ResidentialBusiness

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

Even after posting production losses in two of four quarters last year, independent mortgage bankers made $443 on every loan originated during 2024. View the full article

Group’s earnings exceed Wall Street’s forecastsView the full article

New Jersey filed a lawsuit against Discord on Thursday, alleging that the social platform recklessly exposed children to “harassment, abuse, and sexual exploitation by predators who lurk on the platform.” The move makes it the first state to sue Discord. Founded in 2015, Discord is a platform where its millions of users can communicate in chatrooms and direct messages. It shot up in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many users were stuck at home and wanted to connect. Children, in particular, make up a “significant portion” of its 200 million global monthly active user base, per the suit. The New Jersey complaint alleges that Discord knew its safety features and policies wouldn’t actually protect its young user base and didn’t make changes. “Discord markets itself as a safe space for children, despite being fully aware that the application’s misleading safety settings and lax oversight has made it a prime hunting ground for online predators seeking easy access to children,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a release announcing the lawsuit. “These deceptive claims regarding its safety settings have allowed Discord to attract a growing number of children to use its application, where they are at risk. We intend to put a stop to this unlawful conduct and hold Discord accountable for the harm it has caused our children.” Discord, for example, doesn’t allow users under the age of 13. However, the platform only requires users to enter their date of birth when creating an account and uses no other systems to verify age. The suit also alleged the platform made it simple for malicious actors to send children explicit content due to its default safety settings. “As a result of Discord’s decisions, thousands of users were misled into signing up, believing they or their children would be safe, when they were really anything but,” Platkin said in the statement. The complaint cited a number of instances where adults in New Jersey were accused of using the platform to contact children and attempted to engage in conversation, solicit nude pictures and videos, and engage in sexual performance while video chatting. Discord, for its part, is reportedly denying the attorney general’s claims. In a statement shared with Fast Company, it said: “Discord is proud of our continuous efforts and investments in features and tools that help make Discord safer. Given our engagement with the Attorney General’s office, we are surprised by the announcement that New Jersey has filed an action against Discord today. We dispute the claims in the lawsuit and look forward to defending the action in court.” New Jersey has taken part in past lawsuits targeting social media platforms for alleged unlawful contact relating to children. It sued TikTok based on “features that keep children and teens online for ever-increasing amounts of time despite the harms that result” and Meta for similar alleged conduct. View the full article

In the three months since Target overhauled its policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the retailer has faced an onslaught of public criticism and a boycott that has carried on for weeks. There has been a clear impact on its business: Foot traffic has reportedly dropped for the last 10 weeks, and Target disclosed that sales had dipped in February. The company’s stock price is the lowest it has been in four years. Now CEO Brian Cornell is meeting with Al Sharpton (at Target’s request) to discuss the company’s DEI stance and commitment to the Black community, according to a CNBC report. As the head of civil rights organization National Action Network, Sharpton has started taking companies to task for pulling back on DEI efforts: Just this week, he met with PepsiCo after threatening to mount a boycott against the company. Sharpton has said he would consider pushing for a boycott of Target as well, depending on the outcome of his discussion with Cornell. “You can’t have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions,” Sharpton said in an interview with CNBC. “If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you.” Target was not immediately available for comment. Sharpton’s attempts to hold companies like Target accountable for their change of heart on DEI is also a counterweight to the social media campaign waged by conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has pressured a number of companies to drop DEI policies over the last year. The changes to Target’s DEI policies—which the company announced in late January—wound down its diversity goals and also ended its participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a popular benchmarking survey that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. Plenty of other companies have taken a similar position in recent months, especially as the The President administration has ramped up its attack on corporate diversity programs, increasing the risk of litigation for major employers. But the vocal response to Target’s reversal on DEI is not exactly unexpected, given the company had made a concerted effort to engage Black entrepreneurs and consumers, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Target also took aim at programs that helped attract more Black and minority suppliers, which had benefited many underrepresented business owners over the years. It’s not clear whether Sharpton will proceed to call for a boycott after speaking with Cornell. (Some Black entrepreneurs have also been split on the issue, arguing it could hurt their business.) But Sharpton has claimed he is looking for some kind of pledge that indicates Target will continue supporting the Black community. “You made commitments based on the George Floyd movement … what changed?” Sharpton told CNBC. “Are you trying to say … everything’s fine now, because the election changed? That’s insulting to us.” View the full article

Your company’s human resources (HR) department is often pitched as an employee advocate—the place where you take problems or concerns. But most employees know by now that HR—or, in some start-up environments, "the people team"—isn’t really intended to protect you, the human resource in question. Instead, HR works to protect the company’s interests more than anything. And the way job hunting has become a grueling gauntlet of ghost jobs, endless interviews, and zero responses from HR representatives hasn’t exactly endeared HR to workers. In fact, research shows that more than 70% of employees don’t trust their HR department. While it’s true that HR departments work for and protect the company, not you, that doesn’t mean they’re useless. First and foremost, the people who make careers in human resources want to do a good job, and often get into the field from a desire to help their coworkers. And your HR department can actually get a lot done for you, and not trusting them doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t utilize them when it makes sense. The trick is knowing when your company’s interests coincide with your own, making it not just safe to work with HR, but advantageous. When to go to HRThere are several scenarios when human resources is your best bet to resolve a situation: Paperwork. The most obvious time it’s OK to knock on HR’s door is when you’re dealing with the mechanics of being employed—changing tax forms, signing up for optional benefits, taking advantage of career development programs, having programs and benefits explained, etc. That’s one huge part of what HR does, and it’s very unlikely that these kinds of innocuous interactions will have any kind of negative blowback—and you probably don’t have any other option, anyway. You’ll also need to go to HR for certain government programs and protections, like signing up for the Family Medical Leave Act if you need to take a leave of absence for an emergency. In those cases you can rely on HR to do exactly what you expect them to do. Harassment, discrimination, or illegal activities. If you’re the victim of sexual harassment, believe you’ve been treated differently by your boss or co-workers because of your race or other personal aspect, or you’ve observed something illegal going on in your job, HR is an appropriate place to go—with the caveat that you should protect yourself first. That means document what’s going on before you head to HR, and consult with outside advisors—like an attorney, if you’re worried about your liability or legal responsibilities. HR departments are legally obligated to investigate accusations of sexual harassment and illegal conduct, so you can expect action when you bring these issues to them. Just keep in mind that their overall goal will be to limit the company’s liability and damage, not necessarily yours. In other words, they will take some sort of action, but it might not be as thorough as you hope and may not result in anything drastic. Morale. One crucial way the company’s interests and your interests align is with office culture issues, including overall morale and the company’s ability to attract talent. If you have thoughts on how the office morale could be boosted, or ways that the company could attract better applicants, heading to HR to share them may bear fruit, and there’s likely little downside as long as your suggestions don’t include firing your boss. Keep in mind that your experience dealing with HR will always be better if you come to them with a solution to your concerns in mind. When not to go to HRThere are key scenarios when going to HR with your problems or concerns can blow back on you in a very negative way: Confidential issues. If you want something to remain confidential, think twice about going to HR, even if it involves coworkers or your manager. Human resources may have a legal obligation to act on what you tell them—if you’re being harassed, for example—but they also have no legal obligation to keep your secrets. If you think bringing a private issue to HR is your best way forward, you should work out the terms of confidentiality with the department ahead of time, if you can—don’t assume that they will keep something private just because you ask. Personality conflicts. Just not getting along with someone you work with? Best to work it out yourself or go through your boss. HR may offer some advice on resolving the situation, but they probably won’t escalate your complaints or take any action for purely personality-based problems. Most likely they will bring your manager into the conversation, and they might be annoyed that you didn’t bring it to them in the first place. A bad boss. On the one hand, yes, if your boss is abusive or crossing legal lines when it comes to you and your career, you may have to go to HR and file a complaint. But be very careful: HR’s goal will be to resolve the situation with as little threat to the company as possible, which may or may not line up with protecting you in any way. If your problem with your boss is a personal one, HR will likely advise you to work it out on your own, and they may or may not offer guidance or assistance. And if the manager is very high-level (and you’re not), your chances of HR taking your side are much lower. When it involves your career. If you’re looking to change jobs, don’t tell HR. You might be tempted to get information about rolling over retirement accounts, or about the specific titles you’ve had at the company. But there’s nothing stopping HR from informing your boss that you’re seeking an exit ramp from your job, and that might lead to your boss arranging one for you before you’re ready to make the leap (after all, you probably work at an “at-will” employer). View the full article

When it comes to sharing Instagram Reels with friends, the process of three taps to get a Reel from A to B can feel surprisingly tedious. Now, Instagram has addressed that issue with its latest feature: Instagram Blend. Announced on Thursday, Blend lets users create invite-only, personalized Reels feeds with friends. By tapping a new two-emoji-hugging icon (the Blend icon) within a chat, you can start or accept a Blend. Once active, Instagram will begin recommending Reels for both users in a shared feed, powered by an algorithm. The feature works in one-on-one DMs as well as group chats. These recommendations, refreshed daily, are said to be unique to each Blend and based on prior activity on the platform. “We want Instagram to be a place where people connect over creativity, and this is one more way to do that. It’s a really fun way to not only share your interests, but to learn a little bit about your friends’ interests… and then you can actually start conversations about that content that you discover,” Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a Reel. Instagram’s newest feature offers something social media users currently can’t find elsewhere (I’m looking at you, TikTok). It arrives at a time when several platforms are positioning themselves to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future. Blend is most comparable to Spotify’s Blend playlists—shared playlists that merge the music tastes of two or more users. But instead of listening to music while hanging out, you’re scrolling Reels together. For Instagram, Blend could boost watch time by encouraging shared short-form content consumption and allowing users to get to know each other’s algorithmic preferences. It might also increase Reel discovery, as the feed surfaces a mix of yours and your friend’s—or, if you’re feeling bold, your lover’s—recommendations. You just have to hope they haven’t recently fallen into any particularly weird corners of the internet. View the full article

Google announced the release of version 19.1 of its Google Ads API, focusing on expanding capabilities for Demand Generation, video campaigns, and Local Services Ads. The details. Google announced the v19.1 release of the Google Ads API, maintaining backward compatibility for users already on v19. Updated client libraries and code examples will be published next week. Demand Gen. New ad group-level Channel Controls for Demand Gen campaigns, plus enhanced Planning services support. Local Services Ads. Advertisers can now submit feedback for leads through a new LocalServicesLeadService.ProvideLeadFeedback() method. Video campaigns. Added metrics and segments for querying reach metrics with demographic adjustment, plus ability to retrieve Audio Ads. Shopping in Performance Max. Advertisers can now override brand exclusions specifically for Shopping ads within Performance Max campaigns. Conversions. New ability to set google_ads_conversion_customer when creating customers. Why we care. The new ad group-level Channel Controls for Demand Gen campaigns provide more granular targeting options, while the ability to override brand exclusions specifically for Shopping ads in Performance Max campaigns allows for more strategic flexibility. Video advertisers gain access to enhanced demographic measurement capabilities, and local service businesses can now provide feedback on leads to improve quality. These improvements collectively enable more sophisticated campaign management and optimization without requiring major code changes. What’s next. To use any of the new features, advertisers must upgrade their client libraries and client code. The update requires no coding changes for those already on v19. View the full article

Effective process management is the backbone of successful project execution and operational efficiency. To streamline planning, execution and tracking, teams often rely on a suite of templates designed to simplify and standardize their workflows. Process management templates are ready-made tools that help organize tasks, monitor progress, allocate resources and maintain budgetary control. While project management software does the job better than these process management templates, we understand that not everyone is ready to upgrade. Therefore, in this roundup, we explore key types of process management templates, including flowcharts, service blueprint and RACI matrix templates, to name a few. 1. Flowchart Template Download this flowchart template for Word. It’s a visual tool used to map out the sequence of steps in a process or workflow. By using standardized symbols and directional arrows, flowcharts help teams understand how different tasks connect, where decisions are made and how work flows from one stage to the next. This clarity makes it easier to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, or potential bottlenecks that could impact productivity. /wp-content/uploads/2023/11/flowchart-template-screenshot.png Flowchart templates are especially valuable during process analysis, improvement initiatives and onboarding new team members. They offer a bird’s-eye view of operations that can be easily interpreted by stakeholders at all levels. With customizable fields and formats, a flowchart template can be tailored to suit a variety of industries and use cases, from software development pipelines to customer service workflows. Incorporating this template into your process management toolkit enhances communication, alignment, and overall process optimization. However, as much as this process management template helps facilitate communication, it stops at executing the process. The template simply isn’t equipped to plan and schedule work, which is why we noted the need to upgrade to project management software. Improve Flowcharts with ProjectManager ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that turns a flowchart into an actionable plan. Our robust Gantt charts schedule tasks, resources and costs to make it easier to monitor flowcharts. Link all four types of dependencies to avoid cost overruns Use other project views like the board, sheet, list or calendar to monitor plans Share plans with stakeholders using free guest licenses. Try it free /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more 2. Process Map Template Another free process management template is this process map template for Excel, which is a detailed diagram that outlines the individual steps, roles, inputs and outputs involved in a specific business process. Unlike a flowchart, which focuses on the sequence and decision points, a process map provides deeper insight into how work is performed and who is responsible at each stage. This template helps teams document and visualize their operations with a higher level of granularity. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Process-Map-Template.png Process map templates are instrumental for identifying inefficiencies, standardizing procedures and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. By clearly defining each component of a process, they help uncover gaps and overlaps that might otherwise go unnoticed. These templates can also facilitate cross-functional collaboration, making them valuable in complex environments where multiple departments are involved. Whether auditing a process or designing one from scratch, a process map template ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. 3. Service Blueprint Template A service blueprint template is another useful free process management template that is a powerful visualization tool that maps out the interactions between customers, employees and backend processes within a service experience. It typically includes customer actions, frontstage employee interactions, backstage processes and support systems—all aligned along a timeline. This level of transparency helps organizations design and deliver more seamless and effective service experiences. /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Service-blueprint-template-1.png Our free service blueprint template for Excel is especially useful in service design and customer experience (CX) projects, as it highlights pain points, handoffs and service gaps that could affect customer satisfaction. By clearly illustrating both visible and behind-the-scenes activities, these templates promote better alignment between teams and ensure that internal processes support the intended customer journey. Service blueprint templates are adaptable for various industries, including hospitality, healthcare, retail and tech support, and serve as a strategic tool for continuous service improvement. 4. SIPOC Template A SIPOC (which stands for suppliers, inputs, process, outputs and customers) template is a high-level process mapping tool that provides a structured overview of a process from start to finish. This format helps teams identify key elements of a process before diving into the details. Download this free SIPOC template for Excel, which is particularly useful during the early phases of process improvement or Six Sigma projects, offering a clear snapshot of how a process functions and who is involved at each step. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sipoc-template-image.png This process management template simplifies complex processes by breaking them into five fundamental components. It helps stakeholders align on scope, expectations and responsibilities. They are especially valuable in cross-functional environments, where different teams contribute to different parts of the process. By using a SIPOC template, organizations can improve communication, set boundaries and ensure that process changes align with strategic goals. 5. Standard Operating Procedure Template This free standard operating procedure (SOP) template for Word is a structured document used to detail the steps necessary to carry out routine operations. SOPs serve as the foundation for consistent performance and quality assurance by documenting how tasks should be performed, who is responsible and what standards must be met. A well-crafted SOP template typically includes sections for purpose, scope, responsibilities, step-by-step instructions and references. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOP-Template-image.jpg This process management template helps organizations ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, minimize errors and reduce training time for new employees. They are particularly valuable in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and finance, where procedural consistency is critical. SOP templates not only promote accountability and transparency but also provide a reliable reference that teams can return to when questions arise or updates are needed. Implementing SOPs within your process management system builds a strong operational framework for repeatable and scalable success. 6. RACI Matrix Template Use this free RACI matrix template for Excel as a responsibility assignment tool that clarifies team roles for tasks, milestones or processes. RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed—four key roles that help ensure work is clearly assigned and effectively executed. By mapping out who does what, this process management template reduces confusion, eliminates overlaps and prevents important responsibilities from falling through the cracks. /wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RACI-Matrix-Screenshot.jpg RACI matrix templates are especially useful in projects that involve multiple stakeholders or cross-functional teams. They promote alignment and accountability by setting expectations from the outset and improving transparency in decision-making. With a well-structured RACI matrix, team members can better understand their contributions to a project’s success and avoid bottlenecks caused by miscommunication or role ambiguity. This template is essential to any process management toolkit aiming for clarity, efficiency and collaboration. 7. Requirements Gathering Template This free requirements gathering template for Word is a structured document used to collect, organize and analyze the needs and expectations of stakeholders for a project or system. It typically includes fields for business objectives, functional and non-functional requirements, stakeholder inputs, constraints and acceptance criteria. This comprehensive approach ensures that all critical information is captured before the project begins. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Requirements-Gathering-Screenshot.jpg Using this process management template improves communication between stakeholders and development teams, reduces the risk of scope creep and provides a clear foundation for project planning. It is particularly useful in software development, product design and systems engineering—anywhere precise and agreed-upon specifications are essential for success. By documenting requirements consistently, teams can minimize misunderstandings and deliver solutions that meet stakeholder expectations. 8. Method Statement Template Download this free method statement template for Word. It is a formal document that outlines how specific tasks or activities will be carried out safely and efficiently. Commonly used in construction, engineering and manufacturing, method statements describe the scope of work, resources required, step-by-step procedures, safety precautions and quality control measures. They help ensure tasks are completed according to defined standards and legal requirements. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/method-statement-template.png This process management template ensures consistency, enhances safety compliance and promotes accountability. It serves as a reference for workers and supervisors to understand the expectations and technical requirements of a job. Additionally, method statements can support risk assessments and facilitate approvals from regulatory bodies or clients. As part of a broader process management strategy, method statement templates provide structure and foresight for executing complex or hazardous tasks. 9. Workflow Template Use this free workflow template for Excel to create a standardized framework that outlines the sequence of activities required to complete a task or process from start to finish. It includes predefined steps, roles and decision points, making it easy for teams to follow a consistent and efficient path to completion. Workflow templates eliminate ambiguity, automate repetitive tasks and ensure accountability across operations. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Workflow-diagram-template.png These process management templates are highly adaptable and can be used in a range of industries and functions, from onboarding new employees and processing invoices to managing content creation and software deployment. By adopting workflow templates, teams can increase productivity, reduce errors and ensure processes are scalable and replicable. They are an essential component of any process improvement or digital transformation effort, helping to align daily operations with strategic objectives. 10. Swimlane Diagram Template This free swimlane diagram template is a type of flowchart that categorizes and visualizes processes, tasks or responsibilities within a workflow by organizing them into lanes. Each lane represents an individual, team or system, making it easy to track who is responsible for what and where the handoffs occur. This visual structure simplifies the understanding of complex processes by showing how various participants or departments interact throughout the process. It allows teams to see their role in a larger system and identify potential inefficiencies or bottlenecks that could impact the workflow. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Swimlane-diagram-template-image.png This type of process management template is especially useful in scenarios where multiple teams or individuals are involved in a process. By assigning different lanes to stakeholders, it highlights accountability and clarifies dependencies between actions. These diagrams can be used in a variety of contexts, from project management and business process optimization to customer service operations and software development. Whether represented horizontally or vertically, swimlane diagrams help create a shared understanding of the process flow, enabling better communication, coordination and process improvement. ProjectManager Manages Business Processes and Workflows Process management templates are great until one tries project management software, which is a more effective tool for managing complex projects. While templates provide a useful structure, project management software enhances the overall project lifecycle by integrating multiple functions into a single platform. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that enables real-time collaboration, automatic workflow with task approval settings, multiple project views, progress tracking, resource allocation and more, all in one place. Effectively Manage Resources Across Processes and Workflows Our software allows project managers to allocate resources based on availability, skill set and workload by setting those parameters up when onboarding teams. This helps prevent resource overutilization or underutilization. Managers can view resource allocation for one or multiple projects on the workload chart and balance the team’s workload without leaving the page. There’s also a team page for a daily or weekly overview of the team’s activities, which can be filtered by progress and priority. Tasks can also be updated there, if necessary. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Gain Insights into Processes and Workflows With Online Dashboards and Reports Real-time project or portfolio dashboards give project managers a high-level overview of key metrics, such as time, cost, workload and more. All this data is collected automatically and displayed on easy-to-read graphs and charts. Customizable reports allow users to focus on specific data points or retrieve general information on progress, which can be shared with stakeholders to keep them updated. Even our secure timesheets, which streamline the payroll process, can help by tracking labor costs to ensure the budget is kept. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Business Process Management Content Process management templates can be used in business process management, but they’re only a small part of this discipline. For those who want to read more on the subject, below are some recently published blog posts that cover everything from making a process improvement plan to an overview of workflow management processes. A Quick Guide to Business Process Mapping Business Process Improvement: Steps & Methodologies How to Make a Process Improvement Plan (Free Template) Process Implementation: A Quick Guide Workflow Management Process Process Optimization: Get More From Your Processes ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who are using our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 10 Process Management Templates for Excel and Word appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The founders of Runna announced today that Strava has bought their company. Runna is a paid running app that provides structured training plans (which I personally loved when I tried it), while Strava is a hugely popular tracking and social app for runners and cyclists, with both a free and a paid tier. Runna customers don’t seem to be thrilled, but Runna’s founders say that the app and its team will stay independent, and they’re optimistic for the future. What is changing right now? Runna’s founders say “no immediate changes [are] planned other than sensible integrations (e.g., the ability to sign in with Strava).” No existing features are going away. New features are reportedly on the way, but so far no details have been released. Strava has previously offered training plans (which I honestly didn’t know about until now, despite being a free subscriber for years and having been a paid subscriber in the past). They seem pretty limited in scope and functionality. It seems that Strava likes the idea of being able to offer better training plans, or at least owning a company that does even if it’s a separate product. Strava’s news release emphasizes the coaching, with lines like “The world’s biggest team has a new coach.” The Runna founders, meanwhile, say they’re excited to have access to Strava’s much larger customer base. They have also hinted in a Reddit thread that they may try to incorporate some of Strava’s algorithms, like graded pace adjustments, into the Runna app. Will the apps (or subscription fees) be combined? It doesn’t seem so. Strava has both a free and a premium tier, so the Runna founders told their customers that they’re welcome to download Strava for free, and pay for premium should they choose. They won’t be getting a deal on Strava membership. Runna costs $19.99/month, or $119.99/year. Strava's free tier lets you post your runs, interact with other users, and track some basic statistics about your performance. The premium tier, at $11.99/month or $79.99/year, gives you extra performance tracking and mapping tools. “Our plan is to keep the apps separate for the foreseeable future,” Strava’s CEO said in the news release. There is, likewise, no plan at this point for Strava users to get a discount on Runna membership. Will this be good or bad for Runna?Products don’t always fare well after their companies are bought by bigger companies. Strava has a specific stain on its reputation here: Not long ago, they bought a terrain mapping product called Fatmap, beloved by skiiers and other adventurers. In 2023, they excitedly told Strava members “you now have access to Fatmap!” and talked up the features that it has that Strava didn’t. But in 2024, Strava shut down Fatmap, having integrated some but not all of its features into the main Strava app. Skiiers are still mad. I hope that Runna’s founders are right, and that they’ll get to keep building their product and making it better and better (for example, Runna just introduced an option to train for a “B” priority race alongside your main race goal). If the plan proceeds according to what both companies are now saying, it does sound like good stuff is on the way. I’m rooting for them. View the full article

Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr — who recently stepped down as the central bank's vice chair for supervision — urged banks and regulators to use emerging technologies to keep pace with bad actors. View the full article

AI Overviews, Google’s AI-generated summaries that sit above organic search results, are already eroding traffic for many publishers and creators. However, publishers are getting “higher-quality clicks,” according to Elizabeth Reid, Head of Google Search, in a new interview. Why we care. Google Search is continuing to evolve in the direction of AI Overviews, where less clicks to websites is the new normal. Clicks. Here are some quotes from Reid’s interview with the Financial Times about the AI Overviews and the impact on clicks and traffic (a.k.a., that necessary evil) to publishers: “We see the clicks are of higher quality, because they’re not clicking on a webpage, realising it wasn’t what they want and immediately bailing. So, they spend more time on those sites. We see that it shows a greater diversity of websites that come up. “What you see with something like AI Overviews, when you bring the friction down for users, is people search more and that opens up new opportunities for websites, for creators, for publishers to access. And they get higher-quality clicks.” Reid also said that AI Overviews are “designed to get you started and then help you dive deeper,” because “relying on webpages… can be difficult and AI Overviews provide more “substance” than individual webpages: “But if your question is long, finding a webpage that covers every part of your question is hard, and sometimes what you get is a very surface-level webpage. Technically it talks about every one of your words, but you didn’t get much substance. With generative AI, we can go and look for web pages that talk about specific subsets. So, we’ll take that query, and we’ll turn it into multiple queries. “And then we’ll say, a-ha, OK, you’re comparing two items that are not traditionally compared. Let me find a webpage about one item. Let me find a webpage about another. And then, you can expose websites that go in more depth on part of a topic, instead of just a webpage that is surface level about the whole topic.” Not the first time. Reid follows Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who previously said that AI Overviews are good for click-through rate (CTR): “If you put content and links within AI Overviews, they get higher clickthrough rates than if you put it outside of AI Overviews.” But. I’ve seen no evidence to back up Reid or Pichai’s claim. CTRs to websites are hitting new lows. Also, traffic and revenue for several websites (see: Chegg as one example) started to decline around May, which is when Google launched AI Overviews. Microsoft Bing’s Fabrice Canel has also talked about “qualified clicks” being the measure of success in AI search. Ads and AI Overviews. There are “a lot of opportunities for ads” above, below and within AI Overviews, according to Reid, adding that “Ads are relevant whenever users are going to make a choice that has some commercial aspect”: “When a query is predominantly commercial intent — like we think you want to buy something — then we might often show ads. But sometimes we think you probably don’t want to [see] ads, and so we don’t want to give everyone ads. But some people might want to buy something. If [you search] ‘how to clean a stain out of the couch’ and the first thing we show is a bunch of ads, you’re like, ‘Whoa, I just wanted some advice.’ “But if we’re giving you ideas and then we say, ‘if you’re having trouble you might want to consider a stain-remover product’, and then we give you some ads for stain-remover products, it feels natural and in context.” How search will change. Some of Reid’s notable quotes: “…we want to make search effortless. That assumes multimodalities…” “It will get more personalised over time, not just in the results, but in how you learn well. Are you somebody who learns well with videos or are you someone who prefers text?” How search won’t change. Reid said “never say never” about there being a paid version of Google Search, but Google Search will remain free for the foreseeable future: “Ensuring that search in general, the essence of it, is available for free, to allow access to information, will be important. There may be some aspects for people who have subscriptions in the future. But the core of search we want to have available for everyone for free, yes. Google Search also won’t become a “chatbot” in the style of ChatGPT, according to Reid: “We think of search as more of an information-focused question. We are starting to experiment more with the idea that people sometimes have a question that has multiple parts plus a follow-up. And if you have a follow-up question, you don’t want to start over from scratch. “But it’s more designed as: how can you further your journey without repeating it the same way you might to a human — rather than designing it in the sense of: do you have a friend to chat with and ask them their views? It’s much more about organising information.” Also: “We put a lot of effort in our models on paying attention to factuality. That’s a way that we make a different choice on search, compared with a chatbot. You typically have to choose between how factual it is versus how creative or how conversational it is. “If you’re building a product that’s designed to be conversational, you might weigh it one way. But in the case of [Google] Search, we have weighted factuality and put extensive work into that. We have continued to raise the bar on that for the past several months. How people are searching differently. According to Reid: Younger users are asking “more and longer questions” and “more nuanced questions.” “We see a lot of growth in multi-modality: people asking these text-plus- image questions. So, it’s not just, ‘What is this image?’ or ‘Here’s my question’, but combining them. The interview. Google’s Elizabeth Reid: ‘Human curiosity is boundless and people ask a lot of questions’ (subscription required) View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Client Needs: Clearly identify and document client expectations to align your services with their needs, enhancing satisfaction and trust. Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and regular communication throughout the project to address concerns early and manage expectations efficiently. Avoid Overpromising: Set realistic goals and delivery timelines to ensure you meet client expectations without risking disappointment. Encourage Feedback: Actively seek and utilize client feedback to assess satisfaction and improve business processes, fostering loyalty and repeat business. Leverage Management Tools: Use project management software and learning management systems to enhance transparency and keep clients informed about project progress and deliverables. Invest in Team Training: Focus on improving your team’s communication and customer service skills through training and workshops to better meet client expectations. Managing client expectations is crucial for building strong relationships and ensuring successful outcomes. When you align your services with what clients truly need, you not only enhance satisfaction but also foster trust and loyalty. Misunderstandings can lead to disappointment and frustration, so clear communication is key. You might wonder how to effectively set and manage these expectations. From the initial conversation to project completion, every interaction shapes your client’s perception. By establishing realistic goals and being transparent about potential challenges, you can create a positive experience that keeps clients coming back. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you navigate this essential aspect of client management. Understanding Client Expectations Understanding client expectations is crucial in small business management. Grasping what clients anticipate from your services aids in aligning your offerings with their needs. What Are Client Expectations? Client expectations refer to the perceptions and beliefs clients hold about the services or products they receive. These include factors like quality, delivery timelines, customer service, and pricing. You might identify these expectations through direct communication, feedback, and market research. Recognizing and documenting client expectations sets the foundation for effective project management and relationship building. Why Managing Client Expectations Is Important Managing client expectations impacts business growth and customer retention. When you align your services with client expectations, you enhance satisfaction and trust. Clear communication plays a vital role in this process. By setting realistic goals and being transparent about potential challenges, you allow for informed decision-making. Failing to manage these expectations can result in misunderstandings, diminished satisfaction, and lost business opportunities. In small business operations, effective expectation management builds loyalty and encourages repeat business, which is essential for long-term success. Common Challenges in Managing Client Expectations Managing client expectations presents several challenges that can impact small business operations. Understanding these challenges allows you to navigate through them effectively. Miscommunication Issues Miscommunication often arises from vague language or assumptions about client needs. When you don’t clarify project parameters or timelines, misunderstandings can occur. Regular check-ins and progress updates enhance communication, ensuring that you and your clients remain aligned. Utilize tools like project management software to document conversations, decisions, and responsibilities. This strategy fosters transparency and reduces potential conflicts, boosting client trust. Overpromising and Underdelivering Overpromising can seem tempting to secure client contracts but leads to disappointment. When you commit to unrealistic deliverables or timelines, the chances of underdelivering increase. Instead, focus on setting achievable goals that align with your capabilities. Clearly communicate what clients can expect, especially in regard to project phases, budgets, and potential challenges. This approach not only sets realistic expectations but also positions your business as reliable and trustworthy. Prioritizing quality control and efficient workflows enhances customer satisfaction and can lead to better client retention rates. Strategies for Managing Client Expectations Managing client expectations effectively is key for small businesses aiming to build trust and foster long-term relationships. Below are strategic approaches for achieving this goal: Setting Clear Objectives Define Clear Goals and Expectations: Establish precise, realistic goals before starting any project. Understand your client’s needs and objectives, factoring in any constraints or limitations. Clearly outline the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and potential risks. A solid foundation helps you in delivering quality service and managing client satisfaction. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid the pitfall of overpromising. Clearly communicate what clients can realistically expect, including delivery times, refund processes, and any compatibility issues. Transparency builds trust and aligns your business operations with clients’ needs. Regular Communication and Updates Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Maintain consistent communication with your clients throughout the project. Scheduling regular updates can address any concerns early, allowing you to manage expectations effectively. Utilize project management tools to streamline these communications. Provide Timely Progress Reports: Keep clients informed on project status, including any hurdles encountered. Transparency in sharing challenges as they arise supports collaboration and strengthens relationships. Utilizing Feedback Encourage Client Feedback: Actively seek feedback at different stages of a project. This helps you assess client satisfaction and identify areas needing improvement. Continuous engagement with your clients fosters loyalty and enhances customer retention. Use Feedback for Process Improvement: Analyze the comments and thoughts shared by your clients to refine your business processes. Integrating client feedback into your workflow can lead to improved service delivery and productivity, aligning your offerings with client expectations. By following these strategies, your small business can enhance client relationships and improve overall satisfaction, ensuring business growth and operational efficiency. Tools and Resources for Effective Management Managing client expectations effectively requires the right tools and resources. These facilitate communication, align project goals, and enhance overall management efficiency. Software Solutions Utilizing project management software is vital for small businesses aiming to manage client expectations. Tools like StartingPoint allow centralized access to project progress, documentation, and real-time updates. This transparency helps clients understand project direction, making it easier to identify potential issues early. You improve client satisfaction and retention by keeping all parties informed and engaged. Learning Management Systems (LMS) also serve an essential role. While primarily designed for employee training, LMS platforms can provide clients with education about project deliverables, timelines, and scope. By ensuring clients grasp what to expect, you create a foundation for better collaboration and alignment with their needs. Training and Workshops Investing in training and workshops can bolster your team’s communication skills and customer service approach. Regular sessions focused on these areas help your team better understand client requirements, enabling improved management of expectations. Workshops on conflict resolution and decision-making can enhance your team’s ability to navigate challenges efficiently, ensuring that client dissatisfaction is minimized. Incorporating client feedback sessions into your business operations creates opportunities for you to learn and adapt. By engaging clients in discussions about their experiences and expectations, you can customize your services more effectively. This proactive approach reinforces trust and loyalty, leading to long-term client relationships and sustained business growth. Conclusion Managing client expectations is a vital aspect of building lasting relationships and ensuring your business thrives. By prioritizing clear communication and setting realistic goals, you can create a positive experience that resonates with your clients. Regular check-ins and active feedback collection will help you stay aligned with their needs and enhance satisfaction. Utilizing the right tools and resources can streamline this process, making it easier to keep clients informed and engaged. Remember, every interaction counts in shaping their perception of your services. By committing to transparency and reliability, you not only foster loyalty but also pave the way for sustainable business growth. Embrace these strategies and watch your client relationships flourish. Frequently Asked Questions Why is managing client expectations important? Managing client expectations is essential because it fosters trust, satisfaction, and loyalty. By aligning services with clients’ true needs and communicating clearly, businesses can avoid misunderstandings that lead to disappointment, resulting in stronger relationships and successful project outcomes. How can businesses better understand client expectations? To understand client expectations, businesses should engage in direct communication, gather feedback, and conduct market research. Documenting these perceptions related to service quality, delivery timelines, and pricing lays the foundation for effective project management and relationship building. What are common challenges in managing client expectations? Common challenges include miscommunication and the pitfalls of overpromising. Miscommunication often arises from vague language or assumptions about client needs, while overpromising can lead to underdelivery, damaging trust and satisfaction. What strategies can small businesses use to manage client expectations? Small businesses can manage expectations effectively by defining clear goals at the project start, setting realistic timelines, and maintaining regular communication through scheduled check-ins and progress updates. Actively seeking client feedback can also enhance satisfaction. What tools can help in managing client expectations? Project management software, like StartingPoint, helps by offering centralized access to project updates. Learning Management Systems (LMS) educate clients on deliverables and timelines, while investing in team training can improve communication and service delivery, aiding expectation management. How can feedback improve client relationships? Incorporating client feedback into business processes enhances service delivery by ensuring offerings align with client needs. Regular feedback sessions allow businesses to adapt, thereby reinforcing trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships for sustained growth. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Managing Client Expectations for Stronger Business Relationships" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Client Needs: Clearly identify and document client expectations to align your services with their needs, enhancing satisfaction and trust. Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and regular communication throughout the project to address concerns early and manage expectations efficiently. Avoid Overpromising: Set realistic goals and delivery timelines to ensure you meet client expectations without risking disappointment. Encourage Feedback: Actively seek and utilize client feedback to assess satisfaction and improve business processes, fostering loyalty and repeat business. Leverage Management Tools: Use project management software and learning management systems to enhance transparency and keep clients informed about project progress and deliverables. Invest in Team Training: Focus on improving your team’s communication and customer service skills through training and workshops to better meet client expectations. Managing client expectations is crucial for building strong relationships and ensuring successful outcomes. When you align your services with what clients truly need, you not only enhance satisfaction but also foster trust and loyalty. Misunderstandings can lead to disappointment and frustration, so clear communication is key. You might wonder how to effectively set and manage these expectations. From the initial conversation to project completion, every interaction shapes your client’s perception. By establishing realistic goals and being transparent about potential challenges, you can create a positive experience that keeps clients coming back. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you navigate this essential aspect of client management. Understanding Client Expectations Understanding client expectations is crucial in small business management. Grasping what clients anticipate from your services aids in aligning your offerings with their needs. What Are Client Expectations? Client expectations refer to the perceptions and beliefs clients hold about the services or products they receive. These include factors like quality, delivery timelines, customer service, and pricing. You might identify these expectations through direct communication, feedback, and market research. Recognizing and documenting client expectations sets the foundation for effective project management and relationship building. Why Managing Client Expectations Is Important Managing client expectations impacts business growth and customer retention. When you align your services with client expectations, you enhance satisfaction and trust. Clear communication plays a vital role in this process. By setting realistic goals and being transparent about potential challenges, you allow for informed decision-making. Failing to manage these expectations can result in misunderstandings, diminished satisfaction, and lost business opportunities. In small business operations, effective expectation management builds loyalty and encourages repeat business, which is essential for long-term success. Common Challenges in Managing Client Expectations Managing client expectations presents several challenges that can impact small business operations. Understanding these challenges allows you to navigate through them effectively. Miscommunication Issues Miscommunication often arises from vague language or assumptions about client needs. When you don’t clarify project parameters or timelines, misunderstandings can occur. Regular check-ins and progress updates enhance communication, ensuring that you and your clients remain aligned. Utilize tools like project management software to document conversations, decisions, and responsibilities. This strategy fosters transparency and reduces potential conflicts, boosting client trust. Overpromising and Underdelivering Overpromising can seem tempting to secure client contracts but leads to disappointment. When you commit to unrealistic deliverables or timelines, the chances of underdelivering increase. Instead, focus on setting achievable goals that align with your capabilities. Clearly communicate what clients can expect, especially in regard to project phases, budgets, and potential challenges. This approach not only sets realistic expectations but also positions your business as reliable and trustworthy. Prioritizing quality control and efficient workflows enhances customer satisfaction and can lead to better client retention rates. Strategies for Managing Client Expectations Managing client expectations effectively is key for small businesses aiming to build trust and foster long-term relationships. Below are strategic approaches for achieving this goal: Setting Clear Objectives Define Clear Goals and Expectations: Establish precise, realistic goals before starting any project. Understand your client’s needs and objectives, factoring in any constraints or limitations. Clearly outline the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and potential risks. A solid foundation helps you in delivering quality service and managing client satisfaction. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid the pitfall of overpromising. Clearly communicate what clients can realistically expect, including delivery times, refund processes, and any compatibility issues. Transparency builds trust and aligns your business operations with clients’ needs. Regular Communication and Updates Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Maintain consistent communication with your clients throughout the project. Scheduling regular updates can address any concerns early, allowing you to manage expectations effectively. Utilize project management tools to streamline these communications. Provide Timely Progress Reports: Keep clients informed on project status, including any hurdles encountered. Transparency in sharing challenges as they arise supports collaboration and strengthens relationships. Utilizing Feedback Encourage Client Feedback: Actively seek feedback at different stages of a project. This helps you assess client satisfaction and identify areas needing improvement. Continuous engagement with your clients fosters loyalty and enhances customer retention. Use Feedback for Process Improvement: Analyze the comments and thoughts shared by your clients to refine your business processes. Integrating client feedback into your workflow can lead to improved service delivery and productivity, aligning your offerings with client expectations. By following these strategies, your small business can enhance client relationships and improve overall satisfaction, ensuring business growth and operational efficiency. Tools and Resources for Effective Management Managing client expectations effectively requires the right tools and resources. These facilitate communication, align project goals, and enhance overall management efficiency. Software Solutions Utilizing project management software is vital for small businesses aiming to manage client expectations. Tools like StartingPoint allow centralized access to project progress, documentation, and real-time updates. This transparency helps clients understand project direction, making it easier to identify potential issues early. You improve client satisfaction and retention by keeping all parties informed and engaged. Learning Management Systems (LMS) also serve an essential role. While primarily designed for employee training, LMS platforms can provide clients with education about project deliverables, timelines, and scope. By ensuring clients grasp what to expect, you create a foundation for better collaboration and alignment with their needs. Training and Workshops Investing in training and workshops can bolster your team’s communication skills and customer service approach. Regular sessions focused on these areas help your team better understand client requirements, enabling improved management of expectations. Workshops on conflict resolution and decision-making can enhance your team’s ability to navigate challenges efficiently, ensuring that client dissatisfaction is minimized. Incorporating client feedback sessions into your business operations creates opportunities for you to learn and adapt. By engaging clients in discussions about their experiences and expectations, you can customize your services more effectively. This proactive approach reinforces trust and loyalty, leading to long-term client relationships and sustained business growth. Conclusion Managing client expectations is a vital aspect of building lasting relationships and ensuring your business thrives. By prioritizing clear communication and setting realistic goals, you can create a positive experience that resonates with your clients. Regular check-ins and active feedback collection will help you stay aligned with their needs and enhance satisfaction. Utilizing the right tools and resources can streamline this process, making it easier to keep clients informed and engaged. Remember, every interaction counts in shaping their perception of your services. By committing to transparency and reliability, you not only foster loyalty but also pave the way for sustainable business growth. Embrace these strategies and watch your client relationships flourish. Frequently Asked Questions Why is managing client expectations important? Managing client expectations is essential because it fosters trust, satisfaction, and loyalty. By aligning services with clients’ true needs and communicating clearly, businesses can avoid misunderstandings that lead to disappointment, resulting in stronger relationships and successful project outcomes. How can businesses better understand client expectations? To understand client expectations, businesses should engage in direct communication, gather feedback, and conduct market research. Documenting these perceptions related to service quality, delivery timelines, and pricing lays the foundation for effective project management and relationship building. What are common challenges in managing client expectations? Common challenges include miscommunication and the pitfalls of overpromising. Miscommunication often arises from vague language or assumptions about client needs, while overpromising can lead to underdelivery, damaging trust and satisfaction. What strategies can small businesses use to manage client expectations? Small businesses can manage expectations effectively by defining clear goals at the project start, setting realistic timelines, and maintaining regular communication through scheduled check-ins and progress updates. Actively seeking client feedback can also enhance satisfaction. What tools can help in managing client expectations? Project management software, like StartingPoint, helps by offering centralized access to project updates. Learning Management Systems (LMS) educate clients on deliverables and timelines, while investing in team training can improve communication and service delivery, aiding expectation management. How can feedback improve client relationships? Incorporating client feedback into business processes enhances service delivery by ensuring offerings align with client needs. Regular feedback sessions allow businesses to adapt, thereby reinforcing trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships for sustained growth. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Managing Client Expectations for Stronger Business Relationships" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The latest trend in AI chatbots is memory. It's not good enough for these models to provide you the same quick and detailed answers as everyone else; rather, each should be personalized to you based on your past conversations. Now, it's Grok's turn to remember. xAI, the company behind Grok, announced the chatbot's new memory feature in a post on X on Wednesday. The company says Grok now remembers your conversations, so your future queries will receive personalized responses. In the post, Grok uses an example of a user asking the chatbot to "plan me a workout for today." The assumption is Grok pulls from past conversations with the user to develop a custom workout that fits their needs, including their "interest in dynamic, high-energy activities and fitness trends like jump rope and weightlifting." This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Grok is not the first to roll out this type of feature. ChatGPT has had a memory option for over a year now. For most of that time, the feature would simply remember facts about you from your past conversations, but last week, OpenAI updated the feature to allow ChatGPT to access all past chats—effectively turning your conversation history into one big memory bank. It's not exactly clear how Grok's memory feature compares to ChatGPT's at this time: While it seems like Grok can access past conversations, rather than save specific facts, it's not evident whether the bot will crawl all past conversations each time you make a query, like ChatGPT does now. To Google's credit, Gemini also has a memory feature it introduced earlier this year. This memory feature is also rolling out first in beta to Grok users on the web and mobile apps, but not the Grok function on X. xAI, the company behind Grok, says that X support is on the way. How to manage Grok's memoryYou can access this new memory option from Grok's settings on desktop or the mobile app. Head to Data Controls, then enable or disable the toggle next to "Personalize with Memories." If you like the idea of Grok accessing past conversations most of the time, but know you'd like some conversations to stay private, you don't need to keep returning to this settings page. Keep the feature on, but tap the ghost icon in the top right corner of a chat to turn on Private Chat. These conversations will self-destruct after you exist, so Grok won't remember them. View the full article

Optimum Business and the Charleston Area Alliance have announced the opening of applications for the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants, a new initiative aimed at bolstering small business growth in Kanawha County. As part of the program, 25 small businesses will each receive a $5,000 grant, totaling $125,000 in funding to support long-term economic prosperity in the region. The grant program, introduced on April 14, 2025, is designed to directly support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community’s economic infrastructure. Selected recipients will be announced later this year. The initiative includes recognition events hosted by Optimum Business, where local officials and community partners will celebrate the awarded businesses. “Optimum Business is thrilled to partner with the Charleston Area Alliance to support the vibrant small business in Kanawha County. Optimum is committed to being more than a connectivity provider by investing in individual businesses to support the economic prosperity of this community,” said Jen Ostrager, Senior Vice President, Govt & Business, Community Affairs. “When businesses thrive, communities thrive. We’re very much looking forward to supporting the Kanawha community in ways that make an impact.” “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, helping to power our economy and fostering local connections. Through our partnership with Optimum Business and the Lifting Up Small Business Grants, we are empowering these vital enterprises, uplifting our community, and encouraging sustainable growth for years to come,” said Mara Boggs, President & CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. The Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants represent Optimum’s latest effort to deepen its community involvement and demonstrate its commitment to local development. The company’s broader contributions in Kanawha County include supporting 136 classrooms with a total of $61,000 in funding through a partnership with DonorsChoose. Recently, $30,000 of that funding went toward STEM materials for local schools. Optimum has also donated $20,000 over the past four years to local community organizations, including The Salvation Army Charleston WV Area Command and The Boys and Girls Club of Charleston and St. Albans. The grant program aims to fuel sustainable business success in Kanawha County and reflects Optimum’s ongoing mission to “support, understand, and celebrate what makes each of its local communities unique.” Learn more about the grant program’s rules and eligibility here. This article, "Optimum Business Launches $125K Grant Program for Kanawha County Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Optimum Business and the Charleston Area Alliance have announced the opening of applications for the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants, a new initiative aimed at bolstering small business growth in Kanawha County. As part of the program, 25 small businesses will each receive a $5,000 grant, totaling $125,000 in funding to support long-term economic prosperity in the region. The grant program, introduced on April 14, 2025, is designed to directly support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community’s economic infrastructure. Selected recipients will be announced later this year. The initiative includes recognition events hosted by Optimum Business, where local officials and community partners will celebrate the awarded businesses. “Optimum Business is thrilled to partner with the Charleston Area Alliance to support the vibrant small business in Kanawha County. Optimum is committed to being more than a connectivity provider by investing in individual businesses to support the economic prosperity of this community,” said Jen Ostrager, Senior Vice President, Govt & Business, Community Affairs. “When businesses thrive, communities thrive. We’re very much looking forward to supporting the Kanawha community in ways that make an impact.” “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, helping to power our economy and fostering local connections. Through our partnership with Optimum Business and the Lifting Up Small Business Grants, we are empowering these vital enterprises, uplifting our community, and encouraging sustainable growth for years to come,” said Mara Boggs, President & CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. The Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants represent Optimum’s latest effort to deepen its community involvement and demonstrate its commitment to local development. The company’s broader contributions in Kanawha County include supporting 136 classrooms with a total of $61,000 in funding through a partnership with DonorsChoose. Recently, $30,000 of that funding went toward STEM materials for local schools. Optimum has also donated $20,000 over the past four years to local community organizations, including The Salvation Army Charleston WV Area Command and The Boys and Girls Club of Charleston and St. Albans. The grant program aims to fuel sustainable business success in Kanawha County and reflects Optimum’s ongoing mission to “support, understand, and celebrate what makes each of its local communities unique.” Learn more about the grant program’s rules and eligibility here. This article, "Optimum Business Launches $125K Grant Program for Kanawha County Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. The Google TV Streamer 4K is Google's latest iteration on the smart TV stick. No longer is it hiding behind your TV, but now takes center stage with a hub on your TV stand. Right now, you can get the Google TV Streamer 4K for $79 (originally $99.99), its first discount since its release last summer, according to price tracking tools. Google TV Streamer 4K Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Connector: HDMI, Special Feature: Google TV and Voice Search Remote $79.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $20.99 Get Deal Get Deal $79.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $99.99 Save $20.99 Google first had the Chromecast, an HDMI device that let you cast your phone to your TV. Then it released the Chromecast with Google TV in 2022, which incorporated the Google OS into the Chromecast. Now, Google seems to want to go a new route after discontinuing the Chromecast altogether—this new device is powered by Gemini (Google's AI), has more storage, and better performance for twice the price. The Google TV Streamer 4K comes with 32GB of storage space, 4GB of memory, and the ability to run HDR streams at up to 4K@60 FPS. It also has support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, and it has ports for things like Ethernet. The Google OS is identical to older models, but performance is much better, according to CNET's review. While you already get more storage than previous models, you can expand it with the USB-C port. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I am the director of a small, public-facing unit. We have a full-time staff of 10 and several part-time workers. I am struggling with our leave system and how to make it as equitable as possible. Current policy (that I inherited) is that employees can put in all leave for the following year beginning in November of the previous year, and first-come first-serve wins. We have some employees who quickly take a lot of the prime spots, particularly around spring break and holidays. Not everyone can plan ahead like this, however, and so some of our people then get little to no time around the holidays because we have to have coverage for open hours (including weekends). It’s also a problem because I don’t know what staffing may look like that far in advance to know how many people can be off. It’s also difficult because so much of it feels nebulous and hard to enforce. For example, one employee took seven work days off in the middle of a two-month-long initiative that they oversee (which happens every year at the same time). So, it’s hard to say they can never have that time off, but yet it creates some hardship when they leave in the middle of it every single year. Also difficult to turn into a policy is that it’s hard when certain people are off at the same time because of specific job responsibilities, and two of those people are the two who tend to request most of holidays in advance. In other words, no one is doing anything wrong, but it would be nice to make sure that employees who can’t plan a year ahead (or were not hired until mid-year) also have options for holiday time. I also understand that first-come first-serve is really the easiest to have hard and fast rules around. I don’t want it to be subjective, but some aspects are kind of subjective! For what it’s worth, it doesn’t adversely impact me because I’m not a part of the coverage computations. Also, to be completely honest, part of my issue is the sense of entitlement I get from a few employees that I have to give them all the days they want because they beat everybody else to the punch, which is my own issue to work through. If I change it, I know it’s going to rock the boat, so want to make sure I have thought through all the things before making changes. Yeah, this is a bad policy if it means that the same people keep claiming all the most prized vacation slots and no one else can ever have them. That’s not fair to others, and it’s going to demoralize and frustrate large chunks of your staff. The biggest change I’d recommend is this: identify the most desirable time off slots throughout the year, say that no one can have all of them unless there’s still no competition for them X months out (maybe three to four months, depending on what’s practical for your team’s circumstances), and ask people who are submitting requests for the entire year up-front to rank their preferences when submitting. That means they’ll get some of those most-desired slots but not all of them, because you’ll hold some of them open for people who don’t submit a year ahead of time. (You’ll still need to have some later cut-off date for those slots so that people can plan with confidence — but it doesn’t need to be November for the entire following year.) As for the person who keeps taking a week off in the middle of their two-month-long initiative every year: you don’t have to approve every vacation request someone submits just because they got it in before anyone else claimed that time. If the time off falls at a particularly bad time for their particular job, you can push back. In some cases that might mean saying, “That’s the one time of the year when you really can’t take a week off because of X key piece of your job.” In others it might mean a conversation — “It would be rough to have you out that week because of X. Do you have any flexibility on when you do this?” and “To make this work, I’d need you to come up with a plan for ensuring XYZ is taken care of before you go. Can we talk about whether there’s a realistic way to do that?” View the full article

Google's John Mueller critiqued the use of LLMs.txt and compared its utility to the useless keyword meta tag The post Google Says LLMs.Txt Comparable To Keywords Meta Tag appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Let’s start with the facts: I don’t usually create content this way. Most weeks, I post 3–5 times across LinkedIn, Threads, and TikTok — usually planned a few days in advance, sometimes the same day. I like having the flexibility to post when I’m inspired, not just when something’s scheduled. But ahead of a month-long trip — part retreat, part travel — I knew I couldn’t rely on my usual workflow. I would be adjusting to new environments, exploring new cities and attending full-day team sessions. I wanted to stay visible online without scrambling to come up with new ideas mid-trip. So I gave myself one focused day to get ahead. Not to create 30 fully polished posts — but to build a flexible, low-effort system I could pull from throughout the month. That meant: Prioritizing easy formats like text postsCapturing video content when I had the time and energyUsing Buffer to stay organizedCreating backup content I could lean on when things got busyAnd I’m not the only one doing this. Creators like @feelingsmethod also use Buffer to schedule a month’s worth of content in one go, then layer in spontaneous Threads or updates when inspiration strikes. That flexible approach is exactly what I was aiming for — a strong foundation, with room to breathe (and enjoy my trip). This is the process I followed — not a plug-and-play formula, but a system that helped me show up consistently without burning out. If you're heading into a busy season or just want to stop scrambling every day, this approach might work for you too. Step 1: I picked content pillars based on what was already happeningThe first thing I did was make sure I wasn’t starting from scratch. Instead of asking “What should I post?”, I looked at what was already going on in my life that could naturally turn into content. I had a few clear themes: Activities happening before, during, and after retreatManaging visa and travel logisticsLifestyle-related activities like shopping or visiting museums (my two favorite travel tasks)These became my content pillars for the week — not because they were part of a master content plan, but because they were realistic and top of mind. I also kept a few recurring themes I return to often, like: Career advice for remote workers and content marketersMy LinkedIncome journey (how I’m monetizing LinkedIn)Behind-the-scenes thoughts on content creation and consistencyMapping these out made everything less overwhelming. It gave me clear lanes to stay in and helped me make quick decisions about what kind of content I’d actually create during my batch day. I keep a lightweight system in Buffer to track it all. It’s still a work in progress, but even in its messy form, it helps. I use the grouped view plus the new Idea Composer (that we’re still testing) to organize content ideas. I sorted them into groups based on their status — Idea, Work in progress, Ready to post. Then I was primed to select the different platforms I wanted to post on, plus use my color-coded tags to reflect the: Format (text, video, carousel)Content pillars (as outlined above)Ideal date to postThe goal wasn’t to have a perfect system — just something that keeps ideas from falling through the cracks. Step 2: I brain-dumped as many ideas as I could (without overthinking them)Once I had my pillars, I moved straight into idea mode. I didn’t sit down to write polished drafts — I gave myself 30–45 minutes to jot down every post idea that came to mind. I wasn’t worried about format, platform, or even if it was a “good” idea. I just wanted to get them out of my head and into my system. Some were reflections I could turn into text posts (I’ve been doing a lot of these). Others were simple enough to film as talking-head videos or pair with B-roll later. A few were just lines I didn’t want to forget. Here’s a quick sample of what ended up on the list: “Come with me to pick up wishlist shoes”“What I’m packing for the Buffer retreat”“Visa stress as a remote worker from Nigeria”“How I started my career”I added them into Buffer as they came to me — no pressure to finish anything, just enough to revisit later when I had more time or energy. Here’s how it’s been going: Giving yourself a space to capture ideas is half the work. It means you’re never starting from zero when you sit down to create. Even if you only get 5–10 rough ideas from a quick brain-dump session, that’s 5–10 decisions you’ve already made. And that alone makes your next content day easier. Step 3: I created what I could — and made space for what I couldn’tOnce I had a list of solid ideas, I looked at what I actually had the time and energy to create that day. My priority? Text posts. They’re quick to outline, perform well on LinkedIn and can be modified Threads, and don’t require me to change outfits or find perfect lighting. I wrote rough outlines for 4–5 posts right inside Buffer — a hook, a few main points, and a CTA. Those posts have gotten me through a couple of busy initial weeks. If I had a good idea but wasn’t sure how to shape it yet, I’d drop it into ChatGPT to help me build a better structure. I wasn’t trying to finish every post, I was building drafts I could polish on the go. Once I had those outlined, I moved on to light video work: Filmed a few quick talking-head clips based on my strongest ideasCaptured B-roll like packing, walking, or desk scenes I could use with voiceoverCreated content folders in my camera roll, labeled by topic and ready to be filled up when I had the content readyFor any videos I had time to edit, I used CapCut Mobile to trim, add captions, and export — but only if I had the energy. I wasn’t trying to post them immediately. I just wanted to have content ready to go for those in-between moments where I may not have time to film or edit. This mix of easy-to-finish text posts and flexible video assets gave me options — and options are an antidote to burnout when you’re juggling life and content. Step 4: I did the admin work that makes posting easier laterThis part doesn’t look impressive. There’s no final post to show for it. But honestly? It’s the thing that makes the rest of the system work. Once I had outlines and video clips ready, I switched into setup mode — the unglamorous but essential part of batching. I asked myself: What can I do right now to make future posting feel effortless? Here’s what that looked like: I uploaded content into Buffer: Even if a post wasn’t fully written yet, I created an idea for it. I gave each one a working title, added notes or placeholder text, and dropped in the correct platform and format tag. That way, I could see how my week was shaping up at a glance — and I wasn’t trying to remember everything from scratch later.I kept my outlines rough (on purpose): Instead of over-editing in the moment, I made quick bullet-point outlines for each idea — a hook, a few talking points, and a line or two for a call to action. I knew I could polish the copy later, or even tweak it to suit the mood of the day.I set reminders to stay consistent: I blocked out two short “content check-in” slots in my calendar for the weeks I would be traveling — 15–30 minutes to finish a caption, polish a hook, or schedule something that felt relevant. I also added reminders for spontaneous ideas I didn’t want to forget, like “record retreat reaction” or “share photo from the team dinner.”This process took less than an hour, but it made the biggest difference. Even if I didn’t create anything new for a few days, I knew I had options lined up — and a plan for what to do with them. Step 5: I built a mini content buffer — just in caseAfter organizing everything, I asked myself one last question: What happens if I have a low-energy day next week — or just don’t feel like posting? That’s where the buffer comes in. Not our platform (though yes, also that) — I mean the backup content. The stuff you can post without much effort, that still feels aligned and valuable. Here’s what I included in mine: 2–3 short text posts that didn’t tie to anything time-sensitiveA few extra video clips I could quickly caption or repurposeOne “lazy post” — like a quote, soft reflection, or quick photo dumpA list of loose ideas I could revisit for a jolt of inspirationHere’s how I used one of these seemingly random videos with a trending audio: I didn’t plan to use these right away. But having them gave me peace of mind — especially while traveling and adjusting to a different schedule and energy level. It’s not about posting more. It’s about making sure your momentum isn’t tied to your best days. This mini buffer meant I could stay consistent without forcing creativity — which made space for spontaneity, presence, and rest when I needed it most. How I time-blocked my day for content prepI didn’t sit down at 10:30 AM with a military-style plan. This was a real workday, with context-switching, snack breaks, and a couple of other things happening in the background. But I carved out chunks of time between tasks to focus — and by the end of the day, I’d built a content plan I could lean on for the rest of the month. Here’s a more honest breakdown of how it flowed: Planning & Idea Dump (90 mins): I started by choosing a few content pillars based on what was already happening in my life — retreat prep, visa stress, personal errands. Then I did a messy brain dump of content ideas into Notion and Buffer’s Ideas tab. Some were fully-formed, most were scraps. But that’s exactly what I needed. Writing & Outlining (2 hours): I wrote rough outlines for 4–5 text-first posts in Buffer. I didn’t finish any of them. But I added hooks, bullets, and placeholders for CTAs — enough to revisit later. I also dropped one or two half-baked ideas into ChatGPT to help me frame the story for each post better. I still go back to that chat to do some back and forth when I need to tighten up any ideas. Filming & B-roll (2 hours): I used natural light and a burst of post-lunch energy to film a few short videos and B-roll clips (packing, walking, typing, scrolling through my calendar). I wasn’t precious about it. Some clips were fully usable, others were just there to pair with a voiceover later. I saved all of this in a folder on my Photos app that I also spent some time organizing. Admin Time (1 hour): I started adding the stronger ideas and outlines into Buffer as draft cards. I tagged them by format, pillar, and platform to filter later. I also left placeholder captions where they would be needed. Mini Content Buffer + Calendar Check-ins (30 mins): I wrapped up by creating a few extra “lazy posts” — one quote, a short reflective caption, and a quick visual I knew I could post when energy was low. Then I added two weekly check-in blocks on Tuesdays and Thursdays to my calendar to review and finalize drafts. In total, it took me about 7 hours of work to set up my content prep system and by the end of the day, I had: 5 text post drafts (outlined, not final)4 short video clips (some edited, some B-roll)3 backup posts I could schedule with minimal effortCalendar check-ins and reminders to keep things movingA flexible system I could trust — even when things got busyWas it perfect? Definitely not. But I ended the day with clarity, options, and breathing room. That’s a win in my book. How I’m keeping my ideas and drafts organizedI used to rely on a notes tool for all of my content planning — idea dumps, tracking post formats, labeling content pillars, the whole thing. But over time (and especially during this batching sprint), I realized Buffer could actually do most of that and make the posting process smoother. So now, Buffer is where I manage my content system end-to-end — from idea to published post. Here’s how I used Buffer to stay organized: I added new ideas straight into the Ideas tab, tagging each one by format (text, video, carousel), content pillar, and platformI used groups to track what was ready to post, what needed editing, and what was still in the idea stageI was able to upload my content assets right to the idea, start, and schedule a new post all in one placeIf I didn’t have time to finish a post, I’d just leave a placeholder note in the description field and come back to it later. Every post lived in one system — no copy-pasting between tools. I still use other tools occasionally for long-term planning or brainstorming. But during this batching process, Buffer handled the heavy lifting. The real win? I always know where to look. Whether I’m looking for something to post or just want to check what I’ve prepped for the week, everything’s in Buffer — already tagged, already sorted, and ready when I need it. You don’t need perfect posts — you need a planSpending a full day on content prep was a stretch. I don’t do this every week. But I’m glad I did it this time — not because I walked away with 30 finished posts, but because I gave myself a system I could trust to keep me consistent. Batching, for me, isn’t about perfection. It’s about making the next few weeks easier: Having drafts ready for when I’m short on timeKnowing I’ve got video footage to pull from if inspiration hitsSetting up gentle reminders that keep me consistent without pressureThis isn’t a “batch your life away” kind of workflow. It’s a use-what-you-have system. One you can repeat before a trip, a launch, or even just a really full season of life. And if you’re not quite ready for a full-day batch session? Start smaller. Try outlining five post ideas today. Or record a few clips while you’re getting your coffee or setting up for work. Every piece you prep now is a gift to future you. View the full article

Shares of ​​UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) plunged by more than 22% Thursday morning after the company reported underwhelming first-quarter earnings and revised its full-year outlook. The health insurance giant lowered its 2025 earnings forecast, now projecting net earnings of $24.65 to $25.15 per share and adjusted earnings of $26.00 to $26.50 per share. This marks a downgrade from its January guidance, which anticipated net earnings between $28.15 and $28.65 per share and adjusted earnings in the range of $29.50 to $30.00 per share. “UnitedHealth Group grew to serve more people more comprehensively but did not perform up to our expectations, and we are aggressively addressing those challenges to position us well for the years ahead, and return to our long-term earnings growth rate target of 13 to 16%,” CEO Andrew Witty said in a statement. The outlook was a result of two factors, the company revealed. First, UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans saw more people using medical services than expected—especially visits to doctors and outpatient care. This increase was clear at the end of the quarter and was much higher than the company planned for 2025, although it was similar to high usage levels it saw in 2024. On top of that, Optum Health, a division of UnitedHealth Group, had some unexpected changes in its patients. Some health plans left certain areas, and the people covered by those plans didn’t use services much in 2024, which affected the planning for how much money would come in for 2025. Also, more patients than expected were “complex” cases, people with serious or multiple health issues, and were heavily affected by past cuts to Medicare funding. The number of people served by the company’s offerings for seniors and people with complex needs grew by 545,000 in the first quarter and remains expected to grow up to 800,000 in 2025, according to the report. The company said these factors are “highly addressable” over the course of 2025 and it looks ahead to 2026. Other insurance stocks are tumbling, too The health insurance sector saw significant stock sell-offs following what appeared to be surprising financial troubles at industry leader UnitedHealth, according to the Wall Street Journal. Humana, for instance, saw an 8% decline. Elevance Health and CVS Health saw their stock prices fall about 6% each early Thursday morning. UnitedHealth Group reported revenues of $109.6 billion, marking a $9.8 billion increase year-over-year, with first-quarter earnings from operations totaling $9.1 billion. View the full article

Google has acted illegally to maintain a dominant position in online advertising, a federal judge ruled on Thursday. The tech giant’s “exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” Judge Leonie Brinkema wrote in her 115-page ruling, which followed another federal judge’s ruling last year that Google had monopolized the search market. Google was found “liable under Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act” for actions in the ad exchange and tool sectors, but not that it operated a monopoly on ad networks. Google told Fast Company it disagreed with the court’s decision, and would appeal it. “We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president, regulatory affairs, in a statement. The latest decision is a big hit to the company, and acts as a prelude to further crackdowns in other jurisdictions, which some suggest could impact its operations. “This is a very big deal,” says Stacy Mitchell, co-director at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “The chokehold that Google​ has over the flow of information​ and ideas online, and its power to pocket the ad dollars, has been killing off local news outlets and undermining a key foundation of democracy.” Jason Kint, CEO of the trade association Digital Content Next, says the ruling “underscores the global harm caused by Google’s practices, which have deprived premium publishers worldwide of critical revenue, undermining their ability to sustain high-quality journalism and entertainment.” Kint believes the decision “is a significant step toward restoring competition and accountability in the digital advertising ecosystem.” Yet for all the headlines the decision will generate, there’s still uncertainty about how much it’ll change Google’s practices—and the wider web. While there’s a recognition that the decisions will likely change how Google works, what impact that will have is uncertain. “Frankly, the ad exchange market is so complicated that it’s hard to know what the impact of any changes to Google’s operations in that area might mean for internet users,” says Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown University. Chander believes any changes compelled by this decision may not immediately be obvious to rank-and-file users. “If Google is forced to spin out its ad exchange market or forced to open it up to more competitors, it’s not clear that the results will be visible to users,” he says. The ruling could also present a Catch-22: While it may open up the ad market and benefit online publishers, it could also lead to increased data collection of users (since a raft of third parties would compete to gather more data on users to supplant Google’s current single supply). Still, the decision, whatever it means for end users, is another drumbeat in a wider shift in power between big tech giants and the governments trying to regulate them. And while attention is on the U.S. right now, it’s decisionmaking elsewhere that could have the more longer-lasting impact on the web. The U.S. court’s decision will likely energize European regulators, who are conducting their own investigation into Google’s ad tech practices. A decision there is expected imminently—and could carry more weight. “After years of imposing fines that Google has shrugged off as a mere cost of doing business, the European Commission has the chance to break free from this cycle of whack-a-mole enforcement,” says Stephen Kinsella, an independent legal expert with 30 years of experience in antitrust regulation. European regulators may be prepared to go further than their American counterparts, potentially reshaping the digital ecosystem by compelling the breakup of Google’s intertwined businesses. “By taking decisive action and mandating a structural break-up, the EU can go beyond slapping big tech companies on the wrist,” says Kinsella. “It can restore a thriving, competitive and fair digital economy that works for its citizens, not entrenched monopolies. This is a moment that Europe cannot afford to let pass.” View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Once again, Zillow has downgraded its 12-month forecast for national home prices. On Wednesday, Zillow economists published their updated forecast model, projecting that U.S. home prices, as measured by the Zillow Home Value Index, will fall 1.7% between March 2025 and March 2026. Back in March, Zillow downgraded its 12-month outlook for U.S. home prices to +0.8%. In February, Zillow downgraded its 12-month outlook to +1.1%. And at the start of the year in January, Zillow’s 12-month national home price forecast was +2.9%. Why does Zillow keep downgrading its national home price outlook? “The rise in [active] listings is fueling softer price growth, as greater supply provides more options and more bargaining power for buyers,” Zillow economists wrote in March. “Potential buyers are opting to remain renters for longer as affordability challenges suppress demand for home purchases.” Essentially, Zillow thinks strained housing affordability—caused by U.S. home prices rising over 40% during the pandemic housing boom and mortgage rates spiking from 3% to 6% in 2022—is weighing on price growth. According to Zillow’s home price model, the listing site also believes that weakening and softening housing markets across the Sun Belt will weigh on nationally aggregated home prices this year. Among the 300 largest U.S. metro area housing markets, Zillow expects the strongest home price appreciation between March 2025 and March 2026 to occur in these 10 areas: Atlantic City, NJ: 2.4% Kingston, NY: 1.9% Rochester, NY: 1.8% Knoxville, TN: 1.7% Torrington, CT : 1.6% Bangor, ME: 1.5% Syracuse, NY: 1.4% Vineland, NJ: 1.4% Concord, NH: 1.3% Norwich, CT: 1.2% In that same time frame, Zillow expects the weakest home price appreciation to occur in these 10 areas: Houma, LA: -10.1% Lake Charles, LA: -8.9% New Orleans, LA: -7.6% Lafayette, LA: -7.5% Shreveport, LA: -7.0% Alexandria, LA -7.0% Beaumont, TX : -6.6% Odessa, TX: -6.3% Midland, TX: -5.7% Monroe, LA: -5.5 Below is what the current year-over-year rate of home price growth looks like for single-family and condo home prices. Florida is currently the epicenter of housing market weakness right now. View the full article

Homeland Security threatens to revoke university’s ability to admit foreign nationalsView the full article