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With today's low inventory, an MIP reduction would again be absorbed into home prices, offering no real relief to buyers, write the co-directors of the AEI Housing Center. View the full article

Interest-only loans, popular pre-2008, have revamped requirements and can be an option for borrowers looking for short-term lower payments, stakeholders say. View the full article

Investment in professional development is more common than tuition reimbursement among top-ranked firms seeking to meet demand for AI-related training. View the full article

All aspects of the concrete business are thriving in the United States. It’s hard work, and much of it is labor-intensive. But the start-up costs aren’t high and concrete business owners have the potential to earn significant income. Read on for a guide on how to start a concrete business. Why Start a Concrete Business? Yes, the concrete industry in the U.S. has been experiencing steady growth, particularly due to infrastructure projects, residential development, and commercial construction. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials is also a contributing factor. Concrete Industry Trends Today There are many trends currently impacting the way concrete companies operate: Use of Recycled Materials: Eco-friendliness: With increasing environmental concerns, the concrete industry is now using recycled aggregate, replacing natural sand and gravel. Waste Utilization: Concrete industries have started using waste materials like fly ash, slag, and recycled concrete, reducing landfill waste. Cost-Efficiency: Using recycled materials can also prove to be cost-effective in many scenarios as it reduces dependency on virgin materials. High-Performance Concrete: Durability: High-performance concrete (HPC) is engineered for longevity, providing resistance to harsh weather and significant wear and tear. Strength: HPC often has a greater compressive strength than regular concrete, making it ideal for critical infrastructure like bridges. Self-Healing Properties: Some advanced forms of HPC are even embedded with bacteria that produce limestone, allowing the concrete to “heal” minor cracks. Digitalization in the Concrete Industry: 3D Printing: The industry has started leveraging 3D printing for creating complex concrete structures, reducing labor and material wastage. Digital Twin Technology: Simulates a structure’s behavior over time, helping predict when maintenance or repairs might be necessary. Software Integration: Various project management and structural analysis software have been integrated to enhance productivity and efficiency. Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Thermal Efficiency: Concrete’s natural thermal mass can store and release energy, providing a passive cooling and heating effect in structures. Green Building Certifications: With a focus on sustainable construction, concrete is being optimized to meet green building standards like LEED. Carbon Capture: Innovations such as carbon-injected concrete are gaining popularity, as they capture CO2 during the curing process, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint. Like many other industries, the concrete sector is evolving to address the challenges of our modern world. As demands for environmental sustainability and efficiency rise, the industry’s strategies regarding materials, technology, and processes are continuously adapting and innovating. What Does a Concrete Company Do? Residential Jobs often involve pouring foundations, driveways, and sidewalks. Commercial Larger-scale projects, like office buildings, require specialized equipment. Industrial Involves highly durable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc. Decorative/Specialty Focus on aesthetics, including stamped or colored concrete. Service TypeTypical Jobs/FeaturesEquipment/Requirements ResidentialPouring foundations, driveways, sidewalks.Standard concrete mixers, pumps, trowels/finishing tools. CommercialLarger-scale projects like office buildings.Specialized equipment, larger mixers and pumps. IndustrialDurable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc.Reinforced concrete, heavy-duty equipment. Decorative/SpecialtyAesthetic focus; stamped, colored concrete.Specialty mixers, color additives, stamping tools. Key Steps to Start Your Own Concrete Business As is common with all businesses, starting a concrete business involves a number of steps. If you’re interested in learning how to start a business in this growing field, read on for a guide. Market Research in the Construction Industry Before starting a concrete business, you need to do thorough market research. The research should include all types of concrete work being done in your area. After doing the research, you may realize that you can get your best start by providing an underserved niche, such as decorative concrete or specialized concrete applications for unique construction projects. Crafting Your Concrete Business Plan Your business plan should include information about your business structure, such as if you’ve formed the business as a Limited Liability Corporation or LLC (this is common), partnership or corporation. You should also incorporate details about your market research, marketing strategy, and plans for business growth in the upcoming years. Lenders like to, of course, see documentation of all your financials, and they also like to see a business plan. Registering Your Concrete Business and Legal Requirements You’ll need a business license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and likely a contractor’s license. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory. Researching General Liability Insurance This small business insurance protects against financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, or other general risks that can occur during business operations. Financing Your Concrete Business After you’ve crafted your business plan, organize all your financial information so you can present it to a lender. You can seek financing from a variety of lenders. Don’t overlook seeking lenders who are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has various loan programs offered through participating lenders. The SBA loans often have lower interest rates and longer repayments. Necessary Licenses and Certifications Requirements can differ depending on the state, but they typically consist of a business license, a contractor’s license, and possibly specialized certifications for certain types of work. Running a Successful Concrete Business Once you’ve learned how to start a concrete business, you’ll need to focus on providing concrete services for your customers. Here are some tips: Quality Concrete and Customer Satisfaction Your contract with a customer should be clear. It’s an agreement that describes the type of work to be performed and its cost. Don’t neglect to follow up with the customer. Ensure they are satisfied with the work completed. Request feedback to gauge their level of satisfaction, as this information will be essential for your future endeavors. Efficient Operations and Inventory Management One of the most critical parts of running a concrete business is organizing the delivery of the concrete. Big jobs may require numerous deliveries from concrete trucks. As soon as you’ve contracted a job, start taking steps to set up concrete delivery. Of course, the weather can always be a factor to waylay your best plans. But, at least the concrete supplier will know how much concrete you’ll need for the job, allowing the supplier to plan accordingly to line up production and drivers. Safety Standards and Compliance Key concerns include worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. OSHA guidelines are critical. Marketing Your Concrete Business You should establish a website and a presence on social media. Additionally, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce, which will allow you to network with other business professionals in the community, particularly contractors. Contractors from different industries can direct their customers to your business. Building Long-Term Client Relationships Once you have good clients, don’t neglect them. Thank them for the business association. Ask for feedback on their level of job satisfaction and ask for suggestions. Essential Tools, Equipment, and Costs to Start a Concrete Business Concrete Mixers: $1,000-$10,000 depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps: $20,000-$50,000 for basic models. Trowels/Finishing Tools: A few hundred dollars for a good set. EquipmentCost RangeNotes Concrete Mixers$1,000 - $10,000Price varies depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps$20,000 - $50,000For basic models. Higher-end models might cost more. Trowels/Finishing ToolsUp to a few hundred dollarsCost for a good set. Price can vary based on quality and brand. Marketing and Growing Your Concrete Business If you’re wondering, “what is marketing for a concrete business?” here are some tips to help your new venture succeed. Digital Marketing Strategies Your Facebook page and social media connections should be regularly updated with photos and videos showcasing your latest projects, as well as customer reviews. Building Partnerships with Construction Companies This type of partnership can work for both of you. The construction company or contractor provides leads or referrals, and you do the same for them. For instance, after completing a stamped concrete patio for a client, the client shares that his son has purchased a lot in the same development and plans to build a house. You can suggest a construction company that you have confidence in. Customer Retention Strategies Seeking customer feedback is the proven way to retain customers. That’s because positive and negative feedback tells you where you need to improve. You can use customer feedback to provide the best job possible. Starting a Small Concrete Business It’s true you can spend $1,000 by starting with a small mixer. You’ll need $20,000 for a basic concrete pump and about $100 for tools. In other words, you can be equipped for your business for less than $22,000. That doesn’t include your insurance or permit costs. Many construction jobs are “small jobs,” such as a backyard patio or a pad for a hot tub or spa. These are jobs that the “big” concrete companies may not be interested in doing. Taking on small concrete jobs will give you a start. With satisfied customers and a growing customer base, your new concrete business can continue to grow. You can buy bigger and better equipment as you can afford it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bimV01UGv6E%3Fsi%3D1_9lFuek9_o6unYX FAQs: How to Start a Concrete Business How profitable is a concrete business? Profits or concrete businesses can vary widely based on scale, location, and type of work, but expect margins from 2% to 10% depending on various factors, including overhead and labor costs. The annual earnings of a concrete contractor can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location, the size of their operations, and the nature of the contracts they undertake. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for construction managers, which encompasses concrete contractors, is approximately $95,260. Nevertheless, a self-employed contractor operating as a business owner might earn considerably more or less, influenced by their specific business model and prevailing market conditions. What qualifications are needed to become a concrete contractor? Qualifications often include a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an apprenticeship in the field. Many states also require concrete contractors to pass a licensing exam that tests knowledge of best practices, local building codes, and safety protocols. Experience is highly valued, and some contractors may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas. Are there risks associated with concrete businesses? Yes there are always risks involved when you’re working with heavy equipment. There are OSHA guidelines regarding worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. Adherence to the OSHA guidelines is critical. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Concrete Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

All aspects of the concrete business are thriving in the United States. It’s hard work, and much of it is labor-intensive. But the start-up costs aren’t high and concrete business owners have the potential to earn significant income. Read on for a guide on how to start a concrete business. Why Start a Concrete Business? Yes, the concrete industry in the U.S. has been experiencing steady growth, particularly due to infrastructure projects, residential development, and commercial construction. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials is also a contributing factor. Concrete Industry Trends Today There are many trends currently impacting the way concrete companies operate: Use of Recycled Materials: Eco-friendliness: With increasing environmental concerns, the concrete industry is now using recycled aggregate, replacing natural sand and gravel. Waste Utilization: Concrete industries have started using waste materials like fly ash, slag, and recycled concrete, reducing landfill waste. Cost-Efficiency: Using recycled materials can also prove to be cost-effective in many scenarios as it reduces dependency on virgin materials. High-Performance Concrete: Durability: High-performance concrete (HPC) is engineered for longevity, providing resistance to harsh weather and significant wear and tear. Strength: HPC often has a greater compressive strength than regular concrete, making it ideal for critical infrastructure like bridges. Self-Healing Properties: Some advanced forms of HPC are even embedded with bacteria that produce limestone, allowing the concrete to “heal” minor cracks. Digitalization in the Concrete Industry: 3D Printing: The industry has started leveraging 3D printing for creating complex concrete structures, reducing labor and material wastage. Digital Twin Technology: Simulates a structure’s behavior over time, helping predict when maintenance or repairs might be necessary. Software Integration: Various project management and structural analysis software have been integrated to enhance productivity and efficiency. Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Thermal Efficiency: Concrete’s natural thermal mass can store and release energy, providing a passive cooling and heating effect in structures. Green Building Certifications: With a focus on sustainable construction, concrete is being optimized to meet green building standards like LEED. Carbon Capture: Innovations such as carbon-injected concrete are gaining popularity, as they capture CO2 during the curing process, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint. Like many other industries, the concrete sector is evolving to address the challenges of our modern world. As demands for environmental sustainability and efficiency rise, the industry’s strategies regarding materials, technology, and processes are continuously adapting and innovating. What Does a Concrete Company Do? Residential Jobs often involve pouring foundations, driveways, and sidewalks. Commercial Larger-scale projects, like office buildings, require specialized equipment. Industrial Involves highly durable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc. Decorative/Specialty Focus on aesthetics, including stamped or colored concrete. Service TypeTypical Jobs/FeaturesEquipment/Requirements ResidentialPouring foundations, driveways, sidewalks.Standard concrete mixers, pumps, trowels/finishing tools. CommercialLarger-scale projects like office buildings.Specialized equipment, larger mixers and pumps. IndustrialDurable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc.Reinforced concrete, heavy-duty equipment. Decorative/SpecialtyAesthetic focus; stamped, colored concrete.Specialty mixers, color additives, stamping tools. Key Steps to Start Your Own Concrete Business As is common with all businesses, starting a concrete business involves a number of steps. If you’re interested in learning how to start a business in this growing field, read on for a guide. Market Research in the Construction Industry Before starting a concrete business, you need to do thorough market research. The research should include all types of concrete work being done in your area. After doing the research, you may realize that you can get your best start by providing an underserved niche, such as decorative concrete or specialized concrete applications for unique construction projects. Crafting Your Concrete Business Plan Your business plan should include information about your business structure, such as if you’ve formed the business as a Limited Liability Corporation or LLC (this is common), partnership or corporation. You should also incorporate details about your market research, marketing strategy, and plans for business growth in the upcoming years. Lenders like to, of course, see documentation of all your financials, and they also like to see a business plan. Registering Your Concrete Business and Legal Requirements You’ll need a business license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and likely a contractor’s license. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory. Researching General Liability Insurance This small business insurance protects against financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, or other general risks that can occur during business operations. Financing Your Concrete Business After you’ve crafted your business plan, organize all your financial information so you can present it to a lender. You can seek financing from a variety of lenders. Don’t overlook seeking lenders who are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has various loan programs offered through participating lenders. The SBA loans often have lower interest rates and longer repayments. Necessary Licenses and Certifications Requirements can differ depending on the state, but they typically consist of a business license, a contractor’s license, and possibly specialized certifications for certain types of work. Running a Successful Concrete Business Once you’ve learned how to start a concrete business, you’ll need to focus on providing concrete services for your customers. Here are some tips: Quality Concrete and Customer Satisfaction Your contract with a customer should be clear. It’s an agreement that describes the type of work to be performed and its cost. Don’t neglect to follow up with the customer. Ensure they are satisfied with the work completed. Request feedback to gauge their level of satisfaction, as this information will be essential for your future endeavors. Efficient Operations and Inventory Management One of the most critical parts of running a concrete business is organizing the delivery of the concrete. Big jobs may require numerous deliveries from concrete trucks. As soon as you’ve contracted a job, start taking steps to set up concrete delivery. Of course, the weather can always be a factor to waylay your best plans. But, at least the concrete supplier will know how much concrete you’ll need for the job, allowing the supplier to plan accordingly to line up production and drivers. Safety Standards and Compliance Key concerns include worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. OSHA guidelines are critical. Marketing Your Concrete Business You should establish a website and a presence on social media. Additionally, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce, which will allow you to network with other business professionals in the community, particularly contractors. Contractors from different industries can direct their customers to your business. Building Long-Term Client Relationships Once you have good clients, don’t neglect them. Thank them for the business association. Ask for feedback on their level of job satisfaction and ask for suggestions. Essential Tools, Equipment, and Costs to Start a Concrete Business Concrete Mixers: $1,000-$10,000 depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps: $20,000-$50,000 for basic models. Trowels/Finishing Tools: A few hundred dollars for a good set. EquipmentCost RangeNotes Concrete Mixers$1,000 - $10,000Price varies depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps$20,000 - $50,000For basic models. Higher-end models might cost more. Trowels/Finishing ToolsUp to a few hundred dollarsCost for a good set. Price can vary based on quality and brand. Marketing and Growing Your Concrete Business If you’re wondering, “what is marketing for a concrete business?” here are some tips to help your new venture succeed. Digital Marketing Strategies Your Facebook page and social media connections should be regularly updated with photos and videos showcasing your latest projects, as well as customer reviews. Building Partnerships with Construction Companies This type of partnership can work for both of you. The construction company or contractor provides leads or referrals, and you do the same for them. For instance, after completing a stamped concrete patio for a client, the client shares that his son has purchased a lot in the same development and plans to build a house. You can suggest a construction company that you have confidence in. Customer Retention Strategies Seeking customer feedback is the proven way to retain customers. That’s because positive and negative feedback tells you where you need to improve. You can use customer feedback to provide the best job possible. Starting a Small Concrete Business It’s true you can spend $1,000 by starting with a small mixer. You’ll need $20,000 for a basic concrete pump and about $100 for tools. In other words, you can be equipped for your business for less than $22,000. That doesn’t include your insurance or permit costs. Many construction jobs are “small jobs,” such as a backyard patio or a pad for a hot tub or spa. These are jobs that the “big” concrete companies may not be interested in doing. Taking on small concrete jobs will give you a start. With satisfied customers and a growing customer base, your new concrete business can continue to grow. You can buy bigger and better equipment as you can afford it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bimV01UGv6E%3Fsi%3D1_9lFuek9_o6unYX FAQs: How to Start a Concrete Business How profitable is a concrete business? Profits or concrete businesses can vary widely based on scale, location, and type of work, but expect margins from 2% to 10% depending on various factors, including overhead and labor costs. The annual earnings of a concrete contractor can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location, the size of their operations, and the nature of the contracts they undertake. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for construction managers, which encompasses concrete contractors, is approximately $95,260. Nevertheless, a self-employed contractor operating as a business owner might earn considerably more or less, influenced by their specific business model and prevailing market conditions. What qualifications are needed to become a concrete contractor? Qualifications often include a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an apprenticeship in the field. Many states also require concrete contractors to pass a licensing exam that tests knowledge of best practices, local building codes, and safety protocols. Experience is highly valued, and some contractors may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas. Are there risks associated with concrete businesses? Yes there are always risks involved when you’re working with heavy equipment. There are OSHA guidelines regarding worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. Adherence to the OSHA guidelines is critical. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Concrete Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here. Books offer a compelling, slower alternative to the onslaught of negative news. With terrific new free tools, it’s increasingly easy to access print, digital, and audio books. Read on for my favorite book sites and apps. The heavy-hitters Libby lends out free e-books and audiobooks through libraries in 78 countries. It works for 90% of U.S. libraries. You can search for and check out nearly anything, instantly, for free, on any device. Audiobooks: Check out and listen to audiobooks at any speed. You may not need to pay for an Audible subscription. Definitions: Click on any word in an e-book you’re reading in Libby for its definition or to see where else that name or phrase appears. Highlight: Save memorable passages for your notes. Multiple cards: You can use multiple library cards within a single Libby account. That helps you check which library has the shortest waiting list for a book in high demand. (See where you can get non-resident library cards). Limitation: Libby is digital-only—you can’t use it for physical books. That requires a separate app or site, like the NYPL app in New York. Kanopy provides free access to top-notch feature films and documentaries. I log in with my library card. Watch on the Web, iOS or Android, or on a SmartTV app like Google TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV. Limitation: libraries limit the number of videos you can watch monthly. Hoopla is an alternative to Libby that works with 3,900 library systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Like Libby it hosts audiobooks and e-books, but also bundles in comics, movies, TV shows, magazines, and music. Use Hoopla to read, watch or listen from the Web or on a mobile device. I recently discovered its free Bingepasses, which allow instant access to a collection of magazines or videos for a week. World Cat tells you which of 10,000 global libraries near you have a particular book. It works in multiple languages. Search for books in print, e-book, braille, audio, or other formats. Find your next read Most Recommended Books shows you a list of smart people. Pick an expert or celeb you like and see which books they recommend, along with brief quotes on why they like each book. Check Goodbooks.io and ReadThisTwice for more expert/celeb book picks. Whichbook’s World Map offers a creative way to find a book about any part of the world. Select a country and see books set in that region. Where to find book recs is a nice list from a Writing About Reading post. I also like the eclectic recommendations in the New York Times’ Read Like the Wind newsletter. BookClubs lets you find a book group near you or organize your own. Fable hosts book clubs & communities for sharing what you’re reading. Find free and cheap books Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 free e-books and audiobooks. No registration required. See the top 100 list for free reading inspiration. The Internet Archive has searchable e-books and a free library collection. Bookbub is handy for bargain hunters. It shows discounted and free e-books. Available as a newsletter or check the site for deals. Support Independent booksellers Alibris has 200 million titles from indy booksellers around the world. Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookstore. Bookfinder lets you search online to find any book at the cheapest price. Indiebound helps you find a nearby real-world indy bookstore. Abebooks has great deals from independents. Check its bargain books + collections. Caveat: Amazon has owned it since 2008. Tertulia is a well-designed online co-op bookshop owned by readers. Make your own book list Listy is free. It’s easy to look up & add books, and later export your list. (See my prior post about it). LibraryThing is free and easy for cataloging books & tracking reading. Free Notion book tracking template lets you customize a collection page. Free Airtable book list template & my Airtable example: 30 authors I like. Find great children’s books Sora is a digital library for kids. Schools make e-books and audiobooks available on the app. It works well with graphic novels, picture books, as well as comic books and textbooks. (We also use Libby for kids books). Epic is another popular kids e-book app. It’s fun to use, but be aware that it leans into gamification and extrinsic motivation—using points and streaks to entice kids to repeatedly open the app. Kanopy has a great kids section with video versions of books by Eric Carle, Mo Willems and other great authors to spark an interest in reading. It also has math and science lessons. This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My coworker masturbates in the men’s bathroom There is a guy in my office who will go into one of the stalls in the men’s bathroom for 20-30 minutes at a time. I have had the bad luck of entering a stall next to him and hearing audible masturbation noises. I think he does this every day we work in-office because I swear it’s happened 5-6 times. A coworker I’m close with has confirmed hearing it as well, so I know I am not going crazy. I have also seen this guy come out of the bathroom with headphones on, looking at something on his phone, so after repeated incidents, I’m pretty sure he just doesn’t know how loud he is. Not sure how to handle this one. He is more or less doing it “in private” and I feel like HR would escalate things too much. We also were recently acquired by an international company and no longer have in-house HR. I don’t really want to tell someone halfway across the continent about a coworker’s bathroom habits. On the other hand, I would feel uncomfortable going up to him and saying, “Hey, I hear you jerking it every time we’re in the office, can you knock it off?” Asking HR to intervene would not be escalating it too much. Far from it! This guy is not in private; he’s using a shared bathroom where coworkers are hearing him (and he’s apparently not even bothering to be discreet or to stop when someone is in a stall a couple of feet away from him). You don’t owe him privacy here; he owes you the ability to use the bathroom at work without being exposed to the sound of someone jerking off. “Not hearing someone masturbating” is pretty much a bare minimum expectation you should be able to have at work. Talk to HR. Say you’ve heard others report the same thing, it’s gross, and you don’t want to be exposed to it. 2. My employee doesn’t solve problems on her own I manage a department of three employees, and I’m struggling with how to supervise one of them. We’re a high-performing team with various responsibilities, so everyone has a lot on their plate. All three employees have been with the company for about the same amount of time, so I expect them to have similar levels of knowledge. Betty and Sally are both friendly, approachable, take initiative, and are solid problem-solvers. Velma is quieter, takes little initiative, and often relies on me for answers or guidance. I don’t mind questions, but it’s become a regular occurrence, and many of these issues she should be able to resolve herself with a little effort, basic reasoning, or research. This was understandable when she was first hired, but after more than two years, it’s become problematic. In previous one-on-one meetings, I’ve asked Velma to take more ownership of her problem-solving and attempt to find solutions on her own before asking me for feedback. I even listed this as a goal on her last annual review, but there’s been little improvement over the last year. Her responses often included that she wasn’t sure and knew I could find the answer faster, or that she didn’t have all the necessary information, even though I don’t always have it either and often end up taking a few minutes to figure it out myself. I’m getting frustrated with the situation, and am frankly tired of giving the same feedback every few months. We’ve all had to learn this skill, and none of us needed this much hand-holding. Velma is a fine employee and does good work, but she’s not a star performer like her colleagues. I try not to compare them, but I’m aware it’s probably affecting my perspective. I know I need to start addressing this more directly in the moment, but I’m not sure how to do it without coming across as annoyed. You need to escalate the seriousness with which you’re treating it. Sit down with her and name the pattern and what she needs to do differently: “We’ve talked about this in the past and it was a formal goal on your last review, but I’m not seeing the progress I need. Now that you’re two years into the job, I need you to take more responsibility for problem-solving and look for solutions on your own before coming to me. That’s true even if you think I can find the answer faster than you, because you won’t develop this skill without practicing it. So going forward, when you ask for helping solving a problem, I’d like you to include everything you’ve tried so far — whether it’s checking our documentation, looking through similar past projects, or XYZ (fill in here with specific things she should try in your context). If you haven’t tried solve it yourself first, I’m going to ask you to do that before I step in.” Then, when she brings you a problem she should be able to solve herself, ask what she’s tried so far. And rather than jumping in to figure it out yourself, think about how you’d figure it out yourself and then ask her to take those steps instead of you. (Here’s some advice on how to do that.) If after a few months of this you’re not seeing much improvement, this may be an ability she’s not likely to develop with the amount of coaching it’s reasonable to expect you to invest … at which point you’d need to decide what that means for her tenure in the job. In some jobs it would be prohibitive; in others it might just mean that she can’t advance or won’t be compensated in the same way as Betty and Sally are. 3. Do I have to keep working late now that I’ve resigned? I recently resigned from my hectic 9-5 job to go back to school in May, giving two months notice instead of the usual two weeks. The job is typically 9-5, but it is a busy time and in the past month I was added to two new accounts that are making me work late. I’ve been putting in about three extra hours of work per work day, and I don’t want to anymore. Will I be remembered poorly if I leave closer to 5 pm, or is there a tacit expectation that people aren’t going to go above and beyond when they’ve quit? You should return to your regular hours. You generously gave them two months of notice instead of two weeks; you don’t also need to give them 15 extra hours of work a week! Frame it this way: “I won’t be able to handle these two new accounts on top of my regular workload — I have time to do X and Y but not Z, or I could do about half of each of them, but I can’t do everything that’s currently on my plate within a normal workweek. Can you tell me how you’d like me to prioritize, knowing that not all of it can get done? Or alternately, would it make more sense to reassign the two new accounts?” If you hear you should just find a way to get it all done, you should say, “There’s not enough time in the work week to get it all done. I’ll do as much as I can, but I need to let you know that it won’t all get done.” And then leave on time. Related: since I gave notice at work, my boss has tripled my workload 4. References when you haven’t had many jobs I have been helping my daughter with her resume and applications for full-time employment (thanks to your column, we have great info), but there are many applications that are asking for three business references. She’s only had two part-time jobs, one in college and one she’s been at since graduation. Some of these are online where they won’t let her past the question without filling in all three. How do we navigate this? Each job has had only one supervisor/manager, so there aren’t even two levels of bosses she could add. In a situation like this, it’s okay if all the references aren’t managers. Is there a coworker she could add, someone who worked closely enough with her to be able to speak to her work with some nuance? Ideally it would be a coworker who was senior to her, but if no one like that is available, she could list a peer. 5. Can you use FMLA for clinical trials? I have a moderately-serious, life-shortening chronic condition (I have decades, not months, left, and I use a wheelchair outside my home) for which there is no treatment. About a year ago, I got the chance to do clinical trial for a new drug that was in development. It required a month-long in-patient stay in a treatment center. I asked my work’s EAP if I’d be able to use FMLA for that, but they told me “you can’t use FMLA if it’s voluntary.” That seems wrong to me? After all, most medical treatments are technically voluntary, in that you could choose not to do them — sometimes with the devastating medical consequences, but you have the option. I ended up working remotely during the trial, judiciously using PTO on days when I had a lot of procedures, but I still sometimes had to be on Zoom meetings while getting blood drawn. Anyway, I’m interested in getting your take on that decision. Should it have been covered? What are the actual rules? I might do other trials in the future, and I’d like to be sure of my options. Whoa, no, your work was 100% wrong. The law is clear that you can use FMLA for a clinical trial when it’s part of a serious health condition. The fact that clinical trials are considered “voluntary or elective” is not a factor. Your EAP may have been thinking of elective procedures for cosmetic treatments (like plastic surgery), which don’t qualify for FMLA — but they were fully wrong on the application here. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor issued an opinion letter last year, affirming that employees may use FMLA for clinical trials. View the full article

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This week our Small Biz Breakdown crew shares their thoughts on the impact on small businesses one month into the second term of Donald Trump’s presidency. They also engage in a fascinating conversation about career paths taken and not taken and the benefits of exploring trade skills. Check out those discussions and so much more in this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown right here … Small Business News Roundup HubSpot and Canva Partner to Streamline Design and Marketing Integration HubSpot and Canva have announced a new partnership aimed at simplifying content creation for small and medium-sized businesses. The collaboration integrates Canva’s design tools directly into HubSpot’s platform, enabling users to create, edit, and publish on-brand content without leaving the HubSpot environment. Ignition Launches AutoPricing to Automate Price Increases for Service-Based Businesses Ignition has introduced AutoPricing, a first-to-market suite of pricing automation tools designed to help professional services businesses streamline price increases at scale. The new capabilities allow businesses to automate bulk price adjustments, providing greater control over revenue growth while improving long-term cash flow and profitability. Loeffler Confirmed as Next SBA Administrator The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to confirm former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler as the next administrator of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler had been tapped by President Donald Trump for the position during the transition to his second term in the White House. GoPro Updates 360 Experience with Refreshed MAX Camera and AI-Powered Editing Tools GoPro, Inc. has unveiled a series of updates to its 360 video ecosystem, including the reintroduction of the refreshed MAX 360 camera, an upgraded mobile editing experience in the GoPro Quik App, and a new GoPro Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Lumio Launches to Bring AI-Powered Business Enablement to Professional Services Lumio, a newly launched company specializing in AI-driven solutions for professional services firms, aims to transform how elite practitioners navigate commercial and strategic challenges. Founded by legal industry veterans, Lumio introduces AI-powered bionic teaming to enhance decision-making, business development, and firm leadership in a rapidly evolving market. Adobe Expands Firefly AI With Commercially Safe Video Model and New App Features Adobe has launched a major expansion of its Firefly generative AI platform, introducing a new Firefly Video Model in public beta and unveiling new Firefly plan offerings that integrate AI-powered video, image, and vector generation. YouTube Integrates Veo 2 AI Video Generation Into Shorts, Expands Creative Tools YouTube has announced the integration of Google DeepMind’s latest video generation model, Veo 2, into its Shorts platform, enhancing AI-powered creative tools for users. The update expands Dream Screen, YouTube’s AI-driven background generator, and introduces the ability to create standalone AI-generated video clips that can be added to Shorts. Study: Gig Workers Face High Injury Risks, Financial Strain, and Lack of Support A new study from Atticus highlights the risks faced by gig economy workers, revealing that many continue working through injuries without compensation or support. The research, based on a survey of 1,000 American gig workers, found that 15% have suffered workplace injuries or illnesses, with nearly 90% working through their health issues due to financial pressures. Survey Reveals Financial Challenges and Perks of Freelancing A recent survey by Everly Life highlights the financial struggles freelancers face, despite the growing appeal of gig work. While 75% of freelancers feel confident their work will help them meet retirement goals, 54% report heightened pressure to save before they retire. The findings underscore the financial uncertainty that comes with self-employment, despite the autonomy it offers. Nevada Woman Admits to Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M in COVID-19 Tax Credits A Las Vegas woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by submitting fraudulent tax refund claims for COVID-19 employment tax credits, securing $33 million in improper payouts from the IRS. Small Biz Breakdown: Are Small Businesses Still Driving the US Economy? For years, it’s been the commonly held belief that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Has that changed? If so, what’s changing it or what’s threatening to make that commonly held belief to maybe not as true as it once was? This week, our expert panel from Small Biz Breakdown share their thoughts on the idea that small businesses are still the backbone of the U.S. NetSuite Expands AI Capabilities and Product Enhancements to Boost Business Efficiency NetSuite has introduced a range of AI-driven innovations, new product offerings, and integrations designed to enhance business efficiency, streamline processes, and support diverse revenue models. These updates, announced at SuiteConnect New York, aim to automate operations, reduce manual workload, and improve financial and procurement functions for organizations of all sizes. BigCommerce Introduces Catalyst for Faster, More Flexible Ecommerce Storefronts BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) has announced updates to Catalyst, its next-generation composable storefront technology, designed to simplify and accelerate ecommerce site deployment. The new feature allows marketers to launch and customize storefronts with a single click from the BigCommerce Control Panel, eliminating the need for extensive development time and resources. This article, "Weekly RoundUp – February 20, 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This week our Small Biz Breakdown crew shares their thoughts on the impact on small businesses one month into the second term of Donald Trump’s presidency. They also engage in a fascinating conversation about career paths taken and not taken and the benefits of exploring trade skills. Check out those discussions and so much more in this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown right here … Small Business News Roundup HubSpot and Canva Partner to Streamline Design and Marketing Integration HubSpot and Canva have announced a new partnership aimed at simplifying content creation for small and medium-sized businesses. The collaboration integrates Canva’s design tools directly into HubSpot’s platform, enabling users to create, edit, and publish on-brand content without leaving the HubSpot environment. Ignition Launches AutoPricing to Automate Price Increases for Service-Based Businesses Ignition has introduced AutoPricing, a first-to-market suite of pricing automation tools designed to help professional services businesses streamline price increases at scale. The new capabilities allow businesses to automate bulk price adjustments, providing greater control over revenue growth while improving long-term cash flow and profitability. Loeffler Confirmed as Next SBA Administrator The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to confirm former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler as the next administrator of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler had been tapped by President Donald Trump for the position during the transition to his second term in the White House. GoPro Updates 360 Experience with Refreshed MAX Camera and AI-Powered Editing Tools GoPro, Inc. has unveiled a series of updates to its 360 video ecosystem, including the reintroduction of the refreshed MAX 360 camera, an upgraded mobile editing experience in the GoPro Quik App, and a new GoPro Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Lumio Launches to Bring AI-Powered Business Enablement to Professional Services Lumio, a newly launched company specializing in AI-driven solutions for professional services firms, aims to transform how elite practitioners navigate commercial and strategic challenges. Founded by legal industry veterans, Lumio introduces AI-powered bionic teaming to enhance decision-making, business development, and firm leadership in a rapidly evolving market. Adobe Expands Firefly AI With Commercially Safe Video Model and New App Features Adobe has launched a major expansion of its Firefly generative AI platform, introducing a new Firefly Video Model in public beta and unveiling new Firefly plan offerings that integrate AI-powered video, image, and vector generation. YouTube Integrates Veo 2 AI Video Generation Into Shorts, Expands Creative Tools YouTube has announced the integration of Google DeepMind’s latest video generation model, Veo 2, into its Shorts platform, enhancing AI-powered creative tools for users. The update expands Dream Screen, YouTube’s AI-driven background generator, and introduces the ability to create standalone AI-generated video clips that can be added to Shorts. Study: Gig Workers Face High Injury Risks, Financial Strain, and Lack of Support A new study from Atticus highlights the risks faced by gig economy workers, revealing that many continue working through injuries without compensation or support. The research, based on a survey of 1,000 American gig workers, found that 15% have suffered workplace injuries or illnesses, with nearly 90% working through their health issues due to financial pressures. Survey Reveals Financial Challenges and Perks of Freelancing A recent survey by Everly Life highlights the financial struggles freelancers face, despite the growing appeal of gig work. While 75% of freelancers feel confident their work will help them meet retirement goals, 54% report heightened pressure to save before they retire. The findings underscore the financial uncertainty that comes with self-employment, despite the autonomy it offers. Nevada Woman Admits to Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M in COVID-19 Tax Credits A Las Vegas woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by submitting fraudulent tax refund claims for COVID-19 employment tax credits, securing $33 million in improper payouts from the IRS. Small Biz Breakdown: Are Small Businesses Still Driving the US Economy? For years, it’s been the commonly held belief that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Has that changed? If so, what’s changing it or what’s threatening to make that commonly held belief to maybe not as true as it once was? This week, our expert panel from Small Biz Breakdown share their thoughts on the idea that small businesses are still the backbone of the U.S. NetSuite Expands AI Capabilities and Product Enhancements to Boost Business Efficiency NetSuite has introduced a range of AI-driven innovations, new product offerings, and integrations designed to enhance business efficiency, streamline processes, and support diverse revenue models. These updates, announced at SuiteConnect New York, aim to automate operations, reduce manual workload, and improve financial and procurement functions for organizations of all sizes. BigCommerce Introduces Catalyst for Faster, More Flexible Ecommerce Storefronts BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) has announced updates to Catalyst, its next-generation composable storefront technology, designed to simplify and accelerate ecommerce site deployment. The new feature allows marketers to launch and customize storefronts with a single click from the BigCommerce Control Panel, eliminating the need for extensive development time and resources. This article, "Weekly RoundUp – February 20, 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Expectations of Germany’s next chancellor are already sky-high but coalition talks will be toughView the full article

Friedrich Merz says he has ‘no illusions’ about Trump administration’s ‘indifference’ towards EuropeView the full article