compliance with state-specific regulations are essential for maintaining the FDD’s validity and legal standing. Legal professionals ensure the FDD meets requirements, simplifies language, and clarifies rights and responsibilities, minimizing misunderstandings and disputes. Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) When you’re considering investing in a franchise, comprehending the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital. This legal document must be provided to you at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or pay fees, ensuring you make informed decisions. The FDD contains 23 key items, detailing the franchisor’s background, initial and ongoing fees, and franchisee obligations, which are important for evaluating franchise opportunities. In states like Minnesota, franchise registration is necessary, whereas in Wisconsin, the FDD must comply with local regulations. These FDD franchise documents must be updated annually and include audited financial statements. They promote transparency and trust, serving as a foundational tool that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees. Key Components of the FDD The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) consists of several key components that potential franchisees must understand to make informed investment decisions. It includes 23 mandated items, covering crucial information about the franchise. Key elements are initial and ongoing fees (Items 5 and 6), estimated initial investment (Item 7), and a summary of franchisee obligations (Item 9) in a clear format. The FDD further details the franchisor’s management experience (Item 2) and any pertinent litigation or bankruptcy history (Items 3 and 4). In addition, it outlines support provided to franchisees, including training and advertising (Item 11). Financial performance representations (Item 19) may be included to help you gauge potential earnings, especially under regulations like Wisconsin franchise registration and California FDD requirements. Legal Requirements for Issuing an FDD When you’re looking to issue an FDD, timing and registration are key legal requirements you must follow. You need to provide the FDD to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before they sign any agreements or pay fees, ensuring they’ve ample time to review the necessary information. Furthermore, if you’re operating in certain states, such as New York, you must register your FDD with local authorities before making offers or sales, highlighting the importance of compliance with state-specific regulations. Timing of Disclosure Comprehending the timing of disclosure is important for both franchisors and prospective franchisees. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided at least 14 days before signing a franchise agreement or making any payment. This lead time allows for thorough review. Key points to remember include: The FDD issuance date indicates when it’s deemed complete and compliant. In registration states, the FDD must be filed with a state examiner before franchise offerings. Some states may modify the standard 14-day disclosure period, so it’s important to know local regulations. Timely disclosure is critical for compliance with federal regulations. Missing these requirements can result in significant legal consequences for the franchisor, emphasizing the need for diligence in the process. Registration Requirements Overview Comprehending the legal requirements for issuing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is essential for franchisors to navigate the complex environment of franchise regulation. You must issue the FDD at least 14 days before any signed agreement or payment to allow potential franchisees sufficient review time. In states with franchise registration laws, you’ll need to register the FDD with a state examiner prior to offering or selling franchises. The Amended Rule mandates that the FDD includes 23 specific disclosure items required by federal and state laws. Furthermore, FDD registration must be renewed annually within 120 days after your fiscal year-end, and any material changes must be updated immediately. Significantly, New York requires FDD registration regardless of where your franchisees are located. The 14-Day Disclosure Timeline When you’re considering a franchise opportunity, comprehension of the 14-day disclosure timeline is essential. This period starts as soon as you sign the receipt page of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and guarantees you have enough time to thoroughly review the information before making any commitments. Adhering to this timeline isn’t just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement that protects both you and the franchisor from rushed decisions. Disclosure Timing Requirements Comprehending the significance of disclosure timing is critical for anyone contemplating a franchise opportunity. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) must be provided at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or exchange money. This waiting period guarantees you have ample time to review the information and make informed decisions. Key points to reflect on: The 14-day timeline prevents rushed commitments, nurturing better decision-making. The disclosure process begins once you sign the FDD receipt page, a fundamental step in compliance. Some states may have different regulations, so be aware of local laws that could affect the timeline. Timely disclosure is crucial for compliance with federal regulations, as failing to meet this requirement can lead to legal issues for the franchisor. Importance of Review Period The 14-day review period is essential for potential franchisees, as it provides a critical window to thoroughly examine the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before making any commitments. This timeframe guarantees you have ample opportunity to digest important details about fees, obligations, and potential risks associated with the franchise opportunity. The waiting period encourages informed decision-making, preventing hasty choices that could lead to regrets. Additionally, you can consult with legal and financial advisors during this time, allowing for a clearer comprehension of your investment. It’s important to highlight that failure to comply with the 14-day requirement can result in legal repercussions for franchisors, including potential claims for damages from franchisees. Always prioritize this review period for your own protection. Importance of Transparency in the FDD Transparency in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) plays a crucial role in guiding potential franchisees as they navigate their investment decisions. By providing clear and detailed information, the FDD helps you understand the franchise opportunity better. Here are a few key aspects of transparency in the FDD: It includes 23 specific disclosure items, such as the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy history, allowing you to assess risks. The legally mandated 14-day review period gives you ample time to digest the terms before committing. Detailed financial performance representations help you gauge potential profitability, enhancing informed decision-making. How the FDD Supports Franchisee Decision-Making Comprehending how the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) supports your decision-making is vital when considering a franchise investment. The FDD provides fundamental information about the franchisor’s business, including fees, financial performance, and your obligations as a franchisee. This document consists of 23 standardized items, ensuring transparency in the franchise relationship. By requiring disclosure at least 14 days before any agreement or payment, you gain sufficient time to review the terms carefully. The FDD not only details your rights and responsibilities but additionally helps you assess the potential profitability and feasibility of the opportunity. With insights into initial and ongoing fees and litigation history, the FDD empowers you to make informed investment decisions during minimizing misunderstandings with the franchisor. Updates and Maintenance of the FDD When you’re considering a franchise, keeping the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) updated is critical for ensuring both compliance and clarity in your business relationship. You need to adhere to specific timelines and requirements: Update the FDD annually within 120 days of your fiscal year-end to maintain compliance. If there are material changes to your franchise or business model, update it quarterly or immediately if misleading information is present. Renew your FDD registration annually to avoid expiration, submitting renewal applications well in advance. Role of Legal Professionals in FDD Preparation Legal professionals play a significant role in the preparation of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), guaranteeing that it meets all legal requirements and accurately reflects the franchisor’s business model. They assist in drafting the FDD in plain English, making it accessible and clear for potential franchisees. By helping to avoid over-disclosure, they make certain that only necessary information is included, streamlining the registration process. Franchise attorneys additionally provide critical guidance on updating the FDD regularly, reflecting any material changes and guaranteeing compliance with annual renewal requirements. Moreover, they navigate the intricacies of franchise agreements, clearly communicating the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, which is fundamental for a successful franchise relationship. Common Misunderstandings About the FDD What do you really know about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)? Many misconceptions surround the FDD, which is more than just a formality; it’s a significant legal document detailing rights and obligations for both franchisors and franchisees. Here are some common misunderstandings: Not all FDDs are identical; each one is unique to its franchise brand, covering specific structures, fees, and operational details. Professional assistance is often necessary; even seasoned business owners can miss critical details that affect their investments. The FDD plays a key role in preventing disputes, establishing clear expectations between the parties involved. Thoroughly reviewing the FDD is important for clarity and fairness, as overlooking it can lead to misunderstandings and financial risks down the line. Evaluating Franchise Opportunities Using the FDD Evaluating franchise opportunities using the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital for making informed investment decisions, as it provides a thorough overview of what you can expect from a franchise. The FDD includes 23 key items that cover fundamental aspects like fees, litigation history, and obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements, giving you ample time to review. Important sections like Item 7, which outlines the estimated initial investment, and Item 19, detailing financial performance, are critical for comprehending your financial commitments. The support and training provided by the franchisor, found in Item 11, can likewise greatly affect your success. Key Item Description Estimated Initial Investment Overview of startup costs (Item 7) Ongoing Fees Details of recurring payments (Item 6) Financial Performance Insights on sales potential (Item 19) Support and Training Level of assistance from the franchisor (Item 11) Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Franchise Disclosure Document FDD and Why Is It Important? A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a vital legal document that provides you with important information about a franchise opportunity. It includes details such as the franchisor’s history, fees, and obligations. The FDD helps you understand your rights and responsibilities before signing any agreements or making payments. What Is an FDD Document? An FDD, or Franchise Disclosure Document, is a legal document that provides vital information about a franchise opportunity. It includes 23 specific items detailing the franchisor’s business history, fees, and franchisee obligations. You’ll receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements or paying fees, allowing you to make informed decisions. It’s fundamental for comprehending your rights and responsibilities, along with the risks involved in the franchise investment. How Is an FDD Used in Franchising? In franchising, the FDD serves as a critical tool for potential franchisees. It outlines important details about the franchisor, including fees, obligations, and financial performance expectations. You’ll receive this document at least 14 days before signing any agreements, allowing you to make informed decisions. By reviewing the FDD, you can better understand the franchise relationship, ensuring transparency and minimizing disputes. It’s updated annually and whenever significant changes occur, keeping you informed. What Special Paperwork Is Necessary to Start a Franchise? To start a franchise, you’ll need key paperwork, primarily the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and a Franchise Agreement (FA). The FDD outlines vital information like fees and obligations, guaranteeing transparency. You’ll additionally need to check state regulations, as some require the FDD to be registered before selling franchises. Regular updates to the FDD are mandatory, keeping information current. Ascertain you understand these documents fully before proceeding with any agreements or payments. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital for anyone considering a franchise opportunity. The FDD provides fundamental details, including fees, obligations, and legal requirements, ensuring transparency in the franchise relationship. By taking the time to review this document during the mandated 14-day period, you can make an informed decision about potential risks and benefits. Consulting legal professionals can further improve your comprehension, helping you navigate the intricacies of franchise ownership effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are FDD Franchise Documents and Their Importance?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

IT projects are unique. IT teams plan hardware and software installations, upgrades and rollouts, and the tools they use are specific to working with infrastructure, information systems and computers. These IT project management templates are essential to get those jobs done properly. ProjectManager has dozens of free project management templates for Excel and Word that IT managers need when working on web development, software development, mobile app development, network configuration and so much more. Try these 21 free IT project management templates today. 1. IT Project Plan Template IT project managers are responsible for many different types of projects, from developing new systems to upgrading old enterprise applications. But every IT project has one thing in common: it starts with an IT plan. With our free IT project plan template, IT project managers can organize tasks, costs and resources with scheduled deadlines and deliverables. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/it-template-argo.jpgLearn more Using an IT project management template saves you time and helps you to start a project more efficiently, which leads to a more successful outcome. Not only are you able to figure out what you’re going to do, but you can also share the IT project plan template with your team to get them on the same page. 2. Gantt Chart Template When making an IT plan, or any plan for that matter, the go-to tool is the Gantt chart. It’s a tried-and-true tool for good reason; Gantt charts create a visual timeline in which all your project tasks are scheduled. They can manage time, costs and resources. Creating a Gantt chart in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel is frustrating, especially when there’s one ready for you to use when you download our free Gantt chart template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gantt-Chart-Screenshot.jpg 3. IT Risk Assessment Template IT projects are no different than any other type of project in that they’re rife with risk. IT risk carries an extra burden in that most businesses, regardless of what they do, demand that their IT systems work. If something goes down or is compromised in any way, it can lead to a significant financial loss or worse. This is why our free IT risk assessment template for Excel is so important. /wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IT-Risk-Assessment-Screenshot.jpg The structure of any risk assessment tool has common elements. Ours lists the risk numerically, which makes it easy to track, as well as describing the risk and the control environment. It collects data but also defines the actions to take if the issues do in fact arise so you can mitigate the risk. There’s also a calculator to note the likelihood of the risk occurring and, if it does, what impact it will have. 4. IT Incident Report Template An IT incident report is a structured document used to record unexpected events that disrupt IT systems or services, such as outages, security breaches, hardware failures or other technology issues. It captures what happened, when, who noticed it, the impact and how the issue was resolved. A well-documented incident report helps teams analyze causes, restore service properly, track patterns over time and improve system reliability and future response. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IT-Incident-Report-Template-Screenshot-e1755628333375.png In this IT incident report template, you’ll find a ready-to-use form to log all important details of an IT incident: incident ID, time and date, who reported it, affected systems, severity, description of the event, actions taken, resolution steps and recommendations to prevent recurrence. It also includes fields for impacted users, recovery actions and evidence attachments (like logs or screenshots). Teams can use it to ensure incidents are consistently documented, making post-mortem analysis, audits and continuous improvement easier. 5. Action Plan Template Whether you’re responding to risk or simply planning an IT project, you need a strategy. Our free action plan template for Excel is a document that outlines the steps you should take in order to achieve that strategy. IT project managers can use this IT project management template to visualize how to turn the strategy into actionable steps, which can be broken down into subtasks or action items. /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Action-Plan-Screenshot.jpg IT project managers can use the free template during the planning stage of the project. It outlines goals, action steps, tasks and a timeline and can address business, strategic and corrective action as needed. It’s a versatile tool. However you use it, an action plan provides a framework that helps you think pragmatically and ensures you don’t overlook important tasks. 6. IT Project Budget Template Getting an accurate count of the costs of your IT project is how you ensure you have the funds to do the work properly. That includes everything from your team, equipment and more. It’s a lot of costs to track, which is why IT project managers can download our free project budget template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Budget-Screenshot.jpg Not only will it help you create a more accurate budget but it’ll help you monitor your costs as you execute the project. The IT project management template captures labor, consultant and software license costs to name a few. But it also collects recurring costs such as phone bills, office space and equipment costs. Remember, you’re not only creating a budget but a cost control mechanism. 7. IT Server Maintenance Checklist If the server goes down, trouble is around the corner. To avoid that, schedule maintenance. There are many things to check to ensure that all are well, which is why we recommend downloading our free server maintenance checklist for Excel. This free IT project management template helps you do a thorough job. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Server-Maintenance-Screenshot.jpg Using the template is simple. On the left-hand side are a variety of tasks that are common to server maintenance, such as updates, security, backups, monitoring, file system maintenance and more. On the right is a grid where you can schedule those tasks as daily, weekly, monthly or occasionally. The template is customizable so you can add or subtract what you want, so it better reflects your responsibilities. 8. IT Budget Template An IT budget template outlines all expected technology-related expenditures for an organization (hardware, software, personnel, maintenance, subscriptions, etc.) over a period — often a fiscal year. It helps ensure financial resources are properly planned, tracked and aligned with business goals. A good IT budget prevents overspending, supports strategic investment decisions, enables forecasting, and ensures accountability and transparency in IT spending. /wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IT-Budget-Template.png Our IT budget template for Excel organizes all your technology costs in one spreadsheet, letting you list items such as hardware, software subscriptions, labor, infrastructure and recurring expenses. You can enter projected costs, track actual spending month-by-month, and allocate costs across departments or projects. It makes it easier to spot overages, forecast future expenses, and maintain control over IT spending — helping you plan, monitor, and adjust budgets with clarity and accountability. 9. IT Asset Inventory Template An IT asset inventory template acts as a comprehensive record of all hardware, software and digital resources owned by an organization. It tracks each asset’s identity, location, user assignment, purchase and warranty data, and current status. Keeping this information organized helps prevent loss or misplacement, supports compliance with licensing rules, simplifies audits, helps plan upgrades or replacements and keeps maintenance or security tasks on track. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IT-Asset-Inventory-Template.png The IT asset inventory template in Excel organizes your technology assets in a single, customizable spreadsheet, where you list each item’s ID, type (hardware, software, etc.), description, purchase date, warranty info, assigned user or department, location, status (active, in repair, retired) and other relevant details. It makes it easy to update or reassign assets, track maintenance or warranty expiration and monitor what’s in use or retired. The template is useful for tracking assets across teams or departments and helps you maintain clarity and accountability over your organization’s IT resources. 10. IT Roadmap Template An IT roadmap is a high-level plan that outlines an organization’s technology goals, initiatives, and the schedule for implementing them over time. It aligns IT strategy with business objectives, guiding decisions about infrastructure upgrades, software deployments, security improvements and resource allocation. A good roadmap gives structure, helps prioritize efforts, anticipates future needs, and ensures all stakeholders share the same long-term vision. Use this IT roadmap template for Excel to organize your major technology initiatives in a clear timeline, showing current capabilities, upcoming projects, milestones, responsible teams and resource needs. It captures strategic objectives, planned upgrades or deployments, and key dependencies. Laying everything out in one spreadsheet helps you communicate your IT plan to stakeholders, track progress, and make informed decisions about priorities and timing. 11. Dashboard Template Monitoring IT systems is key to keeping software and hardware running smoothly. By having a high-level view, it’s possible to not only track progress and performance but also catch any anomalies that might indicate issues that need to be addressed before they become problems. Use our free dashboard template for Excel and track this data at a glance. /wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Project-Dashboard-template-UPDATE-1600x698.png Use this IT project management template to track keep performance indicators (KPIs) such as tasks, workload, task length and cost. The colorful bar graphs and charts make it easy to digest the data quickly and provide IT project managers with the perspective they need to get valuable insights that’ll guide better decision-making. 12. IT Risk Register Template Every IT project manager knows that risk is always around the corner. That’s just part of project management. Planning for it is also part of project management. Our free risk register template for Excel gives you the tools to plan and mitigate risk in your IT projects. This tool allows IT project managers to prepare a strategy that helps them to respond to risk and resolve or take advantage of it if it occurs in their project. /wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Risk-Tracking-Screenshot.webp This IT project management template numbers risks to make them easy to track. You can also describe the risk, its impact and what response you’ll have if it becomes an issue in the IT project. There’s also a column to rank the level of the risk from high to low, which helps with prioritization. Finally, you can assign an owner who’s responsible for identifying and mitigating the risk. 13. IT Issue Tracking Template Issues are problems. Whether they’re risks that you planned for or something that comes out of the blue, they can sidetrack your IT project. When an issue arises, you have to be able to identify it and resolve it quickly before it impacts the time, scope or cost of your project. That’s what our free issue-tracking template for Excel is designed to do. /wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Issue-Tracking-Screenshot.jpg Use the free IT project management template to capture any issues that show up in your project, which is the first step in developing an action plan to deal with the issue. There’s a column to describe the issue and its impact. Then you can add the priority, the date it was identified and who’s responsible for responding to it. There’s also space to add the department that’s handling the issue, its status (open or closed) and even a place to add notes. 14. IT Change Log Template Another risk or issue is change. That change can occur in an IT project due to equipment failure, human error, an act of God, such as a power outage or requests from stakeholders, to name a few. Whatever the reason, changes in a project can impact your schedule, budget and more. To manage them, download our free change log template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Change-Log-Screenshot.jpg Everything you need to collect and manage change is included in the document. From the project’s and project manager’s names to the change number and type of change request, it’s all included. There’s also a date to note when the change was requested or occurred, a description of the change and its status. You can also assign it, add a priority and determine when it’s expected to be resolved, understand its impact and outline the action steps that’ll resolve it. 15. GDPR Compliance Checklist Anyone in IT knows the importance of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). While it’s specific to the European Union (EU), any tech company that collects and processes personal information and has a presence in the EU is under a legal requirement to be compliant with this law. Our free GDPR compliance checklist template makes it easy to manage that process. /wp-content/uploads/2019/02/GDPR-Compliance-Checklist-Screenshot.jpg Our IT project management template has columns to collect the tasks that are required to remain compliant with the law. It assigns owners to each of these tasks to ensure they’re done in a timely and thorough fashion. There’s also a place to add a deadline and you can even allocate resources to each task as needed. Then simply check them off as you go down the list. It’s an easy way to manage a legal requirement. 16. Requirements Traceability Matrix Template IT projects have requirements, meaning they must be done and done right or else the project suffers. In order to ensure that, use our free requirements traceability matrix template for Excel. It does this by listing all those project requirements and how to track them through the project’s life cycle. This wa,y nothing critical can fall through the cracks. /wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Requirements-Traceability-Matrix-Template.jpg There are many ways in which this IT project management template helps you manage your project requirements. It’s great for quality assurance (QA) and understanding what needs testing to ensure it’s meeting the project requirements. IT project managers can also use this document to help them make data-informed decisions rather than acting on instinct. 17. IT Project Prioritization Matrix Template Not all IT project managers have the luxury of focusing all their attention on one project. They’re often responsible for a portfolio of work and making sure they allocate their resources wisely among that group. Our free project prioritization matrix template allows you to look at all your IT projects and make objective decisions as to which projects need attention and when. /wp-content/uploads/2022/09/project-prioritization-template-screenshot-final-600x554.jpg This Eisenhower matrix is broken into four quadrants. On top, there are two columns: one for do now and the other which says do later. On the left-hand side, there are two rows: crucial and not crucial. Now you can place your projects in one of the four squares to know what must be done immediately, what can be scheduled for the future, what can be delegated and what can be deleted or moved. 18. Implementation Plan Template Every IT project starts as an idea that’s codified by a plan, but it needs to be realized by an implementation plan, or the steps required to actualize that plan and produce its deliverables. While it might sound redundant to have the plan to execute a plan, anyone who’s familiar with project management knows that using our free implementation plan template for Excel is how you organize those ideas into actionable steps. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Implementation-Plan-Screenshot.jpg The IT project management template is broken up into three distinct parts. First, there is the project strategy, which moves down to processes and actions to implement that strategy. Then there’s the timeline, which shows the planned and actual start and end dates for the tasks as well as the planned hours for the task. Finally, there are the resources to execute those tasks, including materials and costs. With all this mapped out, you can implement your plan successfully. 19. Requirements Gathering Template Knowing the requirements for an IT project is what starts out the planning phase. They will be collected in a document, which is where our free requirements-gathering template for Word comes in. This IT project management template also acts as a communication tool connecting the requirements of the user to the developer. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Requirements-Gathering-Screenshot-600x482.jpg But it’s not only user requirements that are gathered; there are also business and system requirements captured in the document. The requirements are broken down into seven subsections: user, functional and system requirements, software and user interfaces, workflow activities and change and risk management. There’s also high-level technical architecture sketched out plus maintenance and support. There’s even testing and evaluation, such as objectives, artifacts, users and tasks included. 20. Test Case Template A test case is a software development document that allows developers to verify if new software will perform as expected before releasing it to the public. To do so, they test all the features of the software and then use a test case to document their findings. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/test-case-template-screenshot-excel.png 21. Bug Report Template A bug report is a document that helps IT and software development teams document and monitor software malfunctions, commonly referred to as bugs. Bug reports are commonly used when testing a new software feature before it’s released to the public. They should contain basic information that developers can use to understand the circumstances in which the bug occurred so they can fix it. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bug-report-template-image-excel.png ProjectManager Helps With IT Project Management As any IT project manager will tell you, templates are static documents. They can be a step back, not forward, when it comes to managing a project. What you need is project management software, such as ProjectManager. Our online software delivers real-time data for better decision-making. What also makes our software superior to templates is that you can use a variety of tools that all share the same updated data. Use Multiple Project Views Not all project tools are created equal. The Gantt chart is ideal for scheduling, but kanban boards visualize and control workflows as you plan and execute sprints or manage your backlog. Teams might prefer using our robust task list, which also shares the same real-time data as the other tools, such as the sheet and calendar views. That means you can work on the tool you want and stay up-to-date with the most current project information. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Agile-sprint-kanban-board-redesign.jpg Capture Real-Time Data Having everyone on the team work on the same live data is key to productivity, but it’s not everything. IT project managers also need a see high-level view of the project whenever they want. Our real-time dashboard does just that. It captures live data and crunches those numbers to display metrics on time, cost and more in easy-to-read graphs and charts. Best of all, there’s no setup required. It’s plug-and-play. /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/project-management-dashboard.webp Reports take you deeper into the data, customizing results to show just what you want to see and making it easy to share with stakeholders to keep them updated. There are also resource management tools that balance workload, risk management tools that track issues and task management tools that keep teams collaborating and productive. Related IT Project Management Content If you’re still on the fence about signing up for a free trial of ProjectManager, we have lots of free content you can read. From weekly blog posts to guides, videos, templates and more, we have information on every aspect of the project management phases. Here’s a small sampling of our IT-related content. IT Project Management Guide IT Project Management Software IT Audit: Definition & Quick Guide How to Become an IT Project Manager IT Problem Management IT Risk Management Strategies IT Governance Framework ProjectManager is award-winning software that empowers IT teams to plan, manage and track their work in real time. Our collaborative software makes it easy to comment and share anywhere and at any time, whether across departments or continents. Get started with ProjectManager today. The post 21 Free IT Project Management Templates for Excel, Word & More appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Apple’s various apps and utilities are finally starting to talk to each other, and it’s great news for iPhone users. Last year, Apple added the ability to sync Reminders with Calendar, which added time-based reminders directly into your Calendar view—a feature I now regularly use. Now, with iOS 26.2, Apple is finally integrating Reminders with the Alarms app; you'll be able to set an accompanying alarm for any reminder. If, like me, you tend to be forgetful—if you need a reminder for your reminder—this will be a handy feature. The alarm will sound, taking up your entire screen until you dismiss it. And yes, you can snooze it. How to add an alarm to any reminder on your iPhoneTo get started, open the Reminder app, navigate to a task list, and either create a new reminder, or edit it. When you’re adding a date and time, you’ll see a new Urgent toggle. When you enable the Urgent mode, it will turn on an alarm that will go off when the reminder is due. The alarm will trigger even when your iPhone is in silent mode or in a Do Not Disturb Focus mode, so be careful when setting it up. Credit: Khamosh Pathak When you enable this for the first time, you’ll get a connection request for integrating Reminders with Alarms. Here, tap Allow. If you don’t see this popup, or if you’ve dismissed it before, go to Settings > Apps > Reminders, and in the "Allow Reminders to Access" section, enable the Alarms toggle. When the reminder is due, you’ll see a full-screen reminder interface, with the reminder up top, and an option to slide to stop (using Apple’s new sliding interface for dismissing alarms, which you can disable if you want). You’ll also see a big blue Snooze button. This will snooze the reminder for nine minutes. Whether you hit the Snooze button or you use the slider to stop the alarm, Apple will add the Reminder to the top of the notifications list, as a Live Activity. You’ll see the reminder, with the snooze duration (if enabled), and the task. To actually complete the task, you’ll have to check it off from the Live Activity or the Reminders app. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Unlike in the new alarm feature, there’s no way to edit the Snooze duration for reminders, or to disable the slider. If you don’t like the Snooze feature or the two-tap approach to completing reminders, you can switch it out for a Complete button instead. Go to Settings > Apps > Reminders and in the "Urgent Reminders" section, enable the Complete from Alarm feature. Now, when the alarm goes off, you’ll see two buttons instead: Slide to Stop and Complete. When you tap Complete, the alarm will disappear, and the task will be marked as Complete. View the full article

In an era where effective communication can make or break a business relationship, the latest updates from Android promise to equip small business owners with innovative tools that enhance connectivity and efficiency. The December 2025 feature rollout introduces a range of capabilities designed to elevate user experience and collaboration—offering a myriad of potential benefits for small enterprises aiming to enhance their communication strategies. Key features include emotion recognition in speech captions, new emoji combinations, and a way to signal urgent calls. These upgrades serve not only to streamline communication but also to foster a more engaging digital interaction, which is vital for establishing rapport with clients and team members. One standout feature is the emotion detection technology integrated into captions. This advancement enables users to capture the emotional tone behind spoken words, an essential tool for understanding context during virtual meetings. For small business owners, particularly those in service-oriented industries, this capability allows for more empathetic engagement with clients. “Emotion adds depth to communication, providing a better understanding of client needs and concerns,” notes a representative from Android. Small business owners can leverage this technology to create a more personalized customer experience, further solidifying client trust and loyalty. Additionally, the addition of new emoji combos offers creative ways to express sentiments in messages. With emojis playing a pivotal role in modern communication, small businesses can enhance their social media interactions and marketing campaigns. Engaging visual language can resonate more effectively with customers, making brands appear more relatable and approachable. Whether it’s through promotional messages, customer service interactions, or team communications, these new emoji combinations offer a fun and engaging way to connect with audiences. Urgent call notifications also present a significant leap in communication efficiency. When small business owners face time-sensitive situations, being able to indicate the urgency of a call can save valuable time and streamline decision-making processes. This feature minimizes confusion and allows for quicker responses from employees and team members, which can be critical in fast-paced business environments. Despite these exciting features, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges that could arise from adopting these new technologies. As with any new integration, employees may require training to effectively utilize these capabilities. Ensuring that the team is well-versed in the new tools can mitigate frustrations and enhance productivity. Additionally, privacy concerns surrounding emotion detection technology must be addressed. Businesses should establish clear guidelines on how this information can be used and shared, maintaining transparency with clients and employees alike. Moreover, while the emphasis on emojis fosters creativity in communication, it carries a risk of misunderstanding or misinterpretation, especially in professional contexts. Small business owners should be mindful of their audience when incorporating this more casual form of communication to ensure that it aligns with their brand identity and values. The December 2025 Android updates represent a significant advancement in communication technology that can empower small businesses to better engage with their clients and streamline their operations. By incorporating these features, small business owners can enhance their communication efforts, leading to a more efficient workflow and stronger relationships with clients and employees. For more detailed insights about these features, business owners can visit the original press release here. The future of business communication is evolving, and those who adapt to these technologies may find themselves ahead of the curve in fostering dynamic connections in an increasingly digital marketplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Android Unveils Features to Enhance Communication and Connect Emotionally" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where effective communication can make or break a business relationship, the latest updates from Android promise to equip small business owners with innovative tools that enhance connectivity and efficiency. The December 2025 feature rollout introduces a range of capabilities designed to elevate user experience and collaboration—offering a myriad of potential benefits for small enterprises aiming to enhance their communication strategies. Key features include emotion recognition in speech captions, new emoji combinations, and a way to signal urgent calls. These upgrades serve not only to streamline communication but also to foster a more engaging digital interaction, which is vital for establishing rapport with clients and team members. One standout feature is the emotion detection technology integrated into captions. This advancement enables users to capture the emotional tone behind spoken words, an essential tool for understanding context during virtual meetings. For small business owners, particularly those in service-oriented industries, this capability allows for more empathetic engagement with clients. “Emotion adds depth to communication, providing a better understanding of client needs and concerns,” notes a representative from Android. Small business owners can leverage this technology to create a more personalized customer experience, further solidifying client trust and loyalty. Additionally, the addition of new emoji combos offers creative ways to express sentiments in messages. With emojis playing a pivotal role in modern communication, small businesses can enhance their social media interactions and marketing campaigns. Engaging visual language can resonate more effectively with customers, making brands appear more relatable and approachable. Whether it’s through promotional messages, customer service interactions, or team communications, these new emoji combinations offer a fun and engaging way to connect with audiences. Urgent call notifications also present a significant leap in communication efficiency. When small business owners face time-sensitive situations, being able to indicate the urgency of a call can save valuable time and streamline decision-making processes. This feature minimizes confusion and allows for quicker responses from employees and team members, which can be critical in fast-paced business environments. Despite these exciting features, small business owners should remain aware of potential challenges that could arise from adopting these new technologies. As with any new integration, employees may require training to effectively utilize these capabilities. Ensuring that the team is well-versed in the new tools can mitigate frustrations and enhance productivity. Additionally, privacy concerns surrounding emotion detection technology must be addressed. Businesses should establish clear guidelines on how this information can be used and shared, maintaining transparency with clients and employees alike. Moreover, while the emphasis on emojis fosters creativity in communication, it carries a risk of misunderstanding or misinterpretation, especially in professional contexts. Small business owners should be mindful of their audience when incorporating this more casual form of communication to ensure that it aligns with their brand identity and values. The December 2025 Android updates represent a significant advancement in communication technology that can empower small businesses to better engage with their clients and streamline their operations. By incorporating these features, small business owners can enhance their communication efforts, leading to a more efficient workflow and stronger relationships with clients and employees. For more detailed insights about these features, business owners can visit the original press release here. The future of business communication is evolving, and those who adapt to these technologies may find themselves ahead of the curve in fostering dynamic connections in an increasingly digital marketplace. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Android Unveils Features to Enhance Communication and Connect Emotionally" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Without a plan, projects are in trouble. Project planning is one of the first and most important aspects of project management. Using project planning templates can help you schedule tasks, estimate budgets and allocate resources. Project management software does more than a static Excel or Word template, but using these free 23 project planning templates for Excel and Word is a decent substitute. Download one or all to start your next project on the right foot. Why Use Project Planning Templates? Project planning templates are an important part of project management. They organize your tasks, help you write a project charter, come up with an accurate budget and so much more. Even if you’re using project management software, project planning templates can help you with everything from decision-making, such as with our free RACI matrix template, to identifying project deliverables, with our free work breakdown structure template. You can even use project planning templates to help you manage your project and track progress and risks. They provide a consistent project documentation process, which can then be archived and retrieved to inform future planning. Project planning templates help reduce work as they’re preformatted, so you don’t always have to start from scratch. But using project planning templates is, at best, only a starting point. To ensure your plans are well-managed during project execution, you’ll want to upgrade to project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that helps you plan projects and manage and track them in real time. We have multiple project views, from kanban boards to task lists, sheet and calendar views, but project managers typically plan their projects on our powerful Gantt charts. Unlike templates, our Gantt charts organize your tasks, add resources and costs and link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays. Gantts can filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks and set a baseline to track your planned progress against actual progress in real time. That’s how you deliver on time and within budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more 23 Best Project Planning Templates If you’re not ready to use project management software, these 23 project planning templates for Excel and Word can help you get your project planned properly. They cover all the bases, from creating a timeline to chart your tasks to having a risk register to prepare your team for issues that inevitably arise in every project. 1. Project Plan Template A project plan is a big endeavor. Our free project plan template for Word helps you organize the various project management documentation needed to prepare your project for success. You get to address the planning basics, such as defining your project scope, identifying milestones and breaking the project down into manageable phases and tasks. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Plan-Screenshot.jpg Then you can create a project schedule, including task dependencies, project assumptions and constraints. There’s also a section that addresses the project budget, risk and change management, which is essential to stay on track. Included is a risk log and the process you’ll use for change management to avoid delays. 2. Project Plan Template for Excel Project plans are essential, but sometimes, Excel is the preferred format. It maps out milestones, deadlines and resource allocation, giving the team a clear roadmap. A good project plan ensures everyone knows what to do, when to do it and who is accountable, reducing confusion, avoiding delays and boosting the likelihood of successful results. /wp-content/uploads/2025/04/project-plan-template-for-excel.png This Excel project-plan template provides a clean, organized spreadsheet for mapping out tasks, start and end dates, assignments and status. It helps you build a timeline, track deadlines and monitor progress in one place. Customize columns to match your project’s needs, log details clearly and easily update information. Ideal for small- to medium-scale projects, it brings clarity and coordination to your team’s workflow. 3. Project Charter Template A project charter is an important project planning document. It provides high-level information on the project to ensure stakeholders are aware of the project deliverables, milestones and the roles and responsibilities of the project team. It also explains the reason for the project, including how the project plan and project team will be structured to meet the project goals. /wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Project-Charter-Screenshot.jpg Using our free project charter template for Word will define the project vision and scope for everyone involved. It’s presented to the project sponsor in a neat, organized and easy-to-digest fashion. From the executive summary to the appendix, everything is collected to show how to achieve the project’s goals. The project charter template defines the project and shows the plan that will outline the milestones, tasks, dependencies and resource management plan. 4. Project Execution Plan Template A project execution plan (PEP) is a focused blueprint that defines how a project will be carried out: its scope, schedule, resources, costs and responsibilities. It bridges high-level planning and on-the-ground work, making sure everyone knows what needs to be done, when and by whom. A clear execution plan reduces confusion, aligns the team around shared goals, helps manage resources and ensures the project stays on track from start to finish. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/project-execution-plan-template.png This Excel template offers a structured format to map out every aspect of project execution, including tasks, deliverables, schedule, resource needs, and budget, in one document. It helps specify what’s in scope, assign tasks with start/finish dates, track task status and percent complete, and monitor cost variances. The template also makes it easy to define required materials, labor and equipment, and to clearly assign responsibilities. It’s ideal for teams that need to coordinate complex workflows and keep execution transparent and organized. 5. Project Budget Template All projects cost money. Being able to accurately estimate those costs and make a realistic project budget can make the difference between a healthy profit margin and losing money on the project. That’s why using our free project budget template for Excel is such a vital part of any project planning template offering. It can help you monitor project expenses and avoid cost overruns. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Budget-Screenshot.jpg The free project planning template lets you list all your tasks and subtasks, including who’s assigned to each. Then you can estimate the labor, materials and other costs, such as travel, equipment, food and more. There’s also a column to track the actual costs for each of these categories to monitor the budgeted versus actual costs. A final balance column shows if you’re in the red. 6. Work Breakdown Structure Template A work breakdown structure is a project planning tool that allows you to identify your project tasks and deliverables and, in turn, begin the scheduling process of your project plan. You don’t want to neglect any deliverables or you’ll suffer delays and cost overruns during the project execution phase./wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WES-Screenshot.jpg A work breakdown structure is a hierarchical chart that incrementally breaks down the project into deliverables and the tasks that are needed to complete those deliverables. Our free work breakdown structure template for Excel is a customizable project planning template made up of two sheets, one that has a task list and the other a tree diagram to help you identify not only deliverables and tasks but dependencies, resources and more. 7. Project Timeline Template Another powerful project planning template is a timeline. It’s a visual representation of your schedule laid out from start to finish. On the project timeline, you can plot your project tasks, due dates, milestones and more. Use our free project timeline template for Excel to start your project scheduling process. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Project-Timeline-Screenshot.jpg When you open our free project planning template for making timelines, you’ll see that it’s divided in half. On the left is a spreadsheet where you can list all the project tasks in one column, their start date in another and the end date in yet another. The last column notes the duration of the task in days. As you’re doing this, a timeline on the right will automatically populate to show you the entire project in one place. 8. Project Scope Template The project scope outlines your project, so this project planning template is extensive. It’s a detailed document that shows the project’s activities, resources, timelines and deliverables. It lists your key stakeholders, the processes you’ll be using in the project, assumptions and constraints, all so you can understand what’s in and out of scope for the project. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Project-Scope-Screenshot.jpg Our free project scope template for Word is very thorough, though you can add to it as suits your project needs. We have space for project managers to explain the need for the project, what’s in and out of scope, its business objectives, deliverables and cost estimates and much more. 9. Project Network Diagram Template for Excel A project network diagram is a visual map showing all tasks in a project and how they connect; what must happen before something else can start. It lays out dependencies and sequencing so you can see the logical flow of work and identify the critical path. Having this clarity helps avoid missteps, manage timing, and ensures the project stays on schedule from start to finish. /wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Project-network-diagram-template.png This Excel template gives you a ready-to-use canvas to build your project’s task network: add every activity, link dependent tasks with arrows or lines and define start and end relationships clearly. It helps you visualize the full workflow from beginning to end, spot dependencies and understand which tasks must occur in sequence. Great for any project needing structured scheduling, coordination, and clarity across a team. 10. Projects Requirements Template A project requirements document is a structured record that outlines everything a project must deliver — from scope and objectives to stakeholder needs, functional and non-functional criteria, constraints and success criteria. It ensures all key details are defined before work begins, giving the team a shared understanding. By capturing requirements early, you reduce misunderstandings, prevent scope creep, and set a clear foundation for planning, execution and evaluation. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Project-Requirements-Template.png In this Excel template, you can organize all your project requirements in one place; from basic project info to business, stakeholder, functional, non-functional, technical and compliance requirements. It lets you list each requirement, document who requested it, specify its type and priority and include acceptance criteria or constraints. The template keeps project scope clear and ensures that once development begins, everyone knows exactly what must be delivered, reducing confusion and helping guide project execution smoothly. 11. RACI Matrix Template RACI is an acronym for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. A RACI matrix, often referred to as a diagram or chart, is a tool that ensures that all project stakeholders are on the same page and working together, making it an important project planning template. /wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RACI-Matrix-Screenshot.jpg Our free RACI matrix template for Excel helps you identify and define everyone involved with the project. The template lists all the project stakeholders across the top row and tasks down the left side of the template. Then just add R, A, C or I to define who is responsible for what. 12. Resource Plan Template Resources are part of any planning process and, therefore creating a resource plan is an essential part of the project planning phase. You need to identify and plan everything needed to execute your project, and the most important resource is your team. Our free resource plan template for Excel helps you align resources with your project schedule and budget. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Resource-Plan-Screenshot-e1704301619226.jpg Our free resource plan template helps you organize tasks by team members and the department in which they work. You can also estimate the planned effort for each task, the team member’s rate of pay and the total cost for the duration of that work. There’s also a calendar to schedule the team’s work. 13. Risk Register Template Risks, whether good or bad, are unexpected events in a project. Regardless, you need to plan for them. A risk register allows you to list all your project risks, their potential impact, priority level and more. You can use it throughout the project life cycle to track any risks that might occur. /wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Risk-Tracking-Screenshot.webp The template allows you to add an ID number to each risk to track it. Then you can describe the risk and note the potential impact on the project. Following that, you’ll add the response if that risk becomes an issue in the project. You can also note the risk level to prioritize it and who on the team is responsible for dealing with that issue if it arises in the project. 14. Project Calendar Template Calendars are one of many ways to plan a project. As a project planning template, calendars can provide a monthly overview of the assignments and deadlines of the project. Use our free project calendar template for Excel to plan your project on a calendar grid. /wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-2.png When you open our free project calendar template, you’ll find 12 sheets, one for each month of the year. The calendar has color coding to indicate the task and which phase it belongs to. We’ve created some examples, which you can use or change to suit your project, as the template is customizable. 15. Action Plan Template An action plan is a plan. It charts the steps necessary to achieve whatever goals you have in mind. It’s a project planning template that can help you define your project timeline and resources. /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Action-Plan-Screenshot.jpg Using our free action plan template for Excel gives you space to list your tasks ad note the phase in which they’ll take place and who’s assigned to that task. There’s a column to mark its status to help you track the task, as well as a place to add start and end dates, resources and their associated costs. 16. Project Milestone Template You can collect project planning templates without touching on milestones, which are part of the project planning phase. They’re used to indicate important dates on a project timeline, often showing the end of one phase and the beginning of the next, which helps with tracking progress. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/milestone-template-jpg-1.jpg You can open our free project milestone template in our software and import your project plan from Excel or create your own in the free template. The milestones are represented on the Gantt chart timeline as diamond icons. Our software gives you access to the Gantt chart and multiple project views, but more on that in the next section. 17. Critical Path Template The critical path is a network diagram that shows tasks as nodes or boxes. These are then connected by arrows that represent the dependencies between tasks. This free critical path template for Excel makes it easier to schedule work because it allows project managers to visualize the longest, most important chain of tasks that must be completed to deliver a successful project. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/critical-path-method-screenshot.png This project planning template has everything you need to calculate the critical path. Set preceding tasks, estimate durations and automatically calculate slack. This knowledge allows project managers to better prioritize tasks as they know which are essential and which aren’t. 18. PERT Chart Template PERT stands for program evaluation review technique. A PERT chart is used when scheduling, organizing and coordinating project tasks. This free PERT chart template for Excel breaks down each task so project managers can analyze them to estimate the minimum amount of time needed to complete the project. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pert-chart-template-screenshot.png This project planning template allows project managers to analyze the work breakdown structure, task connections and the risks associated with the project. Plan even complex projects by visualizing the dependencies between each step, and create a more realistic schedule. 19.Precedence Diagram Template A precedence diagram is a visual representation of all the tasks in a project and how they depend on each other. In this chart, tasks are shown as nodes and arrows link tasks that depend on one another, revealing the order and dependencies of work. This clarity helps you plan accurately, knowing which tasks must finish before others start, identifying parallel work and spotting potential bottlenecks or delays before they happen. /wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Precedence-diagram-template.png Use this Excel template for a ready-made layout to map out every task in your project and define which tasks precede others. You fill in task names, dependencies and durations, and the template automatically draws a network chart showing the workflow and relationships. It helps you visually trace the project’s logic flow, spot the critical path and easily update task order or dependencies as the project evolves. Great for planning complex or interdependent work. 20. Change Management Plan Template Change is part of managing a project, and it must be controlled like every other aspect. This free change management plan template for Word can be used for a variety of transitions, whether involving teams, projects or organizations. It guides these changes from the current to the future state. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Change-Management-Plan-Template-e1723048906671-600x354.png This Word template will reduce disruptions that can negatively impact the project by defining dependencies, providing a timeline for the transition and optimizing resources. There are tables to document information, history and approvals, another to capture change management documents and the change management team. 21. Risk Management Plan Template Risk is a certainty with projects. Not preparing for risks is dangerous, which is why everyone should download this free risk management plan template for Word. It helps project managers identify, assess and control threats to the project’s scope, schedule, budget and quality. There’s also space to develop an action plan if any risk is realized in the project. /wp-content/uploads/2023/09/risk-management-plan-template-for-word-screenshot-600x564.jpg Included in this project planning template are fields to define the risk management methodology, a risk register to document risk and a risk breakdown structure, which further identifies risk categories and structures riks in order of importance. 22. RAID Log Template RAID is an acronym for risks, assumptions, issues and decisions. This free RAID log template for Excel is used during the planning and execution phases of a project to identify and track risks, assumptions and decisions. Use it to manage risks, assumptions, issues and decisions as they arise in the project. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/raid-log-template-1.jpg The free project planning template tracks risk, assumptions, issues and decisions and can be used to determine how changes will impact the project. Change also must be planned and managed, which this template helps project managers accomplish by planning more efficiently while capturing edata that can assist in the project and future planning. 23. Event Plan Template To plan an event, it’s important to make a thorough plan because of all the different activities that are required, such as securing funding, selecting a venue, contracting the participants, creating advertising materials and so on. This free event plan template for Excel helps assign these tasks to team members and track their progress so events go according to plan. /wp-content/uploads/2021/02/event-plan-template-zoomed-in-1600x713.jpg ProjectManager Helps With Project Planning If you’ve used the milestone template in ProjectManager, then you can see the advantages of project management software over static project planning templates. Templates must be manually updated and aren’t great for collaboration. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that helps you plan, manage and track your projects in real time. Everything you can do with the above project planning templates, you can do better in our software. We’ve already shown how our powerful Gantt chart helps you organize tasks, resources and cost when building a project plan, schedule and budget. Here’s what else our tool can do. Manage Resource and Labor Costs Resources are part of any project planning process. Our software makes it easy to assign team members to tasks by allowing you to set up their availability in advance. You can note each team member’s vacation time, PTO and even global holidays for those with remote teams. Once everyone has been assigned, toggle to the color-coded workload chart, which makes it easy to see team allocation at a glance. If some are overallocated, you can re-allocate those resources to balance the team’s workload and keep them working at capacity and productivity without eroding morale. During project execution, our secure timesheets streamline payroll and help you track labor costs to stay on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1-1600x860.png Track Project Progress, Time and Costs There’s more than one way to track project costs once the project has moved into its execution, monitoring and controlling phases. For a high-level view, project managers can use real-time dashboards, which automatically collect data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts. You can see how the project is progressing against your plan, compare costs against your budget and much more. If you’re managing multiple projects, use our portfolio dashboards. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/real-time-project-dashboards-1.jpg For more details, use our reporting features. Customizable status and portfolio reports capture your project in time, but there are also reports on variance, timesheets, workload and more, all of which can be filtered to show only the data you want to see. Then share them with stakeholders to keep them updated. Related Project Planning Content Project planning is a big subject and we have many more articles that discuss all aspects of it, from making a project plan to explaining what an implementation plan is. Check out a sample of our project planning content below. Project Management Templates for Google Sheets Project Planning: How to Make a Project Plan The Ultimate Guide to Resource Planning How to Execute a Plan Successfully What Is a Work Plan? How to Make a Work Plan In 7 Steps What Is an Implementation Plan? ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 23 Free Project Planning Templates for Excel and Word appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article