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Find out how to develop a powerful PPC for SaaS strategy that aligns with complex buying processes and high competition. The post How To Plan PPC Campaigns For SaaS Marketing & Think Strategically appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Many companies forget AI-powered enterprise applications are just business apps at the end of the day. The reality is, AI is simply another arrow in our quiver, albeit incredibly more powerful. But what IT has done since generative AI exploded on the scene is frantically rush to deploy any and all possible applications, causing massive confusion and huge resource wastes, without delivering much business value. The process of firing arrows at the target (increased business value) has stayed the same, just like the goal of hitting a bullseye. But many businesses miss the mark, trying to create significant and oftentimes unrealistic returns. How to generate more value with AI To be fair, the urgency is real, particularly as the next big target arises. Gartner predicts, “By 2028, 33% of enterprise software application will include agentic AI, up from less than 1% in 2024, enabling 15% of day-to-day work decisions to be made autonomously.” Everyone wants to fire with precision. They’re just unsure where to aim. At our recent Insight Amplify technical conference, I sat down with a handful of fellow tech executives. We discussed our experiences rolling out AI apps, and we agreed that most successful use cases so far have been internal-facing as a proving ground to master the technology. Slowly but surely, the hope is it shows its mettle in customer-facing applications. Everyone agrees this is uncharted territory. I not-so-innocently asked a few follow-up questions, such as how they went about finding workloads. They each described the broad strokes, and as I suspected, their processes were remarkably similar. There’s much more nuance to it, but generally they followed these steps: Identify the business problem, ideally in partnership between the business line and IT team. Build a minimum viable product and, with a subset of capabilities, deploy the app to see if it is appropriate from functional and practical standpoints. Evaluate the return on investment to ensure it makes sense financially. Expand it for widespread use with the necessary cost and security controls and backlogged features. These are the same proven steps to build a “traditional” app—yet all too often, adding the shiny AI component blinds us from the fundamentals. When I pointed out the similarities, it was like a light bulb flipped on. They hadn’t thought about it like that. Unfortunately, many companies struggle to reach that “Eureka” moment in app development and make a few common missteps along the way. For example: Misstep #1: Developing AI apps yourself The first step is critical. Without a clear business problem, is there a point to pouring resources into an app? Even if a company has a solution, they need to step back and determine if they can deliver it. I often see clients trying to reinvent the wheel when they’re unequipped to do so. If a company’s business isn’t writing software, they should focus on their core business instead. There’s a reason why auto manufacturers don’t make the lights that go into cars. They simply buy and put them into what they build. That’s the mentality businesses should have with AI—relying on partners with the specialized knowledge to guide them through this evolving landscape. This isn’t to say buying off the shelf is always the answer. Sometimes, the need is unique enough or rooted in specific business processes where developing custom AI-powered solutions makes sense. But first look for someone doing that as their business. If you can’t find them, then—and only then—create your own. Misstep #2: Improperly preparing your data I sometimes joke that clients have data swamps, not data lakes. Poor data quality is a significant gap in many organizations. It can be terribly organized and inadequately secured across different sources, costing companies 15-25% of their revenue, according to MIT Sloan Management Review. The key to unlocking data’s immense value lies in organizing and normalizing it in one place, but most data is siloed across various locations based on its functions. While a small subset may seem manageable, this can mask underlying issues that arise once you deploy an app to a larger end-user community if your data isn’t properly cleaned. This will be problematic whether you buy off the shelf or develop yourself. Data mastery is fundamental to driving any outcome. Misstep #3: Locking yourself in My colleagues are right: This is new territory. While basic app development steps remain the same, a rapidly evolving sector introduces countless variables to consider. Even without GenAI, changes would still occur at breakneck speeds. Welcome to IT. Among all the AI hype, what is just noise you can ignore? What are legitimate signs of the frenetic activity around us? I guide clients through these types of questions all the time. Developing AI, they might invest too much capital in on-premises solutions, lock themselves into a specific cloud provider, or partner with an independent software vendor that’s a darling today but dead in six months. Given technology’s rapid pace, it’s crucial to stay flexible. You’ll need to pivot eventually. Locking yourself into a category, location, vendor, or similar commitment is extremely risky. The stumbling block that so many struggle with is they don’t yet have enough muscle memory working with AI to unlock its full potential. In the absence of certainty, what should be logical is to do what’s familiar—what’s worked before: Stick to your strengths as a business. Stick to proven app-development processes if that is, in fact, your business. If not: Stay the course with trusted partners who have that expertise. In other words, don’t overthink things. It’s AI—not rocket science, unless that’s the app you need. If you’re unsure where to begin, work with a solutions provider with proven success delivering agentic, generative, and traditional AI applications. With a few reps under your belt, you’ll be locked in to hit future targets. Juan Orlandini is CTO, North America of Insight Enterprises. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Building a resilient technology company is hard. Building one that can withstand constant policy change is another level of hard. Right now, companies across sectors—not just fintech—are staring down government and regulatory shifts happening faster than most orgs can process, let alone implement. For industries like financial technology, where regulatory changes directly impact how products work, how they’re priced, and how they’re sold, the stakes are existential. Adapting in real time isn’t just an edge—it’s the bare minimum to stay in the game. That’s why companies need to think beyond using AI as a tool. They need to rethink the entire way they build software, make decisions, and operationalize compliance. At april, we didn’t bolt AI onto our dev team; we restructured how we work to make regulatory agility the foundation. Our approach uses AI to take human-written analysis and turn it directly into code. It means faster updates, fewer silos, and a dev cycle that actually moves at the speed of policy. When every state writes its own rules, you build for change The U.S. tax system isn’t a single rulebook—it’s a fragmented, constantly shifting web of federal and state-level regulations. Each year, we see hundreds of changes across jurisdictions: new credits, sunset clauses, redefinitions of income, filing thresholds, and form logic. And none of them arrive on a predictable timeline. A change that passes in October still needs to be implemented and tested before filing season begins in January. We knew we couldn’t keep up with that kind of churn using the legacy software development model most incumbents rely on—long handoffs between policy, legal, and engineering teams, often stitched together manually. So we built something different. At april, our Tax-to-Code system lets policy experts write structured analysis, and generative AI turns that into functioning software, reviewed and refined by engineers before it ships. The AI doesn’t replace experts; it extends them. It kills the back-and-forth and accelerates our response time from weeks to days. This is what regulatory agility looks like: Tax code changes go from policy to product without bottlenecks. Automation isn’t the goal—strategic bandwidth is There’s a lot of noise about AI automating work. But in regulated environments, the real value isn’t just speed—it’s the space it frees up for experts to focus on strategy. AI helps us eliminate the repetitive, time-sucking tasks that bog down compliance work. That doesn’t just cut costs; it gives our team the bandwidth to think several steps ahead. What’s the next policy change likely to be? What would it take to adapt? What needs to be built now to stay ahead? That’s what most companies are missing. They’re spending all their energy reacting. AI infrastructure, done right, gives you the room to anticipate. AI can’t function without the right architecture This only works if your infrastructure is designed to support it. We didn’t start with generative AI—we started with the assumption that regulatory change is constant and unpredictable. From there, we built a system where: Domain experts define the logic. AI transforms it into code. Engineers validate and ship. The result? A feedback loop where tax and policy changes get implemented at pace, not after a six-month dev sprint. More importantly, it’s adaptable. This model isn’t just for tax. Any company in a volatile regulatory space—health insurance, auto, logistics, energy—needs a system that can cascade policy changes through their tech stack fast, accurately, and with oversight. Lessons for leaders in regulated industries If you’re leading a company where compliance is high stakes, here’s what to prioritize: Structure your tech org for change, not stability. You can’t assume next quarter’s rules will match this one’s. Build collaboration between experts and AI. Don’t let legal, ops, and engineering operate in silos. AI works best when it sits between human knowledge and execution. Focus on speed and oversight. AI without accountability is dangerous. Human-only systems are too slow. You need both. This is the new baseline In today’s environment, adaptability is non-negotiable. Leaders can’t rely on manual processes or slow engineering cycles to keep up with real-time policy shifts. And AI isn’t some magic solution on its own; it needs the right infrastructure, the right workflows, and the right people in the loop. At april, we’ve built our company around that reality. That’s how we move fast without breaking things—and how others in high-regulation industries can, too. Ben Borodach is the cofounder and CEO of april. View the full article

IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with: I. William Vanderbloemen on complaining: “Complaining gives us a lot of positive reinforcement. It makes us think we’re smarter than the powers that be, and it helps us bond with a group. Ask anyone who is friends with their very first coworkers from decades ago. Did breakfast sandwiches in the cafeteria and half-day summer Fridays bind them? Or was it a common enemy and a mutual sense of injustice that they could vent to another about? But complaining isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It has a negative impact on your brain and, not surprisingly, a negative impact on your company culture. It’s better to be a Solver.” Source: Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest II. Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter on using AI to enhance creativity: “One of the foundations of creativity is being curious and asking questions like What if? Why not? And What else? Human beings are great at asking these types of questions. But unfortunately, we’re limited in our answers because of our experience, knowledge, and biases. Although AI has limitations because of its programming, it can be a terrific creative partner by encouraging our curiosity. With AI, we can ask more questions, get more answers, and bring more fun into the creative process. Many of us can probably relate to painful past experiences of staring at a whiteboard, trying to come up with new, divergent or original ideas. Well, Al can be of help in those situations. Used properly, it can be a great generator of initial ideas, which can help inspire creative thinking. Al can also answer questions and punch holes in an argument or a thesis. Fundamentally, it’s more fun and cognitively easier to ask questions than it is to come up with answers. AI can transform brainstorming sessions into “question-storming sessions,” which can be inherently more enjoyable and engaging and can ultimately produce a greater number of creative outcomes.” Source: More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead * * * Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading Blog. Find more ideas on the LeadingThoughts index. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. At the Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA), we enable high level women to mentor each other for personal and professional happiness through sisterhood. As the nonprofit organization’s founder, chair, and CEO, I am honored to interview and share insights from some of the thought leaders who are part of EWA. This month I introduce to you Emily Moorhead, president of the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Q: Tell me how you are embracing change in the healthcare industry. Moorhead: We live in an age of remarkable medical innovation. Technology has advanced healthcare in ways we could have only imagined a decade ago. Artificial intelligence can help identify diseases in their earliest stages. Robotic-assisted surgery offers unprecedented precision. Patients can consult with a physician from the comfort of their living rooms. Yet, human connection is still the most powerful medicine we offer. At Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, we recognize that healing doesn’t begin with a test result or a treatment plan—it begins with a conversation and a sense that someone truly cares. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, outcomes improve. Trust deepens. Teams thrive. And the experience of giving and receiving care becomes more meaningful. This belief isn’t just rooted in philosophy, it’s revealed in practice. In every role across our hospital, we ask: How do we make space for connection? How do we create environments where people—patients, families, caregivers, and team members—feel supported and respected? Human connection is not a soft skill, but a strategic imperative. We are working to hardwire it into every corner of our organization. Q: Why do you believe human connection still matters in a high-tech healthcare environment? Moorhead: Healthcare is fundamentally human. While we celebrate the role of data and devices in diagnosing and treating illness, what patients remember most is how we made them feel. Did we listen? Did we look them in the eye? Did we take time to explain what’s next? Connection builds trust, and trust drives everything—from medication adherence to satisfaction scores to team morale. When we prioritize relationships, we don’t just provide better care, we create a better experience. Q: Are there tangible outcomes linked to stronger provider-patient relationships? Moorhead: Absolutely. Numerous studies have shown that patients who feel connected to their care team are more likely to follow treatment plans, report higher satisfaction, and have better overall outcomes. That’s not a coincidence. It’s the result of feeling respected, informed, and involved in decisions about their own health. It’s not just about patients. Providers and team members who feel connected to their colleagues and their purpose experience lower rates of burnout and higher engagement. It’s easy to focus solely on clinical excellence, but we can’t overlook emotional well-being. When our people feel supported, they’re more present, compassionate, and effective in their roles. Healthcare is complex, high-stakes work. Connection can be the stabilizing force that keeps us aligned, grounded, and resilient. Q: How do you balance the demand for efficiency with the need for connection? Moorhead: That’s the tension so many leaders face. Healthcare is under pressure to do more with less, and every minute matters. But what we’ve found is that connection and efficiency aren’t in conflict; they reinforce each other. When patients feel understood, they ask fewer repeated questions. When teams communicate clearly and respectfully, workflows improve. Investing a few extra moments in meaningful interaction can prevent backtracking or miscommunication later. It’s about being intentional in how we show up. Presence doesn’t require an extra hour in your day—it requires a mindset. Even brief encounters can be deeply meaningful when approached with empathy and authenticity. Q: What role does leadership play in modeling this culture of connection? Moorhead: As a president, I make it a point to be visible—walk the halls, join huddles, and engage in real conversations, because culture is contagious. If I want my team to prioritize people, I must demonstrate that myself. Every leader sets the tone, intentionally or not. When leaders make time to listen, offer encouragement, and show appreciation, it sends a powerful message about what we value. We equip our leaders with tools to celebrate effort and support physical and psychological safety. Creating a culture of connection starts at the top, but it grows when everyone sees it’s real—when it becomes part of daily habits, not just organizational statements. Q: How can organizations outside of healthcare apply these lessons? Moorhead: Whether you’re leading a hospital or a tech startup, people want to feel seen. They want to know their work matters. They want to trust the people around them. Organizations that foster those connections outperform those that don’t. Every company should be asking: Are we designing our systems only around efficiency or around people? Human connection isn’t a healthcare issue—it’s a leadership issue. It affects everything from retention to innovation to long-term sustainability. Q: What gives you hope about the future of healthcare? Moorhead: Despite the challenges—workforce shortages, financial pressures, the emotional toll—I see daily reminders of what makes healthcare extraordinary. We’re surrounded by people who choose to show up every day not just to do a job, but to make a difference. Those moments may not make headlines, but they’re the heartbeat of healthcare. No matter how much technology evolves, the most powerful breakthroughs will always begin with human connection. Connection isn’t an add on—it’s the foundation. Larraine Segil is founder, chair, and CEO of The Exceptional Women Alliance. View the full article

The statement posted on social media platform X could reflect policy, politics or both. Clarification was not immediately available at deadline. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. While talent intelligence platforms (TIPs) serve an important purpose in identifying skills, they are inherently limited and never designed to address the fundamental question: How is work itself structured and how is it changing? AI has dramatically magnified and accelerated those pre-existing limitations. It’s not just creating new skill gaps—it’s redefining work at its core. Yet most organizations are still trying to track skills like it’s 2020. In the next few decades, AI is projected to transform up to 70% of all job tasks across industries—not just by replacing work, but by fundamentally reshaping how work gets done, who does it, and what value it creates. Past technological shifts unfolded over decades; today’s agentic AI is reshaping entire industries in a matter of months. Work intelligence is the next evolution: a strategic, systems-level approach that moves beyond skills to decode how work itself is being restructured—task by task, role by role, organization by organization. Why TIPs were never the full solution Many companies have invested in TIPs—systems that identify emerging skills by analyzing job postings and creating “living taxonomies” to inform talent practices. While valuable as a first-generation approach, TIPs suffer from a fundamental limitation: They’re inherently reactive. By analyzing existing job postings and making projections, TIPs create a perpetual time lag. By the time organizations identify, develop, and deploy these skills, the landscape has already shifted. With AI changing jobs faster than companies can update talent strategies, organizations need to look beyond current skills to understand how work itself is being reimagined. Skills are changing because work is changing The rapid evolution of skills isn’t the root challenge—it’s a symptom of a deeper issue. AI has simply brought this issue to the forefront: Work itself is changing. Skills development remains important—but it must be anchored in a deeper understanding of how work is transforming. Organizations investing in skills programs haven’t wasted their efforts, but they need to evolve their approach to connect it with work redesign. Otherwise, even robust skills initiatives won’t deliver lasting value in an AI-transformed landscape. Failing to grasp how work is transforming leads to: Blind workforce decisions Hiring for roles that won’t exist Reskilling for skills that won’t matter next year Ignoring AI’s fundamental impact on work design Work intelligence is a smarter way to navigate AI disruption Work intelligence begins with a comprehensive understanding of the work itself—the outcomes, tasks, processes, and roles that drive business value. Advanced work intelligence systems can analyze work across industries and create a universal language of work that integrates with existing organizational structures. This deep understanding enables business leaders to: Eliminate redundancies across roles: Consolidating overlapping responsibilities into fewer roles can reduce coordination costs while creating more meaningful work. Identify AI automation opportunities: Work intelligence can pinpoint exactly which tasks are prime for automation, which tools can accomplish this, and how to reallocate remaining human tasks. Optimize end-to-end process flows: By analyzing entire workflows, leaders can redesign processes to leverage AI and human capabilities. In customer service, automating initial contact while routing complex inquiries to specialists might reduce process steps by 30%. Focus talent development strategically: Work intelligence anticipates the roles and skills emerging from these transformations before implementation. This enables proactive talent development that runs parallel to work redesign efforts. Organizations can build learning paths aligned with their future work design, ensuring investment in capabilities that drive business value while preparing employees for meaningful roles in advance of changes. The future of work design This approach creates a fundamentally different talent ecosystem where roles, skills, and capabilities evolve naturally from optimized work processes. While competitors struggle with isolated AI initiatives or broad automation targets, leaders with work intelligence can make precise, strategic decisions about where to invest in technology and human capabilities. Redesign work for the AI era What organizations face isn’t merely a skills problem—it’s a fundamental workforce capability challenge accelerated by AI transformation. The most successful organizations—those reengineering work with the future in mind—will be able to answer these critical questions: Which work should be done by humans versus AI? How should we reorganize roles and processes around these new capabilities? What truly human capabilities should we develop in our workforce? How can we create systems that continuously evolve as technology advances? Transform your organization with work intelligence Don’t wait for AI to disrupt your workforce. The competitive advantage gap is already widening between organizations that proactively redesign work and those that merely react to change. Here’s how to start your work intelligence journey: Assessment: Begin with a rapid, data-driven assessment of your current work design using work intelligence tools that quickly identify high-value transformation opportunities. Pilot project: Select a high-impact process to redesign using work intelligence principles. Strategic roadmap: Develop a phased approach to implementing work intelligence across your organization, aligned with your broader business strategy. Capability building: Equip your leaders with the tools and mindsets to lead transformation through a work intelligence lens. The market leaders of tomorrow aren’t just adapting to AI disruption—they’re actively harnessing it to reshape work, drive value, and create meaningful roles that maximize human potential. Siobhan Savage is cofounder and CEO of Reejig. Amy Wilson is product strategy advisor at Reejig. View the full article

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to set up an integration that will sync Smartsheet rows with Zendesk tickets using an automated 2-way flow from Unito. Since Unito is a completely customizable platform with a no-code interface, you can deploy your first integration without an IT team. You won’t need to troubleshoot complex automations or work with third-party experts, either. More of a visual learner? Check out this video tutorial for a very similar integration. By the end of this guide your Smartsheet-Zendesk integration will: Create new Zendesk tickets automatically based on Smartsheet rows. Create new Smartsheet rows synced with Zendesk tickets. Update fields in real-time with a two-way sync when you work in either tool. In this article: Step 1. Connect Smartsheet and Zendesk to Unito Step 2. Choose a flow direction for new rows and tickets Step 3. Set rules to sync specific Smartsheet rows and Zendesk tickets Step 4. Map fields between Smartsheet and Zendesk Step 5. Launch your Smartsheet-Zendesk integration Step 1. Connect Smartsheet and Zendesk to Unito Sign up for Unito if you haven’t already! Navigate to the Unito app and click +Create Flow. Click Start Here to connect Smartsheet and Zendesk. Click +Choose account for each tool and complete the authorization process. Click Confirm. Connecting tools to Unito for the first time? Here’s an in-depth guide. Step 2. Choose flow direction for rows and tickets With flow direction, you choose where Unito automatically creates work items to match those you create manually. You have three options: 2-way: Both Smartsheet rows and Zendesk tickets are automatically created by your Unito flow to match items you create manually in each tool. 1-way from Smartsheet to Zendesk: Zendesk tickets will be automatically created by Unito to match Smartsheet rows you create manually. Unito won’t create new Smartsheet rows. 1-way from Zendesk to Smartsheet: Smartsheet rows will be automatically created by Unito to match Zendesk tickets you create manually. Unito won’t create new Zendesk tickets. Here’s a more detailed guide to how flow direction works. Step 3. Build rules to sync specific work items Unito rules can do two things: Filter out work items you don’t want to sync. For example, you could create a rule that only syncs Zendesk tickets opened after a certain date. Automate certain actions. For example, you could create a rule that automatically assigns a new Smartsheet row to a certain person on your team. To start building your rule, click Add a new rule, then choose a trigger and action. You can learn more about setting rules here. Step 4. Map fields between Smartsheet and Zendesk When you map fields, you pair fields in Smartsheet with fields in Zendesk so data always goes right where it needs to be. Unito can usually map most fields automatically whether they’re exactly the same (Assignee→Assignee) or compatible (URL→Text). You can also choose to map fields manually to fully customize your flow. Here’s what you’ll see when Unito maps your fields automatically. You can add a field mapping by clicking +Add mapping then Select a field. When you choose the field you want to map in one tool, Unito will automatically recommend compatible fields in a dropdown under the other tool. Some fields have a cog icon, meaning they can be customized further once they’re mapped. For example, a Status field can be customized so its options match those in another field. Step 5. Launch your Smartsheet-Zendesk integration That’s it! You’re ready to launch your flow. Unito will automatically keep Smartsheet rows and Zendesk tickets in sync. This will allow your teams to collaborate more effectively without copying and pasting data or jumping back and forth between tools. Ready to optimize your support workflow? Meet with our team to see what Unito can do for your workflows. Talk to sales What’s next? Need to integrate Smartsheet or Zendesk with other tools in your stack? Check out our other guides: Syncing Smartsheet with Asana Connecting Zendesk with Wrike Integrating Smartsheet with ServiceNow Syncing Zendesk with Jira Connecting Smartsheet with Azure DevOps Integrating Zendesk with Azure DevOps View the full article

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is laying off more than 1,400 employees just days after a panel of judges said the bureau couldn't fire employees without an assessment of whether the workers are unnecessary to perform the bureau's legally mandated duties. View the full article

Survey shows increasing integration of AI into ecommerce workflows for wins in conversion optimization, content, and technical SEO The post SEOFOMO Survey Shows How Ecommerce SEOs Use AI In 2025 appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Chapter, a Medicare advisory startup cofounded by Vivek Ramaswamy, announced on Wednesday it has closed on $75 million in Series D funding, at a valuation of $1.5 billion, backed by venture firm Stripes, and a number of private equity investors. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, was an early adviser to President Donald The President’s second term and is a former Republican presidential candidate. Chapter told Fast Company that while Ramaswamy helped found the company in 2020, “he stepped down from the board when he ran for office and is no longer involved in the company.” What does Chapter do? The platform helps the nation’s seniors navigate the Medicare system and choose a health plan, prescription drug coverage, find doctors and hospitals—all of which can be challenging for elderly Americans. “Navigating Medicare is needlessly complex. Too many people end up with plans that cost more and cover less than they should,” Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, Chapter’s cofounder and CEO, said in statement. “At a time when the regulatory environment and Medicare ecosystem is rapidly changing, we remain committed to bringing transparency and trust to a system that desperately needs it.” Blumenfeld-Gantz told Fast Company that its “mission is to provide unbiased, consumer-first Medicare guidance to all Americans” as Medicare insurance carriers continue to change their benefits structure, and as regulations have continued to be updated over the past five years. The startup has at least historical links to the The President administration, including to current Vice President JD Vance and tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who helped fuel Vance’s rise in politics. Narya Capital, which Vance founded before leaving to run for office, led Chapter’s Series A funding; Thiel has invested in the company, and at one time, held a seat on the board, according to TechCrunch. Blumenfeld-Gantz said Vance has no involvement in Chapter. It’s worth noting Ramaswamy was previously involved with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which critics say could affect Medicare’s ability to perform business as usual. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which houses Medicare, is facing a massive overhaul, including staff layoffs, as DOGE slashes budgets and staff across federal agencies. At HHS alone, some 10,000 employees have been laid off, and combined with early retirements, the administration has slashed some 20,000 jobs, per CNN. Meanwhile, HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will reportedly cut at least 300 jobs from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which, among other programs, oversees Medicare and Medicaid for some 160 million Americans, as the administration tries to downplay the reduction and its effect on the Medicare, according to CNBC. View the full article

Windows doesn't come with a weather application the way macOS and mobile operating systems do. Sure, the widget area shows the weather, but it also summons news headlines from the very bowels of internet hell and requires that you open a web browser page full of ads to get more details. If you want a clean, ad-free, and beautiful way to check the weather on Windows I recommend Lively Weather. This is a free and open source native-to-Windows application (by developer Dani John) with complete weather forecasts. It also features beautifully rendered background animations that reflect the current weather conditions. You can search for any city on Earth to see the weather: Tthe main summary shows up at the top of the screen, and below that sits a seven-day overview alongside a timeline of conditions. There are also boxes for the UV index, sunrise and sunset, humidity, wind, air quality, pressure, visibility, cloud coverage, and total precipitation. Click any day in the seven-day overview and all of these boxes will populate with forecasted conditions. You can also click any box to see more details. Credit: Justin Pot This is, for me, more than enough information about the weather to make choices about my wardrobe and transportation. The only obvious thing missing is radar, which is admittedly a feature some people rely on. You can choose between imperial and metric in the settings. You can also choose a weather provider: Open-Meteo, OpenWeatherMap, and Qweather (China) are all supported. Finally, you can choose the quality of the visuals. It's recommended that you stick with lower if you don't have a dedicated GPU, which is an absurd sentence to type about a weather application. When you see the backgrounds, though, it makes sense. These are dynamic animations for conditions ranging from sun to rain to snow to lightning, all rendered behind the transparent boxes that offer the actual weather information. It's pretty, is what I'm saying, and there are even ambient sounds reflecting the weather condition (though I might suggest opening your window instead). View the full article

The state and local tax deduction is a write-off that most Americans will never claim, even in the districts of the lawmakers fighting hardest to increase the tax break, data analyzed by Bloomberg News shows. View the full article

US president raises hopes of breakthrough while meeting Italy’s leader Giorgia Meloni in WashingtonView the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of a Sales Strategy: A well-defined sales strategy is essential for driving revenue and building lasting customer relationships, especially for small businesses in competitive markets. Key Components: Understand the critical elements of a sales strategy, including market analysis, target audience identification, and clear value propositions to tailor your approach effectively. Setting Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) sales goals to guide your strategy and assess progress regularly. Sales Process Optimization: Continuously analyze and improve your sales process to enhance efficiency, conversion rates, and customer engagement using tools like CRM systems. Ongoing Training: Invest in regular training and development for your sales team to sharpen their skills, improve techniques, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Measuring Success: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and data analysis to evaluate your sales strategy’s effectiveness, allowing for informed adjustments to enhance performance and achieve sales goals. In today’s competitive market, having a solid sales strategy is crucial for success. You need more than just a great product; you must understand your customers, anticipate their needs, and position your offerings effectively. A well-crafted sales strategy not only drives revenue but also builds lasting relationships with clients. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, refining your approach can lead to remarkable results. By focusing on key elements like customer segmentation, value propositions, and effective communication, you can tailor your strategy to meet the demands of your target audience. Get ready to explore the essential components of a successful sales strategy that can elevate your business and boost your sales performance. Understanding Sales Strategy A strong sales strategy is crucial for small businesses aiming to thrive in competitive markets. You must adopt an approach that aligns with your business goals, effectively engages customers, and drives meaningful results. Definition of Sales Strategy A sales strategy outlines the methods and tactics you employ to achieve your sales goals. It encompasses elements like customer targeting, product positioning, and lead generation. This strategy helps you navigate the sales funnel, manage your sales pipeline, and optimize your sales process. Determining your unique value proposition sets you apart from competitors, which is essential for successful customer acquisition. Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-defined sales strategy significantly impacts your small business’s growth. It enhances your sales performance by clarifying sales goals and sales targets. It streamlines prospecting efforts and supports effective sales tactics such as cold calling, follow-ups, and relationship building. Moreover, a robust sales strategy empowers you with the knowledge to handle objections efficiently, negotiate effectively, and close sales. Implementing a sales strategy improves customer engagement and increases the likelihood of repeat business. Utilizing tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems can facilitate tracking sales metrics, sales forecasting, and sales reporting. By aligning your sales team with a common strategy, you can enhance collaboration and drive overall business development. Key Components of a Sales Strategy A well-defined sales strategy helps small businesses target their sales goals effectively. Understanding the key components enhances customer acquisition and drives revenue growth. Market Analysis Market analysis forms the foundation of your sales strategy. By researching your target market, competitors, and prevailing market trends, you gain critical insights. Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Use this information to tailor your sales tactics, aligning them with current customer needs and market behaviors. This strategic approach increases your chances of closing sales and optimizing your sales funnel. Target Audience Identification Identifying your target audience is crucial for your sales strategy. Develop detailed buyer personas based on demographics, psychographics, and behavioral patterns. Knowing who your ideal customers are allows you to craft effective sales pitches and personalize your sales process. This insight leads to better prospecting and improved sales performance, ensuring your efforts resonate with potential leads in both B2B and B2C environments. Value Proposition Your value proposition articulates how your product or service meets customer needs better than competitors. Clearly communicate this unique selling point to enhance customer engagement. A strong value proposition can drive repeat business and referral sales. Position your offerings effectively to address customer objections, ensuring your sales team can leverage this knowledge in sales presentations and negotiations. Understanding the value you bring increases your likelihood of success in customer relationships and supports your overall sales strategy. Developing an Effective Sales Strategy An effective sales strategy helps your small business achieve revenue goals and drives growth. Focus on the following key components to create a robust strategy. Setting Clear Goals Set clear sales goals that align with your overall business objectives. Use the SMART criteria to define these goals, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, aiming to increase revenue by 20% in the next quarter provides a clear target. Regularly assess your progress to stay on track and adjust as needed. Sales Process Optimization Optimize your sales process to enhance efficiency and conversion rates. Analyze each step in your sales funnel, from lead generation to closing sales. Identify bottlenecks that hinder progress and implement changes, such as improving your sales pitch or streamlining follow-up activities. Utilize customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track sales leads and sales metrics, providing insights into areas for improvement. Additionally, focus on techniques like upselling and cross-selling to maximize customer engagement and increase average transaction values. Emphasizing negotiation skills and effective objection handling can help your sales team close more deals, ultimately boosting your small business’s revenue. Implementing the Sales Strategy Implementing a sales strategy requires a tactical approach to ensure success in reaching sales goals and maximizing revenue for your small business. Focus on key elements to drive your sales process efficiently. Training and Development Training and development enhance your sales team’s skills and knowledge. Prioritize ongoing sales training that covers product knowledge, sales techniques, and effective objection handling strategies. Conduct regular workshops and role-playing exercises to improve cold calling and closing sales abilities. Encourage team members to set individual sales targets aligned with overall business objectives. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing access to resources and expert-led sessions on effective negotiation tactics and relationship building. Tools and Technologies Employing the right tools and technologies streamlines your sales process. Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage sales leads, track interactions, and improve customer engagement. Use sales analytics to monitor sales metrics and customer acquisition trends, which aids in effective sales forecasting. Leverage automation tools for lead generation and follow-up outreach, ensuring timely communication with prospects. Incorporate scheduling software to optimize sales appointments and reduce no-shows. Utilize video conferencing tools for virtual sales presentations, making it easier to connect with clients. These technologies enhance your sales pipeline management and increase the likelihood of closing sales. Measuring Success of Sales Strategy Measuring success in your sales strategy involves tracking specific metrics and analyzing sales data to optimize performance. Focusing on solid KPIs and effective data analysis enhances your approach and drives revenue growth. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Sales KPIs are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your sales strategy. Track these critical KPIs: Percentage of Reps Achieving Sales Quota: This shows how well your sales team performs against sales targets. Understanding this metric helps identify areas for additional training or support. Lead Response Time: Responding to leads quickly, ideally within five minutes, significantly increases your chances of qualifying those leads and converting them into sales. Sales Win Rates: This KPI measures the number of deals won versus the total number of opportunities, giving insight into your sales effectiveness. Sales Conversion Rates: This indicates how many of your leads eventually turn into customers, providing a clear picture of your overall sales performance and effectiveness of sales pitches. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): This shows how much you spend on acquiring new customers and helps you assess the efficiency of your sales strategies. Analyzing Sales Data Thorough analysis of sales data provides actionable insights that inform your sales process. Focus on these aspects when analyzing data: Sales Trends: Look for patterns over time in your sales performance and adjust tactics accordingly to increase conversions. Segmenting Performance: Break down your sales performance by products, regions, or channels, enabling targeted improvements in specific areas. Monitoring Sales Pipeline: Keep an eye on how leads move through the sales funnel, identifying points where leads drop off and optimizing those stages to enhance closing rates. Using CRM Systems: Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track interactions and engagement with prospects, facilitating lead nurturing and effective follow-ups. Evaluating Sales Meetings: Assess the outcomes of your sales presentations and meetings to understand what resonates with your audience and refine your sales pitch accordingly. By focusing on these KPIs and analyzing data effectively, you can refine your sales strategy, improve sales performance, and achieve your sales goals. Conclusion A robust sales strategy is your key to thriving in a competitive landscape. By understanding your customers and refining your approach, you can create lasting relationships that drive revenue. Focus on the essential elements like market analysis and value propositions to ensure your strategy resonates with your target audience. Don’t overlook the power of ongoing training and the right tools to enhance your team’s effectiveness. Regularly measuring key performance indicators will help you stay on track and adjust your tactics as needed. Embrace these principles to elevate your sales efforts and achieve your business goals. With a well-defined strategy, you’re not just selling a product; you’re building a brand that customers trust. Frequently Asked Questions What is a sales strategy? A sales strategy is a plan outlining how a business will achieve its sales goals. It includes methods for customer targeting, product positioning, and lead generation. A well-defined sales strategy helps streamline the sales process and ensure effective sales tactics are employed. Why is a sales strategy important for small businesses? A sales strategy is crucial for small businesses as it clarifies sales goals, enhances lead generation, and optimizes the sales funnel. By understanding the target market and developing tailored approaches, small businesses can drive growth and foster lasting customer relationships. How can businesses improve their sales strategy? Businesses can enhance their sales strategy by analyzing market data, identifying their target audience, and crafting a compelling value proposition. Additionally, ongoing training, effective communication, and utilizing CRM tools can boost engagement and streamline processes. What role does customer relationship management (CRM) play? CRM systems are vital in tracking sales metrics, managing leads, and improving customer engagement. They help businesses analyze data, enhance customer relationships, and ultimately increase the likelihood of repeat business. What are key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales success? Key performance indicators for sales success include sales conversion rates, lead response time, sales win rates, and customer acquisition cost (CAC). Tracking these metrics helps businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their sales strategy and identify areas for improvement. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Your Sales Strategy: Essential Steps for Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of a Sales Strategy: A well-defined sales strategy is essential for driving revenue and building lasting customer relationships, especially for small businesses in competitive markets. Key Components: Understand the critical elements of a sales strategy, including market analysis, target audience identification, and clear value propositions to tailor your approach effectively. Setting Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) sales goals to guide your strategy and assess progress regularly. Sales Process Optimization: Continuously analyze and improve your sales process to enhance efficiency, conversion rates, and customer engagement using tools like CRM systems. Ongoing Training: Invest in regular training and development for your sales team to sharpen their skills, improve techniques, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Measuring Success: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and data analysis to evaluate your sales strategy’s effectiveness, allowing for informed adjustments to enhance performance and achieve sales goals. In today’s competitive market, having a solid sales strategy is crucial for success. You need more than just a great product; you must understand your customers, anticipate their needs, and position your offerings effectively. A well-crafted sales strategy not only drives revenue but also builds lasting relationships with clients. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, refining your approach can lead to remarkable results. By focusing on key elements like customer segmentation, value propositions, and effective communication, you can tailor your strategy to meet the demands of your target audience. Get ready to explore the essential components of a successful sales strategy that can elevate your business and boost your sales performance. Understanding Sales Strategy A strong sales strategy is crucial for small businesses aiming to thrive in competitive markets. You must adopt an approach that aligns with your business goals, effectively engages customers, and drives meaningful results. Definition of Sales Strategy A sales strategy outlines the methods and tactics you employ to achieve your sales goals. It encompasses elements like customer targeting, product positioning, and lead generation. This strategy helps you navigate the sales funnel, manage your sales pipeline, and optimize your sales process. Determining your unique value proposition sets you apart from competitors, which is essential for successful customer acquisition. Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-defined sales strategy significantly impacts your small business’s growth. It enhances your sales performance by clarifying sales goals and sales targets. It streamlines prospecting efforts and supports effective sales tactics such as cold calling, follow-ups, and relationship building. Moreover, a robust sales strategy empowers you with the knowledge to handle objections efficiently, negotiate effectively, and close sales. Implementing a sales strategy improves customer engagement and increases the likelihood of repeat business. Utilizing tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems can facilitate tracking sales metrics, sales forecasting, and sales reporting. By aligning your sales team with a common strategy, you can enhance collaboration and drive overall business development. Key Components of a Sales Strategy A well-defined sales strategy helps small businesses target their sales goals effectively. Understanding the key components enhances customer acquisition and drives revenue growth. Market Analysis Market analysis forms the foundation of your sales strategy. By researching your target market, competitors, and prevailing market trends, you gain critical insights. Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Use this information to tailor your sales tactics, aligning them with current customer needs and market behaviors. This strategic approach increases your chances of closing sales and optimizing your sales funnel. Target Audience Identification Identifying your target audience is crucial for your sales strategy. Develop detailed buyer personas based on demographics, psychographics, and behavioral patterns. Knowing who your ideal customers are allows you to craft effective sales pitches and personalize your sales process. This insight leads to better prospecting and improved sales performance, ensuring your efforts resonate with potential leads in both B2B and B2C environments. Value Proposition Your value proposition articulates how your product or service meets customer needs better than competitors. Clearly communicate this unique selling point to enhance customer engagement. A strong value proposition can drive repeat business and referral sales. Position your offerings effectively to address customer objections, ensuring your sales team can leverage this knowledge in sales presentations and negotiations. Understanding the value you bring increases your likelihood of success in customer relationships and supports your overall sales strategy. Developing an Effective Sales Strategy An effective sales strategy helps your small business achieve revenue goals and drives growth. Focus on the following key components to create a robust strategy. Setting Clear Goals Set clear sales goals that align with your overall business objectives. Use the SMART criteria to define these goals, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, aiming to increase revenue by 20% in the next quarter provides a clear target. Regularly assess your progress to stay on track and adjust as needed. Sales Process Optimization Optimize your sales process to enhance efficiency and conversion rates. Analyze each step in your sales funnel, from lead generation to closing sales. Identify bottlenecks that hinder progress and implement changes, such as improving your sales pitch or streamlining follow-up activities. Utilize customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track sales leads and sales metrics, providing insights into areas for improvement. Additionally, focus on techniques like upselling and cross-selling to maximize customer engagement and increase average transaction values. Emphasizing negotiation skills and effective objection handling can help your sales team close more deals, ultimately boosting your small business’s revenue. Implementing the Sales Strategy Implementing a sales strategy requires a tactical approach to ensure success in reaching sales goals and maximizing revenue for your small business. Focus on key elements to drive your sales process efficiently. Training and Development Training and development enhance your sales team’s skills and knowledge. Prioritize ongoing sales training that covers product knowledge, sales techniques, and effective objection handling strategies. Conduct regular workshops and role-playing exercises to improve cold calling and closing sales abilities. Encourage team members to set individual sales targets aligned with overall business objectives. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing access to resources and expert-led sessions on effective negotiation tactics and relationship building. Tools and Technologies Employing the right tools and technologies streamlines your sales process. Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage sales leads, track interactions, and improve customer engagement. Use sales analytics to monitor sales metrics and customer acquisition trends, which aids in effective sales forecasting. Leverage automation tools for lead generation and follow-up outreach, ensuring timely communication with prospects. Incorporate scheduling software to optimize sales appointments and reduce no-shows. Utilize video conferencing tools for virtual sales presentations, making it easier to connect with clients. These technologies enhance your sales pipeline management and increase the likelihood of closing sales. Measuring Success of Sales Strategy Measuring success in your sales strategy involves tracking specific metrics and analyzing sales data to optimize performance. Focusing on solid KPIs and effective data analysis enhances your approach and drives revenue growth. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Sales KPIs are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your sales strategy. Track these critical KPIs: Percentage of Reps Achieving Sales Quota: This shows how well your sales team performs against sales targets. Understanding this metric helps identify areas for additional training or support. Lead Response Time: Responding to leads quickly, ideally within five minutes, significantly increases your chances of qualifying those leads and converting them into sales. Sales Win Rates: This KPI measures the number of deals won versus the total number of opportunities, giving insight into your sales effectiveness. Sales Conversion Rates: This indicates how many of your leads eventually turn into customers, providing a clear picture of your overall sales performance and effectiveness of sales pitches. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): This shows how much you spend on acquiring new customers and helps you assess the efficiency of your sales strategies. Analyzing Sales Data Thorough analysis of sales data provides actionable insights that inform your sales process. Focus on these aspects when analyzing data: Sales Trends: Look for patterns over time in your sales performance and adjust tactics accordingly to increase conversions. Segmenting Performance: Break down your sales performance by products, regions, or channels, enabling targeted improvements in specific areas. Monitoring Sales Pipeline: Keep an eye on how leads move through the sales funnel, identifying points where leads drop off and optimizing those stages to enhance closing rates. Using CRM Systems: Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track interactions and engagement with prospects, facilitating lead nurturing and effective follow-ups. Evaluating Sales Meetings: Assess the outcomes of your sales presentations and meetings to understand what resonates with your audience and refine your sales pitch accordingly. By focusing on these KPIs and analyzing data effectively, you can refine your sales strategy, improve sales performance, and achieve your sales goals. Conclusion A robust sales strategy is your key to thriving in a competitive landscape. By understanding your customers and refining your approach, you can create lasting relationships that drive revenue. Focus on the essential elements like market analysis and value propositions to ensure your strategy resonates with your target audience. Don’t overlook the power of ongoing training and the right tools to enhance your team’s effectiveness. Regularly measuring key performance indicators will help you stay on track and adjust your tactics as needed. Embrace these principles to elevate your sales efforts and achieve your business goals. With a well-defined strategy, you’re not just selling a product; you’re building a brand that customers trust. Frequently Asked Questions What is a sales strategy? A sales strategy is a plan outlining how a business will achieve its sales goals. It includes methods for customer targeting, product positioning, and lead generation. A well-defined sales strategy helps streamline the sales process and ensure effective sales tactics are employed. Why is a sales strategy important for small businesses? A sales strategy is crucial for small businesses as it clarifies sales goals, enhances lead generation, and optimizes the sales funnel. By understanding the target market and developing tailored approaches, small businesses can drive growth and foster lasting customer relationships. How can businesses improve their sales strategy? Businesses can enhance their sales strategy by analyzing market data, identifying their target audience, and crafting a compelling value proposition. Additionally, ongoing training, effective communication, and utilizing CRM tools can boost engagement and streamline processes. What role does customer relationship management (CRM) play? CRM systems are vital in tracking sales metrics, managing leads, and improving customer engagement. They help businesses analyze data, enhance customer relationships, and ultimately increase the likelihood of repeat business. What are key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales success? Key performance indicators for sales success include sales conversion rates, lead response time, sales win rates, and customer acquisition cost (CAC). Tracking these metrics helps businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their sales strategy and identify areas for improvement. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Your Sales Strategy: Essential Steps for Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you receive an email from Google that appears to be a legitimate security alert, do not proceed. Scammers are taking advantage of vulnerabilities in Google's authentication protocols to send phishing messages that appear convincing enough to steal unsuspecting users' account credentials. Here's how to protect yourself. How this new Google phishing scam worksAs Android Authority reports, a developer named Nick Johnson was recently targeted by a phishing email with the subject line "Security alert." The message was sent from no-reply[at]accounts.google.com and signed by accounts.google.com, making it seem like a legitimate email directly from Google. However, the message led to a fake Google support page hosted at sites.google.com, which directed visitors to "upload additional documents" or "view case." This ultimately led to a fake sign-in page that asked for account credentials, where scammers would then collect the target's Google login credentials. There are a couple vulnerabilities that make this scam possible, according to Johnson. Google allows users to host sites on a google.com subdomain via Google Sites, which makes the website look legitimate. The attackers registered a domain and linked it with a Google Account, then created a Google OAuth app with the phishing email as the app name. Once OAuth had access to the Google Account, it was signed by Google and forwarded to victims. Note that while the email was signed by accounts.google.com, it was mailed by an email originating from privateemail.com. This isn't the first phishing scheme to come from a seemingly legitimate email address, making it trickier for users to spot as a fake. Earlier this year, scammers exploited PayPal settings to send fraudulent purchase notifications from service[at]paypal.com. How to identify and avoid phishing email scamsPhishing emails can be more difficult to catch when they originate from a real or recognizable email address—at least on the surface—as fake addresses with misspellings are the first giveaway of a scam. Generally speaking, you should think twice before engaging with any message that has a tone of urgency or evokes an emotional response even if it looks real. If you get an email like this from a company you know and whose services you use and the message appears legit, don't click any links or download any attachments. Go directly to the company's website by typing in the URL, and check official social media accounts or customer service channels for any alerts related to the message you received—especially if the email has to do with account security or recovery or your personal information. View the full article

Drivers across the U.S. are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall in mid-April. According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped five cents over the past week, settling at $3.167 as of April 17. Analysts attribute the decline to softening demand and continued low crude oil prices. “With crude as low as it’s been in a few years, drivers may continue to see lower pump prices as summer approaches,” AAA reported in its latest update. Weekly Gas Price Trends The national average has fallen steadily in recent weeks: Today: $3.167 One week ago: $3.222 One month ago: $3.078 One year ago: $3.660 Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gasoline demand inched up slightly, rising from 8.42 million barrels per day to 8.46 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0 million barrels. Gasoline production averaged 9.4 million barrels per day last week. Crude Oil Market Overview On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $62.47 per barrel, up $1.14 from the previous session. The EIA reported a 0.5 million barrel increase in U.S. crude oil inventories, bringing the total to 442.9 million barrels—about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. EV Charging Costs Remain Stable While gas prices fluctuate, the cost of charging electric vehicles at public stations held steady. The national average price per kilowatt hour remained at 34 cents this week. State-by-State Price Rankings Most Expensive Gasoline Markets: California – $4.85 Hawaii – $4.51 Washington – $4.33 Oregon – $3.96 Nevada – $3.91 Alaska – $3.65 Illinois – $3.39 Arizona – $3.36 Pennsylvania – $3.36 Idaho – $3.34 Least Expensive Gasoline Markets: Mississippi – $2.70 Tennessee – $2.70 Texas – $2.73 Oklahoma – $2.73 South Carolina – $2.74 Louisiana – $2.76 Kentucky – $2.78 Alabama – $2.78 Arkansas – $2.79 Kansas – $2.84 Most Expensive States for EV Charging (per kWh): Hawaii – 55 cents Alaska – 47 cents West Virginia – 47 cents Montana – 45 cents South Carolina – 43 cents Tennessee – 42 cents Idaho – 41 cents Kentucky – 41 cents Louisiana – 40 cents New Hampshire – 40 cents Least Expensive States for EV Charging (per kWh): Kansas – 22 cents Missouri – 25 cents Iowa – 26 cents North Dakota – 26 cents Delaware – 27 cents Nebraska – 28 cents Utah – 29 cents Texas – 30 cents Maryland – 30 cents Vermont – 31 cents Image: AAA This article, "Gas Prices Continue to Drop as Spring Travel Slows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Drivers across the U.S. are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall in mid-April. According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped five cents over the past week, settling at $3.167 as of April 17. Analysts attribute the decline to softening demand and continued low crude oil prices. “With crude as low as it’s been in a few years, drivers may continue to see lower pump prices as summer approaches,” AAA reported in its latest update. Weekly Gas Price Trends The national average has fallen steadily in recent weeks: Today: $3.167 One week ago: $3.222 One month ago: $3.078 One year ago: $3.660 Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gasoline demand inched up slightly, rising from 8.42 million barrels per day to 8.46 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0 million barrels. Gasoline production averaged 9.4 million barrels per day last week. Crude Oil Market Overview On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $62.47 per barrel, up $1.14 from the previous session. The EIA reported a 0.5 million barrel increase in U.S. crude oil inventories, bringing the total to 442.9 million barrels—about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. EV Charging Costs Remain Stable While gas prices fluctuate, the cost of charging electric vehicles at public stations held steady. The national average price per kilowatt hour remained at 34 cents this week. State-by-State Price Rankings Most Expensive Gasoline Markets: California – $4.85 Hawaii – $4.51 Washington – $4.33 Oregon – $3.96 Nevada – $3.91 Alaska – $3.65 Illinois – $3.39 Arizona – $3.36 Pennsylvania – $3.36 Idaho – $3.34 Least Expensive Gasoline Markets: Mississippi – $2.70 Tennessee – $2.70 Texas – $2.73 Oklahoma – $2.73 South Carolina – $2.74 Louisiana – $2.76 Kentucky – $2.78 Alabama – $2.78 Arkansas – $2.79 Kansas – $2.84 Most Expensive States for EV Charging (per kWh): Hawaii – 55 cents Alaska – 47 cents West Virginia – 47 cents Montana – 45 cents South Carolina – 43 cents Tennessee – 42 cents Idaho – 41 cents Kentucky – 41 cents Louisiana – 40 cents New Hampshire – 40 cents Least Expensive States for EV Charging (per kWh): Kansas – 22 cents Missouri – 25 cents Iowa – 26 cents North Dakota – 26 cents Delaware – 27 cents Nebraska – 28 cents Utah – 29 cents Texas – 30 cents Maryland – 30 cents Vermont – 31 cents Image: AAA This article, "Gas Prices Continue to Drop as Spring Travel Slows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Officials say memo was signed ‘virtually’ and hope to finalise a full economic accord by the end of next weekView the full article

Even with various tariff pauses and exemptions, suppliers are raising prices due to ongoing policy uncertainty, and consumers also are altering their behavior. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Sure, the refrigerator can keep food fresher longer, but for serious life extension, the freezer is where you should focus your attention. Preserving food isn’t just better for reducing food waste, it’s crucial for staying on budget, especially as grocery prices hit new highs. Stop the pattern of bulk buying and bulk tossing spoiled food, and get comfortable with freezing more of your grocery haul. Here are the best ways to pack your freezer, the best things to freeze, and how to do it. Organized freezers fit more and stay coldBefore we dive into specific foods, it’s important to set a standard for freezer organization. Keeping a tidy freezer (and fridge for that matter) will keep you from having a headache finding lost foods, allow you to fit more in the space, and ensure you’re eating older foods first. Freeze sauces, broths, and other liquids flat in freezer safe zip-top bags, and don’t forget to label them. (You might swear to yourself in the moment that there's no way you'll forget when you put that chili in the freezer, but then an unknown number of months passes and suddenly you're not so sure whether that chili is from June or September.) Once your liquids are frozen flat, then you can stack them like books on a shelf. Read here for more detailed tips on portioning sauces in the freezer. If you don’t like the idea of freezing in plastic freezer bags (keep in mind that many can be washed and reused up to 10 times) then buy a set of freezer-safe storage containers that can be stacked. The goal is to fit as much as possible in your freezer while still having access to all of the items. You don’t want things getting lost in the back. As an added benefit, more frozen food in the ice box keeps the temperature steady, and your appliance won’t need to draw as much energy. Less money spent on energy is another chicken cutlet in the freezer. Finally, consider investing in a chest freezer. You’ll be able to freeze larger, irregularly shaped items, like a rack of lamb or a whole turkey, easier in one of these. Plus the storage down at your feet rather than up high makes it a better place for heavy items. My current Brooklyn apartment doesn’t have the space, but you better believe that the first thing I’m buying when I do have more space is a chest freezer. CarbsLet’s start with the best thing to freeze: carbs. Breads, cake, choux puffs, cookies, English muffins—they are all freezer champions. I say this because they freeze quickly, freeze for a long time, and revive like nothing ever happened. They’re the best example of what a great time capsule the freezer can be. Keep any bready item in the freezer. The carbs I always freeze are sliced bread, loaves of bread, pre-split English muffins (it’s less annoying later), pancakes, waffles, cooked rice, cakes, frostings, cookies (as dough or post-bake), burger buns, bagels, and biscuits. Some of these can be frozen in their raw form, but you might run into leavening problems if you try baking them after they’ve been frozen. If you haven’t tried to do it before, I recommend baking the bread, cookies, or biscuits first, cooling them completely and then freezing them on a baking tray. After they’re hard and frozen, consolidate the item into a container or freezer bag. Revive breads in a 350°F oven for five to 10 minutes, or in the toaster oven for pancakes and waffles. I’ve revived breads after five months of freezer time and they’ve suffered no degradation in flavor or texture. Meats and other proteinsMeats are easy to freeze both raw and cooked. The only thing you really have to be careful of is freezer burn. I recommend portioning your meats when you bring them home from the grocery store. You can cut chicken into slices or form ground meat into patties while it’s thawed, then wrap them securely in freezer-friendly containers or bags to freeze. I’ll sometimes reuse plastic grocery bags just to double bag them and hopefully prevent moisture loss. Other proteins I like to freeze are shrimp and tofu. To use frozen proteins, put the portion size of your choice into the fridge overnight. If you’re using the meat in a soup or sauce, you might be able to just toss it into the hot pot of liquid to thaw and cook more quickly. According to this USDA freezing chart, frozen foods stay safe indefinitely—it’s really quality and texture that you’re looking out for. Here are their guidelines on how long different proteins can be frozen before texture or quality starts to suffer. Cheeses Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Frozen cheese is a lifesaver when you need to make a boring meal a tad more appealing. Shredded and low-moisture cheeses freeze well. Check here for a more complete guide on great freezing cheeses. You can easily freeze a block of cheese, like low-moisture mozzarella, cheddar, or swiss, straight in its plastic packaging. When you need to thaw it, leave it in the fridge overnight and it should be ready to go the next day. If you know that you’ll be using it for particular uses, like pizza toppings or lasagna layers, slice or shred it before freezing and keep it in freezer-safe containers. Then the container can essentially live in the freezer. You can just reach into the bag and pluck out exactly what you need, leaving the rest to stay frozen until next time. Fruits and vegetablesFruits, vegetables, and fruits we call vegetables are all freezable. It’s really the thawing that can cause trouble for some produce, but more on that later. When you’re preparing to freeze fruit, slice it into bite sized pieces first, if needed. For example, berries don’t need to be prepped, but pineapple does. Peel fruits and veggies that you’d normally eat peeled—probably not necessary for bell peppers, but you’d do this for bananas. They should be peeled first and then cut into smaller pieces for using later. I’ll usually peel ginger root and julienne it because that’s how I’ll normally use it in soups and curries. Lay the pieces out onto a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer and put it in the freezer for an hour or two until solid. Then consolidate the fruit into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use the produce, drop it straight into the cooking dish—there’s no need to thaw it. In fact, thawing the ingredient first will probably cause it to be mushy. That’s why fruits and veggies that have been frozen are often great for cooking—they transfer all of their flavor beautifully and it doesn’t matter if their cell structure has gotten a little busted up. Try using them in stews, soups, muffins, pies, or smoothies. Milks and liquidsAs I mentioned earlier, freezing liquids in flat planks can help you stack them and conserve space, as opposed to finding spaces for blocks of liquid. However, it’s really a matter of preference. I wasn’t privy to the world of freezing milks until recently when I learned that I could freeze and thaw coconut milk. It turns out you can freeze cow milk equally as well. This is a huge boon, since dairy milks tend to spoil rather quickly, but buying a whole gallon is usually more cost effective than the smaller sizes. Now you can buy the bigger size, pour half of it into a freezer-safe container and pop it into the freezer. Use the other half at your normal pace, and when you’re ready, thaw the other portion. Thaw frozen milk in the fridge overnight and give it a shake to smooth it out. If you’re in a rush, you can put the icy milk block into a pot on the stove and warm it up. Then return it to the fridge in a container to use in cereal, tea, and coffee over the next five days. Entire cooked mealsTake it from the freezer aisle of your grocery store: a lot of completely cooked meals can be frozen. While you could meal prep for the freezer (my mom will make three lasagnas just to freeze them for us kids later), I use this as an easy way to save leftovers from the garbage can. If I make soup, a huge batch of chili, a casserole, or a stir fry and find that I have way more left over than I expected, then I’ll portion it out into containers or freezer bags and freeze it. This is especially helpful for when you’re leaving for vacation or you have dinner plans for the next four nights. Depending on the meal you’ve frozen, the best way to reheat it is to use the original cooking method. If it’s soup, throw the frozen blocks into a pot, cover it with a lid and heat it over low heat to revive it. If it’s a casserole, gently reheat it in the oven covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out. A stir fry or sautéed meal will reheat best in a lightly-oiled large pan. Start it off on low heat with a lid so the humidity can help thaw the food. After you can break up the pieces easily then you can keep the lid off and bump up the heat to get a nice fry going, and evaporate any excess moisture. Tough to freeze itemsThere are some items that just don’t fare well in the freezer. Whole eggs with their shells on are not recommended for freezing because their shells can crack as the interior expands; this may allow bacteria to potentially contaminate the inside. However, you can crack them and freeze them free from their shells. Watery fruits, vegetables, and tender herbs, like lettuce, cilantro, melons, and cucumbers freeze well but lose their structural integrity after thawing. These can be frozen, and as long as your intentions are to use them in something blended (like a soup or smoothie) then you won’t be disappointed. There’s no need to thaw them, just dump them straight in the soup, sauce, or blender. View the full article

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Key Takeaways Understanding Retail Models: Familiarity with various retail business models—brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and hybrid—is essential for success in today’s competitive market. Value Proposition: A compelling value proposition distinguishes your business from competitors and should focus on unique products, competitive pricing, or exceptional service. Customer Experience: Prioritizing an outstanding customer experience, through personalized service and loyalty programs, is crucial for retaining customers and fostering repeat business. Diversified Revenue Streams: Incorporating multiple revenue streams, such as online sales and events, helps stabilize finances and adapt to market fluctuations. Emphasis on Technology: Staying updated with technological advancements in inventory management and marketing is vital for maximizing customer engagement and operational efficiency. Navigating Competition: Small businesses must create a strong brand identity and engage the community to stand out amid fierce competition in the retail sector. In today’s fast-paced market, understanding the retail business model is crucial for success. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned retailer, knowing how to effectively structure your business can make all the difference. From brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce platforms, the choices you make shape your brand’s future. Retail business models encompass a variety of strategies that cater to diverse consumer needs. By grasping the fundamentals, you can identify which model aligns best with your goals. As you explore the different approaches, you’ll discover how to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and ultimately boost profitability. Let’s dive into the world of retail models and unlock the potential for your business. Overview of Retail Business Model Understanding the retail business model is vital for small business success. Retail encompasses various strategies that cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences. A physical storefront serves as a direct way to engage with customers, allowing you to create a unique shopping experience. This model emphasizes location, visual merchandising, and in-person customer interactions. Online platforms present an alternative for reaching customers beyond geographical limitations. E-commerce allows you to leverage digital marketing techniques, providing convenience and broader accessibility to your products. Hybrid models combine both storefront and online elements, offering flexibility in reaching customers. This approach enhances customer experience while optimizing operations by integrating sales channels. Selecting the right retail business model aligns with your goals and your customers’ expectations. Explore these models to enhance your business strategy, improve customer satisfaction, and drive profitability. Types of Retail Business Models Understanding retail business models is crucial for small businesses looking to thrive in today’s market. Here are three primary types to consider: Brick-and-Mortar Stores Brick-and-mortar stores involve physical storefronts where customers can browse and purchase products in person. These shops facilitate direct customer interactions, allowing you to engage with your clientele, offer personalized service, and create a unique shopping experience. Displaying products visibly and utilizing strategic store layouts can enhance customer attraction and retention. Location plays a vital role in driving foot traffic, so choose sites that align with your target market. E-Commerce Platforms E-commerce platforms enable you to sell products online, reaching customers beyond geographical boundaries. Setting up an online store allows for 24/7 shopping convenience and can lower overhead costs associated with physical spaces. Utilizing digital marketing strategies such as SEO, social media advertising, and email campaigns effectively promotes your products and increases visibility. E-commerce platforms offer flexibility in inventory management and customer engagement, as you can collect data insights to optimize your offerings. Hybrid Models Hybrid models combine both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce elements, providing a versatile retail approach. You can maintain a physical storefront while also operating an online store, catering to diverse consumer preferences. This model enhances customer experience by allowing shoppers to choose between in-person visits or online purchases. Offering services like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) can bridge the gap between both channels, driving additional foot traffic to your store. Balancing both types can increase market reach and improve overall profitability. Key Components of a Successful Retail Business Model Understanding the key components of a retail business model is crucial for small businesses aiming for success. These components not only shape your strategy but also influence customer loyalty and revenue potential. Value Proposition A strong value proposition clearly defines what sets your small business apart from competitors. It answers customer questions about why they should choose your storefront over others. Focus on unique product offerings, competitive pricing, or exceptional customer service. For example, if you emphasize local sourcing or sustainable practices, you attract environmentally conscious consumers. Highlighting these attributes creates a compelling reason for customers to frequent your store. Revenue Streams Diversifying your revenue streams strengthens your small business’s financial stability. Identify primary revenue sources, such as direct sales from your storefront. Incorporate additional streams, like online sales or service offerings, to maximize profit. For instance, consider hosting workshops or events in your store to draw in customers and generate extra income. Exploring multiple avenues allows for adaptability in fluctuating market conditions. Customer Experience Crafting an outstanding customer experience is vital for retaining shoppers and encouraging repeat visits. Focus on creating an inviting atmosphere in your storefront. Ensure knowledgeable staff are present to assist customers and answer questions. Additionally, engage customers through personalized communication and loyalty programs. Implementing strategies like these enhances overall satisfaction, leading to increased referrals and long-term success for your small business. Challenges in Retail Business Models Retail business models face numerous challenges, especially for small businesses striving to compete effectively. Understanding these challenges is essential to navigate the complexities of the market. Competition Competition in the retail sector is fierce, characterized by both local storefronts and online giants. Small businesses must differentiate themselves to attract and retain customers. This includes focusing on unique product offerings, personalized service, and creating an inviting shopping environment. Building a strong brand identity helps establish loyalty, making it vital to continually engage with your customer base through promotions and community events. Technology Adaptation Technology adaptation poses a significant challenge for small businesses. The rapid evolution of digital platforms requires you to stay updated with the latest tools for inventory management, online sales, and marketing. Utilizing e-commerce solutions can enhance your reach, but requires investment in training and infrastructure. Balancing a physical storefront with effective online strategies can maximize customer engagement and streamline operations, making it crucial to stay ahead of technology trends. Conclusion Understanding retail business models is vital for your success in a competitive landscape. By identifying the right model that fits your goals you can enhance customer satisfaction and boost profitability. Whether you choose a brick-and-mortar store an e-commerce platform or a hybrid approach each model offers unique advantages that can cater to diverse consumer preferences. Focusing on your value proposition and creating an exceptional customer experience will set you apart from the competition. Embrace technology and adapt to market changes to streamline operations and engage your customers effectively. With the right strategies in place you can navigate challenges and thrive in the retail industry. Frequently Asked Questions What are the main retail business models discussed in the article? The article covers three primary retail business models: brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce platforms, and hybrid models. Brick-and-mortar stores focus on in-person customer interaction, e-commerce platforms offer online shopping convenience, and hybrid models combine both to better meet diverse consumer needs. Why is a strong value proposition important for retailers? A strong value proposition differentiates a retailer from its competitors. It highlights unique product offerings or exceptional customer service, helping to attract and retain customers, ultimately contributing to the business’s success and profitability. How can retailers enhance customer experience? Retailers can enhance customer experience by creating an inviting atmosphere, employing knowledgeable staff, and maintaining personalized communication. These practices foster customer loyalty and satisfaction, leading to repeat business and positive referrals. What challenges do small retailers face? Small retailers face fierce competition, which requires them to stand out with unique offerings and personalized service. Additionally, they must adapt to rapid technological changes for inventory management and online sales, balancing physical and digital strategies effectively. Why should retailers consider hybrid models? Hybrid models provide flexibility by integrating both physical storefronts and online platforms. This approach allows retailers to reach a wider audience, cater to different consumer preferences, and enhance the overall shopping experience, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering the Retail Business Model for Success in Today’s Competitive Market" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article