ResidentialBusiness

When starting a franchise, a well-structured business plan is critical for success. It should include ten fundamental elements that guide your strategy and operations. You’ll need to outline your executive summary, analyze the market, define your target audience, and detail your marketing approach. Furthermore, comprehending financial projections and legal considerations is essential. Each element plays a significant role in creating a roadmap for your franchise, ensuring you’re prepared for the challenges of the marketplace. What comes next in crafting your plan? Key Takeaways Include an executive summary that outlines the franchise vision, objectives, and unique selling propositions to engage stakeholders effectively. Define target market demographics, focusing on critical factors like age, income level, and geographic distribution for tailored marketing efforts. Highlight management team qualifications, emphasizing relevant experience and roles for operational accountability and investor confidence. Develop a thorough financial section with projected profits, startup costs, and break-even analysis to ensure funding clarity. Outline marketing strategies and operations plans that incorporate customer loyalty programs and technology for streamlined processes and enhanced customer engagement. Executive Summary The Executive Summary serves as a critical gateway to your franchise business plan, offering a concise overview that encapsulates key objectives, marketplace opportunities, and your franchise’s mission statement. In this section, include a clear company description, highlighting the products or services you offer and what sets them apart. It’s crucial to showcase your unique selling propositions and competitive advantages to attract potential investors. Incorporate financial highlights, such as projected returns on investment and timelines for profitability, as these elements help engage stakeholders. For inspiration, refer to business plan examples and consider using a how to write a business plan template to create a compelling executive summary that effectively communicates your franchise’s vision and value proposition. Business Description In the Business Description section, you’ll outline your franchise’s key offerings, highlighting its mission and how it meets market needs. You’ll additionally need to define your target market demographics, which helps you understand who your ideal customers are. Finally, introducing your management team and their qualifications will reassure potential investors about your franchise’s leadership and operational expertise. Franchise Overview and Offerings When exploring a franchise opportunity, you’ll find that each brand comes with its own unique story and mission. The franchise overview should provide a thorough business description sample that highlights the brand’s history, mission statement, and core values. A solid company description business plan includes detailed insights into the products and services offered, showcasing competitive advantages that set the franchise apart from others. For instance, proprietary products or exceptional customer loyalty programs can improve market positioning. In addition, a business overview example should identify key competitors and clarify how your franchise meets consumer needs, ensuring alignment with target market demographics, such as age and lifestyle preferences. This clarity helps potential investors understand the franchise’s value. Target Market Demographics Identifying your franchise’s target market demographics is key to shaping your business strategy effectively. You should focus on critical factors like age, gender, income level, education, and employment status to clearly define your customer base. Comprehending the geographic distribution of your target market helps identify potential franchise locations and tailor marketing strategies to meet local preferences. Furthermore, analyzing consumer behavior patterns, such as purchasing habits and lifestyle choices, provides insight into how your franchise can cater to its audience’s needs. Segmenting your target market into distinct groups allows for more focused marketing efforts, improving engagement and customer acquisition rates. Utilizing market research data improves the accuracy of your demographic profiles, aligning your offerings with customer expectations and trends. Management Team Qualifications A strong management team is fundamental for the success of any franchise, as it brings together diverse experience and skills that can greatly improve operational effectiveness. When developing your business description template, focus on the management team qualifications necessary for your franchise. Each member should have relevant experience in the franchise sector, demonstrating competencies that directly address market challenges. Highlight specific accomplishments in their resumes, aligning them with the goals of your business plan for small franchises. Clear roles and responsibilities within the team promote accountability and guarantee smooth operations. Furthermore, ongoing training is critical for adapting to changing market conditions and maintaining alignment with the franchisor’s standards. A well-structured management team is key to achieving your franchise’s objectives. Market Analysis Comprehending your target market is crucial for crafting effective marketing strategies and aligning your product offerings. You’ll want to clearly define who your ideal customers are, considering factors like demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, conducting a competitive analysis helps you assess local rivals, revealing their strengths and weaknesses, which can guide your franchise’s positioning in the market. Target Market Definition Defining your target market is essential for the success of your franchise business, as it lays the groundwork for effective marketing strategies and product offerings. Here’s how to refine your target market definition: Demographics: Identify key factors like age, income level, and education, which influence consumer behavior and preferences. Geographic Analysis: Pinpoint where your target audience resides to determine ideal franchise locations. Psychographics: Understand lifestyle choices and values to tailor marketing strategies that resonate with your audience. Market Research Data: Utilize surveys and focus groups to validate assumptions, providing insights into customer needs and buying habits. With a clear target market definition in your franchise business plan template, you can effectively engage your target audience and improve your offerings. Competitive Analysis Overview Conducting a competitive analysis is fundamental for positioning your franchise effectively within the market. You’ll want to identify and evaluate your local, regional, and national competitors, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, market share, and customer base. This helps you understand where your franchise stands. Comparing your offerings against competitors is key; note your unique selling propositions, such as product quality or superior customer service. Incorporating a SWOT analysis can provide insights into opportunities and threats within the market. Furthermore, staying updated on market trends and consumer behavior patterns enables you to identify emerging opportunities for growth or potential risks from competitors. Regular updates to your competitive analysis are vital for maintaining a strategic advantage. Products and Services The products and services offered by your franchise play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers, ensuring that their needs are met effectively. To create a compelling business description of a business plan, consider these key elements: Core Offerings: Clearly define your franchise’s unique products and services, highlighting any proprietary items or special recipes. Quality Standards: Emphasize your commitment to quality through sourcing and compliance with franchisor guidelines. Pricing Strategy: Outline how your pricing aligns with market trends as well as ensuring profitability. Seasonal Promotions: Discuss any promotional offerings that may influence product availability and responsiveness to market demands. Utilizing resources like an example business plan template pdf or a retail business plan template can help structure this section effectively. Sales and Marketing Strategies Effective sales and marketing strategies are vital for franchise success, as they directly influence customer acquisition and retention. To improve your brand’s visibility, leverage your franchisor’s established marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging and recognition. Implement local marketing initiatives customized to your community’s demographics, boosting engagement and relevance. A robust online presence is necessary; utilize social media platforms and local SEO strategies to attract new customers and drive traffic. Furthermore, consider implementing customer loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business, as retaining existing customers is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Regularly monitor and analyze your marketing performance metrics, adjusting strategies based on customer feedback to align efforts with business goals effectively. Operations Plan When creating your operations plan, you need to clearly outline staffing requirements and roles to guarantee every position, from cashiers to cooks, is filled with qualified individuals. Establishing operational efficiency strategies is essential for streamlining processes, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity across your franchise. Furthermore, compliance with safety standards and regulations is critical for maintaining operational integrity and protecting both your team and customers. Staffing Requirements and Roles Staffing requirements play a critical role in ensuring smooth franchise operations, directly impacting customer satisfaction and overall efficiency. To achieve this, consider the following fundamental elements: Define the staffing levels needed, including cashiers, cooks, and delivery drivers, to meet customer demand effectively. Specify the skills and experience necessary for each role, ensuring staff can deliver high-quality service and adhere to franchisor standards. Develop structured training programs for new hires, covering operational procedures and customer service expectations. Implement employee retention strategies, such as competitive compensation and advancement opportunities, during the evaluation of the potential for cross-training staff to improve operational flexibility during peak periods or employee absences. These steps are crucial for building a competent and motivated team. Operational Efficiency Strategies Operational efficiency is a vital aspect of successful franchise management, directly impacting how well daily operations align with the franchisor’s standards. To achieve this, implement operational efficiency strategies that focus on standardized processes. For instance, utilizing technology like point-of-sale systems and inventory tracking software can streamline transactions and maintain ideal stock levels. Moreover, establishing quality control procedures guarantees your products and services consistently meet franchisor requirements, bolstering brand reputation and customer loyalty. Regular staff training and development programs are essential, as they equip employees with the necessary skills to perform tasks effectively and uphold service standards. Compliance and Safety Standards Compliance with safety standards and regulations is essential for maintaining a successful franchise operation, as it protects both your business and your customers. To guarantee your franchise meets compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, consider these key elements: Establish clear safety standards and communicate them effectively to all employees. Conduct routine inspections and audits to identify potential compliance issues and safety hazards. Implement regular training sessions on compliance and safety protocols to keep staff informed. Create a reporting system for safety incidents and compliance violations to promote transparency. Financial Projections When creating your financial projections, it is vital to include a detailed profit and loss statement (P&L), balance sheet, and cash flow statement, as these documents collectively illustrate your franchise’s financial health over time. Estimating your required operating capital and outlining the timeline for reaching the break-even point are important steps in evaluating when your franchise will start generating profit. Here’s a simple breakdown: Document Purpose Key Components Profit & Loss Statement Shows revenue and expenses Sales, COGS, Net Profit Balance Sheet Displays assets and liabilities Assets, Liabilities, Equity Cash Flow Statement Tracks cash inflows and outflows Operating, Investing, Financing Providing realistic financial projections boosts credibility and can help attract potential lenders, so verify your estimates are based on historical data and align with industry benchmarks. Funding Requirements To guarantee your franchise business is set up for success, it’s essential to clearly outline your funding requirements from the outset. A detailed comprehension of your financial needs can attract investors and secure sustainability. Here are key components to include: Total Startup Costs: Include franchise fees, equipment, initial inventory, and legal fees. Ongoing Operational Expenses: Detail royalty fees, lease payments, salaries, and marketing contributions. Funding Sources: Break down personal savings, loans, and potential investors to show financial planning. Contingency Fund: Emphasize the importance of a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs and fluctuations. Incorporating financial projections and a break-even analysis will validate your funding requirements and improve your business plan’s credibility. Management Team Building a strong management team is fundamental to the success of your franchise. Your management team should include individuals with relevant industry experience, which improves operational efficiency and decision-making. Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member, as this helps in grasping how their skills contribute to achieving your franchise’s goals. Including detailed profiles or resumes of key personnel adds credibility and demonstrates their qualifications to potential investors. Regular training and development initiatives for both management and staff are vital, ensuring adherence to franchisor standards and keeping up with industry trends. A well-structured management team cultivates a positive organizational culture, improves employee engagement, and aligns everyone towards common objectives, critical for long-term success. Legal Considerations Comprehending the legal considerations involved in franchising is essential for ensuring a smooth business operation and protecting your investment. Here are key aspects to keep in mind: Franchise Agreements: These legally binding contracts define the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, outlining fees, territory, and operational guidelines. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): The FTC mandates franchisors to provide this document at least 14 days before contracts are signed, ensuring transparency. Intellectual Property Protection: Adhering to franchisor protocols is critical to maintain brand integrity and avoid infringement on trademarks and copyrights. Dispute Resolution Clauses: Many agreements require mediation or arbitration, influencing how conflicts are resolved between you and the franchisor. Grasping these elements can safeguard your franchise expedition. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Process, People, and Profit. Product guarantees a consistent, high-quality offering across franchises, maintaining brand integrity. Process refers to standardized systems for operations and marketing, crucial for scalability. People emphasize building a skilled team and providing necessary training for effective management. Profit highlights the need for a financial model that supports profitability for both franchisors and franchisees, focusing on cost management and revenue generation. How to Write a Business Plan for a Franchise? To write a business plan for a franchise, start with an Executive Summary that highlights the franchise concept and market opportunity. Next, provide a detailed Business Description, including your mission statement and competitive advantages. Conduct a Market Analysis to identify your target audience, competitors, and trends. Include Financial Projections, covering startup costs and profit estimates. Finally, outline your Sales and Marketing Strategies, ensuring they align with the franchisor’s brand and local initiatives. What Are the 7 Components of a Business Plan? A business plan typically includes seven crucial components: an executive summary that outlines your vision, a business description explaining what you offer, a market analysis detailing target demographics and competition, a marketing strategy for customer acquisition, an operational plan covering day-to-day functions, a financial plan with projections and funding needs, and an appendix for additional information and legal documents. Each section helps clarify your business objectives and strategies for potential investors. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7-Day Rule requires franchisors to provide potential franchisees with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before any contract is signed or payment is made. This regulation guarantees you have adequate time to review important information about fees, obligations, and other essential details of the franchise opportunity. Adhering to this rule is vital for maintaining compliance with federal regulations and building trust with prospective franchisees. Conclusion In conclusion, creating a franchise business plan requires attention to ten fundamental elements, including a clear executive summary, thorough market analysis, and well-defined financial projections. By addressing these components, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your franchise, enabling you to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the market. Remember to take into account legal aspects and assemble a competent management team to improve your venture’s chances of success. A well-structured plan is vital for achieving your business goals. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Essential Elements for a Franchise Business Plan Template" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a franchise, a well-structured business plan is critical for success. It should include ten fundamental elements that guide your strategy and operations. You’ll need to outline your executive summary, analyze the market, define your target audience, and detail your marketing approach. Furthermore, comprehending financial projections and legal considerations is essential. Each element plays a significant role in creating a roadmap for your franchise, ensuring you’re prepared for the challenges of the marketplace. What comes next in crafting your plan? Key Takeaways Include an executive summary that outlines the franchise vision, objectives, and unique selling propositions to engage stakeholders effectively. Define target market demographics, focusing on critical factors like age, income level, and geographic distribution for tailored marketing efforts. Highlight management team qualifications, emphasizing relevant experience and roles for operational accountability and investor confidence. Develop a thorough financial section with projected profits, startup costs, and break-even analysis to ensure funding clarity. Outline marketing strategies and operations plans that incorporate customer loyalty programs and technology for streamlined processes and enhanced customer engagement. Executive Summary The Executive Summary serves as a critical gateway to your franchise business plan, offering a concise overview that encapsulates key objectives, marketplace opportunities, and your franchise’s mission statement. In this section, include a clear company description, highlighting the products or services you offer and what sets them apart. It’s crucial to showcase your unique selling propositions and competitive advantages to attract potential investors. Incorporate financial highlights, such as projected returns on investment and timelines for profitability, as these elements help engage stakeholders. For inspiration, refer to business plan examples and consider using a how to write a business plan template to create a compelling executive summary that effectively communicates your franchise’s vision and value proposition. Business Description In the Business Description section, you’ll outline your franchise’s key offerings, highlighting its mission and how it meets market needs. You’ll additionally need to define your target market demographics, which helps you understand who your ideal customers are. Finally, introducing your management team and their qualifications will reassure potential investors about your franchise’s leadership and operational expertise. Franchise Overview and Offerings When exploring a franchise opportunity, you’ll find that each brand comes with its own unique story and mission. The franchise overview should provide a thorough business description sample that highlights the brand’s history, mission statement, and core values. A solid company description business plan includes detailed insights into the products and services offered, showcasing competitive advantages that set the franchise apart from others. For instance, proprietary products or exceptional customer loyalty programs can improve market positioning. In addition, a business overview example should identify key competitors and clarify how your franchise meets consumer needs, ensuring alignment with target market demographics, such as age and lifestyle preferences. This clarity helps potential investors understand the franchise’s value. Target Market Demographics Identifying your franchise’s target market demographics is key to shaping your business strategy effectively. You should focus on critical factors like age, gender, income level, education, and employment status to clearly define your customer base. Comprehending the geographic distribution of your target market helps identify potential franchise locations and tailor marketing strategies to meet local preferences. Furthermore, analyzing consumer behavior patterns, such as purchasing habits and lifestyle choices, provides insight into how your franchise can cater to its audience’s needs. Segmenting your target market into distinct groups allows for more focused marketing efforts, improving engagement and customer acquisition rates. Utilizing market research data improves the accuracy of your demographic profiles, aligning your offerings with customer expectations and trends. Management Team Qualifications A strong management team is fundamental for the success of any franchise, as it brings together diverse experience and skills that can greatly improve operational effectiveness. When developing your business description template, focus on the management team qualifications necessary for your franchise. Each member should have relevant experience in the franchise sector, demonstrating competencies that directly address market challenges. Highlight specific accomplishments in their resumes, aligning them with the goals of your business plan for small franchises. Clear roles and responsibilities within the team promote accountability and guarantee smooth operations. Furthermore, ongoing training is critical for adapting to changing market conditions and maintaining alignment with the franchisor’s standards. A well-structured management team is key to achieving your franchise’s objectives. Market Analysis Comprehending your target market is crucial for crafting effective marketing strategies and aligning your product offerings. You’ll want to clearly define who your ideal customers are, considering factors like demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, conducting a competitive analysis helps you assess local rivals, revealing their strengths and weaknesses, which can guide your franchise’s positioning in the market. Target Market Definition Defining your target market is essential for the success of your franchise business, as it lays the groundwork for effective marketing strategies and product offerings. Here’s how to refine your target market definition: Demographics: Identify key factors like age, income level, and education, which influence consumer behavior and preferences. Geographic Analysis: Pinpoint where your target audience resides to determine ideal franchise locations. Psychographics: Understand lifestyle choices and values to tailor marketing strategies that resonate with your audience. Market Research Data: Utilize surveys and focus groups to validate assumptions, providing insights into customer needs and buying habits. With a clear target market definition in your franchise business plan template, you can effectively engage your target audience and improve your offerings. Competitive Analysis Overview Conducting a competitive analysis is fundamental for positioning your franchise effectively within the market. You’ll want to identify and evaluate your local, regional, and national competitors, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, market share, and customer base. This helps you understand where your franchise stands. Comparing your offerings against competitors is key; note your unique selling propositions, such as product quality or superior customer service. Incorporating a SWOT analysis can provide insights into opportunities and threats within the market. Furthermore, staying updated on market trends and consumer behavior patterns enables you to identify emerging opportunities for growth or potential risks from competitors. Regular updates to your competitive analysis are vital for maintaining a strategic advantage. Products and Services The products and services offered by your franchise play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers, ensuring that their needs are met effectively. To create a compelling business description of a business plan, consider these key elements: Core Offerings: Clearly define your franchise’s unique products and services, highlighting any proprietary items or special recipes. Quality Standards: Emphasize your commitment to quality through sourcing and compliance with franchisor guidelines. Pricing Strategy: Outline how your pricing aligns with market trends as well as ensuring profitability. Seasonal Promotions: Discuss any promotional offerings that may influence product availability and responsiveness to market demands. Utilizing resources like an example business plan template pdf or a retail business plan template can help structure this section effectively. Sales and Marketing Strategies Effective sales and marketing strategies are vital for franchise success, as they directly influence customer acquisition and retention. To improve your brand’s visibility, leverage your franchisor’s established marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging and recognition. Implement local marketing initiatives customized to your community’s demographics, boosting engagement and relevance. A robust online presence is necessary; utilize social media platforms and local SEO strategies to attract new customers and drive traffic. Furthermore, consider implementing customer loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business, as retaining existing customers is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Regularly monitor and analyze your marketing performance metrics, adjusting strategies based on customer feedback to align efforts with business goals effectively. Operations Plan When creating your operations plan, you need to clearly outline staffing requirements and roles to guarantee every position, from cashiers to cooks, is filled with qualified individuals. Establishing operational efficiency strategies is essential for streamlining processes, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity across your franchise. Furthermore, compliance with safety standards and regulations is critical for maintaining operational integrity and protecting both your team and customers. Staffing Requirements and Roles Staffing requirements play a critical role in ensuring smooth franchise operations, directly impacting customer satisfaction and overall efficiency. To achieve this, consider the following fundamental elements: Define the staffing levels needed, including cashiers, cooks, and delivery drivers, to meet customer demand effectively. Specify the skills and experience necessary for each role, ensuring staff can deliver high-quality service and adhere to franchisor standards. Develop structured training programs for new hires, covering operational procedures and customer service expectations. Implement employee retention strategies, such as competitive compensation and advancement opportunities, during the evaluation of the potential for cross-training staff to improve operational flexibility during peak periods or employee absences. These steps are crucial for building a competent and motivated team. Operational Efficiency Strategies Operational efficiency is a vital aspect of successful franchise management, directly impacting how well daily operations align with the franchisor’s standards. To achieve this, implement operational efficiency strategies that focus on standardized processes. For instance, utilizing technology like point-of-sale systems and inventory tracking software can streamline transactions and maintain ideal stock levels. Moreover, establishing quality control procedures guarantees your products and services consistently meet franchisor requirements, bolstering brand reputation and customer loyalty. Regular staff training and development programs are essential, as they equip employees with the necessary skills to perform tasks effectively and uphold service standards. Compliance and Safety Standards Compliance with safety standards and regulations is essential for maintaining a successful franchise operation, as it protects both your business and your customers. To guarantee your franchise meets compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, consider these key elements: Establish clear safety standards and communicate them effectively to all employees. Conduct routine inspections and audits to identify potential compliance issues and safety hazards. Implement regular training sessions on compliance and safety protocols to keep staff informed. Create a reporting system for safety incidents and compliance violations to promote transparency. Financial Projections When creating your financial projections, it is vital to include a detailed profit and loss statement (P&L), balance sheet, and cash flow statement, as these documents collectively illustrate your franchise’s financial health over time. Estimating your required operating capital and outlining the timeline for reaching the break-even point are important steps in evaluating when your franchise will start generating profit. Here’s a simple breakdown: Document Purpose Key Components Profit & Loss Statement Shows revenue and expenses Sales, COGS, Net Profit Balance Sheet Displays assets and liabilities Assets, Liabilities, Equity Cash Flow Statement Tracks cash inflows and outflows Operating, Investing, Financing Providing realistic financial projections boosts credibility and can help attract potential lenders, so verify your estimates are based on historical data and align with industry benchmarks. Funding Requirements To guarantee your franchise business is set up for success, it’s essential to clearly outline your funding requirements from the outset. A detailed comprehension of your financial needs can attract investors and secure sustainability. Here are key components to include: Total Startup Costs: Include franchise fees, equipment, initial inventory, and legal fees. Ongoing Operational Expenses: Detail royalty fees, lease payments, salaries, and marketing contributions. Funding Sources: Break down personal savings, loans, and potential investors to show financial planning. Contingency Fund: Emphasize the importance of a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs and fluctuations. Incorporating financial projections and a break-even analysis will validate your funding requirements and improve your business plan’s credibility. Management Team Building a strong management team is fundamental to the success of your franchise. Your management team should include individuals with relevant industry experience, which improves operational efficiency and decision-making. Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member, as this helps in grasping how their skills contribute to achieving your franchise’s goals. Including detailed profiles or resumes of key personnel adds credibility and demonstrates their qualifications to potential investors. Regular training and development initiatives for both management and staff are vital, ensuring adherence to franchisor standards and keeping up with industry trends. A well-structured management team cultivates a positive organizational culture, improves employee engagement, and aligns everyone towards common objectives, critical for long-term success. Legal Considerations Comprehending the legal considerations involved in franchising is essential for ensuring a smooth business operation and protecting your investment. Here are key aspects to keep in mind: Franchise Agreements: These legally binding contracts define the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, outlining fees, territory, and operational guidelines. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): The FTC mandates franchisors to provide this document at least 14 days before contracts are signed, ensuring transparency. Intellectual Property Protection: Adhering to franchisor protocols is critical to maintain brand integrity and avoid infringement on trademarks and copyrights. Dispute Resolution Clauses: Many agreements require mediation or arbitration, influencing how conflicts are resolved between you and the franchisor. Grasping these elements can safeguard your franchise expedition. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Process, People, and Profit. Product guarantees a consistent, high-quality offering across franchises, maintaining brand integrity. Process refers to standardized systems for operations and marketing, crucial for scalability. People emphasize building a skilled team and providing necessary training for effective management. Profit highlights the need for a financial model that supports profitability for both franchisors and franchisees, focusing on cost management and revenue generation. How to Write a Business Plan for a Franchise? To write a business plan for a franchise, start with an Executive Summary that highlights the franchise concept and market opportunity. Next, provide a detailed Business Description, including your mission statement and competitive advantages. Conduct a Market Analysis to identify your target audience, competitors, and trends. Include Financial Projections, covering startup costs and profit estimates. Finally, outline your Sales and Marketing Strategies, ensuring they align with the franchisor’s brand and local initiatives. What Are the 7 Components of a Business Plan? A business plan typically includes seven crucial components: an executive summary that outlines your vision, a business description explaining what you offer, a market analysis detailing target demographics and competition, a marketing strategy for customer acquisition, an operational plan covering day-to-day functions, a financial plan with projections and funding needs, and an appendix for additional information and legal documents. Each section helps clarify your business objectives and strategies for potential investors. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7-Day Rule requires franchisors to provide potential franchisees with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before any contract is signed or payment is made. This regulation guarantees you have adequate time to review important information about fees, obligations, and other essential details of the franchise opportunity. Adhering to this rule is vital for maintaining compliance with federal regulations and building trust with prospective franchisees. Conclusion In conclusion, creating a franchise business plan requires attention to ten fundamental elements, including a clear executive summary, thorough market analysis, and well-defined financial projections. By addressing these components, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your franchise, enabling you to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the market. Remember to take into account legal aspects and assemble a competent management team to improve your venture’s chances of success. A well-structured plan is vital for achieving your business goals. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Essential Elements for a Franchise Business Plan Template" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Salesforce and ASGN have forged a significant partnership aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across enterprise platforms. This collaboration stands to benefit small businesses by providing advanced tools that streamline operations and improve customer engagement. At the heart of this partnership, ASGN, a talent and workforce solutions provider, will leverage Salesforce’s Snowflake and Tableau analytics platforms. This integration promises to deliver robust AI capabilities that can empower small business owners to gain insights from their data, optimize workflows, and enhance decision-making processes. The partnership focuses on delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of various sectors, including technology and healthcare. “By combining our strengths, we are making it easier for businesses to leverage AI in meaningful ways,” said an ASGN spokesperson. This sentiment highlights the partnership’s mission to prevent small business owners from feeling overwhelmed by the complexities often associated with AI integration. Instead, the partnership aims to provide user-friendly, efficient solutions designed for businesses of all sizes. For small business owners, the ability to harness AI can transform day-to-day operations. Whether businesses are looking to automate repetitive tasks, personalize customer interactions, or analyze sales trends, the tools developed through this partnership may be invaluable. For instance, a small retail business could utilize the predictive analytics capabilities of Tableau to understand customer purchasing habits, allowing for more effective marketing strategies. Moreover, implementing AI solutions can help small businesses stand out in competitive markets. The access to sophisticated analytics not only provides deeper insights but also enhances agility, allowing small businesses to respond swiftly to market changes. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where consumer preferences can shift rapidly. Despite the clear benefits, small business owners should consider potential challenges as well. Implementing AI technology can sometimes require a level of digital proficiency and resources that smaller firms may lack. There may also be initial costs associated with adoption, which could be a concern for startups or those with limited budgets. Understanding the financial and operational implications of integrating AI into their business is essential for owners aiming to make informed choices. Improved efficiency is a priority for every small business, and AI can be a game-changer in this regard. Automating customer service inquiries through AI chatbots, for instance, can free up team members to focus on more strategic initiatives. Streamlining these types of processes not only saves time but also reduces overhead costs in the long run. Moreover, ASGN and Salesforce emphasize their commitment to ensuring that business owners receive adequate support during the implementation phase. Small businesses can benefit from training, resources, and consultation services to help them navigate the integration of these advanced tools effectively. This support can alleviate potential hesitations related to the adoption of new technologies. “Together, we’re equipping businesses with actionable insights that drive results,” said a Salesforce representative, underscoring the partnership’s dedication to fostering growth in organizations, regardless of size. As small business owners contemplate the integration of AI technologies, this partnership may serve as an encouraging signal that advanced tools are becoming increasingly accessible and tailored to their needs. With the right solutions, small businesses have the opportunity to thrive and innovate in ways previously thought unattainable. For more details on this partnership and its implications, you can read the original press release at Salesforce News. Image via Google Gemini This article, "ASGN and Salesforce Forge AI Partnership to Transform Enterprise Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Salesforce and ASGN have forged a significant partnership aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across enterprise platforms. This collaboration stands to benefit small businesses by providing advanced tools that streamline operations and improve customer engagement. At the heart of this partnership, ASGN, a talent and workforce solutions provider, will leverage Salesforce’s Snowflake and Tableau analytics platforms. This integration promises to deliver robust AI capabilities that can empower small business owners to gain insights from their data, optimize workflows, and enhance decision-making processes. The partnership focuses on delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of various sectors, including technology and healthcare. “By combining our strengths, we are making it easier for businesses to leverage AI in meaningful ways,” said an ASGN spokesperson. This sentiment highlights the partnership’s mission to prevent small business owners from feeling overwhelmed by the complexities often associated with AI integration. Instead, the partnership aims to provide user-friendly, efficient solutions designed for businesses of all sizes. For small business owners, the ability to harness AI can transform day-to-day operations. Whether businesses are looking to automate repetitive tasks, personalize customer interactions, or analyze sales trends, the tools developed through this partnership may be invaluable. For instance, a small retail business could utilize the predictive analytics capabilities of Tableau to understand customer purchasing habits, allowing for more effective marketing strategies. Moreover, implementing AI solutions can help small businesses stand out in competitive markets. The access to sophisticated analytics not only provides deeper insights but also enhances agility, allowing small businesses to respond swiftly to market changes. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where consumer preferences can shift rapidly. Despite the clear benefits, small business owners should consider potential challenges as well. Implementing AI technology can sometimes require a level of digital proficiency and resources that smaller firms may lack. There may also be initial costs associated with adoption, which could be a concern for startups or those with limited budgets. Understanding the financial and operational implications of integrating AI into their business is essential for owners aiming to make informed choices. Improved efficiency is a priority for every small business, and AI can be a game-changer in this regard. Automating customer service inquiries through AI chatbots, for instance, can free up team members to focus on more strategic initiatives. Streamlining these types of processes not only saves time but also reduces overhead costs in the long run. Moreover, ASGN and Salesforce emphasize their commitment to ensuring that business owners receive adequate support during the implementation phase. Small businesses can benefit from training, resources, and consultation services to help them navigate the integration of these advanced tools effectively. This support can alleviate potential hesitations related to the adoption of new technologies. “Together, we’re equipping businesses with actionable insights that drive results,” said a Salesforce representative, underscoring the partnership’s dedication to fostering growth in organizations, regardless of size. As small business owners contemplate the integration of AI technologies, this partnership may serve as an encouraging signal that advanced tools are becoming increasingly accessible and tailored to their needs. With the right solutions, small businesses have the opportunity to thrive and innovate in ways previously thought unattainable. For more details on this partnership and its implications, you can read the original press release at Salesforce News. Image via Google Gemini This article, "ASGN and Salesforce Forge AI Partnership to Transform Enterprise Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

“Zootopia 2” had a roaring and record-setting opening at the box office. The animated animal city sequel from the Walt Disney Company brought in $96 million in North America over the weekend, earned $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame, and scored a staggering $556 million globally since its Wednesday opening, according to studio estimates Sunday. That made it the highest international opening ever for an animated movie, the fourth highest global debut of any kind, and the top international opener of 2025. “Wicked: For Good” stayed aloft in its second weekend for Universal Pictures, earning another $62.8 million domestically over the weekend for a North American total of $270.4 million. The second half of the “Wicked” saga has brought in $393 million internationally. The pair of PG-rated sequels combined to make the Thanksgiving weekend a glimmering exception to an otherwise dark year at movie theaters. The five-day holiday run brought in $290 million in total, $188 million of it coming Friday through Sunday. That could be a blip or an indication that a strong finish might salvage Hollywood’s box office year, with “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” among the films still to be released in 2025. “This is a great result and a big momentum builder for the box office as we head into the final four weeks of the year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “Zootopia 2” arrives almost a decade after the original, a hit that outpaced expectations and had a March domestic opening of $75 million. Like the first, it features the duo of bunny cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and small-time hustler fox Nick Wilde ( Jason Bateman ) in a city of comically domesticated wildlife. Dergarabedian said the sequel represented “a beloved franchise delivering what audiences were looking for around the world.” It was the sixth biggest North American opening of 2025. But its biggest market was China, which made for nearly half of the film’s global total with a whopping $272 million in ticket sales. No American-made animated film has ever opened bigger. It was the second best nonlocal film opening of all time in China, after “Avengers: Endgame.” Such a result in China was once almost commonplace for Hollywood. But in recent years, as geopolitical relations have grown uneasy, box-office results have turned unpredictable at best. Aside from a handful of exceptions, like the “Jurassic World” films, Hollywood has come to virtually write off Chinese theaters and recalibrate blockbuster budgets accordingly. The big bounty in China for “Zootopia 2” could be an aberration or a signal of a thaw in the freeze. In recent years, China, which censors which films that are released in theaters, has leaned more toward homegrown fare. Earlier this year, the locally made blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” grossed $1.8 billion in China. “Zootopia 2” had a clear path to a big Chinese opening. The first “Zootopia,” known there as “Crazy Animal City,” grew into a surprise hit, grossing $236 million. Shanghai Disneyland has a theme land devoted to the films. “Wicked: For Good” didn’t seem to be hurt by the beastly competition as Universal’s gamble of splitting the Broadway tale of Oz into two films continued to pay off. It brought in a worldwide weekend total of $92.2 million. “Hamnet,” certain to be a major player in awards season after a celebrated festival run, had a strong limited opening and landed in the overall top 10. In just 119 theaters it earned $1.35 million from Wednesday through Sunday and $880,000 on the weekend, with a per-theater average of more than $11,000. Director Chloe Zhao’s Shakespeare story starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal expands next weekend. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: “Zootopia 2,” $96.8 million. “Wicked: For Good,” $62.8 million. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” $7 million. “Predator: Badlands,” $4.8 million. “The Running Man,” $3.7 million. “Eternity,” $3.2 million. “Rental Family,” $2.1 million. “Hamnet,” $880,000. “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” $810,000. “Nuremberg,” $749,325. This story has been corrected to show that “Zootopia 2” had the sixth biggest North American opening of 2025, not the fourth. —Andrew Dalton, AP Entertainment Writer View the full article

Google announces delays in Search Console's Page indexing report. The company confirms crawling, indexing, and ranking remain unaffected by the reporting issue. The post Google Reports Search Console Page Indexing Report Delays appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Firms that translate AI-driven data into clear insight will lead the next era of advisory. Holistic Guide to Wealth Management By Rory Henry CFP®, BFA™ For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Firms that translate AI-driven data into clear insight will lead the next era of advisory. Holistic Guide to Wealth Management By Rory Henry CFP®, BFA™ For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

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

Even as the costs and challenges of doing business continues rising, there is a growing political effort creating artificial barriers that undermine business growth. Legislation and political directives are tying business leaders’ hands and limiting their choices in an increasingly diverse economy. National political rhetoric and autocratic use of federal and state agency authority preempt business leaders from doing anything with a hint of diversity, equity, or inclusion. This ultimately interferes with smart business decisions, restricts markets, and limits communities from achieving inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Inclusive growth should be practical business, not a source of conflict. Inclusion is not just ethical. It can, and should, be profitable. Empowering communities creates widespread prosperity. Inclusion improves the bottom line. Living Cities, the organization I run, has over three decades of experience building inclusive economies for community building and growth. We are witness to the power of people in organizing, governing, and nurturing economic environments that build wealth. With an inclusive approach to development, everyone can benefit. THE DIRECT IMPACT OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS Most recently, we successfully closed out our Blended Catalyst impact investment fund, which deployed capital around the country in inclusive ways for 10 years. Through that capital, we invested in business models and innovative capital structures that modeled new ways of doing business and delivering results. Over 10 years, from 2015 to 2025, the Blended Catalyst Fund brought together financial and philanthropic partners to improve capital access and investment as a key driver for equitable and inclusive economic opportunity. With our operating partners, Known, we were able to: Deploy over $25 million in capital, the majority going to small businesses and real estate or housing. Leverage that capital 18x for almost $500 million in additional capital to communities that needed it. Create over 6,500 jobs and offer 4,000 social services. While those large-scale numbers are impressive, they do not speak to the direct impact of the capital in communities. After 10 years of investing for inclusion, we have found that inclusive capital does more than generate returns. It can create results that go beyond the balance sheet. NEW BUSINESS MODELS Inclusive capital creates new business models by unlocking financial resources for organizations and entrepreneurs in undercapitalized communities, giving space for innovative ideas that never had the chance to grow. By removing barriers, an inclusive approach to capital can empower entrepreneurs to create solutions tailored to their communities. For example, in early 2025, Fortis Capital and Sunrise Banks offered a loan package to NATIFS, an Indigenous organization addressing economic and health disparities in Native communities. Their loan supported the transformation of a property into a hub featuring an Indigenous restaurant, commissary kitchen, and a center for expanding Indigenous food systems. This partnership shows how tailored financial strategies can fuel entrepreneurship and reveal community-driven solutions in undercapitalized markets. MARKET EXPANSION Expanding inclusive capital allows businesses to enter new markets. When entrepreneurs have access to personalized investments, companies can take advantage of market opportunities and rapidly scale. OnShore Technology Group is a Chicago-based firm that provides validation solutions to life sciences companies, part of a regulatory mandate. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of OnShore’s clients, including Moderna, were hurriedly working to bring COVID vaccines and therapies to market. Systems validation was part of this process. Founders First, which received an equity investment from the Blended Catalyst Fund, developed an accelerator program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs like Onshore’s founder, Valarie King-Bailey. She participated in the program, and then secured a $500,000 revenue-based financing investment from the business accelerator and investment firm. After their engagement with Founder First, OnShore experienced revenue growth of around 90% in one year and have been named to the Inc. 5,000 list three years in a row. COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING Inclusive capital is a catalyst for community wealth building, enabling local businesses to grow, create jobs, and foster social and economic connections within undercapitalized neighborhoods. By investing in a diversity of entrepreneurs through business expansion, inclusive capital helps transform small enterprises into engines of prosperity for their communities. Victor Diaz built Renegade Running in Oakland not only as an athletic shop, but as a hub for community building. Diaz participated in Blended Catalyst Fund loan recipient ICA Fund’s business accelerator program in 2022. He subsequently applied for growth funding. With that initial investment, Renegade Running was able to increase its capital by 100% with an additional investment from retailer REI. The run club, and the company, has become a community hub for Oakland, and in 2024, expanded its operations into Los Angeles. These are three of countless examples of how taking a broad and inclusive approach to capital can benefit everyone. The results from the Blended Catalyst Fund show that direct investment can help private enterprises lift entire communities. The evidence is here. It is time for business and investment leaders to act on the growing body of data proving that inclusive investment is both profitable and beneficial to a healthy local and national economy. Joe Scantlebury is president and CEO of Living Cities. View the full article

Demand Gen campaigns may be the newest addition to the Google Ads toolbox, but they haven’t received the same attention or hype as Performance Max. At the core is their divergence from Google’s long-standing focus on capturing existing demand – a model that makes attribution and ROI measurement straightforward. Two years after the public launch, we’ve transitioned from the campaign being in beta to testing additional controls, including inventory selection. Here’s what I’ve learned from being part of the initial release and using Demand Gen regularly over the past couple of years. How Google Ads Demand Gen campaigns work Like Performance Max, Demand Gen relies heavily on automation and machine learning to handle most of the heavy lifting. Both campaigns use algorithmic targeting, whereas previous campaigns, such as Search and Shopping were built around more specific targeting options. But where Performance Max is a full-funnel campaign, Demand Gen (as the name implies) focuses largely on driving awareness and filling the top end of your funnel. Sidebar: When Demand Gen became available in October 2023, we gave up the ability to create Discovery campaigns. Since then, other inventories and campaign types have been absorbed into this new offering – most notably, video action campaigns from YouTube. Using Performance Max without a data feed, and only creative assets with audience signals, is somewhat similar to what Demand Gen tries to do. The key difference is that Performance Max tends to over-index on mid-to-bottom funnel traffic. That setup pushes out Image, Display, and Video ads across all the different networks (except for Shopping). It’s still more focused on bottom-of-funnel conversions than Demand Gen, whose primary goal is to create new demand. “Get ready to upgrade your Discovery ads to Demand Gen,” Google Ads Hel With Demand Gen, you can still add your audiences, but also create lookalikes, which is something new to Google that anyone familiar with Meta Ads will recognize. This works by seeding the system with a list – customers, email subscribers, people who take pixel-based actions on your website – and targeting people who closely match it. It’s a good way of finding new audiences, which is exactly what Google has said Demand Gen seeks to do. If we compare Demand Gen with its predecessor, the biggest differentiator is creative. Discovery only allowed creatives built using images, carousels of images, or your product data feed. Demand Gen lets you add video (standard YouTube videos and Shorts). Demand Gen is Google’s way of helping advertisers create demand, not just capture it – something Google Ads has traditionally done as people search for what they already want. It seems that’s a reputation they want to shake, because the interface now looks and feels more like a paid social campaign, with clear similarities to how Meta Ads structures its product. Some of what’s new w/ Demand Gen: – More reach on YouTube with Shorts & In-Stream – Max clicks bidding option in addition to conv and conv value – X-funnel measurement: DDA, brand & search lift on YouTube – Lookalike segments to reach new customers – Ad previews & A/B experiments — AdsLiaison (@adsliaison) August 15, 2023 However, Demand Gen will not do the best job of pushing someone from initial awareness straight to purchase. You will see a lower reported ROAS than you would with a similar campaign on Meta. This is the nature of generating demand via different Google products (like YouTube or Gmail) instead of a social media platform. Does that mean Demand Gen is actually driving less revenue? To be determined – you’ll have to look at third-party revenue and attribution tools to figure that out. Demand Gen campaign use cases Because of how this campaign works – and thanks to additions like channel controls – Demand Gen is flexible enough to support established accounts in almost any niche. Networks: Discover, Display, Gmail, and YouTube (In-feed, In-stream, Shorts) Targeting: Interests, Custom Segments, Demographics, First-Party Audiences, Site/App/YouTube Users, Device, Location & language, New customers, Optimized targeting, Lookalikes Ad formats: Single Image, Video, Carousel (all compatible with Merchant Center feeds) My recommended order? Search and/or Shopping. Performance Max. Meta (optional). Demand Gen. Who should use Demand Gen and when? Any account – big or small, new or old, ecommerce or lead gen, local service business or national retailer – can use Demand Gen to put their brands, services, and products in front of people with a non-immediate need for them. But it’s also speculative by nature, which means there is no keyword targeting. It doesn’t put you in front of people who are actively looking for the specific things that you offer. Instead, it takes advantage of Google’s massive library of audience data points to find people who might be a fit. This is typically based on how their current and past search behavior aligns with your targeting settings, such as customer lists or selected interests. This addresses latent demand versus the more active demand of keyword targeting in Search, Shopping, and other campaigns. Because of this, I typically find it’s best to layer Demand Gen onto an account that has already captured as much search market share as possible – and possibly even more immediate demand on other channels, such as Meta. By jumping straight into Demand Gen, you risk flooding the top of your funnel without seeing real ROI, which is a terrible way to start a Google Ads account. The rare instance where it makes sense as a first step within Google Ads is for a Meta-first advertiser (such as DTC ecommerce) whose products don’t have sufficient search volume to make Search and Shopping worthwhile. Dig deeper: The Google Ads Demand Gen playbook Best practices for campaign and stakeholder management Campaign management suggestions Google has made recommendations for Demand Gen bidding and budget goals, which we’re still testing: Target CPA should be twice your standard campaign performance. Daily budget should be either 15 times your Target CPA. Or 20 times your average conversion value divided by Target ROAS. These are the suggested benchmarks to give the campaign space to operate and find interested new audiences. But they mean that Demand Gen is effectively off-limits (or a money suck) for accounts and brands with smaller budgets. Google’s other advice is to give Demand Gen between four and six weeks – both to factor in conversion delays and to allow for a data-gathering learning period. Combined with their budget suggestions, the math often doesn’t work for smaller budgets. Just spent some time playing around with the Google Demand Gen Beta. Initial reactions & takeaways: — Sam (@DigitalSamIAm) August 15, 2023 Historically, Google has recommended setting your budget at five times your Target CPA, and we’ve found that approach works well for Demand Gen. However, Demand Gen requires larger budgets to perform – much like YouTube Ads – so it may not be effective for most smaller campaigns. Where we’re seeing Demand Gen fit is in an account that wants to layer something on top of its maxed-out Search, Shopping, and Performance Max campaigns. We’re still testing, but for smaller advertisers with limited budgets, it may not generate enough conversions to justify a long-term spot in the media mix. Working with clients and leadership As with any new Google campaign, getting clients and bosses on board with Demand Gen will be a challenge for many marketers. Some clients love being part of beta programs and trying new things. They know that if you find a win before the rest of the market catches on, that first-mover advantage can pay off. We’ve seen this with Performance Max and other Google betas, so we know which clients fit that mindset and pitch them accordingly. For other clients – especially those with larger accounts – you should be testing new ideas anyway. At that scale, you need to keep unlocking new opportunities. We try to use no more than 10% of the overall budget for testing new ideas on an ongoing basis. It could be: A new campaign of an existing campaign type. Testing new keywords in a Search campaign. Testing a new Performance Max setup. Any place we see or think there might be new opportunities. It’s important to keep your testing budget to a reasonable figure, like 10% of overall spend, because experiments that go poorly can throw off your entire account’s performance. Setting realistic expectations Demand Gen is new, and its primary goal is to get in front of new audiences. So it’s fair to expect fewer conversions with a higher CPA or lower ROAS, and not necessarily measure this campaign the same way you would measure Search or Performance Max. It's happening right before the holidays.. Based on what I've read and seen, this is a legit upgrade. Here's a great overview of what Demand Gen adds on to Discovery from @Matt_Umbro https://t.co/F6djzlHzTW pic.twitter.com/3dc9ruYGwT — Menachem Ani (Google Ads) (@MenachemAni) September 5, 2023 In larger accounts, it always helps to allocate a portion of the budget to address upper-funnel audiences – especially if you’ve got a good nurture program in place. With a six-figure monthly budget covering Search, Shopping, and Meta, you want to make sure you’re also driving net new awareness – video views, website visits, branded search. That fresh demand is critical, but it has to come from somewhere and is never free. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. What I’ve learned from managing Demand Gen campaigns I was fortunate enough to get my hands on Demand Gen earlier than most advertisers, and since then, I’ve grown more comfortable with it. Here are three examples of campaigns I’ve run and what we learned from them. It’s worth noting that just like with Performance Max, you’ve got to have pieces in place to block spam from coming through with lead generation – connecting your CRM, adding a reCAPTCHA to your form, having a built-out product feed, etc. Case study 1: Historical data makes everything easier For this account, we switched from a long-running Discovery campaign that was targeting warm audiences – website visitors and subscribers – as well as broader audiences like custom intent, affinity, and interests. Once we started to ramp up that campaign, it improved enough that we could actually measure conversions at a decent ROAS and leads at a healthy CPA. My guess is that’s because it had so much historical data when we made the switch. This is one use case we were really happy with and have since been ramping up. Case study 2: Low spend doesn’t compensate for good targeting In a second lead gen account, we tested a brand new Demand Gen campaign at $50 to $100 per day. Early conversions were not rare thanks to strong first-party data, but they came at the cost of a very low conversion rate. From what I understood of this experiment, small budgets tend to struggle even with strong audience signals. Google’s suggestion is to set your budget at 15 times your expected CPA, so it could very well be that there’s a financial threshold to Demand Gen that makes it less accessible than other campaigns. Case study 3: Nature of the beast demands high budgets Our third test was also in lead gen, but we spent a more generous $1,500 a day and still struggled quite a bit. It drove traffic and conversions, but the Target CPA was slightly higher than we expected. Overall, the lesson we took away from this is that the larger budgets for Demand Gen don’t seem to be just suggestions. Because of how the campaign works, Google needs more budget to get in front of different types of users and find out which ones to focus on downstream. Why we should expect more campaigns like Demand Gen from Google By looking back at the priority and fanfare with which Performance Max and Demand Gen rolled out, we can infer that these more algorithm-driven campaigns are the staple of Google Ads going forward. Google is in the middle of retiring many of the manual controls we’ve come to grow familiar with, which is causing the nature of our jobs to change fundamentally. This paradigm shift continues to favor automation and machine learning, and advertisers who embrace this change will find it easier to cope with the new direction. Demand Gen from Google attempts to move further up the funnel than Performance Max. If your brand sees success with paid social, you will likely see success with Demand Gen.#PPCChat https://t.co/6IaObjAhH1 — Menachem Ani (Google Ads) (@MenachemAni) August 15, 2023 We’ve also seen that Google is willing to be very aggressive to push us in that direction, even when a new product is quite raw – such as when Performance Max absorbed Smart Shopping and took precedence over regular Shopping. And while they are delayed, improvements and added controls do find their way to us. Google’s been making a serious effort to apply feedback from advanced practitioners, like when changes came to Performance Max for negative keywords and other in-demand controls. And while I’m personally happy to see that engagement grow, trust in Google is generally in short supply these days – and not entirely without reason. But whatever your feelings, the fact is that this shift is going to continue. That’s what Google wants and if we want to stay above water, we need to get on board. View the full article

Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Probe looked into why Economic and Fiscal Outlook was released ahead of chancellor’s speechView the full article

Chain stores have Black Friday. Online marketplaces have Cyber Monday. For local businesses, it’s Small Business Saturday. In the last 20 years, more segments of the retail industry have vied for their own piece of the holiday shopping season. The travel trade has firmly joined the trend with another post-Thanksgiving sales push: Travel Tuesday. On the same day as the nonprofit world’s Giving Tuesday, airlines, hotels, cruise ship companies, travel booking platforms and tour operators get in on the annual spirit to spend by promoting one-day deals. Consumer advocates say there are legitimate savings to be had but also chances to be misled by marketing that conveys a false sense of urgency. “People see ’40 percent off’ and assume it’s a once-in-a-lifetime steal, without recognizing that the underlying price may have been inflated or that the same itinerary was cheaper last month.” Sally French, a travel expert at personal finance site NerdWallet, said. She and other seasoned travelers advised consumers who want to see if they can save money by booking trips on Travel Tuesday to do research in advance and to pay especially close attention to the fine print attached to offers. People hoping to score last-minute deals for Christmas or New Year’s should double-check for blackout dates or other restrictions, recommended Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer expert for the online travel site Hopper. It’s also wise to to keep an eye out for nonrefundable fares, resort fees, double occupancy requirements or upgrade conditions that may be hidden within advertised discounts, according to French. Shoppers should be wary of travel packages with extra transportation options or add-on offers, French said. Instead of lowering fares or room rates, some companies use statement credits, extra points, included amenities and bundled extras as a way to tempt potential customers, she said. “Many travel brands want to keep sticker prices high to maintain an aura of luxury, but they still need to fill planes, ships and hotel rooms,” French said. “Add-on perks are their workaround.” Consumers who are prepared rather than impulsive and on the lookout for the up-sell are in a much better position to identify authentic bargains, consumer experts stressed. Knowing what a specific trip would typically cost and comparison shopping can help expose offers based on inflated underlying costs and whether the same itinerary might have been cheaper at other times, they said. “Compare prices, check your calendar and make sure the trip you’re booking is something you genuinely want, not something you bought because a countdown timer pressured you,” French said. “What gets glossed over is that the best deal might be not booking anything at all if it doesn’t align with your plans.” Travel Tuesday came about based on existing industry trends. In 2017, Hopper analyzed historical pricing data and found that in each of the nine previous years, the biggest day for post-Thanksgiving travel discounts was the day after Cyber Monday. The site named the day Travel Tuesday. The number of offers within that time-targeted window and the number of travelers looking for them has since expanded. “Nearly three times as many trips were planned on Travel Tuesday last year compared to Black Friday,” Hopper’s Schwimer said. “We continue to see growth in the day, year over year, as more travel brands and categories offer deals.” The event’s origin story is in line with the National Retail Federation coining Cyber Monday in 2005 as a response to the emerging e-commerce era. American Express came up with Small Business Saturday in 2010 to direct buyers and their dollars to smaller retailers, credit card fees and all. A report by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company last year noted that November and December tend to be slow months for travel bookings, making Travel Tuesday a “marketing moment” that could help boost revenue. Hotel, cruise and and airline bookings by U.S. travelers increased significantly on Travel Tuesday 2023 compared with the two weeks before and after the day, the report’s authors wrote, citing data provided by the travel marketing platform Sojern. While Travel Tuesday so far has been mostly confined to the United States and Canada, “European travel companies can anticipate the possibility that Travel Tuesday will become a growing phenomenon in their region, given that other shopping days such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday have spread beyond North America,” the report stated. Vivek Pandya, lead insights analyst for Adobe Analytics, which tracks online spending, said consumers have more tools than ever this holiday season to help them determine if deals hold up to scrutiny. “Social journeys, influencers providing promo codes and values, and generative AI platforms taking all that in — the prices, the social conversation, the reviews — and giving guidance to the consumer, that’s a very different, dynamic kind of journey consumers are taking than they have in previous seasons,” Pandya said. Both he and French emphasized that prices rise and fall based on multiple factors, and that the winter holidays are not the only major promotional period of the year. “We now have dozens of consumer spending ‘holidays,'” French said. “Amazon alone keeps adding new versions of Prime Day. So if you don’t buy on Travel Tuesday, you haven’t missed your moment.” —— The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Cora Lewis, Associated Press View the full article

S&P and Nasdaq fall as investors await US economic data and Fed’s next interest rate decisionView the full article

The Challenger Sales Model is a strategic approach to selling that shifts the focus from relationship building to providing unique insights. It emphasizes teaching customers about their underlying challenges and reshaping their views on solutions. This methodology identifies five distinct sales archetypes, highlighting the Challenger as the most effective in complex sales environments. Comprehending how to implement this model can markedly improve your sales strategy, but what does it take to adopt Challenger skills effectively? Key Takeaways The Challenger Sales Model focuses on teaching customers about unknown problems, creating value through insights rather than traditional relationship-building methods. It identifies five sales representative archetypes, with Challengers being the most effective in complex sales environments. The selling process includes steps like Warm-up, Reframe, Rational Drowning, Emotional Impact, and A New Way to engage customers effectively. Challengers drive customer decision-making by leveraging a deep understanding of their business and creating constructive tension during conversations. Adopting the Challenger methodology can result in significant revenue growth and improved sales performance through tailored coaching and ongoing support. Origin of The Challenger Sale The Challenger Sale model emerged from research conducted by Gartner, which aimed to understand customer loyalty during times of economic uncertainty. The study revealed that 53% of customer loyalty is linked to the quality of the sales experience, prompting a need for a new sales approach. Traditional relationship-building methods fell short in complex sales environments, leading to the development of the Challenger selling methodology. This model positions salespeople as educators, challenging customers’ assumptions and providing fresh insights into their business problems. Research indicated that nearly 40% of top sales performers identified as Challengers, greatly outperforming the 7% of star performers classified as Relationship Builders, underscoring the effectiveness of the Challenger sales model. The Five Profiles of Sales Representatives In the Challenger Sales Model, you’ll find five distinct profiles of sales representatives, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that impact performance. Comprehending these archetypes—Challenger, Relationship Builder, Hard Worker, Lone Wolf, and Problem Solver—can help you identify effective strategies for different sales situations. Sales Representative Archetypes Sales representatives can be categorized into five distinct archetypes based on their characteristics and effectiveness in various sales environments: Challenger, Relationship Builder, Problem Solver, Lone Wolf, and Hard Worker. The Challenger archetype, which comprises 27% of sales reps, is the most effective, with nearly 40% of star performers fitting this profile. Challengers excel in the challenger sales model by teaching customers and offering disruptive insights. Conversely, Relationship Builders and Problem Solvers, each representing 21% of sales reps, are less effective in complex sales, contributing only 7% of star performers combined. Lone Wolves, making up 18%, often resist guidance, whereas Hard Workers, comprising 21%, may struggle regardless of their strong effort in challenging sales scenarios. Performance and Effectiveness Grasping the performance and effectiveness of different sales representative profiles is vital for optimizing sales strategies. The Challenger Sales Model identifies five profiles: Problem Solver, Lone Wolf, Hard Worker, Relationship Builder, and Challenger. Challengers, making up 27% of sales reps, are the most successful, representing nearly 40% of star performers in complex sales. They excel by deeply comprehending the customer’s business, teaching new insights, and challenging assumptions, which greatly improves their effectiveness. Conversely, Relationship Builders, although 21% of reps, contribute only 7% to star performance. The Challenger sales methodology summary emphasizes that to navigate intricate sales cycles, adopting Challenger traits is fundamental. Addressing these challenger sales model questions helps teams focus on what drives success in complex environments. Why Challenger Sellers Excel Challenger sellers excel primarily due to their unique approach in maneuvering complex sales environments. They make up nearly 40% of star performers, leveraging a deep comprehension of the customer’s business to provide unique insights. This allows them to challenge customer assumptions effectively, a key element of the challenger sales approach. By mastering the three core competencies of teaching, tailoring, and taking control, they manage sales conversations with finesse, creating constructive tension that drives decision-making. Research shows that these sellers hit their quotas 14% more often than their peers and are identified as Challengers by 54% of high performers in complex sales. The challenger selling model not only improves their effectiveness but also accelerates deal closures, making it a crucial strategy in today’s market. Can Anyone Become a Challenger? The skills that make someone a successful Challenger seller aren’t limited to a specific personality type; they can be learned and developed over time. Through focused challenger sales training, individuals can shift from various seller profiles to embrace the Challenger methodology. Seller Profile Key Shift Focus Hard Worker Improve teaching skills Relationship Builder Develop customized messaging Lone Wolf Learn to take control With effective coaching that addresses individual strengths and weaknesses, anyone can cultivate Challenger skills. Organizations that prioritize ongoing training can nurture a Challenger mindset among their sales teams, empowering them to navigate complex sales environments successfully. Coaching to Develop Challenger Skills To develop Challenger skills, you need to focus on enhancing behavioral capabilities through structured coaching. Ongoing support plays a vital role, as it guarantees that sales reps receive the guidance necessary to master teaching, tailoring, and taking control of conversations. Furthermore, embracing a mindset shift is fundamental, as it allows you to approach buyers differently, finally transforming your sales effectiveness. Behavioral Capability Focus Even though many sales models rely on inherent traits to drive success, developing effective selling skills within the Challenger framework hinges on focused coaching that emphasizes behavioral capabilities. This coaching approach is fundamental for mastering the Challenger sales process. With structured challenger sales training, you can cultivate the abilities to teach, tailor, and take control during sales conversations. It’s critical to provide ongoing support and customize coaching to help you apply these skills in real-world scenarios rather than just aiming for certifications. Research shows that teams adopting this Challenger methodology through proper coaching can achieve a 16.7% higher revenue growth compared to traditional methods. As a sales leader, inspiring your team to embrace this cultural shift is crucial for success. Ongoing Support Importance Ongoing support is crucial for developing Challenger skills among sales representatives. Effective coaching plays a pivotal role in helping you shift from your current sales profile to adopting the Challenger model. Research shows that teams receiving structured Challenger sales training experience 16.7% higher revenue growth compared to those without. This coaching should focus on the behavioral application of knowledge, ensuring you can confidently engage and challenge customers in meaningful conversations. Sales leaders must motivate teams to embrace the Challenger methodology, providing customized coaching that addresses individual strengths and areas for improvement. Mindset Shift Necessity Coaching to develop Challenger skills is essential for nurturing a mindset shift that prioritizes teaching and providing insights over merely building relationships. Effective challenger training cultivates the necessary skills to engage buyers by encouraging sales teams to challenge customer assumptions and offer valuable insights. Research shows that structured coaching can lead to a 16.7% increase in revenue growth, emphasizing the impact of targeted skill development. Sales leaders play a significant role in this transformation, providing ongoing support and personalized coaching to facilitate behavioral changes. The Importance of Organization-Wide Sales Training Effective organization-wide sales training is fundamental for successfully implementing the Challenger Sales Model. It guarantees that every team member comprehends and adopts the Challenger mindset and methodologies consistently. Research shows that nearly 40% of star performers in sales identify as Challengers, emphasizing the need for thorough challenger sales training across your organization. Additionally, ongoing support and customized coaching are crucial to reinforce behavioral changes in sales conversations. Cross-functional collaboration during training helps develop the commercial insights your team needs to thrive in complex selling environments. Regular updates and integration of the Challenger sales methodology into your processes are imperative for maintaining relevance and effectiveness in today’s swiftly changing sales environment. Key Aspect Importance Consistent Comprehension Aligns team on Challenger methods Ongoing Support Reinforces behavioral changes Cross-Functional Collaboration Improves commercial insights Regular Updates Maintains relevance Comparing Challenger to Other Sales Methodologies Though organization-wide sales training solidifies the Challenger Sales Model within your team, comprehending how it compares to other sales methodologies can improve your overall sales strategy. Here are four key distinctions: Focus on Teaching: The Challenger method emphasizes teaching customers about unknown problems, unlike Solution Selling, which uncovers existing needs. Understanding of Challenges: While SPIN Selling works well for defined issues, the Challenger approach thrives in reshaping customer perspectives on complex challenges. Trust Development: Consultative Selling relies on relationship-building, whereas the Challenger model earns trust through valuable insights. Performance Impact: Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex deals are Challengers, highlighting their effectiveness compared to other profiles. Challenger vs. Solution Selling When comparing the Challenger sales model to Solution Selling, you’ll notice some key differences in their approaches. Whereas Challenger emphasizes teaching and challenging customer assumptions to uncover unknown issues, Solution Selling focuses on discovering customer needs through questions and relationship-building. This distinction makes Challenger particularly effective in complex sales situations, where buyers often face overwhelming choices and may not fully understand their needs. Key Differences Highlighted The Challenger Sales Model fundamentally differs from Solution Selling in its approach to customer interactions and problem-solving. Here are four key differences: Challenging Assumptions: Challenger sellers push customers to reconsider their views, whereas Solution Selling aligns with existing customer needs. Constructive Tension: The Challenger method creates urgency for change, whereas Solution Selling nurtures rapport and collaboration. Deeper Insights: Challenger sellers focus on broader business implications, while Solution Selling often relies on customer-defined criteria. Driving Results: Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex sales are Challengers, highlighting their effectiveness compared to the less assertive Solution Selling approach. For effective implementation, invest in challenger sales model training and practice asking challenger sales questions to develop your skills. Effectiveness in Complex Sales In complex sales environments, the Challenger Sales Model proves to be considerably more effective than traditional Solution Selling methodologies. Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex deals identify as Challengers, highlighting their unique ability to teach customers about unknown problems. Unlike the Solution Selling approach, which primarily uncovers customer needs, the Challenger sale method offers insights that reshape buyers’ comprehension of their requirements. This is particularly valuable when customers feel overwhelmed by choices and are unaware of their true needs. Challenger sellers close larger, more difficult deals faster than their peers, cultivating customer loyalty by delivering differentiated insights. For more information, consider accessing a challenger sales model PDF to explore its strategies in-depth. Challenger vs. SPIN Selling Challenger and SPIN Selling represent two distinct approaches to sales, each with its own strengths and applications. The Challenger Sale overview emphasizes teaching customers about unknown problems, whereas SPIN Selling focuses on uncovering needs through questions. Here are key differences: Approach: Challenger emphasizes challenging customer assumptions; SPIN centers on a consultative relationship. Methodology: Challenger uses insights to educate; SPIN employs Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-Payoff questions. Effectiveness: Challenger thrives in complex sales, closing bigger deals; SPIN works best for clearly defined problems. Control: Challenger reps take control of conversations; SPIN promotes collaboration. In the Challenger sales book, you’ll find evidence that the Challenger method often leads to better outcomes in ambiguous situations compared to SPIN Selling. The Five Steps in Challenger Selling Five critical steps form the backbone of the Challenger Selling process, transforming traditional sales conversations into more effective problem-solving discussions. First, the Warm-up builds credibility by showcasing your comprehension of the prospect’s challenges. Next, the Reframe step identifies and redefines the root causes of their pain points, positioning them as growth opportunities. During Rational Drowning, you present data illustrating the costs of inaction, whereas the Emotional Impact phase uses storytelling to evoke feelings about potential consequences. Finally, the A New Way step educates the prospect on a conceptual solution before introducing the product, effectively highlighting benefits. For a deeper comprehension, the challenger sale book summary can be a valuable resource, alongside challenger sales training for individuals seeking to master these techniques. Tips for Training Your Team in Challenger Selling Training your team in Challenger Selling requires a strategic approach that emphasizes key skills critical for success. Focus on these crucial tactics: Teach: Equip your team to communicate deep insights about the customer’s business and challenge assumptions. Tailor: Encourage members to customize their messages for different audiences, maximizing relevance. Take Control: Develop their comfort in discussing pricing and pressing for commitments, driving the sales conversation. Continuous Learning: Nurture a culture where team members share successful call recordings to promote best practices. Consider the Challenger Sales training cost and seek Challenger Sales certification for formal training. This structured coaching can lead to significant revenue growth and help your team master the Challenger methodology effectively. Staying Relevant With the Challenger Sales Approach In today’s intricate sales environment, where 57% of customers complete over half of their purchasing process before ever contacting a seller, it’s crucial to engage potential clients with valuable insights early on. The Challenger Sales approach allows you to navigate these intricacies by using challenger questions to challenge customer assumptions. By participating in a Challenger sales course, you can learn how to teach, customize, and take control of sales conversations effectively. This method improves customer loyalty and engagement, as it encourages prospects to reconsider their existing beliefs as they explore innovative solutions. Staying relevant means adapting to these market conditions, shifting from merely selling products to delivering customized experiences that address unique customer challenges and opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Types of Challenger Sales Model? The Challenger Sales Model identifies five types of sales representatives: Problem Solvers, Lone Wolves, Hard Workers, Relationship Builders, and Challengers. Problem Solvers focus on addressing issues but struggle in complex sales. Lone Wolves are independent and often meet quotas but resist guidance. Hard Workers are diligent yet may falter in complex scenarios. Relationship Builders excel in forming connections but are less effective in driving sales. Challengers, on the other hand, understand business deeply and excel by teaching customers. What Are the 3 T’s of Challenger Sales? The three T’s of Challenger Sales are Teach, Tailor, and Take Control. “Teach” means providing insights that reshape the customer’s perception of their business challenges. “Tailor” involves customizing your message to meet the specific needs of each customer, ensuring relevance. Finally, “Take Control” emphasizes guiding the sales conversation confidently, including discussing pricing and securing commitments. Acquiring these skills improves your effectiveness, increasing your chances for success in complex sales environments. What Is a Challenger Sales Personality Type? A Challenger sales personality type is characterized by a salesperson’s ability to teach customers about their business during tailoring insights to their specific needs. Challengers excel in taking control of sales conversations, often pushing customers to reconsider their assumptions. They represent about 27% of salespeople and greatly contribute to higher sales success rates. Their unique approach allows them to navigate complex sales environments effectively, making them valuable assets in any sales team. What Is the Challenger Strategy? The Challenger Strategy focuses on teaching customers new insights during challenging their existing assumptions. It emphasizes tailoring messages to specific needs and taking control of the sales conversation. This methodology involves a structured process: warming up the conversation, reframing problems, presenting emotional narratives, and ultimately showcasing the solution. Sales reps who adopt this approach often close deals faster and achieve higher quotas, making it particularly effective in complex B2B sales environments. Conclusion In conclusion, the Challenger Sales Model offers a strategic approach to complex selling by emphasizing the importance of teaching customers and reframing their perspectives. By recognizing the five archetypes of sales representatives and comprehending why Challengers excel, organizations can effectively develop these skills within their teams. Implementing coaching techniques and training aligned with this model can improve sales performance. Ultimately, staying relevant in today’s market requires adopting this proactive mindset to address evolving customer needs and drive successful outcomes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the Challenger Sales Model?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Challenger Sales Model is a strategic approach to selling that shifts the focus from relationship building to providing unique insights. It emphasizes teaching customers about their underlying challenges and reshaping their views on solutions. This methodology identifies five distinct sales archetypes, highlighting the Challenger as the most effective in complex sales environments. Comprehending how to implement this model can markedly improve your sales strategy, but what does it take to adopt Challenger skills effectively? Key Takeaways The Challenger Sales Model focuses on teaching customers about unknown problems, creating value through insights rather than traditional relationship-building methods. It identifies five sales representative archetypes, with Challengers being the most effective in complex sales environments. The selling process includes steps like Warm-up, Reframe, Rational Drowning, Emotional Impact, and A New Way to engage customers effectively. Challengers drive customer decision-making by leveraging a deep understanding of their business and creating constructive tension during conversations. Adopting the Challenger methodology can result in significant revenue growth and improved sales performance through tailored coaching and ongoing support. Origin of The Challenger Sale The Challenger Sale model emerged from research conducted by Gartner, which aimed to understand customer loyalty during times of economic uncertainty. The study revealed that 53% of customer loyalty is linked to the quality of the sales experience, prompting a need for a new sales approach. Traditional relationship-building methods fell short in complex sales environments, leading to the development of the Challenger selling methodology. This model positions salespeople as educators, challenging customers’ assumptions and providing fresh insights into their business problems. Research indicated that nearly 40% of top sales performers identified as Challengers, greatly outperforming the 7% of star performers classified as Relationship Builders, underscoring the effectiveness of the Challenger sales model. The Five Profiles of Sales Representatives In the Challenger Sales Model, you’ll find five distinct profiles of sales representatives, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that impact performance. Comprehending these archetypes—Challenger, Relationship Builder, Hard Worker, Lone Wolf, and Problem Solver—can help you identify effective strategies for different sales situations. Sales Representative Archetypes Sales representatives can be categorized into five distinct archetypes based on their characteristics and effectiveness in various sales environments: Challenger, Relationship Builder, Problem Solver, Lone Wolf, and Hard Worker. The Challenger archetype, which comprises 27% of sales reps, is the most effective, with nearly 40% of star performers fitting this profile. Challengers excel in the challenger sales model by teaching customers and offering disruptive insights. Conversely, Relationship Builders and Problem Solvers, each representing 21% of sales reps, are less effective in complex sales, contributing only 7% of star performers combined. Lone Wolves, making up 18%, often resist guidance, whereas Hard Workers, comprising 21%, may struggle regardless of their strong effort in challenging sales scenarios. Performance and Effectiveness Grasping the performance and effectiveness of different sales representative profiles is vital for optimizing sales strategies. The Challenger Sales Model identifies five profiles: Problem Solver, Lone Wolf, Hard Worker, Relationship Builder, and Challenger. Challengers, making up 27% of sales reps, are the most successful, representing nearly 40% of star performers in complex sales. They excel by deeply comprehending the customer’s business, teaching new insights, and challenging assumptions, which greatly improves their effectiveness. Conversely, Relationship Builders, although 21% of reps, contribute only 7% to star performance. The Challenger sales methodology summary emphasizes that to navigate intricate sales cycles, adopting Challenger traits is fundamental. Addressing these challenger sales model questions helps teams focus on what drives success in complex environments. Why Challenger Sellers Excel Challenger sellers excel primarily due to their unique approach in maneuvering complex sales environments. They make up nearly 40% of star performers, leveraging a deep comprehension of the customer’s business to provide unique insights. This allows them to challenge customer assumptions effectively, a key element of the challenger sales approach. By mastering the three core competencies of teaching, tailoring, and taking control, they manage sales conversations with finesse, creating constructive tension that drives decision-making. Research shows that these sellers hit their quotas 14% more often than their peers and are identified as Challengers by 54% of high performers in complex sales. The challenger selling model not only improves their effectiveness but also accelerates deal closures, making it a crucial strategy in today’s market. Can Anyone Become a Challenger? The skills that make someone a successful Challenger seller aren’t limited to a specific personality type; they can be learned and developed over time. Through focused challenger sales training, individuals can shift from various seller profiles to embrace the Challenger methodology. Seller Profile Key Shift Focus Hard Worker Improve teaching skills Relationship Builder Develop customized messaging Lone Wolf Learn to take control With effective coaching that addresses individual strengths and weaknesses, anyone can cultivate Challenger skills. Organizations that prioritize ongoing training can nurture a Challenger mindset among their sales teams, empowering them to navigate complex sales environments successfully. Coaching to Develop Challenger Skills To develop Challenger skills, you need to focus on enhancing behavioral capabilities through structured coaching. Ongoing support plays a vital role, as it guarantees that sales reps receive the guidance necessary to master teaching, tailoring, and taking control of conversations. Furthermore, embracing a mindset shift is fundamental, as it allows you to approach buyers differently, finally transforming your sales effectiveness. Behavioral Capability Focus Even though many sales models rely on inherent traits to drive success, developing effective selling skills within the Challenger framework hinges on focused coaching that emphasizes behavioral capabilities. This coaching approach is fundamental for mastering the Challenger sales process. With structured challenger sales training, you can cultivate the abilities to teach, tailor, and take control during sales conversations. It’s critical to provide ongoing support and customize coaching to help you apply these skills in real-world scenarios rather than just aiming for certifications. Research shows that teams adopting this Challenger methodology through proper coaching can achieve a 16.7% higher revenue growth compared to traditional methods. As a sales leader, inspiring your team to embrace this cultural shift is crucial for success. Ongoing Support Importance Ongoing support is crucial for developing Challenger skills among sales representatives. Effective coaching plays a pivotal role in helping you shift from your current sales profile to adopting the Challenger model. Research shows that teams receiving structured Challenger sales training experience 16.7% higher revenue growth compared to those without. This coaching should focus on the behavioral application of knowledge, ensuring you can confidently engage and challenge customers in meaningful conversations. Sales leaders must motivate teams to embrace the Challenger methodology, providing customized coaching that addresses individual strengths and areas for improvement. Mindset Shift Necessity Coaching to develop Challenger skills is essential for nurturing a mindset shift that prioritizes teaching and providing insights over merely building relationships. Effective challenger training cultivates the necessary skills to engage buyers by encouraging sales teams to challenge customer assumptions and offer valuable insights. Research shows that structured coaching can lead to a 16.7% increase in revenue growth, emphasizing the impact of targeted skill development. Sales leaders play a significant role in this transformation, providing ongoing support and personalized coaching to facilitate behavioral changes. The Importance of Organization-Wide Sales Training Effective organization-wide sales training is fundamental for successfully implementing the Challenger Sales Model. It guarantees that every team member comprehends and adopts the Challenger mindset and methodologies consistently. Research shows that nearly 40% of star performers in sales identify as Challengers, emphasizing the need for thorough challenger sales training across your organization. Additionally, ongoing support and customized coaching are crucial to reinforce behavioral changes in sales conversations. Cross-functional collaboration during training helps develop the commercial insights your team needs to thrive in complex selling environments. Regular updates and integration of the Challenger sales methodology into your processes are imperative for maintaining relevance and effectiveness in today’s swiftly changing sales environment. Key Aspect Importance Consistent Comprehension Aligns team on Challenger methods Ongoing Support Reinforces behavioral changes Cross-Functional Collaboration Improves commercial insights Regular Updates Maintains relevance Comparing Challenger to Other Sales Methodologies Though organization-wide sales training solidifies the Challenger Sales Model within your team, comprehending how it compares to other sales methodologies can improve your overall sales strategy. Here are four key distinctions: Focus on Teaching: The Challenger method emphasizes teaching customers about unknown problems, unlike Solution Selling, which uncovers existing needs. Understanding of Challenges: While SPIN Selling works well for defined issues, the Challenger approach thrives in reshaping customer perspectives on complex challenges. Trust Development: Consultative Selling relies on relationship-building, whereas the Challenger model earns trust through valuable insights. Performance Impact: Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex deals are Challengers, highlighting their effectiveness compared to other profiles. Challenger vs. Solution Selling When comparing the Challenger sales model to Solution Selling, you’ll notice some key differences in their approaches. Whereas Challenger emphasizes teaching and challenging customer assumptions to uncover unknown issues, Solution Selling focuses on discovering customer needs through questions and relationship-building. This distinction makes Challenger particularly effective in complex sales situations, where buyers often face overwhelming choices and may not fully understand their needs. Key Differences Highlighted The Challenger Sales Model fundamentally differs from Solution Selling in its approach to customer interactions and problem-solving. Here are four key differences: Challenging Assumptions: Challenger sellers push customers to reconsider their views, whereas Solution Selling aligns with existing customer needs. Constructive Tension: The Challenger method creates urgency for change, whereas Solution Selling nurtures rapport and collaboration. Deeper Insights: Challenger sellers focus on broader business implications, while Solution Selling often relies on customer-defined criteria. Driving Results: Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex sales are Challengers, highlighting their effectiveness compared to the less assertive Solution Selling approach. For effective implementation, invest in challenger sales model training and practice asking challenger sales questions to develop your skills. Effectiveness in Complex Sales In complex sales environments, the Challenger Sales Model proves to be considerably more effective than traditional Solution Selling methodologies. Research shows that 54% of high performers in complex deals identify as Challengers, highlighting their unique ability to teach customers about unknown problems. Unlike the Solution Selling approach, which primarily uncovers customer needs, the Challenger sale method offers insights that reshape buyers’ comprehension of their requirements. This is particularly valuable when customers feel overwhelmed by choices and are unaware of their true needs. Challenger sellers close larger, more difficult deals faster than their peers, cultivating customer loyalty by delivering differentiated insights. For more information, consider accessing a challenger sales model PDF to explore its strategies in-depth. Challenger vs. SPIN Selling Challenger and SPIN Selling represent two distinct approaches to sales, each with its own strengths and applications. The Challenger Sale overview emphasizes teaching customers about unknown problems, whereas SPIN Selling focuses on uncovering needs through questions. Here are key differences: Approach: Challenger emphasizes challenging customer assumptions; SPIN centers on a consultative relationship. Methodology: Challenger uses insights to educate; SPIN employs Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-Payoff questions. Effectiveness: Challenger thrives in complex sales, closing bigger deals; SPIN works best for clearly defined problems. Control: Challenger reps take control of conversations; SPIN promotes collaboration. In the Challenger sales book, you’ll find evidence that the Challenger method often leads to better outcomes in ambiguous situations compared to SPIN Selling. The Five Steps in Challenger Selling Five critical steps form the backbone of the Challenger Selling process, transforming traditional sales conversations into more effective problem-solving discussions. First, the Warm-up builds credibility by showcasing your comprehension of the prospect’s challenges. Next, the Reframe step identifies and redefines the root causes of their pain points, positioning them as growth opportunities. During Rational Drowning, you present data illustrating the costs of inaction, whereas the Emotional Impact phase uses storytelling to evoke feelings about potential consequences. Finally, the A New Way step educates the prospect on a conceptual solution before introducing the product, effectively highlighting benefits. For a deeper comprehension, the challenger sale book summary can be a valuable resource, alongside challenger sales training for individuals seeking to master these techniques. Tips for Training Your Team in Challenger Selling Training your team in Challenger Selling requires a strategic approach that emphasizes key skills critical for success. Focus on these crucial tactics: Teach: Equip your team to communicate deep insights about the customer’s business and challenge assumptions. Tailor: Encourage members to customize their messages for different audiences, maximizing relevance. Take Control: Develop their comfort in discussing pricing and pressing for commitments, driving the sales conversation. Continuous Learning: Nurture a culture where team members share successful call recordings to promote best practices. Consider the Challenger Sales training cost and seek Challenger Sales certification for formal training. This structured coaching can lead to significant revenue growth and help your team master the Challenger methodology effectively. Staying Relevant With the Challenger Sales Approach In today’s intricate sales environment, where 57% of customers complete over half of their purchasing process before ever contacting a seller, it’s crucial to engage potential clients with valuable insights early on. The Challenger Sales approach allows you to navigate these intricacies by using challenger questions to challenge customer assumptions. By participating in a Challenger sales course, you can learn how to teach, customize, and take control of sales conversations effectively. This method improves customer loyalty and engagement, as it encourages prospects to reconsider their existing beliefs as they explore innovative solutions. Staying relevant means adapting to these market conditions, shifting from merely selling products to delivering customized experiences that address unique customer challenges and opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Types of Challenger Sales Model? The Challenger Sales Model identifies five types of sales representatives: Problem Solvers, Lone Wolves, Hard Workers, Relationship Builders, and Challengers. Problem Solvers focus on addressing issues but struggle in complex sales. Lone Wolves are independent and often meet quotas but resist guidance. Hard Workers are diligent yet may falter in complex scenarios. Relationship Builders excel in forming connections but are less effective in driving sales. Challengers, on the other hand, understand business deeply and excel by teaching customers. What Are the 3 T’s of Challenger Sales? The three T’s of Challenger Sales are Teach, Tailor, and Take Control. “Teach” means providing insights that reshape the customer’s perception of their business challenges. “Tailor” involves customizing your message to meet the specific needs of each customer, ensuring relevance. Finally, “Take Control” emphasizes guiding the sales conversation confidently, including discussing pricing and securing commitments. Acquiring these skills improves your effectiveness, increasing your chances for success in complex sales environments. What Is a Challenger Sales Personality Type? A Challenger sales personality type is characterized by a salesperson’s ability to teach customers about their business during tailoring insights to their specific needs. Challengers excel in taking control of sales conversations, often pushing customers to reconsider their assumptions. They represent about 27% of salespeople and greatly contribute to higher sales success rates. Their unique approach allows them to navigate complex sales environments effectively, making them valuable assets in any sales team. What Is the Challenger Strategy? The Challenger Strategy focuses on teaching customers new insights during challenging their existing assumptions. It emphasizes tailoring messages to specific needs and taking control of the sales conversation. This methodology involves a structured process: warming up the conversation, reframing problems, presenting emotional narratives, and ultimately showcasing the solution. Sales reps who adopt this approach often close deals faster and achieve higher quotas, making it particularly effective in complex B2B sales environments. Conclusion In conclusion, the Challenger Sales Model offers a strategic approach to complex selling by emphasizing the importance of teaching customers and reframing their perspectives. By recognizing the five archetypes of sales representatives and comprehending why Challengers excel, organizations can effectively develop these skills within their teams. Implementing coaching techniques and training aligned with this model can improve sales performance. Ultimately, staying relevant in today’s market requires adopting this proactive mindset to address evolving customer needs and drive successful outcomes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the Challenger Sales Model?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Gustaf Westman, the homeware designer known for his delightfully chunky objects, just unveiled his latest project. It’s a shelf inspired by classic puzzles. Gustaf Westman In a new video posted to his Instagram, Westman introduces the Puzzle Shelf, a modular unit that comes in the form of several components resembling giant puzzle pieces. Users can assemble the shelf however they see fit, as well as select their own piece colors, which include white, forest green, fire-engine red, pink, a range of blues, and even a metallic silver. It’s currently available on a made-to-order basis, as each unique shelf is produced by a London-based 3D-print artist. Westman’s irreverent take on design, which evokes memories of childhood play and imagination, is the reason that he’s managed to amass a cult following in just five years since opening his eponymous studio in 2020. The Puzzle Shelf expands on his existing niche of products that turn everyday objects and home decor into whimsical, colorful statements. Designing a puzzle shelf Westman’s most beloved designs take ordinary items—like a dinner plate or wine glass—and reimagine them with a twist, often by inflating them to satisfyingly rounded proportions. More recently, he’s also been delving into some more experimental designs, like a table specifically engineered to hold glass stems, a spiral bag made to carry a baguette, and a plate that perfectly cradles meatballs. In an interview with Fast Company back in August for his first collection with Ikea, Westman explained that his designs are often inspired by memories from his own childhood. For this new shelf, he says, “I’ve always loved toy aesthetics, and puzzles have such a simple, fun function. The idea of pieces connecting to create something new felt like a great starting point.” To test the design, Westman first sketched the shapes out on paper before rendering them digitally. Then, he created a 3D-printed miniature model of the structure, small enough to sit on a table. In the final design, each long “shelf” puzzle piece is supported by two smaller puzzle pieces, which stack together like Lincoln Logs. Westman told Vogue Scandinavia that the design can be styled as a coffee table, a bookshelf, a bar, a side table, and even a desk. “A puzzle can take many forms,” Westman said. “I wasn’t interested in copying the look of a flat puzzle piece—instead, I focused on the function and the idea of pieces interlocking and creating something new when they come together.” View the full article

Google just posted its annual Seasonal Holidays Doodle, Google logo, for the 2025 holiday season. We have Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa coming up really soon now and since it is December 1, Google posted the Doodle.View the full article

Deal means start-up will take share in group set up by Josh Kushner’s Thrive CapitalView the full article

Hi there, remote workers! 🎄December is here—the Friday of the months. A time full of festivities and end-of-year catch-ups. And yes, research shows remote workers tend to work a bit less (and feel less productive) on Fridays… so our to-do lists, managers, and clients are probably already sensing a quiet wobble at the first sound of holiday jingles. But fear not. Remote workers always find a way to balance slower days with smarter ones, and, like anyone else, deserve this month to relax a little more, reflect a little more, and set the direction for the year ahead. ☺️ Enjoy today’s reads and December. -Maja Our Favorite Articles 💯Focus Enemies (Just Off By One)Tiny interruptions compound into massive productivity losses, and your brain never really gets “back on track” once the flow is broken. 👉 ​Find out more​. (Not) Too Casual Fridays (Inc.)The article breaks down how to enjoy the relaxed vibe of a home-office Friday without letting your standards completely unravel. 👉 ​Keep reading​. Moondance/PixabayThriving Remote Teams (Twist)From communication norms to trust and transparency, this guide maps out what strong remote teams intentionally build, because culture doesn’t happen by accident. 👉 ​Read on​. Back to Beginnings: ChatGPT’s Intro Message (OpenAI)It’s been three years since ChatGPT launched with this simple introduction, yet we’re still only beginning to feel the shift it set in motion. 👉 ​See here​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Too many emails? Declutter your inbox with Meco, your home for reading newsletters. Try it for free ​Remotive​ Jobs 💼Let's get you hired! These teams are hiring now: 💻 Engineering 👉 ​Senior DevOps Engineer (AWS) at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 hours) 👉 ​React Native Senior Developer at Everbreed Systems LLC​ (USA Only) Free Guides & Tools​Premium Job Board​We curate 70 000+ fully remote jobs so you don't have to. ➡️ ​Find your remote job​ ​Job Search TipsLooking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely. ➡️ ​Check it out Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

PPC advertising for medical and mental health services comes with many restrictions, but it remains an effective way for practices to maintain a steady flow of new patients and clients. Whether you manage ads for clients, run them for your own practice, or are just getting started, these tips will help you launch or improve your campaigns. Choosing keywords for medical and mental health advertising Consider the three main ways potential patients tend to search on Google. Symptoms and treatments Many people search for symptoms or treatment options without naming the professional they need, such as “treatment options for depression” or “why does my ankle hurt when I run.” These broader terms can still lead to new patients or clients even if the searcher has not identified the correct professional yet. What they think it’s called People often use incorrect or simplified terms, such as “therapist to manage bipolar medications” or “foot pain doctor,” which relate to the service but may not use proper medical terminology. The correct term Some people search using the correct medical term because they know what they need and are ready to hire a professional. They may look for “psychiatrist” or “endodontist near me.” Still, people often confuse similar roles, such as therapist, psychologist, and counselor. Most of your budget will go to the first two categories, where searchers are at the bottom of the funnel and ready to start treatment. With a larger budget, you can also test broader symptom and informational searches that may convert later. You’ll usually see the best results from more specific keywords, since informational searchers may or may not take action. Use negative keywords to block searches you don’t want your ads to appear for, especially services you don’t provide. Dig deeper: A guide to Google Ads for regulated and sensitive categories Staying compliant with your ad copy Be careful with your ad copy. You can’t be too direct in this industry, but you still need to make it clear that you can help with the problem. It may take several attempts before the ad platform approves your copy. A rejection doesn’t mean your account is suspended. It simply means the ad wasn’t accepted, so try adjusting the wording or requesting a manual review. Ads that are too blunt are often rejected. Test less direct and less aggressive language for medical and mental health services. Highlight different benefits to stand out from competitors, such as: Insurance acceptance. Payment options. Specialized treatments. Distinctions like being family-owned, local, award-winning, certified, or licensed. Be cautious about using terms like “cure” or other guaranteed results. Google and Meta’s ad policies explain these restrictions. If an ad is rejected, reword it in a way that still communicates your value while staying compliant. For some psychiatrists, doctors, and other medical service providers, Google Ads may require a LegitScript.com listing, especially for addiction treatment services. Google Ads support or its documentation will specify whether this applies to your practice. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Building effective landing pages The easiest way to build effective landing or service pages is to use the information your front office already shares with patients. Pull details from existing pamphlets or office materials and highlight key points, such as accepted insurance, cash payment options, payment plans, financing, and any specialized treatments. Any common questions you receive in person or over the phone should also be answered on the landing page, and you can keep adding to it as new questions come up. These may include whether you work with kids, accept Medicare, offer phone or virtual sessions, or provide specific treatments. Make the next step clear. This could be: Booking an appointment or scheduling an initial consultation. Requesting a free phone consultation. Completing a form, questionnaire, or contact request. Calling with questions. Avoid vague forms or generic phone numbers with no instructions. Clearly outline the process from pre-treatment to treatment to post-treatment. Include a FAQ section that answers “what is the process?” or “how does treatment work?” The more questions you address on the site, the more likely you are to convert new patients and clients from your ads. Choosing the best campaign types For medical and mental health services, most advertising strategies center on Search campaigns. Automated or audience-based options, like Performance Max or Demand Gen, can run into privacy and targeting limitations. Depending on the service, your ads may not be approved. Remarketing is typically not allowed for the same reason. Video campaigns may be possible, but targeting restrictions often limit them to local branding. Search campaigns are effective because people are actively looking for answers or treatment and are typing in keywords for the exact services they need. Many providers use directories like Psychology Today or ZocDoc for lead generation. Still, supplementing them with Google or Microsoft Search campaigns gives you more control over your patient and client flow by driving traffic directly to your own site. Run campaigns targeting very specific terms for people ready to hire a professional and test broader symptom or research-related terms that may lead to new patients or clients. Larger budgets let you explore both. Meta Ads can be an option, but targeting is limited due to privacy laws. You also need to be careful with ad copy, images, and landing pages to stay compliant. Reviewing its ad policies before launching campaigns can help avoid issues. Meta Ads can support larger budgets, but Google Search campaigns remain the most reliable option for medical and mental health marketing. Dig deeper: How to prevent Meta Ads restrictions on health and wellness campaigns Tracking lead quality With any online advertising – especially for medical and mental health services – you need to track lead quality and how many leads turn into new patients or clients to understand your ROI. A simple CRM, whether generic or tailored for your industry, can track incoming leads and indicate which ones have converted. Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Meta Ads all offer built-in connections to CRMs. You can also use a service like Zapier to connect software without a programmer. Beyond website form submissions, you should also track all inbound calls driven by your marketing. Call tracking tools like CallTrackingMetrics, CallRail, and WhatConverts integrate with CRMs and major ad platforms to measure lead quality. They offer call recording and are HIPAA-compliant. Keeping medical and mental health ads effective By targeting the right searches, keeping your ads compliant, optimizing your landing pages, and tracking lead quality, you can build campaigns that reliably attract new patients and clients. A consistent, well-structured approach is the best way to sustain or expand your practice. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. More than 45 million people in the United States rent their homes, and as purchasing a home continues to be out of reach for many, that number probably isn’t going down anytime soon. If you’re a renter, you know that renting often comes with some compromises in terms of control over your environment, space, and interior design. Being limited in what you can do because you don’t actually own the walls and floors can be a real challenge when it comes to making the space nice. But with a few clever ideas, you can make your rental more comfortable, more useful, and less expensive—and ensure that you get all of your security deposit back when you move out. There are a lot of useful hacks out there for renters, but these are the fundamental, most useful hacks that you might not think of, but every renter should know. Upgrade the little thingsRenters—especially first-time renters—often assume that they can’t change anything in a rented place. This is absolutely not true—while you might not want to actually spend money on an actual renovation to a place you don’t own (although some people do just that), there are actually a lot of things you can temporarily upgrade to make your basic box of an apartment feel more luxurious. Basically, if you can remove it, you can swap it. Light fixtures, cabinet and drawer pulls, bathroom mirrors, shower heads, faucets, toilet seats, and wall plates can all be easily removed and replaced with better, more stylish options. You put the old stuff in storage until you move out, and then you just swap everything back—and take your nicer stuff with you to the next place. Peel-and-stick surfacesPainting is powerful, and it’s not uncommon for a landlord to allow you to paint your apartment or rental house, helping you to inject some color and personalization into the place. But paint can’t repair janky walls, and painting a whole apartment (or even one room) can be a messy prospect. And sometimes you want to jazz up a space with tile—like kitchen backsplashes. Peel-and-stick options like temporary, removable wallpaper or wall tiles is a prime hack. It covers any defects in the walls, offers an enormous range of styles and designs, and peels right off without leaving a mark when you move out. In some cases, you can even re-use the tile or wallpaper at your next home, if you’re really careful removing and storing it. Folding furniture in small spacesIf you’re renting a tiny space, like a studio apartment, making it feel larger and making it more functional can be a challenge, especially since you can’t just hire a contractor and renovate the heck out of it. If you’re puzzling out how to make a small space multifunctional and less cluttered, the answer is probably folding furniture. Wall desks that fold down, folding dining tables, folding chairs, freestanding Murphy beds—just about any furniture that you use can be found in folding format, allowing you to transform a space into several different rooms with just a few quick moves. Stove and sink covers for extra prep spaceApartments often come with small kitchens and bathrooms, which can make cooking and washing up an exercise in frustration. An easy hack is to pick up some stove and sink covers for both the kitchen and bathroom. These handy items are cheap and provide extra prep space when you need it, then lift away to let you use your stove and sinks for their intended purpose. They can make small bathrooms and kitchens a lot more functional. Install temporary flooringRentals often have floors that tell a fascinating story of abuse, damage, and poor design choices. From painted floors to carpets you’d prefer not to touch with your bare skin, nothing makes an apartment feel like a punishment than a terrible floor—and no amount of good taste on the walls or in your furniture choices will erase that awful floor. So, cover it. You may not be able to sand and stain an abused hardwood floor, or tear up a carpet that was last cleaned in the previous decade, but you can very effectively cover it with a temporary floor that will pop right off when it’s time to move. This hack not only beautifies the space while you’re living there, it also guarantees that you don’t add to the damage and get nicked for stains, tears, or gouges. This can be as simple as putting a rug over a gross carpet or putting peel-and-stick tile (or a vinyl rug) on a kitchen or bathroom floor. Deck tiles can upgrade a gouged and stained floor into an attractive and temporary surface. If you just want to cover an ugly floor and give your space a more modern, updated look, vinyl rolls are a cheap and easy option to install—and remove. Erase-A-Hole for covering wall damageDrywall is amazing stuff, but it’s not exactly strong. It’s very easy to dent, ding, and otherwise damage your walls just by living near them. And every dent and ding could cost you when it’s time to move out; while a strategically-placed piece of art might hide that hole in the wall, it’s eventually going to be a problem. Luckily, there’s Erase-A-Hole. With this stuff, you don’t have to spend six hours on YouTube learning how to mud and sand drywall repairs. You just rub the stick on the wall, let it dry, and then touch up the paint if necessary. If you love hanging things on your walls, this is going to save you hours of sweaty work when you move out. Get a stair-climbing cartIf your apartment is several flights up in a building without elevators, groceries soon become the biggest challenge in your life. Carrying heavy grocery bags up those stairs is not only a chore, it’s also an invitation to disaster because you’re probably going to try to carry everything in one trip, leading to broken bags, broken eggs, and possibly injuries because you can’t see your own feet. The stair-climbing cart is the hack you need. You use it as a normal grocery cart in the store, but when it’s time to get all those goods up to your apartment, it makes pulling everything up the stairs easy, safe, and fast. Install lots of tension rodsTension rods aren’t just for shower curtains. Investing in a pack of simple tension rods can transform your rented home in a wide variety of ways: Use them to hang curtains without drilling into walls Place them inside kitchen cabinets to create extra vertical storage (and under the sink to hang all those cleaning bottles) They can also be placed vertically inside cabinets to organize baking sheets and other flatware Maximize closet storage with closet trianglesCloset space is always a challenge in small rentals. That’s why every renter should know about these closet triangles. They can dramatically increase the storage capacity of any closet, allowing you to hang several shirts or pants in the same space without making any changes to the closet itself. They work with any type of hanger, and you’ll be able to use the extra space in your closet for any other storage needs you might have. Take a video diary when you move inWhen you sign a rental contract, you’re taking on a legal responsibility for the condition of the apartment. When you move out, landlords are quick to pounce on any perceived damage that goes beyond “wear and tear” from normal living. After living there for years, are you going to remember if that stain on the floor was already there? And even if you remember, can you prove it? Before you move in, take a video of the place as you walk through. Focus in on anything that’s already stained, scuffed, damaged, or simply aged. Take your time and fully document the condition of the place. When you move out, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you left the place in the same condition you found it, and ensure you get your security deposit back. View the full article

Major dairy producer Prairie Farms has announced a recall of select gallons of its popular Fat Free Milk due to concerns that the beverage may be contaminated with food-grade cleaning agents, which could make consumers ill if ingested. Here’s what you need to know. Prairie Farms recalls select Gallon Fat Free Milk Last week, Prairie Farms announced that it had initiated a voluntary recall of select Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk products produced at its Dubuque, Iowa, facility. The reason for the recall is that select gallons may have been contaminated with “food-grade cleaning agents,” according to the recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The cleaning agents have the possibility of causing illness in individuals if consumed. What Prairie Farms milk is being recalled? Given the popularity and widespread availability of Prairie Farms milk, news of a recall may cause significant concern. However, the company says the recall is limited to one product and only a subset of the gallons produced. Specifically, Prairie Farms says that the impacted product is the following: Product Information: Prairie Farms Gallon FAT FREE Milk Code Date: DEC08 Plant Code: PLT19-145 Facility: Dubuque, Iowa Impacted Production Window (Timestamp): 17:51–21:23 UPC: 7273023117 In the recall notice, Prairie Farms states that only a specific segment of the product run DEC08 was affected by the cleaning agent. “The affected product was processed between 17:51 and 21:23, representing a portion of that day’s production,” the notice explains. “To ensure complete containment, Prairie Farms is recalling Gallon Fat Free Milk with the DEC08 code date, PLT19-145 plant code produced during the impacted timeframe of 17:51 to 21:23.” The company says that “approximately 320 gallons” of the milk product were sold before the discovery of the possible cleaning agent contamination. Where was the recalled Prairie Farms milk sold? Prairie Farms says the recalled milk was distributed to Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. The company says the remaining product distribution locations include: Illinois Bloomingdale Buffalo Grove Carpentersville Lakemoor North Aurora Rockford Wisconsin Appleton Beloit Green Bay Janesville Kenosha Madison Menomonee Falls Oak Creek Onalaska Racine Sun Prairie Waukesha What should I do if I have the recalled Prairie Farms milk? Prairie Farms says that if you have the recalled milk, you should not consume it. Instead, you should return it to its place of purchase or safely dispose of it. Full details of the recall can be found on the FDA’s website here. View the full article