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If you've been experiencing random crashes on your Pixel 10 smartphone, you're not alone. Over the weekend, multiple Reddit users complained that their Pixel 10 phones, which only just hit the market in August, were already facing severe slowdowns and frequent crashes while trying to load apps. Worse yet, the problem seemed to persist across all apps and models of the phone, leaving users with little they could actually do on their new devices. "If an app does open and load it won't let me touch anything and it crashes," user cdriese said, with a number of others sharing a similar sentiment. The unfortunate news took me as a bit of a surprise, since I experienced no such issues while reviewing the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro at launch, both of which I quite liked. But the problem, it seems, only popped up recently. Multiple users across Reddit pointed to October 10's Google Play Services update as the culprit here, with some saying that uninstalling the update fixed the problem for them. "My running theory is that the October play services update is clashing with the September Android OS update in some way," said user PuzzleHeadedSquid, adding that they have had no crashes since uninstalling the Play Services update. Sure enough, when I loaded my phone with both the September Android OS update and the initial October play services updates installed, I also started to have issues. In a way, though, that's still a relief. Your new hardware isn't broken already—but uninstalling the new Play Services update introduces its own headaches. Luckily, as of this morning, there's another solution, and it's pretty simple. If you're experiencing crashing apps on your Pixel 10, here's what you can do. The official fixRandom Reddit users weren't the only folks experiencing this problem. Android Police founder Artem Russakovskii also called out the problem in an October 12 X post, saying his Pixel 10 Pro XL had been "kneecapped" by it. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Luckily, as a member of the press, he had a bit more resources at his disposal for fixing this bug than the average Redditor. Over the course of the weekend, Russakovskii quickly got in touch with his contacts at Google, who he says scrambled multiple teams to address the issue and has since issued a server-side fix. Theoretically, that means a simple restart should bring your phone back to normal, although if the problem persists, you'll also want to make sure you're running the most recent Google Play services build (which you can check under Settings > Apps > Google Play services > App details), then do another restart. It's a pretty quick turnaround on a fix, and doesn't require much on your part, but if you've temporarily shelved your Pixel, it's worth booting it back up again to see if you're still having issues. The unofficial fixThat said, it's possible Google's engineers still might have missed something. If you still find yourself having issues loading apps, you can use the community method of uninstalling the October Play Services update instead. This will log you out of your Google accounts, however, and won't include Google's official fix, so I'd only recommend it in an emergency. That said, if you're at the point of pulling your hair out, you can navigate to Settings > Apps > Google Play services > App details and tap "Remove updates" to start the process. Just be sure to have your Google passwords (or passkeys!) memorized first. First, though, try hitting the "Update" button next to it instead, then restarting your phone. That's what I did, after initially running my testing without this morning's update, and my apps are now as snappy as ever. View the full article

General Motors said on Tuesday it would take a $1.6 billion charge in the third quarter as it reshapes its electric vehicle strategy following the scrapping of a key federal incentive, a move likely to dampen demand. U.S. carmakers have delayed or canceled new EV models and battery plants and pared other investments, citing weaker-than-expected demand. The market faces further strain after the The President administration removed a $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs, a key support for the industry. EV adoption rate to slow “Following recent U.S. Government policy changes, including the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations, we expect the adoption rate of EVs to slow,” GM said in a filing on Tuesday. Shares of the Detroit, Michigan-based automaker were down 2.5% in premarket trading. The stock has been up about 4.5% this year. Some auto industry executives, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, have warned that EV sales will drop significantly in the absence of the tax credit. However, some, including the CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, have said that the EV market remains resilient. Both GM and crosstown rival Ford had launched a program that would have allowed dealers to offer a $7,500 tax credit on EV leases after the federal subsidy expired, before walking back on those plans. The changes will not affect GM’s current portfolio of its Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac EVs that are in production. The Detroit automaker warned of the possibility of further charges as a result of the reassessment of its capacity and manufacturing footprint, which it said was still ongoing. The charges comprise a $1.2 billion non-cash impairment related to EV capacity adjustments and $400 million for contract-cancellation fees and commercial settlements. The charges will be recorded as adjustments to the automaker’s non-GAAP results for the third quarter scheduled for early next week. —Utkarsh Shetti, Reuters View the full article

With further rate cuts likely amid a light-touch regulatory environment, the good times are set to continue View the full article

A brand strategy framework is crucial for defining your brand’s identity and guiding its communication. It aligns your business goals with your brand’s mission, vision, and values. This structured approach helps you build customer loyalty and improves recognition in a competitive market. By comprehending the key components of a brand strategy, you can effectively connect with your target audience. Nonetheless, implementing this framework requires careful consideration of various factors that can influence your brand’s success. Key Takeaways A brand strategy framework establishes a coherent identity that resonates with the target audience and aligns with business goals. It includes essential components like mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication strategies for cohesive messaging. This framework enhances brand recognition and nurtures customer loyalty through consistent storytelling and engagement. It prepares brands to navigate competitive environments, build lasting connections, and improve overall market presence. Regularly reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures data-driven adjustments to maintain relevance and strengthen brand identity. Defining Brand Strategy Framework A brand strategy framework is essential for any organization that wants to establish a coherent identity and resonate with its target audience. This framework provides a structured approach that outlines key components such as mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication strategies. By clearly defining these elements, you guarantee cohesive messaging across all platforms. Your brand framework serves as a roadmap, aligning internal teams and external communications with your overall objectives. It includes important elements like a clear mission statement, brand promise, and key messages, shaping public perception effectively. A well-defined brand strategy framework improves brand recognition in a crowded market, contributing to long-term business growth and customer loyalty as it allows for adaptability in response to changes. Importance of a Brand Strategy Framework A brand strategy framework is essential for aligning your business goals with your brand’s identity. By establishing a solid foundation, you can effectively guide your growth and guarantee that every message resonates with your target audience. This structured approach helps create a consistent brand story that nurtures customer loyalty and positions you for success in a competitive market. Holistic Business Alignment Establishing a brand strategy framework is crucial for aligning your business’s internal values and goals with its external messaging and customer interactions. This structured approach acts as a foundational guide, ensuring all departments work cohesively. By clarifying your mission, vision, values, and positioning, you define your brand’s purpose and target audience, critical for effective market presence. This holistic alignment can promote customer loyalty, creating a consistent experience that resonates with their needs. Strengthens your brand’s identity, making it recognizable. Improves customer trust through consistent messaging. Drives growth by aligning your business goals with customer expectations. Utilizing a brand strategy framework prepares you to navigate a competitive environment as you build a lasting connection with your audience. Foundation for Growth Creating a solid brand strategy framework is essential for driving growth in today’s competitive marketplace. It provides a structured approach to align your company’s mission, vision, and values with marketing efforts. This guarantees a cohesive brand identity that truly resonates with your target audience. By establishing clear guidelines for brand positioning and messaging, you improve customer loyalty and drive business growth. A well-crafted framework additionally acts as a foundation for decision-making, allowing you to navigate challenges with clarity. Implementing this framework can lead to improved brand recognition, creating a unified narrative that reflects your core attributes. Research shows that brands with defined strategies experience higher customer retention and satisfaction rates, highlighting its significance for long-term relationships with consumers. Key Components of a Brand Strategy Comprehending the key components of a brand strategy is vital for building a cohesive and effective brand. A well-structured brand strategy framework consists of three fundamental elements: brand positioning, brand communication, and brand identity. Brand Positioning defines your brand’s purpose, vision, mission, and core values, guiding internal decisions and attracting loyal customers. Brand Communication establishes your brand’s voice and tone, ensuring consistent messaging that resonates with your audience. Brand Identity includes visual elements like logos and colors, making your brand memorable and recognizable in the marketplace. Understanding Your Target Audience How can you truly connect with your audience? Comprehending your target audience is crucial for defining your brand personality. By identifying who your audience is, you lay the groundwork for a brand strategy that aligns with your business goals and values. Start by examining demographics, psychographics, and behaviors to create detailed customer personas. This clarity enables you to tailor your messages to meet specific needs and preferences, enhancing engagement. Engaging with your community nurtures loyalty and satisfaction, driving business growth. Brands that effectively grasp their audience often see higher retention rates, as they can address unique desires and expectations. Make the effort to know your audience, and you’ll build a stronger, more resonant brand presence. Brand Positioning Essentials When you think about brand positioning, start by clearly defining your brand’s purpose and core values. These elements serve as the foundation for your brand identity and guide every decision you make. Defining Brand Purpose Defining a brand purpose is crucial for establishing a strong foundation in brand positioning. It represents the core reason for your brand’s existence, guiding decisions and actions. A clear brand purpose articulates what your brand stands for, connecting deeply with your audience’s values. This connection nurtures loyalty, as studies show that 64% of consumers feel more emotionally attached to brands with a defined purpose. It builds authenticity, making your brand more trustworthy. It attracts customers seeking meaningful connections. It improves your brand’s competitive edge in a crowded market. Core Values Alignment Building on the importance of defining a brand purpose, aligning your core values with that purpose is crucial for effective brand positioning. Core values serve as the foundation of your brand’s identity, guiding your actions, decisions, and communications. When these values resonate with your audience, they promote authentic connections and improve customer loyalty. Core Value Impact on Brand Positioning Integrity Builds trust and reliability Innovation Attracts forward-thinking customers Community Focused Boosts engagement and loyalty Regularly revisiting and communicating these core values reinforces your commitment to your mission. This alignment not only differentiates your brand but creates unique selling propositions that resonate with your target audience. The Role of Brand Communication Brand communication plays a vital role in shaping how your audience perceives your brand, as it establishes a consistent voice and tone that resonates with them. An effective brand communication strategy improves recognition and loyalty by clearly aligning messaging with your values and mission. By articulating your unique selling propositions (USPs), you differentiate your brand from competitors. Consistent communication across platforms reinforces your brand identity and allows for timely engagement with your audience. Build trust through transparency and clarity. Create emotional connections by highlighting benefits. Cultivate loyalty with consistent messaging. Monitoring brand perception through social listening tools helps you adapt your strategies, ensuring your communication remains relevant. This proactive approach improves engagement and strengthens your brand’s position in the market. Competitive Analysis in Brand Strategy Comprehending your competitive terrain is crucial for shaping a successful brand strategy. Conducting a competitive analysis helps you identify key attributes in the market, such as price and quality, allowing you to differentiate your brand effectively. By mapping competitors against these attributes, you can determine your unique selling propositions (USPs), enhancing your market presence. This analysis likewise reveals gaps in the market that you can exploit to attract customers. In addition, examining competitors’ branding strategies enables you to uncover successful tactics and avoid potential pitfalls. Ultimately, a thorough competitive analysis informs your brand positioning and helps you communicate your unique value proposition, leading to improved customer loyalty and a stronger connection with your target audience. Customer Feedback and Brand Development Customer feedback is crucial for comprehending how your audience perceives your brand, helping you pinpoint areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. You can gather valuable insights through methods like online surveys and social media monitoring, which provide both quantitative and qualitative data. Analyzing this feedback allows you to make informed adjustments to your brand strategy, ensuring it aligns with customer needs and expectations. Importance of Insights Comprehending the importance of insights gained from feedback is crucial for any brand looking to develop and refine its strategy. Customer feedback offers direct insights into how your audience perceives your brand, revealing areas of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Engaging with this feedback not just improves customer loyalty but additionally shows that you value their opinions. By analyzing trends in feedback, you can identify specific areas that need improvement, allowing you to prioritize actions that can greatly boost overall satisfaction. Strengthen your brand’s relationship with customers. Show your commitment to listening and adapting. Cultivate an environment of trust and open communication. Utilizing these insights will finally guide your brand’s ongoing development effectively. Methods for Gathering Grasping how to gather feedback is key to aligning your brand development strategies with what your audience truly needs and expects. Start by utilizing online surveys, which can provide you with valuable quantitative and qualitative insights into customer satisfaction and areas for improvement. Next, monitor social media for mentions and common themes, as this helps gauge public perception and sentiment about your brand. Conduct one-on-one customer interviews to gain a deeper comprehension of individual experiences. Moreover, implement feedback forms on your website and during purchase processes to capture immediate reactions. Finally, analyze reviews across various platforms to identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to prioritize actions that markedly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Methods for Gathering Customer Insights How can businesses effectively gather customer insights to improve their brand strategy? Start by utilizing online surveys, as they provide both quantitative data and qualitative feedback, helping you comprehend customer satisfaction and areas needing improvement. Furthermore, monitor social media for mentions and trends; this allows you to capture real-time insights into customer perceptions. Conducting one-on-one interviews gives you deeper insights into customer needs and preferences, which surveys may miss. Implement feedback forms on your website to gather immediate reactions during the purchase process. Finally, analyze reviews across platforms to highlight strengths and weaknesses in your offerings. Discover what truly matters to your customers. Uncover hidden needs that drive their loyalty. Build deeper connections through genuine comprehension. Analyzing and Implementing Customer Feedback During analyzing customer feedback, it’s essential to categorize insights into relevant sections such as product quality and service. This helps you identify trends that highlight specific aspects of the brand experience needing attention. By pinpointing these areas, you can prioritize actions based on their potential impact on customer satisfaction. Developing SMART action plans allows you to systematically address concerns and implement meaningful changes. For example, if feedback indicates issues with service, you can establish clear steps to improve it. Finally, communicating the changes made in response to feedback shows customers that their input is valued, which nurtures stronger relationships and loyalty. This process not only enhances the brand but also aligns it closely with customer expectations. Measuring Brand Success With KPIS Measuring brand success with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is vital for comprehending how well your branding efforts align with your business objectives. By tracking metrics like brand awareness, customer engagement, market share, and customer loyalty, you gain insights into your brand’s performance. Regularly reviewing these KPIs allows you to make data-driven adjustments to your strategies, ensuring they meet your goals. Understand your brand’s position in the market. Identify trends that might influence future decisions. Create accountability for your branding initiatives. A well-defined set of KPIs not merely helps you benchmark against competitors but additionally offers clarity on how your branding affects customer perceptions and overall business success. Implementing these metrics is fundamental for ongoing growth. Evolving Your Brand Strategy Over Time Evolving your brand strategy over time is crucial for staying relevant in an ever-changing market. Think of your brand strategy framework as a living document that needs regular updates. Review it periodically to guarantee it aligns with your company’s mission and vision. Incorporate customer feedback to adapt to their preferences, which can improve satisfaction and perception. Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess your brand’s effectiveness, guiding necessary adjustments. Engaging with a creative branding agency can provide fresh insights, helping you stay competitive. This ongoing evolution not only cultivates long-term customer loyalty but additionally positions your brand to meet future challenges effectively. Stay proactive in refining your strategy to maintain relevance and drive growth. Examples of Successful Brand Strategies Successful brand strategies provide valuable lessons for companies aiming to improve their market presence and connect with consumers effectively. For instance, Dollar Shave Club transformed the razor industry with its subscription model, emphasizing affordability and convenience. Trader Joe’s stands out by offering unique, high-quality organic products at low prices, creating a treasure hunt shopping experience. Airbnb‘s “Belong Anywhere” concept positions it as a personalized alternative to hotels, reshaping consumer perceptions of accommodations. Nike‘s “Just Do It” campaign inspires action and aspiration. Coca-Cola‘s branding emphasizes happiness and sharing globally. Trader Joe’s cultivates loyalty through unique offerings and experiences. These strategies highlight the importance of clear messaging and comprehending consumer needs in achieving brand success. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Brand Strategy Framework? A brand strategy framework is a structured approach that defines your brand’s core elements. It outlines your mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication style. By clarifying these components, you guarantee consistency across all branding efforts. This framework helps guide decision-making within your organization, aligning your strategies with your overall goals. Regularly reviewing and updating this framework keeps your brand relevant in a dynamic market, nurturing customer loyalty and driving business growth. What Is Brand Strategy and Why Is It Important? Brand strategy is your plan for building and maintaining a positive reputation. It defines your mission, vision, and unique selling proposition, guiding how you communicate with your audience. A solid brand strategy guarantees your goals align with customer expectations, nurturing loyalty and advocacy. It’s vital for standing out in a competitive market, as strong brands often outperform competitors. Regularly assess and adapt your strategy to stay relevant and responsive to changes. Why Are Strategic Frameworks Important? Strategic frameworks are essential for guiding your brand’s development and maintaining consistency. They help you define your mission, vision, and core values, ensuring alignment with your business goals. What Are the 4 C’s of Brand Strategy? The 4 C’s of brand strategy are Customer, Cost, Convenience, and Communication. First, focus on comprehending your target audience’s preferences and behaviors to guarantee your brand resonates with their needs. Second, evaluate your pricing strategies to align with perceived value. Third, simplify the customer experience for easy access to your products or services. Finally, develop clear messaging that effectively conveys your brand’s values and benefits across various channels. Conclusion To summarize, implementing a brand strategy framework is essential for your business’s success. It helps you define your brand’s identity and connect with your target audience effectively. By focusing on key components like positioning, customer feedback, and measurable KPIs, you can create a cohesive strategy that evolves with your brand. This structured approach not just improves brand recognition but additionally promotes customer loyalty, ensuring long-term growth. Regularly review and adapt your strategy to stay competitive in your market. Image Via Envato This article, "What Is a Brand Strategy Framework and Why It Matters?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A brand strategy framework is crucial for defining your brand’s identity and guiding its communication. It aligns your business goals with your brand’s mission, vision, and values. This structured approach helps you build customer loyalty and improves recognition in a competitive market. By comprehending the key components of a brand strategy, you can effectively connect with your target audience. Nonetheless, implementing this framework requires careful consideration of various factors that can influence your brand’s success. Key Takeaways A brand strategy framework establishes a coherent identity that resonates with the target audience and aligns with business goals. It includes essential components like mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication strategies for cohesive messaging. This framework enhances brand recognition and nurtures customer loyalty through consistent storytelling and engagement. It prepares brands to navigate competitive environments, build lasting connections, and improve overall market presence. Regularly reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures data-driven adjustments to maintain relevance and strengthen brand identity. Defining Brand Strategy Framework A brand strategy framework is essential for any organization that wants to establish a coherent identity and resonate with its target audience. This framework provides a structured approach that outlines key components such as mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication strategies. By clearly defining these elements, you guarantee cohesive messaging across all platforms. Your brand framework serves as a roadmap, aligning internal teams and external communications with your overall objectives. It includes important elements like a clear mission statement, brand promise, and key messages, shaping public perception effectively. A well-defined brand strategy framework improves brand recognition in a crowded market, contributing to long-term business growth and customer loyalty as it allows for adaptability in response to changes. Importance of a Brand Strategy Framework A brand strategy framework is essential for aligning your business goals with your brand’s identity. By establishing a solid foundation, you can effectively guide your growth and guarantee that every message resonates with your target audience. This structured approach helps create a consistent brand story that nurtures customer loyalty and positions you for success in a competitive market. Holistic Business Alignment Establishing a brand strategy framework is crucial for aligning your business’s internal values and goals with its external messaging and customer interactions. This structured approach acts as a foundational guide, ensuring all departments work cohesively. By clarifying your mission, vision, values, and positioning, you define your brand’s purpose and target audience, critical for effective market presence. This holistic alignment can promote customer loyalty, creating a consistent experience that resonates with their needs. Strengthens your brand’s identity, making it recognizable. Improves customer trust through consistent messaging. Drives growth by aligning your business goals with customer expectations. Utilizing a brand strategy framework prepares you to navigate a competitive environment as you build a lasting connection with your audience. Foundation for Growth Creating a solid brand strategy framework is essential for driving growth in today’s competitive marketplace. It provides a structured approach to align your company’s mission, vision, and values with marketing efforts. This guarantees a cohesive brand identity that truly resonates with your target audience. By establishing clear guidelines for brand positioning and messaging, you improve customer loyalty and drive business growth. A well-crafted framework additionally acts as a foundation for decision-making, allowing you to navigate challenges with clarity. Implementing this framework can lead to improved brand recognition, creating a unified narrative that reflects your core attributes. Research shows that brands with defined strategies experience higher customer retention and satisfaction rates, highlighting its significance for long-term relationships with consumers. Key Components of a Brand Strategy Comprehending the key components of a brand strategy is vital for building a cohesive and effective brand. A well-structured brand strategy framework consists of three fundamental elements: brand positioning, brand communication, and brand identity. Brand Positioning defines your brand’s purpose, vision, mission, and core values, guiding internal decisions and attracting loyal customers. Brand Communication establishes your brand’s voice and tone, ensuring consistent messaging that resonates with your audience. Brand Identity includes visual elements like logos and colors, making your brand memorable and recognizable in the marketplace. Understanding Your Target Audience How can you truly connect with your audience? Comprehending your target audience is crucial for defining your brand personality. By identifying who your audience is, you lay the groundwork for a brand strategy that aligns with your business goals and values. Start by examining demographics, psychographics, and behaviors to create detailed customer personas. This clarity enables you to tailor your messages to meet specific needs and preferences, enhancing engagement. Engaging with your community nurtures loyalty and satisfaction, driving business growth. Brands that effectively grasp their audience often see higher retention rates, as they can address unique desires and expectations. Make the effort to know your audience, and you’ll build a stronger, more resonant brand presence. Brand Positioning Essentials When you think about brand positioning, start by clearly defining your brand’s purpose and core values. These elements serve as the foundation for your brand identity and guide every decision you make. Defining Brand Purpose Defining a brand purpose is crucial for establishing a strong foundation in brand positioning. It represents the core reason for your brand’s existence, guiding decisions and actions. A clear brand purpose articulates what your brand stands for, connecting deeply with your audience’s values. This connection nurtures loyalty, as studies show that 64% of consumers feel more emotionally attached to brands with a defined purpose. It builds authenticity, making your brand more trustworthy. It attracts customers seeking meaningful connections. It improves your brand’s competitive edge in a crowded market. Core Values Alignment Building on the importance of defining a brand purpose, aligning your core values with that purpose is crucial for effective brand positioning. Core values serve as the foundation of your brand’s identity, guiding your actions, decisions, and communications. When these values resonate with your audience, they promote authentic connections and improve customer loyalty. Core Value Impact on Brand Positioning Integrity Builds trust and reliability Innovation Attracts forward-thinking customers Community Focused Boosts engagement and loyalty Regularly revisiting and communicating these core values reinforces your commitment to your mission. This alignment not only differentiates your brand but creates unique selling propositions that resonate with your target audience. The Role of Brand Communication Brand communication plays a vital role in shaping how your audience perceives your brand, as it establishes a consistent voice and tone that resonates with them. An effective brand communication strategy improves recognition and loyalty by clearly aligning messaging with your values and mission. By articulating your unique selling propositions (USPs), you differentiate your brand from competitors. Consistent communication across platforms reinforces your brand identity and allows for timely engagement with your audience. Build trust through transparency and clarity. Create emotional connections by highlighting benefits. Cultivate loyalty with consistent messaging. Monitoring brand perception through social listening tools helps you adapt your strategies, ensuring your communication remains relevant. This proactive approach improves engagement and strengthens your brand’s position in the market. Competitive Analysis in Brand Strategy Comprehending your competitive terrain is crucial for shaping a successful brand strategy. Conducting a competitive analysis helps you identify key attributes in the market, such as price and quality, allowing you to differentiate your brand effectively. By mapping competitors against these attributes, you can determine your unique selling propositions (USPs), enhancing your market presence. This analysis likewise reveals gaps in the market that you can exploit to attract customers. In addition, examining competitors’ branding strategies enables you to uncover successful tactics and avoid potential pitfalls. Ultimately, a thorough competitive analysis informs your brand positioning and helps you communicate your unique value proposition, leading to improved customer loyalty and a stronger connection with your target audience. Customer Feedback and Brand Development Customer feedback is crucial for comprehending how your audience perceives your brand, helping you pinpoint areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. You can gather valuable insights through methods like online surveys and social media monitoring, which provide both quantitative and qualitative data. Analyzing this feedback allows you to make informed adjustments to your brand strategy, ensuring it aligns with customer needs and expectations. Importance of Insights Comprehending the importance of insights gained from feedback is crucial for any brand looking to develop and refine its strategy. Customer feedback offers direct insights into how your audience perceives your brand, revealing areas of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Engaging with this feedback not just improves customer loyalty but additionally shows that you value their opinions. By analyzing trends in feedback, you can identify specific areas that need improvement, allowing you to prioritize actions that can greatly boost overall satisfaction. Strengthen your brand’s relationship with customers. Show your commitment to listening and adapting. Cultivate an environment of trust and open communication. Utilizing these insights will finally guide your brand’s ongoing development effectively. Methods for Gathering Grasping how to gather feedback is key to aligning your brand development strategies with what your audience truly needs and expects. Start by utilizing online surveys, which can provide you with valuable quantitative and qualitative insights into customer satisfaction and areas for improvement. Next, monitor social media for mentions and common themes, as this helps gauge public perception and sentiment about your brand. Conduct one-on-one customer interviews to gain a deeper comprehension of individual experiences. Moreover, implement feedback forms on your website and during purchase processes to capture immediate reactions. Finally, analyze reviews across various platforms to identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to prioritize actions that markedly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Methods for Gathering Customer Insights How can businesses effectively gather customer insights to improve their brand strategy? Start by utilizing online surveys, as they provide both quantitative data and qualitative feedback, helping you comprehend customer satisfaction and areas needing improvement. Furthermore, monitor social media for mentions and trends; this allows you to capture real-time insights into customer perceptions. Conducting one-on-one interviews gives you deeper insights into customer needs and preferences, which surveys may miss. Implement feedback forms on your website to gather immediate reactions during the purchase process. Finally, analyze reviews across platforms to highlight strengths and weaknesses in your offerings. Discover what truly matters to your customers. Uncover hidden needs that drive their loyalty. Build deeper connections through genuine comprehension. Analyzing and Implementing Customer Feedback During analyzing customer feedback, it’s essential to categorize insights into relevant sections such as product quality and service. This helps you identify trends that highlight specific aspects of the brand experience needing attention. By pinpointing these areas, you can prioritize actions based on their potential impact on customer satisfaction. Developing SMART action plans allows you to systematically address concerns and implement meaningful changes. For example, if feedback indicates issues with service, you can establish clear steps to improve it. Finally, communicating the changes made in response to feedback shows customers that their input is valued, which nurtures stronger relationships and loyalty. This process not only enhances the brand but also aligns it closely with customer expectations. Measuring Brand Success With KPIS Measuring brand success with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is vital for comprehending how well your branding efforts align with your business objectives. By tracking metrics like brand awareness, customer engagement, market share, and customer loyalty, you gain insights into your brand’s performance. Regularly reviewing these KPIs allows you to make data-driven adjustments to your strategies, ensuring they meet your goals. Understand your brand’s position in the market. Identify trends that might influence future decisions. Create accountability for your branding initiatives. A well-defined set of KPIs not merely helps you benchmark against competitors but additionally offers clarity on how your branding affects customer perceptions and overall business success. Implementing these metrics is fundamental for ongoing growth. Evolving Your Brand Strategy Over Time Evolving your brand strategy over time is crucial for staying relevant in an ever-changing market. Think of your brand strategy framework as a living document that needs regular updates. Review it periodically to guarantee it aligns with your company’s mission and vision. Incorporate customer feedback to adapt to their preferences, which can improve satisfaction and perception. Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess your brand’s effectiveness, guiding necessary adjustments. Engaging with a creative branding agency can provide fresh insights, helping you stay competitive. This ongoing evolution not only cultivates long-term customer loyalty but additionally positions your brand to meet future challenges effectively. Stay proactive in refining your strategy to maintain relevance and drive growth. Examples of Successful Brand Strategies Successful brand strategies provide valuable lessons for companies aiming to improve their market presence and connect with consumers effectively. For instance, Dollar Shave Club transformed the razor industry with its subscription model, emphasizing affordability and convenience. Trader Joe’s stands out by offering unique, high-quality organic products at low prices, creating a treasure hunt shopping experience. Airbnb‘s “Belong Anywhere” concept positions it as a personalized alternative to hotels, reshaping consumer perceptions of accommodations. Nike‘s “Just Do It” campaign inspires action and aspiration. Coca-Cola‘s branding emphasizes happiness and sharing globally. Trader Joe’s cultivates loyalty through unique offerings and experiences. These strategies highlight the importance of clear messaging and comprehending consumer needs in achieving brand success. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Brand Strategy Framework? A brand strategy framework is a structured approach that defines your brand’s core elements. It outlines your mission, vision, values, positioning, and communication style. By clarifying these components, you guarantee consistency across all branding efforts. This framework helps guide decision-making within your organization, aligning your strategies with your overall goals. Regularly reviewing and updating this framework keeps your brand relevant in a dynamic market, nurturing customer loyalty and driving business growth. What Is Brand Strategy and Why Is It Important? Brand strategy is your plan for building and maintaining a positive reputation. It defines your mission, vision, and unique selling proposition, guiding how you communicate with your audience. A solid brand strategy guarantees your goals align with customer expectations, nurturing loyalty and advocacy. It’s vital for standing out in a competitive market, as strong brands often outperform competitors. Regularly assess and adapt your strategy to stay relevant and responsive to changes. Why Are Strategic Frameworks Important? Strategic frameworks are essential for guiding your brand’s development and maintaining consistency. They help you define your mission, vision, and core values, ensuring alignment with your business goals. What Are the 4 C’s of Brand Strategy? The 4 C’s of brand strategy are Customer, Cost, Convenience, and Communication. First, focus on comprehending your target audience’s preferences and behaviors to guarantee your brand resonates with their needs. Second, evaluate your pricing strategies to align with perceived value. Third, simplify the customer experience for easy access to your products or services. Finally, develop clear messaging that effectively conveys your brand’s values and benefits across various channels. Conclusion To summarize, implementing a brand strategy framework is essential for your business’s success. It helps you define your brand’s identity and connect with your target audience effectively. By focusing on key components like positioning, customer feedback, and measurable KPIs, you can create a cohesive strategy that evolves with your brand. This structured approach not just improves brand recognition but additionally promotes customer loyalty, ensuring long-term growth. Regularly review and adapt your strategy to stay competitive in your market. Image Via Envato This article, "What Is a Brand Strategy Framework and Why It Matters?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Luxury market leader reports improving trends in third quarter after a tough couple of years for the industryView the full article

Wind and solar power have been under attack during Donald The President’s second term as president. He has called renewable energy a “joke,” canceled wind and solar projects, and taken actions to prop up coal and other fossil fuels as a way to “secure” the country’s “energy independence.” But the U.S. will struggle to have enough energy without wind and solar—especially as the tech sector’s growing use of AI demands more power—according to Chuka Umunna, JPMorgan Chase & Co’s global head of sustainable solutions, who spoke with Bloomberg Television on Tuesday. The comments came as JPMorgan announced an initiative to invest $1.5 trillion toward “security and resilience” that includes investments for solar, battery storage, nuclear, and efforts to modernize the energy grid. The The President administration has expressed support for expanding geothermal as well as nuclear energy. But Umunna said those won’t be enough to help the country meet its energy demands, and succeed when it comes to AI—we will still need wind and solar as well. “It’s difficult to conceive of a situation in which they won’t need to tap into those sources of energy,” he said. “We need more energy from all sources.” Nuclear in particular takes “years to come on stream,” Umunna noted. Projects take an average of seven years, though the U.S. Government Accountability Office says nuclear power plants take 10 to 12 years to plan, license, and build. It can also take up to seven years to build new gas-fired turbines. Wind and solar, in contrast, are among the fastest (and cheapest) new sources of energy to build, with many projects taking just 12 to 18 months. The President has also pushed his fossil fuel energy agenda as a way for the country to solve its “energy emergency” and achieve “energy independence.” But according to Umunna, renewables will actually help the country be more self-sufficient. The debate about sustainability, and whether or not to deploy renewable energy, is no longer a binary, he said: “It involves complex issues of geopolitics and [economic] competitiveness as well.” When it comes to green economy stocks, which have seen strong recent gains, investors see an advantage not only from the sustainability angle, but also around “sovereignty, the strategic autonomy thematic,” he added. JPMorgan has identified 150 stocks that benefit from both. JPMorgan’s Security and Resiliency Initiative is a ten-year plan to finance industries it says are crucial to economic security. It will invest in four main buckets: supply chain and advanced manufacturing; defense and aerospace; energy independence and resilience; and “frontier and strategic technologies” (including AI and quantum computing). View the full article

Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday raised its 2025 sales forecast after reporting quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street expectations, and announced plans to spin off its orthopedics business into a standalone company. The healthcare conglomerate now expects product revenue of $93.5 billion to $93.9 billion, about $300 million higher than its prior forecast and above analysts’ expectations of $93.4 billion, according to LSEG data. Alongside the upbeat forecast, J&J said it plans to separate its orthopedics business into a standalone company named DePuy Synthes within the next 18 to 24 months, marking its second major spinoff since 2023. J&J’s orthopedics unit, which makes hip, knee, and shoulder implants, surgical instruments, and other products, generated around $9.2 billion last year, or about 10% of total revenue. J&J in 2023 announced a two-year restructuring program for its orthopedics business, saying it planned to exit certain markets and stop selling some products, after having recently spun off its $15 billion consumer unit into Kenvue. The company said it planned to focus on high-growth, high-margin areas as part of its separation plans, such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, surgery, vision care, and cardiovascular. J&J Chief Financial Officer Joe Wolk said the company was exploring multiple paths for the separation, with a primary focus on a tax-free spin-off, but remained open to other options. While the orthopedics business was profitable, Wolk said J&J believes the next phase of innovation in orthopedics was “beyond our scope and probably in better hands somewhere else.” Shares of the New Jersey-based healthcare giant rose nearly 2% in premarket trading. FORECAST RAISE, PROFIT BEAT Third-quarter sales of $23.99 billion edged past Wall Street expectations of $23.75 billion, according to LSEG data. The drugs and medical device maker posted adjusted earnings of $2.80 per share versus analyst expectations of $2.76. The company’s pharmaceuticals sales jumped 6.8% from a year ago to $15.56 billion, slightly outpacing analysts’ estimates of $15.42 billion. J&J saw gains from its oncology products, including blood cancer treatment Darzalex, which brought in third-quarter sales of $3.67 billion, about in line with forecasts of $3.62 billion. Its medical device sales also rose 6.8% to $8.43 billion, mainly driven by electrophysiology products. —Patrick Wingrove, Reuters View the full article

Federal Reserve chair says inflation expectations are close to central bank’s 2% goalView the full article

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba‘s cloud business unit has launched its second data center in Dubai, it said on Tuesday, nine years after its first, as it expands its global cloud computing services to meet growing demand. Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and artificial intelligence division, said in a statement the launch was part of the technology major’s pledge to invest 380 billion yuan ($53 billion) over three years. No financial details were disclosed in Tuesday’s statement. “The Middle East’s advantageous position in fast-tracking AI adoption and its collaborative ecosystem are crucial enablers for private and public sector companies to thrive,” said Eric Wan, vice president of Alibaba Cloud International and regional general manager at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. The United Arab Emirates, among the world’s top oil exporters, has been spending billions of dollars on an AI push, and under a deal signed in May, it is building the largest AI campus outside the United States in partnership with technology giants such as Nvidia and OpenAI. The long-coveted agreement was a major win for the Gulf country, which has been trying to balance its relations with its longtime ally, the U.S., and its largest trading partner, China. However, Reuters reported, citing sources, that the deal has not been finalized amid U.S. security concerns around Beijing’s access to advanced semiconductors via third parties such as the UAE, where major Chinese companies remain active. Alibaba Cloud said in the statement on Tuesday that it had partnered with several companies from various sectors, including Abu Dhabi-backed digital lender Wio Bank, during tech and AI exhibition GITEX Global in Dubai to take advantage of its local infrastructure capabilities to accelerate AI deployment. —Rachna Uppal and Federico Maccioni, Reuters View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I used to feel awkward and self conscious pointing a camera at myself at the gym. My thoughts went something like: I’m no selfie-obsessed influencer. What are people thinking of me? But I’ve had a change of heart: I now whip out my pocket-sized tripod to video myself at least once every workout, and my lifts are better for it. If you lift at a gym, you've probably noticed people are filming their lifts more often these days. While some of them may be obnoxious TikTokers (and we'll talk about etiquette below), there are lots of good reasons to want to document what you're doing on video. You can evaluate your effort and technique, share the videos with a coach, or use the videos as a way of sharing your training with friends and internet gym buddies. The benefits of taking video of your liftsBefore we get into how, let's talk about why. There are very good reasons to film yourself lifting. Checking your formIf I'm working out alone, I video because I’m seeking some of the feedback I would otherwise get from an in-person coach. But even when my coach is right there, I still take video of my heaviest or most important lifts of the day. I can match the feedback he gives me (good or bad) to what I see in the video. I also have a record of the day's lifts that I'll be able to look back on later. Better feedback than a mirrorIt's also good to learn to use video for technique adjustments rather than looking in a mirror. While a mirror is fine for, say, bicep curls or lateral raises, you'll want to learn to lift without one if you have any interest in powerlifting, weightlifting, or crossfit (and those gyms almost never have mirrors.) Twisting your head to look at yourself can mess up your body position, and paying attention to how you look in the mirror can interrupt your focus. Not to mention, your perspective in a mirror changes as your body moves. You're not actually getting an accurate view of your squat depth with a mirror, but a good video will tell you the truth. Gauging effortA video also helps you gauge how you’re really feeling. Time slows down when you’re struggling: if a pullup takes more than a split second, it feels like hours. I pull, I struggle, I move barely a millimeter. Sometimes I’ll give up, or nearly give up, because it feels like I just can’t possibly complete the move. But then I’ll look at the video and see that my perceived hours of struggle were just a momentary slowdown on a rep that ends up being totally solid. Even for something as subjective as RPE (rating your “perceived exertion”), video helps. I remember, years ago, getting feedback from my online coaches that my “RPE 8” deadlifts looked too easy. So I looked at other people’s RPE 8 deadlifts, and there was a clear difference in effort. Comparing my videos to theirs helped me dial in the effort level I was really going for. How to take a good lifting videoWhether the videos are for you, for your coach, or just to show off for the ’gram, they’ll be most useful if you can get a good view of yourself. Use a tripodLeaning your phone against something on the floor may work in a pinch, but you can’t actually see much from a badly distorted video taken from a worm’s-eye view. (If there's a bench or chair available, put your water bottle on the bench and lean your phone against it.) I'll say more about equipment below, but a selfie stick tripod like this one is an easy option. It extends to about waist height and can stand by itself on the gym floor. It also collapses small enough to fit in your gym bag or even your sweatshirt pocket. And, yes, you do want to put your phone on on some kind of object (tripod or otherwise) rather than having a friend hold the phone. Hand-held videos tend to be harder to watch. If the person walks around you or adjusts the zoom while you're lifting, that's incredibly distracting and often cuts off important information. Even if they just stand still, there's often still enough movement to be a problem. Erligpowht Extendable Selfie Stick $14.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $14.99 at Amazon Shoot at a 3/4 angleIt’s tempting to take video from the side or from directly in front of you, but crucial information will be missing. A side view of your squat might show whether your thighs go parallel to the floor, but it won’t show whether your knees are caving in. For most lifts, a 3/4 view—not exactly from the side or the front, but somewhere in between—will give the most useful information. For similar reasons, you’ll want to get your entire body in the frame. Especially if you’re showing your video to a coach or friend for a form check, they’ll want to see everything that might affect your lift—including, for example, your feet. Check the lighting and position before you startI use the forward-facing camera so that as soon as I step into frame, I can glance over and see that I’ve set everything up correctly. If there's a window behind you and you're backlit, or if you’re halfway off camera, fix it before you start your lift. But once you begin, ignore the camera. Do your lift as you normally would—look in the mirror only if that’s what you always do—and then don’t look at the camera again until after you complete the lift. Trim your dang videosNobody wants to watch 30 seconds of you adjusting the camera and psyching yourself up for your lift. Even if the video is just for yourself, you probably don’t want to watch that either. You need to take a few minutes’ rest between sets anyway, so use that time to trim your videos. On iPhone, just begin watching the video, hit pause, and then hit Edit. You can trim the start and end of the video right from that screen, and then choose whether to overwrite the original file or save the trimmed version as its own copy. (Choose the new file if you think you might want to refer to your setup later; otherwise, trimming the original is fine.) My favorite tripods and equipmentAs I mentioned above, a selfie stick tripod is super convenient at the gym. It fits in your bag or pocket, and you can easily fold it up when you're not using it. The one at that link is the kind I've used most commonly over the years. I usually get a year or two of use out of one of those before something breaks, usually the mechanism that holds the phone. That's why I've recently switched to tripods that have a MagSafe style mount, like this one. If your phone has this type of magnet in the back, your life gets so much easier. Just snap your phone onto the magnet and it stays—no adjusting for the width or thickness of the phone. I have not used a water bottle with a magnetic mount, even though every time I see them advertised I think "oh, that's clever." If I have a water bottle, I can lean my phone against it, no special device needed. A water bottle still needs something to bring it up to an appropriate height (like a chair or bench) so it's not really a replacement for a floor tripod. I do have a phone holder that can magnet onto a nearby machine or squat rack, but I have mixed feelings about it. If you can find a squat rack that's positioned the perfect distance away from where you're working out, and nobody is using it, great. (Make sure the phone holder is one you can angle toward you, not just a flat magnet.) But usually there's nothing in quite the right place, and you're left with a worse angle than if you were using the bench-and-water-bottle trick. I use mine in my home gym, where I have a metal post in a convenient spot. I don't find it useful when I go to a commercial gym. Gym etiquette when taking videoTo answer the questions I know you have in mind: Yes, it is OK to film your lifts in a gym (unless the gym has a rule specifically forbidding it, of course). And no, people won't think you're weird—as long as you make sure to do so politely and respectfully. Here's how. Keep others out of frameAs much as possible, position your camera so that other people aren't in the video (or at least not their faces). You definitely shouldn't post a video publicly with other people in it, but even if the video is for your private use, people may notice that they're on camera and feel weird about it. Stay out of the wayDon't place your tripod in a busy walkway, or anywhere else you'd be getting in others' way. If you want to use an unoccupied bench to prop up your phone, that's OK—for a moment. Don't leave it there for your whole workout. And consider, again, using a tripod: A phone on the ground is a lot easier to miss, and accidentally trip over, than a tripod that's pretty obviously in somebody's walking path. Using the gym takes precedence over filmingWe've all seen those TikToks where somebody gets mad at a passer-by for walking into the frame. I'm convinced that most of those videos are faked (outrage gets engagement), but obviously you do not want to be that person. Working out in a space takes precedence over using your camera there. That said, if the place is busy, just communicate like a normal human being. I train at a gym where people commonly film themselves, and everybody is very friendly about making space for each other. Someone might even offer to share their tripod. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m in senior leadership at a mid-sized company. My department has a number of processes and procedures that other departments need to follow and my team also handles compliance issues, so I’m often giving instructions or reminding folks of various steps they need to be taking. No matter how soft I make the feedback, no matter how benign the feedback is, I get defensiveness and over-explanation in return. A classic example is, “Please remember to copy [employee] on these requests because they track these for our department.” I expect “will do!” and, instead I get, “I haven’t done this process before, but when I do X other process, I don’t have to copy anyone. That’s why I didn’t know. I’m so sorry! This will never happen again!” This is true even if I say, “I know you might be new to this process, and this happens all the time so don’t worry about it, but can you please copy [employee]?” and add a variety of happy emojis. And, honestly, I don’t really have the time or capacity to be spending time trying to come up with the perfect email that will not result in someone being defensive. On the other hand, this response type starts to get wearing after a while. I start to want to not tell people that they need to do things differently. I get this response close to 100% of the time. Is this something I just need to learn to expect in a (very) senior position? Am I reading too much into it and should just accept that employees are going to behave this way when being corrected? I have mentioned this issue to HR and asked them to consider if there’s a reason, like company culture, that employees may feel afraid of receiving feedback. In the meantime, can I just send normal emails with politely, professionally worded requests and stop trying to create the perfect email that won’t result in someone feeling the need to over-explain and defend? You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. The post my employees are defensive whenever I give feedback appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Rate-and-term transactions leaped by 154% from August to September, while cash-outs and purchase loans also increased, according to Optimal Blue. View the full article

JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup buoyed by return of dealmakingView the full article

IBM has recently introduced a powerful upgrade to its IBM Z Software suite by integrating watsonx Assistant for Z, a move that could reshape how small businesses manage their mainframe IT environments. This new technology leverages conversational AI to streamline workflows, making it a noteworthy development for small business owners who rely on mainframe systems for critical operations. The watsonx Assistant for Z is designed to enhance IT operations by improving the efficiency of how users respond to system alerts and resolve issues. Traditionally, dealing with multiple tools and platforms could be cumbersome for small IT teams. However, IBM’s latest offering serves as a centralized hub, directing requests to the appropriate AI agents. This capability automates the process, allowing operators to access root causes, historical context, and suggested next actions in one seamless chat interface. The immediate benefits for small business owners are significant. According to IBM, the new assistant helps IT operators prioritize critical alerts, swiftly assess issues, and take corrective measures directly through the platform. As a result, businesses can expect a reduction in mean time to resolution (MTTR), which is crucial for maintaining system reliability and minimizing downtime. This means that teams can redirect their focus toward higher-value tasks instead of getting bogged down by routine troubleshooting. One quote from IBM’s announcement states, “Watsonx Assistant for Z drives context-aware responses that support incident remediation.” This context-awareness is particularly advantageous for small businesses often dealing with limited resources and staffing. By leveraging automated insights and responses, they can ensure more reliable system performance without requiring extensive additional manpower or expertise. Practical applications of this technology could transform various operational aspects for small businesses. For instance, firms that rely heavily on data management or customer service may find that the watsonx Assistant can significantly enhance their internal and external communications. With less time spent on resolving IT issues, businesses can focus more on customer interactions, perhaps even improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, small business owners should remain cautious and consider potential challenges associated with implementing new AI technologies. Adopting this advanced system may require a learning curve, and not all team members may be immediately comfortable or familiar with AI-driven tools. Additionally, small businesses might need to assess whether their current infrastructure can support this new technology without significant investments in hardware or software upgrades. Moreover, organizations should remain mindful of the importance of data security and privacy. As with any AI integration, ensuring that sensitive business and customer data are protected is critical. Small businesses, in particular, may wish to develop robust training programs for their staff to maximize the benefits of the watsonx Assistant while mitigating risks. In summary, the introduction of watsonx Assistant for Z from IBM represents a significant leap forward in empowering small businesses to manage their mainframe IT challenges more efficiently. By embracing this technology, small business owners can enhance their operational resilience, improve system reliability, and ultimately free their teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. For more information about this announcement, visit the original press release here. This article, "IBM Z Software Boosts Productivity with New Conversational AI Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

IBM has recently introduced a powerful upgrade to its IBM Z Software suite by integrating watsonx Assistant for Z, a move that could reshape how small businesses manage their mainframe IT environments. This new technology leverages conversational AI to streamline workflows, making it a noteworthy development for small business owners who rely on mainframe systems for critical operations. The watsonx Assistant for Z is designed to enhance IT operations by improving the efficiency of how users respond to system alerts and resolve issues. Traditionally, dealing with multiple tools and platforms could be cumbersome for small IT teams. However, IBM’s latest offering serves as a centralized hub, directing requests to the appropriate AI agents. This capability automates the process, allowing operators to access root causes, historical context, and suggested next actions in one seamless chat interface. The immediate benefits for small business owners are significant. According to IBM, the new assistant helps IT operators prioritize critical alerts, swiftly assess issues, and take corrective measures directly through the platform. As a result, businesses can expect a reduction in mean time to resolution (MTTR), which is crucial for maintaining system reliability and minimizing downtime. This means that teams can redirect their focus toward higher-value tasks instead of getting bogged down by routine troubleshooting. One quote from IBM’s announcement states, “Watsonx Assistant for Z drives context-aware responses that support incident remediation.” This context-awareness is particularly advantageous for small businesses often dealing with limited resources and staffing. By leveraging automated insights and responses, they can ensure more reliable system performance without requiring extensive additional manpower or expertise. Practical applications of this technology could transform various operational aspects for small businesses. For instance, firms that rely heavily on data management or customer service may find that the watsonx Assistant can significantly enhance their internal and external communications. With less time spent on resolving IT issues, businesses can focus more on customer interactions, perhaps even improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, small business owners should remain cautious and consider potential challenges associated with implementing new AI technologies. Adopting this advanced system may require a learning curve, and not all team members may be immediately comfortable or familiar with AI-driven tools. Additionally, small businesses might need to assess whether their current infrastructure can support this new technology without significant investments in hardware or software upgrades. Moreover, organizations should remain mindful of the importance of data security and privacy. As with any AI integration, ensuring that sensitive business and customer data are protected is critical. Small businesses, in particular, may wish to develop robust training programs for their staff to maximize the benefits of the watsonx Assistant while mitigating risks. In summary, the introduction of watsonx Assistant for Z from IBM represents a significant leap forward in empowering small businesses to manage their mainframe IT challenges more efficiently. By embracing this technology, small business owners can enhance their operational resilience, improve system reliability, and ultimately free their teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. For more information about this announcement, visit the original press release here. This article, "IBM Z Software Boosts Productivity with New Conversational AI Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Bilt Rewards, best known for offering renters rewards points for paying on time, plans to do the same for mortgages through a partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage LLC, its first tie-up with a home lender. View the full article

Precision management now drives partner prosperity. By CPA Trendlines Research The Rosenberg Survey Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Precision management now drives partner prosperity. By CPA Trendlines Research The Rosenberg Survey Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

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. It's official: As of Tuesday, Oct. 14, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10. That said, if you powered on your Windows 10 PC this morning, only to read headlines suggesting the end of Windows 10, you might be a bit confused. Your computer still works, after all. So what's really going on here? What Windows 10 end of life really meansAs it might now be evident, Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 doesn't mean the company has shut down the OS for good. Any devices still running Windows 10 will continue to run—and, in fact, much in the same way as they previously have. You probably won't notice any difference between Windows 10 on Oct. 14 vs. Oct. 13. The issue isn't that Windows 10 won't work going forward; rather, it's that Microsoft will no longer issue security updates to Windows 10 users by default. That means the next time someone discovers a security vulnerability with this OS—no matter how big or small it may be—Microsoft will not send a patch to most Windows 10 users. The risk of using Windows 10 going forward starts small, and escalates quickly. It's only day one of Windows 10's end of life, which means there's little risk in using the OS today. However, over time, more and more security vulnerabilities will surface. Soon enough, there will be a real danger in using a Windows 10 PC that is connected to the internet. All it takes is clicking one malicious link in a spam email, or downloading malware disguised as legitimate software, for hackers to strike. Windows 10 extended security updatesHere's the thing, though: Between users who can't or don't want to update to Windows 11, as well as organizations that rely on Windows 10 to run specific programs and services, there are still a lot of Windows 10 machines out there. If you're running Windows 10, you aren't alone—some estimates put the OS' market share at 40.5% of all Windows machines. Sure, there are more PCs out there running Windows 11, but there could be roughly half a billion users that just lost official support from Microsoft. Microsoft knows this, which is why this "end of life" isn't really the end for Windows 10. The company offers Windows 10 users the option of enrolling in Extended Security Updates, or ESU. Under the ESU program, you'll still receive critical security patches, even when using Windows 10. It does feel like Microsoft is soft launching Windows 10's demise, but at least all Windows 10 users have an option to continue using the OS securely. However, you can't just expect Microsoft to automatically enroll your PC in the ESU program. You have one of three options here, two of which are free: Pay a one-time $30 fee. Opt into Windows Backup to sync your PC to the cloud. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. You'll find these options your PC after updating to the latest possible version. From here, head to Settings > Windows Update, and look out for the "Windows 10 support ends in October 2025" and "Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure" options. Be warned, however, that Microsoft does not see this as a long-term solution. This is still part of the Windows 10 end of life plan, after all. The ESU program only lasts from Oct. 15 of this year through Oct. 13, 2026. After that date, Microsoft will stop issuing Windows 10 security updates for good. In addition, you will only receive security patches: no features, design changes, or tech support. Updating to Windows 11Whether it's today or Oct. 13 of next year, it won't be safe to run Windows 10 on an internet-connected PC without these security patches. As such, your only option for using Windows in the future is by upgrading to an OS Microsoft actively supports. At this time, that means Windows 11. That doesn't necessarily mean buying a new PC though, as Windows 11 might be compatible with your current machine. Here's are the minimum hardware requirements, as noted by Microsoft: Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores on a 64-bit chip Memory: 4GB or more Storage: 64GB or more Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 Display: 720p or higher, nine inches or larger, with 8 bits per color channel Your Windows 10 PC must also be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later, and you'll need to at least be running the Sept. 14, 2021 security update. While many of these requirements seem pretty basic, the one that trips up many otherwise capable machines is TPM 2.0. This is a security standard that can help prevent modern cyberattacks on Windows, so it's great to have. However, if you have a PC older than 2016, it might not have TPM 2.0. Your computer might very well be capable of running Windows 11, but Microsoft won't endorse it if you don't have this security hardware in place. Even still, you can go around Microsoft to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC. Just note Microsoft does not approve of this, and may even stop supporting your PC if you choose this route—defeating the purpose of upgrading from Windows 10 in the process. View the full article

Ten major philanthropic organizations are banding together to ensure that regular Americans, not just a small group of tech billionaires, have a say in how AI will shape society and who will benefit. The organizations announced Tuesday the formation of Humanity AI, a $500-million five-year initiative aimed at ensuring artificial intelligence serves people and communities rather than replacing or diminishing them. The coalition includes the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Mozilla Foundation, the Omidyar Network and other philanthropies. The core group, which is expected to expand to include other philanthropies, will make the grants both on their own (with input from the group) and together from a common pool of capital. Many now believe that generative AI systems are about to revolutionize the way companies do business, from accounting to engineering to operations. Humanity AI is betting on a future where AI plays a supporting role, wherein it “strengthens communities, and enhances human creativity.” The groups want to rebalance the public policy conversation around AI to include the interests of normal people, not just the big tech players and financiers who are betting big on the transformative potential of the technology. “So much investment is going into AI right now with the goal of making money, which is our capital system and that’s all fine,” MacArthur Foundation president John Palfrey said in an interview with Fast Company. “What we are seeking to do is to invest public interest dollars to ensure that the development of the technology serves humans and places humanity at the center of this development.” The coalition knows it won’t be able to match the AI industry’s cash — its $500 million is a quarter Mira Murati’s seed round for Thinking Machines Lab. Palfrey says that even if his organization would put its entire $9 billion in assets into this one issue, it wouldn’t come close to the money being invested by the tech companies and their investors. But, he says, the ten organizations in Humanity AI working together could have a real impact. “We each have a slightly different angle on it, but we’re going to share knowledge and hopefully have the whole be greater than the sum of the parts,” he says. The goal, after all, is not to compete with the tech industry so much as it is to expand the conversation. “It’s all building a broader community of folks who are engaged in this topic,” Omidyar Network president Michele Jawando tells Fast Company. “[T]here’s just one or two people who are saying this is how [AI] should be used, and we’re saying, ‘Hey, wait a minute. I’m going to pull up a few more chairs at the table and get a few different voices and perspectives’.” Workers are increasingly worried that the real “value” that AI companies and their investors hope to deliver to big business is the ability to eliminate positions and cut payroll. AI companies and their backers counter by saying that some positions will be eliminated but that many kinds of jobs will be created. Creatives and artists wonder whether AI will enhance their performance or replace them, and many question how their authentic intellectual property can be protected in a world of AI-generated content. But the private sector would actually benefit by making sure that the benefits of AI are broadly distributed across geographies and classes, Jawando points out. “Because if people don’t see that, we’ve seen what happens when people feel completely on the outside and used and abused,” she says. “Every major industrial revolution has had [that] moment, and so the private sector should be incentivized to do this, but they’re not right now.” Some of the investments Humanity AI plans to make focus on giving underrepresented people ways to influence AI’s trajectory. The group plans to award funds to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), which works to protect people’s right to data privacy as tech companies (and governments) work to bend norms toward having no expectation of privacy at all. The group also plans to fund the work of the Berkeley Labor Center, which develops technology to measure the real effects of AI on the workforce. In addition, it trains union organizers and labor advocates and other organizations that support them, so that workers can act as decision makers on how AI gets applied and not just passive participants (or victims) of the way AI is deployed in the workplace. Some of the group’s funding targets are more politically focused, working to raise the voices of people who will be affected by AI but lack thelobbying firepower of big tech. The public advocacy group AI Now, for example, seeks to inject into the policy debate the idea that the corporations developing AI should have to be accountable to the public. The group provides technical expertise to lawmakers (who often rely on AI industry sources), and researches and develops an intellectual framework that legitimizes public intervention in AI development. Some of the members of Humanity AI are focused on the creative industries. Omidyar’s Jawando says one of the projects Humanity AI wants to fund is focused on preserving the intellectual property of human creatives, and giving people like actors technology tools to stay in control of their image and work when generative AI tools can easily duplicate and remix them and post the results on social media. At a deeper level, Jawando says, society is beginning to grapple with the question of what role AI should play in society. Should it support and amplify people, or should it stand in for (or replace) people in many tasks? AI might be better used to address problems like healthcare accessibility or housing availability rather than making sure we all have better access to Canva, Jawando told me. “I think this is when you have the conversation about human flourishing–I think it comes down to that level of detail and thoughtfulness.” Humanity AI wants to find, and fund, people who share that worldview and speak that language. “We want to raise up a whole group of scientists and academics and researchers and advocates and young people who are going to raise these issues,” she says, “so that you can then empower the policymakers [to] incentivize the private sector folks to do the right thing . . .” Humanity AI partners will begin making grants as soon as fall 2025. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will serve as a fiscal sponsor and manage a pooled fund, with grants from that fund beginning in 2026. View the full article

A startup called Orion is ready to take on America’s sleep loss epidemic with a new, AI-enabled mattress cover that can adjust its temperature throughout the night to maximize comfort and rest. Cofounder and CEO Harry Gestetner previously cofounded the startup Fanfix, which helped Gen Z content creators build paid subscription programs. After the company sold to SuperOrdinary for a reported $65 million, Gestetner says he became interested in sleep and its well-documented links to health and longevity. “Every longevity expert tells you that sleep is the cornerstone of longevity,” he says. Gestetner found that most sleep and fitness trackers could detect bad sleep patterns, but they couldn’t directly do anything to help users get a better night’s rest. “All they do is just give you a bunch of data that tells you slept badly,” he says. And while sleep temperature has been shown to have a significant impact on sleep quality, existing sleep temperature control devices from companies like Eight Sleep were too expensive for many people Gestetner spoke to. Working with his father Daniel Gestetner, himself a serial entrepreneur and Orion’s chairman, Gestetner set out to craft a more affordable alternative—the “Tesla of sleep,” rather than the Ferrari, as he puts it. The company has since raised $10.3 million in venture funding and developed the technology with sleep expert and clinical psychologist Michael Breus, who serves as Orion’s chief sleep officer. Orion’s technology, unveiled for preorder on October 14, costs users with a queen-sized bed $2,300 up front plus $17 per month for a subscription. The subscription pays for access to Orion’s AI, which can automatically make dozens of temperature adjustments throughout the night to maximize comfort at various phases of sleep, taking into account sensor readings and users’ stated preferences. Buyers can indicate whether they want a firmer or softer cover, with other options in the works, and the equipment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to install, Gestetner says. Sensors within the mattress cover can detect factors like body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate, which allow the AI to optimize its temperature to match natural circadian rhythms, allowing for longer, deeper sleep. “We can tell, for example, if your body temperature is heating up, your heart rate’s starting to increase, and you’re getting into a lighter and lighter phase of sleep where you might wake up,” says Gestetner. “We can adjust your body temperature back down to keep you in deeper sleep longer and increase your sleep quality.” The package includes the mattress cover, along with a companion device that can be unobtrusively positioned near the bed or behind a nightstand, where it heats or cools water circulated through the mattress cover. Unlike waterbeds of yore, notorious for disastrous leaks and often banned from rental apartments, Orion’s mattress cover includes sturdy tubing and a second waterproof layer to prevent spillage, he says. It also only uses about 1.5 liters of water, which can be topped off about twice per year. Sensors in the mattress cover help monitor sleep quality and adjust temperature throughout the night. The technology works for couples as well, Gestetner says, avoiding quarrels over settings by maintaining two temperature zones, since many people don’t sleep best at the same temperature as their partner. “My girlfriend gets very cold at night, and so she likes to set her side very warm,” he says. “I get very hot at night, so I like to set my side very cold, and then I like to wake up very warm.” Before Orion’s customers begin using the device, which is expected to ship to preorder customers in December, they typically will do a home sleep test with a disposable wearable sensor, letting Orion observe their sleep patterns. The wearable, which looks similar to a large Band-Aid, lets the company chart their sleep habits and temperatures needs throughout the night. “We can show you pretty much everything that’s wrong with your sleep on a graph, and then preprogram the Orion device to you based on your data,” Gestetner says. The wearable isn’t essential, though, and Gestetner says the company already has a deal to place the mattress covers in hotels, where the built-in sensors will be able to help adjust temperatures and let guests get a better night’s sleep. Other companies have worked to develop AI and sensor technology to optimize other aspects of sleep: Heka offers mattresses that physically adjust to support different body types and changing sleeping positions throughout the night, while Nitetronic produces pillows that detect snoring and inflate to adjust the user’s head position and keep airways clear. A Tempur-Pedic bed base with adjustable contours can even alter its position during the night in response to snoring. But while many smart sleep devices can be fairly pricy, Orion aims to develop more affordable versions of its product, which could be available in the future for as little as $500, thanks in part to Daniel Gestetner’s manufacturing experience. Harry Gestetner envisions the product could appeal to any of the millions of people already tracking health and sleep stats with smartwatches and other wearables. The company is also about to participate in a formal clinical study, and Gestetner imagines that users will also amass concrete data to confirm the technology improves their sleep. “As people use the product, they should see improvements in their sleep data, which should be pretty undeniable,” he says. View the full article

The largely direct-to-consumer lender will also offer reverse mortgage loans in the latest dealing between publicly traded industry players. View the full article

Cabinet dealers, interior designers and remodeling contractors in the U.S. hope new tariffs on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered wooden furniture that kicked in Tuesday will create more business for them and eventually boost domestic production of those products. But several small business owners in the home improvement industry say they expect some short-term pains from the import taxes: Clients with projects already on the books might balk at having to pay more for the budget-priced cabinets they selected. Potential customers may postpone kitchen and bathroom renovations until costs — and the economy — seem more stable. “I think the volatility around pricing is damaging to the remodeling industry,” said Allison Harlow, an interior designer in Michigan whose company, Curio Design Studio, creates and builds custom bathrooms and kitchens. “Most people will hear the headline of ‘Kitchen cabinets will go up 50%’ and might just opt out of even reaching out to our company.” Despite high mortgage rates having depressed sales of existing homes in recent years, a forecast of remodeling activity by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts that homeowner spending on improvements and maintenance will remain steady into the middle of 2026. The President calls cheap imports a national security threat A proclamation that President Donald The President signed on Sept. 29 cited national security and foreign trade practices as grounds for imposing the tariffs on certain finished wood products and product components. Of them, imported vanities and kitchen cabinets incurred the steepest tax rates: 25% until the end of the year and 50% starting on New Year’s Day. Upholstered chairs, seats and sofas also are subject to a 25% worldwide tariff effective Tuesday, with the rate scheduled to increase to 30% on Jan. 1. In addition, the presidential proclamation put a 10% import tax on softwood timber and lumber, which comes from evergreen trees like pine and cedars. Softwoods often are used to make furniture and in wood frame construction. Canada is the source of about 85% of the softwood lumber the U.S. imports, or nearly one-quarter of the national supply, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. Some U.S. trading partners are receiving more favorable treatment when it comes to the furniture and cabinetry tariffs. The tax on U.K. exports was capped at 10%, while the rate for wood products from the European Union and Japan was capped at 15%. The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance and other trade and advocacy groups lobbied for tariffs to help offset what they described as a flood of cheap cabinets from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, China and elsewhere in the decades since more U.S. furniture manufacturing moved offshore. U.S.-made products tend to cost more but often are of better quality. A higher bottom line for renovators on a budget John Lovallo, an analyst at UBS bank, estimates the tariffs on imported cabinets and vanities could add roughly $280 to the average cost of building a single-family home, not enough to sink a project that often carries an overall price tag more than 1,000 times larger than that. Some business owners say they plan to cover any tariff-related costs for now instead of raising customer prices. John Dean, founder of Dean Cabinetry in Connecticut, sells cabinets that run the gamut from lower-priced imports to custom models made in his shop. Imported products account for about a third of his sales, but Dean said he does not expect much fallout from the tariffs. Two of his vendors that he buys imported cabinets from, in China and Vietnam, said they would raise prices by 10% to recoup some of the duty costs. Dean said he would not charge customers more for now. Since a kitchen remodel is a big ticket item to begin with, and with the costs of building lumber and labor going up, raising cabinet prices might hurt demand, he said. “My personal perspective is most small- and medium-sized businesses are trying to absorb those costs,” he said. The wood product tariffs are likely to have a bigger effect on selection than on prices as importers scale back their orders to focus on bestsellers and products with the highest profit margins, according to Jason Miller, a supply chain management professor at Michigan State University. “It will make importers more selective in the varieties they bring in,” Miller said: “So I think the bigger impact is going to be on the product variety side: Consumers should expect less variety.” What cabinet companies are expecting Although the White House said the tariffs were intended to boost domestic production and protect U.S. businesses from predatory trade practices, some cabinet makers say that will be difficult because their supply chains are multinational. Linq Kitchen, a Los Angeles-area company that designs, builds and installs modern-style kitchen cabinets, uses plywood and melamine panels from Asia and Europe in its projects, co-founder Josh Qian said. A suitable domestic alternative does not exist, he said. “The kitchen cabinet industry is highly globalized, and even U.S.-based manufacturers depend on imported materials, hardware, and finishes,” Qian said. “These tariffs may sound protective, but in reality, they often raise costs across the entire supply chain.” At the same time, cabinet companies that don’t sell foreign products or rely on imported components look forward to capturing more business. One is ACO Denver Custom Cabinetry in Denver, Colorado, which enlists Amish, Mennonite, and New German Baptist shops in the Midwest to handcraft custom cabinets. Andrea Mulkey, the company’s president and co-founder, said her main concern is whether interest in American-made cabinets will grow too quickly. “It’s hard to predict how much new business might come our way as competitors are affected,” Mulkey said. “We simply couldn’t serve everyone if demand suddenly surged. The real challenge is similar to what we saw post-COVID, when everyone got busy at once, and access to raw materials became strained.” The Curio Design Studio has its custom cabinets made in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but Harlow worries about the tariffs costing her customers. “I think it will decrease consumer confidence and create a narrative that the work is going to get inherently more expensive,” Harlow said. “I think we will have to work harder to attract potential clients with messaging of how this blanket statement, ‘Kitchen cabinets will go up 50%,’ does not impact our particular business model.” —Mae Anderson, AP Business Writer View the full article

It is dangerous to have confidence about what lies aheadView the full article