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Business Interviews Can Optimism and Empathy Heal America’s Divides in Business?. Can empathy and optimism heal America’s political and economic divide. In this week’s episode of The Small Business Radio, where I talk Paul Johnson—civic entrepreneur, investor, former mayor of Phoenix, and author of “What’s Right with America”. Handmade Business How to Price Handmade Jewelry for Profit. When pricing your handmade jewelry, it’s crucial to take into account all aspects of production and market dynamics. Start by calculating your total costs, which include materials, labor, and overhead, plus a profit margin of around 20-30%. You’ll want to set an hourly labor rate and regularly assess your competition’s pricing. What Is Handmade Business Insurance and Why Is It Necessary?. Handmade business insurance is an essential coverage that protects you against financial risks associated with your handmade products. This includes claims related to injuries or damages that may occur from your items. It’s not just about safeguarding your finances; many craft fairs and online platforms require proof of insurance for participation. What Do You Need for a Business License for Selling Crafts?. If you’re planning to sell crafts, comprehending the business license requirements is essential for your success. First, you’ll need to check local regulations, which often include obtaining a general business license or permit. Additionally, securing a sales tax permit is important for collecting sales tax. 10 Homemade Things That Sell Well. When considering homemade products that sell well, focus on categories like bath bombs, handmade soaps, and unique jewelry. These items attract consumers looking for quality and individuality. Furthermore, curated subscription boxes and eco-friendly candles can improve customer loyalty. Build a Winning Business Plan for Your Craft Business in 5 Steps. When you’re starting a craft business, having a solid plan is essential. It helps you define your goals, understand your market, and manage your finances effectively. In just five steps, you can create a winning business plan that not just guides your efforts but additionally attracts customers. First, you’ll need to clarify your purpose and vision. 10 Handmade Products to Sell for Extra Cash. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, consider selling handmade products. Options like bath bombs and unique candles attract a wide audience. Handmade soaps cater to eco-conscious consumers, whereas custom T-shirts and jewelry can command higher prices. Subscription boxes filled with curated items appeal to niche markets. 7 Essential Tools for a Handmade Product Pricing Calculator. When pricing your handmade products, it’s vital to utilize a pricing calculator that includes key tools. Start by inputting material and labor costs, then factor in shipping expenses. Don’t forget to take into account third-party market fees and other costs. Adjust your profit margin accordingly to guarantee sustainability. A user-friendly interface can simplify this process. Management What Is a Change Management Plan Template?. A change management plan template is a critical tool that helps you navigate the intricacies of organizational change. It includes key elements like project objectives, stakeholder analysis, and communication strategies. By following this structured framework, you can guarantee that all aspects of the change process are addressed effectively. Most Effective Change Management Models?. When managing change in an organization, comprehension of effective models is vital. Lewin’s Change Management Model, for instance, outlines a clear three-phase process: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Similarly, McKinsey’s 7-S Framework emphasizes aligning key elements for success. Kotter’s 8 Steps provide a structured approach, whereas the ADKAR model focuses on individual needs. Figure Out Your Goals With This Step-By-Step Guide. Figuring out your goals is an essential step toward personal growth and fulfillment. By comprehending the importance of setting clear objectives, you can begin identifying what truly matters to you. Start by reflecting on your values and passions, which will guide you as you create a personal mission statement. What Is the Strategic Planning Process and Why Is It Essential?. The strategic planning process is essential for any organization aiming for long-term success. It enables you to define your vision, mission, and values in addition to aligning resources effectively. By conducting a thorough analysis, including SWOT assessments, you can identify strengths and weaknesses along with opportunities and threats. 7 Online Leadership Development Courses to Boost Your Skills. If you want to improve your leadership skills, consider exploring these seven online courses designed for professional development. Each course offers valuable insights, from resilient leadership during crises to strategies for encouraging team motivation and employee well-being. These programs cover vital topics that can help you adapt to today’s work environment. What Is the Strategic Process and Why Is It Essential?. The strategic process is a systematic approach that helps organizations define their long-term goals and align them with their mission. It involves analyzing both internal and external environments, often using tools like SWOT analysis. Comprehending this process is essential, as it guides decision-making and resource allocation. Mastering the Step by Step Strategic Planning Process for Success. Strategic planning is important for any organization aiming for long-term success. By following ten fundamental steps, you can align your goals and adapt to market changes effectively. Start with establishing a clear vision and mission, then conduct a SWOT analysis to grasp your position. Engaging stakeholders is critical, as is performing an environmental scan. What Is an Internal Development Program and Its Importance?. An Internal Development Program is vital for enhancing your employees’ skills and capabilities. These programs not only assist in addressing skill shortages but additionally nurture employee retention and promote a culture of continuous learning. By investing in your workforce’s growth, you can improve productivity and reduce hiring costs. What Does a Strategic Planner Do? Insights into Their Key Responsibilities. In today’s business environment, comprehending the role of a strategic planner is crucial. These professionals analyze complex datasets to identify trends that guide decision-making. They use tools like SWOT analysis to assess market conditions and create customized business plans. By monitoring key performance indicators, they guarantee that organizations remain adaptable and sustainable. How to Create an Effective Goal Plan Strategy in 5 Simple Steps. Creating an effective goal plan strategy is vital for achieving success. Start by brainstorming actionable objectives that align with your aspirations. Then, refine these into specific, realistic targets. Next, break down each goal into manageable steps to maintain organization. It’s additionally important to anticipate obstacles and devise potential solutions. Effective Leadership Skills Training for Enhanced Team Performance. To develop effective leadership skills, you need to focus on seven fundamental elements. Start with cultivating emotional intelligence, which amplifies your self-awareness. Then, improve your communication skills to guarantee clarity and alignment within your team. Authenticity and empathy are vital for building trust. 7 Proven Tips to Increase Business Growth. If you’re looking to boost your business growth, there are several proven strategies you can implement. Start by conducting thorough market research to understand your customers better. Next, focus on building an effective sales funnel that guides potential customers through their buying path. Enhancing customer retention strategies is likewise essential. Marketing Tips Best AI Logo Makers for Stunning Designs. In terms of creating a memorable logo, the right AI logo maker can make a significant difference. Tools like Looka and LogoMakr offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive customization, allowing you to craft a design that reflects your brand’s identity. If you’re looking for high-quality logos in various formats, Designhill is likewise worth considering. What Is Storytelling Marketing and Why It Matters?. Storytelling marketing is a strategic method that connects your brand with consumers through engaging narratives. It matters as it builds emotional connections, boosts brand loyalty, and improves message retention. With stories being 22 times more memorable than facts, they can set your brand apart in a crowded marketplace. How to Make a Distinctive Brand Identity in 5 Easy Steps. Creating a distinctive brand identity is vital for standing out in today’s competitive market. By defining your core values and mission, you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Next, developing a unique visual identity, including a memorable logo and color palette, improves recognition. Consistency across platforms reinforces your message. 10 Essential Brand Strategies for Startups. When launching a startup, prioritizing your brand is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. Start by defining what influences your brand and comprehending your target audience. It’s important to assess your brand objectively and connect your brand strategy with marketing efforts. This approach helps maintain consistency and encourages a strong identity. 7 Inspiring Rebranding Examples That Redefined Success. Rebranding can greatly alter a company’s trajectory, as seen in various successful examples. Dunkin’ shifted its focus from donuts to coffee, as Burberry embraced modern luxury with influential figures like Emma Watson. Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” campaign emphasized community, and Old Spice used humor to revitalize its image. 10 Best Company Logo Creation Software Tools. When you’re looking to create a company logo, selecting the right software is essential. There are various tools available, each suited for different skill levels and design preferences. From professional platforms like Adobe Illustrator to user-friendly options like Canva, the choices can be overwhelming. 5 Brand Messaging Examples That Inspire Loyalty. Brand messaging plays a vital role in building customer loyalty. For instance, Nike’s “Just Do It” encourages individuals to push through challenges, whereas Apple’s commitment to innovation and user privacy guarantees a secure user experience. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign promotes self-acceptance, and Gymshark celebrates diverse fitness paths with an inclusive approach. What Are Brand Identity Design Services?. Brand identity design services focus on creating a visual framework for your brand, including logos, color schemes, and typography. This cohesive design reflects your brand’s values and personality, which helps establish recognition and trust among consumers. A strong brand identity is essential for standing out in a competitive market. What Is a Brand Positioning Map and Why Does It Matter?. A brand positioning map is a valuable tool that helps you visualize where your brand stands in relation to competitors based on key attributes like price and quality. By plotting these factors, you can better understand consumer perceptions and identify gaps in the market. This insight is essential for refining your strategy and ensuring your brand remains relevant. How to Craft a Winning Brand Strategy for Small Business. Crafting a winning brand strategy for your small business starts with defining your brand identity. This means pinpointing your mission, core values, and unique value proposition. Next, you’ll need to identify your target market to guarantee your branding efforts resonate effectively. Visual elements like logos and color palettes play an essential role, as does your brand story. What Is a Visual Branding Strategy and Why Does It Matter?. A visual branding strategy defines how your brand communicates visually, using elements like logos, colors, and typography. This approach is essential since it shapes first impressions and can improve brand recognition considerably. For instance, a well-designed logo can increase customer recall, whereas cohesive colors can evoke specific emotions. Key Elements of Brand Identity. Comprehending the key elements of brand identity is vital for establishing a strong presence in the market. You’ll need to take into account components like the brand name, logo, and color palette, as these elements greatly impact consumer perception. Furthermore, tone and voice play an important role in communication. Each aspect must work together for consistency and clarity. Product Reviews Zoho Flow Streamlines Tasks, Saves Time and Money. You’ve heard the expression, “Go with the flow.” Well, if you own a small business, you know how difficult establishing that flow can be. You must integrate the efforts of your sales and marketing and operations teams and ensure proper fulfillment and a flawless customer experience. And those just represent the broadest brush strokes. Retail Business What Is a POS Inventory Management System?. A POS inventory management system combines point-of-sale functions with real-time inventory control, streamlining operations for businesses. It automatically updates stock levels as sales occur, reducing manual errors. For example, when a customer purchases a product, the system immediately reflects this change in inventory. 10 Innovative Shop Plans and Designs to Inspire Retail Spaces. When designing retail spaces, innovative shop plans play an essential role in enhancing customer experiences. Concepts like loop and free-flow layouts can effectively guide traffic, encouraging exploration. Furthermore, integrating sustainable materials not only promotes eco-friendliness but also adds aesthetic value. Top 7 Retail POS and Inventory Software Solutions. When choosing a retail POS and inventory software solution, you have several strong options to evaluate. Ehopper is known for its affordability, making it ideal for budget-conscious businesses. SumUp provides flexible payment options, whereas Lightspeed thrives in omnichannel management. Square POS is user-friendly, and Clover offers extensive customization. 5 Essential Tips for Effective Boutique Layouts. When designing an effective boutique layout, you need to contemplate several key factors that can improve the shopping experience. Start by creating a decompression zone where customers can shift from the outside world. Next, guarantee your store has a clear flow, guiding shoppers through defined pathways. 10 Essential Tips for Effective Online Shop Layout Design. Designing an effective online shop layout is vital for enhancing user experience and boosting sales. Start by prioritizing intuitive navigation, which allows customers to find products easily. High-quality images should showcase your offerings clearly, as a cohesive color palette can create a visually appealing atmosphere. What to Look for in a Restaurant Point Sale System?. When choosing a restaurant point of sale system, it’s essential to focus on features that directly impact your operations. This includes menu management for easy updates, efficient payment processing, and detailed reporting for sales analysis. Furthermore, confirm the system is compatible with your existing hardware to avoid unnecessary costs. Top 5 Programs for Inventory and Sales Management. When managing inventory and sales, choosing the right software can greatly impact your operations. Programs like Zoho Inventory, Cin7, Fishbowl, Katana, and Ordoro each offer unique features customized to various business needs. For instance, Zoho Inventory is great for small businesses with its user-friendly interface, whereas Fishbowl provides advanced tracking for larger enterprises. How to Gain Meaningful Experience in POS Systems?. To gain meaningful experience in POS systems, you should start with hands-on training that covers both software and hardware components. Engaging in role-playing scenarios can help you practice real-life situations, improving your problem-solving skills. What Are Different Types of POS Systems?. When considering the various types of point of sale (POS) systems, it is crucial to understand how each type caters to specific business needs. For instance, legacy systems are traditional setups that work on-premises, whereas tablet-based and mobile systems utilize cloud technology for greater flexibility. Top 10 Retail Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses. If you’re running a small business, choosing the right retail inventory management software is essential for efficiency and growth. These tools help streamline processes, track stock levels, and improve order management. You’ll find various options, each customized to different needs, from startups to multi-location retailers. 7 Essential Tips for Streamlining Retail Inventory Management. Effective retail inventory management is crucial for your business’s success. By unifying inventory data from ecommerce and POS systems, you can eliminate confusion and streamline operations. Implementing inventory management software allows for real-time visibility, helping to prevent stockouts. Furthermore, setting up stock alerts and categorizing inventory can optimize your stock levels. What Is Inventory Tracking Management and Why Is It Essential?. Inventory tracking management is the systematic approach to monitoring stock levels and movements within a business. It guarantees that you have the right products available when customers need them during minimizing excess inventory. This process is essential for maintaining efficient operations and optimizing cash flow. Sales Best Sales Tips to Boost Your Closing Rate. To boost your closing rate, you need to implement effective strategies that directly address customer needs. Start by asking open-ended questions to understand their pain points better. Building rapport is essential, as trust facilitates smoother conversations. Communicating the value of your offerings, rather than just listing features, can markedly impact decisions. 5 Essential Components for Effective Corporate Sales Training. In the realm of corporate sales training, grasping the crucial components can make all the difference. Start with an extensive needs assessment to identify challenges your team faces. Next, guarantee the content is engaging and interactive to boost retention. Don’t overlook the importance of practical application opportunities, as they help bridge theory and practice. 5 Essential Tips for Successful Sales Prospecting. To succeed in sales prospecting, you need to follow a structured approach. Start by researching your prospects thoroughly, as this helps you understand their needs. Next, prioritize high-value prospects that fit your ideal customer profile. Craft messages that focus on the value you bring, and engage them in meaningful conversations. Finally, continuously refine your strategies based on results. 5 Unbeatable Sales on Sales – Unlock Extra Discounts Today. If you’re looking to save money on housewares and baby gear, now’s your chance. There are five exclusive sales available today, offering discounts up to 62%. You can likewise take advantage of daily deals and verified promo codes for additional savings. Remember, free shipping kicks in on orders over $200. 5 Essential Tips for Effective B2B Prospecting. Effective B2B prospecting is vital for your business growth, and there are five fundamental tips to improve your approach. Start by clearly defining your Ideal Customer Profile to focus on the right companies. Next, personalize your outreach to cultivate genuine connections. Moreover, consider multi-threading by engaging with multiple stakeholders. 5 Essential Sales Techniques and Tactics for Achieving Success. To achieve sales success, you need to focus on five fundamental techniques and tactics. First, comprehending your customer’s needs is critical. It allows you to tailor your approach effectively. Next, building strong relationships can lead to loyalty and repeat business. You’ll likewise want to employ effective communication strategies, including storytelling. What Is Sales Psychology and Why It Matters?. Sales psychology focuses on the emotional and motivational factors that drive consumer behavior. It shapes about 95% of purchasing decisions, making it crucial for anyone in sales. By comprehending these principles, you can connect with customers more effectively and anticipate their needs. This knowledge helps in addressing objections and tailoring your approach. 7 Powerful Selling Techniques to Boost Sales Today. If you want to boost your sales today, consider implementing seven effective techniques. First, focus on your buyer’s current situation and challenges, rather than their general preferences. Next, disrupt their status quo by challenging existing beliefs and introducing unconsidered needs. Furthermore, using compelling customer stories and testimonials can improve your credibility. 7 Essential Strategies for Salespersons to Close More Deals. To close more deals, you need to implement effective strategies that improve your sales approach. Start by personalizing your communication with prospects, as this builds trust and rapport. Active listening is essential; it helps you understand their needs clearly. Leveraging technology can streamline your processes, making interactions more efficient. Small Business Finance Key Steps in Effective Financial Planning. Effective financial planning is vital for achieving your financial goals and securing your future. You need to start by establishing clear, specific objectives and evaluating your current financial situation. Creating a thorough budget helps you manage your finances better, whereas building an emergency fund provides a safety net. Top 10 BPM Tools to Streamline Business Processes. In today’s fast-paced business environment, streamlining processes is essential for efficiency and productivity. Business Process Management (BPM) tools provide solutions to optimize workflows and improve collaboration. For instance, FlowForma offers a no-code platform that integrates with SharePoint, whereas Appian leverages AI for analytics and low-code development. Essential Financial Advice for Every Business Owner. As a business owner, grasping vital financial advice is critical for your success. Accurate record-keeping helps guarantee compliance and supports informed decision-making. By acquiring proficiency in financial statements like income statements and balance sheets, you can effectively evaluate the health of your business. What Is Break Even Calculation and Its Importance?. Break-even calculation is a crucial financial tool that helps businesses determine the sales volume needed to cover all costs, ensuring that total revenue matches total expenses. Comprehending this concept is fundamental for effective pricing strategies, evaluating potential cost changes, and setting realistic sales targets. Understanding Breakeven Definition: A Step-by-Step Guide. Grasping breakeven is essential for any business owner. It helps you identify the point where your total revenue matches your total costs, meaning you neither gain nor lose money. To navigate this analysis, you’ll need to distinguish between fixed and variable costs, calculate your contribution margin, and apply the breakeven formula. 10 Steps to Create an Effective Business Budget. Creating an effective business budget is essential for sustaining growth and managing resources wisely. You’ll begin by gathering historical financial information, which provides a foundation for comprehending your past performance. Next, you’ll need to estimate future revenue sources based on market analysis and sales forecasts. 7 Essential Excel Financial Forecast Templates You Need Today. Effective financial planning is vital for any business, and utilizing Excel financial forecast templates can streamline this process. These templates, including 12-month projections and startup forecasts, allow you to analyze revenue, expenses, and profit margins with ease. With customizable entries and real-time updates, you can adapt your strategies based on actual performance. 7 Essential Components of a Sample Financial Plan for Small Business. Creating a financial plan for your small business is essential for success. It outlines how you’ll manage income, expenses, and growth. Key components include an income statement to track revenues, cash flow projections to foresee financial changes, and sales forecasting to guide your strategies. Comprehending how these elements work together can help you make informed decisions. What Are Budget Projections and Their Importance?. Budget projections are crucial tools that help organizations forecast future revenues and expenses by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. These projections not only evaluate performance against strategic goals but likewise guide financial decision-making and resource allocation. What Is a Break Even Analysis Template and How Can It Benefit Your Business?. A break-even analysis template is a valuable tool that helps you determine when your business will start making a profit. By organizing your fixed and variable costs alongside your sales prices, you can clearly see the point at which total revenue matches total costs. This comprehension is essential for effective financial planning and decision-making. What Is Cash Flow Statement Analysis and Its Importance?. Cash flow statement analysis is vital for evaluating a company’s financial health. It focuses on cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. Comprehending this analysis helps you assess liquidity and operational efficiency, which are critical for strategic planning. By identifying trends and potential issues, you can make informed decisions about investments. Small Business News Google Unveils Gemini CLI GitHub Actions: Your New AI Coding Partner. In a landscape where small businesses often compete against larger corporations with more substantial resources, Google’s recent launch may level the playing field. The tech giant has unveiled Gemini CLI GitHub Actions, a novel AI-powered tool designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency in coding tasks. Amazon Launches Elastic VMware Service for Seamless Cloud Migration. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Amazon Elastic VMware Service (Amazon EVS), a significant move for small businesses that rely on VMware workloads. This new offering enables companies to migrate their existing VMware-based applications to the cloud seamlessly. WhatsApp Banishes 6.8 Million Scam Accounts in Ongoing Safety Push. Criminal scams are a persistent threat, especially for small business owners navigating a challenging economic landscape. WhatsApp has recently taken significant steps to combat these threats, implementing new tools and features aimed at protecting users from scammers. Create Personalized Illustrated Storybooks Instantly with Google Gemini. In the age of personalized experiences, Google has rolled out a compelling new feature within its Gemini app that promises to captivate both children and their parents. Small business owners with a focus on education, entertainment, or personalized services should pay attention to this innovation, as it opens the door to creative and immersive storytelling. Amazon Autos Expands Offerings with Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Amazon Autos is making strides to capture a larger share of the automotive market by expanding its platform to include used and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. This move not only enhances customer access to a greater variety of vehicles but also represents a significant opportunity for small dealers to reach a broader audience. Senate Confirms Dr. Casey Mulligan as Chief Counsel for Small Businesses. In a significant move that stands to impact small businesses across the nation, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Casey Mulligan as the Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy at the Small Business Administration (SBA) with a vote of 52-44. SAP Strengthens HR Suite with Planned SmartRecruiters Acquisition. SAP SE has announced its plans to acquire SmartRecruiters, a leading talent acquisition software provider. This acquisition aims to enhance SAP’s SuccessFactors human capital management (HCM) suite, offering small business owners critical tools to attract and retain top talent amidst a competitive job market. Salesforce Boosts AI Partnership with $1.5 Billion Genesys Investment. Small business owners navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of customer expectations may want to take note of a significant development in the AI customer experience (CX) space. Genesys, a leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, has secured a $1.5 billion investment from enterprise giants Salesforce and ServiceNow. Amazon Reports Strong Growth in Q2 Earnings, Surpassing Expectations. Amazon recently released its second-quarter results, showcasing significant milestones that could impact small businesses across various sectors. As small business owners seek ways to navigate an evolving economic landscape, understanding these developments can help them leverage new opportunities and mitigate potential challenges. Gemini’s Deep Think Revolutionizes Problem-Solving with Parallel Thinking. In a world where efficiency often dictates success, Google’s Gemini has added a groundbreaking feature called Deep Think, designed to empower small businesses to tackle complex problems more effectively. Small Businesses Report Easing Labor Shortages, Yet Challenges Remain. Job openings for small businesses in July experienced a significant shift, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the labor market. According to the latest report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 33% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings, marking a drop of three points from June and the lowest level recorded since December 2020. Salesforce Boosts Sales Efficiency with Acquisition of AI Leader Bluebirds. Salesforce is set to enhance the efficiency of sales teams through its latest acquisition of Bluebirds, an AI-driven prospecting platform. This move aims to empower small business owners to streamline their lead engagement processes, enabling them to identify and connect with high-potential customers more effectively. Gas Prices Hit Lowest July Levels in Four Years as Summer Driving Peaks. As summer rolls on, small business owners can breathe a sigh of relief with gas prices holding steady, providing a crucial respite amid rising demand. According to the latest report from AAA Gas Prices, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dipped slightly to $3. AWS Unveils Amazon DocumentDB Serverless, Reshaping Database Management. Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to innovate in the cloud computing space, recently unveiling Amazon DocumentDB Serverless, a fully managed document database service designed to automatically adjust its capacity based on user demand. TikTok Launches ‘Footnotes’ Feature to Enhance Content Context for Users. As TikTok continues to evolve, small business owners should take note of its latest feature: Footnotes. Launched after a successful pilot, this new addition allows users to enhance video content with additional context, which can be a game changer for businesses looking to engage with their audience. SBA Revokes USAID’s 8(a) Contracting Authority Amid Bribery Scandal. The recent decision by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to rescind the independent 8(a) contracting authority from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has significant implications for small business owners involved in federal contracting. Amazon and Techstars Launch Bootcamps to Empower Diverse Startup Founders. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Techstars have teamed up to launch a groundbreaking initiative—the AWS Impact Bootcamps—to support underrepresented startup founders around the world. Set to kick off in September 2025, this program aims to provide essential resources for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, addressing the imbalance in opportunity faced by many. Dr. Small Business Operations 5 Effective Time Management Strategies to Boost Productivity. Time management is essential for enhancing productivity in both personal and professional settings. By employing strategies like the Pomodoro technique, which divides work into focused intervals followed by short breaks, you can maintain high levels of concentration. Furthermore, using the Eisenhower Matrix helps prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. 10 Best Staff Scheduling Software Solutions. When it pertains to managing employee schedules, selecting the right staff scheduling software can greatly improve your operational efficiency. Various options, such as Connecteam and 7shifts, offer unique features customized to different business needs. With capabilities like automation and mobile access, these tools simplify the scheduling process. Top 10 Appointment Scheduling Software Solutions. When managing appointments, choosing the right scheduling software can greatly impact your efficiency and client satisfaction. Options like YouCanBookMe and HubSpot Meeting Scheduler offer customization and CRM integration, whereas Calendly serves large teams effectively. For medical offices, SimplyBook.me stands out, and Square Appointments integrates payment processing seamlessly. How to Take Inventory Step-by-Step. Taking inventory is an essential step in personal growth, particularly in recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. To start, you’ll want to set aside quiet time for deep reflection, allowing you to assess your strengths and weaknesses. A structured approach involves creating a table to organize your thoughts, identifying resentments and fears linked to specific individuals or situations. 10 Effective Methods for Tracking Inventory You Need to Know. Tracking inventory effectively is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and meeting customer demands. You can choose from various methods, such as implementing barcoding systems for quick scans and using RFID technology for real-time tracking. Furthermore, automated inventory management software can improve accuracy and streamline processes. What Does a Business Efficiency Consultant Do?. A Business Efficiency Consultant focuses on enhancing your organization’s productivity by identifying and eliminating waste in resources and finances. They analyze your operational processes, pinpoint inefficiencies, and develop customized strategies for improvement. For example, they might suggest reorganizing team structures or implementing new technologies to streamline workflows. What Is Workflow Management and How Does It Benefit Business?. Workflow management is essential for businesses looking to optimize their operations. It involves organizing and automating tasks to improve efficiency and collaboration. By clearly defining inputs, tasks, and outputs, you can streamline processes and minimize errors. For instance, automating repetitive tasks frees up time for your team to focus on more important work. How Do Online Retail Order Fulfillment Services Work?. Online retail order fulfillment services streamline the process from order placement to delivery. When a customer makes a purchase, the fulfillment center creates a picking list to gather the ordered items. These products are then securely packed and shipped using a carrier selected for cost efficiency and speed. Top 7 Resource Scheduling Software Solutions. When considering the top resource scheduling software solutions, you’ll find that each option brings unique features to improve project management. For instance, Float offers a visual interface that simplifies scheduling, whereas Kantata combines project management with accounting insights. Resource Guru focuses on clash management, and Productive integrates budgeting tools. What Is Ecommerce Fulfillment Process and Why Is It Important?. Ecommerce fulfillment is the process that guarantees your customers receive their orders accurately and on time. It involves several steps, including inventory management, order processing, picking, packing, and shipping. Comprehending this process is essential, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and retention. 10 Must-Have Features for Ecommerce Order Management Software. When choosing eCommerce order management software, it’s vital to focus on fundamental features that improve efficiency and accuracy. For instance, centralized inventory management guarantees real-time stock visibility, in addition to multi-channel order processing streamlining sales across various platforms. Moreover, automated order routing boosts fulfillment speed. Social Media What Is a Video Frame Editor and How Can It Enhance Projects?. A video frame editor is an influential tool that improves your projects by allowing you to edit individual frames of a video. This capability gives you precise control over visual elements, like graphics and text. With features such as motion tracking and keyframing, you can create smooth shifts and enhance storytelling. Top 5 Best Posts You Can’t Miss This Month. This month, you won’t want to overlook our top five posts that provide valuable insights across various topics. Learn how to style Adidas Sambas with a range of outfits for a casual yet fashionable appearance. Discover Ina Garten’s versatile Gruyère quiche recipe, suitable for any occasion. If you’re a flower lover, you’ll appreciate our tips for exploring the New York City Flower Market. 7 Best Video Editing Templates Apps for Effortless Editing. If you’re looking to improve your video editing skills, utilizing the right templates apps can make a significant difference. These apps simplify the process, providing you with customizable options that suit various editing needs. From intuitive interfaces to a wide range of design choices, each app offers unique features that cater to different user levels. 10 Essential Social Media Posts for Your Business Strategy. To create an effective social media strategy, you need to incorporate fundamental posts that engage your audience. Start by asking questions that encourage interaction and consider collaborating with influencers for greater reach. Highlight customer testimonials to build trust, and share behind-the-scenes content to connect on a personal level. 10 Best Ways to Edit Videos for Social Media Success. To edit videos for social media success, you need to focus on key strategies that can improve your content’s effectiveness. Start by knowing your audience and the platform you’re using, as this shapes your approach. Set clear goals for your videos, which will guide your editing decisions. Furthermore, crafting engaging intros and utilizing creative shifts can capture viewers’ attention quickly. Essential Instagram Content Planners to Boost Your Strategy. If you want to improve your Instagram strategy, using a content planner can be a transformative factor. These tools streamline your posting schedule, help you visualize your grid, and provide important analytics. By automating posts and analyzing engagement, you’ll save time and boost your content’s performance. Best Video Editing Software: Top 7 Picks. When choosing video editing software, it’s crucial to evaluate your skill level and specific needs. Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are great for professionals seeking advanced features. If you’re just starting, CyberLink PowerDirector and iMovie offer more straightforward options. How to Create an Effective Content Marketing Strategy in 5 Steps. Creating an effective content marketing strategy requires a structured approach. Start by setting clear SMART goals that align with your business objectives. Next, comprehending your target audience is vital, as it informs your content’s direction. Once you have this insight, developing a content calendar will help you stay organized and consistent. 5 Essential Pre-Written Social Media Posts to Boost Engagement. If you want to improve your social media engagement, consider implementing five crucial pre-written posts. Start with thought-provoking questions that prompt followers to share their insights. Next, use engaging polls to understand audience preferences. Customer testimonials can build trust, whereas celebratory posts cultivate community. 5 Essential Components of a Content Marketing Strategy Template. When creating a content marketing strategy template, you need to focus on five fundamental components. First, establish clear goals and objectives to guide your efforts. Next, develop detailed audience personas to comprehend your target market. A thorough content calendar is vital for maintaining consistency in publishing. Staffing How to Create a Sample Onboarding Process for New Employees. Creating an effective onboarding process for new employees is vital for their success and integration into your organization. Start by implementing preboarding activities to build excitement, followed by a structured orientation that communicates your company’s culture and policies. 7 Essential Training Topics for Employee Development. Employee development is critical for enhancing workplace performance and satisfaction. Focusing on fundamental training topics like effective communication, leadership development, and change management can greatly impact your team’s capabilities. These areas equip you with essential skills such as conflict resolution, time management, and customer service excellence. 10 Top Online Training Programs for Employee Development. In today’s fast-paced work environment, effective employee development is vital for organizational success. Various online training programs, such as Skillsoft and Google Cybersecurity, offer targeted courses to improve fundamental skills like project management and data analysis. 10 Essential Components of a Sample New Hire Orientation Schedule. When designing a new hire orientation schedule, it’s vital to incorporate ten fundamental components to guarantee a smooth shift for new employees. Start with a warm welcome and an introduction to the company’s culture, followed by overviews of the organizational structure and employee handbook. What Are the Key Phases of Onboarding for New Employees?. Onboarding new employees involves several critical phases that guarantee a smooth changeover into the organization. First, there’s pre-onboarding, which engages employees before their official start date. Then, orientation introduces them to the company culture and values. After that, training focuses on skill development and hands-on practice. What Is an Onboarding Document for New Employees?. An onboarding document for new employees is a crucial resource that outlines important information regarding their roles and responsibilities within the organization. It typically includes fundamental legal forms, company policies, and job-specific resources, ensuring new hires comprehend what’s expected of them. Create an Effective Training Development Plan in 5 Steps. Creating an effective training development plan involves a structured approach that guarantees your training initiatives meet organizational needs. Start by identifying skill gaps through a thorough needs assessment. Next, set clear, measurable objectives. Following that, design engaging materials that resonate with learners. Implement the program with careful planning and resources. 10 Essential Strategies for Employee Learning and Development. In today’s competitive environment, organizations must adopt effective strategies for employee learning and development to improve skills and drive performance. By aligning learning initiatives with business goals and conducting skill gap analyses, you can guarantee training is relevant and impactful. Implementing diverse learning formats and leveraging technology further supports this process. 7 Effective Strategies to Develop Employees for Success. To develop employees for success, organizations can implement several key strategies that nurture a productive work environment. Treating employees with respect is foundational, as it cultivates a positive culture. Encouraging open communication allows for honest dialogue, whereas providing mentorship opportunities offers personalized guidance. Creating an Effective Staff Training Plan: Step-by-Step Example. Creating an effective staff training plan requires a structured approach that begins with evaluating your organization’s specific needs and identifying skill gaps. By setting clear, measurable objectives that align with your goals, you can guarantee a focused training effort. Startup Advice What Is a Business Registration Number and Why Is It Necessary?. A Business Registration Number (BRN) is a fundamental identifier that government agencies assign to companies. This unique ID is critical for various operational aspects, such as opening bank accounts, securing contracts, and filing taxes. Without it, businesses can face legal challenges and lose credibility with clients and suppliers. Do You Need a Business License?. When starting a business, figuring out if you need a business license is essential. It often depends on your business type, location, and the regulations that apply at the federal, state, and local levels. Some professions, like healthcare or construction, may require specific licenses. To avoid fines or legal issues, it’s important to check with the proper authorities. How to Find Articles of Incorporation – A Step-by-Step Guide. If you need to find Articles of Incorporation, you can start by visiting your state’s Secretary of State website. These sites usually have searchable databases where you can enter the corporation’s name or registration number. If the documents aren’t available online, you can contact the Secretary of State’s office directly for help. 7 Simple Steps to Register My Business. Starting your own business can be straightforward if you follow seven simple steps. You’ll need to choose the right business structure for your needs, guarantee your business name is unique, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. After that, you’ll register your business with the state and apply for any necessary licenses and permits. Best Types of Businesses to Start. If you’re considering starting a business, it’s essential to identify industries with strong growth potential. Options like home care services, digital marketing, and food truck operations are gaining traction. These sectors require relatively low startup costs and offer the flexibility to cater to various consumer needs. Comprehending these opportunities can set you on the right path. 7 Simple Steps to Register Your Company Today. Are you ready to start your own business? Registering your company can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following seven simple steps, you can navigate the process with ease. First, you’ll need to choose your business structure, then select a unique name. After that, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) will be vital. Essential LLC Requirements for Starting Your Business. Starting your business as an LLC involves several vital requirements that guarantee you operate legally and efficiently. First, you need to choose a unique name that includes “Limited Liability Company.” Next, you’ll file the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State and designate a registered agent in the state. How Do You Make Your Own Business?. Starting your own business involves several key steps that require careful planning and execution. First, you’ll need to identify a viable business idea that matches your skills and interests. Next, conduct thorough market research to grasp the demand and competition in your chosen field. After that, developing an extensive business plan will help you outline your objectives and strategies. Discover the Benefits of Saucon Source for Your Next Project. Key Takeaways Local Focus: Saucon Source is dedicated to delivering timely updates and news specifically for the Saucon Valley area, highlighting local events and community initiatives.Community Engagement: The platform fosters a sense of belonging by encouraging resident and business participation, building trust and loyalty within the community. How to Start a Doggy Daycare: Essential Steps for Success. Key Takeaways Growing Market Demand: The rise in pet ownership creates a lucrative opportunity for doggy daycare services, driven by busy pet owners seeking reliable care solutions. Legal Compliance: Ensure to research and obtain necessary licenses and permits, while understanding local regulations to operate your doggy daycare legally and safely. What Business Types Have No Personal Liability for Owners Under Legal Structure?. If you’re considering starting a business, comprehending the types that limit your personal liability is fundamental. Structures like Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations can protect your personal assets from business debts. This means if your business faces legal issues, your personal finances won’t be at risk. Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs with No Experience to Succeed. Key Takeaways Inexperience as an Advantage: Many successful entrepreneurs started without formal experience, using their unique perspectives to drive innovation and creativity in their businesses. Embrace Learning and Adaptability: Prioritizing continuous learning and adaptability is crucial for overcoming the challenges faced by inexperienced entrepreneurs. How to Make Money on Reddit: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners. Key Takeaways Understand Reddit’s Structure: Familiarize yourself with subreddits to effectively target your audience and engage in market research. Engage Authentically: Build a reputation by actively participating in discussions and providing valuable contributions rather than focusing solely on self-promotion. What Is a Business Incorporation Number and Why Is It Needed?. A Business Incorporation Number is a critical identifier that your state assigns when you legally form a corporation. It serves as proof of your business’s existence and is fundamental for compliance with various regulations. This number is necessary for tasks like opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and filing taxes. 5 Essential Steps for Completing Your Company Registration Form. When you’re ready to complete your company registration form, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Start by gathering all necessary documentation, like your ID and proof of business address. Next, you’ll need to choose the right business structure that suits your needs. Identifying a unique business name and providing accurate ownership details come next. How to Obtain a Small Business License: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Importance of Licensing: A small business license legitimizes your operation, ensures compliance with local laws, and builds trust with customers.Variety of Licenses: There are different types of small business licenses—general, professional, and specialized—each with specific requirements depending on your industry and location. Master Solopreneur Tips for Building a Successful Business Journey. Key Takeaways Master Time Management: Prioritize tasks, set specific time blocks, and use tools like Trello or Asana to improve task organization and efficiency. Boost Productivity: Automate repetitive processes, focus on core activities that yield high returns, and continuously invest in your skills to enhance operational effectiveness. What Do I Need to Know About Forming an LLC for My Small Business?. When you’re considering forming an LLC for your small business, it’s important to comprehend the key concepts involved. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers benefits like personal liability protection and pass-through taxation, which can simplify your finances. You’ll need to choose a unique name, appoint a registered agent, and file the necessary paperwork with your state. How to Create a Membership Website That Engages and Retains Users. Key Takeaways Understand Membership Models: Membership websites provide exclusive content and build communities while generating recurring revenue through subscription fees. Define Your Niche: Selecting a well-defined niche is crucial for attracting a targeted audience and enhancing your site’s visibility in a competitive market. Effective Press Release Distribution Sites to Boost Your Visibility. Key Takeaways Importance of Visibility: Press release distribution sites are vital for enhancing the visibility of your announcements among journalists, bloggers, and potential customers, thus amplifying your brand’s reach. How to Create a Strategic Business Plan Format. Creating a strategic business plan format is vital for any organization aiming for success. Start by outlining your mission, vision, and values, which will guide your decisions. Next, conduct thorough market research and perform a SWOT analysis to understand your competitive environment. This foundation sets the stage for defining key performance indicators and financial projections. What Is the State of Business Registration?. Business registration in Texas is vital for anyone looking to start a venture. It involves various steps, such as selecting the right business structure, choosing a unique name, and comprehending tax obligations. You’ll additionally need to register with the Secretary of State and obtain necessary permits. Effective Strategies on How to Promote Your Blog and Boost Traffic. Key Takeaways Promoting your blog is crucial for increasing visibility and attracting the right audience, significantly impacting your online presence.Utilize diverse social media platforms effectively to engage different audiences, tailoring content format and strategy for each channel. How to Be a Memorable Professional Wedding Guest and Impress Everyone. Key Takeaways Understanding the Role: Professional wedding guests attend weddings for compensation, providing valuable feedback and creating social media content to enhance the couple’s experience. Networking Opportunities: Hiring professional guests opens doors for networking, allowing couples to form beneficial connections with vendors and other attendees. 5 Essential Steps for Idea Validation and Market Research. When you’re looking to validate your idea and conduct effective market research, it’s essential to follow specific steps. Start by defining your business goals and hypotheses, as this will clarify your product assumptions and target audience needs. Next, assess the market size and potential demand through industry reports and consumer trends. Low Cost Businesses to Start: Affordable Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Affordable Entrepreneurship: Starting a business can be feasible and fulfilling with minimal investment, especially when leveraging personal skills and passions.Diverse Business Ideas: Options such as online retail, freelancing, dropshipping, and service-based businesses provide numerous opportunities to enter the market with low startup costs. Essential Guide to Publishing Your First Book Successfully. Key Takeaways Understand Your Publishing Options: Familiarize yourself with both traditional and self-publishing to choose the best path for your book, weighing the benefits and challenges of each. Manuscript Preparation is Key: Focus on thorough writing, revisions, and professional editing to ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for publication. 5 Essential Free Plan Templates for Streamlined Projects. If you want to improve your project management skills, consider utilizing crucial free plan templates. These tools can help you systematically organize tasks, track budgets, visualize timelines, manage risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Each template serves a specific purpose, making your projects more streamlined and efficient. Essential Business Insurance Requirements for Startups. As a startup, comprehending your business insurance needs is critical for protecting your venture from potential risks. You’ll want to contemplate fundamental types of coverage, like general liability and workers’ compensation. These policies can shield you from lawsuits and job-related injuries. Furthermore, safeguarding your physical assets and cyber data is imperative. Technology Trends Zoho Flow Streamlines Tasks, Saves Time and Money. You’ve heard the expression, “Go with the flow.” Well, if you own a small business, you know how difficult establishing that flow can be. You must integrate the efforts of your sales and marketing and operations teams and ensure proper fulfillment and a flawless customer experience. And those just represent the broadest brush strokes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Weekly RoundUp – August 7, 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Business Interviews Can Optimism and Empathy Heal America’s Divides in Business?. Can empathy and optimism heal America’s political and economic divide. In this week’s episode of The Small Business Radio, where I talk Paul Johnson—civic entrepreneur, investor, former mayor of Phoenix, and author of “What’s Right with America”. Handmade Business How to Price Handmade Jewelry for Profit. When pricing your handmade jewelry, it’s crucial to take into account all aspects of production and market dynamics. Start by calculating your total costs, which include materials, labor, and overhead, plus a profit margin of around 20-30%. You’ll want to set an hourly labor rate and regularly assess your competition’s pricing. What Is Handmade Business Insurance and Why Is It Necessary?. Handmade business insurance is an essential coverage that protects you against financial risks associated with your handmade products. This includes claims related to injuries or damages that may occur from your items. It’s not just about safeguarding your finances; many craft fairs and online platforms require proof of insurance for participation. What Do You Need for a Business License for Selling Crafts?. If you’re planning to sell crafts, comprehending the business license requirements is essential for your success. First, you’ll need to check local regulations, which often include obtaining a general business license or permit. Additionally, securing a sales tax permit is important for collecting sales tax. 10 Homemade Things That Sell Well. When considering homemade products that sell well, focus on categories like bath bombs, handmade soaps, and unique jewelry. These items attract consumers looking for quality and individuality. Furthermore, curated subscription boxes and eco-friendly candles can improve customer loyalty. Build a Winning Business Plan for Your Craft Business in 5 Steps. When you’re starting a craft business, having a solid plan is essential. It helps you define your goals, understand your market, and manage your finances effectively. In just five steps, you can create a winning business plan that not just guides your efforts but additionally attracts customers. First, you’ll need to clarify your purpose and vision. 10 Handmade Products to Sell for Extra Cash. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, consider selling handmade products. Options like bath bombs and unique candles attract a wide audience. Handmade soaps cater to eco-conscious consumers, whereas custom T-shirts and jewelry can command higher prices. Subscription boxes filled with curated items appeal to niche markets. 7 Essential Tools for a Handmade Product Pricing Calculator. When pricing your handmade products, it’s vital to utilize a pricing calculator that includes key tools. Start by inputting material and labor costs, then factor in shipping expenses. Don’t forget to take into account third-party market fees and other costs. Adjust your profit margin accordingly to guarantee sustainability. A user-friendly interface can simplify this process. Management What Is a Change Management Plan Template?. A change management plan template is a critical tool that helps you navigate the intricacies of organizational change. It includes key elements like project objectives, stakeholder analysis, and communication strategies. By following this structured framework, you can guarantee that all aspects of the change process are addressed effectively. Most Effective Change Management Models?. When managing change in an organization, comprehension of effective models is vital. Lewin’s Change Management Model, for instance, outlines a clear three-phase process: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Similarly, McKinsey’s 7-S Framework emphasizes aligning key elements for success. Kotter’s 8 Steps provide a structured approach, whereas the ADKAR model focuses on individual needs. Figure Out Your Goals With This Step-By-Step Guide. Figuring out your goals is an essential step toward personal growth and fulfillment. By comprehending the importance of setting clear objectives, you can begin identifying what truly matters to you. Start by reflecting on your values and passions, which will guide you as you create a personal mission statement. What Is the Strategic Planning Process and Why Is It Essential?. The strategic planning process is essential for any organization aiming for long-term success. It enables you to define your vision, mission, and values in addition to aligning resources effectively. By conducting a thorough analysis, including SWOT assessments, you can identify strengths and weaknesses along with opportunities and threats. 7 Online Leadership Development Courses to Boost Your Skills. If you want to improve your leadership skills, consider exploring these seven online courses designed for professional development. Each course offers valuable insights, from resilient leadership during crises to strategies for encouraging team motivation and employee well-being. These programs cover vital topics that can help you adapt to today’s work environment. What Is the Strategic Process and Why Is It Essential?. The strategic process is a systematic approach that helps organizations define their long-term goals and align them with their mission. It involves analyzing both internal and external environments, often using tools like SWOT analysis. Comprehending this process is essential, as it guides decision-making and resource allocation. Mastering the Step by Step Strategic Planning Process for Success. Strategic planning is important for any organization aiming for long-term success. By following ten fundamental steps, you can align your goals and adapt to market changes effectively. Start with establishing a clear vision and mission, then conduct a SWOT analysis to grasp your position. Engaging stakeholders is critical, as is performing an environmental scan. What Is an Internal Development Program and Its Importance?. An Internal Development Program is vital for enhancing your employees’ skills and capabilities. These programs not only assist in addressing skill shortages but additionally nurture employee retention and promote a culture of continuous learning. By investing in your workforce’s growth, you can improve productivity and reduce hiring costs. What Does a Strategic Planner Do? Insights into Their Key Responsibilities. In today’s business environment, comprehending the role of a strategic planner is crucial. These professionals analyze complex datasets to identify trends that guide decision-making. They use tools like SWOT analysis to assess market conditions and create customized business plans. By monitoring key performance indicators, they guarantee that organizations remain adaptable and sustainable. How to Create an Effective Goal Plan Strategy in 5 Simple Steps. Creating an effective goal plan strategy is vital for achieving success. Start by brainstorming actionable objectives that align with your aspirations. Then, refine these into specific, realistic targets. Next, break down each goal into manageable steps to maintain organization. It’s additionally important to anticipate obstacles and devise potential solutions. Effective Leadership Skills Training for Enhanced Team Performance. To develop effective leadership skills, you need to focus on seven fundamental elements. Start with cultivating emotional intelligence, which amplifies your self-awareness. Then, improve your communication skills to guarantee clarity and alignment within your team. Authenticity and empathy are vital for building trust. 7 Proven Tips to Increase Business Growth. If you’re looking to boost your business growth, there are several proven strategies you can implement. Start by conducting thorough market research to understand your customers better. Next, focus on building an effective sales funnel that guides potential customers through their buying path. Enhancing customer retention strategies is likewise essential. Marketing Tips Best AI Logo Makers for Stunning Designs. In terms of creating a memorable logo, the right AI logo maker can make a significant difference. Tools like Looka and LogoMakr offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive customization, allowing you to craft a design that reflects your brand’s identity. If you’re looking for high-quality logos in various formats, Designhill is likewise worth considering. What Is Storytelling Marketing and Why It Matters?. Storytelling marketing is a strategic method that connects your brand with consumers through engaging narratives. It matters as it builds emotional connections, boosts brand loyalty, and improves message retention. With stories being 22 times more memorable than facts, they can set your brand apart in a crowded marketplace. How to Make a Distinctive Brand Identity in 5 Easy Steps. Creating a distinctive brand identity is vital for standing out in today’s competitive market. By defining your core values and mission, you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Next, developing a unique visual identity, including a memorable logo and color palette, improves recognition. Consistency across platforms reinforces your message. 10 Essential Brand Strategies for Startups. When launching a startup, prioritizing your brand is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. Start by defining what influences your brand and comprehending your target audience. It’s important to assess your brand objectively and connect your brand strategy with marketing efforts. This approach helps maintain consistency and encourages a strong identity. 7 Inspiring Rebranding Examples That Redefined Success. Rebranding can greatly alter a company’s trajectory, as seen in various successful examples. Dunkin’ shifted its focus from donuts to coffee, as Burberry embraced modern luxury with influential figures like Emma Watson. Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” campaign emphasized community, and Old Spice used humor to revitalize its image. 10 Best Company Logo Creation Software Tools. When you’re looking to create a company logo, selecting the right software is essential. There are various tools available, each suited for different skill levels and design preferences. From professional platforms like Adobe Illustrator to user-friendly options like Canva, the choices can be overwhelming. 5 Brand Messaging Examples That Inspire Loyalty. Brand messaging plays a vital role in building customer loyalty. For instance, Nike’s “Just Do It” encourages individuals to push through challenges, whereas Apple’s commitment to innovation and user privacy guarantees a secure user experience. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign promotes self-acceptance, and Gymshark celebrates diverse fitness paths with an inclusive approach. What Are Brand Identity Design Services?. Brand identity design services focus on creating a visual framework for your brand, including logos, color schemes, and typography. This cohesive design reflects your brand’s values and personality, which helps establish recognition and trust among consumers. A strong brand identity is essential for standing out in a competitive market. What Is a Brand Positioning Map and Why Does It Matter?. A brand positioning map is a valuable tool that helps you visualize where your brand stands in relation to competitors based on key attributes like price and quality. By plotting these factors, you can better understand consumer perceptions and identify gaps in the market. This insight is essential for refining your strategy and ensuring your brand remains relevant. How to Craft a Winning Brand Strategy for Small Business. Crafting a winning brand strategy for your small business starts with defining your brand identity. This means pinpointing your mission, core values, and unique value proposition. Next, you’ll need to identify your target market to guarantee your branding efforts resonate effectively. Visual elements like logos and color palettes play an essential role, as does your brand story. What Is a Visual Branding Strategy and Why Does It Matter?. A visual branding strategy defines how your brand communicates visually, using elements like logos, colors, and typography. This approach is essential since it shapes first impressions and can improve brand recognition considerably. For instance, a well-designed logo can increase customer recall, whereas cohesive colors can evoke specific emotions. Key Elements of Brand Identity. Comprehending the key elements of brand identity is vital for establishing a strong presence in the market. You’ll need to take into account components like the brand name, logo, and color palette, as these elements greatly impact consumer perception. Furthermore, tone and voice play an important role in communication. Each aspect must work together for consistency and clarity. Product Reviews Zoho Flow Streamlines Tasks, Saves Time and Money. You’ve heard the expression, “Go with the flow.” Well, if you own a small business, you know how difficult establishing that flow can be. You must integrate the efforts of your sales and marketing and operations teams and ensure proper fulfillment and a flawless customer experience. And those just represent the broadest brush strokes. Retail Business What Is a POS Inventory Management System?. A POS inventory management system combines point-of-sale functions with real-time inventory control, streamlining operations for businesses. It automatically updates stock levels as sales occur, reducing manual errors. For example, when a customer purchases a product, the system immediately reflects this change in inventory. 10 Innovative Shop Plans and Designs to Inspire Retail Spaces. When designing retail spaces, innovative shop plans play an essential role in enhancing customer experiences. Concepts like loop and free-flow layouts can effectively guide traffic, encouraging exploration. Furthermore, integrating sustainable materials not only promotes eco-friendliness but also adds aesthetic value. Top 7 Retail POS and Inventory Software Solutions. When choosing a retail POS and inventory software solution, you have several strong options to evaluate. Ehopper is known for its affordability, making it ideal for budget-conscious businesses. SumUp provides flexible payment options, whereas Lightspeed thrives in omnichannel management. Square POS is user-friendly, and Clover offers extensive customization. 5 Essential Tips for Effective Boutique Layouts. When designing an effective boutique layout, you need to contemplate several key factors that can improve the shopping experience. Start by creating a decompression zone where customers can shift from the outside world. Next, guarantee your store has a clear flow, guiding shoppers through defined pathways. 10 Essential Tips for Effective Online Shop Layout Design. Designing an effective online shop layout is vital for enhancing user experience and boosting sales. Start by prioritizing intuitive navigation, which allows customers to find products easily. High-quality images should showcase your offerings clearly, as a cohesive color palette can create a visually appealing atmosphere. What to Look for in a Restaurant Point Sale System?. When choosing a restaurant point of sale system, it’s essential to focus on features that directly impact your operations. This includes menu management for easy updates, efficient payment processing, and detailed reporting for sales analysis. Furthermore, confirm the system is compatible with your existing hardware to avoid unnecessary costs. Top 5 Programs for Inventory and Sales Management. When managing inventory and sales, choosing the right software can greatly impact your operations. Programs like Zoho Inventory, Cin7, Fishbowl, Katana, and Ordoro each offer unique features customized to various business needs. For instance, Zoho Inventory is great for small businesses with its user-friendly interface, whereas Fishbowl provides advanced tracking for larger enterprises. How to Gain Meaningful Experience in POS Systems?. To gain meaningful experience in POS systems, you should start with hands-on training that covers both software and hardware components. Engaging in role-playing scenarios can help you practice real-life situations, improving your problem-solving skills. What Are Different Types of POS Systems?. When considering the various types of point of sale (POS) systems, it is crucial to understand how each type caters to specific business needs. For instance, legacy systems are traditional setups that work on-premises, whereas tablet-based and mobile systems utilize cloud technology for greater flexibility. Top 10 Retail Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses. If you’re running a small business, choosing the right retail inventory management software is essential for efficiency and growth. These tools help streamline processes, track stock levels, and improve order management. You’ll find various options, each customized to different needs, from startups to multi-location retailers. 7 Essential Tips for Streamlining Retail Inventory Management. Effective retail inventory management is crucial for your business’s success. By unifying inventory data from ecommerce and POS systems, you can eliminate confusion and streamline operations. Implementing inventory management software allows for real-time visibility, helping to prevent stockouts. Furthermore, setting up stock alerts and categorizing inventory can optimize your stock levels. What Is Inventory Tracking Management and Why Is It Essential?. Inventory tracking management is the systematic approach to monitoring stock levels and movements within a business. It guarantees that you have the right products available when customers need them during minimizing excess inventory. This process is essential for maintaining efficient operations and optimizing cash flow. Sales Best Sales Tips to Boost Your Closing Rate. To boost your closing rate, you need to implement effective strategies that directly address customer needs. Start by asking open-ended questions to understand their pain points better. Building rapport is essential, as trust facilitates smoother conversations. Communicating the value of your offerings, rather than just listing features, can markedly impact decisions. 5 Essential Components for Effective Corporate Sales Training. In the realm of corporate sales training, grasping the crucial components can make all the difference. Start with an extensive needs assessment to identify challenges your team faces. Next, guarantee the content is engaging and interactive to boost retention. Don’t overlook the importance of practical application opportunities, as they help bridge theory and practice. 5 Essential Tips for Successful Sales Prospecting. To succeed in sales prospecting, you need to follow a structured approach. Start by researching your prospects thoroughly, as this helps you understand their needs. Next, prioritize high-value prospects that fit your ideal customer profile. Craft messages that focus on the value you bring, and engage them in meaningful conversations. Finally, continuously refine your strategies based on results. 5 Unbeatable Sales on Sales – Unlock Extra Discounts Today. If you’re looking to save money on housewares and baby gear, now’s your chance. There are five exclusive sales available today, offering discounts up to 62%. You can likewise take advantage of daily deals and verified promo codes for additional savings. Remember, free shipping kicks in on orders over $200. 5 Essential Tips for Effective B2B Prospecting. Effective B2B prospecting is vital for your business growth, and there are five fundamental tips to improve your approach. Start by clearly defining your Ideal Customer Profile to focus on the right companies. Next, personalize your outreach to cultivate genuine connections. Moreover, consider multi-threading by engaging with multiple stakeholders. 5 Essential Sales Techniques and Tactics for Achieving Success. To achieve sales success, you need to focus on five fundamental techniques and tactics. First, comprehending your customer’s needs is critical. It allows you to tailor your approach effectively. Next, building strong relationships can lead to loyalty and repeat business. You’ll likewise want to employ effective communication strategies, including storytelling. What Is Sales Psychology and Why It Matters?. Sales psychology focuses on the emotional and motivational factors that drive consumer behavior. It shapes about 95% of purchasing decisions, making it crucial for anyone in sales. By comprehending these principles, you can connect with customers more effectively and anticipate their needs. This knowledge helps in addressing objections and tailoring your approach. 7 Powerful Selling Techniques to Boost Sales Today. If you want to boost your sales today, consider implementing seven effective techniques. First, focus on your buyer’s current situation and challenges, rather than their general preferences. Next, disrupt their status quo by challenging existing beliefs and introducing unconsidered needs. Furthermore, using compelling customer stories and testimonials can improve your credibility. 7 Essential Strategies for Salespersons to Close More Deals. To close more deals, you need to implement effective strategies that improve your sales approach. Start by personalizing your communication with prospects, as this builds trust and rapport. Active listening is essential; it helps you understand their needs clearly. Leveraging technology can streamline your processes, making interactions more efficient. Small Business Finance Key Steps in Effective Financial Planning. Effective financial planning is vital for achieving your financial goals and securing your future. You need to start by establishing clear, specific objectives and evaluating your current financial situation. Creating a thorough budget helps you manage your finances better, whereas building an emergency fund provides a safety net. Top 10 BPM Tools to Streamline Business Processes. In today’s fast-paced business environment, streamlining processes is essential for efficiency and productivity. Business Process Management (BPM) tools provide solutions to optimize workflows and improve collaboration. For instance, FlowForma offers a no-code platform that integrates with SharePoint, whereas Appian leverages AI for analytics and low-code development. Essential Financial Advice for Every Business Owner. As a business owner, grasping vital financial advice is critical for your success. Accurate record-keeping helps guarantee compliance and supports informed decision-making. By acquiring proficiency in financial statements like income statements and balance sheets, you can effectively evaluate the health of your business. What Is Break Even Calculation and Its Importance?. Break-even calculation is a crucial financial tool that helps businesses determine the sales volume needed to cover all costs, ensuring that total revenue matches total expenses. Comprehending this concept is fundamental for effective pricing strategies, evaluating potential cost changes, and setting realistic sales targets. Understanding Breakeven Definition: A Step-by-Step Guide. Grasping breakeven is essential for any business owner. It helps you identify the point where your total revenue matches your total costs, meaning you neither gain nor lose money. To navigate this analysis, you’ll need to distinguish between fixed and variable costs, calculate your contribution margin, and apply the breakeven formula. 10 Steps to Create an Effective Business Budget. Creating an effective business budget is essential for sustaining growth and managing resources wisely. You’ll begin by gathering historical financial information, which provides a foundation for comprehending your past performance. Next, you’ll need to estimate future revenue sources based on market analysis and sales forecasts. 7 Essential Excel Financial Forecast Templates You Need Today. Effective financial planning is vital for any business, and utilizing Excel financial forecast templates can streamline this process. These templates, including 12-month projections and startup forecasts, allow you to analyze revenue, expenses, and profit margins with ease. With customizable entries and real-time updates, you can adapt your strategies based on actual performance. 7 Essential Components of a Sample Financial Plan for Small Business. Creating a financial plan for your small business is essential for success. It outlines how you’ll manage income, expenses, and growth. Key components include an income statement to track revenues, cash flow projections to foresee financial changes, and sales forecasting to guide your strategies. Comprehending how these elements work together can help you make informed decisions. What Are Budget Projections and Their Importance?. Budget projections are crucial tools that help organizations forecast future revenues and expenses by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. These projections not only evaluate performance against strategic goals but likewise guide financial decision-making and resource allocation. What Is a Break Even Analysis Template and How Can It Benefit Your Business?. A break-even analysis template is a valuable tool that helps you determine when your business will start making a profit. By organizing your fixed and variable costs alongside your sales prices, you can clearly see the point at which total revenue matches total costs. This comprehension is essential for effective financial planning and decision-making. What Is Cash Flow Statement Analysis and Its Importance?. Cash flow statement analysis is vital for evaluating a company’s financial health. It focuses on cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. Comprehending this analysis helps you assess liquidity and operational efficiency, which are critical for strategic planning. By identifying trends and potential issues, you can make informed decisions about investments. Small Business News Google Unveils Gemini CLI GitHub Actions: Your New AI Coding Partner. In a landscape where small businesses often compete against larger corporations with more substantial resources, Google’s recent launch may level the playing field. The tech giant has unveiled Gemini CLI GitHub Actions, a novel AI-powered tool designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency in coding tasks. Amazon Launches Elastic VMware Service for Seamless Cloud Migration. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Amazon Elastic VMware Service (Amazon EVS), a significant move for small businesses that rely on VMware workloads. This new offering enables companies to migrate their existing VMware-based applications to the cloud seamlessly. WhatsApp Banishes 6.8 Million Scam Accounts in Ongoing Safety Push. Criminal scams are a persistent threat, especially for small business owners navigating a challenging economic landscape. WhatsApp has recently taken significant steps to combat these threats, implementing new tools and features aimed at protecting users from scammers. Create Personalized Illustrated Storybooks Instantly with Google Gemini. In the age of personalized experiences, Google has rolled out a compelling new feature within its Gemini app that promises to captivate both children and their parents. 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Engage Authentically: Build a reputation by actively participating in discussions and providing valuable contributions rather than focusing solely on self-promotion. What Is a Business Incorporation Number and Why Is It Needed?. A Business Incorporation Number is a critical identifier that your state assigns when you legally form a corporation. It serves as proof of your business’s existence and is fundamental for compliance with various regulations. This number is necessary for tasks like opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and filing taxes. 5 Essential Steps for Completing Your Company Registration Form. When you’re ready to complete your company registration form, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Start by gathering all necessary documentation, like your ID and proof of business address. Next, you’ll need to choose the right business structure that suits your needs. Identifying a unique business name and providing accurate ownership details come next. How to Obtain a Small Business License: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Importance of Licensing: A small business license legitimizes your operation, ensures compliance with local laws, and builds trust with customers.Variety of Licenses: There are different types of small business licenses—general, professional, and specialized—each with specific requirements depending on your industry and location. Master Solopreneur Tips for Building a Successful Business Journey. Key Takeaways Master Time Management: Prioritize tasks, set specific time blocks, and use tools like Trello or Asana to improve task organization and efficiency. Boost Productivity: Automate repetitive processes, focus on core activities that yield high returns, and continuously invest in your skills to enhance operational effectiveness. What Do I Need to Know About Forming an LLC for My Small Business?. When you’re considering forming an LLC for your small business, it’s important to comprehend the key concepts involved. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers benefits like personal liability protection and pass-through taxation, which can simplify your finances. You’ll need to choose a unique name, appoint a registered agent, and file the necessary paperwork with your state. How to Create a Membership Website That Engages and Retains Users. Key Takeaways Understand Membership Models: Membership websites provide exclusive content and build communities while generating recurring revenue through subscription fees. Define Your Niche: Selecting a well-defined niche is crucial for attracting a targeted audience and enhancing your site’s visibility in a competitive market. Effective Press Release Distribution Sites to Boost Your Visibility. Key Takeaways Importance of Visibility: Press release distribution sites are vital for enhancing the visibility of your announcements among journalists, bloggers, and potential customers, thus amplifying your brand’s reach. How to Create a Strategic Business Plan Format. Creating a strategic business plan format is vital for any organization aiming for success. Start by outlining your mission, vision, and values, which will guide your decisions. Next, conduct thorough market research and perform a SWOT analysis to understand your competitive environment. This foundation sets the stage for defining key performance indicators and financial projections. What Is the State of Business Registration?. Business registration in Texas is vital for anyone looking to start a venture. It involves various steps, such as selecting the right business structure, choosing a unique name, and comprehending tax obligations. You’ll additionally need to register with the Secretary of State and obtain necessary permits. Effective Strategies on How to Promote Your Blog and Boost Traffic. Key Takeaways Promoting your blog is crucial for increasing visibility and attracting the right audience, significantly impacting your online presence.Utilize diverse social media platforms effectively to engage different audiences, tailoring content format and strategy for each channel. How to Be a Memorable Professional Wedding Guest and Impress Everyone. Key Takeaways Understanding the Role: Professional wedding guests attend weddings for compensation, providing valuable feedback and creating social media content to enhance the couple’s experience. Networking Opportunities: Hiring professional guests opens doors for networking, allowing couples to form beneficial connections with vendors and other attendees. 5 Essential Steps for Idea Validation and Market Research. When you’re looking to validate your idea and conduct effective market research, it’s essential to follow specific steps. Start by defining your business goals and hypotheses, as this will clarify your product assumptions and target audience needs. Next, assess the market size and potential demand through industry reports and consumer trends. Low Cost Businesses to Start: Affordable Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Affordable Entrepreneurship: Starting a business can be feasible and fulfilling with minimal investment, especially when leveraging personal skills and passions.Diverse Business Ideas: Options such as online retail, freelancing, dropshipping, and service-based businesses provide numerous opportunities to enter the market with low startup costs. Essential Guide to Publishing Your First Book Successfully. Key Takeaways Understand Your Publishing Options: Familiarize yourself with both traditional and self-publishing to choose the best path for your book, weighing the benefits and challenges of each. Manuscript Preparation is Key: Focus on thorough writing, revisions, and professional editing to ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for publication. 5 Essential Free Plan Templates for Streamlined Projects. If you want to improve your project management skills, consider utilizing crucial free plan templates. These tools can help you systematically organize tasks, track budgets, visualize timelines, manage risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Each template serves a specific purpose, making your projects more streamlined and efficient. Essential Business Insurance Requirements for Startups. As a startup, comprehending your business insurance needs is critical for protecting your venture from potential risks. You’ll want to contemplate fundamental types of coverage, like general liability and workers’ compensation. These policies can shield you from lawsuits and job-related injuries. Furthermore, safeguarding your physical assets and cyber data is imperative. Technology Trends Zoho Flow Streamlines Tasks, Saves Time and Money. You’ve heard the expression, “Go with the flow.” Well, if you own a small business, you know how difficult establishing that flow can be. You must integrate the efforts of your sales and marketing and operations teams and ensure proper fulfillment and a flawless customer experience. And those just represent the broadest brush strokes. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Weekly RoundUp – August 7, 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. You can fuss over a turkey in a million different ways, but I don’t. With all due respect to the delicious turkey recipes and clever turkey-cooking techniques we have featured on this site over the years, I make our family bird every year by doing as little as possible, and I always get compliments on how pretty it looks and how good it tastes. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a simple bird that comes out with juicy meat and crispy skin, while allowing you plenty of time to either relax or make extra side dishes—whichever suits your personality. Overview of the processBelow I'll tell you in exhaustive detail exactly how to make this low-effort turkey. But here's a general roadmap, and if you're an experienced cook, you can probably just read this and know exactly what to do. Gather your supplies: a turkey, two sticks of butter, a roasting pan, a thermometer. Optional: The night before, mash seasonings of your choice into the butter. On Thanksgiving morning, preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the giblets and smear the butter all over the turkey. Put the turkey in the oven. Refer to the chart below for cooking times. This is the most important step: Do nothing until time is up. Do not baste the turkey. (You may tent it with foil if the skin is browning too fast.) Remove the turkey from the oven when the breast, thigh, and wing are all 165-ish degrees. Rest for 30 minutes, then serve. The secret is in everything we are not doing. We will not brine this turkey. We will not spatchcock it. We will not stuff it. We will not tie up the legs. We will not baste it. The only extra step that improves a turkey is smearing the skin with butter. If you want to be an overachiever, and you're planning on making gravy from scratch, add items to the pan to flavor the gravy. I throw in a few celery stalks and quartered onions, and I put the giblets in the pan as well. Or skip all of that and just buy the jarred stuff. Think you can handle this? Here's the full breakdown. What you need to buyFirst, the turkey. Aim for 1.5 pounds of turkey (raw weight) for each person on your guest list. Remember, the turkey you buy includes bones and giblets, so that’s not 1.5 pounds of meat. If you’re expecting 12 people, a 12-pound turkey will just barely feed them, while a 24-pound turkey will give you lots of leftovers. An 18-pounder (12 people times 1.5 pounds) provides generous helpings and is arguably the ideal size. You may notice, when you go to the turkey store, that turkeys come in two sizes. The hens are small, often 10 or 12 pounds. And the toms are big, often 20 or more. So you may have to go with a smaller or larger turkey than would be ideal. Make up for a small turkey by asking people to bring plenty of side dishes; deal with a large one by sending everyone home with leftovers. Other things you will need to roast a basic turkey: A thermometer, ideally an instant-read digital thermometer like this one. This isn’t going to break the bank, and you will get plenty of use out of it, so don’t skip this item. You need it. ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer $13.29 at Amazon $19.99 Save $6.70 Shop Now Shop Now $13.29 at Amazon $19.99 Save $6.70 Some kind of pan to roast it in. A deep roasting pan is traditional, but you can also use a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Personally, I use a roasting pan minus the lid. Aluminum foil, to protect the bird’s skin if it starts browning too fast. Butter, to smear all over the turkey. Get two sticks of butter unless your bird is a very small one. Herbs and seasonings of your choice, to mix in with the butter. I like to throw some onions and celery into the bottom of the roasting pan as well. Optional: a ladle or turkey baster, not to baste the turkey (we won’t), but to retrieve drippings for gravy. One week ahead of time: Make a plan to defrost your turkeyIf you bought your turkey frozen, you’ll need to start thawing it well in advance of the big day. Put your turkey in the refrigerator for one day for every 4-5 pounds. Expect a 12-pound turkey to take about three days to thaw; a 20-pound turkey, five days. On Thanksgiving morning, check on the turkey bright and early. If it’s still frozen, don’t panic. You have two options: A cold-water thaw, changing out the water every 30 minutes. To do this, place the entire turkey, still in its plastic wrap, into your kitchen sink or another suitable large container (even a bathtub). Expect this to take 30 minutes per pound. Roast it anyway. It’s fine to roast a frozen turkey, but it will take up to 50% longer. That means if you were expecting to roast your bird for four hours, and it’s fully frozen, expect it to take six. If it’s mostly thawed, it will take longer than four hours but less than six. Optional but recommended: Make a compound butter the day beforeSometime in the couple of days leading up to your big feast, make a compound butter. What to put in it is up to you, but you’ll be glad you made it. Here’s how: Take your two sticks of butter out of the fridge to soften. When soft, use a spoon to smash in some chopped garlic, dried herbs, fresh herbs if you have any (chives are great), or even just a plain ol’ poultry seasoning blend from the grocery store. Want to get fancy? We have flavor ideas here. Put the lump of soft, flavorful butter into a baggie (you can kind of shape it into a log) and toss it in the fridge until Thanksgiving morning. Once the butter has softened, it takes all of five minutes to mash it together with the herbs, and you’ll look like some kind of gourmet chef when you tell people you rubbed the turkey with a handmade compound butter. Not sure which herbs to go with? Hum Simon and Garfunkel as you raid the spice rack: “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme…” If somehow you forget this step, your turkey will be okay with just plain butter. (If I may tell you a secret: It will also be basically okay without the butter.) I like making the compound butter because it gives me something to do the night before, and I can put a child on this detail if they are looking for a way to “help.” How long does it take a turkey to cook?There are differences of opinion in what works best, so just know that if you are comparing times across turkey-cooking charts, make sure you’re looking at the numbers for a whole turkey (not a breast or other parts) and that you want it unstuffed. We will not be stuffing today’s turkey. You can make a pan of stuffing separately, if you like. Or, better yet, assign somebody else to make it in their oven and bring it over while it’s still hot. Here are the times recommended by the USDA for a turkey cooked without stuffing in a 325°F oven: 8 to 12 pounds: 2:45 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3:45 14 to 18 pounds: 3:45 to 4:15 18 to 20 pounds: 4:15 to 4:30 20 to 24 pounds: 4:30 to 5 hours Work backwards from the cooking time to determine when to put the turkey in the oven. Here’s the formula: Cooking time PLUS 30 minutes’ resting time = total time between when it goes into the oven and when you can serve dinner. Remember that it will take some time to get everything out of the fridge and prepped for the oven—I’d budget at least 30 minutes for that. So if you have a 20 pound bird and want to eat at 4 p.m., you will need about four and a half hours for cooking, plus half an hour on either end for prep and resting. That’s five and a half hours total, which means we’ll want to be buttering our turkey at 10:30 a.m. and it should be in the oven by 11 at the latest. We might aim to get it in a smidge earlier to be safe, say 10:45 a.m. If you have to choose, it’s better to have the bird ready a little bit early (it can just rest a little longer) than to keep hungry guests waiting. How to prepare a turkey for the ovenOn Thanksgiving morning, before you start getting everything ready, take your turkey out of the fridge. Also take the compound butter out of the fridge to soften. The following steps will go a lot better if everything has had a chance to warm up for half an hour or so before you start. First, get yourself a nice clear space to work in. You do not need to rinse the turkey. You do want to avoid splattering raw turkey juices all over the place. This often means opening the turkey in a clean sink and transferring it to a roasting pan right next to the sink. Then you carefully throw out the wrappings and wash your hands. Your turkey will probably come packaged with a little plastic bag of giblets, and probably also a neck. If you don’t find these inside the big cavity at the bottom of the turkey, go ahead and stick your hand in the top (you’ll have to lift up the neck skin, which tends to drape over the neck opening). Then we assemble our roasting pan: Optional: Place stalks of celery, carrots, and a quartered onion or two at the bottom of the pan. Not optional: Place the turkey in the pan, breast side up, legs not trussed or tied or bound together in any way. Let them fly free. The turkey will take so much longer to cook if the legs are bound. Note that sometimes the turkey will come with the legs tucked into a strap of skin near the tail, so if your turkey looks like it’s sitting criss-cross applesauce, make sure to free them. Optional: Place the giblets and neck in the pan, next to the turkey or in the body cavity. They’ll add flavor to the gravy. (Take the giblets out of the bag, of course.) Technically optional but highly recommended: Smear the softened butter all over the turkey, ideally the compound butter you made last night. If you don’t have that handy, regular butter will do. If you forgot to soften it, it's OK to melt it in the microwave and brush it on. And if you don’t even have any butter, at the very least sprinkle some salt and pepper or poultry seasoning all over. I like to smear the butter over the breast skin and legs, and then I’ll make a pocket under the breast and stuff any extra butter in there. Or you can just put the lump of extra butter in the cavity. (Do not save it for the table. It's got raw turkey germs on it now.) Finally, if you have a leave-in thermometer of any sort (such as a wired thermometer or a bluetooth thermometer), stick that in the breast, as deep as you can go without touching bone. This is for monitoring the bird as it cooks. When time is up, you’ll use your instant-read thermometer in several places to confirm the bird is done. And if that bird has a pop-up thermometer button? Take that sucker out and throw it in the garbage. What to do while the turkey is in the ovenThis is the easiest part. Once the bird is in the oven, you do nothing. After a few hours, take a peek to see how the skin is browning. If it gets crispy and dark before the bird is anywhere near done, “tent” it with foil (meaning you put a piece of foil loosely over the breast). To facilitate my doing of nothing, I like to use a bluetooth thermometer so I can monitor the temperature from the couch in the living room. People will say “shouldn’t you be watching the turkey?” and I’ll look at my phone and tell them it’s on track to be done by 4. Weber iGrill Mini $49.97 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $49.97 at Amazon What about basting?I do not baste it. Basting is overrated. I let the oven and the butter do their work. If the pan seems dry mid-cooking, I’ll add half a cup of water just to make sure there will be enough liquid to collect drippings for gravy. But that’s adding water to the pan, not drizzling it over the bird. You don’t need to, I promise. And the skin comes out crispier if you don't. While the bird is cooking, I strongly recommend doing some organizational work. Make a checklist of every dish you plan to bring out to the table, and begin working on anything that can be done ahead of time. If somebody wanders into the kitchen and asks if they can help, give them a job. While you’re at it, make a to-do list for those hectic 30 minutes after the turkey leaves the oven and before everybody sits down to eat. Maybe during that time you’ll be making a gravy, or warming up a side dish in the oven. Get everything ready so things can go smoothly when the time comes. How to know when a turkey is doneA turkey is done when you can insert an instant-read thermometer into the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing, and all of those locations read at least 165°F. (The temperature will continue to rise as the bird rests, so it’s OK to take it out when it’s a few degrees shy of the target, but I don’t want to overcomplicate this. If you want a simple rule, 165 is the number you’re looking for.) Again: Ignore the pop-up thermometer. Pop-up thermometers are designed to pop at about 180 degrees, which means your breast meat may be very dry and firm. Some people like that texture; that’s why the device was designed that way. (Many people do not.) Your choice of doneness is up to you, but for food safety reasons, you only need the meat to hit 165 degrees. Pop-up thermometers also aren’t consistent; occasionally you’ll get one that pops before the turkey is done. And you’ll want to check that the turkey is cooked everywhere, not just in one spot on the breast. Don’t trust that button at all. Let the turkey restOnce the turkey is done, you take it out of the oven and let it “rest” before you attempt to carve it. The USDA recommends letting a bird rest for 15 to 20 minutes; many cooks prefer 30 minutes or more. I’ve seen recommendations to let a bird rest for hours, which I cannot endorse. I’d budget 30 minutes. Why not hours? Once the bird’s internal temperature drops to about 140°F, which usually happens during carving, the bird should be eaten and leftovers put in the fridge within two hours. (If you really want to push it, three or four hours is technically acceptable.) A whole, resting bird stays hot on the inside for a good while, but you don't want the bird sitting out so long that it cools. During the turkey’s resting time, you can make a gravy, either from scratch or by adding pan drippings to a store-bought or made-ahead gravy starter. We have a basic gravy recipe here: It’s just roux (a mix of flour and butter) combined with a flavorful liquid such as stock or the watery (bottom) layer of your pan drippings. The only time I use a turkey baster is to suck up that bottom layer of drippings and squirt them into the pan of gravy. Otherwise, your job as the Roaster of the Turkey is done. Make sure to get a photo of your beautiful turkey, and assign someone else to carve it. Refer to your checklist to be sure that everybody’s side dishes make it to the table, and you’ll look like some kind of hero who just pulled off the hardest job of the holiday. View the full article

This year’s U.N. climate conference in Brazil had many unique aspects that could have been part of a historic outcome. COP30, as it’s called, was hosted in Belem, a city on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial regulator of climate and home to many Indigenous peoples who are both hit hard by climate change and are part of the solution. It had the heft of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, an influential and charismatic leader on the international stage known for his ability to bring people together. And encouraged by Lula’s rousing speeches in the summit’s beginning days, more than 80 nations called for a detailed road map for the world to sharply reduce the use of gas, oil, and coal, the main drivers of climate change. In the end, none of that mattered. The final decision announced Saturday, which included some tangible things like an increase in money to help developing nations adapt to climate change, was overall watered-down compared to many conferences in the past decade and fell far short of many delegates’ expectations. It didn’t mention the words “fossil fuels,” much less include a timeline to reduce their use. Instead of being remembered as historic, the conference will likely further erode confidence in a process that many environmentalists and even some world leaders have argued isn’t up to the challenge of confronting global temperature rise, which is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events like floods, storms, and heat waves. The criticism was withering and came from many corners. “A climate decision that cannot even say ‘fossil fuels’ is not neutrality, it is complicity,” said Panama negotiator Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez. “Science has been deleted from COP30 because it offends the polluters.” Even those who saw some positives were quick to say they were looking toward the future. “Climate action is across many areas, so on the whole it is a mixed bag. They could have done much, much more,” said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development. “All eyes are already turning to COP31,” added Nacpil, referring to next year’s conference, which will be held in Turkey. High expectations for COP30 Saturday’s final resolution was the culmination of three years of talk, from measured optimism to hoopla, about a Conference of the Parties, as the summit is known, that could restore confidence in the ability of multilateral negotiations to tackle climate change. It was even called a “COP of truth.” From the time Lula was reelected in October 2022, he began pitching his vision of hosting a climate summit for the first time in the Amazon. By 2023, the U.N. had confirmed Brazil’s bid to host it in Belem. The choice of Belem, a coastal city in northeast Brazil, raised many questions, both in Brazil and in many countries, because Belem doesn’t have the infrastructure of other Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. For Lula, that was the point: This was a chance for the world to get a taste of the Amazon, truly understand what was at stake, and a chance for thousands of Indigenous peoples, who live across the vast territory shared by many South American nations, to participate. By the time the conference began Nov. 6 with two days of world leaders’ speeches, Lula was able to change the subject from Belem, in large part by laying out a vision of what the conference could be. “Earth can no longer sustain the development model based on the intensive use of fossil fuels that has prevailed over the past 200 years,” Lula said Nov. 7, adding: “The fossil fuel era is drawing to a close.” Words like those, coming from the leader who has both curbed deforestation in the Amazon and unabashedly supported oil exploration in it, raised hopes among many delegates, scientists, and activists. Here was Lula, the ultimate pragmatist from a major oil-producing country, which gets most of its energy for domestic uses from renewables like hydropower, pushing a major change. Previous naming of fossil fuels In late 2023, during COP28 in Dubai, the final resolution declared the world needed to “transition away” from fossil fuels. The past two years, though, nothing had been done to advance that. Indeed, instead of phasing away, greenhouse gas emissions worldwide continue to rise. Now at COP30, there was talk of a “road map” to fundamentally changing world energy systems. A few days before the talks concluded, there were signs that even Lula, arguably Brazil’s most dominating political figure of the past 25 years, was tempering his expectations. In a speech Wednesday night, he made the case that climate change was an urgent threat that all people needed to pay attention to. But he was also careful to say that nations should be able to transition to renewable energies at their own pace, in line with their own capacities, and there was no intention to “impose anything on anybody.” Negotiators would lose much of Thursday, as a fire at the venue forced evacuations. An outcome that many nations blasted By Friday, the European Union, along with several Latin American and Pacific Island nations and others, were flatly rejecting the first draft of a resolution that didn’t identify fossil fuels as the cause of climate change or have any timeline to move away from them. “After 10 years, this process is still failing,” Maina Vakafua Talia, minister of environment for the small Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, said in a speech Friday, talking about the decade since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which set international goals to limit temperature rise. After an all-nighter from Friday into Saturday, the revised resolution, which U.N. officials called the “final,” did not include a mention of fossil fuels. Environmental activists decried the influence of major oil producing countries like Saudi Arabia, which historically have fought against proposals that put a timeline on reducing oil. When delegates met Saturday afternoon for the final plenary, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago gaveled in the text while also promising to continue the discussion of fossil fuels and work with Colombia on a road map that could be shared with other countries. Technically, Brazil holds the presidency of the climate talks until the summit in Turkey next year. That was little consolation for several dozen nations that complained, including some, such as Colombia, that flatly rejected the outcome. “Thank you for your statement,” do Lago would say after each one. “It will be noted in the report.” ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Peter Prengaman, Associated Press Associated Press reporters Seth Borenstein, Melina Walling, and Anton Delgado contributed to this report. View the full article

A reader writes: I work for a small company, only eight people. Every December, we receive all kinds of gifts from vendors and clients – gift baskets, cookies, candy, wine, and so forth. These are usually accompanied by cards making it clear that the gifts are intended for the whole office to thank us for our work that year. Sometimes people even drop off gifts in person, and they will say things like, “This is for the whole office to enjoy.” Every time, my boss will take the gifts into his own office so no one else can have any of them, or he takes them home for his family. The only time we ever get to enjoy the gifts ourselves is if it’s something he doesn’t like. (The highlight of last year was that the rest of us got to eat some really fancy pears a client had sent because the boss doesn’t like fruit.) These gifts are clearly intended as a thank-you to all of us. Is there anything we can say to him to get him to share? You can read my answer to this letter at Slate today, where I also answered : Should I stop collecting money for a gift for our boss? Our Christmas lunch sounds irritating Employee is pushing Christmas on people How can I tell my employees not to buy me gifts? My office goes wildly overboard on holiday activities The post my boss steals all the holiday gifts meant for us appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

‘Mansion tax’ set to affect more than 100,000 properties, mostly in London and the south-eastView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ offers café-style coffee without leaving your kitchen or putting on pants, and it's currently on sale for $74.99 on StackSocial. It’s small enough to fit on even the most crowded countertops (about the size of a toaster), but still delivers that signature Vertuo crema with the push of a button. It's a refurbished model with a Grade A rating, meaning the machine comes in a near-mint condition with only minimal wear, and could be a solid pick for anyone who wants fast, customizable coffee without splurging on a brand-new machine. The coffeemaker heats up in just 30 seconds, so you can go from half-asleep to sipping something warm without much of a wait. Brewing is handled with a single button, and the Vertuo barcode system automatically adjusts for cup size and strength. Whether you're after a 1.35-ounce espresso or a 12-ounce coffee, it reads the pod and takes care of the rest. There's also a Coffee Creations Mode that activates with a quick double-tap, brewing a more concentrated shot that holds up better over ice, which is useful if you’re into iced coffee or milk drinks. It even has Bluetooth and wifi support, which won’t affect your coffee’s flavor but does help with maintenance alerts through the app, especially if you’re the type to ignore descaling until it's too late. That said, the Pop+ only works with Vertuo capsules, and none come in the box, so your first cup requires a separate purchase. These capsules also cost more than Nespresso’s Original line, though you get over 40 blends and seasonal editions to choose from. The machine also shuts off after two minutes to save energy, which is efficient but can feel a bit annoying if you step away between brews. Still, it's a compact, dependable, and easy-to-use coffeemaker, and the refurb rating removes most of the usual uncertainty that comes with secondhand appliances. If you want quick, varied cup sizes with little cleanup and don’t mind sticking to the Vertuo capsule system, this deal makes the Pop+ an easy machine to consider. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) Western Digital 14TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive — $169.99 (List Price $279.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In a move set to transform operations for midsize businesses, Workday has unveiled significant updates to its Workday GO platform, designed to streamline HR and financial management. This comprehensive, all-in-one solution is targeted at the 90% of global companies identified as midsize, addressing their unique challenges and empowering them with advanced technology often reserved for larger enterprises. Midsize businesses are critical players in the economy, generating approximately 70% of global employment and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, many of these organizations grapple with outdated systems and inefficiencies, which hinder their ability to compete effectively. Workday GO seeks to bridge this gap by offering industry-leading HR, payroll, and AI capabilities under one roof, making it easier for these businesses to manage their operations. “Midsize organizations are often forced to choose between powerful technology and practical simplicity,” explained Max Wessel, Workday’s Senior Vice President of Growth. “Workday GO changes that equation. We’ve combined the power of enterprise-grade HR, payroll, and AI with one predictable price, one trusted partner ecosystem, and one of the simplest deployment experiences in the market—so every growing business can scale confidently.” The introduction of Workday GO Global Payroll stands out as one of the most critical features for small business owners looking to expand internationally. Payroll complexities can escalate when businesses enter new markets, facing varying compliance rules and regulations. Workday GO Global Payroll offers a seamless, integrated system designed to pay employees worldwide easily. Job van der Voort, CEO of Remote, noted, “Workday GO Global Payroll removes one of the biggest barriers to global growth: disconnected systems for hiring and paying international teams.” Another layer of support is provided through the new Workday GO Partner Network, which consists of global payroll, benefits, and deployment partners. This ecosystem allows businesses to upscale operations while minimizing the typical complexities associated with international expansion. With partners like Benefit Harbor and OneSource Virtual, companies can more easily navigate the intricacies of global hiring and compliance. Workday’s innovations don’t stop at payroll. They have introduced the Deployment Agent to facilitate quicker, easier setups for the Workday GO platform. This AI-powered assistant minimizes complexity and lowers implementation time by up to 25%, enabling businesses to achieve operational efficiency sooner. Denise Trentin, Manager of Global HR Projects at Master Builders Solutions, shared her positive experience: “With Workday GO, we went from kick-off to go-live in just 42 working days—a clear sign of strong teamwork and focus to deliver in time, scope, and budget.” Midsize organizations can also benefit from embedded Workday agents from day one, which are designed to automate processes, reduce manual work, and allow teams to focus on strategic growth. The ability to access enterprise-grade AI capabilities equips small businesses to operate more efficiently, driving growth with fewer resources. While these advancements present an opportunity for small businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology, they also pose considerations. Transitioning to a new system can require upfront investment and training resources. Small business owners should weigh the potential benefits against these costs. Upgrading systems could lead to operational disruptions if not executed carefully, creating challenges during the transition period. The next iteration of Workday GO, featuring the Deployment Agent, Workday GO Global Payroll, and the integration of partner solutions, is set to launch in February 2026 across markets including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, Ireland, and France, with plans for further expansion. For small business owners, implementing systems like Workday GO can foster growth, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate international expansion without the headache of complicated processes. At a time when adaptability is paramount, these solutions may prove invaluable in navigating the evolving business landscape. Eventual pricing structures, user experiences, and integration approaches will be critical for small businesses as they consider Workday GO. More details on this solution are available in the original press release at Workday Newsroom. As companies strive for future success and efficient scalability, platforms like Workday GO could provide the strategic edge needed to compete effectively in an increasingly complex global market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Workday Launches GO to Simplify Global Payroll for Midsize Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a move set to transform operations for midsize businesses, Workday has unveiled significant updates to its Workday GO platform, designed to streamline HR and financial management. This comprehensive, all-in-one solution is targeted at the 90% of global companies identified as midsize, addressing their unique challenges and empowering them with advanced technology often reserved for larger enterprises. Midsize businesses are critical players in the economy, generating approximately 70% of global employment and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, many of these organizations grapple with outdated systems and inefficiencies, which hinder their ability to compete effectively. Workday GO seeks to bridge this gap by offering industry-leading HR, payroll, and AI capabilities under one roof, making it easier for these businesses to manage their operations. “Midsize organizations are often forced to choose between powerful technology and practical simplicity,” explained Max Wessel, Workday’s Senior Vice President of Growth. “Workday GO changes that equation. We’ve combined the power of enterprise-grade HR, payroll, and AI with one predictable price, one trusted partner ecosystem, and one of the simplest deployment experiences in the market—so every growing business can scale confidently.” The introduction of Workday GO Global Payroll stands out as one of the most critical features for small business owners looking to expand internationally. Payroll complexities can escalate when businesses enter new markets, facing varying compliance rules and regulations. Workday GO Global Payroll offers a seamless, integrated system designed to pay employees worldwide easily. Job van der Voort, CEO of Remote, noted, “Workday GO Global Payroll removes one of the biggest barriers to global growth: disconnected systems for hiring and paying international teams.” Another layer of support is provided through the new Workday GO Partner Network, which consists of global payroll, benefits, and deployment partners. This ecosystem allows businesses to upscale operations while minimizing the typical complexities associated with international expansion. With partners like Benefit Harbor and OneSource Virtual, companies can more easily navigate the intricacies of global hiring and compliance. Workday’s innovations don’t stop at payroll. They have introduced the Deployment Agent to facilitate quicker, easier setups for the Workday GO platform. This AI-powered assistant minimizes complexity and lowers implementation time by up to 25%, enabling businesses to achieve operational efficiency sooner. Denise Trentin, Manager of Global HR Projects at Master Builders Solutions, shared her positive experience: “With Workday GO, we went from kick-off to go-live in just 42 working days—a clear sign of strong teamwork and focus to deliver in time, scope, and budget.” Midsize organizations can also benefit from embedded Workday agents from day one, which are designed to automate processes, reduce manual work, and allow teams to focus on strategic growth. The ability to access enterprise-grade AI capabilities equips small businesses to operate more efficiently, driving growth with fewer resources. While these advancements present an opportunity for small businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology, they also pose considerations. Transitioning to a new system can require upfront investment and training resources. Small business owners should weigh the potential benefits against these costs. Upgrading systems could lead to operational disruptions if not executed carefully, creating challenges during the transition period. The next iteration of Workday GO, featuring the Deployment Agent, Workday GO Global Payroll, and the integration of partner solutions, is set to launch in February 2026 across markets including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, Ireland, and France, with plans for further expansion. For small business owners, implementing systems like Workday GO can foster growth, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate international expansion without the headache of complicated processes. At a time when adaptability is paramount, these solutions may prove invaluable in navigating the evolving business landscape. Eventual pricing structures, user experiences, and integration approaches will be critical for small businesses as they consider Workday GO. More details on this solution are available in the original press release at Workday Newsroom. As companies strive for future success and efficient scalability, platforms like Workday GO could provide the strategic edge needed to compete effectively in an increasingly complex global market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Workday Launches GO to Simplify Global Payroll for Midsize Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Expansion plan for London’s hub airport will require moving the M25 motorway View the full article

Christmas went on the auction block this week in Pennsylvania farm country, and there was no shortage of bidders. About 50,000 Christmas trees and enough wreaths, crafts and other seasonal items to fill an airplane hangar were bought and sold by lots and on consignment at the annual two-day event put on at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction in Mifflinburg. Buyers from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic were there to supply garden stores, corner lots and other retail outlets for the coming rush of customers eager to bring home a tree — most commonly a Fraser fir — or to deck the halls with miles of greenery. Bundled-up buyers were out in chilly temperatures to hear auctioneers hawk boxes of ornaments, bunches of winterberry, cotton branches, icicle lights, grave blankets, red bows and tree stands. It was nearly everything you would need for Christmas except the food and the presents. Americans’ Christmas tree buying habits have been evolving for many years. These days homes are less likely than in years past to have a tree at all, and those that do have trees are more likely to opt for an artificial tree over the natural type, said Marsha Gray with the Howell, Michigan-based Real Christmas Tree Board, a national trade group of Christmas tree farmers. Cory Stephens was back for a second year at the auction after his customers raved about the holiday decor he purchased there last year for A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden, his store a three-hour drive away in Pasadena, Maryland. He spent nearly $5,000 on Thursday. “It’s incredible, it’s changed our whole world,” Stephens said. “If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality.” Ryan Marshall spent about $8,000 on various decorations for resale at Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon, Massachusetts. Among his purchases were three skids of wreaths at $29 per wreath — and he expected to double his money. “The quality’s good, and it’s a place that you can pick it out yourself,” he said. Gray said her group’s research shows the main reason people pick a real tree over an artificial tree “is the scent. They want the fresh scent of a real Christmas tree in their home.” Having children in the house also tends to correlate with picking a farm-grown tree, she said. An August survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board found that 84% of growers did not expect wholesale prices to increase this season. Buffalo Valley auction manager Neil Courtney said farm-grown tree prices seem to have stabilized, and he sees hope that the trend toward artificial trees can be reversed. “Long story short — we’ll be back on top of the game shortly,” Courtney said. “The live tree puts the real Christmas in your house.” A survey by a trade group, the National Christmas Tree Association, found that more than 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with median price of $75. About a quarter of them were purchased at a “choose-and-cut” farm, one in five from a chain store, and most of the rest from nurseries, retail lots, nonprofit sales and online. —Mark Scolforo, Associated Press View the full article

Eight questions to ask yourself. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Eight questions to ask yourself. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Last week, tech headlines were abuzz with a concerning claim: According to some on social media platforms, and even some news outlets, Google had secretly opted Gmail users into sharing their emails with Gemini. The goal? To train Google's AI. While this controversy set off quite a lot of noise, it appears much of the conversation kicked off with this inflammatory post on X, complete with select words in all caps: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. According to the poster, the only remedy for the situation is to disable a setting you've probably never heard of: "smart features." The claims suggest "smart features" was switched on in two locations on your account: One that controls Gmail, Chat, and Meet, and another that enables it in the larger Google Workspace suite—assuming you have a Workspace account. The "smoking gun" is a small part of Google's privacy policy which says that the company does not use your Workspace data to train its AI models, without permission. Taken at face value, the assertion is that Google opted you into these settings, thus taking your "permission" to start using your data for this AI training. As of this morning, the post has nearly 150,000 likes on X, but the claims spread far and wide across the internet. Even Malwarebytes ran a story explaining the situation, and urging users to disable these settings to keep their messages out of Google's AI training. As it turns out, however, Google doesn't actually appear to be doing this. What are "smart features?" I reached out to Google on Friday to see if the company had any comment concerning these claims. In response, I received the following from a Google spokesperson: "These reports are misleading—we have not changed anyone’s settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model. Lastly, we are always transparent and clear if we make changes to our terms of service and policies." Indeed, "smart features" has existed for years. In fact, Lifehacker first covered the setting back in 2020, nearly three years before Google first launched Bard (now Gemini). To the claimants' credit, smart features does use your data to improve Google features, but not to train AI models en masse. Instead, smart features uses your data to customize your specific Google experience. In Gmail, that might mean learning how you write, to generate more relevant smart replies; in Search, that might mean suggesting keywords based on previous searches; in Maps, that might mean showing restaurant reservations; in Wallet, that might mean recommending tickets for shows based on your interests. Smart features also powers core Google features, like spam filters and categorization. That's not to say that you should necessarily be down for smart features: If you personally don't care for Google collecting your data to customize your personal experience, you can absolutely turn these features off. But it's important to understand what you're choosing to turn on or off: Just because someone claims that these features are doing something doesn't make it true. Turn off smart features if you want, but just know that it has no impact on how Google handles your private messages, or how it trains its AI models for everyone. Plus, it may impact how apps like Gmail function: You may not be able to sort your emails into categories, or stop certain spam from getting into your inbox. How to disable "smart features"If you do want to turn off smart features, it's easy to do. You'll find the settings in the Gmail web app: Click the settings gear, then choose "See all settings." Here, scroll down, and disable the toggle next to "Smart features." You'll need to agree to "Turn off and reload" Gmail in order to see the changes take effect. If you have a Workspace account, you have another settings page to manage. Click "Manage Workspace smart features settings," then disable the toggles next to "Smart features in Google Workspace" and "Smart features in other Google products." Finally, choose "Save." Just remember: These settings control a number of smart features across your Google products. As such, you might notice certain features missing going forward. To revert your changes, return to these settings pages at any time and flip the toggles back on. Google isn't in the clearThe dust has settled since controversy's peak last week. Malwarebytes issued a correct to its original article, sharing the same spokesperson statement I received. The site says that Google's vague rewrite of the smart features setting contributed to this confusion, but that it does appear the setting doesn't scrape users' private messages to train Gemini. However, that's not to say Google is entirely in the clear here. While this specific claim might not be true, a lawsuit claims the company improperly gave Gemini private user data from Gmail, Chat, and Meet without the permission of those users. Google as a whole doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to respecting users' privacy too, so it's not surprising that these claims took off the way they did. Malwarebytes also makes the point that while Google says these settings are all opt-in, many users don't actually remember opting in themselves, further fueling confusion around smart features. To be candid, I definitely don't remember enabling smart features on either my personal or work Gmail accounts, though it's entirely possible I did. All I know is these settings are on now, and while I'm considering disabling them, I also don't know if I'd be willing to get rid of all smart features. View the full article

Universal Pictures’ two-part Wicked gamble continues to defy gravity at the box office. Just a year after part one brought droves of audiences to movie theaters around the country, even more people bought opening weekend tickets to see the epic conclusion, Wicked: For Good. According to studio estimates on Sunday, Wicked: For Good earned $150 million from North American theaters in its first days in theaters and $226 million globally. Not only is it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, unseating the record set by the first film’s $112 million launch, it’s also the second biggest debut of the year behind A Minecraft Movie’s $162 million. “The results are just fantastic,” said Jim Orr, who heads domestic distribution for Universal. “Some films can deliver a false positive when tickets go on sale early but these results speak for themselves.” Universal began rolling out Wicked: For Good in theaters earlier this week, with previews on Monday ($6.1 million from 1,050 theaters) and Wednesday ($6.5 million from 2,300 theaters). By Friday, it was playing in 4,115 North American locations and had raked in $68.6 million. IMAX showings accounted for $15.5 million, or 11%, of its domestic haul—a November record for the company. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement that the strong market share shows, “our momentum carries into demos and genres beyond our traditional core, including families.” As with the first film, women powered the opening weekend, making up around 71% of ticket buyers according to PostTrak exit polls. Critics were somewhat mixed on the final chapter, but audiences weren’t: An overwhelming 83% of audiences said it was one they would “definitely recommend” to friends. As far as foot traffic is concerned, the box office tracker EntTelligence estimates that about two million more people came out for Wicked: For Good‘s first weekend than for Wicked‘s.” Jon M. Chu directed both Wicked films, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The first film made over $758.7 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations (winning two, for costume and production design). The question is how high Wicked: For Good can soar. Combined, the two films cost around $300 million to produce, not including marketing and promotion costs. “The first film paved the way,” Orr said. “It’s really become a cultural event I think audiences are going to be flocking to theaters for quite some time to come.” Two other films also opened in wide release this weekend, but further down on the charts behind a buffet of holdovers. Searchlight Pictures opened its Brendan Fraser film Rental Family in 1,925 theaters, where it earned $3.3 million. The Finnish action film Sisu: Road to Revenge, a Sony release, also played in 2,222 theaters. It earned an estimated $2.6 million. Second place went to Now You See Me: Now You Don’t with $9.1 million in its second weekend, followed by Predator: Badlands with $6.3 million in weekend three. The Running Man followed in fourth place with $5.8 million, down 65% from its debut last weekend. Although this weekend the box office was more of a winner takes all scenario, Wicked: For Good’s success is vitally important for the exhibition industry as a whole as it enters the final weeks of the year. “It sets up a very strong final homestretch of the year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s head of marketplace trends. After the slow fall season, the Thanksgiving blockbusters could not arrive soon enough. Early next week, Zootopia 2 enters the mix and is also expected to drive big crowds to the cineplex over the holiday break. Thanksgiving is often one of the biggest moviegoing frames of the year, Dergarabedian said, and both Wicked 2 and Zootopia 2 will benefit. Last year Wicked, Moana 2, and Gladiator II helped power a record five-day frame. The running domestic box office is currently hovering around $7.5 billion, according to Comscore. Before the pandemic, the annual box office would regularly hit $11 billion, but the post-pandemic goal has lessened to $9 billion. The big question now is whether titles like Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash can push the industry over that threshold. 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: 1. Wicked: For Good, $150 million. 2. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, $9.1 million. 3. Predator: Badlands, $6.3 million. 4. The Running Man, $5.8 million. 5. Rental Family, $3.3 million. 6. Sisu: Road to Revenge, $2.6 million. 7. Regretting You, $1.5 million. 8. Nuremberg, $1.2 million. 9. Black Phone 2, $1 million. 10. Sarah’s Oil, $711,542. —Lindsey Bahr, AP film writer View the full article

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was heavily criticised over killings of Palestinians desperate for foodView the full article

Employ best practices and benchmarking. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Employ best practices and benchmarking. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Google is rolling out automatic linking between YouTube channels and Google Ads accounts when its systems detect a strong data relationship between the two — giving advertisers access to richer audience signals without manual setup. Driving the news. Google will begin automatically linking accounts when its signals show a “high-confidence connection.” Admins and channel owners receive an email 30 days before the link is created, giving them the option to opt out or link early. How it works If no one opts out during the 30-day window, Google completes the link automatically. Dual admins — with access to both accounts — can link immediately. Even after linking, either side can later unlink or adjust permissions. Why we care. The change streamlines access to YouTube audience data, making it easier for advertisers to target viewers, build data segments, and use video engagement as conversions. But it also raises questions about control, permissions, and whether businesses want Google deciding when assets are connected. What advertisers get. Linked Google Ads accounts can: Run ads based on users’ interactions with the YouTube channel. Use organic view counts and earned actions as performance signals. Build data segments (formerly remarketing lists) from channel engagement. Treat channel engagements like subscriptions as conversion actions. What it doesn’t do Channel owners don’t gain control over the Google Ads account. Advertisers can’t edit or delete channel videos. Turning off personalized ads on a channel disables audience data reporting. VAC restrictions still apply — linking only removes them for that specific Ads account. Manage your link. Admins can opt out through the link included in Google’s notification email. If even one admin or channel owner opts out, the link won’t happen. Manual linking remains available anytime through standard Google Ads settings. First seen. The help doc detailing this new auto linking was first discovered by PPC News Feed founder Hana Kobzová. The bottom line. Google’s automatic linking lowers setup friction and unlocks more YouTube-driven performance insights — but advertisers should monitor incoming notifications and review whether automatic data sharing aligns with their governance and privacy preferences. View the full article

Michael Prescott tells MPs there was ‘no ideology at play’ in document that led to exit of director-general View the full article

Hard money loans for small businesses are a type of short-term financing secured by collateral, usually real estate or other valuable assets. These loans can provide quick access to funds, often within one to two business days, which can be vital for urgent financial needs. Nevertheless, they come with high interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%. Comprehending their characteristics and implications is fundamental before deciding if this option fits your business needs. Key Takeaways Hard money loans provide quick funding for small businesses, using collateral such as property or assets to secure the loan. Approval processes are fast, with funds typically available within one to two business days, regardless of the borrower’s credit score. Interest rates on hard money loans range from 8% to 45%, reflecting the lender’s risk and the short repayment periods of up to two years. Loan amounts usually vary between $50,000 to $2 million, based on the collateral’s value and requiring down payments ranging from 10% to 30%. While accessible, hard money loans carry risks due to high interest and short terms, making careful financial planning essential for borrowers. Understanding Hard Money Loans When you’re exploring financing options for your small business, grasping hard money loans is essential, especially if you need quick access to funds. Hard money loans for small businesses are secured loans, relying on your company’s property or assets as collateral. Unlike traditional loans, private hard money loans focus more on the collateral value than your credit score, making them accessible even for startups or those with poor credit histories. The approval process is faster, allowing you to get quick hard money loans within one to two business days. Nonetheless, keep in mind that these loans often come with high interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, and short repayment terms, typically capped at two years or less. Characteristics of Hard Money Loans Hard money loans are structured around collateral, meaning your business assets secure the loan rather than relying on your credit history. You’ll notice that these loans often come with high interest rates, sometimes ranging from 8% to 45%, reflecting the lender’s assessment of risk. Furthermore, repayment terms are typically brief, typically lasting from a few months to two years, which requires you to generate cash flow quickly to meet your obligations. Collateral-Based Financing Structure Securing a hard money loan involves leveraging your company’s property or assets as collateral, which shifts the focus from your credit history to the value of the asset itself. This collateral-based financing structure allows you to access hard money loans for real estate ascertaining lenders assess the collateral’s worth rather than your financial history. Typically, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio ranges from 50% to 75%, meaning you can borrow a significant portion of your asset’s appraised value. While some no money down hard money lenders exist, most require a down payment of 10% to 30%. For first-time investors, comprehending these requirements is essential to maneuvering the lending environment effectively and securing the funds needed for your business endeavors. High Interest Rates Interest rates on hard money loans can be considerably higher than those offered by traditional lenders, often ranging from 8% to 45%. These high interest rates reflect the increased risk lenders assume, especially when lending to borrowers with poor credit or limited financial histories. While some lenders may provide fast hard money loans with no down payment, the total cost can escalate quickly because of these steep rates. Most hard money loans feature fixed interest rates, but adjustable rates can likewise be part of the deal, leading to unpredictable costs over time. As a result, it’s essential to fully understand how high interest rates will impact your overall financial obligations before committing to a hard money loan. Short Repayment Terms When considering a hard money loan, it is vital to understand that these loans typically come with short repayment terms, often lasting just a few months up to two years. This urgency means you need to prepare for quick repayment, making them suitable for immediate funding needs. It’s important to have a clear exit strategy, whether refinancing or selling the property, to avoid defaulting on the loan. The higher interest rates associated with hard money home loans can increase your repayment burden within that limited timeframe. Keep in mind that approval relies heavily on the collateral’s value, so you must be confident in your ability to meet these short-term obligations. Feature Description Importance Term Length Few months to 2 years Quick funding needs Exit Strategy Requirement Necessary to avoid default Important for financial planning Collateral Value Focus Over cash flow or credit history Guarantees loan approval Higher Interest Rates Amplifies repayment costs Increases overall costs Urgency in Repayment Financial pressure on borrowers Demands immediate attention How Hard Money Loans Work Hard money loans operate primarily on the value of the collateral, often real estate, rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. To get a hard money loan, you’ll typically approach hard money real estate lenders who assess the property’s value to determine your loan amount. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios usually range from 50% to 75%, allowing you to borrow a portion of the collateral’s worth. The approval process is faster than traditional loans, often taking just a few days because of fewer documentation requirements. Nevertheless, expect higher interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, reflecting the risk associated with these loans. Pros of Hard Money Loans One of the main advantages of hard money loans is the quick access to funds, which can be crucial for small businesses in need of immediate capital. Approval often occurs within 24 hours, and you could receive your funds in just one to two business days. These loans are particularly beneficial for those with poor credit since they focus on the value of your collateral rather than your credit score. Hard money lenders typically offer loan-to-value ratios ranging from 50% to 75%, enabling you to leverage your assets for financing. Furthermore, the streamlined application process requires minimal documentation, making it easier for you to secure necessary capital. You can use hard money loans for working capital, debt refinancing, or urgent business acquisitions. Cons of Hard Money Loans When considering hard money loans, you should be aware of the high interest rates that can range from 8% to 45%, making them considerably more expensive than traditional financing options. Furthermore, the short repayment terms, often spanning just a few months to a couple of years, can pressure your business to quickly generate cash flow. These factors can create a challenging financial environment, making it crucial to carefully evaluate whether this type of loan aligns with your business needs. High Interest Rates Many borrowers may find themselves drawn to hard money loans owing to their quick approval processes and flexible terms, but the high interest rates present a significant drawback. These rates can range from 8% to a staggering 45%, far exceeding traditional loans that start around 6.25%. Here are some key points to reflect on: Higher rates reflect the increased risk lenders take on, as they focus on collateral value rather than creditworthiness. The financial burden can escalate quickly as a result of high rates and potential additional fees. Short repayment terms intensify financial pressure on borrowers. Defaulting on a hard money loan can lead to losing the collateralized property, making careful evaluation crucial. Short Repayment Terms Short repayment terms are a notable drawback of hard money loans, often ranging from just a few months to two years. This urgency can pressure you to quickly generate cash flow, resulting in higher monthly payments that may strain your business’s finances. As the repayment period shortens, the risk of default increases, forcing you to either repay the loan in full or refinance before the term ends. Many hard money loans require a large lump-sum payment at the end, which can be challenging to manage for small businesses. Furthermore, the brief duration makes these loans less suitable for long-term financing needs, often trapping you in a cycle of seeking new loans to cover existing debt obligations. Comparing Hard Money Loans and Traditional Loans Though both hard money loans and traditional loans serve as financing options for small businesses, they differ markedly regarding structure and terms. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the key differences: Interest Rates: Hard money loans typically have higher rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, whereas traditional loans start around 6.25%. Repayment Terms: Hard money loans have shorter repayment periods, often from six months to two years, in contrast to traditional loans which can last 20-25 years. Loan-to-Value Ratios: Hard money loans usually cap at 65-75% LTV, whereas traditional loans may reach up to 90%. Approval Criteria: Hard money lenders focus on collateral value, whereas traditional loans require a credit score of 670 or higher for approval. Eligibility Criteria for Hard Money Loans When considering hard money loans, you’ll need to focus on the collateral you can provide, as these loans primarily hinge on the value of your assets, like real estate or equipment. Lenders typically assess the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which usually falls between 50% and 75%, determining how much you can borrow based on the collateral’s worth. Furthermore, preparing financial documentation is crucial, as lenders may require proof of your assets and a down payment that often ranges from 10% to 30%, depending on their evaluation of your situation. Collateral Requirements Collateral requirements play a crucial role in securing hard money loans for small businesses, as these loans are primarily backed by valuable assets. Lenders focus on the collateral’s value rather than your creditworthiness, making it easier for those with poor credit histories to qualify. Here are key factors to reflect upon: Type of Collateral: Real estate is the most common, but other valuable assets may likewise qualify. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Expect LTV ratios between 50% and 75%, meaning you’ll receive a fraction of the collateral’s appraised value. Down Payment: Higher down payment requirements, usually between 10% and 30%, are common. Asset Condition: Confirm your collateral is in good condition and has a clear title to avoid complications. Financial Documentation Needed Securing a hard money loan often requires specific financial documentation that demonstrates the value of your collateral and your business’s viability. Unlike traditional loans, the paperwork is usually minimal, focusing on crucial documents. You’ll need proof of ownership for the collateral property, property valuation reports, and a detailed business plan outlining how you plan to use the funds. Although credit scores aren’t a primary concern, some lenders might request a credit report to evaluate your overall financial stability. Furthermore, providing financial statements or tax returns can showcase your business revenue and cash flow, strengthening your application. Since documentation requirements can vary by lender, it’s wise to check with them about what specific information they’ll need. Application Process for Hard Money Loans The application process for hard money loans is designed to be straightforward and efficient, making it an appealing option for small business owners in need of quick funding. Here’s what you typically need to do: Gather Property Information: Provide details about the property you’ll use as collateral, including its appraised value and condition. Prepare a Business Plan: Many lenders require a detailed business plan outlining how you’ll use the funds and guarantee repayment. Submit Minimal Documentation: Focus primarily on the collateral’s value rather than your credit history or business performance. Apply to Multiple Lenders: Submit applications to various lenders to compare terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules, helping you secure the best deal. Expect approval within 24 to 72 hours, allowing quick access to funds. Typical Loan Terms and Conditions When you’re considering hard money loans for your small business, it’s essential to understand the typical loan terms and conditions. You’ll usually face interest rates ranging from 8% to 45%, with repayment periods that can last from a few months up to two years. Furthermore, be prepared for loan amounts to be capped at a percentage of your collateral’s value, often limiting your access to a portion of what you might need. Loan Amount Limits Hard money loans for small businesses typically range from $50,000 to $2 million, allowing borrowers to access substantial funding based on the value of their collateral. The loan amount you can secure often depends on several factors: Collateral Value: The more valuable your collateral, the higher the loan amount you might receive. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: This usually caps at 50% to 75%, meaning you can obtain a loan based on that percentage of your collateral’s appraised value. Repayment Terms: These typically range from six months to three years, with options for lump-sum payments or interest-only payments. Down Payment Requirements: Expect to provide a down payment of 10% to 30% or more, based on your credit profile and lender’s terms. Interest Rate Ranges Interest rates for hard money loans can vary considerably, typically ranging from 8% to 45%, based on factors such as the lender’s assessment of risk and the specifics of your financial situation. The perceived risk is influenced by your creditworthiness, the collateral value, and market conditions. You should also take into account that most hard money loans require down payments of 10% to 30% or more, depending on your financial profile and the collateral’s strength. Furthermore, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios usually cap at around 50% to 75%, limiting how much you can borrow against the property. Be aware of extra fees, such as origination and processing costs, which can further increase your overall borrowing expenses. Repayment Period Duration Though many small businesses seek quick access to funds, the repayment period for hard money loans reflects this urgency, typically ranging from just a few months to two years. Most lenders expect repayment within 6 to 24 months, making these loans suitable for short-term financing rather than long-term capital needs. Here are some key points to take into account: Interest Rates: They usually range from 8% to 15%, affecting overall borrowing costs. Down Payments: Typically, you’ll need to pay 10% to 30% or more upfront. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios: These typically cap at 50% to 75%, determining your maximum loan amount. Flexibility: Short terms allow for quicker access to capital but require prompt repayment. When to Consider Hard Money Loans When you find yourself in need of quick access to capital, hard money loans can be a viable option for your small business. Consider these loans if you have time-sensitive opportunities, like purchasing real estate or making urgent renovations. They’re particularly useful for startups or businesses with poor credit histories that struggle to secure traditional financing. If you have valuable collateral, you can leverage it for immediate funding. Furthermore, hard money loans are ideal when facing cash flow issues, as you might receive approval within 24 hours and funding in just one to two business days. Nevertheless, before committing, make sure you have a clear repayment strategy in place, given the high interest rates and short repayment terms associated with these loans. Alternatives to Hard Money Loans Are you exploring funding options beyond hard money loans for your small business? There are several alternatives that might suit your needs better. Consider the following options: Traditional Bank: These usually offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, but require good credit and a solid business history. Invoice Factoring: This lets you sell unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount, providing immediate cash flow without collateral. Equipment Financing: Customized for purchasing specific assets, this allows you to borrow against the equipment’s value, often resulting in better terms. Business Lines of Credit: These offer flexible funding, letting you draw funds as needed and pay interest only on the amount used, potentially lowering costs. Tips for Using Hard Money Loans Effectively Using hard money loans effectively requires a strategic approach to confirm that your business can meet its financial obligations without compromising its stability. Here are some tips to contemplate: Tip Description Clear Repayment Strategy Assess cash flow projections to guarantee timely payments and avoid default. Strategic Use Utilize loans for urgent needs or growth opportunities to maximize impact. Negotiate Terms Discuss interest rates and repayment schedules for manageable obligations. Maintain Transparency Keep your lender informed about business performance and challenges. Monitor Performance Regularly check your business metrics to adjust strategies and avoid overleveraging. Risks Associated With Hard Money Loans Though hard money loans can provide quick access to capital for small businesses, they likewise carry significant risks that you must consider. Here are some key risks associated with these loans: High Interest Rates: Expect rates between 8% and 45%, which can drastically increase your total borrowing costs. Short Repayment Terms: With terms often between six months and two years, you may feel pressured to generate cash flow swiftly to avoid default. Collateral Dependency: If you fail to repay, you risk losing the asset used as collateral, jeopardizing your business’s financial stability. Lender Fees: Hard money lenders often impose significant fees, like origination and processing fees, which can further strain your resources and impact your bottom line. Final Thoughts on Hard Money Loans for Small Businesses Maneuvering the terrain of financing options can be challenging for small business owners, especially when time is of the essence. Hard Money Loans can be a viable option, particularly for those facing credit challenges. Nevertheless, the high interest rates and short repayment terms can impose significant financial pressure. Aspect Details Interest Rates 8% to 45% Loan-to-Value Ratio Caps at 75% Approval Speed Funds typically within days While these loans offer quick access to funds, they come with risks, including potential asset loss. Consequently, it’s essential to assess your business’s ability to manage repayments and guarantee thorough planning before proceeding with a hard money loan. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Hard Money Loan for a Small Business? A hard money loan for a small business is a secured loan where your property serves as collateral. These loans offer quick access to funds, often from private lenders, focusing more on the value of your collateral than your credit history. You can typically receive 50% to 75% of your collateral’s appraised value. Nevertheless, be aware of the high interest rates and short repayment terms, as failure to repay could lead to foreclosure on your assets. How Does a Hard Money Loan Work? A hard money loan works by using real estate or assets as collateral. Lenders assess the property’s value rather than your creditworthiness, allowing for faster approval, often within days. You can expect loan amounts based on a percentage of the collateral’s appraised value, typically between 50% and 75%. Although interest rates can be higher, ranging from 8% to 15%, the short repayment terms, usually six months to two years, require prompt planning for repayment. Do I Need an LLC to Get a Hard Money Loan? You don’t need an LLC to get a hard money loan, but having one can boost your chances. Many lenders prefer borrowers who operate as LLCs since it offers liability protection and improves credibility. An LLC helps separate your personal and business finances, which can fortify your application. Although sole proprietors can qualify for these loans, forming an LLC provides legal protections and may offer more flexibility regarding collateral options. Do You Need a Down Payment for a Hard Money Loan? Yes, you typically need a down payment for a hard money loan. This down payment usually ranges from 10% to 30% of the property’s value, depending on your financial profile and the lender’s terms. If your credit isn’t strong, you might face a higher requirement. A larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk and demonstrates your commitment, impacting your likelihood of loan approval considerably. Failing to meet this requirement could result in denial. Conclusion To summarize, hard money loans can provide quick access to capital for small businesses, especially when traditional financing isn’t an option. Nevertheless, with interest rates ranging from 8% to 45%, they require careful evaluation and a solid repayment strategy. If you’re considering this route, weigh the pros and cons, explore alternatives, and make certain you have a clear plan for managing the financial implications. Doing so can help you maximize the benefits during minimizing potential risks. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are Hard Money Loans for Small Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Hard money loans for small businesses are a type of short-term financing secured by collateral, usually real estate or other valuable assets. These loans can provide quick access to funds, often within one to two business days, which can be vital for urgent financial needs. Nevertheless, they come with high interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%. Comprehending their characteristics and implications is fundamental before deciding if this option fits your business needs. Key Takeaways Hard money loans provide quick funding for small businesses, using collateral such as property or assets to secure the loan. Approval processes are fast, with funds typically available within one to two business days, regardless of the borrower’s credit score. Interest rates on hard money loans range from 8% to 45%, reflecting the lender’s risk and the short repayment periods of up to two years. Loan amounts usually vary between $50,000 to $2 million, based on the collateral’s value and requiring down payments ranging from 10% to 30%. While accessible, hard money loans carry risks due to high interest and short terms, making careful financial planning essential for borrowers. Understanding Hard Money Loans When you’re exploring financing options for your small business, grasping hard money loans is essential, especially if you need quick access to funds. Hard money loans for small businesses are secured loans, relying on your company’s property or assets as collateral. Unlike traditional loans, private hard money loans focus more on the collateral value than your credit score, making them accessible even for startups or those with poor credit histories. The approval process is faster, allowing you to get quick hard money loans within one to two business days. Nonetheless, keep in mind that these loans often come with high interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, and short repayment terms, typically capped at two years or less. Characteristics of Hard Money Loans Hard money loans are structured around collateral, meaning your business assets secure the loan rather than relying on your credit history. You’ll notice that these loans often come with high interest rates, sometimes ranging from 8% to 45%, reflecting the lender’s assessment of risk. Furthermore, repayment terms are typically brief, typically lasting from a few months to two years, which requires you to generate cash flow quickly to meet your obligations. Collateral-Based Financing Structure Securing a hard money loan involves leveraging your company’s property or assets as collateral, which shifts the focus from your credit history to the value of the asset itself. This collateral-based financing structure allows you to access hard money loans for real estate ascertaining lenders assess the collateral’s worth rather than your financial history. Typically, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio ranges from 50% to 75%, meaning you can borrow a significant portion of your asset’s appraised value. While some no money down hard money lenders exist, most require a down payment of 10% to 30%. For first-time investors, comprehending these requirements is essential to maneuvering the lending environment effectively and securing the funds needed for your business endeavors. High Interest Rates Interest rates on hard money loans can be considerably higher than those offered by traditional lenders, often ranging from 8% to 45%. These high interest rates reflect the increased risk lenders assume, especially when lending to borrowers with poor credit or limited financial histories. While some lenders may provide fast hard money loans with no down payment, the total cost can escalate quickly because of these steep rates. Most hard money loans feature fixed interest rates, but adjustable rates can likewise be part of the deal, leading to unpredictable costs over time. As a result, it’s essential to fully understand how high interest rates will impact your overall financial obligations before committing to a hard money loan. Short Repayment Terms When considering a hard money loan, it is vital to understand that these loans typically come with short repayment terms, often lasting just a few months up to two years. This urgency means you need to prepare for quick repayment, making them suitable for immediate funding needs. It’s important to have a clear exit strategy, whether refinancing or selling the property, to avoid defaulting on the loan. The higher interest rates associated with hard money home loans can increase your repayment burden within that limited timeframe. Keep in mind that approval relies heavily on the collateral’s value, so you must be confident in your ability to meet these short-term obligations. Feature Description Importance Term Length Few months to 2 years Quick funding needs Exit Strategy Requirement Necessary to avoid default Important for financial planning Collateral Value Focus Over cash flow or credit history Guarantees loan approval Higher Interest Rates Amplifies repayment costs Increases overall costs Urgency in Repayment Financial pressure on borrowers Demands immediate attention How Hard Money Loans Work Hard money loans operate primarily on the value of the collateral, often real estate, rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. To get a hard money loan, you’ll typically approach hard money real estate lenders who assess the property’s value to determine your loan amount. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios usually range from 50% to 75%, allowing you to borrow a portion of the collateral’s worth. The approval process is faster than traditional loans, often taking just a few days because of fewer documentation requirements. Nevertheless, expect higher interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, reflecting the risk associated with these loans. Pros of Hard Money Loans One of the main advantages of hard money loans is the quick access to funds, which can be crucial for small businesses in need of immediate capital. Approval often occurs within 24 hours, and you could receive your funds in just one to two business days. These loans are particularly beneficial for those with poor credit since they focus on the value of your collateral rather than your credit score. Hard money lenders typically offer loan-to-value ratios ranging from 50% to 75%, enabling you to leverage your assets for financing. Furthermore, the streamlined application process requires minimal documentation, making it easier for you to secure necessary capital. You can use hard money loans for working capital, debt refinancing, or urgent business acquisitions. Cons of Hard Money Loans When considering hard money loans, you should be aware of the high interest rates that can range from 8% to 45%, making them considerably more expensive than traditional financing options. Furthermore, the short repayment terms, often spanning just a few months to a couple of years, can pressure your business to quickly generate cash flow. These factors can create a challenging financial environment, making it crucial to carefully evaluate whether this type of loan aligns with your business needs. High Interest Rates Many borrowers may find themselves drawn to hard money loans owing to their quick approval processes and flexible terms, but the high interest rates present a significant drawback. These rates can range from 8% to a staggering 45%, far exceeding traditional loans that start around 6.25%. Here are some key points to reflect on: Higher rates reflect the increased risk lenders take on, as they focus on collateral value rather than creditworthiness. The financial burden can escalate quickly as a result of high rates and potential additional fees. Short repayment terms intensify financial pressure on borrowers. Defaulting on a hard money loan can lead to losing the collateralized property, making careful evaluation crucial. Short Repayment Terms Short repayment terms are a notable drawback of hard money loans, often ranging from just a few months to two years. This urgency can pressure you to quickly generate cash flow, resulting in higher monthly payments that may strain your business’s finances. As the repayment period shortens, the risk of default increases, forcing you to either repay the loan in full or refinance before the term ends. Many hard money loans require a large lump-sum payment at the end, which can be challenging to manage for small businesses. Furthermore, the brief duration makes these loans less suitable for long-term financing needs, often trapping you in a cycle of seeking new loans to cover existing debt obligations. Comparing Hard Money Loans and Traditional Loans Though both hard money loans and traditional loans serve as financing options for small businesses, they differ markedly regarding structure and terms. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the key differences: Interest Rates: Hard money loans typically have higher rates, ranging from 8% to 45%, whereas traditional loans start around 6.25%. Repayment Terms: Hard money loans have shorter repayment periods, often from six months to two years, in contrast to traditional loans which can last 20-25 years. Loan-to-Value Ratios: Hard money loans usually cap at 65-75% LTV, whereas traditional loans may reach up to 90%. Approval Criteria: Hard money lenders focus on collateral value, whereas traditional loans require a credit score of 670 or higher for approval. Eligibility Criteria for Hard Money Loans When considering hard money loans, you’ll need to focus on the collateral you can provide, as these loans primarily hinge on the value of your assets, like real estate or equipment. Lenders typically assess the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which usually falls between 50% and 75%, determining how much you can borrow based on the collateral’s worth. Furthermore, preparing financial documentation is crucial, as lenders may require proof of your assets and a down payment that often ranges from 10% to 30%, depending on their evaluation of your situation. Collateral Requirements Collateral requirements play a crucial role in securing hard money loans for small businesses, as these loans are primarily backed by valuable assets. Lenders focus on the collateral’s value rather than your creditworthiness, making it easier for those with poor credit histories to qualify. Here are key factors to reflect upon: Type of Collateral: Real estate is the most common, but other valuable assets may likewise qualify. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Expect LTV ratios between 50% and 75%, meaning you’ll receive a fraction of the collateral’s appraised value. Down Payment: Higher down payment requirements, usually between 10% and 30%, are common. Asset Condition: Confirm your collateral is in good condition and has a clear title to avoid complications. Financial Documentation Needed Securing a hard money loan often requires specific financial documentation that demonstrates the value of your collateral and your business’s viability. Unlike traditional loans, the paperwork is usually minimal, focusing on crucial documents. You’ll need proof of ownership for the collateral property, property valuation reports, and a detailed business plan outlining how you plan to use the funds. Although credit scores aren’t a primary concern, some lenders might request a credit report to evaluate your overall financial stability. Furthermore, providing financial statements or tax returns can showcase your business revenue and cash flow, strengthening your application. Since documentation requirements can vary by lender, it’s wise to check with them about what specific information they’ll need. Application Process for Hard Money Loans The application process for hard money loans is designed to be straightforward and efficient, making it an appealing option for small business owners in need of quick funding. Here’s what you typically need to do: Gather Property Information: Provide details about the property you’ll use as collateral, including its appraised value and condition. Prepare a Business Plan: Many lenders require a detailed business plan outlining how you’ll use the funds and guarantee repayment. Submit Minimal Documentation: Focus primarily on the collateral’s value rather than your credit history or business performance. Apply to Multiple Lenders: Submit applications to various lenders to compare terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules, helping you secure the best deal. Expect approval within 24 to 72 hours, allowing quick access to funds. Typical Loan Terms and Conditions When you’re considering hard money loans for your small business, it’s essential to understand the typical loan terms and conditions. You’ll usually face interest rates ranging from 8% to 45%, with repayment periods that can last from a few months up to two years. Furthermore, be prepared for loan amounts to be capped at a percentage of your collateral’s value, often limiting your access to a portion of what you might need. Loan Amount Limits Hard money loans for small businesses typically range from $50,000 to $2 million, allowing borrowers to access substantial funding based on the value of their collateral. The loan amount you can secure often depends on several factors: Collateral Value: The more valuable your collateral, the higher the loan amount you might receive. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: This usually caps at 50% to 75%, meaning you can obtain a loan based on that percentage of your collateral’s appraised value. Repayment Terms: These typically range from six months to three years, with options for lump-sum payments or interest-only payments. Down Payment Requirements: Expect to provide a down payment of 10% to 30% or more, based on your credit profile and lender’s terms. Interest Rate Ranges Interest rates for hard money loans can vary considerably, typically ranging from 8% to 45%, based on factors such as the lender’s assessment of risk and the specifics of your financial situation. The perceived risk is influenced by your creditworthiness, the collateral value, and market conditions. You should also take into account that most hard money loans require down payments of 10% to 30% or more, depending on your financial profile and the collateral’s strength. Furthermore, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios usually cap at around 50% to 75%, limiting how much you can borrow against the property. Be aware of extra fees, such as origination and processing costs, which can further increase your overall borrowing expenses. Repayment Period Duration Though many small businesses seek quick access to funds, the repayment period for hard money loans reflects this urgency, typically ranging from just a few months to two years. Most lenders expect repayment within 6 to 24 months, making these loans suitable for short-term financing rather than long-term capital needs. Here are some key points to take into account: Interest Rates: They usually range from 8% to 15%, affecting overall borrowing costs. Down Payments: Typically, you’ll need to pay 10% to 30% or more upfront. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios: These typically cap at 50% to 75%, determining your maximum loan amount. Flexibility: Short terms allow for quicker access to capital but require prompt repayment. When to Consider Hard Money Loans When you find yourself in need of quick access to capital, hard money loans can be a viable option for your small business. Consider these loans if you have time-sensitive opportunities, like purchasing real estate or making urgent renovations. They’re particularly useful for startups or businesses with poor credit histories that struggle to secure traditional financing. If you have valuable collateral, you can leverage it for immediate funding. Furthermore, hard money loans are ideal when facing cash flow issues, as you might receive approval within 24 hours and funding in just one to two business days. Nevertheless, before committing, make sure you have a clear repayment strategy in place, given the high interest rates and short repayment terms associated with these loans. Alternatives to Hard Money Loans Are you exploring funding options beyond hard money loans for your small business? There are several alternatives that might suit your needs better. Consider the following options: Traditional Bank: These usually offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, but require good credit and a solid business history. Invoice Factoring: This lets you sell unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount, providing immediate cash flow without collateral. Equipment Financing: Customized for purchasing specific assets, this allows you to borrow against the equipment’s value, often resulting in better terms. Business Lines of Credit: These offer flexible funding, letting you draw funds as needed and pay interest only on the amount used, potentially lowering costs. Tips for Using Hard Money Loans Effectively Using hard money loans effectively requires a strategic approach to confirm that your business can meet its financial obligations without compromising its stability. Here are some tips to contemplate: Tip Description Clear Repayment Strategy Assess cash flow projections to guarantee timely payments and avoid default. Strategic Use Utilize loans for urgent needs or growth opportunities to maximize impact. Negotiate Terms Discuss interest rates and repayment schedules for manageable obligations. Maintain Transparency Keep your lender informed about business performance and challenges. Monitor Performance Regularly check your business metrics to adjust strategies and avoid overleveraging. Risks Associated With Hard Money Loans Though hard money loans can provide quick access to capital for small businesses, they likewise carry significant risks that you must consider. Here are some key risks associated with these loans: High Interest Rates: Expect rates between 8% and 45%, which can drastically increase your total borrowing costs. Short Repayment Terms: With terms often between six months and two years, you may feel pressured to generate cash flow swiftly to avoid default. Collateral Dependency: If you fail to repay, you risk losing the asset used as collateral, jeopardizing your business’s financial stability. Lender Fees: Hard money lenders often impose significant fees, like origination and processing fees, which can further strain your resources and impact your bottom line. Final Thoughts on Hard Money Loans for Small Businesses Maneuvering the terrain of financing options can be challenging for small business owners, especially when time is of the essence. Hard Money Loans can be a viable option, particularly for those facing credit challenges. Nevertheless, the high interest rates and short repayment terms can impose significant financial pressure. Aspect Details Interest Rates 8% to 45% Loan-to-Value Ratio Caps at 75% Approval Speed Funds typically within days While these loans offer quick access to funds, they come with risks, including potential asset loss. Consequently, it’s essential to assess your business’s ability to manage repayments and guarantee thorough planning before proceeding with a hard money loan. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Hard Money Loan for a Small Business? A hard money loan for a small business is a secured loan where your property serves as collateral. These loans offer quick access to funds, often from private lenders, focusing more on the value of your collateral than your credit history. You can typically receive 50% to 75% of your collateral’s appraised value. Nevertheless, be aware of the high interest rates and short repayment terms, as failure to repay could lead to foreclosure on your assets. How Does a Hard Money Loan Work? A hard money loan works by using real estate or assets as collateral. Lenders assess the property’s value rather than your creditworthiness, allowing for faster approval, often within days. You can expect loan amounts based on a percentage of the collateral’s appraised value, typically between 50% and 75%. Although interest rates can be higher, ranging from 8% to 15%, the short repayment terms, usually six months to two years, require prompt planning for repayment. Do I Need an LLC to Get a Hard Money Loan? You don’t need an LLC to get a hard money loan, but having one can boost your chances. Many lenders prefer borrowers who operate as LLCs since it offers liability protection and improves credibility. An LLC helps separate your personal and business finances, which can fortify your application. Although sole proprietors can qualify for these loans, forming an LLC provides legal protections and may offer more flexibility regarding collateral options. Do You Need a Down Payment for a Hard Money Loan? Yes, you typically need a down payment for a hard money loan. This down payment usually ranges from 10% to 30% of the property’s value, depending on your financial profile and the lender’s terms. If your credit isn’t strong, you might face a higher requirement. A larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk and demonstrates your commitment, impacting your likelihood of loan approval considerably. Failing to meet this requirement could result in denial. Conclusion To summarize, hard money loans can provide quick access to capital for small businesses, especially when traditional financing isn’t an option. Nevertheless, with interest rates ranging from 8% to 45%, they require careful evaluation and a solid repayment strategy. If you’re considering this route, weigh the pros and cons, explore alternatives, and make certain you have a clear plan for managing the financial implications. Doing so can help you maximize the benefits during minimizing potential risks. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Are Hard Money Loans for Small Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Social media posts point to a 40% to 100% price hike this year, the latest in a series of hikes started in 2023, when for some lenders prices rose 400%. View the full article

Google is quietly rolling out a new Performance Max feature that lets advertisers upload video files directly inside the “Edit assets” panel — no YouTube channel or Shared Library required. Driving the news. The feature, spotted in the Google Ads UI, adds a simple “Upload” tab during asset creation in PMax campaigns. A highlighted upload box now appears in the YouTube ad setup workflow, guiding users to drop in a video file and move on — significantly reducing friction for new video advertisers. How it works. Uploaded videos are stored in a Google-managed house channel, not the advertiser’s YouTube account. That means the assets can be used in ads, but they don’t function like normal YouTube uploads. Why we care. The update streamlines campaign setup for advertisers who don’t have a YouTube channel or want a faster way to get video assets live. But the convenience comes with major trade-offs — no analytics, no remarketing lists, no metadata, and no appeals—meaning advertisers risk losing valuable performance insights and long-term asset ownership. It’s a convenient option, but one that should be used carefully and not as a replacement for uploading through a proper brand channel. The catch. Videos uploaded this way come with strict limitations: No YouTube Analytics No remarketing audiences No metadata editing No custom thumbnails No ability to appeal rejections or restrictions No brand-channel presence or long-term asset ownership First seen. This update was first seen by Web Marketing Consultant, Dario Zannoni, who shared the new feature on LinkedIn. The bottom line. The feature is a useful shortcut for advertisers in a rush or without a YouTube footprint. But best practice hasn’t changed: upload through your official YouTube brand channel whenever possible to preserve analytics, audience data, and full creative control. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. The Google Nest Thermostat E has been around for a few years, but this “Grade A” refurbished model—on sale for $71.99 on StackSocial, over 50% off—is offering it a second life. Grade A here means it has undergone full testing to confirm that the sensors, wifi radios, and battery behave as they should, and it arrives in near-mint condition, with little to no visible wear. It’s the kind of refurb deal where you don’t feel like you downgraded anything, especially since its frosted 320×320 LCD has always leaned towards a more modern aesthetic. The tradeoff is readability: You reportedly need to stand closer than you would with the sharper display on the pricier Nest Learning Thermostat. The Thermostat E learns your patterns after a few days and automatically adjusts temperatures, while Home/Away Assist does its job without fuss. You leave the house, and it slips into Eco Temperatures; you come back, comfort returns before you notice. The Nest app keeps everything clear and simple. You can tweak temperatures from your phone, check Energy History to see when your AC spiked last week, or read HVAC alerts when the system starts behaving oddly. Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant slots right into that routine. And the power draw stays low (under 1 kWh per month), which helps the energy-saving features feel honest, not performative. Still, there are limits. Compatibility covers roughly 85% of 24-volt HVAC systems; however, anyone with older wiring or more complicated setups might need a C-wire or a call to a technician. The E model also supports fewer components than the flagship Learning Thermostat, and it doesn’t include remote sensors, so room-to-room temperature swings won’t be fully solved without buying extras. Still, the core package remains steady, offering reliable temperature and humidity sensing, an ENERGY STAR certification, and a simple installation. Factor in the refurb discount and this “excellent” PCMag review, and it becomes a great option to consider. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) Western Digital 14TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive — $169.99 (List Price $279.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article