Writing a thorough business plan is a necessary if tedious part of starting a business. But its not just for the startup phase. Its also a good practice for existing businesses to review their initial business plans, and make adjustments after evaluating the plans accuracy. A crucial part of any business plan is the competitor analysis: taking a deep dive into what motivates your businesss competitors, and how they approach the market, will inform your strategy.The competitive analysis, argues AT&Ts Jennifer Van Buskirk, should be more than just a cursory chapter in the larger business plan. As Executive Vice President for mid markets at AT&T Business, Van Buskirk conducted the launch of Aio Wireless, from its launch in 2013 through its merger with Cricket Wireless by AT&T in 2014. She recommends writing the full business plan of your competitors when launching a new business. Its also useful when looking for fresh insights into the competition. Doing so, she says, helps leaders zero in on the North Star of their unique market segment.At any stage, for any sizeVan Buskirk writes her competitors business plans whenever she starts a new venture for AT&T, but says that any time is the right time to try it out. Early on, she says, It helps to focus a business on the most important thing and get to profitability as fast as possible without having too many pivots.Van Buskirk says that she and her team write up business plans for the competition in each segment of AT&T. Completing the exercise, she says, guided every decision that we made throughout the startup business as Aio became Cricket and was folded into the AT&T family.Whether its a single city or a multinational program, she says, the strategy helps define how you carve out the market position, and how you solve customer problems, resolve pain points and make a difference.The approach works for any size business since most businesses, big or small, are not creating a whole new product category or some unique space. Instead, addressing unmet needs is the goal. In order to achieve that, its important to find out where the competitors are already meeting customer needs. Then, business leaders can either stay away from those areas or hone in on creating better value or providing a higher-quality product.Ruthless prioritizationYouve got to have ruthless prioritization and a bias towards action to avoid scope creep, says Van Buskirk. Making sure that youre really focused on the things that are going to help you realize that market position you laid out will keep business leaders laser focused.The process isnt painlessnor should it be, Van Buskirk says. Be prepared for uncomfortable truths. There are plenty of businesses and even new products that start up without solving a customer problem, says Van Buskirk, but some of them turn into hobbies because you cant make money at it. Better to realize early on that a new idea for a business or product should remain abstract than to waste money and resources on an unsustainable concept.The perfect is the enemy of the goodPerfection is not required, says Van Buskirk. Once youve concluded what your competition prioritizes and differentiated your own approach, its time to call it a day and put these understandings into practice. The entire exercise, she says, shouldnt take more than a couple of weeks to perform. As with many business ventures, says Van Buskirk, timeliness is more important than perfection.

As 2024 comes to a close, you might be feeling the pressure between year-end deadlines and holiday plans. Perhaps youre looking to supercharge your productivityor maybe youre thinking ahead to your resolutions and what you might accomplish in the new year.If youre a chronic multitasker or someone who tends to overcommit, you may find yourself reverting to those habits during this time. But those tendencies can also lead to an unhealthy fixation on your productivityor what some experts call toxic productivity, which can cause burnout and take a toll on your overall well-being. Productivity can create an imbalance in your life when its the only thing that matters, says author and therapist Israa Nasir. Its the fastest way to burn out.What causes toxic productivityAnother habit to look out for is feeling guilt about enjoying your free time, or filling your schedule with activities that you view as productive. You might feel like youre slacking if you allow yourself to relax, which can spark feelings of shame. You dont want to be the person whos not doing something, Nasir says. Usually, we jump into avoidance to process shame. What better way to avoid an emotion than by busying yourself? It motivates us to skip rest, relaxation, and just being. Toxic productivity is also encouraged by expectations in the workplace, which can overemphasize the importance of looking busy. Multitasking, for example, might seem impressive but actually requires your brain to switch between tasks, making you less effective overall. Working long hours can also be counterproductive, since your brain needs breaks to function.How micro habits can helpStill, there are things you can do to fight your impulse to pursue productivity at all costs. The kinds of habits that exacerbate this issue can be hard to break. One way to chip away at them is to start small, by taking stock of your to-dos on a given week and doing one less thing. Another recommendation that might prove more challenging for many of us is to try doing just one task at a timewhich means putting your phone down.Beyond those more tangible changes, its also important to reflect on why you have set certain goals for yourself, and why you spend your time the way you do. Most people who are on the productivity wheel, or what I call the productivity paradox, are on autopilot, Nasir argues. Autopilot is a big problem, and it happens because we dont have self-awareness. Were not regularly checking in with ourselves.

A circular courtyard for gazing up at the stars sits at the centre of this stone-clad holiday home in Mexico, which has been designed by Guatemalan practice YDR Studio.Named Casa Suna, the 700-square-metre home sits between the sea and mountains in La Ribera, and has been finished in a palette of pale stone and timber in order to visually complement the surrounding, sandy landscape.YDR Studio has completed a stone-clad holiday home in Mexico"The core concept for the design was to create a seamless integration with its diverse landscape, which includes beach dunes, desert vegetation, and mountains," YDR Studio founder Yolanda De Rueda told Dezeen."The design emphasised a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, using materials that complemented the local environment," she added.Stone and timber were used to complement the sandy landscapeSet back from the road, the home is accessed via a pale concrete path that leads between a service house and garage and across a large, "desert-inspired" courtyard planted with cacti.The axis of this path leads directly into the heart of the home, where the circular courtyard features a stepped seating area around a central fire pit and connects to a living, dining and kitchen area through a large set of folding wooden doors.Facing the beach, a wall of full-height windows provides this living area and the main bedroom with panoramic views, as well as access onto a concrete terrace finished with seating and hammocks and a stepping-stone like patio and swimming pool.The home's central courtyard features a fire pit and circular sofa"A distinctive circular patio serves as the home's centrepiece, featuring a fire pit and circular sofa for relaxation, meditation, and social gatherings. Its open design frames the night sky, creating an ideal setting for stargazing," Rueda told Dezeen."The front of the property extends to the beach with a spacious terrace where sculptural concrete cubes form the pool, jacuzzi, and steps that lead directly to the sand, ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.""These sculptural blocks, reminiscent of playful beach memories, unite the house with the sea in a fun and functional manner," she added.Read: Studio Vio surrounds concrete holiday home in Vietnam with lush gardensThe bedrooms wrap two sides of the central courtyard, positioned to offer views both towards the beach and across the courtyard at the front of the home.The gently sloping roof of Casa Suna is punctured by several small, round skylights that pull light into the bathrooms and bedrooms, while a roof terrace above the living area provides panoramic views out towards the mountains.The living spaces are backed by panoramic views towards the beachThe neutral tones of the home's local stone and concrete exterior are carried through to the interiors, with pale painted walls, stone finishes in the bathrooms and dark wood accents."Local stone and beige concrete reflect the natural hues of the sand, while warm wooden accents echo the desert environment. Travertine marble in the bathrooms adds an elegant touch, ensuring consistency with the overall material palette," said Rueda.Neutral tones similarly feature throughout the home's interiorOther homes recently completed in Mexico include a secluded retreat by Carlos H Matos, finished with thick, sculptural walls of ochre-coloured concrete.The photography is by Luz Imelda Castillo.The post YDR Studio organises house in Mexico around stargazing courtyard appeared first on Dezeen.

A wave-like reservoir made of concrete and elevated on nine columns forms Vga Water Tower, which Swedish studio White Arkitekter has created in Varberg, Sweden. Situated on a hill in the village of Trslv, Vga Water Tower has been built to meet the increasing water demand of the municipality, which has experienced rapid population growth since the year 2000.White Arkitekter has created a sculptural water tower in SwedenWhite Arkitekter's primary goal for the tower was to create a functional yet sculptural landmark for the area, given the visibility of its elevated site from the E6 motorway and nearby houses.The studio said it hopes this will showcase "a new way to design water towers", which are typically cylindrical in shape, and demonstrate that infrastructure can also have aesthetic value.Vga Water Tower is designed as a landmark for the area"Vga holds a prominent place in the landscape, but the tower is also designed to be appreciated up close," said studio architect Agnes Orstadius."Our ambition was to create a structure that will stand for centuries and always remain beautiful."The visibility of its elevated site led the studio to develop a sculptural formWhite Arkitekter first revealed its design for Vga Water Tower in 2018 after winning an invited competition held by the municipal water company Vivab.The competition called for a landmark structure that could be built entirely of concrete and hold 10,000 cubic metres of water five times the capacity of the original tower.The tower is constructed from concreteWhite Arkitekter's design was selected for its long undulating form, which measures 187 metres in length and nine in width, and pays homage to the coastal setting of Varberg.The studio appropriately named it Vga after the Swedish word for wave, which can also mean dare.Its wave-like form nods to the coastal setting of Varberg"The sleek, elongated form represents innovative thinking about what a water tower can be while maintaining functionality and ease of maintenance," said Vivab representative Margareta Bjrksund-Tuominen.Vga Water Tower's undulating, concrete reservoir is supported by nine slender columns, with the central one slightly widened to house an elevator and staircase.The reservoir is split into eight segmentsThe reservoir itself is divided into eight segments each with a concave facade, designed to create decorative play of light and shadow over the day."All these elements the slender shape, wave motif, concave facade and interplay of shadows make the tower appear entirely different depending on the time of day and viewing angle," said lead architect Per Hultcrantz. "This dynamic ensures the tower never ceases to surprise."Read: V+'s Chateau d'Eau water tower rests on crossed concrete strutsThe concrete structure was cast against form-plywood sheets to achieve a smooth finish, with all the joints deliberately and carefully aligned "for a harmonious overall impression".This clean-cut aesthetic is furthered by plugs in the holes left from the formwork ties, which the studio said helps with "eliminating unwanted shadow effects".Each segment has a concave profileVga Water Tower sits beside an existing land plateau, which has been retained to create an accessible viewpoint of the structure, where visitors can also enjoy distant views out to sea.Completing the project is a landscape of wildflowers, sown beneath the tower with Varberg's municipal ecologist, while the service road takes the form of a deliberately simple gravel path.The studio said it is designed to "stand for centuries"White Arkitekter was founded in 1951 in Gothenburg by Sidney White. Today it is headed up by Alexandra Hagen, who has overseen recent projects by the studio including a hyperboloid observation tower in Sweden and the regeneration of a London housing estate.Other water towers featured on Dezeen include a mesh-covered structure supported on angular legs by V+ and Mathias Klotz's funnel-shaped reservoir in Chile.The photography is by Anna Kristinsdttir and the drone photography is by Joacim Winqvist.The post White Arkitekter completes sculptural water tower "that will stand for centuries" appeared first on Dezeen.

Lexus has collaborated with Bratislava-based research and design studio Crafting Plastics to create an installation that revolves around material objects. Dubbed Liminal Cycles, the creation is inspired by the all-electric Lexus LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero Catalyst), implementing an abstract installation that explores the various senses and elements of a vehicle. This is in tune with the brands AI-driven software.The mesmerizing kinetic structure is a layered skeletal made out of 3D-printed bioplastic (called Nuatan) in the shape of LF-ZCs body. This installation designed by Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kr), Suchi Reddy, and Tara Sakhi is on display at the sculpture garden of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. This breathable sculpture acknowledges the adaptability and responsive technology of the developing concepts of SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles) that envision the software-enabled customization of luxury vehicles.Designer: Lexus and Crafting PlasticsThe culmination of automotive technology and global art and design audience, the installation is a first mover advantage in the bold and uncompromised experiences for the next generation, according to Lexus press release. This 1:1 version of the real thing is not harsh to the environment in any way as the bioplastic material is based on 100% renewable resourcing with no traces of microplastics left behind. To enhance the dynamism of the sculpture it is coated with UV-responsive material skin. Thus, it reacts to environmental stimuli including changing position of lights, the intensity of UV radiations, or the viewers proximity. Based on these dynamic changes the sculpture can expand or contract in real-time, just like breath-like movements, thus representing the harmony between nature and technology.Along with the replica of the LF-ZC, there are three complementing satellite installations that incorporate the design elements of the car to showcase the sensory inputs ranging from audio and visual cues. One of them is a flower-like sculpture representing the futuristic steering wheel of the car in a rugged earthy texture. It reacts to the users touch, responding with fluctuation in the volume and intensity of the sound composition. The second complementing installation is a reinterpretation of the headrest that emanates a Lexus-inspired perfume in response to the users interaction. The last one is a wind-activated lattice-like sculpture that responds to any active stimuli to reveal the brands logo, owing to the sensitivity of the bioplastic material in response to the shift in UV radiation.The post Lexus Liminal Cycles is a multisensory installation based on the LF-ZC luxury EV first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGOs Botanical Collection has always had a knack for transforming natures beauty into something delightfully brick-built, and the 10340 Wreath doesnt miss a beat. Its a blend of creativity and festive spirit, delivering an experience thats as much about the build as it is about the final product. While everyones decking the halls with boughs of holly that will wilt or brown in a weeks worth of time, this LEGO wreath stays intact for years, keeping that holiday charm going even after the holidays are over.This isnt LEGOs first foray into wreath-making2020s Christmas Wreath 2-in-1 was charming, but it pales in comparison to the grandeur of this release. With twice the piece count and a design rich in detail, the 10340 Wreath is nothing short of a holiday masterpiece. Its adorned with cleverly crafted pinecones, printed orange slices, and cinnamon sticks that are so realistic they might make you crave mulled wine. From the box art alone, you can almost smell the festivities.Designer: LEGOThe build itself is a thoughtful blend of simplicity and depth. The base structure, assembled from four sub-units, provides a sturdy foundation for the magic to come. Once the groundwork is laid, the real fun beginslayering foliage in a way thats both repetitive and rewarding. Using palm tree elements, new sand-green recolors, and a variety of leaf pieces, the design mimics the textures of a real wreath with surprising accuracy. Each layer adds depth, transforming a pile of bricks into something that looks alive.Moments of surprise are scattered throughout the build. What looks at first glance like a clever assembly turns out to be a stroke of brillianceminifigure flat caps stacked to mimic the scales of a real pinecone. These little moments of surprise are what LEGO does best, rewarding builders not just with a finished model but with a sense of discovery along the way. Its a feeling that keeps you reaching for the next piece, eager to see what other secrets are hidden in the build.The flexibility of the design ensures it fits into more than one tradition. Whether youre hanging it on a door or laying it out as a table centerpiece, the wreath adapts effortlessly. Swapping between the two configurations is quick, adding to its charm as a versatile seasonal piece. Its a model that seems determined to give you options, making it feel like an even greater value.There are challenges, of course, but nothing that takes away from the fun. As the layers stack up, visibility becomes tricky, and placing pieces can feel like solving a puzzle in dim light. But theres something satisfying about the small effort it demands. Adjusting the foliage, tweaking the positioningits a process that invites you to slow down and engage, offering a meditative rhythm amidst the holiday bustle.Once complete, the wreaths presence is undeniable. Its lush, textured form radiates festive warmth, whether hanging in the hallway or gracing the dinner table. From the matte finish of the leaves to the vibrant pops of color in the berries and citrus, every detail feels meticulously considered. It doesnt just decorate a space; it transforms it, wrapping your home in holiday cheer.At $99.99, this set sits at the premium end of LEGOs holiday offerings. For some, the lack of a licensed theme might make the cost harder to swallow. Yet when you step back and consider what youre really paying fora decoration that lasts, a joyful building experience, and a touch of holiday magicit starts to feel less like a splurge and more like an investment. Unlike real wreaths that shed needles and fade, this one stays vibrant year after year.The post LEGOs Gorgeous Brick-based Wreath is Easily the Perfect Holiday Centerpiece first appeared on Yanko Design.

Candles may illuminate dark winter days, but thats not it. Theyre inevitable for the holiday season! Candles symbolise hope, faith, and joy. They make rooms cosy. And they create a beautiful ambience for hosting parties. Case in point: these Timberline Arista taper candlesthe perfect pick for your dinner table this holiday season!These unscented taper candles feature a subtle, textured finish. What we especially love is that they can blend into any setting. The blue set of candles is great for modern minimalist holiday themes, such as a Winter Wonderland. The red taper adds warmth to a traditional holiday tablescape.Designed to burn cleanly and evenly, these unscented candles ensure your holiday gatherings remain free of overpowering scents. Theyre perfect for holiday dinners, intimate celebrations, or even quiet evenings at home.Whether standing tall on their own or paired with elegant candleholders, like the 2-piece metal tabletop stacking set, these candles can really set the scene. Picture them styled with books for a relaxed vibe or as a centerpiece for a formal dinner the possibilities are endless.You simply cant go wrong with the classic appeal of these taper candles! Their timeless design make them a staple for festive decoratingand beyond.Available now at Wayfair.

CD Projekt's REDkit modding tools are helping fans piece together a multivolume history of The Witcher 3's development, including a much longer prototype version of the game from 2012.That's way too long.

They're downplaying expectations, but Obsidian is being very consistent with their messaging on Avowed."We want to just constantly foster that sense of exploration, wanderlust"

The viral video has already got more views than Jaguar's.