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US president could escalate trade conflict with Beijing by launching probe into suppliesView the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Disruption has become our new workplace reality. For managers, navigating change is an everyday responsibility, not an occasional responsibility. Gallup reports that 72% of employees recently experienced workplace disruptions, and nearly a third of leaders experienced extensive disruptions. Today, no disruption is as prevalent as the rise of artificial intelligence. Yes, as sophisticated as AI might become, the key to successfully leading your team through change does not lie in smarter tech, but rather in fostering the fundamental human skills that AI will never be capable of delivering. The human role Quiet the noise around AI and you will find the simple truth that the most crucial workplace capabilities remain deeply human. According to World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, essential skills like resilience, agility, creativity, empathy, active listening, and curiosity are far more valuable than technical skills. Those skills listed may be commonly referred to as “soft,” but in the age of AI, they are not just feel-good assets reserved for your personality hires. The future of work hinges on how well your teams adapt, connect, and perform together as humans. Of course, none of this should be surprising. Good leaders understand the importance of human-centered skills. Yet, there remains a significant gap between what we value and what we actively build in our people. Deloitte’s 2025 Human Capital Trends Report says that 71% of managers and 76% of HR executives believe prioritizing human capabilities like emotional intelligence, resilience, and curiosity, is “very” or “critically” important. This human skills gap is even more urgent when Gen Z is factored in. They entered the workforce aligned with a shift to remote and hybrid environments, resulting in fewer opportunities to hone interpersonal skills through real-life interactions. This is not a critique of an entire generation, but rather an acknowledgment of a broad workplace challenge. And Gen Z is not alone in needing to strengthen communication across generational divides, but that is a topic for another day. Adding fuel to the fire are increased workloads, job insecurity, and economic stresses. When we combine these pressures with underdeveloped human skills, we see the predictable outcomes: disengagement, confusion, and last year’s buzzword, quiet quitting. If leaders are not proactively developing their team’s human capabilities, they leave them unprepared to navigate exactly the changes they are expected to embrace. Find comfort in discomfort So what should leaders do? The answer is simple, but the practice is challenging. Leaders must embrace their inner improviser. Yes, improvisation, like what you have watched on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Or the awkward performance your college roommate invited you to in that obscure college lounge. The skills of an improviser are a proven method for striving amidst uncertainty. Decades of experience at Second City Works and studies published by The Behavioral Scientist confirm the principles of improv equip us to handle change with agility, empathy, and resilience. A study involving 55 improv classes, including several facilitated by The Second City, revealed a powerful truth. Participants who intentionally sought out discomfort developed sharper focus, took bolder creative risks, and reported greater confidence and improved communication skills. The lesson? Discomfort is not the problem. It is the pathway forward. Leaders must model this openly. Normalize statements like, “This feels awkward, but we’ll navigate it together.” When your team sees discomfort as an opportunity to learn rather than a flaw to fear, they will follow your example. Encourage authentic curiosity Amid constant change, we crave clear answers. But sometimes rushing toward the first “right answer” closes the door to innovation and possibility. Instead, leaders should practice authentic curiosity. Ask your team, “What else could be true?” Welcome “I don’t know” moments. Create psychological safety so new ideas can surface without judgment. Curiosity keeps your teams adaptable. And according to the World Economic Forum, it remains one of the most valuable capabilities leaders can nurture. Make listening the cultural norm We talk a lot about the importance of listening, but few teams actually practice it consistently. Make listening intentional and visible. Respond with the phrase, “So what I’m hearing is,” followed by paraphrasing what you heard. Pose thoughtful questions that indicate your priority is understanding, not just replying. Consciously build pauses into conversations, especially during tense or critical discussions. When team members feel heard, they are more willing to collaborate, innovate, and commit to their teams. Listening is not simply polite. It is strategic and transformative. Disruptions will not slow down. Innovative technologies will continue to emerge. New directives will always appear. Priorities will shift rapidly. But leaders who want to guide teams who thrive, not just survive, must invest in their people first. An improvisor’s skills are worth cultivating. Because, the future of work does not need smarter tools, but it will demand more empowered, resilient humans, and the improvisational leader who inspired them. Tyler Dean Kempf is creative director of Second City Works. View the full article

​​​​​The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. More people will require surgery this year than ever before. ​​​​And next year, that number will rise again. By 2030, more than 313 million surgical procedures will done annually. This is a demand the current healthcare system can’t keep up with. The result will be longer wait times, more complications, and a system stretched far beyond its limits. For decades, surgical innovation has been defined by better tools, stronger materials, and finer instruments, including hardware designed to improve human hands. But true transformation doesn’t come from refining scalpels and sutures; it comes from giving surgeons the right information at the right time, through the world’s most intelligent dataset. This is where AI is rewriting the playbook. Not by replacing human expertise, but by amplifying it and by turning intuition into insight, experience into data, and uncertainty into precision. The rise of intelligent surgery Even the most skilled surgeon is limited by human perception. AI is placing intelligence at the center of the operating room, creating a data-driven surgical environment that continuously adapts and enhances precision in real time. Technologies like light field imaging and advanced sensor suites are eliminating blind spots by creating real-time 3D reconstructions of the surgical field with unprecedented depth and clarity. AI guidance continuously adapts during a procedure, giving the surgeon a live surgical roadmap that helps them optimize their every move. AI isn’t just showing better images. It’s learning. It’s refining implant placement with sub-millimeter precision and continuously optimizing surgical workflows. The result? Reduced operating times, fewer complications, and a consistency level in patient outcomes once thought impossible. AI as the ultimate surgical partner Surgical expertise has always been a mix of experience, intuition, and technique, but even the most skilled hands rely on intraoperative estimations. AI can reduce that guesswork by integrating computational modeling of anatomical structures, shrinking uncertainty to improve surgical precision. AI is improving surgical decision making by giving surgeons clearer insights before and during procedures. It can help plan the best approach, decrease guesswork in the operating room, and lead to more consistent, predictable patient results. ​​​​​In one recent study (RF145), an AI tool was able to measure spinal alignment during surgery more accurately than surgeons. It provided real-time feedback before and after a correction, helping the surgical team see exactly how much alignment had changed and whether additional adjustments were needed. This kind of support can lead to safer surgeries and better patient outcomes. Improve patient safety and outcomes For patients, the success of AI isn’t just in better, more informed surgeries—it’s also in better, more informed recoveries. Predictive analytics flag potential complications before they become problems, enabling proactive interventions and improved care. The numbers tell the story: A deep learning model predicted post-operative complications with 70% accuracy, surpassing traditional clinical risk models and enabling earlier interventions to improve patient safety. Similarly, predictive models have successfully forecasted 30-day hospital readmissions, strongly indicating whether a patient is likely to be readmitted or not. The techmed shift For decades, medtech has been defined by hardware: selling instruments, implants, and surgical devices as products. While these tools have advanced, the underlying approach has been transactional, focused on selling physical components rather than evolving surgical intelligence. Techmed is changing this paradigm. Instead of treating surgery as a series of isolated procedures, AI-driven platforms are creating data rivers, or continuous streams of surgical data that refine precision, optimize workflows, and improve decision making over time. Each procedure informs the next, driving exponential improvements in efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes. This mirrors the evolution of modern technology companies. Rather than one-time sales of surgical tools, techmed is building intelligent, learning-based systems that deliver ongoing value, just as cloud computing and AI-driven platforms have transformed other industries. By integrating data intelligence into surgery, techmed is creating a new foundation for precision, adaptability, and continuous improvement. AI’s role in the future of surgery We are at an inflection point. AI is the catalyst reshaping what’s possible in surgical care. It is ensuring that every patient, everywhere, benefits from the collective intelligence of thousands of surgeries before them. AI isn’t replacing surgeons. It’s making them unstoppable. The question isn’t whether AI will transform surgery. It already has. The real challenge is whether we will fully harness its potential to ensure precision, efficiency, and better outcomes for all. The revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here. Gabriel Jones is cofounder and CEO of Proprio. View the full article

Upsized offering from energy group ends two-week high-yield bond drought triggered by The President trade warView the full article

Britain would be able to deport one person in exchange for the French sending another individual the other wayView the full article

Discord has announced the expansion of its rewarded advertising format, Video Quests, to mobile devices, marking the company’s first foray into mobile advertising. The pilot for Video Quests on Mobile is expected to launch in June 2025 and aims to connect advertisers with Discord’s highly active, cross-platform user base. According to the company, this expansion will allow advertisers to showcase trailers, make impactful announcements, and promote premium content to a growing mobile audience while retaining Discord’s user-first, opt-in approach. “Expanding our advertising platform to mobile is an obvious, natural evolution in our strategy. Our mission is to create the most authentic, player-centric advertising platform in the galaxy. This expansion will provide brand partners access to Discord’s highly engaged, cross-platform mobile audience — and create new opportunities for businesses to connect with our community in meaningful, and performant, ways,” said Peter Sellis, Senior Vice President, Product at Discord. Discord first launched its advertising business in 2024 with the introduction of Quests, a rewarded ad format designed to enhance game discovery. It later expanded to include Video Quests, extending its reach beyond the gaming industry to media and entertainment advertisers. The Video Quests format is designed to support brand awareness goals by offering a full-screen, premium user experience that maintains the opt-in and reward-based nature of Quests. The upcoming mobile expansion is expected to further broaden campaign reach and create opportunities for advertisers in mobile gaming and related industries. Discord’s advertising offerings now include two primary formats: Video Quests: Aimed at building awareness, these ads are suited for trailers, season announcements, and downloadable content (DLC) drops. The mobile version will continue this focus while expanding its accessibility. Play Quests: These require users to play or stream a game to unlock rewards, strengthening the connection between players and their favorite games. Several major franchises have already leveraged Quests to engage Discord’s community. For example, miHoYo used a Play Quest to promote an update for Genshin Impact, offering high-value in-game rewards and generating an 80% increase in playtime during the campaign week. Max launched the first-ever Video Quest to support its Dune: Prophecy TV series, featuring a trailer that achieved an 85% completion rate. Nexon Games used a Video Quest to promote The First Descendant, achieving over one million video completions, 10% of which came from players sharing the video organically. With native integrations across PC, mobile, Xbox, and PlayStation, Discord continues to build an advertising platform that aligns with the habits and interests of its player-driven community. The addition of Video Quests on Mobile reinforces the company’s strategy to deliver brand experiences that are both meaningful and engaging. Image: Discord This article, "Discord Expands Video Quests Advertising Format to Mobile" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Discord has announced the expansion of its rewarded advertising format, Video Quests, to mobile devices, marking the company’s first foray into mobile advertising. The pilot for Video Quests on Mobile is expected to launch in June 2025 and aims to connect advertisers with Discord’s highly active, cross-platform user base. According to the company, this expansion will allow advertisers to showcase trailers, make impactful announcements, and promote premium content to a growing mobile audience while retaining Discord’s user-first, opt-in approach. “Expanding our advertising platform to mobile is an obvious, natural evolution in our strategy. Our mission is to create the most authentic, player-centric advertising platform in the galaxy. This expansion will provide brand partners access to Discord’s highly engaged, cross-platform mobile audience — and create new opportunities for businesses to connect with our community in meaningful, and performant, ways,” said Peter Sellis, Senior Vice President, Product at Discord. Discord first launched its advertising business in 2024 with the introduction of Quests, a rewarded ad format designed to enhance game discovery. It later expanded to include Video Quests, extending its reach beyond the gaming industry to media and entertainment advertisers. The Video Quests format is designed to support brand awareness goals by offering a full-screen, premium user experience that maintains the opt-in and reward-based nature of Quests. The upcoming mobile expansion is expected to further broaden campaign reach and create opportunities for advertisers in mobile gaming and related industries. Discord’s advertising offerings now include two primary formats: Video Quests: Aimed at building awareness, these ads are suited for trailers, season announcements, and downloadable content (DLC) drops. The mobile version will continue this focus while expanding its accessibility. Play Quests: These require users to play or stream a game to unlock rewards, strengthening the connection between players and their favorite games. Several major franchises have already leveraged Quests to engage Discord’s community. For example, miHoYo used a Play Quest to promote an update for Genshin Impact, offering high-value in-game rewards and generating an 80% increase in playtime during the campaign week. Max launched the first-ever Video Quest to support its Dune: Prophecy TV series, featuring a trailer that achieved an 85% completion rate. Nexon Games used a Video Quest to promote The First Descendant, achieving over one million video completions, 10% of which came from players sharing the video organically. With native integrations across PC, mobile, Xbox, and PlayStation, Discord continues to build an advertising platform that aligns with the habits and interests of its player-driven community. The addition of Video Quests on Mobile reinforces the company’s strategy to deliver brand experiences that are both meaningful and engaging. Image: Discord This article, "Discord Expands Video Quests Advertising Format to Mobile" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The President administration requires Silicon Valley chipmaker to obtain special license to sell H20 product View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Efficiency: Sales quote software significantly reduces the time required to generate quotes, allowing sales teams to respond to inquiries faster and streamline processes. Increased Accuracy: Automation and customizable templates minimize errors in quotes, fostering trust with clients and enhancing professional presentations. Collaboration and Integration: The software supports better teamwork through shared templates and real-time updates, while integrations with CRM systems improve lead management and customer engagement. Customizable Solutions: Features like adjustable templates and dynamic pricing ensure that quotes cater to specific client needs, reinforcing a professional image and customer satisfaction. Impact on Sales Performance: Implementing sales quote software can lead to higher conversion rates, resulting in increased revenue and repeat business through improved engagement and follow-up processes. Careful Selection: Assess business needs and budget constraints to choose the right sales quote software that aligns with growth aspirations and operational efficiency. In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency is key to closing deals and driving revenue. That’s where sales quote software comes into play. This powerful tool streamlines the quoting process, helping you create accurate and professional quotes in minutes instead of hours. Imagine impressing your clients with quick turnaround times while minimizing errors. Sales quote software not only saves you time but also enhances collaboration among your sales team. With features like customizable templates and real-time updates, you can ensure everyone’s on the same page. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in the right sales quote software can transform your sales process and boost your bottom line. Overview of Sales Quote Software Sales quote software simplifies the quoting process, crucial for small businesses aiming to enhance their sales strategy. This software helps you create accurate and professional quotes quickly, making a positive impression on clients while minimizing errors. By streamlining this process, you save valuable time and focus on closing sales and nurturing leads. Sales quote software often integrates with your customer relationship management (CRM) system, allowing for efficient management of sales leads and improved customer engagement. Features like customizable templates, real-time updates, and built-in analytics promote better collaboration within your sales team. These tools boost your sales performance by allowing for effective tracking of sales metrics and forecasting revenue. Improving accuracy and speed in generating quotes directly impacts your sales pipeline and conversion rates. By addressing client needs promptly, you enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of objections during negotiations. Utilizing sales quote software supports your overall sales process, from prospecting to closing techniques, enabling you to hit your sales targets and achieve your goals. This investment is essential for driving growth and ensuring repeat business through effective pricing strategies and value propositions. Key Features of Sales Quote Software Sales quote software enhances your sales strategy by streamlining the quoting process, allowing for quicker and more accurate quotes. Key features include customizable templates and integration capabilities that significantly benefit small businesses. Customization Options Customization options enable you to tailor sales quotes to meet specific customer needs. Templates can be adjusted to include individual product details, pricing structures, and your branding. This consistency boosts professionalism in your sales presentations, helping you engage prospects more effectively. A well-designed quote reflects your company’s values and enhances customer trust, which is essential for closing sales and meeting sales targets. Integration Capabilities Integration capabilities connect sales quote software with your existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This integration improves lead generation and management, allowing your sales team to track interactions and follow-up seamlessly. By syncing data across platforms, you ensure that your sales pipeline remains organized, facilitating better customer engagement and improving sales performance. Efficient integration supports your sales process by providing a comprehensive overview of client interactions, which aids in objection handling and strengthens relationship building efforts. Benefits of Using Sales Quote Software Sales quote software enhances your sales strategy by streamlining the quoting process. This technology allows you to generate accurate quotes quickly, improving customer engagement and increasing your chances of closing sales. Improved Efficiency Sales quote software boosts the efficiency of your sales team in several ways: Faster Quote Generation: The software automates quote creation, enabling your team to respond swiftly to inquiries. This reduces the sales cycle and helps you convert more sales leads into customers. Streamlined Processes: Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and other business platforms minimizes manual data entry. This integration avoids errors and keeps your data organized, allowing you to maintain a clear sales pipeline and quickly generate customized quotes. Enhanced Accuracy Sales quote software significantly increases the accuracy of your sales quotes: Minimized Errors: Automated calculations and pre-defined templates reduce the risk of mistakes. Accurate quotes foster trust with clients, enhancing customer relationships. Consistent Messaging: Customizable templates ensure that every quote aligns with your branding, delivering a professional presentation that reflects your business values. This consistency strengthens your sales pitch and aligns with your pricing strategy while addressing customer needs effectively. By implementing sales quote software, small businesses can refine their sales process and improve overall sales performance, leading to higher revenue and repeat business. Top Sales Quote Software Solutions Sales quote software improves your sales strategy, enhances customer engagement, and streamlines the sales process for small businesses. Here are some effective options to consider for optimizing your sales funnel. Solution 1: PandaDoc PandaDoc offers a robust platform designed for small businesses aiming to enhance their sales performance. Key features include a drag-and-drop quote builder that simplifies quote creation, automated document workflows for seamless approvals, and e-signature integration for quick client approvals. Customizable quote templates provide a professional look tailored to your brand. You can efficiently manage line items and dynamic pricing, facilitating better pricing strategy adjustments. Integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho CRM streamline lead generation and enhance the sales pipeline. Pricing: Essentials: $19 per user per month Business: $49 per user per month Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger companies Solution 2: Proposify Proposify is another excellent option for small businesses that want to improve their sales quotes. You can create visually appealing quotes and automate follow-up reminders, ensuring potential clients stay engaged. Proposify’s analytics tools let you track quote performance and measure sales metrics, supporting effective sales forecasting. Integrations with popular CRMs provide another layer of efficiency, letting you easily access customer data for personalized sales pitches. Pricing: Pro: $19 per user per month Premium: $49 per user per month Enterprise: Custom pricing available Solution 3: Qwilr Qwilr enhances your sales presentations by allowing you to create dynamic, interactive quotes that wow clients. Its features include pre-built templates, seamless integration with CRM systems, and the ability to incorporate multimedia elements, making your quotes more engaging. You can easily manage proposal follow-ups to nurture leads through the sales cycle, ultimately helping you close sales more efficiently. The analytics offered assist in tracking quote conversions, ensuring you can refine your sales tactics to meet targets and improve customer acquisition. Pricing: Business: $75 per month for 3 users Enterprise: Custom pricing available Utilizing these sales quote software solutions can refine your sales process, meet your sales goals, and contribute to repeat business through effective customer engagement. Choosing the Right Sales Quote Software Selecting the right sales quote software enhances your sales process, improves customer engagement, and meets your business goals. Focusing on specific needs ensures you choose the software that aligns perfectly with your requirements. Assessing Your Business Needs Assessing your business needs starts with analyzing your current quoting process. Evaluate factors such as pricing accuracy, time spent on administrative tasks, and any existing issues like delays or errors. Collaborate with your sales team to understand their pain points, which might include complex product configurations or inconsistent pricing. Understanding these aspects lets you identify which features are essential when selecting software that streamlines your sales pipeline. Consider your future growth and expansion goals as well. Your sales quote software must adapt to new market opportunities, product launches, and increased sales targets. This adaptability ensures you maintain an effective sales strategy as your business scales. Budget Considerations Budget considerations play a crucial role in choosing sales quote software. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in this tool based on your current revenue and profit margins. Evaluate various pricing tiers offered by different software solutions to find one that offers the best value. Look for features that support sales performance, such as integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which can significantly enhance lead generation and tracking. When planning your budget, consider both initial costs and ongoing expenses, including potential subscriptions or upgrades. Weigh the software’s benefits against its cost to ensure it aligns with your sales goals and contributes positively to your bottom line. Effective budgeting can lead to improved sales conversion rates and a more organized sales funnel, ultimately supporting your business development efforts. Conclusion Investing in sales quote software can be a game changer for your business. By streamlining the quoting process and enhancing collaboration among your sales team, you’ll not only save time but also improve accuracy. This leads to better customer satisfaction and higher conversion rates. Whether you’re a small business or a larger organization, the right sales quote software can help you meet your sales goals. With features that allow for customization and integration with CRM systems, you’ll be equipped to engage customers effectively and build lasting relationships. Make the leap towards improving your sales process and watch your revenue grow. Frequently Asked Questions What is sales quote software? Sales quote software is a digital tool that helps businesses create, manage, and send sales quotes efficiently. It automates the quoting process, ensuring accuracy and professionalism, which can enhance customer satisfaction and speed up the sales cycle. How does sales quote software improve efficiency? By automating task processes, sales quote software reduces the time needed to create quotes. Features like customizable templates and integration with CRM systems streamline workflows, minimize errors, and allow sales teams to respond quickly to client inquiries. Why should small businesses use sales quote software? Small businesses can benefit from sales quote software by improving their sales processes, enhancing accuracy, and speeding up quote generation. This software integrates with CRM systems and helps manage customer relationships, ultimately driving revenue growth. What are key features to look for in sales quote software? Key features include customizable templates, integration with CRM systems, real-time updates, automated workflows, and built-in analytics. These features enhance collaboration, improve accuracy, and allow for efficient tracking of sales metrics. How can sales quote software enhance collaboration among sales teams? Sales quote software fosters collaboration by providing a centralized platform where team members can access and update quotes in real-time. Features like shared templates and commenting tools enhance communication, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned. Can sales quote software help reduce errors in the quoting process? Yes, sales quote software significantly reduces errors by automating calculations and offering pre-defined templates. This minimizes manual input and ensures consistent, accurate quotes, which builds trust with clients and streamlines negotiations. How do I choose the right sales quote software? To choose the right software, assess your business needs by analyzing your current quoting process and identifying pain points. Consider your budget, evaluate potential ROI, and ensure that the software aligns with your sales goals for optimal results. What are some popular sales quote software options for small businesses? Popular options include PandaDoc, Proposify, and Qwilr. These solutions offer various features like drag-and-drop builders and interactive quotes, making them suitable for small businesses looking to optimize their sales processes and enhance customer engagement. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Business with Effective Sales Quote Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Enhanced Efficiency: Sales quote software significantly reduces the time required to generate quotes, allowing sales teams to respond to inquiries faster and streamline processes. Increased Accuracy: Automation and customizable templates minimize errors in quotes, fostering trust with clients and enhancing professional presentations. Collaboration and Integration: The software supports better teamwork through shared templates and real-time updates, while integrations with CRM systems improve lead management and customer engagement. Customizable Solutions: Features like adjustable templates and dynamic pricing ensure that quotes cater to specific client needs, reinforcing a professional image and customer satisfaction. Impact on Sales Performance: Implementing sales quote software can lead to higher conversion rates, resulting in increased revenue and repeat business through improved engagement and follow-up processes. Careful Selection: Assess business needs and budget constraints to choose the right sales quote software that aligns with growth aspirations and operational efficiency. In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency is key to closing deals and driving revenue. That’s where sales quote software comes into play. This powerful tool streamlines the quoting process, helping you create accurate and professional quotes in minutes instead of hours. Imagine impressing your clients with quick turnaround times while minimizing errors. Sales quote software not only saves you time but also enhances collaboration among your sales team. With features like customizable templates and real-time updates, you can ensure everyone’s on the same page. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in the right sales quote software can transform your sales process and boost your bottom line. Overview of Sales Quote Software Sales quote software simplifies the quoting process, crucial for small businesses aiming to enhance their sales strategy. This software helps you create accurate and professional quotes quickly, making a positive impression on clients while minimizing errors. By streamlining this process, you save valuable time and focus on closing sales and nurturing leads. Sales quote software often integrates with your customer relationship management (CRM) system, allowing for efficient management of sales leads and improved customer engagement. Features like customizable templates, real-time updates, and built-in analytics promote better collaboration within your sales team. These tools boost your sales performance by allowing for effective tracking of sales metrics and forecasting revenue. Improving accuracy and speed in generating quotes directly impacts your sales pipeline and conversion rates. By addressing client needs promptly, you enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of objections during negotiations. Utilizing sales quote software supports your overall sales process, from prospecting to closing techniques, enabling you to hit your sales targets and achieve your goals. This investment is essential for driving growth and ensuring repeat business through effective pricing strategies and value propositions. Key Features of Sales Quote Software Sales quote software enhances your sales strategy by streamlining the quoting process, allowing for quicker and more accurate quotes. Key features include customizable templates and integration capabilities that significantly benefit small businesses. Customization Options Customization options enable you to tailor sales quotes to meet specific customer needs. Templates can be adjusted to include individual product details, pricing structures, and your branding. This consistency boosts professionalism in your sales presentations, helping you engage prospects more effectively. A well-designed quote reflects your company’s values and enhances customer trust, which is essential for closing sales and meeting sales targets. Integration Capabilities Integration capabilities connect sales quote software with your existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This integration improves lead generation and management, allowing your sales team to track interactions and follow-up seamlessly. By syncing data across platforms, you ensure that your sales pipeline remains organized, facilitating better customer engagement and improving sales performance. Efficient integration supports your sales process by providing a comprehensive overview of client interactions, which aids in objection handling and strengthens relationship building efforts. Benefits of Using Sales Quote Software Sales quote software enhances your sales strategy by streamlining the quoting process. This technology allows you to generate accurate quotes quickly, improving customer engagement and increasing your chances of closing sales. Improved Efficiency Sales quote software boosts the efficiency of your sales team in several ways: Faster Quote Generation: The software automates quote creation, enabling your team to respond swiftly to inquiries. This reduces the sales cycle and helps you convert more sales leads into customers. Streamlined Processes: Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and other business platforms minimizes manual data entry. This integration avoids errors and keeps your data organized, allowing you to maintain a clear sales pipeline and quickly generate customized quotes. Enhanced Accuracy Sales quote software significantly increases the accuracy of your sales quotes: Minimized Errors: Automated calculations and pre-defined templates reduce the risk of mistakes. Accurate quotes foster trust with clients, enhancing customer relationships. Consistent Messaging: Customizable templates ensure that every quote aligns with your branding, delivering a professional presentation that reflects your business values. This consistency strengthens your sales pitch and aligns with your pricing strategy while addressing customer needs effectively. By implementing sales quote software, small businesses can refine their sales process and improve overall sales performance, leading to higher revenue and repeat business. Top Sales Quote Software Solutions Sales quote software improves your sales strategy, enhances customer engagement, and streamlines the sales process for small businesses. Here are some effective options to consider for optimizing your sales funnel. Solution 1: PandaDoc PandaDoc offers a robust platform designed for small businesses aiming to enhance their sales performance. Key features include a drag-and-drop quote builder that simplifies quote creation, automated document workflows for seamless approvals, and e-signature integration for quick client approvals. Customizable quote templates provide a professional look tailored to your brand. You can efficiently manage line items and dynamic pricing, facilitating better pricing strategy adjustments. Integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho CRM streamline lead generation and enhance the sales pipeline. Pricing: Essentials: $19 per user per month Business: $49 per user per month Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger companies Solution 2: Proposify Proposify is another excellent option for small businesses that want to improve their sales quotes. You can create visually appealing quotes and automate follow-up reminders, ensuring potential clients stay engaged. Proposify’s analytics tools let you track quote performance and measure sales metrics, supporting effective sales forecasting. Integrations with popular CRMs provide another layer of efficiency, letting you easily access customer data for personalized sales pitches. Pricing: Pro: $19 per user per month Premium: $49 per user per month Enterprise: Custom pricing available Solution 3: Qwilr Qwilr enhances your sales presentations by allowing you to create dynamic, interactive quotes that wow clients. Its features include pre-built templates, seamless integration with CRM systems, and the ability to incorporate multimedia elements, making your quotes more engaging. You can easily manage proposal follow-ups to nurture leads through the sales cycle, ultimately helping you close sales more efficiently. The analytics offered assist in tracking quote conversions, ensuring you can refine your sales tactics to meet targets and improve customer acquisition. Pricing: Business: $75 per month for 3 users Enterprise: Custom pricing available Utilizing these sales quote software solutions can refine your sales process, meet your sales goals, and contribute to repeat business through effective customer engagement. Choosing the Right Sales Quote Software Selecting the right sales quote software enhances your sales process, improves customer engagement, and meets your business goals. Focusing on specific needs ensures you choose the software that aligns perfectly with your requirements. Assessing Your Business Needs Assessing your business needs starts with analyzing your current quoting process. Evaluate factors such as pricing accuracy, time spent on administrative tasks, and any existing issues like delays or errors. Collaborate with your sales team to understand their pain points, which might include complex product configurations or inconsistent pricing. Understanding these aspects lets you identify which features are essential when selecting software that streamlines your sales pipeline. Consider your future growth and expansion goals as well. Your sales quote software must adapt to new market opportunities, product launches, and increased sales targets. This adaptability ensures you maintain an effective sales strategy as your business scales. Budget Considerations Budget considerations play a crucial role in choosing sales quote software. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in this tool based on your current revenue and profit margins. Evaluate various pricing tiers offered by different software solutions to find one that offers the best value. Look for features that support sales performance, such as integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which can significantly enhance lead generation and tracking. When planning your budget, consider both initial costs and ongoing expenses, including potential subscriptions or upgrades. Weigh the software’s benefits against its cost to ensure it aligns with your sales goals and contributes positively to your bottom line. Effective budgeting can lead to improved sales conversion rates and a more organized sales funnel, ultimately supporting your business development efforts. Conclusion Investing in sales quote software can be a game changer for your business. By streamlining the quoting process and enhancing collaboration among your sales team, you’ll not only save time but also improve accuracy. This leads to better customer satisfaction and higher conversion rates. Whether you’re a small business or a larger organization, the right sales quote software can help you meet your sales goals. With features that allow for customization and integration with CRM systems, you’ll be equipped to engage customers effectively and build lasting relationships. Make the leap towards improving your sales process and watch your revenue grow. Frequently Asked Questions What is sales quote software? Sales quote software is a digital tool that helps businesses create, manage, and send sales quotes efficiently. It automates the quoting process, ensuring accuracy and professionalism, which can enhance customer satisfaction and speed up the sales cycle. How does sales quote software improve efficiency? By automating task processes, sales quote software reduces the time needed to create quotes. Features like customizable templates and integration with CRM systems streamline workflows, minimize errors, and allow sales teams to respond quickly to client inquiries. Why should small businesses use sales quote software? Small businesses can benefit from sales quote software by improving their sales processes, enhancing accuracy, and speeding up quote generation. This software integrates with CRM systems and helps manage customer relationships, ultimately driving revenue growth. What are key features to look for in sales quote software? Key features include customizable templates, integration with CRM systems, real-time updates, automated workflows, and built-in analytics. These features enhance collaboration, improve accuracy, and allow for efficient tracking of sales metrics. How can sales quote software enhance collaboration among sales teams? Sales quote software fosters collaboration by providing a centralized platform where team members can access and update quotes in real-time. Features like shared templates and commenting tools enhance communication, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned. Can sales quote software help reduce errors in the quoting process? Yes, sales quote software significantly reduces errors by automating calculations and offering pre-defined templates. This minimizes manual input and ensures consistent, accurate quotes, which builds trust with clients and streamlines negotiations. How do I choose the right sales quote software? To choose the right software, assess your business needs by analyzing your current quoting process and identifying pain points. Consider your budget, evaluate potential ROI, and ensure that the software aligns with your sales goals for optimal results. What are some popular sales quote software options for small businesses? Popular options include PandaDoc, Proposify, and Qwilr. These solutions offer various features like drag-and-drop builders and interactive quotes, making them suitable for small businesses looking to optimize their sales processes and enhance customer engagement. Image Via Envato This article, "Boost Your Business with Effective Sales Quote Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A year ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) put a limit on how much credit card companies could charge consumers for late payments. On Tuesday, the The President administration quashed that limit, opening the door for financial institutions to once again gouge late-paying customers. The Biden-era rule capped late fees at $8, substantially less than what many credit card companies used to charge. But in a federal court filing in Texas, The President’s CFPB asked a judge to terminate the rule, saying it had changed its mind and now agreed with banking groups that the rule was illegal. U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman (a The President appointee during his first term) agreed to the request Tuesday afternoon. Pittman had previously blocked the rule from being implemented, saying it violated the 2009 Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure Act, which regulated excessive fees, but allowed card companies to impose “penalty” fees for late payments. The decision to do away with the late-payment fee cap is a further dismantling of Biden’s initiatives. The President has been vocal about wanting to disband the CFPB altogether, but judges have so far blocked him from doing so, saying he could lay off workers but not eliminate the agency. Initial opposition to the rule came from a coalition of six business and banking groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Bankers Association. Opponents of the rule celebrated the judge’s ruling. “We welcome today’s court decision vacating the CFPB’s credit card late-fee rule,” the groups said in a joint statement. “This is a win for consumers and common sense.” Under the CARD Act, credit card companies are allowed to charge a maximum fee of $41 for a missed payment, even if the cardholder is only late by a few hours. The Biden-era CFPB had argued there was no evidence that those fees deterred future late payments. Worse, it said, the fees were often accompanied by other penalties, such as loss of grace periods, interest due, and drops in credit scores. Consumer Reports, at the time the cap was enacted, estimated late fees cost Americans more than $14 billion per year. A 2022 report from the CFPB found that 18 of the largest 20 credit card companies were charging the maximum $41 fee, while smaller banks and credit unions were more likely to charge $25 or less. Under Biden, the CFPB estimated the cap could save Americans $9 billion per year. More fees are returning The court ruling comes as another “junk fee” consumer protection seems likely to fall. The House and Senate have both previously voted to repeal the CFPB’s limits on excessive bank-overdraft fees as well. Consumer Reports estimates consumers will lose $5 billion in annual savings with that cap gone. “Repealing the CFPB’s limits on overdraft fees gives big banks the green light to rip off their customers with excessive charges that far exceed the cost of covering the transaction,” said Chuck Bell, advocacy program director at Consumer Reports, last week when the House voted to repeal the limit. “Banks will be able to continue penalizing customers with steep fees even though most overdrafts are for small amounts that are repaid within a few days.” Overdraft fees fall most heavily on consumers with low- and moderate-income levels as well as have an outsize impact on people of color, according to Consumer Reports. Black consumers are 69% more likely than white consumers to live in a household that is charged at least one overdraft or insufficient-funds fee per year. Hispanics are 60% more likely to face the fees. View the full article

A strong solar storm headed to Earth could produce colorful aurora displays across more U.S. states than usual Tuesday night. The sun earlier this week burped out huge bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, leading space weather forecasters to issue a geomagnetic storm watch. Northern lights were forecast in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Parts of northern Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania may also get a view. The strength of the light show will depend on how Earth’s magnetic field interacts with the solar bursts, said Shawn Dahl at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Here’s what to know about auroras and how to spot them. What are northern lights? The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come. “This is going to kind of continue off and on throughout the year,” Dahl said. Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And last fall, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City. Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere. Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major facelift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way. Severe storms are capable of scrambling radio and GPS communications. The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What do solar storms do? Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth. When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and caught telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth. How to see auroras Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app. Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. NASA’s Kelly Korreck recommended skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. “Enjoy it,” said Korreck. “It’s this great show … from the sun to you.” —Adithi Ramakrishnan, AP science writer The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. View the full article

Harvard is the first university to reject President Donald The President’s demands, which require the university to make sweeping changes in order to keep its $2.2 billion in federal funding, and is subsequently now facing a freeze of those funds, which the university has called both unlawful and unconstitutional. The government’s demands follow a review of nearly $9 billion in federal funding to Harvard, and come amid a broad crackdown on college campuses aimed at axing DEI and limiting free speech, under the guise of eliminating so-called left-wing ideology and antisemitism. Harvard faculty have sued to block The President from pulling their funding, and filed a temporary restraining order labeling the threats a “gun to the head.” Harvard’s act of resistance brings up two very different but important questions, one political, and one financial: Will this set a precedent for other universities to follow, and where does Harvard get its funding, anyway? What does Harvard’s decision mean for other universities? First things first: Harvard University didn’t just quietly reject The President’s overreach. President Alan Garber made a bold show of resistance, in a letter to the campus community, stating that the government’s demands “violate Harvard’s First Amendment rights and exceeds the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI,” and that “no government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.” Some commentators have said Harvard learned from Columbia University’s mistake. In caving to The President‘s demands, Columbia will be forced to acquiesce in a number of ways, including hiring three dozen campus officers “who will have the ability to remove individuals from campus and/or arrest them when appropriate.” The administration also has paused federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Princeton University, Cornell University, and Northwestern University, according to the AP. Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard’s decision and encouraged other institutions to do the same. As The New York Times noted, Harvard’s stance could set a precedent for other universities, and empower law firms, the media and courts, and other targets to also push back. (In fact, on Tuesday, Columbia’s president released a statement seemingly backtracking and perhaps following Harvard’s lead: “We have not reached any agreement with the government at this point [. . .] We would reject any agreement in which the government dictates what we teach, research, or who we hire.”) Where does Harvard get its money? This leads us to our second point, where does Harvard get its funding? It might come as a surprise, but while Harvard has a vast endowment of $53.2 billion, it relies on several other sources beyond that for its funding. These include federal and non-federal research grants, tuition and fees, and gifts from alumni and others. Harvard received approximately $2.4 billion from its endowment in fiscal 2024, which made up only 37.5% of its overall operating budget of $6.4 billion. The university’s $686 million in federal funding representing roughly 16% of its operating revenue. However, Harvard can only tap 20% of its endowment for discretionary spending, to go toward the money lost by The President’s freezes. A majority of the endowment distributions are restricted by donors, both legally and from stipulations from donors, in regard to how Harvard can spend that money. Another way Harvard is able to cover its high costs is that it does not pay federal or state taxes. Many people don’t know that Harvard, and most major colleges and universities, are tax-exempt organizations. On Tuesday, The President threatened to eliminate Harvard’s tax-exempt status in a post on Truth Social, saying, “Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?'” According to its website, Harvard is exempt from federal income tax as an educational institution under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As an educational institution, Harvard is also exempt from state income tax in Massachusetts, where it is located. View the full article

Harvard University is the latest in a growing list of higher education institutions that had its federal funding targeted by the government in order to comply with the The President administration’s political agenda. The series of threats — and subsequent pauses in funding — to some of the top U.S. universities have become an unprecedented tool for the administration to exert influence on college campuses. Six of the seven universities impacted are Ivy League schools. President Donald The President vowed to pursue these federal cuts on the campaign trail last year, saying he would focus on schools that push “critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content.” Public school systems are targets for cuts too. Here’s a look at which universities have been pressured by the administration’s funding cuts so far. Harvard University The administration announced its antisemitism task force would conduct a “comprehensive review ” of the Massachusetts university on March 31. The government was set to review nearly $9 billion of federal grants and contracts. Harvard is among universities across the country where pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campus amid the war in Gaza last year. Republican officials have since heavily scrutinized those universities, and several Ivy League presidents testified before Congress to discuss antisemitism allegations. The administration issued its list of demands to Harvard in a letter on April 3. The demands included a ban on face masks, limitations on campus protests and a review of academic departments’ biases. About a week later, those demands were expanded to include leadership reforms, admission policy changes and stopping the university’s recognition of certain student organizations. Then, on Monday, Harvard President Alan Gerber refused to comply, saying in a letter that the university “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” Hours later, the administration announced it froze more than $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to the university. Cornell University The White House announced last week that it froze more than $1 billion of Cornell’s federal funding. The administration said the freeze came as it investigated alleged civil rights violations at the university. The New York university was among a group of more than 60 universities that received a letter from the Education Department on March 10 urging them to take steps to protect Jewish students or else face “potential enforcement actions.” The Defense Department issued more than 75 stop-work orders for research, Cornell said in a statement, but that the federal government hadn’t confirmed if the total funding freeze totaled $1 billion. Northwestern University Like Cornell, Northwestern also saw a halt in some of its federal funding last week. The amount was about $790 million, according to the The President administration. The Illinois university did not receive an official message from the White House on the freeze despite its cooperation with civil rights investigations, according to Northwestern officials at the time. University spokesperson Jon Yates said Northwestern’s scientific research was “at jeopardy” because of the freeze — a widespread issue for universities facing research cuts from the National Institutes of Health. Brown University The The President administration was anticipated to pause federal grants and contracts at Brown University because of the Rhode Island school’s response to alleged antisemitism on campus, according to a White House official on April 3. The total was expected to be about $510 million in funding, according to the official. Princeton University Dozens of research grants were suspended at Princeton University without a clear rationale, according to an April 1 campus message from university president Christopher Eisgruber. The grants came from federal agencies such as the Department of Energy, NASA and the Defense Department. Before the funding pause, Eisgruber had expressed his opposition to The President’s threatened cuts at Columbia University in an essay in The Atlantic magazine. He called the administration’s move a “radical threat to scholarly excellence and to America’s leadership in research.” University of Pennsylvania Unlike the other targeted universities, the University of Pennsylvania saw funding cuts because of a transgender athlete who competed in Penn’s swimming program, according to the The President administration. After a Feb. 5 executive order barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports, the Education Department launched an investigation a day later into athletics programs at Penn and San Jose State University. The Penn investigation centered on Lia Thomas, who is the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title and graduated from the university in 2022. Over a month later, the White House announced the suspension of about $175 million in federal funding from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration said the halt in funding on March 19 came after a separate discretionary federal money review. The university said at the time that it wasn’t directly notified of the action. Columbia University Columbia University was the first major institution that had its funding singled out by the The President administration. At first, federal agencies declared they were considering stop-work orders for about $51 million of contracts with Columbia on March 3. The President had also said on social media that schools that allow “illegal protests” would see funding cuts. Last year, Columbia student protesters started a wave of campus demonstrations against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The protests led to tense faceoffs with police at the New York City university and the arrests of more than 100 demonstrators. University leadership faced scathing condemnations from Republicans on the protests’ proliferation, leading former president Minouche Shafik to step down. Columbia also began investigating pro-Palestinian student activists, such as Mahmoud Khalil, who was later arrested and is at threat of deportation. On March 7, the The President administration cancelled about $400 million of Columbia’s federal funding. Columbia took some action afterward, such as expelling and suspending some student protesters who occupied a campus building during demonstrations. The university announced March 21 that it had agreed to make even more sweeping policy changes that the The President administration had demanded. The changes included placing the Middle East studies department under supervision, hiring new safety personnel who can make arrests, and banning face masks “for the purposes of concealing one’s identity.” The university also agreed to appoint a senior provost tasked with reviewing several international studies departments’ leadership and curriculum. Armstrong resigned from her post the following week. The decision was met with dissatisfaction among some faculty members and a lawsuit against the cuts. But following Harvard’s defiance of the The President administration’s demands, Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, had a new message Monday. She said that while she agrees with some of the administration’s requests, the university would reject “heavy-handed orchestration” that would “require us to relinquish our independence and autonomy as an educational institution.” Discussions were still ongoing between the federal government and Columbia as of Monday, according to Shipman’s campus letter. —Makiya Seminera, Associated Press View the full article

President Donald The President‘s administration has ordered U.S. Justice Department employees not to post anything on social media related to their government work, after a wave of new political appointees took to cheering The President and castigating his opponents online. The directive, which was emailed to U.S. Attorneys’ offices late on Monday, appears to prohibit the types of social media posts that The President’s political appointees routinely make on their official government accounts. The change was made by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has become frustrated by some of the rhetoric being posted by political appointees, according to one person familiar with the matter. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. While the department has always placed restrictions on social media use by employees, such as prohibiting them from discussing non-public investigations or making politically-charged statements that could damage the department’s impartiality, the new policy is much broader. It restricts employees from including their department titles on any social media activity or reposting official government information such as press releases. Employees must not use any social media “in a way that damages the efficiency of the department,” the policy says. Stacey Young, a former department civil rights attorney who recently left to create a DOJ employee advocacy organization called Justice Connection, said the policy could chill employees’ speech. “The new policy represents another unwarranted attack on DOJ employees – one that stifles their free speech in their private lives and creates new ways for the administration to oust career public servants who don’t toe the party line,” said Young. Many of the department’s top The President-appointed leaders in recent weeks have posted messages that would have run afoul of the policy, which tells them to avoid “injecting their political views into the work they perform” and refrain from making comments “in reckless disregard for the truth” about any person the department engages with, including judges. It also says they cannot post anything that might prejudice a proceeding or “heighten condemnation of an accused.” Leo Terrell, a senior counsel in the Civil Rights Division who is leading its antisemitism task force, for instance, makes near-daily posts on X about his support for The President. “Democrats are jealous of President The President!” he wrote on X on Saturday. Last month, Terrell shared a post on his X account from Patrick Casey, a white nationalist who ran the now-defunct Identity Evropa, that said The President could “revoke someone’s Jew card.” Aaron Reitz, the department’s head of the Office of Legal Policy, in an April 8 post on social media accused “Dem-appointed judges” of siding with cartels to usurp The President’s “authority to conduct foreign policy.” Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a March 27 post on X, claimed that law enforcement had arrested a “top MS-13 national leader,” referring to the street gang MS-13. The criminal complaint against the suspect, 24-year-old Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, made no such claim, stating instead that investigators had found only “indicia of MS-13 association.” The department has since moved to drop the charges and have him deported. Ari Cohn, the tech policy lead counsel with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said while government has some authority to restrict the use of personal social media accounts to conduct official business, the new policy is so broad that it places employees at risk of being targeted for their views as private citizens. “The risk that these rules will be wielded in a partisan way to purge the DOJ of anyone who expresses a political view out of step with the leadership or administration is deeply concerning,” he told Reuters in a statement. —Sarah N. Lynch, Reuters View the full article

Key Takeaways Innovative Design for Square Screens: Square apps are specifically designed for square screens, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics for a unique user experience. Enhanced Productivity for Small Businesses: These applications streamline operations such as inventory tracking and payment processing, allowing for better management of day-to-day tasks. User-Friendly Interface: Square apps feature intuitive, icon-driven controls that make navigation seamless and reduce the learning curve for new users. Robust Payment Processing: They offer reliable payment processing capabilities, enabling businesses to accept various payment types while managing transactions efficiently. Real-Time Inventory Management: Square apps automate inventory tracking and provide alerts for low stock levels, optimizing restocking processes and improving turnover. Integration and Efficiency: By integrating multiple functionalities into a single platform, Square apps minimize manual entry and enhance overall operational efficiency for small businesses. In today’s fast-paced digital world, square apps are changing the way you interact with technology. These innovative applications, designed specifically for square screens, offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to enhance your productivity or simply enjoy a more visually pleasing interface, square apps cater to your needs in a compact format. As mobile devices continue to evolve, the demand for apps that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle is on the rise. Square apps not only maximize screen real estate but also provide a refreshing user experience. Discover how these applications can streamline your daily tasks and transform the way you engage with your favorite tools and services. Overview of Square Apps Square apps cater to small businesses by providing tools specifically designed for square screens, enhancing productivity, and streamlining operations. These apps offer visually appealing interfaces that make it easier for retail and storefront owners to manage their businesses efficiently. As customer expectations grow, you benefit from using apps that integrate seamlessly into your daily operations. Square apps maximize screen space, ensuring that essential features are easily accessible. These apps help you manage transactions, track inventory, and analyze sales data, allowing you to focus on customer engagement while simplifying back-end processes. With a range of functionalities tailored for small businesses, Square apps enhance your ability to operate in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Features of Square Apps Square apps provide essential features designed to enhance your experience as a small business owner in retail or storefront management. User-Friendly Interface Square apps prioritize a user-friendly interface, ensuring you navigate seamlessly. You can access key functions quickly, which minimizes the learning curve for your team. Icon-driven controls and organized layouts enhance usability, allowing you to focus on essential tasks like managing inventory, processing payments, and engaging with customers effortlessly. Payment Processing Capabilities Square apps offer robust payment processing capabilities, making transactions smooth and reliable. You can accept various payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. With integrated point-of-sale systems, Square apps enable you to track sales in real-time, manage invoices, and generate detailed reports. This efficiency helps streamline your operations, allowing for better cash flow management within your small business. Benefits of Using Square Apps Square apps provide significant advantages for small businesses, particularly in retail and storefront environments. They enhance user interaction and streamline various operations, ensuring your business remains competitive and efficient. Small Business Integration Square apps integrate seamlessly into your existing systems, enabling straightforward implementation for small businesses. You can link financial tools, sales data, and customer relationship management, all in one platform. This integration improves efficiency by reducing the time spent on manual entries and updates. With real-time synchronization, your staff can access the latest information at any point, which helps provide better customer service. Furthermore, the apps’ user-friendly interfaces facilitate smooth adoption by your team, minimizing training time and boosting productivity. Inventory Management Effective inventory management is crucial for small businesses in retail. Square apps streamline this process by providing tools that automate stock tracking and alert you to low inventory levels. You can monitor sales trends and manage restocking proactively, preventing stockouts and overstock situations. With detailed analytics, Square apps allow you to analyze your sales data, optimizing product offerings and improving your overall inventory turnover. This insight helps you make informed decisions that enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Square Apps vs. Competition Square apps stand out in the crowded market of payment solutions, specifically catering to small businesses in retail and storefronts. They provide distinct advantages that enhance your operations and customer interactions. Comparison with Other Payment Solutions Square apps compare favorably against other payment solutions by integrating multiple functionalities into one platform. Unlike traditional payment processors, Square apps offer user-friendly interfaces that simplify transaction processes. They enable you to accept various payment types seamlessly, whether through credit cards, mobile wallets, or online transactions. Other solutions may require multiple integrations, while Square apps streamline everything, helping you save time and reduce operational complexities. Unique Selling Points Square apps deliver key features that set them apart from competitors. They prioritize a visually appealing interface that enhances user engagement, making it easy for staff to navigate and manage transactions. You gain access to robust analytics tools, allowing for in-depth tracking of sales data and customer interactions. Features such as real-time inventory management automate stock tracking, providing alerts when items run low, thus ensuring you stay informed. Overall, Square apps simplify operational tasks, allowing you to focus on driving sales and enhancing customer experiences in your retail or storefront environment. Customer Feedback and Reviews Customer feedback for square apps emphasizes their transformative impact on small businesses, particularly in retail and storefront management. Users frequently highlight how these apps simplify daily operations, making it easier to manage transactions, track inventory, and analyze sales data. Many small business owners appreciate the user-friendly interface that square apps provide. Reviews often mention the minimal learning curve for staff, allowing you to focus on customer interactions instead of navigating complex software. Seamless navigation enhances productivity, enabling quick access to essential functions like payment processing and inventory tracking. Numerous customers express satisfaction with the robust payment processing capabilities. They value the ability to accept various payment types while generating real-time sales reports. Feedback indicates that this efficiency improves cash flow and minimizes the risk of errors during transactions. Furthermore, reviews illustrate how square apps integrate functionality into a single platform. Users report that linking financial tools and sales data reduces manual entries and streamlines operations, contributing to enhanced customer service. Insights from sales analytics help with informed decision-making, allowing you to optimize stock levels and improve profitability. Overall, customer feedback consistently underscores the advantages square apps offer to small businesses in retail and storefront settings. Enhanced user experience, operational efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction reflect the growing appeal of these innovative tools. Conclusion Square apps are revolutionizing the way you interact with technology and manage your business. Their focus on user-friendly designs and robust functionality makes them essential tools for small business owners. By streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement, these apps empower you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business. As you explore the benefits of square apps, you’ll find that they not only simplify daily tasks but also provide valuable insights into your sales and inventory management. Embracing these innovative solutions positions you for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. With square apps, you’re not just keeping up; you’re setting the pace. Frequently Asked Questions What are square apps? Square apps are applications designed specifically for square screens, optimizing screen space and enhancing user interaction. They combine functionality and visual appeal, making them ideal for everyday tasks and improving productivity. How do square apps benefit small businesses? Square apps offer tools that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve customer engagement. They provide easy access to payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics, helping small businesses thrive in competitive markets. What features make square apps user-friendly? Square apps prioritize a simple and attractive interface, allowing for seamless navigation and quick access to essential functions. This design minimizes the learning curve for staff, ensuring efficient use of the app in daily operations. How do square apps handle payment processing? Square apps feature robust payment processing capabilities, allowing businesses to accept various payment types and track sales in real-time. This efficiency helps improve cash flow and reduces transaction errors. Can square apps automate inventory management? Yes, square apps automate inventory management by tracking stock levels and alerting users to low inventory. This enables proactive restocking and informed decision-making based on sales analytics. How do square apps improve customer service? Square apps enhance customer service by integrating various functionalities into one platform, providing real-time access to sales data and customer interactions. This reduces manual entry and allows businesses to respond more effectively to customer needs. What do users say about square apps? Customer feedback highlights that square apps simplify daily operations, making it easy to manage transactions and track inventory. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and the ability to accept multiple payment types, contributing to improved cash flow and customer satisfaction. How do square apps compare to traditional payment processors? Square apps streamline operations by integrating multiple functionalities into one platform, unlike traditional payment processors requiring multiple integrations. Their user-friendly design and robust analytics tools help simplify transaction processes and enhance overall efficiency. Image Via Envato This article, "Transform Your Business with Square Apps: Enhance Productivity and User Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Innovative Design for Square Screens: Square apps are specifically designed for square screens, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics for a unique user experience. Enhanced Productivity for Small Businesses: These applications streamline operations such as inventory tracking and payment processing, allowing for better management of day-to-day tasks. User-Friendly Interface: Square apps feature intuitive, icon-driven controls that make navigation seamless and reduce the learning curve for new users. Robust Payment Processing: They offer reliable payment processing capabilities, enabling businesses to accept various payment types while managing transactions efficiently. Real-Time Inventory Management: Square apps automate inventory tracking and provide alerts for low stock levels, optimizing restocking processes and improving turnover. Integration and Efficiency: By integrating multiple functionalities into a single platform, Square apps minimize manual entry and enhance overall operational efficiency for small businesses. In today’s fast-paced digital world, square apps are changing the way you interact with technology. These innovative applications, designed specifically for square screens, offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to enhance your productivity or simply enjoy a more visually pleasing interface, square apps cater to your needs in a compact format. As mobile devices continue to evolve, the demand for apps that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle is on the rise. Square apps not only maximize screen real estate but also provide a refreshing user experience. Discover how these applications can streamline your daily tasks and transform the way you engage with your favorite tools and services. Overview of Square Apps Square apps cater to small businesses by providing tools specifically designed for square screens, enhancing productivity, and streamlining operations. These apps offer visually appealing interfaces that make it easier for retail and storefront owners to manage their businesses efficiently. As customer expectations grow, you benefit from using apps that integrate seamlessly into your daily operations. Square apps maximize screen space, ensuring that essential features are easily accessible. These apps help you manage transactions, track inventory, and analyze sales data, allowing you to focus on customer engagement while simplifying back-end processes. With a range of functionalities tailored for small businesses, Square apps enhance your ability to operate in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Features of Square Apps Square apps provide essential features designed to enhance your experience as a small business owner in retail or storefront management. User-Friendly Interface Square apps prioritize a user-friendly interface, ensuring you navigate seamlessly. You can access key functions quickly, which minimizes the learning curve for your team. Icon-driven controls and organized layouts enhance usability, allowing you to focus on essential tasks like managing inventory, processing payments, and engaging with customers effortlessly. Payment Processing Capabilities Square apps offer robust payment processing capabilities, making transactions smooth and reliable. You can accept various payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. With integrated point-of-sale systems, Square apps enable you to track sales in real-time, manage invoices, and generate detailed reports. This efficiency helps streamline your operations, allowing for better cash flow management within your small business. Benefits of Using Square Apps Square apps provide significant advantages for small businesses, particularly in retail and storefront environments. They enhance user interaction and streamline various operations, ensuring your business remains competitive and efficient. Small Business Integration Square apps integrate seamlessly into your existing systems, enabling straightforward implementation for small businesses. You can link financial tools, sales data, and customer relationship management, all in one platform. This integration improves efficiency by reducing the time spent on manual entries and updates. With real-time synchronization, your staff can access the latest information at any point, which helps provide better customer service. Furthermore, the apps’ user-friendly interfaces facilitate smooth adoption by your team, minimizing training time and boosting productivity. Inventory Management Effective inventory management is crucial for small businesses in retail. Square apps streamline this process by providing tools that automate stock tracking and alert you to low inventory levels. You can monitor sales trends and manage restocking proactively, preventing stockouts and overstock situations. With detailed analytics, Square apps allow you to analyze your sales data, optimizing product offerings and improving your overall inventory turnover. This insight helps you make informed decisions that enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Square Apps vs. Competition Square apps stand out in the crowded market of payment solutions, specifically catering to small businesses in retail and storefronts. They provide distinct advantages that enhance your operations and customer interactions. Comparison with Other Payment Solutions Square apps compare favorably against other payment solutions by integrating multiple functionalities into one platform. Unlike traditional payment processors, Square apps offer user-friendly interfaces that simplify transaction processes. They enable you to accept various payment types seamlessly, whether through credit cards, mobile wallets, or online transactions. Other solutions may require multiple integrations, while Square apps streamline everything, helping you save time and reduce operational complexities. Unique Selling Points Square apps deliver key features that set them apart from competitors. They prioritize a visually appealing interface that enhances user engagement, making it easy for staff to navigate and manage transactions. You gain access to robust analytics tools, allowing for in-depth tracking of sales data and customer interactions. Features such as real-time inventory management automate stock tracking, providing alerts when items run low, thus ensuring you stay informed. Overall, Square apps simplify operational tasks, allowing you to focus on driving sales and enhancing customer experiences in your retail or storefront environment. Customer Feedback and Reviews Customer feedback for square apps emphasizes their transformative impact on small businesses, particularly in retail and storefront management. Users frequently highlight how these apps simplify daily operations, making it easier to manage transactions, track inventory, and analyze sales data. Many small business owners appreciate the user-friendly interface that square apps provide. Reviews often mention the minimal learning curve for staff, allowing you to focus on customer interactions instead of navigating complex software. Seamless navigation enhances productivity, enabling quick access to essential functions like payment processing and inventory tracking. Numerous customers express satisfaction with the robust payment processing capabilities. They value the ability to accept various payment types while generating real-time sales reports. Feedback indicates that this efficiency improves cash flow and minimizes the risk of errors during transactions. Furthermore, reviews illustrate how square apps integrate functionality into a single platform. Users report that linking financial tools and sales data reduces manual entries and streamlines operations, contributing to enhanced customer service. Insights from sales analytics help with informed decision-making, allowing you to optimize stock levels and improve profitability. Overall, customer feedback consistently underscores the advantages square apps offer to small businesses in retail and storefront settings. Enhanced user experience, operational efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction reflect the growing appeal of these innovative tools. Conclusion Square apps are revolutionizing the way you interact with technology and manage your business. Their focus on user-friendly designs and robust functionality makes them essential tools for small business owners. By streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement, these apps empower you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business. As you explore the benefits of square apps, you’ll find that they not only simplify daily tasks but also provide valuable insights into your sales and inventory management. Embracing these innovative solutions positions you for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. With square apps, you’re not just keeping up; you’re setting the pace. Frequently Asked Questions What are square apps? Square apps are applications designed specifically for square screens, optimizing screen space and enhancing user interaction. They combine functionality and visual appeal, making them ideal for everyday tasks and improving productivity. How do square apps benefit small businesses? Square apps offer tools that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve customer engagement. They provide easy access to payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics, helping small businesses thrive in competitive markets. What features make square apps user-friendly? Square apps prioritize a simple and attractive interface, allowing for seamless navigation and quick access to essential functions. This design minimizes the learning curve for staff, ensuring efficient use of the app in daily operations. How do square apps handle payment processing? Square apps feature robust payment processing capabilities, allowing businesses to accept various payment types and track sales in real-time. This efficiency helps improve cash flow and reduces transaction errors. Can square apps automate inventory management? Yes, square apps automate inventory management by tracking stock levels and alerting users to low inventory. This enables proactive restocking and informed decision-making based on sales analytics. How do square apps improve customer service? Square apps enhance customer service by integrating various functionalities into one platform, providing real-time access to sales data and customer interactions. This reduces manual entry and allows businesses to respond more effectively to customer needs. What do users say about square apps? Customer feedback highlights that square apps simplify daily operations, making it easy to manage transactions and track inventory. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and the ability to accept multiple payment types, contributing to improved cash flow and customer satisfaction. How do square apps compare to traditional payment processors? Square apps streamline operations by integrating multiple functionalities into one platform, unlike traditional payment processors requiring multiple integrations. Their user-friendly design and robust analytics tools help simplify transaction processes and enhance overall efficiency. Image Via Envato This article, "Transform Your Business with Square Apps: Enhance Productivity and User Experience" 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. If you’ve been meaning to grab an e-reader for the first time, this Kindle Paperwhite deal on Woot might be worth a closer look, especially if you don’t mind a gently used product. It’s the 11th Gen model from 2021, refurbished to Grade-A condition, starting at $89.99 for 16GB and $109.99 for 32GB versions. You can knock another $5 off with code FIREFIVE at checkout, but only through April 29—or until they sell out. 11th Gen Kindle Paperwhite (grade A condition) $89.99 at Woot Get Deal Get Deal $89.99 at Woot These are refurbished units, so there may be light signs of wear. But Woot says they’ve all been tested and cleared to work like new, and each one comes with a 90-day limited warranty. If you're after the newest model, however, the 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is available for $159.99. Read its in-depth review to compare it with the 2021 model and see which one fits your needs better. PCMag awarded this model the Best eBook Reader of the Year 2021, along with their Editor's Choice award. What you’re getting here is a reader with a 6.8-inch glare-free screen (330ppi) that uses e-ink tech, so it feels like reading on paper. It is also easier on the eyes thanks to its warm light setting that adjusts to your environment. Compared to older models, this one reportedly gives you more text per page, a flatter front that keeps dirt out, and a brighter display for daylight reading. It’s also IPX8 waterproof, meaning you can read in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach. These versions, like most Kindles, show ads on the lock screen unless you pay extra to remove them later. The build itself is light and comfy to hold, weighing just over seven ounces. It uses USB-C for charging, though Amazon only includes a cable, not the power brick. Storage-wise, the 16GB model should be enough for thousands of ebooks, while the 32GB version adds headroom for audiobooks and PDFs. It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wifi but can’t connect to peer-to-peer networks. View the full article

The 4chan website is down, and continues not to load for many users, according to Downdetector. (Downdetector is a platform that monitors online services and internet-related issues, and is essentially a crowd-sourced outage reporting tool.) This outage comes amid unconfirmed reports on social media, including on Reddit, that the internet message board was hacked. Fast Company has reached out to 4chan for comment and did not hear back immediately. The outage was first reported on Downdetector at around 9:57 p.m. ET on Monday night, and peaked soon after around 10:12 p.m. ET, when 1,265 users reported the problem. Since then, users have taken to monitoring the platform, turning Downdetector’s comments section into a virtual 4chan chat forum with some 7,464 comments already. 4chan can best be described as an image board or bulletin board site similar to Reddit, and is known for controversial, right-wing content, which some critics argue often contains hate speech. Founded in 2003 by then-15-year-old Christopher Poole, it started as a website to share anime and manga among its mostly young male audience, but has been called “a breeding ground for the far right.” A breach could potentially reveal the identities and opinions of moderators and users, which could be highly compromising, given the nature of the site’s content. As of this writing, most of the reported problems had to do with 4chan’s website (71%). Another 24% of users reported problems with the server connection, and another 5% said they could not post. Outages were registered across the country in a heat map on Downdetector. Here is a list of the cities included: Seattle Los Angeles Phoenix San Francisco Dallas Houston Minneapolis Chicago St. Louis Detroit Atlanta Tampa Boston New York Washington Users also submitted problem reports in Canada in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. View the full article

As tariff turbulence continues, BofA is predicting a slowdown, not a downturn. But America's second-largest bank is also signaling that it's prepared for a more severe scenario. View the full article

The deal has an extensive capital structure, which is expected to repay investors sequentially, with notes enhanced by subordination. View the full article

One of the things a Dutch oven does best is sear and cook "low and slow." Sauces reduce, sugars caramelize, and meats brown with great success in these pots, but your food won’t be the only thing left with a brown crust. The creamy white interior of enameled Dutch ovens can get pretty gunky. Here are some ways to clean stubborn crud, and prevent more from building up. 1. Boiling is your best friend If you try to clean burnt sauce and stuck meat residue right off of the stove, you’ll likely ruin your sponge on the first pass. Don’t attempt to scratch it off with steel wool or your fingernails (you want to keep those). Your first line of attack is loosening any burnt-on crud with a good old fashioned boiling. To do this, fill your Dutch oven about three-quarters full or with enough warm water to submerge the burnt food. Throw your pot back on the burner and bring it to a boil. Putting the lid on will help the water boil faster and loosen anything that might be stuck to the inside of the lid too. Let the water simmer and soften the food residue for about 15 minutes. You’ll likely see the water lifting material already. Using a sturdy utensil, like a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape around the bottom and sides of the pot. Remove the pot from the heat and dump out the hot water. Scrape at any missed spots with the wooden spoon and then clean the pot again, but this time with warm, soapy water and a sponge. Dry it off thoroughly. 2. Add baking soda to the mixAfter a couple weeks of serious usage, you may start to see some discoloration, or stubborn streaks and brown staining around the inside of the Dutch oven. If your regular boiling with water method isn’t cutting through, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soaking water per every four cups of water. Let the alkaline solution simmer for about 15 minutes with the lid on (again, so the steam can soften any stains on the lid’s interior). I throw a sponge straight into the pot and scrub around the stained areas with a wooden spoon. This might take a bit of elbow grease but the baking soda will help lift those stains if you keep at it. You can see a faint line in the picture of where the boiling baking soda water ended and I didn’t scrub with the sponge. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Spot treat with more baking soda. If you have some stuck stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Rub the baking soda paste into these stubborn areas. The gentle abrasive nature of the paste is often enough to lift the stain. 3. Bleach out remaining stainsI have not attempted to use a bleach solution yet, but America’s Test Kitchen recommends it for brightening up the interior of your enamel-finished Dutch oven. To do so, make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and pour it into the pot. Let it sit overnight and the next day, after rinsing and washing it out thoroughly, you’ll reveal a perfectly spotless interior. As always when working with bleach, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Tools that aren’t so helpfulI’ve seen a great deal on Reddit about Barkeeper’s Friend—both good and bad. There are as many folks recommending it on enameled Dutch ovens as there are folks prohibiting it. My advice is, like trying new skincare or protecting suede boots—always test a new product on a small, out of sight area to see how it goes. Those who hate Barkeeper’s on enamel say it can dull the finish and wear down the enamel. So if you do try it, do so in a small area, wash it off and see how it looks on your cookware. Another recommendation from the good folks of the internet was trying out a melamine sponge (Magic Eraser). These can also be abrasive and dull finishes, like paint, but I tried it on a small stain with no dulling effect—but also no success with the stain, so i quickly ditched that idea. Prevent stainingThe best way to get rid of stains is to keep the tough ones from forming. Like most cookware, you shouldn't cook using more than medium-low to medium heat. I know our stoves can go up to a high flame, but most pot and pan manufacturers recommend against this. Instead, let the Dutch oven preheat thoroughly with some oil inside. The heavy duty cast iron will hold onto that heat and it’ll be plenty for searing meats and veggies. If you’ve been cooking on the stove top and plan to finish the food in the oven, always wipe down the outside of the Dutch oven before making the move. Sometimes little dribbles of fat will be chilling on the exterior and those fats can polymerize in the oven, appearing like blackened tears running down the face of your perfect Dutch oven. Carefully wipe down the outside with a paper towel or slightly soapy, damp sponge now, so the pot doesn’t cry later. View the full article

Several of the largest U.S. banks are reportedly pausing or reassessing how they send sensitive information to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) following a major cyberattack on the regulator. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of New York Mellon have halted electronic information-sharing with the OCC, Bloomberg reported. Bank of America is working to transmit data through what it considers more secure electronic channels, according to the report. The moves come after hackers reportedly accessed more than 100 accounts within the OCC’s email system over the course of a year—a breach the OCC and U.S. Treasury have labeled a “major incident.” The attackers are believed to have obtained highly sensitive information about financial firms, though the identity of the hackers remains unknown. Banks have expressed growing concern over the breach and the OCC’s handling of its disclosure, The Wall Street Journal reported. Many institutions are still unclear about the specific information that may have been compromised. The OCC, an independent bureau within the Treasury Department, regulates and supervises more than 1,000 national banks, federal savings associations, and the U.S. branches of foreign banks. The agency is currently being led on an acting basis by Rodney Hood, a former member of the National Credit Union Administration Board. Among the types of sensitive information banks send to the OCC are reports on cybersecurity practices and National Security Letters, which can include classified details related to terrorism and espionage, according to Bloomberg. View the full article

Android is getting a new security feature that makes it harder for someone to break into your device if it has been lost, stolen, or seized. With the latest Google Play services update, Android phones and tablets will automatically restart (and require a passcode to decrypt) if they remain locked for three consecutive days. How Android auto-restart worksAndroid and iOS devices already revert to a Before First Unlock (BFU) state when restarted, requiring a user to enter their passcode or PIN before certain features—such as notifications and biometrics—are enabled. Data is encrypted and inaccessible in a BFU state until the correct passcode is entered to shift the device to an After First Unlock (AFU) state. While it is possible to extract some data from a device in BFU mode, it is far more limited than a device that is in an AFU state. Once this Google Play services update hits your Android device, it will automatically reboot (into BFU mode) if it remains locked for three consecutive days. That means that if your phone isn't in your possession and hasn't been unlocked, anyone trying to access your data (such as law enforcement or thieves) will encounter a higher security state that cannot be decrypted without your passcode. Apple added a similar feature called "inactivity reboot"—which automatically restarts your iPhone and re-encrypts its data if it goes unused for four days—to iOS 18.1 late last year. According to 9to5Google, the Google Play services 25.14 update will be rolled out over the next week. Auto restart may not be enabled immediately, though it should land on your device without an OS update. It's also unclear for now whether this is a feature users can opt in or out of (or if you'll be notified when an automatic restart happens) as well as which versions of Android will be supported. View the full article

New LinkedIn study finds posts with links boost engagement by 13%, contradicting common advice. Learn which content formats perform best. The post LinkedIn Study Finds Adding Links Boosts Engagement By 13% appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article