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Key economic data would be delayed if lawmakers fail to break funding deadlockView the full article

Federal funding set to run out on Wednesday morning unless lawmakers reach agreementView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The sun has already begun to set on our exercise routines—at least for those of us who like to run in the evenings. As we get deeper into fall (and prepare for the dreaded time change), evening and morning runners alike will have to deal with darker runs. Here are my best tips for staying safe and making the most of the darkness while you're out pounding the pavement. Bring a flashlight, even if you don't think you need itIf you're an evening runner, be warned that this is the season for darkness sneaking up on you. Check the sunset time before you head out, and bring a light source just in case you make a wrong turn or stop a little longer at a water break. I have these USB-chargeable lights, and I keep one in the same belt that holds my water bottle. HOKOILN 2 Pack Outdoor Night Running Lights, LED Running Lights for Runners with Rechargeable Battery for Camping, Hiking, Walking, Jogging, Outdoor Adventure $16.99 at Amazon $20.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal Get Deal $16.99 at Amazon $20.99 Save $4.00 You can't totally trust the sunset time to be the time you'll start losing light. When I'm running trails, I've noticed the light starts fading well in advance of the official sunlight time, thanks to all those hills and trees. There may not be cars to worry about in the wilderness, but without sunlight it's a lot easier to stub your toe on rocks and roots in the path. Even if you’re just walking in your neighborhood, it’s good to be seen. I’ve been in pitch-dark parks where I didn’t realize another jogger was there until they were right in front of me. Carrying some kind of light can help you see people, but it can also help you be seen, and avoid terrifying everyone else. Bike riders need lights tooLight is also important if you’re cycling. You especially want to make sure cars can see you, so put on your front and back lights even if it’s not fully dark yet. The convention (which is also the legal requirement in many areas) is to put a bright white light at the front of your bike, and a red light for visibility at the back. That back light could be mounted to your bike or to another convenient spot, like clipped onto your jacket or helmet. If you’re a runner, a hand-held flashlight is great, but a headlamp is often more useful. Whatever you use, know the battery life and make sure your light is fully charged before you go. I like my Petzl Tikkina, which can run on either AAA batteries or a rechargeable that's sold separately. PETZL TIKKINA Headlamp - Compact, Easy-to-Use 300 Lumen Headlamp, Designed for Hiking, Climbing, Running, and Camping - Grey $19.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.95 Save $5.00 Get Deal Get Deal $19.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.95 Save $5.00 Wear reflective clothingLight colors are more visible than dark ones, and neon-colored high-visibility fabrics can help you appear brighter as the sun is going down. But neither one is a replacement for reflective gear, which shines straight back at a light source like the headlights of a car. If you’re cycling, your wheels and pedals may already have reflectors on them; if not, you can buy some at a bike store. Running shoes and jackets often have reflective accents on them, but they’re often small. Shine a flashlight on your gear to find out just how reflective it is. If you need to add something quickly and cheaply, a basic reflective vest does the job. For a fancier version, the Noxgear Tracer is a vaguely vest-shaped strap that lights up enough that everybody will see you. You can get it with or without a chest light to illuminate the road in front of you. noxgear Tracer2 Visibility Vest (Small) $67.95 at Amazon $79.95 Save $12.00 Get Deal Get Deal $67.95 at Amazon $79.95 Save $12.00 Prepare for the coldNights are colder than days, so don’t expect your pre-dawn runs to be as warm as your midday ones. Check the hourly weather forecast with one of our favorite weather apps (I use Carrot). Then take my advice on dressing to stay warm while you run. If you’re cycling, you have to deal with the wind as well. Glasses or goggles can keep wind out of your eyes, and don’t forget to layer up on gloves, too. Consider glove liners or windproof gloves. Stay safeWhen you head out, pay extra attention to your surroundings. That flashlight will help, and it’s best to run without headphones, or to keep the volume very low. Bring a buddy if you can. A running group is a great option if you don't have friends who can meet you at your preferred times. If you have a dog, you can probably train them to run with you, but remember that they may need to improve their fitness over time to keep up. Run on the correct side of the road (the left, facing traffic) and stay alert to your surroundings. Plan out your route before you leave to make sure you’re not going anywhere you’re not comfortable with. A nighttime run is not the best time to find yourself lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood or unsure of whether there’s a safe crossing over a busy road. 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. If I told you Apple rolled out a new feature with iOS 26 that allows Maps to track your movements, and save that information for later, what would you think? On the surface, it does sound pretty invasive, especially from a company that typically promotes user privacy. While this really is a new feature, here's the thing: It isn't as bad as it sounds. And, if you really don't like it, you can turn it off. The feature, "Visited Places," is actually intended to be a private way to keep tabs on the places you've been to, and to easily recall your favorites in the future. When the feature is enabled, Maps will take note of places you visit, even if you don't use Maps to get there. It's like a passive, automatic journal, taking note of restaurants, malls, parks, or simply general locations you venture to day-to-day. According to Apple, all of this information is stored on your synced devices only, and is end-to-end encrypted, which means Apple has no way to access this data. If you have the feature enabled, you'll find your Visited Places appropriately tucked away in the "Places" menu when you launch Maps. I've only had the feature turned on for a day or so, so I only have three locations currently saved, but all three were destinations I visited without using Maps to guide me there. Personally, I have no issue with keeping this setting turned on: Nobody has access to the data except for me, and I can imagine it reminding me of the places I've enjoyed visiting during a future scroll. Apple says you will be asked to turn on the feature when you open Maps after updating to iOS 26, and, in my experience, that was the case. However, for CNET writer Zachary McAuliffe, the feature was already enabled without his input. As such, it might be smart to double-check that the feature is set to whichever setting you prefer, lest you allow Maps to track your movements without your knowledge. How to manage 'Visited Places' in Apple Maps To check whether the feature is turned on or off, head to Settings > Apps > Maps > Location. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Maps. Either way, check the toggle next to "Visited Places." You can also delete any Visited Places without needing to turn the feature off altogether. Open Maps, tap "Places," then "Visited Places." Here, you can swipe left on any place to delete it, or choose "Clear History" to delete them all. Plus, you can choose how long you want Maps to store your Visited Places: The default is "Forever," but you can also select "3 Months" or "1 Year," if you wish. View the full article

Prime minister’s plea to the party will come after Downing Street opened door to tax rises in Budget View the full article

Hostinger makes WordPress Agentic Web-compatible with one-click Web2Agent. The post Hostinger Makes WordPress Agentic Web-Ready appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Businesses today are drowning in data, and more driven than ever to make the most of it. When analyzed properly, that data has the power to boost efficiency and dramatically improve an organization’s operations, because it allows teams to base decisions on actual information about how their company works. But raw data isn’t much good to anyone — to be useful, it needs to be consistent, organized, and collected together into a single, unified system. That’s what data integration is all about. Keep reading, and we’ll explain what data integration is, why companies do it, common struggles to watch out for, and a few of the most common ways to integrate data. What is data integration? Data integration is the process of pulling data from one or more systems and pushing it to another system. These systems can include software applications, servers, and databases. Through data integration, business users can consult any range of data from a single platform, rather than hopping from system to system to get a more complete picture of what they’re analyzing. Data integration creates a single source of truth, which can eliminate duplicate data, enrich essential information, and reduce the number of systems an average employee has to use in their day-to-day work. Why is data integration so important? Companies use an average of 106 SaaS—software-as-a-service or subscription-based—apps. Add any software platforms that aren’t delivered through a SaaS model, like on-premise or legacy tools, and that number increases. Every app, tool, or system is another data source. Data that may conflict with, or be a duplicate of, data in another system. Anyone trying to collect a broad set of data for a specific task, such as analysis or reporting, has to either check multiple systems or knowingly work with a more limited dataset. Data integration, by making data more portable and accessible, builds a strong data-driven foundation for a number of essential business tasks. And, for the average business user, it all happens in the background. What are the essential steps of data integration? Data integration can be performed in a number of ways, through a variety of platforms. But despite that variance, data integration always involves a source system and a destination system. The source is where the data is originally found, and the destination is where it needs to go. The process that gets data from source to destination almost always follows the same steps: Extract: The source data is copied from the system(s) where it’s originally found. Transform: The data is cleaned, updated, or modified to match the specifics of data found in the destination system. This process might involve checking individual bits of data for duplicates. Load: The data is loaded into the destination system. While this process looks simple, it typically involves a significant amount of resources, whether that’s with custom-built solutions or data integration applications. The benefits of data integration Data integration can be an expensive, resource-intensive process. But organizations implement data integration because of the serious benefits it brings. Easier access to data The primary benefit of data integration is increased access to data for the average business user. Systems engineers and software developers might be able to navigate the many data storage systems the average organizations use, but the average business user can easily get completely lost. With data integration, you can pull from multiple systems and deliver essential data to these users. High-quality data When your data’s scattered across multiple systems, you’ll often deal with duplicates or variable quality. With data integration, duplicate data can be scrubbed out of your central system, while any bits of incomplete data can be enriched with information from other systems. Scalable architecture Disparate systems and scattered data aren’t scalable. The more your organization grows, the more data it produces, scattered across an increasing number of systems. By investing in a data integration infrastructure, you make your data systems more scalable. Even if you double the number of data sources you rely on, your data integration infrastructure will send that data where it needs to go. Better productivity Data integration makes every workflow more efficient. Marketers can run better campaigns because they have all the customer data they need without making a data request. Leaders make better decisions, finance teams spend less time hunting down statements, and developers can push updates without copying and pasting their work in multiple platforms. The challenges of data integration Despite its many advantages, data integration can be a very complex process that does come with inherent challenges. Most often, organizations have a general understanding of the goal of their integration process and the data that it will need to include. But setting up the necessary infrastructure can be difficult. Resource requirements Data integration requires a significant initial investment. Custom-built data integration solutions can take months to build and deploy, tying up your systems engineers. Even premade solutions require an investment in time and money to get working right. Maintenance The more complex your data integrations, the greater the need for ongoing maintenance. Updates in individual data systems, evolving processes, and even software issues with your data integration system can result in significant maintenance. Multiple data formats While the data in different systems might look the same to the end user, it rarely is. Data integration platforms process data from the source system to match the data in the destination system. The extent of that processing varies, and it can affect the compatibility of some systems with others. 4 types of data integration Data integration connects disparate systems to keep data flowing between them. The way that’s done can vary widely depending on the infrastructure you use. ETL (Extract, transform, load) ETL data integrations extract data from a source system, transform it, and then load it into the destination system. This allows data to be standardized before it’s added to the destination system, improving compatibility of that system with the rest of your infrastructure. That said, it can increase the load on your integration infrastructure, since it needs to process all the data it’s pushing. ELT (Extract, load, transform) Similar to ETL systems, the main difference here is that ELT integrations transform your data in the destination system instead of transforming it on the way. This can reduce the load on your integration, but it does require a more robust destination system. Data streaming ETL and ELT tools typically move data according to a scheduled interval, such as once a day or once a week. Data streaming, in contrast, continually sends data from source systems to your destination system, giving you fully up-to-date data in real-time. Data virtualization Data virtualization systems only move data when an end user requests it, instead of syncing it in batches or in real-time. This gives users near-instant access to data while reducing the load on your overall data integration infrastructure. Integrate and dominate Getting the most out of data is essential for companies to compete in today’s business world. That means more people need to become familiar with complicated processes like data integration. With more and more of your interactions happening online, nearly every stage of a business’s operations generates data — and all of it contains clues as to how those processes can be optimized, streamlined, and made more efficient. For companies, data integration is just one step in the process of using that data to reach their goals. How can Unito help with data integration? Here's how the data team at Unito syncs data points from Airtable to Google Sheets to create a hollistic data integration system. Learn more FAQ: Data integration What are the essential features of data integration platforms? Data integration platforms need the following features: A library of pre-built data connectors for popular applications. API support and developer platform for creating custom connectors. Visual data mapping. Business logic application. Data enrichment. Why is data integration so essential? As organizations use more and more software tools, data becomes increasingly scattered throughout these platforms. Data integration allows business users to get access to more data, no matter where it’s housed, without hopping from platform to platform. Do I need a developer for data integration? Typically, you’ll need a developer or engineer for at least a portion of the data integration process. If you use a pre-built data integration platform, you may not need to rely on developers as much, but you likely will need them for initial deployment and ongoing maintenance. Recent updates September 29th 2025: We significantly reworked the structure of this article to add information on types of data integration, the data integration process, and an FAQ View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Early October Prime Day Deals are here, and some good ones are rolling in. Amazon devices have big discounts right now, and that includes Kindle readers. Right now, Amazon is offering Prime Members bundles for the Kindle, Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Scribe, where most of them are cheaper than getting the standalone tablet, making the decision to go for the bundle an easy one. Here are the deals. Kindle Essentials Bundle including Kindle (2024 release) - Matcha, Fabric Cover - Matcha, and Power Adapter $117.97 at Amazon $161.97 Save $44.00 Get Deal Get Deal $117.97 at Amazon $161.97 Save $44.00 Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle including All-new Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) - Black, Fabric Cover - Black, and Power Adapter $156.97 at Amazon $216.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $156.97 at Amazon $216.97 Save $60.00 Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle including All-new Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) - Black, Plant-Based Leather Cover - Black, and Power Adapter $160.97 at Amazon $222.97 Save $62.00 Get Deal Get Deal $160.97 at Amazon $222.97 Save $62.00 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle including All-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) - Black, Fabric Cover - Black, and Wireless Charging Dock $191.97 at Amazon $276.97 Save $85.00 Get Deal Get Deal $191.97 at Amazon $276.97 Save $85.00 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle including All-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) - Black, Premium Leather Cover - Walnut, and Wireless Charging Dock $215.97 at Amazon $304.97 Save $89.00 Get Deal Get Deal $215.97 at Amazon $304.97 Save $89.00 Introducing Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle including Kindle Colorsoft (16 GB) – With color display - Black, Plant-Based Leather Cover-Black and Power Adapter $220.97 at Amazon $312.97 Save $92.00 Get Deal Get Deal $220.97 at Amazon $312.97 Save $92.00 New Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle including New Kindle Scribe (64 GB) - Tungsten, Premium Pen, Fabric Folio-Black, and Power Adapter $344.97 at Amazon $529.97 Save $185.00 Get Deal Get Deal $344.97 at Amazon $529.97 Save $185.00 Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle including Kindle Scribe (32GB) - Tungsten, Premium Pen, Leather Folio-Black, and Power Adapter $359.97 at Amazon $539.97 Save $180.00 Get Deal Get Deal $359.97 at Amazon $539.97 Save $180.00 Amazon Kindle Scribe 64GB Essentials Bundle (Metallic Jade): New Kindle Scribe, Premium Pen, Plant-Based Leather Folio-Jade, Power Adapter $371.97 at Amazon $549.99 Save $178.02 Get Deal Get Deal $371.97 at Amazon $549.99 Save $178.02 SEE 6 MORE Kindle The Amazon Kindle is the most basic reading tablet from Amazon, and it's the cheapest you can buy, especially after the recent discount. This is the latest model from 2024 that overtook the 2022 model, but there aren't a lot of improvements, according to PCMag's "good" review. Right now, you can get the bundle with a Fabric Cover and a power adapter for $117.97 (originally $161.97). Kindle PaperwhiteThe Kindle Paperwhite is the most popular reading tablet from Amazon, and it's the best for most people, according to PCMag's "outstanding" review. It offers many improvements over the 11th-generation version from 2021—mainly a larger seven-inch display and a much faster boost in performance. The Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle is $156.97 (originally $216.97) for the fabric cover or you can pay a bit more for the leather cover, both at the lowest prices they have been, according to price-tracking tools. If you want an ad-free experience with the charging dock, get the Signature Edition Bundle for $191.97 (originally $276.97). Kindle ColorsoftThe Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is exactly what it sounds like: It's a Kindle e-reader with color. It's essentially the same hardware and design as the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, with the same dimensions, weight, and 32GB of storage. It also has the same features, like the automatically adjusting front light, the IPX8 waterproof rating, wireless charging, and an ad-free lock screen that either shows the cover for the book you're reading, or a generic wallpaper. You can get the Essentials Bundle for $220.97 (originally $312.97). Kindle ScribeThe latest version of the Kindle Scribe, an upgraded version of the classic e-reader designed for note-taking, came out in December 2024, offering some nice upgrades that make the device more pleasant to use. It comes with a Premium Pen and a more paper-like feel screen that gives you resistance when writing your notes. The Essential Bundle comes with a cover and a power adapter, and starts at $344.97 (originally $529.97). Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Outdoor 4 XR + Mini 2 — Wireless and plug-in security cameras, motion detection, extended range. Sync Module XR included — 2 camera system + Mini 2 (Black) — $89.98 (List Price $219.98) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Kindle Essentials Bundle including Kindle (2024 release) - Black, Fabric Cover - Matcha, and Power Adapter — $117.97 (List Price $161.97) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

AI transforms tax planning, strategy, and client communication. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

AI transforms tax planning, strategy, and client communication. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

As a startup owner, managing your finances is crucial to your success. Utilizing effective budget templates can streamline your financial planning and help you track expenses accurately. From the Annual Startup Business Budget to the Startup Website Budget Tool, these templates provide structured frameworks customized for various needs. Comprehending these tools is vital for informed decision-making, which can greatly influence your startup’s growth trajectory. Let’s explore each template and how they can benefit your business. Key Takeaways Startup Expenses Template: Helps estimate launch and ongoing costs, categorizing expenses for prioritization and clear financial health representation. Annual Startup Business Budget Template: Projects yearly revenue and expenses, aiding in strategic financial planning and goal alignment. First-Year Startup Budget Calculator: Assists in monitoring finances during the initial year, comparing budgeted versus actual costs for better insights. Startup Equipment Budget Template: Essential for itemizing and estimating costs related to necessary equipment, ensuring accurate financial planning. Startup Website Budget Tool Template: Crucial for tracking website-related expenses, helping manage costs for design, development, and maintenance effectively. Business Startup Costs With Monthly Overhead Expenses Template Launching a startup involves maneuvering a complex terrain of costs, and the Business Startup Costs with Monthly Overhead Expenses Template serves as a crucial tool for entrepreneurs. This template allows you to estimate both launch expenses and ongoing monthly overhead in a single, detailed view. By categorizing costs into critical and non-critical items, it helps you prioritize spending and allocate resources effectively. You can evaluate total budget needs by reviewing fixed and variable costs, identifying potential areas for cost reduction. With built-in summary calculations, you’ll see a clear visual representation of your financial health and progress. Including overhead expenses, like payroll and utilities, guarantees a thorough financial plan for startup business template, streamlining your budgeting process. Startup Expenses Template When starting your business, estimating your capital needs is essential for success. The Startup Expenses Template helps you itemize costs across various categories, making it easier to create a detailed cost breakdown. This clarity not merely aids in financial planning but likewise strengthens your proposals to investors and lenders. Capital Needs Estimation Estimating capital needs is a significant step in starting your business, as it allows you to identify and itemize initial costs critical for launching operations. Utilizing a Startup Expenses Template helps you outline fundamental expenditures, including real estate, leasehold improvements, and marketing costs. By incorporating a marketing budget template XLS or a restaurant budget spreadsheet, you can guarantee that no necessary expenses are overlooked. The template additionally features a summary dashboard, providing a clear overview of total capital against projected expenses. This clarity is essential for securing financing, as it supports bank loan proposals by detailing secured assets and guarantors. With this structured approach, you can effectively strategize your startup funding and fixed asset investments. Itemized Cost Breakdown An itemized cost breakdown is crucial for thoroughly grasping your startup expenses, as it allows you to categorize all necessary investments before launching your business. This structured approach helps in maintaining a clear overview of costs associated with various aspects, such as: Real estate and leasehold improvements Marketing expenses outlined in your marketing plan and budget template Equipment and supplies, similar to a restaurant budget sheet Using a sample business startup budget can streamline this process, providing a foundation for tracking both fixed and variable costs. The built-in summary dashboard within the template makes it easier to visualize total capital versus expenses, enabling you to prepare effectively for discussions with investors or lenders regarding your financial needs. Business Startup Costs With Variable and Fixed Expenses Template Grasping your business startup costs is essential, and the template for tracking fixed and variable expenses makes this task straightforward. You can compare budgeted versus actual expenses side by side, which helps you identify any spending variances right away. This analysis not solely keeps your financial health in check but likewise supports better cash flow management as your business grows. Tracking Fixed and Variable Costs When you start a business, effectively tracking fixed and variable costs is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Utilizing a Business Startup Costs with Variable and Fixed Expenses Template can help you categorize these expenses clearly. This organization supports better financial planning and control. Key aspects to evaluate include: Fixed Costs: Predictable expenses like rent and salaries that remain constant. Variable Costs: Fluctuating expenses, such as utilities and inventory, that change with business activity. Summary Section: Quickly assess total funding, actual expenses, and remaining cash to manage liquidity. If you’re looking for a structured approach, a restaurant business plan excel template free can likewise assist in tracking these costs, ensuring you maintain a thorough view of your financial health. Budget Versus Actual Analysis Budget versus actual analysis is essential for effectively managing your startup’s finances, as it helps you identify discrepancies between what you planned to spend and what you actually incurred. The Business Startup Costs with Variable and Fixed Expenses Template simplifies this process. It allows you to track both fixed and variable expenses, providing a clear view of your financial status. By comparing budgeted amounts against actual expenses, you can pinpoint areas needing adjustment. Here’s how the template might look: Category Budgeted Amount Actual Amount Fixed Expenses $5,000 $4,500 Variable Expenses $3,000 $3,200 Total Expenses $8,000 $7,700 Funding Received $10,000 $10,000 Remaining Cash $2,000 $2,300 This analysis promotes informed decision-making, ensuring your startup remains financially healthy. First-Year Startup Budget Calculator Creating a solid financial foundation is vital for any startup, particularly during its first year. The First-Year Startup Budget Calculator helps you plan and monitor both your business and personal income and expenses, offering a thorough view of your financial health during this significant period. Key features include: Side-by-side sections for startup costs, recurring expenses, and income projections, allowing for easy comparisons against actual figures. Built-in calculations that automatically track profit or loss and available savings, providing insights into your financial viability. The ability to evaluate how long your business can operate without income, factoring in important monthly overhead expenses like payroll and rent. Regular use of this calculator aids in grasping your startup’s financial picture and supports informed decision-making for sustainable growth. Annual Startup Business Budget Template An Annual Startup Business Budget Template gives you a thorough financial overview for the entire year, helping you plan your expected expenses and revenues effectively. By categorizing crucial costs like leasing and marketing, it allows for organized tracking and management of your finances. Furthermore, with the ability to compare budgeted versus actual costs, you can gain valuable long-term planning insights and make necessary adjustments to stay on track. Comprehensive Financial Overview When you develop a thorough financial overview for your startup, you’re not just outlining numbers; you’re crafting a roadmap for your business’s financial future. An Annual Startup Business Budget Template gives you a detailed view of expected income and expenses, allowing for effective cash flow planning. It’s crucial to include: Predefined expense categories like research and development, marketing, and personnel costs Revenue projections to assess financial viability and support discussions with investors A tracking system for budgeted versus actual expenses to identify variances Regularly reviewing this budget guides your strategic decisions, ensuring you stay aligned with your financial goals throughout the year. This approach helps you navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively. Long-term Planning Insights Long-term planning is vital for any startup aiming to achieve financial stability and growth. The Annual Startup Business Budget Template helps you project revenue and expenses for the year, allowing for effective planning. It includes predefined categories for fixed and variable costs, enabling accurate estimations of key expenses like payroll and rent. By comparing budgeted figures to actual performance, you can identify variances and adjust your financial strategies for sustainability. Furthermore, incorporating cash flow projections helps anticipate financial shortfalls, guiding funding decisions. This template aids in setting realistic financial goals, promoting clear communication with investors about your startup’s financial trajectory. Category Budgeted Amount Actual Amount Revenue $100,000 $95,000 Fixed Costs $60,000 $58,000 Variable Costs $30,000 $35,000 Net Profit $10,000 $2,000 Startup Equipment Budget Template Creating a Startup Equipment Budget Template is vital for any new business looking to manage its finances effectively. This template helps you itemize and estimate costs for fundamental equipment, ensuring accurate financial planning. It typically includes sections for various types of equipment, such as: Machinery, which may include production tools or vehicles. Technology, like computers and software necessary for operations. Office supplies, encompassing furniture and stationary items. Startup Website Budget Tool Template A well-structured Startup Website Budget Tool Template serves as a crucial resource for entrepreneurs aiming to launch and maintain an effective online presence. This template helps you estimate and track all costs related to your business website, including design, development, hosting, and maintenance expenses. It categorizes costs into sections like domain registration, web hosting, content creation, SEO services, and marketing expenditures, offering a thorough view of your website’s financial needs. You can input projected expenses alongside actual costs, facilitating easy comparison and variance analysis to identify areas for budget adjustments. The summary section highlights total budgeted versus actual spending, enabling better financial management and planning for future website improvements, fundamentally supporting your online presence and marketing strategies. Tips for Creating a Startup Budget Template Establishing a solid budget template is vital for any startup looking to manage finances effectively. Start by categorizing your expenses into vital, non-essential, and later costs, which helps identify critical financial needs. Make certain your template includes both fixed and variable expenses to track cash flow thoroughly. Here are some key tips: Include a padding percentage—10% for line items and 15% for total monthly operating costs—to cover unexpected expenses. Regularly review your budget against actual spending to guarantee alignment with your financial goals. Incorporate built-in calculations for profit and loss tracking to maintain a clear overview of your startup’s financial health. Better Manage Startup Budgets With Smartsheet When managing startup budgets, leveraging a tool like Smartsheet can greatly improve your financial oversight. This flexible platform allows you to create, track, and report on your financial data in real-time, enhancing visibility into cash flow and spending. With automated workflows, Smartsheet streamlines budgeting processes, keeping your team informed about budget statuses and financial performance. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both budgeting novices and experts. Trusted by over 85% of Fortune 100 companies, Smartsheet offers robust features customized for effective budget management. Plus, its customizable templates help you adapt your budgeting strategies to align with your unique financial goals and operational needs, ensuring you stay on track as your startup grows. The Startup Budget Template Every New Business Owner Needs to Steal For new business owners looking to establish a solid financial foundation, employing an extensive startup budget template can be a game-changer. This template helps you estimate funding needs and track early-stage expenses effectively. It categorizes vital and non-vital costs, providing clarity on your total budget. Key features include: Built-in summary calculations for quick financial assessments. Side-by-side comparisons of budgeted versus actual amounts, important for identifying variances. Dedicated sections for specific expenses like marketing and overhead, aiding discussions with investors. Frequently Asked Questions How to Create a Budget for a Startup Business? To create a budget for your startup, start by categorizing expenses into crucial, non-essential, and future costs. Estimate how long you can operate without income by calculating monthly overhead like rent and payroll. Include a 10-15% cushion for unexpected costs. Regularly review and adjust your budget to reflect actual spending and align with your financial goals. Prioritize crucial expenses to guarantee your startup maintains financial stability during its early stages. What Is the 50/30/20 Budget Rule Template? The 50/30/20 budget rule template helps you allocate your income effectively. You’ll assign 50% to needs, like housing and utilities, ensuring your necessities are covered. Next, 30% goes to wants, allowing some discretionary spending for enjoyment. Finally, you’ll devote 20% to savings or debt repayment, promoting financial security. This method simplifies budgeting, enabling you to track spending easily and adjust when necessary to stay aligned with your financial goals. What Are 5 Common Startup Costs for a Business? When starting a business, you’ll face several common costs. First, legal and regulatory fees for formation and compliance can add up. Next, renting office space incurs significant expenses, along with utilities. You’ll additionally need to invest in crucial equipment and supplies. Marketing and advertising efforts to establish your brand will require a budget, too. Finally, don’t forget to account for employee salaries and benefits, which can represent a large portion of your expenses. How to Create a Budget for a New Business Template? To create a budget for your new business, start by listing all potential expenses, categorizing them into crucial and non-essential. Use a budget template that outlines these categories, including revenue forecasts and funding sources. Factor in both fixed and variable costs, adding a 10-15% cushion for unexpected expenses. Regularly review your budget against actual spending to spot variances, and adjust your financial strategies to improve cash flow and overall financial health. Conclusion Utilizing these ten crucial startup business budget templates can greatly streamline your financial planning process. By clearly outlining your costs and expenses, these tools enable you to make informed decisions that align with your strategic goals. Whether you’re managing overhead, estimating startup expenses, or tracking your website budget, these templates serve as a foundation for achieving financial stability. Implementing them effectively can improve your startup’s potential for growth and sustainability in a competitive market. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Startup Business Budget Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As a startup owner, managing your finances is crucial to your success. Utilizing effective budget templates can streamline your financial planning and help you track expenses accurately. From the Annual Startup Business Budget to the Startup Website Budget Tool, these templates provide structured frameworks customized for various needs. Comprehending these tools is vital for informed decision-making, which can greatly influence your startup’s growth trajectory. Let’s explore each template and how they can benefit your business. Key Takeaways Startup Expenses Template: Helps estimate launch and ongoing costs, categorizing expenses for prioritization and clear financial health representation. Annual Startup Business Budget Template: Projects yearly revenue and expenses, aiding in strategic financial planning and goal alignment. First-Year Startup Budget Calculator: Assists in monitoring finances during the initial year, comparing budgeted versus actual costs for better insights. Startup Equipment Budget Template: Essential for itemizing and estimating costs related to necessary equipment, ensuring accurate financial planning. Startup Website Budget Tool Template: Crucial for tracking website-related expenses, helping manage costs for design, development, and maintenance effectively. Business Startup Costs With Monthly Overhead Expenses Template Launching a startup involves maneuvering a complex terrain of costs, and the Business Startup Costs with Monthly Overhead Expenses Template serves as a crucial tool for entrepreneurs. This template allows you to estimate both launch expenses and ongoing monthly overhead in a single, detailed view. By categorizing costs into critical and non-critical items, it helps you prioritize spending and allocate resources effectively. You can evaluate total budget needs by reviewing fixed and variable costs, identifying potential areas for cost reduction. With built-in summary calculations, you’ll see a clear visual representation of your financial health and progress. Including overhead expenses, like payroll and utilities, guarantees a thorough financial plan for startup business template, streamlining your budgeting process. Startup Expenses Template When starting your business, estimating your capital needs is essential for success. The Startup Expenses Template helps you itemize costs across various categories, making it easier to create a detailed cost breakdown. This clarity not merely aids in financial planning but likewise strengthens your proposals to investors and lenders. Capital Needs Estimation Estimating capital needs is a significant step in starting your business, as it allows you to identify and itemize initial costs critical for launching operations. Utilizing a Startup Expenses Template helps you outline fundamental expenditures, including real estate, leasehold improvements, and marketing costs. By incorporating a marketing budget template XLS or a restaurant budget spreadsheet, you can guarantee that no necessary expenses are overlooked. The template additionally features a summary dashboard, providing a clear overview of total capital against projected expenses. This clarity is essential for securing financing, as it supports bank loan proposals by detailing secured assets and guarantors. With this structured approach, you can effectively strategize your startup funding and fixed asset investments. Itemized Cost Breakdown An itemized cost breakdown is crucial for thoroughly grasping your startup expenses, as it allows you to categorize all necessary investments before launching your business. This structured approach helps in maintaining a clear overview of costs associated with various aspects, such as: Real estate and leasehold improvements Marketing expenses outlined in your marketing plan and budget template Equipment and supplies, similar to a restaurant budget sheet Using a sample business startup budget can streamline this process, providing a foundation for tracking both fixed and variable costs. The built-in summary dashboard within the template makes it easier to visualize total capital versus expenses, enabling you to prepare effectively for discussions with investors or lenders regarding your financial needs. Business Startup Costs With Variable and Fixed Expenses Template Grasping your business startup costs is essential, and the template for tracking fixed and variable expenses makes this task straightforward. You can compare budgeted versus actual expenses side by side, which helps you identify any spending variances right away. This analysis not solely keeps your financial health in check but likewise supports better cash flow management as your business grows. Tracking Fixed and Variable Costs When you start a business, effectively tracking fixed and variable costs is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Utilizing a Business Startup Costs with Variable and Fixed Expenses Template can help you categorize these expenses clearly. This organization supports better financial planning and control. Key aspects to evaluate include: Fixed Costs: Predictable expenses like rent and salaries that remain constant. Variable Costs: Fluctuating expenses, such as utilities and inventory, that change with business activity. Summary Section: Quickly assess total funding, actual expenses, and remaining cash to manage liquidity. If you’re looking for a structured approach, a restaurant business plan excel template free can likewise assist in tracking these costs, ensuring you maintain a thorough view of your financial health. Budget Versus Actual Analysis Budget versus actual analysis is essential for effectively managing your startup’s finances, as it helps you identify discrepancies between what you planned to spend and what you actually incurred. The Business Startup Costs with Variable and Fixed Expenses Template simplifies this process. It allows you to track both fixed and variable expenses, providing a clear view of your financial status. By comparing budgeted amounts against actual expenses, you can pinpoint areas needing adjustment. Here’s how the template might look: Category Budgeted Amount Actual Amount Fixed Expenses $5,000 $4,500 Variable Expenses $3,000 $3,200 Total Expenses $8,000 $7,700 Funding Received $10,000 $10,000 Remaining Cash $2,000 $2,300 This analysis promotes informed decision-making, ensuring your startup remains financially healthy. First-Year Startup Budget Calculator Creating a solid financial foundation is vital for any startup, particularly during its first year. The First-Year Startup Budget Calculator helps you plan and monitor both your business and personal income and expenses, offering a thorough view of your financial health during this significant period. Key features include: Side-by-side sections for startup costs, recurring expenses, and income projections, allowing for easy comparisons against actual figures. Built-in calculations that automatically track profit or loss and available savings, providing insights into your financial viability. The ability to evaluate how long your business can operate without income, factoring in important monthly overhead expenses like payroll and rent. Regular use of this calculator aids in grasping your startup’s financial picture and supports informed decision-making for sustainable growth. Annual Startup Business Budget Template An Annual Startup Business Budget Template gives you a thorough financial overview for the entire year, helping you plan your expected expenses and revenues effectively. By categorizing crucial costs like leasing and marketing, it allows for organized tracking and management of your finances. Furthermore, with the ability to compare budgeted versus actual costs, you can gain valuable long-term planning insights and make necessary adjustments to stay on track. Comprehensive Financial Overview When you develop a thorough financial overview for your startup, you’re not just outlining numbers; you’re crafting a roadmap for your business’s financial future. An Annual Startup Business Budget Template gives you a detailed view of expected income and expenses, allowing for effective cash flow planning. It’s crucial to include: Predefined expense categories like research and development, marketing, and personnel costs Revenue projections to assess financial viability and support discussions with investors A tracking system for budgeted versus actual expenses to identify variances Regularly reviewing this budget guides your strategic decisions, ensuring you stay aligned with your financial goals throughout the year. This approach helps you navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively. Long-term Planning Insights Long-term planning is vital for any startup aiming to achieve financial stability and growth. The Annual Startup Business Budget Template helps you project revenue and expenses for the year, allowing for effective planning. It includes predefined categories for fixed and variable costs, enabling accurate estimations of key expenses like payroll and rent. By comparing budgeted figures to actual performance, you can identify variances and adjust your financial strategies for sustainability. Furthermore, incorporating cash flow projections helps anticipate financial shortfalls, guiding funding decisions. This template aids in setting realistic financial goals, promoting clear communication with investors about your startup’s financial trajectory. Category Budgeted Amount Actual Amount Revenue $100,000 $95,000 Fixed Costs $60,000 $58,000 Variable Costs $30,000 $35,000 Net Profit $10,000 $2,000 Startup Equipment Budget Template Creating a Startup Equipment Budget Template is vital for any new business looking to manage its finances effectively. This template helps you itemize and estimate costs for fundamental equipment, ensuring accurate financial planning. It typically includes sections for various types of equipment, such as: Machinery, which may include production tools or vehicles. Technology, like computers and software necessary for operations. Office supplies, encompassing furniture and stationary items. Startup Website Budget Tool Template A well-structured Startup Website Budget Tool Template serves as a crucial resource for entrepreneurs aiming to launch and maintain an effective online presence. This template helps you estimate and track all costs related to your business website, including design, development, hosting, and maintenance expenses. It categorizes costs into sections like domain registration, web hosting, content creation, SEO services, and marketing expenditures, offering a thorough view of your website’s financial needs. You can input projected expenses alongside actual costs, facilitating easy comparison and variance analysis to identify areas for budget adjustments. The summary section highlights total budgeted versus actual spending, enabling better financial management and planning for future website improvements, fundamentally supporting your online presence and marketing strategies. Tips for Creating a Startup Budget Template Establishing a solid budget template is vital for any startup looking to manage finances effectively. Start by categorizing your expenses into vital, non-essential, and later costs, which helps identify critical financial needs. Make certain your template includes both fixed and variable expenses to track cash flow thoroughly. Here are some key tips: Include a padding percentage—10% for line items and 15% for total monthly operating costs—to cover unexpected expenses. Regularly review your budget against actual spending to guarantee alignment with your financial goals. Incorporate built-in calculations for profit and loss tracking to maintain a clear overview of your startup’s financial health. Better Manage Startup Budgets With Smartsheet When managing startup budgets, leveraging a tool like Smartsheet can greatly improve your financial oversight. This flexible platform allows you to create, track, and report on your financial data in real-time, enhancing visibility into cash flow and spending. With automated workflows, Smartsheet streamlines budgeting processes, keeping your team informed about budget statuses and financial performance. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both budgeting novices and experts. Trusted by over 85% of Fortune 100 companies, Smartsheet offers robust features customized for effective budget management. Plus, its customizable templates help you adapt your budgeting strategies to align with your unique financial goals and operational needs, ensuring you stay on track as your startup grows. The Startup Budget Template Every New Business Owner Needs to Steal For new business owners looking to establish a solid financial foundation, employing an extensive startup budget template can be a game-changer. This template helps you estimate funding needs and track early-stage expenses effectively. It categorizes vital and non-vital costs, providing clarity on your total budget. Key features include: Built-in summary calculations for quick financial assessments. Side-by-side comparisons of budgeted versus actual amounts, important for identifying variances. Dedicated sections for specific expenses like marketing and overhead, aiding discussions with investors. Frequently Asked Questions How to Create a Budget for a Startup Business? To create a budget for your startup, start by categorizing expenses into crucial, non-essential, and future costs. Estimate how long you can operate without income by calculating monthly overhead like rent and payroll. Include a 10-15% cushion for unexpected costs. Regularly review and adjust your budget to reflect actual spending and align with your financial goals. Prioritize crucial expenses to guarantee your startup maintains financial stability during its early stages. What Is the 50/30/20 Budget Rule Template? The 50/30/20 budget rule template helps you allocate your income effectively. You’ll assign 50% to needs, like housing and utilities, ensuring your necessities are covered. Next, 30% goes to wants, allowing some discretionary spending for enjoyment. Finally, you’ll devote 20% to savings or debt repayment, promoting financial security. This method simplifies budgeting, enabling you to track spending easily and adjust when necessary to stay aligned with your financial goals. What Are 5 Common Startup Costs for a Business? When starting a business, you’ll face several common costs. First, legal and regulatory fees for formation and compliance can add up. Next, renting office space incurs significant expenses, along with utilities. You’ll additionally need to invest in crucial equipment and supplies. Marketing and advertising efforts to establish your brand will require a budget, too. Finally, don’t forget to account for employee salaries and benefits, which can represent a large portion of your expenses. How to Create a Budget for a New Business Template? To create a budget for your new business, start by listing all potential expenses, categorizing them into crucial and non-essential. Use a budget template that outlines these categories, including revenue forecasts and funding sources. Factor in both fixed and variable costs, adding a 10-15% cushion for unexpected expenses. Regularly review your budget against actual spending to spot variances, and adjust your financial strategies to improve cash flow and overall financial health. Conclusion Utilizing these ten crucial startup business budget templates can greatly streamline your financial planning process. By clearly outlining your costs and expenses, these tools enable you to make informed decisions that align with your strategic goals. Whether you’re managing overhead, estimating startup expenses, or tracking your website budget, these templates serve as a foundation for achieving financial stability. Implementing them effectively can improve your startup’s potential for growth and sustainability in a competitive market. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Startup Business Budget Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Summer and fall are the perfect time to prepare for standardized aptitude tests. Prepping through summer will help you be ready for a fall exam, giving you enough time to retake for a higher score it in the spring, if needed, or you can prep through fall and target that spring test. Even if you studied all summer, fall is the ideal time to review and cram down to the last minute. And no matter how you tend to learn, an app can probably help. Here are some of the best ones available on iOS and Android (some are available on a browser, too). Try Khan Academy if you’re a long-term learner Credit: Khan Academy Khan Academy, a nonprofit organization and partner of the College Board, has become synonymous with test prep. They have free courses in various AP classes, a variety of subjects, and, of course, standardized tests like the SAT and LSAT—which means if you start with Khan while you prepare for the SAT, you can stick with it all the way through wherever your educational journey takes you. Beyond having a deep selection of study materials, Khan Academy serves up information in video form, with clips that go through practice problems similar to the ones you could face on your exam. For real-deal practice questions, you’ll need to use the desktop version of the site, but the app-based videos are great to take on the go. What I like about Khan is that some of the videos and articles are informational. For instance, you can read about calculator policies for the SAT or watch a quick clip that gives you an overview of what the test is and what to expect. Studying material is one thing, but being prepared for the experience is another, and this app is well-rounded there. Use Magoosh’s SAT app for customized prep Credit: Magoosh Magoosh flashcards and practice quizzes go over English and math concepts you should know for your test. Out of all the apps, the Practice & Prep offering is unique because it's dedicated purely to the SAT, but it is customizable. The first time you log in, you're prompted to share when your test is so the app can configure what you should study between now and then. There will be a difference in how you approach it if you have one month or one year to get ready and Magoosh's app knows that. Like Khan Academy, this platform gives you information on the test itself, too, offering up a landing page of articles on how to prepare. Beyond that, you get practice questions, videos on the reading and writing sections, and practice tests. While flashcards and study games are useful, practice quizzes are pretty crucial, too, because they give you a better sense of how you'll perform when you're facing down a large volume of content. Bear in mind there are two apps from this company: I like the Practice & Prep, obviously, because it's so customizable and helpful with the quizzes, but there is a separate flashcard app available if you learn better that way and want to double up on the methods you use for studying. Use Varsity Tutors’ SAT: Practice, Prep, Flashcards if you want the most variety Credit: Varsity Tutors Varsity Tutors is another well-known name in the studying space, and the company's SAT app is thorough. When you log in, you have the option to take a diagnostic test to see where you're struggling, run through a practice test, or complete flashcards and other study methods designated by concept. The underlying goal of Varsity Tutors' app is to funnel you into working with a paid tutor, so be advised there, but the tests you can take to prepare for English and math are robust. You get a breakdown of your correct and incorrect answers, plus details on how long it took you to answer questions compared to others studying the same thing. Use Brainscape for a trusted resource Credit: Brainscape I love the Brainscape app and use it to study for certification exams or just to learn new things. The beauty of Brainscape is that while it's a flashcard app and those are a dime a dozen, it has some legitimacy attached to it because the company works directly with the governing bodies that oversee tests when it creates flashcard decks. AP tests, certification exams, and the SAT are just a few of the options you can study with the knowledge that the questions you're reviewing are actually relevant to the test. Like other apps, Brainscape has an option for reviewing user-generated flashcard decks, too, and that's great—but start with the deck that's been created with the SAT organization itself. Crucially, Brainscape uses a version of the Leitner method to quiz you. When you finish answering a flashcard, you indicate how well you knew the answer on a scale of one to five. That determines how often that same card is shown to you, with the lesser-known cards cropping up more frequently and the better-mastered cards popping up less often— it forces you to study more effectively, which is a winning strategy. Use NotebookLM to shake things up Credit: Google Finally, if you're a student or learner of any kind, not just an SAT-prepper, I recommend Google's NotebookLM AI tool. It's like any other AI chatbot except that it doesn't pull its responses from the Internet. Instead, it relies only on information you feed it. If you have SAT prep tests or study materials from school, a tutor, a guidance counselor, or online, you can upload them into NotebookLM and ask the software to generate a practice quiz, flashcards, summary, or even a "podcast" that features two voices discussing the content. No matter how you learn best, NotebookLM has a feature to support you. Importantly, it only uses the materials you upload, like I said. This means you won't get any random or incorrect content from the far reaches of the Internet; you'll only get information you select and input. ChatGPT gets things wrong all the time (and I have seen it generate complete nonsense when dealing with people I tutor in writing), so this is a welcome resource if you like using AI but are worried about being misled. It's available on iOS, Android, and your desktop browser. View the full article

Pinterest is rolling out Top of Search ads, a new ad format that places brands directly in the first 10 slots of search results and Related Pins, where nearly half of user clicks occur. Shopping on Pinterest is inherently visual, and most searches on the platform (96%) are unbranded according to Pinterest. That makes the top of search results a prime spot for discovery – and for brands to reach consumers who are open to new products. Why we care. Pinterest’s Top of Search ads put your products in front of shoppers at the most valuable moment: when they’re actively browsing but not yet brand-committed. With nearly all searches unbranded, the format offers a powerful way to win new customers and outperform competitors. Early testing shows significant performance lifts, making it a high-return opportunity for brands looking to drive both visibility and conversions. How it works. Top of Search ads ensure a brand’s products are featured where shopping journeys often begin. The new format also includes a brand-exclusive ad unit that highlights an advertiser’s catalog, giving products prominent placement over competitors. Early results. According to Pinterest: Top of Search ads have driven a 29% higher average CTR compared to standard campaigns. Top of Search ads are 32% more likely to attract new clickers. Wayfair, an early tester, reported a 237% CTR lift in just two weeks compared to its typical campaigns. Between the lines. For advertisers, Top of Search ads offer a way to intercept undecided shoppers earlier in their journey, effectively turning Pinterest’s visual-first search into a new performance channel. View the full article

Creating a clear plan of action is essential for staying organized and meeting deadlines. Whether you’re managing a small team or a complex project, a good plan helps everyone understand their responsibilities and stay on track. Looking at a work plan example can give you ideas for structuring your own process and aligning your team around shared goals. The following work plan examples highlight different ways to organize tasks, timelines and budgets. By studying these examples, you can see what works best for your team and apply similar strategies to your own projects. Each work plan example offers practical takeaways that you can adapt to improve collaboration and productivity. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Work-Plan-Template-Word-image.png Get your free Work Plan Template Use this free Work Plan Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Project management software is ideal for planning, managing and tracking work plans because it centralizes every detail in one place. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, emails and manual updates, teams can collaborate in real time and always work from the most current information. Deadlines are easier to meet because tasks, dependencies and milestones are clearly visible, making it simple to adjust schedules and reallocate resources as needed. With built-in reporting and dashboards, managers can quickly spot risks or delays and take corrective action before they affect delivery. ProjectManager is the best project management software for this task because it combines powerful Gantt charts with multiple views, including kanban boards and task lists. Its Gantt chart allows you to link dependencies, set baselines and track progress in real time, giving you a complete picture of your work plan from start to finish. Teams can update tasks directly in the tool, keeping everyone aligned without extra status meetings. Automated reports and real-time dashboards make it easy to track progress and share updates with stakeholders, ensuring your work plan stays on schedule and under control. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more 1. Construction Work Plan Example This work plan example outlines a detailed approach to completing a mid-size commercial office building. It provides clear goals and objectives, a structured timeline, resource requirements, budget planning, roles, risk management, and success criteria. Using work plan examples like this helps project managers stay organized, monitor progress, and ensure quality delivery. Goals and Objectives The primary goal of this construction project is to complete the building on schedule and within budget while following safety and quality standards. Objectives include efficient resource allocation, minimizing delays and meeting client specifications. Goal Objective Target Outcome Complete building Finish construction by Dec 2025 On-time delivery Ensure safety Zero workplace incidents OSHA compliance Maintain quality Follow architectural specs Client satisfaction Timeline This work plan example spans 12 months, divided into planning, site preparation, construction and finishing phases. Milestones are tracked to ensure timely completion. Task Start Date End Date Duration Milestones / Deliverables Site Survey 01-Jan-2025 15-Jan-2025 15 days Survey Report Foundation Work 16-Jan-2025 28-Feb-2025 6 weeks Completed Foundation Structural Framing 01-Mar-2025 30-Jun-2025 4 months Framing Inspection Electrical & Plumbing 01-Jul-2025 30-Sep-2025 3 months Systems Approved Interior Finishing 01-Oct-2025 15-Dec-2025 2.5 months Final Walkthrough Resource Requirements Resources include skilled labor, materials, equipment and other support. Effective resource management is critical to avoid delays and control costs. Task Labor Materials Equipment Other Resources Site Survey 2 Surveyors Survey tools Measuring devices Survey vehicle Foundation Work 10 Workers Concrete Rebar Excavator Mixer Safety gear Structural Framing 12 Carpenters Steel beams Wood Crane Welding tools Scaffolding Electrical & Plumbing 5 Electricians 3 Plumbers Wires Pipes Power tools Safety harness Interior Finishing 8 Finishers Paint Tiles Lifts Hand tools Cleaning supplies Related: 20 Free Excel Construction Templates Budget Tracking estimated and actual costs for each task helps ensure the project stays within budget. Task Estimated Cost Actual Cost Balance Site Survey $5,000 $4,800 $200 Foundation Work $50,000 $52,000 -$2,000 Structural Framing $120,000 $118,000 $2,000 Electrical & Plumbing $40,000 $39,500 $500 Interior Finishing $30,000 $31,000 -$1,000 Roles & Responsibilities Clearly defined roles and responsibilities improve accountability and workflow. Name Role Responsibilities John Smith Project Manager Oversees project, manages schedule and budget Lisa Brown Site Supervisor Monitors on-site activities and safety Ahmed Khan Lead Engineer Ensures structural integrity, approves designs Maria Lopez Procurement Officer Sources materials, manages supply chain Tim O’Neil Safety Officer Enforces safety protocols, conducts inspections Risk Log Risk identification and mitigation reduce potential delays and hazards. Risk Description Probability Potential Impact Risk Owner Mitigation Actions Weather delays Medium High Project Manager Build schedule buffer Material shortage High Medium Procurement Officer Pre-order critical materials Equipment failure Medium High Site Supervisor Regular maintenance backup rental Labor strike Low High Project Manager Contingency labor pool Safety incidents Low High Safety Officer Training PPE enforcement Success Criteria Success criteria define how completion is measured, including quality standards, performance metrics and testing methods. Task / Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Key Performance Indicators Testing Method Issues Completed Foundation Inspected & approved Zero cracks level Structural inspection Delays due to weather Framing Completed Safety standards met Timely completion Site inspection Material delivery delays Electrical System Fully functional All circuits operational Electrical testing Minor wiring errors Plumbing System Leak-free Compliance with code Pressure test Pipe alignment issues Interior Finishing Client approval Quality finish on-time Walkthrough Paint touch-ups required 2. Manufacturing Work Plan Example This work plan example provides a detailed approach for managing a mid-size manufacturing project. It includes goals and objectives, a structured timeline, resource requirements, budgeting, roles and responsibilities, risk management and success criteria. Using work plan examples like this helps teams stay organized, control costs and achieve production targets efficiently. Goals and Objectives The project aims to streamline production processes, improve product quality and meet delivery schedules. Objectives include reducing waste, optimizing labor and ensuring safety standards are maintained. Goal Objective Target Outcome Increase production efficiency Implement new workflow system 10% faster output Reduce defects Enhance quality control Less than 2% defect rate Meet delivery deadlines Optimize scheduling On-time shipments Timeline The manufacturing work plan example spans six months, covering planning, procurement, production and packaging phases. Milestones track progress and ensure timely delivery. Task Start Date End Date Duration Milestones / Deliverables Planning & Design 01-Jan-2025 15-Jan-2025 15 days Final Production Plan Procurement 16-Jan-2025 28-Feb-2025 6 weeks Materials Received Production 01-Mar-2025 31-Jul-2025 5 months Finished Goods Packaging & Delivery 01-Aug-2025 15-Aug-2025 2 weeks Products Shipped Resource Requirements Efficient allocation of labor, materials, equipment and other resources is critical to manufacturing success. Task Labor Materials Equipment Other Resources Planning & Design 3 Engineers Design software Computers Meeting rooms Procurement 2 Buyers Raw materials Forklifts Storage space Production 20 Operators Components, Packaging Assembly line, Machines Quality testing tools Packaging & Delivery 5 Packers Boxes, Labels Conveyor belts Shipping vehicles Budget Tracking estimated and actual costs ensures the project stays on budget. Task Estimated Cost Actual Cost Balance Planning & Design $10,000 $9,800 $200 Procurement $50,000 $51,000 -$1,000 Production $150,000 $148,500 $1,500 Packaging & Delivery $20,000 $19,800 $200 Related: 18 Free Manufacturing Excel Templates Roles & Responsibilities Defining roles clearly ensures accountability and smooth workflow throughout manufacturing. Name Role Responsibilities John Smith Project Manager Oversees project, manages schedule and budget Lisa Brown Production Supervisor Monitors production line, ensures quality Ahmed Khan Lead Engineer Designs process, approves workflows Maria Lopez Procurement Officer Sources materials, manages supply chain Tim O’Neil Quality Inspector Conducts inspections, ensures standards Risk Log Identifying and mitigating risks reduces delays, defects and safety incidents. Risk Description Probability Potential Impact Risk Owner Mitigation Actions Equipment breakdown Medium High Production Supervisor Regular maintenance backup machines Material shortage High Medium Procurement Officer Pre-order critical materials Labor shortage Low High Project Manager Temporary staffing plan Quality defects Medium High Quality Inspector Regular inspections process audits Success Criteria Success is measured by production output quality, compliance and on-time delivery. Key metrics and testing methods are used to verify outcomes. Task / Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Key Performance Indicators Testing Method Issues Production Output Meets planned volume Units produced per month Daily logs Equipment downtime Quality Standards Defect rate below 2% Defects per batch Quality inspection Process inconsistencies Delivery On-time shipments Delivery schedule adherence Shipment tracking Transport delays /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/banner-ad-manufacturing-ebook.jpg 3. IT Work Plan Example This work plan example provides a comprehensive approach for implementing an IT project. It covers goals and objectives, timeline, resource allocation, budgeting, roles and responsibilities, risk management and success criteria. Using work plan examples like this ensures smooth project execution, cost control and alignment with business objectives. Goals and Objectives The IT project aims to deploy a new internal software platform to improve system security and enhance user experience. Objectives include timely delivery, risk mitigation and resource optimization. Goal Objective Target Outcome Deploy software platform Complete installation and configuration Operational system by July 2025 Improve security Implement security protocols Zero critical vulnerabilities Enhance user experience Provide training and support High user adoption rate Timeline This IT work plan example is structured over six months, covering planning, development, testing and deployment phases. Milestones ensure the project is delivered on schedule. Task Start Date End Date Duration Milestones / Deliverables Planning & Requirements 01-Jan-2025 15-Jan-2025 15 days Requirements Document Development 16-Jan-2025 30-Apr-2025 3.5 months Functional Software Modules Testing 01-May-2025 31-May-2025 1 month Test Reports Deployment & Training 01-Jun-2025 15-Jul-2025 1.5 months Live System and Training Completion Resource Requirements Efficient allocation of IT resources, including staff hardware, software and support services, is essential for success. Task Labor Materials Equipment Other Resources Planning & Requirements 2 Analysts 1 Project Manager Requirement templates Computers Meeting room Development 5 Developers 1 Lead Engineer Software licenses Development servers Version control system Testing 3 QA Engineers Test scripts Test servers Bug tracking software Deployment & Training 2 Trainers 1 IT Support User manuals Workstations Training platform Budget Budget tracking ensures costs remain within the planned limits for each project phase. Task Estimated Cost Actual Cost Balance Planning & Requirements $8,000 $7,800 $200 Development $100,000 $99,500 $500 Testing $15,000 $15,200 -$200 Deployment & Training $12,000 $11,800 $200 Related: 13 Budget Templates for Business & Project Budgeting Roles & Responsibilities Defining roles clearly ensures accountability and efficient execution throughout the IT project. Name Role Responsibilities John Smith Project Manager Oversees project, manages schedule and budget Lisa Brown Lead Developer Develops software modules, ensures code quality Ahmed Khan QA Lead Manages testing. identifies defects Maria Lopez IT Support Deploys system, assists users Tim O’Neil Trainer Conducts training sessions, prepares materials Risk Log Risk management reduces the likelihood of delays, security issues and budget overruns. Risk Description Probability Potential Impact Risk Owner Mitigation Actions Server downtime Medium High Lead Developer Backup servers implement redundancy Software bugs High Medium QA Lead Thorough testing issue tracking Staff availability Low High Project Manager Cross-training temporary resources Security breach Medium High IT Support Security protocols regular audits Success Criteria Success is measured by system functionality, user adoption, security compliance and project completion on time. Metrics and testing methods are used to verify each outcome. Task / Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Key Performance Indicators Testing Method Issues Software Deployment System operational without critical errors Uptime 99% Live monitoring Unexpected downtime User Training Users can perform tasks independently User satisfaction rate Feedback surveys Training attendance Security No critical vulnerabilities Number of security incidents Penetration testing Minor security gaps Project Completion Delivered on schedule Milestone adherence Project audit Schedule slippage 4. Software Development Work Plan Example This work plan example outlines the approach for a software development project, including goals, timeline, resources, budget, roles, risks and success criteria. Using work plan examples helps teams plan tasks, manage resources and track progress efficiently. Goals and Objectives The project aims to deliver a high-quality software product on schedule, improve system performance and ensure client satisfaction. Objectives include following development milestones, maintaining coding standards and effective team collaboration. Goal Objective Target Outcome Deliver software on time Follow development schedule On-time release Maintain code quality Implement code reviews and testing Minimal bugs Ensure client satisfaction Regular feedback sessions Positive client approval Timeline The software development work plan example spans six months, covering planning, coding, testing, and deployment phases with clear milestones. Task Start Date End Date Duration Milestones / Deliverables Planning & Requirements 01-Jan-2025 15-Jan-2025 15 days Requirements Document Development 16-Jan-2025 30-Apr-2025 3.5 months Working software modules Testing 01-May-2025 31-May-2025 1 month Test reports Deployment 01-Jun-2025 15-Jun-2025 2 weeks Live application Resource Requirements Efficient allocation of developers, testers, project managers, software and hardware resources is essential. Task Labor Materials Equipment Other Resources Planning & Requirements 2 Analysts 1 PM Requirement templates Computers Meeting room Development 5 Developers 1 Lead Software licenses Development servers Version control Testing 3 QA Engineers Test scripts Test servers Bug tracking system Deployment 2 IT Support Deployment guides Workstations Training platform Budget Budget tracking ensures the project stays within financial limits. Task Estimated Cost Actual Cost Balance Planning & Requirements $8,000 $7,800 $200 Development $100,000 $99,500 $500 Testing $15,000 $15,200 -$200 Deployment $10,000 $9,900 $100 Roles & Responsibilities Defining roles ensures accountability and efficiency. Name Role Responsibilities John Smith Project Manager Oversees project schedule and budget Lisa Brown Lead Developer Leads development and code quality Ahmed Khan QA Lead Manages testing and defects Maria Lopez IT Support Deploys system assists users Risk Log Identifying and mitigating risks reduces project delays and errors. Risk Description Probability Potential Impact Risk Owner Mitigation Actions Software bugs High Medium QA Lead Thorough testing and tracking Server downtime Medium High Lead Developer Backup servers redundancy Staff availability Low High Project Manager Cross-training temporary staff Success Criteria Success is measured by functional software quality, timely delivery and user satisfaction. Task / Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Key Performance Indicators Testing Method Issues Software Deployment System operational Uptime 99% Monitoring Downtime User Training Users proficient User adoption rate Surveys Attendance 5. Marketing Work Plan Example This work plan example outlines a marketing campaign strategy, including goals, objectives, timeline, resources, budget, roles, risks and success criteria. Using work plan examples ensures campaigns stay on track and deliver measurable results. Goals and Objectives The project aims to increase brand awareness, drive leads and improve customer engagement. Objectives include executing campaigns on schedule using multiple channels and tracking campaign effectiveness. Goal Objective Target Outcome Increase brand awareness Launch social media campaigns 20% increase in followers Generate leads Implement email marketing strategy 500 new leads Engage customers Run interactive promotions High engagement metrics Timeline The marketing work plan example covers three months with planning, campaign execution, monitoring and reporting phases. Task Start Date End Date Duration Milestones / Deliverables Campaign Planning 01-Jan-2025 15-Jan-2025 15 days Marketing Plan Execution 16-Jan-2025 28-Feb-2025 6 weeks Campaign launched Monitoring 01-Mar-2025 15-Mar-2025 2 weeks Performance Report Reporting 16-Mar-2025 31-Mar-2025 2 weeks Final Campaign Report Related: 15 Marketing Templates for Planning, Strategy & More (Free Excel Downloads) Resource Requirements Resources include marketing staff, content tools, digital platforms and analytics software. Task Labor Materials Equipment Other Resources Campaign Planning 2 Marketing Managers Planning templates Computers Meeting space Execution 3 Content Creators Images, videos Cameras Social media accounts Monitoring 1 Analyst Tracking spreadsheets Computers Analytics software Reporting 1 Analyst Reports templates Computers Presentation tools Budget Budget tracking ensures marketing campaigns remain cost-effective. Task Estimated Cost Actual Cost Balance Campaign Planning $5,000 $4,800 $200 Execution $15,000 $14,500 $500 Monitoring $2,000 $2,100 -$100 Reporting $1,500 $1,400 $100 Roles & Responsibilities Clear roles ensure campaign efficiency and accountability. Name Role Responsibilities John Smith Marketing Manager Oversees campaigns, manages schedule and budget Lisa Brown Content Creator Develops campaign content Ahmed Khan Analyst Tracks campaign performance, prepares reports Risk Log Risk management helps avoid missed deadlines, low engagement and overspending. Risk Description Probability Potential Impact Risk Owner Mitigation Actions Content delays Medium High Content Creator Plan content calendar buffer Low engagement Medium Medium Marketing Manager Adjust strategy monitor analytics Budget overrun Low High Marketing Manager Track expenses regularly Success Criteria Success is measured by engagement, leads, conversions and campaign completion on time. Task / Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Key Performance Indicators Testing Method Issues Campaign Execution Launched on schedule Reach impressions engagement rate Analytics tools Delayed posts Lead Generation Target leads achieved Number of leads CRM system Incorrect data Reporting Report delivered on time Report accuracy Review metrics Data inconsistencies Free Work Plan Template Download this free work plan template to help teams organize and execute projects efficiently. This template serves as a foundational document, outlining the project’s goals, tasks, timeline, resources, budget, roles, risks, and success criteria. By filling in the provided sections, project managers can create a comprehensive plan that guides the team from initiation through to completion. /wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Work-Plan-Screenshot-600x436.jpg While the Word template offers a structured framework, ProjectManager’s online platform enhances its utility by allowing users to import the template and manage the project dynamically. The platform supports various project views, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, calendars, and task lists, facilitating real-time collaboration and progress tracking. This integration ensures that the work plan evolves alongside the project, providing up-to-date insights and fostering team alignment. Free Work Management Templates ProjectManager offers a range of free work management templates to help teams plan, execute and track projects efficiently. These templates provide structured guidance for tasks, schedules, instructions and proposals, making project management more organized and easier to follow. Work Instruction Template Download this free template for step-by-step instructions for completing specific tasks or processes. It ensures consistency across the team, helps new employees get up to speed quickly and reduces errors by clearly outlining procedures. Work Schedule Template Use this work schedule template to help teams plan shifts, deadlines, and project timelines. It allows managers to assign tasks, track progress, and balance workloads effectively, ensuring that projects stay on schedule. Work Proposal Template This free template helps teams create professional project proposals that outline objectives, scope, resources, budget and deliverables. Using it ensures that proposals are clear, persuasive and structured, increasing the likelihood of project approval. ProjectManager Is the Perfect Tool for Managing Work Plans Managing work plans requires visibility, organization, and real-time insight across tasks, teams and timelines. ProjectManager simplifies this process with a platform built to handle the complexity of modern projects, keeping everything centralized and easy to track. ProjectManager offers Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendar views, allowing teams to visualize work in the way that suits them best. Managers can switch seamlessly between views to monitor progress, identify delays and adjust priorities, ensuring every project stays on track from start to finish. Powerful Resource Management Allocate and monitor resources effortlessly with ProjectManager. Track workloads across teams, balance assignments to avoid bottlenecks and ensure every team member is working at optimal capacity. Resource management tools help prevent over- or underutilization, keeping projects efficient and on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Real-Time Tracking and Reporting Stay informed with live dashboards, automated status updates and customizable reports. ProjectManager provides instant insights into task completion, project milestones, budgets and team performance. This transparency enables data-driven decisions, early problem detection and effective communication with stakeholders. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Team-summary-better-data-light-mode-home-screen-dashboard.png Related Work Management Content These work plan examples are helpful, but for readers who want to learn more about planning work, check out the links below. There are articles on a statement of work, more free templates and other useful information. What Is a Work Plan? How to Make a Work Plan In 7 Steps What Is a Statement of Work? Definition & Examples 9 Work Templates for Excel and Word How to Write a Work Proposal (with Example & Template) How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Step-by-Step Guide How to Identify Different Work Styles for Better Productivity What Is Work Management? Creating a Work Management System Best Work Management Software of 2025 for Remote Teams ProjectManager fosters collaboration with file sharing, task comments, notifications and activity logs. Everyone knows their responsibilities, deadlines are clear and project updates are visible to the whole team, reducing miscommunication and improving accountability across the board. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 5 Work Plan Examples You Can Learn From appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

The White House published its plan ahead of a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu View the full article

Maxwell House is doing some downsizing. For a limited time, it’s changing its name to Maxwell Apartment. Just in time for National Coffee Day, the coffee brand owned by the Kraft Heinz Company announced that while supplies last, it’s selling a year’s supply of its specially packaged coffee for just $40 on Amazon, or what it’s calling a 12-month “lease.” It’s the same exact coffee, just cheaper at about 10 cents less per ounce. (It also has a new name for the first time in 133 years.) The brand cites statistics that coffee drinkers could save more than $1,000 a year with the offer compared to daily cafe runs. That’s not enough for a down payment on a home, but it’s something, and it comes as coffee prices—not to mention home prices—are on the rise. “Two-thirds of American adults drink coffee every day, which can add up quickly, especially these days,” Holly Ramadan, head of coffee for North America for Kraft Heinz, said in a statement. Brewing a comeback Ground coffee saw the highest inflation rate in any category except for eggs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thanks to factors like supply issues, tariffs, and volatile weather. “Maxwell House believes no one should have to go without great tasting coffee, and Maxwell Apartment delivers the same delicious taste people know and love, at a value that celebrates all our fans are doing to make smart choices in their lives,” Ramadan said. Maxwell House’s parent company Kraft Heinz saw net sales of about $26 billion in 2024, but it announced this month that it’s splitting into two publicly traded companies about a decade after merging. The split comes as the company’s total revenue and stock has fallen, and amid a wider trend away from processed foods. Kraft Heinz said the breakup would help reduce operational complexity, drive efficiencies, and allow each company the give more attention and resources to their specific portfolios. Maxwell House will join the half of the company now being called North American Grocery Co., which will get custody of portfolio of well-known food and beverage brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, Capri Sun, Lunchables, and Ore-Ida. The Maxwell Apartment promotion is part of a larger effort that Maxwell House says it has planned this fall to emphasize value and consistent flavor. And at a time of rising costs and in a competitive landscape of private label brands, that’s exactly what a national brand would have to do to succeed. View the full article

Since the end of July, UWM's common stock price gained 55%, but an improved mortgage origination outlook was already accounted for, said Jeffrey Adelson. View the full article

In today’s competitive market, small businesses must adopt effective branding strategies to stand out. Start by defining your brand identity, which includes your core values and mission. Next, comprehending your audience’s demographics helps tailor your messaging. You’ll additionally benefit from analyzing your competitors for strategic positioning. By implementing these steps, you can improve your visibility and customer loyalty. Nevertheless, there are more solutions to explore that can raise your brand even further. Key Takeaways Define your brand identity by outlining core values and creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos and color palettes, to enhance recognition. Know your audience by analyzing demographics and psychographics to tailor branding services and create customer personas that address specific needs. Analyze competitors using tools like SEMrush to identify their strengths and weaknesses, refining your branding strategy based on market gaps. Establish credibility by regularly publishing engaging content that resonates with your audience, boosting website traffic and fostering customer loyalty. Maintain consistent branding through a well-defined style guide that ensures uniformity in visual elements, messaging, and tone across all platforms. Define Your Brand Identity Defining your brand identity is essential for establishing a strong presence in the market. Start by outlining your core values, mission, and personality. These elements create a clear purpose that guides all your branding initiatives. A branding consultant for small businesses can help you articulate these aspects effectively. Next, focus on creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos, color palettes, and typography. This guarantees consistency across all platforms. Remember, a strong brand identity improves recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, as many consumers prefer brands that align with their values. Utilizing a branding agency for small businesses can provide customized branding solutions for small businesses, making sure your identity resonates with your target audience during their perception and trust. Know Your Audience To effectively know your audience, you first need to identify your target segments. Analyze competitor insights to understand what resonates with similar customers and what gaps you can fill. Identify Target Segments How can you effectively identify your target segments? Start by analyzing demographics such as age, gender, income level, and location. This foundational data helps tailor your branding services for small businesses. Next, explore psychographics to understand your audience’s values, interests, and lifestyles, which can align your brand messaging with their preferences. Creating customer personas will provide insights into their specific needs and pain points. Utilize tools like Facebook Audience Insights to reveal trends that inform your strategy. Finally, engage directly with your audience through polls and feedback to adapt your branding approach continually. Partnering with a small branding agency can further improve these efforts, ensuring your brand resonates effectively with your target segments. Analyze Competitor Insights Comprehending your competition is crucial, especially in relation to refining your branding strategy. By analyzing competitor insights, you can identify strengths and weaknesses that inform your own approach. Here are three key steps to reflect on: Utilize Tools: Use platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs to discover competitors’ top-performing keywords and content strategies, which can help you engage your audience more effectively. Monitor Social Media: Examine engagement metrics on social media to see what resonates with your target audience, giving you insight into their preferences. Review Customer Feedback: Analyze customer reviews of your competitors to identify market gaps your brand can exploit, positioning your offerings advantageously. Create a Style Guide Creating a style guide is essential for ensuring your brand’s identity remains consistent and recognizable across all platforms. It helps you document guidelines for brand colors, fonts, and logos, enhancing brand recognition by up to 23%. By maintaining a cohesive brand voice and messaging, your communications will resonate better with your audience. Regularly update your style guide to reflect any changes in your brand identity or strategy, keeping you aligned with current market trends. This guide serves as a valuable reference for both internal teams and external partners, reducing discrepancies in brand representation. In the end, a well-defined style guide improves brand credibility, making it easier for customers to connect with and trust your brand. Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert With Content Marketing Establishing your small business as a subject matter expert through content marketing can greatly boost your credibility and attract a loyal customer base. By providing valuable information that addresses common customer questions, you build trust in your industry. Here are three effective strategies to implement: Regularly Publish Content: Create blog posts, how-to guides, and videos to increase website traffic. Companies that blog generate 67% more leads. Focus on Engagement: Share relevant content that resonates with your audience. 57% of consumers feel more connected to brands that do this. Prioritize Consistency: Regular updates strengthen brand relationships and encourage loyalty, as 70% of consumers prefer learning through articles rather than advertisements. Implement these strategies to solidify your expertise. Look for Partnership Opportunities To grow your brand’s reach, consider collaborating with non-competitive businesses that target a similar audience. You can co-host local events to attract new customers as you share resources, making it beneficial for both parties. This partnership approach not just improves visibility but likewise builds community trust, which can greatly impact your brand’s credibility. Collaborate With Non-Competitors When you collaborate with non-competitive businesses, you not just broaden your reach but furthermore boost your brand’s credibility. By aligning with brands that share your values, you create a stronger perception among consumers. Here are three effective strategies for collaboration: Cross-Promote on Social Media: Joint giveaways can increase your engagement rates by 20-30%, attracting attention from both audiences. Bundle Products: Offering combined deals with a partner can raise your sales by up to 25%, as customers see greater value in these bundles. Leverage Each Other’s Customer Bases: By co-hosting events or pop-ups, you improve foot traffic and engagement, tapping into new markets. Implement these strategies to expand your reach and strengthen your brand. Co-Host Local Events Co-hosting local events can be a potent strategy for small businesses looking to improve their visibility and build community connections. By partnering with non-competitive businesses, you can share resources, which reduces costs and increases attendance. This collaboration can boost your brand exposure by up to 30%. Joint events, like pop-up shops or workshops, create unique experiences that attract customers, with 70% of consumers more likely to attend such events. Additionally, cross-promotional marketing during these events often improves brand visibility, as 60% of participants report increased awareness of the brands involved. Engaging in local partnerships strengthens community ties, appealing to the 82% of consumers who prefer supporting brands that contribute to their communities. Build a Community Around Your Brand Building a community around your brand is vital for nurturing customer loyalty and engagement. A strong community not just connects you with customers but likewise improves their overall experience. Here are three effective ways to build this community: Encourage User-Generated Content: Invite your customers to share their experiences, as 79% say it influences their purchasing decisions. When they engage, it boosts your brand interactions. Host Interactive Experiences: Organize virtual events or workshops, which can create deeper relationships and lead to a 20% increase in brand loyalty. Communicate Your Brand Story: Share your values consistently across platforms. About 64% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that align with their beliefs. Fostering community is important for long-term success. Make Your Brand Unmissable Online To make your brand unmissable online, it’s vital to establish a strong digital presence that resonates with your audience. Start by utilizing social media platforms, as 57% of customers prefer digital engagement with businesses. Create a signature social post format to guarantee consistency, which helps build a recognizable brand identity. Leverage free tools on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for branded GIFs and stickers, enhancing your content’s creativity. Transform your comments sections into engaging experiences by incorporating humor and personality, which cultivates memorable interactions. Finally, implement low-cost branding strategies, such as guerrilla marketing techniques, to create buzz and increase your brand exposure without a significant financial investment. Focus on these strategies to stand out online effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for comprehending and developing your brand. First, there’s Company, which defines your mission and unique selling proposition. Next, Customers, where you analyze your target audience’s demographics and needs. Then, Competitors, focusing on both direct and indirect rivals to find market gaps. Collaborators involve partnerships that improve your brand’s visibility. Finally, Context encompasses the external factors and trends that may influence your brand’s positioning in the market. What Is the 3 7 27 Rule of Branding? The 3-7-27 rule of branding emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure for effective brand recognition. You need to present your message three times for it to resonate, seven times for it to be memorable, and 27 times before potential customers take action. This approach highlights the necessity of consistent messaging across various platforms. What Are the 3 C’s of Branding? The 3 C’s of branding are Company, Customer, and Competitor. First, define your company’s unique value proposition and mission to establish a strong identity. Next, understand your target customers by analyzing their demographics and pain points, which will help you tailor your messages effectively. Finally, study your competitors to identify market gaps and opportunities, allowing you to differentiate your brand. Together, these elements create a cohesive branding strategy that builds recognition and trust. How Do I Brand My Small Business? To brand your small business, start by defining your purpose and core values, as these guide your branding efforts. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and competitors. Next, create a cohesive visual identity with a memorable logo and color palette. Develop a strong brand voice that reflects your personality, maintaining this tone across all communications. Finally, regularly update your brand style guide to guarantee consistency in your marketing materials. Conclusion Implementing these seven branding solutions can considerably strengthen your small business. By defining your brand identity, comprehending your audience, and maintaining consistency, you can create a strong market presence. Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert and engaging with your community will nurture loyalty. Furthermore, seeking partnership opportunities and enhancing your online visibility will further set you apart. Focus on these key strategies to build a recognizable and trusted brand that resonates with customers and drives growth. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Branding Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive market, small businesses must adopt effective branding strategies to stand out. Start by defining your brand identity, which includes your core values and mission. Next, comprehending your audience’s demographics helps tailor your messaging. You’ll additionally benefit from analyzing your competitors for strategic positioning. By implementing these steps, you can improve your visibility and customer loyalty. Nevertheless, there are more solutions to explore that can raise your brand even further. Key Takeaways Define your brand identity by outlining core values and creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos and color palettes, to enhance recognition. Know your audience by analyzing demographics and psychographics to tailor branding services and create customer personas that address specific needs. Analyze competitors using tools like SEMrush to identify their strengths and weaknesses, refining your branding strategy based on market gaps. Establish credibility by regularly publishing engaging content that resonates with your audience, boosting website traffic and fostering customer loyalty. Maintain consistent branding through a well-defined style guide that ensures uniformity in visual elements, messaging, and tone across all platforms. Define Your Brand Identity Defining your brand identity is essential for establishing a strong presence in the market. Start by outlining your core values, mission, and personality. These elements create a clear purpose that guides all your branding initiatives. A branding consultant for small businesses can help you articulate these aspects effectively. Next, focus on creating a cohesive visual identity, including logos, color palettes, and typography. This guarantees consistency across all platforms. Remember, a strong brand identity improves recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, as many consumers prefer brands that align with their values. Utilizing a branding agency for small businesses can provide customized branding solutions for small businesses, making sure your identity resonates with your target audience during their perception and trust. Know Your Audience To effectively know your audience, you first need to identify your target segments. Analyze competitor insights to understand what resonates with similar customers and what gaps you can fill. Identify Target Segments How can you effectively identify your target segments? Start by analyzing demographics such as age, gender, income level, and location. This foundational data helps tailor your branding services for small businesses. Next, explore psychographics to understand your audience’s values, interests, and lifestyles, which can align your brand messaging with their preferences. Creating customer personas will provide insights into their specific needs and pain points. Utilize tools like Facebook Audience Insights to reveal trends that inform your strategy. Finally, engage directly with your audience through polls and feedback to adapt your branding approach continually. Partnering with a small branding agency can further improve these efforts, ensuring your brand resonates effectively with your target segments. Analyze Competitor Insights Comprehending your competition is crucial, especially in relation to refining your branding strategy. By analyzing competitor insights, you can identify strengths and weaknesses that inform your own approach. Here are three key steps to reflect on: Utilize Tools: Use platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs to discover competitors’ top-performing keywords and content strategies, which can help you engage your audience more effectively. Monitor Social Media: Examine engagement metrics on social media to see what resonates with your target audience, giving you insight into their preferences. Review Customer Feedback: Analyze customer reviews of your competitors to identify market gaps your brand can exploit, positioning your offerings advantageously. Create a Style Guide Creating a style guide is essential for ensuring your brand’s identity remains consistent and recognizable across all platforms. It helps you document guidelines for brand colors, fonts, and logos, enhancing brand recognition by up to 23%. By maintaining a cohesive brand voice and messaging, your communications will resonate better with your audience. Regularly update your style guide to reflect any changes in your brand identity or strategy, keeping you aligned with current market trends. This guide serves as a valuable reference for both internal teams and external partners, reducing discrepancies in brand representation. In the end, a well-defined style guide improves brand credibility, making it easier for customers to connect with and trust your brand. Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert With Content Marketing Establishing your small business as a subject matter expert through content marketing can greatly boost your credibility and attract a loyal customer base. By providing valuable information that addresses common customer questions, you build trust in your industry. Here are three effective strategies to implement: Regularly Publish Content: Create blog posts, how-to guides, and videos to increase website traffic. Companies that blog generate 67% more leads. Focus on Engagement: Share relevant content that resonates with your audience. 57% of consumers feel more connected to brands that do this. Prioritize Consistency: Regular updates strengthen brand relationships and encourage loyalty, as 70% of consumers prefer learning through articles rather than advertisements. Implement these strategies to solidify your expertise. Look for Partnership Opportunities To grow your brand’s reach, consider collaborating with non-competitive businesses that target a similar audience. You can co-host local events to attract new customers as you share resources, making it beneficial for both parties. This partnership approach not just improves visibility but likewise builds community trust, which can greatly impact your brand’s credibility. Collaborate With Non-Competitors When you collaborate with non-competitive businesses, you not just broaden your reach but furthermore boost your brand’s credibility. By aligning with brands that share your values, you create a stronger perception among consumers. Here are three effective strategies for collaboration: Cross-Promote on Social Media: Joint giveaways can increase your engagement rates by 20-30%, attracting attention from both audiences. Bundle Products: Offering combined deals with a partner can raise your sales by up to 25%, as customers see greater value in these bundles. Leverage Each Other’s Customer Bases: By co-hosting events or pop-ups, you improve foot traffic and engagement, tapping into new markets. Implement these strategies to expand your reach and strengthen your brand. Co-Host Local Events Co-hosting local events can be a potent strategy for small businesses looking to improve their visibility and build community connections. By partnering with non-competitive businesses, you can share resources, which reduces costs and increases attendance. This collaboration can boost your brand exposure by up to 30%. Joint events, like pop-up shops or workshops, create unique experiences that attract customers, with 70% of consumers more likely to attend such events. Additionally, cross-promotional marketing during these events often improves brand visibility, as 60% of participants report increased awareness of the brands involved. Engaging in local partnerships strengthens community ties, appealing to the 82% of consumers who prefer supporting brands that contribute to their communities. Build a Community Around Your Brand Building a community around your brand is vital for nurturing customer loyalty and engagement. A strong community not just connects you with customers but likewise improves their overall experience. Here are three effective ways to build this community: Encourage User-Generated Content: Invite your customers to share their experiences, as 79% say it influences their purchasing decisions. When they engage, it boosts your brand interactions. Host Interactive Experiences: Organize virtual events or workshops, which can create deeper relationships and lead to a 20% increase in brand loyalty. Communicate Your Brand Story: Share your values consistently across platforms. About 64% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that align with their beliefs. Fostering community is important for long-term success. Make Your Brand Unmissable Online To make your brand unmissable online, it’s vital to establish a strong digital presence that resonates with your audience. Start by utilizing social media platforms, as 57% of customers prefer digital engagement with businesses. Create a signature social post format to guarantee consistency, which helps build a recognizable brand identity. Leverage free tools on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for branded GIFs and stickers, enhancing your content’s creativity. Transform your comments sections into engaging experiences by incorporating humor and personality, which cultivates memorable interactions. Finally, implement low-cost branding strategies, such as guerrilla marketing techniques, to create buzz and increase your brand exposure without a significant financial investment. Focus on these strategies to stand out online effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 C’s of Branding? The 5 C’s of branding are crucial for comprehending and developing your brand. First, there’s Company, which defines your mission and unique selling proposition. Next, Customers, where you analyze your target audience’s demographics and needs. Then, Competitors, focusing on both direct and indirect rivals to find market gaps. Collaborators involve partnerships that improve your brand’s visibility. Finally, Context encompasses the external factors and trends that may influence your brand’s positioning in the market. What Is the 3 7 27 Rule of Branding? The 3-7-27 rule of branding emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure for effective brand recognition. You need to present your message three times for it to resonate, seven times for it to be memorable, and 27 times before potential customers take action. This approach highlights the necessity of consistent messaging across various platforms. What Are the 3 C’s of Branding? The 3 C’s of branding are Company, Customer, and Competitor. First, define your company’s unique value proposition and mission to establish a strong identity. Next, understand your target customers by analyzing their demographics and pain points, which will help you tailor your messages effectively. Finally, study your competitors to identify market gaps and opportunities, allowing you to differentiate your brand. Together, these elements create a cohesive branding strategy that builds recognition and trust. How Do I Brand My Small Business? To brand your small business, start by defining your purpose and core values, as these guide your branding efforts. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and competitors. Next, create a cohesive visual identity with a memorable logo and color palette. Develop a strong brand voice that reflects your personality, maintaining this tone across all communications. Finally, regularly update your brand style guide to guarantee consistency in your marketing materials. Conclusion Implementing these seven branding solutions can considerably strengthen your small business. By defining your brand identity, comprehending your audience, and maintaining consistency, you can create a strong market presence. Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert and engaging with your community will nurture loyalty. Furthermore, seeking partnership opportunities and enhancing your online visibility will further set you apart. Focus on these key strategies to build a recognizable and trusted brand that resonates with customers and drives growth. Image Via Envato This article, "7 Essential Branding Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. When you install a major update like iOS 26, you find yourself discovering things the more you use it. You might find a new way to boost your battery life, or stop those spam calls and texts for good. For me, however, one of my favorite discoveries was a small but excellent change to group chats—which doubles as a way to discover which of your contacts have also updated to iOS 26. Typing indicators join the group chat Once people update their iPhones to iOS 26, group chats start supporting typing indicators, or, in other words, those tiny typing bubbles you see in one-on-one chats in Messages. The first time you're in a group chat after updating your iPhone and see someone typing, it's a bit jarring, since that feature has been exclusive to single chats for all of iMessage history. To me, it almost seemed like a glitch—that's not supposed to happen. But it's actually a great update. Now, group chats aren't just dead air in-between messages: You can tell when other people are working on responses to one of your messages, so you won't be surprised the next time a host of new texts start flooding in. On the flip side, if you don't see these chat bubbles, you'll know no one is actually working on anything to say. Dead air means dead air. What's interesting, though, is that since you need to be running iOS 26 in order to get typing indicators, this new feature serves as a bit of a tell to know which of your contacts has updated to the latest OS. That's what I'm finding after a couple weeks of iOS 26: I'll be in group chats where messages come in without warning, as per usual, but one contact will appear as a typing bubble. I'm sure someday not that long from now, that won't be the norm, and I'll see most contacts typing in group texts. But for now, it's a neat observation. Just remember: If you're running iOS 26, anyone else running iOS 26 can see that you're typing in the group chat. It might require some new muscle memory. Until now, you've been able to take as long as you want to type and send messages in group chats without notice. But now, some (if not all) of the chat members will be able to see when you start crafting a text. This is far from the only change Apple made to messaging in iOS 26. In fact, there's a lot new here, including chat background, the ability to copy individual words from messages, and polls like you might find on other chat apps and social media platforms. View the full article

Hillshire Brands, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, has recalled some 58 million pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products, saying they “may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter,” according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The problem was discovered after the Tyson Foods subsidiary received multiple consumer complaints, five of which involved injuries. Upon investigation, Hillshire Brands determined that the wooden sticks entered the production process prior to product battering. The FSIS has received no additional reports of injury from consumption of these products. The agency is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, along with school and institution refrigerators and freezers. Here’s what to know. What are the details of the corndog and sausage product recall? The recalled corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products were sold online and shipped to retail and food service locations nationwide. They were also sold to school districts and Department of Defense facilities across the country. (The products were distributed to schools through commercial sales, and were not part of food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.) The products subject to recall were packaged between March 17, 2025 and September 26, 2025, and bear establishment number “EST-582” or “P-894” printed on the packaging. Here’s a list of the recalled products: UNBRANDED FOOD SERVICE Product Name: Batter Wrapped Franks on a Stick with Turkey and Chicken, Pork, Beef added Lot number: 10000050925 Package size and type: 2.67oz franks in a 6lb case Use by date: 12/13/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/27/2025, 1/3/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/27/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/3/2026, 2/23/2026, 3/21/2026, 4/12/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/18/2026, 5/23/2026 JIMMY DEAN Product Name: Jimmy Dean Cinnamon French Toast Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033532 Package size and type: 30oz cartons in a 7.5lb case Use by date: 11/17/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/18/2026, 3/16/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/26/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Original Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033532 Package size and type: 2.51 oz sticks in a 9.41lb case Use by date: 12/1/2025, 1/13/2026, 2/15/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/29/2026, 5/4/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick Lot number: 10000033494 Package size and type: 30oz cartons in a 15 pound case Use by date: 11/16/2025, 11/23/2025, 11/30/2025, 12/8/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/29/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/4/2026, 1/10/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/25/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/26/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/22/2026, 3/27/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/15/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/13/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancake and Turkey on Stick Lot number: 10000070613 Package size and type: 40IW 6.27 pounds case Use by date: 12/1/2025, 1/13/2026, 2/15/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/5/2026, 5/4/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On A Stick, Pancake Batter Covering a Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000064591 Package size and type: 50 oz carton in a 25 pound case Use by date: 11/12/2025, 11/20/2025, 11/27/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/10/2025, 1/7/2026, 1/11/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/20/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/12/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/22/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/14/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On A Stick, Pancake Batter Covering a Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033531 Package size and type: 28.125 pounds per case Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/29/2026, 3/12/2026, 5/2/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancake Batter Covering A Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033525 Package size and type: 6 carton per case/ 4.687lbs Use by date: 11/13/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/15/2025, 11/20/2025, 11/21/2025, 11/27/2025, 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/9/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/24/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/28/2026, 1/29/2026, 2/4/2026, 2/19/2026, 2/20/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/5/2026, 3/12/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/26/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/2/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/16/2026, 4/17/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/23/2026, 4/24/2026, 5/1/2026,5/2/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/8/2026 Product Name: Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage On a Stick, Pancake Batter Covering A Pork & Chicken Sausage Link, Original Lot number: 10000033496 Package size and type: 30oz carton in a 15 pound case Use by date: 11/13/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/15/2025, 11/19/2025, 11/21/2025, 11/26/2025, 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 12/3/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/7/2025, 12/9/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/24/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/27/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/14/2026, 1/17/2026, 1/22/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/30/2026, 1/31/2026, 2/1/2026,2/2/2026, 2/4/2026, 2/6/2026, 2/7/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/19/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 3/5/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/26/2026, 4/2/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/16/2026, 4/17/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/23/2026, 4/24/2026, 5/7/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/16/2026, 5/31/2026 STATE FAIR Product Name: State Fair Corn Dogs Batter Wrapped Franks On a Stick Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Lot number: 10000084818 Package size and type: 48 count -12lbs case Use by date: 1/4/2026, 1/11/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/1/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/17/2026, 6/1/2026 Product Name: State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs, Whole Grain Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks On a Stick Lot number: 10000028322 Package size and type: 48 count per case Use by date: 1/31/2026, 2/22/2026, 4/11/2026, 5/3/2026, 6/7/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter. Lot number: 10000046146 Package size and type: 32 oz cartons in a 12 pound case Use by date: 4/27/2026, 5/6/2026, 6/8/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000004126 Package size and type: 13.35 oz cartons in a 10.012lb case Use by date: 1/20/2026, 1/27/2026, 2/12/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/25/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked, Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork, Beef Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000001365 Package size and type: 36 count/2.67oz/6lbs case Use by date: 12/20/2025, 1/5/2026, 2/6/2026, 3/22/2026, 6/6/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Lot number: 10000008481 Package size and type: 48 count/4oz/12lbs case Use by date: 1/4/2026, 1/11/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/1/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/17/2026, 6/1/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fiesta Corn Dogs, Batter Wrapped Chicken Franks – Pork, Turkey, Beef Added with Cheese and Jalapeno Peppers Lot number: 10000009149 Package size and type: 12 lbs case Use by date: 12/30/2025, 2/3/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/15/2026, 4/11/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/24/2026 Product Name: State Fair Hot Dogs made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000022346 Package size and type: 42.72 oz cartons in a 10.675 pound case Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/14/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/29/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/6/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/16/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/25/2026, 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/8/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/10/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/17/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/24/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/6/2026, 3/9/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/16/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/23/2026, 3/24/2026, 3/27/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/24/2026, 4/26/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/9/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/19/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/22/2026, 5/25/2026, 6/2/2026, 6/5/2026, 6/12/2026, 6/13/2026, 6/14/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000001126 Package size and type: 16 oz cartons in a 12 pound case Use by date: 12/17/2025, 12/22/2025, 1/5/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/14/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/17/2026, 3/24/2026, 4/13/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/28/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/11/2026, 6/3/2026, 6/9/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made With Turkey and Chicken, Pork , Beef Added Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000059443 Package size and type: IW 30 CNT SWC 6/5LB Use by date: 12/14/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/16/2025, 12/21/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/23/2025, 12/27/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/3/2026, 1/5/2026, 1/7/2026, 1/9/2026, 1/10/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/16/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/20/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/23/2026, 1/24/2026, 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026, 2/6/2026, 2/7/2026, 2/10/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/17/2026, 2/21/2026, 2/22/2026, 2/23/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/6/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/8/2026, 3/9/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/13/2026, 3/20/2026, 3/22/2026, 3/25/2026, 3/27/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/4/2026, 4/6/2026, 4/10/2026, 4/13/2026, 4/19/2026, 4/24/2026, 4/25/2026, 4/26/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/1/2026, 5/2/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/8/2026, 5/9/2026, 5/10/2026, 5/16/2026, 5/17/2026, 5/18/2026, 5/19/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/22/2026, 5/23/2026, 5/26/2026, 5/31/2026, 6/2/2026, 6/3/2026, 6/5/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000037409 Package size and type: PK 22 CNT 6/58.7oz Use by date: 12/12/2025, 12/13/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/20/2025, 12/26/2025, 12/27/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/4/2026, 1/6/2026, 1/8/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/17/2026, 1/18/2026, 1/25/2026, 1/26/2026, 1/27/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/8/2026, 2/9/2026, 2/14/2026, 3/3/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/23/2026, 3/25/2026, 3/29/2026, 4/4/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/12/2026, 5/3/2026, 5/4/2026, 5/5/2026, 5/11/2026, 5/12/2026, 5/15/2026, 5/20/2026, 5/25/2026, 6/9/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made With Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added, Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000013658 Package size and type: 36 count/2.67oz Use by date: 1/10/2026, 2/25/2026, 5/2/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Turkey Corn Dogs, Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks on a Stick Lot number: 10000009481 Package size and type: 48 count Use by date: 12/21/2025, 2/16/2026, 3/7/2026, 4/25/2026, 5/10/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Whole Grain Batter Wrapped Uncured Chicken Franks on a Stick Lot number: 10363650928 Package size and type: 48 count-4 oz Use by date: 4/4/2026, 5/9/2026, 6/6/2026, 7/18/2026, 8/8/2026, 8/15/2026, 8/29/2026, 9/19/2026 Product Name: State Fair Beef Corn Dogs, Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000037550 Package size and type: 42.72 oz cartons in a 10.675 lb case Use by date: 12/22/2025, 12/28/2025, 1/5/2026, 1/11/2026, 1/19/2026, 1/27/2026, 1/31/2026, 2/2/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/16/2026, 2/24/2026, 2/28/2026, 3/1/2026, 3/2/2026, 3/4/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/16/2026, 3/17/2026, 3/21/2026, 3/24/2026, 4/5/2026, 4/14/2026, 4/18/2026, 4/20/2026, 4/21/2026, 4/27/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/11/2026, 5/25/2026, 5/31/2026, 6/1/2026, 6/8/2026, 6/15/2026 Product Name: State Fair Fully Cooked Corn Dogs, Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In A Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000069419 Package size and type: 24 CNT 6/64.08 OZ Use by date: 3/10/2026, 3/14/2026, 3/28/2026, 5/11/2026 Product Name: State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Hot Dogs Made with Turkey and Chicken, Pork Added Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter Lot number: 10000016146 Package size and type: 12 oz cartons in a 6 lb case Use by date: 12/23/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/2/2026, 1/12/2026, 1/18/2026 Product Name: State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs Batter Wrapped Turkey Franks On a Stick Lot number: 10000009488 Package size and type: 48 count-4 oz Use by date: 12/16/2025, 12/21/2025, 1/20/2026, 2/16/2026, 3/7/2026, 3/8/2026, 3/28/2026, 4/21/2026, 4/25/2026, 5/10/2026, 5/24/2026 What if I have these products in my refrigerator or freezer? Consumers, schools, and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact The Hillshire Brands Company at 888-747-7611. View the full article

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Spending on AI infrastructure is now contributing more to U.S. GDP growth than the entire consumer economy, according to new data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The comparison, which was posted to Twitter (X) by economist Heather Long on Monday, suggests that hype may not be the only thing propping up the high stock prices and valuations of AI companies such as Nvidia and OpenAI. Here, “consumption” means consumer spending on goods and services for personal use, which traditionally contributes about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product. “AI Spending” means business investment in software and information processing equipment, including data center construction, chip purchases, and computing infrastructure. The AI boom is fueling strong US economic growth. But it no longer eclipses consumption, based on the latest Q2 GDP data. How much did these things add to GDP growth in the first half of 2025? AI spending added 1.05 pp Consumption added 1.05 pp We'll see what happens in Q3. pic.twitter.com/nQDhDsIgKH — Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) September 29, 2025 The numbers show that AI spending contributed 1.05% of total economic growth in the first half of 2025, after contributing only between .02% and .03% from 2022 through 2024 — a 4X to 5X growth ratio. The bad news (for the overall economy) is that consumer spending has fallen dramatically, from contributing 2.6% of GDP growth to just 1.05% in mid-2025. The decline could stem from flagging consumer confidence as the The President tariffs take hold, and inflation fatigue and economic uncertainty continues. Heady times for AI companies This has all been good news for AI companies and their suppliers. Michael Cembalest, who is Chairman of Market and Investment strategy at J.P.Morgan, writes in a recent brief that since the appearance of ChatGPT in November 2022, AI-related stocks have accounted for 75% of S&P 500 returns, 80% of earnings growth, and 90% of capital spending. OpenAI is now valued at $300 billion. Anthropic is valued at $183 billion. The “AI spending” is mainly focused on the new data centers that the AI industry says are necessary to deliver next generation services to both businesses and consumers. Now, Cembalest says, new data center spending is eclipsing new office construction for the first time. But he also points out that new data centers are coming under increased regulatory scrutiny because of their inordinate demands on the power grid. On the other hand, the BEA numbers suggest that the economy is increasingly dependent on one narrow segment, when a healthy economy would show broad corporate investments across sectors. That might be fine if AI infrastructure investment lasts, and if consumer confidence recovers. But investors typically abhor prolonged capital expenditures, especially if there’s no sign of that infrastructure leading to measurable business efficiencies. And so far, the efficiencies brought by generative AI and new automation have been spotty. View the full article

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