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Busy Season Barometer: New code and an aging, understaffed IRS top practitioners' worry lists. By CPA Trendlines Research New plans for tax season: Join the survey. Get the results. Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

How does your firm measure up? By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

How does your firm measure up? By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

Equities move through a stack of intermediaries, from custodians and clearing firms to brokers. Figure's blockchain structure aims to cut out third parties. View the full article

Adobe will acquire software platform Semrush for $1.9 billion, the companies said on Wednesday, as the Photoshop maker looks to strengthen its marketing tools and attract brands with generative artificial intelligence products. The company will pay $12 per share for Semrush, representing a premium of around 77.5% to its stock’s last closing price. Semrush shares jumped 75% to $11.83 in premarket trading. Semrush designs and develops AI software that helps companies with search engine optimization, social media, and digital advertising. The acquisition, expected to close in the first half of next year, would allow Adobe to help marketers better understand how their brands are viewed by online consumers through searches on websites and generative AI bots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The Wall Street Journal first reported the deal earlier in the day. Adobe’s tools, which also include InDesign, Acrobat, and Illustrator, have become household names in design software, widely used by enterprises, students, and creative professionals to edit, create websites, brochures, and graphics. The company also provides “Adobe Experience Cloud” to help companies with data and analytics. But investor pressure to ramp up monetization of AI products and features amid intensifying competition in the digital design industry has weighed on its shares, which have fallen more than 27% so far this year. Adobe had said in October its video and image editing tools could be controlled by chatting with them. The company also said it was working with OpenAI to let users directly control one of its apps through ChatGPT. —Zaheer Kachwala, Reuters View the full article

When Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier calmly sat down and told a group of assembled local media the WNBA is helmed by “the worst leadership in the world” on September 30, she likely did so with a full understanding of the potential impact of her words. Collier—who launched Unrivaled, the women’s professional three-on-three basketball league alongside the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart in 2023—is the granddaughter of Gershon Collier, who served as Sierra Leone’s representative in the United Nations in the 1960s. She understands the impact of the right words. And the words she chose forced the in-house negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ union, the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA), fully into the public eye. “I think it’s time that people know what’s happening—the way that the league is not valuing us the way that we need to be valued,” Collier said. WNBA players opted out of their current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last year, and since then the clock has been ticking: after missing the October deadline, the WNBA offered players a 30-day extension, they agreed; the new deadline is November 30. “[The players] are at the center of everything we do,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said speaking to reporters on October 3. “If the players in the W don’t feel appreciated and valued by the league, then we have to do better, and I have to do better.” The WNBPA’s current fight is one that hails from a long lineage of women-led labor strikes and disputes. UC Santa Barbara’s Dr. Eileen Boris, who specializes in labor studies as well as gender, race, class, and women’s history in the university’s Feminist Studies department, told Fast Company that there is a “big history of women organizing” in the United States. “Women have never been passive in the workplace,” she says. We’re seeing that play out yet again—and in the case of the WNBA, on one of the biggest public stages possible. Echoes of the past The heart of the dispute is money: the WNBA has never been more popular, and more money than ever has been pouring into the league. At the same time, the players are not adequately compensated—a reality that is all the more confusing when one considers that the athletes in the WNBA are both the product and, effectively, the marketing team. Throughout the regular season, fans turn to social media more often than not to catch up on game scores, tunnel fits, and what teams are up to, and they form parasocial relationships with the stars of the game. It should be noted that the WNBA’s astronomical growth—staggering increases in viewership and game attendance, league expansion that has included adding a total of six new teams by 2030, improved resources for players such as chartered flights, and an influx of funds from media rights deals and partnerships—have all happened under Engelbert’s watch. She emphasized to the reporters that the “heart” of the league lies with “building a movement that not only showcases the best athletes in the world, but also inspires millions who dream of following in their footsteps.” At the top of the players’ list of demands is a more equitable share of overall revenue that’s coming into the league. The players have proposed a new system: one that allows that share to grow as the league’s revenue grows. That would benefit not only the athletes currently in the league, but for the athletes who will join in years to come. But in response, the league has suggested a system not too dissimilar from what is already in place, offering salary increases that include a cap that increases by a fixed rate over time. To complicate matters further, the WNBA and NBA have not yet shared the books that explain just how much revenue there is. This is hardly the first time the 29-year-old league’s athletes have entered into a legal dispute with the league’s leadership. In fact, the first-ever CBA nearly tore the league apart—but ultimately set the standard for women’s professional sports leagues in the United States (and even in the world). And yet, today, players remain embroiled in an extremely public, high-stakes fight; workers (in this case, players) are pushing back on a leadership they believe to be toxic. This reality is underscored by a host of women-led labor movements: From the striking female workers at textile factories in the 1800s in Lowell, Massachusetts, to the garment workers of New York City, to the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen strike, which achieved racial solidarity as part of its movement. Historically, Boris says, “women who were considered the consumers of the goods supported the [striking] workers” in past U.S. disputes — a pattern that is also playing out as the WNBPA continues to receive broad support from female fans. Those past movements are not dissimilar to what the players of the WNBA face now, and one key to success will be garnering and retaining mass public support for the fight. ‘Contentious’ negotiations “The players are demanding what they feel is fair,” author and cohost of The Women’s Hoop Show podcast Jordan Robinson explained to Fast Company. “And I believe that the players feel like they maybe settled [for less than they deserved] in their last CBA negotiation with the hope of the league growing down the line.” Now? “That growth happened way faster and way sooner than a lot of the players probably were thinking.” That growth is owed in large part to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, as well as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, and “these new rookies coming in bringing a lot of fans from college, and a lot of eyes, attention, and dollars,” Robinson says. Under the current agreement, a rookie drafted in the top four spots in 2025 makes $78,831 this year. But Clark, who is responsible for 26.5% of WNBA revenue all by herself, signed a contract that began at $76,535 annually when she was drafted as the number-one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. ESPN reported this week that the WNBA has proposed increasing the max salary as part of the current negotiations. But why are some of the league’s best players making less than $80,000 a year, especially in a league that landed a $2.2 billion media rights deal in July 2024? The answer might be hiding behind what increasingly appears to be a toxic storm brewing within the league itself. Collier hinted at league-wide dysfunction and unrest in her statement, and in an interview with Glamour published October 28, she took things a step further. “We are being so grossly almost taken advantage of, and it should be illegal,” she insisted. “The amount of money that Caitlin Clark has made the league is insane, and she’s getting 0% of it because we have no rev share. She gets less than $80,000 a year, and she’s bringing in, like, hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s insane.” As Boris put it, “the general public does not look at these workers as workers.” “They don’t see the working conditions. They don’t see the kind of bullying that might be taking place” and “the hierarchies” behind the scenes. It’s “a big problem,” she says. Like generations of women who have spearheaded labor disputes in the past, from the New York shirt waist strike of 1909 (which fought for better pay and hours, safer, more humane conditions) to a 2022 strike against Kroger (around wages and COVID-era safety at work), the players have to prove their own humanity to garner support. Workers in other industries have been forced to take drastic measures to get their needs met, too: there were the dual SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America (WGA) Hollywood strikes in 2023, or what may unfold in West Virginia if coal miners struggling with black lung disease aren’t adequately responded to. A WNBA spokesperson noted on October 28 that the league urges “the Players Association to spend less time disseminating public misinformation and more time joining us in constructive engagement.” But when toxicity feels as if it’s baked into the culture of the job, what options do any workers have but to fight for what they believe they deserve? ‘Self-sabotage’ for the organization Like these labor disputes of the past, WNBA players are pushing for the same goals so many workers everywhere want: higher pay, increased benefits, and protection from occupational hazards, like injuries on the court. As Collier also said, “Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage.” As we should have learned by now, it doesn’t typically pay to devalue workers and continue with toxic conditions. Over time, that erodes an organization from the inside out, something that has been demonstrated throughout the history of work in the United States. When it comes to the WNBA, the concerns are a little more physical and personal. Injuries are part of the game, and perhaps no one knows this better than Collier herself. The 29-year-old forward suffered at least two at crucial moments this season alone: she missed several games due to a sprained ankle, a reality that could have cost her the coveted MVP crown this season. But players—workers—feel within their rights to challenge any circumstances in which they don’t feel safe. Many of the great labor advances in this country started exactly that way. “This is not only for us” Though it may feel obvious to those watching the WNBA and CBA negotiations closely that players are making demands that are reasonable when considering what they bring to the league, the path ahead of them is still “very hard,” Boris says. All workers “have to get as high of a salary as you can during your prime when you’re working,” she explains. The success of negotiations will depend in part on “how public they are. One strategy which is really useful is having workers give testimony about working conditions or being forced to play, and [being] forced to practice with injuries or lack of sick days or family accommodation.” To that end, it seems that’s what some players have had in mind: In addition to Collier, plenty of WNBA superstars, including four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and the Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, have made it clear where they stand on the issue and that they are willing to fight tooth and nail. That’s necessary because the stakes are just so high, Boris says. And like the historic, women-led labor movements in the past, the outcome won’t just affect the women currently playing in the league. When asked about the perception that WNBA leadership is not pro-player, Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown tells Fast Company: “I think it runs deep. I think it’s been this way for a long time, and I think it’s getting to the point where we just finally have the leverage.” WNBA players have other opportunities, she points out, like AU Pro Basketball, the women’s professional league that will kick off its fifth season in Nashville in February. The new Player B league in Europe and Asia also promises higher pay than the WNBA does. Such leagues afford players “the money to potentially not have a [WNBA] season,” she explains. “None of us want that to happen, but I think it’s just been a build up over years and years, and we have to stand on business when it comes to this.” The league’s players are fighting this fight for those who came before them: the players who “continued to show up to work, every single year, despite the conditions, despite not having facilities, despite flying commercial, sharing hotel rooms,” she says. They’re also fighting for “all the little girls out there that want to be in the WNBA.” “This is not only for us,” Brown added. “It’s for everybody in the future.” View the full article

Don't let a partner do this alone. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Don't let a partner do this alone. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

You need a plan. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

You need a plan. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Gantt charts are one of the most versatile project management tools there are as they can help plan, schedule and track projects. However, not all Gantt chart software has the features needed. That’s why we’ve reviewed some of the best Gantt chart software alternatives to help make a more informed decision. In this blog, we’ll go over the key features and pros and cons of a Canva Gantt chart, as well as some alternatives that can be used instead. What Is Canva? Canva is an online graphic design tool that allows users to edit images and videos for creative briefs, presentations, websites and many other creative projects. For example, it can help design printed products, make a logo for a business or create social media content. The software uses a drag-and-drop interface to make the design process easier. Since its introduction in 2013, Canva has added services such as a print product platform and video editing tool. It has a free model, but users can unlock premium features and upgrade to Canva Pro for professional design tools. This has made Canva one of the most popular graphic design tools used by creative business owners. It’s simple enough to use that beginners can make a quick graphic on a collaborative platform. The web-based tool has regular updates and additions that are constantly improving its functionality. Does Canva Have a Gantt Chart? Gantt charts are foundational tools for managing work. While Canva focuses on graphic design and offering users a simple and effective way to make quick designs, it falls short on project management. It relies on the graphic creation of presentations and other visual tools. However, it falls short when managing those projects with essential tools, such as Gantt charts. Gantt charts are made up of two parts. On the left is a spreadsheet that lists all the project tasks, their duration and related costs and resources. On the right, this data is populated on a visual timeline that shows the entire project on one page. Gantt charts can then plot milestones, link dependencies and more, giving managers greater control when planning, managing and tracking projects. Related: Best Gantt Chart Software Rankings Canva has templates and design tools that can mimic a Gantt chart, but lack the features that project managers need to ensure their projects are delivered on time and within budget. Design apps like Canva aren’t built for that sort of work. Short Answer: Yes, Canva Has a Gantt Chart Canva doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart feature but has free and paid productivity and document editing tools such as tables, graphs and charts that can be used to make a basic Gantt chart. To do so, export the Canva Gantt chart as an image or PDF format and attach it to a project documentation or presentation slides. Long Answer: Canva’s Gantt Chart Lacks Key Features for Project Management Canva has Gantt chart templates to list tasks and edit timelines and bars. These Gantt chart templates can also add details, such as milestones and assignees. But because Canva relies so heavily on templates there is limited customization. This restricts creative freedom and, more importantly, limits the value of using a real, robust Gantt chart. Not using a real Gantt chart could mean the difference between a successful project and a failure. Don’t take that risk. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with powerful Gantt charts that are easy to use. They can do everything a normal Gantt chart can do, such as organizing tasks, resources and costs, but go beyond the basics. Users can link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays, filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks and set a baseline to track planned effort against actual effort in real time to stay on schedule and keep to the project budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more Canva Gantt Chart Features As previously mentioned, Canva allows users to assemble a basic, visual approximation of a Gantt chart using Canva’s graphic-design elements. While this can produce a simple timeline illustration, it lacks the functionality, automation and data-driven capabilities of a true Gantt chart found in project management software. Tables to structure task names and time periods. Rectangles and shape elements to represent task bars. Drag-and-drop resizing to visually adjust bar lengths. Color fills to differentiate phases or task categories. Text boxes for task names, dates and labels. Line and arrow elements to illustrate dependencies visually. Grid and alignment tools to create cleaner layouts. Templates that can serve as a starting point for timeline-style designs. What Project Management Features Is Canva Gantt Chart Missing? Because Canva is not a project management platform, its makeshift Gantt charts do not include any real project management features. It cannot calculate schedules, track progress, manage resources or monitor budgets. Canva can only display graphics—the operational and analytical capabilities required for managing projects simply do not exist in the tool. Canva provides no features for managing team capacity or assigning resources, so workload distribution and utilization analysis aren’t possible. There’s no logic engine for identifying the critical path—Canva cannot calculate FS, SS, FF or SF task dependencies. Financial oversight tools are absent; you can’t track project costs, compare planned vs actual spending or build budget variance reports. Baseline creation isn’t supported, meaning there’s no way to freeze an original plan or measure schedule or cost deviations over time. Milestones can only be drawn manually; Canva doesn’t support date-driven milestone mapping or automatic milestone updates. Progress tracking isn’t built in—you can’t update percent complete, monitor task health or generate status summaries. Task relationships aren’t functional; while you can sketch dependencies visually, Canva cannot enforce or update them in response to schedule changes. Canva offers no alternative project views—features like kanban boards, dashboards, timeline views or task lists simply don’t exist. How to Make a Canva Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager Don’t let Canva keep the power of a Gantt chart beyond reach. Get a fully functional Gantt chart that can do much more than the bare-bones ones users make in Canva. Follow these steps to create a better Gantt chart in ProjectManager. Before we dive into the process let’s quickly go over a side-by-side comparison of ProjectManager’s Gantt chart and Canva’s Gantt chart. Canva Gantt Chart ProjectManager Gantt Chart No real task dependencies — only drawn manually (not functional) Four fully functional task dependencies (FS, SS, FF, SF) No auto-shift behavior — moving a bar does nothing Automatic cascading updates for all linked tasks Milestones can only be drawn as shapes Built-in milestones, subtasks and hierarchy tools for accurate scheduling No ability to set or compare baselines Full baseline tracking and schedule/cost variance reporting Single static visual — no true multi-project view Supports portfolio-level Gantt charts and multi-project roadmapping No cost, budget or planned-vs-actual tracking Tracks estimated vs. actual costs with real-time budget reporting No resource workload, allocation or utilization tools Resource allocation, workload monitoring and utilization charts built in No percent-complete tracking — everything must be drawn manually Percent-complete column with automatic sync to dashboards and reports No task prioritization or task-level metadata Priority fields, custom columns and full task-level detail panels Only visual “sections” if manually drawn Supports full Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) hierarchy No column customization — it’s just graphics Fully customizable columns for tasks, dates, costs, resources and more Exports are limited to static images of your design Exports to PDF, Excel and images with structured project data included Manual drag-and-drop of shapes (no actual scheduling logic) Advanced drag-and-drop task scheduling with real-time recalculations No planned vs. actual duration tracking Tracks planned vs. actual hours automatically for schedule accuracy Only basic templates for timelines, none for real Gantt charts Ready-made Gantt chart templates for multiple industries and use cases 1. Start a Free Trial Take a free trial with ProjectManager. There’s no credit card info needed. Once signed up, users have 30 days to kick the tires and explore the features of ProjectManager. There are Gantt charts, of course, but also task and resource management features, risk management tools and real-time dashboards and customizable reports to monitor and control projects to deliver them successfully. /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/canva-import-pm.png 2. Import Project Tasks Into ProjectManager Instead of manually adding tasks into Canva, you can instantly import several columns of project data from existing Excel spreadsheets, CSV files or even Microsoft Project files. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GantChart-IMPORT-CAR-e1666882142827-600x359.jpg 3. Select Options Now, decide if this will be a new project or if it should be added to an existing project. If it’s new, name it, and if it’s being added to a project, note whether to keep or delete the existing data. 4. Create a Robust ProjectManager Gantt Chart with More Features Than a Canva Gantt Chart A popup window will say, “Success!” showing that the project has been imported. It’s now a real Gantt chart in ProjectManager. Look around and see what our Gantt chart can do. It’s packed with features, can be shared with the team and also links to the other project views (kanban boards, task lists, calendars, etc.) and informs other features, such as the dashboard, reports and workload chart. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gantt-Chart-Template-Excel-image.png Get your free Gantt Chart Template Use this free Gantt Chart Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Canva Gantt Chart Pricing Canva does not include a built-in Gantt chart in any of its pricing plans. All versions only allow a manually designed, static timeline using shapes, tables or stacked bar-style graphics. However, chart availability varies by plan—some advanced chart types and customization features are only included in paid tiers. Free ($0): No built-in Gantt chart. Limited access to chart types; some advanced charts and customizations are locked behind paid plans. Pro ($14.99/user/month): No built-in Gantt chart. Full access to Canva’s chart library, including stacked bar charts and additional customization tools. Teams ($29.99/user/month): No built-in Gantt chart. Includes all Pro chart features plus enhanced collaboration and asset management. Enterprise (custom pricing): No built-in Gantt chart. Offers admin and brand controls; chart functionality remains the same as Pro. ProjectManager’s Gantt Chart Does More Than a Canva Gantt Ever Could Now it’s time to look at ProjectManager’s Gantt chart and see what it can do. There’s no reason to ever go back to Canva because our Gantt chart seamlessly integrates with the rest of our project tools. That means users can track time and costs, balance workload and much more. Set Milestones & Track Baselines Milestones are represented by diamond icons. They are used to indicate important project dates, such as the end of one phase and the beginning of another. They can help track progress, but for a more powerful tracking tool, set a baseline. Once the baseline is captured on the Gantt chart, users get real-time data on how the project is doing. They can see planned costs against actual costs and planned progress against actual progress in real time to help deliver the project successfully. Plus, it’s easy to filter for the critical path. There are no time-consuming and complicated calculations needed. Try that on Canva. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-1.png Filter by Priority, Dependencies & More The Gantt chart can be filtered in any number of ways to allow project managers to focus on the information they want to see. For example, they can filter by priority to ensure those tasks are being executed in a timely fashion. It’s also possible to filter by dependencies to avoid delays. Canva can’t do that. A big difference between Canva and ProjectManager is that users can link all four types of task dependencies. There are also customized tags to make tasks easier to find. It’s easy to assign team members to tasks, see their availability and better manage resources. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/assign-people-resource-allocation-light-mode-gantt-chart-workload-assignments.png What Can You Use a Canva Gantt Chart For? Canva Gantt charts are simplistic and only allow for basic task management and scheduling. Users can plan and schedule project tasks, track their progress on timelines and visualize the project in one place. While these Gantt charts can be helpful in specific situations, they aren’t nearly as powerful as project management software. How to Create a Canva Gantt Chart If you’re still curious about how to make a Canva Gantt chart, we’ve outlined what you should know. There are two main methods for making a Gantt chart in Canva. Use a free or paid Canva Gantt chart template or make one from scratch. Here’s a quick overview of both of these approaches. Use a Canva Gantt Chart Template Using a template is the easiest way to make a Gantt chart in Canva. 1. Choose a Gantt Chart Template From Canva’s Library First, log into the Canva account and use the search box to look for a Gantt chart template. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Canva-Gantt-chart-search-bar-e1717714730506-1600x530.webp There are hundreds of Gantt chart templates in Canva’s library. However, some of them aren’t free and require a paid plan. Also, it’s important to notice that most Gantt chart templates available in Canva’s library are uploaded by users, so there might be some errors. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Canva-Gantt-chart-templates-1600x781.webp 2. Edit the Canva Gantt Chart Template Then after having chosen a template, edit it further to visualize the project schedule as shown in the image below. We edited this Canva Gantt chart template to list project tasks and their due dates on a visual calendar. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edited-Canva-Gantt-chart-template-1-1600x785.webp This is the most basic version of a Gantt chart. Ideally, a Gantt chart should track many other task details such as resources, costs, priority, status and more. Unfortunately, most of the project templates in Canva’s library have a similar level of detail as this template. On top of that, editing these Canva Gantt chart templates can be hard to do, as most of them don’t function as spreadsheets but rather as images which editing requires lots of manual work. Make a Canva Gantt Chart From Scratch To add more details to a Canva Gantt chart than those offered by Canva’s templates, make one from scratch by following the steps below. 1. Make a Gantt Chart Grid in Canva The easiest way to make a Gantt chart grid in Canva is to insert a table. To do so, open a new Canva presentation, whiteboard or document view and look for a table using the “Elements” search box on the left side of the screen. By default, the table will come with three columns, so begin by editing these three columns, one for listing your project tasks and their start and end dates. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Insert-a-table-in-Canva-1-e1717714664108-1600x587.webp Now let’s add the fields we referenced, a priority level, assignee and estimated cost of each project task. To do this, simply click the three dots of the right-end column of the table and then click “Add column.” When done, the Canva Gantt chart grid should look like this. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Gantt-chart-grid-example-Canva-600x266.webp 2. Make a Gantt Chart Timeline in Canva Now, create the other half of the Canva Gantt chart, the stacked bar project timeline. To do so, add 12 columns to the right and one row at the top. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Making-a-Gantt-chart-stacked-bar-chart-in-Canva_1-1-600x295.webp Then merge those cells until it looks like the example below. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Adding-bars-to-Canva-Gantt-chart_1-1-600x294.webp Finally, insert rounded square shapes and adjust their size to fit each of the project task rows to indicate their duration. Fill out all the Gantt chart grid cells with the project information and adjust the task bars accordingly. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Canva-Gantt-chart-example-1600x510.webp ProjectManager Has Better Gantt Charts Than Canva As stated above, ProjectManager is software specifically designed to plan, schedule and track projects from start to finish, which is the main reason why it offers a much better Gantt chart tool than Canva. Let’s zoom into other advantages of using ProjectManager’s Gantt charts. Advanced Gantt Chart Features ProjectManager is one of the best Gantt chart software due to its advanced project management features that will allow you to link four types of task dependencies, allocate resources, identify the critical path of your project, track project costs and much more. Use the task information panel popup on the Gantt chart to change priority levels, set milestones, add inter-project dependencies and more. /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/operations-implementation-gantt-task-info-open-1600x787.png Multiple Project Management Tools Use other project management tools besides Gantt charts such as kanban boards, project calendars, task lists, roadmaps and spreadsheets. Each of these offers a different perspective on your projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kanban-task-card-moving-manufacturing-order-management-light-mode-1600x874.png Track Project Progress, Schedule, Resources & Costs Real-time dashboards automatically collect data from the Gantt chart in real time and show project metrics in easy-to-read charts for a high-level overview of the project status. Customizable reports get more detailed information on project and portfolio status, workload, timesheets, variance and more. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode-1600x857.jpg Resource management tools, such as the color-coded workload chart and team page show how work is being distributed among team members so you can reallocate resources to keep teams working at capacity and increase productivity. More Free Gantt Chart Templates While Excel is the most popular choice for Gantt chart templates, other free productivity tools can help make a Gantt chart. Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint Gantt Chart Template for Google Sheets Gantt Chart Template for Word While all these Gantt chart templates can be used to make a simple project schedule, they can’t compete with the functionality offered by project management software like ProjectManager. Related Gantt Chart Content We’ve created dozens of blogs, templates and guides to help understand how to use Gantt charts to manage projects. Here are some of them. 14 Best Gantt Chart Software of 2024 (Free & Paid) 5 Tools to Make a Gantt Chart on Mac How to Make a Gantt Chart In Excel How to Make a Gantt Chart in Google Sheets (Template Included) Trello Gantt Charts: How to Make a Gantt Chart in Trello Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart: How to Make a Gantt Chart in Microsoft Planner ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams in the office, out in the field and anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our tool to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Canva Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

A jovial President Donald The President held a warm and friendly meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the White House, packed with plenty of handshakes and back pats. He brushed aside questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, praised the prince for his statesmanship and announced hundreds of billions of dollars in new Saudi investment in the United States. The White House rolled out plenty of pomp for the Saudi royal on Tuesday, dispatching fighter jets that the two leaders watched from a red carpet, parading out an honor guard on horseback and giving a lavish dinner in the East Room. In a sitdown in the Oval Office that took place just seven years after Prince Mohammad was implicated by U.S. intelligence agencies in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, The President and the prince took numerous questions from reporters — one of whom was repeatedly insulted by The President — on everything from commerce to the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Riyadh. Here is a look at some of the takeaways from the visit: Movement on military cooperation The President had previewed his decision to sell F-35s on Sunday but formalized it before the prince on Tuesday when he said the approval was complete and that Israel’s fears about maintaining its qualitative military edge in the Middle East would be addressed. Details of the deal were not immediately clear, but some in the Pentagon and other agencies have opposed the sale because of the potential for advanced technology being shared with China, which also has close ties with Saudi Arabia. “As far as I’m concerned, I think they are both at a level where they should get top of the line,” The President said of Saudi Arabia and Israel, which already has F-35s. “Israel’s aware and they’re going to be very happy.” Israeli officials have suggested that they would not be opposed to Saudi Arabia getting F-35s as long as Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework. The Saudis have said they would join the Abraham Accords but only after there is a credible and guaranteed path to Palestinian statehood, a position Prince Mohammad repeated in the meeting. “We want to be part of the Abraham Accords, but we want also to be sure that we secure a clear path of two-state solution,” he said. “We’re going to work on that to be sure that we come prepared for the situation as soon as possible to have that.” The President also said the U.S. and Saudi Arabia would complete a broader agreement on military and security issues during the visit and that the U.S. would proceed with a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, about which Israel also has raised concerns. The two nations also signed a deal that calls for the Saudis to purchase nearly 300 tanks from the U.S. At the dinner Tuesday night, The President announced he was designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a largely symbolic move that gives foreign partners some defense, trade and security cooperation benefits. Khashoggi’s killing gets swept aside Tuesday’s meeting was the first White House visit for the crown prince since Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist, was killed and dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2018. U.S. intelligence said Prince Mohammad likely approved the slaying. In a remarkable scene in the Oval Office, the prince, nicknamed MBS, faced questions from reporters, something not typical for the de facto head of the absolute monarchy where dissent is criminalized. He was asked about Khashoggi’s slaying along with the role that Saudi citizens played in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. The President, however, lashed out at the reporter for the line of questioning. The President called Khashoggi, a Saudi pro-democracy activist, “extremely controversial” and said “a lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but he (the crown prince) knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that.” Prince Mohammad, who has denied involvement in Khashoggi’s killing, replied that his government had taken action. “It’s been painful for us in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “We did all the right steps of investigation, etc., in Saudi Arabia, and we’ve improved our system to be sure that nothing happens like that again. And it’s painful, and it was a huge mistake.” The President also commended the Saudi leader for strides made by the kingdom on human rights without providing any specific detail but presumably referring to reforms relating to women’s rights. “What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else,” The President said. Lots of pomp and circumstance The President greeted Prince Mohammed at the White House’s South Lawn entrance with a handshake and arm slung over the prince’s shoulder. The President literally rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi leader, with a military band on hand and a flyover by U.S. military planes, before showing the crown prince his decorations along the White House Colonnade. “We have a extremely respected man in the Oval Office today,” The President said at the top of meeting, calling the prince “a friend of mine for a very long time.” The President also castigated his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for greeting Prince Mohammed with a fist bump during his 2022 visit to Saudi Arabia. “When you get out of the plane and you get the future king — and a man who is one of the most respected people in the world — you shake his hand, you don’t give him a fist bump, right?” The President said. “The President doesn’t give a fist bump. I grab that hand” — and he did just that. At the dinner Tuesday night, the tuxedo-clad president and first lady Melania The President welcomed the crown prince back on the red carpet again, before feting him at a dinner attended by tech titans such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Tesla founder Elon Musk, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, along with golfer Bryson DeChambeau and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. They dined on a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, followed by a couverture mousse pear for dessert. Vast but vague commercial and economic deals Prince Mohammad told The President that his country would be increasing its financial commitments to the U.S. from $600 billion, which was announced during the president’s trip to Riyadh in May, to $1 trillion. Details of those deals were not immediately clear but are expected to include investments in a variety of American businesses, including artificial Intelligence, as well as the purchase of jet engines and other equipment. —Matthew Lee, AP diplomatic writer Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report. View the full article

When planning your next craft project, consider utilizing low-cost supplies that can improve your creativity. Start by repurposing items you already have at home, such as toilet paper rolls or egg cartons. Explore thrift stores for affordable fabric scraps and old magazines suitable for decoupage. Furthermore, check community platforms like Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap materials. With dollar stores stocking crucial craft items, you can find everything you need without overspending. Exploring these options will reveal even more possibilities. Key Takeaways Repurpose materials like toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and glass containers from your recycling box for unique craft projects. Visit thrift stores for affordable supplies, including fabric scraps, old jewelry, and magazines perfect for decoupage. Check community platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle for low-cost or free crafting materials from local residents. Explore dollar stores for budget-friendly essentials like wooden craft sticks, decorative tape, and tissue paper to enhance your projects. Take advantage of sales at craft stores and online retailers, often offering discounts up to 70% on a wide range of supplies. Your Own Home When you look around your home, you may be surprised to find a wealth of crafting materials readily available in your recycling box. Common items like toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and glass containers can be easily repurposed into unique projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes and shipping packages offers a sturdy base for various crafts, as water bottles and milk cartons encourage creativity through upcycling. Furthermore, old newspapers and magazines serve as excellent resources for decoupage and collage, making them both economical and eco-friendly. Don’t forget to explore kids’ rooms and offices for markers and crayons, which can improve your crafting experience. With these low-cost craft supplies at hand, you might find inspiration that rivals any craft catalogs by mail. Yard Sales Exploring yard sales can be a rewarding way to expand your crafting supplies without breaking the bank. These sales often feature a variety of craft items at considerably reduced prices, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. You might find: Fabric scraps – Ideal for quilting or small projects. Yarn skeins – Great for knitting or crocheting unique pieces. Art supplies – Such as paints and brushes, often sold in bulk. Vintage craft books – Offering unique techniques and inspiration. Additionally, many yard sales have leftover supplies from previous projects, allowing you to discover unexpected treasures. Searching online platforms like Craigslist can help you locate specific sales in your area, making it easier to score unique materials for your next project. Your Neighborhood When you’re looking for craft supplies, your neighborhood can be a goldmine of resources. Check out platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle, where you can find low-cost or even free materials offered by local residents. Furthermore, keep an eye on community events like garage sales and fairs, as they often feature unique items that can inspire your next project. Local Community Resources Local community resources offer a wealth of opportunities for sourcing craft supplies at little to no cost. By tapping into these local avenues, you can easily find materials for your next project. Here are some options to contemplate: Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp: These platforms often feature neighbors giving away or selling craft supplies at low prices. Freecycle: Join this network to receive free items, including unused craft materials from locals. Community Events: Attend seasonal fairs or garage sales where people sell or donate crafting supplies. Thrift Stores: Check your nearby thrift shops for both used and new items perfect for crafting. Utilizing these resources can greatly reduce your crafting expenses during nurturing community connections. Online Marketplace Options Online marketplaces provide a convenient and efficient way to find craft supplies right in your neighborhood. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp let you search for affordable or even free materials from local sellers. You’ll often find listings from neighbors who are selling or giving away surplus items, which can help you discover unique supplies at low costs. Moreover, many neighborhood groups facilitate the sharing and trading of craft materials, allowing you to acquire what you need without spending money. Seasonal events and community clean-ups often result in people listing unwanted craft supplies, providing a chance to stock up at minimal or no cost. Utilizing these resources can keep your projects budget-friendly and locally inspired. Thrift Stores Thrift stores are excellent resources for crafters seeking affordable supplies, often featuring a wide variety of both new and gently used items. These stores can be a treasure trove for budget-conscious individuals like you. Here are four items you should look for: Fabric: Large pieces like old blankets or tablecloths can be repurposed for various fabric crafts, saving you money on retail prices. Magazines: You’ll find a range of magazines perfect for decoupage or scrapbooking, enhancing your creative projects without breaking the bank. Jewelry: Old jewelry provides valuable beads and hardware, allowing you to create unique pieces as you reduce waste. Seasonal Supplies: Check seasonal sections for items customized to upcoming holidays, giving your crafts a festive touch. Dollar Stores In terms of affordable craft materials, dollar stores are a treasure trove for budget-conscious crafters. You can find a variety of crucial supplies, like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, and decorative tape, all priced at just a dollar each. Affordable Craft Materials If you’re looking for budget-friendly craft materials, dollar stores are a treasure trove of affordable options. You can find a wide variety of supplies for just a dollar, making these stores ideal for budget-conscious crafters. Here are four crucial items you should consider picking up: Wooden craft sticks – perfect for building and creating various projects. Clothespins – great for holding items together or as decorative accents. Tissue paper – ideal for gift wrapping or adding color to crafts. Decorative craft tape – useful for embellishing and personalizing your creations. Additionally, don’t overlook office and party supply sections for more materials. Regular visits can reveal new arrivals and seasonal items that inspire your next creative endeavor without breaking the bank. Diverse Crafting Options Exploring diverse crafting options at dollar stores opens up a world of creativity without straining your budget. You’ll find an impressive selection of craft supplies, such as wooden craft sticks, tissue paper, and decorative tape, all priced at just a dollar each. Seasonal items and party supplies make these stores ideal for themed crafts and events. Common supplies like glues, foam brushes, beads, and floral foam allow for a variety of projects without overspending. Furthermore, you can discover vases, candle holders, and other decorative items that can be creatively repurposed. Regular visits to dollar stores can likewise reveal new and unique materials, as inventory constantly changes, offering both fresh finds and clearance items perfect for your next DIY project. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers serve as valuable resources for crafters looking to acquire materials during the promotion of sustainability. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies and resell them at low prices, helping to keep materials out of landfills. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies catering to different crafting needs, perfect for both children and adults. Shopping at these centers not just saves money but also offers unique finds that can inspire your projects. Here are four benefits of visiting a craft reuse center: Affordability: Prices are considerably lower than traditional retail. Variety: A diverse range of materials for various types of crafts. Community Engagement: Encourages local collaboration and support. Unexpected Treasures: Unique and vintage items that spark creativity. Discount Stores When you’re looking for affordable craft options, discount stores can be a valuable resource. Places like Big Lots and Five Below offer a range of materials, from decorative craft tape to floral foam, all at budget-friendly prices. Plus, with seasonal discounts and unique finds arriving regularly, you’re likely to discover fresh supplies that can inspire your next project. Affordable Craft Options If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly craft supplies, discount stores like Big Lots, Five Below, and Dollar General can be excellent resources. These stores often have dedicated craft sections, making it easy to find materials for various projects at low prices. Here are some popular items you can typically find: Glassware – perfect for DIY home decor or candle holders. Fake flowers – great for floral arrangements without the maintenance. Wooden craft sticks – useful for a variety of projects, from models to frames. Decorative craft tape – ideal for adding flair to cards or scrapbooks. Regular visits can yield unique finds, especially with seasonal items, allowing you to experiment creatively while sticking to your budget. Unique Finds Available Have you ever considered the hidden gems waiting for you in discount stores? Places like Big Lots, Five Below, Wal-Mart, and Dollar General often have dedicated craft supply sections filled with low-cost materials. You can find raw materials such as glassware, fake flowers, and frames at markedly reduced prices, making it easy to stock up on necessities without breaking the bank. Regular visits can reveal new arrivals and discounts, allowing you to discover unique supplies that you mightn’t find elsewhere. Furthermore, these stores offer unconventional crafting items, encouraging you to get creative with everyday objects. Seasonal Discounts Offered Seasonal discounts at discount stores present an excellent opportunity for crafters looking to save on materials for holiday-themed projects. Stores like Dollar General and Big Lots frequently offer markdowns on a variety of craft supplies. You can find unique items that rotate with the seasons, making it easier to celebrate any occasion without overspending. Here are four types of supplies you might find on sale: Decorative paints and brushes for seasonal crafts. Holiday-themed decorations like ornaments and garlands. Crafting tools, such as scissors and glue guns. Wrapping paper and gift-making materials during clearance events. Unconventional Stores Though many crafters typically turn to traditional craft stores for their supplies, unconventional stores can offer a treasure trove of materials that mightn’t be found elsewhere. Specialty shops like hardware stores provide discounted storage containers, magnets, and tools perfect for various projects. Office supply stores often carry paper, adhesives, and scissors at competitive prices, making them excellent resources for DIY enthusiasts. Pharmacies frequently have seasonal items and party supplies at reduced rates, ideal for those last-minute crafting needs. Antique stores present unique old and new supplies that can be creatively repurposed. Finally, regular visits to discount chains like Big Lots, Five Below, and Dollar General can yield cheap materials such as glassware and fake flowers, perfect for budget-friendly crafting. Craft Stores Craft stores serve as a go-to resource for crafters seeking an extensive range of supplies customized to various projects. They cater to all budget ranges by offering both cheap and expensive items, making it easy to find what you need. To help you save even more, many stores have frequent sales and coupons, often providing discounts up to 70% off original prices. Seasonal items are likewise typically discounted, allowing access to themed supplies for holidays at lower prices. You’ll find dedicated sections for specific crafts, such as: Yarn for knitting and crocheting Scrapbooking materials for creative layouts Painting supplies like canvases and brushes Beading kits for jewelry-making These features guarantee that you can find everything you need in one convenient location. Online Stores When you’re looking for craft supplies, online stores offer a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Retailers like Amazon and eBay frequently provide competitive prices on a vast array of items, making it simple to find budget-friendly options. Websites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com grant discounts on bulk purchases, letting you stock up without overspending. Plus, online shopping expands your access to specialty supplies that local stores may not carry. Seasonal sales and promotions further improve savings throughout the year. The table below highlights some popular online craft supply retailers and their primary advantages. Store Advantages Amazon Wide selection, competitive prices eBay Auctions, unique finds Oriental Trading Bulk discounts, party supplies Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Best Crafting Supplies for Beginners? For beginners, vital crafting supplies include versatile acrylic paints, brushes, and canvases, which are affordable and support various projects. You should furthermore have basic tools like scissors, glue, and tape, important for crafting tasks. Colored paper and cardstock are cost-effective choices for numerous projects, encouraging creativity. In addition, consider beginner craft kits that provide structured guidance and required materials. Basic fabric supplies like felt and yarn are budget-friendly options for textile crafts, promoting hands-on learning. Does Dollar General Have Craft Supplies? Yes, Dollar General offers a variety of craft supplies. You can find items like wooden craft sticks, tissue paper, and foam paint brushes, often priced around one dollar each. The store likewise stocks decorative craft tape, glues, and floral foam. In addition, seasonal items can be repurposed for crafts, providing more options. Regular visits can help you discover new arrivals and seasonal discounts, enhancing your crafting experience at affordable prices. How to Declutter Your Craft Supplies? To declutter your craft supplies, start by sorting everything into clear categories like paint, fabric, and tools. Use labeled storage bins for easy access and organization. Set a schedule to review your supplies every six months, donating or discarding items you don’t use or that are damaged. Implement a “one in, one out” rule to maintain balance, and consider repurposing materials from your collection to inspire new projects during reducing clutter effectively. Does Family Dollar Have Craft Stuff? Yes, Family Dollar carries a variety of craft supplies. You’ll find crucial items like glue, scissors, construction paper, and markers, which are perfect for various projects. They likewise stock seasonal craft supplies, ideal for holiday-themed creations. Furthermore, you can discover DIY kits and basic tools suitable for both kids and adults. With prices typically ranging from $1 to $5, it’s a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to craft without overspending. Conclusion By exploring various sources for low-cost craft supplies, you can maximize your creativity as you stay within budget. Look around your home for items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons, visit yard sales for hidden treasures, and check thrift stores for unique fabric scraps. Furthermore, dollar stores and online platforms can provide affordable necessities. With these strategies, you can gather the materials you need for your next project without overspending, ensuring you have fun during crafting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Low Cost Craft Supplies for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When planning your next craft project, consider utilizing low-cost supplies that can improve your creativity. Start by repurposing items you already have at home, such as toilet paper rolls or egg cartons. Explore thrift stores for affordable fabric scraps and old magazines suitable for decoupage. Furthermore, check community platforms like Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap materials. With dollar stores stocking crucial craft items, you can find everything you need without overspending. Exploring these options will reveal even more possibilities. Key Takeaways Repurpose materials like toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and glass containers from your recycling box for unique craft projects. Visit thrift stores for affordable supplies, including fabric scraps, old jewelry, and magazines perfect for decoupage. Check community platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle for low-cost or free crafting materials from local residents. Explore dollar stores for budget-friendly essentials like wooden craft sticks, decorative tape, and tissue paper to enhance your projects. Take advantage of sales at craft stores and online retailers, often offering discounts up to 70% on a wide range of supplies. Your Own Home When you look around your home, you may be surprised to find a wealth of crafting materials readily available in your recycling box. Common items like toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and glass containers can be easily repurposed into unique projects. Cardboard from cereal boxes and shipping packages offers a sturdy base for various crafts, as water bottles and milk cartons encourage creativity through upcycling. Furthermore, old newspapers and magazines serve as excellent resources for decoupage and collage, making them both economical and eco-friendly. Don’t forget to explore kids’ rooms and offices for markers and crayons, which can improve your crafting experience. With these low-cost craft supplies at hand, you might find inspiration that rivals any craft catalogs by mail. Yard Sales Exploring yard sales can be a rewarding way to expand your crafting supplies without breaking the bank. These sales often feature a variety of craft items at considerably reduced prices, perfect for budget-conscious crafters. You might find: Fabric scraps – Ideal for quilting or small projects. Yarn skeins – Great for knitting or crocheting unique pieces. Art supplies – Such as paints and brushes, often sold in bulk. Vintage craft books – Offering unique techniques and inspiration. Additionally, many yard sales have leftover supplies from previous projects, allowing you to discover unexpected treasures. Searching online platforms like Craigslist can help you locate specific sales in your area, making it easier to score unique materials for your next project. Your Neighborhood When you’re looking for craft supplies, your neighborhood can be a goldmine of resources. Check out platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle, where you can find low-cost or even free materials offered by local residents. Furthermore, keep an eye on community events like garage sales and fairs, as they often feature unique items that can inspire your next project. Local Community Resources Local community resources offer a wealth of opportunities for sourcing craft supplies at little to no cost. By tapping into these local avenues, you can easily find materials for your next project. Here are some options to contemplate: Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp: These platforms often feature neighbors giving away or selling craft supplies at low prices. Freecycle: Join this network to receive free items, including unused craft materials from locals. Community Events: Attend seasonal fairs or garage sales where people sell or donate crafting supplies. Thrift Stores: Check your nearby thrift shops for both used and new items perfect for crafting. Utilizing these resources can greatly reduce your crafting expenses during nurturing community connections. Online Marketplace Options Online marketplaces provide a convenient and efficient way to find craft supplies right in your neighborhood. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and OfferUp let you search for affordable or even free materials from local sellers. You’ll often find listings from neighbors who are selling or giving away surplus items, which can help you discover unique supplies at low costs. Moreover, many neighborhood groups facilitate the sharing and trading of craft materials, allowing you to acquire what you need without spending money. Seasonal events and community clean-ups often result in people listing unwanted craft supplies, providing a chance to stock up at minimal or no cost. Utilizing these resources can keep your projects budget-friendly and locally inspired. Thrift Stores Thrift stores are excellent resources for crafters seeking affordable supplies, often featuring a wide variety of both new and gently used items. These stores can be a treasure trove for budget-conscious individuals like you. Here are four items you should look for: Fabric: Large pieces like old blankets or tablecloths can be repurposed for various fabric crafts, saving you money on retail prices. Magazines: You’ll find a range of magazines perfect for decoupage or scrapbooking, enhancing your creative projects without breaking the bank. Jewelry: Old jewelry provides valuable beads and hardware, allowing you to create unique pieces as you reduce waste. Seasonal Supplies: Check seasonal sections for items customized to upcoming holidays, giving your crafts a festive touch. Dollar Stores In terms of affordable craft materials, dollar stores are a treasure trove for budget-conscious crafters. You can find a variety of crucial supplies, like wooden craft sticks, clothespins, and decorative tape, all priced at just a dollar each. Affordable Craft Materials If you’re looking for budget-friendly craft materials, dollar stores are a treasure trove of affordable options. You can find a wide variety of supplies for just a dollar, making these stores ideal for budget-conscious crafters. Here are four crucial items you should consider picking up: Wooden craft sticks – perfect for building and creating various projects. Clothespins – great for holding items together or as decorative accents. Tissue paper – ideal for gift wrapping or adding color to crafts. Decorative craft tape – useful for embellishing and personalizing your creations. Additionally, don’t overlook office and party supply sections for more materials. Regular visits can reveal new arrivals and seasonal items that inspire your next creative endeavor without breaking the bank. Diverse Crafting Options Exploring diverse crafting options at dollar stores opens up a world of creativity without straining your budget. You’ll find an impressive selection of craft supplies, such as wooden craft sticks, tissue paper, and decorative tape, all priced at just a dollar each. Seasonal items and party supplies make these stores ideal for themed crafts and events. Common supplies like glues, foam brushes, beads, and floral foam allow for a variety of projects without overspending. Furthermore, you can discover vases, candle holders, and other decorative items that can be creatively repurposed. Regular visits to dollar stores can likewise reveal new and unique materials, as inventory constantly changes, offering both fresh finds and clearance items perfect for your next DIY project. Craft Reuse Centers Craft reuse centers serve as valuable resources for crafters looking to acquire materials during the promotion of sustainability. These centers accept donations of crafting supplies and resell them at low prices, helping to keep materials out of landfills. You’ll find a wide variety of supplies catering to different crafting needs, perfect for both children and adults. Shopping at these centers not just saves money but also offers unique finds that can inspire your projects. Here are four benefits of visiting a craft reuse center: Affordability: Prices are considerably lower than traditional retail. Variety: A diverse range of materials for various types of crafts. Community Engagement: Encourages local collaboration and support. Unexpected Treasures: Unique and vintage items that spark creativity. Discount Stores When you’re looking for affordable craft options, discount stores can be a valuable resource. Places like Big Lots and Five Below offer a range of materials, from decorative craft tape to floral foam, all at budget-friendly prices. Plus, with seasonal discounts and unique finds arriving regularly, you’re likely to discover fresh supplies that can inspire your next project. Affordable Craft Options If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly craft supplies, discount stores like Big Lots, Five Below, and Dollar General can be excellent resources. These stores often have dedicated craft sections, making it easy to find materials for various projects at low prices. Here are some popular items you can typically find: Glassware – perfect for DIY home decor or candle holders. Fake flowers – great for floral arrangements without the maintenance. Wooden craft sticks – useful for a variety of projects, from models to frames. Decorative craft tape – ideal for adding flair to cards or scrapbooks. Regular visits can yield unique finds, especially with seasonal items, allowing you to experiment creatively while sticking to your budget. Unique Finds Available Have you ever considered the hidden gems waiting for you in discount stores? Places like Big Lots, Five Below, Wal-Mart, and Dollar General often have dedicated craft supply sections filled with low-cost materials. You can find raw materials such as glassware, fake flowers, and frames at markedly reduced prices, making it easy to stock up on necessities without breaking the bank. Regular visits can reveal new arrivals and discounts, allowing you to discover unique supplies that you mightn’t find elsewhere. Furthermore, these stores offer unconventional crafting items, encouraging you to get creative with everyday objects. Seasonal Discounts Offered Seasonal discounts at discount stores present an excellent opportunity for crafters looking to save on materials for holiday-themed projects. Stores like Dollar General and Big Lots frequently offer markdowns on a variety of craft supplies. You can find unique items that rotate with the seasons, making it easier to celebrate any occasion without overspending. Here are four types of supplies you might find on sale: Decorative paints and brushes for seasonal crafts. Holiday-themed decorations like ornaments and garlands. Crafting tools, such as scissors and glue guns. Wrapping paper and gift-making materials during clearance events. Unconventional Stores Though many crafters typically turn to traditional craft stores for their supplies, unconventional stores can offer a treasure trove of materials that mightn’t be found elsewhere. Specialty shops like hardware stores provide discounted storage containers, magnets, and tools perfect for various projects. Office supply stores often carry paper, adhesives, and scissors at competitive prices, making them excellent resources for DIY enthusiasts. Pharmacies frequently have seasonal items and party supplies at reduced rates, ideal for those last-minute crafting needs. Antique stores present unique old and new supplies that can be creatively repurposed. Finally, regular visits to discount chains like Big Lots, Five Below, and Dollar General can yield cheap materials such as glassware and fake flowers, perfect for budget-friendly crafting. Craft Stores Craft stores serve as a go-to resource for crafters seeking an extensive range of supplies customized to various projects. They cater to all budget ranges by offering both cheap and expensive items, making it easy to find what you need. To help you save even more, many stores have frequent sales and coupons, often providing discounts up to 70% off original prices. Seasonal items are likewise typically discounted, allowing access to themed supplies for holidays at lower prices. You’ll find dedicated sections for specific crafts, such as: Yarn for knitting and crocheting Scrapbooking materials for creative layouts Painting supplies like canvases and brushes Beading kits for jewelry-making These features guarantee that you can find everything you need in one convenient location. Online Stores When you’re looking for craft supplies, online stores offer a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Retailers like Amazon and eBay frequently provide competitive prices on a vast array of items, making it simple to find budget-friendly options. Websites such as Oriental Trading and Fabric.com grant discounts on bulk purchases, letting you stock up without overspending. Plus, online shopping expands your access to specialty supplies that local stores may not carry. Seasonal sales and promotions further improve savings throughout the year. The table below highlights some popular online craft supply retailers and their primary advantages. Store Advantages Amazon Wide selection, competitive prices eBay Auctions, unique finds Oriental Trading Bulk discounts, party supplies Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Best Crafting Supplies for Beginners? For beginners, vital crafting supplies include versatile acrylic paints, brushes, and canvases, which are affordable and support various projects. You should furthermore have basic tools like scissors, glue, and tape, important for crafting tasks. Colored paper and cardstock are cost-effective choices for numerous projects, encouraging creativity. In addition, consider beginner craft kits that provide structured guidance and required materials. Basic fabric supplies like felt and yarn are budget-friendly options for textile crafts, promoting hands-on learning. Does Dollar General Have Craft Supplies? Yes, Dollar General offers a variety of craft supplies. You can find items like wooden craft sticks, tissue paper, and foam paint brushes, often priced around one dollar each. The store likewise stocks decorative craft tape, glues, and floral foam. In addition, seasonal items can be repurposed for crafts, providing more options. Regular visits can help you discover new arrivals and seasonal discounts, enhancing your crafting experience at affordable prices. How to Declutter Your Craft Supplies? To declutter your craft supplies, start by sorting everything into clear categories like paint, fabric, and tools. Use labeled storage bins for easy access and organization. Set a schedule to review your supplies every six months, donating or discarding items you don’t use or that are damaged. Implement a “one in, one out” rule to maintain balance, and consider repurposing materials from your collection to inspire new projects during reducing clutter effectively. Does Family Dollar Have Craft Stuff? Yes, Family Dollar carries a variety of craft supplies. You’ll find crucial items like glue, scissors, construction paper, and markers, which are perfect for various projects. They likewise stock seasonal craft supplies, ideal for holiday-themed creations. Furthermore, you can discover DIY kits and basic tools suitable for both kids and adults. With prices typically ranging from $1 to $5, it’s a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to craft without overspending. Conclusion By exploring various sources for low-cost craft supplies, you can maximize your creativity as you stay within budget. Look around your home for items like toilet paper rolls and egg cartons, visit yard sales for hidden treasures, and check thrift stores for unique fabric scraps. Furthermore, dollar stores and online platforms can provide affordable necessities. With these strategies, you can gather the materials you need for your next project without overspending, ensuring you have fun during crafting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Low Cost Craft Supplies for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Netflix's December lineup has a little something for everyone, from familiar original series to live sports. Emily in Paris returns for a fifth season (Dec. 18), this time set in Rome. The final installment of Stranger Things is coming at the end of the month—the first half of season five premiered in November—with volume two releasing at 5 p.m. PT on Christmas Day and the finale at 5 p.m. PT on New Year's Eve. There's also Love Is Blind: Italy (Dec. 1) and My Next Guest with David Letterman and Adam Sandler (Dec. 1), in which Letterman joins Adam Sandler backstage on his comedy tour, and What's In The Box? (Dec. 17), a new game show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. On the film side, Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc in a new Knives Out mystery called Wake Up, Dead Man (Dec. 12). The standalone sequel to Glass Onion also stars Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, and Andrew Scott. Goodbye June (Dec. 24) also has a stacked cast, including Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, and Kate Winslet—the film is her directorial debut. Four siblings are dealing with their mother's nearing death over the holiday season. Finally, the live events lineup in December includes Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day (Dec. 19) and two Christmas Day NFL match-ups: Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings. Here's everything else coming to Netflix in December, and everything that's leaving. What's coming to Netflix in December 2025Coming soonCashero—Netflix Series Pro Bono—Netflix Series Robby Hoffman: Wake U—Netflix Comedy Special Available December 1All The Empty Rooms—Netflix Documentary CoComelon Lane: Season 6—Netflix Family Love is Blind: Italy—Netflix Series My Next Guest with David Letterman and Adam Sandler—Netflix Series Playing Gracie Darling—Netflix Series Troll 2—Netflix Film A League of Their Own As Good as It Gets Bad Teacher Big Momma's House Big Momma's House 2 Brightburn Burlesque Cheaper by the Dozen Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Christmas Break-In Downton Abbey Godzilla Hollow Man Joy for Christmas Kung Fu Panda Kung Fu Panda 2 Kung Fu Panda 3 Little Women Pulp Fiction Stripes The Ugly Truth Victoria: Seasons 1-3 What Lies Beneath The Wolf of Wall Street Zero Dark Thirty Available December 2Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches: Season 2 Matt Rife: Unwrapped - A Christmas Crowd Work Special—Netflix Comedy Special Available December 3My Secret Santa—Netflix Film The Northman Stranded with my Mother-in-Law: Season 3—Netflix Series With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration—Netflix Series Available December 4A Lot Like Christmas The Abandons—Netflix Series The Believers: Season 2—Netflix Series Forrest Gump Fugue State 1986—Netflix Series I Wish You Had Told Me—Netflix Film Lali: Time to Step Up—Netflix Documentary Mean Girls (2004) Available December 5Jay Kelly—Netflix Film Love and Wine—Netflix Film The Making of Jay Kelly—Netflix Documentary The New Yorker at 100—Netflix Documentary The Night My Dad Saved Christmas 2—Netflix Film The Price of Confession—Netflix Series Owning Manhattan: Season 2—Netflix Series Available December 7Babylon Cast Away Available December 8Elmo and Mark Rober's Merry Giftmas—Netflix Family Available December 9Badly in Love—Netflix Series Blood Coast: Season 2—Netflix Series Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within—Netflix Documentary The West Wing: Seasons 1-7 Available December 10The Accident: Season 2—Netflix Series Record of Ragnarok: Season 3—Netflix Series Simon Cowell: The Next Act—Netflix Documentary Available December 11The Fakenapping—Netflix Film Had I Not Seen the Sun: Part 2—Netflix Series Lost in the Spotlight—Netflix Film Man Vs Baby—Netflix Series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft: Season 2—Netflix Series The Town—Netflix Series Available December 12The Amazing Digital Circus: Season 1: episodes 5-7 City of Shadows—Netflix Series Home for Christmas: Season 3—Netflix Series Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery—Netflix Film Available December 13The Talented Mr. Ripley Available December 14PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Available December 15A Cowboy Christmas Romance Christmas at the Chalet The Christmas Classic Christmas on the Alpaca Farm The Creature Cases: Chapter 6—Netflix Family Available December 16Castle Rock: Seasons 1-2 Culinary Class Wars: Season 2—Netflix Series Available December 17The Manny: Season 3—Netflix Series Murder in Monaco—Netflix Documentary What's In The Box?—Netflix Series Available December 1810DANCE—Netflix Film Emily in Paris: Season 5—Netflix Series Available December 19A Time For Bravery—Netflix Film Breakdown: 1975—Netflix Documentary The Great Flood—Netflix Film Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day—Netflix Live Event Available December 22The Closer: Seasons 1-7 Elway—Netflix Documentary Sicily Express—Netflix Series Available December 23Eden King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch: Season 3—Netflix Series Available December 24Downton Abbey: A New Era Goodbye June—Netflix Film Tom Segura: Teacher—Netflix Comedy Special Available December 25Christmas Gameday: Cowboys vs. Commanders—Netflix Live Event Christmas Gameday: Lions vs. Vikings—Netflix Live Event Stranger Things 5: Volume 2—Netflix Series Available December 26Cover-Up—Netflix Documentary Available December 29Members Only: Palm Beach—Netflix Series Available December 30Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story—Netflix Documentary Ricky Gervais: Mortality—Netflix Comedy Special Available December 31Sleeping with Other People Stranger Things 5: The Finale—Netflix Series What's leaving Netflix in December 2025Leaving December 1Austin Powers in Goldmember Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Back to the Future Back to the Future Part II Back to the Future Part III Beverly Hills Cop Beverly Hills Cop II Beverly Hills Cop III Billy Madison Clueless Cold Pursuit The Dark Tower Downton Abbey E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Edge of Tomorrow Escape Room Game Night The Goonies The Happytime Murders Inglourious Basterds Kicking and Screaming The Nutty Professor The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps Paddington Wonka Leaving December 3How I Met Your Mother: Seasons 1-9 Leaving December 5Compliance Leaving December 7Gods of Egypt Leaving December 9Daddy's Home Daddy's Home 2 Leaving December 17Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 Leaving December 18The 100: Seasons 1-7 Arrow: Seasons 1-8 Supernatural: Seasons 1-15 Leaving December 25Transformers Transformers: Age of Extinction Transformers: Dark of the Moon Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Leaving December 2910 Things I Hate About You Idiocracy Sweet Home Alabama Leaving December 30Ready Player One Leaving December 31Evil: Seasons 1-3 View the full article

Time slows. The mind chatter quietens. Outside distractions dial down to a hum. You are at one with the task at hand. Congratulations, you’ve reached flow state. Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi coined the term to describe a state of complete immersion in an activity, one in which focus comes naturally and you’re “in the zone.” Think of the hours flying by as a painter gets lost in their art. Or when you’re juggling three browser tabs, the caffeine hits, and suddenly, your fingers start flying across the keyboard. Well, over on TikTok, a new trend has the internet sharing the hyper-specific ways they “genuinely” enter their “flow state”—the more chaotic, the better. One example: “When the iced latte, Zyn & Adderall hit at the same time and I genuinely reach flow state,” a TikTok user wrote, blinking and looking around the room with full alertness, punctuated by slurping coffee through a straw. “When I have a drink for hydration, a drink for caffeine, and a drink for fun & genuinely reach a flow state,” another wrote, triple-fisting beverages while standing in front of a laptop. Another added, “When you’re matching socks and genuinely reach flow state.” Boom. While the trend takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to the psychological phenomenon, it is a real, if elusive, feeling. Csíkszentmihályi explains that flow happens when our abilities line up just right with the task in front of us. Too easy, and we get bored. Too hard, and we get stressed. Flow occurs in the “sweet spot” where we’re both completely absorbed and able to enjoy the process. “There’s this focus that, once it becomes intense, leads to a sense of ecstasy, a sense of clarity: you know exactly what you want to do from one moment to the other; you get immediate feedback,” Csikszentmihalyi said in a 2004 TED Talk. “You know that what you need to do is possible to do, even though difficult, and sense of time disappears, you forget yourself, you feel part of something larger.” Research shows that entering the flow state can boost performance in activities such as sports or music, and also improve both creativity and well-being. Csíkszentmihályi went as far as to call it “the secret to happiness,” with research showing those who regularly experience flow appear to be less susceptible to depression. With Gen Z “locking in” from now until the end of the year, now is as good a time as ever to practice getting in the zone, blocking out all distractions, and checking off some goals before 2026. Or, as one TikTok user suggested: “When I’m eating the wings and fries at the same time while also getting water and I genuinely reach flow state.” View the full article

With AI Max for Search now widely available in beta, advertisers are debating everything from performance comparisons to how it plays with existing keyword structures. Google Ads Liaison, Ginny Marvin is stepping in to clarify what AI Max is — and what it isn’t. What AI Max is designed to do. AI Max aims to unlock incremental conversions or conversion value — not replace or compete with your current keyword setup. It expands reach using broad match logic and keywordless matching (think DSA-style crawling of your landing pages). It pairs that with dynamic creative optimization, including text customization and Final URL expansion, to match intent more precisely. Bottom line. If a query already matches one of your keywords, that keyword takes priority. AI Max is there to bring in net-new queries you aren’t capturing. Is this just a rebrand? Sort of — but with upgrades. AI Max bundles broad match, DSA, generated text assets, and Final URL expansion into one system. But it also adds: Ad-group-level controls (locations, brands) New search-term reporting, including which creative and landing page served And more features incoming, like text guidelines Marvin says the goal is to make these components work better together than they do separately. What to expect based on your current setup Mostly Phrase/Exact users: Expect the biggest lift. AI Max can open new search term coverage using both broader matching and keywordless capabilities. Heavy Broad Match users: Smaller expansion — you already cover much of that reach. DSA users: Less keywordless expansion, but improved performance through asset-driven signals absent in standard DSA. PMax-heavy advertisers: AI Max brings PMax-like matching to Search. Even so, Google says many PMax users still see incremental lift. Why CPA/ROAS may look different. AI Max specializes in incrementality, and incremental conversions often cost more than the “core” conversions captured by tightly curated keywords. Google’s advice – don’t compare match types in isolation — evaluate whether the total campaign is delivering more conversions or value at your target CPA/ROAS. Why we care. Advertisers are getting a Google clarification that AI Max is built to uncover incremental demand their current keyword setup can’t reach, opening the door to more conversions or revenue without overhauling existing campaigns. It consolidates broad match, DSA, and dynamic creative into a single system with better controls and reporting, making expansion more transparent and measurable. And with built-in A/B testing, advertisers can finally validate whether the lift is real — not just assumed. How to measure incremental lift. Google now offers AI Max experiments — true A/B tests that split traffic into control and treatment groups. Caveats: Brand settings and location controls aren’t supported yet in AI Max experiments. You can test those using Custom Experiments. Ignore the learning period when evaluating results. The big picture. AI Max is built to drive net-new, relevant demand your keywords don’t currently catch. To judge whether it’s working, shift your mindset from match-type comparisons to campaign-level incremental lift — more conversions or conversion value at your target efficiency. Google says more features are on the roadmap and urges advertisers to keep testing and sending feedback. Dig Deeper. Full article from Ginny Marvin. View the full article

While Redfin argues the housing market is stuck and First American was cautious, Remax and Zillow had positive observations about the month's sales activity. View the full article

A Power BI dashboard is one of the many visual tools for data analytics and business intelligence offered in Microsoft Power BI. But a Power BI dashboard isn’t the easiest feature to configure. We’ll illustrate how to create a Power BI dashboard to help clear that hurdle. There are pros and cons to using a Power BI dashboard, which we’ll explore, and show how they work with Power BI reports. There are also integrations with Power BI that can help make dashboards that are easier to use and capture more pertinent data. What Is a Power BI Dashboard? A Power BI dashboard, also called a canvas, is a single page that tells a story through data visualizations. A lot of information can be collected on the Power BI dashboard, which makes it imperative that it’s well-designed and only captures the highlights. Clicking on the charts and graphs will take users to related and more detailed reports. The various visualizations seen on the Power BI dashboard are called tiles. Users pin the tiles to the dashboard from reports. Think of the dashboard as a high-level overview of the underlying reports and semantic models it reflects. Many different tiles can be pinned to a Power BI dashboard, such as a tile from a report, another dashboard, or Excel. Images, videos and more can also be added to the Power BI dashboard. While Power BI dashboards are good for visualization, they’re hard to make and require customization. That takes time away from more important project tasks. A Power BI dashboard should be helpful, not frustrating. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with automated dashboards that don’t require lengthy and complicated setup and update in real time. Power BI users can even integrate with ProjectManager to deliver project data to Power BI. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA.pngLearn more Power BI Dashboard Pricing The dashboard functionality in Microsoft Power BI is included within the platform’s overall licensing tiers. Dashboards aren’t sold separately, but the ability to share, collaborate and distribute dashboards depends on the plan you choose. Here’s how dashboard availability aligns with Power BI pricing as of November 19, 2025. Free: Dashboards can be created and viewed for personal use, but sharing and collaboration are not included. Power BI Pro ($14.00/user/month): Dashboards include full sharing, publishing and collaboration capabilities for teams. Power BI Premium Per User ($24.00/user/month): Includes all Pro dashboard capabilities plus advanced features such as larger models and higher refresh rates. Power BI Premium Per Capacity (custom pricing): Allows large-scale dashboard distribution, including sharing with external users and embedding dashboards in applications. Microsoft Power BI Dashboard Features The dashboard capability in Microsoft Power BI delivers a one-page visual canvas to monitor key metrics at a glance. It allows you to pin visuals from reports and other sources into a unified view, combining on-premises and cloud data for real-time visibility. With interactive visuals, alerts and sharing options, dashboards provide a concise entry point into deeper analytics. Single-canvas, one-page dashboard layout. Ability to pin tiles from reports, dashboards, Excel and full report pages. Combines on-premises and cloud data in one unified view. Interactive tiles that update automatically as data changes. Alerts and email subscriptions for dashboard tiles. Natural-language Q&A box on the dashboard. Sharing and collaboration options for dashboards. Governance and performance optimization guidelines available. What Project Management Features Is Power BI Dashboard Missing? While Power BI dashboards excel at visualizing data, they aren’t designed to perform full project-management functions. Features like task scheduling, resource allocation, workflow approvals or baseline tracking aren’t part of the dashboard experience. Organizations using Power BI for project oversight typically pair it with dedicated project-management tools that provide these operational capabilities. No native planned vs actual cost management or cost-baseline tracking. No built-in budget-tracking module with re-forecasting or variance analysis. No workload analysis engine to manage capacity, resource leveling or assignments. No task-level progress-tracking workflows (percent complete, status updates, approvals). No integrated scope-tracking or scope-change control capabilities. No built-in Gantt scheduling, baseline comparison or schedule-adjustment interface. No native risk or issue log management with mitigation tracking. Microsoft Power BI Dashboard Example We’ve created a Power BI dashboard that can help you compare estimated costs and duration of project tasks against their actual values. This Power BI dashboard example shows tasks for a construction project. It combines a table, stacked bar charts and numeric card values to help you determine whether your project has been completed on budget and schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Power-BI-dashboard.png Depending on the type of project data, you can use other Power BI data visualization tools such as pie charts, scatter charts, line charts and other types of graphs and custom visuals. ProjectManager Is the Best Power BI Integration for Project Management A dashboard for Power BI has a lot of value, but it can be difficult to build. The whole point of a dashboard is to have a simple visual tool to understand complex information. Having to go through a complicated and lengthy process to create one defeats the purpose. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that automatically creates powerful real-time dashboards that integrate with Power BI to import project information with financial data for better decision-making. Power BI isn’t a project management tool. Our software does more than monitor data. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/project-dashboard-template.jpg Get your free Project Dashboard Template Use this free Project Dashboard Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Use Multiple Tools to Plan, Schedule and Monitor Projects Unlike Power BI, our software has all the features to plan, schedule and monitor projects. Managers can schedule tasks on robust Gantt charts or the sheet view that link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays, filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks and set a baseline to track actual progress against the planned progress to help stay on schedule. Teams can execute tasks on powerful task lists or kanban boards to visually manage their workflow and stakeholders can get an overview of the project’s progress on the calendar view. Real-time dashboards monitor the project at a high level and customizable reports provide more detail. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-.png Monitor the Team’s Availability, Workload and Labor Costs Managing resources delivers successful projects. When onboarding teams, set their availability, including PTO, vacation time and global holidays to streamline assignments. Then use the color-coded workload chart or team page to see who is over or underallocated. Managers can balance their team’s workload from those pages to keep everyone working at capacity, which improves morale and boosts productivity. Use secure timesheets to help facilitate the payroll process but to also get visibility into how far each team member is in finishing their tasks. That way, managers can see if they’re on schedule and labor costs aren’t negatively impacting the budget. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png How to Create a Dashboard in Power BI Getting the key insights from a Power BI dashboard doesn’t require certification in IT. A Power BI dashboard can be built from one or several reports. This allows users to see the report data that compiles multiple pages on one page. However, a Power BI dashboard can’t be filtered like reports or edited. Follow these steps to build a dashboard in Power BI. 1. Import Data and Choose the Information to Display in the Power BI Dashboard Start by opening Power BI and from the navigation pane select My Workspace. Click on Get Data at the bottom of that menu. Under files, select Get and find the Excel file and click Import. Power BI will then automatically import that data. 2. Select the Graphs & Charts With Which to Build Your Power BI Dashboard Many graphs and charts can display data on the Power BI dashboard. Below are some of the more common ones. Bar Charts: Standard way to look at specific values across different categories. You can use these to make a Gantt chart in Power BI. Pie Charts: Shows the relationship between the part to the whole. Area Charts: Line chart with the area between the axis and the line filled in. These emphasize the magnitude of change over time. Matrix: Like a table with two dimensions, but easier to display data meaningfully across multiple dimensions. Scatter and Bubble Charts: Has two value axes to show one set of numerical data along a horizontal intersection of an x and y numerical value, combining these values into single data points. Gauge Charts: A circular arc that displays a single value that measures progress towards a goal. 3. Use Slicers and Filters to Analyze Your Data Slicers are a user-friendly approach to making simple selections to filter the Power BI dashboard. Filters are displayed along the right side of the report and enable users to apply a set of values and narrow the results displayed on the dashboard. 4. Make and Share Reports With the Team With the report server feature of Power BI, users can make, share and publish project reports and dashboards. There are also collaborative features that allow users to share these reports and dashboards within their workspaces and everyone in that channel will be notified when a new report is generated. 5. Update the Data in the Power BI Dashboard To ensure that the dashboard is displaying current data and not outdated, it must be updated. This is done by replacing the old report after updating the report on the desktop. The dashboard will automatically update. Power BI Dashboard vs. Report While a Power BI dashboard gets data from the underlying report, the two are different features. A Power BI dashboard is a collection of data that is visually displayed to tell a story in charts and graphs. A report is usually a detailed summary of the large data set as per the criteria given by a user. Reports are generally multiple pages, dashboards display only the important information from large data sets and are used for quick decision-making. Reports are also embedded with slicers and filters. If the summary table shows only monthly sales, by adding the category field to the slicers, one can select each category individually and see how each category performs across months. Dashboards don’t have this interactivity. Dashboards can create alerts to email when a specific condition or criteria is met or a limit is crossed. Reports, however, can’t create alerts to email when a specific condition or criteria is met or a limit is crossed. Source data isn’t viewed in the Power BI dashboard because the user only gets single-page information. Reports, on the other hand, can see tables, data sets and data fields in detail. Therefore, both Power BI dashboards and reports are important for monitoring data, they do it differently. What Are Power BI Dashboards Used for? A Power BI dashboard is a data visualization tool to make it easier to analyze large data sets. They can import data from an Excel spreadsheet, a CSV file or other formats and the user can choose among a variety of Power BI charts and graphs to make the dashboard and visualize the data more digestibly. Power BI dashboards are integral to an organization’s business intelligence strategy. They should be purpose-built and designed to analyze data from key data sets. This will help businesses improve their decision-making process. Rather than analysts having to manually compile spreadsheets, using a Power BI dashboard allows them to access, analyze, display and share data on web-based dashboards. Stakeholders can review, draw conclusions and act from the data on Power BI dashboards. Non-technical users can leverage Power BI dashboards to take complex data and make it understandable and approachable. For example, Chipotle uses Power BI dashboards to create a unified view of their restaurant locations. They can then streamline their analytical processes to identify trends, both positive and negative and even offer predictive insights. Another example is when Charles Schwab helped bank branches create Power BI dashboards to track performance. They tracked customer satisfaction with their products without having to analyze pages of spreadsheets. Related Power BI and Dashboard Content For readers who want to learn more about dashboards, below are a couple of blog posts that explore must-have project dashboard tools and a free project dashboard template for Excel that can be downloaded now. Also, there’s a piece on how to make a Gantt chart for Power BI. 4 Must-Have Project Dashboard Tools Project Dashboard Template (Free Excel Download) What Is Power BI? Uses, Features and Pricing Power BI Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can collaborate by sharing files, commenting on the task level and staying updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Create a Power BI Dashboard: Pros & Cons (Example Included) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Tyson Foods has agreed to stop making claims about reaching “net zero” or selling “climate-smart” beef for at least five years, part of a settlement from a lawsuit brought against it by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG). EWG sued Tyson in 2024 over “false or misleading” marketing claims. The lawsuit, filed in D.C. Superior Court, alleged that Tyson misled customers through materials that said the company’s industrial meat production operations will reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and also claims that it produces “climate-smart” beef. Beef is one of the worst climate offenders when it comes to proteins. It is responsible for eight to 10 times the carbon emissions as chicken and up to 50 times those of beans. Climate experts highlight beef’s immense land and water use, deforestation, and the methane emissions from cattle as top environmental impacts. In the United States, agriculture at large accounts for about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. About half of that comes from livestock, with cattle specifically making up 35% of agriculture emissions. “No plan” to achieve net zero goals In 2023, Tyson launched a “Climate-Smart Beef Program.” It advertised that its “Brazen Beef” products were part of that program, and that they came from animals raised “with emissions reduction practices in mind,” per the lawsuit. On its Brazen Beef website, Tyson had said that its emissions were already down 10% (the website is no longer available). But EWG says that Tyson never defined “what exactly ‘climate-smart beef’ is, what baseline it is using for comparison, or how it is measuring any alleged [greenhouse gass] reductions,” the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit also alleged that Tyson “has no plan” to achieve its net zero goals. In the settlement, announced this week, Tyson agreed to no longer make those environmental claims for five years. Tyson also cannot introduce new environmental claims “unless they are supported by expert analysis and verified facts,” per the nonprofit. “The five-year restriction is meaningful because it prevents Tyson from turning around and re-introducing these claims without doing the hard work to substantiate them,” Caroline Leary, general counsel and chief operating officer at EWG, says via email. “Five years is a substantial window for a company of Tyson’s size to either make real, measurable progress on reducing its emissions, or for it to reconsider the accuracy of the claims it makes to consumers,” she adds. In a statement, a Tyson spokesperson says the settlement does not represent any admission of wrongdoing by the company. “Tyson Foods has a long-held core value to serve as stewards of the land, animals and resources entrusted to our care,” the spokesperson added. Spin and bones The Tyson settlement comes in the same month as a separate settlement between the New York attorney general’s office and JBS USA, part of the world’s largest meat company. In that settlement, JBS also agreed to stop making unsubstantiated claims about reaching net-zero emissions. JBS USA will also pay $1.1 million for agriculture programs to help New York farmers reduce emissions and become more climate resilient. The settlements highlight both the environmental impact of meat companies and also their intense marketing practices. A 2024 report found that meat and dairy companies are failing to address these impacts, and none have net-zero targets that meet UN standards. The industries spend more on advertising than on climate solutions, the report found. EWG, which was represented by  the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Earthjustice, Edelson PC, and FarmSTAND in the suit, called the settlement a “significant victory” and says it will continue to review climate claims across the meat industry. “Our hope is that this settlement raises the bar for the entire industry, and that companies like Tyson will take a fresh look at what substantiation actually requires,” Leary says. “If Tyson or any other company chooses to resume climate claims without the evidence to back them up, we will be prepared to take appropriate action. Consumers deserve truth in advertising, now and in the future.” View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe Though it’s become something of a cliche, it’s probably not too often that we’re actually posed the question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Some among us will have that five-year plan mapped out and memorized – they’d be able to answer without missing a beat. But for many more of us, even if we’re happy at work, there’s a distinct lack of ownership over our professional paths. A whopping nine in 10 workers say they feel stuck in their jobs. Rapid changes in the workplace — from shifting priorities to new AI-powered tools – can make it feel like your career is happening to you instead of with you. One sure-fire antidote is setting professional development goals. Read more for the how and the why. What are professional development goals (and why do they matter)? Related Article Don’t underestimate the outsized impact of short-term goals By Kat Boogaard In Productivity Professional development goals are objectives you set that benefit or improve your career in some way. While that might immediately make you think of landing a promotion, job growth is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plenty of variety in the professional development goals you can set for yourself, including: Developing a look-forward plan focusing on advancing or growing in your career Improving your skills and knowledge, whether in a current strength area or an aspirational one Building your digital and AI literacy, so you can confidently use new tools to support your work rather than be overwhelmed by them Building a network of people who have the knowledge and/or skills you aspire to own Boosting your productivity and efficiency, so you have more time for what you like to do most Enhancing your well-being While our focus here is on the professional goals you set for yourself, managers and employees can also work collaboratively to determine these objectives as part of a career development plan. Rich Hurley, former Senior Program Manager for Team Anywhere at Atlassian, was part of the core team that rolled out our employee growth profiles. Each profile includes a list of career competencies – the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that are specifically valued in a particular profession – and are connected to future career growth. They’re used in quarterly check-ins and the assessment process, meaning that managers and employees are each held accountable for assessing, reflecting on, and discussing each employee’s career. “To me,” Rich says, “the most impactful managers are the ones who take it one step further and focus beyond the role you currently hold and rather explore together where you want to be one, three, five years from now.” But regardless of how heavily your manager is involved, setting these goals is more than a formality or a feel-good exercise. They significantly impact your motivation, commitment, and career satisfaction. Goals trigger dopamine, the neurotransmitter frequently associated with feelings of pleasure and gratification. And you don’t just get a dopamine spike when you achieve a goal — simply setting a goal triggers that neurotransmitter and pushes you toward that potential reward (hence the boost in motivation). How to set professional development goals: 4 tips for meaningful missions You likely have a few targets lingering in your mind, but bringing some structure to those loose objectives can help you transform them from ideas to action plans. Here are four tips to set meaningful professional development goals. 1. Consider your values Your professional development goals shouldn’t just be meaningful — they should be meaningful to you. Achieving a goal isn’t satisfying if the outcome doesn’t align with your priorities, principles, and ambitions. Rich says, “Too many times, we wait for the organization we work for to decide a topic or skill is important. I’d urge people to spend the time, effort, and resources on skill development that matters to them. Disentangling learning and development from your workplace is freeing; it puts you in the driver’s seat.” Sure, that promotion might look good on paper. But if you’re ultimately seeking a better work-life balance or a fresh start down an exciting path, then greater responsibility at work may eventually feel more like a detour from that five-year plan than a success. Not sure how to identify your core values? Print these cards and then sort them into three piles: Very important to me Important to me Not important to me Once you have a stack of cards that are very important to you, narrow it down to only 10 must-haves. Just like that, you have your core values. Rich shares an experience from his own career: “During an interview for my grad school internship, a team member asked me three questions: ‘Who are you? Where are you going? Why?’ They’re incredibly hard to answer, but give you a lens into how someone views themselves, what aspirations they have, and why those aspirations matter to them. I would recommend that everyone be ready to answer these questions for themselves. They’re an introspective vehicle for discovering what truly matters to you.” 2. Use the SMART goal framework Related Article How to write SMART goals By Kat Boogaard In Productivity SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Using this framework pushes you beyond vague objectives to ones that are detailed enough to motivate you (and they make it easier to monitor your progress too). For example, maybe your goal is to improve your public speaking skills. Applying the SMART goal framework, your final goal could look like this: Improve my public speaking skills and my visibility within the company by taking a public speaking course, using an AI-powered presentation coach to practice talks twice a month, and volunteering as a speaker for at least three company-wide events this year. 3. Identify relevant action items Take another look at the example goal above and you’ll see that it doesn’t just state an objective, but also specific steps to get there: Professional development goal: Improve public speaking skills Related action items: Take a public speaking course Volunteer as a speaker for at least three company events You can set long-term goals or short-term goals. Breaking your bigger objectives into smaller tasks or milestones makes the objective feel more achievable and the process more enjoyable — as you can celebrate those small wins along the way. 4. Use the buddy system Rich is a big believer in the power of having a partner to keep us company on our professional development journey. “Learning and developing is a team sport,” he says. “You can take in knowledge, listen to a workshop, and reflect on its relevance to your life – but processing alone will only take you so far. It’s uncanny how having a partner can open your eyes to what you missed.” A like-minded co-worker or friend can offer a frame of reference beyond your own, allowing you to see how your journey might look different from another person’s perspective. 6 examples of professional development goals to inspire you Related Article Better together: 8 essential teamwork skills to master By Kat Boogaard In Teamwork One of the best parts about professional development goals is that you have the flexibility to identify and create the ones that are the most meaningful and best fit for you. But if you need a little inspiration to get started, take a peek at these examples. 1. Learn a new skill or improve an existing one Professional development goal: Expand my proficiency in SQL programming by the end of 2025. Related action items: Complete the Microsoft SQL Server Certification during Q4 of 2024. Complete a CRM database using SQL by May 2025. 2. Achieve better work-life balance Professional development goal: Improve my work-life balance and reduce my work-related stress levels over the next six months. Related action items: Commit to a firm sign-off time of 5pm three days per week. Schedule and stick to a weekly hobby or self-care activity (such as a book club or workout class). 3. Land a promotion Professional development goal: Move up to a manager position within the next two years. Related action items: Draft a detailed career pathway or development plan with my supervisor by the end of this month. Volunteer to lead three large team projects over the next six months. Schedule a coffee chat with a team member (even better if it’s a manager) from another department every three months to gain exposure and understand different parts of the company. 4. Build your professional network Professional development goal: Expand my professional network this year to stay connected to industry trends and career opportunities. Related action items: Attend one industry networking event each quarter. Join one professional organization or association by the end of the year. 5. Increase your industry knowledge Professional development goal: Build more expertise, credibility, and name recognition within my industry. Related action items: Register for and attend one industry webinar each month. Read at least one industry-relevant book every quarter. 6. Build AI literacy relevant to your role Professional development goal: Become confident and competent in using AI tools that support my day-to-day work by the end of this year. Related action items: Complete one introductory course on AI fundamentals for non-technical professionals by the end of Q1. Choose one AI-powered tool that’s relevant to my role (for writing, coding, analysis, or project management) and use it at least once a week for three months, documenting what works and what doesn’t. Feeling overwhelmed? Your professional goals should be inspiring — not intimidating. If you just need an easy win to gain some momentum, try out some of these low-pressure, quick-win professional development goals: Dust off your LinkedIn profile and update it with recent skills, achievements, and experiences. Dedicate 30 minutes this week to learning and development, such as reading relevant articles, listening to podcasts, or watching webinars. Test out one new time management strategy this week. Reach out to one existing colleague or networking contact to check in or share a helpful resource. Know what you want – and go for it If you’re tired of feeling stuck or stagnant in your career – especially as new technologies like AI reshape many roles – setting and working toward professional development goals can help. Put the above tips and examples to work and you’ll get out of the daily drudgery and start making meaningful progress on goals that matter most to you. “Taking ownership of our path and how we get there is not only liberating, but necessary,” Rich says. “And the best time to start is always now.” Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post How to harness the power of professional development goals appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe Though it’s become something of a cliche, it’s probably not too often that we’re actually posed the question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Some among us will have that five-year plan mapped out and memorized – they’d be able to answer without missing a beat. But for many more of us, even if we’re happy at work, there’s a distinct lack of ownership over our professional paths. A whopping nine in 10 workers say they feel stuck in their jobs. Rapid changes in the workplace — from shifting priorities to new AI-powered tools – can make it feel like your career is happening to you instead of with you. One sure-fire antidote is setting professional development goals. Read more for the how and the why. What are professional development goals (and why do they matter)? Related Article Don’t underestimate the outsized impact of short-term goals By Kat Boogaard In Productivity Professional development goals are objectives you set that benefit or improve your career in some way. While that might immediately make you think of landing a promotion, job growth is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plenty of variety in the professional development goals you can set for yourself, including: Developing a look-forward plan focusing on advancing or growing in your career Improving your skills and knowledge, whether in a current strength area or an aspirational one Building your digital and AI literacy, so you can confidently use new tools to support your work rather than be overwhelmed by them Building a network of people who have the knowledge and/or skills you aspire to own Boosting your productivity and efficiency, so you have more time for what you like to do most Enhancing your well-being While our focus here is on the professional goals you set for yourself, managers and employees can also work collaboratively to determine these objectives as part of a career development plan. Rich Hurley, former Senior Program Manager for Team Anywhere at Atlassian, was part of the core team that rolled out our employee growth profiles. Each profile includes a list of career competencies – the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that are specifically valued in a particular profession – and are connected to future career growth. They’re used in quarterly check-ins and the assessment process, meaning that managers and employees are each held accountable for assessing, reflecting on, and discussing each employee’s career. “To me,” Rich says, “the most impactful managers are the ones who take it one step further and focus beyond the role you currently hold and rather explore together where you want to be one, three, five years from now.” But regardless of how heavily your manager is involved, setting these goals is more than a formality or a feel-good exercise. They significantly impact your motivation, commitment, and career satisfaction. Goals trigger dopamine, the neurotransmitter frequently associated with feelings of pleasure and gratification. And you don’t just get a dopamine spike when you achieve a goal — simply setting a goal triggers that neurotransmitter and pushes you toward that potential reward (hence the boost in motivation). How to set professional development goals: 4 tips for meaningful missions You likely have a few targets lingering in your mind, but bringing some structure to those loose objectives can help you transform them from ideas to action plans. Here are four tips to set meaningful professional development goals. 1. Consider your values Your professional development goals shouldn’t just be meaningful — they should be meaningful to you. Achieving a goal isn’t satisfying if the outcome doesn’t align with your priorities, principles, and ambitions. Rich says, “Too many times, we wait for the organization we work for to decide a topic or skill is important. I’d urge people to spend the time, effort, and resources on skill development that matters to them. Disentangling learning and development from your workplace is freeing; it puts you in the driver’s seat.” Sure, that promotion might look good on paper. But if you’re ultimately seeking a better work-life balance or a fresh start down an exciting path, then greater responsibility at work may eventually feel more like a detour from that five-year plan than a success. Not sure how to identify your core values? Print these cards and then sort them into three piles: Very important to me Important to me Not important to me Once you have a stack of cards that are very important to you, narrow it down to only 10 must-haves. Just like that, you have your core values. Rich shares an experience from his own career: “During an interview for my grad school internship, a team member asked me three questions: ‘Who are you? Where are you going? Why?’ They’re incredibly hard to answer, but give you a lens into how someone views themselves, what aspirations they have, and why those aspirations matter to them. I would recommend that everyone be ready to answer these questions for themselves. They’re an introspective vehicle for discovering what truly matters to you.” 2. Use the SMART goal framework Related Article How to write SMART goals By Kat Boogaard In Productivity SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Using this framework pushes you beyond vague objectives to ones that are detailed enough to motivate you (and they make it easier to monitor your progress too). For example, maybe your goal is to improve your public speaking skills. Applying the SMART goal framework, your final goal could look like this: Improve my public speaking skills and my visibility within the company by taking a public speaking course, using an AI-powered presentation coach to practice talks twice a month, and volunteering as a speaker for at least three company-wide events this year. 3. Identify relevant action items Take another look at the example goal above and you’ll see that it doesn’t just state an objective, but also specific steps to get there: Professional development goal: Improve public speaking skills Related action items: Take a public speaking course Volunteer as a speaker for at least three company events You can set long-term goals or short-term goals. Breaking your bigger objectives into smaller tasks or milestones makes the objective feel more achievable and the process more enjoyable — as you can celebrate those small wins along the way. 4. Use the buddy system Rich is a big believer in the power of having a partner to keep us company on our professional development journey. “Learning and developing is a team sport,” he says. “You can take in knowledge, listen to a workshop, and reflect on its relevance to your life – but processing alone will only take you so far. It’s uncanny how having a partner can open your eyes to what you missed.” A like-minded co-worker or friend can offer a frame of reference beyond your own, allowing you to see how your journey might look different from another person’s perspective. 6 examples of professional development goals to inspire you Related Article Better together: 8 essential teamwork skills to master By Kat Boogaard In Teamwork One of the best parts about professional development goals is that you have the flexibility to identify and create the ones that are the most meaningful and best fit for you. But if you need a little inspiration to get started, take a peek at these examples. 1. Learn a new skill or improve an existing one Professional development goal: Expand my proficiency in SQL programming by the end of 2025. Related action items: Complete the Microsoft SQL Server Certification during Q4 of 2024. Complete a CRM database using SQL by May 2025. 2. Achieve better work-life balance Professional development goal: Improve my work-life balance and reduce my work-related stress levels over the next six months. Related action items: Commit to a firm sign-off time of 5pm three days per week. Schedule and stick to a weekly hobby or self-care activity (such as a book club or workout class). 3. Land a promotion Professional development goal: Move up to a manager position within the next two years. Related action items: Draft a detailed career pathway or development plan with my supervisor by the end of this month. Volunteer to lead three large team projects over the next six months. Schedule a coffee chat with a team member (even better if it’s a manager) from another department every three months to gain exposure and understand different parts of the company. 4. Build your professional network Professional development goal: Expand my professional network this year to stay connected to industry trends and career opportunities. Related action items: Attend one industry networking event each quarter. Join one professional organization or association by the end of the year. 5. Increase your industry knowledge Professional development goal: Build more expertise, credibility, and name recognition within my industry. Related action items: Register for and attend one industry webinar each month. Read at least one industry-relevant book every quarter. 6. Build AI literacy relevant to your role Professional development goal: Become confident and competent in using AI tools that support my day-to-day work by the end of this year. Related action items: Complete one introductory course on AI fundamentals for non-technical professionals by the end of Q1. Choose one AI-powered tool that’s relevant to my role (for writing, coding, analysis, or project management) and use it at least once a week for three months, documenting what works and what doesn’t. Feeling overwhelmed? Your professional goals should be inspiring — not intimidating. If you just need an easy win to gain some momentum, try out some of these low-pressure, quick-win professional development goals: Dust off your LinkedIn profile and update it with recent skills, achievements, and experiences. Dedicate 30 minutes this week to learning and development, such as reading relevant articles, listening to podcasts, or watching webinars. Test out one new time management strategy this week. Reach out to one existing colleague or networking contact to check in or share a helpful resource. Know what you want – and go for it If you’re tired of feeling stuck or stagnant in your career – especially as new technologies like AI reshape many roles – setting and working toward professional development goals can help. Put the above tips and examples to work and you’ll get out of the daily drudgery and start making meaningful progress on goals that matter most to you. “Taking ownership of our path and how we get there is not only liberating, but necessary,” Rich says. “And the best time to start is always now.” Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post How to harness the power of professional development goals appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

Wall Street shares have seen big swings this week as investors brace for all-important earnings from AI bellwetherView the full article

Starting a new job can be exhilarating and stressful at the same time. You are excited to meet new people, take on new responsibilities, and grow. You also want to demonstrate to your new employer that they made the right choice by hiring you. So, how do you put your best foot forward? Perhaps the most important thing to remember about that impression is that how you do things is more important than what you accomplish in those first few weeks. You are helping your new colleagues to get to know what it is like to work with you. This approach is valuable whether you’re entering the organization near the bottom or the top of the org chart. Listen first When you first start with a new company, you don’t know what you don’t know. Even if you have lots of experience in similar industries, you are still entering an organization with its own history, people, and ways of doing things. In addition, you are stepping into conversations that have been going on for a long time. Of course, you’re going to want to immediately demonstrate your value to others, and it will seem like the best way to do that is to make suggestions. Start by listening: How do people talk to each other? What is the best way to build on other people’s ideas? Which people in the organization have the respect of others? Who seems to have influence in meetings and behind the scenes? The best way to answer all of these questions is to listen. When you go into meetings with the intent to impress and say things, then you listen long enough to figure out what you’re going to say next. When you enter meetings to learn, then you listen a lot and miss less of the subtlety of the discussion going on around you. Be curious When you get hired, you want other people to respect the knowledge and skills you’re bringing to your new team. As a result, you may not want to admit ignorance. Instead, you should be a sponge. Assume you know very little and that you are there to learn from others rather than to spread your knowledge and wisdom. Ask a lot of questions of other people. When you hear a phrase or acronym that is new to you, stop the conversation and ask for clarification. When someone moves forward with a particular plan or a decision gets made, ask why it was done? Clarify that you’re asking “why” to understand the criteria and values people are using to reach decisions. Ask your new team members whether there are documents you can read to understand how current projects have reached the point where they are. Attend as many briefings on projects as you can. Monitor communication channels like Slack to see how projects get discussed. Admit mistakes Of course, you’re going to make mistakes. That is inevitable. It is particularly likely early on. You’re going to misunderstand an instruction, or try something and get it wrong. That doesn’t mean you should blunder about. If you are asked to do something and you’re not completely sure you understand the request, get clarification. It is better to be walked through the steps of a new task than to move forward with it and do it badly so that you or someone else has to redo it. No matter how carefully you clarify, though, you’ll do some things wrong. It is crucial that you tell a supervisor or other colleague as soon as you recognize that you have made a mistake. Ask for help and find out what you can do to correct any problems that arise. You might think that admitting a mistake will immediately tag you as someone who is not trustworthy. The paradox is that when you admit a mistake quickly, you are letting the people around you know that you are paying attention to the outcomes of your actions and that you are going to let others know as soon as something goes wrong. As a result, admitting mistakes quickly is likely to gain you trust—as long as you don’t make the same mistakes repeatedly. Be trainable and correctable When you first start in a new role, you probably feel a little apprehensive. You want to prove that you belong. When someone offers you some information or advice, you might want to demonstrate your prowess by telling others when you already know something you have been told. Resist that urge. Instead, thank people for the advice they give and for taking you under their wing. You want everyone around you to know that you can be taught and trained. Even new executives have a lot to learn. You’d like everyone in the organization to feel like they have a vested interest and a role to play in your success. In addition, if you’re in a leadership role, you should also clarify to everyone that you don’t want their deference. You are likely to say things that reflect that you are new to the organization (and have blind spots). Encourage people to correct things you say that are wrong and to push back on ideas they disagree with. Start early to create an atmosphere of productive disagreement and constructive criticism. If someone does offer you a critique of a position, accept it gracefully even if you disagree with it. Thank them for the feedback and take it seriously, even if you still think what you said originally is correct. After all, people are watching what you do as a guide toward how to treat you. If you dismiss well-intentioned feedback, you will probably dissuade other people from offering suggestions in the future. View the full article

With iPadOS 26, Apple is finally giving the iPad a software experience that’s worthy of its increasingly powerful hardware. But it’s still very much a start. Answering calls to make the iPad more like a Mac, Apple has added much-requested features like freeform window multitasking, background app processes, better file management, and more. It’s surprising how much you can now do on an iPad that was just not possible before. And for many users, especially school/college students and some business users, the new changes can actually translate to tangible productivity gains. But for most, it's probably still worth holding onto your Mac. The iPad's new windowing system is good, but a bit messyApple now offers three different multitasking modes on the iPad. And it can be a bit overwhelming. There’s the default Full-Screen mode, the new Windowed Apps mode, and the old-school Stage Manager mode. Credit: Khamosh Pathak But for most users, I think defaulting to the Windowed Apps mode is the best option. This is where you can use the handle icon in the bottom-right corner of any window to resize it and move it anywhere you want. Need to open another app? Just repeat the process (although I think it's pretty jarring that every new app first opens full-screen, and then needs to be resized down). If you have a newer, more powerful iPad, Windowed mode lets you comfortably use seven or ten apps together in the same desktop without missing a beat. That's not a limit with iPadOS 26, to be clear, but once you go over 10 apps, things start to get a bit laggy. I can pull off opening a couple of apps together on my aging iPad Pro from 2018, but that's about it. Credit: Khamosh Pathak You can use the new traffic-light buttons (straight from macOS) to close, minimize, or expand your windowed apps (something I’m still not used to). You can also swipe down from the top to access a Mac-like menu bar. This will hold app-related shortcuts and offer ways to move or dock apps to the left or right. The Windowed app mode also has a version of the classic Split View, if you just want to dock two apps side by side. Pick up a window, and flick it to the left or right. When there are just two windows on the screen, you’ll see a little handle in the middle to freely resize the windows. Credit: Jake Peterson With the iPadOS 26.1 update, Apple also brought back Slide Over, a crowd favorite that lets key apps slide in and out of view as needed, but it works in a slightly different manner now. From the menu bar, you can pin any window to the top of the screen to be your Slide Over app. And because this window itself is freeform, you can now resize it to any size you want (something that wasn’t possible before). Though, it’s still a downgrade in a sense because you can only pin one window at a time (before, you could pin multiple windows in Split View and switch between them like you do on the iPhone). I'll admit that all of this can seem like a bit much on such a small, touch-based screen, especially for the iPad users who are used to the traditional approach to Split View and Slide Over. Apple really isn't helping the case by separating out the different modes. Though, like most things, it's a learning curve that you can get over pretty quickly. In time, I think the gesture for resizing windows will become second nature. How the iPad is inching closer to the MacBeyond Windowed mode, The iPadOS 26 update rights many other wrongs, all of which bring over key functionality from the Mac, though there are still sometimes caveats. External monitor support is finally worth using, and doesn’t require you to use Stage Manager. Now, the display automatically adapts to the 16:9 aspect ratio of the monitor, so no more black bars. But you still can’t use the external display as the primary display, as you can on the Mac (the menu bar and Control Center still only work on the iPad). That means you always have to have the iPad display on, and you can't connect to more than one external monitor. Credit: Khamosh Pathak The Files app is also much improved, combining a column layout with the ability to expand nested folders while in the same view. You can also add custom-colored icons. Plus, you can now add folders to the Dock for quick access. And finally, you can assign a default app for file extensions right in the Files app. The new Preview app makes it easy to view and mark up PDFs and images, too. There’s also support for background tasks in the Files app and some third-party apps. That means longer actions, like moving large folders or downloading large files, can continue in the background (monitored via Live Activities). Switching to a different app won’t kill large exports of render jobs. There’s even a new Local Capture feature that lets you record professional audio from any attached microphone, and it supports independent audio capture from multiple microphones at once. A boon for podcasters and YouTubers. How the iPad still falls behind the MacThe iPadOS 26 update has a lot of useful, desktop-like features. But at its core, it’s still iPadOS, built on iOS. It is still sandboxed, and installing apps from outside of the App Store is not intended and requires lengthy workarounds. Many popular desktop-class apps also just won’t work on the iPad (like the full version of Adobe Premiere, the macOS version of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, coding IDEs, and more). Even Safari on the iPad is limited, and doesn’t offer desktop-class support. A lot of heavy/dynamic sites refuse to function on the iPad, but work well on Safari on a Mac. There’s also no Terminal, so you can’t do things like running Homebrew projects, automation scripts, and more. iPadOS 26, is still single-user focused, so you can’t create multiple accounts like you can on the Mac. As discussed above, the external display mode, while a nice addition, is also severely limited. Can you replace a Mac with an iPad?Can an iPad replace your MacBook? The answer to that question is more personal than ever. Subjectively, I can say not yet. While the new windowing system and background processes are a great start, it still lacks the core features that make a Mac so helpful. For someone like me who relies on desktop-class apps, dynamic websites, and loves the hundred little utilities that are only possible on the Mac, the iPad really can’t replace my MacBook. But the iPad can be a great companion for me, and is. I love using the iPad for research, reading, taking notes, and watching media. Now, with the new features in the iPadOS 26 update, I can see podcasters and even content creators take up an iPad as their main computer. It really depends on your workflow. For light workflow like editing documents, managing PDFs, taking notes, emails, and online meetings, the iPad is very much comparable to the Mac. And thanks to its cellular connectivity, it might even have an edge for people who are always on the road. If you like the idea of a light-weight tablet that’s built-really well, or if you’re a creative, the iPad can make a lot of sense for you. For everyone else, I would recommend you pick up at least an M4 MacBook Air, which goes on sale regularly and costs less than an iPad Pro. View the full article