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It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My coworker leaves her teenager in our office while she’s gone I will preface this by saying I work in a toxic environment with an an extremely toxic boss, so I know some of what’s going on isn’t normal. My coworker, Felicia, brings her teenage daughter to work. This is technically against company policy, but it’s not a fight I want to have with my boss. Recently, though, Felicia has been leaving her daughter in the office while going off campus to meetings, lunch, etc. This means my other coworker, Carrie, and I have to watch over the daughter — make sure she’s signed into a computer, answer any questions, grab her lunch for her. I’m starting to feel more like a babysitter and less like a professional in what is supposed to be a professional environment. Felicia is the only employee in our division who has been allowed to bring a child to work; everyone else who has asked has been told no, or sent home when they did bring a child. Is it worth pushing back on this? Or should I just chalk it up to the bad boss and continue job searching? The biggest issue here (at least as far as it impacts you) isn’t that Felicia is getting away with something others haven’t been allowed to do. It’s that what she’s doing is disruptive to your and Carrie’s work. You should speak up to Felicia! Say this: “Please don’t leave Magnolia behind when you leave the office. She ends up needing a lot of help with things like using the computer and getting lunch, and I don’t feel comfortable being responsible for a minor without their parent here.” If that doesn’t solve it, you should approach your boss with the same request: “Can you ask Felicia to take her daughter with her when she leaves our office space? She’s been leaving her behind, which means Carrie and I end up needing to babysit — helping her with the computer and getting lunch and so forth. I’ve explained to Felicia that it’s disruptive when she leaves Magnolia here unsupervised, but it’s still happening so I’m hoping you could speak with her.” (You mentioned your boss is toxic so approaching her might be a no-go, but this would be the next step in normal circumstances, at least.) 2. Our boss is dealing with cancer and can’t support our team My boss was recently diagnosed with cancer. She’s expected to be okay, but understandably she’s going through a lot and facing a ton of uncertainty. It’s been kind of a dark cloud over our team, and we all genuinely feel for her. She mentioned early on that she wanted to keep working to take her mind off things, and of course we’ve supported that. The problem is that she’s been really inconsistent lately — mixing up her own directives, dropping balls, and when we ask for clarification, she’ll say things like “Well, I have cancer, nothing matters, don’t stress.” She also brings up her medical situation in pretty much every conversation, and will sometimes tear up on calls with vendors or partners. We all want to be compassionate, but projects are slipping through the cracks and it’s getting harder to do our jobs. Is there any way to gently encourage her to focus on her health and maybe let us handle things, without sounding heartless (or getting myself fired)? Well … in theory you could try saying, “You understandably need to focus on your health right now, and we want you to be able to do that. We also need to be able to move work forward meanwhile and we don’t want to bother you with it. Can we deputize Jane or someone else to handle things like XYZ, with the understanding that we’ll come to you if ___ (fill in with specific high-stakes situations) happen?” But given all you’ve describing, including her tearing up on calls with vendors, this is probably above your pay grade and you probably need to talk with someone above her about what’s going on — not framed as “Jane is messing up” but rather as, “Our team needs different support while Jane is understandably focused on a health crisis.” 3. My company says no one can give us references, even after they leave I’m trying to understand whether the situation I’m facing is legal. I’ve been employed on a government contract for a long time, and the contract is changing hands soon. I’ll be staying on with the current company until the end, and some of the people I have reported to are still there too, while others have moved on to jobs at the organization that will be taking over the contract. HR has told all of them that they may not provide references for us, their employees, whether they are still working here or not. I’ve been working on this contract for a significant chunk of my professional life, and I’m not permitted to use any of the people I reported to here as references, even if they’re no longer working here. I’ve never encountered this before, and the supervisors I’ve talked to about this haven’t, either. Is this something the company has a legal right to do? I’m in the U.S., if that helps. (Weirdly, I’ve been working on this contract much longer than I’ve been working for this company — it’s a company that merged with the company that bought out the company that merged with the company that bought my original employer.) Yes, they can legally prevent current employees from giving references. It’s a bad practice (do they not want to check references themselves when hiring?) but it’s legal. Whether they can prevent it for managers who no longer work there is less likely; it’s possible if they had them sign a binding contract to that effect, but if they’re just announcing a policy and expecting people to adhere to it on their own, they don’t retain that control once people are out of their employment. In that situation, the company can legally request it, but former employees would be free to disregard it (and in fact that’s a pretty common response). 4. Items I’d bought for my desk disappeared in our move My office building just finished shuffling people to different desks on different floors. We all packed up our desks by the end of the week, the moving crews took a week to do their thing, then we returned to our new desks with all our items waiting for us. Long story short, my box seems to have vanished. Nothing’s irreplaceable, but I’m out a few sentimental items (I’m glad for the decorations I never made time to bring in) and about $200 worth of personally-bought productivity items — a mechanical keyboard, a docking station, etc. After a fair bit of rummaging, I’m accepting that it’s unlikely that I’ll see my desk supplies again. But is it reasonable to ask for some kind of reimbursement for the lost items? Any suggestions on how to phrase a request like that? I understand it’s no one’s fault and that these things happen. Yes, it’s reasonable to ask for reimbursement, particularly for the work-related items. You might not get it — there’s always a risk when you bring in personal stuff that it might go missing, and employers generally aren’t legally responsible for that — but it’s not unreasonable to ask about it. I’d word it this way: “A number of items I’d purchased to do my work — a mechanical keyboard, a docking station, XYZ — were in the box of my stuff that never made it to my new desk. Since those were items I’d purchased for work, is it possible for the company to reimburse me or replace them?” 5. Is it OK to leave a job I just started for one that pays more? My partner and I moved states recently and during my job search I interviewed with two companies. Company A paid $18,000 more, but also more stress and I wasn’t 100% sure i could do the job, more like 90%. Company B paid less, less stress, 100% confident I can do the job. I interviewed for both at the same time and went to the last part of the interview process for Company A, but wasn’t able to do the drug test required within three days, as the only location they want the test done at was in another state from where I was located at the time. I emailed HR, explaining my willingness to test at a place where I lived or immediately after we move and the HR rep said that was fine. A day later, I got a form rejection email and my emails to HR wondering why went unanswered. I accepted an offer with Company B, and it’s fine so far. Pretty much the same money I was making. And I see Company A is still looking for someone for the position I interviewed for this summer. Ive only been with Company B one month, but I’ve thrown myself into this work so far and would feel bad leaving. But $18,000 is a substantial raise and would improve my quality of life. I think that a recent all-staff meeting left a bad taste in my mouth when someone who has been with the organization for seven years got a branded tote for an anniversary gift. I would feel guilty if I left so quickly but, I also know that businesses will throw you aside as soon as it benefits them, but still. Open to thoughts! You’re absolutely allowed to leave a job for a better-paying one, even if you’ve just started. You need to do what’s best for you. Yes, it might burn a bridge with Company B, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. That said, I think you’re probably putting the cart before the horse since the last you heard from Company A, they’d taken you out of the running. It’s true that it could have been the drug testing logistics, but it also might not have been. Regardless, though, it would be fine to email them and say you saw they’re still looking to fill the X position, you’d reached the final stages of their interview process but weren’t able to do the drug test within three days because you were in a different state, but you’ve now moved to their state and would be able to complete it at their convenience, and if they still think you might be a match for the job, you’d love to talk more. There’s no guarantee they’ll respond, especially since they ignored your emails previously, but it’s worth contacting them and seeing what happens. The post coworker leaves her teenager in our office, company says no one can give us references, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Traders are betting that the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to keep rates on hold at 4%View the full article

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Wi-Fi 8 is a hot topic and now might be a good time to dig into what the upcoming standard is all about. The post Looking for more details on Wi-Fi 8? Intel’s white paper is the most comprehensive yet appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

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Average time to complete a deal has fallen to four monthsView the full article

For decades now, tech companies have been promising us a future straight out of Star Trek. Instead of being confined to phones and computers, our digital lives would extend to a network of screens all around us, from connected TVs and smart fridges to kitchen countertop displays and car dashboards. The tech companies called this “ambient computing” or “ubiquitous computing” and extolled how it would get technology out of the way so we could focus on the real world. Here’s what we’ve got instead: Samsung’s smart refrigerators, which range from $1,899 to $3,499, have started showing advertisements on their screens. Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays now have ads that you can’t turn off, even if you’re paying $20 per month for the upgraded Alexa+ assistant. Amazon also shows “Sponsored Screensavers” on its Fire TV devices if you leave them alone for a few minutes. Tesla recently pushed a promotion for Disney’s Tron: Ares to its car dashboards. They got the ambient part right, in that we’ve now surrounded ourselves with screens we don’t control. But instead of blending into the background, the screens are now doing the opposite, distracting us with ads in hopes of padding their makers’ bottom lines. Promises made Ambient computing got its start in a more idealistic setting, in the late 1980s at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. Mark Weiser, then the head of PARC’s computer science lab (and later its chief technology officer) used the term “ubiquitous computing” to describe how an array of screens in various sizes—”tabs, pads and boards“—would all work in tandem to help people accomplish everyday tasks. “Machines that fit the human environment, instead of forcing humans to enter theirs, will make using a computer as refreshing as taking a walk in the woods,” he wrote. Tech companies started dusting off the idea a couple decades later, as lightweight processors, low-cost displays, and widespread internet connectivity made ambient computing more feasible. In 2013, for instance, Microsoft opened an “Envisioning Center” to test its ambient computing ideas, including head-to-toe touchscreens for kitchens and common areas. Cisco demoed a “Second Screen 2.0” concept, with screens that could blend into the surrounding walls and provide personalized information as needed. Samsung had an even bolder vision, releasing a “Display Centric World” concept video full of rollable, foldable, and transparent displays. “Technology begins with a love for you,” the video declared, before showing how Samsung’s screens would someday wrap around coffee cups, unfurl from night stands, light up inside car windows, and cover classroom walls. The term “ambient computing” took hold a few years later. In 2017, the tech columnist Walt Mossberg used the term to describe technology that got out of your way, and pretty soon both Google and Amazon were running with it. “The technology just fades into the background when you don’t need it,” Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP of devices and services, declared during a 2019 keynote. He continued to describe Google’s constellation of connected phones, watches, speakers, and smart displays as “ambient computing” in the years that followed, and in 2022 called it the company’s “north star.” Dave Limp, Amazon’s former senior vice president of devices and services favored the similar term “ambient intelligence,” describing how cloud computing would power a network of smart gadgets from Echo speakers to Fire TV streaming players. An Amazon Developer blog post from 2021 declared that “ambient is the future,” and would “make life easier and better without getting in your way.” Once the stuff of imagination, ambient computing had arrived in earnest, but there was a problem: The utopian ideal was at odds with how these companies make money. Cheap screens you can’t control It’s not enough to merely sell the device, be it a smart speaker, connected TV, or fridge with a built-in screen. Instead, tech companies expect these devices to generate revenue over time through ads or subscriptions. In some cases they sell these products at aggressively low prices in hopes of recouping the investment later. Meanwhile, the software that runs on these inexpensive screens provide far less control than a computer or even a phone. These are increasingly dumb terminals with software controlled through the cloud, which means you have little recourse when that software turns against you. While you can swap out the search engine on your computer with one that doesn’t fill the screen with ads, no such alternative exists when your smart display starts cycling through banner ads or using voice responses to upsell shopping items. The hardware isn’t exactly simple to replace, either. You might be comfortable tossing out a single smart display or speaker, but what if you’ve filled your home with them and built an entire smart home system around them? And what happens when your TVs, fridges, and car dashboards become digital billboards well? With all this in mind, those flashy Samsung and Microsoft concept videos from the early 2010s take on a different flavor. These companies sold us on a digital utopia powered by pervasive screens and connected software without ever explaining how they’d pay for it. Now that we’re surrounded ourselves with the technology to make it possible, the bill is finally coming due. View the full article

As mobile devices become central to daily business operations, small business owners face a pressing cybersecurity dilemma. The latest findings from the Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) reveal that mobile attacks are surging, with 85% of organizations experiencing increased threats. This situation is compounded by employees using generative AI tools for work, escalating both risks and vulnerabilities. Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon Business, puts it starkly: “This year’s Mobile Security Index is a clear wake-up call: mobile security is no longer a perimeter defense, but a battle fought in the palm of every employee’s hand.” With 38% of organizations indicating that AI-powered ransomware is becoming a more significant threat, small businesses need to rethink their security strategies urgently. A startling insight from the MSI is that while 93% of organizations report employees using generative AI for their tasks, a mere 17% have specific security controls in place to counter AI-assisted attacks. This discrepancy leaves many businesses vulnerable. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the stakes are particularly high; 54% believe they have more to lose from a cyber breach compared to larger enterprises. Challenges persist for SMBs navigating this landscape. According to the MSI, 57% of SMBs feel disadvantaged in resources when addressing cybersecurity, making it more challenging to combat attacks compared to larger rivals. Notably, enterprises often engage in more employee training on mobile security and implement advanced measures such as multifactor authentication at higher rates. Despite these hurdles, proactive measures can mitigate risks. Businesses must ensure robust training for employees and establish clear policies regarding AI usage. The MSI indicates that only 66% of larger companies train employees on mobile security, compared to 56% of SMBs. Increasing awareness is critical, especially given that 39% of SMB employees clicked on malicious links during smishing tests, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance. Small businesses should also consider investing in advanced AI risk training. With only 39% of SMBs currently offering this, there is ample room for improvement. By equipping their workforce with the right knowledge, small businesses can foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, thereby reducing the likelihood of human error leading to breaches. However, adapting to an AI-security landscape presents practical challenges. Many small business owners may find it daunting to allocate budget and resources to enhance cybersecurity measures, especially when balancing other operational costs. As the report highlights, 63% of organizations have experienced significant downtime due to security incidents, further stressing the need for reliable continuity solutions. Yet, there lies an opportunity for SMBs to turn this challenge into an advantage. Investing in integrated security solutions can enable businesses to protect their mobile devices while empowering employees to work collaboratively and innovate. Novak emphasizes, “While threats evolve, so do defenses. A proactive and multi-layered approach to mobile security is no longer just a best practice; it’s a business imperative.” In the evolving world of cybersecurity, small businesses cannot afford to underestimate the risks associated with mobile and AI usage. Strategies centered on unified security across networks and mobile platforms will not only help ensure business continuity but also foster trust among customers and partners. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential for small business owners to stay informed and proactive. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the current mobile threat landscape and practical steps to fortify their defenses, further details can be found in the full Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index, which can be accessed here. By proactively addressing these challenges, SMBs can navigate the complex terrain of mobile security and safeguard their operations against the ever-looming threat of cyber attacks. This article, "AI-Powered Attacks Surge: Organizations Face Major Mobile Security Risks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As mobile devices become central to daily business operations, small business owners face a pressing cybersecurity dilemma. The latest findings from the Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) reveal that mobile attacks are surging, with 85% of organizations experiencing increased threats. This situation is compounded by employees using generative AI tools for work, escalating both risks and vulnerabilities. Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon Business, puts it starkly: “This year’s Mobile Security Index is a clear wake-up call: mobile security is no longer a perimeter defense, but a battle fought in the palm of every employee’s hand.” With 38% of organizations indicating that AI-powered ransomware is becoming a more significant threat, small businesses need to rethink their security strategies urgently. A startling insight from the MSI is that while 93% of organizations report employees using generative AI for their tasks, a mere 17% have specific security controls in place to counter AI-assisted attacks. This discrepancy leaves many businesses vulnerable. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the stakes are particularly high; 54% believe they have more to lose from a cyber breach compared to larger enterprises. Challenges persist for SMBs navigating this landscape. According to the MSI, 57% of SMBs feel disadvantaged in resources when addressing cybersecurity, making it more challenging to combat attacks compared to larger rivals. Notably, enterprises often engage in more employee training on mobile security and implement advanced measures such as multifactor authentication at higher rates. Despite these hurdles, proactive measures can mitigate risks. Businesses must ensure robust training for employees and establish clear policies regarding AI usage. The MSI indicates that only 66% of larger companies train employees on mobile security, compared to 56% of SMBs. Increasing awareness is critical, especially given that 39% of SMB employees clicked on malicious links during smishing tests, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance. Small businesses should also consider investing in advanced AI risk training. With only 39% of SMBs currently offering this, there is ample room for improvement. By equipping their workforce with the right knowledge, small businesses can foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, thereby reducing the likelihood of human error leading to breaches. However, adapting to an AI-security landscape presents practical challenges. Many small business owners may find it daunting to allocate budget and resources to enhance cybersecurity measures, especially when balancing other operational costs. As the report highlights, 63% of organizations have experienced significant downtime due to security incidents, further stressing the need for reliable continuity solutions. Yet, there lies an opportunity for SMBs to turn this challenge into an advantage. Investing in integrated security solutions can enable businesses to protect their mobile devices while empowering employees to work collaboratively and innovate. Novak emphasizes, “While threats evolve, so do defenses. A proactive and multi-layered approach to mobile security is no longer just a best practice; it’s a business imperative.” In the evolving world of cybersecurity, small businesses cannot afford to underestimate the risks associated with mobile and AI usage. Strategies centered on unified security across networks and mobile platforms will not only help ensure business continuity but also foster trust among customers and partners. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential for small business owners to stay informed and proactive. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the current mobile threat landscape and practical steps to fortify their defenses, further details can be found in the full Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index, which can be accessed here. By proactively addressing these challenges, SMBs can navigate the complex terrain of mobile security and safeguard their operations against the ever-looming threat of cyber attacks. This article, "AI-Powered Attacks Surge: Organizations Face Major Mobile Security Risks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Three questions to ask. By Matt Rampe The Rosenberg Survey Go PRO for members-only access to more Matt Rampe. View the full article

Three questions to ask. By Matt Rampe The Rosenberg Survey Go PRO for members-only access to more Matt Rampe. View the full article

Technology and AI make it easier. By Blake Oliver The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management. Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Technology and AI make it easier. By Blake Oliver The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management. Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small businesses are bracing for a potentially transformative period, with insights from Shopify revealing key trends that could shape the success of their year-end sales. With 26% of consumers reportedly starting their holiday shopping by the end of September, striking the right chord in marketing will be crucial. Shoppers are poised to spend more this year—an increase of $37 anticipated for Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM), bringing the total planned spending up to $192. However, this uptick comes with a caveat: consumers are focusing on tighter budgets and seeking value for their money. According to the Shopify 2025 Global Holiday Retail Report, 51% of shoppers intend to set spending caps, while 23% plan to adhere to stricter budgets. This push for value compels small business owners to emphasize advantageous offerings. Shopify highlights practical applications from brands like Blume, which capitalizes on potential shoppers’ appetite for bundled products, ensuring customers feel they are getting more for their money. Similarly, MeUndies is beginning its promotions early, offering discounts of up to 50% on popular items, ensuring that they capture the attention of early shoppers. The report suggests that offering discounts, gifts with purchase, and bundle deals may be the most effective strategies for attracting holiday shoppers. Small businesses can capitalize on these trends by carefully crafting their promotional campaigns to ensure they resonate with budget-conscious consumers. AI technology is also making waves in the shopping experience, with 64% of consumers planning to utilize AI tools this holiday season. Among younger shoppers, this figure rises dramatically to 84%. Businesses can benefit from this shift by investing in AI-powered discovery tools, as 90% of enterprises are already doing. For small retailers, platforms like Shopify offer access to Sidekick, an intuitive AI tool that can assist in crafting custom marketing strategies, increasing the chances of conversion by presenting personalized shopping experiences. As shoppers express a desire for convenience, nearly half plan to discover and purchase products in-store this year—an increase from the previous year. A hybrid shopping experience that combines online and physical store offerings can prove fruitful. For instance, brands like Glossier have made strides by providing options for customers to buy online and pick up in-store, creating a unified shopping experience that encourages consumer loyalty. However, while exploring these retail advancements, small business owners must also remain aware of potential challenges. Nearly 48% of shoppers abandoned purchases due to complicated checkout processes, suggesting that streamlining online transactions is paramount to retaining customers. This creates a dual focus for merchants: not only do they need to attract shoppers with appealing products and pricing, but they must also ensure an efficient purchasing experience. Additionally, authenticity matters. More than a quarter of consumers prefer to support values-driven businesses, and 30% are inclined to choose local options. Therefore, crafting a brand that resonates authentically can create long-term loyalty. Companies like Little Sleepies build customer trust by offering perks such as free shipping and returns for domestic orders over $25, an approach that can enhance customer experience while reinforcing brand values. As this unprecedented holiday season approaches, businesses must leverage technological tools and strong branding aligned with customer values to successfully engage with consumers. By focusing on value, personalization, and clear brand values, small business owners have the opportunity to maximize their holiday sales potential. The implications of these trends are substantial, particularly for small merchants navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving retail landscape. The insights gleaned from Shopify’s report could prove crucial for those looking to thrive amidst changing consumer expectations. For further details and actionable insights, you can refer to Shopify’s complete findings in the 2025 Global Holiday Retail Report. This article, "Shoppers Shift Budgets and Embrace AI Ahead of Holiday Spending Surge" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small businesses are bracing for a potentially transformative period, with insights from Shopify revealing key trends that could shape the success of their year-end sales. With 26% of consumers reportedly starting their holiday shopping by the end of September, striking the right chord in marketing will be crucial. Shoppers are poised to spend more this year—an increase of $37 anticipated for Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM), bringing the total planned spending up to $192. However, this uptick comes with a caveat: consumers are focusing on tighter budgets and seeking value for their money. According to the Shopify 2025 Global Holiday Retail Report, 51% of shoppers intend to set spending caps, while 23% plan to adhere to stricter budgets. This push for value compels small business owners to emphasize advantageous offerings. Shopify highlights practical applications from brands like Blume, which capitalizes on potential shoppers’ appetite for bundled products, ensuring customers feel they are getting more for their money. Similarly, MeUndies is beginning its promotions early, offering discounts of up to 50% on popular items, ensuring that they capture the attention of early shoppers. The report suggests that offering discounts, gifts with purchase, and bundle deals may be the most effective strategies for attracting holiday shoppers. Small businesses can capitalize on these trends by carefully crafting their promotional campaigns to ensure they resonate with budget-conscious consumers. AI technology is also making waves in the shopping experience, with 64% of consumers planning to utilize AI tools this holiday season. Among younger shoppers, this figure rises dramatically to 84%. Businesses can benefit from this shift by investing in AI-powered discovery tools, as 90% of enterprises are already doing. For small retailers, platforms like Shopify offer access to Sidekick, an intuitive AI tool that can assist in crafting custom marketing strategies, increasing the chances of conversion by presenting personalized shopping experiences. As shoppers express a desire for convenience, nearly half plan to discover and purchase products in-store this year—an increase from the previous year. A hybrid shopping experience that combines online and physical store offerings can prove fruitful. For instance, brands like Glossier have made strides by providing options for customers to buy online and pick up in-store, creating a unified shopping experience that encourages consumer loyalty. However, while exploring these retail advancements, small business owners must also remain aware of potential challenges. Nearly 48% of shoppers abandoned purchases due to complicated checkout processes, suggesting that streamlining online transactions is paramount to retaining customers. This creates a dual focus for merchants: not only do they need to attract shoppers with appealing products and pricing, but they must also ensure an efficient purchasing experience. Additionally, authenticity matters. More than a quarter of consumers prefer to support values-driven businesses, and 30% are inclined to choose local options. Therefore, crafting a brand that resonates authentically can create long-term loyalty. Companies like Little Sleepies build customer trust by offering perks such as free shipping and returns for domestic orders over $25, an approach that can enhance customer experience while reinforcing brand values. As this unprecedented holiday season approaches, businesses must leverage technological tools and strong branding aligned with customer values to successfully engage with consumers. By focusing on value, personalization, and clear brand values, small business owners have the opportunity to maximize their holiday sales potential. The implications of these trends are substantial, particularly for small merchants navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving retail landscape. The insights gleaned from Shopify’s report could prove crucial for those looking to thrive amidst changing consumer expectations. For further details and actionable insights, you can refer to Shopify’s complete findings in the 2025 Global Holiday Retail Report. This article, "Shoppers Shift Budgets and Embrace AI Ahead of Holiday Spending Surge" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The liberal D66 are the big winners of the Netherlands election. So is EuropeView the full article

In an age where efficiency is paramount for small businesses, Dropbox has unveiled a game-changer: Dash, an AI-powered personalized workspace designed to streamline collaboration and enhance productivity. This innovative platform allows teams to access answers and tools without having to switch between multiple applications, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of miscommunication. With Dash, business owners can ask specific questions about work projects—such as “What’s new in the latest version of the client proposal?” or “Can you summarize all the reporting from last year’s brand campaign?”—and receive immediate, relevant responses. This context-aware technology acts like an AI teammate, delivering information directly within the workspace and enabling users to act on those insights through integrated writing tools. One of the standout features of Dash is Stacks, a living workspace that organizes content in an easily shareable format. By bringing together files, links, and real-time updates, teams can maintain an up-to-date view of their projects. Users can ask questions like “Can you give me a summary of this project?” and get tailored answers that ensure everyone is aligned, thus minimizing confusion often faced in collaborative settings. Security is a crucial concern for small businesses, and Dropbox aims to alleviate these worries with Dash. Built on the robust privacy and security principles the company is known for, Dash guarantees that your data remains private. As the company stated, “We’ll never sell your data, and we don’t use your content to build generative AI models. Your content is always yours.” This commitment to data integrity can help owners feel more secure about implementing new technologies. Setting up the Dash app requires no additional sales team intervention, making it an appealing option for small businesses eager to adopt cutting-edge technology swiftly. The platform connects seamlessly with existing tools such as Slack, Microsoft 365, Notion, and Canva, ensuring that teams don’t need to abandon their current workflows. In just a few minutes, business owners can create a personalized workspace where scattered information transforms into organized clarity, significantly alleviating the burden of information overload. As businesses increasingly rely on remote work and digital collaboration, Dash’s integrated approach could become a vital asset. For instance, teams can avoid the cumbersome task of manually searching through documents or communication channels to find answers, subsequently improving decision-making efficiency. Business owner Sarah Johnson noted, “The time saved by having a single platform where I can access everything without hunting through multiple apps is invaluable. It lets my team focus more on what really matters: our clients.” However, as with any emerging technology, potential challenges should be kept in mind. The reliance on AI-generated responses may lead to concerns about accuracy and the depth of information provided. Small business owners will need to ensure that the system is used correctly and encourage their teams to verify responses when crucial decisions are at stake. Additionally, there may be an adjustment period as teams shift from traditional workflows to this more integrated approach, requiring changes in training and habits. In the competitive landscape of small businesses, leveraging tools like Dash may hold the key to staying ahead. It provides an intuitive, centralized solution that addresses the common pain points related to collaboration, information management, and productivity. By investing time to adopt and adapt to Dash, small business owners could find themselves better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern work. With the rollout of Dash, Dropbox not only reinforces its commitment to innovation but also provides practical solutions tailored for the unique needs of small businesses. For more details about these features and their implications, you can check out the full press release here. Image via Dropbox This article, "Dropbox Introduces Dash: A Self-Setup AI Workspace for Team Productivity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article