Latest news with #professionals
Geeky Gadgets
16 hours ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Step-by-Step: Automate Statements of Work with AI Meeting Note-Takers
How much time do you spend writing statements of work? At some point, the impact on productivity becomes inevitable. Every project begins with formalities: documenting agreements, timelines, and deliverables. To capture key points, professionals go through extensive meeting information, which can take hours. But what if you could get it done within minutes ? A good AI meeting note-taker helps automate deliverables and optimize workflows of an entire team. Let's dive in and explore the details. What is a Statement of Work? A statement of work, or SOW, is a document that includes information about the project's scope, timelines, deliverables, and other discussed points. The idea is to bind a client and a vendor and define what a successful result looks like. Use cases vary: from starting a new project to involving new parties in an existing one. A statement of work helps professionals set expectations and reduce misunderstandings in the early stages. Key Components of a Statement of Work Before automating statements of work, you need to understand the key elements that shape this document. Think of them as a strong foundation that remains the same, with items from meetings filling in the gaps. Here are the core features of a comprehensive statement of work: Introduction and objectives Scope of work Deliverables and tasks Timeline Roles and responsibilities Project standards Acceptance criteria Payment information Requirements A good example of a statement of work outlines project-related information and provides traceability across all involved parties. How AI Can Improve Statements of Work The truth is, many professionals remain loyal to traditional meeting documentation. Then, why should you do it differently? The value of AI goes beyond speed. Let's take a look at how AI can turn your team conversations into practical statements of work: Consistency : AI note-taker tools ensure that information from company meetings is consistent and accurate. It is easier to maintain the brand's style and adhere to the guidelines. : AI note-taker tools ensure that information from company meetings is consistent and accurate. It is easier to maintain the brand's style and adhere to the guidelines. Traceability : Whether you have virtual meetings or offline discussions, with AI all documents are traceable. : Whether you have virtual meetings or offline discussions, with AI all documents are traceable. Standardized templates : A range of tools offers customizable templates, but the key is that all the information you need for statements of work is structured and aligned with templates. : A range of tools offers customizable templates, but the key is that all the information you need for statements of work is structured and aligned with templates. Time-saving: Statements of work are a tedious task, but with AI, it takes minutes. A good meeting assistant analyzes discussions and extracts information required for SOWs. As a result, you spend less time but receive comprehensive documentation that is structured and aligned with your guidelines. Steps to Choose an AI Meeting Note-Taker The value of automated note-taking tools for SWOs is out of question. Now that all the benefits are listed, you can move to the next step: find the right software. With so much to consider and so many options to choose from, how do you decide? We have prepared a list of ideas to help you assess note-taker tools better. Transcription Accuracy An AI meeting note-taker is only effective as long as it has accurate transcription. Furthermore, it has to maintain quality regardless of background noise or the number of speakers. Consider tools that provide real-time transcription with precise detection of speaker switches and support multiple languages. Summarization & Key Insight Extraction Can the note-taking tool generate meeting summaries and extract key items? This is the next question to answer to narrow down the options. Automatic transcription is one of the pillars, but not the only one. Look for AI meeting note-taker tools that gather insights across meetings and can turn them into precise documentation. Ensure the smart summary contains action items and main ideas, and that the accuracy of the text is not affected. Automation of Deliverables Automated deliverables can set advanced AI meeting note-takers apart from traditional ones. Tools that support AI Artifacts can optimize the creation of statements of work, project plans, and other documentation, improving professionals' productivity. Search tools that not only generate meeting transcriptions but can also create comprehensive documentation based on conversations. Search & Traceability What is the purpose of having meeting recordings, notes, and documents if they are not searchable? Even worse, when you cannot trace them. This is another basic feature to consider in the AI meeting note-taker software. Choose the tool that provides searchable transcripts, deliverables, records, and filtering by meeting topic or keywords. Seamless Integrations No good AI meeting note-taker is isolated, so when searching for your next assistant, consider the integrations list. Check whether there are options to sync generated documents into collaboration or project tools. Assess a list of native integrations and check Zapier apps to ensure all the platforms you use can be connected. This will help you automatically sync or share your statements of work with all the responsible parties. How Sembly AI Automates Statements of Work What if you can automate deliverables, receive smart meeting recaps, and integrate AI with your favorite tools? Sembly AI made this possible. With Sembly, you can create statements of work or any other supporting documentation within minutes after meetings. It will analyze your discussions and provide structured information based on your input, regardless of the complexity level. The tool offers a full spectrum of meeting support: from searchable records, smart notes, and action items to comprehensive AI Artifacts. You no longer need to dedicate time to manual note-taking and creating documents in Word. Sembly provides high-quality output, improving your productivity and results, while you focus on what's important. The Main Challenges of Automating Statements of Work Automation may come with its challenges, so this section is dedicated to understanding common pitfalls and addressing them. Let's take a look at some concerns that stop professionals from automating their statements of work and other project documentation: Misinterpretation : Improper contextual interpretation of meeting information can be lethal for the statements of work. It is crucial for the chosen software to analyze discussions, rather than just extract pieces of agreements. : Improper contextual interpretation of meeting information can be lethal for the statements of work. It is crucial for the chosen software to analyze discussions, rather than just extract pieces of agreements. Dependency on data : Technical issues with audio or meeting participants' dropouts negatively impact the document's result. Focus on tools that support low-quality sound and offer minutes of noise cancellation. : Technical issues with audio or meeting participants' dropouts negatively impact the document's result. Focus on tools that support low-quality sound and offer minutes of noise cancellation. Security : Security remains a concern for many professionals. According to recent data, there are approximately 600 million cyberattacks per day. It is mandatory that the AI meeting note-taker maintains enterprise-grade security. : Security remains a concern for many professionals. According to recent data, there are approximately 600 million cyberattacks per day. It is mandatory that the AI meeting note-taker maintains enterprise-grade security. Limited customization: Brand consistency is key, especially in documents such as statements of work, and some tools offer pre-made templates only. Try to find advanced options that are more flexible and can adjust to your guidelines and rules. Wrapping Up Statements of work no longer have to take hours, libraries of templates, and careful and time-consuming editing. AI meeting note-takers continue to advance and can automate deliverables based on meeting information. A proper input and a link to the conversation details are enough to receive a comprehensive document within minutes. The key? The tool that has high accuracy levels, summarization & extraction of key insights, searchable records, integrations, and advanced AI features. As a result, your statements of work will take minutes, and you can improve your productivity. Filed Under: Guides, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
19 hours ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
MacBook Buyer's Guide 2025: Find Your Perfect Apple Laptop
Selecting the right MacBook in 2025 requires a clear understanding of your daily tasks, performance needs, and budget. Apple's lineup continues to cater to a wide range of users, from casual web browsers to professional creators. The video below from Created Tech will help you navigate the available options, focusing on performance, value, and suitability, so you can make an informed decision without overspending. Watch this video on YouTube. Assess Your Needs Before Choosing Before exploring specific models, it's essential to evaluate your typical workload and how you plan to use your MacBook. Understanding your needs will help you identify the most suitable model and avoid paying for features you don't require. Consider the following categories: Light Workflows: Tasks such as web browsing, email, video streaming, and document editing fall under this category. These activities require minimal processing power and are ideal for entry-level models. Tasks such as web browsing, email, video streaming, and document editing fall under this category. These activities require minimal processing power and are ideal for entry-level models. Moderate Workflows: If you frequently multitask with multiple apps, engage in light photo editing, or participate in video calls, you'll need a MacBook with slightly more power and memory. If you frequently multitask with multiple apps, engage in light photo editing, or participate in video calls, you'll need a MacBook with slightly more power and memory. Intensive Workflows: Demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, software development, or running virtual machines require a high-performance MacBook with advanced hardware capabilities. By identifying where your needs fall, you can narrow down your options and focus on models that provide the right balance of performance and cost. MacBook Air: The Best All-Around Option The MacBook Air remains Apple's most popular choice for general users in 2025, thanks to its combination of portability, affordability, and impressive performance. With the introduction of the M4 chip, the Air has become even more capable, making it an excellent option for a wide range of users. Two Sizes to Choose From: The MacBook Air is available in 13-inch and 15-inch models. The 13-inch version is perfect for users who prioritize portability, while the 15-inch model offers a larger display, making it ideal for multitasking or extended productivity sessions. The MacBook Air is available in 13-inch and 15-inch models. The 13-inch version is perfect for users who prioritize portability, while the 15-inch model offers a larger display, making it ideal for multitasking or extended productivity sessions. Enhanced Performance with the M4 Chip: The M4 chip delivers faster processing speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessors. Standard configurations now include 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. Additionally, the Air now supports dual monitors, a feature that enhances its versatility for both work and entertainment. The M4 chip delivers faster processing speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessors. Standard configurations now include 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. Additionally, the Air now supports dual monitors, a feature that enhances its versatility for both work and entertainment. Affordability and Value: Starting at $999, the M4 MacBook Air offers exceptional value for everyday users. If you're considering older models like the M2 or M3, ensure they are discounted by at least 40-50% and include 16GB of RAM to remain competitive with the latest version. The MacBook Air is a reliable choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a lightweight laptop that doesn't compromise on performance. MacBook Pro: Designed for Power Users For users with demanding workflows, the MacBook Pro provides the advanced performance and features necessary to handle resource-intensive tasks. With its powerful hardware, superior display technology, and enhanced connectivity, the Pro is the go-to option for professionals. Entry-Level Pro: The base MacBook Pro starts at $1599. While it offers Pro-specific features, it may not provide the same value as the $999 M4 MacBook Air for general users. Consider this model only if your work requires the additional power and features. The base MacBook Pro starts at $1599. While it offers Pro-specific features, it may not provide the same value as the $999 M4 MacBook Air for general users. Consider this model only if your work requires the additional power and features. M4 Pro Chip Advantages: The M4 Pro chip powers the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. It includes a 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother visuals, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for faster data transfer, and a base 512GB SSD for ample storage. These features make it a strong choice for professionals in fields like video editing or 3D design. The M4 Pro chip powers the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. It includes a 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother visuals, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for faster data transfer, and a base 512GB SSD for ample storage. These features make it a strong choice for professionals in fields like video editing or 3D design. Choosing the Right Screen Size: Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models share identical internal specifications. The 14-inch version is more portable, while the 16-inch model offers a larger screen, making it better suited for desk setups or users who need extra display space. The MacBook Pro is ideal for professionals who require top-tier performance and advanced features to meet the demands of their work. Understanding Apple's Pro and Max Chips Apple's Pro and Max chips are designed to cater to users with varying performance needs. The M4 Pro chip introduces incremental improvements over previous generations, including Thunderbolt 5, a brighter display, and optional nano-texture coating to reduce glare. These upgrades are particularly beneficial for workflows involving high-end video editing, 3D rendering, or other resource-intensive tasks. For users with extreme performance requirements, the Max chip offers unparalleled power. It is specifically designed for tasks like high-resolution video editing, complex 3D rendering, and running multiple virtual machines simultaneously. However, the Max chip is often overkill for most users. If you're considering a Max chip model, consult a specialist or evaluate your workflow carefully to ensure it aligns with your needs. If your budget is limited, older Pro models with M2 or M3 chips can still deliver excellent performance for most tasks. Just ensure they meet your specific requirements before making a purchase. Key Recommendations for 2025 To choose the right MacBook, focus on balancing performance, value, and your unique needs. Here are the key recommendations: Best for General Users: The M4 MacBook Air is the top choice for everyday tasks, offering excellent performance, dual monitor support, and a starting price of $999. The M4 MacBook Air is the top choice for everyday tasks, offering excellent performance, dual monitor support, and a starting price of $999. Best for Power Users: The 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M2, M3, or M4 Pro chip is ideal for intensive workflows, combining portability with high performance. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M2, M3, or M4 Pro chip is ideal for intensive workflows, combining portability with high performance. Budget-Friendly Tip: Avoid overspending on features or performance levels that exceed your actual needs. Older models can still provide great value if purchased at a significant discount. By carefully evaluating your daily tasks and budget, you can select a MacBook that delivers the best value and performance for your investment. Whether you choose the lightweight and versatile MacBook Air or the powerful and feature-rich MacBook Pro, Apple's 2025 lineup has something to offer for every type of user. Find more information on M4 Chip by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: Created Tech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
How automation improves real estate interactions
Miscommunication, missed messages, forgotten requests—these are the hidden costs of doing business in real estate. In the real estate industry, manual data entry mistakes, such as misallocated expenses or incorrect financial reporting, can cost companies millions annually. Research indicates that manual data entry has an error rate ranging from 1% to 4% and each error can cost up to $25 to rectify. These costs can manifest as missed investment opportunities, unresolved tenant issues, and lost client trust. Real estate professionals cannot afford to ignore these inefficiencies. But it doesn't have to be this way. Automation is transforming real estate by eliminating these friction points, not just for large firms but for small businesses and independent professionals as well. When used correctly, automation doesn't replace the human touch—it enhances it—bringing clarity, consistency, and professionalism to every interaction. Clarity and consistency through automation In any business, consistency is key to maintaining professionalism. Automation allows companies to standardize processes, ensuring that terms, policies, and interactions are clear and uniform. This not only minimizes misunderstandings but also builds trust with clients and partners. Everyone knowing what to expect reduces disputes and enhances professionalism. In real estate, this is especially true in lease management. Automated enforcement of lease agreements ensures that terms such as late fees, payment deadlines, and maintenance responsibilities are clearly outlined and consistently enforced. Clear, legally compliant lease terms reduce ambiguity and prevent disputes. For real estate agents, investors, and landlords managing their own properties, automation makes it easier to comply with local laws by applying consistent terms across all leases or transactions, protecting interests, and building client trust. Additionally, automated in-app messaging leads to stronger relationships and fewer misunderstandings by providing a centralized platform where landlords and tenants can communicate. Real-time, two-way communication directly within a secure system eliminates the need for scattered text threads, emails, or missed calls. Landlords can track and manage conversations efficiently, while tenants gain a clear channel for addressing concerns, receiving updates, or asking questions. Predictable and respectful communication Automation can also elevate customer interactions by maintaining consistent, respectful communication. In business, this means automated reminders for appointments, follow-ups, or deadlines, ensuring clients are kept informed without feeling overwhelmed or neglected. For property managers and landlords, this is exemplified by automated rent payment reminders and notifications. Rather than sending ad-hoc texts or emails—sometimes at inconvenient hours such as early morning or late night—landlords can set up reminders delivered consistently at the same time of the day and on the same days of the month. This reduces late payments, maintains professionalism, and respects tenants' personal time. Automation also supports multiple payment methods, offering tenants convenience while providing landlords with a clear, trackable payment history. Streamline management Effective management requires keeping track of tasks, requests, and communications without anything slipping through the cracks. Automation excels at this, offering centralized systems where tasks are logged, prioritized, and tracked. In real estate, this is best seen in maintenance management. Automated systems allow tenants to submit maintenance requests, which are then logged, categorized, and tracked. Tenants can see the status of their requests, reducing repetitive follow-ups, while landlords have a clear record of completed work, costs, and vendor interactions. Enhance client experiences Businesses across industries are increasingly focused on the client journey, ensuring that every touchpoint is smooth and satisfying. In real estate, automation can transform this experience by streamlining scheduling, property showings, and follow-ups. For real estate agents, this might mean automated property match notifications or self-service scheduling tools that allow prospective buyers or renters to book showings without waiting and prevent double bookings. Beyond convenience, automation elevates professionalism. Agents and landlords can maintain consistent follow-ups, ensuring that clients receive timely responses and critical information without delays. This reduces client anxiety, builds trust, and helps real estate professionals create a reputation for reliability and responsiveness. Furthermore, automation can help investors offer value-added services that improve tenants' financial well-being. For example, credit-boosting features allow tenants to report on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus, helping them build their credit scores over time. This benefits both tenants, who see improved credit, and landlords, who often experience a noticeable increase in on-time payments. Such features make rental properties more attractive to prospective tenants and foster long-term loyalty. Data-Driven Decisions for Smarter Investments Automation is a game-changer for investors who rely on data to drive decision-making. Automated tools can collect and analyze market trends, rental yield data, property valuations, and investment forecasts in real-time. This gives investors immediate access to insights that can guide strategic decisions. Beyond basic data access, automation also allows for customized dashboards where investors can visualize performance metrics across their portfolio. This helps them quickly identify high-performing properties, spot emerging opportunities, and make informed decisions faster than competitors relying on manual research. For instance, RentRedi runs surveys that provide critical insights into landlord behaviors, from how they prepare for tax season to how they screen tenants. Understanding these patterns helps professionals benchmark their practices, anticipate challenges, and make more informed decisions. Additionally, we partner with Chandan Economics to develop data reports that offer broader market insights by tracking trends in rental demand, property values, and landlord investment plans. Access to this kind of data ensures that professionals are not making decisions based on guesswork but on solid, actionable intelligence. Elevating Industry Standards In an industry where professionalism can make or break a deal, automation allows real estate professionals to minimize miscommunication and hidden costs. Businesses that embrace automation can reduce costly errors and deliver consistent, high-quality service that sets them apart. As they raise the bar for professionalism, they gain a competitive edge, build stronger client relationships, and operate more efficiently. This means that even the smallest landlords can adopt best practices once reserved for large corporate investors. Automation allows real estate professionals to focus on higher-value tasks like client relationships and portfolio growth. As automation becomes the norm, professionalism in real estate is becoming the standard, rather than the exception.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
House Bill Targets SALT And PTET Deductions For Traders, Professionals
A Renewed Blow in the SALT Wars and a Wake-Up Call for High-Income Professionals. SALT Cap Workaround Congress is once again targeting high-income professionals in the name of tax reform. On May 22, 2025, the House of Representatives passed 'The One, Big, Beautiful Bill,' which proposes sweeping changes to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). While the headlines focus on extensions of the TCJA's broad tax cuts, buried in the bill are provisions that quietly strike at key benefits for service professionals and investors. The legislation would eliminate the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) deduction for professionals in fields like law, accounting, consulting, financial services, and trading. These are the same 'specified service trades or businesses' (SSTBs) that were already singled out in 2017's TCJA by limiting their qualified business income (QBI) deductions. The PTET workaround has been a crucial tool for many S-Corps and partnerships, allowing them to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) at the entity level and bypass the $10,000 SALT cap. Under the new bill, SSTBs would lose this option. At the same time, the House bill raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000—but then phases it out for high earners. The phase-out begins at $250,000 of income for single filers and $500,000 for joint filers, and the deduction eventually drops back to $10,000 for the highest earners. The result: high-income professionals, especially in high-tax states, would see little or no SALT relief. Notably, the bill would also make permanent the TCJA's increased exemption amounts for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which originally aimed to prevent middle-income taxpayers from getting caught in the AMT net. That may soften the blow slightly, but it doesn't offset the broader loss of deductions. SALT will remain not deductible for AMT and increasing SALT caps might have limited effect if AMT is triggered. As of early 2025, 36 states and New York City have PTET regimes in place, designed specifically to counter the SALT cap. If this bill passes, the effectiveness of those state-level strategies could be gutted for service professionals. Traders, fund managers, and other investment professionals—especially those who qualify for trader tax status (TTS)—should prepare now. These changes could significantly alter 2025 tax planning. If the Senate passes a similar version of the bill, this would mark a major policy shift in how federal tax law treats pass-through income and professional service entities. Darren Neuschwander, CPA contributed to this blog post. See a longer version of this blog post on GreenTraderTax. Robert A. Green, CPA, is CEO of He specializes in tax strategies for traders and investment professionals.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
3 Ways To Find Your Power Time For Optimal Focus And Productivity
Shot of a handsome young businessman focusing during his power time while working at his desk in the ... More office In most of my conversations with professionals, one of the biggest challenges they face is staying focused on what truly matters. Despite having a 'perfectly planned' day, constant instant messages and interruptions pull them off track, leaving them frustrated and unfulfilled. By the end of the day, they often feel like they've accomplished nothing of real value—work begins to feel boring, repetitive, or even demotivating. That's where identifying your 'power time' can make all the difference. When you align your most meaningful, high-impact tasks with the times you naturally feel most focused and energized, you regain control over your day. Power time allows you to do more of the work you enjoy, get into flow, and ultimately achieve better results in less time. Your power time is that specific window of time during the day when you experience peak focus, clarity, and mental energy. This is when your cognitive abilities are at their best, and you can dive into high-stakes, challenging tasks without feeling drained or distracted. Understanding this window is essential because it allows you to prioritize your most demanding work during those moments, ensuring that your most important tasks get the attention they deserve. Everyone has a unique rhythm to their productivity, as I mentioned in my latest article What is the best time to work: Align tasks with your circadian rhythm. For some, the early morning hours are when they feel most energized and focused, as willpower tends to be at its peak at the beginning of the day. As the day progresses, willpower tends to diminish. Others may find that their creative spark ignites later in the day or even in the evening; it also depends on the type of work you do. The key to maximizing your productivity is recognizing when you naturally feel most alert, clear-headed, and capable of tackling complex tasks, and identifying what type of tasks you need to do at that time. Your power time should be reserved for the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of your results—the high-impact work that moves the needle according to the famous Pareto rule. These are often the activities that require the deepest focus and bring you the most fulfillment, such as strategizing, writing, designing, problem-solving, or making key decisions. They are typically more complex and cognitively demanding, but also the ones that allow you to experience a state of flow. By aligning these tasks with your power time, you not only improve the quality of your output but also increase the satisfaction you derive from your work. Think of it as your opportunity to do the work you do best—without distractions, meetings, or multitasking pulling you away. The process of discovering your power time involves experimenting with your schedule and being mindful of your energy levels. Experiment with tracking when you feel most focused and productive. When do you feel most creative? When can you solve complex problems with ease? By identifying when you're at your best, you can start aligning your most important tasks with that time. Once you've identified your power time, the next step is to create a routine that ensures you're using it effectively. Establishing a consistent routine trains both your body and mind to expect and support deep concentration at the same time each day or week. For example, try timeboxing two uninterrupted hours on your calendar daily. Make this time sacred by blocking it so that nobody can schedule meetings. Avoid checking emails or messages during this period so you can sustain a state of flow without distractions. Over time, you'll find it easier to dive into your work, and the regularity of your power time will make it a habit rather than a struggle. The key to unlocking your highest productivity is understanding your personal power time and structuring your day around it. By identifying when you are at your best and reserving that time for your most important work, you can make significant strides in your career, projects, and personal goals. Incorporating power time into your daily or weekly routine is one of the most effective strategies for achieving lasting success. It's time to find your power time and make it work for you.
