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Senators want to investigate the rapid changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's boards of directors, and seek more clarity about reported layoffs. View the full article

Most companies operate like one-sided cubes—what the world sees is curated and polished, but the rest remains hidden, even to the people inside. Strategy becomes surface-level. Teams chase goals without grounding. Leaders lead without alignment. In a world growing more complex and emotionally disoriented, that’s not just unsustainable—it’s dangerous. It’s time for a Strategy Renaissance. We need to move beyond sterile planning cycles and rediscover the human heart of strategy. In this new era of work, meaning isn’t a bonus feature—it’s your sharpest edge. The Great Divide Between Strategy and Meaning We have long treated strategy as the realm of numbers and logic, while purpose was relegated to the marketing department or buried in mission statements no one remembers. This divide has created companies that appear aligned on paper, but feel disjointed in practice. Metrics without meaning drive burnout. Planning without purpose breeds disengagement. And when disruption inevitably hits, strategies built only on spreadsheets crumble. What endures? Shared purpose, collective clarity, and meaningful momentum. Illuminate the Whole Strategy Cube Imagine your organization as a cube. Each face represents a facet of identity: values, operations, leadership, culture, customers, and employees. Most companies only illuminate one or two sides—the brand and the performance dashboard. The rest remains in the shadows. And when strategy reflects only the visible parts, it becomes hollow. The companies that are thriving today are the ones brave enough to illuminate the whole cube. That means surfacing the hidden brilliance within teams, reclaiming the narratives that shape culture, and embracing the messy, multidimensional nature of real human work. I advised a global biotech company whose strategy had become siloed, driven by financial targets but disconnected from employee experience. Through facilitated dialogue sessions, we helped the executive team rediscover their collective purpose. Within months, they restructured their planning process around a set of guiding principles, resulting in a 22% improvement in employee engagement scores and a renewed sense of cohesion across departments. When you bring every side of the cube into the light, strategy becomes not just aligned—but alive. Dialogue Before Direction: The Campfire as a Strategic Tool Strategy doesn’t start with a spreadsheet. It begins with a story. Before defining your next bold move, gather your people around a campfire—not a literal fire (though that helps), but a space of intentional dialogue where people can share pivotal moments, hopes, fears, and what really matters. When I run campfire sessions with leadership teams, something powerful happens: People stop performing and start connecting. The surface melts, and what emerges is a collective clarity that no off-site whiteboard session can replicate. Great strategy isn’t declared—it’s cocreated. It emerges from shared stories and is strengthened by mutual meaning. Meaning Is Your Talent Magnet Today’s workforce isn’t just looking for a paycheck. They’re looking for alignment—especially Gen Z and millennial talent. They want to know what you stand for, how decisions are made, and whether your values are actually lived. A McKinsey study found that 70% of employees believe their sense of purpose is defined by their work; however, only 15% feel their company’s purpose is well-activated in their day-to-day roles. That gap isn’t just cultural—it’s costly. Meaning is no longer a perk. It’s your recruitment strategy. Your innovation strategy. Your long-game success strategy. The Rise of the Multidimensional Strategist This Strategy Renaissance demands a new kind of thinking, which I call multidimensional strategy. In a world that rewards specialization, it’s time to embrace integration: blending creativity with analysis, intuition with logic, and personal story with business direction. We need leaders who don’t just see the road ahead—they see the people walking it. They know that strategy isn’t just about what to do next. It’s about who we are, why it matters, and how we move forward—together. How to Begin Your Strategy Renaissance If you want to move from hollow plans to meaningful progress, here’s a simple framework to “LIGHT” your way—five ways to reclaim strategy as a human-centered practice: L – Listen Beneath the Metrics. Before examining KPIs, ask: “What isn’t being said? Who’s feeling unseen or unheard?” Strategy begins by tuning into the underlying current. I – Illuminate the Whole Cube. Map the six sides: customers, employees, culture, operations, values, and leadership. Which sides are well-lit? Which are neglected? Make the invisible visible. G – Gather Around the Campfire. Create regular spaces for storytelling and reflection—not just reporting. Ask: “What has challenged us? What has changed us?” Connection breeds clarity. H – Harness Your Hidden Brilliance. Invite diverse voices into strategic conversations, especially those of outliers, creatives, and skeptics. Often, the perspective you most need is the one least consulted. T – Translate Purpose Into Practice. Move from statements to systems. How is your purpose reflected in hiring, decision-making, and how people spend their time? Don’t think of this as a checklist; think of it as a shift in perspective, from a performative strategy to a purposeful design. The Renaissance was a reawakening of human potential. What we need now is no different. Let this be the moment your organization stops performing purpose—and starts living it. Allow this to be the season when strategy becomes more than a plan. Let it become a story that your people want to tell—a movement they want to lead. When you illuminate the full spectrum of who you are as an organization, strategy becomes not just compelling but unforgettable. View the full article

US chipmaker reveals $5.5bn impairment, while full hit to China revenues could surpass $10bnView the full article

If your Windows computer is crashing unexpectedly and showing you a blue screen error, there's now a fix for that. As BleepingComputer reports, Windows updates pushed in March and April are triggering a secure kernel fatal error, causing devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 to crash and display a blue screen exception with error code 0x18B, indicating a SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR. To address this issue, Microsoft has released a Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which is a quick, targeted fix for non-security bugs. It's a temporary solution since it rolls back earlier updates, while the company works on a new update to patch the problem. Here's how to apply it to your device. What Windows users need to doIf you have a personal or non-managed work computer running Windows 11, the resolution will automatically be pushed to your device from Windows Update and Microsoft Update in the next day or so. According to Microsoft's support page, restarting may help the fix apply faster. As such, make sure you reboot your PC in order for this latest update to take effect as soon as possible. For enterprise devices managed by IT departments, the issue will resolve once your network admin installs and configures the Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 KB5053656 250412_03103 Known Issue Rollback Group Policy. The Group Policy can be found under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > . You will also need to restart any affected devices to apply the group policy settings. The blue screen bug follows Microsoft's big Patch Tuesday update, which fixed 134 security vulnerabilities in Windows—including one actively-exploited zero-day flaw. It also comes as Microsoft is testing out a new blue screen design altogether. Soon enough, future crashes like this will look different, though the company's procedural response will likely remained unchanged. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I am one of the lucky few who have not been greatly affected by layoffs in my region. While I am working from home, I am still working. I work in an industry that is fairly well insulated, considering the circumstances. I have a friend who has been laid off from their job in a very different field. This friend emailed me the other day asking me if I had any leads on jobs that they could apply to. The only person I know in a field anywhere close to theirs is in the same position, laying off workers. I have no idea what to say to this person in response. Can you help? I answer this question — and three others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: Rejecting a candidate due to our past personal history My employee tells us way more than we need about his schedule Colleague cc’s herself on every email she sends View the full article

US homebuilder confidence barely rose this month on a pickup in current sales, though demand expectations stumbled to a more than one-year low and prices of construction materials are climbing on the heels of higher tariffs. View the full article

Vehicle sales jump in March before implementation of steep leviesView the full article

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once considered separating Instagram from its parent company due to worries about antitrust litigation, according to an email shown Tuesday on the second day of an antitrust trial alleging Meta illegally monopolized the social media market. In the 2018 email, Zuckerberg wrote that he was beginning to wonder if “spinning Instagram out” would be the only way to accomplish important goals, as big-tech companies grow. He also noted “there is a non-trivial chance” Meta could be forced to spin out Instagram and perhaps WhatsApp in five to 10 years anyway. He wrote that while most companies resist breakups, “the corporate history is that most companies actually perform better after they’ve been split up.” Asked Tuesday by attorney Daniel Matheson, who is leading the antitrust case for the Federal Trade Commission, which incidence in corporate history he had in mind, Zuckerberg responded: “I’m not sure what I had in mind then.” Zuckerberg, who was the first witness, testified for more than seven hours over two days in the trial that could force Meta to break off Instagram and WhatsApp, startups the tech giant bought more than a decade ago that have since grown into social media powerhouses. While questioning Zuckerberg on Tuesday morning, Matheson noted that he had referred to Instagram as being a “rapidly growing, threatening, network.” The attorney also pointed out Zuckerberg’s referring to trying to neutralize a competitor by buying the company. But Zuckerberg said while Matheson was able to show documents in court that indicated his concern about Instagram’s growth, he also had many conversations about how excited his company was to acquire Instagram to make a better product. Zuckerberg also said Facebook was in the process of building a camera app for sharing on mobile phones, and he thought Instagram was better at that, “so I wanted to buy them.” Zuckerberg also pushed back against Matheson’s contention that the reason for buying the company was to neutralize a threat. “I think that that mischaracterizes what the email was,” Zuckerberg said. In his questioning of Zuckerberg, Matheson repeatedly brought up emails—many of them more than a decade old—written by Zuckerberg and his associates before and after the acquisition of Instagram. While acknowledging the documents, Zuckerberg has often sought to downplay the contents, saying he wrote them in the early stages of considering the acquisition and that what he wrote at the time didn’t capture the full scope of his interest in the company. Matheson also brought up a February 2012 message in which Zuckerberg wrote to the former chief financial officer of Facebook that Instagram and Path, a social networking app, already had created meaningful networks that could be “very disruptive to us.” Zuckerberg testified that the message was written in the context of a broad discussion about whether they should buy companies to accelerate their own developments. Zuckerberg also testified that buying the company, taking it off the market, and building their own version of it was “a reasonable thing to do.” Later Tuesday, Mark Hansen, an attorney for Meta, began his questioning of Zuckerberg. Hansen, in his opening statements Monday, emphasized that Meta’s services are free and that the company, far from holding a monopoly, actually has a lot of competition. He made a point of bringing up those issues in just over an hour of questioning Zuckerberg, with more expected to come Wednesday. “It’s very competitive,” Zuckerberg said, noting that charging for using services like Facebook would likely drive users away, since similar services are widely available elsewhere. The trial is one of the first big tests of President Donald The President’s FTC’s ability to challenge Big Tech. The lawsuit was filed against Meta—then called Facebook—in 2020, during The President’s first term. It claims the company bought Instagram and WhatsApp to squash competition and establish an illegal monopoly in the social media market. Facebook bought Instagram—which was a photo-sharing app with no ads—for $1 billion in 2012. Instagram was the first company Facebook bought and kept running as a separate app. Until then, Facebook was known for smaller “acqui-hires”—a popular Silicon Valley deal in which a company purchases a startup as a way to hire its talented workers, then shuts the acquired company down. Two years later, it did it again with the messaging app WhatsApp, which it purchased for $22 billion. WhatsApp and Instagram helped Facebook move its business from desktop computers to mobile devices, and to remain popular with younger generations as rivals like Snapchat (which it also tried, but failed, to buy) and TikTok emerged. However, the FTC has a narrow definition of Meta’s competitive market, excluding companies like TikTok, YouTube, and Apple’s messaging service from being considered rivals to Instagram and WhatsApp. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is presiding over the case. Late last year, he denied Meta’s request for a summary judgment and ruled that the case must go to trial. —Brian Witte, Associated Press View the full article

In early April, Ikea unveiled the latest edition of its iconic Stockholm 2025 collection, marking 40 years since the original collection was released in 1985. The 96-item lineup includes a range of pieces, like bold statement sofas, side tables, and elegant chandeliers. The designs are keeping with the brand’s signature Scandi aesthetic, but with a twist: inspiration from the natural world. The collection is now available in stores and on the Ikea website. At the core of the collection is a thoughtful focus on materials. Solid wood is paired with tactile surfaces and natural fibers like mouth-blown glass and rattan to create a variety of pieces, such as wooden furniture, handwoven rugs, and chandeliers, says the Ikea team. The designers selected these materials not just for their beauty, but for how they age and interact over time. “The purpose of the Stockholm collections has always been to prove that high quality doesn’t need to come at an intimidating cost,” says Karin Gustavsson, creative leader for Stockholm, in a press release. “We have worked to create a no-compromise kind of collection where every piece tells a story. Craftsmanship is at the heart of this project, where traditional techniques and hands-on methods have resulted in durable and beautiful design pieces that stands the test of time.” Swedish designers Ola Wihlborg, Nike Karlsson, and Paulin Machado developed the collection, which was deeply rooted in its namesake city of Stockholm, according to the press release. Two noticeably different sofas serve as the foundational centerpieces of Ikea’s Stockholm 2025 collection. One of them is a wide modular sofa that was designed by Wihlborg and is available in four colors, including a striking turquoise velvet. His frustration with sofas that constantly require cushion fluffing sparked the design concept, says the designer. “I wanted to create a high-quality sofa that maintains its shape and looks the same even after you stand up from sitting in it. Something that prioritizes comfort without needing extra pillows,” he explains. After developing more than 30 prototypes to refine the balance between structure and softness, the final product is a sleek, boldly scaled sofa. Its modular design allows each piece to stand alone or be connected to fit a variety of spaces and lifestyles. Karlsson took a different route with his creation. His sofa, constructed with a solid pine wood frame and soft white cushions, embraces a foam-free design made entirely from natural materials, including woven fabric, natural latex, and coconut fiber, describes the designer. Nature was the main source of inspiration for textile designer Paulin Machado’s pieces. The collection’s lampshades have delicate leaf and mushroom motifs, and color palettes drawn from the shifting tones of Scandinavian seasons. The handwoven wool rugs in earthy greens or minimalist black-and-white echo birch tree patterns. “Nature is the best designer—every colour matches beautifully in the natural world,” Machado says. With its latest collection, the Swedish furniture maker brings the outdoors in. View the full article

Technology and the economy threw some wrenches into the mix. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Technology and the economy threw some wrenches into the mix. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Maker of ‘teaspressos’ and ‘teapuccinos’ could be second-biggest Chinese listing in US in more than three yearsView the full article

Chipmaker leads declines as Wall Street sell-off reignitesView the full article

Discover the easiest way to add your business to Google Maps to reach more customers. View the full article

At first, the bar association for immigration attorneys began receiving inquiries from a couple students a day. These were foreigners studying in the U.S., and they’d discovered in early April their legal status had been terminated with little notice. To their knowledge, none of the students had committed a deportable offense. In recent days, the calls have begun flooding in. Hundreds of students have been calling to say they have lost legal status, seeking advice on what to do next. “We thought it was going to be something that was unusual,” said Matthew Maiona, a Boston-based immigration attorney who is getting about six calls a day from panicked international students. “But it seems now like it’s coming pretty fast and furious.” The speed and scope of the federal government’s efforts to terminate the legal status of international students have stunned colleges across the country. Few corners of higher education have been untouched, as schools ranging from prestigious private universities, large public research institutions, and tiny liberal arts colleges discover status terminations one after another among their students. At least 790 students at more than 120 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press review of university statements and correspondence with school officials. Advocacy groups collecting reports from colleges say hundreds more students could be caught up in the crackdown. Students apparently targeted over minor infractions Around 1.1 million international students were in the United States last year—a source of essential revenue for tuition-driven colleges. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, and their ability to pay tuition often factors into whether they will be admitted to American schools. Often, they pay full price. Many of the students losing their legal status are from India and China, which together account for more than half the international students at American colleges. But the terminations have not been limited to those from any one part of the world, lawyers said. Four students from two Michigan universities are suing The President administration officials after their F-1 student status was terminated last week. Their attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, Ramis Wadood, said the students never received a clear reason why. “We don’t know, and that’s the scary part,” he said. The students were informed of the status terminations by their universities via email, which came as a shock, Wadood said. The reason given was that there was a “criminal records check and/or that their visa was revoked,” Wadood said, but none of them were charged or convicted of crimes. Some had either speeding or parking tickets, but one didn’t have any, he said. Only one of the students had known their entry visa was revoked, Wadood said. Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department was revoking visas held by visitors who were acting counter to national interests, including some who protested Israel’s war in Gaza and those who face criminal charges. But many students say they don’t fall under those categories. Students have filed lawsuits in several states, arguing they were denied due process. In New Hampshire, a federal judge last week granted a temporary restraining order to restore the status of a Ph.D. student at Dartmouth College, Xiaotian Liu. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Wisconsin issued a similar order, ruling the government could not take steps to detain or revoke the visa of a University of Wisconsin-Madison gradate student. In a break from past, feds cancel students’ status directly At many colleges, officials learned the legal immigration status of some international students had been terminated when staff checked a database managed by the Department of Homeland Security. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school. The system to track enrollment and movements of international students came under the control of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after 9/11, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators. She said recent developments have left students fearful of how quickly they can be on the wrong side of enforcement. “You don’t need more than a small number to create fear,” Aw said. “There’s no clarity of what are the reasons and how far the reach of this is.” Her group says as many as 1,300 students have lost visas or had their status terminated, based on reports from colleges. The Department of Homeland Security and State Department did not respond to messages seeking comment. Foreigners who are subject to removal proceedings are usually sent a notice to appear in immigration court on a certain date, but lawyers say affected students have not received any notices, leaving them unsure of next steps to take. Some schools have told students to leave the country to avoid the risk of being detained or deported. But some students have appealed the terminations and stayed in the United States while those are processed. Still others caught in legal limbo aren’t students at all. They had remained in the U.S. post-graduation on “optional practical training,” a one-year period—or up to three for science and technology graduates—that allows employment in the U.S. after completing an academic degree. During that time, a graduate works in their field and waits to receive their H-1B or other employment visas if they wish to keep working in the U.S. Around 242,000 foreigners in the U.S. are employed through this “optional practical training.” About 500,000 are pursuing graduate degrees, and another 342,000 are undergraduate students. Among the students who have filed lawsuits is a Georgia Tech Ph.D. student who is supposed to graduate on May 5, with a job offer to join the faculty. His attorney Charles Kuck said the student was likely targeted for termination because of an unpaid traffic fine from when the student lent his car to a friend. Ultimately, the violation was dismissed. “We have case after case after case exactly like that, where there is no underlying crime,” said Kuck, who is representing 17 students in the federal lawsuit. He said his law firm has heard from hundreds of students. “These are kids who now, under the The President administration, realize their position is fragile,” he said. “They’ve preyed on a very vulnerable population. These kids aren’t hiding. They’re in school.” Some international students have been adapting their daily routines. A Ph.D. student from China at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said she has begun carrying around her passport and immigration paperwork at the advice of the university’s international student office. The student, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted by authorities, said she has been distressed to see the terminations even for students like her without criminal records. “That is the most scary part because you don’t know whether you’re going to be the next person,” she said. __ Seminera reported from Raleigh, N.C., and Keller reported from Albuquerque, N.M. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Annie Ma, Makiya Seminera and Christopher L. Keller, Associated Press View the full article

Key Takeaways Brand Consistency is Crucial: Ensuring all franchise units maintain the same brand identity is essential for customer trust and brand loyalty. Effective Communication with Franchisors: Managing the relationship with your franchisor through clear communication can prevent conflicts and enhance operational support. Market Adaptation is Necessary: Staying alert to market fluctuations and consumer behavior ensures your franchise remains competitive and relevant. Financial Management Matters: Understanding and managing initial investments, ongoing fees, and operational costs is key to a franchise’s long-term success. Legal Compliance is Mandatory: Adhering to franchise agreements and local regulations is critical to avoid legal issues that could negatively impact your franchise operations. Embrace Technology: Leveraging technological advancements can enhance operational efficiency and improve customer engagement, making your franchise more appealing in a digital age. Franchising can be an exciting venture, offering the chance to tap into established brands and proven business models. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. As a franchise owner, you’ll encounter unique challenges that can impact your success and growth. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for navigating the franchise landscape effectively. From maintaining brand consistency to managing relationships with franchisors, the road can be bumpy. You’ll need to balance your entrepreneurial spirit with the demands of following established protocols. Additionally, market fluctuations and competition can pose significant threats. By recognizing and addressing these challenges early on, you can position yourself for a thriving franchise experience. Overview of Challenges Faced by Franchises Franchises encounter several distinct challenges that can impact their success. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for you as a franchisee or franchisor. Brand Consistency Maintaining brand consistency across all units presents a significant challenge in franchising. You must ensure that products, services, and customer experiences reflect the established brand identity. Deviations can damage brand recognition and erode customer trust. Managing Franchisor Relationships Navigating the relationship with your franchisor requires clear communication and mutual understanding. You depend on the franchisor for support and resources, yet conflicts can arise over franchise agreements, operational standards, and fees. Addressing issues promptly can prevent escalation. Market Fluctuations Market fluctuations pose risks to franchise stability. Economic shifts can impact consumer behavior and spending. You should conduct regular location analysis to adapt your franchise marketing strategy and respond effectively to changing market conditions. Competition and Differentiation Facing competition from other franchise units and independent businesses is inevitable. You’ll need to develop a strong franchise marketing plan that emphasizes unique selling points. Understanding your local market can guide your franchise recruitment efforts to attract customers effectively. Financial Management Managing financial aspects such as royalty fees, initial investments, and franchise fees is essential. Ensuring adequate franchise financing helps maintain operations during downturns. Regular review of franchise metrics can help you evaluate your franchise profit and plan for growth. Compliance with Franchise Laws Adhering to franchise regulations often presents a challenge. Compliance with laws governing franchise operations, advertising, and sales is critical. Staying informed about franchising trends and working with franchise consultants can help you navigate legal complexities. Training and Support Franchise training and support from your franchisor directly affect operational efficiency. Yet, the adequacy of these resources can vary among franchising opportunities. Engaging with fellow franchisees in the franchise network can provide valuable insights and best practices. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can position your franchise for greater success and longevity in the franchise industry. Financial Concerns Franchisees face several financial concerns that impact their business operations. Recognizing these factors is crucial for sustained success within the franchise system. Initial Investment and Royalties You must consider the substantial initial investment needed to start a franchise. This investment usually includes the franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment expenses, initial inventory and supplies, and training expenses. For established brands, these costs can range from $1.3 million to $2.3 million or more, with the precise amount varying by brand and industry. In addition to this upfront investment, ongoing royalty fees add to your financial obligations. These royalties typically take between 4.6% to 12.5% of your gross sales, continuing regardless of your revenue performance. Understanding the details in the franchise disclosure document is vital for evaluating the financial landscape of your franchise opportunity. Ongoing Operational Costs You must also manage ongoing operational costs to ensure a profitable franchise business. These costs can include royalties, marketing fees, employee salaries, and general overhead. It’s essential to maintain proper cash flow to support these expenses, especially during downturns when revenues may dip. Regularly reviewing your franchise operations manual can help streamline costs and improve efficiency. Adopting a solid franchise marketing strategy can enhance brand recognition and drive customer traffic, further supporting your financial health in the competitive franchise industry. Being aware of these financial challenges allows you to prepare adequately, ensuring long-term stability and growth within your franchise network. Regulatory and Compliance Issues Franchises face significant regulatory and compliance challenges that can affect your business operations and profitability. Franchise Agreements Franchise agreements serve as the backbone of your franchise relationship with the franchisor. These legal contracts outline the terms, obligations, and rights of both parties. Key elements include the initial investment, royalty fees, and territory definitions. Understanding these agreements fully helps you avoid pitfalls and ensures that you’re aligned with the franchise model expectations, protecting your franchise opportunity for growth. Local and Federal Regulations Local and federal regulations impose additional layers of complexity on franchise operations. You must adhere to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Amended Franchise Rule, which mandates that franchisors provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any financial exchange. This document contains 23 critical points of information, including initial fees and franchisee obligations. State-specific regulations can differ widely, adding to the administrative burden. For instance, California and Illinois impose different compliance requirements, which necessitates thorough franchise research to understand your obligations. Negotiating these local franchise laws and regulations effectively mitigates risks and positions your franchise business for long-term stability. Competition in the Market Franchises face intense competition that is critical for their survival in today’s economy. Understanding that both internal and external competition impacts your franchise success is essential. Brand Recognition Brand recognition is vital for franchisees in a competitive market. A well-established brand provides immediate trust and loyalty from customers, which can lead to increased sales. Your franchise marketing strategy should emphasize brand strengths and create a consistent message across all locations. Investing in effective franchise training for staff ensures everyone represents the brand positively, enhancing its presence in the market. Market Saturation Market saturation occurs when too many similar franchises exist in a given area, making it challenging to differentiate your business. You might find it necessary to conduct location analysis before starting a franchise. Evaluating territorial boundaries and securing an exclusive territory can prevent oversaturation and protect your customer base. A robust franchise marketing plan designed specifically for your local context can help attract customers, even in a saturated marketplace. Managing Franchisee Relationships Managing relationships between franchisors and franchisees forms a crucial part of successful franchise operations. It enhances brand consistency and fosters a healthy franchise network. Communication and Support Effective communication serves as the backbone of any franchise business. You need ongoing support from your franchisor to understand operational guidelines and marketing strategies. Establish regular check-ins and utilize various communication channels like emails, calls, and franchise webinars. Access to franchise training resources ensures you remain updated on protocols and brand standards. This support allows you to adapt your strategies to meet local market demands while adhering to the franchise system. Conflict Resolution Conflicts may arise in any business model, and franchising is no exception. Having a clear conflict resolution process documented in your franchise operations manual can preempt misunderstandings. Begin by addressing issues promptly with open discussions. Make sure to refer to your franchise agreement to clarify rights and obligations. If disputes persist, consider mediation or consultation with franchise consultants to facilitate resolution. By prioritizing conflict management, you enhance potential franchise growth and maintain a harmonious relationship that benefits both parties. Adapting to Market Changes Adapting to market changes poses distinct challenges for franchisees. Understanding shifts in consumer behavior and keeping pace with technological advancements ensures franchise success. Consumer Behavior Shifts Consumer preferences frequently change, requiring franchisees to stay attentive. To maintain brand recognition, adapt marketing strategies based on customer feedback and market trends. Special promotions, like five-dollar meal deals, enhance customer attraction but can impact profitability. Franchisees often face pressure from price-conscious consumers while managing rising operational costs. Regular analysis of customer purchasing patterns helps you adjust your franchise marketing plan effectively. Technological Advancements Technological innovations reshape the franchise landscape. Implementing modern point-of-sale systems, mobile ordering apps, or loyalty programs can enhance customer experiences. Embracing these advancements aids in streamlining operations and attracting a tech-savvy audience. Franchise training on new technologies lets you leverage tools that enhance efficiency. Effective use of digital marketing strategies also connects you with consumers, driving franchise growth. Regular updates to your franchise operations manual ensure your team adapts to ongoing technological changes, promoting compliance with updated franchise standards. Conclusion Navigating the world of franchising comes with its share of challenges. By recognizing these hurdles early on, you can take proactive steps to address them effectively. Maintaining brand consistency and fostering strong relationships with your franchisor are vital for success. Staying adaptable to market changes and understanding consumer behavior can give you a competitive edge. Remember to manage your finances wisely and ensure compliance with regulations to safeguard your investment. By prioritizing these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in the franchise landscape, paving the way for long-term growth and stability. Embrace the journey and leverage the support available to you as a franchisee. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of franchising? Franchising allows business owners to tap into established brands, providing a proven business model, marketing support, and increased customer trust. It reduces startup risk by leveraging the success of the franchisor while allowing owners to operate independently. What challenges do franchise owners face? Franchise owners must maintain brand consistency, manage relationships with franchisors, navigate market fluctuations, and deal with competition. These challenges are crucial to understand and address for a successful franchise experience. How important is communication with franchisors? Effective communication with franchisors is vital to prevent conflicts and ensure adherence to operational standards. Maintaining a clear dialogue helps franchisees manage relationships and align with brand expectations. What financial considerations should franchisees keep in mind? Franchisees face significant initial investments, ranging from $1.3 million to $2.3 million, alongside ongoing royalty fees of 4.6% to 12.5% of gross sales. Managing operational costs and cash flow is essential for profitability. Why is compliance with franchise laws important? Compliance with franchise laws ensures that franchisees protect their interests and adhere to regulations. Understanding franchise agreements and the FTC’s Amended Franchise Rule helps franchisees operate legally and responsibly. How can franchisees stand out in a saturated market? Franchisees can gain an edge by conducting location analysis, securing exclusive territories, and implementing tailored marketing strategies. Emphasizing unique selling points can attract customers even in competitive environments. How can franchisees adapt to market changes? Franchisees should stay informed about shifts in consumer behavior and technological advancements. Regularly updating marketing strategies and embracing new tools can enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. What role do relationships play in franchise success? Strong relationships between franchisees and franchisors are crucial for brand consistency and operational success. Clear communication and conflict resolution strategies help foster cooperation and benefit both parties. How can franchisees manage operational costs effectively? To streamline costs, franchisees should maintain proper cash flow, review the franchise operations manual regularly, and monitor expenses such as royalties and employee salaries to ensure efficiency and profitability. Image Via Envato This article, "Navigating the Challenges Faced by Franchises for Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Brand Consistency is Crucial: Ensuring all franchise units maintain the same brand identity is essential for customer trust and brand loyalty. Effective Communication with Franchisors: Managing the relationship with your franchisor through clear communication can prevent conflicts and enhance operational support. Market Adaptation is Necessary: Staying alert to market fluctuations and consumer behavior ensures your franchise remains competitive and relevant. Financial Management Matters: Understanding and managing initial investments, ongoing fees, and operational costs is key to a franchise’s long-term success. Legal Compliance is Mandatory: Adhering to franchise agreements and local regulations is critical to avoid legal issues that could negatively impact your franchise operations. Embrace Technology: Leveraging technological advancements can enhance operational efficiency and improve customer engagement, making your franchise more appealing in a digital age. Franchising can be an exciting venture, offering the chance to tap into established brands and proven business models. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. As a franchise owner, you’ll encounter unique challenges that can impact your success and growth. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for navigating the franchise landscape effectively. From maintaining brand consistency to managing relationships with franchisors, the road can be bumpy. You’ll need to balance your entrepreneurial spirit with the demands of following established protocols. Additionally, market fluctuations and competition can pose significant threats. By recognizing and addressing these challenges early on, you can position yourself for a thriving franchise experience. Overview of Challenges Faced by Franchises Franchises encounter several distinct challenges that can impact their success. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for you as a franchisee or franchisor. Brand Consistency Maintaining brand consistency across all units presents a significant challenge in franchising. You must ensure that products, services, and customer experiences reflect the established brand identity. Deviations can damage brand recognition and erode customer trust. Managing Franchisor Relationships Navigating the relationship with your franchisor requires clear communication and mutual understanding. You depend on the franchisor for support and resources, yet conflicts can arise over franchise agreements, operational standards, and fees. Addressing issues promptly can prevent escalation. Market Fluctuations Market fluctuations pose risks to franchise stability. Economic shifts can impact consumer behavior and spending. You should conduct regular location analysis to adapt your franchise marketing strategy and respond effectively to changing market conditions. Competition and Differentiation Facing competition from other franchise units and independent businesses is inevitable. You’ll need to develop a strong franchise marketing plan that emphasizes unique selling points. Understanding your local market can guide your franchise recruitment efforts to attract customers effectively. Financial Management Managing financial aspects such as royalty fees, initial investments, and franchise fees is essential. Ensuring adequate franchise financing helps maintain operations during downturns. Regular review of franchise metrics can help you evaluate your franchise profit and plan for growth. Compliance with Franchise Laws Adhering to franchise regulations often presents a challenge. Compliance with laws governing franchise operations, advertising, and sales is critical. Staying informed about franchising trends and working with franchise consultants can help you navigate legal complexities. Training and Support Franchise training and support from your franchisor directly affect operational efficiency. Yet, the adequacy of these resources can vary among franchising opportunities. Engaging with fellow franchisees in the franchise network can provide valuable insights and best practices. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can position your franchise for greater success and longevity in the franchise industry. Financial Concerns Franchisees face several financial concerns that impact their business operations. Recognizing these factors is crucial for sustained success within the franchise system. Initial Investment and Royalties You must consider the substantial initial investment needed to start a franchise. This investment usually includes the franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment expenses, initial inventory and supplies, and training expenses. For established brands, these costs can range from $1.3 million to $2.3 million or more, with the precise amount varying by brand and industry. In addition to this upfront investment, ongoing royalty fees add to your financial obligations. These royalties typically take between 4.6% to 12.5% of your gross sales, continuing regardless of your revenue performance. Understanding the details in the franchise disclosure document is vital for evaluating the financial landscape of your franchise opportunity. Ongoing Operational Costs You must also manage ongoing operational costs to ensure a profitable franchise business. These costs can include royalties, marketing fees, employee salaries, and general overhead. It’s essential to maintain proper cash flow to support these expenses, especially during downturns when revenues may dip. Regularly reviewing your franchise operations manual can help streamline costs and improve efficiency. Adopting a solid franchise marketing strategy can enhance brand recognition and drive customer traffic, further supporting your financial health in the competitive franchise industry. Being aware of these financial challenges allows you to prepare adequately, ensuring long-term stability and growth within your franchise network. Regulatory and Compliance Issues Franchises face significant regulatory and compliance challenges that can affect your business operations and profitability. Franchise Agreements Franchise agreements serve as the backbone of your franchise relationship with the franchisor. These legal contracts outline the terms, obligations, and rights of both parties. Key elements include the initial investment, royalty fees, and territory definitions. Understanding these agreements fully helps you avoid pitfalls and ensures that you’re aligned with the franchise model expectations, protecting your franchise opportunity for growth. Local and Federal Regulations Local and federal regulations impose additional layers of complexity on franchise operations. You must adhere to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Amended Franchise Rule, which mandates that franchisors provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any financial exchange. This document contains 23 critical points of information, including initial fees and franchisee obligations. State-specific regulations can differ widely, adding to the administrative burden. For instance, California and Illinois impose different compliance requirements, which necessitates thorough franchise research to understand your obligations. Negotiating these local franchise laws and regulations effectively mitigates risks and positions your franchise business for long-term stability. Competition in the Market Franchises face intense competition that is critical for their survival in today’s economy. Understanding that both internal and external competition impacts your franchise success is essential. Brand Recognition Brand recognition is vital for franchisees in a competitive market. A well-established brand provides immediate trust and loyalty from customers, which can lead to increased sales. Your franchise marketing strategy should emphasize brand strengths and create a consistent message across all locations. Investing in effective franchise training for staff ensures everyone represents the brand positively, enhancing its presence in the market. Market Saturation Market saturation occurs when too many similar franchises exist in a given area, making it challenging to differentiate your business. You might find it necessary to conduct location analysis before starting a franchise. Evaluating territorial boundaries and securing an exclusive territory can prevent oversaturation and protect your customer base. A robust franchise marketing plan designed specifically for your local context can help attract customers, even in a saturated marketplace. Managing Franchisee Relationships Managing relationships between franchisors and franchisees forms a crucial part of successful franchise operations. It enhances brand consistency and fosters a healthy franchise network. Communication and Support Effective communication serves as the backbone of any franchise business. You need ongoing support from your franchisor to understand operational guidelines and marketing strategies. Establish regular check-ins and utilize various communication channels like emails, calls, and franchise webinars. Access to franchise training resources ensures you remain updated on protocols and brand standards. This support allows you to adapt your strategies to meet local market demands while adhering to the franchise system. Conflict Resolution Conflicts may arise in any business model, and franchising is no exception. Having a clear conflict resolution process documented in your franchise operations manual can preempt misunderstandings. Begin by addressing issues promptly with open discussions. Make sure to refer to your franchise agreement to clarify rights and obligations. If disputes persist, consider mediation or consultation with franchise consultants to facilitate resolution. By prioritizing conflict management, you enhance potential franchise growth and maintain a harmonious relationship that benefits both parties. Adapting to Market Changes Adapting to market changes poses distinct challenges for franchisees. Understanding shifts in consumer behavior and keeping pace with technological advancements ensures franchise success. Consumer Behavior Shifts Consumer preferences frequently change, requiring franchisees to stay attentive. To maintain brand recognition, adapt marketing strategies based on customer feedback and market trends. Special promotions, like five-dollar meal deals, enhance customer attraction but can impact profitability. Franchisees often face pressure from price-conscious consumers while managing rising operational costs. Regular analysis of customer purchasing patterns helps you adjust your franchise marketing plan effectively. Technological Advancements Technological innovations reshape the franchise landscape. Implementing modern point-of-sale systems, mobile ordering apps, or loyalty programs can enhance customer experiences. Embracing these advancements aids in streamlining operations and attracting a tech-savvy audience. Franchise training on new technologies lets you leverage tools that enhance efficiency. Effective use of digital marketing strategies also connects you with consumers, driving franchise growth. Regular updates to your franchise operations manual ensure your team adapts to ongoing technological changes, promoting compliance with updated franchise standards. Conclusion Navigating the world of franchising comes with its share of challenges. By recognizing these hurdles early on, you can take proactive steps to address them effectively. Maintaining brand consistency and fostering strong relationships with your franchisor are vital for success. Staying adaptable to market changes and understanding consumer behavior can give you a competitive edge. Remember to manage your finances wisely and ensure compliance with regulations to safeguard your investment. By prioritizing these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in the franchise landscape, paving the way for long-term growth and stability. Embrace the journey and leverage the support available to you as a franchisee. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of franchising? Franchising allows business owners to tap into established brands, providing a proven business model, marketing support, and increased customer trust. It reduces startup risk by leveraging the success of the franchisor while allowing owners to operate independently. What challenges do franchise owners face? Franchise owners must maintain brand consistency, manage relationships with franchisors, navigate market fluctuations, and deal with competition. These challenges are crucial to understand and address for a successful franchise experience. How important is communication with franchisors? Effective communication with franchisors is vital to prevent conflicts and ensure adherence to operational standards. Maintaining a clear dialogue helps franchisees manage relationships and align with brand expectations. What financial considerations should franchisees keep in mind? Franchisees face significant initial investments, ranging from $1.3 million to $2.3 million, alongside ongoing royalty fees of 4.6% to 12.5% of gross sales. Managing operational costs and cash flow is essential for profitability. Why is compliance with franchise laws important? Compliance with franchise laws ensures that franchisees protect their interests and adhere to regulations. Understanding franchise agreements and the FTC’s Amended Franchise Rule helps franchisees operate legally and responsibly. How can franchisees stand out in a saturated market? Franchisees can gain an edge by conducting location analysis, securing exclusive territories, and implementing tailored marketing strategies. Emphasizing unique selling points can attract customers even in competitive environments. How can franchisees adapt to market changes? Franchisees should stay informed about shifts in consumer behavior and technological advancements. Regularly updating marketing strategies and embracing new tools can enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. What role do relationships play in franchise success? Strong relationships between franchisees and franchisors are crucial for brand consistency and operational success. Clear communication and conflict resolution strategies help foster cooperation and benefit both parties. How can franchisees manage operational costs effectively? To streamline costs, franchisees should maintain proper cash flow, review the franchise operations manual regularly, and monitor expenses such as royalties and employee salaries to ensure efficiency and profitability. Image Via Envato This article, "Navigating the Challenges Faced by Franchises for Business Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Yes, Spotify is down. Spotify users are reporting service outages on the music streaming desktop and mobile app. As of 8:50 a.m., U.S. users started experiencing technical issues with the app, with around 323 reports. By 9:05 a.m., reports had risen to more than 20,000 outages, and are about 40,000 outage reports at the time of publishing. Technical issues are mainly reported in the U.S. and Europe, with some additional reports in Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Israel. “We are aware of the outage and working to resolve it as soon as possible,” a Spotify spokesperson told Fast Company in a statement. “The reports of this being a security hack are completely inaccurate. For ongoing updates regarding this issue, please reference our @SpotifyStatus X channel.” Spotify issued an acknowledgement of the situation earlier at 8:45 a.m. via social media saying, “We’re aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!” The technical issues appear to impact the search option on the mobile and desktop app, with a message saying “couldn’t load the page.” View the full article

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Comcast announced Thursday that 100 small businesses in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and surrounding communities will receive comprehensive grant packages through the Comcast RISE program. The initiative is part of a broader $3 million national effort aimed at supporting 500 small businesses across five U.S. regions. The grant packages will include a $5,000 monetary grant, a full technology makeover, professionally produced marketing assets, media exposure, access to educational resources, and business coaching sessions. Applications will open May 1 and close May 31, with interested businesses directed to apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. “Small business owners in Grand Rapids and Muskegon serve as the economic and innovation engines of their communities,” said Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President, Comcast Business, Heartland. “Comcast RISE is all about uplifting local entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small businesses, and our continued commitment to their success.” Each selected business will receive a package that includes: Technology Makeover: Computer equipment and 12 months of Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services (applicable taxes and fees may apply). Creative Production & Media: A 30-second TV commercial professionally produced, a media strategy consultation, and a 180-day linear media schedule (applicable taxes and fees may apply). Education Resources: A yearlong subscription to online courses and learning modules designed for small business owners. Monetary Grant: A $5,000 direct financial award. Coaching Sessions: Business consultation and assessment sessions with tailored recommendations for growth. This year’s recipients from Grand Rapids and Muskegon will be announced in August, joining other businesses selected from Boston, Nashville, Seattle, and South Valley, Utah. Comcast will distribute 100 grants in each region. Comcast highlighted previous local recipients, including Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids), Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars (Kentwood), A Solution B (Wyoming), and Servicios De Esperanza (Muskegon). “The saying is, ‘business is never personal’ – but we take the opposite approach,” said Christian Boyd, owner of Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars. “We’re so grateful to provide a service to the community, and I’m very grateful we were chosen to participate in Comcast RISE. For any eligible business thinking about applying for Comcast RISE this year, just go for it. It’s an awesome opportunity you can’t afford to pass up.” Since its launch in 2020, Comcast RISE has supported 14,000 entrepreneurs across the country. The program is part of Project UP, Comcast’s broader initiative aimed at creating digital equity and expanding opportunity. Eligibility requirements and application details can be found at www.ComcastRISE.com. This article, "Comcast RISE to Award $3 Million in Support to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Comcast announced Thursday that 100 small businesses in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and surrounding communities will receive comprehensive grant packages through the Comcast RISE program. The initiative is part of a broader $3 million national effort aimed at supporting 500 small businesses across five U.S. regions. The grant packages will include a $5,000 monetary grant, a full technology makeover, professionally produced marketing assets, media exposure, access to educational resources, and business coaching sessions. Applications will open May 1 and close May 31, with interested businesses directed to apply at www.ComcastRISE.com. “Small business owners in Grand Rapids and Muskegon serve as the economic and innovation engines of their communities,” said Sonya Callahan, Regional Vice President, Comcast Business, Heartland. “Comcast RISE is all about uplifting local entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small businesses, and our continued commitment to their success.” Each selected business will receive a package that includes: Technology Makeover: Computer equipment and 12 months of Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services (applicable taxes and fees may apply). Creative Production & Media: A 30-second TV commercial professionally produced, a media strategy consultation, and a 180-day linear media schedule (applicable taxes and fees may apply). Education Resources: A yearlong subscription to online courses and learning modules designed for small business owners. Monetary Grant: A $5,000 direct financial award. Coaching Sessions: Business consultation and assessment sessions with tailored recommendations for growth. This year’s recipients from Grand Rapids and Muskegon will be announced in August, joining other businesses selected from Boston, Nashville, Seattle, and South Valley, Utah. Comcast will distribute 100 grants in each region. Comcast highlighted previous local recipients, including Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids), Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars (Kentwood), A Solution B (Wyoming), and Servicios De Esperanza (Muskegon). “The saying is, ‘business is never personal’ – but we take the opposite approach,” said Christian Boyd, owner of Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars. “We’re so grateful to provide a service to the community, and I’m very grateful we were chosen to participate in Comcast RISE. For any eligible business thinking about applying for Comcast RISE this year, just go for it. It’s an awesome opportunity you can’t afford to pass up.” Since its launch in 2020, Comcast RISE has supported 14,000 entrepreneurs across the country. The program is part of Project UP, Comcast’s broader initiative aimed at creating digital equity and expanding opportunity. Eligibility requirements and application details can be found at www.ComcastRISE.com. This article, "Comcast RISE to Award $3 Million in Support to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Understand the differences between local SEO, national SEO, and global SEO, and decide the best strategy for you. View the full article

Google is facing a new class action lawsuit in the UK that accuses the search giant of abusing its market power and driving up search ad prices. By the numbers: £5 billion ($6.6 billion U.S.): The potential damages Google faces. 90%: Google’s share of UK search advertising revenue, according to a 2020 CMA study. 13+ years: The period covered by the lawsuit (January 2011 to present). The details. Competition law academic Or Brook filed the lawsuit today in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, alleging Google has: Restricted competing search engines. Created a monopolistic position in search advertising. Forced businesses to use its ad services at inflated prices. Secured preferential placement through deals with device makers. Why we care. This case represents one of the largest competition claims brought against Google in Europe and could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of UK businesses that have used Google’s search advertising since 2011. This lawsuit could potentially lower Google’s artificially inflated search advertising prices if successful, affecting marketing budgets and ROI calculations. The case highlights how Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices have created a situation where businesses have “almost no choice” but to advertise on its platform despite potentially paying higher rates than would exist in a truly competitive market. What they’re saying. “UK businesses and organisations, big or small, have almost no choice but to use Google ads to advertise their products and services,” Brook said in a statement. Google dismissed the case as “speculative and opportunistic” and plans to “argue against it vigorously,” adding that “consumers and advertisers use Google because it’s helpful, not because there are no alternatives.” Dig deeper. How Google harms search advertisers in 20 slides View the full article

As much as Apple keeps hyping them up, those 4K 60fps videos will chew through your iPhone's storage space like you wouldn't believe. When you get to the point where you have to choose between keeping videos of your kids and clips from that beloved once-in-a-lifetime vacation, you have a problem. But I've got a solution—not all videos need to be stored at full quality, at all times. There are many ways to go about compressing your iPhone videos, but like most things in life, the simplest option is often the best. Kompresso is a free to use, native iPhone app that uses the powerful processor on your smartphone to compress files. This means there's no need to upload or share your video files to online compression websites. Another plus? Most of the compression apps you'll see on the App Store are filled with popup ads, and are quite nickel-and-dimey. Kompresso is differen, while still being plenty robust. You can compress a video by 30% without even changing the resolution. And a drop in resolution can lead to 70% or higher file size savings. Why you might need to compress videosMost people think of video compression as the last tool in their belt, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are many reasons why you might want to compress videos, even if all you're thinking of is backup. The storage space issue: The biggest factor here comes down to storage space. Perhaps your iPhone is running out of storage space, and you've realized that there are 30 GBs of videos on it that you don't even remember taking. Data usage and upload issue: When it comes to uploading or sharing videos, file size really hurts. It takes longer to upload large files, and there are sites that won't even allow for videos above a certain size. Not to mention the bandwidth required, and the data charges when you try to upload a 5GB video straight from your iPhone, using 5G. The speed issue: The bigger the data size, the longer the transfer, and it doesn't matter if it's happening offline, when you're offloading a video from the iPhone to your computer, or if you're transferring the file using an online service. The playback issue: A large iPhone video plays great on your iPhone, and your Mac, but that might not be the case when you transfer it to your parents' Windows PC and they try to play it on their TV (true story, this happened to one of my wedding videos, which lagged and stuttered like crazy). The Cloud issue: Apple is already bad at giving us affordable storage space. And if you're on one of the cheaper tiers of its cloud plan, like 50GB or 200GB, a couple of videos can push you to upgrade to the 2TB plan that costs $9.99/month. Do you really want to give Apple $120 per year just to store some large video files? What does compressing your videos do?Good video compression is all about striking a balance between file size and visual quality. Compression algorithms try to reduce the file size while still keeping all the visual elements of the video intact, or at least at an acceptable quality. The software analyzes the video frame by frame, and then looks for redundancies and patterns across the video. This can be between a single frame, or between multiple consecutive frames. In a single frame, the algorithm might compress adjacent pixels with similar color and brightness. For example, it might store color details for a large part of a sky shot in one spot, instead of having data on every single blue pixel. When it comes to multiple frames, the algorithm might also save on details from a static background. Of course, once video is compressed, you might notice that the video quality is slightly reduced. You might see visible pixelation, or blockiness in some videos with fast motion. Although, with good programs, this isn't that common. If this does happen, you can try compressing again, just using less harsh parameters, or perhaps without dropping down the resolution. How to compress vidoes on iPhone using KompressoThe Kompresso app offers two options for compressing videos. By default, you'll see a simplified three tier option. Add any video and choose between High, Medium, and Low quality. As you change the option, you'll see the file size savings you'll get up top. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Keeping the highest quality will keep the same resolution but will reduce the bitrate and will use the compression tricks I talked about above. This will make the video take up around 30% less space. The Medium quality option will reduce the resolution to 720p, and the Low Quality option will take it all the way down to 480p. Personally, I wouldn't suggest going down that far. In fact, if you find you need to select the "Low" preset to make a dent in your storage space, it might be better to switch to the Advanced Options tab to customize your size savings manually. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Here, you can fine tune the Compression settings to focus on one of three presets: Less Space, Balanced, and Better Quality. Next, make sure to choose H.265 encoding, as it's highly efficient. Then, you can choose the resolution, frame rate, and even the format to export. Finally, tap the Compress button and wait a while as the video is compressed. Now, you can directly share the video, to save it to the Photos app. Once the new video is saved, make sure you go to the Photos app to delete the old video, and then again, to clear it from the Recently Deleted folder. Kompresso is free to use for up to three compressions a day, and you can unlock all limits by paying $1.99/month or $9.99 to fully unlock it for life. View the full article