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A federal judge in San Francisco ordered a temporary halt to reduction in force orders issued by the Office of Management and Budget during the government shutdown, while OMB Director Russell Vought has said he expects to lay off more than 10,000 federal workers. View the full article

When you type a question into an AI search engine like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode and it comes up with an answer, that information comes from somewhere. Scouring the web for content that’s contextually relevant to the asker, it typically assembles an answer based on several different sources, interpreted through the lens of its training data and system prompt. The fight over being one of those sources is the new game of online discovery that’s replacing SEO. Typically called GEO or AEO for generative/answer engine optimization, the field is nascent, and the rules, best practices, and even the benefits aren’t entirely clear. There’s one thing everyone agrees on, though: It’s growing rapidly. Growth markets are opportunities, so even if the rewards of appearing in AI search haven’t been fully established, both media companies and marketers want to understand GEO and potentially crack the code on being “the answer,” or at least fuel for the answer. The precise methods—how content optimization differs from SEO, how to leverage social and PR to improve your chances of appearing, how to build a system for understanding AI queries—are promising, but still being worked out. Also being worked out? What to do when you win. The AI search rewards system The rewards for winning at search were clear. Earning a high rank in search results means people click to your site, interact with your content, and either give you ad impressions or “convert” into some kind of paying customer. As I’ve written before, being cited in AI answers is more akin to advertising your brand than a viable business strategy. A win in GEO means successful reputation management. This of course is why many publishers prefer to block AI crawlers from indexing their sites at all. They may want to understand GEO, but they’re not interested in having their content serving as raw material for an AI layer they feel they have no stake in (licensing deals notwithstanding). For sites that do appear in AI search, willingly or unwillingly, a win means readers perceive your publication to be more authoritative. So what happens when you lose—say, your competition gets cited instead of you? For both media and marketers, it’s a missed opportunity for your brand to appear in front of someone interested in your area of expertise. What is the value of that? It’s easy to point at ChatGPT’s 800+ million users and think it’s a lot, and it might be, but remember: queries aren’t the same as search terms. They’re much more specific, and the tools for analyzing them are in the very early stages. It’s difficult to understand if you’re optimizing for an audience of one or one million. When the answer is wrong There’s another kind of loss that brands are finding intolerable: incorrect or damaging information in AI answers. This is becoming a more serious problem than when it happens in traditional search because it’s difficult to fix. An AI answer is amalgamated from several different sources, so the precise ranking of those sources—ranking is a huge deal in SEO—doesn’t matter as much as the bad information simply being present. Worse, that information may be on Wikipedia or Reddit, two sites that are based on user-generated content, have byzantine systems for how content is created and promoted, and are newly influential in the age of AI. Since they are both huge repositories of human-created text on myriad topics, they’re extremely valuable to data-hungry large language models, and the big AI companies have awarded them a kind of favored status. Reddit, notably, has used this as leverage to negotiate deals with Google and OpenAI worth tens of millions every year. All of which is to say that dealing with a reputational problem in AI search is a new kind of difficult-to-crack crisis. At the recent MarCom Summit in Washington, D.C., marketers who specialize in dealing with problematic content on Wikipedia or Reddit told me they’re newly busy this past year. Who will benefit from ads in AI search? So at least one kind of business is making money from GEO. For everyone else, they’ll likely have to wait until AI answers begin to incorporate ads in a meaningful way. This is inevitable—ChatGPT may have almost a billion users, but most aren’t paying a dime. That’s a massive untapped revenue stream. Perplexity has been experimenting with ads in answers for a year, and Google is slowly stapling ads into its AI experiences, too. Skeptics roll their eyes at AI answers adopting an advertising business model, criticizing the companies for being less interested in solving societal problems than making money from user attention—the same old Silicon Valley playbook. However, there’s another perspective: You know how AI summaries provide links to sources? That same attribution can be used to apportion the revenue from any ads in the summary to those same sources. The AI media tech startup Dappier is building such a system, splitting revenue from ads in the answer with everyone who contributed to it. So while I understand the cynicism about advertising coming to AI engines, I can’t help but be a little bit hopeful about it. Yes, ads are certainly coming to AI search, but the search engines might not necessarily hog all the rewards. Will there be enough money to go around? Not yet. But like I said, it’s a growth market. View the full article

As a small business owner, finding the right scheduling software can greatly affect your efficiency and productivity. Various options like Connecteam and Homebase offer features such as automatic scheduling and employee self-service, which streamline operations. Each platform has unique capabilities customized to different needs. Comprehending these features and how they benefit your business is essential. In the following sections, you’ll discover the top picks for 2025 and how to choose the best fit for your specific requirements. Key Takeaways Connecteam offers a robust free plan for small teams, with features like automatic scheduling and time tracking to enhance productivity. Sling provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, essential labor cost tracking, and employee self-service options, making it affordable for small businesses. Deputy utilizes AI for efficient scheduling, analyzing labor demand and employee availability, while facilitating time-off management and real-time notifications. Homebase includes auto-scheduling capabilities and a free plan, optimizing staff coverage and minimizing scheduling conflicts for small businesses. Findmyshift features an Excel-like interface and real-time reporting, enhancing ease of use and scheduling efficiency for small business owners. The Importance of Scheduling Software for Small Businesses As small businesses attempt to operate efficiently and meet customer demands, scheduling software becomes an essential tool for enhancing productivity. This software automates scheduling processes, reducing conflicts that often occur with traditional methods like Excel or pen and paper. With employee self-service features, team members can manage their availability and trade shifts, which increases engagement. Real-time notifications and automatic conflict detection help prevent scheduling errors, ensuring adequate coverage without downtime. Many options, including installation scheduling software and free legal calendaring software, offer mobile app accessibility, so managers and remote employees can stay connected. Moreover, integrating the best scheduling software for small business with payroll systems streamlines time tracking, minimizing errors and saving valuable administrative time. Key Features to Look for in Scheduling Software When choosing scheduling software, look for a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and manage schedules quickly, guaranteeing that all employees can navigate it without difficulty. Automatic scheduling features can help identify and resolve conflicts, whereas mobile accessibility options guarantee that both field and remote workers can stay updated on their schedules. These key elements not just streamline operations but additionally improve communication within your team. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface transform the scheduling process for small businesses? A well-designed interface simplifies schedule management, allowing you to create and adjust employee schedules with ease. Look for drag-and-drop functionality, which lets you rearrange shifts quickly. Self-service features empower employees to manage their availability and trade shifts, enhancing the user experience. Real-time notifications keep everyone in the loop regarding schedule changes, minimizing confusion. Moreover, accessing scheduling software via a mobile app enables you and your team to manage schedules on-the-go. Whether you opt for a free legal calendaring tool, conference booking software, or open source scheduling software, a user-friendly interface can greatly boost efficiency and streamline operations for your small business. Automatic Scheduling Features A user-friendly interface sets the stage for advanced features like automatic scheduling, which can greatly improve how small businesses manage their workforce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQFLL2u_QvA These features streamline shift creation and elevate overall efficiency. Here are three key benefits to ponder: Efficient Shift Allocation: Algorithms automatically assign shifts based on employee availability and labor demand, simplifying the process for managers. Conflict Detection: Scheduling software can flag potential errors, reducing the risk of double-booking or staffing shortages, ensuring smoother operations. Real-Time Adjustments: With advanced tools, you can modify schedules instantly and notify employees through integrated communication systems, keeping everyone informed. Mobile Accessibility Options Mobile accessibility options in scheduling software are vital for modern small businesses looking to improve workforce management. These features allow employees to view schedules, request time off, and manage availability on-the-go, enhancing flexibility and communication. Many scheduling apps provide dedicated mobile applications, ensuring you can access important tools like shift trading and notifications directly from your smartphone. GPS time tracking capabilities accurately monitor employee hours, reducing clocking-in errors at unauthorized locations. Real-time notifications keep everyone informed of schedule changes, minimizing confusion. Furthermore, user-friendly interfaces enable quick scheduling adjustments, allowing managers to respond swiftly to staffing needs from anywhere. Investing in mobile accessibility helps create a more efficient and connected workforce. How Scheduling Software Benefits Small Businesses Even though managing a small business can be challenging, scheduling software offers significant benefits that streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. Here are three key advantages: Automated Scheduling: The software automates shift creation and tracks employee hours, minimizing scheduling conflicts and enhancing staffing accuracy. Improved Communication: Features like employee self-service for shift trading and real-time notifications encourage better communication, leading to increased employee satisfaction. Cost and Compliance Management: Scheduling tools help track time-off requests, manage labor costs, and guarantee adherence to labor laws, reducing the risk of legal issues related to overtime and breaks. Top Picks for Scheduling Software in 2025 As you explore the top scheduling software picks for 2025, consider the best free options available to small businesses. Connecteam and Homebase offer robust features without cost, whereas Sling provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the scheduling process. Best Free Options Finding the right scheduling software can greatly streamline your small business operations, particularly when you can do it for free. Here are three top free options worth considering: Connecteam: This platform offers a robust free plan for up to 10 employees, featuring auto-scheduling, employee time tracking, and payroll integrations, making it an all-in-one solution for small businesses. Sling: With its free plan, Sling provides basic scheduling functionalities, including manual scheduling with drag-and-drop capabilities and labor cost tracking tools to manage workforce expenses effectively. Homebase: Homebase includes a free plan that features auto-scheduling based on labor targets, along with budget forecasting tools, catering particularly to small businesses aiming to optimize their scheduling processes. These options can help you manage your workforce without incurring additional costs. Key Features Comparison When selecting scheduling software for your small business in 2025, it’s essential to understand the key features that differentiate the top options available. Connecteam stands out with its free plan for up to 10 employees, offering auto-scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integrations, making it a strong all-in-one choice. Sling’s free plan includes basic scheduling, whereas its paid options add drag-and-drop scheduling and labor cost tracking. Deputy utilizes AI for auto-scheduling and labor demand forecasting, even if it lacks a free plan. Homebase likewise features a free plan with auto-scheduling based on labor targets and budget forecasting tools. Finally, Findmyshift offers an Excel-like interface with multi-cell editing and real-time reporting, appealing to spreadsheet-savvy users. User-Friendly Interfaces Selecting scheduling software that features a user-friendly interface can greatly improve your small business’s efficiency and ease of use. Here are some top picks for 2025: Connecteam: This all-in-one solution offers an intuitive interface, auto-scheduling, and time tracking, with a free plan for up to 10 employees. Sling: With its drag-and-drop functionality, Sling simplifies manual scheduling and provides basic features for small teams at no cost. Homebase: Known for its clear navigation, Homebase allows automatic scheduling based on labor targets and additionally offers a free plan for small businesses. These options not just improve usability but also streamline your scheduling processes, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business. Connecteam: Best All-in-One Scheduling Solution Connecteam stands out as a top-tier all-in-one scheduling solution customized for small businesses, offering an array of features designed to simplify workforce management. With a free plan for up to 10 employees, it’s an affordable choice for small teams. You’ll appreciate the automatic scheduling, employee time tracking, and payroll integrations that help streamline operations and reduce errors. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for managers to create and manage schedules, whereas employees can trade shifts and manage their availability seamlessly. Real-time notifications keep everyone informed about schedule updates, enhancing communication and minimizing confusion. Plus, the mobile app guarantees that field and remote employees stay connected and updated on their schedules from anywhere, so you can manage your workforce effectively. Sling: Affordable Scheduling With Essential Features Sling offers an affordable solution for small businesses seeking vital scheduling features without the hefty price tag. With its free plan, you can access fundamental tools that fit even limited budgets. Here are some key features that make Sling a practical choice: User-Friendly Interface: The drag-and-drop scheduling makes it easy for managers to create and adjust shifts quickly. Labor Cost Tracking: You can monitor labor expenses effectively, ensuring your business stays within budget. Employee Self-Service: Staff can manage their availability and trade shifts directly, reducing the administrative burden on you. For businesses needing more advanced tools, Sling additionally provides paid plans that improve scheduling capabilities, making it adaptable as your business grows. Deputy: AI-Powered Scheduling for Growing Businesses For businesses that are growing and need a more sophisticated scheduling solution, Deputy presents an innovative approach with its AI-powered scheduling features. This platform analyzes labor demand and employee availability to create ideal schedules, making it easier for you to manage your workforce. Crucial tools like time-off management, shift swapping, and real-time notifications improve communication and efficiency. Feature Description AI-Powered Scheduling Creates ideal schedules based on demand Mobile App Accessibility Allows employees to manage schedules on-the-go Payroll Integration Streamlines payroll processing and time tracking Though Deputy doesn’t offer a free plan, its user-friendly interface simplifies manual scheduling, making it a solid choice for growing businesses. Homebase: Free Plan With Auto-Scheduling Capabilities When you’re managing a small business, having the right tools can make all the difference in streamlining operations. Homebase offers a free plan that includes robust auto-scheduling capabilities, helping you create efficient schedules without manual effort. Here are some key features: Time-off management: Employees can easily request time off, ensuring you have visibility into their availability. Optimized staff coverage: The auto-scheduling feature reduces conflicts and errors, allowing you to meet labor targets effectively. Mobile app access: Employees can view and manage their schedules on-the-go, promoting better communication. Additionally, Homebase seamlessly integrates with payroll systems, ensuring accurate syncing of hours worked, which minimizes potential payroll errors. This makes it an excellent choice for small businesses seeking efficiency. Findmyshift: Excel-Like Interface for Ease of Use Findmyshift stands out with its Excel-like scheduling interface, making it an ideal choice for small businesses that prefer a familiar format. This intuitive design allows you to create and manage employee schedules effortlessly, leveraging spreadsheet layouts. You can make bulk changes quickly with multi-cell editing, saving you valuable time. The platform likewise features real-time reporting, which helps you track labor costs and manage staffing expenses effectively. Moreover, the drag-and-drop functionality enables you to easily customize and adjust schedules, minimizing the hassle of manual tasks. Overall, Findmyshift’s user-friendly design caters particularly to small businesses, ensuring less confusion and improved time management in your scheduling operations, allowing you to focus more on running your business efficiently. Pricing Plans and Options for Small Business Scheduling Software How can small businesses find the right scheduling software without breaking the bank? There are several affordable options with free plans that can meet your needs. Here are three significant choices: Connecteam: Offers a free plan for up to 10 employees, with paid plans starting at competitive rates, providing additional features as your business grows. Sling: Features a free plan with basic scheduling tools, whereas its paid plans include advanced options like labor cost tracking, perfect for managing budgets. Homebase: Includes a free plan with auto-scheduling based on labor targets, making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses looking to streamline operations. These options can help you maintain efficient scheduling without straining your budget. How to Choose the Right Scheduling Software for Your Business Selecting the right scheduling software for your business involves careful consideration of various factors that align with your specific needs and budget. Start by evaluating affordability through different pricing models, including free trials and paid options. Confirm the interface is user-friendly to facilitate quick schedule management without extensive training. Prioritize fundamental features like automatic scheduling and time-off management, which boost efficiency. Scalability is vital, so choose software that can grow with your business. Finally, look for real-time notifications and integration capabilities with tools like payroll systems to improve communication and minimize errors. Feature Importance Example Pricing Models Budget-friendly Free and paid plans User Interface Ease of use Drag-and-drop functionality Integration Capabilities Streamlined processes Sync with payroll systems Frequently Asked Questions Is Calendly Actually Free? Yes, Calendly offers a free plan that includes unlimited meetings, allowing you to schedule appointments without any cost. This free version provides basic features like a personalized booking page and integration with Google, Outlook, or Office 365 calendars. Nevertheless, you can only create one active event type. If you need more advanced functionalities, such as multiple event types or team scheduling, you can opt for paid plans starting at $10 per seat per month. What Is the Most Popular Scheduling Software? The most popular scheduling software often includes options like Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, and Doodle. Calendly’s user-friendly interface and integration capabilities make it a top choice. Acuity Scheduling stands out for its customization and ease of use, especially for small businesses. Doodle thrives in group scheduling, enabling users to find suitable times for meetings through polling. Each tool caters to specific needs, so consider your requirements when choosing the best option for you. Is Square Appointments Really Free? Yes, Square Appointments offers a free plan for single-location businesses. This plan includes basic scheduling features, allowing you to manage unlimited appointments without monthly fees. Nonetheless, be aware that transaction processing fees apply when you accept payments through the system. With the free plan, you can likewise send automated reminders and receive customer confirmations, making it a practical option for small businesses looking to simplify appointment management without incurring upfront costs. Is Calendly Good for Small Businesses? Calendly is a solid option for small businesses looking to streamline their scheduling process. Its user-friendly interface allows clients to book appointments easily via personalized links. With unlimited meetings on all plans, you won’t face extra costs for frequent interactions. Integrations with tools like HubSpot and automated reminders help improve communication and reduce no-shows. Plus, the free plan lets you start without any upfront investment, making it accessible for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right scheduling software is essential for small businesses aiming to improve efficiency and communication. Solutions like Connecteam and Homebase offer customized features that simplify scheduling and employee management. By investing in these tools, you can streamline operations, reduce scheduling conflicts, and guarantee compliance with labor laws. Assess your specific needs, explore the available options, and choose software that aligns with your business goals to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction. Image Via Envato This article, "Best Scheduling Software for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As a small business owner, finding the right scheduling software can greatly affect your efficiency and productivity. Various options like Connecteam and Homebase offer features such as automatic scheduling and employee self-service, which streamline operations. Each platform has unique capabilities customized to different needs. Comprehending these features and how they benefit your business is essential. In the following sections, you’ll discover the top picks for 2025 and how to choose the best fit for your specific requirements. Key Takeaways Connecteam offers a robust free plan for small teams, with features like automatic scheduling and time tracking to enhance productivity. Sling provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, essential labor cost tracking, and employee self-service options, making it affordable for small businesses. Deputy utilizes AI for efficient scheduling, analyzing labor demand and employee availability, while facilitating time-off management and real-time notifications. Homebase includes auto-scheduling capabilities and a free plan, optimizing staff coverage and minimizing scheduling conflicts for small businesses. Findmyshift features an Excel-like interface and real-time reporting, enhancing ease of use and scheduling efficiency for small business owners. The Importance of Scheduling Software for Small Businesses As small businesses attempt to operate efficiently and meet customer demands, scheduling software becomes an essential tool for enhancing productivity. This software automates scheduling processes, reducing conflicts that often occur with traditional methods like Excel or pen and paper. With employee self-service features, team members can manage their availability and trade shifts, which increases engagement. Real-time notifications and automatic conflict detection help prevent scheduling errors, ensuring adequate coverage without downtime. Many options, including installation scheduling software and free legal calendaring software, offer mobile app accessibility, so managers and remote employees can stay connected. Moreover, integrating the best scheduling software for small business with payroll systems streamlines time tracking, minimizing errors and saving valuable administrative time. Key Features to Look for in Scheduling Software When choosing scheduling software, look for a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and manage schedules quickly, guaranteeing that all employees can navigate it without difficulty. Automatic scheduling features can help identify and resolve conflicts, whereas mobile accessibility options guarantee that both field and remote workers can stay updated on their schedules. These key elements not just streamline operations but additionally improve communication within your team. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface transform the scheduling process for small businesses? A well-designed interface simplifies schedule management, allowing you to create and adjust employee schedules with ease. Look for drag-and-drop functionality, which lets you rearrange shifts quickly. Self-service features empower employees to manage their availability and trade shifts, enhancing the user experience. Real-time notifications keep everyone in the loop regarding schedule changes, minimizing confusion. Moreover, accessing scheduling software via a mobile app enables you and your team to manage schedules on-the-go. Whether you opt for a free legal calendaring tool, conference booking software, or open source scheduling software, a user-friendly interface can greatly boost efficiency and streamline operations for your small business. Automatic Scheduling Features A user-friendly interface sets the stage for advanced features like automatic scheduling, which can greatly improve how small businesses manage their workforce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQFLL2u_QvA These features streamline shift creation and elevate overall efficiency. Here are three key benefits to ponder: Efficient Shift Allocation: Algorithms automatically assign shifts based on employee availability and labor demand, simplifying the process for managers. Conflict Detection: Scheduling software can flag potential errors, reducing the risk of double-booking or staffing shortages, ensuring smoother operations. Real-Time Adjustments: With advanced tools, you can modify schedules instantly and notify employees through integrated communication systems, keeping everyone informed. Mobile Accessibility Options Mobile accessibility options in scheduling software are vital for modern small businesses looking to improve workforce management. These features allow employees to view schedules, request time off, and manage availability on-the-go, enhancing flexibility and communication. Many scheduling apps provide dedicated mobile applications, ensuring you can access important tools like shift trading and notifications directly from your smartphone. GPS time tracking capabilities accurately monitor employee hours, reducing clocking-in errors at unauthorized locations. Real-time notifications keep everyone informed of schedule changes, minimizing confusion. Furthermore, user-friendly interfaces enable quick scheduling adjustments, allowing managers to respond swiftly to staffing needs from anywhere. Investing in mobile accessibility helps create a more efficient and connected workforce. How Scheduling Software Benefits Small Businesses Even though managing a small business can be challenging, scheduling software offers significant benefits that streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. Here are three key advantages: Automated Scheduling: The software automates shift creation and tracks employee hours, minimizing scheduling conflicts and enhancing staffing accuracy. Improved Communication: Features like employee self-service for shift trading and real-time notifications encourage better communication, leading to increased employee satisfaction. Cost and Compliance Management: Scheduling tools help track time-off requests, manage labor costs, and guarantee adherence to labor laws, reducing the risk of legal issues related to overtime and breaks. Top Picks for Scheduling Software in 2025 As you explore the top scheduling software picks for 2025, consider the best free options available to small businesses. Connecteam and Homebase offer robust features without cost, whereas Sling provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the scheduling process. Best Free Options Finding the right scheduling software can greatly streamline your small business operations, particularly when you can do it for free. Here are three top free options worth considering: Connecteam: This platform offers a robust free plan for up to 10 employees, featuring auto-scheduling, employee time tracking, and payroll integrations, making it an all-in-one solution for small businesses. Sling: With its free plan, Sling provides basic scheduling functionalities, including manual scheduling with drag-and-drop capabilities and labor cost tracking tools to manage workforce expenses effectively. Homebase: Homebase includes a free plan that features auto-scheduling based on labor targets, along with budget forecasting tools, catering particularly to small businesses aiming to optimize their scheduling processes. These options can help you manage your workforce without incurring additional costs. Key Features Comparison When selecting scheduling software for your small business in 2025, it’s essential to understand the key features that differentiate the top options available. Connecteam stands out with its free plan for up to 10 employees, offering auto-scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integrations, making it a strong all-in-one choice. Sling’s free plan includes basic scheduling, whereas its paid options add drag-and-drop scheduling and labor cost tracking. Deputy utilizes AI for auto-scheduling and labor demand forecasting, even if it lacks a free plan. Homebase likewise features a free plan with auto-scheduling based on labor targets and budget forecasting tools. Finally, Findmyshift offers an Excel-like interface with multi-cell editing and real-time reporting, appealing to spreadsheet-savvy users. User-Friendly Interfaces Selecting scheduling software that features a user-friendly interface can greatly improve your small business’s efficiency and ease of use. Here are some top picks for 2025: Connecteam: This all-in-one solution offers an intuitive interface, auto-scheduling, and time tracking, with a free plan for up to 10 employees. Sling: With its drag-and-drop functionality, Sling simplifies manual scheduling and provides basic features for small teams at no cost. Homebase: Known for its clear navigation, Homebase allows automatic scheduling based on labor targets and additionally offers a free plan for small businesses. These options not just improve usability but also streamline your scheduling processes, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business. Connecteam: Best All-in-One Scheduling Solution Connecteam stands out as a top-tier all-in-one scheduling solution customized for small businesses, offering an array of features designed to simplify workforce management. With a free plan for up to 10 employees, it’s an affordable choice for small teams. You’ll appreciate the automatic scheduling, employee time tracking, and payroll integrations that help streamline operations and reduce errors. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for managers to create and manage schedules, whereas employees can trade shifts and manage their availability seamlessly. Real-time notifications keep everyone informed about schedule updates, enhancing communication and minimizing confusion. Plus, the mobile app guarantees that field and remote employees stay connected and updated on their schedules from anywhere, so you can manage your workforce effectively. Sling: Affordable Scheduling With Essential Features Sling offers an affordable solution for small businesses seeking vital scheduling features without the hefty price tag. With its free plan, you can access fundamental tools that fit even limited budgets. Here are some key features that make Sling a practical choice: User-Friendly Interface: The drag-and-drop scheduling makes it easy for managers to create and adjust shifts quickly. Labor Cost Tracking: You can monitor labor expenses effectively, ensuring your business stays within budget. Employee Self-Service: Staff can manage their availability and trade shifts directly, reducing the administrative burden on you. For businesses needing more advanced tools, Sling additionally provides paid plans that improve scheduling capabilities, making it adaptable as your business grows. Deputy: AI-Powered Scheduling for Growing Businesses For businesses that are growing and need a more sophisticated scheduling solution, Deputy presents an innovative approach with its AI-powered scheduling features. This platform analyzes labor demand and employee availability to create ideal schedules, making it easier for you to manage your workforce. Crucial tools like time-off management, shift swapping, and real-time notifications improve communication and efficiency. Feature Description AI-Powered Scheduling Creates ideal schedules based on demand Mobile App Accessibility Allows employees to manage schedules on-the-go Payroll Integration Streamlines payroll processing and time tracking Though Deputy doesn’t offer a free plan, its user-friendly interface simplifies manual scheduling, making it a solid choice for growing businesses. Homebase: Free Plan With Auto-Scheduling Capabilities When you’re managing a small business, having the right tools can make all the difference in streamlining operations. Homebase offers a free plan that includes robust auto-scheduling capabilities, helping you create efficient schedules without manual effort. Here are some key features: Time-off management: Employees can easily request time off, ensuring you have visibility into their availability. Optimized staff coverage: The auto-scheduling feature reduces conflicts and errors, allowing you to meet labor targets effectively. Mobile app access: Employees can view and manage their schedules on-the-go, promoting better communication. Additionally, Homebase seamlessly integrates with payroll systems, ensuring accurate syncing of hours worked, which minimizes potential payroll errors. This makes it an excellent choice for small businesses seeking efficiency. Findmyshift: Excel-Like Interface for Ease of Use Findmyshift stands out with its Excel-like scheduling interface, making it an ideal choice for small businesses that prefer a familiar format. This intuitive design allows you to create and manage employee schedules effortlessly, leveraging spreadsheet layouts. You can make bulk changes quickly with multi-cell editing, saving you valuable time. The platform likewise features real-time reporting, which helps you track labor costs and manage staffing expenses effectively. Moreover, the drag-and-drop functionality enables you to easily customize and adjust schedules, minimizing the hassle of manual tasks. Overall, Findmyshift’s user-friendly design caters particularly to small businesses, ensuring less confusion and improved time management in your scheduling operations, allowing you to focus more on running your business efficiently. Pricing Plans and Options for Small Business Scheduling Software How can small businesses find the right scheduling software without breaking the bank? There are several affordable options with free plans that can meet your needs. Here are three significant choices: Connecteam: Offers a free plan for up to 10 employees, with paid plans starting at competitive rates, providing additional features as your business grows. Sling: Features a free plan with basic scheduling tools, whereas its paid plans include advanced options like labor cost tracking, perfect for managing budgets. Homebase: Includes a free plan with auto-scheduling based on labor targets, making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses looking to streamline operations. These options can help you maintain efficient scheduling without straining your budget. How to Choose the Right Scheduling Software for Your Business Selecting the right scheduling software for your business involves careful consideration of various factors that align with your specific needs and budget. Start by evaluating affordability through different pricing models, including free trials and paid options. Confirm the interface is user-friendly to facilitate quick schedule management without extensive training. Prioritize fundamental features like automatic scheduling and time-off management, which boost efficiency. Scalability is vital, so choose software that can grow with your business. Finally, look for real-time notifications and integration capabilities with tools like payroll systems to improve communication and minimize errors. Feature Importance Example Pricing Models Budget-friendly Free and paid plans User Interface Ease of use Drag-and-drop functionality Integration Capabilities Streamlined processes Sync with payroll systems Frequently Asked Questions Is Calendly Actually Free? Yes, Calendly offers a free plan that includes unlimited meetings, allowing you to schedule appointments without any cost. This free version provides basic features like a personalized booking page and integration with Google, Outlook, or Office 365 calendars. Nevertheless, you can only create one active event type. If you need more advanced functionalities, such as multiple event types or team scheduling, you can opt for paid plans starting at $10 per seat per month. What Is the Most Popular Scheduling Software? The most popular scheduling software often includes options like Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, and Doodle. Calendly’s user-friendly interface and integration capabilities make it a top choice. Acuity Scheduling stands out for its customization and ease of use, especially for small businesses. Doodle thrives in group scheduling, enabling users to find suitable times for meetings through polling. Each tool caters to specific needs, so consider your requirements when choosing the best option for you. Is Square Appointments Really Free? Yes, Square Appointments offers a free plan for single-location businesses. This plan includes basic scheduling features, allowing you to manage unlimited appointments without monthly fees. Nonetheless, be aware that transaction processing fees apply when you accept payments through the system. With the free plan, you can likewise send automated reminders and receive customer confirmations, making it a practical option for small businesses looking to simplify appointment management without incurring upfront costs. Is Calendly Good for Small Businesses? Calendly is a solid option for small businesses looking to streamline their scheduling process. Its user-friendly interface allows clients to book appointments easily via personalized links. With unlimited meetings on all plans, you won’t face extra costs for frequent interactions. Integrations with tools like HubSpot and automated reminders help improve communication and reduce no-shows. Plus, the free plan lets you start without any upfront investment, making it accessible for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right scheduling software is essential for small businesses aiming to improve efficiency and communication. Solutions like Connecteam and Homebase offer customized features that simplify scheduling and employee management. By investing in these tools, you can streamline operations, reduce scheduling conflicts, and guarantee compliance with labor laws. Assess your specific needs, explore the available options, and choose software that aligns with your business goals to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction. Image Via Envato This article, "Best Scheduling Software for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The The President administration escalated its campaign to fire federal workers during the government shutdown, seizing the opportunity to further slash the already diminished CDC. On Tuesday, the union that represents workers at the CDC said that the agency’s workforce has already been reduced by a quarter since the beginning of the year. During the shutdown, the public health agency, which steered U.S. health policy through the pandemic, has found itself in the crosshairs of the The President administration once again. Over the weekend, around 1,300 CDC employees received layoff notices. By Saturday, the agency rescinded roughly 700 of the planned terminations, saying that the additional unintended layoffs were due to a “coding error.” The CDC layoffs are part of a new round of mass layoffs that have reduced core parts of the federal government, including the Treasury Department, the Education Department, and Health and Human Services (HHS), which houses the CDC. In August, CDC Director Susan Monarez was fired after refusing to “rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives” or fire health experts on her team, according to her legal team. Many of the CDC’s top leaders followed her departure, resigning in protest and deepening the chaos roiling the nation’s public health agency. Life and death stakes Dismantling the CDC is clearly a top priority during The President’s second term, but the risks are huge. The agency, which was largely regarded as uncontroversial and essential until the COVID-19 pandemic, is tasked with protecting Americans from infectious diseases and other public health threats both domestic and global. CDC employees involved in the response to the domestic measles outbreaks and an Ebola outbreak in central Africa were among those who were fired during the shutdown but had their layoff notices reversed. Other CDC workers weren’t so lucky, including analysts working to monitor biological and chemical threats and members of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response who work with U.S. intelligence agencies on “biodefense issues such as pandemics and weaponized pathogens,” the Washington Post reported. Other employees in the same department ran biodefense drills and monitored natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks and cyberattacks on health facilities. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said late last week that all fired CDC employees were designated as non-essential, defending the decision to further diminish the agency. “HHS continues to close wasteful and duplicative entities, including those that are at odds with the The President administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda,” Nixon said. In a joint letter from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and other organizations focused on epidemiology, public health experts condemned the firings as “a completely reckless act that may compromise the health of all Americans.” “For nearly eight decades, CDC has worked around the clock to protect Americans from a growing range of health threats from rabies to food safety to Ebola,” the organizations wrote. “The agency’s support of state and local health departments and health care professionals is the backbone of our nation’s public health response.” Fighting the layoffs Two unions representing federal workers, the AFGE and AFSCME, filed a lawsuit to halt the layoffs and will await a San Francisco district judge’s decision after preliminary arguments on Wednesday. The unions argue that the The President administration is “using federal employees as pawns” to put political pressure on its political opposition and asked for a temporary pause on the most recent firings. In previous government shutdowns, employees faced furloughs but were never fired en masse. “These illegal firings of our union members during a federal government shutdown is a callous attack on hard working Americans and puts the livelihoods, health, and safety of our members and communities at great risk” Local AFGE 2883 President Yolanda Jacobs said in a call with reporters. Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance defended the mass firings on NBC’s “Meet the Press and blamed Democrats for the layoffs and the government shutdown. Vance misleadingly characterized the layoffs as necessary to keep other parts of the government funded and running, but many federal workers aren’t being paid during the shutdown. “We have to lay off some federal workers in the midst of this shutdown to preserve the essential benefits for the American people that the government does provide,” Vance said. That story conflicts with The President’s own. The president has hailed the shutdown as a golden opportunity to slash departments and programs that he doesn’t agree with. “We’re ending some programs that we don’t want,” The President told reporters over the weekend. “They happen to be Democrat-sponsored programs, but we’re ending some programs that we never wanted and we’re probably not going to allow them to come back.” View the full article

In a WSJ interview, Google’s VP of Search Liz Reid says ranking has been adjusted to surface more short-form video, forums, and UGC. The post Google Says It Surfaces More Video, Forums, And UGC appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Owning a home sounds like a dream, sure, but a majority of Gen Z Americans feel discouraged about whether they can make this sort of lifetime goal a reality. To blame? Housing just isn’t affordable. While two-thirds of Americans between the ages of 18 and 27 say that homeownership is a lifetime goal, 82% of people in this generation believe that actually buying a home is more difficult for them than older generations, according to a new survey of 1,000 Gen Z adults released today by Realtor.com. Things are so bad, in fact, that 16% of Gen Zers rate housing affordability as one of their top life concerns. And it’s not just a feeling: Younger generations have been largely locked out of the housing market in recent years because of the affordability issue that’s made worse by a few influencing factors, according to Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. In addition to a lack of new housing inventory, the elevated home prices for existing homes and high mortgage rates mean that homeownership really is out of reach for many would-be buyers, she says. “It’s really, really challenging to be a first-time homebuyer in this market,” Jones tells Fast Company. “But there are definitely ways to go about it, and creative ways to approach homeownership.” 33% OF GEN Z SAVING FOR A DOWN PAYMENT That’s because the survey results, while largely showing how discouraged Gen Z feels, did reveal something that Jones finds encouraging: Nearly three-quarters of respondents have already started saving for a down payment. While respondents predict they’ll need about $54,500 for a down payment, which is far less than the $85,000 necessary for a 20% down payment on a home with the national median listing price of $425,000, it’s nearly double the most-recent average down payment of $30,250. By proactively saving, even if they worry about affordability, this underscores just how much of a priority owning a home is for younger people and that they’re still optimistic it’s possible, provided they save enough money, Jones says. “Even though Gen Z views homeownership as unattainable, they’re thinking about it and saving for it.” Respondents said they’re interested in dependable ways to grow their wealth or cut costs to save for a down payment rather than betting on the potential for making money from riskier bets on stocks or cryptocurrencies. And they’ll make some sacrifices—like going back home to live with their parents, living with roommates, buying homes with friends if they’re unmarried—so they can overcome that affordability hurdle, Jones says. MARKET SOLUTIONS NEEDED But some solutions that will help this generation are far beyond their control: More new homes need to come on the market, including the construction of more starter homes and multi-family homes that are available at different sizes and price points for generations that aren’t yet earning a lot, Jones says. And while much has been made of the so-called great wealth transfer, in which trillions of dollars will be transferred from older generations to younger generations, would-be homebuyers will benefit more immediately from a dip in mortgage rates. About 80% of home owners with outstanding mortgages are locked in at rates below 6%, so that will serve as an “important psychological boundary” that may help unlock some housing inventory, Jones says. The national average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is currently 6.19%, according to Nerdwallet. Realtor.com hasn’t yet forecasted mortgage rates for 2026, when it’s possible that they’ll dip below 6%, but that’s coming in the relatively near future and once it does, it will bring a wave of people who are ready to move and will bring more housing inventory to the market. “Lower mortgage rates will unlock a lot of housing so it can boost housing affordability,” Jones says. View the full article

The megalender is accusing a nearby brokerage of skirting labor laws and avoiding significant overhead costs in misclassifying hundreds of employees. View the full article

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026-27 school year has officially opened. Despite the U.S. government shutdown, the Education Department will continue to process the FAFSA. If you plan to attend college next year, Jill Desjean, director of policy analysis at The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, recommends that you fill it out as soon as you can. If it’s your first time applying, here’s what you need to know: How does the FAFSA work? The FAFSA is a free government application that uses students’ and their families’ financial information to determine whether they can get financial aid from the federal government to pay for college. The application will send a student’s financial information to the schools they are interested in attending. The amount of financial aid a student receives depends on each institution. The application is also used to determine eligibility for other federal student aid programs, like work-study and loans, as well as state and school aid. Sometimes, private, merit-based scholarships also require FAFSA information to determine if a student qualifies. What is the deadline to fill out the FAFSA? The 2026-2027 FAFSA application must be submitted by June 30, 2027. However, each state has different deadlines for financial aid. For example, California has a March 2, 2026, deadline and Kansas has an April 15, 2026, deadline for state financial aid programs. You can check your state’s deadline here. This year’s application rolled out Sept. 24, a week ahead of the anticipated Oct. 1 launch. “This is a really welcomed change and hopefully it will be a turning point where we can expect to see a FAFSA every year by or even before October 1st,” Desjean said. How can I prepare to fill out the FAFSA form? The first step in the process is to create a studentaid.gov account and gather the following documents: — Social Security number — Driver’s license number — Alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen — Federal income tax returns, W-2s and other records of money earned — Bank statements and records of investments — Records of untaxed income Who should fill out the FAFSA? Anyone planning to attend college next year should fill out the form. Both first-time college students and returning students can apply. “Even if you think you won’t qualify, the worst thing that can happen is that you might get finance aid you didn’t know you qualified for,” Desjean said. Students and parents can use the federal student aid estimator to get an early approximation of their financial package. What information do I need from my parents? If you are filing as a dependent student, you’ll need to provide the financial information of at least one parent. Parents need to create their own FSA IDs. When your parents fill out the application, they can manually input their tax return information or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Adriana Morga, Associated Press View the full article

When the corroded pipeline burst in 2015, inky crude spread along the Southern California coast, becoming the state’s worst oil spill in decades. More than 140,000 gallons (3,300 barrels) of oil gushed out, blackening beaches for 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, polluting a biologically rich habitat for endangered whales and sea turtles, killing scores of pelicans, seals, and dolphins, and decimating the fishing industry. Plains All American Pipeline in 2022 agreed to a $230 million settlement with fishers and coastal property owners without admitting liability. Federal inspectors found that the Houston-based company failed to quickly detect the rupture and responded too slowly. It faced an uphill battle to build a new pipeline. Three decades-old drilling platforms were subsequently shuttered, but another Texas-based fossil fuel company supported by the The President administration purchased the operation and is intent on pumping oil through the pipeline again. Sable Offshore Corp., headquartered in Houston, is facing a slew of legal challenges but is determined to restart production, even if that means confining it to federal waters, where state regulators have virtually no say. California controls the 3 miles (5 kilometers) nearest to shore. The platforms are 5 to 9 miles (8 to 14 kilometers) offshore. The The President administration has hailed Sable’s plans as the kind of project the president wants to increase U.S. energy production as the federal government removes regulatory barriers. President Donald The President has directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to undo his predecessor’s ban on future offshore oil drilling on the East and West coasts. Environmentalists sue to stop the project “This project risks another environmental disaster in California at a time when demand for oil is going down and the climate crisis is escalating,” said Alex Katz, executive director of Environmental Defense Center, the Santa Barbara group formed in response to a massive spill in 1969. The environmental organization is among several suing Sable. “Our concern is that there is no way to make this pipeline safe and that this company has proven that it cannot be trusted to operate safely, responsibly or even legally,” he said. Actor and activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who lives in the area, has implored officials to stop Sable, saying at a March protest: “I can smell a rat. And this project is a rat.” The California Coastal Commission fined Sable a record $18 million for ignoring cease-and-desist orders over repair work it says was done without permits. Sable said it has permits from the previous owner, Exxon Mobil, and sued the commission while work continued on the pipeline. In June, a state judge ordered it to stop while the case proceeds through the court. The commission and Sable are due back in court Wednesday. “This fly-by-night oil company has repeatedly abused the public’s trust, racking up millions of dollars in fines and causing environmental damage along the treasured Gaviota Coast,” a state park south of Santa Barbara, said Joshua Smith, the commission’s spokesman. Sable keeps moving forward So far, Sable is undeterred. The California Attorney General’s office sued Sable this month, saying it illegally discharged waste into waterways, and disregarded state law requiring permits before work along the pipeline route that crosses sensitive wildlife habitat. “Sable placed profits over environmental protection in its rush to get oil on the market,” the agency said in its lawsuit. Last month, the Santa Barbara District Attorney filed felony criminal charges against Sable, also accusing it of polluting waterways and harming wildlife. Sable said it has fully cooperated with local and state agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and called the district attorney’s allegation “inflammatory and extremely misleading.” It said a biologist and state fire marshal officials oversaw the work, and no wildlife was harmed. The company is seeking $347 million for the delays, and says if the state blocks it from restarting the onshore pipeline system, it will use a floating facility that would keep its entire operation in federal waters and use tankers to transport the oil to markets outside California. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday, the company updated its plan to include the option. Fulfilling the president’s energy promise The U.S. Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said in July it was working with Sable to bring a second rig online. “President The President made it clear that American energy should come from American resources,” the agency’s deputy director Kenny Stevens said in a statement then, heralding the “comeback story for Pacific production.” The agency said there are an estimated 190 million barrels (6 billion gallons) of recoverable oil reserves in the area, nearly 80% of residual Pacific reserves. It noted advancements in preventing and preparing for oil spills and said the failed pipeline has been rigorously tested. “Continuous monitoring and improved technology significantly reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future,” the agency said. CEO says project could lower gas prices On May 19 — the 10th anniversary of the disaster — CEO Jim Flores announced that Sable “is proud to have safely and responsibly achieved first production at the Santa Ynez Unit” — which includes three rigs in federal waters, offshore and onshore pipelines, and the Las Flores Canyon Processing Facility. State officials countered that the company had only conducted testing and not commercial production. Sable’s stock price dropped and some investors sued, alleging they were misled. Sable purchased the Santa Ynez Unit from Exxon Mobil in 2024 for nearly $650 million primarily with a loan from Exxon. Exxon sold the shuttered operation after losing a court battle in 2023 to truck the crude through central California while the pipeline system was rebuilt or repaired. Flores said well tests at the Platform Harmony rig indicate there is much oil to be extracted and that it will relieve California’s gas prices — among the nation’s highest — by stabilizing supplies. “Sable is very concerned about the crumbling energy complex in California,” Flores said in a statement to The Associated Press. “With the exit of two refineries last year and more shuttering soon, California’s economy cannot survive without the strong energy infrastructure it enjoyed for the last 150 years.” California has been reducing the state’s production of fossil fuels in favor of clean energy for years. The movement has been spearheaded partly by Santa Barbara County, where elected officials voted in May to begin taking steps to phase out onshore oil and gas operations. —Julie Watson, Associated Press Associated Press writer Matthew Brown contributed to this report. View the full article

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¿Cuál es el propósito de tu proyecto? ¿Qué se requiere? Estas son algunas de las primeras preguntas que debes hacerte, y se reúnen en una recopilación o elicitación de requisitos. Este proceso conduce al diseño y desarrollo de un proyecto exitoso. Descarga esta plantilla gratuita de recopilación de requisitos para Word y asegúrate de cubrir todos los aspectos fundamentales. Esta plantilla es solo el comienzo de tu proyecto, uno que requerirá mucha gestión para mantenerse bajo control. El tipo de software que utilices será clave, especialmente si esa herramienta se integra con otras y reúne la mayoría de las funciones necesarias en un solo lugar. Si utilizas un software de gestión de proyectos como ProjectManager, podrás adjuntar la plantilla de recopilación de requisitos a tu proyecto, junto con todos los documentos de apoyo, y mantenerlos accesibles para todo tu equipo. Incluso puedes adjuntar estos documentos directamente a una tarea, asignar un responsable y una fecha límite, y luego hacer seguimiento del progreso. Después, crea un cronograma con nuestros potentes diagramas de Gantt, enlazando los cuatro tipos de dependencias de tareas para evitar sobrecostos, filtrando la ruta crítica para identificar las tareas sin holgura y estableciendo una línea base para realizar el seguimiento en tiempo real. Comienza hoy gratis con ProjectManager. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ES-Spanish-Gantt-CTA.jpgMás información ¿Qué es una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos? Una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos es un documento estructurado que recopila, organiza y documenta las necesidades y expectativas de las partes interesadas de un proyecto, producto o sistema. Proporciona un formato coherente para recopilar requisitos de diversas partes interesadas y capturar toda la información necesaria. Este documento ayuda a definir y aclarar el alcance del proyecto o producto, facilitando la comunicación entre el equipo de proyecto y los interesados. Los equipos de proyecto utilizan una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos para asegurarse de tener una comprensión sólida de las necesidades de las partes interesadas, lo que se traduce en resultados de proyecto más exitosos. ¿Por qué necesitas una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos? La plantilla de recopilación de requisitos es la base sobre la cual se sustenta tu proyecto. Recoge lo que se necesita y sirve como puente de información entre el usuario y el desarrollador. El usuario comunica lo que requiere y el desarrollador lo anticipa para asegurarse de que todo lo necesario en el producto esté contemplado en la recopilación de requisitos. Según el Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, un requisito es “una condición o capacidad que necesita una parte interesada para resolver un problema o lograr un objetivo; una condición o capacidad que debe cumplir o poseer una solución o componente de solución para satisfacer un contrato, estándar, especificación u otros documentos formalmente impuestos; una representación documentada de una condición o capacidad”, como se indica en las dos definiciones anteriores. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plantilla-de-recopilacion-de-requisitos-de-proyecto-600x397.png Por lo tanto, los requisitos recopilados deben ser comprendidos por la parte interesada o el usuario. La recopilación de requisitos es una forma de reunirlos todos en un solo lugar, donde puedan ser aprobados por el usuario o las partes interesadas y por quienes ejecutarán el proyecto. Esta plantilla de recopilación de requisitos abarca requisitos de negocio, de usuario y del sistema. Es un documento fundamental que debe completarse antes de comenzar cualquier proyecto, especialmente los de TI o desarrollo de software. Incluye todas las características y funciones de un producto y es comprensible para todos los involucrados, sin ambigüedades. De este modo, ayuda a llevar el proyecto a una conclusión satisfactoria para todas las partes. ¿Quién debe usar una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos? Cualquier persona involucrada en la gestión de proyectos, desarrollo de productos, desarrollo de software o cualquier iniciativa en la que los objetivos empresariales definidos sean esenciales puede usar esta plantilla. Beneficia a quienes necesitan un enfoque estructurado para documentar y comunicar los requisitos del proyecto, incluidos los gerentes de proyecto, analistas de negocio, propietarios de producto, desarrolladores de software, consultores, clientes y partes interesadas. ¿Qué incluye nuestra plantilla de recopilación de requisitos para Word? La plantilla gratuita de recopilación de requisitos contiene siete secciones, una para cada tipo de requisito de proyecto. Requisitos de negocio Definen los objetivos estratégicos y el propósito del proyecto. Explican qué necesidad organizacional se busca cubrir, qué beneficios se esperan y cómo se medirá el éxito. Suelen estar alineados con la visión, metas corporativas y prioridades estratégicas de la organización o del cliente. Requisitos de las partes interesadas Recogen las expectativas, intereses y condiciones planteadas por las personas u organismos involucrados. Incluyen directivos, clientes, proveedores, comunidad y autoridades. Garantizan que el proyecto considere y equilibre las necesidades de todos los actores relevantes en su planificación y ejecución. Requisitos funcionales Describen las funciones o resultados específicos que debe cumplir el proyecto o producto final. Detallan qué actividades, procesos o entregables deben realizarse para satisfacer los objetivos del negocio y las necesidades de las partes interesadas, asegurando trazabilidad y cumplimiento medible. Requisitos no funcionales Definen las condiciones bajo las cuales deben cumplirse los requisitos funcionales. Se refieren a aspectos de calidad como eficiencia, seguridad, durabilidad, facilidad de mantenimiento o estética. Establecen estándares de desempeño y fiabilidad esperados en la entrega del proyecto. Requisitos técnicos Describen las condiciones físicas, materiales o metodológicas necesarias para ejecutar el proyecto. Pueden incluir especificaciones de equipos, materiales, herramientas, métodos constructivos, o procedimientos operativos. Garantizan que el proyecto sea viable técnica y operativamente dentro de los recursos disponibles. Requisitos regulatorios y de cumplimiento Incluyen todas las leyes, normas, licencias y políticas aplicables al proyecto. Abarcan requisitos de seguridad, medio ambiente, salud ocupacional, contratación o calidad. Su objetivo es asegurar que las actividades y entregables cumplan con los estándares legales y sectoriales vigentes. Requisitos de usuario o de operación Definen cómo los usuarios, clientes o beneficiarios utilizarán o interactuarán con el producto, servicio o instalación final. Describen necesidades de accesibilidad, mantenimiento, comodidad, seguridad o facilidad de uso que garanticen una experiencia satisfactoria y eficiente. Requisitos de transición o implementación Establecen las condiciones necesarias para la puesta en marcha y entrega del proyecto. Incluyen capacitación, documentación, validaciones, pruebas, recepción de obra y procedimientos de entrega. Buscan asegurar una adopción fluida, sin interrupciones en las operaciones existentes. ¿Cómo usar nuestra plantilla de recopilación de requisitos? Nuestra plantilla de recopilación de requisitos está diseñada para ser práctica y adaptable. Todos los campos son dinámicos, por lo que si necesitas cambiar el nombre de una sección o encabezado para alinearlo con la terminología de tu organización, basta con seleccionarlo y escribir encima. También hay espacio en los cuadros para agregar filas y columnas según sea necesario, de modo que puedas detallar tu lista tanto como quieras. Ejemplos de cuándo usar una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos Veamos algunos escenarios por sector que pueden beneficiarse de un proceso de recopilación de requisitos bien ejecutado. Recopilación de requisitos en servicios profesionales En los servicios profesionales, una plantilla de recopilación de requisitos ayuda a garantizar que el proyecto esté alineado con las necesidades del cliente. Por ejemplo, si una panadería local contrata una agencia de marketing para crear un nuevo sitio web, esta plantilla puede ayudar a comprender los objetivos, desafíos y expectativas de la panadería. Permite definir el alcance del proyecto para evitar desviaciones y sirve como puente de comunicación entre la agencia de marketing y la panadería. Recopilación de requisitos en TI Dado que el sector TI es altamente orientado al cliente, también se beneficia enormemente de nuestra plantilla. En el desarrollo de software, ayuda a comprender los flujos de trabajo de los usuarios, sus puntos de dolor y las funcionalidades deseadas. Este proceso también resulta útil en las mejoras de infraestructura de red, al analizar la red existente para identificar cuellos de botella y vulnerabilidades de seguridad. La recopilación de requisitos facilita la obtención de información de las partes interesadas, fomenta discusiones colaborativas y garantiza que las empresas de TI ofrezcan soluciones alineadas con las necesidades del cliente. Recopilación de requisitos en servicios financieros En los servicios financieros, la recopilación de requisitos resulta esencial debido al estricto entorno regulatorio y la complejidad del manejo de datos. Ayuda a mejorar el cumplimiento normativo al capturar las obligaciones regulatorias y documentar cómo los procesos cumplirán con esos estándares. También contribuye a abordar estrategias de mitigación de riesgos como la detección de fraudes, la evaluación de riesgos y la recuperación ante desastres. ProjectManager para cumplir con los requisitos del proyecto Como se mencionó anteriormente, la recopilación de requisitos es solo el punto de partida que impulsa un proyecto hacia adelante. Mantenerse en el camino y alcanzar la meta con éxito requiere más que recopilar y planificar: se necesitan las herramientas adecuadas para el trabajo. ProjectManager es un software de gestión de proyectos basado en la nube, lo que significa que nuestro panel en tiempo real captura el progreso a medida que los miembros del equipo actualizan la información. Estos datos se transforman automáticamente en gráficos y diagramas coloridos, fáciles de leer y compartir. ProjectManager facilita la colaboración y ofrece diagramas de Gantt en línea para mantener a todos dentro del cronograma, además de tableros Kanban para un flujo de trabajo visual. Descubre cómo puede ayudar a tu próximo proyecto con esta prueba gratuita de 30 días. The post Plantilla de recopilación de requisitos de proyecto (descarga gratuita) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Earlier this month we talked about work restaurant meals gone wrong, and here are 12 of my favorite stories you shared. 1. The mistaken identity I (F) was in my mid-30s and traveling to work with a client. He had sent up a dinner that should have included five or six of us on the project. Everyone backed out except me, which is how I found myself at a cozy, fireside table for two at a dark but excellent Boston restaurant, drinking a glass of champagne. (I was in my bubbles era…) And who should happen to be dining there but his wife’s cousin, who barged up to the table wanting to know why he was sipping bubbly with me rather than hanging out at home with his extremely pregnant wife. Awkward doesn’t even begin to describe it. 2. The tomato sauce I once worked at an English language school. The owner was from Brazil and hired a Brazilian woman she knew to cook for the faculty and staff every day. It was mostly a way to pay someone in her community, but the woman always made phenomenal food. At this stage in my life, I knew next to nothing about Brazilian culture or food. On my second or third day, I went into the breakroom and saw a crockpot of what looked like tomato soup next to some lovely, inviting rolls of fresh bread. I excitedly ladled some of the crockpot contents into a bowl, grabbed a spoon, and sat down with some of my new coworkers (who had just finished eating). I was chattering away, eating my lunch by the spoonful and occasionally dipping in pieces of bread. I noticed that my coworkers were growing silent and some were looking at me a bit awkwardly. Finally, one of them turned to our cook and said, “Ana, this is so phenomenal, I think I’m going to get seconds!” She then went over to the crockpot … and I realized, to my utter horror, that the crockpot contained meatballs in tomato sauce and the rolls were for making meatball subs. And I had just spent the past 15 minutes sitting there eating tomato sauce with a spoon like a deranged person. 3. The Arnold Palmers A new salesperson at my husband’s office took a client to lunch. The client ordered an Arnold Palmer to drink. Thinking he should match the energy of the client, the salesperson ordered a Red Bull and vodka. Every time the client got a fresh drink, so did the salesperson. When asked why he was inebriated after a work lunch, he explained the situation to my husband, who in turn explained to him what an Arnold Palmer was. (For those who don’t know, it’s half lemonade and half iced tea.) Lesson learned. Not sure if he got the account, but he certainly made an impression! 4. The cheese bread I worked for a shoestring budget faith-based nonprofit that decided to do a year-long competition where the prize was a paid meal at a Brazilian steakhouse. I went, but we did not get plus-one’s. My very pregnant wife was jealous because she loves the cheese bread they serve at Brazilian steakhouses. So I put two gallon-size plastic bags in my backpack, stuffed it under the table, and every time the server reloaded a bread basket, I dumped the whole thing into my bag. I came home a hero. The dinner was also attended by two young right-out-of-college intern men who were sharing a crappy apartment and living off ramen because they made so little. I have never seen two people absolutely gorge like those two did. I think they were getting their calories for the next two weeks. 5. The electric bagpipe machine At a farewell dinner for a beloved colleague, my company was taking up about half the restaurant. The retired founder of our company decided it would be appropriate to bring out and start up his ELECTRIC BAGPIPE MACHINE, which is a box that basically sounds like a theramin in a kilt. Everyone in the restaurant, including most of us, thought some kind of deranged fire alarm was going off. He then proceeded to distribute handouts with lyrics of comic song he’d written to the tune of the Skye Boat Song about events on a work away-weekend from before most of us worked at the company (and before I was born), and expected us all to sing along with the machine. All the poor normal people who’d just wanted a nice restaurant dinner were staring at us, and I wanted to die. 6. The hibachi place When I was a newly hired, my new group had a welcome lunch at a hibachi place, similar to Benihana, where the server cooks your food in front of you and puts on a show while doing so. The server called me “sexy lady” and squirted saki directly into people’s mouths. It was awkward and weird. Thankfully the group otherwise had normal standards of professionalism but it was a very weird first impression. That restaurant was to go to for group lunches for years. 7. The conversion A business dinner actually made me vegetarian. Early in my career, I was connected via networking to a really nice and helpful woman who helped me get an internship at her company. The week before the internship started, she invited me out for drinks and sushi with a few coworkers and outgoing interns so I could hear more about the company and get a heard start on introductions. Super nice! At the time, I didn’t eat fish (just because I didn’t like the taste) and when the waiter came around to me, I ordered the veggie roll. The woman who invited me turned excitedly to me and said, “Oh, are you a vegetarian too??” In my early-20s eagerness to please and desire to connect further with this really, really nice person, I panicked and said, “Yes!” Not only was this a weird white lie, my internship at her company started the next week so I was also locking myself into living this lie by bringing vegetarian lunches and eating vegetarian at company events for at least the next four months. This actually turned out surprisingly fine – and I’ve now been vegetarian for eight years. 8. The small amount of tapas I worked at a company that wanted to be a luxury fashion brand. They announced an all-staff party at a very posh tapas place on the beach, a few hours away from the office. The party was mandatory, so they rented buses to drive the entire company (70+ people) to the restaurant. We had an entire floor to ourselves, which included a beautiful view of the sun slowly setting over the ocean. Five hours of beachside views, appetizers, and quiet chat – what could go wrong? Somehow, the plates of appetizers ordered ahead of time were not party-sized, but tapas-sized. So “a plate of mini eclairs” meant “two eclairs on a tiny plate.” The executive team ate all the appetizers before they got to anyone else before realizing that, no, that little plate with a single mini quiche on it was the only one coming out. The waitstaff also didn’t bring water to anyone except the executive team, because it was the restaurant’s policy that only diners got water and they were the only ones who ate. People asked if they could order their own dishes and pay for them on their own, but were repeatedly told no by both the waitstaff and the head of HR. People started wandering around and attempting to leave to get food elsewhere but were dragged back by head of HR. We were all forced to sit at a single long table, without moving from our seats, without food or water, for the rest of the party. At hour 4, the waitstaff brought out three small baskets of those dry boxed breadsticks. To their credit, all the managers at the section of the table I sat at made sure their staff ate breadsticks first before they did, so the managers ate nothing. Executive staff did get a single breadstick each. This was not considered sufficient enough dining for the waitstaff to bring us water. I must have looked crazy to the guy who walked into the bathroom and saw me drinking from the bathroom sink before the bus ride. No one spoke to each other on the hours-long bus ride home. 9. The boor We were a very social office of about eight people and had two new starters in the same week. One of the new starters had made a couple of comments about being frugal before the meal, but none of us thought anything much about it. Until it came to paying and leaving. Being the highest paid person there, after everyone had pad for what they had, I left a tip. The new starter grabbed my arm with dismay and shock as we got up from the table to inform me that I’d left some money behind. I had to explain to a guy in his 30s what tipping was. 10. The rice At my first day of my first adult job, my boss took me out to lunch. She was an extremely proper, middle-aged woman who I never saw laugh but she was still very kind. We went to a local Thai restaurant, and she asked me a question as I was eating. I finished my bite and began to respond, but a rogue piece of rice shot out of my mouth and ONTO HER PLATE. She blinked, remained unfazed, and then when she took her next bite just gently pushed my single piece of feral rice to the side of her plate. 11. The knife attack When I worked in B2B services, we’d flown out to work directly with our most difficult client at their office for a few days, and they took us out for dinner at a fancy steakhouse. When the waiter brought us steak knives, he managed to fumble mine and drop it in such a way that it landed, point down, on my foot. I was wearing ballet flats so that part of my foot was completely unprotected and I straight up got shanked in the foot. It wasn’t so bad I needed urgent care or anything but it was bad enough that it was sore and needed to be kept covered for multiple days. The waiter looked like he was about to throw up due to shame/horror so I reassured him that it was okay, but I was either too reassuring or not reassuring enough because after that he just kind of pretended it didn’t happen? I had to flag down a different waiter to ask for a bandaid so I didn’t bleed on the restaurant floor. I kind of expected them to at least comp my dessert or something, but nope! Which, no skin off my nose financially because the client was paying, but I did low key feel entitled to at least a scoop of ice cream in compensation for being stabbed in the foot. 12. The dark dinner The owners of our franchise would throw a small holiday dinner for the higher level managers every Christmas (there was also a full staff one, a bit later). So, one year they decided to mix it up and, instead of the usual place, took us to an uptown steakhouse. The food was fine, but the whole place was dark. We were at a table where you could see the person across and next to you, there was one candle for every two people (think 14 people), and that was it, with some light from the windows. People were pulling out their phones to read the menu, conversations were stilted because you couldn’t see the people at the ends of table, the waiters were carrying a small lamp on every tray, and the various appetizers that were ordered for the table were basically just put down in one place and no way to get it if it was more then a person down. It wasn’t a light outage of some kind, it was just they were used to two-people tables and kind of shoved our group into a section that was mainly used for displaying seasonal items through the windows. The gifts that the owners handed out were passed out by an owner walking around the table to find the person it went to since they couldn’t see them from the head of the table. Next year it was back at the usual cafe. The post the mistaken identity, the electric bagpipe machine, and other work restaurant meals gone wrong appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The new platform already counts two lenders as embedded partners, with the rollout coming as mortgage leaders see rising demand coming for DSCR loans. View the full article

Shares of stocks linked to agriculture, soybeans and cooking oil are are up on Wednesday after President Donald The President said that the U.S. was considering “terminating business with China having to do with Cooking Oil and other elements of Trade” as retribution against Beijing for refusing to buy American soybeans. Pinnacle Food Group Limited (PFAI) shares were up over 77%, Sadot Group Inc. (SDOT) was up over 87%, and Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (COOT) rose over 260% at the time of this writing in midday trading on Wednesday. Pinnacle Food Group Limited sells smart farming solution services, Sadot Group is a Texas-based global food supply chain company, and Australian Oilseeds Holdings has grown to be the largest cold pressing oil plant in Australia, pressing GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds. This marks the latest chapter, and second week, in The President’s ongoing trade and tariff war with China, which reignited October 9 with restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, vital for U.S. chipmakers and the tech and defense industries. Last week, The President said he was putting 100% tariffs on Chinese goods after Beijing added five American subsidiaries of a South Korean shipping company to its sanctions list. “I believe that China purposefully not buying our Soybeans, and causing difficulty for our Soybean Farmers, is an Economically Hostile Act,” The President said Tuesday on his social media platform Truth Social. “We can easily produce Cooking Oil ourselves, we don’t need to purchase it from China.” China responded that its position on tariffs remains the same: A trade war is in neither country’s interest. The latest row comes ahead of The President’s scheduled meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Finding a pair of headphones or earbuds that meets your needs exactly—whether you’re using them at the gym, while working from home, or even when showering—doesn’t have to mean shelling out a ton of money. The best of them can be really expensive, yes. But if you're a patient shopper, you can usually find a good deal—and I don't mean waiting around for Black Friday. Here are the best deals, discounts, and sales you can find on earbuds and headphones right now. I'll be regularly updating this story with the best offers, but given these prices can change at any time, I would advise you not to wait if you spot one that fits your needs and budget. On-Ear Bluetooth Headphone, Black Marshall Major V $99.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $60.00 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones - Target Certified Refurbished Refurbished Beats Studio Pro $139.99 at Target $349.99 Save $210.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.99 at Target $349.99 Save $210.00 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, Ultra Long 50H Playtime, 10H Soundcore by Anker Space A40 $42.74 at Amazon $79.99 Save $37.25 Get Deal Get Deal $42.74 at Amazon $79.99 Save $37.25 JBL Tune Buds $49.95 at Amazon $99.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $49.95 at Amazon $99.95 Save $50.00 50-Hour Battery Life, Audio, Hybrid Noise Cancelling (ANC), All-Day Comfort Sennheiser Accentum Headphones $106.84 at Amazon $189.95 Save $83.11 Get Deal Get Deal $106.84 at Amazon $189.95 Save $83.11 Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $118.99 at Amazon $179.00 Save $60.01 Get Deal Get Deal $118.99 at Amazon $179.00 Save $60.01 SEE 3 MORE The Marshall Major V are $60 offStylish, long battery life, and booming bass: That's what you can expect from the Marshall Major V headphones, currently $99.99 (originally $159.99). While you'll find other headphones with more features on this list, these ably cover all the basics, and offer a comfortable fit and a classic '80s look. Read more about these headphones. The Beats Studio Pro are 51% offBeats headphones are known for their style and compatibility with Apple devices. Both of these points hold true for their flagship headphones, the Beats Studio Pro, which are currently more than half off, at $139.99 (originally $349.99) if you shop Target for a refurbished pair. They came out in 2023 and earned a "good" review from PCMag, which praised their sculpted sound, comfort, premium accessories, and spatial audio with head tracking. Anker Space A40 are 44% offYou can still get very good ANC earbuds even if you're not willing to shell out the big bucks. The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 are $44.99 (originally $99.99) and give you as many features and even better ANC than some high-end pairs, without the excessive price tag. The main area where these earbuds fall short is in capturing your voice when making calls, but if you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore by Anker Space A40 are a good choice. JBL Tune Buds are 50% offAnother good pair of earbuds for cheap, the JBL Tune Buds are currently going for $49.95 (originally $99.95) after a 50% discount. They're also ANC earbuds and have a Smart Ambient feature so you can hear your surroundings as well. You'll get 48 hours of battery life with the case, and four microphones to be able to be heard clearly over the phone. If you prefer a deep and thumpy sound signature, go for the JBL Tune Buds over the Anker Space A40. Sennheiser Accentum Headphones are 33% offThe Sennheiser Accentum have offered great value since their release in 2023. But for $127.35 (originally $189.95), they're even better. They offer aptX and aptX HD support for better audio quality over Bluetooth, ANC, and USB-C wired audio. They're also light and comfortable, which means they'll feel good across their impressive 50 hours of battery life. The AirPods 4 with ANC are $60 offApple users, take advantage of this deal. Right now, you can get the latest AirPods with ANC for $118.99 (originally $179.99), a record low price according to price-tracking tools. This price makes the budget-friendly version of the AirPods 4 without ANC irrelevant, since they're $117 (originally $129). Apple added a live translation feature to the ANC model when iOS 26 rolled out earlier this year. This ANC version also has a charging case with a built-in speaker, so you can locate it with Find My if you ever misplace them. This is a great price for the latest AirPods. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $197.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $819.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.00 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $149.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $79.99 (List Price $99.98) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $359.89 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — (List Price $139.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Google Ads is rolling out a major policy change around how advertisers can use prescription drug terms, marking one of the biggest shifts in healthcare ad regulation on the platform in years. What’s new. Starting Oct. 29, Google will restrict the use of prescription drug terms in ads, landing pages, and keywords, with different rules depending on location. In the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand: advertisers may promote prescription drugs if compliant with local laws. Certification is now required to keyword-target prescription terms, applying to online pharmacies, telemedicine providers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Everywhere else: Promotion of prescription drugs is banned. Only non-promotional uses (e.g., public health notices, academic research) are allowed. Certain certified businesses may still keyword-target these terms. Enforcement begins Oct. 29, and Google will ramp up over four to six weeks. Advertisers will receive a seven-day warning before any account suspension. What they’re saying. There have been either mixed or unhappy reactions to this update from the industry. “Pretty wild Google Ads update! You now must be certified to keyword target prescription drug terms. Keywords used to be fair game — this is a big shift, especially for mass tort advertisers.” said Anthony Higman, founder and CEO of AdSquire: “How does this even work with broad or phrase match? Even if you avoid a drug name, won’t AI or PMax variants still trigger it?” replied Google Ads Coach, Jyll Saskin Gales SEM strategist Abby Nelson found the update ironic: “We used to need LegitScript certification just for mentioning prescription terms on a landing page. Now broad match pulls in drug terms like Botox — and ads are still getting approved.” Why we care. Advertisers may face higher compliance costs and stricter oversight. Healthcare marketers will need certification before targeting any drug-related keywords. Legal advertisers could see disruption in campaigns tied to pharma or mass tort cases. Bottom line. Google’s tightening grip on healthcare ads marks a new era of compliance-first marketing, where even keyword targeting isn’t safe without the right certification. First seen. The update was first spotted by Higman when he shared the above letter he got from Google on LinkedIn. View the full article

Scott Bessent says Washington will retaliate if Beijing proceeds with policy on rare earths and critical mineralsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Coros launched a new version of its Apex watch today, the Apex 4. Like the Nomad released earlier this year, it has a MIP screen, an action button for shortcuts, and maps with street names. How does the Apex compare to other Coros watches? Coros has three watch lines besides the Nomad: the Pace, Apex, and Vertix. I’ve written about the Pace 3 and Pace Pro, both of them solid watches that rival Garmin features at a lower price. (I swapped my Garmin for a Coros for a month this summer; you can read my thoughts on that here.) Compared to the Pace line, Apex has more rugged materials and is billed as an adventure watch. It has features geared toward skiing and mountain climbing, in addition to the usual running and fitness capabilities. Both this Apex model and the one before it have sapphire glass and offline mapping. The Apex 2 only has single-band GPS, while the Apex 2 Pro has dual-band like the new Apex 4. What’s new in the Apex 4?Before the Apex 4 were the Apex 2 and 2 Pro. (Yes, Coros skipped the 3.) Compared to them, the new Apex 4 adds: A speaker and microphone The ability to log voice pins that get tied to locations (enabled by that microphone) Trail and street names on the maps An action button that can be programmed for shortcuts, instead of a dedicated backlight button Faster map rendering More accurate elevation readings Battery life is similar to the Apex 2 Pro, with 24 days of daily use or 17 hours of activity tracking in all-systems mode. The Apex 4 is $479 for the 46 mm size, and $429 for the 42 millimeter size. For comparison, the Apex 2 Pro is $449 and comes in a 46 millimeter size, and the Apex 2 is $349 and 43 millimeters. View the full article

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo plans to expand to London next year, marking the company’s latest step in rolling out its driverless ride service internationally. Waymo said Wednesday that it will start testing its self-driving cars on London streets in the coming weeks—with a human “safety driver” behind the wheel—as it seeks to win government approval for its services. In a blog post, Waymo said it will “lay the groundwork” for its London service in the coming months. The company said it will “continue to engage with local and national leaders to secure the necessary permissions for our commercial ride-hailing service.” Waymo’s self-driving taxis have been operating in the United States for years, and currently serve the cities of Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. This year, the company made its first moves to expand internationally by teaming up with local partners in Japan for testing, though no launch date has been set for commercial service there. The company began as a secret project within Google and was then spun out from the tech giant. Waymo will have to follow new U.K. regulations on self-driving cars that pave the way for autonomous vehicles to take to the country’s roads. They require self-driving cars to have a safety level “at least as high as careful and competent human drivers” and meet rigorous safety checks. The company will be able to take part in a pilot program for “small-scale” self-driving taxi and bus services that the government plans for spring 2026. Waymo will also have to stick to rules from Transport for London, the city’s transport authority, which oversees licensing for its famous traditional black cabs as well as other taxi operators like Uber. View the full article

Microsoft Bing now supports the data-nosnippet HTML attribute. This gives brands and businesses more control over what content appears in search results and AI-generated answers, including in Copilot. Why we care. This gives you more control over how your content appears in Bing’s search results and AI answers. You can protect paywalled or experimental sections and shape how your brand is represented in AI summaries. How it works. The attribute lets webmasters mark sections of a page to exclude from snippets or AI summaries, without affecting indexing or ranking. Bing still crawls and ranks the page, but omits the marked content from previews. Use cases. You can: Hide premium or subscriber-only text. Exclude comments, ads, or disclaimers. Keep outdated promotional content or A/B test copy out of snippets. Zoom out. Bing finally joins Google in offering the data-nosnippet HTML attribute. In 2024, Microsoft Principal Product Manager Fabrice Canel said there were “no plans to provide support for this in the near future.” Bing’s announcement. Bing Introduces Support for the data-nosnippet  HTML Attribute  View the full article

U.S. quantum computing firm D-Wave Quantum has struck a deal with a company called Swiss Quantum Technology (SQT) to bring D-Wave’s Advantage2 quantum computer to Europe. The deal, which amounts to €10 million ($11.63 million), will see D-Wave’s quantum computer deployed in Italy, where it will play a role in supporting the Italians’ efforts toward large-scale digital transformation, D-Wave announced on Wednesday. It will be part of a joint effort—collectively called the “Q-Alliance”—between D-Wave and IonQ, another American quantum computing company. In its announcement Wednesday, D-Wave said little about what SQT does, and scant information about the company is accessible online. A rep for D-Wave described it as “a Swiss company that has been established to focus on quantum hybrid applications and research” when contacted for comment by Fast Company. Shares of Palo Alto, California-based D-Wave rose after the announcement and were up around 1.29% in early-afternoon trading. The stock has had an astounding run since last year, growing more than 4,235% over the last 12 months as excitement around quantum computers—seen by many experts as a transformative technology—has hit fever pitch. “A very important day” D-Wave’s CEO, Dr. Alan Baratz, said during a short live-streamed announcement on Wednesday morning that it’s “a very important day for Italy, for the Q-Alliance, and for D-Wave as we are now bringing one of the world’s largest quantum computers to the region.” The announcement comes after D-Wave made waves earlier this year by announcing that it had achieved “quantum supremacy,” knocking out computations that would have taken roughly one million years to solve on a traditional, classical computer. Accordingly, Baratz said that D-Wave’s Advantage2 is “the only quantum computer in the world that’s been able to solve an important, useful, real-world problem that could not be solved classically”—referring to the quantum supremacy announcement, which involved D-Wave’s quantum computer simulating the properties of magnetic materials. “This is what everybody [in the quantum industry] has been aspiring to,” he said, “and that’s been achieved.” D-Wave’s quantum computing technology is already being used in other parts of the world. A police department in Wales, for instance, is using it to predict and analyze police force deployments. Ford Otosan, a Turkey-based auto manufacturer representing a joint effort between Ford and Koç Holding, is using D-Wave tech as a part of its assembly process. And in Japan, a cellphone carrier is using it to improve its network performance. D-Wave announced the general availability of its Advantage2 in May of this year. News that it’s bringing one to Italy may be seen as more evidence that the quantum industry is set for a breakout—despite skepticism from some tech leaders who have contended that practical use cases are still years away. View the full article

Effective messaging documents are crucial for clear communication and brand consistency. By utilizing seven fundamental templates, you can streamline the messaging process and guarantee your content resonates with your target audience. These templates include core messaging statements, brand messaging frameworks, and audience-specific messaging matrices, among others. Each serves a unique purpose, enhancing customer engagement and adapting to market shifts. Comprehending how to implement these templates can greatly improve your messaging strategy. Let’s explore each one in detail. Key Takeaways Create a core messaging template to outline your brand’s value proposition and unique selling points succinctly. Develop a messaging matrix template to organize key messages by audience segments and communication channels for tailored messaging. Utilize a product messaging template to clearly communicate features, benefits, and target audiences while highlighting unique selling points. Implement a customer experience mapping template to identify touchpoints and messaging needs at each stage of the customer journey. Design a centralized resource template for easy access to updated messaging materials, ensuring consistency across all channels. Core Messaging Statements Core messaging statements are vital for any brand looking to communicate effectively with its audience. These statements serve as foundational building blocks, summarizing your value proposition and unique selling points in one or two concise sentences. To create an effective core messaging statement, make certain it aligns with your brand’s mission, vision, and values. This alignment helps convey your essence as you resonate with your target audience. Regularly refining these statements is important, as they must adapt to market changes, customer needs, and competition. Utilizing a messaging document template can streamline this process, providing you with messaging guidelines to guarantee consistency and clarity across all your marketing efforts. Keep your statements clear and direct, focusing on what matters most to your audience. Brand Messaging Effective brand messaging is crucial for establishing a clear and recognizable identity in the marketplace. It helps convey your brand’s promise and resonates with your target audience. To create effective brand messaging, focus on these key components: Tagline: A concise representation of your brand’s personality that evokes emotional responses. Value Proposition: Clearly articulate both functional and emotional benefits to differentiate from competitors. Messaging Pillars: Develop 3-5 key selling points that reinforce your value proposition. Consistency: Guarantee messaging aligns across all channels to build trust and recognition. Storytelling: Use a structured narrative to engage your audience and improve their connection to your brand. Messaging Matrix When crafting your messaging strategy, a messaging matrix serves as an invaluable tool to streamline your communication efforts. It organizes key messages by audience segments and communication channels, guaranteeing your messaging resonates with each group. Typically, your matrix will include columns for target personas, messaging pillars, value propositions, and preferred channels. Here’s a basic example of a messaging matrix: Target Personas Messaging Pillars Young Professionals Innovation and Flexibility Small Business Owners Cost Efficiency Nonprofits Social Impact Tech Enthusiasts State-of-the-art Technology Health-conscious Consumers Wellness and Lifestyle Regularly updating your messaging matrix based on feedback guarantees your strategies remain relevant and effective, streamlining your content creation process. Persona Messaging When you focus on persona messaging, you’re creating customized strategies that resonate with your audience’s specific needs. By comprehending their demographics, interests, and pain points, you can craft messages that truly connect. This approach not just improves engagement but likewise boosts your conversion rates, making your marketing efforts more effective. Tailored Messaging Strategies Customized messaging strategies, particularly persona messaging, focus on crafting specific messages that resonate with distinct customer segments. By identifying and comprehending your target personas, you can create customized communications that engage effectively. Here are key components to reflect on: Develop detailed buyer personas, including demographics, behaviors, and motivations. Create a clear value proposition for each persona, addressing their unique challenges. Incorporate relevant use cases that demonstrate practical benefits. Use relatable examples to improve connection and comprehension. Regularly revisit and refine your messaging based on feedback and market trends. Understanding Audience Needs How well do you really comprehend your audience’s needs? To create effective messaging, you should develop detailed profiles of your target audience segments, known as personas. These profiles include demographics, behaviors, and pain points. By grasping these aspects, you can identify the specific challenges and motivations that influence purchasing decisions. Tailoring your messaging based on these personas guarantees that your communications resonate with your audience, improving engagement and connection. Utilize insights from customer surveys and focus groups to create accurate buyer personas. Regularly refine and update these personas based on market trends and customer feedback. This practice keeps your messaging relevant and impactful, eventually leading to better outcomes in your marketing efforts. Product Messaging Effective product messaging is essential for clearly communicating the value of your offerings to potential buyers. A well-structured product messaging template organizes key messages about features, benefits, and target audiences. To create effective messaging, consider these elements: Define your unique selling points to stand out from competitors. Use customer testimonials and case studies for social proof and credibility. Align sales and marketing teams to guarantee a unified voice in communications. Regularly review and refine your messaging to stay relevant. Focus on clear, concise language that resonates with potential buyers. Product Messaging Map A Product Messaging Map is vital for aligning your brand’s core messages with your target personas. By mapping out key messages and visualizing customer experiences, you can clearly identify how your product addresses specific pain points. This approach guarantees that your communication is consistent and customized to different audience segments, streamlining your messaging strategy. Mapping Brand and Persona Creating a Product Messaging Map is essential for aligning your brand’s messaging with the specific needs of your target personas. This strategic tool helps guarantee your marketing communications resonate effectively. By evaluating the relationship between brand, persona, and product messages, you can clarify how each element supports your overall goals. Consider these key components: Value Proposition: Define what makes your product unique. Core Messaging: Establish clear, concise messages customized to each persona. Differentiators: Highlight what sets your brand apart from competitors. Target Pain Points: Address the specific challenges your personas face. Iterative Improvements: Use market feedback to refine your messaging continuously. With this map, you’ll improve consistency and build trust with potential customers. Key Message Alignment Aligning key messages within your Product Messaging Map is crucial for ensuring that all communication reflects your brand’s values and speaks directly to your audience. This strategic tool helps you organize key messages across different audience segments, providing a coherent view of your product’s value propositions. By including sections for brand messaging, persona insights, and product details, you can see how each element interacts with your overall messaging goals. This process allows you to identify gaps and tailor your content to meet specific buyer personas. Consistent messaging across marketing channels improves brand recognition and builds trust. Regular updates to your Product Messaging Map keep your messaging relevant and aligned with evolving market trends and customer expectations. Visualizing Customer Journeys To effectively visualize customer experiences, it’s vital to utilize a Product Messaging Map that clearly outlines the interactions customers have with your brand. This map not only aligns your brand, persona, and product messages, but also highlights fundamental touchpoints throughout the customer experience. Here’s what you should focus on: Identify key customer personas to tailor your messaging. Map out stages of the customer experience, from awareness to purchase. Highlight specific needs and pain points at each stage. Look for messaging gaps that may cause inconsistencies. Regularly update the map based on customer feedback and market trends. Tips for Implementing Your Messaging Framework Implementing an effective messaging framework requires careful attention to detail and consistency across all communication channels. Start by creating style guides that outline your messaging standards and formats. This consistency helps everyone stay on the same page. Conduct regular audits to spot discrepancies in messaging, adjusting your strategies to align with the framework. Establish a centralized repository for messaging materials, ensuring team members can easily access the latest updates. Provide training sessions to equip your team with the knowledge to communicate core messages effectively. Finally, set periodic evaluations to review and update the framework, keeping it relevant and aligned with your evolving business goals and market conditions. This structured approach will improve your messaging effectiveness. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Determine My Target Audience for Messaging? To determine your target audience for messaging, start by analyzing your product or service. Identify key demographics, such as age, gender, and location. Research their interests, needs, and pain points through surveys or market analysis. Create buyer personas to represent these groups, helping you visualize who you’re addressing. Finally, test your messaging with different segments to refine your approach based on their feedback, ensuring your communication resonates effectively with the right audience. What Is the Importance of Tone in Messaging Documents? The tone in messaging documents is vital as it shapes how your audience perceives your message. A consistent tone guarantees clarity and builds trust, making your content more relatable. Depending on your audience, you might choose a formal or informal tone. This choice affects engagement levels, so consider your audience’s preferences and expectations. How Often Should I Update My Messaging Templates? You should update your messaging templates regularly to guarantee they remain relevant and effective. A good rule of thumb is to review them every six months. Nonetheless, if there are significant changes in your audience, industry trends, or your organization’s goals, update them immediately. Consistent reviews help you maintain clarity and effectiveness in your communication, providing you with the best chance to connect with your audience and meet your objectives. Can I Customize Templates for Different Campaigns? Yes, you can absolutely customize templates for different campaigns. Start by identifying the unique goals and target audiences for each campaign. Modify the language, tone, and visuals to align with those specifics. Incorporate any relevant data or insights that resonate with your audience. Furthermore, make sure your templates reflect the campaign’s branding and messaging strategy. By tailoring each template, you improve relevance and effectiveness, ultimately increasing engagement and achieving better results. What Tools Can Help Create Messaging Documents Effectively? To create effective messaging documents, you can use various tools. First, consider word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs for drafting. For visual elements, Canva or Adobe Spark can improve your documents. Collaboration tools like Trello or Slack help streamline feedback. Project management software, such as Asana, keeps your tasks organized. Finally, templates from platforms like HubSpot can save time and guarantee consistency in your messaging across different campaigns. Conclusion Incorporating these seven crucial templates into your messaging process will improve clarity and consistency. By developing core messaging statements and utilizing brand frameworks, you can effectively communicate your value. Furthermore, employing messaging matrices and product outlines helps tailor your approach to different audiences. Don’t forget to map customer experiences and maintain a style guide for uniformity. Following these steps will guarantee that your messaging resonates with your target personas and adapts to changing market conditions. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Templates for Effective Messaging Documents" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Effective messaging documents are crucial for clear communication and brand consistency. By utilizing seven fundamental templates, you can streamline the messaging process and guarantee your content resonates with your target audience. These templates include core messaging statements, brand messaging frameworks, and audience-specific messaging matrices, among others. Each serves a unique purpose, enhancing customer engagement and adapting to market shifts. Comprehending how to implement these templates can greatly improve your messaging strategy. Let’s explore each one in detail. Key Takeaways Create a core messaging template to outline your brand’s value proposition and unique selling points succinctly. Develop a messaging matrix template to organize key messages by audience segments and communication channels for tailored messaging. Utilize a product messaging template to clearly communicate features, benefits, and target audiences while highlighting unique selling points. Implement a customer experience mapping template to identify touchpoints and messaging needs at each stage of the customer journey. Design a centralized resource template for easy access to updated messaging materials, ensuring consistency across all channels. Core Messaging Statements Core messaging statements are vital for any brand looking to communicate effectively with its audience. These statements serve as foundational building blocks, summarizing your value proposition and unique selling points in one or two concise sentences. To create an effective core messaging statement, make certain it aligns with your brand’s mission, vision, and values. This alignment helps convey your essence as you resonate with your target audience. Regularly refining these statements is important, as they must adapt to market changes, customer needs, and competition. Utilizing a messaging document template can streamline this process, providing you with messaging guidelines to guarantee consistency and clarity across all your marketing efforts. Keep your statements clear and direct, focusing on what matters most to your audience. Brand Messaging Effective brand messaging is crucial for establishing a clear and recognizable identity in the marketplace. It helps convey your brand’s promise and resonates with your target audience. To create effective brand messaging, focus on these key components: Tagline: A concise representation of your brand’s personality that evokes emotional responses. Value Proposition: Clearly articulate both functional and emotional benefits to differentiate from competitors. Messaging Pillars: Develop 3-5 key selling points that reinforce your value proposition. Consistency: Guarantee messaging aligns across all channels to build trust and recognition. Storytelling: Use a structured narrative to engage your audience and improve their connection to your brand. Messaging Matrix When crafting your messaging strategy, a messaging matrix serves as an invaluable tool to streamline your communication efforts. It organizes key messages by audience segments and communication channels, guaranteeing your messaging resonates with each group. Typically, your matrix will include columns for target personas, messaging pillars, value propositions, and preferred channels. Here’s a basic example of a messaging matrix: Target Personas Messaging Pillars Young Professionals Innovation and Flexibility Small Business Owners Cost Efficiency Nonprofits Social Impact Tech Enthusiasts State-of-the-art Technology Health-conscious Consumers Wellness and Lifestyle Regularly updating your messaging matrix based on feedback guarantees your strategies remain relevant and effective, streamlining your content creation process. Persona Messaging When you focus on persona messaging, you’re creating customized strategies that resonate with your audience’s specific needs. By comprehending their demographics, interests, and pain points, you can craft messages that truly connect. This approach not just improves engagement but likewise boosts your conversion rates, making your marketing efforts more effective. Tailored Messaging Strategies Customized messaging strategies, particularly persona messaging, focus on crafting specific messages that resonate with distinct customer segments. By identifying and comprehending your target personas, you can create customized communications that engage effectively. Here are key components to reflect on: Develop detailed buyer personas, including demographics, behaviors, and motivations. Create a clear value proposition for each persona, addressing their unique challenges. Incorporate relevant use cases that demonstrate practical benefits. Use relatable examples to improve connection and comprehension. Regularly revisit and refine your messaging based on feedback and market trends. Understanding Audience Needs How well do you really comprehend your audience’s needs? To create effective messaging, you should develop detailed profiles of your target audience segments, known as personas. These profiles include demographics, behaviors, and pain points. By grasping these aspects, you can identify the specific challenges and motivations that influence purchasing decisions. Tailoring your messaging based on these personas guarantees that your communications resonate with your audience, improving engagement and connection. Utilize insights from customer surveys and focus groups to create accurate buyer personas. Regularly refine and update these personas based on market trends and customer feedback. This practice keeps your messaging relevant and impactful, eventually leading to better outcomes in your marketing efforts. Product Messaging Effective product messaging is essential for clearly communicating the value of your offerings to potential buyers. A well-structured product messaging template organizes key messages about features, benefits, and target audiences. To create effective messaging, consider these elements: Define your unique selling points to stand out from competitors. Use customer testimonials and case studies for social proof and credibility. Align sales and marketing teams to guarantee a unified voice in communications. Regularly review and refine your messaging to stay relevant. Focus on clear, concise language that resonates with potential buyers. Product Messaging Map A Product Messaging Map is vital for aligning your brand’s core messages with your target personas. By mapping out key messages and visualizing customer experiences, you can clearly identify how your product addresses specific pain points. This approach guarantees that your communication is consistent and customized to different audience segments, streamlining your messaging strategy. Mapping Brand and Persona Creating a Product Messaging Map is essential for aligning your brand’s messaging with the specific needs of your target personas. This strategic tool helps guarantee your marketing communications resonate effectively. By evaluating the relationship between brand, persona, and product messages, you can clarify how each element supports your overall goals. Consider these key components: Value Proposition: Define what makes your product unique. Core Messaging: Establish clear, concise messages customized to each persona. Differentiators: Highlight what sets your brand apart from competitors. Target Pain Points: Address the specific challenges your personas face. Iterative Improvements: Use market feedback to refine your messaging continuously. With this map, you’ll improve consistency and build trust with potential customers. Key Message Alignment Aligning key messages within your Product Messaging Map is crucial for ensuring that all communication reflects your brand’s values and speaks directly to your audience. This strategic tool helps you organize key messages across different audience segments, providing a coherent view of your product’s value propositions. By including sections for brand messaging, persona insights, and product details, you can see how each element interacts with your overall messaging goals. This process allows you to identify gaps and tailor your content to meet specific buyer personas. Consistent messaging across marketing channels improves brand recognition and builds trust. Regular updates to your Product Messaging Map keep your messaging relevant and aligned with evolving market trends and customer expectations. Visualizing Customer Journeys To effectively visualize customer experiences, it’s vital to utilize a Product Messaging Map that clearly outlines the interactions customers have with your brand. This map not only aligns your brand, persona, and product messages, but also highlights fundamental touchpoints throughout the customer experience. Here’s what you should focus on: Identify key customer personas to tailor your messaging. Map out stages of the customer experience, from awareness to purchase. Highlight specific needs and pain points at each stage. Look for messaging gaps that may cause inconsistencies. Regularly update the map based on customer feedback and market trends. Tips for Implementing Your Messaging Framework Implementing an effective messaging framework requires careful attention to detail and consistency across all communication channels. Start by creating style guides that outline your messaging standards and formats. This consistency helps everyone stay on the same page. Conduct regular audits to spot discrepancies in messaging, adjusting your strategies to align with the framework. Establish a centralized repository for messaging materials, ensuring team members can easily access the latest updates. Provide training sessions to equip your team with the knowledge to communicate core messages effectively. Finally, set periodic evaluations to review and update the framework, keeping it relevant and aligned with your evolving business goals and market conditions. This structured approach will improve your messaging effectiveness. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Determine My Target Audience for Messaging? To determine your target audience for messaging, start by analyzing your product or service. Identify key demographics, such as age, gender, and location. Research their interests, needs, and pain points through surveys or market analysis. Create buyer personas to represent these groups, helping you visualize who you’re addressing. Finally, test your messaging with different segments to refine your approach based on their feedback, ensuring your communication resonates effectively with the right audience. What Is the Importance of Tone in Messaging Documents? The tone in messaging documents is vital as it shapes how your audience perceives your message. A consistent tone guarantees clarity and builds trust, making your content more relatable. Depending on your audience, you might choose a formal or informal tone. This choice affects engagement levels, so consider your audience’s preferences and expectations. How Often Should I Update My Messaging Templates? You should update your messaging templates regularly to guarantee they remain relevant and effective. A good rule of thumb is to review them every six months. Nonetheless, if there are significant changes in your audience, industry trends, or your organization’s goals, update them immediately. Consistent reviews help you maintain clarity and effectiveness in your communication, providing you with the best chance to connect with your audience and meet your objectives. Can I Customize Templates for Different Campaigns? Yes, you can absolutely customize templates for different campaigns. Start by identifying the unique goals and target audiences for each campaign. Modify the language, tone, and visuals to align with those specifics. Incorporate any relevant data or insights that resonate with your audience. Furthermore, make sure your templates reflect the campaign’s branding and messaging strategy. By tailoring each template, you improve relevance and effectiveness, ultimately increasing engagement and achieving better results. What Tools Can Help Create Messaging Documents Effectively? To create effective messaging documents, you can use various tools. First, consider word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs for drafting. For visual elements, Canva or Adobe Spark can improve your documents. Collaboration tools like Trello or Slack help streamline feedback. Project management software, such as Asana, keeps your tasks organized. Finally, templates from platforms like HubSpot can save time and guarantee consistency in your messaging across different campaigns. Conclusion Incorporating these seven crucial templates into your messaging process will improve clarity and consistency. By developing core messaging statements and utilizing brand frameworks, you can effectively communicate your value. Furthermore, employing messaging matrices and product outlines helps tailor your approach to different audiences. Don’t forget to map customer experiences and maintain a style guide for uniformity. Following these steps will guarantee that your messaging resonates with your target personas and adapts to changing market conditions. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Templates for Effective Messaging Documents" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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