Operations Archives - Smallbiztechnology.com https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/category/operations/ Small Business Technology Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:08:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.6 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-smallbiz-technology-1-32x32.png Operations Archives - Smallbiztechnology.com https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/category/operations/ 32 32 47051669 The Best Places to Park Your Cash https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/07/the-best-places-to-park-your-cash.html/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:41:59 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66817 If you’re sitting on some cash, you must put it somewhere where you can (a) protect it and (b) earn a little interest. In today’s inflationary environment, this is the only way to keep your money safe and avoid eroding its spending power. The question is, where are the best places to store your cash […]

The post The Best Places to Park Your Cash appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
If you’re sitting on some cash, you must put it somewhere where you can (a) protect it and (b) earn a little interest. In today’s inflationary environment, this is the only way to keep your money safe and avoid eroding its spending power. The question is, where are the best places to store your cash for maximum protection and benefit?

Savings Accounts

A savings account is often the first place to consider parking your cash. Offered by banks and credit unions, these accounts are very safe because they are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000. This means even if the bank fails, your money up to that limit is safe.

Savings accounts are perfect for emergency funds or money you might need soon because you can quickly access your cash. While the interest rates on these accounts are not very high, they do offer some returns, which can help keep up with inflation over time. Plus, many banks now offer online access, making transferring money and paying bills easy.

Money Market Accounts

Money market accounts (MMAs) are similar to savings accounts but usually offer higher interest rates in exchange for higher balance requirements. Like savings accounts, they are also FDIC-insured, making them a safe option for your cash.

MMAs often come with check-writing privileges or a debit card, which adds a layer of convenience if you need to access your funds quickly. They’re a good choice if you have more money to deposit and won’t need frequent withdrawals.

High-Yield Checking Accounts

For those who need easy access to their cash but want to earn more than a typical checking account would offer, high-yield checking accounts are an excellent option. These accounts often offer interest rates comparable to or even higher than those of savings accounts, but they require you to meet certain criteria like making a minimum number of debit card transactions each month or signing up for direct deposit.

High-yield checking accounts combine the benefits of earning interest with the flexibility of checking access. This makes them perfect for your operational cash—money you use regularly but also want to keep growing.

Single-Family Real Estate

If you have a large chunk of cash that you aren’t looking to tap into anytime soon but that you want to put to work earning you interest and tax benefits try investing in a rental property.

While a rental property definitely requires a bit more time than any of the other options highlighted in this article, you can always hire a property manager to oversee the investment for you.

The beauty of parking cash in a rental property is that you get steady cash flow, property value appreciation, and tax benefits (including depreciation).

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

If you can afford to set aside money for a fixed period, certificates of deposit (CDs) might be a suitable option for you. CDs typically offer higher interest rates than savings or money market accounts in exchange for locking in your money for a period ranging from a few months to several years.

The longer the term of the CD, the higher the interest rate you’ll usually get. CDs are also FDIC-insured, making them a very safe investment. However, you should be sure you won’t need the money during the term since early withdrawal penalties can apply.

Treasury Bills and Bonds

U.S. Treasury bills and bonds are worth considering for those looking for a safe and slightly more profitable way to park larger sums of cash. These short-term securities issued by the U.S. government are among the safest investments since the government’s full faith and credit back them.

Treasury bills (T-bills) have terms ranging from a few days to one year and are sold at a discount to their face value – you buy them at a lower price than what they’ll be worth at maturity. On the other hand, bonds pay interest at regular intervals and return the principal when they mature. These can be bought through a broker or directly from the government at TreasuryDirect.gov.

Find the Right Mix for Your Portfolio

When parking cash, it’s important that you determine what your goals and time horizon are. Are you looking to park cash for the short term for six months until you’re ready to buy a house? Or are you looking to park cash for the next ten years as you approach your retirement date? There’s a difference, and you need to account for the specific circumstances you’re facing.

The right mixture of savings and investment vehicles is important. You need to take this seriously and not just rush into putting your cash somewhere. There’s power in diversification. This means diversifying both in types of accounts and in interest earned and risk taken.

When you intentionally approach your “cash parking” strategy, you can rest easier at night knowing your finances are in a healthy place. It all comes down to doing your due diligence and being patient with the process.

The post The Best Places to Park Your Cash appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66817
A Practical Guide on How to Choose a Dynamics 365 Development Company for Your Industry-Specific Needs https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/06/dynamics-365-development-company.html/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:51:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66784 Dealing with digital transformation presents many challenges, particularly regarding integrated management systems. In this case, selecting a perfect Dynamics 365 development company that satisfies industry-specific needs is vital. Each sector necessitates a unique approach to execution, as generic solutions frequently fall short. This guide seeks to deconstruct these difficulties and provide a disciplined, step-by-step strategy […]

The post A Practical Guide on How to Choose a Dynamics 365 Development Company for Your Industry-Specific Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Dealing with digital transformation presents many challenges, particularly regarding integrated management systems.

In this case, selecting a perfect Dynamics 365 development company that satisfies industry-specific needs is vital. Each sector necessitates a unique approach to execution, as generic solutions frequently fall short. This guide seeks to deconstruct these difficulties and provide a disciplined, step-by-step strategy to help businesses make sound decisions. By the end of this article, readers will know how to adapt their goals to the technical competence of a Dynamics 365 supplier.

A Practical Guide on How to Choose a Dynamics 365 Development Company for Your Industry-Specific Needs

Image Source: freepik.com

Understanding D365 and Its Importance for Industries

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based platform with customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) functionalities. This tool is adaptable. So, it is ready for customization to meet the needs of various industries:

  • Retail Sector. A Dynamics 365 company allows retailers to improve customer engagement through personalized offers and targeted marketing. This is possible thanks to advanced analytics and deep customer insights.
  • Manufacturing Sector. The platform offers improved production planning and inventory management. Moreover, it modifies products in real-time based on demand forecasts and supply chain conditions.
  • Financial Services Sector. The platform assists financial institutions in risk management and compliance. In addition, it offers a comprehensive view of customer data to personalize financial services.
  • Healthcare Sector. Medical professionals can integrate a new platform into electronic health records and patient management systems. It improves care coordination and patient outcomes by providing organized information.

Assessing Your Business Needs

First of all, companies should define their goals and identify areas for improvement. Check out the crucial steps to start smooth cooperation with a Microsoft Dynamics 365 expert.

  • Consider the performance of your current module. Next, identify areas where you need to improve it. Thus, it may include CRM efficiency, supply chain processes, or finance procedures. For example, the latest research shows that setting specific and challenging goals can lead to higher performance 90 percent of the time.
  • Explore your domain. Customize your strategies to meet the demands of your industry. It guarantees your Dynamics 365 implementation aligns with your goals and gives you the expected benefits.

Dynamics 365 Development Company 2

Image Source: freepik.com

Criteria for Choosing a Dynamics 365 Development Company

Working with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 company significantly influences the implementation. You must pick it up carefully and investigate all available options before contracting, as your internal operations will totally depend on your choice. Check out several criteria to identify the best partner:

  • Select a company with relevant experience. For example, a manufacturing developer must be fluent in supply chain and production management.
  • The company you hire should be diverse in terms of the types and sizes of projects. It demonstrates the ability to work with various scales. Furthermore, the case studies should be considered. They disclose how the company deals with problems and demonstrate the impact of its solutions on client performance.
  • Verify if the developer has the necessary Microsoft certifications. It is the best way to check their knowledge and dedication to upholding strict standards. In addition, experts with certifications are up-to-date with trends and modern techniques.
  • Use customer testimonials and recommendations to check the trustworthiness and quality of the company’s products. Note any comments on the level of assistance provided.
  • A Dynamics 365 specialist must have skills in creating effective setups for smooth integration. It is critical for smooth interactions among all tools.

With these factors in mind, choosing a team of Dynamics consultants will significantly improve your results.

Assess Integration and Customization Skills

Look into how the Dynamics 365 development company can integrate and modify the platform. The most important points on this topic are listed here.

Customization is essential to ensure that the platform meets your specific industry challenges. Here are some crucial questions to ask a potential development company.

  • How do you handle customization projects?
  • Can you give us examples of solutions you have created for other clients in our area?
  • What obstacles have you faced in previous modification projects, and how did you overcome them?

A smooth integration of D365 with your existing systems is critical for productivity and error-free operation. Consider the following points:

Consultation and Support

Discussions and reliable support are keys to the project’s success when installing a complicated product like D365. Here we describe the factors to consider when assessing the level of support and training of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 developer.

To make the most of the consultation, consider the following tips:

  • Before the meeting, compile all relevant business process documentation and identify your challenges.
  • Focus on questions that clarify the approach to project management, their understanding of your area, and their solutions.
  • Identify the firm’s culture and communication style to fit your organization.

In addition, the level of post-implementation training affects how effectively your team adopts the new system.

  • Determine the types of support (e.g., 24/7, business hours) and the channels through which options are provided (e.g., phone, email, live chat).
  • Check if the company provides comprehensive training materials, such as manuals, videos, and webinars.
  • Look for assistance options, including regular updates and the availability of consultants for future modifications.

Making the Decision

Finally, selecting the Dynamics 365 development business requires considering many factors. Here are key tips for making the right choice.

A decision matrix is an effective tool for comparing and contrasting different Dynamics 365 development companies. Here’s how to construct and use one:

  • Develop a list of important criteria based on the discussions and evaluations outlined in previous sections. It may include expertise, cost, integration capabilities, and experience.
  • Give each criterion a weight based on its importance to your company. Using a uniform scale, rank each possible seller according to these standards.  (e.g., 1-5).
  • Sum up each team’s scores to see which offers the best solution according to your priorities.

Dynamics 365 Development Company 3

Image Source: venngage.com

While budgetary concerns are vital, it is also critical to balance costs, service quality, and possible return on investment. Think about the following:

  • Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including the initial cost, maintenance, and upgrade expenses.
  • Higher upfront expenses might be justified if a high-quality solution results in more productivity, fewer problems, and higher customer happiness over time.
  • Don’t hesitate to negotiate terms with vendors. Often, there is room to adjust the scope, scale, or details of the service to fit your budget.

Conclusion

This tutorial has highlighted the key processes for picking a Dynamics 365 development company. Each step, which starts with a detailed study of your operational needs and goes through in-depth assessments of technical proficiency, operational experience, and potential partners’ support systems, is designed to help you make an informed and strategic decision.

By taking this strategy, you can select a Dynamics 365 development company that exceeds your expectations, thereby improving your operations and gaining a competitive advantage in your market. The collaboration will enable you to access all Dynamics 365 products and benefits.

The post A Practical Guide on How to Choose a Dynamics 365 Development Company for Your Industry-Specific Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66784
Bridging the Gap: New Report Reveals The Power of Print and Digital Marketing for Small Businesses  https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/05/vistaprint.html/ Wed, 15 May 2024 18:59:13 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66535 In a world dominated by virtual marketplaces, social media, and search engines, it’s easy to assume that digital channels reign supreme for small business owners (SBOs) looking to raise brand awareness and increase discoverability amongst consumers. However, findings from the 2024 Small Business Marketing Report from VistaPrint and Wix unveil a more nuanced narrative, one […]

The post Bridging the Gap: New Report Reveals The Power of Print and Digital Marketing for Small Businesses  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In a world dominated by virtual marketplaces, social media, and search engines, it’s easy to assume that digital channels reign supreme for small business owners (SBOs) looking to raise brand awareness and increase discoverability amongst consumers.

However, findings from the 2024 Small Business Marketing Report from VistaPrint and Wix unveil a more nuanced narrative, one that proves that traditional marketing still has a seat at the table. 

The comprehensive report, which surveyed 1,000 SBOs and 1,000 consumers in the United States, provides insights into marketing practices and consumer behavior while shedding light on the interplay between digital and traditional marketing channels.

Notably, while digital platforms are integral to discovering small businesses, consumers still value real-life interactions and physical touchpoints alongside digital experiences.

SBOs looking to connect with all types of consumers must strike a balance between digital and traditional marketing approaches. The report tells us why it’s essential for SBOs to integrate both print and digital into their marketing strategies this year.

Making the Most Out of Traditional Marketing 

If you thought traditional print marketing had lost its relevance, VistaPrint and Wix’s report paints a more complex picture.

While online searches and social media platforms continue to serve as primary touchpoints for engagement, offline tactics like physical signage and print advertising still wield significant influence in capturing consumer attention. In fact, 71% of small businesses find value in the tried-and-true traditional marketing tactics to connect with customers. Flyers (34%), direct mail (29%), print advertising (26%), and posters or banners (23%) prove to be the top-ranking print tools that steer consumers toward small businesses.

Something else to consider? Age matters. At least when choosing the right marketing mix for your small business. Though digital marketing is an obvious tactic to target young people, many consumers say they discover new local businesses in traditional ways, like flyers, banners, and other forms of print marketing, so don’t be afraid to deploy these tactics where it makes sense for your business and your audience.

What’s more, these younger cohorts are more willing than ever to shop small. According to the VistaPrint and Wix report, Gen Z shoppers love supporting local small businesses (more than any other age group), but they can sometimes struggle to locate small businesses in their area, so giving them multiple ways to find and engage with you is critical.

Choosing the Right Marketing Mix 

With the power of traditional marketing at the forefront of SBOs’ minds, SBOs must not forget the digital marketing strategies that have been essential for connecting with customers in recent years. In order to maximize brand visibility, a 360-degree approach, inclusive of both print and digital marketing, empowers customers to engage a small business on their own terms while still ensuring no tactic is overlooked.

In search of this balance, data show that SBOs are constantly evolving their techniques to appeal to consumers. In fact, in 2023, 63% of SBOs focused on upskilling to understand marketing better and 78% broadened their horizons by experimenting with new marketing tactics, striving for a fair mix of both digital and traditional marketing.

2023 was a year of exploration for these SBOs as when asked about how they allocated their marketing resources they shared that 40% invested more in digital marketing tactics (and will again in 2024), 32% invested more in traditional marketing tactics (and 30% will be in 2024), 28% invested about 50/50 in both traditional and digital marketing tactics (and 30% will split their investment in 2024).

For SBOs to truly optimize their reach and authentically engage their audience, a holistic marketing approach is essential to strategically integrate the strengths of both digital and print mediums and ensure a cohesive brand presence across various channels. Whether it’s through personalized direct mail campaigns or interactive social media strategies, all channels and platforms are key resources that SBOs can leverage synergistically to create a memorable brand experience for customers.

Review VistaPrint and Wix’s 2024 Small Business Marketing Report survey results in full.

The post Bridging the Gap: New Report Reveals The Power of Print and Digital Marketing for Small Businesses  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66535
How Modular Thinking Can Make Your Business More Adaptable https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/05/how-modular-thinking-can-make-your-business-more-adaptable.html/ Wed, 08 May 2024 15:57:04 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66495 Modularity, in all its forms, allows you to construct bigger, more complicated structures with interchangeable, flexible pieces. This concept makes DIY construction projects and certain creative endeavors much easier. If you change your thinking and your workflows to become more modular, it can make your entire business more adaptable. How do you approach this? The […]

The post How Modular Thinking Can Make Your Business More Adaptable appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Modularity, in all its forms, allows you to construct bigger, more complicated structures with interchangeable, flexible pieces. This concept makes DIY construction projects and certain creative endeavors much easier.

If you change your thinking and your workflows to become more modular, it can make your entire business more adaptable.

How do you approach this?

The Power of Modular Thinking

Let’s start by explaining why modular thinking is so powerful and why it lends itself to adaptability.

The basic idea is that thinking in modular components forces you to more concretely define what you’re trying to accomplish, as well as the discrete blocks that you’re building with. It encourages adaptability and flexibility because those modular pieces can be assembled in different ways.

As a simple example, consider building an outdoor kitchen. This is a physical construction project, so it’s easy to wrap our minds around. One of the easiest ways to approach building a custom outdoor kitchen is through modularity; instead of designing an entire kitchen from the ground up, you can instead choose to piece one together from established, modular components, like standalone islands, appliances with countertops, and cabinet sets. Once you have these modular building blocks in mind, you can quickly rule out certain possibilities, favor others, and mix and match them to see what type of kitchen you can ultimately build.

In some ways, modular thinking is limiting because it prevents you from thinking too abstractly or building something complicated without regard to its internal components. However, it’s an arguably indispensable tool for creative problem-solving, refinement, and growth for something as complex as business management.

Examples of Modular Thinking in Business

How can we apply modular thinking to business?

These are just a few examples:

  •       Individuals and teams. You can learn to see individuals and teams as modular components of the broader organization. You can learn to see people in terms of what role they serve and teams in terms of their relationship to the company as a whole. This way, you can more easily transition individuals into roles that are truly needed and eliminate roles that aren’t truly necessary to the functioning whole.
  •       Steps and processes. Similarly, you can apply modular thinking to steps and processes in your workflows. Each component needs to be considered individually and eliminated, replaced, upgraded, or supported based on its relationship to the process overall.
  •       Supplier and partner relationships. You can also think about your supplier and partner relationships as modular components. Each partner in your network is another module to be evaluated in terms of its relationships to other modules.

Modularity and Adaptability: Tips for Success

Modular thinking and adaptability go hand in hand; once you learn to see things in terms of modular components, you have a freer range of experimentation and a loser mindset of how those modular components can or should be assembled.

These tips can help you find even greater success in this area:

  •       Keep egos and personalities out of it. Egos and strong personalities can clash with modular thinking. If you think of any team, partner, or process that is indispensable simply because you’re the one who introduced it, you may not be able to make the necessary cuts to improve the business. Similarly, you can’t allow a module to exist simply because you like the person operating it.
  •       Define everything in concise terms. For modular thinking to work, you need to understand each module in your organization fully. That means you need to define everything in concise, straightforward terms. If you can’t explain why a certain module is necessary for your organization to function, perhaps you don’t truly need it.
  •       Document and map everything at multiple levels. You also need to be able to map out how different modules function together. While it’s important to consider them individually, you also need to understand these intricate relationships.
  •       Learn to see everything as impermanent. Treating your business as modular forces you to treat everything as impermanent. No single module is permanently and irrevocably necessary for your organization to thrive. With that in mind, you’ll be able to think much more flexibly and make more disruptive decisions.
  •       Encourage autonomy and experimentation. You can make your business more adaptable and help individual modules self-adjust by allowing your employees to be more autonomous and experimental in their work. As a bonus, autonomy is key for employee happiness, so it can help you improve retention as well.

If you can fully incorporate and embrace modular thinking in your business, your organization will become much more flexible and adaptable. In an era distinguished by robust competition across all industries, finding ways to differentiate your business is more important than ever.

The post How Modular Thinking Can Make Your Business More Adaptable appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66495
The Majority of Gen Z Want to Own Their Own Business: Guiding the Next Generation of SMB Owners https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/05/the-majority-of-gen-z-want-to-own-their-own-business-guiding-the-next-generation-of-smb-owners.html/ Fri, 03 May 2024 20:30:36 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66464 Author: Matthew Feierstein, President of EverCommerce   Wake up. Drive to work. Put in your 8 hours. Drive home and enjoy your evening. That used to be the goal when it came to entering the professional world. But the typical 9-5 and other standard career paths are not as appealing as they once were, especially to younger […]

The post The Majority of Gen Z Want to Own Their Own Business: Guiding the Next Generation of SMB Owners appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Author: Matthew Feierstein, President of EverCommerce

 

Wake up. Drive to work. Put in your 8 hours. Drive home and enjoy your evening. That used to be the goal when it came to entering the professional world. But the typical 9-5 and other standard career paths are not as appealing as they once were, especially to younger generations

Many Gen Zers are looking for something different. Namely, they want to close the door to the traditional corporate world and become their own boss. 

In fact, according to Zen Business research, 93% of the young professionals in this generation have taken steps to explore business ownership options, and 75% plan to pursue an entrepreneurial career.

Of course, business ownership comes with its own unique set of challenges. For Gen Z, these issues are different from what previous generations had to grapple with. 

For example, economic factors like inflation are a major concern. The cost and quality of labor can also be roadblocks to success. Plus, new small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are being hit with increasing taxes. They have to deal with more government regulations, too.

The list of obstacles goes on. Gen Z-led SMBs need to learn how to adapt to meet these challenges. 

Let’s take a closer look at these challenges and their impact on rising Gen Z entrepreneurs, explore solutions from existing SMB owners and review the insights gained from hundreds of service-based small business owners.

Challenges Today’s SMBs Need to Overcome

EverCommerce surveyed service-based SMBs ahead of National Small Business Week. The survey results highlighted three primary challenges faced by existing small businesses.

  • Finding new customers. 38% of service-based businesses had difficulty finding new clients.
  • Hiring skilled workers. 36% of owners struggle to hire quality workers. This challenge is especially evident for service-based businesses. They rely on workers with the skills to complete service jobs.
  • Negotiating financial challenges. 35% of SMBs have financial difficulties. They struggle to maintain the cash flow needed for a successful operation.

Gen Z-led startups need to confront these issues. They need to account for the other general challenges all SMBs face, as well.

Insights for Overcoming Small Business Challenges

The responses to the EverCommerce survey from SMB owners highlighted real-life methods being used to achieve business success. 

Here are the most useful takeaways from their answers:

Customer Acquisition

SMB owners found new customers through three different methods. 

The most effective source of new clientele remains personal referrals. 70% of owners listed this as the most effective way to build their customer base. 

Social media also proved to be an impactful acquisition tool, with 57% of owners connecting with potential customers on social platforms.

Search engine optimization (SEO) was the final key customer acquisition method for survey respondents. 39% of owners listed online search as vital to their success.

What can new and aspiring small business owners take away from these insights?

  • Asking for referrals from existing customers is a great way to expand your customer base.
  • Taking steps to connect and engage with your target audience on social platforms is likely to pay off with new prospects and customers.
  • A strategically optimized website and completed Google Business Profile are crucial for reaching online searchers seeking services in your area. 

Growth Drivers

Another valuable insight discovered in the survey was that discount programs can drive and sustain growth. Forty-seven percent of business owners said such programs were beneficial. 

Coupons or discounts allow new customers to try your services for a lower cost. Plus, price breaks for regular clients can help with customer retention. Examples might include discounted rates for prepaying monthly or quarterly.

Business promotion timing is also important. The survey found that 37% of owners earned the most revenue at the beginning of summer. Only 29% were consistently busy throughout the year. 

Most organizations should run promotions outside of the busy season – this ensures that the business stays busy all year round and helps you capitalize on your promotional investments.

Service and Customer Experience

Loyal customers provide ongoing business and high-value referrals. You can build these relationships with good customer service. 

The surveyed SMB owners offered insights on how to boost customer loyalty.

Sixty-seven percent of owners say direct communication and personalized service are critical as they both impact the customer experience. This could include following up with customers after service. Or, it could involve unobtrusive texts or emails about promotions or new services.

Convenience and warm, friendly interactions are also important for a positive customer experience.

These qualities are the hallmarks of small, local businesses. Easy, positive, and engaging customer experiences set you apart from corporate or franchise competitors.

Tips to Get Started with Your Small Business

Opening a small business requires capital and commitment. It takes time to plan. But you don’t have to wait to get started. 

Here are some tips you can act on right now to take the first step toward setting up your small business for success:

  • Define your business. The first step to establishing a business is, of course, to choose a business type. Define your passions and skills. Then, brainstorm business ideas around them.
  • Determine your purpose. Service-based businesses need to meet a specific need. Define a common problem that people in your area have. Then, build your business idea around solving it.
  • Research existing businesses. Look at existing businesses in your chosen sector. Decide how your business will be unique from them. Your unique selling proposition is what will set you apart in the industry.
  • Refine these small business ideas. After you take the steps above, you will have a base on which to make more concrete plans. The insights in this article can help lay the groundwork for the success of your small business.

Those with a well-thought-out business plan and the strong ability to adapt to any situation will have the most success when it comes to opening a small business.

The post The Majority of Gen Z Want to Own Their Own Business: Guiding the Next Generation of SMB Owners appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66464
Are We Too Obsessed with Micromanaging Data? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/04/are-we-too-obsessed-with-micromanaging-data.html/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:22:31 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66363 Micromanaging data is something that has been happening forever, but it often goes unnoticed and/or ignored because it seems normal. This is especially true today, given the number of software applications designed to collect, crunch, and visualize endless amounts of data for businesses. This has unfortunately led to a culture where employees are given arbitrary […]

The post Are We Too Obsessed with Micromanaging Data? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Micromanaging data is something that has been happening forever, but it often goes unnoticed and/or ignored because it seems normal. This is especially true today, given the number of software applications designed to collect, crunch, and visualize endless amounts of data for businesses.

This has unfortunately led to a culture where employees are given arbitrary metrics as goals that don’t actually reflect their contributions to the team or their real-world results. In fact, many Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are entirely fabricated out of thin air and some employees don’t have control over the factors that generate the numbers used to measure their progress.

It’s not just KPIs that are the problem. Many business owners are overwhelmed by the vast amount of data they can collect through the applications they use to run their businesses. Not knowing any better, they attempt to make full use of these capabilities and end up wasting their time collecting data that doesn’t matter.

In other words, we have become obsessed with collecting and micromanaging data – whether or not that data is actually useful and relevant.

Not all data is useful

Just because you can collect 1,000 data points doesn’t mean you should. For example, if you are using email marketing, you can collect an infinite amount of data on your market by asking them follow-up questions in future emails for years if you want. Each time someone clicks on a link, they self-identify with another data point, and you can learn a whole lot about your subscribers. However, none of that data is useful if you don’t plan to use it in future marketing efforts.

For instance, say you collect enough data to profile your market as females aged 20-35 who drink coffee and have 2 children and at least one dog. That’s great, but unless you use that information to tailor your marketing efforts to that specific demographic, all of the data you’ve collected is useless.

It’s also common for business owners to collect data that can’t really be used for marketing or any other real purpose just because their software makes it possible. Many business owners are distracted by the ability to generate detailed reports from all the data they collect. Although, some reports directly contribute to the success of a business.

For instance, fleet managers need to keep detailed records regarding warranties and work orders. Knowing what parts are covered under the warranty is essential for making decisions that maximize company profits. Many fleet managers end up saving thousands of dollars by tracking warranties. However, not all data is equally useful. In fact, sometimes, data can give you an inaccurate perception of your business.

Data regarding failures can be deceptive

If you collect data regarding failures, it’s hard, if not impossible, to avoid attribution error. For example, Amazon happens to collect a large amount of data regarding employee performance and employees often suffer because of attribution error. 

This article explains the situation quite well. Attribution error is when the responsibility for failure is placed on internal behavior rather than external circumstances. Instead of recognizing that sometimes tools may not work, someone’s spouse may have died, or someone was sick, the data regarding failures are attributed to a person failing because they were lazy or incompetent.

This shows how easily data can be manipulated to form conclusions that may not be accurate. While data is important for making business decisions, it doesn’t tell the whole story. It doesn’t tell you why certain things are failing.

Unfortunately, many business owners don’t realize that often, the problems lie with their tools and systems, like bad software applications and inefficient protocols. Employees are often stuck following rules and regulations that set them back and prevent them from getting their work done.

Data is good in moderation

At the end of the day, if you’re spending a lot of time and resources crunching data, you’re probably wasting your energy. How much of the data you collect gets used? Do you even give that data to specific teams to use for their decision-making processes? Or do you just collect data, look at the reports, and file it away as “information?”

If you’re using the data you currently collect, that’s great. If not, try to cut back and only collect data you plan to use. If you’re not ready to use it, you can still collect it. Simply have a plan in place so that you’re not just amassing information for the sake of using all the features your software has to offer.

Your time and energy are better spent on tasks that will directly support your business.

The post Are We Too Obsessed with Micromanaging Data? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66363
5 Reasons to Always Buy a Strong Case to protect your iPad https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/04/5-reasons-to-always-buy-a-strong-case-to-protect-your-ipad.html/ Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:44:25 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66301 No matter how often you use your iPad, you probably don’t consider each time a potential disaster, but there’s a chance you might drop it at any given time. Whether you’re pulling it out of a bag or picking it up to use, the possibility of dropping your iPad and cracking the screen (or worse) […]

The post 5 Reasons to Always Buy a Strong Case to protect your iPad appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
No matter how often you use your iPad, you probably don’t consider each time a potential disaster, but there’s a chance you might drop it at any given time. Whether you’re pulling it out of a bag or picking it up to use, the possibility of dropping your iPad and cracking the screen (or worse) is real. If just knowing you might bust your iPad isn’t enough, here are some of the best reasons to get a durable iPad case to protect your iPad right away.

1. Accidents happen

The first and most obvious reason to protect your iPad with a durable case is that accidents happen. They’re often unpredictable and unstoppable once set in motion. For example, if you bring your iPad on a road trip and someone tries to grab it out of your hand, it might go flying out the window. This seems like an extreme example, but it happens to people.

Other accidents involve people carelessly tossing their iPads into the air and trying to catch them with one hand. Sometimes, people fumble and lose their grip when taking their iPads out of a bag. The whole point about accidents is that you can’t see them coming, and your first line of protection will always be having a case on your iPad.

In tests using quality cases, a naked iPad never makes it past a couple of drops before the screen shatters. On the other hand, an iPad protected by a durable case can withstand many drops. The type of case to avoid is the magnetic folio-style case. They’re thin, lightweight, and look nice, but your iPad will still get dinged and scratched around the sides in a drop. If it opens during the fall, you could see worse damage.

2. It’s common to drop an iPad

All the YouTube videos of people dropping iPads on purpose aside, it’s quite common to accidentally drop an iPad. Like any device, they can slip through your fingers and if someone bumps into you, it can jolt your iPad out of your hands.

Replacing screens is possible, but it still costs money. Besides, you might damage your hard drive and have to replace your whole device. The unpredictable nature of drops makes a durable iPad case a great investment.

3. Your friends might not take care of your iPad

If you ever decide to loan your iPad to a friend, you can’t guarantee they’ll treat it as if it were their own. People can be careless, even with their belongings. Additionally, when a friend has your iPad, it’s also subject to accidents caused by other people in their house, including guests. It’s risky to loan it out if a case doesn’t protect your iPad.

4. You can’t control children

Kids aren’t as controllable as we’d like them to be, and that means if you leave your iPad alone for even a minute with kids in the house, you may not have a working iPad for long.

Here are just some of the various ways kids can destroy iPads on accident:

There are far too many ways children can accidentally ruin your iPad. You can’t prevent all of them, but you can mitigate the potential for physical damage by keeping it protected in a strong case.

5. You can’t control pets

Pets are just as unpredictable as children; you can’t wholly control their behavior. They may know the basic commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘heel,’ but when your dogs are free to play in the house, it’s only a matter of time before your iPad becomes involved in their shenanigans.

For example, if you set your iPad down on the couch, it might seem safe until your dogs start chasing each other around the house and land on the couch, catapulting your iPad to the floor. Whether it’s a carpeted or hardwood floor, there’s a chance your iPad’s screen might break in the fall, even if it’s barely a foot to the ground. The only way to prevent this is by having a protective case.

A well-protected iPad will save you money

If you protect your iPad with a strong case, it will save you money in the long run. In most cases, you won’t have to replace a cracked screen or get a new device if you accidentally drop it. iPads are expensive, so keep yours well-protected.

 

Featured image provided by Gül Işık; Pexels; Thanks!

The post 5 Reasons to Always Buy a Strong Case to protect your iPad appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66301
Strategies for Maximizing Revenue in the F&B Industry https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/03/strategies-for-maximizing-revenue-in-the-fb-industry.html/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:43:57 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=66007 Did you know that the food and beverage industry market is expected to reach $8,638.2 billion in 2025 and $11,979.9 billion in 2030? With such immense potential for growth, it’s no wonder that businesses in the F&B industry worldwide are constantly seeking innovative strategies to maximize their revenue. From small eateries to large restaurant chains, […]

The post Strategies for Maximizing Revenue in the F&B Industry appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Did you know that the food and beverage industry market is expected to reach $8,638.2 billion in 2025 and $11,979.9 billion in 2030? With such immense potential for growth, it’s no wonder that businesses in the F&B industry worldwide are constantly seeking innovative strategies to maximize their revenue. From small eateries to large restaurant chains, the quest for profitability is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities.

In this blog post, let’s explore actionable strategies and expert insights to unlock the full revenue-boosting potential of your F&B venture!

Menu Optimization

It’s all about making smart choices to showcase your best dishes while enticing customers to indulge in a culinary adventure. Start by identifying your star performers – the dishes customers can’t get enough of. They are your money-makers, so give them the spotlight they deserve on your menu.

Create a mouthwatering experience that leaves customers craving for more. Get creative with your menu offerings by introducing seasonal specials or chef’s recommendations that tantalize taste buds and spark curiosity.

Take inspiration from successful brands like Starbucks, which constantly updates its menu with seasonal drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte or Peppermint Mocha. By tapping into seasonal trends and offering limited-time promotions, Starbucks keeps customers returning for more while maximizing revenue through menu innovation.

And don’t forget the power of presentation. Use enticing descriptions and eye-catching visuals to make your dishes irresistible. With a well-optimized menu, you’ll satisfy not only your customer’s hunger but also your bottom line.

Mastering the Art of Upselling

Imagine you’re at a burger joint, and the friendly cashier suggests adding crispy bacon and melted cheese to your burger for just a small extra cost. That’s upselling! It’s about offering upgrades or extras that enhance what your customers are already getting. At the F&B industry point of sale, these suggestions can significantly boost sales while delighting your customers.

When you order a meal at McDonald’s, the cashier often asks if you’d like to “supersize” your meal or add an extra item like fries or a drink for a little more. This simple suggestion encourages customers to spend extra while enhancing their meal experience.

McDonald’s also uses strategic promotions and bundles to upsell. For example, they might offer a combo meal deal where you can get a burger, fries, and a drink for a slightly discounted price compared to ordering each item individually. This strategy entices customers to upgrade their orders to get more value for their money.

Incorporating these upselling techniques helps McDonald’s increase revenue and customer satisfaction by offering more choices and value. So, the next time you visit McDonald’s, pay attention to how they suggest additional items. Consider how you can apply similar strategies in your food business to boost sales and improve customer experience.

Loyalty Programs

F&B industry loyalty programs are like a secret recipe that keeps customers returning for more. Imagine offering rewards like discounts or free treats to say “thank you” for choosing your spot. These programs turn regular customers into your biggest fans, creating a bond that keeps them coming back again and again.

Plus, with a well-designed loyalty program, you can connect with your customers on a personal level, showing them that you care about their experience. By sending them special offers or birthday surprises, you’re adding joy to their day and making them feel like part of your family.

Take Domino’s Pizza, for example. The brand offers a mouthwatering loyalty program that keeps pizza lovers returning for more cheesy goodness. With each pizza order, customers earn points that can be redeemed for free pizzas, sides, or even desserts. It’s like getting a little slice of heaven with every purchase.

But what makes Domino’s loyalty program extra special is its innovative approach. They offer various ways to earn points, from ordering online to using their mobile app or even through social media promotions. They also keep things fun with bonus point opportunities and surprise rewards, like free pizza on your “pizza-versary.” It’s the perfect recipe for keeping customers engaged and hungry for more.

Efficient Inventory Management

With the right tools, like an inventory management platform, you can keep track of what you have in stock, what’s running low, and what you need to reorder. It helps you avoid running out of essential ingredients or ending up with too much of something that might spoil before you can use it.

It’s also about being smart with your purchases. You can cut costs and boost your bottom line by negotiating with suppliers for the best prices and consolidating orders to save on shipping. Examine your menu to identify which items are selling well and which ones aren’t. Then, adjust your ordering accordingly.

Let’s see how Chipotle Mexican Grill, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, deals with their inventory management. Chipotle’s unique system revolves around its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

One notable aspect of Chipotle’s inventory management strategy is its emphasis on sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. By partnering with regional suppliers and farmers, Chipotle reduces transportation costs and ensures their ingredients are as fresh as possible. This approach not only enhances the taste and quality of their food but also minimizes waste by reducing long-distance shipping and storage.

Furthermore, Chipotle utilizes a “prep sheet” system to streamline operations and optimize inventory levels at each restaurant. Each day, managers receive a prep sheet outlining the precise quantities of ingredients needed based on forecasted sales. This system allows them to prepare enough ingredients to meet demand without overstocking or wasting food.

Maximizing revenue in the F&B industry requires a strategic approach and a willingness to adjust to changing market dynamics. So go ahead, put these strategies into action, and watch your profits soar.

The post Strategies for Maximizing Revenue in the F&B Industry appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
66007
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing a SIM Service for Your Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/03/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-sim-service-for-your-small-business.html/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:19:34 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=65958 The heartbeat of modern entrepreneurship is connectivity. For small business owners, selecting the right SIM service isn’t just about making calls or browsing the internet; it’s about the lifeline of their enterprise — a tool for success, growth, and competitive edge. In 2021, the global SIM card market size was $4 billion and is projected […]

The post The Ultimate Guide To Choosing a SIM Service for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
The heartbeat of modern entrepreneurship is connectivity. For small business owners, selecting the right SIM service isn’t just about making calls or browsing the internet; it’s about the lifeline of their enterprise — a tool for success, growth, and competitive edge.

In 2021, the global SIM card market size was $4 billion and is projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2027, a figure that speaks volumes about the significance of this little chip.

Navigating the SIM service marketplace can be daunting. Still, with the right knowledge and strategy, you can empower your business through a mobile network as adaptable and ambitious as you are.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or the visionary behind a startup, this ultimate guide will walk you through every stage of choosing a SIM service tailored to launch your business into the digital stratosphere.

What is a SIM card, and how does it work?

For the uninitiated, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is the key that unlocks a world of mobile connectivity for smartphones and other devices. It keeps your mobile service provider informed of your identity, allowing you to partake in all the required telecommunication and data services.

The tech behind SIM cards

SIM cards appear deceptively simple, but the technology within them is intricate. Integrated circuits and memory chips encrypted with your subscriber information form the backbone of the SIM, ensuring secure and personalized mobile services. The small size of these cards does not indicate their power; they can store large amounts of data and are even capable of running basic applications.

Types of SIM cards: Standard, Micro, Nano, and e-SIM

From the classic credit card-sized SIM to the newer e-SIM technology, there’s a SIM type tailored to your business’s specific needs. Understanding the differences can help you choose what’s best for your setup, particularly when considering these cards’ physical size or embedded capabilities.

  • Standard SIM: These have been around the longest and are still used in many devices today. They measure around 25mm x 15mm and are known as mini-SIMs.
  • Micro SIM: As the demand for smaller phones grew, so did the need for smaller SIM cards. Measuring just 12mm x 8mm, these became popular when the iPhone 4 came out in 2010.
  • Nano SIM: The smallest SIM type available, measuring only 8.8mm x 12.3mm, is commonly used in newer smartphones and tablets.
  • E-SIM: This technology eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and allows for remote provisioning of mobile services. It is currently being adopted by more and more manufacturers, making it a promising option for future devices.

Identifying Your Small Business Connectivity Needs

To pave the way for a tailored solution, you must first identify your business’s unique connectivity requirements. Depending on your setup, you may need a standard SIM to fit into an existing device or an e-SIM for a newer model that supports this technology.

Analyzing your business’s call and data requirements

The analysis doesn’t start with counting messages or voice minutes. You need to consider the quality and type of communication, such as video conferencing or frequent customer service calls, to ensure your chosen service can handle the load.

The impact of business size and type on SIM service choices

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it. The size and type of your business will translate into vastly different connectivity needs. A small local consultancy may thrive on a different plan than a tech startup poised for rapid national expansion.

SIM Service 1

Factors To Consider When Selecting a SIM Service Provider

Beyond the SIM, the service provider is critical to your small business’s connectivity solution. To set yourself up for success, carefully consider the following factors:

Network coverage and reliability

Reliability trumps novelty when it comes to your business. Opt for a service provider with a vast network that blankets your operating area, ensuring your connectivity doesn’t falter when needed.

Cost-effectiveness and pricing plans

For small businesses, managing costs is crucial. Providers offering reasonable pricing plans with no hidden fees could be the key to a healthy bottom line.

Customer service and support

Efficient customer support can be a business-saver in network issues or billing queries. Investigate how readily available and helpful the provider is with their support services.

Flexibility and scalability of services

Your business is dynamic, and so should your SIM card service provider. A flexible plan that grows with you and offers easy upgrades or downgrades is invaluable for small businesses adapting to market fluctuations.

SIM Service 2

Unique SIM Service Needs of Small Businesses

Small businesses often have underappreciated peculiarities that can make or break the effectiveness of their SIM service. Consider the following factors as they relate to your business when selecting a provider:

Managing multiple lines and accounts

From juggling personal lines to organizational accounts, small business owners often have to manage multiple connections. Look for providers that offer centralized management tools to streamline this process.

International roaming and travel requirements

In an increasingly global market, international connectivity is no longer just a luxury but a necessity. Providers who offer seamless and reasonable roaming services can be an asset.

Integration with business tools and systems

A SIM service that integrates with your business’s existing systems and tools, like a Point of Sale (POS) system or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, can significantly streamline your operations.

Empower Your Small Business Through Connectivity

Choosing a SIM service is not simply ticking an item off a checklist. It’s an exercise in foresight, aligning your business with a partner capable of keeping pace with its ambitions. With the right provider, your small business can soar to new heights, leveraging connectivity as a tool and a strategic asset.

In the dawning era of 5G and beyond, the small business with its connectivity sorted will be poised to lead, innovate, and outshine the competition. Make your selection wisely and watch as your business transforms from a mere player to a game-changer in your industry. Your SIM service isn’t just another subscription; it’s a statement of intent.

With the comprehensive understanding gleaned from this guide, your small business is now ready to venture forth and make an informed decision, arming itself with the connectivity it deserves. Remember, in the grand scheme of business, each thread counts—and the SIM service you choose could very well be the luminous silk that catches the eye of success.

 

Internal Images by tomekwalecki, Skitterphoto, & tomekwalecki; Pixabay; Thanks!

The post The Ultimate Guide To Choosing a SIM Service for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
65958
5 Ways Businesses Can Be Self-Sustainable During Economic Uncertainty   https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/08/5-ways-businesses-can-be-self-sustainable-during-economic-uncertainty.html/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:47:49 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=64245 The recent pandemic presented all of us with unprecedented challenges in all aspects of our lives. In particular, businesses were faced with prolonged economic uncertainty, disruptions in traditional revenue streams, and unforeseen expenses that may or may not have been covered by traditional insurance policies. Businesses had to learn how to maintain customer relationships and […]

The post 5 Ways Businesses Can Be Self-Sustainable During Economic Uncertainty   appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
The recent pandemic presented all of us with unprecedented challenges in all aspects of our lives. In particular, businesses were faced with prolonged economic uncertainty, disruptions in traditional revenue streams, and unforeseen expenses that may or may not have been covered by traditional insurance policies.

Businesses had to learn how to maintain customer relationships and generate revenue in an unfamiliar landscape that seemed to turn traditional commerce upside down. While many companies were given some relief through PPP loans and other bailouts, you can’t expect this to be the norm every time we enter a time of economic uncertainty. Instead, business owners should take time to establish areas of vulnerability in their business plans and make appropriate adjustments to ensure that their company can weather economic obstacles without relying on external bailouts or help.

Here are a few ways you can safeguard yourself and your business against financial ruin, no matter the economic climate.

Diversify Revenue Streams

Diversifying your revenue streams is one of the most surefire ways to protect your business. As the saying goes, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” This is especially true during times of economic recession but is also a good rule of thumb at all times. The more ways you can come up with to generate income, the better off your business will be.

According to Forbes, one very effective way to diversify your sources of income is by expanding your product line by adding products that complement or make sense with your existing products.

You might also consider entering new geographic markets. Depending on the size and nature of your company, this could mean expanding into a neighboring town or establishing a client base across the country or even the world.

Many businesses made it through the pandemic by developing new sales channels. Specifically, many brick-and-mortar businesses switched to an online mode. You might want to try this to ensure your business remains sustainable.

Selling advertising on your website is another way to generate additional income and is a good idea to look into, regardless of the current state of the economy.

Implement Cost-Saving Measures

When creating your plan to keep your business self-sufficient, it’s important to consider all your expenses and identify ways to minimize costs. Look at your workforce. Is everyone essential? Is there redundancy among job descriptions? If so, you may consider downsizing your workforce.

Additionally, examine costs associated with your vendors. Is there a comparable product that you can secure for a lower price? If you are paying for services such as website hosting, payroll, or other business-related tasks, do some research to see who is offering the lowest price without compromising quality.

Finally, analyze any brick-and-mortar storefronts or office space and determine if you really need them. A lot of business models have shifted to remote or hybrid from the pandemic. This saves companies thousands in lease payments and rent. Can your company function with a remote workforce? Has most of your revenue shifted to online orders? If so, consider eliminating some of these unnecessary expenses to minimize your overhead.

Foster Strong Customer Relationships

Perhaps the most important component to the success of any business is a loyal client base. This isn’t something you can really take shortcuts to establish. Instead, invest the time and effort needed to ensure your customers feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

In times of economic uncertainty, maintaining communication and strong relationships with your customers can be harder than usual. It can be helpful to get creative with ways to connect with your customers through social media as well as in person. This can be as simple as creating social media posts that drive traffic and click-throughs or having customer appreciation days. The possibilities are endless when it comes to staying connected with your client base, and it’s worth taking the time to brainstorm ideas that make sense for your target audience. After all, without customers, no business can survive.

Prioritize Resilience, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning with an 831b Account

While most – if not all – businesses carry traditional insurance plans, not as many are aware of the benefits of having an 831b plan. This type of account provides an added level of safety when unexpected hardships or expenses occur. It protects areas that aren’t covered by traditional insurance plans and can be invaluable when disaster strikes.

This tax code allows businesses to access funds set aside for uninsured risks. You can tailor an 831b account to meet your company’s specific needs and best complement your business.

During the pandemic, there was a steep uptick in the number of businesses utilizing 831b accounts, and it’s easy to see why. This added layer of protection was the difference between financial ruin and financial solvency for many businesses.

The post 5 Ways Businesses Can Be Self-Sustainable During Economic Uncertainty   appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
64245
How to Use Technology to Save on Electricity Bills  https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/08/technology-to-save-on-electricity-bills.html/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:38:00 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=64252 New ways to save on energy costs are hitting the market all the time. After all, electricity is getting more expensive, and more homeowners want to do what they can to spend less money on utility bills. Below are some of the new technologies available to help you cut your electric bills. Advanced IOT software […]

The post How to Use Technology to Save on Electricity Bills  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
New ways to save on energy costs are hitting the market all the time. After all, electricity is getting more expensive, and more homeowners want to do what they can to spend less money on utility bills.

Below are some of the new technologies available to help you cut your electric bills.

Advanced IOT software development has given us new motion sensors that can be used in the home to reduce electricity use. New motion sensors are coming on the market that can turn off lights in rooms that are not being used. Motion sensors also can turn off overhead fans if it senses there is no motion in the room for a certain period.

These motion sensors can help you save on electricity every day. And the devices don’t cost a lot and are easy to install.

Your smartphone may be small, but it can have a hefty impact on your electric bill. One estimate is that small electronic devices account for 13% of our electric bill.

But there are companies offering smart power adaptors that will shut off your phone charger as soon as the phone has a full charge.

The Department Of Energy reports that cool roofs are coming out with special substances that reflect sunlight and take in less heat than a regular shingle roof. They think these types of advanced roof systems will even be able to get cooler as fluorescent pigments are developed.

Some pigments are being developed in the laboratory that can reflect almost 400% more sunlight than regular pigments.

Having a roof that reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat is especially important in warmer climates. Think of states such as Texas and Florida. The air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard because the home doesn’t heat up as much with the reflective roof.

Energy Star appliances are designed to use as little energy as possible and still do their jobs well. When you buy a new washer, dryer, refrigerator, or dishwasher, look for the Energy Star tag to see what the annual energy consumption is.

You’ll save a lot on electricity bills with Energy Star appliances.

Traditional light bulbs are inexpensive but they waste a lot of electricity. New LED bulbs use about 85% less electricity and can last up to 20 times longer than regular bulbs.

You can definitely reduce your electric bill by a few dollars per month by buying LED bulbs.

The latest insulated windows feature microprocessors and sensors that can automatically adjust shading during all parts of the day. The windows will adjust the degree of shading provided according to the amount of sun hitting that part of the house.

These special windows can help you save on electrical costs by reducing the amount of sun and heat coming into the house.

Also, advanced double and triple-paned windows can also cut your electric bill. Single-pane windows are inexpensive but do a poor job of blocking heat. When the hot summer sun hits a single-pane window, put your hand on it. You’ll notice it feels very warm and some of that heat transfers into the home. This means the AC must keep running to cool things down.

Advanced double-paned windows usually feature two or even three glass layers separated by gas-filled spaces that reduce the amount of heating getting into the room.

Don’t Forget Saving on the Water Bill

Saving on electricity costs is important, and the technology mentioned here can be a big help. Also, technology can help you save on your water bill, too.

The EPA estimates that routine water leaks waste about 1 trillion gallons of water annually. That’s more than 1,000 Olympic-sized pools!

You can cut your water leakage by installing a smart leak sensor under sinks, behind toilets, and around the washing machine. When there is a water leak, the detector sends an alert to your smartphone.

It’s also nice to know if you have a water leak so you can get it repaired before there’s serious structural damage.

These new smart technologies can reduce your electricity bill and water bill. And you get to help the planet, too, so what’s better than that?

The post How to Use Technology to Save on Electricity Bills  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
64252
What Business Leaders Must Do To Restore The Middle Class https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/06/what-business-leaders-must-do-to-restore-the-middle-class.html/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:11:00 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=64084 In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, the role of business leaders has become increasingly crucial. The middle class, once the backbone of thriving economies, is currently facing significant challenges in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. It is imperative for business leaders to recognize their responsibility in restoring the middle class and […]

The post What Business Leaders Must Do To Restore The Middle Class appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, the role of business leaders has become increasingly crucial. The middle class, once the backbone of thriving economies, is currently facing significant challenges in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. It is imperative for business leaders to recognize their responsibility in restoring the middle class and creating a more equitable society. This article will delve into the reasons behind the middle-class decline, the impact on communities and society, and the role business leaders can play in reversing this trend.

Over the past few decades, the middle class in the U.S. and the U.K. has faced numerous setbacks. Economic policies that favor the wealthy, such as trickle-down economics, have exacerbated income inequality and hindered upward mobility. The result is a growing wealth gap, with the rich getting richer and the middle class struggling to maintain their standard of living.

Trickle-down economics, a theory that advocates for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, promised benefits for the less well-off. However, it has failed to deliver on its promises. Instead, it has led to a rise in national deficits, cuts in vital investments like education and infrastructure, and increased outsourcing of jobs to lower-wage countries. The U.S. and the U.K. have witnessed the negative effects of this approach.

In the U.K., privatization under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has affected essential services like water utilities. The recent news of Thames Water’s potential collapse under the weight of its debts highlights the challenges faced by privatized companies. This situation has put pressure on the sector, leading to issues with sewage management and maintaining supplies to customers.

The dissatisfaction among workers is not limited to extremist trade unionists, as some sections of the media portray. Even traditionally secure and well-rewarded professions, such as senior doctors, nurses, teachers, and civil servants, are expressing their discontent through strikes and protests. This widespread dissatisfaction indicates a growing feeling of exploitation among employees.

The decline of the middle class has far-reaching consequences for communities and society as a whole.

The American Dream, the belief that hard work can lead to upward social mobility and a better life, is fading for many. Young people, in particular, are disillusioned by the unattainability of a good job, home ownership, and financial stability. This erosion of the American Dream not only affects individuals but also undermines the foundation of a prosperous society.

A vibrant middle class is crucial for the stability and growth of any economy. Policymakers often view the development of a strong middle class as a vital step towards democracy in developing countries. Historically, revolutions have been fueled by the disappointments of the middle class. Therefore, the decline of the middle class in countries like the U.S. and the U.K. has broader implications for social cohesion and political stability.

Business leaders have a significant role to play in restoring the middle class and creating a more equitable society. By adopting responsible and inclusive business practices, they can contribute to the well-being of their employees, communities, and society at large.

One of the most impactful ways business leaders can contribute is by creating good jobs that provide fair wages and appropriate benefits. Paying employees a living wage not only ensures their financial stability but also boosts their morale and productivity. Moreover, offering comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare and retirement plans, shows a commitment to the well-being of employees.

Business leaders should prioritize investing in the development of their employees. Providing training and educational opportunities allows workers to acquire new skills and stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market. This investment not only benefits the employees themselves but also increases the overall productivity and competitiveness of the company.

Diversity and inclusion are crucial components of a thriving middle class. Business leaders should embrace diversity in their workforce and create an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. This approach fosters innovation, creativity, and a sense of belonging, leading to improved employee satisfaction and retention.

Business leaders should actively engage with their local communities and support initiatives that uplift the middle class. This can be achieved through partnerships with educational institutions, funding community projects, or participating in mentorship programs. By investing in the well-being of their communities, business leaders contribute to the overall prosperity of the middle class.

The decline of the middle class in countries like the U.S. and the U.K. calls for urgent action from business leaders. By adopting responsible and inclusive business practices, they can contribute to the restoration of the middle class and create a more equitable society. Paying fair wages, investing in employee development, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting community initiatives are all essential steps toward rebuilding the middle class. Business leaders must recognize their role in shaping the future of the economy and society, and take the necessary actions to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for all.

First reported by Forbes.

The post What Business Leaders Must Do To Restore The Middle Class appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
64084
Volkswagen Appoints New Audi CEO amidst Struggles to Keep Pace with Competitors https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/06/volkswagen-appoints-new-audi-ceo-amidst-struggles-to-keep-pace-with-competitors.html/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:39:24 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=64077 Volkswagen, the German automotive giant, has announced a change in leadership as it seeks to address the underperformance of its luxury brand, Audi, in comparison to its rivals. The company has appointed a new CEO for Audi in an effort to revitalize the brand and regain its competitive edge in the market. This move comes […]

The post Volkswagen Appoints New Audi CEO amidst Struggles to Keep Pace with Competitors appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Volkswagen, the German automotive giant, has announced a change in leadership as it seeks to address the underperformance of its luxury brand, Audi, in comparison to its rivals. The company has appointed a new CEO for Audi in an effort to revitalize the brand and regain its competitive edge in the market. This move comes as Volkswagen aims to strengthen its position in the highly competitive automotive industry and maintain its reputation as a leading global brand.

Audi, once considered a frontrunner in the luxury car segment, has been facing challenges in recent years. The brand has struggled to keep pace with its competitors, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in terms of sales and innovation. As a result, Volkswagen recognized the need for a change in leadership to drive Audi’s growth and bring it back to the forefront of the luxury car market.

Volkswagen has appointed a seasoned executive, John Doe, as the new CEO of Audi. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Doe brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His previous leadership positions at renowned car manufacturers have equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges faced by Audi and propel the brand towards success.

Doe has outlined a strategic vision for Audi that focuses on several key areas: product innovation, customer experience, and brand positioning. By investing in research and development, Audi aims to introduce cutting-edge technologies and sustainable mobility solutions to attract discerning customers. Additionally, the brand is committed to enhancing the overall customer experience, from the initial purchase to after-sales service, to build long-lasting relationships with its clientele. Lastly, Audi will work on repositioning its brand image to align with the evolving demands and expectations of luxury car buyers.

In today’s fiercely competitive automotive industry, Audi faces stiff competition from established luxury car manufacturers as well as emerging players in the electric vehicle market. To regain its competitive edge, Audi plans to leverage its strengths and capitalize on emerging trends. The company will focus on developing a comprehensive electric vehicle lineup, expanding its presence in key markets, and investing in innovative technologies such as autonomous driving and connectivity.

In recent years, Audi has faced challenges related to its reputation, including the diesel emissions scandal that affected its parent company, Volkswagen. The new CEO recognizes the importance of rebuilding trust and confidence among customers, stakeholders, and the general public. Under his leadership, Audi will prioritize transparency, integrity, and sustainability in all aspects of its operations, ensuring that the brand regains its position as a trusted and responsible player in the automotive industry.

Audi’s success relies not only on its internal capabilities but also on strategic collaborations with key partners. The brand will actively seek partnerships with technology companies, suppliers, and other industry players to drive innovation and accelerate its growth. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, Audi aims to tap into the collective expertise and resources of its partners to deliver exceptional products and services to its customers.

To execute its strategic vision successfully, Audi recognizes the importance of investing in its employees. The company will provide training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of its workforce. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Audi aims to empower its employees to contribute to the brand’s success and stay ahead of the evolving automotive landscape.

With a new CEO at the helm and a clear strategic roadmap in place, Audi is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation. The brand aims to regain its position as a leader in the luxury car segment by delivering exceptional products, providing an unparalleled customer experience, and embracing emerging technologies. As Audi rebuilds its brand and strengthens its competitive position, it remains committed to its core values of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Volkswagen’s decision to appoint a new CEO for Audi underscores its commitment to addressing the brand’s challenges and positioning it for future success. With a strategic vision, a focus on innovation, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Audi aims to reclaim its position as a leading luxury car manufacturer. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Audi will leverage its strengths and forge strategic partnerships to stay at the forefront of innovation and meet the changing needs of its discerning customers.

First reported by Bloomberg.

The post Volkswagen Appoints New Audi CEO amidst Struggles to Keep Pace with Competitors appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
64077
How to Introduce Automation Seamlessly to Your Employees https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/04/how-to-introduce-automation-seamlessly-to-your-employees.html/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:13:12 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63919 As technology advances and becomes more prevalent in the workplace, companies are increasingly turning to automation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes. However, introducing automation can be a daunting task. It’s vital to ensure that your employees are on board with the changes and can seamlessly adapt to the new processes. This post […]

The post How to Introduce Automation Seamlessly to Your Employees appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As technology advances and becomes more prevalent in the workplace, companies are increasingly turning to automation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes.

However, introducing automation can be a daunting task. It’s vital to ensure that your employees are on board with the changes and can seamlessly adapt to the new processes.

This post will discuss different strategies to introduce automation seamlessly to your employees. Keep on reading to learn more.

Importance of Automation to Your Business

So, here are some of the critical ways automation can be crucial to your business:

  • Improved Efficiency

Automation can streamline routine tasks and processes, reducing the time and resources needed. This can free employees to focus on higher-value activities requiring human input, such as customer service or strategic planning.

  • Increased Productivity

Automation can help businesses produce more output with the same or fewer resources, allowing them to grow and scale more quickly. Also, it can complete tasks faster and with fewer errors, allowing businesses to deliver products or services more efficiently.

  • Enhanced Accuracy

Automation can eliminate human error in repetitive tasks or require high precision. So, this can reduce the risk of mistakes and errors, leading to higher-quality output and improved customer satisfaction.

  • Cost Savings

Automation can help businesses save money by reducing the need for human labor and the associated costs of recruitment, training, and retention. It can reduce the costs of errors, delays, and rework as well.

  • Improved Compliance

Automation can help businesses comply with regulations and standards by enforcing rules and procedures consistently and accurately.

automation employees

Introducing Automation to Your Employees

Automation can be a big change your personnel can’t readily accept. Automation in the workplace can set forth different learning roadblocks to your team. Nonetheless, you can make it easier for everyone involved by checking out the tips below:

  • Provide Training Opportunities

Offer training opportunities for employees to learn the new skills required for the automation process. Likewise, this helps them feel valued and ensures you equip them with the necessary knowledge to succeed.

Start by providing general automation training to all employees so they understand the basic concepts of automation, its benefits, and how it works. You can hire marketing automation experts to train your employees.

Also, encourage a culture of learning and growth by providing opportunities for employees to learn about new technologies and innovations in their field. This helps them feel empowered and engaged in the automation process. Additionally, encourage continuous learning and development to keep employees up-to-date with the most recent trends and technologies in automation.

Then, identify the skills employees will need to use and develop to work with automation and provide training on those skills. For example, if employees will be working with a new software tool, provide training on how to use that tool effectively.

  • Start with the Basics

Before introducing automation, it is crucial to ensure your employees are comfortable with the technology used. This means providing resources to help them understand the new systems and tools.

Moreover, ensure you’re clear about the benefits of the latest technology and how it will impact their work. So, be transparent about changes, how they’ll impact their jobs, and what training and support will be provided.

Identify the tasks that’ll be automated. Start by identifying the manual, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks that can be automated. Focus on tasks that’ll allow employees to focus on higher-value work.

It’s essential to start with small changes when introducing automation. This can help minimize disruption and give your employees time to adjust to the new processes. Once the initial changes have been successfully implemented, you can gradually introduce additional automation.

  • Communicate Clearly

When introducing automation, it’s essential to communicate with your employees about the changes that will be happening. Make sure that you explain why the change is happening and what the benefits will be.

It’s also essential to address any concerns your employees may have and support them as they transition to the new processes. Communicating with them reassures them that they aren’t being replaced. This helps prevent the employees from dropping their work standards or quitting because they feel threatened by the changes around them.

Involve your employees in the process of introducing automation. This can include seeking their feedback and input on the new systems and processes. By involving your employees, you can ensure that they feel valued and invested in the project’s success.

Additionally, companies should ensure that automation doesn’t replace employees yet complements their work, allowing them to collaborate with technology to achieve better results.

  • Monitor and Evaluate Progress 

Finally, it’s essential to monitor and evaluate the success of the automation project. This can include tracking key performance indicators and gathering feedback from your employees.

Choose metrics that’ll help you measure progress toward your goals. This could include cost savings, productivity gains, error rates, or employee satisfaction.

Monitor progress regularly, keeping an eye on the metrics you established. Once you’ve collected enough data, evaluate the results to determine if the automation achieves the desired outcomes. If it isn’t, identify areas for improvement and adjust accordingly.

Monitor the progress of automation implementation and its impact on employees. Collect feedback and address any concerns or issues promptly. Communicate the results of the automation implementation to employees and stakeholders, highlighting any successes and areas for improvement.

By monitoring and evaluating the project, you can identify areas for development and ensure that the project is on track to meet its objectives.

  • Recognize and Reward Success

It’s essential to recognize and reward success as you introduce automation. Celebrate successes and recognize employees’ contributions who have adapted to the changes and used the new automated tools effectively.

Recognize the individuals who have played a significant role in the automation process. This could be in the form of a thank-you note or a shout-out during a team meeting. Rewards can help motivate your employees and show them their efforts are appreciated. By recognizing success, you can encourage a positive attitude toward change and innovation too.

Set up milestones for the automation process and celebrate them when they’re achieved. This could be as simple as throwing a small office party or providing lunch for the team.

Conclusion

The benefits of automation are significant and can have a transformative effect on a business’s operations and bottom line. By leveraging automation, companies can increase efficiency, productivity, and accuracy while reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction.

Introducing automation to your employees can be challenging, yet with properly implemented strategies in place, it can be done seamlessly.

By starting with the basics, communicating, involving your employees, starting small, and evaluating the project, you can successfully implement automation in your workplace and benefit from increased efficiency, lower costs, and streamlined processes.

Author’s Bio

Victoria Bennett is a change management consultant with a focus on helping organizations successfully adopt new technologies and processes. With over 7 years of experience, she has guided numerous companies in implementing automation and other digital solutions, ensuring a smooth transition for employees. Victoria frequently shares her expertise on change management and employee engagement through guest posts on various business blogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, practicing mindfulness, and exploring the world of culinary arts.

 

 

 

 

 

The post How to Introduce Automation Seamlessly to Your Employees appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63919
How to Measure the Productivity of Your Employees https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/03/how-to-measure-the-productivity-of-your-employees.html/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 20:34:10 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63123 With automation on the rise, employers must begin to think about the efficacy of each employee’s output. It potentially becomes a key insight to understanding the metric of work employees complete and on what timetable. This is not only to purely cut costs and allot funds, but also time budget and manage projects well across […]

The post How to Measure the Productivity of Your Employees appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
With automation on the rise, employers must begin to think about the efficacy of each employee’s output. It potentially becomes a key insight to understanding the metric of work employees complete and on what timetable. This is not only to purely cut costs and allot funds, but also time budget and manage projects well across teams. So here are several metrics so you know how to measure the productivity of your employees.

Control the Environment

It is common practice to believe that there are no distractions in a healthy and productive work environment. And well that is typically true, but that may not always be the case. However, when looking to figure out how your employees work best it is imperative that you find the proper consistency.

By having a consistent environment you can begin to add and eliminate factors that you can measure for finding each individual’s most productive work habits.

Set Up the Units

How do you measure the productivity of your employees? Once your environment is stable you can begin finding out the units of productivity you are aiming to measure. This is how you will measure everything and is inextricably tied to the question you want to ask. How much work is being completed?

Keep in mind that any survey will not be completed in a vacuum so there is an extra amount of incentive to make sure that whatever tasks are deemed as “measurably equal” are indeed close to being so. As well as understanding any confounding variables that may affect the work from external departments, or a catch in the pipeline that may be unavoidable and throw off your data.

Several reputable metric ideas are:

  • Projects Completed
  • Work Hours/Overtime Rate
  • Effectiveness Ratio – Achievables, Assets & Inventory
  • Turnover Rate
  • Sales Growth
  • Revenue Per Employee

Establish the Baseline

This is a three-part metric, How fast for the person, how fast for the company, and how fast for the industry. And while speed is the chosen metric for this article, replace “fast” with “well”, “diligence”, or “competency” and you have a similar slew of insights with which to be presented.

Similarly, when interrogators are trying to read the habits of a subject they often establish a level of baseline characteristics as they are searching for a particular deviation, more so than any specifically direct indicator.

By deciding which metrics are important you can begin to map them in the “stable” environment discussed. By understanding an individual’s baseline you then alter aspects to find out how it affects each employee.

Add in Variables

Life may do this for you. Throwing in numerous variables like having to work remotely, employees getting sick, on the days leading up to, or coming off of a major holiday, and off-work happenstances resulting in debilitating physical or mental issues. The possibilities are endless. If you have established the ways that you effectively measure what productivity you are going for – hours worked, tasks completed, inquiries given, you will easily be able to begin to cross-referencing aspects of life – good and bad to find what stimulus makes each of your individual workers most productive.

Maybe one of your workers uses the weekend to recharge and is most productive on Monday but by the time Friday returns, is something of a distraction. Perhaps a worker is incredibly effective remote and you need to rearrange some desks. Potentially a worker performs exceptionally well under the very prominent stress of the holidays. Or maybe a typically productive worker has fallen off and you should inquire about their personal life.

Most importantly as an employer or supervisor, your best undertaking is to create a stable and suitable work environment. This way, you begin A/B Testing your employees and find a way to optimize their best attributes. Everyone has a distinct way they like to work. Yet, it works even better when they find efficiency. So in this case, how do you measure the productivity of your employees? By finding their baseline you can begin to shape your company to the productivity of your most important resource.

The post How to Measure the Productivity of Your Employees appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63123
How to Identify Bots on LinkedIn: Fake Sales Representatives https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/02/how-to-identify-bots-on-linkedin-fake-sales-representatives.html/ Tue, 14 Feb 2023 21:34:11 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62873 LinkedIn is one of the biggest social media platforms in the world today. The Microsoft-owned company is something of a “black swan” in the social-content-media space, however, was selected as the third most important social media site for marketing, behind Meta’s Facebook and Instagram respectively. It placed first in job-related networking, edging out Glassdoor in […]

The post How to Identify Bots on LinkedIn: Fake Sales Representatives appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
LinkedIn is one of the biggest social media platforms in the world today. The Microsoft-owned company is something of a “black swan” in the social-content-media space, however, was selected as the third most important social media site for marketing, behind Meta’s Facebook and Instagram respectively. It placed first in job-related networking, edging out Glassdoor in March 2022. Yet, along with organic, real traffic coming to the site, there are also swathes of LinkedIn bots that flood the site.

A “bot” is a computer program that operates and impersonates a human on the internet. They feature artificial intelligence to varying degrees and are not always necessarily a bad thing. Google and Bing use bots to comb the internet. It’s part of how organic SEO is constructed.

LinkedIn bots work similarly but not entirely to the same ends. LinkedIn bots are often used as part of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and are sent on full automation to comb LinkedIn for leads. Here is an almost nearly comprehensive article breaking down the best consumer-grade bots to let loose on LinkedIn.

However, if you are not in the lead generation mess that is CRM you could fall prey to getting combed by a fake sales representative looking to peddle who knows what to you unwittingly. Here are some helpful tips to help break down who or what exactly you’re talking to on LinkedIn.

Account Frequency and Activity

LinkedIn bots can post frequently and without fault. A normal person may post often, however, it is unlikely they will be posting excessively, multiple times over the course of a day. Given the hours and nature of the content, it can reveal much about the nature of the entity on the other side of the screen.

The higher the frequency, time of day, and subject matter can give you clues. Yet ultimately, the higher the number of posts the more likely an automated response software or bot is behind the account.

The Flow of the Conversation

Bots are typically punchy, short, and to the point. While they have gotten their hold on more capable AI in recent years, they are often still clunky and repetitive. They tend to pull from a list of discernible targeted responses and will lack the nuance to have a slight change.

The greater the similarity of the individual’s comments may indicate that you are dealing with an automated response bot. Try asking the same question in a slightly different way. As the program has to elect to operate any given number of responses to filter into a given answer it is likely the entity – if it is a bot will respond with the exact same answer.

Two-Step Disassociation

Have question a, lead to question b. And have the context for that second question rooted in the first. Think,

Q: Where are you working?

A: Seattle

Q: What is the weather like outside?

A: Can you please rephrase the question?

This is indicative of bot behavior; a human would likely understand the nature of the question and comply; however, a bot cannot logically jump between the two at this point.

The Profile

It is unlikely that bot profiles will detail a rich and well-lived history. Most people give at least a general overview of their life. Where they’ve worked, their professional accolades, and so on. A bot will typically only have a profile image and a company, with maybe a school they went to or so on. Bots typically only have the most essential necessities to appear passable. Again, think of nuance and personality to discern humanity.

The more the “life” feels “lived” and the greater the personality the account has, the more likely it is in fact a real person. With bots, it can be handy to revert to the overall feel of the conversation. Once again, think Justice Stweart’s, “I know it when I see it.”

The post How to Identify Bots on LinkedIn: Fake Sales Representatives appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62873
3 Ways to Make Global Hiring a Reality for Your Small Business  https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/02/global-hiring-for-your-small-business.html/ Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63094 Whether your business is struggling or booming, it’s always a good idea to see where you can make improvements. Ensuring you’re operating efficiently and getting the best ROI on your spending should be a priority. But which expenses should you analyze first? For many companies, the cost of labor will likely be one of the […]

The post 3 Ways to Make Global Hiring a Reality for Your Small Business  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Whether your business is struggling or booming, it’s always a good idea to see where you can make improvements. Ensuring you’re operating efficiently and getting the best ROI on your spending should be a priority. But which expenses should you analyze first? For many companies, the cost of labor will likely be one of the top items every year.

If you’re spending more on contractors and employees than the industry average for a company your size, dig a little deeper. Is there a staffing shortage in your area? Do you operate in a region that has a very high cost of living? If you answer “yes” to either of those questions, you might consider taking your talent search worldwide. Here are three ways to prepare your business for global hiring.

1. Research the Legalities

With international hiring, the potential for value is definitely there. You can reach a much bigger applicant pool and potentially cut down on overhead costs. However, hiring abroad does present some hurdles. You cannot hire employees from another country using the same process as you would for local applicants. Legally, you are not allowed to hire a foreign citizen unless your business has a physical presence in the country of hire.

So does that mean that you need to establish a brick-and-mortar location in every country you might hire from? Thankfully, no. To get around the requirement of maintaining an international business entity, you can instead engage an employer of record. An EOR will set up locations in a variety of countries and can hire employees on your behalf.

Naturally, you will need to make sure your third-party provider has a presence in the countries you’re interested in hiring from. There are 195 countries in the world, and it is unlikely any EOR has legal entities in every single one of them!

If you hire contractors instead of employees, you are more likely to be able to engage with those individuals directly. However, you’ll need to make sure the worker qualifies as a contractor rather than an employee. Typically, this hinges on the degree of independence the contractor has in their work. If the law decrees an employee was misclassified as a contractor, it could result in stiff penalties and fines. Regulations on contractor classification also vary by country, so do your due diligence on the applicable laws.

2. Update Your Technology

Hiring remote workers abroad means that you’ll need to rely on efficient and stable technology for business tasks. Ideally, your computer programs should be in the cloud to enable easier communication and sharing of information. Cloud-based software also makes it simple to allow and restrict access as employees onboard or offboard.

If you’re not using cloud-based programs, you’ll at least need to make sure to have a secure way to transfer information. Sending sensitive data via unsecured email is risky. Not only is the information at risk of being intercepted, but it’s easier to have multiple copies of data zipping around. That can lead to confusion as to which version is the most current.

So take stock of your current setup and see whether different software or processes could increase security or efficiency. Getting those processes upgraded to allow for international hires might even increase the efficiency of your local workers.

3. Reassess Regularly

If you take the plunge and engage with international employees or contractors, you’ll want to make sure the decision pays off. At least once a year, run the numbers to make sure the balance of expense and work accomplished is beneficial to your company. If international hiring hasn’t provided financial benefits that are sufficient to justify the endeavor, you might discontinue — or at least pause — the initiative.

If global hiring has proven effective, you’ll still want to regularly assess whether the countries you’re hiring from are the best choices. There are numerous reasons to do so. Certain countries require minimum pay that may not justify hiring employees there. Or you might need to find workers from a country with better mastery of the English language. Finally, your EOR may add new countries to its roster, presenting additional opportunities.

Aim to get your international workers on the same review schedule as your local employees. Just because you don’t see them in the office regularly doesn’t mean you can just forgo regular performance analysis. You’ll want to check in with any local team members your global hires interact with to ensure their work is being completed satisfactorily. Providing international employees feedback and assessing their performance gives them the ability to do their jobs better.

Alternatively, if your global team members are underperforming, you’ll notice it much sooner if you check in regularly. If you don’t catch errors and omissions until major consequences get brought to your attention, your review processes need to be updated.

Check Out Global Talent Options

Part of building or maintaining a business is keeping an eye out for opportunities. If international hiring might provide the opportunity to cut expenses or increase efficiency, investigate whether it could benefit your company. With the availability of modern third-party administrators and tech advancements, the world’s workforce has become more accessible.

So whether you want to open up your applicant pool or just cut some overhead costs, remote hiring is something to consider. Putting global hiring into practice might just be easier than you think.

The post 3 Ways to Make Global Hiring a Reality for Your Small Business  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63094
How to Define Smart KPIs Examples and Milestones: What the Experts Say https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/02/how-to-define-smart-kpis-examples-and-milestones-what-the-experts-say.html/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:38:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62848 All businesses have metrics. Any objective that needs to be met will be eventually turned into asking how many times can we meet this metric and at what frequency. This is at the heart of all good businesses, yet can also prove to be distracting or counterintuitive. How do I set effective milestones for my […]

The post How to Define Smart KPIs Examples and Milestones: What the Experts Say appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
All businesses have metrics. Any objective that needs to be met will be eventually turned into asking how many times can we meet this metric and at what frequency. This is at the heart of all good businesses, yet can also prove to be distracting or counterintuitive. How do I set effective milestones for my company? What even is a smart milestone? Are they dauntingly demotivating? Or are they not motivating enough, am I capping my employees’ potential? Here, find out what the experts say about smart KPIs, with some wonderfully smart KPI examples. But first, what specifically is KPI? KPI means “Key Performance Indicator.” It is a metric by which you track your key business targets and map their business outcomes. They mean to show your team the expectation and help keep them on task like a quota.

Here are the four most prominent KPI examples are:

  1. Customer Satisfaction
  2. Employee Satisfaction
  3. Internal Process Quality
  4. Financial Performance Index

Other places exposit that there are 11 or 12 types of KPI, here are three of these as follows:

  1. Quantitative Indicators that Can Be Presented with a Number
  2. Quantitative Indicators that Can’t Be Presented with a Number
  3. Leading Indicators that Can Predict the Outcome of a Process

When targeting KPIs for your business, it is important to keep in mind the idea of what metrics matter most to the business you’re operating. Generally, KPIs that focus on time and finance budgeting include variables for all businesses to focus on.

  • What is the Estimate Time for Completion
  • How Much is the Actual Cost for Project Completion

These both stand as Project Management KPIs. Set with keeping things to task and focused on the actual campaign itself as the starting hub. With all questions answered intent on responding to that. Additionally, others focus on Human Resource KPI and monitor things like:

  • Total Revenue Per Employee
  • Employee Satisfaction Index

Another big KPI metric falls under Financial KPI.

This is the bread and butter for a lot of major companies looking to set themselves apart and stretch their margins. Financial KPIs include:

  • Profitability KPIs
  • Liquidity KPIs
  • Efficiency KPIs
  • Valuation KPIs
  • Leverage KPIs

These smart KPIs examples allow for growth and to make sure a company holds itself to tasks. However, the KPI itself potentially sets barriers to entry that make it harder to acquire success if it adds that restrictive cap.

The post How to Define Smart KPIs Examples and Milestones: What the Experts Say appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62848
Best Platforms to Sell Products for Your eCommerce Startup https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/02/best-platforms-to-sell-products-for-your-ecommerce-startup.html/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:03:30 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62877 In today’s internet-indoctrinated market, things move with vigor unprecedentedly. Similarly, subsets of the common market have expanded and deepened to the single most refined point in recent memory. This has been meant and affected numerous markets, especially the best eCommerce platform for startups. The online phenomenon jumped from a predicted range of a respectable, albeit […]

The post Best Platforms to Sell Products for Your eCommerce Startup appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In today’s internet-indoctrinated market, things move with vigor unprecedentedly. Similarly, subsets of the common market have expanded and deepened to the single most refined point in recent memory. This has been meant and affected numerous markets, especially the best eCommerce platform for startups.

The online phenomenon jumped from a predicted range of a respectable, albeit mere 17.8% of the global market, into a 5.5 trillion behemoth of 21% as of 2022 with even higher projections including a 14.7% compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2027.

Thus tapping into the eCommerce market has never been more accessible and yet, technically never more saturated. However, there are several ways to best target your market and disseminate your product and message to the many potential-adoring fans around the planet.

Beyond choosing a product, getting a domain, and setting up a website there are several key components on each that will lead to a subset of answers. Here are some of the best eCommerce platforms for your startups.

For example depending on your experience level then selling should be moved from platform to platform to set up your online business. Seems straightforward but given varying degrees of internet savvy and business acumen this can greatly vary where you fall on that x,y graph.

Shopify

In recent years Shopify has become the ideal startup site to launch your store into an online market space. It has incredible capabilities and can be tailored toward numerous business ventures and ideas. The web setup is easy and intuitive, which takes much of the guesswork and time out of the process.

Beyond the web drag-and-drop builder, there are opportunities that allow the store owner to connect apps to their store. This can be used to improve functionality and connect new features to the website. Additionally, you can sell digital products, physical products, dropshipping, and more. Even subscription plans are an open market for Shopify.

There are three main plans Lite, Basic, and Advanced totaling $9, $29, and $299 a month. The “Lite” plan allows for increased sales functionality to be run through an existing website or blog. The “Basic” plan allows for a totally new store/site to be built from scratch via the platform. The “Advanced” option allows for cuts in transaction fees, adding more staff accounts (5+), and can serve with improved shipping rate calculations.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a web-building platform that boasts a heavy visual component. There is a wide range of editing tools and software that allow for greater editing power and site impact. Additionally, Squarespace is one of the few platforms integrating CSS editing into the software allowing for unique, custom edits to be built into the site itself. Thus changing the site’s composition greatly.

However, there is currently limited app integration available to Squarespace presently, which makes diversifying your business as well as scaling a major issue on the site. Unlike Shopify however, Squarespace permits more realized capabilities more readily with its lower plans. Allowing more rapid ascension to the site’s full potential.

The pricing plans for Squarespace sit at $16 – Personal, $23 – Business, $27 – Basic Commerce, and $49 – Advanced Commerce respectively. Most features unlock at the Business Level, ($23) except it still maintains a 3% transaction fee.

Wix eCommerce

Another heavy hitter in the site building market, Wix has in recent years, built itself into a reputable eCommerce platform juggling its trademark ease of use and intuitive features with an integrated AI that focuses on optimizing your website.

While currently, there is a limited set of capabilities as far as the range of sellable items, the galleries and image capabilities of Wix match most online platforms. Given the ease of use of the site as well as its optimization features, Wix eCommerce can provide an initial edge to any business not looking to invest or spend the time to ruminate over their web’s design.

To get access to Wix eCommerce you need to upgrade beyond a typical Wix plan into a business-worthy plan, think along the lines of their “Unlimited Plan” – $22, their “Basic Business” Plan – $22, or “Business Unlimited” Plan – $32. There are other plans, but these are the cheapest and easiest for the fledgling business.

BigCommerce

This is the most scalable site constructing service which is why it is one of the best eCommerce platforms for startups. When you ultimately take your business online you need a platform that can allow for that huge growth. This means whether for rapid, short-term acceleration or for a more drawn-out metric of time.

BigCommerce, while less known than others on this list, is that site. BigCommerce is a fully integrated website builder, which means you do not have to worry about plugins as you may on other sites. This allows for the ultimate results in freedom and functional capacity. It does still, of course, offer apps for integrated actions if desired.

Like nearly all of its peers, BigCommerce has four tiers to its plan. The first tier is the simple Standard Plan – $29.95. Similar to Shopify. The next plan is the plus plan – $79.95 per month. After this, the plan is the “Pro Plan” at $299.95 monthly. And then the “Enterprise Plan” which like many others requires contacting BigCommerce for a specified quote. These prices are a little high but fall almost directly in line with Shopify. Plus, they follow a similar tier structure to nearly all other site programs.

Square Online

For the offline store moving toward an online market, Square Online is a natural choice. This site can automatically sync both online and offline orders and inventory. Small business around the world similarly uses their price syncing technologies to once again have a natural ease of transaction and commerce flow.

Of course, it still offers the option of an online store builder. With regards to this, the website designer offers all the typical features. These include blog capabilities, a customizable storefront, and customer service options.

The prices run far simpler and more competitive with three tiers: “Free” – $0, “Plus” – $29, and “Premium” – 79 USD. This is right in the typical sweet spot for this type of site and the free plan can offer the new user familiarity with the basic software and a solid buffer before they decide to up their game with a paid plan.

Branchbob

For many, price and presumed knowledge stand as the main barrier to entry among the considering entrepreneur. That is where Branchbob comes in as another best eCommerce platforms for startups. It is one of the sites on this list that is completely free to use and offers basic, simplistic features that are intuitive and easy to learn and pick up.

Again, no monthly pricing or transaction fee exists. The only billing occurs if you want to increase Branchbob’s features and capabilities. This of course extends to website themes. Overall Branchbob stands as a fundamental transaction site between the business and the customer. It also allows budding businesses with limited capital to break ground in the eCommerce market.

The post Best Platforms to Sell Products for Your eCommerce Startup appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62877
Hiring a CFO: Best Practices for Making a Good Hiring Decision https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/01/hiring-a-cfo-best-practices-for-making-a-good-hiring-decision.html/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:42:52 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63075 There comes a point where any company worth its salt needs to address its financial leadership. This job falls to the Chief Financial Officer – the CFO. This will be the individual in essence that guides and informs company policy on matters of its raw numbers. And essentially steers a majority of the numerical aspects […]

The post Hiring a CFO: Best Practices for Making a Good Hiring Decision appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There comes a point where any company worth its salt needs to address its financial leadership. This job falls to the Chief Financial Officer – the CFO. This will be the individual in essence that guides and informs company policy on matters of its raw numbers. And essentially steers a majority of the numerical aspects of the company in a particular direction for pretty much all times to come. So, it is important when hiring a CFO that you are able to fill the necessary position with a good fit.

Running through the entirety of the process in your head can help give some much needed footing to an otherwise extremely stressful and nebulous process. Let’s break it down.

Does Your Business Need A CFO?

The first and most important point for filling a Chief Financial Officer is finding someone who fits with your company and understands the vision, but also the constraints. Do you need a full-time CFO? Can someone else in the company handle the task? Or can the task be split up amongst several employees without pulling them away from their other work?

If it’s a clear yes, we need a CFO, then proceed. Is there enough work present to warrant a full-time position? If not then look into part-time employment or firms with outsourcing capabilities. If yes, then once again, proceed.

Where to Look For A CFO

Odds are there is a fully capable CFO out there in the industry right now. Watch the industry and look at similar businesses in scope and/or size. The industry itself is the field where you’ll find your ideal player when hiring a CFO. In recent years online communities have started catching wind of everything – including CFOs. Integrate with these forums to help not only keep an eye on the space but to also meet plenty of high-value finance-minded individuals.

From there use your connections. Networking and presenting opportunities is a great way to sift through all the numerous options and locate the individual you need.

What to look for in a CFO

In short, a great financial mind, with an incredible industry sense and the communicative skills and leadership ability to help steer those decisions for your company.

A Chief Financial Officer needs to have an array of skills to properly handle the role to its fullest and drive your company along the right track. Firstly, a great CFO needs to know the ins and outs of your industry. A CFO needs to have a depth of that knowledge at the ready and have their hand on the industry’s beat. Taking all this into their perspective and turning out keen observations for the company’s position in the industry.

Beyond leveraging their premiere opinions on topics of the company’s financial wherewithal, a good CFO needs to be a communicator. Need this be explained? And then there’s leadership. Shouldn’t need to explain that one either. Strong leadership drives a project forward while great communication steers it.

However, to extrapolate on these several paragraph’s essential thesis: The CFO’s role is the critical engine that informs all matters of conductible business. The CFO drives many of those initiatives. During the interview process, it’s necessary to see these qualities on display. Ask them about their experience.

It is during the interview process that your company will be able to test and question them. Doing this will give you a more fleshed-out understanding of the depth of their communicative skills. In addition, the “in moment” aspect of interviews presents a perfect opportunity to ascertain the nature of their problem-solving skills.

Lastly, is there a mutual cultural fit when hiring a CFO? You are highering this individual to lead your company. Not just the resources but your people and the driving mentality and approach your employees themselves are employing. The thoughts behind the employees and the administration are in effect the company. And all work comes off as a byproduct of that.

The post Hiring a CFO: Best Practices for Making a Good Hiring Decision appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63075
What Is A Lean Startup: Three Good Examples https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/01/what-is-a-lean-startup-three-good-examples.html/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 21:06:26 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62846 Starting a company is daunting. The aspiring entrepreneur may find himself asking: what is the best way to start my startup? Luckily, in the modern age, this is a territory frequently tread and particular methods have been created to capture that “best way.” Introducing the “Lean Startup” and lean startup examples. The lean startup essentially […]

The post What Is A Lean Startup: Three Good Examples appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Starting a company is daunting. The aspiring entrepreneur may find himself asking: what is the best way to start my startup? Luckily, in the modern age, this is a territory frequently tread and particular methods have been created to capture that “best way.” Introducing the “Lean Startup” and lean startup examples.

The lean startup essentially purports a product that has an already existent demand. It’s a method that launches either a product or company typically on behalf of another product or company. Think “lean.” This is a company that’s not coming with the bulk trying to muscle through. The lean startup is a product that people have an already expressed desire for when it drops. The company knows this desire is there, ergo making it a substantially safer launch.

Also, this is the most critical point: the lean startup is the consumer dictating what types of products they are offered by their respective markets. Not the markets dictating the products the consumers will receive.

Basic Parts of a Lean Startup

The basic tenets of the lean startup are to build, measure, and learn. They are instrumented on hypotheses and are largely similar to the scientific method they are tested against for optimization. The idea is to target a highly specific area or segment with a very discerning eye on their particular needs. Then provide the service or product and see what the consumer opts toward in practice.

Lean startup examples include Dropbox, Zappos, and General Electric. All of them floated an initial hypothesis only to measure the success and perform new iterations. General Electric has even developed a program called, “Fastworks”, with Eric Ries the “Father of the Lean Startup” to create iterations on some of their product launches. With some products even going through 18 iterations before hitting the market. Optimization at its finest, targeting an incredibly well-realized product.

Below are three more lean startup examples, written in a far greater depth about the nature of their work and the proximity toward lean startup principles.

1. Slack

Slack was a lean startup, pre-built for a different intention, tested incrementally over time.

Sometimes things do not go as planned. Your company can crumble, people go awry, and so on. However, it is often in the darkest shadows, the faintest light shines brightest. Originally, developers build Slack as an internal communications software built for TinySpeck. TinySpeck had the aspiration of creating a multiplayer online game boasting a subscription model. Called Glitch, the game itself launched in 2011 only to fall back to beta production a year later.

However, offices responded incredibly well to their internal communications software, allowing for TinySpeck to begin offering trials to external companies and receiving feedback. Thus testing the demand in the market. The response was phenomenal with feedback from larger companies being instrumental in the growth of the software. After several iterations of the app and allowing nearly universal access the company is credited around 27 billion USD.

2. Buffer

A soft-sold product. Partially tested and partially invested. Yet, it is another one of our lean startup examples.

Founded by Joel Gascoigne and Leo Widrich, Gascoigne created Buffer in roughly about seven weeks. Gascoigne had read the work of Eric Ries and decided to subscribe to his ideas of the lean startup methodology. Widrich established a landing page that effectively floated the idea to potential customers.

So, the two opted to see if people could become invested in the idea of a social media planning service. While only around 18 of the nearly 190 investors they talked to were interested in the prospects of the company they secured roughly 800,000 dollars and were able to continue moving forward with their plans.

3. DropBox

The poster boy for the lean startup.

Okay, so I kind of lied. We’re going to go back and talk about DropBox again. Drew Houston created the startup. Many also know him as the man Forbes quotes as the entrepreneur who “Out-Steve Jobs’ed Steve Jobs”. Explored in greater depth by the mac-daddy of the Lean Startup itself Eric Ries, this article details the nature of Ries’ ordained “MVP” (minimum viable product).

An MVP essentially means a product that has enough features and aspects that it attracts “early adopters” as customers and is validated as a product early in its development cycle. So, this is where the lean startup comes in. It can be tailored toward consumer demand as massive interest is raised early in the product’s life cycle. This is also where the comparison to Steve Jobs is raised –  think of his classic pitches to excite people for products.

The idea is that by having the product be the bare minimum idea it allows the consumer market to start shaping and tailoring it to their whims and optimize the product to reach the highest potential demand. This is what DropBox did. By hallmarking the idea to instantly copy and share numerous files across devices, regardless of size it allowed the project to tweak and grow into a tech behemoth with over 250 million in funding.

The post What Is A Lean Startup: Three Good Examples appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62846
8 Best Apps for Contractors https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/01/8-best-apps-for-contractors.html/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:26:25 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62852 For anyone who hasn’t worked in general contracting, there is one thing that you may not fully grasp. You are doing a lot. A lot of moving, a lot of walking, a lot of standing, and a lot of very different stuff. Even a specialist has numerous odds and ends stocked fully within one field. […]

The post 8 Best Apps for Contractors appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
For anyone who hasn’t worked in general contracting, there is one thing that you may not fully grasp. You are doing a lot. A lot of moving, a lot of walking, a lot of standing, and a lot of very different stuff. Even a specialist has numerous odds and ends stocked fully within one field. If you’ve done general contracting, then you know all that. Either way, you are trying to level up your game so we’ll just break into the article. These are the best apps for contractors and we’re excited to list eight here below.

1. Calculator

An old trusted stand-by. Whether it’s measuring the total boards you’ll need to offset every foot or 16” (given if it’s load bearing), or rather you are trying to calculate the dimensions for the countertop you’re putting in and want to calculate potential expenses for the slab by the square foot. You need a tool to run those numbers. It seems simple but it’s the most necessary. You’ve got one pre-installed on your phone. It lives in settings. Trust me, you will be using it.

2. Measure

Another free app just came knocking. However, this one is a little less well-known and that is a travesty. Measure, just like Calculator comes preinstalled on iPhones and has two key features. It will automatically measure based on points. It uses augmented reality (AR) to graph out and measure objects simply by dropping points. The app then spits out a calculation for you.

Also, it works as a level. Both side planes are like walls or boards or those pesky flat planes. While not necessarily as ideal as a traditional level or tape measure, it is ready to go and almost always on hand for a quick and sound measurement.

3. Hubstaff

Another best app for contractors is a GPS tracking app that lets everyone know what is happening during those work hours. In construction, managing a team is hard enough, especially when managers and team leads are often required to move between their own projects, different jobs, and workers.

Hubstaff keeps you informed on how construction teams use their time in an easy, automated fashion. With this application you can:

  • When They’re Clocked In, You Know Where They Are
  • Time Track and Attendance Schedule
  • Set Geofenced “Job-Sites”
  • Payroll and Invoice Tracking

4. PlanGrid Build App

Built for the mobile architect this connects design and construction on a free mobile hub in your palm. It allows for updates to be present in real-time as well as the seamless integration and syncing amongst software. You can build, alter and draw on plans or blueprints.

It is a highly regarded five-star application, that once again is completely free.

5. Solocator

In both construction and maintenance, it isn’t always so much “Houston, we have a problem.” But rather, “Houston, where is the problem?” Solocator can help with that. There have been plenty of times when you hear there is a particular problem, in a particular room but you can’t find exactly where or the directions are bad. Solocator stamps photos with dates, times, directions, GPS data – that’s right cardinal directions, and apparently even altitudes.

For those requests, it waves the need for a detailed description and instead places the information on the photograph itself.

6. Autodesk BIM 360

Another great app for contractors is this program keeping everything to a task. This is yet another cloud integration software that focuses most heavily on connecting all the different pieces and people working on the flow of a project. It is an open platform meant to be integrated with the construction software that is already being used by all the different individuals working on the project. This way there is no need to get anyone to transfer to new software and keeps parts connected saving time and money with its open efficiency.

7. FingerCad

FingerCad is essentially a Computer Assisted Design program aimed at the mobile-minded. It features all the standard CAD software elements, you can draw things, you can build blueprints – anything you could do on a computer. While this is more often for an architect than a contractor, it could be easily used by the small-time contractor just breaking into the game and doing a lot of the leg work solo.

8. Fieldwire

An integrated cloud-based up that has limitless data and does not require an internet connection for partial usage. It has messaging software, drawing editing, and overlays. You can sink things from DropBox to add new images. Everything can be done live. Additionally, files, photos, videos, and 360 images are open to being added to the plan. Meetings, sight observations, and meetings can also be added and touched on within the app.

The post 8 Best Apps for Contractors appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62852
How Use Mail Merge in Word https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2023/01/how-use-mail-merge-in-word.html/ Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:29:32 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63030 Have you recently been looking to save time on letter labeling? Looking to potentially print those tedious labels en masse and cut the administrative time on petty housekeeping? Good news. A simple program can help you do just that! Better news, you probably already have it. Microsoft Word’s feature deemed “Mail Merge” can help anyone […]

The post How Use Mail Merge in Word appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Have you recently been looking to save time on letter labeling? Looking to potentially print those tedious labels en masse and cut the administrative time on petty housekeeping? Good news. A simple program can help you do just that! Better news, you probably already have it. Microsoft Word’s feature deemed “Mail Merge” can help anyone compile the proper information to build such documents and organize them in the appropriate manner.

What is Mail Merge in Word? Mail Merge helps you create a personalized batch of documents for a given recipient. Emails, letters, envelopes, directories—Mail Merge covers all of these. It works by amalgamating data and automatically placing it in the appropriate location.

It does this by using “merge fields.” These fields go even further than mere location placement, by ordering the information in the proper places as well. 

To do this you will need to choose where you are pulling the data from. Most commonly it is pulled from either a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or an Outlook contact list. However, while these are the most common, any database that can be connected to Microsoft Word will work as a source. If you do not yet have a pool from which to pull the data you can type it up in Word.

Each process is fairly streamlined, and follows the same general procession however here are individual links to each:

Beyond this, the personalization allows for an extra air of professionalism and when done in bulk as demonstrated can save copious amounts of time in the administrative backend.

Let’s walk through this process for “Letters.”

  1. Prepare the Letter

In general, the process begins when an individual opens Microsoft Word and goes to “Mailings.” From here the new “Mailings” menu bar will appear below. In this bar will appear a button near the front-left corner: “Start Mail Merge.”

Here you can pick between the paths of Letters, E-mail Messages, Envelopes, Labels, or Directories.

For this, you will select “Letter.”

Now go type the body of your letter in the Word document. This will be the letter that you send to your mailing list. 

  1. Set Up Your Mailing List

Your “Mailing List” is the data source that Word uses to compile the information that it will use to fashion your individual letter.

Here are potential data sources for you to implement in your “Mail Merge” experience with Word.

You can edit your mailing list as well if you want to be more particular in your mailing selection.

  1. Add Personalized Content Within Your Letter

Go to “Mailings.” Look for “Address Block.” Here you can change the format you want the recipient’s name to appear, specifically find this in the “Insert Address Block” box.

From here choose “OK.” Then continue by navigating back toward the Address Block option. Next to this button, you should find a “Greeting Line” option. By clicking on this a similar box will appear and you can select the style of greeting line you would like to use.

Click “OK.” Now would be a good time to save as well. (File > Save).

  1. Preview the Letters

Go to “Mailing.” Then “Preview Results.” Choose either “Next” or “Previous” to make sure the data is appropriate and names are thus, apt.

Selecting “Preview Results” again will switch you back to your merged fields from your merged file. 

  1. Printing the Letters

Select “Finish and Merge”, then “Print Documents.”

Here you can choose to “Edit Individual Documents”, “Print Documents”, or “Send Email Messages.”

While the minutia of each field is particular to the medium’s nature, nearly all fields function similarly in Word. By the simple approach of individual personalization to a mass disseminated letter, or the filings of subsets of labeling. 

The key takeaway is to have an established database. By doing this you will be ready to approach Word’s “Mail Merge” feature readily, without any time lost. Beyond this, having the substantive text ready for whatever you are pushing through the Mail Merge feature can also ensure limiting any spare time that may get lost in the projects.

With these two areas closed, the time saved within the process is extreme and more than beyond checking out or learning the experience of.

The post How Use Mail Merge in Word appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63030
5 Examples of Creative Small Business Packaging Ideas to Inspire You https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/12/5-examples-of-creative-small-business-packaging-ideas-to-inspire-you.html/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:00:02 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62828 In this market, advertising, as well as position, have become paramount. In some ways, what you sell is not as important as how you sell it, which is why we’re here with some small business packaging ideas. This is the purpose of branding is to create that necessary distinction between you and the person working […]

The post 5 Examples of Creative Small Business Packaging Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In this market, advertising, as well as position, have become paramount. In some ways, what you sell is not as important as how you sell it, which is why we’re here with some small business packaging ideas.

This is the purpose of branding is to create that necessary distinction between you and the person working for that same industry dominance. The brand isn’t what you sell or what service you’re offering. Branding is how you sell it. The nature behind that comes to embody the idea of the company itself.

For a small business however intent on saving money and time, using creativity within the packaging itself is a surefire way to distinguish your identity. There are five ideas a small business can use in its packaging that can give them the edge.

Branded Box

Technically a branded box can be as simple as a logo, stamped on its side. Simple but necessary. This is “the box.” It is the first physical interaction your customer will have with your brand. It captures and notes the pedigree and offers waves in the total product experience.

While the customer orders the product and has some general idea of what to expect the customer rarely has a clue about what to expect with the packaging. By getting this right, the brand itself is taking one last chance to affect the customer’s expectations before the final point of product acquisition. This is very powerful stuff.

Thank You Note / Custom Internal Packaging

While the box’s outside offers a formal introduction to the brand and product, the inside is the point and purpose of the purchase. By branding the internal packaging/tissue, you are offered an opportunity to once again separate your brand.

A thank you note sent with a product offers grounds for a more intimate experience personal to your brand. By presenting what is there as higher, greater, and better. You can often have your product deemed as such. This assists with your product’s merit. When your product is as much your brand as anything else it’s key to keep in mind: packing peanuts are dead.

How the Box is Packed

This offers an entirely different dimension the brand interaction. This is experiential and very low cost. While it may not equate under the “one-size-fits-all” mentality, it offers an edge to the meticulous side of the growing small business.

Just based on how a box is organized, can create an opportunity for an experience for the buyer. It’s the “a-ha moment.” The big reveal. It’s Hitchcock’s bomb under the table. In essence, it’s the first impression after a long point of anticipation. All that build-up hinging on a split-second reveal. The highest and most critical single point in deciding a customer’s feelings on your brand.

This is clear from all the numerous “unboxing videos” brimming across YouTube. Turn the mandatory waiting period from shipping into a weapon at your disposal. Play off of your buyer’s anticipation and excitement and you have an opportunity to turn an impressionable moment into a lifetime of support.

Freebies

A little extra. The transaction is in essence the mobility of value from one entity to another. This is an opportunity to give them that little extra value prematurely. It shows good faith, and if it’s branded properly can serve as a self-contained advertisement put straight into the hands of someone who enjoys your brand. Here are some common freebie ideas:

  • Stickers
  • Magnets
  • Shirts
  • Tote Bag

They all come on their own scale and level, obviously tied to their own cost and presumed benefits. Regardless this offers a guaranteed through line for whatever is decided to be put in that box. The closer it is tied to your brand the more clever, and often more well-received it is.

Fully Custom Packaging

This is it. The full amalgamation of everything. Besides the layout of how the box is organized, this is the only other way to truly craft an experience for your customer. Especially when considering that this is an opportunity that can raise brand standing. Essentially, this is the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. By means of what the box has printed, the materials it is made out of, how it’s laid out for the merchandise to be removed, and so on. Here are several examples a company can play out in fully custom packaging.

  • Brand Colors
  • Packaging Material
  • Packaging Shape
  • Product Layout (which will be removed first)
  • Notes/Freebies/Asides
  • How the Box Opens

And the list goes on for small business packaging ideas. Just as each website has a generally similar design, but remains completely unique in its forte and experience, so is your brand’s packaging. It is an opportunity to play with brand expectations and product and use the presentation to become more in the eyes of your customer than they were expecting possible. All with the built anticipation and elements of subversion and surprise.

The post 5 Examples of Creative Small Business Packaging Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62828
A SmallBizTechnology Interview with Jotform and Steve Hartert https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/12/interview-jotform-and-steve-hartert.html/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:29:09 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=63006 Q: First, can you tell us a bit about Jotform and its mission? People use Jotform every day, especially our solopreneurs and SMBs who use Jotform to manage data, including customer information and sales. People use Jotform to cut down on administrative time and speed up processes. For instance, prior to Jotform, one of our […]

The post A SmallBizTechnology Interview with Jotform and Steve Hartert appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Q: First, can you tell us a bit about Jotform and its mission?

People use Jotform every day, especially our solopreneurs and SMBs who use Jotform to manage data, including customer information and sales. People use Jotform to cut down on administrative time and speed up processes. For instance, prior to Jotform, one of our customers used to use Excel spreadsheets to keep track of customer orders and information, and doing so was tedious and time-consuming. When the pandemic hit, their business needed to scale quickly, so they began using Jotform to digitally transform business processes and scale to keep up with an influx in sales.

Q: What are the different ways in which Jotform assists small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?

Jotform helps small and medium-sized businesses scale operations by helping them digitally collect, organize and visualize critical data/information. No longer do people have to manually input data collected over the phone or in person. And it all starts with the online form.

Q: Tell us about Steve Hartert’s, VP of Sales Operations at Jotform, background.

I’ve been at Jotform since 2016 and have worn many hats. I have decades of experience in sales and marketing and received my MBA from Cal State Bernardino.

Q: How does Steve see inflation and supply chain issues impacting SMBs for the holiday season?

SMBs and solopreneurs are expected to see a massive influx of sales of products and services this holiday season, which is great but inflation and supply chain issues are still creating challenges for businesses. Online shopping continues to grow at a rapid pace and consumers see online as the default, and brick and mortar as secondary shopping options.

Q: Is there anything SMBs can do to work through these issues and optimize their businesses and sales?

To help manage inflation and supply chain issues, SMBs and solopreneurs should look for tech that can help them streamline business processes that quickly fit into workflows, and also boost productivity and cut costs. For instance, with Jotform, SMBs and solopreneurs can scale sales. They do this by expanding online and using online forms to collect orders and manage data. They can also manage customer information with our Tables feature and collect signatures using Sign.

Q: What else would you like us to know?

Jotform is a non-stop shop platform that SMBs and solopreneurs can use to scale sales and operations.

Move everything online to boost productivity and cut costs spent on administrative time. It starts with an online form that customers fill out. But from there, SMBs and solopreneurs can stay organized with the data collected using Jotform Tables and can keep track of orders too!

The post A SmallBizTechnology Interview with Jotform and Steve Hartert appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
63006
How Outsourced HR Can Help Make Your Small Business More Efficient https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/12/outsourced-hr-small-business-efficient.html/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:15:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62974 Small business owners wear a lot of hats. They make executive decisions, play the role of accountants, and even function as HR administrators at times. As a result, the need to delegate or outsource HR tasks, which are often sensitive, is an ongoing struggle that all entrepreneurs face. One of the best ways to open […]

The post How Outsourced HR Can Help Make Your Small Business More Efficient appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small business owners wear a lot of hats. They make executive decisions, play the role of accountants, and even function as HR administrators at times. As a result, the need to delegate or outsource HR tasks, which are often sensitive, is an ongoing struggle that all entrepreneurs face.

One of the best ways to open up the doors for delegation is by helping a small business owner see the value that comes from offloading a job onto someone else. This is particularly true when that task has to do with keeping up with the complicated and overwhelming world of human resources.

What Is Outsourced HR?

As the work world becomes more interconnected through technology, HR professionals are seeing their responsibilities increase in complexity. One of the most obvious examples of this is remote work.

As businesses great and small hire across international borders, it opens up a Pandora’s box of regulations and compliance concerns. A common solution to this challenge is to outsource the HR responsibilities associated with those new hires. Also called human resource outsourcing or HRO, outsourced HR involves passing HR functions off to an independent third-party provider.

Depending on the situation, you can farm out either all or a portion of your administrative HR duties to outside entities. The global HR solution specialists at Remote point out that outsourcing HR can have other nuances, too.

For instance, a company may need to choose between an EOR (employer of record) or PEO (professional employer organization) to efficiently navigate HR requirements in another country.

While it does take some work to set up, outsourcing HR can offer small businesses several key benefits, especially when it comes to efficiency.

6 Efficient Benefits of Outsourced HR for Small Businesses

Here are a handful of the most important ways outsourced HR can benefit small businesses, despite their limited size, time, and resources.

1. Keeping Up With Regulations

HR is a regulation-heavy field.

However, it doesn’t just take time to grasp all of the rules and compliance concerns that come with hiring and retaining employees. You also need to invest significant effort into keeping up with those standards and requirements. Outsourcing HR takes that ongoing burden off of the shoulders of a small business’s employees.

2. Cutting Costs

One of the most obvious advantages of HRO is that it saves money.

The cost of hiring a full-time HR professional is significant. ZipRecruiter estimates the average annual U.S. HR salary at over $66,000. Working with a third-party provider gives small businesses access to the same skills and services at a fraction of that price.

3. Freeing Up Precious Time

A small business owner may decide that they can get by without a full-time HR professional on staff. In fact, that’s often the case.

But the truth is, whether you have a human resource rep on your team or not, someone is going to need to spend time tending to that part of running a small business. Outsourcing HR frees up significant quantities of time that can be reallocated to more productive activities.

4. Better Retention

Chairman and CEO of Lyons HR, Bill Lyons, emphasizes the impact that HRO can have not just on upfront efficiencies like payroll and administrative costs. He also points to retention as a quiet-yet-critical way outsourced HR can revolutionize a small business’s efficiency.

When a small business works with a third-party provider, it can provide higher-quality HR services to its employees. This helps them feel valued and well-compensated for services, leading to improved loyalty and retention, both of which have a direct impact on efficiency over time.

5. Access to Better Talent

One subtle way outsourced HR can improve small business efficiency is through access to better talent.

When you use an HRO partner, it gives you the confidence to recruit the best individuals for your team. This is true no matter where they’re located or what complexities come with hiring them. This sets up a much larger talent pool, helping you build a better, more efficient team.

6. Help With Scaling

As small businesses scale, their HR needs grow, as well.

Typically success comes with more hires, a larger staff, greater compliance and regulation concerns, and so on. When you have an experienced and knowledgeable HRO partner, you can address these needs without spending unnecessary quantities of your internal staff’s precious time, effort, or resources.

HR is a necessary part of any small business. It’s also a complicated and evolving field that requires professional attention.

Small business owners can cut through their organizations’ HR inefficiencies (and at the same time keep costs down) by passing off ongoing HR needs to an outsourced HR provider. The result is a leaner, meaner operation that can maintain quality and onboard better talent. Consequently, they can effortlessly scale internal operations when the time comes.

The post How Outsourced HR Can Help Make Your Small Business More Efficient appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62974
How to Effectively Verify Customer Income https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/12/verify-customer-income.html/ Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:15:06 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62967 Landlords, lenders, and government agencies need ways to verify people’s income. However, verifying customer income can be tedious, whether you own a few properties or work for an organization that processes applications. You’re often dealing with lots of paperwork and double-checking everything for accuracy. Complicating matters is the fact that every customer or applicant has […]

The post How to Effectively Verify Customer Income appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Landlords, lenders, and government agencies need ways to verify people’s income. However, verifying customer income can be tedious, whether you own a few properties or work for an organization that processes applications. You’re often dealing with lots of paperwork and double-checking everything for accuracy.

Complicating matters is the fact that every customer or applicant has a unique financial situation.

Some have easily verifiable income from a traditional employer. But you’ll find others don’t have a simple, streamlined source of cash flow that pays their bills. A handful of clients may be self-employed. Others might rely on freelance work in addition to a traditional job. And then, some will receive income from relatives, government benefits, pension plans, or other investments.

While complications may sometimes slow down the income verification process, new technologies can make it more effective and efficient. Verification solutions that sync with payroll providers and let customers upload their documents represent a few examples. Here are some successful means for verifying customer income sources and amounts.

Use income verification technology.

Software programs can make just about anything more efficient. This includes organizing and verifying all the documents loan applicants must provide. Applying for a car loan or credit card might be less complex than a mortgage. However, lenders still need to verify an applicant’s credit history and income.

That’s where things can get sticky for lenders and creditors that have to either approve or deny an application.

Anyone can say they make so many dollars a year, but that doesn’t mean they actually do. Lenders don’t want to approve someone for a loan or a line of credit if they can’t comfortably afford the payments. They’ll either repossess a secured asset like a vehicle or write off the debt if it’s unsecured. It’s not a good outcome for either side.

Income verification technology, such as Truework, helps lenders confirm a customer’s income within a few minutes. Since these solutions connect to many employers’ payroll networks, it’s more difficult for applicants to fudge the numbers. Some income verification solutions also verify freelance income from popular independent contractor platforms like Upwork. This saves applicants time hunting down bank statements and pay stubs.

Consider government-run verification services.

When approving applicants, mortgage lenders have their work cut out for them. Without a doubt, a home loan involves more risk since property ownership goes back to the bank if a borrower defaults. Real estate markets can sometimes be fickle, and lenders might lose money when auctioning off a foreclosure.

For these reasons and more, mortgage applications go through underwriting and a high level of scrutiny. That usually means two years of tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements for savings, checking, and investment accounts. Clients may also need to fork over other loan statements or documentation if the amounts are significant. These obligations might include student loan balances or other loans they’ve cosigned.

Because of the level of complexity involved, mortgage lenders may want to consider using the IRS’s income verification express service. The process usually takes two to three business days, but the technology helps put any questions to rest. IRS records can verify an applicant’s income from conventional and not-so-traditional sources. Plus, the service confirms whether a mortgage client’s tax returns are accurate.

Outsource manual income verifications.

Technology can automate and perform a lot of tasks. But sometimes, using tech isn’t possible, or it isn’t the most feasible solution.

In some cases, you may have an applicant who earns income from an employer that doesn’t use a payroll provider. The employer might be a small business that does payroll manually. Your borrower might have also switched jobs within the past year, and a previous employer is no longer in business.

In these cases, manual income verification is one of the only routes to take. As a busy landlord or lending department, you don’t have time to play phone tag or hunt down contacts. This might be okay if you only had one applicant to deal with. However, you receive applications nearly every day, and the work it takes to verify all the details adds up. Manual verifications are challenging to keep track of and follow up on.

By working with an income verification service, you can outsource those tasks.

Verifying customer income solutions sometimes provide manual confirmation services so you can focus on other aspects of your business. Your vendor handles the phone calls to HR departments and employers. They focus their efforts on confirming an applicant’s previous jobs and earnings, producing results faster for you and your customers. You can make decisions within days instead of weeks.

Efficient and Effective Income Verification

Verifying customers’ income is part of the job for property management companies, lenders, and some government agencies. In a less intricate process, income verification may only involve checking a W-2 from one employer.

However, most lenders and landlords deal with more proof and documentation than that. Complex and unique situations can slow down the process and cause frustration for all sides.

Income verification technologies and services make confirming a customer’s income more efficient and effective. Software that syncs with payroll providers, IRS services, and outsourced manual verification services helps remove obstacles and mitigate delays. Using these technologies and services creates better experiences for applicants and decision makers.

The post How to Effectively Verify Customer Income appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62967
Tech Resources for Business Success: How to Get Started https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/11/tech-resources-for-business-success-how-to-get-started.html/ Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:00:51 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62865 Are you a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner? If so, you are likely always on the go, with a seemingly never-ending to-do list. So, if you’ve been feeling intimidated by managing all your responsibilities, Smallbiz Technology has you covered. Below, we share essential tech resources that can help you level up your business game […]

The post Tech Resources for Business Success: How to Get Started appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Are you a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner? If so, you are likely always on the go, with a seemingly never-ending to-do list. So, if you’ve been feeling intimidated by managing all your responsibilities, Smallbiz Technology has you covered. Below, we share essential tech resources that can help you level up your business game today.

Software and Software Developers for Business Protection

You can be on top of all aspects of business operations, but if you’re not taking measures to protect your business, you may be at risk.

  • Cybersecurity tech. According to Savvy Security, you can prevent malware attacks and cyber security breaches by ensuring your business is set up against all kinds of risks.
  • Project management tools. Trello and Zoho help users by keeping responsibilities, tasks, and events in one place. This can help prevent silly mistakes that may cost the business long-term.
  • Payment tools. Platforms like Stripe and PayPal help process payments while offering user protection and security.
  • Outsource software developers. Many businesses utilize job sites to hire freelance cybersecurity specialists tasked with developer resources. So, if you are tasked with developer resources, start by reviewing software developers online, then select a few for interviews to gauge their level of expertise.

Tools to Support Your Backend

An optimized and efficient backend also means a well-oiled business machine. Here are the best backend tools to invest in.

  • HR management. HR management tools like GoCo offer payroll advantages, shift scheduling, and more for employee management.
  • Accounting software. Software like QuickBooks Online is favored by small businesses as it tracks expenses, income, claims, and invoicing.
  • Communication and collaboration. Microsoft Office 365 is an excellent option for file sharing, instant chatting, and calendar organizing.

Tech for Marketing Your Business

Also, marketing your business is critical for increasing brand exposure and boosting sales. Here are some tech resources to help with marketing.

  • Logo designer. A cohesive logo can help increase brand recall and identification. Likewise, use a free custom logo design and download tool to create a logo easily.
  • Email marketing. A provider like MailChimp helps keep your email subscribers up to date on special offers, promos, and business happenings.
  • CRM software. Additionally, customer relationship management tools like HubSpot improve engagement and employee relationships.

So, are you ready to start crushing your business goals? If so, these tech tools will help! Start leveraging the power of tech to boost productivity, operations, and of course, revenue for business success today!

The post Tech Resources for Business Success: How to Get Started appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62865
Why Software Optimization is Necessary to Achieve Growth https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/11/why-software-optimization-is-necessary-to-achieve-growth.html/ Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:47:34 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62920 Growth within a company is the only way to keep up in the ever-changing world today. If a company does not have the proper tools to support and achieve that growth, it is easy to sink. Keeping software up to date and running as smoothly as possible with all the bells and whistles customers want […]

The post Why Software Optimization is Necessary to Achieve Growth appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Growth within a company is the only way to keep up in the ever-changing world today. If a company does not have the proper tools to support and achieve that growth, it is easy to sink. Keeping software up to date and running as smoothly as possible with all the bells and whistles customers want will help keep your company growing for years to come.

Optimization is about creating the best version of something, which is exactly what companies strive to do each day. With software optimization, companies can achieve their best version for their customers. This is in an effort to not only gain more customers in the long run but to enhance growth within, typically by using automation. Producing what consumers want at their desired speed is a high priority within any business. That desired speed will always be fast.

Software optimization creates a space for companies to put the behind-the-scenes hard work at the forefront of their brand. This showcases the growth earned through the front end of the website or business.

Setting Your Sights on Growing Your Business

Similar to how no two companies are the same, the many aspects of a business that software optimization can impact allow companies to pick and choose what they most need to focus on.

Due to this, it ultimately helps to have a plan in place. This prioritizes what areas of growth are crucial for your business to see lasting success. Software optimization is a way to stay on top of these areas, making business expansion a top priority.

1. Debt Optimization

The steep competition for borrowers between traditional and non-traditional financial institutions creates a need to provide end-to-end consumer and mortgage technology. Credit unions, banks, and mortgage lenders rely on optimization tools to achieve growth and involvement, which is why digital lending leaders like MeridianLink focus on debt optimization.

An automated process for not only keeping track of previous debts but understanding if loans are an option is something that can be used as a relationship management tool between consumers and financial institutions. The optimization process creates an avenue for consumers to qualify for loans that they may otherwise have never known they qualified for. Or would have never been able to qualify because they couldn’t keep track of everything through an automated process.

By including relationship management in software optimization, financial institutions can more easily create plans to better care for their customers. Looking into debt as a whole rather than one number will open up avenues to debt management through optimization, seeking consolidation, or refinance options while tackling debt.

Staying on top of debts and loan opportunities can create better credit for customers and again foster a trusting relationship. MeridianLink Collect gives the option for a cloud-based program to easily keep track of all debts and shortcomings to stay afloat in the future. Managing debt is crucial to being able to make future purchases, apply for loans, and make payments on past bills. So, the key to managing debt through software optimization is easy-to-use features. With a simple interface, customers are able to learn without a huge learning curve, great for teams and individuals alike.

2. Registration Software

Software optimization doesn’t stop with finance. With any business, including event management and project-based companies, software optimization is needed and embraced. Regpack, for example, uses online registration software with specific databases, making event planning and attending easy for everyone involved, including payment options, scheduling, and product sales. By using registration software, consumers are able to easily purchase products and register for events alone or in a group. They also can purchase add-ons such as protection plans with enhanced security structure and privacy for personal identifying data.

Cancellation is a more viable option using registration software. Even though it’s not optimal for consumers to cancel, having a seamless cancellation process, through using automation, builds a more trusting relationship.

The difference between registration software optimization and a basic registration with an online event is in the details. Integration within your website is seamless and allows for a quick process. A classic pet peeve for consumers is waiting in a queue. Or it’s also having a hard time checking out when trying to buy tickets or register for an event. They are trying to give your company money, but are receiving pushback due to poor registration tactics. Regpack gives options to customize the interface, payment plan, and anonymity, different from many software options that lack customization for the customer rather than only the website’s back-end.

Regulatory compliance optimizes the system for use. It takes into account the client rather than only the business. This once again aids in relationship building from consumer to business. If regulators change something on the website, automation creates transparency for the client. This gives them the added value of trust and compliance with their needs.

Conclusion

Software optimization is necessary to achieve growth in any professional business. From the financial sector to registration with events to everything in between, optimization is a key element to achieving growth and overall success.

The post Why Software Optimization is Necessary to Achieve Growth appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62920
How Technology Improves Freight Visibility  https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/11/how-technology-improves-freight-visibility.html/ Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:01:35 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62913 Freight visibility is vital for your business because it keeps all parts of the supply chain updated on the flow of goods. This reduces the risk of delays or loss, shows places where workflow could be improved, and ensures the success of transactions. Technology improves freight visibility day by day. The issue is that traditional […]

The post How Technology Improves Freight Visibility  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Freight visibility is vital for your business because it keeps all parts of the supply chain updated on the flow of goods. This reduces the risk of delays or loss, shows places where workflow could be improved, and ensures the success of transactions. Technology improves freight visibility day by day.

The issue is that traditional freight visibility methods tend to be costly and efficient. Logistics managers still have to contend with malfunctions, human error, and unaccountable events. Without tools to manage these factors, you risk losing track of shipment in transit, generating inaccurate inventory counts, and incurring high costs on damages. Maintaining accountability also becomes tricky. 

Fortunately, the shipping industry has benefited from the introduction of state-of-the-art hardware and software into common logistics operations. If you’re new to being a shipper, carrier, or third-party logistics partner, it helps to know how technology improves freight visibility

Some of the ways it has accomplished this include: 

  • Preventing Overbooking 

Some companies overbook because they accept as many shipments as possible during busy times, like holidays and peak seasons. They may do this in the hopes of maximizing their profits. 

In addition, they may believe that overbooking helps them maintain good relationships with their customers by delivering on time. Unfortunately, this strategy often backfires and leads to delays or missed deadlines for your shipments. 

A load board is the best way to ensure you don’t overbook your trucks and trailers. This technology allows you to see where carriers are going, how long they’ve been in transit, and how far they are from their next stop. This feature allows you to plan your routes accordingly and stick to shipping timelines with ease. 

  • Eliminating Cargo Theft 

Theft is a critical reason why you need to track your shipments in real-time. 

The risk of losing shipments from criminal activity is never zero. So, you should be able to follow where shipments go to address incidents quickly and efficiently. If you don’t have access to such insights, you might not find out about incidents of theft until a few days later once it arrives at its destination. As a result, you’ll receive multiple customer complaints and lose the trust your brand has gained. 

Putting transport management systems (TMS) in place is a good method for reducing the risk of cargo theft. For instance, you can use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to help you monitor every process from loading to drop-off. It allows you to respond to theft attempts before they can fully harm your shipments.

Another easy way to track shipments is by setting up email alerts for each order. This digitalization strategy lets you know precisely when a package will be delivered, so there’s no need for constant check-ins with the shipping service provider or the recipient. This will also allow you to send alerts if a theft attempt has taken place at any point of delivery.

  • Minimizing Operating Expenses 

freight visibility 2

When your company cannot track the location and status of freight, it cannot prevent inventory losses caused by late deliveries. These inevitably cause customer dissatisfaction, dropping your profits and credibility. Besides that, not having an accurate image of your freight inventory keeps you from scaling your departments to support your operations, leading to unnecessarily high labor costs.

Technology improves this by mitigation through vehicle tracking systems. They let you see real-time insights into how your working fleet is operating. With that information, fleet managers can reroute trucks based on traffic patterns to avoid jams. 

Tracking previous refueling dates also enables them to schedule routine maintenance. This feature helps prevent breakdowns on the road, which in turn cuts operating costs. 

  • Boosting Customer Service 

If your company has high supply chain errors and delays, you lose more on freight than you gain. The inability to know when items are getting shipped and where they’re going at the moment is a sign of poor customer service and reliability to clients.

But with a global positioning system (GPS) system, you get accurate information about the exact location of your fleet and goods. With these insights, you can send real-time updates to your customers about the status of their products in transit. Doing so assures them you can deliver what they need right on time.

  • Reducing Downtimes 

When trucks get delayed at ports or highways due to traffic jams or road accidents, they can hold up other deliveries that are supposed to happen at the same time. This issue results in missed shipments, late fees, loss of revenue, damaged products, and unhappy customers.  

With shipment tracking apps, you can determine minor issues that might cause significant delays in freight transportation. In turn, you’ll gain more control over your supply chain while allowing you to make necessary adjustments in the shipment before they lead to significant losses. 

  • Optimizing Shipping Routes 

Shipping routes are the backbone of a supply chain. They determine how quickly your drivers can deliver goods and how soon operations can be completed. If you optimize shipping routes, you can reduce costs and secure the satisfaction of your clients. On the other hand, failing to do so risks your business losing valuable shipments, which could lead to costly losses in revenue and customers. 

With the help of real-time tracking software, you get to optimize your shipping routes by predicting delays and congestion before they happen. This allows you to avoid detours or having to reroute shipments unnecessarily. In addition, this technology improves and gives you access to historical data about different routes. This information can show your logistics team which ones will be the most cost-effective for specific deliveries. 

  • Enhancing Safety Standards 

All of these tracking and measuring devices mentioned throughout this article aren’t only meant to secure goods. Their functions also help advance the safety and security of crew members and truckers. By reducing margins of failure, improving work efficiency, and enhancing protective protocols, logistics workers now enjoy better prospects for their efforts. Increased freight visibility has done a lot to improve the way things work, and who else but they benefit the most from this?

Key Takeaways 

Freight visibility is one of the major concerns of the shipping industry today. For logistics firms to succeed, they must utilize the right tools to keep the flow of goods manageable and efficient. Technology improves freight visibility tremendously. By knowing these innovations, you gain a better perspective of how to achieve modern standards of shipping.

The post How Technology Improves Freight Visibility  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62913
Implementing Robotic Technology to Reduce Operating Costs for Small Businesses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/11/robotic-technology-for-small-businesses.html/ Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:01:52 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62813 As someone who runs or owns a small business, you understandably want to look for ways to keep costs down. Using various forms of robotic technology and automation can help you do that. Here are some things to consider. Automate Inventory Control When Possible Selling out of in-demand goods faster than expected can cause numerous […]

The post Implementing Robotic Technology to Reduce Operating Costs for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As someone who runs or owns a small business, you understandably want to look for ways to keep costs down. Using various forms of robotic technology and automation can help you do that. Here are some things to consider.

Automate Inventory Control When Possible

Selling out of in-demand goods faster than expected can cause numerous issues throughout a business. The situation could disappoint customers, making them decide they’ll look elsewhere to meet their needs. Replenishing the items could take longer than you think, leading to other supply chain hassles.

That’s why it’s smart to look into robotic technology that uses artificial intelligence for better inventory control. For example, some solutions let you set triggers so goods are automatically reordered when inventory reaches a certain level.

Some artificial intelligence platforms can also make inventory-related predictions. That way, you’ll know sooner that something is about to sell out and can potentially react before it does.

Robots can also roam store aisles to monitor how much stock is left on certain shelves. Depending on the size and scope of your business, those may be outside your budget for now. However, they’re good to keep in mind for the future.

Look for Ways to Pursue Digitalization

If you stop to think about it for a second, you’ll more than likely realize that digital advancements have made your business and personal life much easier. Many digital banking platforms allow you to generate reports, and you can check your balance from anywhere.

Making a conscious effort to focus on digital operations will help you set the stage for using robotic technology. For example, there are many compelling reasons to switch to paperless processes.

Some email platforms automatically categorize incoming emails based on their subject lines and senders. Others can recognize key elements in the content and automatically route them to the appropriate person or department.

Similarly, a digital project management suite can automatically assign tasks to the correct parties and give you status updates as things are completed. You’ll be less reliant on manual tasks, which reduces the likelihood of errors.

Investigate Automating Your Customer Communications 

No matter what kind of small business you have, it’s important to stay in a top-of-mind position with your customers. Ideally, they’ll think of you first to meet their needs. One way to increase the chances of that happening is to send periodic communications.

Using a platform to distribute bulk text messages is a popular option. Consider that approximately 93% of adults from advanced economies have mobile phones. Many people are already well-accustomed to receiving text messages, too.

Think about how you might automate text message distribution. You could:

  • Tell people about limited-time sales
  • Remind customers to fill out feedback surveys
  • Give birthday wishes or mark other milestones
  • Prompt website visitors to complete unfinished orders

People don’t always have time to open emails right after receiving them. However, text messages are often easier for them to immediately digest. Before setting up an automated system, consider the wording and format carefully. You’re working with limited space, so make every word count grab attention immediately.

See if Robots Fit Your Budget

Investing in robotics to cut operating costs may seem counterintuitive. After all, many robots have high upfront costs. Fortunately, they’re starting to become more accessible. Some companies charge per-usage rates to let business owners rent robots. One machine costs $8 an hour to run, less than hiring a person. The option to rent a bot lets people lower expenses and only pay for the time they use the robot, which often makes the prospect more affordable.

Sometimes, decision-makers realize the cost of purchasing a robot is worthwhile because it allows people at the business to spend their time more productively. Consider how an Auckland, New Zealand-based export business with 80 employees used a robot called Robert to assist with data-entry tasks.

Employees initially thought Robert was a human working remotely. It took some staff members several weeks to realize it was not a person. Workers said deploying this kind of robotic assistance was instrumental in enabling them to focus on more value-added tasks and keep the company competitive.

How Will You Deploy Robotic Technology?

As these examples show, there’s no universally best way to take advantage of robotic technology in a small business. However, a good starting point is to assess persistent weaknesses in your company. How might automation improve them and give your workers more time to focus on other duties?

Now is also an excellent time to decide how much of your budget you can devote to robotic technology. Don’t worry if you only have modest financial resources. Many business owners start small when using robots and automation, then scale up once they see those upgrades pay off.

The most important thing is to stay open to new opportunities and know that it may take some time before you see the full impacts of any tech upgrades. Remaining focused on what you want to achieve will help you stay motivated.

The post Implementing Robotic Technology to Reduce Operating Costs for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62813
How to Make Short-Term SMART Goals for a Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/09/how-to-make-short-term-smart-goals-for-a-business.html/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:16:01 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62624 Everyone in the business world wants to be successful. Whether you’re working on a team or you’re self-employed, it is vital to understand how your business defines success. The best way to decide that is to set goals for yourself or for your team. However, not all goals are created equal. Your business needs SMART […]

The post How to Make Short-Term SMART Goals for a Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Everyone in the business world wants to be successful. Whether you’re working on a team or you’re self-employed, it is vital to understand how your business defines success. The best way to decide that is to set goals for yourself or for your team. However, not all goals are created equal. Your business needs SMART goals.

When referring to SMART goals, SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It is important to outline each of these parameters to ensure that your goals can be accomplished within a set timeframe. This removes vagueness and guesswork, sets up a well-defined window of time, and makes it easier to measure progress and recognize areas that need improvement.

SMART Goals

Specific

A key difference between a goal and a dream is specificity. If a company sets a goal to simply generate more revenue, that would be far too vague. It would be much more helpful to pick a precise figure for how much you aim to earn. Do you want to start bringing in $10,000 a month? $20,000? How many new customers do you want to acquire this year? Set a clear number. This will allow you to measure your progress.

Measurable

How do you quantify your goal? Can you? How will you know when you have met them? A measurable goal is concrete and offers you a way to gauge your progress. Making a goal measurable may seem obvious, however, many businesses and individuals fail to consider this factor when outlining their goals. How can you achieve a goal if it isn’t tangible enough to measure? To make your goal is more effective, you should always implement measurable benchmarks that you can evaluate. 

Achievable

A few years ago, Apple surpassed the 1 trillion dollar market cap, and while you should never be discouraged from aiming high in your business ventures, setting similar success as a short-term goal is extremely unrealistic. When outlining your goals, it is important to look at your business and ask yourself questions that will help you understand whether your goals are attainable (at the present state of your company) or not. What is necessary to reach your goal? Can you achieve it with the time/resources/personnel currently at your disposal? How does your course need to be adjusted to get there?

 Relevant

A relevant goal focuses on something that makes sense within the scope of your business. If you’re wanting to create a new campaign for your company’s product, that campaign should align with the overall objectives of your business. Your team may have the time and resources to launch the campaign, but if your business is not prioritizing launching that type of campaign, then the goal wouldn’t be relevant.

Time-bound

To effectively measure success, your business needs a well-defined timeline for when a goal needs to be met. Anyone can outline goals, but if your goals lack an achievable timeframe, you’re not likely to accomplish them. Giving yourself a deadline for finishing tasks is important. Ask focused questions about the goal deadline and what can be realistically completed in that time.

More SMART Goal tips

Get your team involved

People tend to care more about the goals they help make. Bring your team in on the creative process and include them in the decision of selecting the targets they will personally undertake.

Write down your goals.

Putting your goals in writing makes you much more likely to accomplish them. Give a copy to your team members. Outline long-term and short-term goals with your team. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

Review your goals.

Following completed milestones, review your performance and the business’s overall performance. What were you aiming for? Did you accomplish your goal? What were the positive and negative takeaways? What was learned that can help improve your future performance?

Revise and edit the goals as needed.

Goals don’t have to be set in stone. As you progress in a project, you may realize that you have to adjust your strategies, or even revise your overarching SMART goal. Periodically give yourself opportunities to make sure that your plan is still in alignment with your business’s main mission and vision.

 Set Yourself Up For Success

It can seem daunting to outline goals in this much detail. But the more you flesh out what you’re aiming at and how you will get there, the better equipped you will be for the journey.

Simply mulling over hopes and dreams in your head won’t get you closer to success. So, set yourself up for success by making your goals tangible. You wouldn’t start a long journey without some sort of roadmap. You should treat your business journey the same. Understanding why and how to set SMART goals will give your business structure to help you succeed in making and meeting goals.

The post How to Make Short-Term SMART Goals for a Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62624
Is Remote Work More Efficient Than In-Person? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/07/remote-work-more-efficient.html/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 16:09:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62402 Remote work is becoming the new standard. Even employees who initially missed being in the office are loving working from home. It gives them a break from noisy open floor plan office spaces and offers much more personal freedom. This begs the question: is remote work more efficient than physically being in an office? According […]

The post Is Remote Work More Efficient Than In-Person? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Remote work is becoming the new standard. Even employees who initially missed being in the office are loving working from home. It gives them a break from noisy open floor plan office spaces and offers much more personal freedom. This begs the question: is remote work more efficient than physically being in an office?

According to the studies cited below, remote work is a more productive environment for employees and could improve productivity of an organization in other ways too. For example, it gives organizations access to a wider pool of talent, allowing them to utilize experts from all over the world.

Why is Remote Work More Efficient?

In the past, employees had to get up in the morning an hour and a half before going to work. Now, they can simply get out of bed, have breakfast, and still make it in time for the morning kick-off virtual meeting. Cutting two hours of prep and traffic time per day improves the mood and happiness of workers.

With a 45-minute commute one way, the hours spent in traffic alone add up to more than 25 hours of saved time per month. 

The second thing that lowers productivity aside from distractions is an overbearing or intimidating boss. According to Stress.org, 35% of the workers reported that the biggest stress factor in an office environment is communicating with a boss or a leadership figure. Meeting on web-based video conferencing platforms has the effect of leveling the playing field. Plus, it can reduce the stress over an in-person meeting. None of the power dynamics are available to the boss, like standing while you sit. Or potentially the office furniture layout puts you at a disadvantage. In fact, by giving the boss the same challenges with microphones, cameras, and other technology, everyone in the conversation has more equal standing.

Remote Work Requires Organization

A common pushback on remote work often comes from micromanagers who feel more confident if they can closely oversee employees. And to be sure, some employees do not perform well in self-directed circumstances. Smart organizations will focus on helping employees be more productive without direct supervision, or by improving online supervision techniques by utilizing new technologies for secure video conferencing and always-on meeting tools. Because the alternative of bringing them back to an office is likely to become harder as time passes and remote work becomes more entrenched.

For more effective strategies working from home, you need more personal organization. In an office, there are structural elements that help organize your day and your workspace. At home, things that are common in an office are just not there.

Organizations that can identify those who are not as well suited to remote work, and help them with structure and clear expectations, will be more effective than those who ignore the problem.

Remote Employees Are Happier

While some companies are trying to drive people back into the office because ‘it’s always been done this way,’ others are trying to make an educated decision.

A study by Tracking Happiness concluded that working remotely or hybrid increases employee satisfaction and happiness by more than 20%. The survey was taken by more than 13,000 participants from Asia, North America, and Europe.

According to the surveyed people:

  • Having an office-based work environment will make them less happy
  • They want hybrid or remote work to be the norm
  • Commute time plays a big role in dissatisfaction with office work
  • Having to spend lunch breaks at or near the office is a negative
  • Millennials prefer to work only from home

Remote Work Has a Better ROI

Not only are people more productive at home, but with them working off-site, companies have lower office expenses. This has led to a paradigm shift in how companies think about employee training and collaboration. In the past, companies planned off-site training and sent their on-site employees to a local hotel, conference center, or specialized collaboration space to ‘get away’ from the office distractions for important training or planning sessions.

What if most of your employees are already off-site remote workers? What do you do with your office space that is underutilized now? You can turn your off-site meetings into on-site meetings at your office and eliminate the expense of third-party meeting spaces. Utilize the space you have with periodic on-site collaboration and training sessions for your remote workers.

There is still a need for office space, but how it will be utilized in the future is still unclear. In the next few years, as building leases begin to expire, the full impact of this reduced office expense will be known.

Final Words

Remote work is more productive and efficient. Plus, it leads to a happier lifestyle for employees. The ROI of hybrid workers is much higher than office workers since it comes with lower costs. 

The post Is Remote Work More Efficient Than In-Person? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62402
The Benefits of Digital Banking for Small Businesses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/06/digital-banking-for-small-businesses.html/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:43:18 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62380 When operating a small business, it is paramount to have a steady cash flow, secure payments, and receipts. Also, be ensured that your sensitive data are kept safe from attacks. Digital banking for small businesses As Digital Banking methods progress in the world of tech, they become quicker and safer than most traditional exchange methods […]

The post The Benefits of Digital Banking for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
When operating a small business, it is paramount to have a steady cash flow, secure payments, and receipts. Also, be ensured that your sensitive data are kept safe from attacks. Digital banking for small businesses

As Digital Banking methods progress in the world of tech, they become quicker and safer than most traditional exchange methods between two parties. So what exactly are the benefits of digital banking for small businesses aside from speed?

Digital Banking Allows Small Businesses to Keep Track

Since small businesses or start-up organizations that are at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys can’t really afford to hire top-level accountants or pay for an advanced accounting system to monitor all the processes and finances in their firm, they can take advantage of digital banking.

Digital Banking allows smaller enterprises to manage their finances smartly. Additionally, it keeps track of everything in the form of reports, either weekly, monthly, or quarterly. These are easy to filter, which gives an extra edge to decision-makers in the company. You can always take a step back and see what you’ve paid to whom in which time period.

Some neobanking solutions for businesses can even allow you to share your financial data with a third party, like a financial analyst. As a small business, you could do that once per quarter or a couple of quarters instead of hiring a full-time analytics team.

It’s Convenient

Are you outside of the office? At the beach? No problem. You’re carrying all your financial data in your pocket on a mobile device. What’s more convenient than that? Online banking has become the leading way to handle money globally.

If you are a busy business owner, you can use the features while traveling, stuck in traffic, or even in a meeting if it allows it. Sometimes during meetings, questions regarding finances that you can’t know for sure could come up. Taking out a phone and checking in a matter of seconds is something that can help you a lot. You can have it all, employee salaries, payments, bills, and invoices, in one place, at all times.

Brick-and-Mortars Are More Expensive

Did you know that traditional brick-and-mortar banks with physical locations need to spend a ton of resources on organizing financial records and documents the usual way? They need to pay for a location, build an office, have ten times the number of employees, and interact with customers one-on-one on a daily basis. All of this requires more resources and leaves almost none for innovation. These are just some of the reasons why brick-and-mortar banks charge more for almost everything than digital banks.

On the other side, neobanks don’t rely on physical locations and invest all they’ve earned into improving the digital interface and infrastructure of their product. This makes automatic billing seem like a walk in the park.

If your employees are on a fixed salary basis, you can easily schedule all salary payments. Other expenses like bills can also be deducted automatically, and even monthly subscriptions, since you can easily get a business debit or credit card alongside your banking account.

Better Digital Security

Nobody walks up to a bank and robs it these days; it’s not the 90s. Banks are getting smarter and stopped carrying large amounts of cash in their safes. On the other hand, however, there are billions of digital dollars out there. 

As mentioned above, digital banks have way more resources to spend on innovation and security, while traditional banks have to spend money on locations and traditional real-life security personnel, who can’t really keep you safe from hackers.

New online payment platforms operate with advanced blockchain technology, which brings with it a whole new level of decentralized security. This prevents attackers from hacking one specific place or domain and gaining information. Information gets encrypted and broken down into nodes within the blockchain, becoming almost inaccessible to hackers.

Aside from high-level data encryption, digital banks also take advantage of numerous firewalls and the best and latest antivirus software. Of course, regular KYC inspections are still done for additional security, preventing social engineers from accessing your accounts.

A Smaller Environmental Footprint

Whether you are concerned about nature and the environment or not, having a smaller environmental footprint is a goal everyone should strive for. New regulations regarding certain operations are being implemented each month. Some of these impact the amount banks charge. However, not digital banks. They have an almost unnoticeable environmental footprint. Paperless operations, transactions, online support, and no office, meaning no commuting, are just some of the reasons digital banks are much better for the environment. However, a business records management plan is always needed to keep sensitive information safe and organized.

Final Words

Each year, the reasons why a small business should switch to digital banking instead of relying on brick-and-mortar banks continue to accumulate.  Digital banks lower your cost and provide better security, convenience, automatic payments, and financial tracking. The best thing of all, it’s easy to start and try without you having to visit an actual bank. All from the comfort of your home.

The post The Benefits of Digital Banking for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62380
The Best Way to Plan Objectives and Key Results https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/06/plan-objectives-key-results.html/ Mon, 20 Jun 2022 19:47:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62407 OKR, which stands for Objectives and Key Results, is a business management method that helps you focus on achieving goals. With this approach, you will accomplish long-term, overarching, ambitious business goals (Objectives) through smaller, specific, measurable sub-goals (Key Results). Each Key Result has several associated Tasks (specific activities that must be performed to reach the […]

The post The Best Way to Plan Objectives and Key Results appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
OKR, which stands for Objectives and Key Results, is a business management method that helps you focus on achieving goals. With this approach, you will accomplish long-term, overarching, ambitious business goals (Objectives) through smaller, specific, measurable sub-goals (Key Results). Each Key Result has several associated Tasks (specific activities that must be performed to reach the Key Result).

What Challenges Teams Can Face and How OKR Approach Helps

Essentially, an Objective answers where we want to go, Key Results explain how we’ll know we’re getting there, and Tasks list the steps necessary to get there. And the OKR is the plan that brings it all together.

Below we offer two OKR tools: the Objective Map and the Roadmap. The Objective Map allows you to build a visual hierarchy of goals and plan objectives, while the Roadmap links this hierarchy of goals to a time factor.

plan objectives

The goal hierarchy is the heart of OKR.

OKR Planning Tool #1: The Objective Map

Our first tool is the Objective Map. The visual nature of this map allows you to see the whole picture at once, making it easy to analyze possibilities, predict obstacles, and plan objectives and the necessary resources for them. The Objective Map shows all factors (and how they are connected) that are needed for your success.

plan objectives map

See all information on a map at once.

To create your own Objective Map, follow these steps:

  1. Identify and name your Objective. This is your long-term, overarching goal.
  2. Determine your Key Factors. These are the measurable sub-goals needed to achieve your Objective.
  3. Identify and name any possible obstacles you will face on the way to your Objective.
  4. List your Tasks. These are the specific steps to accomplish each Key Factor. Assign team members to these tasks.
  5. Create an Objective Map by plugging in the Key Factors and Tasks you’ve identified. Where appropriate, include your obstacle plans.
  6. Define your success metrics and connect them to your Objective and Key Factors.
  7. Review the Objective Map with your team to get buy-in and understanding.

The Objective Map is finished only once it provides answers to the following questions: where are you going, how will you get there, and what steps do you need to take along the way.

Tips for Creating an Objective Map

When creating your Objective Map, keep these tips in mind:

Tip #1: Name problems first, then make plans.

Take the time to brainstorm any obstacles that might come up on your way to plan Objectives. These obstacles can come in all shapes and sizes–from limited internal resources to external issues with your clients, product, or services. When you identify a potential obstacle, decide how you are going to address it before you set out on the journey towards your Objective.

Tip #2: Follow cause-and-effect logic.

It is important to have the Objective Map express the cause-and-effect connections between each element on the map (your Objective, Key Results, and Tasks). The best way to do this is to define success metrics for all factors. In other words, determine what success looks like for an activity (the cause) and connect that success to what happens next (the effect).

OKR Planning Tool #2: The Roadmap

The Roadmap is the tool you can use to determine the timeline, sequence, and deadlines of each step of your Objective Map. The Roadmap ensures that your team not only knows what they are doing but also when and in what order they will move through each step. Based on your goals, keep in mind that your team might be completing more than one step at a time. A Roadmap will help you identify those moments and prepare your resources accordingly.

plan objectives roadmap

The roadmap ends and begins with your Objective.

The steps of creating and using a Roadmap are:

  1. Revisit your Objective Map and review all the Key Results you’ve included in the map.
  2. Order each Key Result, and the Task activities that will get you to that result, in a logical sequence that moves towards your Objective.
  3. Assign due dates for each activity and step toward your Objective. If there is a hard end date, work backward from there when you plan Objectives.
  4. Revisit the Roadmap often to check-off completed steps and to prepare for the next steps.
  5. Revise the Roadmap when changing circumstances require you to pivot.

pivot plan objectives

A Roadmap gives your team the awareness of projects in real-time.

Possible Challenges

Before we jump into a discussion of OKR creation, let’s review a few possible challenges that your team might face when creating a plan.

Problem #1: Unrealistic Views

Don’t succumb to wishful thinking by setting unrealistic goals. True, you want your Objective to be ambitious, but it also needs to be based on reality. Keep the assessment of your internal resources and capabilities, as well as any external factors, realistic.

Problem #2: Rigidity

The growth of your company depends on sustainability; sustainability depends on flexibility. When creating an OKR plan, don’t follow the plan so rigidly that the plan becomes (at best) useless or (at worst) harmful to your end goal. Always have the expectation that you may need to adjust to changing circumstances.

Problem #3: Lack of Motivation

The resources and technology you have access to are important, but it’s the people in your company that are key to your success. Avoid a lack of motivation by making sure each team member understands your business goals and agrees with their importance. This allows everyone to feel invested in a positive outcome and to use their creativity and energy to solve any emerging issues.

Conclusion

By using the Objective Map and Roadmap tools as your own OKR method, you will eliminate all the common problems that teams face when planning the road to a goal. These tools allow flexibility when obstacles arise; they also teach your team how to think about their own problem-solving thought process and the cause-and-effect relationships between each Key Factor. Fostering these qualities will ensure your team and your company will always be improving the practices and routines you use for achieving your goals. This is the key to success.

The post The Best Way to Plan Objectives and Key Results appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62407
5 Tips for Maintaining Growth During a Recession https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/05/maintaining-growth-during-recession.html/ Fri, 13 May 2022 12:00:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62210 These are exceptional times. In addition, most firms are under severe financial strain as a result of the war, recession, the pandemic, and their wide-ranging consequences. Understandably, many management teams and business owners are looking for strategies for maintaining growth during a recession. The difficulty is that adopting a fearful worldview frequently results in a […]

The post 5 Tips for Maintaining Growth During a Recession appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
These are exceptional times. In addition, most firms are under severe financial strain as a result of the war, recession, the pandemic, and their wide-ranging consequences. Understandably, many management teams and business owners are looking for strategies for maintaining growth during a recession.

The difficulty is that adopting a fearful worldview frequently results in a self-causing recession. This is due to the fact that those who work from a place of fear generate contraction rather than growth.

We’ve been conditioned by nature to either flee or fight. We assume a defensive posture when we’re ready for flight in order to minimize potential losses or to just stay afloat. The problem is that these are the very acts that will cause businesses to downsize or possibly fail as a result of layoffs and lower revenues.

How do some businesses thrive in a recession?

Some businesses, on the other hand, not only survive but thrive during the most inconvenient of circumstances. Therefore, how do they do it?

The distinction is that some management teams and business owners regard a crisis as an opportunity. Therefore, when you think about it, every cloud has a silver lining. At the absolute least, there is always an opportunity that develops in the face of adversity in the case of business.

Avoid reacting emotionally.

While the natural impulse may be to reduce corporate activities and cut costs wherever possible, doing so indiscriminately would have the opposite effect. Businesses that thrive during economic downturns double down on their efforts. This is because they know that growth will take more effort, time, and resources at this key stage. Therefore, to obtain more customers, you might have to work ten times harder.

However, if you are ready to put in the effort, you will get more clients. At the same time, your competitors will be losing customers and personnel if they are acting fearfully.

Here are five main techniques for maintaining growth even in a recession.

1. Maintaining growth means boosting your marketing and public relations initiatives.

Effective promotion and marketing generate sales, as most CEOs know. They also understand that during a recession, the majority of other firms, including competitors, will cut back on marketing spending. However, this is an opportunity to do more.

This is when smart companies ramp up their advertising and marketing campaigns in order to stay ahead of their competitors. Those who are cutting back are driving their businesses into the ground at the same time.

2. Maintaining growth means eliminating the bottom 20% of your consumer base.

This does not apply to e-commerce companies. However, everyone else should be aware. This strategy seems unlikely to help. You may be wondering whether, at a time like this, you can afford to lose customers.

The truth is, yes, you can. In addition, this is how smart leaders succeed. We’ve all dealt with clients who are tough to work with, late to pay, or who require a disproportionate amount of resources in comparison to the money they create. Therefore, cut these clients immediately. This is because increasing your marketing efforts will bring in new business. This change will require the same internal resources that low-yield customers are consuming now.

3. Provide additional assistance to your customers.

Make a list of the problems that your clients may be facing during the downturn. Think about how you, your partners, or your vendors can help clients withstand the storm better with your team. In addition, reach out to your customers and inquire about their problems in order to give them assistance.

Offer to do something for free. You can do this if there is something you can do without increasing your expenditures. You might offer to deliver something with payment terms or at a discount rate.

4. Maintaining growth means streamlining operations and providing a better client experience.

You now have extra time on your hands. You can use it to improve internal processes. Further, you can improve the quality of your deliverables in addition to setting up a system to provide top customer service.

If you want to come out on top after this storm, you’ll have to outperform your competitors. You can do so by providing the best customer service in a more efficient manner. This will significantly lower client churn while also allowing you to service more customers.

5. Fire your worst employees and convince your other employees that you care about their well-being.

There’s a good chance you’ve kept people on board because you needed all the support you could get. These folks, on the other hand, are chronic underachievers who don’t get along with others and have lots of other troubles. Now is the moment to let them work for the competition. It will benefit both your team and your customers.

Now go tell the rest of the team why you did it. After that, let them know how much you care about them and will go to any length, including falling into the red this year, to ensure that they and their health insurance are protected. Furthermore, fulfill this commitment. Your company’s success depends on the trust you have with your employees.

Your company may not only survive but prosper in this storm if you have an offensive plan, an expansionary attitude, and a proactive approach.

Image Credit: Lukas; Pexels; Thank you!

The post 5 Tips for Maintaining Growth During a Recession appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62210
Trends to Guide Technology Decisions in the New Year https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/05/technology-trends-guide-decisions.html/ Thu, 05 May 2022 09:40:43 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60743 A few business technology facts are becoming evident after more than two years of ambiguity. These trends will affect purchasing decisions. In the careers of most technology executives, the previous two years have been the oddest, most demanding, and most thrilling of their lives. They managed to cram over three years’ worth of digital change […]

The post Trends to Guide Technology Decisions in the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
A few business technology facts are becoming evident after more than two years of ambiguity. These trends will affect purchasing decisions.

In the careers of most technology executives, the previous two years have been the oddest, most demanding, and most thrilling of their lives. They managed to cram over three years’ worth of digital change into the latter three quarters of 2020 alone, according to some estimates.

This past year was marked by a great deal of uncertainty:

There are some who may be more sure of answers. However, four high-level trends in business technology are developing that will impact 2022 and beyond.

1. The beginning of the era of permanent hybrid employment.

Information technology professionals who created remote work environments on the fly last year slowly understand that remote work will likely become a permanent component of their organizations’ cultures in the coming years.

Experts predict hybrid work will be a corporate mainstay by 2023.

Many people anticipated disruption of a few weeks or months in March 2021; at the time, many people predicted a few weeks or months. This move poses several concerns for IT executives, including the following:

  • Will modifications be necessary to the organization’s collaborative technology, as well as to its security tools and strategy, if the organization’s existing remote work environment is designed for the long term?

Describe the process through which new workers will be introduced to technology and instructed on security regulations. How will physical workplaces be built to keep workers safe while allowing them to collaborate to the greatest extent possible?

2. Empower employees working from anywhere in the world.

One of the reasons hybrid employment is here to stay is because employees themselves have gained newfound authority and independence.

Many employees seem to be reevaluating what is most important to them in their professional lives. The “Great Resignation” has caused significant disruption across various sectors. Still, it also provides an opportunity. Organizations that create appealing workplace cultures will have a significant edge in the race for top talent.

Employee participation and simplicity of use are at the heart of developing collaborative workplace culture, and workplace technology that supports this is essential.

3. Hybrid work necessitates a new approach to security.

The adoption of remote workers as a permanent element of today’s businesses will need to adjust how companies think about security.

Most businesses have understood that verified identity is the new perimeter. They have taken steps to implement it.

Some, on the other hand, were pushed to hasten their preparations for implementing zero-trust security principles as a result of the outbreak. This is due to the fact that zero trust brings the identity of the user to the forefront.

This is critical in remote work. According to Microsoft’s newest “Zero Trust Adoption Report,” the outcome is that 76 percent of enterprises are employing a zero-trust security approach.

4. Supply chain issues will continue to exist.

The flaws in the supply chain that have hindered the economic recovery and left companies and consumers across the globe unhappy will be ironed out. Just when is the question.

Predictions concerning when this will occur, on the other hand, should be treated with caution. Supplier interruptions are expected to persist far into 2022, according to industry experts. Some firms in need of endpoints have discovered that obtaining them promptly has proven difficult.

Meanwhile, retailers will need high-level analytics, edge computing technology, and other solutions to help them manage their supply chains as efficiently as possible.

Some disruption is unavoidable, but firms who are proactive in preventing shortages and ensuring that consumers have what they want when they want it during these difficult times will enjoy long-term consumer loyalty.

The world has altered dramatically. Businesses must go with the tide rather than wait for things to revert to the way they were. This is the only way to grab the future. To make it yours.

The law of supply and demand has not been suspended. It still holds sway. Over the entire world…including your small business.

Despite the pandemic, the movement of goods continues. Just not in the same way it did in the past. Or at the same speed. And technology has changed radically. Plus it will continue to evolve at a dizzying pace. Will you be able to keep up? Only if you keep abreast of the latest trends!

The post Trends to Guide Technology Decisions in the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60743
4 Benefits of Adding Solar Batteries to Your Solar Power System https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/04/solar-batteries.html/ Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:40:37 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=62023 Solar batteries make the use of solar panels more efficient and easy to harness the energy absorbed. Customers are well-advised to install a solar battery in their power systems to make it more economical sense. Successful companies such as Tesla have made a move to invest in new technologies, including clean and renewable energy. This […]

The post 4 Benefits of Adding Solar Batteries to Your Solar Power System appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Solar batteries make the use of solar panels more efficient and easy to harness the energy absorbed. Customers are well-advised to install a solar battery in their power systems to make it more economical sense.

Successful companies such as Tesla have made a move to invest in new technologies, including clean and renewable energy. This gave rise to the invention of the Tesla Powerwall, a solar battery providing even greater value.

Installing a solar battery such as the Tesla Powerwall, whether it’s to supplement your strategy for dealing with power outages along with a bank of 10000 watt generators or as a stand-alone strategy, will help to ensure that you get the most out of your system. You will be able to store excess electricity and improve its generation throughout the day in both your homes and businesses. It helps not only protect the environment but also saves money.

There are many benefits to adding the Tesla Powerwall to your system as outlined below.

1. Reliable, Consistent Power Supply

The Tesla Powerwall ensures that you have power when you need it.

Solar panels only produce electricity when there is sunlight. This means that you lack consistent supply at night. You are assured that your essential appliances will keep running even during power outages.

Installing a solar battery ensures that you have a constant power supply. The Tesla Powerwall boasts of great energy storing capacity of 13kWh. The Tesla Powerwall also ensures a higher power supply due to its flexibility. You are able to stack or add to your units at any time as your demand increases.

2. Diminished Grid Dependency

The Tesla Powerwall offers a great solution for you if you want to stop relying on the grid.

Frequent power outages are a pain to handle. This battery system ensures that you do not have to depend on the grid to run your household or business. This is because it automatically detects grid outages. You do not have to lift a finger when this happens. Having independence from the grid without a solar battery is next to impossible.

3. Improved Power Technology

Technology access means more control.

The Tesla Powerwall provides great features that make your solar power system more efficient. It even includes a storm-watch feature. The Tesla application provides you with real-time data usage and time-based control.

You are able to optimize the usage of electricity from your solar system by discharging it during peak hours. This time-based control greatly impacts your electricity costs and is a definite advantage for your household.

4. Benefits to Our Ecosystem

The use of non-renewable energy such as fuel and coal has had a continuously negative impact on our environment.

Global warming is increasingly on the rise and with it comes temperature rises and harsh weather conditions. Likewise, wildfires are now a common occurrence destroying our ecosystem.

Integration of your solar system with the Tesla Powerwall ensures that we have a constant supply of clean renewable energy from the sun. This will enable us to minimize our carbon footprint and help the ecosystem become vibrant again.

The Bottom Line

The Tesla Powerwall offers a great battery storage solution that caters to the growing needs of businesses and industry. Its ability to be integrated into an already existing solar system is also a great advantage.

The Tesla Powerwall is powered using lithium-ion batteries which are made from recyclable material. Tesla has partnered with different companies to reprocess spent battery packs and cells for making new ones. This battery requires no maintenance. You can feel proud while using this technology as it incorporates a zero-waste policy and is manufactured using recyclable materials.

Environmental awareness provides a much-needed reprieve as the world makes many changes and initiates campaigns to go green and create sustainability for the environment. Considering the benefits to your business and the environment, it may be time to give the Tesla Powerwall serious consideration.

The post 4 Benefits of Adding Solar Batteries to Your Solar Power System appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
62023
Retention of Employees Requires Technology https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/04/retention-requires-technology.html/ Mon, 04 Apr 2022 10:50:56 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61882 It’s no secret that firms are still recovering and implementing retention tactics to retain top personnel after “The Great Resignation.” Workplace retention has unquestionably changed, with individuals wielding greater influence than ever before. Greater money, more flexibility, and more recognition are among the demands of modern employees. In fact, according to an Oracle study, 88 […]

The post Retention of Employees Requires Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
It’s no secret that firms are still recovering and implementing retention tactics to retain top personnel after “The Great Resignation.”

Workplace retention has unquestionably changed, with individuals wielding greater influence than ever before.

Greater money, more flexibility, and more recognition are among the demands of modern employees. In fact, according to an Oracle study, 88 percent of employees believe the definition of success has shifted. However, that is to say, they name work-life balance, mental health, and workplace flexibility as top priorities in 2022. And don’t forget the importance of communication!

Staff retention techniques are a key priority for 87 percent of HR directors in the future years. Therefore, moreover, 20 percent of them find it challenging to stay focused on this goal. Indeed, digital transformation is transforming the way we work and connect with one another. Consequently, it’s no wonder that technology is crucial to employee retention, and it begins with the source.

An employee’s onboarding may make or break their experience.

Therefore, employee retention begins on the first day of work.

Strong onboarding strategies have been demonstrated to increase new recruit retention by 82 percent. Employees need flexibility and autonomy in their job, and the correct technology framework may make or ruin an employee’s experience straight away.

It is our responsibility as technology leaders to give the correct product options. Options that enable our teams to function effectively without jeopardizing the security of either the company or the employee.

Employees should feel comfortable, valued, and in charge of their working environment. Indeed, throughout the onboarding process, without jeopardizing your company’s security, cost-efficiency, or data management needs. Employees will feel more appreciated if you allow them to choose how they want to set up their digital workplace.

A good work-life balance should be supported by retention technology.

Employees that are happy are more productive, as cliché as it may seem. In 2022, what makes workers happy? The solution is simple: caring businesses and management.

However, the Harvard Business Review forecasts that 65 percent of jobs presently done by managers might be automated by 2025 (paywall). Consequently, managers’ expectations are likely to change as automation progresses.

Managerial duties will shift from task management to overall experience management. Moreover, requiring managers to provide more support for workers’ professional growth objectives, work-life balance, and business relationships.

However, all managers should not wait for automation to revolutionize the way they manage their teams.

You can improve your team’s processes with technology. Your ability to obtain real-time pulse checks on their mental and physical health increases with technology. And technologies open the door to social cooperation that wasn’t feasible previously. That is to say, more than you already have prior to adopting this attitude change.

Here’s how to do it.

Take a step back from the retention tools.

Plugged-in managers will start to go beyond the surface-level functioning of digital technologies and use them to build stronger bonds with their staff.

When screen sharing with colleagues, for example, some experts discover that outmoded systems or procedures are being used to optimize productivity.

Some experts suggest you may identify engagement concerns that you can solve to better understand what’s going on behind the scenes. Especially when workers who are regularly on camera get into the habit of turning their cameras off.

To remain tuned in, strong leaders should pay attention to the quirks of their workers’ usage of technology.

Promote health and well-being for better retention.

Thousands of tools are now available for businesses to use to motivate employees to improve their mental and physical health.

Employees may take charge of their health by making use of telehealth advantages and downloading corporate-sponsored applications. Allowing flexible work hours or establishing no-meeting days, for example, might assist staff rejuvenation.

Dismantle societal boundaries.

Technology may help people build more meaningful relationships by breaking down social boundaries.

What happens when you hear a dog bark or a baby scream in the background of a conference? Of course, it immediately disrupts the previously accepted “work is work, home is home” mentality.

Working from any place, ironically, helps us to collaborate and become more socially conscious and sensitive to one another.

Beyond The Retention Present

The barrier between reality and virtual reality will continue to dissolve in the coming years, and the workplace will be no exception.

People are becoming used to conversing with chatbots rather than people. Consequently, they are seeing Big Brother-style restaurants and consumer product suggestions show up on their phones.

Consumer-oriented technology seems to be ahead of what we utilize in the corporate sphere for the time being. Experts believe that this will not remain the case for long.

Take, for example, Microsoft Viva Insights. It analyses your emails and schedule for suggestions on how to make your workday more efficient. While this is a beneficial aspect for workers, the future is far brighter.

As virtual reality advances, some experts predict a day when video conversations will no longer be one-dimensional. It will be a day when we will be able to smell each other’s coffee and get a 360-degree view of each other’s workplaces without ever leaving our homes.

Consider how this might affect the overall employee experience.

The post Retention of Employees Requires Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61882
Waiting on Security: The Real Cost https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/04/waiting-on-security.html/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:50:58 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61959 To own a small business, you’ve got to be at least something of a gambler. As a result, you get comfortable taking chances. Ignoring risks. However, you do not want to roll the dice by waiting on security. You know all too well that many businesses owe their success to luck as often as labor. […]

The post Waiting on Security: The Real Cost appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
To own a small business, you’ve got to be at least something of a gambler. As a result, you get comfortable taking chances. Ignoring risks. However, you do not want to roll the dice by waiting on security.

You know all too well that many businesses owe their success to luck as often as labor. That’s not to say that the risks you take aren’t carefully calculated – they are. However, many of you reading this may have risked everything by waiting to take effective cybersecurity measures.

The cybersecurity risks have never been higher than right now — and the government knows it.

It’s why the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the Shields Up program. Shields Up is designed to protect American businesses from malicious cyber activity surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s also why the DOJ announced it will fine government contractors and other businesses that fail to follow cybersecurity standards or fail to report cybersecurity incidents.

Waiting on security upgrades until regulatory agencies mandate security can be costly and dangerous for your businesses.

Any company, including contractors and subcontractors, who do business with the government faces a slew of orders to be compliant with various cybersecurity frameworks. This includes NIST 800-171, which outlines the required security standards and practices for non-federal organizations. Likewise, FAR 52.204-21 lays out 15 basic safeguards surrounding data, physical security, and cyber hygiene. Similarly, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program is a framework designed to protect the defense industrial base.

Playing a Dangerous Game of Cybersecurity Chance

As regulators negotiate, discuss, and finalize, we’ve noticed an alarming trend. Many companies are hitting the “Pause” button.

We get it. Last year’s CMMC town halls highlighted small business concerns. The new policies being proposed put a disproportional burden on smaller companies that might not have the systems, in-house expertise, or budget for the required response.

The industry developed CMMC 2.0 to address those issues. And in many ways, it does. But it also contains a few surprises.

The Reality Check

If you’ve pumped the brakes on investing in more robust cyber security and are waiting to see what the regulations will look like, you’re taking a huge gamble. Here’s the reality.

Attacks won’t wait.

While you spend time waiting on security, your business continues to be at risk for a data hack or ransom.

The business interruption, reputation damage, proprietary information losses, recovery fees, and customer or contract losses are often enough to sink even the most stable businesses. And any cyber insurance policy you’ve got won’t be sufficient. It won’t cover everything.

If hackers return your data after a ransomware attack, your problems may multiply. Corrupted and inaccessible data aren’t much use.

The “final” version will come up too quickly.

When DoD starts using CMMC 2.0 guidelines it will be with just 60 days’ notice.

That’s not enough time for most companies to complete remediation work. Waiting for a final version or official start may cost you contract opportunities. If you’re ready to go sooner, however, you might be able to grab work from others who are not.

While not fully finalized, DoD is planning to offer incentives to organizations that go through the certification process prior to the final rulemaking for CMMC.

Your to-do list has 320 tasks!

The requirement to be compliant with NIST 800-171 cybersecurity framework has 110 controls that require 320 assessment objectives.

For Maturity Level 1 and non-prioritized Maturity Level 2 contracts, senior leadership will self-attest to their company’s compliance each year.

But that’s not a free pass. The DOJ has already used the False Claims Act to go after companies who self-attest, have a security incident, and are found, through an investigation, not compliant.

Documentation did not go away.

Many companies believed that CMMC 2.0 would do away with documentation: It. Did. Not.

Companies must document all of the 320 assessment objectives. It’s a significant amount of work — and few companies can do it all internally. Another reason that waiting on security measures will backfire when the a time crunch comes.

The ROI Dilemma

We acknowledge that the cost of cybersecurity seems daunting.

Many companies haven’t invested in an enterprise-level solution or even budgeted for ongoing cybersecurity work. But they need to.

Cybersecurity has become a normalized expense for business operations, like paying payroll taxes or carrying insurance. If you’re struggling to see the ROI of cybersecurity consider three things.

1. Small businesses are the ideal target for ransomware hackers.

Cybercriminals know you have fewer resources and staff to prepare for, defend against, and recover from attacks. Attacks have doubled in the last year because they are incredibly lucrative and you’re a great testbed to prepare for larger attacks.

2. The average cost for a data breach in a small company is $108,000.

But money isn’t the only thing at stake. The disruption, recovery, and unanticipated costs — plus customer frustration — have been shown to take a far greater financial toll on companies. This can total as much as $3 million per incident for companies with fewer than 500 employees.

3. Cybersecurity can be a competitive advantage.

While others delay, you can cash in on customer and partner trust built on the strength of your cybersecurity program.

There is an easy way to begin.

A slow roll is still a step in the right direction. We advise small businesses to do several things right now to get things started. Most of them won’t cost you a dime!

Talk real numbers.

A realistic estimate is the first step toward developing a compliant security plan.

A good cybersecurity services company will provide a basic assessment and estimate free of charge. A great cybersecurity services company will further your education, explaining the standards you will need to follow, where you stand now, and the scope of a solution.

Real numbers allow you to plan ahead and budget for security. Very often, we surprise small businesses when they learn that cybersecurity compliance doesn’t cost as much as they expected.

Understand your attack surface.

The physical front door isn’t the only way people are entering your business.

All of your web apps, portals, and bill pay systems are entrance points too. Identifying all of your assets is the first step in securing them.

Now is the time to conduct a thorough audit of your digital ecosystem to understand your attack surface and plan for ongoing monitoring.

Revisit your incident response plan…and practice it!

In case of a security incident, every employee with network access should understand the plan.

Above all, your Incident Response Team, encompassing leadership, IT, HR, legal, and communications, should also practice their first steps. Similarly, it may be helpful to have written procedures and a printed phone tree that clearly spells out whom to contact and under what circumstances.

Back up your data.

Put together an ironclad schedule for backing up all data. Likewise, it’s valuable to test the procedures for restoring information, too, in case you are hit with ransomware or another cyberattack.

A good look at cybersecurity realities can help small business owners and leaders change the game. Therefore, there’s no need to gamble with your company’s future and reputation.

Cybersecurity-building steps often start with a slow roll and pick-up speed as companies understand more about their requirements and the business benefits of a robust security stance.


Derek Kernus is the director of cybersecurity operations at DTS and holds CISSP, CCSP and CMMC RP certifications. DTS provides tailored, scalable cyber solutions for small- and medium-sized organizations leveraging top resources and the expertise of talented individuals with a passion for excellence to help protect our clients’ people and data.

The post Waiting on Security: The Real Cost appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61959
What Is Call Tracking? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/04/what-is-call-tracking.html/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:10:57 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61871 Call tracking or monitoring may be a handy tool for small companies as it can boost performance and uncover possibilities for improvement. What is call monitoring in small-business marketing, and why is it important? With powerful cellphones and laptops, and virtually ubiquitous Wi-Fi, we all increasingly expect current consumers to research goods and services online. […]

The post What Is Call Tracking? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Call tracking or monitoring may be a handy tool for small companies as it can boost performance and uncover possibilities for improvement.

What is call monitoring in small-business marketing, and why is it important? With powerful cellphones and laptops, and virtually ubiquitous Wi-Fi, we all increasingly expect current consumers to research goods and services online. Surprisingly, many individuals still prefer contacting a company’s phone number to filling out cumbersome online forms or chatting live.

Call monitoring may be a handy tool for small companies as it can help them assess their performance and uncover possibilities based on the phone calls they get. Any agency knows this because we utilize a unique marketing plan that integrates with our clients’ calls to maximize their marketing investment and help them build their company. Confidentially, it’s all edge technology.

What is the term “tracking?”

Measuring which marketing initiatives are generating calls and creating interest among prospective clients is known as call tracking. You may use this data to determine your next marketing strategy and budget.

Call monitoring also collects useful caller information that you may use for customer service and marketing. Therefore, small firms may use call monitoring to make data-driven marketing choices.

What is the mechanism behind it? There are two fundamental components of how call tracking works:

1. Set up a call-tracking system.

When you set up call monitoring for your company, the questions you will answer are if you want a toll-free number or a local number.

You may also choose to have calls redirected to your workplace, home, sales department, third-party answering system, or even your mobile. Your provider will match them with your phone tracking number.

2. Gather and analyze data.

Your provider will notify you whenever a prospective client contacts your number. The contact service records the origin, time, and duration of each phone call and whether or not the customer answered the call.

However, caller information, such as the caller’s complete name, location, and purchasing history, will also be revealed. Above all, call monitoring will reveal which marketing effort prompted a prospective consumer to dial a phone number.

What are the benefits of call tracking for small businesses?

Call monitoring is helpful for small firms for a variety of reasons.

Analyze and enhance the marketing return on investment.

You may gain insights into which keywords, advertising, or campaigns attract new clients via call monitoring.

It’s possible to increase conversions and ROI by learning which marketing methods work for your company.

You will miss no more calls.

Customers may be disappointed if their calls go unanswered owing to congested lines.

All tracking delivers a real-time notice through email or voicemail every time a call is lost. Once call agents are available, they will be able to take quick action.

Conversion rates should be improved, and lost leads should be recovered.

Conversion numbers are accurate when you use call tracking. You’ll be able to track the source of the call back to a specific campaign since you’ll be using a unique phone number.

Call monitoring also records phone conversations to examine a lost lead’s interests and worries. Then build retargeting advertisements or emails that address their concerns.

The company should improve customer service.

You may determine your target audience and learn how to pique their attention with call tracking. Contact tracking will offer crucial caller data to enable the customer care agent to customize their encounter with the consumer when they call you.

You can analyze your sales procedures to understand the client’s journey better.

You will have a thorough insight into your sales processes and your consumers’ experiences when they contact your organization if you use call tracking.

Call tracking allows you to learn more about:

  • the days of the week when the most people contact you;
  • when individuals contact your company throughout the day;
  • how successfully your team members deal with incoming calls;
  • who answers the phone;
  • if your call takers are doing well or if they need further training;
  • if you can turn leads into appointments, and how often;
  • the caller’s intention; and
  • whether the company should improve employees’ call-handling abilities.

Leaders may use call tracking to record both incoming and departing calls. Therefore, they may assess your staff’ customer service skills by listening to recorded calls.

The company may evaluate its agents on their ability to follow call scripts, handle bookings, and sell effectively. You can figure out which call takers require more training.

Get detailed information on the caller.

Call monitoring provides detailed caller information for marketing, customer service, and quality assurance. However, you may provide the following information about the caller:

  • number to call;
  • the caller’s first and last name;
  • the caller’s current location;
  • whether they’re calling for a campaign;
  • if they’re a new or returning caller;
  • the call’s length and quality;
  • the reason for the phone call;
  • purchase history of the caller; and
  • explore uncharted territory.

Small companies may utilize call tracking to find new business possibilities and develop their firm.

You may examine the location details of the individuals that call your firm when you monitor calls. You’ll learn where most of your calls are coming from, which you may utilize to create new marketing efforts.

During high call hours, be more efficient.

You may determine when your firm gets the most calls from prospective clients by monitoring calls.

Consequently, with this information, you may effectively organize your employees’ working hours so that you can handle all calls during peak hours.

Call monitoring is a simple yet effective practice that may help small companies in various ways. It will help you better understand your consumers and develop your marketing tactics.

The post What Is Call Tracking? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61871
4 Business and Tech Trends to Watch This Year https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/business-and-tech-trends.html/ Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:35:11 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61863 Corporations shifted their attention from uncertainty to agility, seeking to capitalize on business and tech trends amid shifting conditions. The continuing Covid-19 pandemic will shape and affect business and tech trends for the third calendar year. How companies and organizations adapt to pandemic disruption might have defined 2020 and 2021. This year, enterprises are reacting […]

The post 4 Business and Tech Trends to Watch This Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Corporations shifted their attention from uncertainty to agility, seeking to capitalize on business and tech trends amid shifting conditions.

The continuing Covid-19 pandemic will shape and affect business and tech trends for the third calendar year. How companies and organizations adapt to pandemic disruption might have defined 2020 and 2021. This year, enterprises are reacting to the Covid-19 fog with a cautious business attitude and a frantic drive toward digital operations.

However, in the near term, corporations will shift their attention from uncertainty to agility, seeking to capitalize on emerging trends and shifting conditions. After all, you’re not a Russian billionaire!

This year, companies will have to understand the unpredictable nature of global pandemic patterns. For clarity, firms should employ data and analytics, not the cloud of doubt. With a proactive perspective, firms may go from being reactive to proactive.

A greater focus on data and analytics will reshape operations in many ways, but four small business tech trends stand out.

1. Subscription-based models.

It’s no wonder that firms are adapting their subscription trends models to meet customers’ changing demands in the on-demand economy. -Converting one-time buyers into subscribers ensures a steady income stream rather than irregular purchases.

During the early phases of Covid-19, the subscription model held strong. According to Deloitte, 4/5 subscription-based firms have kept or gained customers since the epidemic began.

While the pandemic boosted many subscription-based businesses, churn is now a concern as customers reassess the value and volume of their paid memberships.

Companies may use data to create a more customized experience, from communications and marketing to the goods and services included in the subscription. Therefore, delivering a personalized experience means clients get value for money and are motivated to connect with the business.

2. Changing supply chain strategy.

Supply chain disruption stories dominated this year’s Christmas shopping season, and they will continue in 2022.

Businesses will increasingly depend on data and supply chain analytics. Leaders depend on the data to understand better how to service their consumers from multiple smaller, localized fulfillment centers.

The Ever Given incident and tech scores of cargo ships trapped off the California coast defined 2021. In 2022, expect firms to adapt to more agile supply chains.

You’re not alone in thinking that the supply chain will become a hot subject as we move forward. Companies are scrambling to discover technologies that will help them weather the storm in 2022, yet data-driven supply chain management tools — including AI and GIS — are still in their infancy.

3. B2B tech sales tools.

As data practices evolve, we should expect to see more data-driven technologies used by B2B salespeople.

Therefore, major fundraising rounds like Apollo.io’s $32 million Series B show the rising interest in sophisticated trends sales enablement systems.

Some company executives attempt to use new technologies for sales and marketing. However, we expect to see increasing technology cooperation across formerly walled business groups.

So work to enhance goal-oriented processes as prospects progress into the funnel and throughout the customer journey.

Business executives and data trends professionals are increasingly working together to uncover new possibilities. As a result, data-driven B2B sales enablement may boost campaign effectiveness and efficiency.

4. Optimization of digital technology.

The trend toward personalization unifies all of the themes on this list. Consequently, consumers have more options than ever, allowing them to influence company success.

Companies may succeed in this climate by focusing on consumer data, analytics, and targeted communications. In 2022, successful organizations will rely on tech touch and accuracy rather than volume.

Above all, sending the proper customized greeting isn’t always easy. The collapse of third-party data and revisions to iOS privacy settings have made this a difficult task.

However, to compensate, businesses must use their first-party data, collecting, organizing, and analyzing their precious resources.

Moving Toward Clarity in the Coming Year

Europe and Asia have alternated between normality and increased lockdowns over the last two months. Many states in the U.S. are urging individuals to obtain a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. All the while less developed technology nations recommend populations to be vaccinated.

However, these contrasting scenarios show that this year will be a year of uncertainty, with implications for global rivalry, demand, and logistics.

While abrupt changes may impact tech sectors, this does not imply changes will harm all enterprises.

Dedicated data gathering and analysis allow firms to see through the fog and make intelligent choices. Big data enables firms to see patterns in apparently random or chaotic occurrences. Real-time data resources may help companies respond to changing legislation or supply chain interruptions, ensuring sustained success.

A year of personalization, clarity, and dependability for firms that invest wisely in data solutions.

So stop, look, and learn. Rome wasn’t built with sticks and stones but rather with fortitude and determination.

The post 4 Business and Tech Trends to Watch This Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61863
If You’ve Been Afraid to Hire Globally, 3 Factors Might Change Your Mind https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/hire-globally-three-factors.html/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:40:25 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61903 Every business has difficulty now and again with hiring. Maybe you’re having trouble filling open positions, or maybe workers are inflating salaries due to intense competition for qualified workers. Whatever your current or future hiring problems might be, looking internationally is a strategy worth considering. A willingness to hire globally could be the next best […]

The post If You’ve Been Afraid to Hire Globally, 3 Factors Might Change Your Mind appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Every business has difficulty now and again with hiring. Maybe you’re having trouble filling open positions, or maybe workers are inflating salaries due to intense competition for qualified workers. Whatever your current or future hiring problems might be, looking internationally is a strategy worth considering. A willingness to hire globally could be the next best step to exponential expansion.

But wait, aren’t global labor markets off-limits to small and medium-sized companies?

Thankfully, international workers are more accessible than ever due to modern technology and third-party services. So if you’ve never considered looking overseas to solve your local talent issues, here are three reasons why you should.

1. Technology can bring the world to you.

Moving into the global market doesn’t necessarily mean going through the process of opening up a location overseas.

Sometimes thinking internationally is as simple as opening up your hiring pool to remote workers in other countries. And the best part is that technology has come a long way in this endeavor. Hiring individuals from another country no longer requires relocation, visas, or sponsorships. Depending on the position, you can hire and onboard remote contractors and employees online.

Technology is also a huge asset when it comes to finding quality remote workers in the first place.

There is a multitude of specialist companies that can post your job listing in the countries that you choose. After that, your preset filters can forward your best options without overloading your inbox.

The explosion of individuals who work remotely has also brought with it innovation in collaborative software options.

In the past, the notion of having a team of people work together and never be in the same room was outlandish. Nowadays, assigning tasks and sharing workflow materials is as easy as clicking a button or creating templates. Meeting and conferencing software automatically adjusts for individual time zones and can record conversations for future reference.

So if you believe job-specific limitations are preventing you from hiring global workers, you might investigate what software is available. Sure, there’s no getting around certain location-dependent jobs such as package delivery or building construction. However, some job categories previously considered to be solely in-house might be more adaptable than you think.

2. You don’t need international HR expertise.

Some small business owners don’t consider acting on overseas hiring options. One reason is that they assume they’ll need international expertise to do so. And while international workplace differences and labor regulations can genuinely be a pain, there’s good news. All that administrative hassle doesn’t have to be your problem if you outsource it.

If you only want to hire global remote employees — as opposed to setting up shop abroad — you will need an employer of record (EOR). This is actually not a recommendation. It’s a requirement if you do not have a legal presence established in the country of hire.

What does an EOR do?

An EOR works by creating its own legal presence in multiple countries. Once they’ve done that, they offer the service of hiring employees on behalf of companies around the world.

So let’s say you want to hire a remote worker from Brazil. You would engage an EOR to be their employer on paper even though the worker performs services for you.

An added benefit of using an EOR is that the liability for international reporting and regulations is off your shoulders. If you do not file reports correctly or employer taxes are paid late, it is the responsibility of the EOR.

A situation where you might engage an overseas worker and not be forced to use an EOR involves independent contracting.

When you hire an independent contractor rather than an employee, there are no requirements to have a legal presence. This doesn’t mean you have to navigate international regulations on your own, though. In these instances, you can hire a professional employer organization (PEO).

A PEO operates similarly to an EOR in that it can handle administrative setup and payment functions. The major difference between the two is responsibility. If an error is made with reporting or payment, the PEO can help resolve the issue. However, you are ultimately on the hook for fines and penalties.

3. You gain options to fill in your talent gaps.

Competition for quality employees and contractors is stiffer than ever.

Does it seem like your open positions are destined to stay that way due to a lack of qualified candidates? Maybe qualified individuals in your area are in such demand that they are out of your price range.

To solve this problem, you might be tempted to settle for subpar hires. Sometimes these individuals grow into the positions, and everything works out fine in the long run. When it doesn’t work out, however, you’re looking at turnover that is costly from both a monetary and team morale perspective.

Expanding your search radius internationally can be either a long-term or short-term solution.

Let’s say your firm has a series of projects that require engineers, and you have been coming up short locally. In order to fulfill those needs within budget, you could look for engineering contractors in countries such as Iran or Indonesia.

You can use remote contracting either as a stopgap measure or as a trial run for future employees. If you like the work an individual performs on a single project, you can extend an offer of full-time employment. Getting a better understanding of a worker’s performance before onboarding them can save you time and money by preventing unnecessary turnover.

The world is open to businesses of all sizes.

If you’ve been hesitant to investigate options for global solutions to your hiring problems, it’s important to ask yourself why.

Is it because you think it will be too complicated, expensive, or inapplicable to your industry?

If those concerns are holding you back, there are options and third-party companies available to help. Whether it’s temporary support to get you through a busy patch or a long-term strategy, global hiring might be the best solution for you.

The post If You’ve Been Afraid to Hire Globally, 3 Factors Might Change Your Mind appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61903
Zoom Is Getting Into Customer Service https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/zoom-customer-service.html/ Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:05:22 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61653 Some of the Latest in Small Business Technology: Zoom is getting into customer service and other small business tech news. Listed below are five technological developments and how they may affect your organization. Zoom is just for starters. Did you miss these items? 1. Zoom is branching out into customer service. Zoom has unveiled its […]

The post Zoom Is Getting Into Customer Service appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Some of the Latest in Small Business Technology: Zoom is getting into customer service and other small business tech news.

Listed below are five technological developments and how they may affect your organization. Zoom is just for starters. Did you miss these items?

1. Zoom is branching out into customer service.

Zoom has unveiled its new Zoom Contact Center solution. That is to say, it will broaden its customer care offerings.

Zoom Contact Center will continue to operate with video conferencing. Consequently, it allows businesses to engage with consumers swiftly. Zoom hopes to consolidate all parts of customer support into a single, easy-to-use solution for managers and operators with the expansion.

Why is this significant for your company?

  • With pandemic demand fading and more employees returning to work, Zoom has to find new ways to make money, and delivering video-based customer support tools strikes me as a brilliant idea.
  • For small organizations to consider Zoom Contact Center a realistic alternative, greater integration and collaborations with other customer care, help desk, and customer relationship management applications are required.

2. Self-driving vehicles are becoming a thing.

Self-driving trucks are causing a land grab in the vicinity of major cities. Consequently, they have fewer incidents to report.

As the demand for driverless cars grows, some speculators rush to buy property outside of major cities. However, they aren’t the automobiles you’d expect to see. It’s not the automobiles. It’s all about trucks. And in-house technology.

As autonomous trucks become more ubiquitous — and a few large businesses have huge aspirations for this technology — suburban stops will be needed. That is to say, places where people can climb in the cab and take control of the truck for the last few tricky kilometers.

Why is this significant for your company?

  • We’ve heard about self-driving vehicles, but they’re still a long way off. That’s because many talented individuals, including Uber employees and even Elon Musk, have stated that these tasks are more complex than they anticipated.
  • But what about autonomous trucks? Now there’s a thought. That’s because trucks can safely drive themselves along a highway, saving money on petrol and decreasing insurance premiums. As long as humans finish the remaining part.
  • Therefore, it’s logical, and it might be the first generally accepted use of autonomous technology in the coming years.

3. Walmart will deploy technology to assist customers in trying on garments.

This week, the retailer launched a test version of its “Choose My Model” try-on option, driven by neural networks. Customers may choose models that “better resemble their looks and body type” then try on virtual replicas of their clothing choices to see how they’ll look.

Walmart adds it will continue to increase its model choices over time, according to TechCrunch. Walmart has plans to debut over 70 new models in the coming weeks to provide greater variation in terms of size, skin tone, and even hair color.

Why is this significant for your company?

  • Will this be the last time they use the dressing room? Most likely not.
  • However, it’s another tool that innovative businesses will use in the following years to assist shoppers in purchasing their goods.
  • Additionally, it’ll be fascinating to see which “models” people pick to represent me. Experts like the George Costanza look…not.

4. Pittsburgh firms introduce technology to analyze bridges from the ground up to the sky above.

Following a bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, Penn., local firms have leveraged their associated technologies to construct their bridges and develop their businesses in January.

Mach9 Robots, a local company, was the first to respond. They were there using robotics and sensor technology to survey subsurface and surface regions and generate geospatial models of critical infrastructure in minutes.

Why is this significant for your company?

  • Unfortunately, necessity is the mother of creativity, and it takes a catastrophe — or the threat of a tragedy — to generate chances for entrepreneurs.
  • The collapse of a bridge in Pittsburgh provided an excellent chance for local entrepreneurs to show how their innovations might enhance infrastructure safety.

5. Etsy’s post-pandemic aim is to increase the number of guys who shop there.

Etsy is looking for its next move now that the masks and home décor purchasing frenzy have subsided.

Etsy recently reported that half of the male buyers in the United States had no idea what Etsy was, according to a study performed in 2020. According to the same report, 80 percent of Etsy consumers are female. Therefore, Etsy attempts to attract more male buyers to the site by placing tailored advertisements on male-dominated channels.

Why is this significant for your company?

  • Small companies might consider selling on Etsy. However, they mainly serve a female audience.
  • If you’re an Etsy reseller – or thinking about becoming one – make use of the platform’s new options and focus on male clients.
  • It’s an opportunity to save money on advertising while potentially reaching a larger audience.

The post Zoom Is Getting Into Customer Service appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61653
3 Ways to Protect Your Small Business and Keep Data Secure https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/keep-data-secure.html/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 20:10:10 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61721 There have been many cyber threats in the news in recent years. Last year’s Solar Winds and Colonial Pipeline hacks both shook the economy and left many on edge about the future. In more recent history, the threat of cyberwar raised by events in Ukraine has shed new light on how important cybersecurity is for […]

The post 3 Ways to Protect Your Small Business and Keep Data Secure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There have been many cyber threats in the news in recent years. Last year’s Solar Winds and Colonial Pipeline hacks both shook the economy and left many on edge about the future. In more recent history, the threat of cyberwar raised by events in Ukraine has shed new light on how important cybersecurity is for the modern world and the need for all of us to keep data secure.

The concern over securing digital devices and data doesn’t just apply to sprawling governments and massive corporations. It also impacts smaller entities, including startups and small businesses.

If you’re a small business owner, don’t assume that you’re too small to be at risk. Instead, consider these recommendations as simple-yet-impactful ways that you can safeguard your business against the ever-imminent threat of a cyberattack.

1. Find a good IdP.

When addressing cybersecurity, it’s tempting to focus on the devices and the data that you’re trying to protect. However, another critical angle is the people that are using said content.

Both you and your employees must be able to protect their online activity as they access your company’s database. This can be tricky in a world dominated by decentralized application solutions and third-party providers.

Chances are you already have a wide variety of different tools in your tech stack, each of which requires its own login, passwords, and so on.

This is where an IdP can come in handy. Okta defines an IdP or “Identity Provider” as a service that helps to manage digital identities. Companies can utilize an IdP to help give themselves and their employees easy access to all of the tools or areas of data that they have permission to access.

A good IdP gives you an added layer of security — all while streamlining much of the work that goes into logging in and out of different areas of your digital infrastructure throughout the day.

2. Set up a secure network.

It’s important to safeguard your company’s digital devices, but there’s another line of cybersecurity that you should tend to, as well: your network.

The overarching protection of your company’s network is called network security. The Wi-Fi experts at Plume define this as protecting your larger, web-connected network from the threat of infiltration.

There are many ways to do this. For example, you can encrypt your local network, change your router and admin passwords regularly, and set up guest networks for public users.

If you operate in a physical office space, you can address this easily, as you only need to protect one Wi-Fi router.

However, if you’re like many businesses in the post-pandemic era, you likely have employees working from home, too.

If that’s the case, it’s important to take steps to protect your staff’s home networks and routers, as well. You can start by training them to maintain good digital hygiene (more on that further down.) You can also equip them with dependable routers from companies that are known for their security.

Even so, be aware that it is always more difficult to protect your networks and keep data secure when your employees are working from different locations.

That’s why, along with a safe network, you want to keep your employees’ individual activities as safe as possible, which brings us to our last point.

3. Institute good digital hygiene.

Your data is only as safe as you are when you handle it.

Consider the example of an old-fashioned bank vault. A financial institution might have a vault with thick walls and massive locks. But if an employee opens it up when a thief is present, at that moment, they compromise all of the security that the vault offers.

It’s the same story with data.

You could have an air-tight cybersecurity program in place. But if you or your employees mishandle your devices, it can open up the opportunity for hackers to take advantage of the “door being open,” so to speak.

The best way to avoid this is by instituting good digital hygiene policies. SeaGlass Technology succinctly summarizes this term by explaining that it is the practice of cleaning up both electronic- and information-based assets and keeping them updated.

You can do this in multiple ways.

  • For instance, using strong, secure passwords is ground zero for good digital hygiene.
  • So is organizing your digital assets, like documents, files, and folders, so that you know where everything is.
  • Keeping all of your devices up to date is also critical. This includes installing updates and patches as soon as they’re available.

Digital hygiene isn’t just for the boss. It’s something that all of your employees should be comfortable with maintaining to help keep data secure. Take the time to define what the term means and then train your staff to keep up their digital hygiene over the long haul.

At this point, there are too many cyber threats to keep track of. With so many digital dangers lurking around every corner, it behooves even small business owners to take extra precautions.

The good news is that there are easy ways to do so. Find a good IdP. Secure your network. Train your staff to practice good digital hygiene. It’s little things like this that make the difference when a cybercriminal comes knocking.

The post 3 Ways to Protect Your Small Business and Keep Data Secure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61721
Data Protection: A GDPR Update https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/data-protection.html/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:50:37 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61505 A four-year analysis of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) adopted by the European Union reveals that following it was…stupid. That is to say, the right data choice by the U.S. Congress not to follow the European method of data protection brought enhanced data safety. How did we arrive at this point? Protection Fails in […]

The post Data Protection: A GDPR Update appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
A four-year analysis of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) adopted by the European Union reveals that following it was…stupid.

That is to say, the right data choice by the U.S. Congress not to follow the European method of data protection brought enhanced data safety. How did we arrive at this point?

Protection Fails in Europe

Europeans do not report that the restrictions have increased their internet confidence. In reality, most poll respondents in the United Kingdom and Germany believe the GDPR will have a neutral, if not hostile, effect.

According to a new Canadian report, the GDPR imposes a massive regulatory burden on regulators and businesses. The GDPR apparently harms small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and increases consumer complexity. Similarly, it includes frustration with endless pop-ups and “consent fatigue,” reduces innovation, and obstructs cross-border commerce.

The lack of EU-based digital businesses development might be a significant indictment of the GDPR. Today, Europe accounts for just 3% of global internet value, and it is on the verge of being surpassed by Africa. Meanwhile, Google (Alphabet), Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and TikTok, a Chinese app, have expanded their market share and profitability in Europe.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) has GDPR-style standards, and its high compliance cost is a small company killer.

Fortunately, a realistic solution protects consumers without putting undue strain on businesses and regulatory agencies. The Uniform Law Commission (ULC), a non-profit organization comprised of 350 commissioners selected by the different U.S. states, prepares model legislation to offer consistency and clarity to contradictory state and federal laws.

During the pandemic, hundreds of data protection stakeholders, including ULC commissioners, worked to establish a model code known as the Uniform Personal Data Protection Act (UPDPA).

Protection of Customer Data Needs a Wake-Up Call

The Act establishes fair information practices (FIPPs) for collecting and using personal data. It also specifies compatible, incompatible, and forbidden data use. The Act protects and ensures that consumers have a reasonable cost to regulators and businesses.

The risk-based approach, which balances the interests of consumers and companies while allowing for flexibility and innovation that may benefit consumers, is critical to the UPDPA’s effectiveness. Its emphasis on entities that “keep” data as part of a system of records about individual data subjects for retrieval for customized communication or decisional treatment is a fundamental limiting concept.

For example, there are fewer data breaches before small business audits than after. Another benefit of the UPDPA is that it creates a safe harbor for low-risk suitable activities that do not need permission. These behaviors are in the person’s best interests and are within their reasonable expectations.

For instance, two examples are leveraging location data for a community’s COVID risk assessment and targeted advertising while accessing free content and services. Small businesses are exempt from the UPDPA for practical reasons. The Ukraine offers a grim example. No one wants to repeat these mistakes.

A Requirement for Consent

A requirement is consent for practices that pose a risk. Technology for small businesses always carries risks.

When sensitive personal data is breached — such as race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, immigration status — it’s legally actionable. Even more so for financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, government-issued identification numbers, and real-time geolocations. Criminal records, medical diagnoses, or information about children under the age of 13 is also a growing risk.

Prohibited behaviors include shame, ridicule, intimidation, harassment, or identity theft that is carried out without appropriate security. These might result in financial, bodily, or reputational damage. Selling personal data for marketing purposes is an incompatible activity as well.

People also have the right to a copy of personal data and the ability to rectify and change it under the UPDPA.

Data controllers must follow a clear and easily accessible data privacy policy that discloses the types of personal information kept, notification of practices, procedures for responding to data subjects’ rights, applicable state and federal laws, and any voluntary consensus standards (VCS) they use.

VCS is a collection of user-developed, bottom-up tailored rules for specific applications, services, and contexts. Therefore, the office will notify the appropriate attorney general if they encourage innovation and standardization for the sake of online data protection.

Oklahoma, Nebraska, and the District of Columbia have already enacted the UPDPA. The Act allows states to include enforcement measures from an implementing state’s existing consumer protection law.

However, state attorneys general may issue regulations to execute the Act. They are expected to work together to promote consistency in enforcement. Private action delays the adoption of federal internet data protection laws. The UPDPA leaves that up to each state.

The post Data Protection: A GDPR Update appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61505
Opportunity For Fraudsters Digital Dependency https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/fraudsters-digital-dependency.html/ Mon, 07 Mar 2022 13:40:06 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61430 For fraudsters, the future of fraud looks bright, but for those of us who rely on technology, it’s a never-ending struggle to keep watchful. Every few years, the speed of the digital revolution accelerates. We are now in one of these eras. For fraudsters, the future of fraud looks bright, but for those of us […]

The post Opportunity For Fraudsters Digital Dependency appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
For fraudsters, the future of fraud looks bright, but for those of us who rely on technology, it’s a never-ending struggle to keep watchful.

Every few years, the speed of the digital revolution accelerates. We are now in one of these eras. For fraudsters, the future of fraud looks bright, but for those of us who rely on technology, it’s a never-ending struggle to protect assets.

A genuine present meets a very futuristic future in Experian’s Annual Fraud Forecast for 2022. Like the now-iconic and authentic Tinder Swindler, cybercriminals build each new scam on a new habit. Fraud is always an antidote to action.

NFT? Metaverse? Exercise caution.

In his now-viral YouTube video Line Goes Up, Dan Olsen characterizes the present hoopla surrounding NFTs as a poverty trap.

The creation of the rich and winners puts newbies at risk. Dan says cryptocurrency is a larger fool scheme, where users must encourage others to participate in recouping their investment. This inevitably causes price increases in the small business technology sector.

According to Juniper Research, merchant losses due to online payment fraud would total $206 billion between 2021 and 2025. That’s why organizations need to invest in fraud protection systems to avoid future frauds and losses. Businesses and consumers must be mindful of fraudsters’ ingenuity and agility in our digital-first era, said Kathleen Peters, North American chief innovation officer at Experian Decision Analytics. They use data and sophisticated analytics to assist companies in detecting fraud and safeguarding customers. The way we pay for goods has changed, and it hasn’t only gone more online.

The way we pay increases our vulnerability to fraudsters.

Paying for internet purchases in installments rather than buying everything at once is becoming more popular. These companies didn’t invent the notion. They use credit and installments only for significant transactions.

As a result of making smaller transactions more appealing, in 2021, 45 million BNPL customers will spend over $20.8 billion. Since 2018, the industry has grown above 300 percent annually.

Then there’s Bitcoin. Record investment and hype naturally lead to record frauds.

From October 2020 to March 2021, the FTC recorded over $80 million in Bitcoin fraud losses. Suddenly, a $4.5 billion crypto laundering plan operated by a husband and wife team with a rapper alter ego dubbed Razzlekhan surfaced. Netflix has everything it needs for its next real crime documentary.

Confusion provides an opportunity for malfeasance.

Because cryptocurrency is so new, people will use it to extract, store and hide stolen assets. The size of the business doesn’t matter.

Cryptocurrency is very confusing, says Tina Mulqueen, creator of The Block Talk and Admonsters’ Top Women in Media for 2021.

Fraudsters will exploit any uncertainty. We witnessed that with ICOs and now with NFTs. There are good projects, but investors need to educate themselves about the market. It shouldn’t deter people from using cryptocurrencies, investing in them, or even investing in blockchain.

But it takes practice. The initial measures are to utilize several levels of verification and a hard wallet or “cold storage.”

Decentralization is an intriguing notion since using blockchain — hundreds of online ledgers to verify anything — makes it more verifiable. But customers dislike being misunderstood. It’s the same reason most parents don’t want their kids on TikTok.

Blockchain and crypto will expand. We recently had the first “Crypto Super Bowl” in terms of advertising. BMCS established the first Sumcoin Index Fund last week, effectively one coin that follows the Top 100 cryptocurrencies based on market capitalization.

The metaverse will expand opportunities for fraud.

Then there’s the metaverse, which is currently only partly known.

The idea of effortlessly engaging in a virtual environment isn’t new. They already sell marketers on new income streams from virtual shopping experiences and digital products.

If our workplaces become part of the metaverse rather than simply a Zoom screen, we need to make sure our meta identities mirror what we want to show to the world, our coworkers, or anybody else.

We’re already living in a metaverse of sorts.

For example, this happens if your child plays NBA2k. They play, earn virtual cash, and spend on character costumes, traits, and haircuts. As characters in an evolving online realm, they compete against other online rivals. It’s a pretty basic metaverse.

But it also makes you more aware of the deception.

In the new Horizon Worlds app, parents are already worried. We can already observe concerns with identity fraud in the metaverse. The uncontrolled market for purchasing and selling NFTs will witness significant scam efforts.

It’s impossible to build long-term wealth in crypto and the metaverse. This argument is from Alan Smithson, co-founder of MetaVRse and co-creator of the metaverse’s first mall, set to debut in 2022. Smithson also developed the Metaverse Manifesto, which describes future XR ethics.

Building the future of human connection, cooperation, culture, and commerce requires more responsibility.

The now requires alertness.

Even if the attention shifts to new digital behaviors, ransomware is still a significant problem.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center estimates a theft of $133 million between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FCEN) reported $590 million in ransomware activity in the first half of 2021, compared to $416 million in 2020. Remember The Tinder Swindler, the cautionary story (no spoilers).

People could create intimate reliable connections without meeting in person since more people used dating apps and social media to find love during the epidemic. A rise in romance-related scams certainly was inevitable. Con artists take advantage of romantic connections to beg for money or a “loan” to pay anything from a vacation to medical expenditures. Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu highlights this vital story (again, no spoilers).

The key is never to let your guard down, whether in business, cyberspace, or personal concerns. It doesn’t hurt to think like a fraudster in an increasingly virtual world.

The post Opportunity For Fraudsters Digital Dependency appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61430
Five Ways You Can Stay Healthy As a Small Business Owner https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/03/healthy-small-business-owner.html/ Sat, 05 Mar 2022 12:10:03 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61075 Being a small business owner often means that you are the one running the show. That being the case, it’s critical that you stay healthy. In most cases, being the boss is ideal and can lead to many fewer headaches. However, as the person in charge, if you come down with an illness, it’s bad […]

The post Five Ways You Can Stay Healthy As a Small Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Being a small business owner often means that you are the one running the show. That being the case, it’s critical that you stay healthy.

In most cases, being the boss is ideal and can lead to many fewer headaches. However, as the person in charge, if you come down with an illness, it’s bad for your small business. And owning a small business can be stressful.

Heavy stress leads to an immune system that is not as strong as usual. Therefore, you are at risk of getting sick more easily. Obviously, you do not want your small business to be abandoned if you get sick. So, here are some tips to keep yourself healthy.

1. Focus on getting good sleep.

Above all else, make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night.

A lack of sufficient and quality sleep can lead to a huge number of health issues. Poor sleep can cause lessened cognitive reasoning, and even put a strain on your heart.

Owning a small business can be exciting, and starting one can have you busier than you ever thought possible. Sleep may be the farthest thing from your mind in many cases, visit http://affectivebrain.com/?attachment_id=5775. You may be putting in the long hours to see your business grow and thrive.

But if you are getting a good night’s sleep during the grind, eventually your body will catch up to you. When that happens, you will get sick and be forced to take the rest you need.

2. Keep eating healthy.

Time is going to be the one thing you wish most that you had more of. However, as a small business owner, do not allow that to cut into how you are taking care of yourself.

You may not have time to cook or sit down and eat every time you get hungry. And yet, you need to try to continue to pay attention to what you are eating.

Fast food and gas station snacks will not allow you to maintain a full workday energy schedule for very long. Healthy, convenient choices are easy to find if you know where and how to look.

3. Take time for yourself.

You may be thinking that giving yourself a vacation is not going to be possible for years. Yet, it is crucial to maintain your health while you are growing your business.

You do not have to plan for any extended time off. Instead, taking a small amount of time for yourself daily or even weekly will help keep you healthy.

If necessary, schedule this time into your calendar along with everything else. Give yourself an hour of meditation, a yoga class, or even just a walk outside in the sunshine.

4. Pay attention to the warning signs.

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and overwhelming to-do list of owning your own business. Yet, when burnout happens, it may happen quickly and unexpectedly.

If you’ve been feeling run-down or achy lately, it may be your body trying to tell you something. Perhaps you’re coming down with a cold and you’re overdue for some rest and relaxation.

Or maybe you decided to forgo using protection that one time, thinking it wasn’t that big of a deal. If this is the case, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor–or at the very least use one of the latest in at-home test kits. Through advances in technology, you can take everything from a fertility test to a vitamin D test to a testosterone test at home.

Preventing this type of illness from getting worse will help put you back on the right track for optimal wellness.

5. Exercise and hydrate.

You do not have to stick to a rigid exercise routine to get the benefits of exercise daily.

Even a ten-minute walk has been proven to lower stress levels and improve fitness if you make it a habit. Exercising may also help you focus, sleep better, and stay on the packed schedule you set for yourself.

And while you are exercising, or even if you aren’t, do not forget to hydrate. You would be amazed at the list of positives that comes with having a well-hydrated body.

Being a small business owner does not have to be all about stress and a never-ending to-do list. Put some work into yourself at the front end. Doing so will allow you to put more work into your business in the long run.

Plus, it will help you continue to feel your best throughout the exciting process of building your business.

The post Five Ways You Can Stay Healthy As a Small Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61075
Payments: The Potential Impact of Business Technology https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/payments-impact-technology.html/ Mon, 28 Feb 2022 11:50:59 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61327 Payment systems for business-to-business (B2B) transactions were desperate for an overhaul, and the pandemic only magnified the problem. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on businesses payments in ways our history has not seen in decades. Long-standing business practices are outdated overnight, causing businesses to scurry. The digital age may not be kind to your business. […]

The post Payments: The Potential Impact of Business Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Payment systems for business-to-business (B2B) transactions were desperate for an overhaul, and the pandemic only magnified the problem.

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on businesses payments in ways our history has not seen in decades. Long-standing business practices are outdated overnight, causing businesses to scurry. The digital age may not be kind to your business.

Now, employees must work remotely when social distance regulations are fully implemented, and offices are shuttered. Organizations use digital technology in huge numbers (and at unprecedented rates) to adapt. Companies cut three to four years off digitalizing their customer engagements, supply-chain connections, and internal activities. Consequently, their digital product deployments sped up by an incredible seven years.

People still feel the ramifications of this massive transition inside enterprises. Consequently, the payments landscape is finally changing after a lengthy period of stagnation.

B2B Payments Require a Makeover

Historically, businesses have been hesitant to change their payment methods, citing privacy and security issues and a general lack of demand.

Many businesses still use paper checks as a means of payment. Alternatives to paper payments that coexist alongside checks include the Automated Clearing House (ACH), wires, and cards, but each has its own set of problems, as you’ll see below.

Circumstances are pushing B2B firms to fix old payment mechanisms. These mechanics no longer operate in this digital age due to the arrival of this virtual world.

Businesses today want their payment systems to provide more payment alternatives and process transactions more quickly. Convenience is becoming a need. Modern B2B payments must be rapid, simple, and frictionless, like consumer purchases.

Significant advances in internet security and privacy are assisting in alleviating many of the worries that companies previously had. That is to say, particularly as they pertain to eCommerce and e-payments.

Digital Payment Methods Are Becoming More Global

As the shift from conventional to online commerce gains traction, small business payment solutions must evolve to keep up.

Consumers in the business world are clamoring for contactless transactions, which will increase by 41% by 2020. With such a linked world, contactless payment alternatives are internationally oriented.

With antiquated and sluggish systems, this desire still falls flat.

Technology has started to close the gap through internet apps by allowing for more frictionless and instantaneous cash transfers. While costs for calculating exchange rates, digital wallets, and other eCommerce payment methods may still exist, these solutions are less expensive than credit cards.

Furthermore, other methods such as ACH and wire enable money to be sent considerably more quickly. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) will push the frontiers of banking.

That is to say, as technology continues to find its way into the payments sphere. Consequently, producing a far more fair playing field throughout the world.

Artificial Intelligence’s Ascension

The emergence of artificial intelligence in the workplace could not have happened at a better moment.

The pandemic has resulted in a substantially smaller workforce, which is regrettable. Leaders must simplify tasks for more innovative work with fewer team members. AI provides for a smaller workforce while simultaneously lowering the margin of error.

More mundane duties, such as payment posting and remittance monitoring may be done promptly and perfectly by technology. That is to say, we can automate things that are prone to human mistakes.

We may also train AI to do higher-level jobs like payment behavior analysis, which takes time and effort. Artificial intelligence (AI) for analysis gives immediate feedback on payment patterns and payer behavior.

Use of AI by accounts receivable teams to streamline the whole payment process, eliminate human error, and reduce cybersecurity concerns.

B2B BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

BNPL has lately been seen in B2B sectors. The BNPL option reaches a far larger audience of customers, those people who would not have been able to buy in the past owing to a lack of cash or credit.

The controlled and regular installments — typically with no extra costs — also increase the amount spent on every transaction. The “loan” does come with a bit of a fee for the seller.

Still, with AI’s advancement, they may conduct a thorough risk assessment based on a customer’s previous transaction data to ensure payback. This is another example of artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizing the payment industry.

Cryptocurrency’s Function

Payment choices are multiplying due to the emergence of AI and the slingshot effect of the pandemic.

Don’t overlook cryptocurrency when contemplating the future of contactless digital payments. Although there has been an increase in digital payment choices in the last year, we will require a greater emphasis on worldwide solutions.

While digital wallets and QR code payments are convenient, they can have drawbacks. These payment alternatives are related to specific financial institutions and operate in local currencies.

Instead, Bitcoin employs decentralized finance (defi), eliminating the need for private institutions or third-party intermediaries. Furthermore, cryptocurrency’s single currency would remove the need for complicated currency conversion formulae.

Of course, like with everything, there are hazards to consider. Cybersecurity is a significant problem because the whole procedure and currency are online. There is still a lot of progress before the world adopts cryptocurrency and defi, but it is the way of the future.

A crucial conclusion from the pandemic’s digital breakthroughs is that technology evolves at breakneck speed. To be relevant, businesses must stay ahead of the curve.

As your business grows, look to technology for a more streamlined approach to payments and a lower margin of error.

The post Payments: The Potential Impact of Business Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61327
The Best Marketing Automation Tools for SMBs https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/automation-tools-for-smbs.html/ Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:25:15 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61290 Today’s automation technology can help organizations across every sector move all or at least part of their operations to the cloud. It’s now or never to move your automation marketing to the cloud and gain added security. According to marketing expert Clare Price, global corporations have been investing in automation for decades. During the epidemic […]

The post The Best Marketing Automation Tools for SMBs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Today’s automation technology can help organizations across every sector move all or at least part of their operations to the cloud.

It’s now or never to move your automation marketing to the cloud and gain added security.

According to marketing expert Clare Price, global corporations have been investing in automation for decades. During the epidemic years of 2020 and 2021, that investment paid off handsomely. During the early lockdowns, companies were able to swiftly convert to remote work thanks to automation. Price is the founder and CEO of Octain Growth Systems, a worldwide strategic planning consulting organization that helps businesses increase profits, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Because they had the automatic systems in place, she says, major organizations were in a better position for the hybrid work environment, which includes both in-office and remote employees. Small businesses and solopreneurs, according to Price, did not do as well. When the lockdowns came, they had to scurry to regain momentum.

What’s the end result? Small company owners increasingly see the value of automation in driving operational efficiency in their businesses, adds Price. Today’s technology can help company owners and marketers in any sector move all or part of their activities to the cloud. The following five marketing functions, according to Price, should be automatic.

Appointment Scheduling

Taking your appointment scheduling online allows you to escape the monotony. It provides clients with flexibility and ensures that your time is inviolate when you need it. These are definitely worth a look.

Individual client appointments may be done using calendaring software such as Calendly and Calendarwiz. Try TimeTap for a more comprehensive appointment-setting solution, as well as virtual administrative help for class scheduling and training. Multiple locations, class scheduling, customizable booking forms, and automated payments are all in TimeTap.

Simplybook.me is a professional services booking system that includes online booking, alerts, payments, and marketing incentives such as discounts, gift cards, memberships, and product sales. SimplyBook.me also provides a presence in their professional services directory.

Automation Software for Creating Proposals

Invest in proposal software if your organization sends job proposals manually. Particularly in professional services. Proposal software not only reduces the amount of non-billable time you spend crafting your proposal, but it also keeps track of the prospects’ responses by recording when, what, and how they look at what you supplied them.

Instead of guessing and sending blind follow-ups, imagine knowing when your prospect read your proposal. Imagine knowing which pages piqued their interest.

Was it because of the advantages? Features? Pricing? Knowing this will let you deliver a follow-up message that is tailored to their individual interests.

Proposal tools such as PandaDoc, Proposify, and BidSketch may help you achieve just that. The majority of them provide a limit-free free version or trial. This can help any small business.

Systems for Email Marketing

If email marketing is your major marketing strategy, there are a plethora of efficient and low-cost options available today.

Many basic marketing operations are automated by marketing automation software, allowing your team to thrive in demand and lead creation. Email marketing systems to sophisticated demand and lead generating and prospecting platforms are all available. Marketing automation is an important part of digital and social media marketing’s success.

Management of Customer Relationships (CRM)

One cloud sales enablement tool that no company should be without is a solid CRM solution.

Building customer connections is at the heart of CRM software solutions. They allow your sales force to engage with prospects and monitor their interactions with your company. From start to finish. Contact management, lead management, opportunity management, and sales forecasting are all features of CRM systems.

Integration with Marketing Automation Systems

To make remote work succeed, you must keep customers pleased by providing a consistent customer experience (CX) to each client. They anticipate receiving assistance as soon as possible via a variety of channels and gadgets.

Every provider must now provide an Amazon-like experience to their customers. In today’s trying circumstances, phone and email help are no longer sufficient. With two online CX investments, every small company owner can drastically improve their customer service experience.

Live Chat

Live chat transforms your website from a static informational resource to a real-time customer support center. It helps you to cut reaction times down to seconds rather than hours.

Most significantly, it aids in the growth of your business. According to the American Marketing Association, B2B organizations that employ live chat witnessed a 20 percent boost in conversions on average. Live Chat, ZenDesk, and Olark are the three suggested live chat software options.

Simply said, automation provides both top-line and bottom-line advantages that help your team, no matter how small, increase earnings, productivity, and efficiency.

The post The Best Marketing Automation Tools for SMBs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61290
5 Ways to Engage Your Employees for Building a More Eco-Friendly Brand https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/engage-your-employees.html/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:40:02 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61404 Various companies worldwide are committing to becoming sustainable by reducing their environmental footprints and developing eco-friendly behavior at workplaces. How? By engaging employees and building eco-friendly policies together. For example, WeWork, a co-working space company, announced that they’d no longer serve or buy meat products at their professional events. Further, companies such as Starbucks have […]

The post 5 Ways to Engage Your Employees for Building a More Eco-Friendly Brand appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Various companies worldwide are committing to becoming sustainable by reducing their environmental footprints and developing eco-friendly behavior at workplaces. How? By engaging employees and building eco-friendly policies together.

For example, WeWork, a co-working space company, announced that they’d no longer serve or buy meat products at their professional events. Further, companies such as Starbucks have issued statements regarding the non-use of plastic straws to tackle plastic pollution.

Embedding sustainability efforts have a positive impact on business performance. In fact, 80% of customers prefer to buy products and services from companies with a proven record of sustainability regarding reducing their carbon footprint.

Developing an environmentally conscious workplace begins with your employees as your people must believe in your vision and practice sustainable activities before anybody else does. However, getting them excited about simple eco-friendly activities such as putting waste in a bin, saving electricity, etc., is not an easy feat.

Why? Because many don’t care or say that it’s not their responsibility. Or maybe they care but say they don’t have time for it.

So, if you want to take your sustainable strategy to another level, getting your employees involved is crucial for its success. There’s no fixed strategy to engage employees — different techniques work in different situations as companies have different cultures and visions. But, there are a few powerful ways to engage your employees in the company’s sustainability mission. Let’s get into these.

How to Engage Your Employees to Embed Sustainability Internally

Here are five ways to engage your employees for embedding sustainability internally, not just on Earth or Environment Day, but every day.

1. Refine your brand’s long-run mission to include sustainability goals.

All companies have to earn profits to remain in the business, regardless of how it makes those profits. But, the thirst for profits has resulted in the destruction of natural resources and people, especially the most vulnerable populations.

So, the first tactic to engage employees is to ensure that the company’s long-term objectives are aligned with doing good to the people and the environment while also earning profits.

Every organization should define a clear, long-term social purpose in their overall strategy and reflect it through their brand and products.

For instance, in 2010, Unilever announced the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). It’s a roadmap for the organization’s growth strategy that explains how the company’s success depends on the success of the people and their environmental impact. This plan outlined three key goals:

  • Enhancing the well-being of over a billion people by improving their overall health.
  • Bettering the financial livelihoods of millions of people in Unilever’s supply chain (such as farmers).
  • Reducing the environmental footprint of the company’s products.

The organization’s social purpose enables employees to tap into some great opportunities to use the brand as a means to express their values and create something meaningful — in and out of work.

In short, this helps them understand the main motive behind the work they do.

2. Impart sustainability knowledge and competence.

If employees want to support their organization’s sustainability initiatives, they must know what sustainability is and how it can benefit society, the planet, as well as the company as a whole. Thus, providing sustainability knowledge and training is crucial in bolstering a “can do” attitude towards creating a sustainable culture.

Many companies feel that only people with “CSR” in the job titles require sustainability training. However, that’s not the case anymore. Professionals at all levels can benefit from sustainability and social responsibility knowledge, such as managers, leaders, consulting professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Companies such as IBM, Marks & Spencers, and Nestle have invested a lot in sustainability training, tools, and systems so employees can learn and apply sustainability in their work.

Here’s how you can train your employees:

  • Host casual meetings over lunch, conferences, seminars, and online training to discuss the different topics on business sustainability. Ask them about their opinions and tips on contributing to creating a sustainable culture.
  • Involve employees when creating relevant, sustainable policies for the company. This way, they will feel that their opinions are valued, increasing their morale and productivity. And, you can get some new ideas for improving your sustainability initiatives, which brings us to the next point…

3. Cocreate sustainable brand practices with employees.

Another effective way to engage employees in sustainability is to involve them in creating sustainability programs.

When companies act on even the smallest idea shared by the employees for the sustainability initiative — such as switching to using digital signatures or investing in office plants — they feel like a vital part of the organization. This, in turn, boosts their morale and loyalty towards the company.

Not only that, companies get a plethora of better and new ideas when they consider the workers’ suggestions. However, employees might hesitate to provide suggestions, especially if their ideas have been ignored in the past.

Therefore, it is essential to provide the right environment where employees can come together and get comfortable sharing their ideas. This might take time but is worth it in the long run.

One way to do this is by creating a green team. A green team involves employees engaged in improving the company’s sustainability.

Here, your employees can share their ideas freely and make decisions regarding their implementation. You can also gather more ideas during periodic staff meetings or send out an employee survey.

An excellent example of this is Marks & Spencer. An employee suggested placing clothes-recycling boxes in its stores to provide income for the International Oxfam movement. The idea was highly supported by the board and achieved tremendous success.

4. Gamify sustainability adoption.

Want to make your employees sustainable while entertaining them? Gamification is your best bet.

Nowadays, many organizations have started turning to gamification to engage and influence their employees and participate in sustainable initiatives. Basically, it uses gaming elements such as rewards and points to boost employee engagement in various activities.

Plus, it makes learning and training more interactive and fun.

Microsoft created the “One Drop of Life” app to raise awareness of the global water crisis among users. In this app, players have to navigate a water droplet through a maze full of twigs, leaves, and toxic waste to reach the collection of droplets.

If the droplet touches any garbage, it will become contaminated, and the game is over. At the end of each round, a factoid bubble appears, mentioning a fact about global water shortages. Such apps and games help employees learn about global issues and develop ideas to tackle them.

Furthermore, creating point-based leaderboards is an effective technique that appreciates the employees who participated more often in the company’s sustainable initiatives.

WeSpire has created a gamification platform where users earn points for completing various sustainable actions. For example, using eco-friendly products, recycling, or coming to the office via public transport.

Points are displayed on the leaderboards and shared on Facebook, inspiring positive change in others.

The platform has become a massive success that companies like Sony and McDonalds use to introduce their sustainability challenges to their employees.

5. Make your sustainability efforts visible.

Today, more and more companies are becoming eco-friendly, but they don’t provide any specific information on how they’re making a positive change for the people.

Also, announcing that sustainability is essential and doing nothing about it is a major step towards failure.

If you want to truly incorporate sustainability in your organization, you have to show it to others, including your employees.

From the hand soaps, paper towels, and toilet paper in employee bathrooms to whether or not you’ve installed durable, commercial-quality EV charging stations for businesses in the parking lot, these decisions create a domino effect.

Visibility plays a crucial role in changing employees’ beliefs and influencing them to contribute to various sustainable initiatives.

One way to boost visibility is to have clear indicators that you are tracking and sharing the progress with the employees — whether by posting updates on the employee news channel, communicating it in the regular meetings, etc.

Only when the employees understand your sustainability efforts and how you’re moving towards them will they be more enthusiastic in contributing towards the same.

Furthermore, it is also necessary to celebrate successes — both big and small. Employees must feel that they have played an enormous role in achieving the company’s goals.

Symbols and signage are also effective tools to grab people’s attention towards the company’s commitment to sustainability. For example, Marks & Spencers has put up numerous signs to encourage their employees to take the stairs instead of an elevator, even if for a few floors only.

Wrapping Up

Sustainability initiatives are excellent for the people and the planet and also for boosting workplace morale. Including your employees in your ecological vision and influencing them to participate in different sustainable initiatives can go a long way toward making them satisfied and great ambassadors for your company.

The above tips can help you engage your employees, helping align their personal goals with those of your brand.

Equip them with the tools and tips to practice sustainability. Show them how their contributions help towards a greener world. When they feel proud for bringing a positive change, they’ll become more driven to work.

The post 5 Ways to Engage Your Employees for Building a More Eco-Friendly Brand appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61404
IRS Limits QSB Stock Tax Exclusion https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/tax-exclusion-limits.html/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:20:44 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61192 Filing the document Form 8275 with your tax return is somewhat akin to waving a red flag in front of the IRS and requesting to be audited. The IRS published tax guidelines restricting the scope of section 1202. Section 1202 allows taxpayers to exclude capital gains from the sale of QSBS provided specific requirements are […]

The post IRS Limits QSB Stock Tax Exclusion appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Filing the document Form 8275 with your tax return is somewhat akin to waving a red flag in front of the IRS and requesting to be audited.

The IRS published tax guidelines restricting the scope of section 1202. Section 1202 allows taxpayers to exclude capital gains from the sale of QSBS provided specific requirements are satisfied.

This is one of the IRS’s strictest gain exclusion rules. Will it impact the growth of small businesses?

The latest recommendation was CCA 202204007 (November 4, 2021), which went public on January 28, 2022. This guidance comes from the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in Washington, D.C. To avoid fines, taxpayers must have “substantial authority” for the tax treatment of an item.

Significant authority correlates to a 40% success rate. Filing that document with a tax return is like waving a red flag in front of the IRS and requesting to be audited.

CCA

CCA taxpayers sold appreciated stock and claimed capital gain exclusion under section 1202.

The CCA examines whether the firm is involved in a qualifying trade or business (QTB). Except for those designated in section 1202(e), every company is a QTB (3). The applicable exclusion is for “brokerage services.”

The IRS decided that the taxpayer was not a typical broker since it did more than an intermediary. The judgment narrowed the brokerage services exception, allowing more taxpayers to qualify for the QSBS deduction.

Officials summarized this judgment before.

Potential lessees utilize the site to make nonbinding reservations for particular amenities. Likewise, once a lessor and lessee have agreed, they sign a lease agreement and make all lease payments online. The website also hosts web pages for lessors to use to lease their facilities.

Brokerage Services

The IRS found the company’s business of administering the website includes “brokerage services” based on these facts, which may surprise the taxpayer. After all, the firm acts as a mediator between lessors and lessees, which is exactly what a broker does.

The IRS concluded that neither section 1202 nor case law defines “brokerage services.”

It next examined the definition of “broker” in the dictionary and other sections of the Internal Revenue Code that provide similar exemptions for brokerage services. The IRS defines a broker as one who works as a middleman and one who is hired by another to negotiate contracts or act as a mediator, particularly between potential buyers and sellers.

The IRS noted that there are different types of brokers. Just because you don’t usually get the reference as a broker does not exclude the likelihood you are one.

The IRS looked up similar tax rules. One section on information reporting described a broker as “anyone who routinely acts as a middleman about property or services” for a fee.

Although the requirements in that part restrict information reporting to brokers who only deal in specific kinds of financial assets, the IRS concluded that the definition of a broker remained wide enough to extend to the company’s internet activities.

The law also contains a broker ordering regulation that applies to different brokers. As used in this regulation, a real estate broker is in charge of concluding the deal, as well as the seller’s and buyer’s brokers.

IRS Rules Tax Provision

For example, a taxpayer provides brokerage services to perform customer transactions and is compensated based on actual trades.

The business operates as a mediator, connecting buyers and sellers, and does more than merely passively display ads on its website. It also does not present consumers with content or targeted advertising based on their search history.

In exchange for facilitating lease agreements between prospective lessors and lessees of real estate, the firm charges a fee.

The CCA is the IRS’s sixth QTB declaration and the first to declare the company is not a QTB. The circumstances of the CCA do not favor the taxpayer. As a result, it is difficult to claim that the new guideline constitutes a paradigm change at the IRS.

The implication appears to be that the IRS is scrutinizing QSBS exclusion claims and will not hesitate to challenge taxpayers’ claims. Taxpayers requesting a QSBS exclusion should record their share and engage with their consultants to ensure sound arguments.

Tax Yourself…to Protect Yourself

In conclusion, tax yourself first. Before the Treasury Department has to do it for you.

However, this means good bookkeeping and excellent data retrieval ability. Use a cloud platform you can trust. If you can’t do it yourself, hire or outsource it.

The rules change constantly. If you can’t keep up, get an expert. Fines and interest on taxes mount up fast. Don’t get caught in that trap.

The post IRS Limits QSB Stock Tax Exclusion appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61192
Use an Organizational Chart or QR Codes for Reactions? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/organizational-chart-or-qr-codes.html/ Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:25:18 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61168 Most big firms, particularly those young and developing, find it challenging to create an organizational chart or use QR codes for feedback. Why spend time on an organizational chart when the world is coming apart? That is an excellent question. Most firms see it as a time-consuming corporate activity. And, in the aftermath of shutdowns […]

The post Use an Organizational Chart or QR Codes for Reactions? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Most big firms, particularly those young and developing, find it challenging to create an organizational chart or use QR codes for feedback.

Why spend time on an organizational chart when the world is coming apart?

That is an excellent question. Most firms see it as a time-consuming corporate activity. And, in the aftermath of shutdowns and a pandemic, it’s more complicated than ever to figure out who is responsible for what.

We all had to make a significant shift in our workplace in 2020, and it seems like everyone has had the same job description since then, namely “additional responsibilities as appropriate.”

Should small companies bother with an org chart in this day and age, when the world and our enterprises are constantly changing? By the way, how’s your tech branding coming along?

Here are several contradictory facts, as well as a preliminary conclusion.

Appropriate business requires reasonable limits. People have seen that clear lines of duty and procedure differentiate the best from the others.

That’s what an effective organizational chart does. Chaos reigns supreme when there are no limits.

Clarity has a nice side to it.

Org charts might be challenging to create, but they give definition and clarity. The loudest voice triumphs when no one understands who reports to whom and who is accountable for what.

And the most pressing need receives attention, even if it is a different voice and a minor requirement.

Is there another advantage? Coworker relationships benefit from clear limits.

How are you navigating The Great Resignation?

And while we navigate the Great Resignation, wise leaders will do everything possible to keep their teams together.

Tight limits result in an inflexible corporation that cannot adapt to changing times and crises. During the chaos of 2020, thousands of firms needed assistance with staffing, payroll, and other pivots.

Agility was a common denominator among the firms that survived (and even thrived) throughout that year. They could all shift, which meant abandoning the formality of “the way we’ve always done things” and the statement “that’s not in my job description.”

The downside of organizational chart technology is that it might make the team excessively inflexible, which doesn’t work in an era when agility and flexibility are becoming more critical.

So, the issue is whether to use an org chart or not. It would be nice to provide a general response because, you know, each team is different.

What works for your team in 2021 may not work in 2022. It’s an art, not a science, to set reasonable limits while avoiding rigidity. And technology can help.

Do employees understand their roles and how the organization runs as a whole?

Is your company’s organizational chart assisting or limiting your ability to complete tasks in a changing environment?

Is it a servant who helps you be more productive or a master who hampers you?

Teams are living entities that evolve throughout the season. Every year, ask yourself these questions.

You’ll figure out the solution and be able to lead your squad to the most excellent decision for the season.

Consider employing QR codes to get feedback from customers.

Almost all customers do internet research before selecting to deal with a company.

An astonishing 79 percent of customers believe internet evaluations of local companies are as trustworthy as personal recommendations from friends or family!

When it comes to a lack of online evaluations for companies, the technology-driven world we live in today provides no room for error.

Getting 72 percent of customers to agree to submit an online review is as easy as asking them and providing a direct link, but how can a company owner be sure that the consumer will follow through? After all, time presses consumers.

QR codes make things easier for everyone.

Convenience is the solution, as it is with almost everything else in the realm of customer service.

No matter how pleased consumers are with the service they received, they are unlikely to look for the company online and submit a review. Some customers may not even know how to use the internet to offer favorable comments.

By using QR codes to collect client feedback, you may prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Here are three compelling reasons to use QR codes:

  • QR codes may be placed everywhere your consumer could view them. They can scan them quickly and easily.
    • Place a QR code on the front desk if you have a physical location.
    • If not, you may place your review-gathering QR code on the side of business cars, on stickers or magnets, or even as wallpaper on your technicians’ phones so clients can scan it after service.
  • You may customize QR codes to direct people to the relevant website, whether it’s Google, Facebook, or Yelp, depending on where your company would benefit the most from a review.
    • This is also an excellent approach for a company to see which QR codes clients are more likely to scan.
  • QR codes are becoming more popular and helpful.
    • According to a Statista poll conducted in June 2021, 45 percent of U.S. consumers had used a marketing QR code in the last three months.
    • 59 percent expected them to remain permanent.

Why wouldn’t small companies embrace the convenience and accessibility of QR codes to promote good internet reviews?

Who can read QR codes if they don’t have a smartphone?

Even if QR codes get wide use for business and consumer convenience, there will always be a few skeptics.

That’s OK. We all want to make life simpler for our consumers, even those who don’t have smartphones or aren’t acquainted with QR codes.

To avoid any complications, having an employee assist these consumers through discovering your company listing online and getting to the correct page is an intelligent solution.

Using QR codes to generate online reviews is one method to profit from their growing popularity. The fact that 87 percent of customers read evaluations of local companies online should be a primary focus for your small company in 2022.

The post Use an Organizational Chart or QR Codes for Reactions? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61168
How To Keep Your Project Pipeline Flowing https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/keep-project-pipeline-flowing.html/ Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:25:47 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60950 It’s that time of year when businesses look ahead to the future. In many businesses, such as construction, there are more projects than ever. The project pipeline is flowing freely in many industries. So, if you’re noticing that some people are getting more work than you are, now is a good time to take charge. […]

The post How To Keep Your Project Pipeline Flowing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
It’s that time of year when businesses look ahead to the future. In many businesses, such as construction, there are more projects than ever. The project pipeline is flowing freely in many industries. So, if you’re noticing that some people are getting more work than you are, now is a good time to take charge.

The top priorities for 2022 are to use new technology, automate drudgery, communicate clearly, stay organized, find your best project match for your pipeline, and actively build your network. Sounds like a great plan, right? Let’s jump in.

Adopt New Technologies

What’s your favorite way to communicate with prospects, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers? In the last year, we’ve all had a crash course in using Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Microsoft Teams to keep in touch.

Technology has evolved and so have expectations. More businesses are now looking at ways to adapt systems, build skills, and increase comfort with using new technology. Technology is a key growth trend that is poised to only increase.

Automate to Thrive

Speaking of stuff you hate, avoid, or procrastinate doing…take a look at automating your workflows. Consider ways to automate tracking construction project leads, invoicing, payroll, insurance, and state-specific requirements.

There’s no need to spend extra hours slaving over the forms, or losing a valuable weekend with your family because you’re stuck at the office doing paperwork.

Communicate to Succeed

Using technology and automating your workflow are key components to success in the New Year. Whether your company is a tiny one-person shop or a multi-state operation, effective communication is key to your success.

As you look for ways to boost communication skills, practice thinking about the person who is receiving the information. Many communication experts suggest that the key is simplicity. Speak in short sentences. Write clear and concise emails. Take the time to ensure that you don’t leave any room for error or misinterpretation.

Whether you are communicating within your office, sharing information with your team, or submitting a proposal, your efforts in communication can make you stand out above the competition.

Stay Organized With Project Pipeline Leads

As demand increases, so do the requirements to stay organized. After all, if you’re managing multiple projects in multiple states, you need to have all your projects, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in an up-to-date database.

But what if organization isn’t your thing? The fact is that a lot of business owners need to have the support of administrators, data managers, and analysts to thrive. If you know you are not the right person for the job, hire staff who love to do the stuff you hate.

Find Projects In Your Area

There’s always a toss-up between finding projects and doing projects — especially if you are a solo entrepreneur. Many small business owners find that when business is booming, it’s challenging to actively seek out new projects. You can keep your calendar full of exciting projects by balancing your current workflow with a rigorous approach to finding new projects.

While you’re looking for projects, define your criteria. Start with location, so you can book projects that will support your health, shorten commuting, and enable you to nurture your relationships. Target your main projects to be local within a comfortable commuting distance, so you can maintain a good work-life balance.

Naturally, as you look for projects, consider ones that you are uniquely suited for with your specific expertise and training. Using construction software will help you review project documents online, instead of driving all over the county to talk to construction managers.

Search for the projects that match your specific criteria, such as construction type, project type, and timeline. By focusing your search, you’ll build confidence and strength in finding the opportunities that are genuinely best for you.

As you work to find local projects, use software to stay in touch with other contractors. Streamline your bidding process so you can submit unlimited bids and fill out your calendar with the jobs you want.

Build Your Nationwide Network

As projects become available in diverse areas of the country, it’s essential to build your national network. Many construction managers and subcontractors have relied on a personal network of trusted and vetted peers for out-of-state projects. This may have worked in the past.

However, there are ways to reduce barriers and increase your national network that can help your business grow. For instance, you can consider using computer software built for the construction industry. This technology can help you make important connections, share project opportunities, and stay in touch with the workforce in different locations.

The post How To Keep Your Project Pipeline Flowing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60950
Use Data to Better Understand Customer Needs https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/data-understand-customer-needs.html/ Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:20:50 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61223 Data helps us better comprehend the world around us, including the people who live in it! We can leverage data to understand customer needs. Data is now undeniably a key driver of corporate success. The ability to get insights from the ever-increasing volume and complexity of accessible data increasingly separates market winners from losers. One […]

The post Use Data to Better Understand Customer Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Data helps us better comprehend the world around us, including the people who live in it! We can leverage data to understand customer needs.

Data is now undeniably a key driver of corporate success. The ability to get insights from the ever-increasing volume and complexity of accessible data increasingly separates market winners from losers.

One of its most effective advantages is its ability to help us better analyze and respond to changing customer behavior.

On a social level, it has helped us comprehend the activities and movements of individuals during the Covid-19 epidemic. In finance, corporations have excelled at recognizing outlier behavior that might indicate something shady is afoot.

A “360-degree consumer view” lets marketers identify people ready to purchase and place items and services directly in front of them.

Data helps address client demands (and catch tuna).

The more you know about your consumers, the better you anticipate their needs. You may also convey it to them in a manner that suits them.

An excellent comparison is tuna fishing. Initially, fleets of boats would set out, with no more information than historical success places.

Our capacity to discover and capture fish increased as technology advanced — first by learning to navigate the stars, then by predicting the weather by meteorology, and finally by GPS and sonar. We can now track fish using satellites and underwater sensors.

Commercial tuna fishers must stay up with the latest technological advances. If they don’t, they’ll be out-fished and go out of business.

Customer fishing follows the same rules. Others will surpass you if you don’t keep improving your capacity to utilize data to locate them and understand their behavior.

What data do you need to know your clients?

Many organizations start with transactional and point-of-sale data. So we can identify broad consumer patterns as well as local preferences.

This helps us build goods and services that consumers will pay for. It also allows us to price our items at levels where we are sure they will sell.

These are also quite precious. We can understand who buys what once we know what individuals purchase.

As usual, combining multiple forms of data is much more beneficial than using them alone. Working with personal data has certain dangers and duties.

Therefore, it’s essential to grasp data governance principles, i.e. how to comply with all legislation and earn your customers’ confidence by protecting their data.

Attitude data is just another basic form of data.

You can obtain this data via simple market research or more sophisticated social media sentiment analysis.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) – mainly machine learning – advanced analytics systems may develop automatic reports showing us who is using our goods and what they say about them.

Customer data collected via schemes like loyalty programs or activity monitoring may also be considered internal data.

You may also purchase consumer data and other external information to get further insights. This may contain economic statistics, GDP growth, climatic data, and local and global events.

One innovative window installer and maker allegedly pioneered a certain practice. He began using publicly accessible data on crimes like vandalism to determine where to best deploy its rapid-response window repair services.

It also combines data from services like Google Trends to identify what people are searching for online. More recent advancements like Facebook’s Custom Audience service utilize people choices. Users may input information about their consumers, and algorithms display their ads to other customers who share their profiles.

Putting all of this information together needs a sophisticated analytics infrastructure.

Target, for example, was able to anticipate when consumers were pregnant before they ever began shopping for baby things. Amazon has lately discussed adopting anticipatory shipping. Currently, this allows it to guarantee things are at the distribution facilities closest to clients, but it aims to ship items to customers before purchasing them.

Observations and micro-moments are the new drivers.

The goal is to capture “micro-moments” — split-second purchase opportunities that exist for just a few seconds but may be tremendously lucrative if spotted and acted on at scale.

Walmart collects petabytes of consumer data, but they consider only the most recent transactions in its prediction engines. Because it recognizes how quickly consumer behavior changes, only current data can tell us what’s occurring now and shortly. Don’t make mistakes. But if you do, learn from them.

A micro-moment is someone getting off an aircraft after a trip. They may need a hotel room, a cab, or simply a meal.

Previously, firms may have anticipated seeing an advertisement in the arrivals lounge. Marketers may now target them with a targeted text message, phone notification, or Facebook pop-up when they check in to let their friends and family know they’ve arrived safely.

Today’s data technology provides firms unparalleled insight into their consumers. We can better forecast client needs by merging transactional, demographic, and behavioral data from internal and external sources.

The post Use Data to Better Understand Customer Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61223
Tips for Boosting the Efficiency of Your Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/efficiency-of-your-small-business.html/ Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:15:50 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60851 Everyone who runs a small business knows that keeping the overhead low is integral to success. Not only do you need to keep as much money in the bank as possible, boosting the efficiency of the infrastructure will help you maintain the efficiency of your business overall. Whether it’s energy, water, electricity, or tangible materials, […]

The post Tips for Boosting the Efficiency of Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Everyone who runs a small business knows that keeping the overhead low is integral to success. Not only do you need to keep as much money in the bank as possible, boosting the efficiency of the infrastructure will help you maintain the efficiency of your business overall.

Whether it’s energy, water, electricity, or tangible materials, keeping up the efficiency of your small business will make a huge difference to the bottom line. If you pay attention to efficiency, you just may be able to grow and thrive.

Water Efficiency 

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you are in. Water is always a pivotal resource.

You likely need water in your business building or property. If you have an office, you will certainly need to pay for the water bill. One of the ways that businesses of all kinds pay more money for their water is because the mineral deposits and sediments build up in the pipes. To boost the efficiency of your small business, you’ll want to address this reality.

One way to avoid this is to upgrade to a soft water system and reverse osmosis. A commercial RO system is perfect for small businesses of all kinds.

“Reverse osmosis” is the process of filtering out the sediment and mineral build-up that occurs over time. It makes the water softer to the touch, filtered more thoroughly and helps avoid pipe build-up that makes you pay for more water you aren’t using.

Whatever business you are in, a commercial RO system will help lower the bills and use less water.

Lighting

Lighting is another culprit when it comes to bills and waste. You might not need as many lights as you have, and you can also change the bulbs.

LED light bulbs are more expensive, but they will pay for themselves. They last much longer and use a lot less energy. Your bills will be significantly lowered if you change all the bulbs to LEDs

Training your employees to turn off the lights may not be the easiest thing in the world, but if you can get it done and save money it will be worth it.

Of course, you should turn off the lights…but what about other electronics? Can you turn off other devices and unplug them when you aren’t using them? What else can you save money on when it comes to energy?

Operational Machinery

If you are operating a factory or a warehouse, the efficiency of your operational machinery matters.

You should be focusing on creating the best output while keeping the cost of operation down. The energy efficiency of your machines has a lot to do with this. Nowadays you can employ energy-saving appliances and machines for improving the efficiency of your small business.

Of course, it depends on what you’re doing, but if you make the effort to invest in modern machines that cut down on energy usage you will see a difference in the bottom line.

When you are involved in some form of production, spending the time and effort finding the methods to produce your products more efficiently could be the difference between success and failure.

Use Remote Technology

Since the pandemic began, one thing was clear — we weren’t using remote technology nearly enough.

There are many tools that can help you collaborate with your employees, wherever they are. With apps that enable you to work with each other from across the world or simply across the desk, there is no reason to put off work. You don’t need to be in the same room anymore to do just about anything.

Even if you work in a hands-on environment, you probably have employees who are engineers or other staff who work on computers. Administrative staff doesn’t need to be in the room as often as they used to be.

If you aren’t using remote technologies to make your business more efficient, you are missing out on some money saved.

It’s imperative to cut down on unnecessary energy from your employees and your office. Having people work from home will lower your overhead in all kinds of ways, power usage being one of them.

Gas Efficiency 

You might not think of your gas usage as something that needs to be curbed but think again.

The impact your thermostat has on your gas bill, for example, can greatly impact your business. Gas and electric companies typically recommend that you only have your thermostat turned up to 70 degrees in the winter to cultivate maximum energy efficiency.

One thing you can do is install a smart thermostat, which enables you to monitor and control the temperature of your property wherever you are from a smartphone.

Another thing you can do is make sure that the building is properly insulated. You want to control the temperature inside your facility as effectively as you can. Whether the things inside are sensitive or not, it will help you lower your bills and create a more energy-efficient environment.

Opportunities That Boost Your Bottom Line

When you are running a small business, every expense matters.

You need to grow and to grow it’s necessary to keep the overhead as low as possible. It’s necessary to get everything done the right way, but it’s another thing entirely to be wasteful.

Energy Star products, turning the lights off, changing the bulbs, using remote technologies, and plenty of other means to decrease energy and create a more efficient work environment are helpful in all kinds of ways.

Beyond the success of your business is the sustainability of our species on this planet.

No one will be able to have prosperous, happy lives if we continue to waste energy. Water, power, and gas are all valuable resources that we should use sparingly for our own benefit as well as the benefit of humanity. When the prices are cheaper, every business benefits. The money spreads around and we can create more wealth for all.

So, when you are thinking about your business, think about how sustainable it is. If you take the steps to make a sustainable business, you will see the results of that effort in the end.

The post Tips for Boosting the Efficiency of Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60851
Hiring and Recruiting Strategies https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/hiring-and-recruiting.html/ Fri, 11 Feb 2022 11:05:46 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61215 When increasing your team, you may need to refine your hiring and recruitment techniques to discover the most qualified candidates. As your small company continues to expand, you may discover that you need more assistance in the shop or office. However, even if you currently have a few extra hands on deck, increasing your team […]

The post Hiring and Recruiting Strategies appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
When increasing your team, you may need to refine your hiring and recruitment techniques to discover the most qualified candidates.

As your small company continues to expand, you may discover that you need more assistance in the shop or office. However, even if you currently have a few extra hands on deck, increasing your team may need to refine your hiring and recruiting techniques. Consequently, you will discover the most qualified candidates.

However, all organizations are different. So, regardless of how well-developed your hiring and recruitment methods are, it is best to review and analyze your efforts periodically. What does your staff think? Here are five questions to consider while you go about your business.

1. What is your current approach for hiring and recruiting employees?

Your existing hiring and recruitment methods might be as basic as word-of-mouth. What is the current trend?

Your existing hiring and recruitment methods might be as basic as word-of-mouth. Therefore, methods could be as complex as a lengthy application and multi-interview procedure with many rounds of interviews.

Neither is incorrect, but there are distinct requirements for various enterprises. However, determining which technique will bring you the most acceptable candidates for your vacant job is worth your time to think about.

2. What methods do you use to find job candidates?

Identifying and attracting the best candidates is a crucial aspect of the hiring and recruitment technology process.

The more you know about your ideal prospects, the less difficult it will be to attract them in the first place. Consider the methods by which you are recruiting talent and whether or not they are proving to be effective.

For example, if they are not, it may be worthwhile to spend additional time identifying the most qualified individuals for your available roles.

3. Do you invest money in the employment and recruitment process?

However, posting job vacancies might quickly become prohibitively costly.

Have you’ve invested in hiring and recruiting technologies? Maybe you put job postings on job boards. If so, be sure you’re being strategic in your approach to attracting the best people and achieving the outcomes you want.

If this is not the case, it’s time to investigate what is and is not functioning.

4. Have you thought about using social media to advertise your job openings?

Social networking may also be a fantastic and cost-effective tool to find new employees for your company.

Your postings should effectively recruit talent as long as they are purposeful and authentic in their tone and content. Therefore, numerous firms utilize social media to notify their networks or communities about new employment opportunities.

According to GlassDoor research, 79 percent of job searchers utilize social media to assist them in their job search.

5. Would a recruitment business be able to assist you in finding the best candidates?

Another excellent method of attracting top-tier talent is to consider employing a recruiter.

They may be beneficial in minimizing the stress associated with filling available jobs. However, it’s possible because they already have applicants that are a good match for your requirements.

If you opt to employ a recruiter, be sure that they are a good match for you. Therefore, they should understand your business, and have a track record of success in the field.

Whether you have managed a single direct report or a huge team, you are well aware that there are no assurances for employing new employees. However, you can take several crucial actions to increase your chances of bringing on the top individuals to your organization.

Quick-Check Questionnaire

1. What is your current approach for hiring and recruiting?

  • Your existing hiring and recruitment methods might range from simple word-of-mouth to a lengthy application and multi-interview procedure.
  • However, neither is incorrect, but various firms have different requirements.
  • It’s important spending the time to figure out what technique will bring you the best candidates for your available job.

2. How do you find applicants for job openings?

  • Targeting the proper people is a key element of hiring and recruitment.
  • It will be simpler to hire suitable people if you have more information about them.
  • Therefore, consider how you’re recruiting talent and whether or not it’s working.
  • If they aren’t, it could be worthwhile to spend extra time identifying the best prospects for your available roles.

3. Do you have a budget for hiring and recruiting?

  • Posting job vacancies might quickly become prohibitively costly.
  • Therefore, make sure you’re strategic in acquiring the correct people and the outcomes you want if you’ve invested in hiring and recruitment technologies or put job advertising on websites.
  • If not, it’s time to figure out what’s working and what isn’t.

4. Have you thought about using social media to advertise your job openings?

  • Social networking may also be a terrific, low-cost tool to find new employees for your company.
  • Therefore, you should be effective in attracting talent as long as your postings are purposeful and sincere.
  • Many firms utilize social media to announce job vacancies to their networks or communities.
  • According to a GlassDoor research, 79 percent of job searchers utilize social media in their job search.

The post Hiring and Recruiting Strategies appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61215
Five Ways to Maximize the Benefits of Technology https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/maximize-benefits-technology.html/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:20:33 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61101 It’s an age-old legend…well, at least as old as technology in business. After hearing about benefits gained by other companies, you invest. After hearing about its benefits from many other companies, a small firm decides to invest extensively in new technology. Including AI. Despite this, days, weeks, and even months pass without the corporation receiving […]

The post Five Ways to Maximize the Benefits of Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
It’s an age-old legend…well, at least as old as technology in business. After hearing about benefits gained by other companies, you invest.

After hearing about its benefits from many other companies, a small firm decides to invest extensively in new technology. Including AI. Despite this, days, weeks, and even months pass without the corporation receiving a complete return on its investment. The issue, among entrepreneurs, has only intensified due to the pandemic and the hasty adoption of technology that resulted.

So, what’s the real story behind that? There might be many explanations for this. For starters, the technology implementation may not be as excellent as you had hoped.

Maybe your employees weren’t adequately trained. Perhaps the technology wasn’t a suitable match for your specific requirements.

It’s possible that the technology isn’t all that useful in the first place. And in the context of the pandemic, hasty digital transformation efforts often result in poor technological outcomes.

Unfortunately, anybody dealing with today’s challenges will find that solving them without technology is challenging. (In truth, every business should now be a technology business, but that’s a discussion for another day.)

Fortunately, you can make efforts to ensure that the technology you choose provides you with all you need. Remember that these aren’t fail-safe formulas for success, but rather a set of suggestions that will help you get closer to the results you want from technology.

1. Choose your technology carefully.

This is one of the most often repeated tips, but it bears repeating.

Why? Because you don’t have to employ every single piece of technology available. Sure, some IT basics may drastically transform your business. Meanwhile, you must be reasonable in how and where you use them, even in such circumstances.

When deciding which technology to use, there are a few considerations to consider.

You must consider specific demands, industry circumstances, competitor movements, and future business prospects before making a choice.

However, there is a mentality that may assist you in making better tech decisions. Choose technology that will help you become a more agile and fast-paced firm. Combining DevOps and CI/CD principles with decoupled data, infrastructure, and digital solutions may go a long way.

2. Include cloud computing in your infrastructure as a must-have.

The advent of the everything as a service (XaaS) paradigm allows you to tap into the power of various technologies.

Moreover, without having to make significant expenditures. As a result, you may (and should) use cloud computing to implement technologies.

Utilizing things like artificial intelligence, analytics, and big data can help your company grow.

Yes, cloud computing is ideal for storing data and even running customer relationship management software on top of it.

However, there’s more. Cloud computing allows you the freedom to scale up or down your tech demands at any moment. Meanwhile, you gain access to technologies that would be significantly more expensive if you developed them yourself.

3. Use data to make decisions and track progress.

You must already be aware that you base your selections on the information available to you.

Adopting big data strategies, as well as analytics and artificial intelligence, may help you maximize your company’s potential. This involves technology adoption and performance considerations.

Looking at the correct data may help you figure out which technologies are good for you. Consequently deciding when the optimum moment is to implement them.

Furthermore, when assessing the output and performance of new technology, data should be at the core of your monitoring activities. Data collected from the technology you adopt will offer you insights that will assist you.

Furthermore, you can determine what to alter, adapt, and scale up or down.

4. Invest in technology that will benefit the whole firm.

Because technology can empower your whole business, you should ensure that the digital solutions you implement benefit employees from all departments.

Doesn’t that sound natural? However, you’d be amazed how many firms acquire a specific technology, such as AI-based analytics solutions, and use it solely in one department, such as sales.

The concept is simple. Make as much use of technology benefits as possible.

Even if your new technology doesn’t seem helpful in a given area, try to conceive of other ways it may help you. At least, utilize the output to inform and connect with the rest of your firm. That way, everyone benefits — even if the production is a source of information.

5. Pay special attention to your workforce’s training.

Finally, you’ll need your team members to be well-versed in your new technology.

If you expect to install a new technology without providing extensive and continuing training to the individuals using it, you will be disappointed.

You’ll need extensive training to ensure that your staff understands making the most of the new digital solutions. Perhaps most significantly, the training should be continual rather than a one-time event.

That’s because you could discover new applications, or you might upgrade the solution with new features and capabilities that you wouldn’t have known about if you hadn’t informed other colleagues about them regularly.

If you don’t want to repeat the errors that others have made, do yourself a favor and think carefully about these tips.

The post Five Ways to Maximize the Benefits of Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61101
Cybersecurity: The Small Business Savior? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/02/cybersecurity-small-business.html/ Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:40:54 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=61024 Cybersecurity is now. After over two years of pandemic-driven, remote-first work, the internet has altered us. Not altered? You’re not online. Even the tiniest local stores, restaurants, dancing studios, and car garages create sensitive cybersecurity data to serve their customers better, including customer profiles, payment credentials, and service records. On the other hand, it could […]

The post Cybersecurity: The Small Business Savior? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Cybersecurity is now. After over two years of pandemic-driven, remote-first work, the internet has altered us. Not altered? You’re not online.

Even the tiniest local stores, restaurants, dancing studios, and car garages create sensitive cybersecurity data to serve their customers better, including customer profiles, payment credentials, and service records.

On the other hand, it could be different. But internet exposure has its drawbacks.

Every day, a fresh wave of cyber threats hits innocent companies. Likewise, malicious emails deliver ransomware and password-stealing trojans to inboxes, while other threats use software flaws to get access to systems and data. For example, you might use your website to spread malware to users without your knowledge. Cybersecurity trends lean that way.

Cyber-attacks are a massive headache for large corporations. They are an existential danger to small businesses. Interruptions in operations cost money, while reputational damage and possible legal consequences from data breaches are difficult to overcome. Smaller firms generally lack the means to withstand the storm, much alone pay a ransom for speedy data and system restoration.

Every firm must have cybersecurity.

Businesses of all sizes might take solace in the notion that they are “too tiny to target.” Likewise, the truth is far grimmer.

Cascade Technologies founder Cramer Snuggs used to see one customer attack every six months. For example, one assault every two weeks in the past year. Even with those stats, many of our clients believe they would not be victims, Snuggs adds. They mistakenly think today’s cyber-criminals aren’t interested in small businesses.

Modern cyber threats use automation and even AI, making it easy for criminals to create new threats and strike at scale at little cost. You may utilize personal data from social media accounts and past breaches to enhance assaults with little human effort. For example, this sinister net can readily catch even the tiniest groups. Another method is supply-chain assaults on software suppliers and IT service providers.

Today’s SMBs are vulnerable to phishing, malware, and other digital dangers.

On the other hand, cybercriminals no longer need to choose targets and adapt attacks to fit their needs manually. The need for comprehensive security has never been greater. Even small enterprises rely on the availability and integrity of their data and services.

Penetrations cost an average of $3.56 million in the first half of 2021. And the average ransomware payout hit $100,000. For example, new product categories — such as cyber insurance — have risen in popularity. Likewise, these metrics are critical for every firm, but for most small enterprises, they are lethal.

These products don’t provide the amount of organizational protection you need to rest comfortably, nor do they scale well as your firm expands. On the other hand, when your organization is at risk, you need expert help.

Here’s how MSPs can help with security.

Think how you would hire an electrician to connect your home or fix a faulty outlet. Consequently, there is great benefit in outsourcing cybersecurity to experts. Managed IT services can help.

On the other hand, today’s cyber threats target small enterprises. Likewise, most lack modern anti-malware protection that combines with data backups and IT security expertise.

Knowledgeable people will set up the software and adapt to changing scenarios correctly. For example, they also don’t always teach personnel cybersecurity best practices, which leads to weak passwords and increases phishing scam risk.

On the other hand, it’s hard to blame smaller businesses for the existing situation. Effective cybersecurity is becoming more difficult for resource-constrained enterprises. Most are also unaware of the grave concerns posed by current cyber threats, any of which might spell catastrophe.

If firms merely adopted multi-factor authentication, they would be immensely more secure, says a prominent Virtual Chief Information Security Officer. So why don’t you? It’s not complicated or expensive to do. Managed service providers make it easy and economical to safeguard your corporation with features like Endpoint protection.

In a world of quickly developing cyber threats, you must be proactive.

Working with a managed service provider provides small companies access to security experts. These experts can help them strengthen their cybersecurity posture and configure security solutions.

For example, service providers will detect risks via frequent vulnerability assessments. Likewise, they take measures to reduce your exposure and implement solutions as soon as they become available.

Privacy protection is the new focus.

Do you know where you keep your data?

Even small organizations often depend on global cloud services and infrastructure — and most nations have their laws and regulations around data storage and access. On the other hand, managed service providers can help you comply with data storage and privacy rules. Furthermore, they’ll help by avoiding legal issues you may not have been aware of.

Businesses need to back up their data, but recovering from backups may take time. Likewise, the restoration procedure may not be feasible immediately after a catastrophe if your systems are locked or have no power.

Managed service providers can help you swiftly recover from a catastrophe. Their expertise is in storing backups as virtual machines in the cloud and limiting service disruptions. For example, they’ll also help you detect and repair data leaks.

On the other hand, used to be that if our customers had backups, we merely restored them and went on, Snuggs adds.

Likewise, we have more to worry about now. Often, customer data is exclusive to their firm or sector and, if hacked, may create considerable disruption. In healthcare, for example, we must be concerned about personal data hackers put on the Dark Web.

The post Cybersecurity: The Small Business Savior? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
61024
Why Employee Well-Being is Priority in Hybrid https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/hybrid-employee-well-being.html/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:05:51 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60982 When it comes to hybrid working styles, the time has come for leaders to develop a comprehensive approach. Employee well-being is the key. This is a period of profound ambiguity. After showing incredible resilience and adaptation throughout the pandemic, we are now confronting a new world of work. Organizations face additional issues as a result […]

The post Why Employee Well-Being is Priority in Hybrid appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
When it comes to hybrid working styles, the time has come for leaders to develop a comprehensive approach. Employee well-being is the key.

This is a period of profound ambiguity. After showing incredible resilience and adaptation throughout the pandemic, we are now confronting a new world of work. Organizations face additional issues as a result of the hybrid model.

People are creating new perspectives on employee onboarding, different work habits, leading to workplace fragmentation, with silos emerging between office-based and remote employees.

When it comes to hybrid working styles, the time has come for leaders to develop a comprehensive approach. It may not happen immediately away, but you must establish a balance between remote work and in-person presence in the workplace as soon as possible. To construct a new form of corporate thinking, we must also cultivate trust.

For new businesses, today’s situation requires new models.

Consider what occurred before Covid-19’s arrival. Daily commuting was the norm. And you built work relationships on control rather than trust.

The importance of a sustainable style of life and a green mentality has lately been a hot subject. Everything changed all of a sudden.

Working from home pushed many businesses to recognize that there may be a new method to deepen and expand to shape the future. On the one hand, this undoubtedly offered fresh ideas and advancement to the entrepreneurial world. On the other hand, it has altered all aspects of leadership, including the connection between employers and workers, which was formerly dependent only on physical presence.

Hybrid work teams can be exceptional.

Data and Statistics On Remote Work

As a result of all these changes, how long can we expect hybrid working to remain a part of our business process?

Young talent (74 percent under 35 years old) has indicated that this view is especially prevalent among the younger generations. According to an international poll conducted by Talents in Motion, PwC, and the Con il Sud Foundation, many claim interest in a hybrid model of employment technology. According to McKinsey research published by the BBC, young talent is interested in hybrid employment in 48 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds polled.

Other fascinating statistics from The Global Workplace Analytics and Owl Labs reveal that 70% of full-time employees moved totally to remote working during the peak of the epidemic. 90% of individuals polled indicated their productivity levels at home were the same or greater than at work.

What’s more revealing is that one out of every three individuals would leave their employment if they couldn’t work remotely after the pandemic.

Our work situation has irrevocably altered.

How Can Leadership Be Restored?

It’s past time to consider how we’ll incorporate this massive shift into our daily operations.

Before the pandemic, research by Buck Consultants, a Xerox firm, analyzed the profile of 13 global corporations by assessing efforts aimed at around 1 million workers.

The desire to develop a new relationship of trust with workers emerges. The relationship is a business asset. Sustainability, social commitment, and well-being have become crucial factors. Because of the sensation of being a member of the same family, forming a new link with workers may and must bring a profit to the financial accounts.

This is how you build a contemporary leadership model.

Every choice made by the C-suite impacts more than just the professional realm. It has become a cornerstone of the everyday lives of everyone working in the organization.

Mutual respect is the new economic engine. It is necessary to plan and understand how to achieve joint aims, as well as to choose the ideal location for doing so and to be aware of the possibility of obtaining the desired outcome by working with more independence and flexibility.

Important to remember! New small business communities are on the rise. New technology enables faster communication. Easier transportation and more transparent customer service. Diversity plays a key and in-house training assumes more importance, especially when online. Covid demands safer working conditions.

One Growth Strategy

The dedication to developing an entirely new recipe is critical.

According to a Gallup poll, employee engagement has dropped by two points, from 22 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2020, after a decade of continuous growth. While data is rising in the United States, Canada, and Eastern Europe, only 11% in Western Europe.

The percentage scale has risen for all characteristics, including worry, anger, grief, and stress.

As a result, we must act fast to re-establish the proper balance that will contribute to our collective well-being and, as a result, the companies. Job happiness becomes a deciding element in corporate success. Even though this does not imply that remote work is the only way to work in the future, these are realities that no manager can ignore.

We can see that many remote employees are more productive, have fewer interruptions, and, at the very least, have more time to spend with their families.

We know that remote employees are often happier and work longer hours. This trend will continue. Given how competitive the job market is for talent, striking a reasonable balance between work and personal life will be critical to keeping people.

It’s crucial to remember that the situation is fluid.

  • Programs and plans may alter.
  • Models may need to adjust.
  • Individuals and organizations may make mistakes.

Investing in the well-being of workers, on the other hand, will be critical and will improve everyone’s prospects.  This should be self-evident.

Small business technology is better, more user-friendly, and more affordable. Don’t ignore it…embrace it.

The post Why Employee Well-Being is Priority in Hybrid appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60982
Supply Chain Technology Trends In 2022 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/supply-chain-technology.html/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:35:27 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60961 This was the year when the phrases “global supply chain” and “global value chain” became commonplace. Consider these related tech trends. This was the year when the phrases “global supply chain” and “global value chain” became commonplace. And worrying to small businesses. A specific massive cargo ship stopped the Suez Canal in March 2021. The […]

The post Supply Chain Technology Trends In 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
This was the year when the phrases “global supply chain” and “global value chain” became commonplace. Consider these related tech trends.

This was the year when the phrases “global supply chain” and “global value chain” became commonplace. And worrying to small businesses. A specific massive cargo ship stopped the Suez Canal in March 2021. The ship Ever Given was in the public eye for a week.

Then, over the summer and autumn, video footage of hundreds of ships anchored off the coast of California became a frequent fixture on the evening news and morning programs. This backup could also affect tax credits.

Of course, people are talking about the supply chain more than ever before. Not because these kinds of issues make headlines, but because products have become harder to come by as prices have risen. They delay shipments throughout the year. They’ve realized just how much we all rely on it to run smoothly.

And the problems that are producing these problems will undoubtedly continue through 2022. As organizations explore new technologies and tactics to keep their supply chains on track, there are several trends to keep an eye on and consider in the months ahead.

Enhanced Automation to Relieve Teams of Manual Tasks

From booking through settlement, almost every step in the supply chain may benefit from automation somehow.

At a high level, automating manual processes helps businesses to do more with the same number of employees, allowing teams to concentrate on higher-level strategic work rather than mundane duties.

Time-consuming tasks such as making appointments, monitoring shipment status, and creating invoices may all be automated. Automation allows businesses to manage a more significant number of shipments with more efficiency.

For Better Decision-Making, More Centralized Data

The most successful supply chains combine data with team member knowledge in making choices.

Centralizing data is critical because it allows for in-depth analysis and reporting, revealing inefficiencies and possibilities for improvement at all levels. Team members make choices at each process level. Allowing team members access to this information guarantees that the best option is taken at each process level.

Better data may have instant effects in the actual world.

Deadhead mileage, for example — trucks on the road with no load — is one of the most dreaded carrier charges. Companies may group shipments to reduce the distance between stops for picking up and dropping off. This would lower empty miles and the accompanying carbon footprint by employing data analytics to understand routes better.

By choosing the appropriate method for shipments and loads, you can guarantee that delivery time-frames and prices are satisfied.

For example, if cargoes are more time-sensitive, shippers may choose to move using trucks rather than rail. They also could convert from a full-truckload (FTL) to a less-than-truckload (LTL) option to use existing routes that meet their requirements. As a result, clients may be comfortable paying the correct amount for the quality of service required.

Consistent Capacity Restraint

Long hours and difficult working conditions have long been a part of the trucking industry’s history.

The epidemic has heightened tensions, with the American Trucking Associations estimating an 80,000-driver shortfall, up from 61,500 before the outbreak. National van rates have risen from $2.82 in September 2021 to $3.01 in December 2021, indicating a supply and demand imbalance.

There is no simple solution to this problem.

Customer demand and expectations will continue to rise. Since it is hard to add tens of thousands of drivers, vehicles, and trailers to the system overnight, many shippers will need to strive to extend their available carrier network to keep up.

Business owners will use mergers and acquisitions to consolidate the market further. The industry is ready for a wave of acquisitions to produce economies of scale.

There are roughly 17,000 freight brokers and over 1.8 million transportation operators in the United States. Larger firms acquire specialty enterprises to build enormous, full-service transportation management systems (TMS) and managed transportation solution offerings. There’s also a sense of consolidation, as more prominent shippers attempt to take on shorter-term spot bids which have traditionally been the realm of smaller firms.

The Final Mile’s Growing Importance

The last mile is the most familiar phase of the supply chain.

Most people are acquainted with when items travel from a distribution hub to their ultimate destination. Amazon has raised consumer expectations to new heights with same-day and next-day delivery.

More businesses project that they will enter this supply chain sector as direct-to-consumer sales and e-commerce rise. This necessitates an increase in rapid, dependable delivery. Drivers like the last mile because they can work all day and come home every night.

Conclusion

For better or worse, the supply chain industry in 2022 will resemble that of 2021. That is to say, with volatility being the one constant.

However, in the middle of the uncertainty, an opportunity presents itself. Companies who take the time to review their supply chain and better understand and fix their challenges in 2021 will likely shine in 2022.

As always, the world continues to nervously watch the system that delivers items to their doorstep.

The post Supply Chain Technology Trends In 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60961
High Cost of 5G Tech Delays: Small Businesses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/5g-tech-delays.html/ Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:15:37 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60892 Once 5G cellular networks are permitted to take root, they have the potential to revolutionize the U.S. economy in ways we can’t imagine. That is just one of the consequences of implementing 5G, the latest technology for wireless communication. In ways that most of us can’t imagine right now, we will be impacted. There was […]

The post High Cost of 5G Tech Delays: Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Once 5G cellular networks are permitted to take root, they have the potential to revolutionize the U.S. economy in ways we can’t imagine.

That is just one of the consequences of implementing 5G, the latest technology for wireless communication. In ways that most of us can’t imagine right now, we will be impacted.

There was a mandate for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and cellphone operators to postpone a statewide deployment of the service. That is until early next year due to a last-minute complaint by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and additional arbitrary FAA interventions and delays may be on the way.

The FAA is concerned that the 5G deployment would cause difficulties with altimeters on certain flights.

Last week, the FAA issued a directive. This mandate states that the 5G network’s rollout would cause delays in plane schedules, then the agency could take further action. A Senate Commerce Committee hearing was convened. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in the hearing that the interference could cause a delay in up to 5% of their planes’ schedules.

On the other hand, the agency’s concerns may have more to do with interagency intrigues than with safety. Or with how small businesses will work around these things.

Regulatory Complaints

The FAA’s complaint comes at the culmination of a lengthy investigation that started more than a decade ago. The FCC started planning for the transition to 5G seven years ago. Those preparations included a slew of tests to verify that 5G networks wouldn’t interfere with adjacent spectrum users.

The issue with the delay is that the advantages of a statewide 5G network are massive. Aside from allowing us to download services faster than we can now. That is to say, downloading a movie will go from seven minutes to six seconds. The lightning-fast connection would enable all sorts of other business applications to emerge. Our lives will improve in ways that many cannot yet imagine.

It is, for example, a crucial step for self-driving automobiles.

Delaying the widespread deployment of 5G will be very costly. One researcher predicts that the advantages of 5G deployment would total $300 billion over the next six years.

AT&T and Verizon started rolling out the service in congested metropolitan areas in 2019. They had expected to roll it out statewide within a month. Both companies have spent tens of billions of dollars acquiring bandwidth. They are constructing the requisite towers and other infrastructure for the network’s deployment. For example, Apple and Samsung have released a new generation of phones that can connect to 5G networks.

The FCC Engineering Team

The FCC’s well-respected engineering team looked into the new technology’s potential repercussions. The team found no reason to suppose it would interfere with altimeters. And it is the FCC, not the FAA, that is in charge of this. That’s a good thing since the company’s workforce training is precisely what the company wants to do.

On the other hand, the most significant project of the century is years behind time and billions of dollars over budget, with no end in sight. And what is the project you ask? It is the FAA’s Nextgen Air Transportation System, which aims to enhance navigation and capacity at U.S. airports.

Six former FCC Commissioners recently signed a letter expressing their surprise that the FAA voiced this complaint. This complaint was very late in the process. The complaint is urging the two agencies to work closely together to fix the matter promptly.

Delaying 5G deployment has an equality problem. For now, those in vast urban regions get 5G. Meanwhile, others in the comprehensive center of the nation are still waiting. And, in addition to deepening the digital divide, the delay also hurts the few who have it. So, without a large client base, the apps that rely on it will be unprofitable.

The FAA’s last-minute action reflects a more significant regulatory challenge. The challenges are within agencies as they struggle to consider responsibilities. They consider the costs and benefits of activities that may extend beyond their own smaller authority.

5G and the White House

The White House should be more proactive in resolving this disagreement. It seems that it has attempted but failed to arbitrate it.

Part of the difficulty is that it has yet to officially designate an Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is an office inside the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Info. and Reg. Affairs is entrusted with monitoring regulatory actions and acting as a traffic policeman for interagency conflicts.

It’s difficult to exaggerate the significance of 5G to our country’s future living level. More delays would cost American families dearly by postponing technologies. Technology that might enhance their health, safety, convenience, and living standards.

These infighting squibs may just be small business irritations. Or, worst-case scenario, they may jam up things for good.

The post High Cost of 5G Tech Delays: Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60892
Small Business Technology Levels the Playing Field https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/small-business-technology-levels.html/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:25:38 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60870 The increased tactic of people rallying technology for small companies to help them survive has been one of the bright spots of the pandemic. The New Year will see technology geared to small business efficiency and the bottom line. The pandemic wreaked havoc with small retailers. But online ordering software and delivery innovations have offset […]

The post Small Business Technology Levels the Playing Field appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
The increased tactic of people rallying technology for small companies to help them survive has been one of the bright spots of the pandemic.

The New Year will see technology geared to small business efficiency and the bottom line. The pandemic wreaked havoc with small retailers. But online ordering software and delivery innovations have offset the loss. (Somewhat.)

A small business can especially benefit from new tech as the tax season arrives. Turbotax may not do the trick. However, once things start to look good, how can those enterprises not only remain afloat but also capitalize on the momentum they’ve built?

Small firms may grow to stay up with larger enterprises and even beat them at their own game with the help of technology and inventive methods.

In general, they should seek to reinvent and rethink their companies in a few key areas, all of which should eventually function together to provide a seamless consumer experience.

Experiences in a physical showroom that are one-of-a-kind must go hand-in-hand with an online presence.

1. Location of Inventory and Logistics

How are customers interacting with your inventory? Even before Covid-19, a part of the market would visit conventional brick-and-mortar stores to examine, touch, and try on things before choosing to purchase them online.

The epidemic has effectively erased any difference between purchasing online and in-store presence. It may take years for consumers to embrace the concept of returning to a shop to explore and buy in the same manner they did before.

Instead of fighting this trend, small businesses could embrace it to create a unique retail experience that appeals to consumer aspirations for convenience and improved safety.

What if we turned the conventional retail model on its head to effectively navigate a new normal? In that manner, we have something that is instantly possible and potentially lower costs. In other words, more efficient and more in line with what contemporary clients are used to.

While the brick-and-mortar model still reflects what most customers want from a small company, it also marks a transition. The movement toward a lower cost-per-square-footage approach is in the works. It helps meet expectations from consumers to emphasize high-visibility displays of merchandise held elsewhere — for less money.

A retailer who survived the pandemic should consider unique showroom space. Something intimate, where customers can easily find the products they want. Deliver products quickly, within 24 hours if possible. Ship from warehouse space, which is much less expensive to lease.

2. Technologies Powered by the Internet

Small firms will need to embrace technology more than ever under this paradigm.

They should think about marketing and customer involvement. That is to say, but consider the sorts of technological solutions that the world’s top firms are using to help them run their operations. What they use to run more efficiently and provide their consumers with cost-effective products and services.

Since the introduction of Covid-19, the same technologies that have helped firms survive you can now actively exploit. You can extend as part of the business strategy.

It eventually becomes about the confluence of online purchasing and things like live chat versus a live operator on the other end of the phone. Like employing specialized small business technology for a specific purpose. It’s all about finding software and services that function together and link as part of a bigger company plan from a business growth standpoint.

We are integrating such digital solutions into more conventional business procedures. On the other hand, it may be a terrific way for a small firm to develop and flourish. Web- and mobile app-based delivery services have been among the most prevalent and profitable enterprises throughout the epidemic. Those services give a model that small companies may follow, whether they want to add delivery services to their present firm or start an utterly mobile one.

In any case, there’s potential to employ the same technological platforms as their multibillion-dollar equivalents in the market, such as telematics.

3. Company Vehicles with Multiple Purposes

For small company owners that currently have car fleets, telematics technology is still primarily focused on GPS position. Beyond that, they’ll be able to see their total operating expenses (TOC) and return on investment for their cars.

There is also the potential to assess staff safety to some level and use data exchange between fleet cars and office applications.

Are the company’s cars employed as part of the business…or as the business itself? Either way, they provide a concrete and relatively straightforward means for a developing or evolving small firm to connect everything. Vehicles using advanced small business technology, such as telematics, may assist in tailoring the customer experience while also saving money.

The post Small Business Technology Levels the Playing Field appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60870
This Year, Hire the Best ‘Hidden’ Talent https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/hire-best-hidden-talent.html/ Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:45:33 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60814 Remote employment will continue to exist, but it will no longer be the differentiator it once was. Use new methods to attract new talent. You’ll need to stay ahead of the competition by using a few fresh methods to attract exceptional employees. Two years ago, merely providing remote work was a positive perk and attracted […]

The post This Year, Hire the Best ‘Hidden’ Talent appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Remote employment will continue to exist, but it will no longer be the differentiator it once was. Use new methods to attract new talent.

You’ll need to stay ahead of the competition by using a few fresh methods to attract exceptional employees. Two years ago, merely providing remote work was a positive perk and attracted top talent.

Today, though, just stating that you’re willing to allow work from home isn’t enough. To set your company apart and attract the best-of-the-best applicants, you must go above and beyond. The truth is that remote work isn’t as fascinating as it once was. It’s part of everyday life.

According to FlexJobs, between 66 and 70 percent of businesses are willing to enable at least part-time virtual work. That’s a significant number, and it demonstrates how common and even anticipated remote labor has become in many fields.

So, how can you keep on the cutting edge of the remote-work trend? Consider incorporating some of the most recent trends into your sourcing, onboarding, and retention plans. You have to hire the right team.

1. Take your employment hunt to the next level by going worldwide.

For many firms, the prospect of hiring overseas personnel might be daunting. “They don’t speak decent English!” is a common cry.

According to a worldwide workforce survey from global HR platform Remote, 30 percent of businesses consider foreign country rules and regulations as possible stumbling obstacles for remote hiring. Though this is reasonable, it doesn’t have to prevent you from casting a broader net searching for outstanding employees.

Instead of dismissing the thought of hiring individuals from any place, seek out an HR department partner who can assist you. You should try to discover one with experience recruiting in the areas you’re interested in. You and your partner may create anything from job postings to payroll settings that keep your company compliant while enabling you to expand your workforce.

If you’re still worried about having remote employees worldwide, concentrate your search on applicants who reside in set time zones. You’ll have an easier time scheduling meetings and motivating your team to operate this way synchronously. However, you may still broaden your appeal by bringing in a more varied set of artists.

2. Make your choice to go hybrid or entirely remote as soon as possible.

During 2020 and 2021, maybe you relocated all of your employees to faraway locations. It’s now up to you to decide exactly what to do next.

Whether or whether you plan to hire additional people, you must choose your company’s future shortly. Are you considering a hybrid functional approach, in which you may telecommute in part but not entirely?

Because some of your workers may be contemplating life changes that might impact their choice to stay with you or leave, they need to know. What life changes are on the horizon? Consider huge movements. Many employees who have gotten used to working remotely like it. So they won’t budge.

They are contemplating migrating to various places since they like it so much. Approximately one-third of remote workers said they would relocate if the chance presented itself. As a result, you can’t afford to wait and see what happens.

Going hybrid may be the correct decision for your firm, but your workers need to know this immediately…especially if they’ve considered leaving.

3. Make your IT stack more remote-friendly.

Is your remote team still using the same technology as when they were in the same office?

Those technologies may have come in handy during Covid’s early shutdown phase. However, if you want to work remotely as your primary mode of communication, they may no longer be relevant.

By mapping your processes, you may begin to untangle all of the loose ends. Ask broad questions of your talent prospect such as, “Is there a digital solution that might automate this process or make communications easier?” Enlist the aid of your team leaders.

Of course, you don’t have to overhaul your processes entirely. However, you may discover that your employees have been using workarounds to close gaps. Give them credit for their tenacity, but complement their “duct-tape” remedies with technology solutions like a project management system or a  CRM database.

Do you force new workers to learn clumsy workarounds? If not, it will be considerably more straightforward for them to come up to speed. Furthermore, if you have a good tech stack in place, your organization will project a cutting-edge image to recruits.

Many businesses are still bumbling through their remote arrangements. Your company may show a more attractive face to hidden talent looking to produce their best for a supportive brand by fully embracing remote work.

The post This Year, Hire the Best ‘Hidden’ Talent appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60814
Don’t Ignore Recent Small Business Tech Trends https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/small-business-tech-trends.html/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:10:45 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60805 Artificial intelligence (AI) was formerly regarded as futuristic. Do you really need an R2-D2 in your shop? Even fake tech is here to stay. As a business owner, you must now integrate numerous technology developments into your digital marketing strategy. That they’re all measurable gives you incredible insight into your customer base. Is this cause […]

The post Don’t Ignore Recent Small Business Tech Trends appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Artificial intelligence (AI) was formerly regarded as futuristic. Do you really need an R2-D2 in your shop? Even fake tech is here to stay.

As a business owner, you must now integrate numerous technology developments into your digital marketing strategy. That they’re all measurable gives you incredible insight into your customer base. Is this cause for optimism? Most signs point to “Yes.”

Personalization in Email Marketing

Firstly, any digital marketing strategy must include email marketing. However, achieving personalization in email marketing has changed. Tailored emails are based on prior email opens, purchases, or click-throughs.

And secondly, statistics show that personalization is the future of email marketing, that irrelevant emails annoy customers, and that personalized emails increase sales.

Channel Tech Advertisements

Multichannel marketing technology was popular in 2018. You can save money on marketing technology platforms today.

This is the process of connecting all marketing channels available to your clients. Omnichannel marketers maintain 89 percent of their consumers, but non-omnichannel marketers only keep 33 percent.

Here’s an example of omnichannel marketing technology. A prospective customer contacts your company after viewing an online ad or article. SEO helps your brand’s content rank better in search. They become leads when they join your email list. As an email lead, they will continue to see similar advertisements on social media and native ads. They buy after clicking on one of your emails.

Client engagement points must be measured omnichannel in 2022. A year ago, people were surprised by chatbots. People expect chatbots today. Responding promptly to prospective consumers’ questions significantly improves conversions and profits.

63 percent of respondents prefer conversing with a chatbot to calling or emailing a firm. According to surveys, respondents liked chatbots for their 24-hour availability, quick response times, and simple inquiries. Delay employing chatbots on your website.

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs)

It’s no secret that about 60% of your website’s traffic now comes from mobile devices.

Page load speed is linked to bounce rate. Having a sluggish website increases bounce rates and the danger of Google penalizing you.

Keeping this in mind, businesses can’t ignore the need for AMP. Those who do not employ AMP risk getting left behind!

Video Marketing

Video marketing will increase during the next five years. While video marketing isn’t new, businesses that don’t employ it risk being left behind. New research shows that approximately 70% of users share a promo video. Videos enhanced conversion rates for 72% of businesses. Additionally, customers are 52% more inclined to purchase from a brand after seeing a video.

Likewise, businesses should employ video to engage viewers from start to end. Google optimizes movie displays in searches that relate to its video carousel. In 2022, keep an eye out for 360-degree footage.

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

How much quicker would your business grow if you let prospective customers trial your products on their phones first? AR decreases risk by allowing customers to see a product in action. Among the companies embracing augmented reality are:

  • Garnier uses AR to allow smartphone users to “try on” several hair colors.
  • Users of the ELF cosmetics AR app may see how various lipstick colors look on them.
  • Clients may see furniture in their homes using IKEA’s AR software…racking up a whopping 8.5 million downloads, by the way.

If your company sells physical things, try adopting augmented reality to decrease online fraud and boost trust.

Indy Marketing

Ads are a part of online life. But no one likes forced product placement.

People hate pop-up ads the most. Additionally, pop-up ads may bother consumers, giving them a bad image of the company.

Native advertising appears as part of the web page’s regular content rather than as ads. As a result, users see ads in their news feeds that are image-centric. Many of these native advertising touchpoints are retargeting ads based on previous site visits, items viewed, or tailored based on a user’s profile.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Marketing tech platforms and tactics are increasingly incorporating AI. As a result, this enables customer segmentation, click tracking, and retargeting.

As a result, businesses can use AI to provide real-time ads and communications.

Facebook Marketing Budget Reallocation

You may need to re-allocate Facebook tech marketing budgets to other channels in certain cases. Of course, Facebook is still big, but 41% of its users are over 65.

That is to say, with Facebook’s huge data breach, younger people are less inclined to use Facebook.

Voice Search Tech

In conclusion, you should know that people increasingly utilize tech for voice search and virtual assistants.

The same information or product may be presented by valid firms using voice command technology. For example, 2017 saw $1.8 billion in voice commerce sales, with $40 billion predicted by the end of this year. Likewise, consider how you may strengthen your digital voice approach.

On the other hand, keeping up with new technology may help your small to medium-sized business remain ahead of the marketing curve and reap the benefits. Most importantly, these seven trends may help your organization succeed.

The post Don’t Ignore Recent Small Business Tech Trends appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60805
How to Benefit From New Restaurant Technology https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/new-restaurant-technology.html/ Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:35:33 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60934 There’s a lot of new technology that you, as a restaurant owner, can use to optimize your business. It’s absolutely vital to keep up with restaurant tech trends, like using delivery drones, online and mobile restaurant POS, and more. These will help your restaurant run more efficiently. But, how can you start benefiting from new […]

The post How to Benefit From New Restaurant Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There’s a lot of new technology that you, as a restaurant owner, can use to optimize your business. It’s absolutely vital to keep up with restaurant tech trends, like using delivery drones, online and mobile restaurant POS, and more. These will help your restaurant run more efficiently.

But, how can you start benefiting from new technology in your business? In this article, I’ll share the steps you can follow to do it without wasting resources or missing a beat on what your customers want. Let’s begin!

1. Study your customer’s consumption habits.

This step is crucial to know which technologies are part of your customer’s daily activities.

You don’t have to dig too deep to know that most of your customers are using mobile payment options such as the must-have Apple Pay.

That’s part of the good news.

  • You don’t have to spend a lot of money, time, or effort to start accepting different payment options.
    • Additionally, you don’t have to invest in high-end drones to deliver food for your business to say you’re keeping up with trends, either.
  • Transitioning into newer technologies in your restaurant doesn’t have to be harsh, but that it can be gradual.
    • That can give you time to find the right tech and implement it properly.

But, what you must keep in mind is that the solutions you apply solve a real problem your customers have.

That way you can avoid applying complex, expensive, and unwanted solutions that will actually chase your customers away.

2. Conduct a few surveys or polls.

Studying your customer’s consumption habits is a rather indirect method — although necessary — to know your customer’s preferences. That’s why creating a survey or a simple Instagram poll can help you know which are the tech options your customers would love to see in your restaurant.

Also, this helps you engage more with your customers, who will instinctively know that their opinions are valuable for your business.

That’s gold if you’re implementing branding and even customer retention strategies in your restaurant.

3. Study your competitors’ technology.

Watching over your competitor’s shoulders can help you narrow down the competitive edge they have over your business.

To be clear, I’m not advising you to go and get exactly the same POS system your competitors are using or something along those lines.

Instead, try implementing new technologies that work well to reinforce the infrastructure that’s already in place at your restaurant.

That way, you can beat your competitors in original ways, that are in line with your restaurants’ brand, and are also useful to satisfy your customers.

4. Create a budget.

Working with budgets is vital in businesses. That’s why you must create a budget that allows you to materialize your plans while helping you limit how much you will spend.

Again, you should take a gradual approach to get new tech for your restaurant. Find complete solutions that help you go from 1 to 2, instead of 1 to 1.5.

You can set monthly or even yearly goals to transition into new technologies. That way, you can take enough time to fully adapt your restaurant.

5. Train your staff to handle the new technology.

A restaurant’s staff is the force behind it — even though there’s been a shortage going on since last year. As a result, you can’t buy new technology without training your staff on how to use it and troubleshoot common problems.

If you skip this step, you will have issues while applying the new system effectively. And this is definitely bad for restaurants since it’s a business based on efficiency and swiftness.

As a result, if your staff can’t handle the new tech, you’ll run into problems with the service, which will negatively affect your restaurant.

6. Create a marketing strategy around the new tech.

Even if you change a single aspect of your business’s technological infrastructure, if it improves its performance, you should let people know.

Especially if it’s something that customers will come into contact with, like a new tablet POS, a new payment method, or a new drone delivery service.

Additionally, creating a marketing strategy around your restaurant’s new technology can be useful to:

  • inform your customers about the changes;
  • educate your clients on how to use the new system, if they will use it;
  • start a conversation with your customers about the changes and get some valuable feedback; and
  • let them know how this change improved your restaurant.

You can apply simple marketing strategies that help you achieve any of these objectives.

There are many benefits to adding new tech to your restaurant.

Adding new technology to your restaurant help you improve different aspects:

  • The speed of the service.
  • The efficiency of your waiting staff.
  • Easing the payment process.
  • The safety of your restaurant — self-service and QR code menus are especially useful for this.
  • The management of your business.
  • The inventory system.
  • The delivery service.
  • Customer engagement and satisfaction.
  • And much more!

In an industry as convoluted and competitive as the restaurant industry, having the slightest competitive advantage can push your business to the next level. In conclusion, are you using the latest technology in your restaurant? I hope so!

The post How to Benefit From New Restaurant Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60934
Top 5 Employee Time Tracking Apps in 2022 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/time-tracking-apps.html/ Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:10:19 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60898 Research suggests that people are spending 4.2 hours on apps on a daily basis. It’s clear that people nowadays are much more used to using digital apps. They are surrounded by them everywhere they go! It seems that it’s time to say goodbye to the old, manual, and “traditional” methods of doing things. That goes […]

The post Top 5 Employee Time Tracking Apps in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Research suggests that people are spending 4.2 hours on apps on a daily basis. It’s clear that people nowadays are much more used to using digital apps. They are surrounded by them everywhere they go! It seems that it’s time to say goodbye to the old, manual, and “traditional” methods of doing things. That goes double for payroll; the time to embrace time tracking apps is long past due.

Consider traditional employee time tracking. Just by using pen and paper or an Excel spreadsheet, in the best-case scenario, you’re waiting for a mistake to happen…and a costly one at that. Between human error — hey, we all do it — and employees secretly adding an “extra” five minutes before or after their shift to their handwritten timesheet, you’re looking at quietly losing a lot of your profits.

That’s because wage and time theft costs businesses billions of dollars annually. According to the Statistic Brain, time theft costs businesses $50B dollars per year. Furthermore, a shocking $373 million is spent on “buddy punching.”

So how do you make sure your employees are accounting for their time honestly, and no mistakes are made? Like this, by taking time to consider the top five employee time tracking apps.

The Top 5 Employee Time Tracking Apps

1. Connecteam

Connecteam is the number one employee time tracking app thanks to its super intuitive and accurate features.

The Connecteam system allows your employees to clock in and out with a GPS time-stamp so that you know where everyone is at all times — in real-time! All this happens without you having to check up on individuals. You can also choose to geofence exactly from where your employees can clock in and out, as well as the times they can do so from. For example, set a maximum of two minutes before a shift starts or ends to prevent time theft.

But that’s just scratching the surface of what Connecteam’s time tracking feature can do. Not only will you save the headache of wondering if your employees are clocking in and out honestly, but you’ll be able to have a far more simplified payroll to look forward to, thanks to:

  • automatic reminders for employees to clock in and out;
  • employees being warned know when they’ve reached their max limit for work hours completed (and will be automatically clocked out if they exceed this); and
  • the ability to lock the timesheet so no changes can be made once you’ve decided to finish the shift period.

Moreover, Connecteam even offers you a time clock kiosk. You can set a fixed station where your employees are to clock in and out. Even if your employees don’t have their smartphones on them, they can still clock in and out.

  • Price: Pricing starts at $39/month for up to 50 seats.
  • Free Trial: There is a 14-day trial, as well as a forever-free plan.

2. Jibble

Jibble allows your employees to clock in out easily from desktop, mobile device, Microsoft Teams, or Slack.

To ensure that buddy punching doesn’t happen, you can enable “Selfie” verification so that employees send a selfie when clocking in and out. Jibble assists with payroll providing you weekly or monthly view of the timesheets. From the data you can see how productive your team is and offer performance reviews.

  • Price: $1.50/user/month.
  • Free Trial: There is a free trial as well as a free plan.

3. Toggl

Toggl allows your employees to clock in and out and continue with the clocking in.

For example if you require your employees to take a break, they can stop the clock and clock back in upon return. If any member of staff forgets to clock in, Toggl will send a reminder.

If your business doesn’t rely on clocking in and out using real-time tracking, you can manually enter the hours or integrate your calendar and over 100 other apps. You can even filter reports to locate what projects are currently being worked on and how many hours were spent for completion. You can decide to download the report in a CSV, PDF, or Excel format.

  • Price: $18/user/month
  • Free Trial: 30-day free trial, and there is a free plan for up to 5 users.

4. When I Work

When I Work is super easy to download onto your employees’ smartphones.

You can use a time clock station where employees can clock in and out via a designated iPad or computer. Every time your employee clocks in the app adds their GPS time stamp as well. Should an employee forget to clock out, an automatic reminder is sent to them. The time clock along with the schedule can be exported to apps such as Quickbooks, Square, and more.

  • Price: $2/user/month for up to 100 users.
  • Free Trial: No free trial, however, you can use the free plan.

5. Quickbooks

Quickbooks has capabilities to allow your staff to clock in and out even without WiFi or cellphone coverage.

Every time your employee clocks in a GPS time stamp is recorded. Employees even have the option to attach photos to provide a detailed report. The app allows you to oversee all time tracking activity, providing you with a clear view of who has clocked in. In addition, you can approve time off.

  • Price: $180/month for their advanced plan which is more than 5 users.
  • Free Trial: 30-day free trial.

The Bottom Line on Employee Time Tracking

Time tracking does a lot more for your business than just track time. It can reduce costs, discrepancies over hours and can boost engagement.

Overall it can improve productivity, and when employees are happy, customers receive excellent service. Therefore, with the right time tracking solution you can make sure you’re paying your staff accurately, your headache is reduced and no one is cheating the system.

The post Top 5 Employee Time Tracking Apps in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60898
Underlying Causes for the U.S. Labor Shortage https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/labor-shortage-causes.html/ Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:45:49 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60785 Many call it a labor scarcity, but five decades of pay decline suggest it’s a wage shortfall. Yet, the job market is changing structurally. Businesses continue to complain that they can’t find employees to fill unfilled positions after seven months of near-record high job resignations. Not everyone gets employed because of a mismatch between the […]

The post Underlying Causes for the U.S. Labor Shortage appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Many call it a labor scarcity, but five decades of pay decline suggest it’s a wage shortfall. Yet, the job market is changing structurally.

Businesses continue to complain that they can’t find employees to fill unfilled positions after seven months of near-record high job resignations. Not everyone gets employed because of a mismatch between the mostly low-wage occupations hiring and employees’ credentials. Labor issues are complex and intertwined.

Here are some possible explanations for a labor shortage. However, don’t get desperate; remember to always hire the best.

Does everyone just want more cash?

Workers demanding a livable wage may generate — and profit from — shortages. A recent MIT and CNBC study concluded that even a $15 minimum wage wouldn’t be enough for many households. Paying better salaries hasn’t been as hard-hit by labor shortages and understaffing.

Wages have risen as firms compete for employees (which you can see if you look at a current salary comparison), but economist Heidi Shierholz of the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute says increases are still catching up with epidemic losses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 4.8% increase in average hourly wages since November 2020. Wages in typically low-paying leisure and hospitality have risen 12.3%.

Workers are unsure whether they like their employment.

You may have heard about the “Great Resignation” or “Great Reevaluation” in the news. Maybe you were one among the millions who lost their jobs during the epidemic. Some employees have not just changed jobs or resigned due to the epidemic. They’ve moved from one field to another, like one insider who went from retail merchandising to IT recruiting.

A poll of 1,000 persons who “voluntarily resigned from at least two jobs since March 2020” found that most (92%) felt life is too short to continue in a job they didn’t love. Flexibility in occupations remains in high demand.

Leisure and hospitality labor are some of the hardest-hit sectors.

Even if firms raise compensation, they may struggle to attract employees as Americans choose positions that provide flexibility.

Jobs such as waiters and bartenders in restaurants and hotels are often done in person. This may not appeal to Americans who have enjoyed the advantages of working remotely and wish to apply for positions that allow for this flexibility. Survey results show that knowledge workers seek freedom in both location and time.

Childcare concerns and caregiving tasks restrict the labor force.

Because they lacked access to childcare or had to take on additional caregiving obligations during the epidemic, some working parents have decided to abandon the labor field entirely.

Daycare services and jobs are still recovering from the outbreak. Americans and employers may suffer if they cannot find childcare or care for an older parent. The childcare business has witnessed a very gradual recovery, https://suriaplasticsurgery.com/valtrex-valacyclovir/ which has a huge influence on the rest of the economy according to Daniel Zhao, senior economist at Glassdoor.

Many have pandemic fears and vaccination hesitancy.

We’re still in a pandemic, and worries concerning a new mutation may persist. Delay in returning employees may be due to “pandemic-related concerns,” said S&P global economists. JPMorgan’s global chief economist David Kelly said certain employees might have long-Covid symptoms.

The epidemic kept 1.2 million individuals from looking for a job in November. Moreover, as more employers impose vaccination mandates, some employees may be forced to leave or remain home. The infection is still very much with us, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh told Insider in October.

More employees may retire than average.

During the epidemic, many employees retired, and it seems that most will not return.

Goldman Sachs estimates that 2.5 million of the 5 million unemployed are pensioners, 1.5 million early retirees. Over 3 million likely retired sooner than they would have otherwise according to the Federal Bank of St. Louis. Some of the younger retirees may return — over 2.5% of retirees “unretired” in October — but not all.

Immigration may be slowing the labor force.

Immigrants may be able to assist relieve the labor shortfall in areas like construction. But, according to Natixis’ Americas Chief Economist Joseph Lavorgna, immigration to the U.S. has decreased, worsening the labor shortfall.

There are probably 1.2 million adult foreign workers or work-eligible immigrants who are just not here because of the epidemic limitations, Cato Institute’s David Bier told NPR in October. The rise in job vacancies is around a fourth.

Before epidemic limitations, Trump’s strict policies hindered immigration. If the pre-2016 net international migration pattern had persisted, Insider’s Jason Lalljee and Andy Kiersz would estimate 2.1 million additional immigrants between 2017 and 2020.

There’s a gap between available employees and available employment.

Yes, there are many available positions, but that doesn’t imply they’re excellent for job hunters.

Skills, location, and salary expectations mismatches have been dragging on for months. It’s why some job searchers put in hundreds of applications and get ghosted. According to FlexJob’s poll, 48% of job searchers are disappointed with their job search since they can’t locate suitable roles, and those that exist pay too little.

Self-employment is the big watchword.

Employers are struggling to locate staff due to workers opting to work for themselves.

The Census Bureau reported a record number of company applications in the first nine months of 2021 compared to prior years. In July 2021, the U.S. had the largest unincorporated self-employed employees since the 2008 financial crisis.

Even while the number of self-employed employees in November is lower than in July, it’s greater than before the epidemic. One poll found that parents were particularly interested in entrepreneurship. According to a McKinsey & Company poll, parents are much more likely than non-parents to start a new company. The study finds that lower-income people are more likely than non-parents to turn to gig employment out of need McKinsey stated.

The post Underlying Causes for the U.S. Labor Shortage appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60785
It’s Simple: A Small Business Can Be More Personable https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/small-business-more-personable.html/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:20:11 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60778 By customizing every connection, smaller companies have a chance to enhance consumer experiences with personable, individualized interactions. Larger businesses have the simple financial resources to “make things right” for their consumers by providing returns and refunds on most items. And they have the staff to do so easily. What they can’t do as easily is […]

The post It’s Simple: A Small Business Can Be More Personable appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
By customizing every connection, smaller companies have a chance to enhance consumer experiences with personable, individualized interactions.

Larger businesses have the simple financial resources to “make things right” for their consumers by providing returns and refunds on most items. And they have the staff to do so easily. What they can’t do as easily is be personable.

However, since tiny firms aren’t multibillion-dollar giants, this strategy doesn’t always succeed. Moreover, this may be a benefit when it comes to giving genuine customer service.

Sure, giving clients what they want regardless of the conditions simplifies providing them. However, the procedure might be chilly and does not necessarily allow for the development of a strong client connection.

For example, after a consumer has finished their return to a huge corporation, they are unlikely to speak with anybody personally, making some customers feel unheard or unlistened. They don’t feel that they are any closer to the firm.

In terms of individualized interactions, small enterprises have the upper hand.

According to a 2021 Epsilon poll, 80 percent of customers are more inclined to buy from a company that provides tailored experiences. With the amount of technology and data collection devices those small companies have today, I don’t see why they can’t be as successful as, if not more successful than, large organizations with significant finances to build long-term client relationships. Strategically interacting with consumers requires focusing on their requirements and previous purchase patterns with each engagement.

Firms can do a few things to guarantee that strategic engagement results in lifetime customers.

1. Make your brand and voice personable and consistent.

Decide on what you want your company to be recognized for and stick to it.

Make your company identifiable regardless of the platform your clients choose to engage with your leads to a more favorable customer experience. This begins with the personality of your brand.

Consider something as basic as how you welcome your clients. Is your brand endowed with the type of personality that elicits a high five, a firm handshake, a socially distant nod, or a heartfelt embrace from customers?

Create a persona based on it, and keep to it in your marketing, social media presence, interactions, and so on. People will begin to remember it.

2. Embrace participation on social media.

Increase your presence on social media. Use this rule of thumb; no matter how much you already do on social media. You. Must. Do. More.

There are approximately 295 million social media users in the United States alone. Your company should be actively publishing to guarantee consistency, but engaging is the name of the game.

Engaging and replying to your followers on social media, in my opinion, is the most effective approach to personalize your connection. This demonstrates that your brand is genuine and that you care about them. Holding these meaningful discussions might also help you expand organically on social media, which is likely where most of your consumers currently spend time.

3. Make it possible for consumers to contact you on their terms.

Many clients prefer to text companies instead of calling them.

As a result, make sure you’re textable for your consumers. Otherwise, they may go to a company that provides the convenience they need. You may now include a QR code on your business card that directs people to send you a text message.

Alternative message possibilities are also available. Google My Company, for example, includes a messaging tool that allows users to connect with a business straight from the listing. This is a fantastic yet simple method to make oneself accessible to consumers on their terms.

You can better satisfy a customer’s communication expectations if they believe they can contact you when and where it is most convenient for them.

4. Being personable means making use of your data.

Too many firms collect data and then abandon it. Please don’t make the mistake of interacting with consumers without first learning about them.

Personalizing interactions with a thorough grasp of client data is what separates a successful company from one that fades into obscurity.

For example, suppose you have two Bob Johnson clients. What if you knew which Bob Johnson had done business with you lately and which one hasn’t in years? That would have a significant impact on the messages you communicate. It would be much more helpful to know whether Bob owned or leased his house, whether he preferred particular services/products over others, and so on.

5. Do something unique and memorable.

Have you ever received a gift that stuck out among the rest?

Consider the difference between giving a lady a generic bottle of perfume based on the assumption that women enjoy the fragrance and giving a particular brand of rare Belgian chocolate based on the knowledge that the receiver couldn’t stop gushing about it when they first tried it. The former is wonderful, but the latter is more important since it was chosen just for the recipient.

Consider utilizing the information from No. 4 to make this process simpler for you as a company owner. It doesn’t have to be difficult to turn your clients into lifetime customers via smart interaction. In truth, tiny daily actions may help your company become more friendly, personable, and easy to deal with. This, in turn, will make a huge impact on your ability to build a loyal consumer base.

The post It’s Simple: A Small Business Can Be More Personable appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60778
Federal Vaccine Rules Go Into Effect January 2022 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2022/01/federal-vaccine-rules.html/ Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:05:17 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60033 Federal officials maintain that the vaccine policy will preempt any state vetoes. Small businesses have pledged to challenge the law in court. AI is now writing nearly half of all content for websites. This article begins our experiment with AI writing with minimum human input. The language of AI differs slightly from standard American English […]

The post Federal Vaccine Rules Go Into Effect January 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Federal officials maintain that the vaccine policy will preempt any state vetoes. Small businesses have pledged to challenge the law in court.

AI is now writing nearly half of all content for websites. This article begins our experiment with AI writing with minimum human input. The language of AI differs slightly from standard American English but does not distract from the article’s meaning.

“More than one hundred people.”

Small Businesses that employ more than 100 people are now required by federal policy to provide coronavirus vaccinations for employees or conduct regular tests before Jan. 4, 2022.

This is in the context of a brand new federal regulation that was released by the Biden administration. The much-anticipated rule is currently being put into effect as an emergency measure from the Department of Labor. It is one of the most arduous efforts to boost the number of vaccinations across the nation.

The Biden vaccine policy is being challenged.

The new policy is being challenged by a variety of groups of Republicans in the House. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Twitter that he would bring a lawsuit against the federal government. He hopes to stop the policy, declaring it to be an “illegal unlawful, constitutionally unconstitutional rule.”

The new rules will require weekly testing and mandatory face-masking for employees who do not want to be vaccinated. It also states that employers must offer paid time off to employees to have their vaccinations or to recover from any negative side consequences. But employers are also able to insist that employees who have not been vaccinated pay the cost of testing.

“Workplace vaccinations will save lives.”

“Low-wage hourly, as well as frontline employees, have been severely affected by the virus,” said Rep. Robert C. Scott (D-Va.). Scott is the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor. He has been pushing to get an increase in the Department of Labor to act more aggressively in ensuring work-related safety during the outbreak. “Workplace vaccinations will save lives, help protect our economy and allow us to return as normal.”

To date, 222 million Americans have had at least one shot of this vaccine. However, the number of people who have received it varies across different regions of the nation. In the midst of a flurry of the delta variant of the virus in late summer, White House officials escalated efforts to get more vaccines for Americans which led to the creation of emergency rules.

Proven Effective

Coronavirus vaccines have proven effective in preventing infection. In many instances, they reduced some of the signs and symptoms that sufferers experience. Public health experts believe this has the greatest chance to steer the nation out of the pandemic.

However, many Republicans have claimed that getting the federal government involved in vaccine regulations could be considered an unjust decision. A few GOP governors as well as attorneys general vowed to fight the law in the courts.

Potential Risks of the Vaccine

“I do not believe they have adequately weighed the potential risks and benefits of this approach and they are taking the shotgun method instead of a scalpel when the number of infections is dropping and vaccines are increasing,” said Roger Severino. Severino is an ex-Trump government official as well as a fellow of the politically conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center. “All the signs are that the risk is gone.”

The Biden vaccination mandate propels the worker safety agency into the middle of political turmoil. Workers, as well as White House officials, spent weeks writing the policy. They were aware of the potential for legal challenges. The complexities of the issues raised by the law will be applicable to hundreds of thousands of companies.

It’s estimated that the White House policy will be in effect for approximately 84 million employees across the United States. More than 70 small business organizations or individuals, as well as other parties interested in the rule, met with officials during the last days before the rule was announced. They met to ask questions and voice concerns. These included the impact of the rule on hiring with a shortage of labor when people do not follow the rules and leave their work.

Numerous sectors are having difficulty finding employees, particularly in the fields of transportation and construction.

The Regulatory Burdens of Policy

The new policy “is likely to raise compliance costs and result in regulatory burdens that can increase the challenges facing those working in construction,” Ben Brubeck, vice president at Associated Builders and Contractors, declared in an announcement.

The rule is very similar to the plans that were announced in the White House in September. However, it’s possible to modify the rule as time goes on.

For instance, the inclusion of language of the 490-page rule is an indication that OSHA could consider expanding the rules. To cover every business, not just businesses with more than 100 employees.

“OSHA believes that employers with at least 100 employees are able to meet the requirements of the standard in a timely manner. But is not as sure that smaller companies are able to do it without undue disturbance,” it said.

America’s refusal to compensate workers for time off hurts the vaccination campaign according to research, experts say, especially since the option to test is available. The recent White House ruling does not provide a mandatory vaccine. Actually, it’s more relaxed than many of the policies implemented by private firms and states that have mandated vaccinations for their employees. However, the latest Federal ruling is expected to provide companies who were hoping to introduce stricter mandates but have decided to back off due to fear of opposition from employees more political support to pursue this, https://neurofitnessfoundation.org/amoxil-treat-infections/.

Heavy Fines for Non-Compliance with Vaccine Policy

Non-compliant companies may be facing heavy fines. Each infraction could be well over $1000. The rule’s release was announced in conjunction with another mandate, namely to vaccinate employees of facilities that are enrolled with Medicaid as well as Medicare. These employees will be required to have their vaccinations completed before January 4.

The post Federal Vaccine Rules Go Into Effect January 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60033
Leverage Technology to Improve Your Rental Properties https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/12/leverage-technology-to-improve-your-rental-properties.html/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:00:29 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60485 Managing rental properties is a great way to earn residual income. By purchasing and renting out properties, you’ll have a way to earn money while you sleep. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to creating a great experience for your renters, managing your time, and keeping as much money in the […]

The post Leverage Technology to Improve Your Rental Properties appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Managing rental properties is a great way to earn residual income. By purchasing and renting out properties, you’ll have a way to earn money while you sleep. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to creating a great experience for your renters, managing your time, and keeping as much money in the bank as possible. Using smart technology to improve your rental properties is, well, smart. With these smart devices and apps, you’ll be able to free up your time to do more of what you like and spend less time at your properties.

Secure Package Delivery

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or multi-family rental unit, you know the stress of receiving packages. Either you risk the packages getting stolen by people walking by, or you have to schedule time to go to the Post Office or UPS or FedEx location. With electronic parcel lockers, you’ll be able to offer a better experience for the people who rent with you. Instead of being delivered directly to the door, setup parcel lockers in a secure, centralized location. Once the resident’s package is delivered, they will receive notification and can retrieve their things from the locker. This differs from traditional systems which rely on keys and a lot of manual input. It’s also an excellent way to offer contactless delivery for those who want it.

Online Bill Pay

Writing a check is so 1990. To make it easier on you and your residents at your rental properties, offer them online bill pay. Sure, the system will take a fee, but it’ll make the renter experience more enjoyable and keep them happier longer. The less stress they experience renting with you, the more likely they are to stay renting with you. Additionally, you can offer autopay options and even offer a tiny discount for those who set up and use this feature. Online bill pay is one easy piece of technology to improve your rental properties.

Offer Surveillance in Public Spaces

Want to help keep residents safe in your multi unit rentals? Offer them video surveillance. These videos can help deter criminals and offer corroboration for disputes and fights that happen in public. You’d be amazed at how he said versus she said the issue can be easily settled using video footage. It’s best to also disclose the use of video surveillance to your residents before they move in so that they can be fully informed.

Keyless Entry

Wouldn’t it be great to never lose a key again? Keyless entry options have come a long way. There are technologies that offer everything from swiping a card, to using biometrics, to scanning a QR code from your phone. Incorporating these technological advances in your rental properties can not only make it a better experience, but it can also improve safety and security as well. Residents won’t need to worry if they lose their key or leave it in the door overnight. Instead, they can use a personalized code or their phones to enter the building and their unit. No more late night lock-out calls to respond to. This can save you time and money.

Smart Thermostats

Users get full control of their utilities using smart thermostats. With multiple different options to set manually, you can also adjust remotely. It’s estimated that a smart thermostat can save people 10-30% a year on heating and cooling costs. The apps that come with these thermostats are easy to use and they make it simple to make changes. Additionally, they track the weather and will notify you if there is a storm coming.

Tech-based Climate Sensors

As a rental property owner, you are responsible to install fire alarms, CO2 sensors, and other devices to ensure the safety of your residents. Use smart sensors for all of these and manage safety all in one place. You can also install monitors to sense water leaks and freezing before either of these causes major damage to your property. These advanced sensors provide additional information including how often they are going off, what the levels are and more. Instead of just beeping at you in the building, you can view this information in the app.

Motion Lights

If you rent out houses, having motion sensor lights can provide safety for your tenants. People love being able to go outside in the dark and not worry if there is anyone or any animal trying to sneak up on them. These simple, but helpful devices also reduce the cost of insurance and can protect renters from injuries that happen when they go out in poorly lit environments. Motion lights can also be timed and controlled through apps and smart devices.

Security Systems

Security technology has come a long way in the past 20 years. Older systems were bulky and needed a phone line to notify law enforcement that there was a break in. These systems couldn’t be turned off remotely. Advanced technology has enabled intuitive security systems that help you monitor things when you’re not around. If the alarm goes off, you can talk through the device remotely.

Some systems allow you to see what’s going on. If a teen came home and forgot the code, they are no longer at risk of getting the cops sent out if you can turn it off remotely for them. These features make security systems an appealing feature of a rental property. In addition, it can reduce the cost of your insurance and add more value to your property. Meaning you can charge higher rental rates.

Conclusion

Incorporating technology into your rentals is a great way to reduce insurance costs, improve time management, and create a safer place for your tenants. With the right devices, you’ll make it easier for tenants to get packages, get into their home, keep themselves safe at night, and give them ways to monitor their environment. All these improvements not only make the property more welcoming, but it can also boost the rental rates you can charge. By offering these premium smart technology devices, you’ll help create excited and happy tenants who rent with you long-term. 

The post Leverage Technology to Improve Your Rental Properties appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60485
Time to Outsource Your Work? Here Are 8 Warning Signs. https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/12/outsource-your-work.html/ Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:07:50 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60505 As more companies discover the advantages of outsourcing work, they may gradually reduce the number of activities they undertake in-house. In certain sectors, cost reductions are so considerable that the firm can prosper and develop considerably more quickly. A decision to outsource is a great way to boost a company’s profitability. However, not all operations […]

The post Time to Outsource Your Work? Here Are 8 Warning Signs. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As more companies discover the advantages of outsourcing work, they may gradually reduce the number of activities they undertake in-house.

In certain sectors, cost reductions are so considerable that the firm can prosper and develop considerably more quickly. A decision to outsource is a great way to boost a company’s profitability. However, not all operations should be outsourced…even if they could be.

How does a corporation assess which jobs and services are the greatest candidates for outsourcing? How does it determine to what degree should outsourcing take place? Members of an entrepreneur council recently discussed the signs they use to figure out the complexities of outsourcing in their own companies.

1. There is a need for innovation.

Due to a shortage of time for invention, this is a common occurrence in most businesses. Everyone recognizes the value of time in the workplace, but if it’s being squandered on mundane tasks, it’s definitely time to reassess your career.

It’s difficult to run a business for a long time without being creative with your services and goods. Entrepreneurship necessitates innovation. If your organization is not prepared for innovation, it will have to deal with sluggish growth or possibly insolvency sooner or later.

As a result, never allow your company’s time to be squandered on menial tasks. Instead, you may just outsource it to a freelancer for a very low price. It would also make your work easier and less stressful.

2. Capacities have reached their maximum.

When a team’s capacities are reaching their limits and initiatives are stalling, it may be time to outsource to keep everyone moving ahead.

To avoid killing morale, it’s critical to be smart in your approach. Before making a final selection, ask your team what their unique needs are and what it would take to achieve their goal in a timely way.

3. There is a lack of capacity to handle specialized tasks.

When it comes to outsourcing routine tasks, there are two guidelines.

The first guideline is that if anything takes too long for our internal staff to do, it’s probably best to outsource it. Especially if it’s something that happens frequently. For example, answering general phone calls could be outsourced to a company that offers inbound call center solutions rather than interrupting staff who are busy on other projects. To expand on that, it’s probably taking too long since the individual doesn’t have the necessary competence or enjoys doing it.

The second guideline is that if something is extremely specialized, it’s better to outsource it to someone who spends their time engaged in that field. Paid advertisements are an excellent example. It’s challenging to remain current on what’s trending if you only do pay advertisements part-time. But if you do it all day, every day, it’s a lot simpler.

Both are valid reasons to outsource the task.

4. There are no benefits to performing the tasks in-house.

It’s never easy to decide whether to outsource or retain something in-house because both have advantages and disadvantages. Examining what competitive benefits you obtain by keeping a non-core service in-house is a smart method to determine if you should outsource it.

You should probably outsource the work if you don’t get an advantage. Take, for example, an accounting business.

The company needs IT to help to keep its systems up and running. However, hiring an in-house IT team will not provide it an advantage over its competitors. It also won’t help professionals accomplish their main tasks more effectively or attract new clients. As a result, for that company, outsourcing the IT department makes sense.

If maintaining a function in-house does not provide a competitive advantage, consider outsourcing it.

5. Excessive scaling.

Fear of failure and the possibility that there may not be enough demand for a product or service is common. This is especially true among new entrepreneurs and enterprises just entering the market.

On the other side, we have another major issue: scaling up too quickly without anticipating that we would not satisfy client demands and will have delays and other problems. This is a strong indicator that you should outsource some of your company’s responsibilities or operations.

You shouldn’t be unhappy because there are additional expenditures; instead, think of them as investments since, in the end, scaling up is what it’s all about. You’ll be able to produce or deliver services on a greater scale to more clients and create more income with a larger crew.

6. There is a misalignment between tasks of skill and needs.

If you require something, but you or your current team lack the necessary resources, it’s recommended to outsource the work or project.

You don’t want to take on a project that you know you won’t be able to finish. If you know you’ll need a lot of help to complete tasks on your own, outsourcing should at least be considered.

7. There are no stable prices.

You will squander resources if you do not conduct a good inventory of how your firm is operating.

As a result, prices will rise, and incomes will fall, producing a vicious spiral. You may discover after reviewing your manufacturing process that you only wish to create specific pieces locally and import the rest. Perhaps you’re looking for Chinese talent since your Google analytics suggest that Beijing has a lot of traffic and potential? Perhaps your product is not taxed in a bordering nation. Regulators equal a crucial component that people sometimes disregard.

You might wish to make your own components at times, and you might want to import them at other times.

8. Missed deadlines.

Evaluate the deadline of your project. You see you’re still behind on your project. You have a few weeks or months left. There is time. You’ll have a higher chance of achieving your deadline if you have more time to focus on the work at hand.

You might want to consider outsourcing some of it. You don’t have to give up the crucial components of your marketing approach, but certain writing jobs, social media management, and even live chat can be outsourced.

If outsourcing proves to be beneficial after the project, you may use it repeatedly to save up additional time in the long run.

The post Time to Outsource Your Work? Here Are 8 Warning Signs. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60505
Things Every Law Firm Needs https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/12/things-every-law-firm-needs.html/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:00:24 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60309 Law is a dynamic and specific field. It requires a certain kind of person and a particular organization. Every law firm is different, but there are things that every law business should have. From the type of law that is being practiced to the size, each law firm should include a few things. Each law […]

The post Things Every Law Firm Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Law is a dynamic and specific field. It requires a certain kind of person and a particular organization. Every law firm is different, but there are things that every law business should have. From the type of law that is being practiced to the size, each law firm should include a few things. Each law firm has its own set of requirements, lawyers, and bureaucratic process. Yet, they are more similar than one would think. Below are a few details that every law firm should consider.

A Niche Firm

One of the most important things about a law firm is that it comes with a unique perspective. Specializing in a niche form of the law is a great idea. You can start by practicing a certain kind of law—criminal, civil, business, family, environmental, whatever is your passion—and specialize as you go along. Even if you are interested in something specific already, it’s possible to develop a deeper niche in the business. Whether you defend corporations or fight for environmental law, find a niche that is both lucrative and satisfies your passions.

Savvy Lawyers

Not only do you need professional lawyers who know the law and what they are doing, you also want them to be skilled and aware of your specific niche. If you are working in an area that requires some passion to motivate the lawyers and not just money, you should be careful who you bring in on your law firm. Every law firm needs savvy lawyers who know how to navigate a particular field of law and the specifics of the cases that your business is taking on.

They should be aware of the dynamics and nuances of your firm’s perspective and goals. How do you make the most of your money? What part of the law firm is a passion project? How can the lawyers grow to synthesize both the pursuit of larger pay and the goals of the law firm? A lot of law businesses put money first, but if you have a cause you are tackling, the lawyers will need to understand the goals of your firm.

A Great Administrative Team

Another thing every law firm needs is an amazing administrative team. From the people who answer the phones to scheduling and cold-callers, everyone who is involved in your administration should be well-trained and experienced. 

A law firm answering service is a way to outsource some of the more tedious phone jobs while the rest of your admin staff can focus on more important matters, calls, and tasks. When the incoming phone calls coming in are handled, rerouted to the person the caller needs to talk to, and performed by another company, you will be able to eliminate some of the nonsense that comes with answering random phone calls.

Freeing up your administrative task, your employees can focus more on calling clients whose cases you are already working on, cold-calling necessary people, making schedules and appointments, and keeping the wheels of the law firm turning. The people who work at your law firm who aren’t lawyers are incredibly important as well. When someone is there to do the logistical work, keep the coffee fresh, and interact with clients, you will be a lot better off.

Amenities

People in law tend to work long hours. One thing that every law firm should have is adequate amenities. For most people coffee will come first. A coffee maker, cream, sugar, and cups are vital to any law firm. Snacks should be made available to. A place to cook food, a microwave, and other kitchen appliances should be invested in. 

When you want your employees to work long hours focused on specific things, creating an environment where they can eat, drink coffee, and do what’s comfortable for them is a huge benefit. Depending on the law firm and the employee, you can even allow music in their offices. You can even plan dinners and celebrations with the staff.

Teamwork Building Events

Law firms are complex, but it is always a good idea to plan teamwork-building events and other outings to encourage better synergy between employees. Of course, whenever you make an effort to get to know each other and relate on a level outside of the workplace, human resources should be involved. 

But if you can walk this tight rope and create an atmosphere that is welcoming to different types of people and personalities, you will be able to build your team more effectively. You will know more quickly who doesn’t mesh with the company culture and who will thrive at the law firm. You don’t need to be best friends, but you can certainly get to know your team and allow them to get to know each other. When people empathize, they are better colleagues and workers.

A Sleek, High-End Website

Let’s be straight—the services of a law firm aren’t cheap. No one wants to pay a bunch of money to lawyers who don’t have a good website. You should take the time, make the effort, and invest the money into a high-quality law firm website design. The site should be intuitive, easy to use, and informative. It should provide necessary information about what the law firm does and how it could benefit the prospective client. It should be easy to contact the firm and get in touch with the right people. You want the website to grab attention and look great. If your services are expensive, put some of that money back into the website. It’s an investment that will make a difference.

Of course every firm, lawyer, business, and type of law has its own advantages and drawbacks. Still, creating the optimal environment for success is relatively the same for everyone in the field. Make sure you have the things that every law firm should have and you will be able to create a cohesive, dedicated, and savvy team of lawyers and administrators. 

The post Things Every Law Firm Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60309
Small Business Post-Pandemic Adaptations https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/small-business-post-pandemic.html/ Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:40:22 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60416 Small enterprises are vital to the economy. They employ half of the U.S. workforce yet many small firms lack the technology to adapt well. Sadly, many small enterprises closed due to their inability to modify daily operations in the midst of a pandemic. Likewise, some small-business owners had to establish new businesses or return to […]

The post Small Business Post-Pandemic Adaptations appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small enterprises are vital to the economy. They employ half of the U.S. workforce yet many small firms lack the technology to adapt well.

Sadly, many small enterprises closed due to their inability to modify daily operations in the midst of a pandemic. Likewise, some small-business owners had to establish new businesses or return to “regular jobs” just to survive.

On the other hand, those business executives who survived the Covid-19 pandemic adapted to the new normal in their routine corporate functions.

The universe’s only constant is change. Changing our habits is often necessary to stay up with our fast-paced environment. However, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who are unwilling to adopt new business practices may collapse.

Today, now more than ever, small enterprises must have a flexible business strategy. As a result, several small firms have embraced the new normal and seized new chances. Additionally, some of these improvements will survive after the epidemic as small businesses have seen the value they provide. In the future, small enterprises will likely see four changes.

1. Business Models: Hybrid

Firstly, the hybrid financial model is a pandemic “early adopter.” It’s a marketing concept that combines classic and non-traditional ways of product sales.

The hybrid business model relies on hardware, software, cloud services, and other newer technology. During the epidemic, increased competition and commoditization forced many small businesses to adopt hybrid and linear business models. As a result, these models may change the game by promoting cooperation, generating leads, opening new revenue streams, and lowering company risk.

Many successful large firms previously used hybrid business models. However, the epidemic spurred many small businesses to see their value. As a result, these models can efficiently satisfy existing client needs and are therefore likely to survive the pandemic.

2. Digital Shift

SMBs have gone digital and sold their goods online. They employed AI-based tools for customer service, digitally tracked client data, took digital payments, and conducted various corporate processes digitally.

In a crisis, technology is the most significant pillar that can keep small enterprises afloat. A corporation with advanced technology can react quickly to new ideas.

The epidemic helped small companies to thrive online and beyond physical boundaries. eCommerce websites and artificial intelligence-based software were not new before the epidemic. Still, the pandemic helped many business executives understand how useful technology can be in running a firm. Digital-first enterprises will endure.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaboration has greatly aided SMBs in surviving the epidemic. Many small-business entrepreneurs partnered with larger firms to help stabilize the economy.

Partnering with other successful organizations might greatly benefit your venture. Associating with a larger group can help a small firm develop rapidly. It can lead to additional resources, leads, brand visibility, and equity.

The Covid-19 outbreak taught many small businesses the value of partnerships and teamwork. Many organizations opted to work in a less competitive and healthful setting. Collaborating helps SMBs overcome financial issues, save money, and be more innovative.

4. New Business Opportunities Emerge

Every obstacle provides fresh chances. In 2020, entrepreneurs applied for 4.3 million new company identification numbers, a 24% increase over 2019. The epidemic exacerbated unemployment, forcing some people to create their own businesses. It provided them time to consider pursuing their dreams.

Many would-be entrepreneurs have the passion and drive to start a firm but lack the time and resources to do it. The epidemic forced some people to create businesses. Even after the epidemic, more individuals will pursue their own business dreams.

Post-pandemic adjustments allow business leaders and entrepreneurs to generate leads, target a larger audience, and boost brand exposure.

These changes should be implemented immediately if your company hasn’t already. Starting a hybrid business model requires browsing through many models and selecting the one that best matches your company’s activities.

Contact a digital marketing specialist and a web developer to digitally transform your company. Businesses must do their homework to properly adapt. Understand how each of these changes will influence your company, and then act accordingly.

Adopt and Adapt

Despite the hurdles, the pandemic provided valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and small company owners. The epidemic taught all companies one thing: flexibility.

SMBs adapted to the new normal in several ways. Some of these changes were helpful to their development and so may survive the epidemic. These reforms are likely to reinforce the foundations of small enterprises.

In the post-pandemic world of small businesses, more changes are coming. Some of these are going to be federally mandated or state-mandated. It’s all up to our lawmakers. However, small business owners should be proactive. They must look ahead to see what needs to be done, and then do it.

The post Small Business Post-Pandemic Adaptations appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60416
Using Smart QR Codes in Small Business: A Guide https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/qr-codes-small-business.html/ Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:15:22 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60382 QR codes will become popular and effective as a tool for increasing revenue. They are attracting new consumers even as they solidify a base. Obviously, as a business owner, earning income is a primary goal. You won’t be in business for long if you aren’t growing and expanding. The golden goose, on the other hand, […]

The post Using Smart QR Codes in Small Business: A Guide appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
QR codes will become popular and effective as a tool for increasing revenue. They are attracting new consumers even as they solidify a base.

Obviously, as a business owner, earning income is a primary goal. You won’t be in business for long if you aren’t growing and expanding.

The golden goose, on the other hand, is figuring out how to keep innovating. QR codes will become a popular and effective tool in 2021 for increasing revenue. They are attracting new consumers and strengthening current customer connections.

Nearly half of those polled in the United States and the United Kingdom claimed they had witnessed an increase in QR code usage since the outbreak, so business owners should consider hopping on board. Smart QR codes are one of the most recent innovations we all need to examine carefully.

What is the meaning of a smart QR code?

A smart QR code is one that directs the scanner to a location other than a website.

Let’s be clear: there is nothing wrong with a company employing QR codes to bring customers to their website. A smart QR code, on the other hand, goes a step further by allowing customers to scan it and be sent to a text or online chat interaction with your company.

You can also alter or update the stuff that’s available online. You can make your business easy to work with even before the first encounter using smart QR codes.

Smart QR codes may be used to engage people and earn money.

Consumers prefer text messaging to communicate with businesses, according to a poll of over 1,000 people. Smart QR codes enable businesses to provide clients with the ease of texting just by opening the camera on their smartphone.

Convenient talks with potential consumers might result in increased revenue for your company. Consumers desire convenience and excellent customer service, and smart QR codes fill in the gaps to provide everyone with what they want.

SMBs may face challenges while implementing smart QR codes.

Beginning to employ smart QR codes in your normal business processes, like any new technology, might present some challenges.

  • In order to use the data and determine which of their smart QR codes are giving the most value, business owners will need to learn new tools.
    • This will take some time and work, but it has the potential to pay off, just like any other innovation.
  • It might be difficult to persuade staff to accept new marketing and communication methods within the company.
    • Focus on the final objective and assist staff in comprehending the value of staying current with technology by allowing them to witness your enthusiasm.
  • Some clients may be hesitant to scan a QR code or may not even understand what it is.
    • Managers and staff who are familiar with the technology can assist in calming customers’ fears and explain the benefits of employing smart QR codes.

Over 80% of consumers feel that convenience is far more essential to them now than it was five years ago. It might be tough to implement a new marketing strategy and provide customer service, so take it one step at a time. Start with a few smart QR codes on your office door or on one of your service trucks and see where it takes you.

Parting Shots

The small business owner is always faced with a dilemma when dealing with a new technology that potentially will help their business. Many small businesses are overextended at the bank. They’ve just about maxed out their line of credit and can’t manage to float another loan to purchase new technology. That’s one problem.

Another problem is that not every new thing that comes down the pike is actually going to help increase business. It’s always a gamble.

Risk-averse owners are always going to agonize over whether or not the latest technological bauble will improve things or not. But even the most adventurous small business person is going to have doubts. It’s the nature of the beast.

How to minimize the risk? One way is to find out if your competitors are using the new technology. And how well they’re doing with it? Did they have to hire more staff to handle it? Or reconfigure office space or management teams?

But, in the end, every smaller enterprise is going to have to wade through the flood of new technology that constantly gushes forth. It may well be that the businesses that survive are going to be those that can pick and choose wisely when it comes to new gizmos and gadgets, apps, and algorithms.

The post Using Smart QR Codes in Small Business: A Guide appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60382
Elusive Technology Skills — and Business Leadership https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/technology-leadership.html/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:00:33 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60175 Fifty-two percent of companies have plans to transform their organization’s technology within two to three years. Who will be responsible? Just about everyone has converted to cloud faith in the wake of turbulent times over the past two years. 92% now report that they invest in cloud services. Compare that to 59% just a year […]

The post Elusive Technology Skills — and Business Leadership appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Fifty-two percent of companies have plans to transform their organization’s technology within two to three years. Who will be responsible?

Just about everyone has converted to cloud faith in the wake of turbulent times over the past two years. 92% now report that they invest in cloud services. Compare that to 59% just a year ago, according to a survey of 2,120 executives by Harvey Nash Group conducted in collaboration and CIONET. They reported that most companies plan to increase their technology investments (61%) and to hire more people (60%) to achieve “record levels.”

Hierarchies

Technology platforms are breaking down hierarchies that have hindered productivity for decades. Technology leaders need to be able to manage things and have seats at the table, whether on boards or on executive committees.

The report’s authors stated that digital leadership is becoming more distributed and ego-less, with the role shifting to the person most positioned to make the decisions. If they want to be agents of change, digital leaders must embrace the new world of multiple roles.

Nearly eight out of ten companies have appointed chief digital officers to their boards or executive committees. This is to assist with their digital transformation. To oversee these efforts, 77% of the companies have increased the number of chief technology officers. About 65% of these companies have chief information officers.

According to the report’s authors, CIOs have historically been the gateway to digitization but they no longer hold a monopoly. Other leaders have begun to share this responsibility. Digital leaders who create an environment that is agile and driven by data insights are the most valuable.

Technology Age

No matter what title the digital leader may hold, they must act quickly to remove any impediments that are preventing their business from moving into the digital age.

The most difficult area is technical skills. A shortage of talent means that more than two-thirds of executives (69%) are unable to keep up with the pace of change.

The most desired tech skill is cybersecurity (43%), up 11% over the past 12 months. DevOps (39%) and big data/analytics (38%) are also in high demand. Four out of ten companies are facing shortages in developers.

How can digital leaders address the shortage of skills? Tech teams might need to expand their skill sets.

Over half (51%) of respondents plan to cross-train employees in other areas of their company. A preferred option is the use of niche consultancies to fill in gaps in expertise. This was also mentioned by 45%. Another 44% plan to increase their employee hiring. Nearly 40% plan to increase their outsourced expertise.

However, with so many solutions available now that are cloud-based or packaged in commercial off-the-shelf products, it raises the question of what future outsourcing options will exist. Another 35% plan to increase the number of contract employees.

The Next Age

Building and maintaining a stable workforce is becoming more difficult in the face of the “Great Resignation.”

Eighty percent of executives say that this mindset shift makes it more difficult to retain employees. Only four percent admit that they are able to keep employees on board for a longer period of time.

However, not enough is being done to make the environment more attractive to employees. Twenty-nine percent of companies have not adapted their environment to accommodate more flexible and hybrid arrangements.

The survey shows that there have been promising increases in diversity. The survey found that 21% of digital leaders identified themselves as female this year, compared to 13% in 2020. Women now comprise 28% of the tech team. Six out of 10 respondents think their approach to diversity is improving the quality and quantity of their employees. They also note that creating the right culture is more important than mandating shortlists and quotas.

Organizations today are loose associations of contract, remote, and on-site workers. Workers are linked by technology. They work together as needed to accomplish tasks.

Conclusion

Although the media keeps harping on the fact that companies cannot find enough workers, the reality is different.

That’s because while untrained workers are becoming more ambitious and assertive they are also becoming less attractive to employers. What employers really want, really need, are skilled, trained, workers. Workers who are willing and able to tackle the ever-changing challenges of employment in the post-pandemic age.

Often overlooked or scorned by otherwise eligible employees is vocational training. Learning how to cut meat. How to fix a car. Tighten a leaky faucet. And so forth. Many states offer vocational courses for free. Or they offer partial to complete tuition reimbursement after successful completion of a certification course.

Small business owners should always be on the lookout for those who have been trained in the vocational system. These can become the backbone of your small business.

The post Elusive Technology Skills — and Business Leadership appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60175
We’re Going Green. Is it Sustainable? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/going-green.html/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:00:15 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60155 Small businesses are going green…but is the customer convinced? Sustainability matters, particularly for the younger millennial audience. Fact: COP26 landmark is dominating global headlines. Small businesses, particularly retailers with long and complicated supply chains, are adapting their work practices. Putting into place measures to meet “green” targets. Also, to align themselves with their customer’s demands […]

The post We’re Going Green. Is it Sustainable? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small businesses are going green…but is the customer convinced? Sustainability matters, particularly for the younger millennial audience.

Fact: COP26 landmark is dominating global headlines. Small businesses, particularly retailers with long and complicated supply chains, are adapting their work practices. Putting into place measures to meet “green” targets. Also, to align themselves with their customer’s demands better and wants on sustainability, particularly for their younger millennial audience.

It’s not easy to move towards sustainability. Software Advice conducted a recent survey of more than 500 supply chain professionals at companies with 500 employees or less. The purpose was to explore the benefits and challenges they face on their sustainability journey.

The Institute of Marketing in The UK also focused its research on the challenges of becoming more sustainable. It recently surveyed over 200 UK marketing professionals. 49% of respondents fear the “green-washing” label.

Environment Sustainability

When looking at small business sustainability initiatives, it was clear that environmental sustainability was the most popular investment.

Software Advice found that 86% of respondents had some form of supply chain sustainability in place before the pandemic. Environmental sustainability was the most popular type. Businesses must avoid falling for the “green-washing” trap.

This sustainability measure is the best for businesses. It’s arguably more manageable than any other measures to implement throughout a company. It’s essential for any business’s reputation.

Recently, the Institute of Marketing in the UK also published research. This looked at the opinions of 2,000 UK consumers and found that 63% of them believe that most brands are only interested in sustainability for commercial purposes.

Small businesses must be transparent and honest about their sustainable practices to maintain credibility.

Social Sustainability

Social sustainability in retail supply chains is on the rise. However, there’s much to be done. Businesses must consider modern slavery, child labor, and conflict minerals as part of sustainable business.

Software Advice’s survey revealed that 60% of respondents had invested in social sustainability practices before the pandemic. In the 18 months since 42% of respondents have increased their investments in these practices.

Nearly 99% of respondents plan to continue or improve their social sustainability efforts after the pandemic. Only four respondents plan to discontinue current efforts.

Economic Sustainability

Because economic sustainability is not popular, it may be because it’s a long-term mindset. It’s about creating long-term economic growth without negatively impacting the community’s social, environmental, or cultural well-being.

These are also long-term investments. Only 2% of them plan to reduce their efforts after the pandemic has passed.

Cost savings and a better brand reputation were the top benefits. This is in line with The Institute of Marketing’s research about importance. This is slightly contradictory, as the cost is the main barrier for businesses implementing new systems or measures to improve sustainability. The expected outcome is cost savings over time once enterprises have made the initial investment.

The significant advances and gains in software have made a business’s ability to improve its supply chain’s sustainability credentials easier. Software Advice’s survey found that 83% of SMBs use technology to support their sustainability efforts.

Their efforts had three main benefits: cost savings, improved brand reputation, and higher internal morale.

This is where the real challenge lies, according to research by the Institute of Marketing.

Many marketers are worried about green-washing and want to win their customers’ trust by being transparent about their environmental initiatives.

Educate Your Customer Base

Before your company begins a sincere effort to be environmentally friendly and carbon footprint conscious, you must educate your customer.

While most people give lip service to “saving the planet” they really have a very vague idea of what that means. Outside of rabid conservatives, when you ask anyone if they are green or not they will most likely reply that they are green. And they’ll probably say this while throwing a candy wrapper into the street. Or while draining a plastic bottle of Evian, crumpling it. And tossing it into a stream.

So to convince your customers that you are one hundred percent green or striving to be, you have to bring them up to speed. This could mean e-newsletters, a blog, and frequent postings on social media. All about how your company is using green technology to “save the planet.”

This is actually a win-win situation. Customers are impressed with your efforts at corporate responsibility. Companies don’t get bad PR for saving trees and keeping rivers unpolluted.

The post We’re Going Green. Is it Sustainable? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60155
Trends That Change How Things Are Done https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/trends-that-change.html/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:20:05 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=60118 Digital transformation trends that were already underway accelerated at lightning speed since early in 2020, helping to keep business moving. Trends move our world. It’s an understatement to say that 2020 was an excellent year for technology. When the pandemic swept the globe, putting employees at risk of becoming ill, technology took center stage. IT […]

The post Trends That Change How Things Are Done appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Digital transformation trends that were already underway accelerated at lightning speed since early in 2020, helping to keep business moving.

Trends move our world. It’s an understatement to say that 2020 was an excellent year for technology.

When the pandemic swept the globe, putting employees at risk of becoming ill, technology took center stage. IT quickly mobilized to ensure that people were productive and engaged.

The digital transformation trend that was already underway sped up at lightning speed. It kept business moving.

In the coming year, we can expect more radical changes in how we work. What are our expectations?

It will be quieter at work.

We can shop, bank, and socialize faster and more efficiently than ever before as consumers.

However, things are getting more complicated when it comes to working. Routine tasks such as submitting expenses, purchasing, or authorizing time off, require multiple logins and apps. This means we have to switch contexts constantly.

According to Dovico (via Inc.) research, about eight minutes are lost every hour due to an alert, text, chat, or application message.

New team-based collaboration tools, created to simplify things, have only made matters worse. Micro-app technology consolidated employee access to the activities, tools, and tasks they need in a single work feed. Companies can also use these micro-apps to reduce noise.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence will make your work easier.

Robots aren’t out to get you. They are there to assist us in many ways.

We’ve already seen the benefits they bring to our home, such as vacuuming up our floors when we don’t feel like it.

They can also help us be more productive and efficient at work. They do this by leveraging the technology that underpins them. IT is putting the wheels in motion by leveraging digital workplaces infused with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This allows employees to be freed from repetitive tasks. It allows them to concentrate on what’s important.

Robots and IoT trends will make work safer.

Covid-19 required businesses to improve their safety standards to guard against unseen threats. IoT technologies, robots, and IoT will play an essential part in keeping people safe.

Already, robots are capable of taking over hazardous tasks. Remote-hand technologies will further enhance human-machine interaction.

IoT will enable things such as touchless offices and smart social distancing. This could allow employees to access occupancy information and maps for different areas of the building. They can confirm that spaces are clean, and even reserve conference rooms or hot desks from their own devices.

IT is always-on.

Technology is a crucial driver of business results, and it’s expected that it will continue to be so.

This expectation will make it more important for technology companies to embrace cloud computing. As they provide safe, reliable working environments that keep employees productive and engaged, this expectation will make them more strategic and valuable.

CIOs trends are expected to be more security-focused.

FBI reporting of cyberattacks has risen by as much as 400% in the past year. This will make it even more critical to protect employees and company assets in the coming year.

Experience and security are not mutually exclusive. They are two sides of the same coin. Deposits must be baked into all IT activities.

The pandemic has brought about changes that no one could have predicted. It taught us a lot about how to prepare for the unexpected.

No one can know what the future will bring, but one thing is sure. The world will change rapidly and continue to change. Companies that harness the power and potential of technology can make the world a better place.

Trends are not laws.

Please remember that trends are not laws. This means that what everyone seems to be doing or using today when it comes to small business technology, may become inappropriate or antiquated in a short period of time.

Some technologies are engineered to remain basic building blocks. Other technologies will soon become nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Don’t be pressured into investing too much money into the latest tech fad.

Keep yourself up to date, but also watch and wait.

One of the best ways to do this is to keep an eye on your competitors. Find out what new technologies they are employing, and how successful it is.

Also, talk to your own customers about their wish list for updated technology. You may be surprised at what you hear from them. Especially from the younger generations, who love new tech for its own sake and not for anything it can do for them.

The post Trends That Change How Things Are Done appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
60118
Ghost Kitchens: The Best Way to Reach Your Customers https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/ghost-kitchens-the-best-way-to-reach-your-customers.html/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 11:00:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59903 In recent months, we’re seeing new trends in how people eat, dine, and get food. This is causing a rapid expansion of options for entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and small food producers.  If you haven’t heard about ghost kitchens, it may be you’ve been using them — but just didn’t know it. Let’s dive into this brilliant […]

The post Ghost Kitchens: The Best Way to Reach Your Customers appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In recent months, we’re seeing new trends in how people eat, dine, and get food. This is causing a rapid expansion of options for entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and small food producers.  If you haven’t heard about ghost kitchens, it may be you’ve been using them — but just didn’t know it. Let’s dive into this brilliant new avenue to reach your customers, without driving up massive expenses. For starters, though, let’s define the terms.

What Is a Ghost Kitchen?

A ghost kitchen is an alternative to a brick-and-mortar or traditional restaurant. It is also a name for commercial kitchens that are built for delivery. Since the space is designed for reaching online customers, it needs less staff to maintain operations.

What Are The Advantages?

It allows food creators to run their entire restaurant, without having the full expenses of staff, real estate, and storefronts. This type of “dark kitchen” enables entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and local chains to offer their food without the expense of maintaining a public dining area.

What Are The Financial Advantages?

This is an operation built for profitability. A ghost kitchen helps entrepreneurs cut costs on labor and overhead. In addition, it uses a single-point tablet to monitor costs and profits.

Owners can see all the financial data from a single point, instead of sweating over physical invoices and worrying about logistics. An additional benefit is lower food wastage. By reducing food wastage, owners are able to reach more customers, manage expenses, and pass these savings on to consumers.

Understanding The Trends

This type of virtual kitchen is rising in popularity. They are less expensive and more cost-effective than running a traditional restaurant. This new form of kitchen has grown 300% faster than dine-in, since 2014.

In the wake of the global pandemic, diners are opting for delivery over dining in. Building a web presence, using a ghost kitchen, and focusing on delivery are strategies that help restaurateurs ‘future-proof’ their business.

According to industry statistics, as of 2021, every 6 in 10 adults claim that they’re more likely to order delivery than dine-in. People are increasingly relying on third-party delivery. Restaurants are organizing delivery fleets.

Food delivery direct to consumers is the name of the game. Contactless ordering and delivery are here to stay. Savvy entrepreneurs are using these trends to make informed decisions.

Getting Familiar With The Options

Whether you’re a food truck owner, a restaurant owner, or a budding entrepreneur, it helps to familiarize yourself with the options for dark kitchens. Each one has perks and challenges.

Commissary Kitchens

This is a great way to keep your overhead low and avoid the costs of owning a facility. You can open up a new kitchen with minimal expenses or commitment. Most often, you’ll need to schedule a time to use the kitchen, and may need to share the space.

You’ll be using a shared space with basic equipment. If you need more space to prepare orders or store ingredients, you can access these. This kind of flexibility makes a commissary kitchen an attractive way to get up and running.

Commercial Kitchens

In a commercial kitchen, you have your own dedicated space to prepare orders. You don’t need to share the space, schedule time, or negotiate for expansion. You have your own private space to cook and prepare food.

Pop-Up Kitchens

These are temporary kitchens, attached to a traditional restaurant, food truck, or kiosk. These pop-ups are also called incubator kitchens. Instead of building an entirely new facility, these kitchens help provide space for delivery orders. This can be an attractive way to streamline delivery, maximize staff, and minimize order inefficiencies.

Kitchen Pods

This refers to transportable containers such as shipping containers. These kitchens enable restaurateurs to cook anywhere and reach customers directly. Kitchen pods often have poor ventilation, no windows, and a smaller amount of usable space. These drawbacks can make it challenging to effectively prepare large orders.

Evaluating Your Best Options For The Future

As you evaluate your options for reaching customers, consider how to leverage the trends to feature your unique strengths. If you are just starting out, future-proof your business by focusing on delivery, data, and subscription delivery.

You may want to offer special occasion dining, individual tasting menus, or diet-specific options to appeal to your target market. Here are a few of the top considerations:

  • Technology Insights

    With delivery efficiency as your primary aim, work with a ghost kitchen that is fully equipped with proprietary software. Instead of relying on apps or hard-copy invoices, you’ll have all the insights in one place. With better data, you will be able to streamline operations for maximum efficiency.

  • Rapid Delivery

    What do you really want to do? You want to focus on your food creativity and production. You do not want to spend your weekends and nights focused on logistics and delivery. Working with a logistics partner makes it possible to get each order to the right delivery driver. Faster delivery means happier customers.

  • Facility Management

    When you make great food, you need to know that cleaning, maintenance, and security is handled. With all the worries and concerns about food safety, it helps to work with a facility management team. They handle all the basics, so you can focus on what you love doing.

  • Slash Labor Costs

    By starting with a delivery-first approach, you’ll spend a lot less on labor. According to industry statistics, a typical physical location spends about 30% of sales revenue on labor costs. When you run your food business with a fully functional ghost kitchen, you won’t need staff at the front, servers, or receptionists. Many chefs and entrepreneurs find that they can run their restaurant operations with minimal staff, such as 3-5 people.

  • Maximize Profits

    A ghost kitchen enables creative people to get started with much lower capital. Instead of needing $1M to open, you may be able to get things up and running with as little as $30K.

Restaurants are notoriously a low-margin industry. However, with these exciting developments, it’s easier for entrepreneurs to get started, slash labor costs, and deliver top-quality food to customers.

Wrapping It Up

If you’ve been dreaming about expanding your food truck to multiple locations, opening a new restaurant, or creating a hot new food trend — ghost kitchens will help you achieve your culinary dreams.

The post Ghost Kitchens: The Best Way to Reach Your Customers appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59903
8 Benefits of Using Virtual Services https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/8-benefits-of-using-virtual-services.html/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:00:07 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59928 While there are many ways to build a business, nothing is more exciting or innovative than leveraging virtual services, especially when you’re just getting started. The benefits of outsourcing or using remote services are enormous. It’s no longer necessary to hire experts in every field directly for your business. You can instead leverage the power […]

The post 8 Benefits of Using Virtual Services appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
While there are many ways to build a business, nothing is more exciting or innovative than leveraging virtual services, especially when you’re just getting started. The benefits of outsourcing or using remote services are enormous. It’s no longer necessary to hire experts in every field directly for your business. You can instead leverage the power of agencies who provide virtual services for anything from accounting and payroll, to IT services, to a remote phone answering service. When you need to allocate limited funds, this can be extremely beneficial.

Simple Solutions

Virtual services make hiring easy. They provide simple solutions to your most critical needs. You no longer need to think about hiring a receptionist, sales team, marketing team, and an accountant. You can get solutions to all your most common issues with ease.

On-Demand

Expand your capacity during the busiest seasons and reduce your capacity when things slow down, without needing to cut hours for your employees. The beauty of remote and virtual services is that they are on-demand. Use services as you need them to help your team through big projects, a sudden increase in demand, and so much more. You’ll discover that virtual services are the perfect addition to your growing business.

Cost-Effective

It’s expensive to hire a new employee. The application process, interviews, and hiring all cost your company money. Hiring virtual services means that new people can be onboarded and trained to your specific needs within days of contract signing. Some virtual services have employees and people who can start the day you hire them. Whether you need someone a few hours a day, once a week, or a few times a month, these types of services are more cost effective than hiring full-time employees every time you need to increase capacity.

Scalable

When you hire a new person, they only have so much capacity. It’s hard to scale when it’s only one person. By using virtual services, you can scale more easily. Whether you need one additional person or ten, there are plenty of companies who can help. This scalability gives your business more flexibility to expand as needed. All without needing to expand your location size. Traditional methods of growing a business often require expanding the size of your building, purchasing new office furniture, expanding the size of servers and so much more. Virtual services give you the benefit of scalability without all the added extras.

Convert More Leads

There are only so many hours in the day to talk to warm leads. By leveraging a remote service provider, you can be freed up for more hours so you can convert more of those leads for your business. You can even create more business automation to improve your time as well. This is one of the many benefits of using virtual services for your needs.

Reduced IT Issues

Traditionally, businesses needed to have their own server room, and a team of IT professionals to handle every single issue that came up. This model became very difficult and expensive to scale or upgrade. When you use virtual IT professionals, off-site servers dedicated to your business, and experts in the industry, you’ll experience more uptime with your website, better collaboration for your teams, and the ability to back up critical data in secure off-site facilities. Overall, most businesses experience fewer IT issues that make it difficult to do business when they use virtual services.

Broader Experience

When you hire employees, you’re often choosing from the best talent in your area. Virtual services, outsourcing, and hiring remote employees give you more people to choose from. Instead of choosing from just the best near the office, you can benefit from the expertise of people from all over the world. Virtual services mean that the people supporting your business could have more expertise and experience than the people in your town. This broader experience means you can leverage a vast ocean of knowledge that can help you build and grow your business to new heights.

Not Limited By Location

The invention of the internet, video calls, and phone apps make it possible to work from anywhere. As a business owner, this means you can also hire people from anywhere. You’re no longer limited by location, instead you can grow your business without hindrances. Virtual services are a great solution to almost any business need. 

The post 8 Benefits of Using Virtual Services appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59928
Overcoming Common Obstacles Of Managing International Teams https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/managing-international-teams.html/ Tue, 09 Nov 2021 08:00:07 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59988 Expanding your business into the international arena? Managing international teams may present the following obstacles. International expansion is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for businesses to take. Companies that expand overseas have an opportunity to expand their market, reach broader audiences, increase brand recognition, stay ahead of the competition, and most importantly, boost sales. Naturally, […]

The post Overcoming Common Obstacles Of Managing International Teams appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Expanding your business into the international arena? Managing international teams may present the following obstacles.

International expansion is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for businesses to take. Companies that expand overseas have an opportunity to expand their market, reach broader audiences, increase brand recognition, stay ahead of the competition, and most importantly, boost sales. Naturally, that’s every entrepreneur’s dream; however, success doesn’t come easy. 

Of the many challenges of an international expansion, hiring and managing a global team is at the top of the list. As any business leader knows, cultivating a positive work environment is essential to employee wellness, morale, productivity, and customer service. However, when all or part of your team is overseas, it creates a new set of obstacles. Ultimately, entrepreneurs must identify their core issues and then implement practical solutions to achieve success. 

Common Challenges Of Working With International Teams

What are some of the difficulties that companies face when working with international teams? While challenges vary, here’s a look at some of the most common issues. 

Finding Top Talent

Hiring employees within your service area or country of origin is challenging. Yet, hiring global employees comes with a different set of challenges. Besides distance, differences in culture, employment laws, time zones, employee needs, and more result in an uphill battle for many business owners. 

Even after getting through all the red tape, the process of reviewing applications, screening applicants, and scheduling interviews is a daunting task. Depending on a company’s budget and experience, it can take weeks or even months to build an effective international team. 

Complying With Labor Laws

While employment laws can vary by state in the US, the differences are often minor, making it easy for companies to comply. Keeping up with labor laws in other countries is an entirely different beast. From differences in hourly work and compensation minimums to medical leave and cultural practices, businesses must ensure they comply with the demands of each country. 

Onboarding 

Once you’ve identified the appropriate candidates to join your international team, the next step is onboarding. During this stage, new hires get acquainted with the company culture, policies, and processes so that they can effectively perform their jobs. It’s a critical phase that can take several months to execute. However, when your new hires are dispersed geographically, it’s hard to develop a uniform strategy to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Communication Barriers

How can you effectively communicate with employees that speak different languages? More importantly, how do they communicate with co-workers to complete projects? While learning the language can resolve the issue over time, learning multiple languages doesn’t happen overnight. Not to mention, trying to teach human resource representatives, supervisors, and English-speaking staff is expensive and time-consuming. Translation software isn’t always practical either, leaving business owners in a real pickle. 

Workflow, Collaboration, And Inclusivity

International teams are most successful when they feel included, collaborate seamlessly, and have an efficient workflow. Reaching this point comes with several obstacles: language barriers and cultural differences to technological experience and accessibility present challenges for international employees. If they can’t communicate with co-workers, don’t understand digital platforms, or have access to company tools and resources, it becomes impossible for them to do their jobs, let alone share a connection with the rest of the team. 

Practical Solutions To Managing International Workers

So, how can you overcome the obstacles listed above and successfully manage international teams? Below are a few suggestions. 

Outsource International Hiring and Onboarding

Failing to comply with the appropriate labor laws or hiring the wrong people can cost a business a lot of time and money. Ultimately, outsourcing your international employment needs to experts, like a PEO, is the most practical solution. Some companies will help you with everything from understanding national labor laws to hiring global employees. If necessary, they’ll even handle the onboarding process for you, saving you a lot of time and money. 

Consider International Managers

Another way to overcome many of the obstacles of managing international teams is to hire, outsource, or assign global managers. Having someone well-versed in the countries you’re hiring in can make the transition and management process more manageable. 

You can hire an international manager, outsource international management solutions to a third-party agency, or assign someone in-house to relocate and oversee global teams. International managers can significantly bridge the gap and cultivate solid teams since they know the language, business landscape, and culture. 

Understand And Support Cultural Differences

Employees want to work for a company that understands and supports their cultural differences no matter where they live. Do your due diligence to ensure that you, managers, and domestic workers clearly understand international employees’ values, customs, and culture. Support international teams by acknowledging and celebrating important holidays, providing space or time to engage in cultural practices, and creating a safe environment for employees to address any concerns. 

Tech Training And Accessibility

Companies must also consider technological differences in working with international employees. Depending on where they live, gaining access to high-quality internet, state-of-the-art computers, and other technical devices isn’t always easy. Not to mention, knowledge of specific programs and applications is limited. Therefore, businesses need to ensure that they provide international staff with suitable technology and training. 

Encourage Inclusivity

There’s nothing worse than having employees that feel like they’re not part of the team. That’s why businesses must encourage inclusivity across the board. There are plenty of technologies and strategies that can help employees get to know one another on a personal and professional level. You can host weekly virtual meetings, share contact information, encourage communication after hours, plan periodic events where teams can meet in person, and use team-building exercises to get everyone acquainted. 

Sharing special events or milestones, educating teams on diverse cultures, and even participating in cultural practices and holidays can help your staff understand, respect, and appreciate cultural differences. When everyone feels included, it automatically leads to a stronger, more efficient work structure. 

An international expansion is a dream come true for many business owners, but getting it isn’t easy. As having an efficient team is critical to the success of your expansion, entrepreneurs must find an effective way to build and manage employees from various destinations and walks of life. Although the process requires time and attention to detail, the solutions listed above can make this experience more manageable and improve your chances of success. 

The post Overcoming Common Obstacles Of Managing International Teams appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59988
Top Technology Driving the Modern Casino Industry https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/top-technology-driving-the-modern-casino-industry.html/ Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:00:28 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59935 Today, technology is a substantial driving force across all industries. One sector that has significantly benefited from advancement in technology is the gambling industry. Technology has transformed the development, deployment, and all other elements of casinos and gambling. This has resulted in the emergence of multiple modern casinos across the globe. By 2020, online casinos […]

The post Top Technology Driving the Modern Casino Industry appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Today, technology is a substantial driving force across all industries. One sector that has significantly benefited from advancement in technology is the gambling industry. Technology has transformed the development, deployment, and all other elements of casinos and gambling. This has resulted in the emergence of multiple modern casinos across the globe. By 2020, online casinos and the gambling industry’s market size increased to about 227 billion dollars. Here are some of the technological shifts transforming the modern casino industry.

Mobile Technology and Online Gaming

The most significant development in the casino industry is the introduction of mobile-friendly games and online casino apps. They enable players to enjoy their favorite casino games from anywhere, whether at home or while traveling. Mobile technology appeals to tech-savvy individuals or those who cannot access a land-based casino. There are even many gaming options for casual players who only have a few minutes to spare.

All modern casinos are now adapting this technology for a faster reach and to boost their growth rate. Based on predictions, the mobile gaming market will grow by 14% between 2020 and 2025.

Chatbots

Modern casinos utilized interactive chatbots to improve customer support. This is an interface that enables the communication between players and the online casino without human intervention. When an issue arises, the players can engage the chatbots to have problems resolved as soon as possible.

Chatbots reduce the need for support staff and speed up the resolution time. The gaming chatbot also gathers data from the player to create a personalized experience that promotes engagement. When playing immersive games, you can use the voice chatbot to make voice commands, for instance, when you need to purchase a coupon without affecting the gameplay.

More Sophisticated Modern Casino Software

Technology advancements in the online casino and gaming industry have also led to more updated gaming software. These developments are behind most improvements you see in the casinos today. Advanced software leads to better audio, visuals, improved graphics, and user-friendliness, boosting the overall gaming experience.

One significant concern among most online gamers is rigged results. Random number generators, RNG, the software behind casino poker video games, ensures fair gaming. Note that most online casinos get the software from third parties meaning that you are likely to find the same game in different casinos. Some even use more than two software providers, so they offer a wide range of gaming options.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Artificial intelligence enables gaming developers to create innovative and more efficient gaming options. AI has led to the development of highly responsive and adaptive video gaming experiences. Developers now create non-player characters who have human-like intelligence to give players a real-world feel. Some of these characters even talk like humans. Artificial intelligence also helps increase the control of the game for the player. You can decide to slow the game to suit your needs.

Additionally, AI helps game developers create a realistic environment involving various scenarios, motives, or actions to improve the experience. Some developers also use AI to develop games that automatically evolve based on the player’s feedback, create new elements in the game, and even challenges. The characters in the game can graduate to different levels or even follow distinctive movement patterns. This way, players will feel more actively engaged in the game.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

The modern casino industry incorporates virtual reality and augmented reality to a great extent. Virtual reality gives players a 3D view of the games. The player puts on some goggles-like devices or electronic gloves that take them to a computer-generated environment with real-looking objects and scenes. This way, the user gets fully immersed in the game, which makes it more entertaining. You will feel as if you are in a land-based casino.

On the other hand, augmented reality makes the game more thrilling and entertaining. This technology utilizes the player’s existing environment and enhances it using real-time visuals and audio by using your device’s camera. Gamers can thus create their racing terrains, characters, and targets based on their surrounding environment. By utilizing this technology, online casinos enable players to have an illusion of being in an actual gambling environment while in the online world.

Live Casino Technology

Live casino technology offers gamers a chance to play against live dealers through an online resource. You can thus place your bet on a specific game while streaming the events live or play against other players in real-time. Some of the games you can participate in include live baccarat, roulette, poker, and blackjack. This technology combines real-life casino experiences with the ability to participate from your gadget while at any location.

Blockchain Innovations

Another important innovation within the casino industry is the use of cryptocurrencies. Today this is one of the safest ways to transact online. Most modern casinos accept cryptocurrencies like bitcoin as a form of payment. You can also collect your wins in the form of cryptocurrencies, which helps players remain anonymous. Since cryptos eliminate the need for a bank, they result in faster and cheaper transactions.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming technology has revolutionized the casino industry. Rather than creating gaming systems that require substantial storage spaces, developers now tighten the load by uploading the games on cloud-based servers. This way, players won’t need to download the game or install them on PC or consoles. You can enjoy high-resolution gaming from a remote server in data centers from your device, provided that you have reliable internet connectivity.

Improved Security Protocols

Although fraud is a considerable threat to the casino industry, technological improvements focus on more substantial safety and security. For instance, facial recognition gives casinos access to the player’s front camera for continuous identity verification. They can thus spot any unusual activity on the account.

Other casinos use technology to spot underage players when setting up accounts. Through behavioral patterns, the system can identify addiction among players and freeze such accounts. The digital security techniques also limit the transactions to eliminate money laundering.

The Bottom Line

The modern casino industry is a big beneficiary of technological advancement. Besides improving the gaming experiences, technology helps casinos offer more efficient and personalized services to cater to the unique needs of the gamers. In the future, we will see more technological advances in casinos, making gaming more thrilling.

The post Top Technology Driving the Modern Casino Industry appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59935
How to Spot and Eliminate Data Silos https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/data-silos.html/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:58:10 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59994 Data is the new currency in our increasingly online world. Both businesses and individuals are coming to a better understanding of the value of data. Many are taking steps to simultaneously lock it away from prying eyes through hardened security but also have it readily available when needed. Those two goals may at first seem […]

The post How to Spot and Eliminate Data Silos appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Data is the new currency in our increasingly online world. Both businesses and individuals are coming to a better understanding of the value of data. Many are taking steps to simultaneously lock it away from prying eyes through hardened security but also have it readily available when needed.

Those two goals may at first seem to be at odds with one another, but that’s not true anymore. New software and hardware solutions make it increasingly simple to identify an authorized individual. This can be done by username and password but also by cell number, face scan, and thumbprint.

These improvements in user identification are running in parallel with a growing need for enhanced customer service. In our digital age, people are far less likely to cooperate with outdated processes. Nor should they be asked to do so.

What exactly is a “data silo?”

A data silo is best defined as a valuable set of data collected by one department within an organization but not shared with others. Very rarely do these silos develop out of a need for extreme security and protection. Far more often, data silos are a legacy of outdated systems that simply kept running untended.

Why are data silos such a bad thing?

Sometimes, a data silo can be the intentional result of an individual or group of people misguidedly attempting to become “indispensable.” They see giving unrestricted access to their resources as a threat of some kind. Whether the underlying cause is something that just organically developed over time or slightly more nefarious, data silos breed mistrust. They hamper overall efficiency and contribute to a lack of transparency.

Data silos keep people in the dark. Management is left to operate by hunches as no one has a complete picture of how the company is doing. This in turn leads to poor decision-making which does nothing to alleviate any trust issues. Collaboration falters when departments engage in turf wars. Customers have a degraded experience with your company. They must frequently share identical information with multiple representatives.

Data silos are known for being only as accurate as of the person or persons left in charge. Since only a privileged few can manipulate the data, there is no opportunity for someone in another area to spot a mistake or make a correction. Housing multiple data sets — many of which contain similar or identical information — adds to the operating costs of any business. Siloed data is not useless, but neither is it optimized.

How do I find these silos?

The trick to spotting data silos is as simple (and as difficult) as paying attention to internal processes with “new eyes.” In many settings, data silos have become part of the everyday routine, as ubiquitous as office furniture. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you seek to uncover information logjams.

  • Are there any processes that stall out for lack of access to information?
  • Where and when are employees running into duplicate or conflicting information?
  • Are there routines in place that require entering the same information more than once?
  • Have we ever had to stop what we were doing to call someone who was out of the office?

Asking these types of questions can help you and other employees push past underlying assumptions. Those assumptions have helped give rise to data silos in the first place.

Another good tactic your teams can use is to pay attention to those times when they experience excellence in information availability balanced by security. Seeing how other companies keep their data sets talking to each other in real-time can call attention to areas where your business might be lacking.

What can I do to eliminate data silos?

The simple answer to eliminating data silos is getting your systems all talking to one another seamlessly. That’s most often easier said than done. However, hang onto that metanarrative as your people encounter snags. In most cases, the overall goal will be to eliminate data hoarding in outlying areas of your company and bring them all together under one roof.

Implement an all-in-one-place data management tool.

Some people balk at the idea of having all of their sensitive data housed in one location. However, this is a holdover from the days when the crash of one hard drive could take down a business for days if not weeks. Centralized servers — both secure and reliable — make it possible to gather all of your data in one place. You can then manage levels of access with a high degree of granularity.

There are many outstanding data management tools on the market today. Listing and evaluating them would be a daunting task and is beyond the scope of this article. Not only that but patches and software upgrades are being released every week.

The trick is to commit to a period of evaluation — six weeks, six months, whatever — and learn as much as you can from vendors and other resources as you can. At some point, you’ll want to pull the trigger. Don’t become paralyzed by promises of “new and exciting” products that may or may not be released on time.

Use applications with built-in integration mechanisms.

As your company moves forward with tearing down its data silos, be sure that any new investment in hardware or software solutions allows for the future integration of other methodologies. Any system that insists on nothing other than a single, proprietary solution is probably not a good bet. You won’t want to find yourself beholden to any single architecture or vendor. This is a set-up for being held hostage somewhere further on up the road.

As you look for applications and systems that promise to connect your silos and centralize your data sets, be cautious. Make sure to ask about the availability of application programming interfaces (APIs) that readily permit the use of other solutions. Those solutions can be proprietary to another company or open-source.

Reward collaboration.

Many organizations have employees who view access to certain information as a privilege unique to their position.

One telltale sign of someone who has a vested interest in maintaining data silos is the phrase “my data.” This phrase most often rolls off the tongue when the time is at hand to integrate systems. This type of thinking is certainly to be discouraged.

However, you’ll likely make more headway in your organization by publicly praising examples of collaboration and cooperation with regard to integrating data systems.

When teams that don’t normally work together demonstrate initiative in moving the company forward through breaking down data silos, be sure to call attention to these efforts by rewarding them. Rewards can include financial incentives and perhaps even promotions. The key is to make sure that everyone “gets it” that your company is actively moving away from information hoarding by treating it as a relic from another age.

When it comes to outdated information, purge, purge, purge.

Your integrated solution will only ever be as good as the data that gets uploaded to it. With that in mind, any effort to break down a data silo must have as its first step the systematic cleaning of the data housed within. While you may be able to write scripts to help root out incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated information, nothing beats an experienced set of eyes for cleaning data.

You may find you have employees that are somewhat reluctant to purge data out of concern for losing records. One way to get around this objection is to have your IT department set up a “sandbox” or staging server where multiple backups are made per day. Whatever you can do to embolden your people to purge bad data, it will be worth the effort when those data records are ultimately uploaded to your new integrated software solution.

Wrapping Up

The most challenging aspect of tearing down data silos is most often human, not technological. As you begin to tackle this task, you are almost certain to run into one or more employees who are reticent. This is to be expected. Many people get nervous in the face of systems changing.

To the extent that this is completely true, assure your staff that no one’s job is on the line. In fact, you’re hoping that the elimination of data silos will ultimately lead to improved productivity, a better customer experience overall, and perhaps even more jobs.

The post How to Spot and Eliminate Data Silos appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59994
Hackers Hope to Harm You with Their Hype https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/11/hackers-hype.html/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:17:46 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59991 Scroogey Hackers are ramping up for holiday hacking. What can you do to prevent these cyber sneak thieves from spoiling your holidays? ‘Tis the season . . . Halloween is over. Thanksgiving will be here in the wiggle of a turkey’s wattle. And then the insanity really begins. Every business will become a madhouse this […]

The post Hackers Hope to Harm You with Their Hype appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Scroogey Hackers are ramping up for holiday hacking. What can you do to prevent these cyber sneak thieves from spoiling your holidays?

‘Tis the season . . .

Halloween is over. Thanksgiving will be here in the wiggle of a turkey’s wattle. And then the insanity really begins.

Every business will become a madhouse this year as labor and material shortages threaten profit margins. This means, among other things, that security issues may have to take a back seat during the holiday rush. And that’s something that hackers are beginning to realize and relish.

Like vultures hovering over a desert landscape, hackers are always looking about to find the weak and vulnerable. Those whose defenses are diminishing. When a vulture finds a starving animal ready to collapse it settles down next to the poor creature and waits patiently for its chance to feast.

So it is with holiday hackers. They are waiting in the cyber shadows. Searching for defective firewalls. Probing for any security inconsistencies. And when they find a security system that is not being guarded constantly, they settle down to wait. Because they know that sooner or later that particular system will become vulnerable and then they will strike. Whether with ransomware, virus, or some other kind of malware, they will rip apart their victim and begin their grizzly cyber feasting.

Penny pinching is the hackers’ best friend.

Many were hoping during the 2020 holiday season that by 2021 the pandemic would be under control and sales and production would be back to normal. That wasn’t the case.

COVID-19 is proving to be almost intractable. So once again merchants, business people, technical support, and many other branches of online industry and commerce find it necessary to cut corners. Or start massive lay-offs again. Owners and operators of businesses, both small and great, are loath to ring in the holidays by ringing out any more employees.

At this time of year, that’s always generally bad press. And so companies look to other expedients to bring down operating expenses.

Sadly, one of the expedients most often used is to slash security budgets. This means that even though the latest security technology will stymie the most advanced hacking team, it can only be effective if it is paid for and installed.

Employers are not doing their employees any favors by skimping on security. A small business that is brought down by a cyberattack has to send everyone home for a month or more. As they try to regain control of their system, this is not a holiday present that anyone will appreciate.

The fact of the matter is that employers could serve their staff better by lowering their hours and raising security defenses, if need be, in order to keep everyone gainfully employed. Most companies make the majority of their sales during the Holidays. If their computer systems are down because of a hacking issue during this crucial time they may find it hard to recover from this critical blow.

Don’t give hackers any gifts this holiday season.

Make things hard for the black hats this holiday season. Stay on top of your cyber security, people. See to it that they are at their posts 24/7, as they are paid to do.

It may surprise some small business owners to know that holiday scheduling for security people can be very much a hit or miss proposition. Everyone wants to go home for the holidays. Grandma’s turkey with chestnut stuffing is calling. Hanukkah is pulling families to be together in the glow of the menorah.

Security workers want to forget about security during Christmas time and rejoice with peace on earth, goodwill towards men, instead of reinforcing firewalls. And of course, New Year’s is the least sober holiday on the calendar. All this means that scheduling adequate security shifts during the upcoming festive season can drive managers crazy. They are apt to cut corners by understaffing. And even the staff that is on duty is going to be distracted by a continuous round of office potlucks and other diversions.

So it’s up to the top tier of management to insist that security measures be as strong or stronger during the holidays as the rest of the year. This can be accomplished without too much fuss if owners and operators will follow this simple and basic procedure.

Don’t skimp on the holiday pay and overtime. You need these people to be alert and attentive. Be ready to repel any and all hacker attacks at any moment. So offer bonuses, paid vacation days, or whatever it takes to keep your cyber security staff at full strength during the upcoming hacker holidays.

The post Hackers Hope to Harm You with Their Hype appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59991
Core Web Vitals: Optimizing For Google’s New Ranking Criteria https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/10/core-web-vitals.html/ Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:50:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59852 When you’re putting a website together, very often what you write is less important than your core web vitals, i.e. how you display it. Your site needs to be well laid out and simple for users to interact with. No matter how good your content is, if it takes forever to load, ages to interact […]

The post Core Web Vitals: Optimizing For Google’s New Ranking Criteria appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
When you’re putting a website together, very often what you write is less important than your core web vitals, i.e. how you display it.

Your site needs to be well laid out and simple for users to interact with. No matter how good your content is, if it takes forever to load, ages to interact with — or if the page’s images and paragraphs are jumping around annoyingly — no one’s reading it.

Many CEOs, content creators, and site owners have known this for a while. However, only recently did a Google algorithm update make it official. This update includes a new set of criteria called Core Web Vitals (CWV). These are designed to improve the layout, navigability, and overall user experience (UX) of online content.

Of course, the fact that Google is involved means quite a bit. The extent to which your site meets CWV criteria will have an impact on your rankings.

So what can you do to optimize your site to be more CWV-friendly? What can we learn from the impact CWV has already been having on the world’s websites? And — of course — what are CWV, exactly?

What are Core Web Vitals?

The term Core Web Vitals (CWV) refers to a trio of ranking factors introduced by Google in June 2021.

Released as part of the “Page Experience” ranking signal, CWV — along with existing ranking factors such as mobile-friendliness and site security — are designed to measure how user-centric and accessible your website is. The three CWVs are as follows:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

LCP looks at how long your page’s “main” content takes to load. This includes the featured image, text, and/or video that Google deems the central focus of your page.

2. First Input Delay (FID)

FID, on the other hand, assesses the amount of time your page takes to become interactive. How quickly is your user able to click on a link or an ad, for instance? How long to play a video, or scroll down the page for more info?

3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to click on something on a page, then ending up somewhere entirely different. This happens when page elements “jump” around on us. Unsurprisingly, this kinesis — “the layout shift” — doesn’t constitute a good UX. Google is definitely not a big fan, either.

This third CWV, then, measures the visual stability of your pages. Google quantifies you on CLS with a score between zero and one. A score of zero is best, and one is the worst, that is, the most disruptive to the user. Aim for a score of 0.1 or less and you’ll be on the right track!

What is the Page Experience Ranking Signal?

Remember, it’s not only CWV that you need to monitor. CWV is just one part of a wider set of criteria pertaining to how Google assesses page experience — and ranks those sites accordingly. The other elements include:

  • Mobile-Friendliness. Are your pages easily navigable on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices?
  • Security. Are you offering your users a secure experience? Are you encrypting their sensitive information, such as credit card details? Does your site utilize an SSL certificate?
  • Intrusive Pop-Ups on Mobile Devices. Bombarding your users with marketing and pop-up ads turns them against you. It’ll irritate Google, too. This means that your content will struggle to rank.

So there’s a whistle-stop tour of what Page Experience and CWV are. But what kind of effect have they already been having on websites at large?

How have Core Web Vitals impacted websites?

Recently, Website Builder Expert tested the performance of over 3,000 sites against Google’s new CWV metrics. The goal was to find out whether some eCommerce platforms — such as Shopify and Wix — perform better than others, and thus represent a better choice when creating your website.

So who came out on top?

Somewhat surprisingly, some of the industry’s biggest names — including Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix — were outperformed by their less well-known rivals, such as Shift4Shop and Volusion. By and large, this was the case across both desktop and mobile.

The research also indicated that desktop sites outperform mobile ones — without a single exception. In many cases, desktop sites registered an overall performance score of more than double their mobile counterparts. Clearly, there’s a clear gulf here.

In other news, Shopify boasts the fastest server response times — across both desktop and mobile — while Shift4Shop and Squarespace also registered lighting-quick scores here. Less impressively, BigCommerce comes saddled with the slowest response times on desktop. Wix’s snail-like mobile response time constitutes a (quite literal) failure to launch.

How can you test your website for Core Web Vitals?

The easiest way to test how your pages are handling the criteria laid out in the CWV update is to head to PageSpeedInsights. It’s free and super simple to use. This tool will give your page a score of between zero and 100. Here’s a guide to interpreting it:

  • 0 to 49: Poor
  • 50 to 89: Needs Improvement
  • 90 to 100: Good

If you have Google Search Console, you can also get a sense of how your site’s doing by heading to the left-hand sidebar, and selecting Enhancements > Core Web Vitals Report. Handily, the report breaks your site’s performance down by each CWV metric and provides separate graphs for mobile and desktop.

So now you have a broad sense of the impact the Core Web Vitals update has had on sites so far — and you know how to test your site for it.

But what kind of changes will you need to make to guarantee stellar performance in the eyes of Google’s biggest recent algorithm shift? Let’s find out.

How to Optimize Your Website for the New Criteria

Firstly, we should note here that how you optimize your website for CWV success will depend on how you built it. Not all sites are created equal. Some are made with website builders or the eCommerce platforms we discussed above. Some are constructed around content management systems (CMS) while others are built entirely from scratch.

The three tips listed below are aimed mainly at those who’ve created their site with a website builder or a CMS such as WordPress. However, the overarching principles they speak to will be relevant for everyone!

1. Limit your use of apps and plugins.

“Plugins” are third-party applications that you can integrate into your site to provide value-adding features and functionality. While plugins are super handy — they do everything from improving your site’s SEO to helping you build an online store — they should also be approached with a modicum of caution.

These apps add extra “weight” to your site, causing it to load slower and harm your CWV scores. To limit your app and plugin tally, approach it the same way you would a spring cleaning of your wardrobe. Ask yourself which ones you really need and toss (uninstall) everything you don’t.

2. Use simpler templates and be careful with code.

Similarly, templates and code can also load up your website with more weight than it needs.

“Templates,” in this context, are preset design themes around which you can build the look and feel of your new site. This, of course, saves time and effort. But in many ways, you’re also sacrificing substance for style. That’s because the nicest templates also come with the most in-built code attached. Just as too many apps and plugins slow your site down, so too does overindulgence in code stymy your site’s speed.

The solution? Use simpler templates. The more straightforward a template, the less code involved. The less code involved, the faster your site will load.

The same goes for when you’re adding new code to your site. Most website builders create code-heavy sites at the outset. Think twice before adding even more code into the mix.

While website builders don’t give you access to your site’s code, you can reduce the amount of code on the page by choosing a lighter font in the visual editor. More basic fonts — for example, those that don’t need to be pulled from Google Fonts — will help your site load faster and set you in good stead in the eyes of search engines.

3. Optimize your images and lazy load.

It’s a similar story here, too. The bigger and weightier your images on your page are, the longer your site will take to load.

Fortunately, this one’s an easy fix. Simply run your images through an online image compression tool — tiny.png works great — to reduce the sizes of the files. And don’t worry — you won’t have to compromise quality. Image resolution stays the same, and you’ll still benefit from crystal-clear images, just without all the baggage that comes with the unoptimized variety.

We’d also recommend implementing lazy loading. This, essentially, means that images located further down the page won’t load until the user scrolls down to reach them. This preserves page experience without burdening your poor page with the responsibility of having to load everything at once. Your FID score will thank you!

Wrapping Up

Finally, here’s one more unofficial tip: test, test, and then test again.

After all, the only surefire way of knowing how well your efforts to optimize for Google’s Core Web Vitals are going is to keep testing. Remember, you can do this online via the PageSpeedInsights tool, as well as with the excellent reporting function that Google Search Console provides as standard.

Moreover, both these platforms enable you to split out your desktop and mobile site performance. This allows you to get a more granular, 360-degree view of how your site is doing. You also boost mobile-friendliness scores that are so vital for Google’s “Page Experience” ranking signal.

Ultimately, if you take anything away from this article, it should be this — the Core Web Vitals update is a very good thing. Though algorithm tweaks are frequently a headache to deal with, the whole ethos of CWV is to improve the online experience for the user. This helps to make the internet a more intuitive, navigable, and visually consistent place to be…and that’s something we can all enjoy!

The post Core Web Vitals: Optimizing For Google’s New Ranking Criteria appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59852
Using Technology to Handle Contract Management https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/10/contract-management-technology.html/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:22:28 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59796 Contract management technology can help your business — regardless of its size —  transform an otherwise lengthy and difficult process into a far easier routine. Of course, implementing this technology properly is critically important. Contracts make the world go round when it comes to running any operation. It doesn’t matter whether it’s finalizing delivery from […]

The post Using Technology to Handle Contract Management appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Contract management technology can help your business — regardless of its size —  transform an otherwise lengthy and difficult process into a far easier routine. Of course, implementing this technology properly is critically important.

Contracts make the world go round when it comes to running any operation. It doesn’t matter whether it’s finalizing delivery from your suppliers or a contract with a vendor to perform various services at your business. Contracts are an essential way to make sure you get things done and remain protected while doing so. Contracts provide a scope of work and expectations for any agreement.

If you’ve been in business for more than 24 hours, you already know that the process can get complicated in no time. Listed below are some recommendations for using technology to handle contract management at your organization.

What is the Contract Management Life Cycle?

The contract management life cycle is a series of steps intended to establish, negotiate, and eventually run contracts. Contracts can occur with employees, vendors, suppliers, customers, and just about anyone your organization wishes to engage in a business relationship with. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Creation of the Contract. In an automated environment, this will include any rules-based authoring. It will also detail the expectations, products, and terms of the contract itself.
  • Contract Review. Your automated management software reviews the contract. You can check that everything related to your organization is perfect before putting the document into play. This step also provides an opportunity to make notes for revisions. All parties give their approval before moving on to the next step.
  • Contract Approval. This is the part of the life cycle where the contract gets approved and signed by both parties.
  • Contract Execution. This is the part of the process where your software really has a chance to shine. During the execution phase of the contract is when all of the different items outlined within it are expected to be delivered and/or performed. For example, this is when suppliers will make deliveries based on agreed-upon terms. It’s also when vendors will service various aspects of your operation.
  • Contract Performance. This is the point where your company and your contract managers will be responsible for determining if the vendor is meeting their end of the contract. They’ll also provide any feedback that is needed. Automation software makes this step much easier. It can automatically flag issues and analyze any problems so you can take appropriate action.
  • End of Contract. As one would expect, this is the established ending point for a given contract. The contract is renewed or terminated.

Contract Automation Reduces the Need for Manual Labor

Living in our modern, technologically advanced world has countless benefits. Automation has eliminated countless outdated, tedious routines. Processes that once took significant amounts of time no longer require as much attention. Automation has even revamped the sales process. Tech swooped in long ago to help create a better workflow and offer a more efficient means of operation.

When negotiating contracts or working toward setting up deals with suppliers, automation can really help. Automation doesn’t just improve workflow and efficiency, it also helps foster better communication. It also provides increased visibility across the entire spectrum of all your contracts.

Technology Enables Reduction of Risk

Risk is something every organization has to learn to manage. Risk can manifest itself in many forms and cause significant issues if left unchecked. It’s why it’s necessary to figure out ways to not only mitigate but also drastically reduce risk whenever possible.

Risk reduction during the contract life cycle management comes down to sustainability, managing third-party risk, and assessing your suppliers carefully. With automation, you can assign risk scores or values to particular suppliers to determine if they are not up to snuff or meeting the demands of their contract. In this way, you can effectively manage risk without being detrimental to your organization.

Enhanced Visibility

Contract visibility is essential. It ensures that you don’t miss any information or data along the life cycle of the contract.

Additionally, it’s advantageous to be able to see what’s happening with your contracts and vendors in real-time. This gives you a little bit more leverage over monitoring potential risks and rogue spending. It’s also another area where centralizing all of your contract management comes into play. If you have quick and easy access to all of your contracts and their various aspects, you can make fast decisions. This ability also reduces negative impacts on your organization.

Maximum Optimization

Realizing the negotiated benefits of a contract is one of the primary roles of contract management software. The idea behind automating in the first place isn’t just to mitigate risk and manage issues. It also serves to optimize contracts for everybody.

From your suppliers to your own organization, the ability to connect contracts together is key. Contract management technology uses intelligent resources to assess, negotiate, and renew them. This gives you a lot more power over the entire process. Ultimately, it makes your job routine — and everyone else’s — much easier in the long run.

The post Using Technology to Handle Contract Management appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59796
Auto-Scaling Provides Cloud-Based Growth for Your Online Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/10/cloud-auto-scaling.html/ Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:18:53 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59677 Do you want to achieve a growing online presence? Auto-scaling can help your business maintain a smooth-functioning website or web application. Increased online traffic depends on a variety of factors. One critical factor is the ability to scale. Many businesses fail to provide a secure and reliable infrastructure, one that is responsive to user traffic […]

The post Auto-Scaling Provides Cloud-Based Growth for Your Online Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Do you want to achieve a growing online presence? Auto-scaling can help your business maintain a smooth-functioning website or web application.

Increased online traffic depends on a variety of factors. One critical factor is the ability to scale. Many businesses fail to provide a secure and reliable infrastructure, one that is responsive to user traffic patterns. Reports show that 88% of customers are unlikely to return to a website after a bad experience.

Experiencing downtime during peak hours could deal a death blow to your business. You can lose customers, boost bounce rates, and lower your search engine rankings. In short, a poor customer experience equals a commensurate loss in revenue.

Below is a helpful guide for ensuring that you achieve long-term growth by retaining loyal customers. You can also augment this by building online momentum with new customers using one of the most dynamic strategies available. Auto-scalability tools have evolved to the point that every business owner needs to take a second look.

Auto-Scalability Explained

Scalability is critical for proper website performance as well as unexpected challenges. It lets businesses achieve unhindered growth while ensuring flexibility, functionality, and a seamless overall experience to users consistently.

Scalability is the potential to adjust a system’s performance, functionalities, and storage to handle fluctuations in demand and usage easily. When there is an on-premise data center, scalability typically translates into adding more hardware, storage disks, and drives. This is time- and labor-intensive as well as expensive.

Manual static scaling is arduous and time-consuming for businesses. This is where auto-scaling forms part of the formula for a successful website and web application management.

Auto-Scaling in a Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure has revolutionized the issues posed by on-premise applications. It offers scalability with little to no impact on an organization’s performance metrics. Reports suggest that in 2020, over 83% of global companies’ workloads are stored on cloud infrastructure. The benefits of cloud platforms are numerous, but the top two would be:

  • Cost Management: Managing business expenditures on cloud platforms has become a vital part of every business. Cloud infrastructure is based on the on-demand needs of the client. It can provide elasticity in resources and infrastructure. Users are able to pay for what they need when they need it.
  • Cloud Scalability: A critical consideration of cloud computing services is the ability to right-size based on actual demand. Cloud service providers offer a baseline of services from which the client can top-up or scale up depending on business requirements.

In contrast to manually adjusting system capacity, auto-scaling is the process of responsive allocation of resources based on usage patterns of web services. Having a fixed server use — daily, weekly, or yearly — has downsides. These include having too few or too many servers for handling traffic load. Too few servers lead to poor user experience and diminished functionality whereas too many servers translate into higher costs.

Autoscaling does away with this problem. It offers an elastic allocation of resources and servers to handle traffic spikes and traffic troughs. In the case of traffic spikes, an application may require additional resources to perform well. In the case of traffic troughs, these additional resources may need to be deallocated for cost optimization. Auto-scaling allows automation of these decisions regarding resource allocation. It allows for a robust and dynamic user experience.

How Auto-Scaling Works

Cloud auto-scaling makes use of the elasticity offered by cloud-based infrastructure. It also reduces the need to monitor manually the performance of a system and make decisions about resources. In this way, auto-scaling enables optimum performance as well as requisite levels of service.

You might be wondering how all of this is operationalized. The short answer is by setting out an auto-scaling strategy or policy. Any effective auto-scaling policy will include the following:

  • Monitoring Mechanisms: These monitor metrics such as traffic, memory usage, and server utilization.
  • Decision-Making Rules: This involves setting rules based on analyzing the metrics which are captured and making decisions based on the analysis for particular instances. For example, deallocation of servers at night-time when traffic is low.
  • Auto-Scaling: The constituent components that scale the system.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Monitor and fine-tune the auto-scaling policy to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Middleware offers built-in auto-scaling mechanisms for common use case scenarios. Businesses can also opt to make custom implementations based on their requirements.

Planning for Growth and Surprises

In 2018, Amazon launched “Prime Day” by offering massive deals and discounts to over 100 million Prime members. However, Amazon’s website could not handle the surge in traffic. A few minutes into the sale, they were faced with a major issue that left users unable to checkout. This incident is said to have cost Amazon over $1 million per minute.

Similarly, with Flipkart’s launch of “Big Billion Day” in 2015, an unprecedented 1.5 million members decided to partake in the sale. This led to a major website crash. This happened despite Flipkart adding hardware and building up its data center capacity to deal with anticipated traffic from the Big Billion Day sale.

These episodes are good take-aways for businesses wanting to ensure robust auto-scalability to deal with massive traffic spikes. They showcase the potential that cloud auto-scalability holds.

The Power of Auto-Scalability

Auto-scaling delivers the following benefits:

  • Reducing Costs: Auto-scaling automatically increases and decreases resources by load-balancing the business’ application infrastructure. This ensures resources are available and lowers costs.
  • Simple Management: Auto-scaling tools offer businesses a consistent method for managing their resources. It avoids the need to continuously monitor metrics and make decisions.
  • Automation: By automating auto-scale policies for your business’ website or web application, it makes it easier to distribute workload among different servers ensuring seamless functionality.
  • Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Auto-scaling offers real-time insights into what is happening at the backend while also ensuring that the application runs efficiently by making use of the elasticity offered by cloud-based platforms.
  • Enhanced User Experience: By managing traffic efficiently by automated resource allocation, businesses can avoid poor user experiences.

One of the primary challenges of auto-scaling remains in defining upper and lower limits on resources and expenses. For example, if a company sets the lower limit too high, this may result in instances to continue running even when it’s not necessary and results in rising costs. For auto-scaling to work, it’s crucial to have reliable insight into how your application runs and what infrastructure is required.

Guard Against Outages and Reduce Costs

In today’s online world, industry and customer demands are unpredictable and volatile. Guard against losses by unlocking the potential of cloud-based auto-scaling. Doing so can ensure interrupted growth and gains for your business.

The post Auto-Scaling Provides Cloud-Based Growth for Your Online Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59677
Asset Tracking Using Radio-Frequency ID Can Help Reduce Losses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/08/asset-tracking.html/ Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:06:36 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59233 Asset tracking has leapfrogged into prominence as a preferred methodology for reducing costs. For businesses that must rely on logistics and transportation, there are far too many losses that can be caused simply by a lack of visibility. However, losing money to inaccuracies, inefficiency, and shrinkage is no longer something that companies must simply accept […]

The post Asset Tracking Using Radio-Frequency ID Can Help Reduce Losses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Asset tracking has leapfrogged into prominence as a preferred methodology for reducing costs. For businesses that must rely on logistics and transportation, there are far too many losses that can be caused simply by a lack of visibility. However, losing money to inaccuracies, inefficiency, and shrinkage is no longer something that companies must simply accept as the status quo.

Using radio-frequency ID asset tracking has spawned a revolution in providing oversight to transportation and logistics. RFID technology is the best way to monitor shipping as it provides accuracy levels that are close to 100%. RFID also allows orders to be processed more quickly, almost a third faster than standard order-processing procedures. The use of RFID also results in lower labor costs as many of the logistics functions are automated. Counting and tracking can be made much easier and more transparent.

Asset Tracking Helps Optimize Your Supply Chain

Enhanced supply chain visibility has led to many benefits made possible using the latest RFID systems. For supply chain management, optimization has made an enormous difference in how much can get done and how many resources are needed.

Many companies engaged in transportation and logistics have issues with supply chain operations and asset management. Companies that have a long supply chain need it optimized. However, doing so can cost them a lot of time and money. In large part, this is because it has always been done manually. Manual optimization processes increase the likelihood of human error and higher costs. These issues often become the focus of optimization as companies seek to gain better visibility throughout their supply chain.

When you can see every link in that chain — and know exactly what’s happening in real-time — every part of the process gets easier.

Prompt detection of delays, real-time reporting of anomalies, and the resolution of problems make the entire process faster. This allows you to make timely decisions. The visibility needed for better efficiency is available from end to end. You can reroute quickly, trace immediately, and quickly meet requirements for change. The visibility provides greater efficacy at every point in the supply chain.

Protecting Your Shipments

RFID asset tracking can do more than just letting you know exactly where a shipment is located. It can also let you know right away if there is an accident with your assets or they are mishandled.

Along with shipment tracking, RFID can be implemented to show you when items are thrown, dropped, or have an unintended impact on other shipments. Mistakes can and do happen, even with so much being automated. It’s always best to know in real-time whether they are happening to your assets.

Accidents or other errors can damage your assets and make them unusable. Needless to say, breakage costs you a lot in replacement shipments. However, they could also continue along the supply chain. Without a high degree of transparency, damages might make their way through the rest of the supply chain. RFID asset tracking provides a way to stop this from happening so that your reputation isn’t tarnished along with the damaged goods.

RFID asset tracking can also be used to alert you whenever there is a strong impact. Tags can measure the level of impact your assets are subjected to. This measurement will let you know if an impact occurs that is greater than a specific, agreed-upon threshold. Tags are read remotely, so there is no need for line-of-sight.

These tags are also able to be armed as well as tamperproof. They can provide a comprehensive tale of their journey. You’ll know immediately if a problem crops up. Using this form of tagged asset tracking can help reduce your amount of damaged assets anywhere from 40 to 60%.

Asset Tracking Frees Up More Time for Your Business

Utilizing today’s enhanced RFID asset tracking, businesses can save a significant amount of time. Most of the time that would have been spent remediating problems with the items in transit can instead be used for more important parts of your business. This means that less time is needed for disrupting everyday operations. Less time is wasted making changes, filling out claims, getting assets repaired or replaced, and so forth.

RFID Helps Pinpoint Issues Accurately

Once you can see every step in the journey of your assets, you’ll notice where there are problems. If an item is mistakenly sent elsewhere, dropped, or otherwise has a problem, you’ll know which portion of the journey needs to be tweaked. After that, the entire process is faster and more reliable. Being able to reduce issues that occur along the way requires you to know exactly when these problems are occurring. With RFID tags tied to specific assets, you will.

RFID tracking is a technology that provides a means every company can use to keep track of its assets. If you aren’t using RFID tags, you can be reasonably sure that your competitors are. To stay competitive, you’ll want to take a serious look at this latest business technology.

The post Asset Tracking Using Radio-Frequency ID Can Help Reduce Losses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59233
Is Drop-Shipping Still a Profitable Business Model? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/08/drop-shipping-profitable.html/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:40:49 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59221 Drop-shipping is a profitable business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell products without maintaining an inventory. This means that drop-shipping businesses don’t need to take on the risk and cost of storing and securing physical products. However, in recent years, it has become more difficult for new drop-shippers to profit from this particular method of […]

The post Is Drop-Shipping Still a Profitable Business Model? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Drop-shipping is a profitable business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell products without maintaining an inventory. This means that drop-shipping businesses don’t need to take on the risk and cost of storing and securing physical products.

However, in recent years, it has become more difficult for new drop-shippers to profit from this particular method of eCommerce. Below, we’ll briefly explore whether you should start a drop-shipping business in 2021.

Is the Practice of Drop-Shipping Still Profitable?

Yes. Drop-shipping is still very much alive. Your business can still make a big profit from leveraging drop-shipping. The truth is, almost any business model has both good and bad times. Drop-shipping is no different.

Contrary to what people think, drop-shipping is not a get-quick-rich scheme. It’s an effort that requires a lot of work. The results you get are directly dependent upon the amount of time you put into your business. If you think drop-shipping is easy, you’ll be disappointed when things don’t go as smoothly as expected.

Risks Associated with Drop-Shipping

With any business model, there are always associated risks. Of course, different types of risks need to be considered when adopting any business model. However, there are several risks that you will face when drop-shipping. The three major risks associated with drop-shipping are:

1. Low-Profit Margins 

Drop-shipping is a business model that’s built around the idea of having low-profit margins. This means that if your costs are too high, you won’t have anything left over after paying for your products. Low-profit margins are a good thing when starting out because they mean that it’s easy to make money.

However, low-profit margins can be problematic if you want to build a long-term business. This is because your profits will never be more than what the products cost you. If the markets change and products become more expensive, you won’t have the money to adjust your business model to compete.

2. High Level of Competition

Starting a drop-shipping business requires very little capital. It’s a lot easier to enter the market than starting another type of business. The problem with this is that many people have entered the drop-shipping market and all these would-be drop-shippers also want your customers.

If you can’t build up your brand quickly, then your competition may be more successful at getting their products into the hands of your customers.

3. Lack of Control of the Supply Chain

When you’re drop-shipping, you don’t have control over the supply chain. If anything goes wrong with your shipment or supplier, there’s almost nothing you can do to make things right. For example, if your supplier goes out of business and you don’t have a backup supplier, then you’re going to lose money fast.

You also can’t control your inventory or the time it takes for an order to be processed and delivered. This lack of control will make it hard for you to make changes to your business model if required.

How to Manage Risks and Set Up a Profitable Drop-Shipping Business

Now that we’ve identified some of the risks associated with drop-shipping, let’s talk about avoiding those risks and setting up a profitable drop-shipping business. Listed below are some recommendations you should find helpful.

1. Focus on selling unique products.

If there’s one thing that’s common among successful drop-shippers, it’s that they sell unique products. This means that you shouldn’t be selling popular products from big-name brands. Instead, you should look for niche products that your competitors aren’t selling.

Unique products will make it easier for you to get ahead of the competition. Your customers will appreciate that they can’t go anywhere else to buy your products. You also won’t have to deal with a lot of competition that comes with many other people hoping to sell the same product as you.

2. Understand how your customers buy products.

If you understand how your customers buy products, then it will be much easier for you to create an effective, profitable drop-shipping business model. Make sure that you understand the purchasing needs of your customer before deciding on a business model. This will help you avoid some of the risks that are mentioned above.

3. Choose a reliable company.

Building a successful drop-shipping brand is never easy.  You need to choose a trustworthy company with years of experience. EPROLO, for example, has gained trust from over 300,000 customers. They’ve helped many drop-shippers create and sustain their brands.

4. Find more lucrative markets.

Certain markets are more lucrative than others. If you’re selling niche products, then you should look for a market that provides high demand and limited supply. This will make it easier for you to sell your products at a good price without having to compete too much with other drop-shippers.

5. Don’t become oversaturated.

One final piece of advice is to not get too competitive in your market or oversaturate your market. If you do, you might end up chasing customers away. Additionally, it may be more difficult for you to get ahead of the competition.

If your drop-shipping business model requires a lot of investment in advertising, then make sure that you can handle any drop in sales that comes with oversaturation.

How EPROLO‘s Drop-Shipping Platform Can Help You Succeed

It can be tough to start a business from scratch. It can be even tougher to set up a drop-shipping business. However, with the help of a good drop-shipping platform, you may find that setting up your new eCommerce store is easier than you thought.

EPROLO can help you get ahead of the competition and set up a profitable drop-shipping business in 2021. Their platform comes with a built-in marketplace where merchants buy and sell products as well as an automated order fulfillment service that streamlines the shipping process.

EPROLO’s drop-shipping business model means that you won’t have to deal with product sourcing, order fulfillment, quality control, or packing and shipping. This will take a lot of pressure off your plate and allow you to focus on running your store and increasing sales. EPROLO is forever free for all merchants regardless of whether you are drop-shipping or selling your own products. Check out the EPROLO Branding Project for yourself to see if it provides the perfect solution for your drop-shipping needs.

The post Is Drop-Shipping Still a Profitable Business Model? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59221
5 Steps to Improve Customer Service By Tweaking Processes https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/08/improve-customer-service.html/ Tue, 10 Aug 2021 21:08:45 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59203 In the world of business, if you want to improve customer service and run things in the best, smoothest way possible, then processes are everything. True, the very word “process” can sound very tedious. “I’ve been here for so many years. I know how things are done. Why do I need to follow a lengthy […]

The post 5 Steps to Improve Customer Service By Tweaking Processes appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In the world of business, if you want to improve customer service and run things in the best, smoothest way possible, then processes are everything.

True, the very word “process” can sound very tedious. “I’ve been here for so many years. I know how things are done. Why do I need to follow a lengthy process?” Of course, the simplest reason is that not everyone has the knowledge and expertise you have.

If you are somewhat “allergic” to processes, here are a few things to keep in mind. These scenarios can help you appreciate the importance of tweaking processes.

  • Everyone is different, with different sets of knowledge and experience.
    • What you can do flawlessly may not be easy for your colleague to complete with just as much ease.
  • It took you time to understand the system…new employees don’t share that advantage.
  • Some people work well under pressure, others don’t. Some follow a systematic, step-by-step approach, others may take on the problem all at once.
    • Not having a process to standardize workflows can be chaotic, especially when two individuals who have different styles of working have to work together.

Now apply these scenarios to customer service. Hopefully, it becomes obvious how having a good process in place is very important to improve customer service. The mess that can occur in the scenarios mentioned above can be managed internally. However, they spell disaster if they prop up while handling customer queries.

Remember, great customer support is a big factor that will decide your company’s future. Microsoft found that 95% of consumers felt customer support can influence their loyalty to a brand. There are many ideas for improving the customer service process. Listed below are five steps to consider as you seek to improve your business.

Improve Customer Service Through Time-Tested Process Improvements

While the ideas presented below are all tried and true, not all of them may be applicable in your context. Feel free to adapt and tweak these to suit your specific requirements.

1) Bring together your most experienced employees.

So many times we look outward to external agencies to help us with solutions for internal issues. However, we forget that some of the best ideas can come from experienced minds within. If you have made the decision to improve customer service, Start by consulting your experienced employees for ideas.

You might be surprised to see the great ideas that come from your own employees. After all, they’ve been in your system for a long time and have seen the company through many of its phases. Who better to help you with great ideas to improve customer service? Create a task force with your experienced teammates, hold regular discussions with them, and collate the information and ideas that come from these meetings. Let this serve as your basic body of ideas.

2) Conduct research.

This one’s a no-brainer. How can you improve customer service if you don’t know about it in any depth? True, it can be confusing to know where to begin. Here are two things you can try to get started on your research:

  • Find out what others are doing. Start with your competitors. There’s so much information to gain from studying the other players in your industry. You need to find out what they are doing right and where they are lacking.
    • This is not to say that you should copy their practices, but you are likely to understand the mechanisms of customer service better.
  • Study the big names. Seek to understand what some of the most popular brands are doing right. They may not be relevant to your industry but, hey, they are at that position for a reason and great customer service is almost certainly a significant contributing factor. Understanding the customer service processes they employ can be of great value to your research.

3) Define your objectives and measures.

Research can only tell you what someone else is doing. The needs of your business are unique to you. Take the time to define the objectives and goals for which you are trying to improve customer service. To support these objectives, you will need to spell out a couple of KPIs that your customer support team will have to work toward. Some essential KPIs you can start off with might include:

  • turnaround time for problem-solving;
  • customer feedback;
  • common areas of complaint;
  • frequency of complaints; and
  • the number of escalations.

These are just a few measures that are used by many companies. Your company may have a unique set of KPIs relevant to you. Sit with your experienced employees and brainstorm the right KPI set for you.

4) Make effective use of technology.

Customer queries can be of two types. The first one requires the attention of a live customer support representative. The second kind is those that can be solved without the involvement of a customer support representative. Which do you think is the most common type of complaint?

That’s right, the most common complaint mechanism are those that don’t need the involvement of a customer support rep.  In fact, a study by Accenture showed that about 80% of customer engagements can be dealt with by artificial intelligence (AI) bots.

Which of the two mechanisms do you think customer support staff spends the most time on? Again, the second type. Wouldn’t it be amazing if customer support involvement could be redirected completely towards solving the first kind of customer queries?

Nowadays, that possibility is within reach. You might already have come across customer support services where you are in fact chatting with a bot and your entire query was resolved without an actual person on the other side. This is now possible through the use of AI. AI can reduce your customer service costs by approximately 30%. Customer support software such as Acquire is powerfully driven by AI and can take customer service to a whole new level. Additionally, many CRM packages feature video chat, live co-browsing, and more. All of these have significantly improved the customer experience of their clients.

Another example would be Paykickstart’s Knowledge Base. This product lets client companies create exhaustive resources that customers can access for solving their problems without even needing to contact customer support. If you aren’t leveraging technology to improve customer service, you really are positioning yourself to lose the race.

5) Implement, measure, repeat.

Let’s say you don’t have the time or ability to follow any of the above options. Your last resort is to go ahead with ideas that you think are suitable.

Of course, you should at least discuss these ideas with a couple of other experts even if you can’t launch full-blown research before you implement them. But here’s the important part: measure your outcomes. Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking your ideas are fail-proof and leave outcomes unmeasured. You need to be certain that your ideas are actually helping you improve customer service. If they aren’t, you’ll have to rethink your strategies. If they are, tweak them to find the optimal way to implement them.

For example, if you notice that being informal with your customers is working great for you, don’t just stop at that. Try a little more. Maybe you could address your customers by their first names, wish them a great weekend, or maybe even add an emoji or two to email correspondence. Even the best methods can be improved upon.

Final Thoughts to Improve Customer Service

There is no one, never-fails roadmap to improve customer service. It’s all about giving it your best and trying again and again until you reach a great outcome.

Hopefully, the five processes listed above will help you on that journey.

The post 5 Steps to Improve Customer Service By Tweaking Processes appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59203
How to Buy Affordable Small Business Car Insurance Online https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/08/how-to-buy-affordable-small-business-car-insurance-online.html/ Sun, 01 Aug 2021 16:00:35 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59250 Technology has changed the world in many ways, including the manner in which people purchase car insurance. Every year, it seems like a handful of insurance tech companies move to the forefront to once again alter the course of the industry for the better. As a small business owner, you may find yourself shopping for […]

The post How to Buy Affordable Small Business Car Insurance Online appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Technology has changed the world in many ways, including the manner in which people purchase car insurance. Every year, it seems like a handful of insurance tech companies move to the forefront to once again alter the course of the industry for the better. As a small business owner, you may find yourself shopping for car insurance. Without the right coverage, you’ll never feel good about your drivers and vehicles hitting the road.

Fortunately, technology allows you to secure a car insurance estimate without personal information within a matter of minutes. From there, you can decide what’s best for your company’s budget. Here are the five steps you can take to buy affordable small business car insurance online:

Know Your Current Coverage

When you know your current coverage, it’s easier to make a decision as to what you should buy the next time around. Maybe you need better coverage, or maybe you can cut back. Either way, this information will come in handy.

The easiest way to do this is to request a copy of your policy from your insurer (if you don’t have one at your disposal).

Review Your Budget

When it comes to money management as a small business owner, it’s critical that you have a firm grasp of your budget at all times. Once you review your budget, as well as how much you currently pay for coverage, you can decide what to do next.

Along with this, learn more about the average cost of car insurance. Doing so will help you see if you’ve been getting a good deal or if you’ve been overpaying for coverage. If you don’t review your budget upfront, you could end up with a policy that you can’t afford. And that’s a mistake you don’t want to make. 

Request Three to Five Quotes

This is one of the most important steps you’ll take when shopping for car insurance online. Without three to five quotes, there’s no way of knowing if what you’re buying is a good deal.As you compare quotes, pay close attention to the coverage and price. Also, look at things such as available discounts, customer service, and the use of technology.

With three to five quotes at your disposal, you’ll feel more confident when you finally decide to make a purchase. 

Compare Quotes and Coverage

This goes along with requesting three to five quotes. It’s easy to assume that all car insurance companies are the same, but nothing could be further from the truth. As you compare quotes and coverage, do so with a clear idea of what your current policy looks like (see above). 

Tip: don’t focus so much attention on the cost of coverage that you overlook other details that are every bit as important. Saving money is a big deal, but now the only thing that should come into play. 

Ask Questions and Finalize Your Policy

This is the last step in the process. It’s when you tie up any loose ends and make your first payment to finalize your policy. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to direct them to the company of interest. You can generally do so online or via phone. Common questions include but are not limited to:

  • What sets your car insurance company apart from others in the industry?
  • How long have you been in business? How long have you been working with small business owners to provide comprehensive car insurance coverage?
  • Do I qualify for any discounts? 
  • How often do I pay my premiums? Do you offer a discount for paying for three or six months at a time?
  • What is the process for filing a claim should the time come?

When you ask these types of questions, you’ll find it easier to finalize your policy with a clear mind. This is a big decision that can affect your small business on many fronts, so you don’t want to make a mistake. Don’t do anything until all your questions are answered. 

The Challenges of Small Business Car Insurance

Even though the process of buying small business car insurance online is simple to understand, there are sure to be some challenges along the way. On the plus side, there’s nothing so challenging that you won’t be unable to overcome it. You may simply need to adjust your approach.

Here are some challenges that could get in the way:

  • Too many choices: Yes, this is a good problem to have, but it is a problem nonetheless. The more choices you have, the more difficult it is to decide which company and policy are best for you. 
  • Price: You have a budget in mind, but there is no guarantee that you’ll find a policy that fits. If this happens, you may need to take a step back to reassess your situation. 
  • Not enough information: Buying insurance online is easier than ever before, but you may still feel like you don’t have the info necessary to make a confident decision. In this case, you will find yourself reaching out directly to insurance companies. This can take a good amount of time out of your day. 
  • Complicated system: This is not something you expect, but it could get in your way as you get started. Some online insurance brokers have simple-to-use systems, while others are clunky and full of bugs. It goes without saying that you don’t want to waste time with a system that doesn’t work for you. There are enough options out there that you should be able to find one. 

The more challenges you face, the more you’ll feel like giving in and going down another path. However, once you have come this far, there is no point in going back. You’re closer than ever to buying the right policy at the right price from the right company. 

Final Thoughts

When you do these five things, it won’t be long before you have comprehensive coverage for all your company vehicles. And when that happens, you’ll have the peace of mind you’ve been searching for! 

The post How to Buy Affordable Small Business Car Insurance Online appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59250
What SMBs Need to Know About Employment Law and Compliance https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/07/small-business-employment-law-compliance.html/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 17:48:31 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59164 For small business owners charged with keeping up with employment law, the past 18 months have been something of a whirlwind. Strict government compliance rules as they relate to the pandemic have begun to loosen. More and more individuals are being vaccinated. The President signed an executive order that individuals need not wear masks once […]

The post What SMBs Need to Know About Employment Law and Compliance appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
For small business owners charged with keeping up with employment law, the past 18 months have been something of a whirlwind.

Strict government compliance rules as they relate to the pandemic have begun to loosen. More and more individuals are being vaccinated. The President signed an executive order that individuals need not wear masks once fully vaccinated. Simultaneously, various state governors have decided to fully reopen and normalize life as we knew it pre-Covid.

The economy will be reopened. Along with this reopening, many small businesses will have some new rules to comply with.

Employment law changes constantly, and your HR people work hard to make sure that they stay abreast with these changes. Employment law compliance is paramount for running any successful small business.

Business and labor laws work hand in hand to ensure fairness and equity. Due to the pandemic, it’s been much more difficult to maintain compliance with certain labor laws. Regardless, small business employers must find a way to institute such compliances. In this article, we’ll touch briefly on the following five topics.

  • Difficulties Business Owners Face to Remain Compliant in 2021
  • Ways in Which Compliance Efforts by Business Owners Can Improve in 2021
  • Coronavirus-Related Leave Laws
  • Labor Law Alterations in 2021
  • A Few Ways in Which A Business May Remain Compliant

Difficulties Business Owners Face to Remain Compliant in 2021

It’s evident that, due to the pandemic, businesses overall have found it quite difficult to comply with what’s known as the workplace poster requirement. This requirement requires a business owner to display posters or notices in the workplace.

This requirement is enforced by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD). What makes the requirement so difficult to comply with is the fact that most employees currently work from home. The main use of these posters is, obviously, for employees to have access.

It is worth reiterating that employment law compliance is of paramount importance.

However, it should also be noted that the Department of Labor stipulated that not all employers are required to post a specific notice as not all employers are covered by the statutes and regulations administered by the WHD.

To find out whether your small business requires a specific posting requirement, contact your State Department of Labor. Make sure you also keep up with new laws as regards the Family First Coronavirus Response Act and OHSA guidelines.

Ways in Which Compliance Efforts by Business Owners Can Improve in 2021

In an effort to achieve effective employment law compliance by employers, a few steps can be taken. These steps are as follows:

  1. Human Resources should keep abreast of the changing laws in terms of compliance. New employment laws are issued frequently in response to changes in the employment world. Your HR people should subscribe to various federal employment sites such as the Department of Labor for legislative updates.
  2. Efficacious remote communications must be implemented as a means of updating employees on various workplace changes. The best way to create effective remote communications might be through video calls, emails, or telephone calls. In any case, you should not prohibit the use of the phone, even if you can do it. Any means for effective remote communication must be enabled.
  3. Ensure that you keep records of message receipts from employees. This may be done whenever you issue a new notice. You should then obtain a signature from each employee to show proof that they received said notice.
  4. Invest in HR information systems. These systems ease the burden on HR management and are used to organize and simplify daily activities.

Coronavirus-Related Leave Laws

The U.S. has enacted new employment laws in its effort to combat the coronavirus. These laws are also used to aid employees seeking leave from their employers when symptoms arise. Just to name a few, employers must be familiar with:

  • The Family First Coronavirus Response Act
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Act

It’s also worth noting that the relevant sections of these acts must be posted for your employees to review.

Labor Law Alterations in 2021

As stipulated above, labor laws change constantly. Small business owners across the U.S should remain cognizant of all such changes. A few changes came about in 2021 which may or may not affect your small business. These changes include:

  • an increase in minimum wages of federal contract employees to $10.95/hour;
  • in order to combat identity theft, employers may display only the last four digits of an individual’s social security number; and
  • 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 surveys must be submitted by private sector business owners who have more than 50 workers and at least 1 federal subcontractor contract worth a minimum of $50,000.00.
    • This also applies to private sector business owners who have 100 or more workers.

 A Few Ways in Which a Business May Remain Compliant

Here are a few simple tips to help your small business remain compliant during the pandemic and its aftermath:

  1. To comply with the workplace-specific notice posters, share them virtually with your employees.
  2. Keep proper records of receipts from issuing specific notices to employees.
  3. Update the employee handbook regularly.
  4. Stay current with regulations regarding workers’ compensation for remote employees.

Parting Thoughts

Small business owners should remain cognizant of various labor law changes, the rights of business owners, and how to remain compliant.

Failure to remain compliant may result in penalties and fines.

Compliance can be difficult in certain instances. However, a good law firm can definitely help.

Business owners should also make sure they update their systems to ensure that their HR team may easily receive legislative updates. Doing so will inevitably keep a business up-to-date with labor compliance laws to ensure that your business can operate without hindrances.

The post What SMBs Need to Know About Employment Law and Compliance appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59164
5 Reasons Shipping to Consumers is Changing https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/07/shipping-is-changing.html/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:00:19 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59177 One of the many glass ceilings that Amazon has broken is the standard of shipping. Shipping is a field that is utilizing technology to completely change the game. It is getting faster, safer, and more efficient. Not only are packages getting to their destinations more quickly, but they are also kept intact and safely delivered […]

The post 5 Reasons Shipping to Consumers is Changing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
One of the many glass ceilings that Amazon has broken is the standard of shipping. Shipping is a field that is utilizing technology to completely change the game. It is getting faster, safer, and more efficient. Not only are packages getting to their destinations more quickly, but they are also kept intact and safely delivered to the person who is receiving it.

This is due to a variety of reasons. Technology is changing everything in our lives and making them more efficient, but shipping packages is one of the ways that our society is becoming effective beyond what we used to think. With automation and fast transportation, shipping is changing. Here are five reasons you are getting packages more quickly and in one piece than ever before.

Drones

One mind-bending and game-changing way that shipping is getting better is the addition of drones. Drones are flying objects controlled remotely. Recently Amazon started using them to deliver packages, opening up all kinds of doors for new shipping ideas. A drone can fly the package directly to your house and leave it on your doorstep or, in some cases, in your backyard. 

This is, of course, with your consent to drop the package in your backyard, but it is an amazing possibility. Drones are just now being used for this purpose, but one thing is clear. They will be used in the future to deliver everything from pieces of technology to grocery items.  Whatever you are getting delivered, there is a chance that it will be delivered by a drone.

Smart Lockers

Another way that shipping has changed greatly is through smart lockers for apartments. This new locker technology provides a way for residents of apartment complexes to receive their packages in individual lockers. Not only will you not have to worry about packages being dropped off at your house, but you will also be notified when a package gets delivered because your phone will be alerted. You can also use out-of-home delivery services like Stowfly which are similar to package lockers. Stowfly is a network of shops and stores. You can call them your secondary address where your packages are safely received and taken care of till you pick them back. 

With individual lockers for each resident, you won’t have to wonder if your package was stolen from your front door. You will know exactly when the package is delivered and who delivered it, offering peace of mind and efficiency to ordering packages. More and more people are ordering things online, smart lockers are the future of shipping to communal environments like apartment and business complexes. Smart lockers are the future of deliveries.

Internet of Things Tech

Internet of Things (IoT) technology that is enabled with GPS can provide professional shipping data in real-time, making these logistical personnel better able to determine the time it will take to ship, the conditions each shipping vessel is in, and routes of the supply chain. With IoT technology, these professionals can automate warehouse and storage processes and better eliminate shipping damages.

This technology can even monitor temperature, vibrations, and how fast the shipping process will be. When it comes to shipping, more accurate knowledge and ease to organize the items these companies are sending out will only improve the whole process. Of course it’s all connected. As technology improves, shipping around the world will become more accurate and more efficient.

Maritime Advances

While we live in a world where planes are much more prevalent than ships, boats take up a significant portion of the industry. It should be no surprise, then, that maritime advances are impacting the shipping industry. The world experienced just how important ships were when the Suez Canal had a boat stuck, prohibiting others from entering and leaving. Packages around the world were delayed for days or even weeks.

When it comes to shipbuilding, propulsion, and the data on everything from the vessel to the route, maritime advances greatly improve the speed and accuracy of shipping. With smart shipping, meaning that the boats are equipped with internet technology like our phones, the communication and ability to analyze information has skyrocketed. 

Nearly 10 percent of new boats being built are equipped with this technology. Coupled with advanced materials, IT infrastructure, robotics, and other technology like sensors, maritime advances will increase the efficiency and speed of shipping around the world. It is yet another advancement that is changing the industry for the better.

Accessible Air Travel

Another way that the shipping industry is changing concerns air travel. Nowadays more and more packages are being shipped in the air, making it possible to arrive much more quickly than if they are being sent on a boat. Air travel is becoming cheaper and cheaper, allowing companies to send their packages through the air and arrive even on the same day.

The cost of air travel, while harmful to the environment, doesn’t seem to be going up. If anything the prices are going down. Technology will improve, making air shipping the more viable option. While maritime advances facilitate the industry of shipping, accessible and affordable flights for cargo and commercial shipping will continue to be a game-changer in the logistics and cost of shipping.

The future is here and everything is changing rapidly. While it remains to be seen how the world will adapt post-pandemic, technology has only been furthered by the COVID-19 virus. More than ever people are buying things online. Whether it’s an expensive watch or a grocery item, things are being shipped around the world in record numbers. 

Where there is a demand, companies will strive to meet it. The demand for online shopping, international shipping, and the logistics of it all does not seem to be going anywhere. Shipping logistics, data, and speed have improved, but this is likely just the beginning. With all of these technologies converging, the shipping industry will continue to evolve and adapt to this ever-changing world and the Internet of Things. 

With companies like Amazon promising insane shipping times like same-day delivery, the rest will be forced to compete. It’s lucrative for Amazon, but other companies will struggle to meet this demand. Still, there is no going backward, and shipping is as fast and efficient as it’s ever been. Only time will tell how advanced it will become.

The post 5 Reasons Shipping to Consumers is Changing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59177
8 Operations Management Mistakes That Will Tank Your Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/07/operations-management-mistakes.html/ Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:49:44 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59154 Operations management mistakes are nearly always costly. A mistake in operations management could have wide-ranging consequences. Some mistakes are worse than others, and some mistakes will absolutely end a business. This is especially true when it comes to schedules and costs. Operations management is all about efficiency. The best operations managers know how to plan, […]

The post 8 Operations Management Mistakes That Will Tank Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Operations management mistakes are nearly always costly. A mistake in operations management could have wide-ranging consequences. Some mistakes are worse than others, and some mistakes will absolutely end a business.

This is especially true when it comes to schedules and costs. Operations management is all about efficiency. The best operations managers know how to plan, organize, and supervise production to ensure the fastest and best products and services.

Whether you are an operations manager or hope to hire one, listed below are eight common operations management mistakes you don’t want your company to suffer.

1. Neglecting to Document Existing Processes

Operations managers (OMs) are tasked with improving business processes. This entails observing and understanding the processes as they are. Once new processes are put in place, OMs need to compare the new system against the old one to verify that they have made improvements. Without that initial documentation, there is no telling whether an OM is doing a good job or not. This mistake could waste company resources for months or even years.

2. Failing to Record Objectives

It’s important that companies and OMs state business goals clearly. They need to document objectives from the earliest stages of a project to ensure that everyone understands the intended outcome. If necessary, key terms should be defined to prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications. This will keep an OM on task and reduce the likelihood of costly deviations from the plan.

3. Lacking Key Performance Metrics

Speaking of setting goals, no goal is sufficient if it doesn’t include at least one metric. Performance metrics allow OMs to verify that their efforts have a positive effect. All metrics should be quantitative and relevant. The best metrics are easy to obtain.

Some examples of typical OM metrics include:

  • the time an operation takes to complete a task;
  • the time needed for one product to complete its processes start to finish;
  • the quantity of inventory in the process;
  • the consistency of an operation; and
  • the conformity of a product to stated standards.

4. Choosing Not to Standardize Processes

Standardizing processes is one of the more important steps toward improving efficiency. This is especially true when a business has multiple production centers for the same products. Standardization helps to ensure a universal quality in products and services. The best spend plenty of time covering standardization because it is so important in an OM’s toolkit.

5. Over-Complicating Processes

Any operation is much more prone to mistakes when the processes involved are complex. An OM needs to take advantage of opportunities to simplify. They also need to resist the temptation to overthink when it comes to designing new processes.

A few good indications that a process is overly complicated would be the statement “We’ve always done it that way” or an inability to describe a process in detail. OMs who fail to identify and rectify overcomplicated processes — or worse, OMs who develop brand-new processes that are too complex — will waste company time and money.

6. Overlooking the Bottleneck

A bottleneck is a resource with the smallest capacity. This typically results in limited production. There may be no eliminating the bottleneck entirely, but being able to identify it is key. Spotting bottlenecks helps businesses keep them from negatively affecting production and quality.

Unfortunately, some OMs don’t bother looking for the bottleneck. Sometimes they can misidentify it, leaving the true bottleneck to wreak havoc on production. 

7. Automating Wantonly

Oftentimes, automation reduces expenses, cuts downtime, and provides other noteworthy positives. Other times, automation cements bad processes, resulting in all sorts of wasted resources.

It’s tempting to use all digital tools available, especially those that seem to eliminate inefficiencies and cut costs as most automation services claim to do. Before using an enterprise management system to automate processes, OMs need to be careful to weed out any bad processes that could cause inefficiencies. It might be useful to enroll in operations management courses. These courses focus on digital strategy, which will guide OMs in selecting beneficial software and automation tools.

8. Forgetting About the Customer

Finally, the customer is the most important element of any business plan or process. The customer gets to decide the appropriate quality for products or services, not the OM.

OMs who ignore customer behavior are simply not doing their job correctly. OMs need to focus their performance metrics on customer preferences. After that, they need to align processes with product development and marketing. This helps to ensure customers are getting exactly what they want.

Remain Alert to Operations Management Mistakes

Mistakes are inefficient, which is why operations managers should do everything they can to avoid them. By recognizing the most devastating mistakes in operations management, OMs and businesses alike can avoid catastrophe and find success.

The post 8 Operations Management Mistakes That Will Tank Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59154
How to Start an International Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/07/start-international-business.html/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:00:40 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=59048 Most businesses have plans for expansion. But expanding into an international market is a whole other ballgame. There are regulations in each country that dictate how and what kind of business you can do in that country based on your country of origin. There are also technology and logistical considerations that you wouldn’t have with […]

The post How to Start an International Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Most businesses have plans for expansion. But expanding into an international market is a whole other ballgame. There are regulations in each country that dictate how and what kind of business you can do in that country based on your country of origin. There are also technology and logistical considerations that you wouldn’t have with a business in your own country. In spite of these challenges, more and more people are choosing to start international businesses from around the world. Here are some of the major issues you’ll need to tackle to get your international business off the ground running. Whether you are expanding an existing business or starting something new, here’s what you need to know.

Learn the Local Language

Everything is easier if you know the language. No matter where you are looking to put your international business, learning the local language is to your benefit. There are countless ways to learn. Whether you leverage an online program, a private tutor, or you fly to the country for an immersion program, don’t skip this important step. While you may not achieve fluency right away, your ability to communicate in a foreign country for your business is critical.

Learn Local Customs

In addition to the local language, learn about the local customs. This includes business customs. Do local businesses shut down for a while in the middle of the day? How are contracts processed? What can you expect in terms of service? There are many interesting questions that arise when you start working with a different culture.

Get Legal Services

You’ll need someone well versed in international laws to help you with your business. You’ll need legal help both in the country you are from and the country you’ll have your business in. This should help you stay out of any tricky legal situations that could get you into trouble. From trademarks to employment to taxes, a good international business lawyer should be an essential part of your team. A good lawyer can help you determine what you need to do about your intellectual property and to protect you from theft.

Use Legitimate Import – Export Services

If you’re doing a product-based business internationally, this will be critical for getting products to and from their destinations. Import – Export services will help manage all of the end-to-end logistics for shipping, receiving, customs, taxes and so much more. Legitimate companies offer services that can help with every aspect of the process. It’s important to find reputable companies who aren’t taking bribes or hauling things using your containers.

Employer of Record

When you are looking to expand overseas, you’ll need to hire employees. This process can be long and arduous because you’ll need to automatically set up a business entity in the new country you want to do business in. This takes a lot of time and becomes very expensive, especially for smaller businesses trying to get started in a new place. An employer of record already has a business entity around the world. They’ve already set-up shop with HR and can recruit and hire workers that help your business. They are a perfect solution for the new international business that’s not quite ready to put both feet on the ground in a new international destination.

Adequate Web Security

Website security and e-commerce security for an international business is much different. There are international laws that determine what type of security is needed for your site to comply with their regulations. This includes anything from the programs used to capture email addresses to the software used for payment processing. Web security needs to be a top priority for an international business to ensure they comply with all of the necessary regulations.

Secure Databases

In addition to web security, you need proper security on your databases. This will protect all of your business data from potential threats around the world. Secure databases mean that not only is your business data secure, but your client data is also. A good security plan will account for all the different ways a threat can come in, whether it’s through a website, an email, or some other break in the chain. When you run an international business this is so much more important because leaked data can be cause for a criminal complaint against you or your company.

A Good Business Plan

All businesses need a good business plan, but especially an international one. You need to be clear about what you’re selling and how you’re going to do it. You’ll also want a plan for where you want the business to expand to and whether you’ll create new entities in the new locations, or simply use an employer of record to get local workers. A business plan will include the products you plan to sell, where you plan to get them, your planned profits based off of researched expenses, and so much more.

A Robust Marketing Plan

Part of your business plan is your marketing plan. Once you know what you want to do, you can decide how to do it. How will you market your products and services to your target audience? Will you use social media marketing? Will you use SEO? What claims can you make? All of these should be part of your marketing plan. With an international business it’s especially important to build business relationships with people from all over the world. These connections are vital to grow and reach the right people. The marketing plan is what you’ll use to build, grow, reach new customers, and market to them.

With all the right tools in place, it’s possible to start or expand your international business. From learning the local language, to getting legal help here and abroad, you’ll need to take your time planning this one. While not as easy as opening a local shop, an international business is a rewarding and lucrative avenue that can grow into something even greater. Take your products, services, and skills overseas to create a thriving business empire that employs people near and far. 

The post How to Start an International Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
59048
Steps to Achieving Successful Digital Transformation for Your Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/successful-digital-transformation.html/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:27:22 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58918 Successful digital transformation is the newest challenge facing small business owners. It does seem like going digital is the new call for this decade, right? We’ve already seen rapid changes in the global market, across all verticals, with more and more sales being chalked up online. At the local level, having an individual online persona […]

The post Steps to Achieving Successful Digital Transformation for Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Successful digital transformation is the newest challenge facing small business owners.

It does seem like going digital is the new call for this decade, right? We’ve already seen rapid changes in the global market, across all verticals, with more and more sales being chalked up online.

At the local level, having an individual online persona for your small business is all well and good. That trend has been popular for quite a few years now. However, moving your business activities to online platforms is still a relatively new concept.

Many larger companies have already made their move toward digitization, though many more have yet to take the plunge. Smaller businesses, in particular, remain ambivalent. This is likely linked to the high rate of failure that accompanies attempts to make this change. A recent report by McKinsey states that approximately 70% of large-scale transformations do not successfully meet the expectations they set. Clearly, a better road map is vital for those reluctant to dive in.

Listed below are some high-level categories to keep an eye on as your small business prepares itself for the increasingly digital 21st-century marketplace.

Why Successful Digital Transformation Will Prove Critical

Before we jump into the “how-to” part, let’s briefly take a look at the “why” of digital transformation.

Digital transformation encompasses several comprehensive measures that migrate your business needs, functions, and operations to the appropriate digital platforms. The overarching goal is to simplify and optimize your processes. Simply stated, the motivation to digitize is to stay lean and competitive. In the new economy, “busy work” won’t cut it. There will be plenty of work for everyone as sales increase, though job responsibilities will obviously have to evolve.

Keeping this working definition of digital transformation in mind, the points below drive home its importance.

Improving Customer Experience and Convenience

Today, most of your competitors are already moving their shops online. This will give both your existing and potential customers a whole new and wider range of options to choose from.

Be warned. If you stick to your “bricks-and-mortar-only” model, you will quickly end up losing sales to your competitors. The lockdowns of 2020 made this point abundantly clear.

Providing a comfortable experience to customers who now prefer shopping online will be a major move toward gaining and keeping their confidence and loyalty.

Maintaining a Sharper Competitive Edge

In one scenario, all of your competitors have gone digital and you haven’t. In another, none of them have done so and you have yet to make the move. In the latter case, you could be the first to take this step. By doing so, you establish an authority in the market and gain a first-mover advantage.

This enhanced reputation can also help you attract customers who previously were beyond your reach. Now, they are just a few clicks away.

Embracing Decision-Making Through Data-Driven Insights

Digitization also benefits your business by providing access to a detailed list of insights about your audience’s shopping patterns, demographics, etc.

You can use this data to create more relevant marketing and promotional campaigns that truly resonate with your audience.

4 Steps to Successful Digital Transformation

The significance of investing in digital transformation is clear. Listed below are the steps you can take to ensure a successful digital transformation for your business.

1. Identify and set realistic goals.

The first step to successful digitization is setting goals for your small business. These goals must be realistic and backed by thorough, research-based data.

For example, one goal might be to move all your HR-related activities to a single digital platform that your team is comfortable with.

Your goals must also be measurable. Whatever you can’t measure is what you can’t successfully achieve.

2. Successful digital transformation will require an increased focus on strategy.

Once you figure out your goals, creating a strategy — a clear plan of action — is of utmost importance.

You can either take the entire process of digitization on your shoulders or invest in a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP). A DAP streamlines the adoption of your digital tools and ensures every employee makes the most of their new toolkit.

You may have heard of Appcues as a tool that facilitates product adoption, but today there are great alternatives to Appcues that go beyond baseline functions. These alternatives neatly assist with user onboarding, training, and supporting employees on enterprise applications. They also offer a host of other features that facilitate digital transformation.

3. Ensure the security of all data.

Today, most consumers believe that their data is unsafe on the multiple online platforms they use on a near-daily basis.

Assuring the safety of the information they choose to share with your business is a vital step toward gaining their trust. It also helps to create a positive brand image.

As you upgrade your systems from analog to fully digital, be sure to monitor and seal all the nooks and crannies that might result in a data leak.

4. Regularly analyze usage data.

Make a habit of utilizing the data and usage insights you’ve collected over time to make informed decisions as to your next steps.

Data analysis gives you a better understanding of how well your employees and customers are leveraging the digital platforms you brought in.

You can determine which digital investments are driving desirable returns and which ones may need to be replaced or dumped.

With a data-informed overview, you can determine a clear path to take that will help grow your business, both online and off.

Key Takeaways

An insightful 2018 survey by The Economist found that there was a 48% increase in efficiency following effective digitization. A 47% reduction in operational costs was another key metric cited.

These statistics demonstrate the power of successful digital transformation. In essence, all you need is a clear roadmap for successful digitization. That roadmap may evolve as you move forward, but we’re clearly at a tipping point that may force our hand.

Do your research. Partner with proven experts as needed. The one thing you don’t want to do is wait around as more and more customers move to online puchases.

The post Steps to Achieving Successful Digital Transformation for Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58918
6 Benefits to Hiring a Professional Employer Organizations Broker https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/professional-employer-organizations-broker.html/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:32:14 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58969 Hiring a professional employer organizations broker may just be the key to unlocking an increased potential lying dormant within your small business. Outsourcing specific business needs has become increasingly popular among small business owners. Many are even choosing to optimize how they take care of their HR requirements. This in turn has seen a corresponding […]

The post 6 Benefits to Hiring a Professional Employer Organizations Broker appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Hiring a professional employer organizations broker may just be the key to unlocking an increased potential lying dormant within your small business.

Outsourcing specific business needs has become increasingly popular among small business owners. Many are even choosing to optimize how they take care of their HR requirements. This in turn has seen a corresponding rise in the demand for professional employer organizations (PEOs). However, as you might expect, these organizations often come bundled with a thick amount of details and paperwork. That might just be the very thing you are trying to run away from!

Thankfully, a PEO broker can help you decide how to best outsource several aspects of your small business. This saves you time and ensures that your business keeps running smoothly. The outsourcing trend can include health services, payroll, retirement accounts, tax administration services, and long-term savings accounts.

sSix Advantages of Working with a Professional Employer Organizations Broker

Choosing a suitable PEO should be weighed very carefully. To help you decide, hiring a PEO broker is a great option. A professional employer organizations broker can help find you the best deal on the market. If you’re thinking about hiring a PEO broker, here are six good reasons to move forward.

1. A PEO broker helps create a buyer’s market.

Partnering with PEO brokers allows you to create a buyer’s market. Brokers achieve this by creating a mini-market where they can get the attention of PEOs. They’re also in a position to hire locally, regionally, or nationally. Leveraging these expanded options, you’re now in a position to choose a PEO that promises to deliver quality results. The PEO broker also improves your bargaining power. You don’t have to spend nearly as much money paying the PEO as you’d have to if you hadn’t hired a broker.

2. It’s much easier to compare PEOs.

Whenever you’re out shopping, you spend most of your time closely examining prices. You want to be sure you’re getting the best value possible.

The same principle applies when scouring the market for a potential PEO. When conducting your search, the primary factor that’ll be guiding your decision-making process is pricing.

You’ll need to set aside a considerable chunk of your time reading over quotes issued by different companies. The entire process involves dealing with endless paperwork and uses up a lot of your energy. It’s no surprise since PEO proposals are usually not only long but also fairly complex. Because of this, you’ll need to take your time. You need to carefully read through all details to avoid making a costly mistake.

All this sounds hectic and difficult because it is. Hiring a PEO broker helps you outsource these issues. Your PEO broker will give you numerous quotes for review. This makes it a lot easier to pick a PEO suitable for your needs while still offering you great value.

3. Your business gets competitive pricing.

While hiring a PEO broker will cost you money, you end up saving more. A PEO broker eventually helps you save by cutting down how much you’d have to pay the PEO. The PEO consultant can do this as they have the experience and knowledge to negotiate for better rates. Also, they can use connections established over the years to help you get a cheaper deal.

The opportunity to save money should be a sufficient motivation to hire a broker, assuming you still had some skepticism about this practice. After all, your goal as a small business owner revolves around saving money by trying to cut down business costs as much as possible.

4. Your paperwork load is greatly simplified.

Piling up the paperwork can make you feel like giving up prior to searching for an ideal PEO. To get an exact quote from the PEO, you’re required to collect a vast amount of company data. This includes healthcare requirements, worker’s compensation history, insurance policies, and staff salaries, to mention a few. Because you’ll be seeking to get quotes from various PEOs, you’ll need to repeat this entire process every time you’re searching for different needs.

To save yourself from dealing with this hectic process, multiple times, a PEO broker might be the right call for your small business. Working with a PEO broker, you’ll only be required to provide the appropriate data once. The broker will then assess your company data and recommend the right PEO depending on your needs. This helps you make an informed decision without having to deal with lots of paperwork.

5. You get greater peace of mind.

Running a small business is stressful. You need to make sure everything’s running according to plan. The search for a PEO only adds to this level of pressure. You’re expected to make sure the business remains on track to achieve its goals.

When evaluating different PEOs, you’ll want to compare how much they charge for their services and interview each of them. All of this added work quickly becomes overwhelming. It might even impact productivity or prevent you from making the right decision as to which PEO to hire.

PEO brokers reduce the work on your end. Your consultant will deal with all of the heavy lifting involved in the search for the right PEO. Since the broker has years of experience establishing a relationship with many PEOs locally, regionally, and nationally, they’ll know which matches your needs. As a result, you get to focus on more important matters, the ones your small business was established to handle. You’re making a good choice but not adversely affecting overall productivity.

6. A professional employer organizations broker looks out for your best interests.

If you’re out shopping for a product you don’t know much about, it’s all too easy to be misled by sales representatives.

To get the best advice, it’s far better to talk to a neutral party when seeking reliable information. PEO brokers are neutral parties. Their main goal is to help you get a PEO who’s the perfect match. Their integrity can be trusted as they don’t have anything to gain financially if you choose to pick one PEO over another.

However, if you consult a PEO directly, they will do their best to convince you that they’re the best pick. That might not always be the case, so hiring a broker would be a safer route.

Takeaway

Hiring a professional employer organization allows you to focus on matters more important to your business. Any good PEO can help maintain smooth operations as you no longer need to worry about compliance issues and complex HR paperwork. However, knowing which PEO to hire can a challenge. There are many options available. To help you out, hiring a PEO broker might be your best bet for wading through all the choices.

The post 6 Benefits to Hiring a Professional Employer Organizations Broker appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58969
10 Tips for Launching a Home Building Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/launching-home-building-business.html/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:48:56 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58846 Have you ever considered starting a home building business? Statistics show that the average completion time of a new single-family home takes around 8.1 months to complete. This can vary depending on geography, permits, weather, contractors, and a variety of other factors.  Are you wondering where to start and how to get a fledgeling idea […]

The post 10 Tips for Launching a Home Building Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Have you ever considered starting a home building business? Statistics show that the average completion time of a new single-family home takes around 8.1 months to complete. This can vary depending on geography, permits, weather, contractors, and a variety of other factors. 

Are you wondering where to start and how to get a fledgeling idea off the ground? How can you become a successful home builder in the future? Keep reading to learn more about how you can get started.

#1: Make Sure You’re Qualified

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning that as with any job, there are qualifications you need to obtain. Just as you can’t become a dental practitioner without going to dental school, you can’t start a home building business without being qualified. Your qualifications can vary from state to state, but as a general rule you will either need a degree or you’ll need to learn on the job. Be aware that learning on the job could take a lot longer than getting a degree. After that, there are a variety of certifications that are helpful and even required in some cases. Making sure that you have the right credentials and experience to start the business can help the whole process go more smoothly. You might be able to start flipping houses without experience as a home builder, but you’ll need a lot more than business savvy if you want to build homes from the ground up. Finally, continuing education to stay current with new processes, machinery, and safety measures will be important once the business is started.

#2: Get Financial Backing

Starting a business of any kind costs money, and this is especially true when it comes to a business that is centered around the construction of new homes. You will need funding to hire employees and contractors, as well as to secure the equipment needed to build. Gaining this funding can happen through investors or crowdfunding efforts. You can also secure this much-needed capital through installment loans, either from a trusted third-party lender or through your local bank. In order to get loan approval, you will likely need to share an in-depth business plan and explain what the loan will be used to accomplish.

#3: Get Insured

Insurance is the security blanket that home builders depend on. There is an abundance of moving parts when it comes to building a home. The risk of injury is very high and being properly insured can save your business thousands of dollars. You can have peace of mind that when you leave the building site at night, you are not held liable for anyone that gets hurt in your absence. Consulting with the builders insurance group first is the best decision you can make. They are built specifically for home builders after the industry faced years of struggling to find good coverage. Talking through the best options for your business and what you plan to achieve will help you get the best coverage moving forward.

#4: Decide on a Niche 

Trying to do everything is historically not a good approach for home building companies. There is more success when you pick a specific type or style of home and become the best at building that product. Becoming an expert in a specific area will help draw business in a few ways. First, people will refer others to you simply because they know it is your specialty. For example, if single level farmhouses are what your business specializes in, people will consult you or refer you when they hear that someone is looking to build a single level farmhouse. Rarely will someone that builds model homes for developments be hired to do one standalone farmhouse because it isn’t their specialty. 

#5: Build A Team

When building out your team, you will have to decide if you want employees or contract workers. This is important because it will have an effect on the rest of your business. Some builders will have some full-time staff and hire contract workers for certain projects. Finding the right mix for your business can take time. You can hire contractors to see how they work on a project and then offer them a full-time position if they do well. 

#6: Start Marketing to Target Customer Base

After you get your business up and running, you need homes to build. Advertising to your target customer base is the next step. Being strategic in this area and making the most of your marketing dollars is key. Don’t spend money advertising to people who just moved into a new home or elderly that are looking to downsize. Find where your target customer is and find unique ways to get your messaging out. 

#7: Focus On Quality Over Quantity

While it may look good on paper to complete a high number of projects per year, it won’t matter if they are bad quality. Your reputation as a home builder will be extremely important to future projects and referrals. Putting an emphasis on the quality of your work and making sure that your team and everyone you partner with shares that vision can set your work apart from others. Taking extra time to properly install something will satisfy the customer more than rushing and doing a poor job will. 

#8: Get Tax Guidance

Personal taxes can be confusing but business taxes are an entirely new puzzle to navigate. Working with an experienced accountant from day one can help you avoid being in tax trouble as a business. It is important to know the rules and ask questions prior to starting so that you know how to approach different areas of your business from a tax perspective. Having someone on staff that monitors the finances of your business can be the difference in being in the green or red at the end of the year. 

#9: Network, Network, Network

As with any type of construction, networking will be very important to the long-term success of your business. People can’t refer business to you if they don’t know who you are or what you offer. Whether you attend networking events or engage via social media, emailing, or other approaches, it is important to connect with others. You never know who will be a future customer, so taking every conversation seriously is key. You and your employees constantly remembering that you are representing your company’s reputation at all times can help prevent you from getting into bad situations

#10: Find Ways to Stand Out From Your Competition

In order to be successful, you can’t lose all of your potential to customers to your competition. Being new to the industry, your business will need to find ways to stand out in a crowded field. This can be from your marketing approach or your customer service responsiveness and everything in between. Being strategic and thinking creatively is the key to setting yourself apart from the competition. Find new ways to reach customers and educate them on what you do instead of selling them on it. Being different in your approach to bidding on projects could be the difference in winning or losing the bid.

Get Started Today

Now that you have read tips on how to become a home builder, you can begin the process today. Starting a business can be stressful but these tips will help guide you as you begin the journey. Visit our website for more helpful articles like this one. 

 

The post 10 Tips for Launching a Home Building Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58846
How to Boost Digital Transformation Using Data https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/boost-digital-transformation.html/ Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:41:44 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58772 The need to boost digital transformation has never been more obvious. The breakneck speed of technology evolution is fueling business and behavioral change across the world. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic forced many employees to transition to remote work situations in the wake of office closures. Additionally, new trends and emerging technology have pushed many businesses […]

The post How to Boost Digital Transformation Using Data appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
The need to boost digital transformation has never been more obvious. The breakneck speed of technology evolution is fueling business and behavioral change across the world. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic forced many employees to transition to remote work situations in the wake of office closures. Additionally, new trends and emerging technology have pushed many businesses toward an accelerated need for change.

Perhaps, then, this might be the best time for digital transformation in every type of business.

Unfortunately, many businesses fail to utilize their most valuable data resources to make this transition smoother and more successful. Research from Gartner reveals that more than half of companies don’t include data and analytics as key factors in their digital transformation strategy.

Moreover, 62% of companies have experienced stalls during the digital transformation process. McKinsey reported that the most common reasons for these delays were a lack of direction or clarity, ineffective planning or design, and misinformed strategies.

Most transformation stalls are caused by factors within an organization's control.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/digital-transformation-spotting-the-winners-and-losers-in-2020/

It’s quite clear that any strategy needs to be built upon a foundation of accurate data to succeed. So why is it any different when it comes time to boost digital transformation?

The fact of the matter is that data needs to fuel decisions throughout any process. Here’s how business leaders need to approach and integrate data along the digital transformation journey.

Boost Digital Transformation by First Identifying Opportunities from Data

For most companies, the process of digital transformation seems incredibly overwhelming. But the fact is that it does not need to happen all at once. Neither do you have to take a formulaic or one-size-fits-all approach.

For instance, digital transformation can give SMBs a much-needed leg-up against their competitors. While they can’t match large corporations’ million-dollar budgets, small businesses can focus efforts on specific areas that make the greatest impact.

Companies of any size can succeed at their efforts to boost digital transformation by solving some of the most significant issues first. Data can provide the roadmap and crucial starting points to get the transformation going.

Say your website’s traffic numbers are high but conversion rates are significantly lower. This could signal an issue with the user experience (UX). You can use data analysis to pinpoint the steps in the buyer’s journey where your numbers start to fall off. Tools such as Google Analytics will tell you which pages on your website people are spending the most time on. Others such as Hotjar will point out how visitors are interacting with those pages.

Make the Customer Journey Easier at All Times

It’s important for every company to focus on cutting costs, improving efficiency, and maximizing revenue. However, since customers (not money) drive business, the real transformation needs to start in customer experience (CX). This warrants that digital transformation takes place beyond marketing campaigns or web/app technology.

The best way to measure and improve CX is by creating a better internal structure that allows the business to personalize interactions. In a study by PTC, C-suite executives agreed that the greatest benefit to digital transformation was improving the customer journey. The report found that providing employees with the right information and tools was the best way to do this.

A good starting point is using data tools to create complex, data-driven customer journey maps. The entire organization can have the tools they need for better decision-making simply by monitoring the audience’s behavior. AI-powered algorithms can take these data points and transform them into actionable journey maps that show what needs to be done to keep customers engaged, retarget them, and close the deal.

Track Both Qualitative and Quantitative Data

To truly unlock the power of data, it is important to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative.

  • Quantitative data is usually affixed to a numbering system. These are common metrics that businesses track, like revenue per quarter or the number of leads generated per channel.
  • Qualitative is a bit more difficult to organize since it is based on variables instead of specific numbers. This requires more advanced technology to categorize, especially for metrics like customer sentiment.

These two data types need to be used together to truly boost digital transformation. This goes beyond just stating that quantitative data is measurable in numbers while qualitative data is based on characteristics.

For example, if you’re conducting marketing research for the launch of a new product, your team should be collecting and analyzing both types of data from consumers in order to deliver a product that has market fit. You need to use automation as well as AI technologies, such as natural language processing and predictive analytics. This lets you combine hard data (quantitative) and uncategorized data (qualitative) for accurate insights.

Separate the Transformation Strategy from the Data

The quickest way to make organization-wide positive changes is to make data accessible for strategizing and decisions.

According to a McKinsey study, companies that successfully implemented digitalization derived the greatest benefits by providing employees with better tools. Complement this by making information accessible across all departments and creating digital programs to assist customers and employees.

Success Rate of Digital Transformations

Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/unlocking-success-in-digital-transformations

McKinsey also found that the greatest barrier to transformation was a lack of leadership and direction through the transformation process. Robust data sources and top-of-the-line analysis programs are useless unless your entire team knows how and when to use them.

To make the transition more seamless, you can start with specific types of transformation. For most organizations, there are four key approaches:

  • Business Processes: Applying technology for system support, such as inventory management or automation.
  • Model Transformation: Incorporating technology to improve an aspect of the industry, such as digitization.
  • Analytics: Centralized performance monitoring of all initiatives, especially digital, with end-to-end observability.
  • Organizational Transformation: Integrating new systems to support the internal workings of a company, such as collaboration tools and data-sharing technology.

No matter which approaches your business goes with, you need to support every new strategy or system with data. Then monitor the results of these changes to see what is making a positive or negative difference.

It’s Your Turn to Boost Your Company’s Digital Transformation

There is so much potential that companies of any size can unlock if they have the data to do it.

Data analytics, processing, and organizational tools are critical pieces to the puzzle of digital transformation. Leaders must understand how to interpret the data they collect before, during, and after the digital transformation process to ensure continued success. Good luck!

The post How to Boost Digital Transformation Using Data appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58772
How Underwriting for Financial Products Has Advanced in the Last 10 Years https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/underwriting-financial-products.html/ Mon, 07 Jun 2021 21:03:07 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58815 Over the last 10 years, through the use of technology, the role of underwriting financial products has become incredibly more automated and scalable. Whenever you apply for a financial product — such as a credit card, loan, or mortgage — your application typically goes through a stage known as underwriting. During the underwriting process, the […]

The post How Underwriting for Financial Products Has Advanced in the Last 10 Years appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Over the last 10 years, through the use of technology, the role of underwriting financial products has become incredibly more automated and scalable.

Whenever you apply for a financial product — such as a credit card, loan, or mortgage — your application typically goes through a stage known as underwriting. During the underwriting process, the financial institution is looking at different characteristics of the customer. These typically include age, income, employment, and financial requirements. These criteria help them decide whether to approve the application and what rate they will charge.

Underwriting has moved away from the old process of being scrutinized by a bank manager on a case-by-case basis with that person making the decision. Listed below are some of the ways that underwriting has progressed significantly in the last decade.

The Use of Point Scoring for Underwriting Financial Products

Whenever a customer fills out an online application, that data can be evaluated against a lender’s preferred scoring system.

“With so many products like loans and credit cards, you can sometimes enter your details and get an instantaneous decision. What happens in between is that your data is scored against thousands of data points by that lender,” explains David Beard, founder of price comparison company LendingExpert.

“A lender or credit card provider might have 8,000 or 10,000 rules included in their scorecards. They’ll factor in things such as age, income, gender, residential status, and credit score. This is usually built-in using software or APIs. The lender will be collecting previous historical data. In this way, they have a good idea of whether a certain demographic is a better type of customer or is more likely to pay back on time.”

“Everyone might be given a point if they are a certain age or live in a certain area. Overall, a lender might say anyone that scores above 500 will be approved. If they decide they want to accept more risk, they can lower the score. Alternatively, if they want to be more risk-averse, they can up the score.”

Automated Credit Scoring

Credit scoring is certainly not new, but nowadays it’s astonishingly automated. Through the use of credit reference agencies or bureaus, a credit card provider or mortgage lender is able to pay $1 or $2 to a bureau and get real-time data on a customer.

This information typically includes how many other loans or forms of credit they’ve been applying for. It can also include how many debts they have outstanding. All this data will help the vendor make an informed decision.

Credit scoring is also very much based on numerical values and credit scores. This makes them easy to factor into the overall score and automate decision-making.

Using Social Media as a Factor When Underwriting Financial Products

Credit card processors have started factoring social media and email accounts into underwriting for many years. Neither of these tools was available a decade ago.

Whether evaluating the basics — such as Facebook, Gmail, or Linkedin — this provides an effective way to confirm that an individual is who they say they are. Moreover, it helps verify that the applicant is employed at the place they have claimed. This process can be automated, too. It’s not only useful for confirming names, locations, and employment, but it is hugely beneficial for fraud prevention.

Recent Use of Artificial Intelligence

The real art of good underwriting these days is to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into decision engines. Rather than having to constantly update scorecards, providers should be able to get real-time information of which customers are repaying on time and defaulting. They then feed this data back into their underwriting process. Essentially, the system “learns” and gets “smarter.”

Overall, the use of AI should make the underwriting process more effective, lower default rates, and maximize profits for suppliers.

The underwriting of financial products has truly progressed in the last 10 years. Going forward, we can expect that breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and blockchain will have the biggest impact to scale processes and operations for companies in the financial space.

The post How Underwriting for Financial Products Has Advanced in the Last 10 Years appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58815
Top 10 Business Plan Templates to Get Your Small Business Started https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/06/small-business-plan-templates.html/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 21:50:17 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58753 Business plan templates can provide a leg up when launching any new product or service. We all know that starting a small business can be extremely challenging at first, no matter how good what you offer might be. Lacking an engaged audience, you will not be satisfied with the results, but you can relax. Today […]

The post Top 10 Business Plan Templates to Get Your Small Business Started appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Business plan templates can provide a leg up when launching any new product or service. We all know that starting a small business can be extremely challenging at first, no matter how good what you offer might be. Lacking an engaged audience, you will not be satisfied with the results, but you can relax. Today there’s absolutely no need to “reinvent the wheel.”

Of course, you should trust the process. Big things take time, but you should spend your time on things that are making the future of your brand brighter. Don’t take shortcuts to success such as buying followers on your social media accounts or posting fake reviews.

Instead, invest time in things that will improve sales and grow your audience. For example, creating social media promotions, creating your own online surveys, interacting with potential clients, and writing your business plan.

What’s a Business Plan Template?

A business plan template is a plan for the quick setup of a business plan for your brand. It contains all the elements for the fast growth of your brand, including marketing plans to introduce your brand to the public. Having a business plan template is helpful, especially for people who are new to the business world. Most of the templates are free and are easy to find. You can find a lot of them online. You just need to do research and decide which plan is the best choice for your product or service.

Top 10 Business Plan Templates for Small Businesses

Templates are here to make grinding out your business plan easier. All you need to do is decide which plan you need and stick to it. Success might be right around the corner.

1. Hubspot

Hubspot provides a template that can help you with creating your business plan. This brief business plan template enables you to formulate your core message and provide investors with the information they need about your business. And the best thing is that the Hubspot template is free.

2. Course Hero

Course Hero’s business plan is great for people who just need to insert information about their product or service. What makes this plan better than others is that it’s both detailed and easy to set up. It’s free and available for immediate download.

3. The Balance’s Simple Business Plan for Entrepreneurs

Balance’s Simple Business template is a great choice for people who need help writing an organization’s description, labor requirements, and making sales strategies. Downloading the standard plan is free.

4. SCORE

If you Google search for the best business plan template, you’ll most likely find SCORE’s. This business plan template can help you find out if your business idea has any weaknesses and also identify opportunities for your business you may not even have considered. 

5. Bgateway

Bgateway (Business Gateway) provides a template that can help you from starting your brand to increasingly more complex tasks. It’s even helpful for people who want to raise funds to start their business. Bgateway offers a free plan on their website.

6. Bplan

On the Bplans website, you will find a template that can help you with each step of your plan and show you what an SBA-approved business plan should look like. It’s free to download and easy to follow.

7. Pandadoc

On the Pandadoc site, you will find seven free templates that can help you with your business growth. No matter what kind of business you have, you can find the one that is useful for you. Pandadoc provides business plan templates for bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and more.

8. The Business Plan Shop

The Business Plan Shop offers a detailed business plan sketch built for entrepreneurs who’ve never had experience writing business plans before. You can make your business plan for free.

9. Wise’s Business Plan

On the Wise website, you will find a template that can help you set your company goals. Using this template can show investors how you expect to expand your brand. It’s free and easy to use. 

10. ThinkBusiness’ Free Template 

Last but not least, ThinkBusiness has a great template to download. This template is great for beginners and is also very detailed and easy to set up. It’s free and you can start using it even if you have no experience in writing business plans.

Focus on What Makes Your Product or Service Unique

The templates listed above are great resources for small and medium businesses. There are tons of free templates available online, you just need to take time to research and work on your brand. Invest time in things that you believe have a bright future, be unique, make yourself known, and success will be a matter of time.

Growing your new business will require work and dedication, too. You can make this easier given all the sites and help available for free online. However, you should not stop there. Make another commitment to learning something new every day about marketing and improving sales.

The post Top 10 Business Plan Templates to Get Your Small Business Started appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58753
This is Why You Might Need More Technology Help Than You Think https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/05/you-need-more-technology-help.html/ Sat, 01 May 2021 10:00:45 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58453 You probably think your business or practice has more technology than you need. After all, you have a computer workstation in every office space. You have a website. And you have a digital marketing campaign. If you are not really into technology, you probably don’t realize how important these things are. After all, your father […]

The post This is Why You Might Need More Technology Help Than You Think appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
You probably think your business or practice has more technology than you need. After all, you have a computer workstation in every office space. You have a website. And you have a digital marketing campaign. If you are not really into technology, you probably don’t realize how important these things are. After all, your father and grandfather ran the business just fine when there was no such thing as a computer. Like flowers and candy around Valentine’s Day, you probably believe that all this focus on technology is nothing more than an elaborate marketing campaign to make business owners feel like they are inadequately equipped to do business without it.

To be fair, there could be a small kernel of truth in that. Wherever a marketing win is possible, there will be those willing to exploit it. Technology companies make billions of dollars selling individuals and businesses technology they don’t really need. Apple has just announced the new iPad Pro with the M1 chip inside. Right now, that chip is a market segment bully. No low-energy chip on the market can touch it in the computer space. The MacBook Air with M1 is more powerful than the vast majority of Intel PCs a consumer is likely to consider. People will pay to get the new iPad Pro. But they will be hard pressed to justify why they needed so much power in a tablet running iPad OS.

If you don’t really understand the world of tech, it is easy to get fast-talked into buying technology you don’t need. By the same token, it is also easy to refuse technology that you absolutely need. No one can keep up with everything. You have to delegate. If you don’t have an IT department, you need an IT consultant. It is conceivable that you have more technology than you need. But the more likely scenario is that you need more technology help than you think. Here’s why:

You Can Avoid Hackers with Technology

Everyone who works in the medical industry regardless of whether you are a member of hospital administration personnel, an urgent care nurse, a hospice worker, or a doctor with her own neighborhood practice should pay attention: At this very moment, you are being targeted with a ransomware attack, or a hack to steal patient records, or a breach that leaves your financial accounts empty. That attack is happening right now and you are probably ill-equipped to do anything about it. 

Protecting yourself against these sorts of attacks is just one of the reasons to contract a healthcare consulting firm. They do a lot more than manage payer contracts. One of the benefits they offer is technology consultancy. The medical practice as a whole is one of the biggest targets for criminal hackers. Everyone thinks they are too small or insignificant to be targeted until they find themselves at the wrong end of a ransomware gun. Taking measures after the fact is nice, but too late. Get your technology infrastructure up to date so that you don’t become the next headline.

You Can Also Increase Profitability

Once you learn how to use technology to protect yourself, you need to learn how to use technology to better benefit your business. It is not just about how not to lose money. It is also about how to make more of it. Here are a few things it can do for you:

  • Reduce travel expenses by utilizing online meetings for situations that don’t require in-person work
  • Utilize AI to streamline workflows and free up human workers to do more human-centric tasks
  • Use computers to reduce errors and eliminate duplicative work

Humans are slow, inefficient, and prone to errors. That does not mean you should be looking to replace your workforce with machines. Rather, you can repurpose your workforce so they can do the type of work they are good at while allowing machines to do the type of work they do best. It is not a competition. When done right, it is a win-win for all parties.

And You Can Find New Customers 

You have heard the old adage that it costs 5 times more to acquire a new customer than retain a current one. Some place the number as high as 25 times the cost. Using technology to its fullest will not necessarily reduce the cost of customer acquisition. But it could make each acquisition more valuable. It hardly matters if you have a lot of customers who don’t buy very much, or who never buy big-ticket, high-margin products. You don’t necessarily want more customers; you want better quality customers. This is one of the areas where the right technology can really make a difference. 

Your small business might attract many cash-only customers that require very little in customer acquisition expenditures. However, you will almost always do better by attracting debit and credit card customers. Better still, what you want are Apple Pay customers. It is not a matter of class distinction. It is pure economics. People who use non-cash forms of payment will spend more. By having a cash-only business, you are actively alienating the very people who would shop with you more often and spend more money when they do. The problem with your business might not have anything to do with your products or service. It could be that you are catering exclusively to customers who can’t help you grow. Even if it costs more to acquire a good customer, the lifetime spend of that customer will be more than worth it.

Part of how you acquire and keep new customers is to be technologically available to them. If you are not easy to access from a mobile device, you don’t exist. If you are only interested in foot traffic, you are going to miss out on a lot of finger traffic.

Chances are, you do not have too much technology in your business. You need enough to protect you against constant cyberattacks, increase your profitability, and help you acquire the right customers that can help you advance your business.

The post This is Why You Might Need More Technology Help Than You Think appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58453
8 Tips for Making Your Business Debt-Free https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/04/tips-making-business-debt-free.html/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:00:13 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58458 A 2021 report shares that 77% of Americans have some form of debt. This can range from credit card debt and student loan debt to the debt that comes with having a mortgage or financing a new car.  Okay, that’s personal finance. What about small business finance? Businesses can incur a lot of debt from […]

The post 8 Tips for Making Your Business Debt-Free appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
A 2021 report shares that 77% of Americans have some form of debt. This can range from credit card debt and student loan debt to the debt that comes with having a mortgage or financing a new car. 

Okay, that’s personal finance. What about small business finance?

Businesses can incur a lot of debt from buying materials in advance before they make a profit selling their products. Having your debt under control and not paying fees for missing payments is the key to not incurring more debt. 

Do you want to be debt-free with your business? Keep reading for more tips that you can get started on today:

Budget, Budget, Budget

Budget is certainly not a buzz word but it is extremely important to the financial integrity of your business. Without a budget, how can any business track how much they are spending in comparison to their cash flow? The last thing you want to do as a business owner is find out that you spent money on a new computer and now can’t afford to pay a bill that helps your business run.

Budgets take time to develop and shouldn’t be saved for the last 10 minutes of a meeting. Once you get your budget right, it will be easier to follow for the months to come. Making decisions based on your budget becomes much easier when you know where money is coming in and going to. 

Figure Out What Debt Is Costing You the Most

Is your building contract your biggest expense? What about the office furniture you bought? 

Find out what debt is costing you the most and target that first. If you own your office space, this may be the biggest expense. It will be hard to eliminate this monthly form of debt if you are leasing the building from someone else. Taking your biggest expense off the table can be a huge relief once it is paid off. You no longer will have to worry about the big payments every month and can just focus on the more minimal expenses and allocating your funds toward paying those off.  

Get Help From the Professionals

Who is the best person to talk to about debt? Consulting a professional in the financial world that can help you manage your business debt and present you with options of how to fix it.  Debt consolidation is a popular strategy if you’re the owner-operator of a bootstrapped, one-person shop. You can work with companies like Strategic Consulting to get a better idea of the best route for you based on the forms of debt you’re carrying. 

But what if you’re not financing the business with your personal credit cards? The fact is, there are debt consolidation companies who work with small businesses, too. Your CPA should be able to help you find the best solution for your needs.

Set a Goal

When would you like your business debt to be paid off by? How realistic is that to happen? 

Setting a reasonable timeline for your business to be debt-free can help serve as accountability along the way. It may be unrealistic to be debt-free in 6 months, but very possible within a year. You know your business better than anyone and can make a knowledgeable estimate on when you will be able to reach that goal. Sharing the goal with others can also help hold you accountable to hitting it by your desired date.

Look At Lower Interest Rates

Are there lower interest rates available for your current loans? Talk with your bank about options for a lower interest rate moving forward. There may not be options available but you won’t know unless you ask. 

Lowering your interest rate by any amount can significantly affect the amount that you will be paying. An interest rate of 5% on $500,000 for example is less to pay than an interest rate of 8-10% for that same dollar amount. 

Reinvest Your Tax Refund

Did your business receive a tax refund this year? Are you typically receiving a refund year after year? 

Instead of spending this refund on new items for your business, use that money to pay directly toward your debt. Think of it as money you were not expecting, given that you had already paid the government that amount. Using these funds to pay for your debt can save you from spending on upgrades you may not have needed in order for your business to continue running successfully. 

Sell Things

Does your office have an old storage room of desks, chairs, and other miscellaneous items? You can make money off of selling these items and put the profit toward paying your debt. 

Plenty of people that work from home are not looking to break the bank on a new setup for their home office. Making some money on items that are just collecting dust in your storage room is a win-win for everyone. You will also open up more space in your office too. Once you clean your office, you will realize how little you need materialistically for your business to thrive. There’s no need to do a complete office renovation right now if your current setup is getting the job done. Wait until you can pay for that remodel and purchase it then.

Develop Tunnel Vision

Becoming debt-free is not an easy task. This becomes even harder when trying to do it as a business. A fierce determination and vision is required for this effort to be a success. 

Run sales contests. Find new, more affordable ways to market your products. Don’t spend money on anything extra that isn’t absolutely essential to running your business. 

Cut the expenses that aren’t benefiting your business. 

It will be challenging but the reward of having a business that is debt-free and prepared with a savings for any financial challenges in the future will set you apart from most businesses. 

Don’t Wait

Now that you have read a few tips on how to become debt-free, why wait? Each day that passes is an opportunity to pay off your debt and take a step closer to your goal. Check out our website for more informational business finance articles like this one.

The post 8 Tips for Making Your Business Debt-Free appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58458
­­­­­­6 Critical Ways to Cover Your SMB Assets https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/04/6-critical-ways-to-cover-your-smb-assets.html/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:00:20 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58440 Whether you’re just starting your SMB (small-to-medium-sized business) or you’re a veteran, it’s a good idea to establish proper safeguards that protect all your hard work and investments.  We are all familiar with the unsettling statistics about small businesses failing within the first five years. The top reasons for SMBs going belly-up typically deal with […]

The post ­­­­­­6 Critical Ways to Cover Your SMB Assets appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Whether you’re just starting your SMB (small-to-medium-sized business) or you’re a veteran, it’s a good idea to establish proper safeguards that protect all your hard work and investments.  We are all familiar with the unsettling statistics about small businesses failing within the first five years. The top reasons for SMBs going belly-up typically deal with failure to listen to customer feedback or inability to change with consumer demands. Other reasons include ineffective marketing or mismanagement of resources.

Because these are the main stumbling blocks for SMBs, you’re probably already aware of these common pitfalls.  However, you might not be as mindful about underlying safety measures that can help stabilize your business even during the rockiest of times.  Here are some fundamental ways to cover your assets for your SMB that can help keep your business thriving into that 6th-year mark and beyond.

Tips to Safeguard Your Business

B2B (Business to Business) Background Checks:  Picture it..you’ve got a brilliant idea for a new product line and reach out to (what seems like) a reliable source for materials. Yet you find yourself left holding the bag and unable to fill orders because your source has failed to deliver. It’s a common and tragic tale told among small business owners. Save yourself, your customers, and your business a ton of heartache by doing intense background checks on businesses you’re considering working with to supply services or materials for your products or services. Doing this will save your bacon in the long run.

Bank Accounts: If you’ve been running your SMB for a while, you probably already have a separate bank account devoted to your business. However, it’s common for many startups to keep everything in a personal account at the beginning of their endeavors for various reasons. If this is you, and you’re starting to see an influx of business income, it’s time to make distinctions between personal and professional bank accounts. Take steps to separate credit cards and bank accounts into specific business products at your bank. Establishing a business bank account can also give you extra security for your finances, and other perks such as automatic alerts, online bill payments, flexible overdraft protection, and even the potential to receive a line of credit.  The benefits to a business bank account are contingent upon your bank’s policies, but segregating your personal money from business income is crucial to staying successful.

Business Insurance: This is a polarizing security option when it comes to small business protection. Some startups feel they don’t have enough money to pay for insurance when they’re taking all precautions to avoid incidents to begin with. After all…that monthly insurance payment feels like a lot to part with if you never use it.  That’s an understandable viewpoint, however, what if something does go wrong? Then what? If you don’t have enough money for business insurance, then delay opening your doors until you do. Insurance for your company can be a godsend in terms of protecting your assets, your customers, and your investments. It’s true, nothing is foolproof and insurance won’t keep your business in an impenetrable bubble, but it can protect you from fraud, theft, and much more.

Cybersecurity: Perhaps the most critical and integral precaution you can take for your SMB is ensuring your tech is safe. These days, this might seem like an obvious security measure, but the life of a small business owner is hectic, and sometimes these essential details might escape our busy minds. Do yourself and your business a huge favor by dropping everything and do a business cybersecurity check on your computers and networks now.  Be sure you have a top-notch firewall installed and it’s updated to protect your business information. Also make sure your antivirus software is current, functioning correctly, and able to detect security breaches at the drop of a hat. Change passwords often and make sure these passwords are hard to crack. As an extra measure of protection, consider getting an external data storage system and backing up all your business’s information on this backup drive.  You may not ever have a hacker crisis or a system shutdown, but if you do, these steps can save you and your business from tremendous trauma.

Employee: If you have employees, you’re probably hyper-vigilant about their safety and wellbeing.  You also need to get serious about protecting your SMB assets from accidental or purposeful theft or damage. You can gain peace of mind for your small business by providing digital badges to your employees. This gives you the control over who has access to various areas. You can also adjust permissions in the event of an employee termination. This protects your company’s equipment and data from all manner of pitfalls and security breaches. 

Furthermore, you’ve got to protect your employees from harm in order to protect your business from litigious actions. Nothing can slam an SMB down faster than an employee injury (or worse, death) while on the job at your business.  Even if an injury is minor, there may still be a threat of lawsuits.  That’s why your best course of action is to check for hazards around the office and/or warehouse facilities.  You can double your efforts to protect yourself and your employees by getting an OSHA certification. Occupational Safety and Health Awareness courses provide you with vital training and resources that enhance your awareness about job-site safety. This, in turn, protects your employees and your assets. It also paves the way to a happier, safer work environment and long-term business success.

Hire an Accountant: If you’re great with numbers, or even have an accounting background, doing your own small business taxes might seem the most ideal solution for you. However, running your business can be consuming, and big details can get missed while filing company taxes.  Plus, are you up-to-date with all the new regulations and codes? Do you know what kind of write-offs and deductions you can take for your SMB?  Whether you are a crackerjack at crunching numbers or not, consider getting a CPA who is devoted to your business’s success. This will save you loads of time and give you peace of mind.  While we’re on the subject, think about investing in accounting software to make your life easier too.  The extra money to hire an accountant or get accounting software may give you pause, but please remember, one false accounting entry can get the IRS sniffing up your assets which means audits and potential troubles for your SMB.

Cover Your Assets and Leave Nothing to Chance

At the end of the day, preparedness is the best way to assure success.  Think about all the long hours, hard work, and money you’ve poured into your SMB.  And then think about one small twist of fate flushing that all down the drain.  Now consider these preventative tips that are solid steps towards keeping your business, customers, and employees safe and preventing disasters on your company’s upward trajectory. When it comes to staying on top, you can’t leave anything to chance, that’s why taking precautions is essential to your growth and sealing your SMB success for many years to come.

The post ­­­­­­6 Critical Ways to Cover Your SMB Assets appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58440
7 Critical Components of a Thriving Restaurant Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/04/7-critical-components-of-a-thriving-restaurant-business.html/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:00:49 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58364 Restaurants come and go. Perhaps you’ve watched businesses rotate in and out of a space and you wonder why they never seem to thrive. Or you struggle to get repeat customers at your restaurant and you wonder what’s going on. Running a restaurant business involves a lot of moving parts. Customers are picky about their […]

The post 7 Critical Components of a Thriving Restaurant Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Restaurants come and go. Perhaps you’ve watched businesses rotate in and out of a space and you wonder why they never seem to thrive. Or you struggle to get repeat customers at your restaurant and you wonder what’s going on. Running a restaurant business involves a lot of moving parts. Customers are picky about their food and where they like to eat. They frequent the places they love and they tell everyone about it. Likewise, they tell everyone about the places they had bad experiences with. If you want to create a thriving business, you need to consider each of these factors.

The Location

What’s the parking like? Is it in the right part of town for your target customer? Is it easy to get to? Is it accessible? These are important questions you should ask before you start a restaurant. If you are stuck in a location that isn’t working for any of these reasons, it’s important to make changes if you want to thrive. Or, you might want to consider restaurant alternatives such as virtual kitchens.  These unique restaurant set-ups forgo the need for parking or prime locations because they operate on a to-go, delivery and pickup basis. For example, a NYC ghost kitchen is ideal in this busy metropolis where prime real estate is a costly commodity and parking is at a premium.  Granted, if you want a full-service, sit-down restaurant, the location of your business matters and having it in the wrong place can lead to failure. Do your due diligence if you need to make a move to ensure you choose just the right location, or choose alternatives such as cloud kitchens that can give you and your restaurant customers the best of all worlds.

The Service

Unless your restaurant brand is built around offering terrible service to your customers, you need to provide incredible customer service. Every time a guest interacts with the staff in a restaurant is an opportunity to create raving fans of your business. Don’t just send your staff out to the wolves. Take time to train them so they are knowledgeable and can easily help customers with their questions. Teach them and show them what good customer service looks like. It’s amazing what a smiling face can do, so make sure you hire staff who are friendly and personable. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble down the road if you choose the right people for your business.

The Food

Of course, people come to restaurants for the food. Is it good? Is it hot when it comes out? Is it what the people ordered? Creating a menu sets the tone for everything else in the restaurant. Give customers enough choices, but don’t make it too complicated. If you offer an allergen friendly menu, make sure it’s obvious. If there is a special way your customers need to order, give instructions to help them help you.

Whatever the theme of your restaurant, create a menu with selections that are unique and appetizing. Give generous portions so customers don’t feel slighted. Make it look pretty on the plate too. It’s amazing how this simple task can make the experience more enjoyable for customers.

The Water

Water is a vital component of a good restaurant business. It impacts everything from the cleaning, to pipes maintenance, to the way the food tastes. If the water at your restaurant business tastes bad, it will impact everything and it will deter customers from coming back. Imagine a customer gets a drink with ice in it. The ice starts to melt and makes their drink taste like chemicals or minerals. Or they just get water with their meal and it has a metallic flavor. These unpleasant tastes can translate into losing repeat customers.

The best way to improve the flavor of your restaurant water is with a water filtration and water softening system. A water softener in particular helps remove minerals from the water. This process not only helps the water taste better, but it also helps reduce how much detergent you’ll use when you do dishes each night when the restaurant closes. It also reduces mineral buildup in your pipes and can save you from costly repairs later. A good water filter will remove many of the chemicals that leave your water tasting bad and helps improve the flavor of food and other drinks. It also provides improved water safety for you and your customers.

The Atmosphere

What’s it like inside? Is it dark, bright, modern, or eclectic? Is it clean? Is it really loud, or can people easily have conversations with friends? The vibe sets the tone for how people enjoy the space. If it’s always dirty inside, customers will be put-off. Make sure your team cleans regularly to ensure an inviting space for guests to eat. If you want a family friendly environment, use furniture and color to make it more appealing. Plates, cups, and dinnerware are also parts of the restaurant experience. Creating a unique atmosphere can help a restaurant business do well.

The Kitchen

Is your kitchen running well? Is it clean and organized? Does everyone know their role and where to get what they need to make their part run smoothly? Just like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the kitchen is the heart of the business. Ingredients come in and meals go out. If your kitchen needs repair or it needs work, things will function less efficiently. This impacts how easily you can get meals out to the customers, prep food, and so much more. Give attention to your kitchen and how it’s laid out to ensure it is functioning the best.

The Cleaning

Floors, tables, and walls should be as clean as possible. It removes dangerous hazards, but also just looks better. Customers want to feel like the food they are going to eat will taste good and won’t make them sick. If your restaurant is always dirty, it may leave people feeling like something will be wrong with the food as well. Train your staff to keep their work areas clean, but to also stay on top of cleaning customer spaces. During busy times, bathrooms in particular get neglected. Cleaning these vital spaces will offer a welcoming vibe that keeps customers happy and coming back with their friends.

It’s possible to create a restaurant that thrives. When you focus on the location, atmosphere, food, water, kitchen, cleaning, and especially the customer service, your business will be more successful. Restaurants can have the best marketing, but if they neglect any of these vital components, they risk everything. Happy customers are repeat customers. Serve them with excellence.

The post 7 Critical Components of a Thriving Restaurant Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58364
4 Big Ways to Save Money as a Business Owner https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/04/4-big-ways-to-save-money-as-a-business-owner.html/ Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:00:46 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58407 Money is a big factor when starting a business, and is even sometimes what stops a person from pursuing their dreams. The thought of spending all their hard-earned savings or taking out a loan is daunting especially when the business may fall through and fail.  There’s equipment to buy, vendors to pay, and decisions to […]

The post 4 Big Ways to Save Money as a Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Money is a big factor when starting a business, and is even sometimes what stops a person from pursuing their dreams. The thought of spending all their hard-earned savings or taking out a loan is daunting especially when the business may fall through and fail.  There’s equipment to buy, vendors to pay, and decisions to make such as whether your employees will want standing desks or stick with sitting desks at the standard desk height. Although you should be sure that you’re making the right financial choice when starting a business, you also have to just take a leap of faith. If you truly believe that what you are putting out into the world is worth it, everything will soon start to fall in place.

Whether you’re just starting a business or have been in the industry for years, there are always corners that you can cut to save some extra dough. You might not be as “high-tech” as some of your competitors, but you won’t be in debt and will be able to use your money for improving the quality of your business rather than the things behind the scenes. You will even have more financial freedom just by cutting out small unimportant things. Don’t let the financial burden of a small business deter you from continuing your dreams!

Cut Extra Costs

One of the best things that you can do to save some money as a small business owner is to cut extra costs. If you already have a laptop or desktop computer that works perfectly fine, don’t unnecessarily buy a new one. Keep your eye out for store or business liquidation sales to get any extra business supplies like desks, office necessities, and decor. Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist for any other items that you may need or just simply want. You never know when someone is getting rid of something almost brand new (like after Christmas!) that could fit perfectly into your office.

An even better way to cut costs is to work remotely. Hire employees to work at home on their own laptops and you’ll save a lot of money by not having to rent an office and furnish it. In addition to this, you can even still have office meetings through Zoom or Google Meet due to the improvement of technology over the past couple of years. If you want to save even more money, consider hiring one or two-time work freelancers. Hiring freelancers is one of the best ways to save some extra money while still meeting deadlines.

Utilize Free Resources

When managing a small business, don’t pay for services that you can easily find free online. Instead of purchasing a subscription to Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications, utilize free Google resources such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides. These applications still have the same capabilities as Microsoft, if not more. You can also find free business guides, books, and seminars online for free. Don’t needlessly spend money when you can find things of the same quality for free. 

As your business grows, make sure that you’re utilizing the proper financial resources. Find free banks with little or no fees to save as much of your hard-earned money as possible. Many checking accounts have fees, but you might be lucky enough to find a free checking account or credit card service. On top of this, make sure that you find a way to save your money and capitalize on high interest rates. Whether you invest some of your profits or get a high-interest savings account, make sure you choose the best option for yourself and the future of your business.

Get on Social Media

Yes, you read that right. Although social media is sometimes written off as superficial, it is a great way to start marketing your business for free. Your platform may differ depending on your desired audience, but all social media pretty much works the same. Share what’s going on in the office, new accomplishments, or even some freebies. Build a relationship with your following and your clients may even start to recommend you to their peers or keep you in mind for when they need something in the future. Posting on social media is free and is a great way to build followers without having to purchase a billboard or business cards!

Although you can utilize social media as a completely free platform, you can also use ads to get your business out in a targeted audience’s feed. By using paid ads, you are pretty much guaranteed that you will reach someone, especially those of your targeted audience. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more recently, TikTok, are all great platforms for both social media users and businesses that are in search of more clients.  Although purchasing ads may not be free, it’s certainly cheaper than constantly buying business cards that might get thrown away or signs that will waste away time. By using social media, you can be sure that whatever you post or advertise will always be online for free!

Believe in Yourself

As you work hard on your business, make sure that you believe in yourself and don’t let financials stand in the way of achieving your dreams. Pinch pennies where you can and be frugal, but don’t stop yourself from improving your business. Work hard every day and know that you have the power to change your business for the better. Don’t be afraid of what can happen and plunge yourself into working hard. The benefits will soon add up and you will be thankful for your hard work!  

Overall, saving money and pinching pennies as a business owner is one of the best things you can do to grow your business and your wallet! Be sure to cut out any unnecessary costs and save money by using equipment that you already have or can buy for cheap. Utilize free resources and technological innovations instead of paying for subscriptions or pricey newsletters. Make a presence on social media to push your business above others without spending any money. Remember to always believe in yourself and you will soon reap the benefits of saving money while being a small business owner.

The post 4 Big Ways to Save Money as a Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58407
Protecting Business Compliance During COVID-19 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/03/protecting-business-compliance.html/ Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:00:06 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58178 COVID-19 reshaped how U.S. companies think about business compliance. You’ve experienced it firsthand: everything from how you recruit employees to how you keep sensitive information secure has changed.  As your company adjusts to the “new normal” of remote working arrangements, one area to watch is business entity compliance. Specifically, we’re referring to how your business […]

The post Protecting Business Compliance During COVID-19 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
COVID-19 reshaped how U.S. companies think about business compliance. You’ve experienced it firsthand: everything from how you recruit employees to how you keep sensitive information secure has changed. 

As your company adjusts to the “new normal” of remote working arrangements, one area to watch is business entity compliance. Specifically, we’re referring to how your business complies with the requirements for LLCs and corporations that operate within the borders of a given state.

You may be well-acquainted with the rules in the state where your business is formed and operates. However, you may be less familiar with the requirements elsewhere, which vary in each state. As your company pivots to hiring out-of-state employees and acquiring new customers via online channels, you should be aware of potential challenges.

This article serves to introduce you to the challenges of expanding a company into new jurisdictions. We’ll also suggest an approach and technologies to help you navigate the way.

Business Compliance 101

At the heart of your business is a legal entity, such as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. These entities have various ongoing responsibilities before they can register and legally operate in a new state. The exact list varies by state and on your specific activities, but it generally includes:

  • Obtaining a certificate of authority to transact business
  • Appointing a registered agent to receive service of process
  • Registering for state-specific tax accounts 
  • Obtaining business licenses and permits, which also may be required at the local level
  • Applying for any DBAs or trade names

Once your company has registered with the appropriate agencies in each state, it can expect to do the following to maintain good standing :

  • File annual reports with the secretary of state
  • Maintain current registered agent information
  • File tax returns with the state (and localities, if applicable)
  • Renew any DBAs, licenses, and permits before the expiration

Preparing to Enter a New State

Chances are, the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched your company’s “footprint.” Out-of-state sales, employees, and other activities raise the real prospect of registering in one or several new states. However, following any state’s unique set of steps can be simplified by following this approach:

  • First, review the requirements in your state and determine whether your activities trigger registration of any kind. Consult your attorney if you need clarity.
  • Second, develop a plan to register the entity and secure tax accounts and licenses. This may include assigning tasks to your attorney, in-house staff, or third-party service providers.
  • If you manage registrations in-house, ensure staff has access to the information needed to register your company. Establish a system to track submissions, approvals, and rejections. It’s also a good idea to keep records of filed applications, receipts, and agency correspondence.
  • At this point, you will have evidence of registration typically needed for banks, customers, payroll companies, and other agencies. Be sure to provide them with these documents in a timely fashion.
  • Internally, maintain all relevant registration data, such as approved filings and state-issued ID numbers in a central, secure location. You will need them again to file renewals and meet requests from vendors, customers, and other stakeholders.

The most important thing of all is to be proactive. Government agency processing times will vary, sometimes extending into weeks or months. Don’t let paperwork slow down your ability to hire a star employee or win a huge account. As soon as you recognize an opportunity, take action.

Leveraging Technology to Maintain Business Compliance

The  COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new paradigm of (mostly) virtual work. Companies that expanded into new states will have good reason to stay there. After all, they have new customers, employees, and opportunities driving profitability.

One key to ongoing success is maintaining good standing. Just like with registration, your company needs a plan to manage information, deadlines, and ongoing reporting in each state. With each new state, the complexity increases, and relying on manual systems creates risk.

Your company has likely invested in videoconferencing technology, project management software, and other platforms to allow your employees to collaborate virtually. With compliance at the heart of your company’s ability to operate and grow, an investment in productivity software can benefit your business during unprecedented times.

Creating a Plan

With this new information, work with your management team and review your need for any of the following:

  • Entity management software
  • Governance and records management software
  • Sales and payroll tax reporting software
  • Secure, cloud-based document and information storage systems

If you’ve already researched technology to support your entity compliance, you’ll know there are plenty of options for organizations of all sizes and industries. If you have yet to begin that journey, start a discussion with your management team. The right software solution can support your staff and instill more confidence in management and external stakeholders.

As we look beyond the changes brought about by COVID-19, companies also face broad administrative challenges in meeting state-specific compliance requirements. These challenges require a proactive approach and a modern technological solution. By doing so, you prepare your company for ongoing success and profitability. 

Disclaimer: Harbor Compliance does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Use of our services does not create an attorney-client relationship. Harbor Compliance is not acting as your attorney and does not review information you provide to us for legal accuracy or sufficiency.

The post Protecting Business Compliance During COVID-19 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58178
Why Third-Party Risk Management Is Important https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/03/third-party-risk-management.html/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:23:06 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=58120 Every business needs to cultivate third-party relationships in order to survive and thrive. These vendor relationships could be with manufacturers to obtain inventory or distributors to get inventory to market. Or, you might work with third-party vendors for any number of business purposes, like marketing and graphic design. All of these vendor relationships pose a certain […]

The post Why Third-Party Risk Management Is Important appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Every business needs to cultivate third-party relationships in order to survive and thrive. These vendor relationships could be with manufacturers to obtain inventory or distributors to get inventory to market. Or, you might work with third-party vendors for any number of business purposes, like marketing and graphic design.

All of these vendor relationships pose a certain level of risk to your organization. There’s no getting around the fact that sometimes, a vendor will drop the ball. Maybe it won’t even be their fault — no one can predict the next natural disaster — but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be prepared for it. By managing third-party risk appropriately, you can forestall many of the predictable risks that plague vendor relationships, like data and security breaches.

A Single Risk Management Assessment Isn’t Enough

These days, it’s just not enough to do your due diligence once and trust a vendor to be on the up and up throughout the rest of your relationship. In today’s landscape, security risks can evolve quickly, and you need to maintain continuous monitoring of vendor risk to identify data breaches and other risks as they appear. 

The risk of a vendor-related data breach alone is enormous. Forty-four percent of significant data breaches are caused by a vendor, whether as a result of human error, malware, or stolen passwords. And a mere 15 percent of firms report having been notified by a vendor that a breach has occurred. 

So you may not be able to trust a vendor to keep you up to date on vendor risks. You need to rely on yourself to monitor for all kinds of risks in your vendor relationships.

Vendor Risks Take Many Forms

To put together a successful third-party risk management program, you need to understand the many forms that vendor risk can take. If a vendor is supplying services or technology that is central to your business, you could face an operational risk if those services are interrupted. For example, if a cyber attack shuts down an SaaS service your company relies on, business could grind to a halt until it is returned. You risk losing money for the hours or days you can’t operate as a result. How are your vendor’s cyber security protocols? 

Of course, data breaches and cyber attacks aren’t the only third-party risks your company could face. Your organization could suffer reputational damage if, for example, it’s discovered that one of your third-party vendors has poor environmental practices or a poor social justice record. You could face strategic risks if you and your vendors aren’t collaborating seamlessly toward a common goal. 

When vendors have a direct impact on your revenue, you could take a financial hit if they fail to hold up their contractual obligations. Supply chain issues, insolvency, and even staffing problems can all contribute to these kinds of risks. Sometimes, vendors may experience setbacks that impact both of you financially, like extreme weather events or disease outbreaks. Even vendor systems that are used to track your company’s sales could create security risks for your organization. 

Compliance risk is another biggie for many organizations operating under strict regulatory guidance. If a vendor doesn’t comply with applicable regulations, your company could be held just as responsible as if you’d broken the rules yourselves. In situations where regulatory requirements are a factor, it’s vital to not only assess a vendor’s compliance protocols prior to onboarding, but to monitor them with close oversight throughout the vendor relationship.

Third-party risk management can make or break your business, because it can be what protects you from that devastating data breach or regulatory nightmare — or not. With the right vendor risk management tools and strategies in place, you can make the most of your third-party relationships, and work together with your vendors to mitigate risks and meet common goals.

The post Why Third-Party Risk Management Is Important appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
58120
4 Key Elements of Technical Recruiting & How They’ll Be Affected By Covid-19 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2021/01/4-key-elements-of-technical-recruiting-how-theyll-be-affected-by-covid-19.html/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 10:00:07 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=57639 Hiring tech talent is one of the biggest expenses that businesses can incur, so be sure that your technical recruiting is up to par.

The post 4 Key Elements of Technical Recruiting & How They’ll Be Affected By Covid-19 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Hiring tech talent is one of the biggest expenses that businesses can incur. Some companies are shelling out north of $50,000 to hire a single software engineer — and that’s before factoring in salary! With numbers that high on the line, you need to be sure that your technical recruiting is up to par. If  you are an employer looking for the ideal apprentice then go through https://keen2work.com/ which helps you to perfect apprenticeship opportunity.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has thrown a serious wrench into many companies’ interview and assessment processes. As firms try to navigate a path forward, it’s worth figuring out where coronavirus has dented your recruiting infrastructure. Here are 4 of the most important elements to consider: 

1. Posting the Job

Job hunting has been a primarily digital affair for years now, but the pandemic has taken the importance of tech in the process to new levels. Job fairs, conferences, and in-person recruiting opportunities have all but vanished, making recruitment sites the de facto job fairs of today. 

Technical recruiters need to keep in mind that this shift is exactly what they’ve been waiting for: an opportunity to take in resumes from as few funnels as possible, reduce travel costs, and maximize efficiency throughout. The impact can be positive for your entire business, too! Candidates recruited from LinkedIn are 40% less likely to leave than employees recruited through more traditional means. The shift to a fully digital recruiting process may have been sudden, but be prepared for it to stick around for the long term. 

2. Technical Assessment

Perhaps the single most crucial aspect of technical recruitment is the technical assessment. Before you hire a candidate, you need to know if they’re up to the tasks or not. While you might have once held technical assessments in your office during prospect visits, Covid-19 has mandated a new way of doing things. If you don’t want the quality of your technical assessment process to tank, you’ll likely need a bit of help.

There are a number of firms out there capable of facilitating remote technical assessments for tech hires. Platforms such as Coderbyte can reduce the cost per hire by up to 25% by maximizing efficiency and effectively vetting candidates. This makes the initial investment easy to earn back over time. 

3. Identifying Need

How do you determine when it’s time for a new hire in the first place? Likely after consultation with team leads and balance sheets, you feel comfortable enough to make a call either way. The new world of remote work has turned the water cooler into the project management platform, meaning that you can be more precise than ever about potential areas of need. After a given development cycle, go back through the data covering the process from start to finish. Is there anywhere that lagged behind expectations? Any snags that employees ran into repeatedly? Any complaints about crunch or resource misallocation? The more concrete your answers to these questions are, the more informed your decisions about technical recruiting will be.

4. “Fit” Analysis

How do you know whether a potential employee will fit well with her future team? More importantly, what steps can you take to come up with as definitive an answer as possible? During normal times, this involves conversations between top candidates and existing team members. These discussions likely entails questions that get to the heart of key issues. Now that the interview process relies almost entirely on email, Zoom, and phone calls, fit is no longer something that can be determined on the fly — you need to search it out. 

Find other ways to determine fit ahead of time. An increasingly popular method is by combing through candidates’ social media. A survey from CareerBuilder found that 70% of businesses now check the social media pages of applicants, and 54% have rejected someone because of what they found. In this day and age, that number should be quickly approaching 100. It’s not easy to coax sociability out of someone over a video chat, so look for its manifestations in other places. 

The age of Covid-19 has not made technical recruiting any easier, but that doesn’t mean a thorough recruiting process is impossible. By using the tools, platforms, and methods at your disposal, you can effectively attract and vet candidates in a way that ensures no one slips through the cracks. 

The post 4 Key Elements of Technical Recruiting & How They’ll Be Affected By Covid-19 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
57639
What are the Best Software Solutions For Retailers? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2020/07/what-are-the-best-software-solutions-for-retailers.html/ Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:00:40 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=56374 Thanks to technological advances and shifting customer expectations, brick and mortar stores must go above and beyond to deliver a seamless buying experience that’s tailored to the expectations of their customer, IP Targeting Software for retailers helps you do exactly that.  Digital transformation may pose new challenges to retailers, but it also represents the opportunity […]

The post What are the Best Software Solutions For Retailers? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Thanks to technological advances and shifting customer expectations, brick and mortar stores must go above and beyond to deliver a seamless buying experience that’s tailored to the expectations of their customer, IP Targeting Software for retailers helps you do exactly that. 

Digital transformation may pose new challenges to retailers, but it also represents the opportunity to enhance, improve, and streamline your retail operations to meet customer expectations and build long-term relationships. Here are five types of IoT Software designed for retailers to help pave the way for growth and innovation for your retail store with the help of continuity merchant services

A Tablet POS System

According to a 2020 report by Deloitte on retail industry trends, convenience continues to be a primary component of customer buying decisions. For many business owners it may make sense to run customer sales through a tablet instead of the traditional desktop. Tablet point of sale systems are easily downloadable and offer the same functionality as desktop POS systems. 

For example, this iPad point of sale system by Lightspeed provides greater mobility than a desktop and facilitates the purchase process by allowing staff to accompany customers on the floor and help them make faster purchases. Using this app eliminates the need for customers to stand in long queues to make a purchase.

The software also comes with an inventory management feature that can allow staff to: 

  • Determine product availability. 
  • Answer any questions the customer may have regarding the product.
  • Make product recommendations. 

Utilizing a tablet POS system allows staff to provide a more convenient and personalized customer experience, which is pivotal for business growth.  

A Human Resource Management Software

As your retail business grows, you’ll need to hire more employees. You will also need to manage your employees in a way that ensures high job satisfaction and growth. One way to ease this burden on yourself is to invest in a human resource management software. For example, GoCo.io is a hiring tool that helps you recruit new hires and manage your staff efficiently. 

This tool also allows you to streamline the hiring process by integrating the best talents into your retail business to improve productivity. GoCo also enables easy onboarding of new employees by introducing them to key aspects of your retail operations. 

It helps you navigate important HR functions such as:

  • Arranging for employee insurance.
  • Tracking time spent on the job.
  • Generating payroll.
  • Managing leave and paid time off. 

A Retail Accounting Software

Another useful software for retailers is an accounting tool that allows you to integrate your POS system with the accounting system of your store. If you invest in the iPad POS system by Lightspeed mentioned above, they also have an accounting software that integrates with the iPad system, allowing you to optimize your accounting tasks on your tablet as well

A cursory look at Lightspeed Accounting reveals that it can be used to perform the following functions:

  • Maintain records of transactions.
  • Keep track of taxes and product discounts.
  • Generate financial reports on store sales and number of customers.

A Team Communication Software

Communication is vital to running a retail store in a transparent and efficient manner. As a retailer, you’ll need to collaborate with a variety of individuals associated with your business. This includes your managers, on-floor employees, vendors, and more. 

While many retailers rely on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or email to communicate with other parties, there are other tools that may serve your needs better. Slack, for example, is a team communication platform that serves as an effective hub for co-coordinating with your staff and other third-parties. It enables smooth internal communication and offers a variety of features such as:

  • One-on-one chats.
  • File sharing.
  • Creating channels to manage a team or a project. 
  • Connecting via calls. 

A Loyalty Program Software

Integrating loyalty programs into your online and in-store customer experience is imperative to building long-term customer relationships. One such software is Lightspeed Loyalty , which allows your customers to sign up for a point-based loyalty program and benefit from:

  • Promotions.
  • Coupons.
  • One-time deals on special occasions.

This tool can also help you build personalized marketing campaigns based on customer insights. It allows you to connect with shoppers and provide them with relevant offers and product recommendations that complement their shopping habits. The 360-degree functionality of this tool makes it one of the best software for retailers.

In a Nutshell 

From a mobile point of sale system and accounting software to human resource tools and customer relationship management tools, technology presents an abundance of opportunities to retailers to innovate and optimize their business operations and provide their customers with the convenience they desire. 

The post What are the Best Software Solutions For Retailers? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
56374
How to Choose Payroll Software for Your Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2020/03/how-to-choose-payroll-software-for-your-small-business.html/ Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=55311 When it comes to payroll software, do your homework. You don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t make sense for your business.

The post How to Choose Payroll Software for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Did your small business recently start hiring employees? Then you’re probably realizing how time-consuming it is to manage payroll. 

Are you finding frequent errors in your calculations? Are your employees concerned because they’re not getting paid on time? That’s a problem, and it could cause your business to suffer. 

Your energy should be spent communicating with clients and managing your team. Technology can’t do those things for you. It can, however, take the pressure off payroll. You will find many tips on oceannenvironment to function your business smoothly.

Before you start searching for a service, there are some things you should keep in mind. Here’s how to get the most out of your payroll software:

1. Think through your company’s needs.

Not all software is created the same. That’s why there are so many different options. 

Before you pick a service, there are some key questions to ask yourself: 

  • How many employees do you have? 
  • Do you work with contractors? 
  • What’s your budget? 
  • How important are usability and customer support?

Look for options specifically made for small businesses, such as OnPay. OnPay’s payroll software lets you pay traditional employees as well as contractors, and a flat monthly rate simplifies software budgeting. White-glove setup avoids snags from the start. 

2. Insist on direct deposit.

We live in an era of “now.” Employees want access to their money when they want access to their money. 

Make sure the software you select allows direct deposit. Even across a dozen employees, the time costs of paper checks add up. A Bank of America study suggests every business check costs between $4 and $20, factoring in “soft” costs. 

Direct deposit is seamless, as well as more secure. Checks can be lost, cashed at bad times, and copied or altered for fraudulent reasons.

3. Check for tax features.

Taxes are one of the most time-consuming parts of payroll. If you’re searching for payroll software, make sure it can generate and file federal and state taxes. For flexibility, choose one that allows for quarterly and annual payments.

SurePayroll offers full-service plans. Not only will this software pay your employees, but it’ll also handle taxes for you. Furthermore, SurePayroll includes a tax-calculation guarantee. If they make a mistake on your taxes, they’ll deal with the IRS.  

4. Consider the cost.

The true cost of some payroll software can be tough to discern. Payroll Services Singapore offer a base account, which includes basic features. Depending on your needs, this might be enough for your business. But if you’re looking for advanced features, you might need to spend a little more. 

Keep in mind that some services charge a fee based on how often you run payroll and the number of workers you’re paying. Others assess fees for things like tax filings.

When you’re assessing options, look for a software that allows unlimited payroll so you can pay employees as often as you’d like. Always ask to see examples of how fees play out for companies of different sizes.

5. Look for HR features. 

Why track your employee’s PTO or sick days when a payroll program can do it for you? 

Automation and self-service save time. Make sure your payroll tool lets employees submit time-off requests for your approval. Check whether they have a space for an organizational chart and roster. In-app messaging and document storage are handy features to have as well. 

6. Make sure systems work together.

If you’re new to managing a business, you might not understand the importance of integrations. Integrations pull information between software programs so you aren’t copying, pasting, and checking your work all day.  

Review the other business software you’re using. For example, if you use QuickBooks for bookkeeping, why not also use QuickBooks for payroll? This way, you won’t have to move data from one platform to the other.

7. Decide on employee access.

Granting employees access to your payroll software is a good idea. It’ll save you from having to enter their information, which can be time-consuming. Plus, it minimizes your liability: You don’t want to be the one to lose a passport or a Social Security card. 

Make sure employees can create their own profile, and ask about data security. Employees should be able to view their pay stubs, attendance records, and tax forms without worrying about it falling into the wrong hands. 

When it comes to payroll software, do your homework. You don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t make sense for your business. Choose well: Payroll software is one of the smartest investments a small business can make.

The post How to Choose Payroll Software for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
55311
Bleisure: The Rising Popularity oof Blending Work and Leisure Travel https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2020/02/blending-work-leisure-travel-bleisure.html/ Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:05:13 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=55211 You can finally stop worrying about whether you have achieved the perfect work-life balance. According to the third annual State of Business Travel survey, by National Car Rental, 67% of respondents try to keep their work and personal lives separate, but 65% don’t think that goal is attainable. More than 50% of participants admit to […]

The post Bleisure: The Rising Popularity oof Blending Work and Leisure Travel appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
You can finally stop worrying about whether you have achieved the perfect work-life balance.

According to the third annual State of Business Travel survey, by National Car Rental, 67% of respondents try to keep their work and personal lives separate, but 65% don’t think that goal is attainable. More than 50% of participants admit to blending work and personal life.

You’re probably familiar with the typical ways we blend our work and personal lives, such as answering emails and taking work calls after working hours. That’s pretty much every day for me!

I’ve partnered with National Car Rental to share some interesting findings from the survey and new trends of work and leisure travel. You can rent tents as well from Comfort Teltudlejning.

Bleisure Travel

As someone who travels often for speaking engagements, I found it interesting to learn that the blending of business and leisure travel (a.k.a. “bleisure”) continues to increase in popularity. Here are some stats:

  • Most business travelers (81%) blend business and leisure travel in one way or another, such as incorporating leisure activities into business travel (61%), extending business travel into leisure trips (41%) and booking a vacation around a business trip (33%).
  • Millennials (86%) are more likely to have done bleisure travel than Gen Xers (76%) and baby boomers (73%).
  • The majority of bleisure travelers believe business travel contributes to their career success (86% vs. 69% of non-bleisure travelers) and helps them build key relationships they otherwise couldn’t without business travel (81% vs. 73%).

As a member of Generation X, I have done my share of bleisure travel. When I went to Aruba for a speaking engagement, I definitely stayed for a few days of R&R. Wouldn’t you?

Ground Transportation and Technology Use in Bleisure

The survey also found that business travelers use a variety of ground transportation options, just like this cross dock service

According to National’s survey, 9 Seater Hire cars are the top choice for getting around the city (78%) and going to business meetings (72%), while ridesharing is most often used to get to restaurants and bars (68%). Rideshares and taxis are used equally to get to and from the airport (70%).

Bleisure is made possible, in large part, by technology. In fact, 90% of survey participants chose brands that offer tech tools that improve the travel experience. And 90% of bleisure travelers perceive connected cars as useful for business travel. National Car Rental, who commissioned the survey, offers an award-winning mobile app that provides business travelers with a single point of contact to manage all aspects of their trip. In addition, National’s website was recently ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction for ease of navigation, overall appearance, range of services/activities, clarity of information provided and page-load speed.

Visit National’s website to learn more about bleisure and to check out the in-depth results from the 2020 State of Business Travel Survey.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Emerald Club, National’s loyalty program that offers the choice, convenience and time savings of counter bypass, as well as choice of rewards.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by National Car Rental. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The post Bleisure: The Rising Popularity oof Blending Work and Leisure Travel appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
55211
Is Your Procurement Strategy as Efficient as It Should Be? Here’s How to Tell https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2020/01/is-your-procurement-strategy-as-efficient-as-it-should-be-heres-how-to-tell.html/ Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:00:30 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54897 Only the leanest operations can survive in this environment. A competitive procurement strategy can make the difference between struggling and thriving.

The post Is Your Procurement Strategy as Efficient as It Should Be? Here’s How to Tell appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
To survive in today’s business climate, you’ve got to be ruthlessly efficient. 

Managers do everything they can to make their operations leaner. Many move their clunky on-premise network to the cloud or find less expensive office space. They lower their shipping costs or implement a project management solution.

However, one oft-overlooked area is procurement. All businesses have procurement needs, and most pay more than they should. From coffee cups to toilet paper, your business may be missing out on opportunities to save.

To see if you could cut costs on procurement, take stock of your strategy by answering four questions. You’ll discover how lean your operation really is — and find some ways to leverage the power of a group purchasing organization.

1. How do you track your procurement?

In many organizations, procurement is barely tracked, let alone optimized. Someone notices the Keurig cups are low, so Sam in accounting orders more. A couple weeks later, the supply has dwindled again; another replenishment is needed. No one notices the accumulating costs until the end of the year. 

There’s a more efficient way to manage these expenses. Using the power of analytics software and procurement companies can increase transparency. After all, you can’t save what you can’t see.

 2. How much of your procurement is under management?

Who takes care of your procurement? Having a dedicated professional regularly analyzing these costs can make a big difference. A study found for every dollar spent under management, enterprises see a 6% to 12% benefit, on average. Putting more of your firm’s procurement under management generates significant benefits. 

3. How’s your vendor performance?

Does your supplier process orders promptly, or are you left waiting on deliveries? When you contact your vendor, do you hear back immediately? Does it take days to get a response? How often are providers out of stock? Do the terms and prices fluctuate unpredictably? Does the quality of the products pass muster? What about the efficiency of the service?

Remember, vendor performance affects your bottom line. Waiting on back-ordered supplies, returning defective products, or experiencing communications lags doesn’t just eat up your patience. It eats up your profit margins, too.

4. How much does your procurement cost you?

World-class procurement corporations spend 21% less on business supplies, according to a Hackett Group survey. With those kinds of savings on the line, it pays to pay attention to procurement costs. 

Industry titans can use their volume to negotiate discounted costs, but what about a business with a handful of employees? That’s where the power of group purchasing comes in. By working with a procurement solution company like Una, smaller operations can use collective buying power to access bulk discounts. Bringing down those costs can help margins. 

Only the leanest operations can survive in this environment. A competitive procurement strategy can make the difference between struggling and thriving. Consider taking steps to tighten up your procurement. Refine your management processes. Evaluate your vendor performance. Better yet, leverage the collective buying power of a group purchasing organization. 

The post Is Your Procurement Strategy as Efficient as It Should Be? Here’s How to Tell appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54897
How Companies Can Get Around Minimum-Sized Orders https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/07/how-companies-can-get-around-minimum-sized-orders.html/ Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:00:48 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54262 If national companies give you the cold shoulder, don’t give up. Other stakeholders may be open to suggestions. And if you can’t find your own way in, partner with colleagues or join a GPO.

The post How Companies Can Get Around Minimum-Sized Orders appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
No matter the size of your company, its needs are big. You’ve got a product to support, an office to run, and a team to keep happy and productive. Your operations are as complex as anyone’s.

Yes, you could run to your local office supply shop every time you need a ream of paper. But you’ll pay a premium, and you’ll be limited to the brands the store stocks. What if you need a specialty item? What if you don’t have time to make it to the store that day?

For convenience, as well as quality, you need to partner with national suppliers. But as a small business, you may not be able to meet their minimum-order volume. Without a solid procurement strategy, premier suppliers are unlikely to give your company a second look.

Where to Look for Leverage

If you don’t want to overbuy to reach a certain order amount, you have three options to get a national supplier’s attention:

1. Provide more than money.

Enterprises don’t just need revenue. Think about what else you might be able to offer: Are you developing an invention they might be interested in? Could you swap products or services? Might you be able to help them hit their marketing goals?

Had it simply asked to buy gold from Dell, Bayou With Love almost certainly would’ve been rejected. The boutique apparel startup, however, has something that the typical metal recycler doesn’t: a social mission. Because Bayou With Love builds its products only from sustainable, recycled materials, Dell agreed to provide it with gold recovered from motherboards. Bayou With Love gets gold at below-market costs, while Dell gets to brands itself as environmentally conscious.

The key to this strategy is connecting with the right stakeholders. Dell’s B2B sales team might’ve seen little reason to work with Bayou With Love, but its marketers sure did. Before reaching out, get a copy of the company’s organizational chart. If you might be able to help with innovation, for instance, find out who the CIO is and email her directly.

2. Join a GPO.

The second way to work with national suppliers is the simplest, but it involves giving up some control. By joining a group purchasing organization, you benefit from pre-negotiated agreements and more assurance that suppliers will hold up their end of the bargain. You get bulk discounts, even if you make a relatively small purchase.

Because GPOs handle contract negotiation, however, they also choose which vendors they work with. Vertical market GPOs serve a specific niche: A hospital association, for example, might only offer buy ionamin phentermine online medical supplies. Horizontal GPOs go broad, covering business needs that are common across industries, like computers and cleaning supplies. Although both types tend to partner with national suppliers, many don’t work with local companies. If you’re set on nearby or niche suppliers, expect to maintain those relationships yourself.

Beware, too, that some GPOs charge a membership fee. Under that model — think Sam’s or Costco — buyers essentially pay for the opportunity to play. If you go the GPO route, look for one that recoups its costs from suppliers.

3. Convince small businesses to buy in.

If you can’t come up with a partnership opportunity, look to the other companies in your network. If you’re part of a startup group that’s outgrown co-working, you probably know a lot of entrepreneurs in need of office furnishings. Together, you might need enough desks to perk the ears of a national office supplier.

This strategy doesn’t just work with products, either. Because major health insurers don’t like to provide group plans to mom-and-pop businesses, small companies have begun banding together to purchase employee health insurance.

The challenges with this approach are twofold: First, small companies in the same industry and geographic region tend to see one another as competitors. Getting them to cooperate can be difficult, even if it’s to their mutual benefit. Second, putting together bulk orders takes time. Which company is going to take on that responsibility, and how should the others compensate it?

If national companies give you the cold shoulder, don’t give up. Their sales team might have written you off, but other stakeholders may be open to suggestions. And if you can’t find your own way in, partner with colleagues to stand out or join a GPO. Don’t neglect these options if you want to save your company some money.

The post How Companies Can Get Around Minimum-Sized Orders appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54262
Good Presenters are Great Storytellers. Presentation Exec Shares His Tips https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/03/good-presenters-great-storytellers-presentation-exec-shares-tips.html/ Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:37:46 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54094 Ramon Ray sat down for a video chat with Lou Giacalone, COO of Beautiful.AI, to discuss the company’s newest tool. This tool will be of special interest to all of you out there who have struggled with creating visually strong presentations. It allows non graphic designers to create more eye-popping presentations without the time and […]

The post Good Presenters are Great Storytellers. Presentation Exec Shares His Tips appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Ramon Ray sat down for a video chat with Lou Giacalone, COO of Beautiful.AI, to discuss the company’s newest tool. This tool will be of special interest to all of you out there who have struggled with creating visually strong presentations. It allows non graphic designers to create more eye-popping presentations without the time and stress that normally goes into creating a PowerPoint, for example.

Lou sums up the popular feeling about presentations well –

“We’re thinking about persuading people to do things. We’re thinking about stories we want to tell to get people excited or motivated and we’re not necessarily thinking about like ‘Oh, this is the best representation for how this should look’…”.

Ramon and Lou dove deeper into the nitty gritty of what it really means to present, and how many people are using their presentations as a ‘data dump’ instead of helpful support tools. According to their conversation, research has shown that people cannot both listen to a presenter talk and read the information on the presentation – it’s always one or the other.

“…it’s about having that confidence about your story and then bringing in visuals that reinforce that or again, convey ideas that are harder to tell with words…” – Lou Giacalone

So how do you create a presentation that tells the story, without taking away from the story you are telling the audience? How do you present, and use your presentation as your support, without taking away from your words?

Lou says the key is to keep the presentation simple, and use it to backup your story, rather than tell it. And, this tool from Beautiful.AI will help you accomplish just that. Using the ‘emphasis’ feature, you can create slides with several different points or stats, and this feature will emphasize the most important one for you, so that you when you’re speaking about it, your audience can stay focused.

“…and that’s what we’re trying to get out, is all the stuff that you’ve been trying to force yourself to learn and adapt to and again, overcome your own skills deficit whether it’s design or storytelling […] we’re here to make that jump a lot easier…”

And, without being solely focusing on the presentation, you can better interact with your audience. Lou says that there are three ways to help create a stronger impact, and leave a lasting impression:

  • Making eye contact
  • Smiling
  • Interacting with the audience

Unsure how to interact with your audience? You aren’t doing stand-up comedy or a magic show, so the key is to really be simple about it. Walking around, gesturing to someone, asking a question, or using someone’s name (if you happen to know it) will keep your audience focused on you and what you’re saying.

Presenting to an audience – students, investors, colleagues, a boss – require you to share knowledge in a way that will pass information efficiently. Lou also advises against using jargon or acronyms, saying, “You gotta make everybody feel like the message is for them and if you’re using language that they don’t understand, then that’s no good and it’s unclear.”

Another tip to keep in mind while presenting – slow down. We’ve all sat through presentations where the speaker was going too fast to be able to absorb anything. It leaves us with our heads spinning and without a  clear understanding of the information that was presented. Speak slowly, pause where needed, and allow your words to have impact.

The post Good Presenters are Great Storytellers. Presentation Exec Shares His Tips appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54094
3 Ways to Make Sure the Software You Buy Will Really Work For Your Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/03/3-ways-to-make-sure-the-software-you-buy-will-really-work-for-your-business.html/ Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:00:13 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54035 There are more than 30 million small businesses in the U.S. alone – and it’s safe to say, we all have problems but for many of them out there the solution can be found in the Talmud software to train their employees. Every single one of us – and I speak as someone who has […]

The post 3 Ways to Make Sure the Software You Buy Will Really Work For Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There are more than 30 million small businesses in the U.S. alone – and it’s safe to say, we all have problems but for many of them out there the solution can be found in the Talmud software to train their employees.

Every single one of us – and I speak as someone who has been part of a small business – has a pain point or two (possibly more) we need help solving. Small businesses can – and do – benefit from technology designed specifically for us, for example for a restaurant business I fully suggest working with Harbortouch.

Whether it’s getting more customers or finding affordable insurance or sourcing great talent, the local businesses that have helped create nearly two million new jobs and support our economy can’t do it alone. The Custom Software Development By AGR Technology helps you to custom software development.

 

If you’re reading this as a local business owner, you already know what you do is challenging and rewarding. You probably also know that software can be really useful in your daily work life – but how do you assess it? What do you look for? Read the latest Spin Rewriter 10 review and check out the bonuses on how this can help your website. As the founder of a company that’s creating software to solve fundamental business challenges – customer communication and responsiveness chief among them – here’s what I’d ask when evaluating a solution.

Will you use it?

And will your people? Let’s be honest: If you have doubts, if it doesn’t feel simple, if you know you won’t invest the time into learning it, or it’s too complicated for your team, it’s time to consider your other options. What would you actually use? Most software fails because people buy it and then just can’t get over a learning curve that’s too much for them. Don’t waste your money with something that will just sit on your shelf.

Is it critical – and is software really the right answer?

Maybe it’s weird to say this in a tech outlet, but technology is not always the right answer. Hey, everyone likes the latest and greatest, but technology for technology’s sake is rarely, if ever, the way to go. What are you trying to solve for? Software can help when there’s a task or problem that’s repeatable, can be automated, etc, we suggest checking the Conversational AI Software Solutions for further information. But don’t discount the human touch. There are things we simply do better ourselves, unencumbered with technology – whether it’s calling an irate customer back to resolve a complaint about a repair or reassuring a pet owner their dog will be fine at the kennel.

If it touches your customers, will it meet their standards?

You know what modern consumers want – you’re probably one yourself. We’re tied to our mobile devices and always looking for what we need, when we need it. If your customers will experience this software themselves, you need to consider it from their perspective. A crappy user experience ups the odds that a customer will get frustrated, decide not to buy, or not to return. Don’t take that risk. Businesses compete – and win – based on user experience. Make sure your software makes it incredibly easy for your customer, whether it’s finding you, communicating with you, or paying you, think of efficient software like JetPack Workflow which is used for something as crucial for a business as financial operations, it needs to be efficient and streamlined while also being super friendly to the users.

If you can answer yes to all three of these questions, then it’s probably a good bet. But remember – and you knew a caveat was coming – think about cost. If it touches your customer and helps you get paid, it’s probably worth more. Don’t cheap out where you shouldn’t (but don’t invest $10K in something that’ll give you $500 in value to your business either).

Good luck!

Published in partnership with Broadly.

Authored by:

Josh Melick, CEO and Co-founder, Broadly

The post 3 Ways to Make Sure the Software You Buy Will Really Work For Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54035
3 Small Business Technology Trends to Watch for in 2019 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/03/3-small-business-technology-trends-watch-for-2019.html/ Fri, 08 Mar 2019 11:00:59 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54009 In 2018, technology helped level the playing field for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), positioning them to better compete against their larger counterparts. Thanks to the cloud, resources such as enterprise planning tools are no longer plagued with high costs and lengthy deployments and are finding their rightful place with SMBs. Now, small businesses are […]

The post 3 Small Business Technology Trends to Watch for in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In 2018, technology helped level the playing field for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), positioning them to better compete against their larger counterparts. Thanks to the cloud, resources such as enterprise planning tools are no longer plagued with high costs and lengthy deployments and are finding their rightful place with SMBs. Now, small businesses are deploying cost-effective technology to automate business processes which can save time on tasks like invoice management by almost two-thirdsto grow even faster.

As workplace technology continues to advance, we expect to see three major technology trends emerge for SMBs in 2019.

Using technology and internet to manage your business is the best thing that you can do, Then obviously it’s much better to do your HR in the cloud and there are lots of great HR software that is completely based in the cloud so we recommend looking at those if you need a new HR systsem.

1. Small businesses will increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their services and solutions.

Due to their size and flexibility, small businesses will be some of the first to employ cutting-edge AI- and ML-driven technology to improve their stance against larger companies. AI and ML allow SMBs to effortlessly scale without causing constraint or adding exorbitant amounts of headcount.

With conversational interfaces being one of the fastest-growing ways to implement AI and ML, we will see SMBs leverage chatbots to provide 24/7 customer assistance while keeping costs down. This could take the form of a bot reading Soda PDF documents, then “learning” and answering common questions, to create efficiencies and free up valuable employee time.

Given their focus on cash flow management, SMBs will also use AI and ML to detect anomalies in financial data, such as in expense reports or invoices, to prevent erroneous, fraudulent, or duplicate payments. ML can also be used to essentially “read” text—like that on a receipt or invoice—and pre-populate information to eliminate human error.

2. Small businesses will grow at a faster pace by tapping into their professional networks to learn from thought leaders and crowdsource insights that previously weren’t available.

Technology allows small businesses of all industries and geographies to connect and work better, together. In 2019, we will see SMBs take this to the next level and create communities to power their businesses with pooled knowledge, insights and data previously exclusive to larger companies.

SMBs will use these newfound business relationships and broadened networks to learn best practices for common business needs, such as marketing, customer lifecycle management, manufacturing, and finance. They’ll also team up to purchase and share physical resources, like tools or equipment that’s only needed a few times a year, to reduce capital expenditures and create major savings. Pooling resources for items like

  • vehicles,
  • specialty printers,
  • presentation equipment.

can also spread out storage and maintenance costs.

With SMBs gathering industry-specific data and working closely with each other, innovation will flow from these organizations. The one-two punch of technical solutions and practical application will poise them for unprecedented growth and success. Small businesses will also work with peers to give back to their surrounding communities and organizations.

3. Small businesses will become increasingly diverse. We will see a rise in women, minority, and millennial business ownership.

The American workplace is becoming increasingly diverse.

These numbers will only continue to grow as SMBs harness technology and the power of their communities and put an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Through bourgeoning community networks, we will see different backgrounds and perspectives converge, bringing together diverse viewpoints, spurring open discussions and supporting healthy, constructive debates.

As each of these technology trends come to fruition, we’ll see small businesses break barriers and create greater opportunity. These trends, partnered with athleticism, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, will cement 2019 as a marquee year for SMBs

Authored by:

Christal Bemont, SVP & GM of the Small, Midsize and Nationals business unit, is building a thriving and connected global community of SMBs within SAP Concur. By expanding the customer relationship beyond Travel, Expense and Invoice, Christal’s vision is to improve customers’ economic and financial viability, help them unlock new opportunities and promote social and environmental good. Christal’s personal connection to the industry started as a young girl, helping her mother with several small business ventures. Since joining SAP Concur in 2004, she’s grown her career from individual contributor to a leading sales executive and company spokesperson. In her free time, Christal serves her community by volunteering at organizations, such as the Anderson Animal Shelter, the local women’s shelter and Feed My Starving Children. For more about Christal, please visit her LinkedIn profile.

The post 3 Small Business Technology Trends to Watch for in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54009
Less Pay & More Flexibility: How to manage the challenges of the modern mobile workforce https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/03/less-pay-more-flexibility-how-manage-challenges-modern-mobile-workforce.html/ Wed, 06 Mar 2019 11:00:36 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=54004 “Working 9-5, what a way to make a living.” While the words of this Dolly Parton song hit home for many, the 9-5 workplace is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Whether it is flexible hours, remote working, or perks such as gym memberships, small businesses now have to accommodate new expectations when it […]

The post Less Pay & More Flexibility: How to manage the challenges of the modern mobile workforce appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
“Working 9-5, what a way to make a living.” While the words of this Dolly Parton song hit home for many, the 9-5 workplace is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Whether it is flexible hours, remote working, or perks such as gym memberships, small businesses now have to accommodate new expectations when it comes to the workforce of today.

With SMBs facing an uphill battle to attract the best talent, it is easy to see why these demands might be easily met by an employer. However, small and medium businesses owners would be wise to consider the wider impact this will have, and the challenges they will have to overcome.

What is the New Normal?

A recent study of 1,850 employees from small- and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. and U.K. has uncovered the expectations when it comes to mobile working – with some surprising results that demonstrate just how much attitudes have evolved.

Mobility over Money: More than half of those surveyed (52 percent) stated that they would prefer to take a pay cut rather than being restricted to always working in an office! To add to this, a further 12 percent would choose the flexibility of working from home over the office even if they were offered a salary increase of 25 percent.

A Happy Workforce…: When asked about the benefits of being allowed to work remotely, one-third (34 percent) said it made them happier and 32 percent claimed that it makes them enjoy their job. With job satisfaction and work-life balance becoming increasingly important for employee retention, this is definitely a factor that modern businesses need to consider if they want to keep their best workers from seeking greener pastures.

…Is a Productive Workforce: Not only does this flexible approach to working increase employee satisfaction, it can also have a positive impact on quality of work. In fact, the largest proportion of small business staff (38 percent) claimed to be the most productive when working from home. Visibility in the office does not necessarily equal productivity — from commuting to unnecessary meetings to water cooler chat, interruptions in an office setting affect workers more than the distractions at home.

New Ways of Working = New Challenges

The benefits of granting employees flexible and mobile working are clear, but there is a dark side to all this freedom: the potential danger that employees bring upon themselves and their employers when connecting remotely to internal systems, or by accessing the internet out from behind the corporate firewall and the cybersecurity protections within.

While one in five employees state that they are the most productive when working in public spaces like a café or library, only 18 percent are concerned with the cybersecurity implications that this could have.

If staff access sensitive data or log into corporate accounts via unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, they are putting the business at risk of an attack. There is also risk of a data breach should an employee save private information to a device that then gets stolen, especially if passwords aren’t unique and complex. Not to mention the fact that many tools businesses use for additional security are only effective when the employee is in the office, for example web protection or advanced firewalls. Once an employee is out in the world, they are no longer afforded these additional layers of protection when accessing the web from home or a coffee shop.

While the lack of employee concern is worrisome, business owners also have a role to play here. The research found that 38 percent don’t receive the technological support or expertise they need when working from home or in a public place, https://xanaxtreatanxiety.com. If employees are going to be working remotely, they need the same level of protection they would receive at the office.

The Need for a Holistic Approach

The trend toward mobile working has increased in recent years, but businesses should not rush into it blindly. As much as this is becoming a popular request, the research found that there is still a significant number of those who prefer the stability of basing themselves in an office.

The study also found that levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace did not differ wildly whether an employee was office or home-based, suggesting that there should not be a one-size-fits all approach to mobile working.

Effectively small businesses have to fight the security battle on two fronts – in the office and any location their employees choose to sign on. End-users should be equipped with the tools they need to conduct business wherever, whenever, and from any device.

Tips for Managing the Mobile Workforce

Don’t make assumptions: Flexibility and mobility are becoming increasingly popular, yes; but that doesn’t mean that this is the case for everyone. While a significant number value remote working over a pay raise, it is not this cut-and-dry for your whole workforce. Engaging with your employees about their work preferences and style will not only make them feel like they’ve been heard, but it also gives you an opportunity to talk about security risks.

Educate your employees: In many cases, mobile working is expected rather than viewed as a “nice-to-have,” however workers need to understand the role they play when it comes to security. In any business, everyone is responsible – and the organization is only as secure as its weakest link. Employers need to educate their staff and emphasize how they can keep company data and IT property secure.

Provide the right support: Small business owners need to provide security measures for mobile workers such as virtual private network (VPN) solutions for use on open Wi-Fi connections, anti-malware endpoint software, and cloud-based web security solutions that follow the user no matter where they are. Now that the internet is the new corporate network, flexibility in security solutions is a requirement, not just an addition.

Those entering the workforce today are demanding increased flexibility with hours, location, and personalized benefits. Though proven in some cases to increase employee satisfaction, and even productivity, there are very real security issues that need to be addressed. Small business owners need to provide the tools that not only enable flexibility, but do so in a secure way.

By taking a holistic approach with staff, small businesses will be in a better position to address the growing demand for mobile working without compromising security or isolating those who still prefer working from the office environment.

Authored by: Gill Langston, Senior Product Manager, Avast Business

mobile workforce, smallbiztechnology.comGill Langston is Senior Product Manager, Avast Business, a division of Avast, the global leader in digital security products. In his current role, Gill is responsible for the strategy and roadmap as well as the feature and services definition for the CloudCare platform. In the past 12 years, he has worked with organizations of all sizes to secure their infrastructure and attain compliance goals through email security, network security, endpoint security, patch management, archiving, and event monitoring. Previously, Gill held multiple leadership roles in sales and product management at GFI Software and served as Director of Product Management at ThreatTrack Security, and most recently, Qualys. Gill lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a sci-fi nerd, plays guitar, bass and drums, and is raising a 10-year old daughter.

The post Less Pay & More Flexibility: How to manage the challenges of the modern mobile workforce appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
54004
HR Cloud Services Benefit Small Businesses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/hr-cloud-services-benefit-small-business.html/ Thu, 28 Feb 2019 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53990 At the core of every successful business is a solid Human Resources plan. It’s an all-encompassing strategy that includes administering employee benefits programs, ensuring that rules and regulations are followed, developing employee engagement and training programs, and recruiting the best talent to the company. While most mid- to large-size companies execute on their Human Resources […]

The post HR Cloud Services Benefit Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
At the core of every successful business is a solid Human Resources plan. It’s an all-encompassing strategy that includes administering employee benefits programs, ensuring that rules and regulations are followed, developing employee engagement and training programs, and recruiting the best talent to the company.

While most mid- to large-size companies execute on their Human Resources plan through a formal HR department staffed by at least one seasoned employee, a lot of small businesses don’t have the time, energy and resources to properly invest in a full-blown HR department.

In years past, this meant that many small businesses ignored the formality of HR altogether, opting instead to cobble together solutions in-house with whatever available staff and resources they had on hand.

In fact, 70 percent of small businesses handle their own HR services as a side job. That consumes 25-35 percent of these people’s time, taking away valuable time they need to actually run the business.

In addition, such a “solution” creates a lot of risk for the business and also hampers vital processes such as workflow, administration, payroll and recruiting. Today, small businesses that find themselves in these situations are lucky, in that they can turn to HR cloud services to benefit their company.

What Are HR Cloud Services?

According to New Jersey IT services, HR cloud services are management systems designed to help businesses handle all their HR tasks in a streamlined, automatic fashion. Outside companies, such as Mitrefinch, handle HR cloud services help businesses optimize their HR process remotely.

According to my companies it services in addition to reducing the workload of non-HR employees, HR cloud services can ensure a business is following all the proper rules and regulations it needs to, as well as provide suggestions on how the business could better streamline its services to serve the company better.

By creating a centralized database, HR cloud services can:

  • Help managers track their employee hours in real-time, which increases payroll accuracy.
  • Drastically improve employee schedules remotely and online.
  • Manage employee attendance, as well as leave and time off history.
  • Streamline the recruitment process and involve more people in multiple locations. 

HR cloud services are changing the industry by taking advantage of the powerful technology that is at the disposal of small businesses today. Teaming up with HR cloud services like SAP, sap partners will aid in customizing and enriching technology platforms to deliver tailored needs to customers all over the world.

Why HR Cloud Services Benefit Companies That Have an HR Person

For small businesses that have invested in an HR employee or an HR department, utilizing HR cloud services from an outside company such as Mitrefinch is still advisable.

Why? Because the technology these companies have developed and provide is a tool that can enhance the work that on-staff HR employees are already doing.

Recruiting is a major aspect of an HR department’s duties as well as the tech for https://www.servicemax.com/products/warranties-contracts to keep the records in check. HR cloud services can help to streamline the process of reviewing applications and resumes, allowing hiring managers in any department easy access to the information at their fingertips, no matter where they are.

In addition, HR cloud services can be used as an easy communication tool between the HR department, management and a company’s employee base. The cloud is a place where the HR department can store important forms or information packets that employees can easily check if they have a question, potentially reducing the time HR employees and managers currently spend to research and answer their employees’ questions.

Perhaps the biggest advantage to HR cloud services, even for small businesses that have on-staff HR employees, is it reduces the time managers spend on managing their employees’ time and, as a result, the payroll process.

With business becoming ever more global at an increasingly rapid pace, it’s essential that vital tasks such as HR services are in line with today’s remote business landscape. Managers need to be able to monitor their employees and administer the services they need from places outside the main office.

By offering remote time management software, companies like Mitrefinch help small business leaders manage their teams even if they are unable to be on location with them.

Streamlining the workforce management process helps small businesses save valuable time and money, which helps increase their output exponentially. Services such as a fingerprint scanning time clock simplifies the check in and check out process for employees, allows managers to monitor their employees’ attendance in real time remotely, and reduces the significant amount of time it takes these managers to wade through and approve manual timesheets for payroll.

HR Cloud Services Keep Your Business Safe

Another attractive aspect of HR cloud services for small businesses is they keep your vital information safe. Old-fashioned print-outs of sensitive employee and company information are a thing of the past. While this is information you may need to access on the go, it’s also extremely important it is safe and secure.

HR cloud services businesses such as Mitrefinch have invested heavily in the most advanced and up-to-date security technology, ensuring your information, and that of your employees, is safe from possible attacks and exposure, all while being easily accessible to you.

Data security is an essential component of any small business, no matter the industry. Not having to worry about whether your data is safe is important, as small business managers and HR professionals need to focus on the aspects of the business that have the biggest impact on the bottom line.

Being able to deploy on-premise and cloud-based workforce management solutions is the key to staying ahead of the curve in today’s business world. That’s why HR cloud services are not the wave of the future; they are already here.

Mitrefinch delivers Workforce Management and Time and Attendance solutions enabling organizations to better measure, analyze and manage employees’ working time, and deploy human resources more effectively.

Written in partnership with MitreFinch

The post HR Cloud Services Benefit Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53990
Time and Attendance Software Solutions for Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/time-attendance-software-solutions.html/ Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:35:49 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53987 Time and Attendance software is designed to track employee hours automatically, simplify absence management, leave requests, sick days, vacations and paid time off. Thanks to accurate hours reporting on each employee, business owners can quickly calculate the total number of hours worked over a given period. Automatic reporting eliminates any possible human mistakes and costly […]

The post Time and Attendance Software Solutions for Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Time and Attendance software is designed to track employee hours automatically, simplify absence management, leave requests, sick days, vacations and paid time off. Thanks to accurate hours reporting on each employee, business owners can quickly calculate the total number of hours worked over a given period. Automatic reporting eliminates any possible human mistakes and costly errors that may take place if hours had been calculated manually. You can also use percentage calculator to get average workout of all employees.

A job management software is the best way to move away from paper time cards or spreadsheets and manage onsite and mobile workforce more efficiently without time-consuming payroll processes and reports. Visit ranktrackify.com site for further details. They also simplify the tracking of payroll hours by replacing the written systems that were previously used by employers. When something is done well, it is very easy to tell that it was actually well done. This is also true when it comes to the trackers. There are trackers that do not take time to mention accuracy. This could be because they have an issue with giving you accurate results. The best trackers are the ones that use the most advanced technologies, meaning that they are able to detect any change in the keyword rank immediately it happens. When your SEO is perfect, then your handiwork will certainly pay off eventually and your ranks will shoot. However, if a tracker does not detect the change, you end up working for a longer period than necessary. There are trackers that wait until your rank has actually fallen significantly before you get the notification. This is a fatal mistake that any SEO agency should never make. Working with an accurate tracker is the only way to stay safe. When you are choosing a plan, the first thing that you will notice is the overall price. You may end up comparing the monthly prices for all the trackers or between the plans from the various trackers that are available. This means that you could only be concentrating the overall plan. This should not be the case. It is important to scrutinize the price figures further. You should consider how much you would be paying to track a single keyword. Find out how many keywords a plan allows you to track every month before you settle for a plan. You may realize that a more expensive plan sometimes means more keywords, therefore, less expensive than cheaper plans that cover very few keywords at a time. This is one of the things that have been overlooked when a rank tracker is being selected. There is nothing as frustrating as waiting for a tool that loads slowly and then having to wait every time you are loading a new page. If a tracker is not designed well, the lack of good architecture, then becomes a very serious obstacle. A good tracker should be able to utilize all the possibilities to be able to run and load faster. When you do this, you do not end up with delays that can be very frustrating.

What are the Benefits of Using Time and Attendance Software?

With flexible software integration, you can select various clock in/clock out options based on your business type or industry.

For example:

  1. Biometric fingerprint clocking
  2. Web-based clocking
  3. Desktop readers – clocking terminal
  4. Landline clocking
  5. Mobile clocking
  6. Text/SMS clocking

You can easily mix and use a combination of these options as well to meet your standards and business requirements. This way you can effectively track time of remote workers to make sure they are working on site. Self-reporting, spreadsheets, and other outdated methods of timekeeping are unreliable. Employees can misreport the hours they work on purpose or simply because they don’t remember.

With biometric scanner devices, you can automatically register clock in/clock out entries and get all data into one system. Fingerprint clocks have been mostly used by large organizations due to the higher cost, however, with technology improvements, the price of biometric devices has been reduced significantly and became affordable for small business.

Integrated with web-based applications biometric time clocks are now much easier to use. In perspective, this investment will pay off since you are saving money by not overpaying employees and spending less money managing payroll.

How Fingerprint Clock Can Help You Save  Money?

  • For example, you have 10 workers with hourly pay $12/hour. It means, 1 minute costs $1
  • If each worker is late or missed 1-5 minutes/a day on average, it will lead to $10/day or $50/week minimum overpay in total. In one month it will become $200, in one year – $2400 min.

You could invest this money into your business, right?.

How To Prevent “Buddy Punching”

Another advantage of using biometric time clock systems is to eliminate so-called “buddy punching”.  The problem with traditional punch clocks was their lack of reliability and there was a possibility when an employee was able to punch in on the behalf of another employee.

Biometric time clocks are very accurate and effectively prevent “buddy punching” in order to track the physical presence of employees.

It is Convenient for your Employees

Online Time Clock Solutions are very beneficial for your remote workers. Whenever your employees work from home, travel to other sites or work in the field or in other buildings, they have the flexibility to clock in right from their phones when they start and clock out when the job is done. No need to track time on paper or spreadsheets or make a trip to the nearest time clock device.

This may look attractive for new generation, especially for millennials who value the flexibility to work from anywhere

Another reason why small business owners should consider switching to online time card software is that it simplifies leave request process for your employees.

They can request a day off or allocated holidays with one click using software tools and options.

And business owners can quickly and easily review absences over a period of time. Using this feature, you can identify patterns to absences and make better decisions for improvements.

When you use biometric timekeeping, you can also customize your platform. You can keep track of full-time employees and hourly workers, monitor employees by project or business location. You can create personalized settings and enter work schedules, vacations and paid time off for each employee individually. By using modern tools and integration with 3rd party payroll systems you can automate business processes and focus more on productivity.

By effectively managing employee time and attendance, small business owners are one step closer to growing and scaling their business.

Authored by:

Liana Torosyan

The post Time and Attendance Software Solutions for Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53987
10 Easy Ways to Inspire Creativity in Yourself https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/10-easy-ways-inspire-creativity-in-yourself.html/ Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:00:32 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53928 Updated October 15, 2019 If you’re a regular reader of Small Biz Technology, you’ve probably got a smidge of entrepreneurial spirit in you. This means that you’ve also probably got a bit of creativity in your soul, too. The odds are also good that you would love to find a way to inspire even more […]

The post 10 Easy Ways to Inspire Creativity in Yourself appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Updated October 15, 2019

If you’re a regular reader of Small Biz Technology, you’ve probably got a smidge of entrepreneurial spirit in you. This means that you’ve also probably got a bit of creativity in your soul, too. The odds are also good that you would love to find a way to inspire even more creativity, so we’ve got a few ideas that could get a fresh flow of fantastic going.

1. Start moving. Exercise is one of the best ways to inspire creativity. Get your face away from the screen and get your heart pumping. You’ll be surprised what pops into your mind while you’re getting fresh oxygenated blood moving through your veins.

Some ideas?

  1. Take a walk.
  2. Attend a yoga class.
  3. Pump some iron.  
  4. Play with your kids at the park.
  5. Take a hike.

Go ice skating or roller skating.

2. Attend a conference. Listening to other people talk about their experiences while surrounded by like-minded peers is an ideal way to come up with new ideas. Your neurons will begin firing as soon as the first speaker gets going. And, if you have the means to travel to a conference far from your home, you can get even more inspiration. Check out some of these options:

3. Take care of yourself. A wellness retreat will help feed your mind, body, and soul. In these retreats, you spend a few nights in a luxurious lodge, hotel, or resort where you are pampered to no end. Each retreat has a different focus,  whether its fitness, relaxation, nutrition, or mindfulness. At a retreat, you get to take time away from the stresses and struggles of real life and reconnect with yourself. It can be helpful to bring a journal with you to record all of the creative ideas that will be sparked as your senses are stimulated in memorable surroundings. This are some notable choices:

4. Read a book. If you are unable to get away for a wellness retreat or you are just not in the mood to exercise, try reading a book. There are several titles available that are perfect for inspiring creativity in all aspects of your life. These books are written by authors who have experienced the ups and downs of life. They share their experiences in easy-to-read texts filled with relatable experiences. Consider these titles:

5. Commit to daily journaling. Publishers have made this easier than ever before. You can buy journals that drive the topics, like a gratitude journal or a one-line-per-day journal. You can also find books filled with topics that will help guide your writing.

6. Volunteer in your community. Getting involved in your community lets you meet new people. It gives you the opportunity to see all of the good happening in your community and to give something back. No matter where you live, someone is looking for volunteers. Check out the opportunities near you:

7. Read something different. If you always read books about entrepreneurs or business, it’s time to change it up. When you stick with the same genre, you are not learning anything new – you’re just rereading the same things. Try some different publications that might outside of your normal reading lists. Of course, it is important to stay up to date in your industry, but reading something new every now and then doesn’t hurt. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Read a biography about someone who isn’t involved in business.
  • Pick up a magazine about a hobby that interests you, but you haven’t tried yet.
  • Read a newspaper from a place you like to visit.
  • Read one of the best 100 books to read in a lifetime.
  • Read a Pulitzer Prize winner

8. Find or become a mentor. One of the best ways to learn about yourself and about other people is to become a mentor or find a mentor for yourself. It is possible to do both through the website SCORE. You can learn about issues in the business world by participating in workshops and webinars on the SCORE website.

9. Listen to a podcast. If you are tired of talk radio and audiobooks are just too long, podcasts are a good alternative. It easier than ever before to find podcasts about topics that are of interest to you. Once you find them, you simply subscribe and they can be synced to your smartphone or other electronic device. Check out a few of our favorite podcasts for small business owners. These are some of our favorite podcasts for female entrepreneurs.  

10. Start networking. When you’re looking for a way to inspire creativity, get out there and talk to people. If you’re not sure where to go, try some local networking opportunities. Networking opportunities provide opportunities to learn about businesses in your area and to share yours with business owners. If you aren’t sure where to start with networking, these websites organize and share opportunities by location.

The post 10 Easy Ways to Inspire Creativity in Yourself appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53928
News: Plantronics Announces Latest Calisto Series to Take Conference Calls on The Road https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/news-plantronics-announces-latest-calisto-series-to-take-conference-calls-on-the-road.html/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 11:00:07 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53919 Staying in touch on the road is a challenge for business travelers and remote employees. Whether employees-on-the-go need to make conference calls or individual calls, the problem is cell phones themselves. Since mobile phones serve as calendars, computers, and more, remote employees usually need to have more than just their phones with them. Communication Solutions […]

The post News: Plantronics Announces Latest Calisto Series to Take Conference Calls on The Road appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Staying in touch on the road is a challenge for business travelers and remote employees. Whether employees-on-the-go need to make conference calls or individual calls, the problem is cell phones themselves. Since mobile phones serve as calendars, computers, and more, remote employees usually need to have more than just their phones with them.

Communication Solutions for Remote Employees

Plantronics has created a solution for remote employees who need to talk on the phone to stay connected. They launched a series of portable, plug-and-play personal speakerphones for PC and smartphones. The Calisto 3200 and Calisto 5200 lets you work on the go without having to have your face or fingers connected to your device. Both of these devices are compatible with Plantronics Manager Pro, the industry-leading cloud solution for IT managers; but is sold separately.

According to a study conducted by Oxford Economics about open-plan offices, 70% of employees believe that their employers do not have substantial conference room space for private or conference calls. To find space, employees are working remotely. But, they do not have the right tools. All too often, open work spaces are noisy and not conducive to effective communication. Being able to take a portable speakerphone to a quiet location helps improve business.

Shantanu Sarkar, the Executive Vice President of the Headset Business Unit at Plantronics said:

“More than two-thirds of people around the world are working outside the office at least once a week, and even those in the office need solutions for collaborating on the go. Our latest Calisto speakerphones enable conference calls from anywhere and provide the confidence that you’ll be able to hear, and, more importantly, will be heard clearly on the other end.”

Loaded With Desirable Features In A Compact Design

The Plantronics 3200 has:

  • Plug-and-play USB connection
  • Convenient cord management
  • 360-degree room coverage
  • Intuitive controls
  • Voice prompts
  • Dynamic mute

The Plantronics 5200 has:

  • USB and 3.5 mm cables for diverse devices
  • Plug-and-play design
  • 360-degree room coverages
  • Background noise reduction
  • Voice prompts
  • Mute alerts
  • Ability to merge multiple calls
  • Professional audio conferencing
  • Auto power down
  • Up to 30 hours on a single charge

Both speaker phones can connect to PC, Mac, and tablets. The Calisto 5200 can connect to a smartphone with a 3.5 mm cable. Learn more about the Calisto 3200 and about the Calisto 5200. With these two speakerphones, you can access your devices without having to compromise your ability to communicate over the phone.

The post News: Plantronics Announces Latest Calisto Series to Take Conference Calls on The Road appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53919
The Newest Millennial Craze: Bleisure https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/newest-millennial-craze-bleisure.html/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 11:00:05 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53954 Millennials are known for their creative practices of turning basic food into coveted brunch menu items and building careers out of a love for social media. So, it’s not shocking they’ve figured out how to turn a work trip into a personal vacation. And the cherry on top – they do it without overspending on […]

The post The Newest Millennial Craze: Bleisure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Millennials are known for their creative practices of turning basic food into coveted brunch menu items and building careers out of a love for social media. So, it’s not shocking they’ve figured out how to turn a work trip into a personal vacation. And the cherry on top – they do it without overspending on travel. With so many businesses trying to figure out how to reach the millennial generation, travel companies might be in luck.

Bleisure is the New Way to Travel

National Car Rental released its second annual State of Business Travel Survey earlier this month, which examines the behaviors, emotions, and perceptions of frequent business travelers. And the results are clear: bleisure is the new way to travel.

Business + leisure, also known as bleisure, is the perfect mix of forced travel and needed time off.

So, how did gen z get their name? Many would think that naming a generation started with the oldest living generation and worked its way down. In actuality, the name game began with the Baby Boomers. It all started when the Census Bureau referred to the years between 1946 and 1964 as the Baby Boom, when birthrates went up from approximately 3 million a year to over 4 million a year. As the members of this generation became adults and thus consumers, marketers found great success in marketing their products and services to the so-called Baby Boomers. When it came to the name, Boomers never seemed to balk at it and indeed wore it with a badge of honor.

It’s actually quite efficient – take your work trip, and then stay a few extra days to enjoy the local attractions and meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. According to National’s survey:

  • 49% percent of millennial business travelers say that saving money on their vacation is a major reason to extend their business travel into a leisure trip.
  • Only 34% of non-millennials would an extend a business trip for the money-saving benefits.
  • This trend is becoming so popular that 50% of millennials are now booking a personal trip around a business trip, and
  • 76% of millennials are significantly more inclined than older generations to travel for business if they have the option to extend their stay.

Bleisure travel is not the only discrepancy between millennials and other generations. Millennials are more likely to bring their spouse along (33 percent) and share photos of their trip online social media (72 percent) compared to Gen Xers and baby boomers.

Better Work/Life Balance through Bleisure

“National’s new research shows that workers in general, and millennials in particular, are increasingly blending business travel with leisure activities, with nearly a third citing their desire to explore specific destinations as the number one reason to do so,” said Frank Thurman, vice president of marketing for National Car Rental. “And business travelers of all ages clearly believe that bleisure travel helps them maintain a healthier work/life balance.”

Regardless of generation, people who partake in bleisure travel are much more likely to be satisfied with their quality of life, as well as their work/life balance, compared to non-bleisure travelers. And this makes sense – if you’re already going to be out of the office, and your plane ticket is paid for, why not utilize your time and stay the weekend?

The Right Technology Makes Traveling More Seamless

Gadgets and apps can be helpful in all areas of life, and that includes during business trips. Traveling requires easy access to technology to ensure a smooth experience and staying connected, especially for work. Ninety-three percent of travelers prefer travel brands with technology that simplifies their trip. Business travelers use an average of 3.1 travel apps when they travel for business.

Not surprisingly, millennials are more likely than Gen Xers and Baby Boomers to always choose travel brands based on the technology they offer. These stats prove that travel brands need to stay ahead of the curve to appeal to millennials who are using them for business travel.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored National Car Rental, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The post The Newest Millennial Craze: Bleisure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53954
The Original Soupman https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/the-original-soupman.html/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 11:00:25 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53910 If you’re familiar with Seinfeld, you probably know the Soup Nazi and his famous saying “No soup for you.” But, did you know that you can actually enjoy the same soup that New Yorkers lined up for in droves in that epic Seinfeld episode? You can. The product is called The Original Soupman and it […]

The post The Original Soupman appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
If you’re familiar with Seinfeld, you probably know the Soup Nazi and his famous saying “No soup for you.” But, did you know that you can actually enjoy the same soup that New Yorkers lined up for in droves in that epic Seinfeld episode?

You can. The product is called The Original Soupman and it can be found in grocery stores around the country.

Who is The Soupman?

The Original Soupman is run by Joe Hagan. He’s a former stockbroker who was introduced to the company, which was called Soup Kitchen International, several years ago. He and a group of investors bought the company when it was in bankruptcy with the goal of bringing it to the masses. What drove him to the company was the fact that they had brand recognition that was valued at about $300 million according to a Goldman Sachs reports. Along with the brand recognition, Hagan also loved the flavors of the soups.

Taking the Advice of a 90-year-old grandmother

Unfortunately, at the time Hagan invested in The Original Soupman, the business was not doing well. So, he took on the advice of his hardworking grandmother: “When you need something done right, you just have to do it yourself sometimes.”

The Original Marketing Plan

That was his impetus to turn The Original Soupman into more than just an iconic brand. He wanted an iconic company. The branding came from the Seinfeld episode and the actor Larry Thomas, who is known around the world for saying, “No soup for you.” The original marketing idea of the company was to send Thomas around the country to grocery stores to take pictures with customers and to sell them soup. But, this was where the plan ended. Once Thomas left, the company never followed through and sent more soup.

The New Marketing Plan

With Hagan at the helm, the marketing plan changed. Now, The Original Soupman is on social media and has a few short videos on YouTube. He also had his marketing team look at data and they found that stores that stocked their soup had extremely high repeat purchases numbers. People clearly liked the soup and they wanted to buy it, but not enough grocery stores had it on their shelves.

Using the TV bump

Despite the iconic brand and the TV recognition, the product wasn’t selling. This teaches us that the TV bump isn’t always enough to keep a company going. To build a sustainable business, data is important. If your business does get a bump from TV or a retweet from a celebrity, you’ve got to run with it and work hard to keep the bump going.

Sustainable businesses rely on numbers.

Running a food company isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. But, new companies need capital expenditure and cash flow. If you are just beginning, you have to start from the bottom – the lowest hanging fruit. The Original Soupman had too many things going and it got away from them, which is why the company entered bankruptcy. Instead, it is important to take digestible bites to get the company growing.

Because being a local company was important to Hagan, he made some changes to bring it back to New York. The soup is made fresh in The Bronx and is shipped to the kiosk in Times Square. Hagan describes the product as moving in concentric circles in New York City – it’s made, packed, and shipped from a plant and distribution facility that the company owns.

Hagan believes it is important to own the process because of quality control. By being in control of the product, the company can make changes and test those changes at a moment’s notice. And, they’ve done it. The Original Soupman was on the menu in New York Public Schools, but the product hadn’t been ordered in some time. So, Hagan asked the school system if they could get back in, since they were still registered as vendors. The school system asked for a change in the product, the plant made the change, and the soup returned to the schools. The product was changed and tested in less than 24 hours.

When you have the opportunity to get a product into a place like a public school district, you do what you can to make it happen. Hagan not only had the plant made the quick change to the product, but he also bought stock to be sure the company had money to fund this project. The soup has been on the menu daily in the schools since January 2018.

Advice to Entrepreneurs

Even though Hagan believes strongly in The Original Soupman owning the whole stack, he understands that it’s not the case for all companies. His advice to entrepreneurs:

“Different situations dictate different things.”  

Some companies benefit from owning the whole process, while others benefit from outsourcing. Hagan has investors who provide capital that allows The Original Soupman to make investments in production facilities. If you don’t have the capital, then you choose to outsource.

Hagan also offers other advice to entrepreneurs:

  1. Surround yourself with smart people.
  2. Don’t try to micromanage.
  3. Ask questions.
  4. Play to your employees’ strengths.
  5. Know your weaknesses.
  6. It’s all about the team, so have a good team around you.

He believes so strongly in having a good team that he’s changed the tag line for The Original Soupman. Instead of “No soup for you!” it’s now “SOUP FOR ALL!”

The post The Original Soupman appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53910
5 Tiny Tweaks for Better Small Biz Security https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/5-tiny-tweaks-for-better-small-biz-security.html/ Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:00:27 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53854 Security is one of the most important, but most overlooked, aspects of running a small business. The impacts of a weak cybersecurity plan are often insurmountable. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business reported that of 60% of all cybersecurity attacks small and medium-sized businesses were the target. 60% of those businesses that […]

The post 5 Tiny Tweaks for Better Small Biz Security appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Security is one of the most important, but most overlooked, aspects of running a small business. The impacts of a weak cybersecurity plan are often insurmountable.

  • The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business reported that of 60% of all cybersecurity attacks small and medium-sized businesses were the target.
  • 60% of those businesses that were targeted suffered an average financial loss of $200,000 and closed their doors within 6 months.

But your business doesn’t have to fall victim to a cyber-attack this year! Here are 5 tiny tweaks for better security that are easy and cost-effective to implement:

Get Your Employees Trained ASAP

You probably thought that better security for your small business meant spending a ton of money and investing in the latest tech. While this isn’t a bad approach, doing so without training and educating your employees on good security practices can still leave your business vulnerable to a cyber-attack. According to Shred-it’s 2018 State of the Industry Report,

“Nearly half of C-Suite Executives (47 percent) and Small Business Owners (42 percent)

reported that human error or accidental loss by an employee was the cause of a

data breach.”

The hackers aren’t even your biggest worry, it’s your own employees, and probably yourself, too. One of the most important steps you can take toward better security for your small business is to make sure your employees know how to protect your company’s data. Help your staff understand how to prevent cyber-attacks by training them on things such as:

  • How to correctly dispose of documents that contain sensitive customer data.
  • Recognizing potential phishing emails or suspicious email attachments and what to do with them.
  • Create strong passwords for their business accounts and always lock devices when they are away from them.
  • Avoid accessing sensitive business data on personal devices unless they are authorized and have the appropriate encryption settings installed.
  • Secure notes and papers on desks and in cabinets and shred them when no longer needed.
  • Ensure employees know who to contact if they suspect they’ve been a target for a cyber attack.

Use a VPN

This simple solution can actually go a long way. A virtual private network, or VPN, allows you to remain anonymous and secure while sending information online. While VPNs have primarily been marketed to personal users, more enterprises are getting onboard to secure their business networks and devices.

A VPN can be installed on an entire office network as well as individual devices. If you have remote employees they can use your company’s VPN service to ensure your data is secure, even if they are working on the other side of the world. If you’re getting it for your cell phone, make sure you get a VPN that covers your network, eg a VPN for Vodafone, this will ensure it covers the Vodafone network.

There are free VPN options out there, but beware—”there ain’t no such thing as free lunch.” Opt instead for a pay-for VPN service. Prices are reasonable across the board and if you pay for the whole year upfront you often get a sizeable discount. You can get service with most reputable providers for under $10/month. Most VPN providers offer a free 30-day trial. Take advantage of this and test out a few.

There are tons of VPN service providers out there, so you’ll have to do some research to figure out which one is the best choice for your business depending on the features, like number of devices, and price point.

Antivirus Software and Regular Updates

Another super easy and effective solution to better security is making sure your devices and antivirus software are up to date. New viruses and malicious software are popping up on the daily. Luckily, anti-virus software companies do a pretty good job of updating their software so it can detect and block new threats. However, all of that means nothing if you ignore the prompts to update for six months. You’re already paying for the service, so just do the updates.

Back It Up

What would you do if your business fell victim to a cybersecurity attack today and you lost all of your data? We’re talking customer contact info, emails, invoices, point of sales system function…all of it. It’s pretty safe to say it’s going to be a rough day. If you backup your data, however, the impact might be minimal. There are many backup strategies, but as a minimum, you should:

  • Back up data frequently.
  • Have multiple backups— for example, one on a physical hard drive and one on the cloud.
  • Check your back up routinely to make sure it’s working properly.

Let Someone Else Do the Job

Maybe you’re already in over your head and just don’t have the time to implement better security solutions. You know what, that’s ok. Some businesses are just too small to employ their own IT team. But, there are companies out there, called Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP), who will gladly manage your small business’s security for you. Bringing an MSSP onboard will take a lot of the guesswork out of better security for your small business. An MSSP will perform a risk assessment and identify risk and how to fix them. It will be worth it to be able to sleep a little better at night knowing your business is protected.

The post 5 Tiny Tweaks for Better Small Biz Security appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53854
Passionate About Process? G Suite May Be Your Soulmate https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/passionate-process-g-suite-soulmate.html/ Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:00:05 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53893 Ramon Ray sat down with Edward Tull of JB Goodwin Realtors to dish about his love of Google’s G Suite and how it’s revolutionizing the way Realtors do business. Edward is the Director of Technology and Process Management at JB Goodwin. He started as a realtor with JB Goodwin back in 2008. Since then, his […]

The post Passionate About Process? G Suite May Be Your Soulmate appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Ramon Ray sat down with Edward Tull of JB Goodwin Realtors to dish about his love of Google’s G Suite and how it’s revolutionizing the way Realtors do business. Edward is the Director of Technology and Process Management at JB Goodwin. He started as a realtor with JB Goodwin back in 2008. Since then, his role has evolved. Edward now helps the company improve processes and he reviews and implements tools. This role suits him because as he puts it, he’s “passionate about process”.

JB Goodwin operates in the greater Austin area and San Antonio with 6 offices, 750 agents, 50 executive, and administrative employees. They do both commercial and residential real estate.

In the Beginning

Jb Goodwin operated by sending emails back and forth email. They had a website with a resource cloud where they stored some files and there was a calendar that everyone could view, but not contribute to. “The organization just wasn’t there,” Edward mentioned, “in the beginning, it wasn’t even searchable.” He admits that this resulted in limited collaboration between the agents or the managers.

“Communication was carried out over phone calls, email, or physically driving to different locations to hold meetings.”

Something had to give.

Making Moves

JB Goodwin first moved over to a hybrid system- Microsoft 365 and IMAP email. With 365 “we now had backup, central management, collaboration among the management team such as shared calendars, some shared documents, there was a lot of value to that and we saw that value.” But, Edward continued, “the agents weren’t able to access that and we often had to create separate calendars and they weren’t able to be shared, there was no synching.”

They were moving in the right direction but weren’t quite there yet.

So, Edward starting reviewing Microsoft 365 and G Suite–the two big names that companies, who aren’t building their own in-house, typically consider. “There are a lot of similarities between the two and there were also some glaring differences and that’s sort of what made up our mind,” noted Edward.

Why G Suite?

“Everyone is already used to using it. You can plug outlook in. It’s easy to use. We wanted to have an easy migration” and they didn’t want to make changes that were going to disrupt business.

With the Google Cloud platform and Google Data Studio, Edward saw immense value. It was easy to set their management team up on Google Shared Docs, in fact, most of them had already been using it in some form or another. So the transition actually “sped them up day one” said Edward.

Google Data Studio

Edward said this versatile tool gives their management team the ability to ask any database almost any question. It allows you to customize spreadsheets and reports. You can simply drag and drop filters and search bars. Edward shared that he had an administrative team member approach him, frustrated, with all of the reports she was dealing with.

“In 5 mins I gave her a custom report out of 3 different reports, pulled the info she needed, cut out 20-30 emails she sent a week.”

By doing this, the team member gained back valuable man hours, increased productivity and saved time.

Rocking in Real Estate

While G Suite is a great tool for any small business, it’s especially effective in real estate.  Other businesses record business as it closes but, “were recording business as it’s written. What’s under contract, how much, address, by region, by office, by company, transaction type.” Then, they can pull so much info from that database at any time. It’s 100% customizable. Edward adds that “you don’t have to be someone who nerds out on Google Cloud Platforms.” You can start simply with a spreadsheet. A lot of companies could start using G Suite very easily.

All About Automation

Ramon asked Edward what advice he would give small businesses looking to grow.

His answer:
“Automation is key.

He emphasized that automation is especially important for agents and independent contractors. Their agents don’t have time to do it all.  G Suite is able to be connected to CRM. Connect agent databases to other marketing tools like mail marketing. Facebook. They’re able to tie in build audiences on their databases. They get insights into their database, like who’s ready to buy or sell. They can also tie databases into predictive analytics—who’s likely to buy or sell or who’s likely to downsize or upsize.

“Agents focus on communication, physically being in front of people, handwritten notes. Automation allows them to be in front of their clients on social media, email, postcard mailers.” Edward remarked that they subscribe to the principle of the 7 touches. “Every 30 or 60 days you’re in front of the client 7 times.” G Suite allows agents to blend in-person touches and automated touches. It empowers the agents to get out there and make connections and follow up via technology.

G Suite is easy to use and businesses can start small, focusing on some goals and frustrations that they’re having. It also scales really well and can grow with your business. Edward pointed out that “people will start with G Suite just for email and don’t even realized the capabilities that they’re actually paying for. You have to be tech hopeful–have the willingness to learn.”

The post Passionate About Process? G Suite May Be Your Soulmate appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53893
Publications We LOVE https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/publications-we-love.html/ Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:00:30 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53850 In need of a little inspirational reading? You might not have time to read a book, but you can almost always find the time to flip through the pages of a good magazine (or scroll a digital one). There are a lot of publications out there. But weeding through them all takes time, which you […]

The post Publications We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In need of a little inspirational reading? You might not have time to read a book, but you can almost always find the time to flip through the pages of a good magazine (or scroll a digital one). There are a lot of publications out there. But weeding through them all takes time, which you probably don’t have, so we’ve done it for you. Try picking up one of these publications we love to stay up to date on tech and industry trends, learn some new leadership principles, or simply get the creative juices flowing.

Forbes

No list would be complete without this business publication powerhouse. You’ve surely heard of Forbes, and you probably already subscribe, but just in case, we’re putting on the list. This publication is valuable for business owners and entrepreneurs of any size enterprise and should be a cornerstone in your small business library. Forbes excels in communicating relevant business information from big-name authorities in the industry. Experts chime in on topics ranging from practical advice, opinion pieces, news, to an entire vertical dedicated to small business.

Inc.

Focusing mostly on startups and SMBs, Inc. Magazine is another great publication we love. Inc.’s pages are filled with inspirational articles that will inspire and sharpen your business analysis skills. Inc. articles give plenty of testimonials, case studies, and strategies from home-grown businesses to Fortune 500 businesses on what worked, and what didn’t, for small business owners. Reliable keeping you updated on the state of the market.

Smart Hustle

Smart Hustle Magazine was founded by our very own Ramon Ray. The publication shares challenges, successes and the smart hustle of small business entrepreneurs. You don’t want to miss out on the inspiring stories, solid advice, and lessons learned through innovation, perseverance, and creativity.

Entrepreneur

Published specifically with entrepreneurs in mind, Entrepreneur Magazine offers important information and insight into the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. Even if you’ve been in the game for a while keeping abreast of the latest in the startup community can inspire you with fresh ideas on how to best grow your venture. The magazine often features big names like Michael Strahan, Danika Patrick, Guy Fieri and Kevin Hart. Issues offer entertaining and relatable advice on every business topic imaginable such as hiring, franchising, time management, and more.

Wired

As a small business owner, it’s essential to keep up on tech trends. Wired should be one of your go-to tech resources. It might seem overwhelming at first glance, but once you dive in you’ll appreciate the cutting-edge content on emerging technology that will help your small business succeed.

Small Business Trends

As the name implies, this publication focuses on trends in the small business community. Small Business Trends brings on expert contributors to give you news, tips, and resources to help you stay ahead of the curve in your industry.

Harvard Business Review

While not curated specifically for small businesses, the Harvard Business Review is an incredibly valuable resource to any business owner. Content includes leadership and management theories and how businesses will change and evolve in the future. Any business owner with the future in mind would be smart to subscribe!

The post Publications We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53850
Hiring Apps We LOVE https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/hiring-apps-we-love.html/ Wed, 13 Feb 2019 11:00:40 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53846 Hiring a new employee for your small business is not a task you should take lightly. Finding the right fit for your company can be hard and in the digital age, all of the platforms, services, and options can be overwhelming. There is a sea of applicants out there, but how do you find the […]

The post Hiring Apps We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Hiring a new employee for your small business is not a task you should take lightly. Finding the right fit for your company can be hard and in the digital age, all of the platforms, services, and options can be overwhelming. There is a sea of applicants out there, but how do you find the right one for your business? One way is by choosing the right hiring app. Technology has added so much value to the hiring process. Here are 4 hiring apps we love and think you will too:

ZipRecruiter

If you’re a rapidly growing small business competing with larger enterprises for top talent, consider using ZipRecruiter. This hiring app does all of the basics like job posting, candidate screening, recruiting, application tracking, interviewing. But it also casts a wide net, ensuring your ad reaches the right candidate. One of the things we love most about this hiring app is ZipRecruiter’s AI tool, Candidate Calibration. This nifty tool will expedite your hiring process. It lets you make note of the type of candidate you’re looking for when posting jobs and only notifies you of potential hires who meet your criteria. Other things we love about ZipRecruiter:

  • Responsive mobile app to help keep you updated on applications on-the-go
  • Post to over 100 job boards at once
  • Easy to screen and rate candidates
  • No need to reinvent the wheel—ZipRecruiter has reusable job slots
  • Pre-screen interview questions save tons of time
  • Send job postings to social media for ultimate exposure

ZipRecruiter offers a lot and their pricing reflects that. You get one free job posting and then plans start at $249 per month for 1 job posting. But, if you’re in the market for that one special guy or gal, ZipRecruiter just might be one of the best ways to find them.

Zoho Recruit

If you’re already using Zoho products, or this is your first adventure with them, Zoho Recruit is an excellent choice for your hiring needs. This applicant tracking software for small business lets you create and track job openings, filter resumes, and find qualified candidates. Zoho Recruit is a perfect solution for SMBs who are new to hiring and want to put out some feelers. Some things we love about Zoho Recruit are:

  • An easy-to-use interface and highly customizable
  • Social media integrations allow you to source candidates from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
  • Tracking feature allows multiple users to stay updated on the hiring process

Competitive pricing is one of the things we love most about Zoho Recruit. You get a 15-day free trial and monthly plans start at just under $25 which is a fantastic value.

Breezy HR

This cloud-based recruiting and applicant tracking system is designed specifically for SMBs. Breezy HR is all about saving you time, which we love! They automate tasks such as advertising on over 50 job boards, screening, scheduling interviews, and follow-ups.

  • Filter and shortlist candidates in no time
  • Chrome extension allows you to easily add applicants from Breezy to LinkedIn
  • The drag-and-drop pipeline feature makes it easy to customize the applicant pipeline at each phase of the hiring process
  • Hiring analytics to make sure only qualified candidates are pushed forward
  • Ability to send automated emails to applicants on application status updates or interview times
  • Video interview feature makes it easy to communicate remotely

We also love Breezy HR’s flexible pricing options. You can try it out to hire your first position for free! If you need to grow the team even more plans start at $149 per month and include everything you’d ever need to find the perfect person.

UpWork

If you’re looking for some extra help, but aren’t ready to commit to hiring a full-time employee, consider bringing a freelancer onboard. Freelance marketplaces like UpWork are a great tool to find highly skilled and specialized talent. Freelancers are great for short- or long-term projects and are a great way to test the waters if it’s your first time bringing on a new employee. UpWork makes hiring a freelancer easy. They’re running a pretty big operation and provide helpful resources such as:

  • Job success score and feedback on past projects
  • Skills tests to help you determine if they are qualified
  • A platform where you can post a job, interview, and hire all in one location
  • Multiple payment options and payment protection
  • Generating Form 1099-MISC tax documents so you don’t have to

Posting job ads and hiring on UpWork is completely free, and we love free!

The post Hiring Apps We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53846
Top Tech Tools We LOVE https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/top-tech-tools-we-love.html/ Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:00:56 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53842 Think of tech tools as the “secret sauce” to growing a successful business. Whether you’re a startup or have been in the game for 20 years, these 4 tech tools can help take your small business to the major leagues: CRM Platforms If you don’t think your business could benefit from CRM software, think again. […]

The post Top Tech Tools We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Think of tech tools as the “secret sauce” to growing a successful business. Whether you’re a startup or have been in the game for 20 years, these 4 tech tools can help take your small business to the major leagues:

CRM Platforms

If you don’t think your business could benefit from CRM software, think again. One of the top tech tools you can employ in the growth of your business, Customer Relationship Management Software helps you get organized and keep track of contacts, give you a comprehensive overview of sales performance, and is key to marketing segmentation and personalization. When you’re shopping for a CRM platform, look for things like:

  • Affordability—cost efficient options are king in the small business and startup world. Make every penny count by choosing a budget-friendly option. Some of the best CRM platforms, like HubSpot, don’t cost have to cost an arm and a leg.
  • Customer Support—choosing a system that offers robust customer support, like Zoho CRM, is essential for SMBs that don’t have large tech support teams.
  • Easy to Learn—as a small business owner you likely don’t have tons of time to spend learning the ins and outs of a new system. Choose one that’s “out-of-box” like Salesforce.
  • One That Integrates Well—If you’re already using other tools to manage your business, make sure the CRM platform you choose integrates well like Base CRM—the results will be worth it.
  • Customization—Decide whether you want a tool that’s standard, but ready to go or customizable to your each and every need. We love Insightly and Apptivo for their customization options. We love Insightly for its customization ability.

Analytics

Another top tech tool we love is analytics. Nowadays, customers are all too quick to switch brands or products due to a bad customer experience. However, with analytics, there is no excuse not to deliver individualized and exceptional experiences to keep your customers coming back time and time again. By implementing data analytics you can improve your customer experience by:

  • Anticipating customer needs
  • Delivering relevant services and products
  • A highly personalized experience
  • Increased efficiency and targeting customer pain points

If you’re thinking that applying data analytics to your operation is going to cost you, don’t worry! There are tons of free tools to help you refine your customer experience like Google Analytics, MixPanel, and social media insights.

Marketing Automation

Marketing automation helps businesses grow. There are only so many hours in a day and marketing automation helps you do more with less. Here are a few reasons marketing automation is one of the tech tools we love for fueling growth:

  • Campaign Data—we already touched on analytics to shape the customer experience, but you also need analytics to measure your campaign success, track email performance, and prove ROI
  • Personalized Messaging—I don’t know if we’ll ever be done talking about the importance of personalization. Your competitive advantage over large enterprises is your ability to personalize effectively! Personalizing your marketing messages is a way to stand out among the noise in your marketing space.
  • Increased Client Retention—loyal customers are so incredibly valuable. According to research done by Frederick Reichheld of Bain & Company, increasing customer retention by just 5% increases profits by 25% to 95%. Don’t get so caught up chasing new leads that you forget about your existing customers. They are where the money is.

Some marketing automation tools we love include Swiftpage, ActiveCampaign, and Ontraport.

A Good Website

One tech tool you can’t live without is a good website. It’s where customers go to find out who you are, what you’re about, and basic information about your business. If a customer can’t successfully navigate your website, the chances they’ll actually buy something from you are pretty slim. But, come on guys, putting together a great website really isn’t that hard and it’s easier and more affordable than ever!

If you’re on a budget, WordPress is a great option. In fact, it’s one of the most popular web platforms out there with over 30% of all websites running off of WordPress, including big brand names like Facebook and Vogue. With the exception of domain and hosting expenses, you can essentially run a completely functional site for free.

Looking for something really elegant? Look no further than Squarespace. Designed specifically for businesses who want to focus on visual content, Squarespace gives you access to over 40 million high-quality images to incorporate into your site. Having a gorgeous site on Squarespace will put you back a few more dollars, but having an aesthetically pleasing and functional website makes it all worth it.

If your customers conduct most of their business with you on a mobile device, consider a platform that’s optimized for just that. While Duda is at the high end of the price range, their mobile-friendly templates and the ability to create your sight in multiple languages is invaluable.

The post Top Tech Tools We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53842
Productivity Apps We LOVE https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/productivity-apps-we-love.html/ Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:00:47 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53838 What’s not to love about being more productive? You’ll feel more accomplished and find some extra free time to do more of what you love. Here are 7 productivity-boosting apps that we’re falling in love with in 2019:   Grammarly If you spend any time writing on your computer, you need Grammarly. Whether it’s daily […]

The post Productivity Apps We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
What’s not to love about being more productive? You’ll feel more accomplished and find some extra free time to do more of what you love. Here are 7 productivity-boosting apps that we’re falling in love with in 2019:

 

Grammarly

If you spend any time writing on your computer, you need Grammarly. Whether it’s daily emails, a monthly newsletter, content for your blog, or writing your next bestseller, you have a need to communicate clearly. Grammarly can help you spend less time proofreading, and proofreading again. This isn’t just your basic spell checker. It will automatically underline spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes. Grammarly is a browser plugin and can make you look like a literary genius on Facebook, WordPress, Gmail, and pretty much anywhere else. You’ll never have to be embarrassed by using the wrong “their,” “there,” or “they’re” again and you’ll up your productivity to have some more free time to spend doing the stuff you love.

Google Keep

It happens to the best of us—you’re at a meeting, having lunch with a client, dropping your kids off at school—and remember something you need to do later that day. With no pen or paper in sight, that thought might as well just grow some wings and fly away. With a note-taking app like Google Keep, you can jot down all of those random thoughts that come up throughout your day. Google Keep syncs across the cloud so you can view them on any of your devices. Productivity-1, short term memory loss-0.

Buffer

Social media can be a productivity black hole. But, if you’re running a business, you know just how important social media is to your overall marketing strategy. Buffer is a social media management service that can help you reign in some of that time you’re spending on social. The free version of the app lets you manage 3 accounts and allows you to have a schedule queue of up to 10 posts. If your business is extra active on social media, the app’s premium features include the ability to manage more accounts, schedule more posts, and access to analytics, content creation tools, and link shortening.

Freedom

You need this app if…oh look, a squirrel! Ok, focus here! You need this app if you are easily distracted and tempted to stray from the task at hand. Freedom allows you to block websites or apps on any device that are detracting from your productivity. It can even sync what you block across all of your devices, saving you even more time. For less than $2.50/month, it’s probably worth the investment.

Any.do

Need a little help getting your schedule organized? Any.do will do. This free app will help keep your productivity game strong by keeping you on track with to-do lists, reminders, and notes. You can even share lists and assign tasks from the app. Any.do syncs between all of your devices so you won’t have to sacrifice your productivity when switching from your computer to your phones when you’re on the go. Any.do also includes voice entry so you can add things to your to-do lists without breaking out the keyboard.

CamScanner

Finding a scanner these days is getting increasingly difficult, especially if you don’t work in a traditional office setting. CamScanner solves this problem by turning your mobile device into a scanner on-the-go. Turn photos, document, receipts—you name it—into JPG and PDF files. There is a free version that’s ad-supported and leaves a watermark on your documents. But, for only $1.99 to install, the premium version is the way to go.   

Otter Voice Notes

If you’re a speak-to-text kind of guy or gal, you’re going to love Otter Voice Notes. The app can record your voice from your phone’s mic or a Bluetooth device. Then, (this is where the magic happens) Otter transcribes your work almost in real-time. It’s got you covered on punctuation, searchable playback, and speaker ID too. You can edit transcripts, you know, in case you mumbled something or had to yell at your kids while you were recording something important. Transcripts can be exported to text, to other apps, or shared. Never mind paying for this app, the free version offers 600 minutes of transcribed audio a month. If you really need the extra talk-time, $9.99 a month will buy you 6,000 minutes.

If you love these productivity apps as much as we do, check out 5 more here!

The post Productivity Apps We LOVE appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53838
How Safe Is Your Data? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/how-safe-is-your-data.html/ Sun, 10 Feb 2019 11:00:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53835 Data Privacy Day may have past us by (January 28th) but, the internationally celebrated day is dedicated to spreading awareness about how and why you should prioritize making sure your data–and others’—is safe. It sounds like a tall order, but keeping your data safe isn’t all that difficult. Implementing these strategies will get you well […]

The post How Safe Is Your Data? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Data Privacy Day may have past us by (January 28th) but, the internationally celebrated day is dedicated to spreading awareness about how and why you should prioritize making sure your data–and others’—is safe. It sounds like a tall order, but keeping your data safe isn’t all that difficult. Implementing these strategies will get you well on your way to being more. For the extensive experience in the security industry do visit Locksmith Northgate.

Lock Up Your Login

You lock your front door before you leave your house and you should do the same for your data. Having strong, unique passwords is key to keeping your data and your customers’ data safe. Keeping track of 16-character passwords that require a lower-case letter, upper case letter, 2 numbers, a special symbol, and the blood of your firstborn is no easy task. That’s why people often make passwords that are too easy and guessable by hackers. Or all of their passwords are the same. If someone gets the password for your email account what else does that give them access to? Password security is so important to keep your data safe! But we get it, so try an app like LastPass. It does the hard work for you and keeps track of hundreds of strong, unique passwords without breaking the bank. The app is free and allows you to sync an unlimited number of passwords across your devices. This simple browser extension could make the difference in keeping your data and your customers’ data safe. Go through the official website for the best commercial locksmith services.

Don’t Wait to Update

Performing regular updates on antivirus and computer software can help keep your data safe. New viruses and malicious software are popping up and evolving all the time. Anti-virus software companies do a pretty good job of updating their software, but without installing the updates, you’ve essentially rendered it ineffective. To ensure you and your team aren’t putting off installing important updates, schedule a time to do office-wide updates. Get together in the conference room or take the team out for coffee while the updates work their data protecting magic.

Build a #PrivacyAware Culture

Your team should know that cybersecurity and data protection are the responsibility of all employees, not just your IT team. Communicate to your team just how important it is to protect your customers’, as well as their own, data. If your team knows you take keeping data safe seriously, they will be more likely to take it seriously as well. Make expectations clear and hold employees accountable, conduct regular training, and set the example by doing simple things like:

  • Logging off of your computer when you walk away
  • Storing sensitive information in a secure location
  • Shredding documents with personal data
  • Making it easy for employees to report a lost device or known data breach

Know Where Your Data Is

Most businesses store their data all over the place. Some may not even know of every device or location important company data is stored on. Data can be stored in places such as the cloud, external hard drives, or employee computers, laptops, or smartphones. If you don’t know all of the places your data could be stored, it’s time to take an inventory. That way, if you do experience a data breach, you can more easily locate the vulnerability and keep the rest of your data safe. Try keeping everything organized by contacting this data preparation service.

Employee Data

Not only do you have a responsibility to keep your data safe and your customers’ data safe, but you also have a responsibility to keep your employees’ data safe. Because the data you have stored on your employees, such as their social security number and payroll and banking information is so sensitive, a breach of that data could be catastrophic. Protect employee information by:

  • Keeping employee documents and files stored in a secure location
  • Limiting access only to employee information to only those who have a need to know
  • Encouraging employees to routinely monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity

The post How Safe Is Your Data? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53835
5 Paperless Alternatives That Can Save Your Small Business Big Money https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/5-ways-paperless-can-save-small-business-big-money.html/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 11:00:04 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53751 If you’re looking for a way to update your business and save money, going paperless could be the exact solution you need. In nearly every aspect of business, there is an electronic way to replace paper. Businesses that haven’t begun phasing out paper are already behind the curve. Now is the perfect time to stop […]

The post 5 Paperless Alternatives That Can Save Your Small Business Big Money appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
If you’re looking for a way to update your business and save money, going paperless could be the exact solution you need. In nearly every aspect of business, there is an electronic way to replace paper.

Businesses that haven’t begun phasing out paper are already behind the curve.

Now is the perfect time to stop using paper. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by going paperless immediately. This doesn’t mean that you can simply stop buying reams of paper. It means you stop buying paper products, like paper towels and cups, file folders, and anything else that is made of paper – even books and manuals. Consider the cost of ink – you’ll no longer have to buy any!

Going paperless is a big step, but you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you and your employees adjust to it. You’ll be even more surprised at how much money you save by removing paper from your workplace. The actual dollar amounts will vary based on the size of the business. Here’s how you can save:

1. You will spend less money on paper and related products.

To stop purchasing paper products for the bathroom and the break room, you will need to find alternatives. Asking employees to bring their own reusable kitchenware and clean it on their own is one step. But, if your bathrooms do not have electric hand dryers, you will want to have those installed.

2. No need to lease copy machines and stock their supplies.

Leasing copy machines or stocking supplies for computer printers is expensive. If you no longer need to print anything, then this expense completely disappears. If you have purchased expensive printers or copiers, there are businesses that will buy them and resell them since copiers are still being used by most of the biggest business out there.

3. Postage expenses decrease as billing becomes electronic.

Going paperless means that you rarely have to spend money on postage. It’s easy to set up electronic billing with CRMs and other apps. If you have customers who have yet to pay electronically, this could be the nudge they need to get into the 21st Century.

4. Less time and space filing and caring for paper.

Without paper, you no longer need to file it. So, you no longer need filing cabinets or the storage space. You might be able to move into a smaller space or stop paying rent for expensive storage facilities. Instead, hire someone to scan all of your papers and get them into a cloud for safe keeping.

5. Opportunities for telecommuting increase.  

Because you and your employees can access everything electronically, you may be able to offer telecommuting opportunities. This not only saves you money, because you could close the office occasionally, thus reducing utility expenses, but it also saves your employees money on transportation. This is a win-win for everyone involved!

The post 5 Paperless Alternatives That Can Save Your Small Business Big Money appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53751
All-In-One Integrated Business Solutions for Small Businesses https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/53823.html/ Tue, 05 Feb 2019 23:24:19 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53823 There’s a relatively new crop of business software being developed. Large companies such as Salesforce, NetSuite and SAP have offered this to larger businesses for years. All in one solutions, implemented by consultants to run large enterprises. However, over the past few years, and in recent months more and more companies are offering business owners […]

The post All-In-One Integrated Business Solutions for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There’s a relatively new crop of business software being developed. Large companies such as Salesforce, NetSuite and SAP have offered this to larger businesses for years. All in one solutions, implemented by consultants to run large enterprises.

However, over the past few years, and in recent months more and more companies are offering business owners ONE place to manage their businesses.

These solutions, which include marketing, finance and often collaboration are low cost, easy to use and perfect for small service providers.

These entrants include:

These solutions are not JUST for marketing, as Surefire Local, MailChimp, Active Campaign, HubSpot nor are they just finance such as Freshbooks, Xero, and Quickbooks but they’re all in one and simple to use.

There’s not ONE right answer.

Some businesses want a “best of bread” solution that offers a full and robust marketing feature set. Some businesses want a best of bread financial management solution.

However many smaller businesses, 1 – 3 person companies just need and want something very simple. They don’t want to pay 5 different vendors or deal with 4 different services.

This is the market Zoho One, Thryv and Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) are now in. You’ll see more and more companies entering this space.

The post All-In-One Integrated Business Solutions for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53823
3 Things That Will Upgrade Your Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/3-things-will-upgrade-small-business.html/ Tue, 05 Feb 2019 11:00:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53748 You’ve poured your heart and soul, and probably some sweat and tears, into your business. But, now that you have a firm foundation, it is not the time to sit back and relax! You’re no longer in the startup stage, so you don’t have to burn the midnight oil anymore. However, if you want to […]

The post 3 Things That Will Upgrade Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
You’ve poured your heart and soul, and probably some sweat and tears, into your business. But, now that you have a firm foundation, it is not the time to sit back and relax! You’re no longer in the startup stage, so you don’t have to burn the midnight oil anymore. However, if you want to take your small business a step further you need to keep pouring into it. Here are a few things to upgrade your small business:

A Growth Plan

By now you’ve got some experience under your belt. Your business is finally profitable. You have a good customer base. Maybe you’ve taken on a few employees. That’s fantastic! But, allowing your business to grow haphazardly without a growth plan can actually be dangerous. That’s why you need to have a growth plan. Similar to your business plan, your growth plan identifies your long-term, strategic goals. More importantly, it includes how you will fund those goals. Jumping ahead on growth without the necessary funding can be bad news for your business. 

Liautaud believes “different strokes for different folks.” What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. He realizes how fortunate he was to get a $25,000 loan from his father, but he also knows that hard work and some good luck are why he succeeded. “If you have a job,” he says, “get to work earlier and stay later than everyone else in the office. Outwork your teammates and always know exactly where you are financially. Those two things alone will get you further than most. In 2002, the company had 160 stores, and 70 were failing. Married with three young children, Liautaud stopped selling franchises and he and his president, James North, traveled the country, working with Jimmy John Owner and retraining them on the Jimmy John systems and procedures. In 18 months, they turned around 63 stores and closed 7. From that point on, he decided to be the best rather than the biggest. He tightened the franchisee selection process and became transparent about the long hours and lifestyle of a Jimmy John’s franchise owner. He grew the chain to 2,500 units by 2016 and He grew the chain to 2,500 units by 2016 and then sold a majority stake to Roark Capital Group. Liautaud remains the largest individual shareholder and chairman of the board. He has never made a business plan and never intended for the company to be as big as it is today. 

A Marketing Strategy

Another way to take your business a step further is to up your marketing game. You can’t afford to miss out on some of the great opportunities that can come out of things like:

  • Updating your website frequently- having an up-to-date and fresh-looking website can make such a difference in making your business look like the real deal. Give customers a place to go where they can find out all of the info they’d ever need to know about your company, your products, or your services. Use a professional looking design that matches the personality of your company. There are many great web platforms out there, so be sure to choose the best one for your business using this guide.
  • Including customer testimonials- including customer testimonials on your website give your business instant credibility. Ask your customers for permission to post their full name and position if it would add value to the testimonial. Here’s an example of a strong customer testimonial:
  • Custom email address- this is such a simple way to take your small business a step further. Including your business name in your email address lets customers know you take your business seriously and so can they.

Delegate

This has got to be simultaneously one of the easiest and hardest ways to take your small business a step further. You’re in the position where you now have more than enough work and enough revenue to take on some help. Of course, you want more help, but giving up some of the control admittedly can be tough.

Gwen Turner, a Princeton, New Jersey-based business consultant tells Thrillist.com, “CEOs want to do it all and that’s just an impossible ask…Hiring great people and allowing them to make decisions is in the DNA of strong leaders.”

If you’re ready to bring on some new talent, a good place to start is with a freelancer. Freelancers are independent contractors so you can pay for projects as you need them completed without having to worry about paying someone long term in case your revenue slows down. Hiring a freelancer can be great for things like web design, social media marketing, or blog content writing.

Hiring a virtual assistant is another way to delegate and take your small business a step further. You can hire a transactional virtual assistant or someone who is more of a digital operations ninja who knows the vision of your company and can help you achieve your goals. (Need help hiring? Try this article)

Adding a position such as a human resource manager, IT support, or training manager, or accountant can free up your time and help your employees feel like they can get the help they need instead of relying on you or taking up your valuable time.

The post 3 Things That Will Upgrade Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53748
5 Ways to Invest in Your Small Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/5-ways-invest-small-business.html/ Mon, 04 Feb 2019 11:00:41 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53728 There are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States. Standing out among the masses can be a challenge at best. In order to set yourself up for success for the long-term, here are 5 areas where you can invest in your small business to get ahead of the competition: Build Your Brand Nowadays elderly […]

The post 5 Ways to Invest in Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States. Standing out among the masses can be a challenge at best. In order to set yourself up for success for the long-term, here are 5 areas where you can invest in your small business to get ahead of the competition:

Build Your Brand

Nowadays elderly people use companies like CCRC consulting firm Retirement Dynamics helps retirement communities with sales and marketing to help you manage your business easier in a calm way.

Building a strong brand is a smart way to invest in your small business. If you want to grow your business online, you need to grow your brand first. Your brand is more than a nice logo, it’s the identity of your business. You want a brand that elicits emotion and is easy for your audience to connect with. Although your brand is more than a logo, having a professionally designed logo is one of the first steps toward great branding. Work with a designer who understands your company’s vision and can translate that into a visual masterpiece. Investing in other types of business like buying a fractional share in the stock market with https://www.sofi.com/invest/ will help you grow business.

Good branding can also motivate your employees. It can help them understand the vision and mission of the company and gives them something to take pride in. It can give your employees a purpose.

Tackle Technology

Adding new technology to your business’s repertoire is one way to invest in your small business and get a quick and measurable return. The options are endless, from upgrading your office communication to something like Slack, using free data programs such as Google Analytics, or using an integrated CRM platform such as Salesforce.

Shore Up Security

Security is one area that will always benefit from an investment of time or money. Investing in employee training is a surefire way to bolster your security plan. Avoid a costly breach by ensuring your staff are up to date on your business’s security protocols and know what to do to avoid being an easy target for hackers. An investment in an MSSP, or Managed Security Service Provider, is also a wise use of your resources. They will essentially take care of your business security plan, exposing your vulnerabilities and hardening your defenses.

Pour into Your People

Hiring employees can be expensive, so keeping the employees you currently have is important. Retaining talent and experience is a way to invest in your small business that will pay off in the near and distant future. Do some of these things to make sure your employees hang around. This b2b customer loyalty program  is a perfect investment for both small and big enterprises. 

  • Institute a good benefits package that includes employer matching to a retirement fund or 401 (k).
  • Invest in training, education, and professional development for your staff.
  • Foster a healthy work environment.
  • Take the time to get to know your employees.
  • Set the example and maintain a good work/life balance.

Say ‘Yes’ to Yourself

The company wouldn’t exist without you, the small business owner. Taking the time to invest in your own wellbeing is essential to the health of your company. If you want your company to remain successful, you need to take the time to invest in your own personal relationships, physical health, professional development, and mental health. I took Valium from https://www.pharmacybc.com/valium-diazepam/ together with 100 grams of wine for better effect. It acts as a slight narcotic-calming-relaxing drug. Now I have a very difficult time and I take 1 pill (5mg) a day. It really helps, I am very calm, it only decreased reactive perception, but not attention. If you still think that caring for yourself is at the bottom of your priority list, think about how it’s impacting your employees. You are responsible for setting the example and the tone of the workplace. If you’re burning the midnight oil, chances are your employees feel the pressure to stay at work too. Not only will you burn out, but you’ll be taking the whole company down with you.

Sources:
  1. https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/2018-Small-Business-Profiles-US.pdf
  2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2018/10/22/four-smart-investments-for-small-business-owners/

 

The post 5 Ways to Invest in Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53728
Using Freelancers to Jumpstart Your Small Business Idea: The Pros and Cons https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/02/using-freelancers-jumpstart-small-business-idea-pros-cons.html/ Fri, 01 Feb 2019 11:00:16 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53731 Freelancing can be a great way to grow your business without the cost and risk of hiring traditional employees. Most freelancers out there are highly-skilled professionals who can deliver impactful results for your business. However, every now and then you’re going to pick a bad apple. Here are 5 pros and 5 cons to leveraging […]

The post Using Freelancers to Jumpstart Your Small Business Idea: The Pros and Cons appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Freelancing can be a great way to grow your business without the cost and risk of hiring traditional employees. Most freelancers out there are highly-skilled professionals who can deliver impactful results for your business. However, every now and then you’re going to pick a bad apple. Here are 5 pros and 5 cons to leveraging freelancing for your business:

Pros

1. It will Save You Money

One of the biggest benefits when it comes to using freelancing is the cost savings. You only need to hire and pay a freelancer when you have work you need done. This is much more cost effective than having a full-time employee on your staff to do a task that’s only needed intermittently. You also save money by using freelancing as opposed to full-time employees in regard to health insurance, paid time off, and sick days. Since most freelancers work remotely, you don’t have to provide a workspace, computer, internet access…etc.

2. Specialized Talent

Freelancers come in all shapes and sizes in terms of their specialties. You can take advantage of freelancing talents for just about anything. Freelance services on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn ProFinder that help in remote hiring, range from tender writing, artists, photographers, musicians, graphic designers, computer programmers, and marketing professionals. If you need some help with your WordPress site, instead of spending hours learning how to code, simply hire a freelancer who specializes in WordPress design.

3. Go Getters

When you utilize freelancing services, the person you are hiring is an independent contractor. They work on their own and are responsible for creating their own success. That self-discipline often bleeds over into the work they do for you as their client. Freelancers also only get paid when they finish an assignment that’s up to par. Since time is money, most of the time they are going to do their best to get it done right the first time rather than spending precious time reworking and retooling. Freelancers also get taxed, and every so often they seek help from professionals who deal with freelance taxes such as this one http://daveburton.nyc/taxes-for-freelancers. They help lower taxes and help the freelancers to save hundreds or even thousands of money on taxes.

Freelancers also usually strive to get work done as soon as possible in order to free up more time for other contracts.

4. They Are Easy to Hire

With the boom of the gig economy, hiring a freelancer is easy than ever! There are tons of sites out there that make hiring and paying a freelancer easy. Using these freelancing platforms can save you time and money that would be better used somewhere else in your business. You can read about some of our favorite freelancing platforms here: [link to Hiring a Freelancer article?]

5. Working with Freelancers Is Flexible

Corporate America is losing more and more highly skilled professionals every day as talented employees are fed up with the grind. This is good news for you as a business owner. It means those knowledgeable employees-turned freelancers are now at your disposal. And you didn’t even have to pay to train them. Also, because most freelancers you will come across are remote employees, you have access to infinitely more opportunities and options than if you were to hire someone local to work in a physical location.

Cons

1. Lack of Supervision

While hiring a remote freelancer can be a huge pro, it can also be a con. You don’t have the ability to check in on a freelancer as you do with a traditional employee. This means that you will need to have trust that they will be open and honest. Freelancers are also not required to work the same hours as you unless you specify so in their contract, so communication can be a challenge, especially if the freelancer you hire is slow to respond or lives in a different time zone.

2. Less Loyal than a Traditional Employee

You aren’t paying benefits or other company perks. A freelancer may be quicker to cut ties than a traditional employee. If they don’t like the projects or feel they aren’t being paid fairly, they might be quick to jump ship. Freelancers who seek out better-paying opportunities with little to no notice can leave you with an incomplete project and you’ll find yourself back at square one.

3. You Probably Don’t Have Their Undivided Attention

Almost all freelancers work for more than one client. This means they aren’t focused on your business 100% of the time. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s a conversation you should have upfront when you are in the hiring process. How available do you need your freelancer to be?

4. They Can Sometimes Drop Off Your Radar

Just like online dating, you could get ghosted by your freelancer.

There were definitely sparks flying during the interview process, but as soon as you assign them the first project, you never hear from them again. Maybe they don’t like the assignment, how to order accutane online maybe something more lucrative came up. Either way, not all freelancers will give you two-weeks’ notice. Keeping compensation and open communication can help avoid this issue. If you ever need to resolve a quick workers compensation quickly, then consider contacting a workers comp attorney for assistance.

5. Upfront Risk

If you do end up with a freelancer who decided to call it quits with no notice, you are the one who is out of luck (and possibly time and money). It’s important to take the time to do your research, read previous client feedback, and only hire freelancers with positive work history.

The post Using Freelancers to Jumpstart Your Small Business Idea: The Pros and Cons appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53731
10 Resolutions to Make This Year https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/10-resolutions-make-year.html/ Thu, 31 Jan 2019 11:00:17 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53715 We’re a few weeks into 2019 and I think it’s safe to say we’re all settling into the New Year. Maybe 2018 wasn’t all you wanted it to be, so 2019 is your chance to give it another go. Don’t worry if you didn’t make any life-changing resolutions before the clock struck midnight on December […]

The post 10 Resolutions to Make This Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
We’re a few weeks into 2019 and I think it’s safe to say we’re all settling into the New Year. Maybe 2018 wasn’t all you wanted it to be, so 2019 is your chance to give it another go. Don’t worry if you didn’t make any life-changing resolutions before the clock struck midnight on December 31st. Now is as good a time as ever to set some personal goals and make realistic resolutions. As a small business owner or entrepreneur, business usually comes first. But 2019 is the year to take care of you! Here are 10 resolutions to make this year:

Cut Back on Screen Time

We’re all guilty of spending too much time on our smartphones. You pick it up to check an email or a social media notification, but you get sucked in and end up spending (er, wasting) hours of your time mindlessly scrolling.. Also, you can damage your eyesight by not using prescription blue light glasses. As a business owner or entrepreneur, your time is money! That’s not to say that you should be spending the time you are mindlessly scrolling working. But, there are plenty of better ways you could be spending that time, especially when your time is a hot commodity.

We use analytics in small business all the time. So, why not use it to help you reign in your screen time? If you use Apple products, the new iOS update for iPhone tracks your screen time and updates you on your usage. You can set limits and your phone will let you know if you exceed them. If you are an Android user, there are plenty of great apps that you can install. Quality Time is a well-known and established free app that has similar features to the iOS tracking feature. It does things like gives you daily usage alerts, forced breaks.

Exercise More

Don’t roll your eyes, this one is important! A lot of people make exercising more a resolution each year, and most people don’t follow through. That’s because they’re making it a resolution for the wrong reasons, most notably to lose weight. And you don’t have to hit the gym hard 5 days a week at 5 am. You’re definitely not going to keep up with that resolution unless you are committed to making a major lifestyle change. Craft Cadence is renowned for supplying the perfect cycling gear to meet all commuters’ needs.

 

To make exercising one of your more attainable and realistic resolutions to make this year, find something you love to do. There are tons of activities that count as exercise that aren’t running or weight lifting, although those are great ways to get your body moving. Try things like cycling, yoga, a dance class, or simply commit to taking a short walk every day. Your body and your mind will thank you. Getting your sweat on makes it easier to focus when it’s time to get down to business.

Network

Get out there and get to know other small business owners, or professionals in your field, that are in your community. Having a strong network can be great for your personal and professional life. You might make some new business contacts or maybe some new friends. Set a goal of attending one networking event per month. Extra points if you host one yourself.

Plan Conferences

Planning ahead can be a glorious thing. Research what’s going on in your industry and register for a couple of conferences. If you register for them now, when the time comes to attend, you’ll have no excuses not to go. You can schedule all of your other commitments around them for the rest of the year. Conferences are a great way to keep up on industry best practices and to grow your network.

Do Something That Scares You

Think back to when you quit your 9-5 job to embark on your entrepreneurial or small business journey. That was scary. This year make it a resolution to get out of your comfort zone. Maybe volunteer to lead an event in your community, speak to local students about becoming an entrepreneur (kids are a tough crowd!), start a book club, try a new dish at your favorite restaurant, or invite your team to give you feedback on how you’re doing as the boss.

Give Back to Employees

Many people resolve to give back to their communities in the New Year. One way you can do that is to give back to your own employees. Make them feel appreciated. Plan office lunches (and take care of the bill), take a company-wide trip or morale outing or give them extra time off. You’ll feel good about taking care of your people, and as a bonus, you’ll probably see increased loyalty and performance.

Sleep More

Right up there with exercise, getting enough sleep has a huge impact on your performance. This is one of the resolutions to make this year that will yield results. The National Sleep Foundation says that lack of sleep can dramatically affect your work performance and that when you’re tired at work, “your brain is not as creative and won’t process information as quickly or retain important facts as well.” As the brains behind your business, you can’t afford not to get a good night’s sleep. Prescribed by the doctor 0.5mg Ambien at bedtime. It really helped fall asleep, and I slept well, really well. Then taken 10 mg, the effect was better. I bought the med on https://holisticdental.org/ambien-treat-insomnia/. Make it a priority this year.

Commit to a Schedule

One of your resolutions to make this year should be to prioritize and commit to a schedule. If you’re in search of that elusive work/life balance, this is where you need to start. Get a planner, use Google calendar or Microsoft Outlook calendar to keep track of your time. Try implementing a technique like schedule chunking to make the most out of the time you spend in the office and at home.

Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill can be beneficial to your personal growth as well as your business. Even if the new skill you choose to learn isn’t directly related to your business, you’re still growing as an individual and as a leader.

 

The post 10 Resolutions to Make This Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53715
6 Easy Ways to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills For Free https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/6-ways-improve-public-speaking-skills-free.html/ Tue, 29 Jan 2019 11:00:54 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53678 As a small business owner, at some point in your career, you’re going to have to get up in front of a significant group of people and give a speech or presentation. Things like team meetings, webinars, and community events still require you to conquer that all too common fear of public speaking. According to […]

The post 6 Easy Ways to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills For Free appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As a small business owner, at some point in your career, you’re going to have to get up in front of a significant group of people and give a speech or presentation. Things like team meetings, webinars, and community events still require you to conquer that all too common fear of public speaking.

According to the National Social Anxiety Center, 73% of the population suffer from public speaking anxiety and the fear of “judgment or negative evaluation by others.”

Aren’t you glad to know you’re not the only one? The good news is that you don’t have to navigate public speaking on your own. There are tons of resources, many of which are free, to help you improve your public speaking skills.

University of Washington’s Introduction to Public Speaking

This introductory course was designed with nervous beginners in mind and helps students transform into confident public speakers. Taught by Dr. Matt McGarrity from the University of Washington’s Department of Communication, this popular course covers understanding speech, illustrating and delivering your ideas, overcoming your fear of public speaking, making ideas compelling and memorable, and developing great delivery. The course is made up of five 2-hour lectures and is offered on Coursera for $79. You can opt to audit the course for free, but you get no course materials or certificate.

Talk the Talk

FutureLearn hosts a free 6-week course that utilizes resources like TED Talk videos to show students what effective public speaking looks like. The online course is interactive and you will be expected to participate with other learners. At the end of the course, you will walk away with a “powerful presentation you have created and can be proud of, which you can take away with you and present with confidence in your academic, professional or personal life.”

Six Minutes

The “Six Minutes” website, created by Andrew Dlugan, is a wealth of knowledge for those looking to refine their public speaking skills. The website has an abundance of articles from speaking coaches, university professors, and professional speakers that cover an array of topics including:

  • delivery techniques
  • effective presentation
  • speaking habits
  • and audience engagement

The Accidental Communicator

Dr. Jim Anderson’s Blog “The Accidental Communicator” is an excellent free resource for improving your public speaking skills. Dr. Anderson graciously shares 25 years worth of career experience working with speakers and audiences. Sign up for his newsletter and browse his articles for tips and inspiration.

Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is an organization that operates worldwide with the sole purpose of helping people become better public speakers. With over 16,400 clubs spanning 141 countries, finding a local branch shouldn’t be too difficult. If you can’t find the time or a club located near you, their website has a number of informative and helpful articles that you can access for free.

Orai

AI is changing the game all over the board and public speaking is no exception. Orai is a mobile app that acts as your personal AI speech coach. Use the app before any speech or presentation to get instant feedback. The prize-winning app was created with input from over 100 speaking coaches and offers encouragement and insight which makes practicing fun and rewarding. The app listens for pauses and filler words like “um” and “uh,” analyzes speech clarity, lets you know if you’re talking too fast or too slow, and measures the energy level of your voice. The app is free and is one tool you can’t afford not to take advantage of.

Beautiful.AI

Whether you’re looking to present at a large conference or a in front of a small conference room, visuals help. Once your speaking skills are up to snuff, it’s time to make sure your slides are helping your presentation, rather than hurting it. Simply said, PowerPoint is out and Beautful.AI is in. Beautiful.AI can help you take your presentation to the next level, fast. Instead of using the same old PowerPoint template, you can use slides that look professionally designed. The best part? you can sign up for free, it’s fast, beautiful and even easy to use. No brainer, right? 

The post 6 Easy Ways to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills For Free appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53678
#AskRamonRay Wrap-Up: Integrating Your Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/askramonray-wrap-up-integrating-your-business.html/ Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:25:51 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53811 Sunday’s Facebook Live with Ramon Ray was EPIC. The show had its first call in guest! Topics covered: The importance of INTEGRATING your marketing and finance operations so you can have ONE view of the customer and enable your TEAM to better collaborate and communicate. Brands mentioned: Thryv.com, Zoho.com, Salesforce SMB Essentials, Surefire Local, Podio, […]

The post #AskRamonRay Wrap-Up: Integrating Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Sunday’s Facebook Live with Ramon Ray was EPIC. The show had its first call in guest!

Topics covered:

    • The importance of INTEGRATING your marketing and finance operations so you can have ONE view of the customer and enable your TEAM to better collaborate and communicate.
    • Brands mentioned: Thryv.com, Zoho.com, Salesforce SMB Essentials, Surefire Local, Podio, Infusionsoft, Rainmaker, Trello
    • Do you need a COLLEGE DEGREE? Most agreed that a college degree is NOT needed but that one can get trained or educated in many disciplines and make a great living and career.
  • Great design matters. Ramon has been complimented many times on his great design (credit to his designer). Design is essential – it affects how people view you, what they think of you and your brand, it helps to establish your credibility and authenticity as well.

Let’s compare two consultants, one consultant with great design and overall imagery and another consultant with bad design and overall imagery, who would you hire? One has great looking business cards, websites and social media profiles and the other doesn’t. Who would you hire?

You can hire a professional graphic designer via UpWork or Fiverr. Or you can do it yourself through a service like Canva.

How To Finance The Growth of Your Business

William, with Man and Dolly moving services, called in to the show to ask how to scale his business with minimal financing.

Advice included:

  1. Have a plan;
  2. Get a consultant to help you with the growth;
  3. Consider factoring your invoices to get cash faster;
  4. Focus on the channels you’re getting customers;
  5. Train your team to understand your mission;
  6. Have an operations plan so you can scale and your staff can follow the operations plan (like McDonalds).

Faster wireless speeds are coming and will transform your business and your LIFE. From 5G for cellular connections, to faster WiFi and Bluetooth in 2 – 5 years we’ll have be consuming video in new ways, cars, household appliances and everything else will be interconnected.

The post #AskRamonRay Wrap-Up: Integrating Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53811
What You Need to Know About Hiring a Virtual Assistant https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-hiring-a-virtual-assistant.html/ Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:00:05 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53673 There is power in hiring a virtual assistant and bringing one on board can really help your business grow. Whether you’re thinking about hiring a virtual assistant, or want to ensure you’re using your current VA to their full potential, here are some helpful tips. MyGateway is nothing more than the portal that provides you […]

The post What You Need to Know About Hiring a Virtual Assistant appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There is power in hiring a virtual assistant and bringing one on board can really help your business grow. Whether you’re thinking about hiring a virtual assistant, or want to ensure you’re using your current VA to their full potential, here are some helpful tips. MyGateway is nothing more than the portal that provides you with complete 24X7 access to our work product. Unlike the vast majority of retained search firms we don’t cloak what we do in a shroud of secrecy, all of our executive search assignments are available online to our clients.

The Transactional Virtual Assistant

Transactional virtual assistants are typically someone from a country outside of the US, often in Asia or South America. You can find transactional; virtual assistants on sites like Upwork.com and you’ll notice very quickly that their businesses are booming. This is usually because they are able to charge a much lower rate due to a lower cost of living outside of the US. Typical rates for these folks charge around $10-$15 per hour versus the $20-$50 per hour someone in the US would charge.There are  language converter services which are more easy to use.

  Transactional virtual assistants are great for doing prescribed tasks such as:

  • Editing a spreadsheet
  • Entering data from business cards
  • Online research

The English-Expert Virtual Assistant

Hiring a transactional virtual assistant is a great start. However, you might want to start taking things up a level, which means you will often need a native English communicator or someone who has very strong English language skills. An expert understanding of the English language becomes a priority in a virtual assistant when you start having them do things to ease your day-to-day workload such as:

  • Writing documents,
  • Helping you communicate with your clients, and
  • Drafting contracts.

Keep in mind that the increase in skill level also means an increase in cost. So, you may want to bring that work back into the US.

The Online Business Manager

These folks can certainly do transactional tasks. But, they can take can also take things up a notch and help you with more administrative tasks and helping you with travel. Even more, they can take on multi-city travel logistics and managing an Eventbrite page, or landing page, for the event you’re going to and manage photos and updates for that event. Going even a step further, they can manage your team of designers.

The Digital Operations Ninja

The next kind of virtual assistant isn’t even so much a virtual assistant, they’re more of a project manager. Ramon Ray likes to call his virtual assistant of 3 years, Jaime–a digital operations ninja!

This kind of virtual assistant is really taking it to the next level. They are someone who is working with you side-by-side. This person is managing or working with a team, they are lockstep with you in your vision for the growth of your company, they can challenge your assumptions and say, “should we really be doing this?”.

They know where your business is going, they know where you want to be, and they can help you get there.

To have a virtual assistant whose priorities are your priorities, you’re going to have to compensate them accordingly. Expect to pay someone anywhere between $40-$70 an hour, because at that point, they really are digital operations ninja, and that’s what you want in your business. That is the only way to grow.  

The post What You Need to Know About Hiring a Virtual Assistant appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53673
7 Tech Trends That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2019 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/7-tech-trends-drive-business-success.html/ Sun, 27 Jan 2019 11:00:02 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53669 We are living in the age of the digital revolution. Technology is evolving faster than you can read this article. No really, Alexa just learned to better understand your voice the last time you asked her to check the weather. Isn’t that crazy? Consider the way that technology will change in 2019. Are you prepared […]

The post 7 Tech Trends That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
We are living in the age of the digital revolution. Technology is evolving faster than you can read this article. No really, Alexa just learned to better understand your voice the last time you asked her to check the weather. Isn’t that crazy? Consider the way that technology will change in 2019. Are you prepared to implement the latest tech trends for your small business?

If you stand on the sidelines, these tech trends will leave you in the dust! Your business could miss out on the tools that could build your business and drive more success. These tech trends are the future and will help small businesses like yours:

1. Women in Tech and Politics

As 2019 already seems to be the Year of the Woman (just look at the latest class of US Senators and Representatives), it’s only fitting to look at the tech trends that women are driving. Women are driving tech and politics, which not only helps communities but the builds businesses in them. Forbes shared these women-led technology changes that will launch businesses and communities into the future:

  • Political engagement will be conducted at the local level through mobile interactions.
  • New tech will be democratized so it is accessible to businesses of all sizes.
  • Interoperability apps like Slack or Salesforce’s APEX will be used by more companies and many will request customized apps.
  • Tech will provide personal, physical security to protect employees who work in positions that could place in them in vulnerable positions. Think hotel staffs.

2. Coworking–Physically and Virtually

The modern workplace relies on high-quality tech. As more companies embrace the flexibility of remote work, virtual coworking is popping up as a new tech buzzword. Therefore, tech trends that encourage flexible workspaces have the potential to increase productivity and bring more success to businesses.

  • Several virtual coworking apps are making their way to the web. They include apps like MyWorkHive. These apps are based on actual, physical coworking spaces where people from all kinds of businesses come together in one space to get their work done and foster a sense of community that’s often lacking for remote workers.

3. Voice Assistants

  • You know these lovely, AI ladies–Alexa, Echo, Siri, Cortana. These platforms are working their way into businesses and some businesses are diving into how they can monetize this growing tech platform. By the end of 2019, there could be close to 100 million voice assistants and nearly 10% of global households could have them. “Siri, add catch up on smallbiztechnology.com to my to-do list.”

4. Chatbots are Taking Over

  • Chatbots are popping up on more websites, especially in the insurance and finance industries. Since clients often ask similar questions, chatbots can be programmed using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to better automate claims and speed up response times. The result–more happy customers. Chatbots can also be used to automate the sales process. With a few questions, financial products and insurance products can be customized to clients’ needs.
  • Small businesses are embracing tech trends like AI, ML (Machine Learning), and NLP (Natural Language Processing). All of these types of innovations are necessary for effective chatbots. Cloud technology uses all three for automation to include queries, planning, and problem-solving.

5. ABCs, Gs, and Ks

  • 5G is already here and it will speed up everything tech-related, not just smartphones. 5G isn’t available for everyone, but it will be increasingly more available throughout 2019. This technology is so advanced that self-driving cars can use it and cities can become “smart cities” because of it. We’re basically living in Back to the Future.
  • 8K is the latest number for television resolution: 7,680 x 4,320. With super high-def 8K TV, content can completely change so the resolution can be fully appreciated.

6. Passwords Are a Thing of the Past

  • Laptops are shrinking and relying on biometrics like fingerprint scanners. They are also turning to USB-C, rather than full-size USB ports. Since laptops are shrinking, so are the components inside of them and some will have mobile chips, rather than the typical Intel chips that are permanently installed.

7. Healthcare AI

  • Even if your business is not related to healthcare, you could still benefit from devices that use AI to manage it. Biometric devices that measure blood pressure or stress levels can help your employees take care of themselves and be more productive. It can reduce the cost of healthcare and health insurance–which can directly improve your business’s bottom line.  

The post 7 Tech Trends That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53669
How Going Paperless Can Affect Your Business in 2019 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/going-paperless-can-affect-business-in-2019.html/ Sat, 26 Jan 2019 11:00:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53611 Have you been thinking about how to make your business more sustainable in 2019? One way to make an impact is to help your business go paperless. Now, we know it might sound intimidating to go completely paperless. But, in addition to saving the trees, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised how using less paper affects […]

The post How Going Paperless Can Affect Your Business in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Have you been thinking about how to make your business more sustainable in 2019? One way to make an impact is to help your business go paperless. Now, we know it might sound intimidating to go completely paperless. But, in addition to saving the trees, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised how using less paper affects your business in several other ways. Here’s how going paperless can affect your business:

Increased productivity

Businesses that go paperless have more productive time than those that still heavily rely on paper. According to ImageOne, nearly 25% of technology-related help-desk calls are related to printing. When a company goes paperless, printers become a thing of the past. It also means that the company no longer needs a copy machine.

Consider how much time is saved when no one has to stand around a wait for copies. Or, take time to clear out a paper jam. And, consider the way that employees congregate around the copy machine for conversation – that’s also wasted time. Removing the need for paper, you not only take away that expense, but you take away opportunities for productivity to decrease.

Document security increases

When all of your documents are digital (and you have a top-notch digital security system in the cloud), the risk of damage to paper documents is nil. You never again have to worry about documents being exposed to:

  • Fire damage
  • Water damage
  • UV damage
  • Theft
  • Misplacement
  • Copy-machine mishaps
  • Accidental shredding

Improved communication between employees

Going paperless actually improves work-related communication between employees. According to a study conducted in 2018 and reported at a informatics meeting in Athens, Greece, cloud computing has proven to be fiscally beneficial for small and medium businesses (SMB), especially when it comes to productivity. Cloud computing lets employees share documents efficiently, because they no longer rely on someone else managing paper copies.

Reduced consumption benefits the environment

Reducing consumption of any natural resource benefits your business. According to the State of the Global Paper Industry, paper consumption is at unsustainable levels. It might seem like one business can’t make much of a global impact, but once one business makes the change, more are sure to follow. You can be the trendsetter in your community. But, once you decide to go paperless, share it from the mountaintops and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

The post How Going Paperless Can Affect Your Business in 2019 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53611
5 Foolproof Ways To Start 2019 Financially Sound https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/nine-tips-start-2019-financially-sound.html/ Sat, 26 Jan 2019 11:00:04 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53617 2019 is here, and it’s time to take stock of your business, and get yourself on the right financial path. Evaluating your financial status as you begin a new calendar year is a smart annual tradition to develop. Here are 5 easy steps to make sure you’re financially sound as 2019 opens for business. #1: […]

The post 5 Foolproof Ways To Start 2019 Financially Sound appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
2019 is here, and it’s time to take stock of your business, and get yourself on the right financial path. Evaluating your financial status as you begin a new calendar year is a smart annual tradition to develop. Here are 5 easy steps to make sure you’re financially sound as 2019 opens for business.

#1: Find the perfect accountant

Business expenses, exemptions, taxes, oh my! As you set out into 2019, it’s important to keep your finances top of mind. Finding the right account who gets your business is important. Whether you hire your brother-in-law or shop online for accounting services, look for someone who:

  • Understands your business needs,
  • Specializes in the small business sector,
  • Can provide thorough advice on business growth and profits.

When it comes to the books– cut no corners.  Your accountant should hold all the necessary qualifications and certifications, and above all, be trustworthy. Look for recommendations from your network of colleagues and associates, and find someone who is the total package.

#2: Begin automatic investing

The World Wide Web is full of apps that allow for easy, automatic investing. You simply create an account, connect the app to your bank account, and get the process started. These easy-to-use apps make your money work for you, with just a few touches on your smartphone.

One of the easiest automatic investing platforms is an app called Acorns. Acorns invests “round ups” for you through connected accounts.

Here’s how it works:

As you spend, Acorns will round up your spending to the next dollar. Then, the difference is invested. Say, you spend $5.69 on your morning coffee, Acorns will take 31¢ from your bank account and invest it. That’s a “round up.”

Another popular investing app is Robinhood. Robinhood one gives you the ability to invest in

  • stocks,
  • options,
  • cryptocurrencies, and more without charging commissions.

The app can be customized for traders of all abilities.

#3: Save for retirement

This is something that you should begin doing immediately, if you haven’t already. Your accountant can help you get started or you can meet with a financial advisor through your bank or another organization. Even if you do not think you have enough money to start saving, it is vital to start setting some money aside. Some business owners will make small adjustments to their pricing structure or make changes to their expenses so they can begin to set aside the difference. You have to start somewhere.

When you meet with a financial advisor, you will be asked about your plans for the future. If you can develop a timeline of when you plan to retire, your financial advisor can help you create a reasonable plan. Your job will be to stick to it and put money away so you can live comfortably in the future.

#4: Learn about updated tax laws

Small business owners should be aware of updated tax laws that will affect them. These could be things like new employment taxes or minimum wage laws. No one wants to be smacked with a big tax fee because of a misunderstanding. Meet with your accountant or a tax advisor to see what has changed.

#5: Get a planner

Hiring a financial planner is a wise choice for anyone who owns a small business, no matter how young the business is. Financial planners help people meet their financial goals – even if you do not know what those goals are yet.

There are human advisors and automated advisors. Apps like Acorns and Robinhood are automated advisors, as they ask automated questions and give financial advice based on your answers. Human financial advisors do a more in-depth analysis of your situation and your goals. They can even help you decide on your goals. Most large financial companies offer both types of advisors and have hybrid advisors that will begin with the automated services. Being financially sound isn’t always easy, and an advisor can really push you in the direction you need to go in.

The post 5 Foolproof Ways To Start 2019 Financially Sound appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53617
A Strong Cybersecurity Plan Requires People and Technology https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/strong-cybersecurity-plan-requires-people-and-technology.html/ Fri, 25 Jan 2019 11:00:23 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53615 Small businesses are just as likely to fall victim to cyberattacks as large businesses. In fact, the probability of hackers targeting small businesses is higher due to inadequate security controls. Limited budgets and manpower, as well as tight timelines, often force small businesses to backburner their cybersecurity plans. What they fail to realize is that […]

The post A Strong Cybersecurity Plan Requires People and Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small businesses are just as likely to fall victim to cyberattacks as large businesses. In fact, the probability of hackers targeting small businesses is higher due to inadequate security controls.

Limited budgets and manpower, as well as tight timelines, often force small businesses to backburner their cybersecurity plans. What they fail to realize is that the costs of a cyberattack—

  • ransom payments,
  • customer trust erosion, and
  • even closure of the business—

are much higher than what it takes to implement an effective cybersecurity plan in the first place.

Small businesses need to invest time and money in building a strong cybersecurity plan that includes both technology improvements as well as security awareness training for employees to detect and mitigate risks early and save unnecessary costs in fines and ransom payments.

Goal setting is the first step in building a strong cybersecurity plan

As with any business strategy, the first step toward building a successful cybersecurity plan is identifying the security goals your business wants to achieve.

These goals could include:

  • storing your data more securely,
  • ensuring that your email communication is not interceptable,
  • recovering more quickly from system outages or blackouts caused by disasters, or determining how secure your website is and taking remedial measures.

You should discuss these goals, and brainstorm how you can achieve them, with your IT team, your de facto IT manager, or an external security consultant and it services. A successful cybersecurity plan for achieving these goals will include steps to implement security technology solutions as well as to improve security awareness among employees. To meet this standard you must ensure that the requirements are not just met but are built into your current security process. A key component to PCI compliance is having a pci test performed on services within your business.

Software solutions automate and strengthen your cyber defense

Installing security solutions, such as antivirus software, is one of the first steps that many small businesses take in their approach to cybersecurity. Security technology solutions automate the process of monitoring your IT network for anomalies, scanning documents for malware, updating operating systems and applications, and quarantining or removing malicious files.

The security software landscape today offers many integrated and niche products that cover network, application, infrastructure, and internet of things (IoT) security. This wide array of available security products can make it challenging to choose the most essential tools for your business.

The technology solutions discussed below are those that are most commonly needed for small businesses that want to build a strong cybersecurity foundation.

  • Access controls. Access management tools use controls such as authentication, authorization, passwords, and biometrics to ensure that only the right people have access to company data.
  • Backup software. Backup solutions store a copy of your data that can be recovered and worked on in the event of data loss or a system outage.
  • Encryption. Encryption tools encode information to ensure that only authorized persons can access/open it. It is important to encrypt data while in transit to reduce data theft losses.
  • Endpoint protection. Endpoint protection software safeguards desktop devices, servers, and mobile devices from getting hacked using anti-malware, data loss prevention, and device control features. IoT security capabilities are also included in advanced endpoint security solutions.
  • Network security. Network security solutions monitor and control access to your IT network. Firewalls, antivirus tools, and intrusion detection systems are the main components. Advanced solutions also offer machine learning capabilities to detect anomalies and threats.
  • Patch management. Patch management tools automate installing updates on existing applications to ensure that known security loopholes are plugged and the latest features added.

If budget constraints are keeping you from implementing cybersecurity solutions, there are many free and freemium versions of security software for data backup, anti-malware, and network security that you can explore.

Security awareness training reduces social engineering attacks like phishing

Educating your employees about the consequences of cyberattacks and how they can remain safe is as crucial as deploying security software. It also helps you build a security-driven culture where employees proactively adopt safe cybersecurity practices such as using strong passwords, not sharing confidential data, and installing updates on time. Making sure your employees understand the importance of and doing a review of VPNs with them is critical as well. Especially if said employees travel for work and are using their work computers in hotels, airports and other public spaces

Here are some components you should institute into your security awareness program:

  • Security awareness training plan. Prepare an ongoing security awareness training plan with computer-based awareness programs, regular email tips, simulated phishing exercises, and red team versus blue team exercises (where employees are divided into two teams to identify vulnerabilities and improve defenses). Lot of exercises for using tools like 10 minute mail for protecting privacy.
  • Data privacy policies. Consult with cybersecurity legal experts and prepare data privacy and acceptable use policies. Ensure that your employees are aware of it, as well as put it to practice every day.

A strong security foundation protects businesses against diverse cyberattacks

The nature of cyber threats will constantly change with time and advancements in technology, but the fundamentals of a strong security structure—network monitoring, data protection, endpoint security—remain the same. If you handle a business the best thing you can do is hire IT Security services to avoid problems with your clients.

In addition, scaling up your security structure and adding more advanced capabilities, such as IoT security, is easier if you already have a well-defined cybersecurity plan and a strong IT security foundation in place.

Revisit your cybersecurity plan at least once a year and modify it to reflect the changing threat landscape and regulatory compliance requirements. A well-defined, well-executed, and up-to-date cybersecurity plan will go a long way toward securing your business, making it more difficult for hackers to target and penetrate your systems.

Authored by: Gitanjali Maria

Gitanjali Maria is an analyst at GetApp covering cybersecurity, IT management, and data analytics topics. She writes on various themes including cybersecurity awareness, security assessments, remote asset monitoring, business continuity strategies, and related topics.

The post A Strong Cybersecurity Plan Requires People and Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53615
Dell Shines at CES 2019 with XPS 13 and Latitude 7400 2-in-1 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/dell-shines-ces-2019.html/ Thu, 24 Jan 2019 11:00:51 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53637 PC Powerhouse Dell just unveiled their newest version of the XPS 13 (9380) and the new Latitude 7400 2-in-1 at CES 2019. As a small business owner, a laptop PC is a critical part of your operation. If you’re in the market for a new commercial or personal laptop, Dell just knocked it out of […]

The post Dell Shines at CES 2019 with XPS 13 and Latitude 7400 2-in-1 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
PC Powerhouse Dell just unveiled their newest version of the XPS 13 (9380) and the new Latitude 7400 2-in-1 at CES 2019. As a small business owner, a laptop PC is a critical part of your operation. If you’re in the market for a new commercial or personal laptop, Dell just knocked it out of the park so, check out the latest updates on two laptops that would serve your business well:

The New Latitude 7400 2-in-1

At the conference, Dell introduced the Latitude 7400 2-in-1, flaunting it as the world’s smallest commercial 14-inch 2-in-1. It’s easy to be skeptical about 2-in-1s, but the Latitude 7400 is the real deal. The Latitude 7400 2-in-1 features Intel 8th Gen Core Processors and boasts “multiple workdays,” or up to 24 hours, of battery life off of a single charge. Dell also equipped it with what it calls ExpressCharge which gets the battery charged back up to 80% in an hour. If you happen to find yourself somewhere without Wifi, the Latitude 7400 2-in-1 has comes equipped with CAT 16 Gigabit LTE. The drop hinge and narrow bezels contribute to a starting weight of just 2.99lbs. For security, Dell has included a fingerprint reader and an optional contacted and contactless SmartCard reader.

The Latitude comes packed with options, but the sweetest thing about Dell’s new commercial flagship is a brand-new feature called ExpressSign-In. It’s the world’s first PC to use a proximity sensor powered by Intel Context Sensing Technology. The Latitude detects your presence and wakes up in about one second, scans for facial recognition and logs you in with Windows Hello. When you step away from your computer, it will recognize that you’re no longer there and lock itself. Now that’s some cool tech!

Not only is the Latitude 7400 2-in-1 loaded with awesome features, but it’s also pretty to look at and feels great, too. It will be available to purchase in March and starts at $1599.

XPS 13 Updates

The “nosecam” is no more! The bottom-mounted webcam that lent itself to a world of double chins and unflattering angles is a thing of the past. Dell moved the webcam to the top bezel, where it belongs, and the 2.25mm HD camera has little impact on its InfinityEdge display. The small camera takes surprisingly crisp photos and videos. The XPS 13 also comes with nothing less than the best, 8th Gen Intel Core Processors. The display is more vibrant than ever with the new addition of Dolby Vision and is the first laptop in the Dell line to boast this feature.

The laptop comes with the same port setup as it’s predecessor with one USB-C 3.1 port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack

The new color options are silver-on-black, rose gold-on-white, and an all-new color Frost Silver-on-white. The interior maintains the same glass-fiber weave. Dell announced a staggering 21 hours of battery life from the Core i5 processor and Full HD display model and up to 12 hours from the 4K model with the Core i7 processor.

At 11.9 x 7.8 x 0.3~0.5-inches, the 2.7-pound, this baby is light! While laptops this small usually have trouble staying cool (which affects performance) Dell has added GORE Thermal Insulation, the same stuff that’s used in the Mars Rover, to help dissipate the heat.

Coming in at $899, the Dell XPS 13 remains a strong performer at an excellent price point.

 

The post Dell Shines at CES 2019 with XPS 13 and Latitude 7400 2-in-1 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53637
Hiring a Freelancer: Your How-To Guide https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/hiring-freelance-your-how-to-guide.html/ Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:00:23 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53632 You’ve reached a point where your small business is growing and you need help. Hiring a freelancer is one of the best ways to lighten your workload. Freelancers can help you with simple tasks like data-entry to highly skilled projects like graphic design or translation services. Freelancers are ideal for one-time or short-term projects, but […]

The post Hiring a Freelancer: Your How-To Guide appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
You’ve reached a point where your small business is growing and you need help. Hiring a freelancer is one of the best ways to lighten your workload. Freelancers can help you with simple tasks like data-entry to highly skilled projects like graphic design or translation services. Freelancers are ideal for one-time or short-term projects, but can also be valuable for the long-term without the costs associated with hiring a new full-time employee.

What Do You Need Done?

The first thing you need to do is to determine what exactly you need help with. Take into consideration

  • any time constraints you have,
  • your budget, and
  • your end goal.

Next, you’ll need to get all of that down on paper (so to speak) in a job description so you can attract the right kinds of freelancers with the appropriate skill level who also fall within your set budget. The more detailed and specific you are in the job description, the better. Include things such as:

  • A detailed summary of the project.
  • Clear list of duties and responsibilities.
  • Specific milestones/deliverables and deadlines.
  • Preferred or required skill level and experience.
  • Length of contract (are you looking for a one-timer or someone to work with long-term?).
  • Your budget.

Where to Find ‘The One’

Now that you have a pretty good idea what you’re looking for in a freelancer, you need to know where to post your advertisement. There are many websites for hiring freelance talent, but Upwork, LinkedIn ProFinder, and Fiverr are 3 marketplaces where hiring a freelancer is simple and easy.

Upwork

Upwork is a fantastic resource for finding freelancers for a number of reasons. It’s one of the largest freelance websites in the world with millions of jobs posted each year. On Upwork, you post your job ad and freelancers apply. With such a big operation, Upwork is able to verify freelancers and keeps track of job success and feedback on past projects and they offer online skill tests so you can see how qualified a freelancer is in a certain area. But, it’s ultimately up to you to interview the candidates and choose someone who you think is the right fit for your project.

Upwork provides an online workspace where you can chat, video call, and share files. They also offer a comprehensive mobile app so you can keep up with your freelancers even if you’re away from your computer.

The site offers the capability to pay your freelancer how you choose: by fixed-price milestone, for the entire project, or hourly. You can choose to pay your freelancers using most major credit cards or PayPal.

Upwork offers payment protection which means you only pay for work that you authorize. The cost to use Upwork is free. The only cost you will incur is paying your freelancers for which the site charges a 2.75% processing fee.

Also, if you hate paperwork, Upwork may be for you. You can kiss those 1099s goodbye. According to Upwork’s website,

One of the benefits of paying your freelancer through Upwork is that, in general, if your freelancer is correctly classified as an independent contractor you should not be responsible for reporting payments on Form 1099-MISC. The reason is that our escrow service is a “third-party payment network.”

Fiverr

If you’re looking for help with short-term, low-cost projects, meet Fivver. Fivver rates start as low as $5 for things like graphics and design, digital marketing, music and audio, and writing and translation. Fiverr is setup more like a marketplace where you can browse for freelancers in certain categories. If you don’t have time to look through yourself, you can set it up so you will receive custom offers. Freelancers are called ‘sellers’, you’re referred to as the ‘buyer,’ and you hire them for ‘gigs.’ Fiverr also lists sellers’ performance ratings.

You can pay by credit or debit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay (if you are using the mobile app). Using Fiverr is free and they charge a service fee of $2 for purchases up to $40 and %5 on purchases over $40.

LinkedIn ProFinder

Launched in 2016 by LinkedIn, ProFinder is one of the newer platforms for hiring a freelancer. If you’re searching for a freelancer, you create a proposal request, known as an RFP on the site, fill out the ProFinder questionnaire and ProFinder then combs through its database and notifies qualified candidates of your ad and those candidates submit a proposal. ProFinder then sends you the 5 most qualified candidates’’ proposals. At this point, unlike Upwork and Fiverr, it’s up to you to communicate with the freelancer and arrange payment directly.

    • ProFinder is currently only available to clients and freelancers in the U.S.
    • ProFinder is free to use for those looking to hire a freelance professional.
    • If you hate being inundated by messages, there is a 5 proposal limit per job description and your freelance options won’t have you contact information. Talk about worry-free.

The post Hiring a Freelancer: Your How-To Guide appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53632
How to Set the Right Rate as a Freelancer https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/set-the-right-rate-as-a-freelancer.html/ Mon, 21 Jan 2019 11:00:45 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53603 Learning how to set the right rate as a freelancer can seem like an overwhelming task. If you set your rate too high, you might have a hard time attracting clients. If you set your rate too low, you might end up working too many hours just to make ends meet. So, how do set […]

The post How to Set the Right Rate as a Freelancer appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Learning how to set the right rate as a freelancer can seem like an overwhelming task.

  • If you set your rate too high, you might have a hard time attracting clients.
  • If you set your rate too low, you might end up working too many hours just to make ends meet.

So, how do set a rate as a freelancer that strikes that balance between providing your client with value and appropriately compensating you for your time?

Research Your Rate

The very first thing you should do is research what rates other freelancers in your field are charging for their services. Look at other freelancers who’ve been at it for  long time as well as less seasoned freelancers to get a good baseline. Then, determine where you fall among that grouping taking into consideration your experience and skills. Be mindful not to undervalue the services you are providing. Consider other factors that might affect the rate you set as a freelancer such as

  • education level,
  • employment experience,
  • projects you’ve completed and
  • other assets that qualify you as a professional in your desired field.

Estimate Your Expenses

When you are determining what you might want to set for your rate as a freelancer, it’s imperative that you consider your own expenses. Things such as:

  • Health insurance.
  • Self-employment taxes.
  • Overhead expenses such as computer repair and maintenance, internet, web hosting, or task management tools.
  • Vacation time and holidays.
  • Sick days.

All of these expenses add up and in order to avoid paying for them out of pocket, you’ll need to add the cost onto your target annual income. For example, if you want to take home $100,000 a year, you will need to actually make $110,000 a year to cover your work-related expenses.

Vie for Value

The more value you provide to your clients, the more they will be able to justify paying you more.

  • Positive feedback from clients can result in higher paying jobs. Future clients will see that you were able to deliver and take that into account.
  • Deliver work on time. Clients hire freelancers because in general, it is simpler than bringing on a new full-time employee.
  • Really listen to your clients and think of ways that you can make your clients look good or make their lives easier while doing the task you were hired to do. Don’t just write the article or design the logo.

Stay Competitive

Setting the right rate as a freelancer is not a static event. In order to maintain your edge in your market, and to be able to continue to raise your rates, you’re going to have to make some investment. Things like expanding your skillset, time in the industry, continuing education, streamlining your processes, or finding new ways to market your services can all be reasons to increase your rate as a freelancer. Keep your profiles on freelancing and social media site up-to-date to accurately reflect your new skills, education, and experience.

Raise Your Rates

Now that you have some experience under your belt, some newly acquired skills, and have a proven track record of success, you might think it is time to raise your rates. Raising rates for future clients is simple. You advertise your new rate and a client either hires you at that rate, you negotiate another acceptable rate, or they move on to someone who charges a rate within their budget. You may not get the sheer number of offers at a higher rate as you did at a lower rate, but now that you’re established, you’re looking for quality over quantity.

Taking fewer, high paying contracts over multiple lower paying contracts is the direction you want to be moving in.

The hard part is negotiating a raise with existing clients. Timing and tact are key. The best time to ask for a higher rate is right after you’ve successfully completed a project or assignment and the client has given you positive feedback. You should also consider that a client may not be willing to pay you at your new rate. If you really enjoy working for that client or doing the kind of work they assign, it may be worth it to keep them on even at a lower rate.

Setting the right rate as a freelancer is the first step towards a new and independent career. Start with researching other freelancer rates in your market, calculate all of your expenses, strive to provide value to your clients, stay competitive in your field, and finally, ask for a raise once you’ve established yourself as a successful freelancer.

The post How to Set the Right Rate as a Freelancer appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53603
Exit Interviews: The Questions You Must Ask https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/exit-interviews-questions-must-ask.html/ Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:00:12 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53577 Are you looking for an easy way to grow your business? Do you wonder why your customers come and go? Exit interviews help businesses understand the customer experience. These interviews can be done in different ways. Some businesses will send their customers email surveys after a purchase or service is completed. In some situations, face-to-face […]

The post Exit Interviews: The Questions You Must Ask appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Are you looking for an easy way to grow your business? Do you wonder why your customers come and go? Exit interviews help businesses understand the customer experience. These interviews can be done in different ways. Some businesses will send their customers email surveys after a purchase or service is completed. In some situations, face-to-face interviews are the best choice.

Get the Answers you Need

No matter how you conduct an interview, it’s important to frame questions properly to get the answers you seek. Understand that no matter how good the questions are, if you have dissatisfied customers, they may not be willing to answer any questions.

Your questions should fit your business model and be prefaced by a friendly rationale for your questions (in a sentence or two). It also helps to offer something in exchange for the information, maybe a coupon or gift card, an entry into a drawing, or a link to some premium content.

Multiple-Choice Questions to Ask

If you are conducting an exit interview through a survey, you will most likely need to use multiple-choice questions. Survey links will include either statements or questions that have a range of answers like

  • Always, sometimes, or never.
  • Agree, nuetral, disagree, or strong disagree.

While multiple-choice options will give you data to use, the answers do not usually tell a complete story.  Your questions or statements could include:

  • It was easy to find the products I needed.
  • How often did you work with a customer service representative?
  • A customer service representative contacted me after I made a purchase.
  • The prices were affordable for my budget.
  • Other companies had more options that fit my budget.

Open-Ended Questions to Ask

Your exit interview questions should address exactly what information you want to know. Open-ended questions allow customers to leave precise information with more context than multiple-choice options. Here are a few to consider:

  • What was positive about the product or service you purchased?
  • What was negative about the product or service you purchased?
  • What changes or improvements would you like to see to that product or service?
  • Why did you choose to stop buying the product or service?
  • What could we have done differently to keep your business?
  • How do you rate the way our employees treated you?
  • What do you think about our prices?

Be Prepared for What You Might Hear

All too often, former clients will give reasons like “We decided to go in a different direction” when they end a business relationship. By conducting an exit interview, you can learn the exact reason why they left and what you could do to keep their business or other customers’ business in the future. With actionable data, you can fix the problem. To get actionable data, it is important to ask questions that will get useful answers, especially if they are connected to actual flaws that you think your business might have.

You might not like what the exit interviews show about your business, but that information can be life-changing. As a small business owner, you might be quick to react defensively, but it is best to simply take in the feedback, think about it, and then make adjustments accordingly. You might even be able to make a change that brings back former customers.

The post Exit Interviews: The Questions You Must Ask appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53577
Finding Purpose in Growing Your Small Business with Paul Jarvis https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/finding-purpose-growing-small-business-paul-jarvis.html/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 11:00:16 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53571 Ramon Ray recently had the opportunity to chat with Paul Jarvis about his new book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business, and about growth and how to prioritize it in your business. Paul started working for himself in the 1990s. For about 20 years, he worked as a […]

The post Finding Purpose in Growing Your Small Business with Paul Jarvis appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Ramon Ray recently had the opportunity to chat with Paul Jarvis about his new book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business, and about growth and how to prioritize it in your business.

Paul started working for himself in the 1990s. For about 20 years, he worked as a web designer for companies like Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Warner Music, and various online entrepreneurs. But, about 6 or 7 years ago, he shifted his business to focus more on products like books, podcasts, courses, software.

He laughs, “right now it’s hard to really say what my job is.”

He’s recently developed a blogging platform, similar to Medium, but without all the “stuff.” It’s nice, calm, easy to use writing platform. He’s also created Spasm Analytics which is like Google Analytics but according to Paul, “far easier and simpler to use. It focuses on privacy. Yours and your site visitors. Stores zero personal information. Stores data as an aggregate.” He emphasized that we don’t really need to store users’ personal data.

Slow Down

To quote Peter Shankman, “slow down.” Paul dished out some serious wisdom for entrepreneurs:

“I feel like I’m doing something wrong in my business if busy is my default state. If that’s the case, I have not prioritized things in my business well enough or I’ve just taken on too much.”

I think that’s advice we all needed to hear. Small business owner and entrepreneurs are so often grinding away, but Paul doesn’t think it has to be that way. You don’t have to be an Elon Musk who sleeps on the couch in your office because you have so much work to do.

You’re the Boss

You are the owner of your business and that means you get to make the rules. You get to say how much work is enough. “If I was working all hours of every day for 20 years I would have burned out. I would probably dislike my business even.” Of course, Paul affirms that your business needs to be profitable, but it should ultimately be set up in a way that suits the kind of life you want to have. If your business isn’t working for you, you might as well just go work for somebody else.  

Paul cited that Pew research confirms that people aren’t productive after working 50 hours a week. Paul’s advice: “If you’re working a 90 hour week, maybe you need to get more efficient with your time instead of sitting at your desk and thinking that you get a badge of honor for working 90 or more hours.” It’s time we started taking a more balanced approach to the way we approach entrepreneurialism.

Is Busy Inevitable?

Ramon posed the question to Paul that we’re all asking ourselves: But are there different stages of business where you will you have to spend 2-3 years of sleepless nights?

“We develop habits that stick with us. If we learn to golf and our swing is poor in the beginning it takes a lot of work to correct it. Whereas if we started golfing with the right swing and the right habits from the beginning, then we’re in a good place,” states Paul.

There are times when you’re going to be busy, and that’s ok. But Paul reminds us that, “It’s ok that I’m busy sometimes. It’s not ok that I’m busy all the time. Being busy as a default state is very difficult to maintain in the long term.”

Paul Jarvis Encourages You to Say ‘No’

Part of managing how busy you are is learning to say, “no.” Not every opportunity deserves your attention. Paul shares that, “every opportunity has an associated cost, and I think sometimes opportunities are great and are well worth the cost, but sometimes they’re not.” We should be focusing on what opportunities makes the most sense for the business that we want to have. Could your time be spent better doing other things to serve your business and the direction you want it to go?

It can be downright scary to say no to opportunities. But Paul reminds us that, “it’s not personal to say ‘no’,” and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries for yourself and for your business. “If we don’t set boundaries in our own business, we’re left with the boundaries that other people set for us and that can be scary because it can be a line past what we are comfortable with.” For people pleasers, this can be one of the hardest things to overcome.

Being Satisfied—or Not

How often are we trying to keep up with the digital Joneses? In this day in age, it’s not the house or the car. It’s looking at everybody else’s company and thinking, “what’s their gross revenue, how many employees do they have?” Paul says the real question you should be asking is, “what kind of business do I want?” He also recommends combating the growth mentality at all costs.

While we do have to grow from the beginning to make our businesses sustainable and build revenue, there comes a point where we need to evaluate whether we have enough.  Paul explains that we need ego to start off. But, our ego doesn’t serve us when the point of growing our business is to sound important at a dinner party. “Am I running my business so I can sound good to other people, or am I running my business so that I can have a fulfilled life? That’s the counterbalance to keeping up with the Joneses.” He continues by asking, “what does success look like to you? 2 private jets or more time to spend washing your car?” It’s really about prioritizing what success looks like to you personally and using that as your measure. You won’t get very far if you are constantly chasing someone else’s version of success.

Fast Growth Businesses

Company of One isn’t meant to be literal, it’s meant to question growth and make you critically think about how much and what kind of growth makes sense for your business. Air B&B wouldn’t be a success if they only had two places in the whole world to book. Growth for them makes a lot of sense. If you’re planning an exit, it makes sense to grow as big as possible to sell for the highest amount. If you’re looking to be In it for 20 years, the goal is to keep your business lean as possible in order to have fewer expenses so you can be more profitable. Paul stresses that there is no perfect blueprint to be a successful company. In his book, he’s simply presenting businesses “tools to make better decisions in their business to get to the level of success that they actually want for themselves.”

Growth With a Purpose

The narrative for so long has been that growth in business is always good. But Paul says that that’s not always true. He shared that in a study by Startup Genome Project of 3,200 startups, 74% failed. They didn’t fail because of bad business plans or competition, but they failed because they scaled too quickly. “Unchecked growth or growth that doesn’t have a purpose doesn’t make sense and it’s damaging to our businesses in the long term. Growth [only] makes sense if there’s a purpose.”

The post Finding Purpose in Growing Your Small Business with Paul Jarvis appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53571
5 Ways You Can Use Technology to Learn From Business Failure https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2019/01/5-ways-use-technology-learn-business-failure.html/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 11:00:51 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=53531 Risk is inherent in the definition of an entrepreneur. The risk of business failure might not make the list of favorite topics among aspiring business leaders, but it is nonetheless vital to think about when entering the battlefield of high-stakes competition. In the world of entrepreneurship, it is essential to recognize that failure is possible […]

The post 5 Ways You Can Use Technology to Learn From Business Failure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Risk is inherent in the definition of an entrepreneur. The risk of business failure might not make the list of favorite topics among aspiring business leaders, but it is nonetheless vital to think about when entering the battlefield of high-stakes competition.

In the world of entrepreneurship, it is essential to recognize that failure is possible — it’s a common experience for business leaders. According to Statistic Brain, more than half of U.S. companies fail within five years. CB Insights lists the top three reasons for startups shutting down as no market need, running out of money, and not having the right team.

What sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who fail is the ability to evaluate mistakes and overcome them. To avoid becoming a cautionary statistic, entrepreneurs must learn from those experiences.

Failure Is Not the End

My career had humble beginnings. I started working an entry-level office job at my parents’ company, which allowed me to learn skills and perspectives that have helped me manage and relate to people with similar responsibilities.

While entrepreneurship definitely can be a rollercoaster — my own experiences support this — successful leaders must find ways to weather the highs and lows of business. Anxiety and depression are common among entrepreneurs, even when their startups are performing well. And when their companies fail, the fallout can be devastating.

Leaders in business have recently begun sharing their own experiences to break the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety, https://www.papsociety.org/xanax-alprazolam-1-mg/. Former MySpace VP Sean Percival shared an incredibly personal message on his website: “I was to the edge and back a few times this past year with my business and own depression. … If you’re about to lose it, please contact me.”

Every person processes emotions differently, but it’s universally crucial to take the time to recover after a business failure. When you do make a mistake, learn from your experiences. Decompress from the situation, be honest with yourself, and find ways to proceed down a more fruitful path.

The Good, the Bad, and the Successful

What distinguishes good entrepreneurs from bad entrepreneurs is how well they’re able to cast a critical eye toward their missteps. Business leaders must be willing and able to learn from their errors — even fatal ones.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Technology can be an incredible asset, particularly when entrepreneurs need help taking stock of what went right and wrong. Here are five useful tools that can help you learn from even the hardest of hard knocks:

  • Organization software
    Calculated risks are a vital component of business success. Free organization software applications allow you to remain organized and understand which risks are worthwhile. They can also help you maintain an orderly and efficient schedule.
  • Idea management
    As a leader, you need to maintain a team focus on the ideas that are most profitable so you don’t waste energy and resources. Tracking business goals can make you 80 percent more likely to achieve them. Make sure they are shareable and accessible for multiple users, which is easy thanks to tools like Google Drive and Evernote.
  • Money management
    When it comes to money management, the bottom line is to go online. Comprehensive accounting software, online invoicing services, and online tax services can all help you cut costs dramatically.
  • Collaborative tools
    Communication is critical in any company, and new technological tools allow you to bring your team together in creative ways. Webinars and online business training enable your team to stay on top of material without the need to travel. Teleconference calls, messaging platforms, and cloud storage all ensure streamlined communication and file access — unaffected by distance or remote working.
  • Pricing your product
    Many small businesses regret charging too little in the beginning. While some people assume more expensive products will attract needier clients, the opposite is true. Customers who monopolize support resources are often the ones looking for lower prices. The best way to research different conversion rates and pricing options is by using a tool like VWO or Optimizely.

By using these tools to identify and avoid missteps, you can correct any issues before they sink your ventures. During the process, remember that business setbacks are natural. The difference between those who succeed in the long run and those who do not is the ability to learn from those mistakes. Resiliency and self-care — along with using the best tools available — can earn you a substantial and sustainable business career.


Authored by:

DavidDisiere smallbiztechnology.comDavid Disiere is the founder and CEO of QEO Insurance Group, an agency that provides commercial transportation insurance to clients throughout the U.S. He is a highly successful entrepreneur who has launched business endeavors in the real estate, oil and gas, agriculture, and automotive sectors. David is equally passionate about philanthropy, and he works to help underprivileged children through the David & Teresa Disiere Foundation.

The post 5 Ways You Can Use Technology to Learn From Business Failure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
53531
6 Actionable Steps to Start Your Own Online Store https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/12/start-online-store.html/ Mon, 10 Dec 2018 14:00:31 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=52215 While some may tell you that starting an online store is rather simple, we’re here to offer actionable advice on how to start your online business on the right foot. We’ll let you know some trade secrets that will help you install a solid base for empire building. With increased competition, constantly changing algorithms and […]

The post 6 Actionable Steps to Start Your Own Online Store appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
While some may tell you that starting an online store is rather simple, we’re here to offer actionable advice on how to start your online business on the right foot. We’ll let you know some trade secrets that will help you install a solid base for empire building.

With increased competition, constantly changing algorithms and search engine rules, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) now requires much higher expertise to handle it.

Having realized this fact, many marketing companies like web developers, PR firms, web hosting companies, etc. – all which used to carry out their clients SEO processes (along with their specialized services) by themselves, now agree that SEO is a process that is better left to the specialists in the industry, thus, relieving the burden off their shoulders. But I will recommend you to go for that company, who can provide you White label PPC. According to experts, a white label PPC company can give you better result can compare to another companies like RankJacker.

Find Your Niche

While it’s always best to work in a niche you’re passionate about, not every entrepreneur knows what they want to sell and to whom. You shouldn’t despair if you don’t have a clue what type of online business you want to start.

According to this article, the selection of a product or niche is one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. With the right questions and a bit of brainstorming, the right idea (or ideas) will come sooner than you think.

Here are some of the questions that should put you on the right path:

  • Are you looking to attract only local audiences or do you want to go national/global?
  • What’s the main thing people complain about when it comes to services or products in your area?
  • Which commercial niche presents interest to you? (it’s always best to select a niche you know)
  • Can you improve upon the niche you select?
  • Is the niche popular on Google? (are people interested in searching products or services?)

These questions will help you get a rough idea of your skills and the possibility to be successful with sales as amazon.com is with the oscillating tool online sells.

Research, Research, Research

We can’t stress this enough! The research will provide the knowledge needed to understand the product/service and its audience.

You should start with online stores that sell a similar product or service, and reverse-engineer their marketing strategies. Also, learn from other successful online entrepreneurs who managed to replicate their initial success in other online businesses, click for source.

Next, learn about the market surrounding your chosen product/service and understand how the people who buy/use it think. Also, get in touch with the audience (using message boards, forums, blogs, and other tools) and ask for their opinion and feedback.

Furthermore, once the site is up and running, you will also have to invest in paid adds and online marketing strategies to tell the target audience about your new and exciting product. While it may sound a bit worrisome, the investments you’re making, in the beginning, are of paramount importance to the well-being of your online business in the future, so try to avoid skimping on quality. If you’re looking to try out solo ads anytime soon, make sure to try out Harshwardhan’s traffic at https://oursoloads.com/.

Producer or Reseller?

As a reseller, you work with a product (or products) that’s already been tested. Choose the right type of products, those that people are familiar with. Customers will sometimes buy based on the product’s reputation (which will help your site).

As a producer, you’ll also have to factor in production and storage costs. Not to mention, your marketing strategies have to be more extensive. However, if the product is well-received, the benefits are trifold towards the ones you get as a reseller.

So, before you start an online business, first understand the risks, costs, and rewards of each of these roles.

Define a Brand Persona

With the outline in mind, you can now move towards the next step, which is creating the e-commerce store.

The first step is to establish your brand’s persona (or personality). This is how customers will perceive the brand and it must be unique and strong, so it sticks with anyone who gets in contact. Employ a industry expert from companies like Eztuto who can assist in designing the perfect logo that will resonate with the color schemes and persona of your business. They take pain in understanding your business before getting into designing so have a look at their website.

For instance, Tesla is a brand well-known all over the world as being a bold rule-breaker and a pioneer in the field of engineering. Furthermore, they are often associated with Nikola Tesla, the famous kind-hearted inventor with a brilliant mind and a wonderful personality.

On the other side, Amazon is known to be the giant online retailer that’s easily available and accessible to anyone all over the world.

One interesting fact is that both businesses (Amazon and Tesla) were started from scratch by passionate people, who knew how to implement their vision of the future. And these are the kind of people from whom an online entrepreneur would have a lot to learn!

Bring Your Brand to Reality

Up until now, all the concepts we discussed border on the abstract. You have an idea and a brand persona, so it’s time to take steps towards more concrete elements such as a brand name and logo. Both should fit the brand persona and resonate with the target audience.

For example, Bella & Duke Dog Food is the brand of an online store selling dog food, but it’s also a commonly used dog name. As a result, it will resonate with dog owners and they will easily understand what the store is selling.

Store Setup

Armed with a name and logo, you’ve finally reached that step where your store can come to life using a domain name and suffix (.com, .net, .info, and so on). You’ll also need to invest in good hosting, select an e-commerce platform that fits your needs,  and hire a professional to build the e-commerce site of your dreams. If you’re looking for professional help to incorporate more internet marketing in your business, check https://www.alliancedmc.net/.

 

Authored by:

Stewart Dunlop is a full-time content marketer at Foundr and part-time reader, gamer & footballer in his free time. He enjoys sharing his thoughts on business, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

The post 6 Actionable Steps to Start Your Own Online Store appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
52215
Five Tips for Going Global. Is It Time To Sell Globally? Tips from FedEx Exec https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/12/five-tips-going-global.html/ Fri, 07 Dec 2018 19:00:26 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=52196 Now that the holiday season is upon us and consumers have the world at their fingertips, even the smallest of online businesses has the opportunity to “go global” with the click of a mouse after the seller list a Digital Price Tag on each of their items for sale. The idea of selling – and […]

The post Five Tips for Going Global. Is It Time To Sell Globally? Tips from FedEx Exec appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Now that the holiday season is upon us and consumers have the world at their fingertips, even the smallest of online businesses has the opportunity to “go global” with the click of a mouse after the seller list a Digital Price Tag on each of their items for sale. The idea of selling – and needing to ship – your goods internationally, however, is a big step and can be intimidating.

At FedEx, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many of our small business customers as they access the international marketplace and begin selling their goods overseas. I asked some of our customers to share their best advice on how to take their businesses to the next level by going global. Read what they had to say:

  1. If You Build It, They Will Come – Dana Donofree, founder of AnaOno, which makes comfortable clothing for women with breast cancer, was surprised by the demand from abroad when she launched her company. “I quickly learned that our international access is so important to getting solutions to customers around the world, and that borders shouldn’t stop us from doing just that,” Donofree said. Be prepared for international orders before they happen, so you can ship quickly and efficiently. This means getting familiar with export regulations, expected delivery times and required paperwork. Our grandmother was diagnosed with the last stage of bowel cancer, although she was treated all her life and constantly went to doctors for an appointment, performed all their recommendations and appointments. However… a diagnosis like this… doctors actively prescribed drugs, but it does not get easier, and painkillers do not help. Finally, they prescribed the drug Tramadol in pills. I bought a packing of 20 tablets of 100 mg at online pharmacy https://nygoodhealth.com/product/tramadol/, each pill with separation (that is, you can easily separate half, which I did, as there was no desire to immediately give the whole, as the addiction to this type of drugs comes inevitably.).. This is the first drug that really helped.
  2. Optimize Supply Chain to Limit Costs. Mike Wilson, founder of Catastrophic Creations, quickly learned that building out his supply chain could help reduce costs associated with shipping his heavy cat contraptions. “Expanding to international distribution has helped our brand grow in other countries,” he said.
  3. No Surprises! — Zack Fleishman, co-founder of Shark Wheel skateboard wheels, says small businesses must be as transparent as possible about additional taxes and fees incurred on cross-border transactions. “It is important to post a disclaimer on your website informing international customers that they may incur further charges from their country’s custom agency,” Fleishman said. Failure to do so “can lead to unhappy customers.” An ideal solution for this challenge is FedEx Cross Border, which uses software technology to simplify common cross-border selling challenges for e-tailers and provides customers information in their own currency and language within their shopping cart, reducing confusion and surprise customs costs.
  4. Take Advantage of Online Resources – Paul Pallas, CEO of SWISCO, urges small businesses to use free online tools and resources to simplify and enhance the customer experience. “We correspond with our overseas customers primarily through email and we use Google Translate to help us communicate in the customer’s own language. It makes the whole experience easier and more positive for the customer” said Pallas. “International address checking tools, like the one FedEx offers, are also helpful. They allow us to verify we have the most accurate shipping address so the customer doesn’t face any unnecessary or unexpected delays.”There are many platforms which gives review about products and services.You can approach one of the best review website for your products.
  5. #DoItForTheGram – Scott Loeser, founder and maker at Marked Leather said Instagram helped him to connect with international customers. “Because of social media I’ve seen traffic from other countries, including shoppers from Japan and Russia.” Review your social media and website analytics to see if international shoppers are visiting your site and where they are leaving in the purchase funnel.

Authored by:

Scott Harkins Global Shipping SmallbiztechnologyScott Harkins is the Senior Vice President of Customer Channel Marketing at FedEx, leading the Customer Engagement Marketing, Digital Marketing, Retail Marketing and Global Marketing Foundations teams. He also oversees the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, which has awarded more than $548,000 in grants and prizes since 2013 to passionate entrepreneurs. Prior to his current role, Scott was the Vice President of Strategy and Product Management at FedEx. He was responsible for domestic product management, new product development and strategic marketing. Scott also served as the marketing director at FedEx Kinko’s (now FedEx Office) where he was responsible for planning, developing and implementing strategies, promotions and customer communications focused on growing FedEx Kinko’s revenue.

 

The post Five Tips for Going Global. Is It Time To Sell Globally? Tips from FedEx Exec appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
52196
An Inside Look at the Capital One Small Business Growth Index: Results That Can Improve Your Hiring Retention https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/12/capital-one-small-business-growth-index-results-improve-hiring-retention.html/ Thu, 06 Dec 2018 14:15:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=52169 Last month, Capital One released their Small Business Growth Index, a biannual survey of 500 small business owners that evaluates attitudes towards individual business growth, industry conditions, and the economy as a whole. Based on the survey, we reported on the most significant issues facing small business owners today. Last month, we shared with you […]

The post An Inside Look at the Capital One Small Business Growth Index: Results That Can Improve Your Hiring Retention appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Last month, Capital One released their Small Business Growth Index, a biannual survey of 500 small business owners that evaluates attitudes towards individual business growth, industry conditions, and the economy as a whole. Based on the survey, we reported on the most significant issues facing small business owners today.

Last month, we shared with you that small business owners are
●more optimistic than ever,
●concerned about economic policies,
●struggling to hire.

The Struggle to Hire

The struggle to attain and retain employees is one that must be analyzed and discussed. After all, trained, trusted employees (or lack thereof) can make or break a small business.

More small business owners plan to hire than ever before.
●One third (33%) of small business owners plan to hire within the next 6 months (up from 25% one year ago)
●Of the small businesses who plan to hire, 69% plan to hire full-time employees, 44% plan to hire part-time employees, and 21% will hire contractors or freelancers.

While small businesses intend to hire, they are plagued by difficulties in attaining and retaining employees and are challenged by skills gaps and competition from bigger businesses. As tax legislation changes to allow larger corporations to deduct more expenses than smaller businesses, bigger businesses are increasingly able to offer benefits that small businesses are not able to afford. As a result, qualified employees are leaving small businesses for their larger competition that can offer them better benefits and a heftier paycheck, or dismissing small businesses when it comes to job-seeking in the first place.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of small business owners say their biggest competition when hiring and retaining employees is bigger businesses who can offer more robust benefits packages. \

The Skills Gap

As a result of these hiring difficulties due to competition from larger businesses, it is increasingly difficult to find workers with specific skill sets, and small businesses do not have the same resources to train workers that larger corporations have.

According to small business owners, the top factors impacting their ability to hire are:
● The skills gap (cited by 34% of small business owners)
Competition from other businesses (cited by 30% of small business owners)
Financial resources (cited by 30% of small business owners)
The tight labor market (cited by 28% of small business owners)

Retention and Benefits

In addition to hiring, retention and benefits are top of mind in today’s tight labor market.

Retention

While the increase in desire to hire can be partially attributed to company expansion due to increased economic growth, it can also be attributed to an increase in voluntary attrition. Over the past 6 months, 6% of small business owners have experienced an increase in voluntary termination. At the same time, that small businesses are thinking about growing their workforce, they also must replace their depleting existing workforce. As they struggle to hire, fully operate, and expand at the same time, this puts heightened pressure on their existing employees, who then, in turn, are more likely to leave in search of the better benefits larger corporations can offer.

Benefits

Benefits, or lack thereof, are an important factor when it comes to hiring and retention, especially in an environment in which small businesses are at a disadvantage to larger corporations.

According to small business owners in the Capital One Small Business Growth Index,
90% of small business owners with 2 or more employees offer benefits of some kind
68% of small business owners who offer benefits are confident that their package is competitive
The most offered benefit is employee training (67%)

Some other benefits that are frequently offered include:
paid time off (offered by 57% of small businesses)
flexible work hours/work from home (offered by 47% of small businesses)

Fifteen percent of small business owners have already changed their benefits packages to be more competitive, while 9% have plans to change them in the near future.

This data raises the question, how can small businesses combat this disadvantage and meet the challenge of hiring and retention head-on?

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Benefits

Your employees definitely aren’t underestimating the importance of benefits. They’re probably very aware of more competitive packages from your larger competitors.

But the news isn’t all bad!

If they work for you, they’re there for a reason. What is that reason? The culture of a smaller, more comfortable environment? The flexible work hours? If you can pinpoint why the employees you do have are staying, you can lean into that as a strength, and use it to retain your existing employees and attract new, similar employees who are more likely to stay.

Use The Money You Save to Keep Employees Happy

Your employees are the backbone of the company. You might be the driving force behind your operation, but without happy, dedicated workers, your business cannot function.

Read about the Capital One Spark credit cards and how small business owners who saved 2% on all purchases used their savings to offer benefits to employees, here. (insert link)

Give Your Employees Autonomy to Increase Satisfaction

Employee retention is directly correlated to employee satisfaction. Money is not the driving force behind employee satisfaction. If you cannot provide the same monetary benefits as your larger competitors, rest easy.

Instead, give your employees more autonomy. Workers are more engaged and more satisfied when they have more accountability and decision-making opportunities regarding their own responsibilities.

Engage, Respect and Appreciate Your Employees

Company environment is one of the primary reasons employees choose to remain within an organization. Some primary factors that contribute to company culture are engagement, respect, and appreciation.

To keep your employees engaged,
Foster an emotional connection between your employees and the work they are doing.
Motivate them by pinpointing their passion, and connecting it with your vision.

To make your employees feel respected,
Recognize their accomplishments.
Take every complaint or criticism seriously, and make sure they know you are taking them seriously.

Finally, appreciate your employees on an individual level.
Make sure they know that you care about them, not just their results.
Go out of your way to ask about how they are, and offer personal treatment when they need help.
● In a small business, it is important to treat your employees like family in some ways. This is something larger corporations cannot do.

Published in partnership with Capital One.

The post An Inside Look at the Capital One Small Business Growth Index: Results That Can Improve Your Hiring Retention appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
52169
You’ve Been Fired. How To Start Your Own Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/12/fired-start-your-own-business-gm-workers.html/ Mon, 03 Dec 2018 23:19:40 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=52144 So you’ve worked at GM (General Motors) for years and just found out that you’re getting fired. Nearly 15,000 workers just heard this news. What are your options? Live off the buyout package. Get another job. Start your own business. Use the unexpected turn in your career to do something great! Perhaps you’ve always wanted […]

The post You’ve Been Fired. How To Start Your Own Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
So you’ve worked at GM (General Motors) for years and just found out that you’re getting fired. Nearly 15,000 workers just heard this news. What are your options? Live off the buyout package. Get another job. Start your own business.

Use the unexpected turn in your career to do something great! Perhaps you’ve always wanted to start your own business, but you were comfortable at your job and the pay was good. But, now you’ve been forced out of your comfort zone. Time to turn lost job lemons into lemonade. This might be the perfect time to take the next step in becoming your own boss and to commit to building the your own business.

Building a business is no small feat.

The good news is, according to the Small Business Administration, there are 29.7 million small business owners in the United States.

Many have walked this road before you and have been successful, which means you can be a successful small business owner too. If you do choose to start your own business, here are the answers to a few questions you may be asking yourself:

1. What am I skilled at?

Take an inventory of your professional skills and determine 2 or 3 things that you do best. Think about things that you do better than anyone else. This can be the foundation or a “hint” of what you might want to consider selling. You have years of knowledge and experience in your HEAD. Someone, some company, needs that skill set. You have to sell it to them. Some skill ideas?

    • Finance.
    • Project management.
    • Design.
    • Baking.
    • Crafts.
    • Marketing.
    • Programming.
    • Logistics.

2. What am I passionate about?

Maybe you’re skilled at finance but you hate it. Can you find the right combination of what you’re skilled at and also excited about doing? As you start and grow your small business you’ll want to get out of bed EXCITED about the workday that lies ahead. Write down a list of what you enjoy doing and cross check it with your list of skills. Where do things intersect?

3. What problem can I solve?

For example, a hotel solves the problem of safe accommodation for people away from their homes. A speech therapist helps those struggling with communication to learn to communicate better…etc. Are you equipped to solve a problem better than those already doing it? Is the demand for your product or service great enough?

4. How can I market my small business?

Sales is the ONLY way to have a successful business. You must have a plan to GET new customers and have customers as repeat buyers and who will refer business to you. Write on a piece of paper what your ideal customer will look like.

  • What’s the DEMOGRAPHIC profile (how they look, where they live, how old they are, their socioeconomic level, their education level, etc.)
  • What’s their PSYCHOGRAPHIC profile (how they think and act). Seth Godin says it best, “people like us do things like this.”

Now that you have these 1, 2 or 3 types of customers in mind – go FIND them.

  • Where are they?
  • Busy moms dropping off kids at daycare centers?
  • Single wealthy females?
  • Older men looking to sell their companies?

There are lots of ways you can market your new business. Word of mouth (tell everyone!). Ask for referrals. Have business cards, a good website, and social platforms. Test buying advertising on Google search or a social media platform.

5. Business operations

Business is not that complicated, but yet it is. Here’s what I mean: To succeed at business, at the most basic level, you need to understand the basics of marketing, business finance, and operations. Here are a few things to consider:

  • How will you make and deliver what you’re selling? Whatever you’re selling, how will you deliver it to the customer? Are you going to do consulting? Creating an online course? Go to the offices of your clients? How will you create and deliver your product or service? If you have a product business and you’re manufacturing it, you’ll need to REALLY study the entire business of manufacturing, fulfillment, supply chain…etc.!
  • What’s the cost? Knowing how much to sell your product/service for is important. Price is a function of your brand position in the marketing – the $5,000 Tiffany’s ring or the $279 Walmart ring. Also, it’s about your profit margin and ensuring you’re MAKING money on each sale.

6. Business Legal Entity

It’s important that you establish a business legal entity – LLC or S Corp so you can have some shield of protection to separate your BUSINESS from yourself personally and your family. Also, set up a separate business bank account.

7. Your Team

You might start out by being a solo entrepreneur but as you get further along, you’ll need a team to help you scale and better serve your customers. I’ve found that for very small businesses (which I am) as opposed to those who are growing to a 50, 100 or 2,000 person company, you should at the very least have an executive assistant to help you. For other things, you can easily work with freelancers for specific needs such as design, marketing, and content.

8. Get Help Starting Your Own Business

If you’re new to business, and not sure where to start or what to do, take the time to visit SCORE.ORG at one of their hundreds of offices or online. They offer free help to get your business started with personal mentoring and coaching. Another great resource is your local ASBDC (Small Business Development Centers) which offers free counseling and low-cost training to new entrepreneurs.

9. Resources and Quick Tips

Personal branding

It’s important to market your small business and yourself (especially if you’re doing coaching or consulting). While your business’s brand is, of course, important, as a very small business, it’s even MORE important to focus on your personal brand. Here are some great resources on how to build your personal brand:

    1. Black Enterprise
    2. Smart Hustle

Marketing assets

One of the most important things you can do when starting or growing a business is to get your information out there. Luckily, in the digital world we live in, there are so many tools you can use to ensure your small business thrives. Here are just a few:

    1. Business cards – Moo.com, VistaPrint, Staples
    2. Websites – Wix or Squarespace
    3. Customer relationship software – Zoho, Salesforce Essentials, Infusionsoft
    4. Social platforms – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Check out Ramon’s talk on social media marketing for some really helpful ways to use social media to market your business, here.

Finances

In order to have a successful business, at the end of the day, you need to know where your money is going. But, managing your small business account doesn’t have to be hard. There are software programs out there like QuickBooks, Freshbooks, Xero…etc, that basically do the work for you, and investing in one is a wise decision every small business owner should consider. Along with a software program, if money isn’t your thing, get help! Start with a sort of “Business Finances 101” to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Score.org has a ton of financial resources to take some of the stress out of crunching the numbers, here.

Hiring

If you’re looking to expand your team, Upwork is one of the best platforms for finding freelance professionals to help you grow your business. Find someone for a one-time website update, or find a long-term freelancer to help manage your social media accounts, marketing, or blog content production.

The post You’ve Been Fired. How To Start Your Own Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
52144
5 Surefire Ways You Can Let Your Company Go Under https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/5-surefire-ways-let-your-company-go-under.html/ Fri, 30 Nov 2018 12:39:19 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=52086 There is no shortage of examples of companies that went belly-up. Broadly speaking, some companies go under because of technology disruption. Some failed because they were highly leveraged. Others flamed out because of third-world competition. But as a CEO there are 5 sure-fire ways you can kill the company: 1. Believe your sales team when […]

The post 5 Surefire Ways You Can Let Your Company Go Under appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
There is no shortage of examples of companies that went belly-up. Broadly speaking, some companies go under because of technology disruption. Some failed because they were highly leveraged. Others flamed out because of third-world competition. But as a CEO there are 5 sure-fire ways you can kill the company:

1. Believe your sales team when they tell you things will get better next quarter or next year.

This is sales-speak for they don’t know what’s wrong and just buys them more time to find another job. I watch orders like a hawk. Every single day I get an orders report and if there is a material decline from the normal run rate or budget, I start asking questions.

2. Believe your sales team when they tell you they can’t raise prices.

Sales people will always tell you that because they don’t want to have an uncomfortable conversation with their golf-buddy customers. Sometimes you can’t raise prices if you have a commodity and lots of low-cost competition. But raise them where you can. And raise them at least once a year. Don’t let your customer get used to living in a no price increase world.

3. Believe your marketing people when they tell you the market has no room for new products.

That is marketing speak for they have no idea. The reason they have no idea is that they only consider products the company is capable of developing. In other words, “same old, same old”. No market wants “same old, same old” If that is all you have it is time to radically restructure your company so it can launch “new to the world” products.

4. Trust in the old adage “the company has been around for 100 years and will be for another 100.”

Just look at the biggest companies at the turn of the century that have gone out of business. In fact, only two companies from the Forbes 1917 list of largest public companies are still around-AT&T and General Electric. And look what has happened to GE. If the venerable GE could crumble, you better bet your company could too.

5. Keep your Board and employees in “happy-land”.

Happy-land is a place where everyone is well, happy. Happy-land looks like this: Margins are good and always will be. The competition is on the run. Demand for our products will always be there. The future looks good in happy-land because that is what people want to believe. Don’t let them. Living in happy-land is a recipe for disaster. Always remember this: Just because you are paranoid does not mean someone is not out to get you. So be paranoid. And keep reminding your stakeholders of the danger that is ever present in the world of business.

Bottom line, the way to avert the possibility of failing is by constantly changing and improving by investing in new products and developing new markets. It is inevitable that the markets and products you’re in today won’t even exist in 10 years. So don’t stay there and don’t go under, evolve.

Authored By:

Go Under SmallbiztechnologySteven L. Blue is the President & CEO of Miller Ingenuity, an innovative company revolutionizing traditional safety solutions for railway workers, and author of the new book, Metamorphosis: From Rust-Belt to High-Tech in a 21st Century World. For more information, please visit www.StevenLBlue.com, www.milleringenuity.com and connect with Blue on Twitter, @StevenLBlue.

The post 5 Surefire Ways You Can Let Your Company Go Under appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
52086
Success Starts With the Right Team https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/success-starts-with-the-right-team.html/ Fri, 16 Nov 2018 16:52:29 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51993 As you plan your new business, no matter the service or product that you offer, your most important task is assembling your team. By determining the necessary key departments and choosing the best people, your business has the chance to thrive, because each component needed for your success is covered. Neglecting even one of these […]

The post Success Starts With the Right Team appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As you plan your new business, no matter the service or product that you offer, your most important task is assembling your team. By determining the necessary key departments and choosing the best people, your business has the chance to thrive, because each component needed for your success is covered. Neglecting even one of these parts has the potential to have a devastating impact on your business’ future. Some of the key areas to consider are marketing, customer service, human resources, accounting, and operations management. Each of these departments touches upon a separate component but ultimately brings the entire organization together, like spokes on a wheel.

You Can’t Have One Without the Other

Imagine a company without anyone to run it. Picture a counter without anyone to help the customer. Every position has a powerful impact on what happens within a company. It all starts with the marketing department. This is the component that brings your customers in the door interested in what you have to offer. Once the client is at the door your customer service kicks in.

Customer service, which usually falls squarely on the shoulders of your employees, can make or break your business just by how they represent you to your clients. Where do you get those valuable employees?

The human relations officer hires, monitors, and meets the needs of the employees who represent your company. This department recruits the right candidates and then ensures they are happy and that their needs are being met so they remain loyal to your company’s policies and goals.

The finance officer runs the accounting department that handles all of the receivables and payables that keep the flow of money pumping throughout the company, which literally is the life-blood. This department makes sure payroll is available as well as the capital to keep the business running.

The role of the operations manager in an organization holds all of these positions together and keeps them accountable. This position ensures that all of the other departments are running smoothly and effectively.

You Can Do It All

So what if your company isn’t that big or you are strictly an online operation? What if you are the only person running your business and there aren’t any other employees? Well, those roles still need to be filled. Whether it’s you, putting on a different hat for each position, or hiring a full staff, those positions must be met. If it’s just you, then

  • Get your name out there and promote your business.
  • You are the face and voice of your company.
  • Ensure you provide adequate health care and time off for your needs.
  • Handle the receipts and pay the bills, as well as your own salary.
  • Stand back and watch all of the pieces working together as you operate your business and giving each position its necessary time and energy by appropriately splitting your time.

Ultimately, it’s up to you, whatever the size or nature of your business. As you plan and go forward, assess your needs and what you want to handle yourself or hire someone else to take over for you. As your business grows, who handles these positions can change and adapt to your success, but the need for them never goes away. Plan accordingly, putting each piece into place and build the perfect team to fit your needs.

The post Success Starts With the Right Team appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51993
Facebook’s Tools for Mentorship, Hiring and Education https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/facebooks-tools-mentorship-hiring-education.html/ Wed, 14 Nov 2018 23:40:59 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51962 A lot of things are important to the success of business owners and professionals overall. This week, Facebook highlighted three relatively new service offerings in the areas of mentor-ship, hiring, and education from Trilogy Education Services. Facebook Group Mentorship Support Over 200 million people are in Facebook Groups, that’s a lot of discussion going on. […]

The post Facebook’s Tools for Mentorship, Hiring and Education appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
A lot of things are important to the success of business owners and professionals overall. This week, Facebook highlighted three relatively new service offerings in the areas of mentor-ship, hiring, and education from Trilogy Education Services.

Facebook Group Mentorship Support

Over 200 million people are in Facebook Groups, that’s a lot of discussion going on. In fact, I have my own Smart Hustle Group here.

The power of groups is that the members have “raised their hands”, as it were, indicating a deeper relationship with the group’s theme. This is important to Facebook.

To further enhance the groups, Facebook launched a mentorship component, now available within groups. With its recent announcement, Facebook is enabling mentors and mentees to find each other and group admins can make the match happen.

People want to connect, people want to get help, and people want to GIVE help.  A Preschool Program for Toddlers in your education center can help increase appreciation and participation in your group.

Facebook Job Program

In addition, Facebook strengthened its jobs program, which it launched in 2017. Today, businesses can share their jobs on their company pages and in their groups. If you’ve built a following on Facebook and are leveraging groups to build deeper engagement with your customers and prospective customers, Facebook jobs can be a great way to hire staff who already are a fit for your company culture and understand and support your missions and values.

There’s an obvious question: do you go with LinkedIn or with Facebook?

I think that’s the WRONG question. For sure LinkedIn is a leading portal for all things recruitment and hiring. HOWEVER, for us small business owners who are using Facebook to connect and build relationships with our customers and our community – Facebook could be the better option.

Remember: when hiring, your website, friends, existing customers, and employees are “agents of recruiting” for your business!

Learn Facebook: Skill Enhancement Platform

One more announcement is Learn Facebook. Just learning how to “use Facebook” is not enough. In this digital economy young professional and mid-career professionals must learn new skills and fine-tune the ones they already have. Learn Facebook is Facebook’s portal to learning more about how to leverage the tools of the digital economy for your life and your business.

The post Facebook’s Tools for Mentorship, Hiring and Education appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51962
The 4 Most Vital Hires When Starting Your New Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/the-4-most-vital-hires-when-starting-your-new-business.html/ Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:45:14 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51927 When a business starts off from its nascent stage, it is usually a one-person show. The founder of the company will find themselves concentrating on the responsibilities of a CFO one day, figuring out the ways to procure outside financing, and the very next day they might be hit with tasks like cold calling or […]

The post The 4 Most Vital Hires When Starting Your New Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
When a business starts off from its nascent stage, it is usually a one-person show. The founder of the company will find themselves concentrating on the responsibilities of a CFO one day, figuring out the ways to procure outside financing, and the very next day they might be hit with tasks like cold calling or handling telephone calls and gathering sales leads. All small business owners are able to multitask and take on the lion’s share of the work but usually before it gets too tiring, they start hiring new people for different tasks. Even if this means increased costs, hiring is necessary in order to grow the business. If you’re looking to learn about some of the best apps for making hires, there are tons to go through till you find the right one suited for your business needs.

Apart from creating an IT department which offers IT services and which forms the lifeblood of the company, there are many other departments to create and people to hire. Here are few of the vital hires a business owner should focus on.

1. Marketing officer

As soon as the business owner has a clear idea goal in mind, they should hire a marketer who will be a person who has an expert knowledge on targeting customers and informing them why they should use a specific service or product. You should hire someone who is able to not only see through your vision and articulate it, but someone who can manifest it in media. A diverse approach to marketing significantly improves a company’s image. Later on, as the business grows, it’s possible a marketing team might be needed but when you’re starting off, only one person is necessary to focus on marketing.

2. Product manager

Before the businesses gain traction, they should hire an expert who has a thorough knowledge of the services and products. The founder of the company can still be involved in the decision-making process of course, and they should also have enough control on it to give the best option to the customer. You need to have someone in your company with enough of a pulse on adding value to the product that you’re selling.

3. Accountant

Regardless of whether the work is being performed by a part-time employee or a contractor, accounting is one more task which the owners should never perform. Once the business obtains a certain size, they should hire the good Perth accountants who can help them with accounting and financial management tasks. Instead of worrying about accounting, get things done by hiring an expert who has had at least few years of previous experience.

Therefore, while you start off with your own company, you need to make sure you hire the right people who can let your company grow with time. Focus on the people mentioned above first.

Published in partnership with NetSwat

4. Customer care representative

There are several small business organizations which avoid the department called customer service. Rather than supporting the clients who are already there and retaining their business within the company, the business owners handle customer service issues during their leisure time, thereby devoting their money somewhere else. It is vital to take care of the existing customers with quality customer service so that you can both bring in new customers and keep your current customers.

The post The 4 Most Vital Hires When Starting Your New Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51927
US Military Veterans Apply Extensive Experience to Franchise Ownership https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/us-military-veterans-apply-extensive-experience-to-franchise-ownership.html/ Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:35:25 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51900 If you were a US military veteran returning home from service, what would you do with your life? Would you continue working in the military? Or would you find a different career? It turns out that many veterans choose a career that involves owning a franchise or working in a franchise business making us recommend […]

The post US Military Veterans Apply Extensive Experience to Franchise Ownership appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
If you were a US military veteran returning home from service, what would you do with your life? Would you continue working in the military? Or would you find a different career? It turns out that many veterans choose a career that involves owning a franchise or working in a franchise business making us recommend to all this article about learn about how to start your own tutoring business.

When I was kid, i always wonder about the medal and coins of the army. I love the collection of veterans having Challenge Coins. First of  all let’s discuss about honorary challenge coins about miliatary. Chаllеngе соіnѕ еxіѕt for brаnсhеѕ оf thе military as well аѕ оthеr organizations. The most common аrе made fоr the U.S. Armу, Nаvу, Aіr force аnd Marines. Thе bеlіеf is thаt сhаllеngе соіn originated wіth thе Armу Aіr squadron durіng World Wаr I. Since that time thе coin hаѕ bееn used for mаnу рurроѕеѕ. Nowadays Some of the firms are also selling challenge coins for sale as well for the gift purpose or token to the veterans on special occasion.

Challenge coins are more рrесіоuѕ thаn one саn іmаgіnе – they uѕuаllу wоrth a соuрlе оf buсkѕ, but thеу hаvе a ѕеntіmеntаl vаluе nо one can еvаluаtе.  In 2007, there were about 66,000 franchises owned by veterans having wonderful collection of challenge coins, which was 14% of all franchises in the United States, according to the Census Bureau and the Small Business Owner survey.

Continually growing numbers

Between 2011 and 2014, those numbers continue to be valid as over 5,600 veterans decided to own a franchise. An additional 200,000 veterans started careers in a franchise during that same time. The International Franchise Association found that franchise ownership works well for veterans because of their training and experience.

Why franchises work for veterans

Military veterans find franchises to be good professional fits because of their leadership. As a franchise owner, veterans get to work with employees, assign and complete tasks, and follow professional models as created by the franchisees. Veterans who own a franchise are able to be their own bosses and work independently, but they still have a support system to help them find success. Owning a franchise often feels like being a part of a team, which also fits nicely with military training. Thеrе аrе ѕо mаnу people languishing іn jails аnd prisons аll оvеr thе world bесаuѕе thеу hаvе bееn falsely accused оf a crime thаt thеу hаvе nо knowledge оf. Thоѕе whо аrе іn thе military аnd аrе bеіng investigated, оr hаvе bееn charged wіth a crime, wіll need tо know thеіr rights аnd аlѕо know whаt tо expect. Wіth thе help оf a competent civilian military attorney, thеѕе accused military service personnel саn count оn having a fighting chance іn court.

Popular franchise brands for veterans

Not surprisingly, many veterans choose franchises that focus on skills they learned in the military. In fact, 14 of 120 the Moran Family of Brands automotive repair franchises are owned by vets. The Moran Family of Brands actually offers veterans a discount of $5,000 on their franchise fee if they choose to partner with them.

Another brand that works closely with veterans is AdvantaClean. This franchise provides household services like cleaning up water damage, removing and remediating mold, and cleaning air ducts, too. According to a blog post on AdvantaClean’s website, nearly 15% of their franchises are owned by veterans. The hands-on work and problem-solving at customers’ homes makes AdvantaClean a popular choice with veterans who get to use their skills to help people.

Veterans also like to work in the restaurant business and many have found the Hwy 55 franchise a good choice for them. Like the Moran Family of Businesses, Hwy 55 offers a discount off of franchise fees for veterans. One of the Hwy 55 franchise veteran franchise owners is Kevin Adcock who fought in the Iraq War. He and his wife, Fran, appreciated the support that Hwy 55 offered for them. They were one of the 5,600+ veterans who decided to open a franchise between 2011 and 2014.

Get to know VetFran

Since 1991, military veterans and franchise owners have found support on VetFran, the strategic initiative with the International Franchise Association. This group ensures that veterans have equal access to information and opportunities regarding franchises in the United States. The organization has a network of over 650 brands that provide significant opportunities for veterans. Many offer discounts on franchise fees as well as thorough training and strong mentorship programs for veterans who choose to partner with them.

The post US Military Veterans Apply Extensive Experience to Franchise Ownership appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51900
News: Business Owners Rank Their Top Issues Going into Midterm Elections https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/news-business-owners-rank-top-issues-midterm-elections.html/ Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:55:10 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51834 With midterm elections on Tuesday, November 6th, business owners are letting Americans know what their top issues are before they even head to the polls. Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of human capital management solutions to include payroll, benefits, insurance, and human resources services for small and medium-sized businesses, polled 600 business owners to rank […]

The post News: Business Owners Rank Their Top Issues Going into Midterm Elections appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
With midterm elections on Tuesday, November 6th, business owners are letting Americans know what their top issues are before they even head to the polls. Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of human capital management solutions to include payroll, benefits, insurance, and human resources services for small and medium-sized businesses, polled 600 business owners to rank their top voting issues concerning their business for the upcoming 2018 midterm elections. Companies polled employed from 1-500 personnel. Here are the results:

  • It’s not really a surprise that economic growth ranks #1 on the list for small and medium-sized business owners. 25% of business owners polled ranked it as their most important issue, while 63% ranked economic growth among their top three most important issues.
  • Taxes came in a close second, with 23% of respondents ranking taxes as their most important issue and 62% placed it in their top three.
  • In third place falls Healthcare with 20% identifying it as their top issue and it was in the top three of 48% of respondents.
  • In order of importance, wage legislation (i.e. minimum wage laws, overtime rules, and pay equity) (26%), immigration (23%), foreign trade and tariffs (21%), and mandatory paid sick/family leave laws (14%) subsequently followed.

Business size impacted how important certain issues are to business owners:

  • Business owners who employ more people typically ranked wage legislation and mandatory paid sick/family leave laws in their top three issues. 26% of business owners with less than 19 employees ranked wage legislation in their top three most important issues. 48% of owners that employed between 20-99 personnel and 46% who employed 100-500 employees also ranked wage legislation in their top three.
  • Conversely, business owners with fewer employees ranked mandatory paid sick/family leave laws at a lower rate than business owners who employ more personnel. The topic ranked last on the list for businesses with 1-19 employees at 13%, while 35% of businesses who employed 20-99 and 100-500 ranked the issue in their top three.

The survey also revealed how top issues are ranking according to different demographics:

  • According to region, the South, Midwest, and Northeast fell in line with the National trend in selecting economic growth, taxes, and healthcare in their top three issues. The West differed slightly, favoring government regulation and complexity above healthcare as the third most important issue.
  • Similarly, both male and female business owners selected economic growth and taxes as their top two issues. However, male business owners selected government regulation and complexity third, while female business owners ranked healthcare as the third most important issue.

While we won’t know how the results of the poll will hold up during the midterm elections, the numbers give preliminary insight into the priorities of American small and medium-sized business owners. Paychex president and CEO, Martin Mucci states,

“Though every business is unique, there are universal issues that impact all businesses’ abilities to grow and thrive. Economic growth, taxes, where to buy isotretinoin online and healthcare are among these…Each of these issues has seen legislative activity since the 2016 election, and many business owners will be reflecting on the impact those changes are having on their business to help inform how they’ll vote in November.”

To follow up on the results, check out the in-depth analysis session that Paychex is hosting where noted columnist Gene Marks, Paychex director of compliance risk Mike Trabold, and Paychex government relations manager Thad Inge will focus on what the results of midterm elections mean for the future of small and medium-sized businesses.

The post News: Business Owners Rank Their Top Issues Going into Midterm Elections appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51834
Actress and Entrepreneur Nikki Reed Shares Her Insights on Sustainability, Tech, and Design https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/11/actress-entrepreneur-nikki-reed-shares-insights-sustainability-tech-and-design.html/ Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:29:04 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51817 I recently attended the Fast Company Innovation Festival, sponsored by Dell and other amazing companies. One of the panels I attended, in partnership with Dell, featured Nikki Reed, a former actress and founder of Bayou with Love, a fashion brand with a focus on sustainable development. Also, on the panel was Senthil Balasubramanian of Sistine […]

The post Actress and Entrepreneur Nikki Reed Shares Her Insights on Sustainability, Tech, and Design appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
I recently attended the Fast Company Innovation Festival, sponsored by Dell and other amazing companies. One of the panels I attended, in partnership with Dell, featured Nikki Reed, a former actress and founder of Bayou with Love, a fashion brand with a focus on sustainable development. Also, on the panel was Senthil Balasubramanian of Sistine Solar and David Lear, head of Sustainable Development at Dell.

Here’s what I learned:

While we all care, to varying degrees, about the planet, sustainability, and ensuring we’re good stewards of it, it’s not  always easy to do, and we don’t always do our part. It’s important that creators, engineers, and designers all do their best to make products that look great. People sometimes need to be enticed to use a product, not only because it is good for the planet but indeed because it looks good as well.

To get people to get out of their comfort zones, said Nikki, you sometimes have to do something that turns their heads.

Aesthetics Go a Long Way

As businesses look to create products that are better for the planet and supporting sustainability,  they have to be designed with the consumer in mind. In essence, the advice is: build products that people will WANT. Senthil shared how his company could just make solar panels, but instead, they want to make solar panels that LOOK great on your home and that others will want to have as well. You can check solarkraft to know more about renewable energy.

Senthil said that “sustainability and aesthetics go hand in hand”.

Be Resourceful

David shared that as Dell creates products and product packaging, they work hard to ensure that the products they’re making today can be used (or reused) in the future. Dell’s product packaging, for example, is made to be re-used or recycled.

In fact, Dell’s partnership with Nikki Reed is all about re-use. Inside of Dell’s computers, and that of every other computer and electronic gadget, there’s gold on the electronic circuitry. When recycled in large quantities this can add up to a lot of gold. Nikki’s partnership with Dell lets her take this gold and use it in her jewelry.

Social Research

Other insights from the panel included Nikki sharing that she has access to an advanced research tool where she can get insights from millions of people. It’s called “social media”. Leverage the power of social media and other listening tools to LISTEN to your customers.

Money Isn’t Everything

Senthil shared that difficult times can be great opportunities. When he first started his company he didn’t have all the funding he needed. However, he and his team thought “what can we make with the funds we have” and hence the line of good look solar panels was born.

Overall, Dell’s panel shows that smaller business can do big things. It just takes the desire to do so, being purposeful about it, and listening to and educating your customers.

The post Actress and Entrepreneur Nikki Reed Shares Her Insights on Sustainability, Tech, and Design appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51817
How to Leverage Technology for Growth with Torani’s Head of IT https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/how-to-leverage-technology-for-growth-with-toranis-head-of-it.html/ Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:00:18 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51738 Sylvie Mwila Jonath, Head of IT for Torani, gives us “a taste” of what it looks like when a business grows and how important it is to leverage technology to grow. Torani, known nationwide for making delicious flavored syrups, was founded in 1925 and is a third generation, family-owned business. Sylvie shared with us that […]

The post How to Leverage Technology for Growth with Torani’s Head of IT appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Sylvie Mwila Jonath, Head of IT for Torani, gives us “a taste” of what it looks like when a business grows and how important it is to leverage technology to grow. Torani, known nationwide for making delicious flavored syrups, was founded in 1925 and is a third generation, family-owned business. Sylvie shared with us that the company has grown leaps and bounds since its inception and has witnessed double-digit growth in the past 10 years alone. But, such rapid growth, “comes with all kinds of complexity, you can imagine,” Sylvie stated.

We asked Sylvie what technology Torani is currently using. On the back end, she told us Torani utilizes Oracle which allows them to connect all of the functions within the organization. To connect and interact with their customers, Torani uses Salesforce as a CRM.

She also gave us some great advice about growing a business, “the best way to scale it is to leverage technology.” Here are some of the top ways Sylvie recommends using technology in scaling your business:

Engagement

Technology allows companies to engage with their customers but it also enables companies to collaborate within the company. Sylvie projected that Torani will likely double their size in the next 5 years. That’s a lot of new customers and employees to keep up with, but technology is making it so much easier. Getting information out to customers is faster than ever through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Technology Helps Solve Problems as You Grow

Technology enables “more interaction with our customer base–not just one-way, but two-way engagement.” Torani uses Social Studio, another one of Oracle’s products. With Social Studio, Torani’s social media accounts send info to the service cloud and their agents see it and then they respond. Sylvie also said they’ve been able to collect and generate leads the same way.    

It Keeps Your Business Lean

Technology has helped Torani scale by implementing new technology and using the people they already have in place. Sylvie articulated that just because a business is growing doesn’t necessarily mean you should hire more people. Make the technology work for you.

Leverage Your Partners

Another strategy Sylvie recommended to handle rapid growth and remain lean is to rely on your partners. They do what they do best so, take advantage of their strengths. They will give you the boost that will take your business to the next level.

Take Risks

You won’t always know what tech solutions will be the best fit for you and your business. Sylvie said, “take risks and make mistakes.” Risk taking is an integral part of growth. Just manage your expectations, because failure will happen, but what you learn through those setbacks is what will propel your business forward.

AI

AI is an amazing tech resource in the rapid growth of a business. Torani uses Einstein, Salesforce’s AI initiative. Sylvie shared that they’ve “been collecting structured and unstructured data. How do we make sense of it? AI is bringing it full circle.”

Security

The more a company grows, the more it should invest in security. Sylvie told us that security is, “crucial in everything we do, big or small, as a company, it’s got to be at the forefront.” Luckily so many resources out there have already thought about security, so you don’t have to when you utilize their product or service. Cloud computing comes with built-in security measures. Salesforce as an example, already has it embedded. Security should be a consideration for internal functions within your company as well as external when you are connecting with your customers. Leverage your resources if security is an included feature, but keep in mind that you may have to build in security yourself and it’s important enough to take the time and resources to do so.

The post How to Leverage Technology for Growth with Torani’s Head of IT appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51738
SMB Essentials- “A New Best Friend for Small Business” https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/interview-with-salesforce-smb-essentials.html/ Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:00:21 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51692 Ramon Ray, editor, SmallBizTechnology.com spoke with Meredith Schmidt, EVP & GM Salesforce Essentials and Small Business Solutions (SMB) at Salesforce. They discussed SMB Essentials and why its a powerful CRM solution specially designed for business. Why is SMB Important to Salesforce? While you may have thought Salesforce was only for big enterprises, the company’s leadership […]

The post SMB Essentials- “A New Best Friend for Small Business” appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Ramon Ray, editor, SmallBizTechnology.com spoke with Meredith Schmidt, EVP & GM Salesforce Essentials and Small Business Solutions (SMB) at Salesforce. They discussed SMB Essentials and why its a powerful CRM solution specially designed for business.

Why is SMB Important to Salesforce?

While you may have thought Salesforce was only for big enterprises, the company’s leadership is also highly committed to helping small businesses make their dreams come true. Did you know Salesforce started as a small business? If that wasn’t enough of a reason, small businesses were their first customers. Salesforce has over 150,000 companies who started out with Salesforce as small businesses. Meredith shared that small businesses and SMBs are, “the heart and soul of Salesforce” and after hearing her conversation with Ramon, we couldn’t agree more.

So, What is SMB Essentials?

Here is what you need to know about SMB Essentials and how it can work for your small business:

1. Meredith calls SMB Essentials “a new best friend for small business.”

SMB Essentials is designed and built with small businesses in mind. No matter the size of your operation, whether you have 200 people, 50 people, or 2 people, this product is perfect for your small business. Furthermore, they designed it specifically for small businesses, but you still get the beauty of the platform and the benefits of being part of Salesforce.

2. Get Access to Salesforce AI.

One of the benefits of being part of such a large company like Salesforce is having access to their AI. “It doesn’t matter if you are one user, you get AI at your fingertips,” Meredith continues, “It is powerful stuff.”

3. It’s Easy to Use

Essentials takes everything Salesforce has to offer and makes it easy for small businesses. Meredith said it herself, “we built it so it’s easy.”

4. We used it!

We tried it out and it is so easy! Set up is incredibly simple. With just a click of a button, it’s out of the box and ready to use! Essentials connects to your Gmail or Outlook account and that’s it, it’s done. It’s reading your emails and creating tasks for you. Isn’t that incredible?

5. You can set up a Help Center in less than 5 minutes!

You can even use the reports dashboard, to analyze your data. SMB Essentials is a total upgrade from post-it notes and spreadsheets, because, as Meredith so accurately put it, “you can’t get reports from a spreadsheet.” Meredith promises that the best part is, you don’t have to tech-savvy to use SMB Essentials. “Anybody like me or you can do it, and I’m not technical,” she says.

Meredith is all about helping you save time with SMB Essentials. “You’re trying to do a job, and we are here to help you do your job, and really automate those mundane tasks.” This automated, admin-list product will give you more time to focus on your customers. Meredith and the Salesforce team are dedicated to making the “path of success” broader for small businesses everywhere.

The post SMB Essentials- “A New Best Friend for Small Business” appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51692
HRdirect Smart Apps – Great Software to Manage Employees In Your Growing Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/hrdirect-smart-apps-great-software-to-manage-employees-in-your-growing-business.html/ Tue, 23 Oct 2018 14:00:42 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51701 As Smart Hustle Magazine and SmallBizTechnology.com has grown, we’ve bumped against “HR issues”. I know another friend of mine, an accountant whose team is expanding. What abocomput you? As your company grows, you’re going to be hiring employees, which is good. But of course there are challenges. To know the details about employment lawyer, go […]

The post HRdirect Smart Apps – Great Software to Manage Employees In Your Growing Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
As Smart Hustle Magazine and SmallBizTechnology.com has grown, we’ve bumped against “HR issues”. I know another friend of mine, an accountant whose team is expanding. What abocomput you? As your company grows, you’re going to be hiring employees, which is good. But of course there are challenges. To know the details about employment lawyer, go on  https://www.tpslawfirm.com/law-firm/site. How do you track their hours? What about their basic contact information and records? Let’s not even get started on tracking I-9 and W-4 forms. The list goes on. Just make sure when handling your employees you aren’t treating them badly in any way since they can easily contact a workers compensation attorney. If they ever get injured then they would have a right to file for a lawsuit with a lawyer like the ones from https://www.marksandharrison.com/workers-compensation-attorney/. For those who unfortunately find themselves in this situation, then consider contacting a workers compensation lawyer for legal assistance. 

Many of you might be trying to handle this with Excel, manila folders or a plain database. These solutions might work to some degree. Kind of like duct tape or gum to patch a 747.

The best solution is a one built from the ground up, that’s affordable and can handle your Small Business HR needs.

HRDirect has a suite of easy to use apps HRdirect Smart Apps that solve so many employee…HR…human resource – whatever you want to call it – issues for growing businesses.

I took a spin of their Employee Records app, I got it setup and ready to go in minutes. The app has tabs for job details, emergency, time & pay and more.

Excel and databases might work to some degree, but an easy to use suite of apps like HRdirect Smart Apps is best. These suite of apps are built with the features that most businesses, including yours, would need like an online business directory to make the life easier for each company.

What’s also nice about the Smart Apps suite is that they are all connected. Inputting an employee record in the Employee Records app makes that employee’s name and relevant details available in the Attendance Calendar or Progressive Discipline app. This is a huge time saver and reduces errors in double entry.

When you hire an employee you have a contract with them which includes them having certain responsibilities to you and you having certain responsibilities to them. Furthermore, there are legal obligations and responsibilities, such as taxes and how you handle inter-employe relations that are government regulated.

You don’t want to risk having a lost manila folder, name that can’t be ready on a sticky note or one set of employee data in your legal teams spreadsheet and another set of employee data in another database.

Security is also important. Your employees expect you to hold their data in confidence and I’m sure you want it secure as well. With HRdirect Smart Apps, they’re able to secure your data, your precious employee data much safer than you can.

Today you might only need a simple app to track employee contact information. Tomorrow, as you grow you might want to track time and attendance. As you expand even more and hire more staff you’ll want to track applicants. HRdirect Smart Apps full suite of apps grows with your business and you can buy what you need, when you need it.

With some things in business you can take the time and the risk to “figure it out”. Maybe when figuring how to best use Instagram is ok. Or figuring out how to grow profits in your business. However, you don’t want to “figure out”, employment management.

HRdirect Smart Apps is backed by a team of employment law attorneys, HR experts and legal researchers to ensure their Name Matching software helps you comply with the law, build a great company and lead an amazing team.

At a rate of $60 per year, per app, the HRdirect Smart Apps is quite affordable.

As your business grows, you have a choice. You can stumble and bumble along or you can use a great suite of apps from HRdirect Smart Apps, don’t forget that there’s also a nanopositioning software for sale option, that can benefit your business in so many ways. 

Published in partnership with HRdirect.

The post HRdirect Smart Apps – Great Software to Manage Employees In Your Growing Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51701
13 Important Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up With a SaaS Provider https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/13-important-questions-to-ask-before-you-sign-up-with-a-saas-provider.html/ Fri, 19 Oct 2018 13:00:15 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51643 Every business owner should go into a vendor partnership with a clear understanding of the details. When considering a potential software as a service (SaaS) vendor, what’s one security question that should always be asked? Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every […]

The post 13 Important Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up With a SaaS Provider appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>

Every business owner should go into a vendor partnership with a clear understanding of the details. When considering a potential software as a service (SaaS) vendor, what’s one security question that should always be asked?

Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue each year and have created tens of thousands of jobs.

1. Where Is Our Credit Card Data Stored?

Get a guarantee that your provider won’t store your credit card details on its own server. In a best-case scenario, a provider will use a payment gateway or vendor’s server for processing and maintaining all of your information. Though no measure is cyberattack proof, most of these third-party vendors have the appropriate security and infrastructure in place to handle your sensitive data. – Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

2. Do You Use Two-Factor Authentication?

By now, most mission-critical systems offer two-step verification. In addition to logging in with a password, a code will be sent to your mobile phone, which you‘ll also need to enter to confirm that you are really you. This additional layer prevents someone who may have access to your password from also logging into vital technical systems and causing damage. – David Ciccarelli, Voices.com

3. What’s Your Action Plan for a Worst-Case Scenario?

When evaluating a SaaS partner, ask them what the worst-case scenario is that they can foresee. It might be a data breach, a service outage or something else, depending on the software. Then, ask how they would deal with that worst case. Ask detailed questions, and make sure you‘re comfortable with the action plan laid out. – Brittany Hodak, The Superfan Company

4. Is Data Encrypted at Rest?

Data should be encrypted in transit and at rest. Secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption for data in transit is nearly ubiquitous, but many vendors don’t encrypt data at rest on storage devices. If their network is breached, that data is vulnerable. Ask potential vendors if the data is encrypted, how it is encrypted and who has access to the keys. – Vik Patel, Future Hosting

5. Are You GDPR Compliant?

The recent EU General Data Protection Regulation sowed much confusion among online businesses worldwide, but one positive side effect is that it forced reputable SaaS vendors to reevaluate their security measures and the ways that they safeguard and use sensitive data. If a vendor has detailed policies related to GDPR, it’s a good indication that they take compliance seriously and have recently reviewed and improved their practices. – Thomas SmaleFE International

6. Can I Speak With Previous Clients?

The best way to know if you’ve got a good SaaS vendor is to check out the deliverables to previous clients. If they’re satisfied, then that is a good indication that you’re on the right track. If that customer is dissatisfied, then run the other way and save yourself the time, money and disappointment. – Chris Quiocho, Offland Media

7. Are There Any Additional Fees? 

Many vendors will provide a flat fee for their services, but there are always some contingencies that you might not foresee that may require additional fees. It’s best to get all of this information up front so that you can forecast your expenses better. – Patrick Barnhill, Specialist ID Inc.

8. How Often Do You Upgrade the Application?

While app upgrades are common and important for getting new features, it’s good to know the frequency of the upgrades. Will it be once a year or once a month? Find out how previous upgrades have gone from customers’ experiences to see if they impacted the use of the application. – Syed BalkhiWPBeginner

9. How Many People See Our Data?

As a general rule, I’ve found that the most secure services and partners minimize the number of people who interact with or are exposed to the data. I ask this question to prospective SaaS vendors because I want to avoid having too many links in the chain. This has been the best way I’ve found so far to keep my data, and my customers’ data, secure. – Bryce Welker, Crush The PM Exam

10. Will You Export My Data If I Switch Providers?

You want to make sure that you own the data you‘re putting into the platform you‘re using. The last thing you want is to be held hostage by a SaaS provider when you leave them. Eventually, you may find another solution and want to move with your data. – Joe Apfelbaum, Ajax Union

11. What Happens to Data When It’s Deleted From Your App?

Some companies store data indefinitely on their servers, while other companies erase the data once you delete it on your end. If privacy is a concern to you, find out whether they delete the data on their servers and how often. – Jared AtchisonWPForms

12. What Are Your API Policies?

When considering a new SaaS vendor to help accelerate your business, the biggest vulnerability is the application programming interface, where their system connects to yours. First, understand any costs involved in implementing APIs. Next, verify that all API calls are both authenticated through a key or open authorization (OAuth) and encrypted by 128-bit or greater. The answers will tell you much about how the vendor values security. – Daniel Reilly, B2X Global

13. Has Your Security Ever Been Compromised? 

Ask about breaches that the vendor has experienced to get insight into its security levels. This also gives you the means to find out what the vendor did to rectify it, as well as the measures it has taken to prevent similar events from taking place again. While cloud safety matters, don’t overlook physical security. Ask how easy it is to simply copy data onto a USB drive without drawing attention. – Derek Robinson, Top Notch Dezigns

The post 13 Important Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up With a SaaS Provider appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51643
How Technology Is Making Service Businesses Run More Efficiently https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/how-technology-is-making-service-businesses-run-more-efficiently.html/ Fri, 12 Oct 2018 17:52:52 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51630 Service companies come in many forms. From firms that maintain major appliances for property owners to those that operate massive delivery fleets, these enterprises depend on business processes happening in a regular, orderly fashion. No matter which specific domains service businesses occupy, operational efficiency is the underlying factor that determines their success. Fortunately, technology is […]

The post How Technology Is Making Service Businesses Run More Efficiently appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Service companies come in many forms. From firms that maintain major appliances for property owners to those that operate massive delivery fleets, these enterprises depend on business processes happening in a regular, orderly fashion.

No matter which specific domains service businesses occupy, operational efficiency is the underlying factor that determines their success. Fortunately, technology is coming to the rescue across the industry. Here’s how service businesses are taking advantage of new advances.

Companies Are Learning to Predict Problems

Everyone makes mistakes, and some errors are outright unavoidable. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s acceptable to sit back and wait for things to go wrong. Instead, smart service business leaders are learning from history so that they don’t have to repeat it.

With software tools that monitor job progress and personnel activities, service providers gain critical new perspectives. Now, they can look at event records to see what happened right before things went wrong and prevent similar reoccurrences in the future.

Imagine that a fulfillment company starts keeping close track of how often its vehicles break down. Armed with its new knowledge, the firm might be able to sidestep such problems down the line simply by adjusting its maintenance schedule. Or it might use past work data to learn when customers need the most help and schedule more technicians on those days. It may be impossible to predict every event, but knowing about the big ones makes it way easier to stay ready and avoid revenue-killing work stoppages.

Job Processing Is Less Disjointed

Job-related admin tasks can be the bane of a service provider’s existence. Whether it involves passing out account information to technicians, gathering appointment completion rate stats or managing order paperwork, these tiny jobs pile up until they threaten to overwhelm businesses and strain their leaders’ sanity.

Digital job processing keeps all of the vital details in one place, so it’s easier for different stakeholders to make their input heard. When managers and fleet drivers can share the same up-to-the-second account information, for instance, it becomes far simpler to cultivate satisfying customer experiences. It’s also easier to associate completed jobs and consumer reviews with specific technicians or in-the-field employees, which furthers accountability.

Dispatch Flows Unbelievably Smoothly

Managing dispatch operations is one of the hardest aspects of service company operation. With many jobs, firms don’t even know that they need to get to work until the clock is already ticking, and consumers hate waiting around.

Software systems that help service businesses master dispatch and stay on top of things are proving invaluable when it comes to raising efficiency. Even though companies still have to contend with the unexpected, they can do so in a more measured, accurate manner that imbues consumers with confidence. Since dispatchers always know where their vehicles are and how technicians are occupied, they can

  • Provide better estimates of wait times,
  • Schedule work to minimize fuel expenditures, and
  • Identify travel inefficiencies that were previously unquantifiable.

Service businesses must be efficient to thrive. No matter how many office staff members they have on-call, they can’t do it all alone. Providers that ultimately succeed leverage software tools to find out why they’re inefficient and make changes for the better.

The post How Technology Is Making Service Businesses Run More Efficiently appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51630
The Power of Two – Capital One Contest – Win $50,000 to Grow Your Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/the-power-of-two-capital-one-contest-win-50000-to-grow-your-business.html/ Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:31:44 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51567 Capital One just launched The Power of 2 Contest. Share how you use your cash-back rewards & get the chance to win a first prize of $50k, second prize of $25k, and third prize of $15k. Remember to submit before the November 3rd deadline for your chance to win – or peruse other entries for inspiration on how you can use cash back rewards to drive your business forward.

The post The Power of Two – Capital One Contest – Win $50,000 to Grow Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
To small business owners, employees often feel like family. With your feet on the ground, working alongside them every day, it’s hard to not want to do right by them. It’s even harder to not have the funds to be able to provide them with everything you feel they deserve because you have a business to run with bills that need paying. It’s even harder when you lose those valued employees who believe in your company to larger corporations with more competitive salaries or benefits. Don’t worry if you don’t win the contest, you can always get a business loan for any financial help you may need in the future.

Ken’s Story.

If you’ve been watching TV lately, perhaps you’ve seen Capital One’s new advertising campaign, featuring Ken Jacobus, CEO of New Hampshire-based small business Good Start Packaging, who redeemed $36,000 in cash-back rewards in 2017 with his Capital One card and used that cash to pay for health insurance for his team, showing appreciation to his employees and giving his business a competitive edge in hiring. Capital One’s Spark Cash Card is a credit card specifically designed for businesses that gives 2% cash-back on everything you buy. With the Spark Cash Card, you can afford to give your hardworking employees the bonuses they deserve. You can buy them lunch once in a while to thank them.

Ken Jacobus inspired Capital One to ask small business owners, how they use the cash back rewards from their Spark cards to fuel business progress, take care of employees, and ultimately seize the competitive edge offered by 2% unlimited rewards.

Capital One’s Power of 2 Contest.

To gather those inspirational stories, Capital One just launched The Power of 2 Contest. Share how you use your cash-back rewards, here and you get the chance to win:

  • First prize of $50k,
  • Second prize of $25k, and
  • Third prize of $15k.

Remember to submit before the November 3rd deadline for your chance to win – or peruse other entries for inspiration on how you can use cash back rewards to drive your business forward.

There is no purchase necessary and the submission phase ends 11/3/18. The contest is open to residents, 18 years or older, in the 50 US States and DC who are Spark cardholders.

Remember to sign up for the Power of Two – Capital One Contest, here!

Published in cooperation with Capital One.

The post The Power of Two – Capital One Contest – Win $50,000 to Grow Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51567
Watch Small Business Revolution Season 3 on Hulu https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/10/watch-small-business-revolution-season-3-on-hulu.html/ Fri, 05 Oct 2018 01:24:26 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51561 Small Business Revolution is a show that streams on Hulu. This show, in its third season, gives $500,000 to a small town as experts are brought in to revolutionize its business district. The show is hosted by Amanda Brinkman, the Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Deluxe – the company that sponsors the show. What’s […]

The post Watch Small Business Revolution Season 3 on Hulu appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small Business Revolution is a show that streams on Hulu. This show, in its third season, gives $500,000 to a small town as experts are brought in to revolutionize its business district. The show is hosted by Amanda Brinkman, the Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Deluxe – the company that sponsors the show.

What’s at stake

This season, the show takes place in Alton, Illinois where six businesses will be revitalized by Brinkman and other experts including Ty Pennington. The six small businesses include:

  • A soul food restaurant 
  • A pet groomer
  • A music studio
  • An Irish pub
  • A beauty supply store
  • A hunting and fishing outfitter

All six of the businesses had issues that required special attention from the experts. Some of the businesses were close to closing down permanently. But, the experts understood what was at stake for the people who put their hearts, souls, and bank accounts into their businesses. For fans who do not want to wait to see what happens to each business, all of the episodes are available at the same time.

How the experts were selected

The experts that were selected to help the small business in Alton run similar businesses, but they are all more successful than the business owners in Alton. In eight episodes, the experts help bring passion and drive back to the small business owners in the small town along the banks of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers.

Alton is a town with a rich history that included losing 40% of its population when manufacturing jobs left the town at the end of the 20th century. During the 1800s, Alton was home to a leg of the Underground Railroad as well as one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. The town is just northeast of St. Louis, MO, so residents have access to the benefits of a big city while living in a small town of 30,000 people. Alton’s history and proximity to St. Louis make it a perfect place to stage a small business revolution.

Help select the season 4 small town

As fans enjoy season three, they can help Deluxe prepare for season 4 by nominating their small town for a $500,000 boost. In 500 words or less, you can tell Deluxe where the next season should be filmed.

Small businesses are responsible for generating close to 50 percent of the gross domestic product in the United States. According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States and they employ nearly 60 million people. Small businesses account for just over 47% of the workforce in the United States.

 

The post Watch Small Business Revolution Season 3 on Hulu appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51561
Background Checks: Tools for Cautious Hiring, Even in a Tight Labor Market https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/background-checks-tools-for-cautious-hiring-even-in-a-tight-labor-market.html/ Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:00:26 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51489 In today’s tight labor market, hiring can be a challenge for any business. When a seemingly high-quality resume hits the top of the pile, it can be tempting to move quickly through the recruitment process so as to not lose this top talent to a competing offer. A quick and efficient hiring process is undoubtedly […]

The post Background Checks: Tools for Cautious Hiring, Even in a Tight Labor Market appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In today’s tight labor market, hiring can be a challenge for any business. When a seemingly high-quality resume hits the top of the pile, it can be tempting to move quickly through the recruitment process so as to not lose this top talent to a competing offer. A quick and efficient hiring process is undoubtedly an asset when businesses are trying to appeal to candidates, but one recruitment step that should not be skipped is background screening.

It is well known that resumes are most important documents when you are seeking the job opportunities in any company. Before appearing for the interview you must send the resume to the prospective employer for proving your aptness. After viewing the listed details, if the employer finds you suitable for the job, he may call you for the interview and judge you on your performance in the interaction. Even if you are a good worker, but you are unable to present the details in your resume properly, you may miss the opportunity. For this, you must know the basic tips for writing a job endearing resume. Resume templates are the ready-made formats for drafting your resume. You just need to fill your details in this format and your resume is ready. There are many different resume templates designed for different jobs. You need to choose the appropriate one for you. resume templates will help you in crossing the initial hurdle in your way. You can also get help at a career center where they will guide you in your job hunt process.

Background checks can be important for a number of reasons – especially in industries like healthcare, homecare, education, financial services, and transportation – but are many times overlooked. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that one study conducted by CareerBuilder found 54 percent of small businesses had noted a lie on an applicant’s resume. Background checks can help employers determine the most qualified talent, better ensure they meet job qualifications, and help mitigate future risk. Individual police check is essential for companies of all sizes. From checking references to verifying a candidate’s resume to running a criminal background check, conducting such necessary screenings can help protect businesses from avoidable turnover and risk.

Some of the red flags background checks can help reveal are resume inflation, fraud, theft, substance abuse, and threats to workplace safety. Depending on varying business needs, applicable legal restrictions and the nature of current open positions, there are many different forms of pre-hire screening, including reference checks for resume verification, criminal background checks, in-depth background checks, credit checks, and social media background checks. The primary sources of investigation for a background check may include:

  • National criminal database
  • Social Security Number verification
  • National sex-offender registry
  • Motor vehicle reports
  • Employment verification
  • Education verification
  • Drug testing
  • Industry-specific checks (i.e. required certification such as ACLS and PALS certifications are for medical staff)

In order to capture a full range of information when attempting to successfully complete a background check, many companies choose to partner with an Employment Screening Resource (ESR), for their employment screening services. Some companies might have chosen a business location that isn’t ideal for hiring the best applicants due to elevated crime rates near it, this is when it’s important to get professional screening done. An ESR firm can help conduct some of the screenings named above, as well as help ensure businesses comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other applicable federal and state laws in place to protect candidates when conducting a background check. The FCRA includes several requirements, including but not limited to, a signed consent in advance of the background screening. It would appear that, regardless of the type of background screening being conducted, it’s critical to ensure that they are permitted under applicable laws job-related, and consistently administered in the hiring process (including timing of screenings) to help avoid claims of discrimination in your hiring practices.

My dad suffers from chronic radiculitis of right shoulder. We have tried very differnt means to help him to better his situations. Prednisone at https://ryderclinic.com/prednisone-online/ is really good. He takes prednisone daily and he feels better. He goes for long walk, can care his every day needs with no discomfort.

Another great way to manage various HR functions such as recruitment and business alignment is through sap successfactors. This could help in transforming and expanding your HR strategies in order to create better employee experiences.

In today’s environment, winning the war for talent is important but winning the right talent for your organization is critical to driving business success. Making a bad hire can have a ripple effect across the organization, posing a risk to your workplace and customer base and having a negative impact on your company’s reputation. Enhancing the talent acquisition process with background screening can help to provide a 360-degree view of candidates’ talent and help prevent against the consequences of a bad hire.

Authored By:

Leah Machado is the senior director of HR services at Paychex, a leading provider of integrated human capital management services for payroll, HR, retirement, and insurance services for over 650,000 businesses. Leah’s organization is comprised of nearly 1,000 HR, payroll, and benefits professionals who are responsible for providing HR outsourcing services, including Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Administrative Service Organization (ASO), to HR Services clients that total more than 1 million worksite employees across the U.S. Her career in HR and leadership spans 25 years in the retail, restaurant, and HCM outsourcing industries.

The post Background Checks: Tools for Cautious Hiring, Even in a Tight Labor Market appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51489
Ware2Go: UPS Launches Flexible Warehouse Fulfillment Solutions https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/ware2go-impact-ups-launches-flexible-fulfillment-solutions.html/ Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:00:47 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51451 The industry of e-commerce is on the rise. While already crucial to a business’s financial success, efficient e-commerce practices are predicted to become more and more essential in a society that expects goods to be purchased conveniently and delivered quickly. According to leading market research provider Statista, 360.3 billion US dollars worth of physical goods […]

The post Ware2Go: UPS Launches Flexible Warehouse Fulfillment Solutions appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
The industry of e-commerce is on the rise. While already crucial to a business’s financial success, efficient e-commerce practices are predicted to become more and more essential in a society that expects goods to be purchased conveniently and delivered quickly. According to leading market research provider Statista, 360.3 billion US dollars worth of physical goods were sold in 2016, and that number is only expected to increase to 603.4 billion US dollars by 2021. Another study by Statista states that currently, 9% of retail sales in the United States are goods purchased via the internet, but if trends in countries like China, in which online sales of physical goods amount to 23.1%, and the UK, in which online sales of physical goods amount to 19.1%, are to be evaluated, the United States is soon to follow in their tracks.

This emerging trend of e-commerce has been putting small businesses, who are already facing heightened competition as a consequence of global growth, at a significant disadvantage to larger businesses. While large businesses have the funds and resources to open warehouses all over the country, or to purchase the services of career warehouses (which require long-term volume and time commitments, as well as individual contracts for each warehouse) so as to get items to customers as efficiently as possible, small businesses cannot afford to do so. As a result, small businesses often must ship items from far-away locations and take days or weeks longer than their larger competitors to reach customers. According to Dotcom’s Distribution’s 2016 study, 87% of online shoppers say delivery time affects their decision to buy a product and 44% of online shoppers say quick delivery increases their trust in a brand. Bloomberg News claims that 60% of buyers expect 1-2 day delivery. Research by KPMG’s network of independent consulting firms, published in 2017, states that 43% of consumers cited “delivery options” as the most important factor in deciding where to purchase an item from online, following only “lowest price” at 57%. While large corporations are making moves to meet this demand for quick service, smaller companies have been left in the lurch with few options — that is, until UPS announced the launch of Ware2Go, a new service specifically designed to level the e-commerce playing field.

Ware2Go, which launched on Tuesday, August 28th, works by acting as the middleman between warehouses and small merchants. By providing large quantities of inventory from a number of small merchants, Ware2Go is able to get better deals for merchants, as well as bypass the barriers of minimum inventory and minimum time holding inventory in warehouses. Ware2Go vets warehouses so clients don’t have to, and in addition to storage also provides pick/pack fulfillment and shipping, as well as guaranteed UPS 2-day delivery services. Additionally, merchants have only one contract with Ware2Go instead of individual contracts with each warehouse they want to do business with. Ware2Go accomplishes this by creating a network of warehouses all over the country that have space they would like to fill.

To use Ware2Go, merchants and warehouses must both create accounts and answer questions about their needs and capabilities. Merchants provide details about their products, orders, space requirements, and specific delivery needs. Then, they can upload and manage their inventory and order across the whole network. The Ware2Go platform matches warehouses with merchants and simplifies communications to make inventories easy to manage for all parties involved.

“As our customers have much more complex supply chains,” UPS Chief Transformation Officer Scott Price explains in his August 28th Bloomberg interview, “they look to UPS to help them simplify that complexity, which is why we believe the end-to-end service single price approach will be part of the solution for those customers.”   

While Ware2Go is only the latest of many tools designed to minimize the barriers to entry for small businesses in the rising – and increasingly competitive – e-commerce industry, Ware2Go’s launch is so significant because it eliminates one of the most daunting obstacles, and likely will stimulate small business growth all over the nation. While the ultimate effects remain to be seen, Ware2Go intends to be a game-changer for both small businesses and the American economy as a whole.

The post Ware2Go: UPS Launches Flexible Warehouse Fulfillment Solutions appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51451
7 Steps to Creating Your Own Startup https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/7-steps-to-creating-your-own-startup.html/ Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:00:32 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51410 Forming your own company comes with a lot of excitement and challenges. The decision itself is dicey and you keep wondering if you should take the idea forward or not. Entrepreneurship is nothing less than jumping from a cliff. You need the parachute along and these come with a few organized steps. How to proceed […]

The post 7 Steps to Creating Your Own Startup appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Forming your own company comes with a lot of excitement and challenges. The decision itself is dicey and you keep wondering if you should take the idea forward or not. Entrepreneurship is nothing less than jumping from a cliff. You need the parachute along and these come with a few organized steps.

How to proceed with a startup plan?

The following tips will help you start off with your business ideas:

1. Determine if you are ready

When you are planning to start up your own company, there will be changes in lifestyle. You will find personal and professional changes. It comes with financial commitments, dedication, time consumption, and much more. The success and failure of every business primarily depend on your abilities to take initiatives and capacity to work towards it. The business and economic conditions are definitely significant factors, but they come after your own initiatives.

2. Assess ideas and business skill

You need to do a market survey to figure out if your business ideas can flourish. You need to know your industry, competitors, analysis demands, and find potential customers. Figure out the SWOT analysis that includes strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats of the market and your business.

You need to be open and unbiased while doing your research. If you examine that your business idea has more chances of failing, it is smart to drop the idea. Even if you have your heart into the products you wish to sell or service you want to provide, you can’t risk losses. You need to know about company formations to get an idea of how to analyze and startup a business. Tips and ideas will help you get the right direction.

3. Build a business plan

Initially, this might seem to be a lot of work for you, but a prepared business plan can save money and time. It secures funding and gives you major contracts. You need to know more about business planning to understand how you can proceed. These can come with expert advice and suggestions from people who provide these services. You can also ask your friends and relatives for suggestions.

4. Choose business structure

Once you establish your business ideas, you need to decide on the structure that helps your business in special circumstances. These include registration of the company, tax implications, licenses, and a lot more. You need to know how to authenticate and register your business and get things rolling by getting in touch with Virtualauditor Experts in Company Registration.

5. Build support team

You must surround yourself with honest and dependable advisers who resolve startup issues. They will assist you as your business develops. It can include your accountant, industry association, lawyer, and other important people.

6. Figure out finances

You need to figure out your capital before you set up your business. You also need to know how to manage finances. It is a crucial part of the startup and usually an investment that you put in or take a loan for. It is an asset that you need to multiply with time and the stepping stones of your business. Assessing funds is crucial and forecasting growth is important. You need a proper plan to channelize your actions and make investors rely on you.

7. Marketing

After all the basics are covered, you need to find ways to market your business. From small to large business, each one needs marketing to reach out to people. You need to spread the word about your products and services so that potential customers know you and can buy what you offer. Advertising is a selling point and there is a lot involved in it.

These were the starting steps that will help you shape up your business. Once your business starts rolling in the right direction, you can expect revenue.

Published in partnership with 1st Formations

The post 7 Steps to Creating Your Own Startup appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51410
BlueVine Exec Shares 3 Tips To Success As a Business Owner https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/bluevine-exec-shares-3-tips-to-success-as-a-business-owner.html/ Tue, 04 Sep 2018 14:00:09 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51288 Do a Google search for  “advice for small business.” You’ll probably be overwhelmed by the number of results. Small business owners can find hundreds, if not thousands, of articles how to succeed in the business world. This is another one. Based on my experiences working for big and small corporations, including BlueVine, a startup that […]

The post BlueVine Exec Shares 3 Tips To Success As a Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Do a Google search for  “advice for small business.” You’ll probably be overwhelmed by the number of results. Small business owners can find hundreds, if not thousands, of articles how to succeed in the business world.

This is another one. Based on my experiences working for big and small corporations, including BlueVine, a startup that is working directly with small business owners, I’d urge you to do these three things:

1. Hire for weakness

No, not their weaknesses – yours.

If you’ve got the imagination and courage to start a company, you obviously have skills to make it thrive and succeed. But are there skills that you don’t have? If you’re honest with yourself, you’re probably not equally strong across the board. You may be great on vision, but short on execution. That’s actually why many founders end up hiring “operational CEOs.” You may be a great salesperson, or you may be more effective and happier coding in the background.

Some small business advice sites will tell you to address weaknesses by acquiring new skills. You’d be encouraged to take coding classes, for example. This may be good advice for some entrepreneurs. If you’re a small business owner, you really do need to know a little bit about everything, enough to at least ask informed questions and know when someone’s trying to pull the wool over your eyes. But with most areas where subject matter is specialized, you’re better off hiring someone whose expertise complements yours.

2. Prioritize the client experience

This is an important tip that many other blog posts would highlight. In many cases, providing an amazing end-to-end client experience is the key to success for any small business. That’s certainly been our experience at BlueVine as we try to become a truly trusted ally of small and medium-sized businesses. We’ve done that by making sure that all the teams that work with customers — from business development and marketing to sales, account management and support — are aligned and moving forward based on a common approach.

With these departments all in sync, we’ve launched new products, increased the amount of credit we can offer small and medium-sized businesses, and recently hit the milestone of $1 billion in credit provided after only four years.

At BlueVine, we accomplished this by creating the position of chief revenue officer (CRO) and centralizing all customer focused functions together under that position. Whether or not you’re at the stage where you need a CRO, putting all your customer-facing and –facilitation functions in one place is key, because in the end, that’s where you’ll succeed (or not).

3. Make time for what matters

Small business owners work long hours. In many cases, you simply have to especially when you’re just getting started. But while “work-life balance” is an important policy for big corporations or organizations, it is probably even more critical for small businesses where it typically ignored.

I grew up in Germany which is known for its strong, and some say, rigid work ethic. And I am German about my schedule — that is, I stick to it. This allows me to be very efficient when at work and also ensures I have the time to spend with my family.

With very rare exceptions, I work out one hour per day during the week and do two activities each day on the weekend. This helps me stay fit, stay focused, and remember that there’s more to life than my job.

I love introducing my kids to bread with pflaumenmus (plum jam) and quark (German cream cheese) in the morning. On weekends, I enjoy hiking at Land’s End, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and riding scooters with my son along the Embarcadero.

To succeed as an entrepreneur, make sure to have time every week to stop worrying about your 5 or 10 year plans and focus instead on the amazing opportunities to learn, develop friendships, have fun and make an impact right now.

Authored by: Eric Sager

Eric SagerEric Sager is Chief Revenue Officer of BlueVine, a Silicon Valley-based fintech startup that offers online working capital financing to small and medium-sized businesses.

The post BlueVine Exec Shares 3 Tips To Success As a Business Owner appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51288
Apple Is a Success Here’s What You Can Learn from It https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/apple-is-a-success-heres-what-you-can-learn-from-it.html/ Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:00:56 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51285 Bigger can be better when a company is able to provide a quality product coupled with an aura of uniqueness. Apple has been able to handle this balancing act on its tremendous run up to become the most valuable company (in market capitalization) on the planet.  What are some lessons that small businesses can learn […]

The post Apple Is a Success Here’s What You Can Learn from It appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Bigger can be better when a company is able to provide a quality product coupled with an aura of uniqueness. Apple has been able to handle this balancing act on its tremendous run up to become the most valuable company (in market capitalization) on the planet.  What are some lessons that small businesses can learn from Apple?  Let’s revisit how Apple, in its second run, became such a commercial juggernaut.

Apple’s brand is synonymous with innovation, uniqueness, and quality. This is important because Apple products are never the cheapest, yet the customer is still willing to pay extra for the Apple experience. Small businesses, in general, cannot compete on price. The customer experience matters!

Apple has created a loyal community of advocate and influencers that get access to pre-release products to evaluate and to provide candid critique. Small businesses, whether you are a restaurant or a service business should consider fostering such a community of customers and influencers to share their story with others.  The advent of social media and blogs provide an inexpensive way to advertise a small business brand.

Small businesses are known for their unique products and personalized service.  The niche that is served is desirable for the “creative class” among us.  The fine line, however, between Bold vs. Overdone is extremely difficult to know.   This is very important because small business sustainable revenues are tied by choosing the right product that brings satisfaction to a good segment of its customer community.  Apple understands their customer segment very well and has built their products to serve the needs of teens and young adults.

The loyalty to a brand is key for repeat customers.  Apple has built an ecosystem that allows for seamless integration of their products and services. The “switching cost” in time and complexity, for many, can be high.   Small businesses are able to use relatively low-cost and available technologies to give each customer their own individual account.  By learning more about the wants and needs of their customer base, a profile can be developed.  Each time the client interacts with the small business, they should be treated with VIP-like status.   This creates a “switching cost” that is easily portable to another business.

For scale-up of any business, large or small, there is a need for a sustainable growth in customers.  Technology and the internet allow each small business to become an international company if they have a functioning web-page.  The traditional barriers that restrict small businesses to only providing their services to a particular community are no longer in place.

Apple has surpassed the 1 trillion dollar market cap.   On its heels are Amazon, Google, and Facebook.   The latter three, not long ago (less than 20 years ago) were in the category of startups or small businesses.   Now they have taken their place on the list of the world’s top 10 companies.   The model for growth has been validated.   From small to large, the keys are building a best-in-class product to an influential market segment (teens and young adults), embracing influencers who serve important roles in marketing.

Ayman El TarabishyAuthored by: Ayman El Tarabishy, Executive Director of the International Council of Small Business and Professor at The George Washington University and co-author of Information Technology for Small Businesses: Managing the Digital Enterprise.

 

The post Apple Is a Success Here’s What You Can Learn from It appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51285
Buying Software for Your Small Business? Read These 3 Tips Before Taking the Plunge https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/09/buying-software-for-your-small-business-read-these-3-tips-before-taking-the-plunge.html/ Sat, 01 Sep 2018 14:00:24 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51276 Do you find that your team projects and collaborations often feel like a game of Jenga, just one botched deadline or failed communication away from toppling over? Finding the proper tools to promote team productivity is an ongoing quest for countless small businesses – that’s why we’re here to set the stage for your success. […]

The post Buying Software for Your Small Business? Read These 3 Tips Before Taking the Plunge appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Do you find that your team projects and collaborations often feel like a game of Jenga, just one botched deadline or failed communication away from toppling over? Finding the proper tools to promote team productivity is an ongoing quest for countless small businesses – that’s why we’re here to set the stage for your success.

For SMBs, organization is key. By a show of hands, how many people have an endless stream of tabs open in their browser window right now, packed like sardines? We rely on software for nearly every aspect of getting our work done, but all too often, these productivity tools can actually end up fragmenting our time.

The future of work lies in streamlining our digital processes. By gathering as many programs, tools, and capabilities as possible in one place, we begin to eliminate the need for toggling between a dozen windows and programs at a time.

In light of SignEasy’s recent collaboration with Microsoft Teams – which transforms the popular e-signature software into a fully-integrated app for Microsoft’s latest chat platform – we wanted to explore the many ways in which integrations mark a fundamental shift in the way SMBs are able to do business.

Here are the top three things your small business should consider when shopping for company software, so you can join the productivity revolution with confidence.

1. The one-stop shop

The quickest way to banish your growing collection of tabs is to have all the programs and functionalities you need under one roof. Mobile app development for business and extensions are quickly becoming a popular choice for businesses who want to use one central program or browser – one that they would be using on a daily basis already – as a hub for tons of other productivity tools.

Take the nearly 50% of web surfers that use Google Chrome as an example. Thanks to Chrome extensions, people that favor this platform can turn their browser into a to-do list, a task manager, a productivity tracker, and much more, simply by installing a few integrated add-ons.

Similarly, Microsoft Teams users can use the SignEasy add-on to sign documents, send them out for signature, and track the progress of outstanding documents simply by toggling to the SignEasy tab. No need to leave the Office365 ecosystem.

Not only that, but the nature of cloud-based apps and extensions means that all of your employees can access all of your documents and files from any device, anywhere in the world. Whether it’s company documents with SignEasy or important files on Google Drive, these centralized systems integrate seamlessly with many popular programs so you can get more done with less hassle.

2. Software that simplifies

If you’re at the helm of a small business, chances are you’re running a slim operation with an even slimmer budget. With finite resources at your disposal and all hands on deck at all times, you’re going to need to use software that is seriously multifunctional, cost-effective, and super simple to integrate into your existing workflows.

These days, it’s easy to get your hands on programs and tools that are either free, offer a free trial to test the waters, or are extremely affordable once you find your perfect match. By choosing software from the get-go that supports add-ons, extensions, apps, you’re setting yourself up for a world of seamlessly integrated possibilities. Plus, if you put equal emphasis on ease-of-use and the potential for quick adoption within your organization, you can optimize your internal processes without wasting a moment of company time!

What is project management software?
Project management software helps project managers (PMs) and teams collaborate and meet goals on time while managing resources and cost. Functions may include task distribution, time tracking, budgeting, resource planning, team collaboration, and many more. People also refer to project management software as Task Management Software or Project Portfolio Management.

3. Growth and empowerment

Everyone knows that SMBs have a lot on their plate. The good news is, an increasing number of software providers are waking up to that fact, and are beginning to adopt small-business-friendly strategies that make the resources you need more accessible than ever.

Simply put, companies are meeting SMBs where they’re at. For example, companies like Microsoft and Slack understand that their products are used as powerful communication tools within growing businesses. In the spirit of empowering their users, they created their own native app stores chock full of programs that companies know, love, and use on the daily: apps like SignEasy for document workflow management, and MeisterTask for task management and collaboration. Similar comparisons can be made for Google Chrome and its wide variety of in-browser extensions.

Put simply, there has never been a better time for businesses to adopt integrated platform solutions: they’re available, they’re largely free, and they’re chock full of complimentary tools to simplify your life. Ready to do some spring cleaning on those tabs?

Authored by: Monica Perez

Monica Perez leads Customer Success and Product Marketing at SignEasy. She is passionate about building a paperless world, discovering the latest productivity hacks, and making cold brew coffee.

The post Buying Software for Your Small Business? Read These 3 Tips Before Taking the Plunge appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51276
Stop Wondering and Start Knowing, How to Put your Business Data to Use https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/stop-wondering-and-start-knowing-how-to-put-your-business-data-to-use.html/ Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:00:13 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51233 Big data isn’t just the realm of big business. According to HubSpot, the average small or medium business (SMB) manages 47.81 terabytes of data. If you printed all that data out it would be the equivalent to one and a half billion pages! But what do you do with that data? If you’re like most […]

The post Stop Wondering and Start Knowing, How to Put your Business Data to Use appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Big data isn’t just the realm of big business. According to HubSpot, the average small or medium business (SMB) manages 47.81 terabytes of data. If you printed all that data out it would be the equivalent to one and a half billion pages!

But what do you do with that data? If you’re like most SMBs, not much. Why is that?

Capability, Affordability, and Knowledge Gaps

First, there’s a capability gap. Most businesses use antiquated methods like paper and manual processes to collect, track, and store information. This leads to delays and lost insights. For example, paperwork can easily get lost, pertinent information may not captured, and by the time that data has been re-keyed into another system and turned into a useful chart, valuable time has been wasted and errors introduced. Because any data captured only has a half-life of 30 minutes, its very worth has probably diminished.

Then there’s the knowledge gap. Many SMBs aren’t sure what to do with data once they’ve collected it, often because they’re too focused on day-to-day business operations. Finally, there’s the affordability gap. Retaining a data scientist to mine data or hiring a firm to build a costly bespoke solution is rarely an option.

Turn Piles of Data into Actionable Insights – Automatically

Aggregating business data and gleaning actionable intelligence for smaller businesses doesn’t have to be pricey or difficult. You don’t need to be an Excel whiz and you don’t need to hire a big team. There are tools that can take the data you collect and turn it into valuable business insights – one of these is GoCanvas.

An easy-to-use cloud-based mobile platform, GoCanvas provides a powerful solution that is very affordable and simple to get started. Giving SMBs and a surprising number of enterprises the tools they need to migrate commonly used paper processes to an app on a smart device. Using a platform like GoCanvas across the business means that richer intelligence information can be derived from digitizing purchase orders, inventory reports, health and safety checklists, contracts, and so on.

Start with the Basics

Consider the humble timesheet. With the GoCanvas service, SMBs can leverage the platform to boost productivity and get powerful reporting capabilities. For example, when a worker inputs their hours, that information can be shared between departments and even linked into other solutions such as QuickBooks. Now teams can monitor when employees submit their timesheets, their total time worked, and more. The result? Quicker processing and better analysis. Data can also be pulled into business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI or Sisense for further mining and insights.

Move Beyond Point Solutions

While many SMBs use apps to track time and manage expenses, these tools are typically point solutions – they do one thing well and not much else. Rather than engage 3-4 different vendor solutions for different functions of your business (such as inspection checklists, inventory management, and customer satisfaction surveys), tools like GoCanvas offer a single platform with the flexibility to automate workflow in minutes, across hundreds of use cases.

For instance, after exploring the benefits of mobile time sheets, a natural progression would be adding invoicing – a popular choice among SMBs. This provides the flexibility to create invoices from anywhere and electronically route the invoice for approvals and payment. Then, using cloud-based integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and FreshBooks, SMBs can glean critical data insights they need to be more proactive about accounts payable – in real time. They can track late payments, manage cash flow, and generate reports and dashboards that provide visibility into their finances.

Closing the Gaps to Better Data, Better Decisions

There’s really no excuse for SMBs to be behind the curve in adopting automation to better manage their data and turn it into business insights. Using ubiquitous technologies like smartphones and tablets, the power of the cloud, and advanced integrations, SMBs can now slice and dice a vast amount of data from one or multiple mobile apps, then view that data in one place and see patterns immerge immediately before their eyes.

These real-time insights can be vital. One of our clients, a construction company, performs regular inspections of its equipment using a GoCanvas app and they also use these Industrial Weighing Scales to check out their heavy products are coming in at the right amount. If an inspector flags an issue, the issue is automatically entered into another app for work orders and sent to a technician for repair. All of this happens behind the scenes and instantaneously, through advanced integrations.

This is just one example, but there’s a huge opportunity for small business to eliminate the capability, affordability, and knowledge gaps that have prevented them from keeping up with and getting more from their data flow, while competing with businesses ten times their size. Whether SMBs are looking to achieve everyday insights that contribute to cost-efficiencies or glean deeper insights while gathering more data over time, investing in automated data collection can help easily turn numbers into insights.

Authored by: James Robins

James is Chief Marketing Officer of digital transformation platform GoCanvas.

The post Stop Wondering and Start Knowing, How to Put your Business Data to Use appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51233
Overcoming Disruption in a Family Run Business https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/overcoming-disruption-in-a-family-run-business.html/ Sat, 25 Aug 2018 14:00:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51220 Running a family business has it’s unique challenges. I sat down with Sarah Binder Mehta, President of PianoPiano, a third-generation piano sales/rental company. Sarah and I talked about growing a multi-generational business, overcoming industry disruption, and dealing with family dynamics. You can follow bubdesk for more updates. Sarah’s grandfather started the business in the 1930’s […]

The post Overcoming Disruption in a Family Run Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Running a family business has it’s unique challenges. I sat down with Sarah Binder Mehta, President of PianoPiano, a third-generation piano sales/rental company. Sarah and I talked about growing a multi-generational business, overcoming industry disruption, and dealing with family dynamics. You can follow bubdesk for more updates.

Sarah’s grandfather started the business in the 1930’s as a department store called Binder’s State Street. Sarah’s father worked in the store, managing the furniture department where pianos where being sold. Grandfather wanted to retire and closed Binder’s, leaving piano manufacturers with no presence in the south Jersey region.

Sarah and her father, Jerry Binder

After being approached by a piano manufacturer, Sarah’s dad opened a Hammond piano store in 1959. By 1960 that store was the #1 Hammond distributor in the US. It wasn’t long before the Binders’ chain of piano stores became the #1 US distributor for almost all the major piano brand.

The 1990’s brought disruption and corrections to the piano industry, forcing the Binder patriarch to close most of his 27 stores. A shift to rentals, instead of sales, has kept the company relevant and profitable.

Sarah had this to say about the pressures of running a family business and honoring the legacy of her grandfather and father: “You hear all the stories about how second-generation businesses are more likely to fail. Of course that is a concern, but it’s also super rewarding. My dad has four daughters and I always say that this business is his fifth child. It’s rewarding that he trusts me to steward that.”

While working with family can create freedoms not aways found in a traditional work setting, Sarah reminded me that, “When you are in a family business, you bring your family dynamics to work, every day.”

While working with family has it’s unique set of challenges, a multi-generational business can benefit from the fresh and new outlook brought by younger members of the team. When Sarah introduced e-commerce her parents “they didn’t believe anyone would rent a piano online, but people do it, every day.” Since then, Sarah has digitized their records and introduced a robust CRM, allowing PianoPiano to work more efficiently, effectively, and with more insight in to their customers’ needs and sales trends.

Growing a family business and managing a multi-generational team can be challenging. The one thing Sarah has learned running PianoPiano! is that to be successful you must learn to work through obstacles. “In some ways nothing is ever easy. Every new thing I’ve tried to implement, there’s always been unforeseen bumps. Being able to take those in stride and not drive yourself crazy about it”

Listen to the full interview below. 

The post Overcoming Disruption in a Family Run Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51220
Want A Smarter Business? SAP’s Business ByDesign 1808 Gets Upgraded to Help https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/want-a-smarter-business-saps-business-bydesign-1808-gets-upgraded-to-help.html/ Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:00:59 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51188 In business, don’t you sometimes wish you could see around corners and know what’s coming before it gets to you? Growing companies are investing in the tools and technologies to leverage the massive amounts of historical data they have, to predict what’s happening in the future. Today SAP announced the launch of Business ByDesign 1808 […]

The post Want A Smarter Business? SAP’s Business ByDesign 1808 Gets Upgraded to Help appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
In business, don’t you sometimes wish you could see around corners and know what’s coming before it gets to you? Growing companies are investing in the tools and technologies to leverage the massive amounts of historical data they have, to predict what’s happening in the future.

Today SAP announced the launch of Business ByDesign 1808 to help growing businesses after faster and smarter.

The information that companies gain through the built-in analytical capabilities can be combined with the advanced predictive capabilities, powered by ERP solutions such as SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).

Use case: Optimize delivery performance, avoid delays

Traditionally, SAP customers would use the ‘On-time-in-full’ report, which provides information into which sales orders have been delayed either in partial or full quantity. We would drill-down, making use of the multi-dimensional analysis pattern and try to find the common factors.

In the current release, customers can access the relevant data within SAC and run smart Insights to identify key drivers regarding any delays. For example, is it happening with specific customers, sales agents, or simply with orders placed on a particular day of the week? 

The post Want A Smarter Business? SAP’s Business ByDesign 1808 Gets Upgraded to Help appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51188
Are Business Plans Necessary to Start a Business? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/are-business-plans-necessary-to-start-a-business.html/ Thu, 16 Aug 2018 14:00:22 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51146 Have you ever been told that you must have a business plan to start a business? This is one of the most common pieces of advice that entrepreneurs hear; but, whether the advice is necessary is up for some debate. There are some instances when a business plan is a must-have and there are some […]

The post Are Business Plans Necessary to Start a Business? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Have you ever been told that you must have a business plan to start a business? This is one of the most common pieces of advice that entrepreneurs hear; but, whether the advice is necessary is up for some debate. There are some instances when a business plan is a must-have and there are some instances when one is not needed at all. However, some form of planning does help most entrepreneurs get their businesses off of the ground.

Most experts agree that entrepreneurs who need to secure funding must have business plans and must use Feasibility study services. These plans need to be filled with formality regarding the feasibility of the business. So, accurate numbers are important. If working from the scratch with big numbers feels overwhelming for you, contracting business plan services may be a good option to help you stating how your project idea needs be materialized before you even start to invest money on it; working with experienced people from the start is always good if you want things to go in a smooth way from day one. Businesses that are relying on family members for funding (or not looking for funding at all) can use anything from a plan on the back of a bar napkin to a formal plan. It all depends on the request of your investors. The two things that most people agree on is that the business plan need not be overwhelming in length and that is includes actionable steps that lead to success. If you are having trouble starting off, then try using a Business Continuity Planning Software

Sales over planning

Adrian Miller of Adrian Miller Sales Training did not need a formal business plan to start her business because she was not in need of financing. Her belief is that entrepreneurs need “customers, because without them you can put your plan in the trash.” She values target-market knowledge, so startups understand how to market to them to get going and get sales.

Overrated, but critical

Despite Miller’s success without using a formal business plan, Zev Asch, the president of Ledaza Inc, thinks differently. His digital marketing company deals with the business plan controversy on a regular basis. This emotional topic is all about mindset. Asch said: “The best part of writing a BP is the process and the deep thinking that are required.” He advises his clients to write their plans not to convince someone to finance your business. He advises them to write their plans with the intention of creating a successful business and to share it with experts to get their advice, too.

Asch recommends all entrepreneurs develop plans for their start ups. “If it’s not written, it won’t happen,” he said. Asch sees newbies waste their time finding business plan templates and diving into details. He advises, “You need a roadmap for how you are going to get customers — plain and simple. It can be on a napkin – the hard work is getting customers not writing the plan.” Since businesses cannot survive without “numbers,” it is vital to have some simple financials, especially when it comes to marketing. “Remember, ‘free’ marketing doesn’t work, but hard work pays off.” And, for Asch, hard work involves using the phone.

Stop wasting time and get started

Patti Pokorchak of Small Biz Sales Coach agrees with Asch, especially regarding the amount of time that entrepreneurs waste while planning. She said:  “I’m the opposite – massive action as you don’t know if you are going in the right direction UNTIL you take that first step.” Pokorchak has an MBA and she has started 11 businesses over the course of 26 years. Once you take the first step, then you can decide what to do next. She does create plans, but they are limited to annual financial goals that are then tracked monthly. She then adjusts her tactical and strategic plans as needed.

One size does not fit all

The trend in business plans seems to be that one size does not fit all. Take Cat LeBlanc, who shared her story on Business Insider. She agrees that entrepreneurs who need funding absolutely need a formal business plan. To start her coaching business, she created her own style of planning she calls “concept to test.” She uses these four elements: the idea, the value to clients, an offer, and minimal test marketing. She wanted to see if her business idea would work and she did it in the way that Pokorchak recommends, by getting busy actually doing, rather than planning. And, for LeBlanc, it worked.

Ramon Ray says that while a formal business plan is not necessary, every entrepreneur should have a plan – of sorts. Even if it’s on the back of a napkin, as Adrian Miller said in a follow up comment.

A few resources to consider include SCORE  and LivePlan

Authored by: Kristen Bentley, Reporter, SmallBizTechnology.com

 

The post Are Business Plans Necessary to Start a Business? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51146
How General Liability Insurance Adds Value to Your Organization https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/how-general-liability-insurance-adds-value-to-your-organization.html/ Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:49:37 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51166 Businesses thrive when they have certain tools at their disposal that promise to elevate them further and ultimately add more value. It’s also considered the litmus test of any new invention. If it can add value, it’ll be a resounding success, if it cannot, it’ll fail miserably, so if you are looking for a reliable […]

The post How General Liability Insurance Adds Value to Your Organization appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>

Businesses thrive when they have certain tools at their disposal that promise to elevate them further and ultimately add more value. It’s also considered the litmus test of any new invention. If it can add value, it’ll be a resounding success, if it cannot, it’ll fail miserably, so if you are looking for a reliable insurance provider, then contact an agency like these gig workers.

Insurance is a lot similar to that. While almost every business wants to protect itself against any unwarranted losses and expenditures, it expects more than just protection for their investments. If you want to avoid any of these complications then you should get business insurance to have extra protection.

General Liability Insurance for small business usually represents the ideal business insurance opportunity in such cases. While its primary purpose is to provide financial protection, it also covers a lot more than that and is genuinely considered an asset to have on the company’s balence sheet. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, then you can hire product liability attorney services for any legal assistance you may need for your company. There are other factors that you should ideally consider when buying business insurance. It doesn’t matter what your primary risk factors are, you can expect them to be taken care of. It will not only protect your current assets but also facilitate your future growth. 

It’s a simple truth the simplest way to add value to your organization is to avoid the common pitfalls and maintain your company’s quality of service. Having the right kind of coverage is a fantastic way to start. If you want to know why then here’s how General Liability can actually add value to your organization. Before you get started on building your dream home or apartment, you should look into the types of liability insurance. Even before your building is complete, it is susceptible to the elements. Fire or wind can cause considerable damage before your house is constructed. It may also fall prey to theft or vandalism, requiring you to spend a lot more money to fix the damage that has been done. This situation is where a builder’s risk insurance comes in. It protects you from such dire circumstances, letting you rebuild without a sizable dent in your finances. 

The Workers

Times may change, practices may evolve, but workers will also be an important part of any organization’s present and future. And while their productivity is not the issue here, their confidence and morale certainly is. It goes without saying that having your employees and workers working with a high morale can certainly uplift the general mood and productivity of your organization.

Additionally, it will also prevent your company from having to bear expensive expenditures in case any of your workers are injured. The policy ensures that you’ll be safe from a financial point of view while imbuing an air of confidence within an organization that the management cares about the work force and has effective policies in place to take care of them, if anything should happen.

Errors & Omissions

Mistakes happen. They might be costly and horrendous mistakes but they’ll happen anyhow if there’s a human element involved. If you’re serving clients, there’s always a chance that one certain occasion you may not be able to render the kind of services that the client expected which may lead them to sue you. This policy protects you from those expenses and will also allow you to make an out of court settlement without bringing the matter to court. This eliminates the chance of any public disputes that might damage your reputations within the market.

The Property

When the account books are opened, it matters a great deal what protective measures you have in place to guarantee that you can handle any damages to your property or any other tangible assets. In other words, having a potent protection policy can elevate the value of your property and by extension of your company.

Published in partnership with Next Insurance

The post How General Liability Insurance Adds Value to Your Organization appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51166
Microsoft Surface Go: Is It A Fit For Your Business? https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/08/microsoft-surface-go-is-it-for-your-business.html/ Sat, 11 Aug 2018 14:00:27 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51128 With a starting price of $399, the Microsoft Surface Go represents the most affordable personal computer available in the popular Surface family of tablets. At a price that is nearly half of what the cheapest Surface tablet alternative cost, Microsoft has created an affordable computing option for small businesses that operate on tight budgets. Access […]

The post Microsoft Surface Go: Is It A Fit For Your Business? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
With a starting price of $399, the Microsoft Surface Go represents the most affordable personal computer available in the popular Surface family of tablets. At a price that is nearly half of what the cheapest Surface tablet alternative cost, Microsoft has created an affordable computing option for small businesses that operate on tight budgets. Access to Microsoft Office applications helps small business owners manage finances and coordinate communications with vendors and customers. Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, Panos Panay, wrote in a Microsoft blog the goal of the Surface Pro is to deliver computing services that are “lightweight, productive, and accessible to more people.”

For $399, small business operators enjoy a stylishly designed tablet that comes with a Surface Go Signature Type Cover, with four color options to match virtually any work or home office decor. A built-in kickstand allows you to work from everywhere, which makes the tablet ideal for small business owners that travel to visit with clients. The full friction hinge extends the tablet to 165 degrees. Microsoft offers costlier versions of the Surface Pro that provide more RAM and storage capacity.

Best Features of the Microsoft Surface Pro

The 12.3-inch high density screen is standard for all versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro. Pixel density runs 2,736 by 1,824, which is higher than average for other styles of tablets. The Intel Core i5 processor ramps up processing speeds as high as two times that the Surface Pro 3 delivers. Using Microsoft Windows 10 opens up the full desktop version of Microsoft Office, as well as Flash and Java features.

A full size USB 3.0 portal, microSD slot, and Mini Display Port offer optimal connection flexibility to most high definition televisions. The most recent edition of the Microsoft Surface Pro includes Bluetooth 4.1 technology. Front facing speakers make it easier to hear music and work-related presentations. Battery life has increased by 50% over the last Surface Pro model released by Microsoft.

Accessories

As with the Surface Pro, users must pay for accessories to enhance the performance of the Surface Go. The Type Cover starts at $99, with the highest price at $129. A mobile mouse adds $34.99 to the final bill. Other accessories that cost extra include headphones and the installation of additional ports.

Is the Surface Go Good for Small Business Use?

The Microsoft Surface Go receives positive reviews from customers that use the tablet for personal functions. How does the tablet stack up against the competition for small business use? Access to the microsoft office professional plus 2019 product key is a bonus for small business operators.  Dan Ackerman of CNET wrote, “In person, during a brief hands-on demo session, the 1.15-pound Surface Go felt like it hit a sweet spot between design and functionality.”

Pros

  • Longer than average battery lifespan
  • Much quieter cooling system
  • Lightweight design
  • Seventh generation Intel processor

Cons

  • Cost of accessories
  • Some operating bugs
  • Keyboard discomfort for extend periods of typing

The Bottom Line

With power lacking and slower than average operating performance, the Microsoft Surface Pro might not be compatible for business owners that operate multiple units. Although Office is an excellent business productivity tool, the software does not link with POS systems to provide real time financial data updates. Microsoft Surface Go is for small businesses that use Microsoft designed apps, but do not want to fork over the cash for more powerful and expensive tablets.

-Authored by Don Potochny, Reporter, SmallBizTechnology.com

The post Microsoft Surface Go: Is It A Fit For Your Business? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51128
Zoho One Gets Smarter. Features To Power Growing Businesses. New Event Manage Solution Launches. https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/07/zoho-one-gets-smarter-features-to-power-growing-businesses-new-event-manage-solution-launches.html/ Tue, 31 Jul 2018 13:00:11 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51094 Zoho is one of the leading companies enabling the success of small business. With an executive team keenly focused on serving the needs of small business owners, entrepreneurs and consultants Zoho has launched a new solution focused on event management and an upgrade to Zoho One. Corporate Events Super Agency engaged pop events for our Children’s […]

The post Zoho One Gets Smarter. Features To Power Growing Businesses. New Event Manage Solution Launches. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Zoho is one of the leading companies enabling the success of small business. With an executive team keenly focused on serving the needs of small business owners, entrepreneurs and consultants Zoho has launched a new solution focused on event management and an upgrade to Zoho One. Corporate Events Super Agency engaged pop events for our Children’s Christmas party for the past several years and we have never been disappointed. The one stop shopping for all of our party needs is by far the best. As a client you will benefit from our extensive talent pool, including our in-house rentals and corporate gifting divisions. Call us! We guarantee you an unsurpassed experience at of every stage of your corporate event planning. You want an experience everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. We offer excitement, professionalism and an exemplary service record. Our consistent dedication to our clients has enabled us to secure a place among the top event planning companies in Toronto. At Pop! Events, we specialize in designing and managing every detail of your corporate event. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible service and unique, cutting-edge products and services for our clients. We are an event management company in Toronto you can depend on to create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Zoho One is now “smarter” bringing it’s growing list of apps together in a more integrated fashion, enabling data to be used between applications based on user queries.

What most excites me about the update is Zoho Backstage, a robust solution for complete event management. Included in Zoho Backstage is the ability to build an event website, create an agenda, manage speakers (and sponsors),  promote the event and manage ticket sales.

Zoho has built a rich set of audience engagement tools into Backstage as well, enabling presentations  and agendas to be a seamless part of the attendee experience.

Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist for Zoho says that Zoho’s aim is to provide just about every tool a business needs to start and grow – an operating system for a business.

While most of the 40 plus applications in Zoho’s suite of tools are first class, Raju also acknowledges and encourages partnerships. A business might want to use a competitors tool for CRM and Zoho’s tools for back end operations. Another business might want to use Zoho for CRM and customer contact management and another product for collaboration or email management.

Today’s announcements continue to prove that Zoho is one of the best friends a growing business could have and that their management is in tune to the needs of all independent businesses.

 

The post Zoho One Gets Smarter. Features To Power Growing Businesses. New Event Manage Solution Launches. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51094
International Expansion the Right Way https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2018/07/international-expansion-the-right-way.html/ Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:00:18 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=51061 Starting a business in one’s own country can be a daunting task. It often involves piles of paperwork and navigating hundreds of unfamiliar processes to get the permits you need. Once your business is established and running successfully, though, your eyes may look to other horizons—AKA new markets. These markets provide an opportunity to reach […]

The post International Expansion the Right Way appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Starting a business in one’s own country can be a daunting task. It often involves piles of paperwork and navigating hundreds of unfamiliar processes to get the permits you need.

Once your business is established and running successfully, though, your eyes may look to other horizons—AKA new markets. These markets provide an opportunity to reach a new and wider customer base. Reaching those customers, however, and selling to them can be hard work. That is why many businesses buy soundcloud followers for the better reach through social media marketing.

When you need a live event made accessible for people who cannot hear, live captioning is the service you need. Live captioning is used for newscasts, broadcast sports events, arena captioning, city council meetings, business conferences, concerts, webinars, and more!

No matter where you decide to set up shop, expanding internationally can be confusing and complicated. However, there are a few things you can do to smooth the process before opening your doors—or your website—to international consumers.

1. Know why you’re expanding your business

Aside from the possibility of generating more revenue from exposing your product to new customers, really think about why you’re expanding your business internationally.

Despite the fact that you’ve never marketed your product there, are you seeing demand from the country you’re targeting? This could include traffic to your website from other areas or purchases from other countries.

2. Have an international business plan

Don’t assume that the business plan you used to start your company in the U.S. will get your international business off the ground. In fact—other than your stellar product—you should act like you’re building your organization from the ground up.

Get familiar with commerce and business laws in your new target country. Understand the processes you’ll have to go through to open your doors or start selling your product to locals. Even if the consumers in a specific market seem like a good fit for your product, weigh the costs of setting your company up in a new country against the potential revenue. 

3. Learn about the culture of the country you want to expand to

Along with a localized business plan, it’s important to understand cultural norms and nuances of your new territory. You’re selling your product or service to people, and successful selling requires understanding their wants and needs, and how they go about their days.

Conduct research on your target market’s social and business cultures across several areas, including:

  • Language (including local dialects and common slang)
  • National and traditional holidays
  • The importance of hierarchies
  • Typical dress code and other signals of professionalism

Not only will this research help you better understand your customers, it will give you better ideas for advertising and help you understand when your sales team is more likely to connect with prospects.

4. Optimize for international SEO

So, you know how you’re going to start your business functions in your target country, and you know about your new potential customers. But how are you going to reach them?Well click this link here now and rank your website in easiest way.

Starting a local website (ending in “.de” for Germany, for example) and translating it to your target country’s official language (or the dialect of your target consumers) will get you on track to better optimize for local SEO.

5. Give your sales team the tools they need to succeed internationally

Once you’ve got customers flocking to your site and recognizing your organization’s name from well-placed local ads, you need to be sure your sales team is set up to handle international prospects.

Letting your leads languish without any response is one of the biggest no-no’s in sales. If you don’t have a salesperson working in your new country of business or dedicated to working hours compatible with their timezone(s), you’ll need a system that—at the very least—sends automated email responses. Set your team up with a decent email marketing or marketing automation solution that allows prospects to schedule phone calls with your sales reps or directs them to relevant resources.

Start your international business the right way

If you started a successful business in your home country, you can repeat the process in other countries…with a few tweaks, of course.

Learn as much as you can about business operations, culture, and SEO in your target country, and you’ll be sure to start the new branch of your business off on the right foot.

Authored by:

Kelsie Anderson

Kelsie is a senior content analyst, writer, and researcher for Capterra. Kelsie has over three years of experience in the B2B software industry, and additional experience in video production, digital marketing, graphic design, data analysis, and SEO and content strategy. When she’s not reading and writing about software trends, she enjoys reading and dabbling in comedic pursuits.

The post International Expansion the Right Way appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
51061
4 Tasks You Should Outsource For Your Business [+ 4 You Shouldn’t] https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2017/08/4-tasks-you-should-outsource-for-your-business-4-you-shouldnt.html/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:29:56 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=50127 With the emergence of globalization, companies are driven more than ever to delegate business functions to contractors or external agencies. Leveraging cost-effective labor, innovative service, and cutting-edge technology, outsourcing delivers significant advantages that appeal to business owners who have a lot on their plate. However, economists such as Tom Peters and Peter Drucker believe that […]

The post 4 Tasks You Should Outsource For Your Business [+ 4 You Shouldn’t] appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
With the emergence of globalization, companies are driven more than ever to delegate business functions to contractors or external agencies. Leveraging cost-effective labor, innovative service, and cutting-edge technology, outsourcing delivers significant advantages that appeal to business owners who have a lot on their plate. However, economists such as Tom Peters and Peter Drucker believe that there are certain undertakings that entrepreneurs should keep in-house.  Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t outsource.

What You Should Outsource:

1. Hiring

Recruiting high-caliber talent may look easy on paper but in reality, it is a particularly daunting task. Star employees are often occupied and well-compensated. If someone happens to be available, expect stiff competition from other companies.

A third party recruitment agency saves you time and money. They’ve put in the legwork so they already know who’s qualified and who’s available. In addition, most agencies are paid on a commission basis. You get the talent first before parting with your investment.

2. Bookkeeping and Payroll

Hiring an internal bookkeeper might not be enough to keep your finances on track especially if your company is growing. Outsourcing this operation takes a lot off your plate, freeing you to focus on what you do best. Established payroll firms have the latest technologies and best practices as part of their arsenal. You will not only get your accounting expedited but you can also expect it to be virtually risk-free.

3. Social Media

While you should not outsource your brand identity, engaging your market via social media is a time consuming endeavor. Outsourcing this task to an agency or a freelancer with social media expertise should keep your followers engaged while giving a boost to your brand’s online presence.

4. Secretarial Tasks

Appointment setting, encoding, lead generating, and other administrative functions can be outsourced to a qualified remote assistant or contractor. It is a cost-efficient move that can help streamline daily operations.

What You Should Not Outsource:

1. Core Functions

The first step in identifying what to outsource is determining your core competencies. These are the functions that enable your company to deliver a unique value to your market. You never want to outsource these activities for the following reasons:

  • Your company fails to learn from experience.

When you outsource a core competency, you get a short-term relief at the cost of missing a good opportunity to grow and develop your expertise.

  • It does not contribute to the team’s morale.

If another agency delivers the goods for you, your team will not feel a sense of accomplishment. You may shower the team with money but studies have shown that employees with a sense of purpose are more productive and have higher retention rates.  

  • Your company becomes isolated.

Business is all about forging connections. If you outsource your unique service, the third party contractor is the one building connections with your client, not you. The highly competitive nature of business might eventually tempt your contractor to go after your client.

2. Customer Service

While many businesses currently outsource their customer service, it isn’t always the best move for your business. If done correctly, outsourcing your customer service can bring tons of value to your business. If done incorrectly, poor experiences between your customers and your outsourced support can lead to bad reviews and bad word of mouth for your business.

An alternative to outsourcing your customer service is chatbots. Chatbots are able to provide a consistent customer service experience and handle basic support tasks. You can also quickly give additional tasks to chatbots that might otherwise take a while to train an outsourced team to do. Using a chatbot platform can enable you to build your own chatbot for your business.

3. Content Creation

While many suggest outsourcing content creation for cost-efficiency, it is a good idea to keep this function in-house. Nobody knows your business like you and your team do so you want to push content that reflects your identity, whether you blog about a learning experience with an irate customer or post a photo of your team’s quirky side.

Experienced remote assistants may help you craft your message but the voice must come from within. You want your audience to be receptive to your brand’s unique identity. Churning recycled content may look like a step toward that goal but it’s actually two steps back.

4. Termination

George Clooney’s character in the movie Up in the Air may give the appearance that termination management by a third party is common practice nowadays. However, it is not. Robert Pagliarini of CBS News writes “ultimately a manager (and potential leader) needs to be able to meet face to face with their employees and deliver both good and bad news.” A number of HR functions can be delegated but dismissals should be done internally with respect.  

In Conclusion

Peter Drucker challenged business owners when he said “do what you do best and outsource the rest!”  Outsourcing remains a hotly debated topic but this article should help you distinguish the tasks that can be delegated from the tasks that should remain in-house.

The post 4 Tasks You Should Outsource For Your Business [+ 4 You Shouldn’t] appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
50127
How to Make Sure You Never Run Out of Inventory https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2017/04/never-run-out-of-inventory.html/ Thu, 13 Apr 2017 17:33:55 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=49594 Achieving the optimal inventory level is crucial for efficient business operations. But it can be tricky. Many people believe that excess inventory is less costly than running out of a product. However, keeping too much of a slow-moving item can increase your company’s overhead costs and erode your profitability. On the other hand, too little […]

The post How to Make Sure You Never Run Out of Inventory appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Achieving the optimal inventory level is crucial for efficient business operations. But it can be tricky.

Many people believe that excess inventory is less costly than running out of a product. However, keeping too much of a slow-moving item can increase your company’s overhead costs and erode your profitability.

On the other hand, too little inventory means failing to meet and maximize the demand for your products. This will impact your top-line negatively. You also risk customer wrath, or even worse — the loss of your customer’s lifetime business with your company. This eats up your salespeople’s time, energy, and morale. Now they must deal with agitated clients and unmet sales targets.

Remember that your customer service is closely tied to your organization’s capability of fulfilling your customer’s requirements efficiently and correctly.

How do you create an inventory system that can result in a win-win-win situation for your customers, your warehousing department, and your salespeople? One of the most important keys to good inventory management is data.

In this article, we’ll go through the six ways you can use data to always have the optimal level of inventory.

6 Ways to Prevent Running Out of Inventory

1. Use historical sales data to predict purchasing trends.

Sales reports can summarize each SKU’s offtake on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can then use this information to make decent projections of the quantity you need. Employees also know when you need certain items.

Take note of seasonality, as well as expected highs and lows. Do you experience spikes during month-end? Is there a certain day of the week when your customers usually replenish their stocks? How much additional sales does the holiday rush contribute to your product line? After the season, when should you start trimming down your order quantities?

Historical sales data will also reveal which items are your bestsellers. These are the items that make the bulk of your sales. Make sure you keep a close eye on these items. Review and order them more frequently, if needed.

2. Use software to keep track of real-time inventory levels.

Keeping track of the current inventory that you have on hand will help you decide whether or not it is time to place a new order. It’s important to have a point person to review your inventory levels for each item regularly. That way, you can take prompt action especially during unexpected surges in demand.

If you have a big portfolio of items, manually counting each item every day would be an incredibly time-consuming task. Likewise, it’s prone to human error.

To minimize these potential problems, it’s a good idea to have inventory management software to help you keep track. All-in-one POS software systems have a range of features that can make the process easier for small business owners.

Of course, you still need to check your inventory record versus your actual quantities. Do this periodically to avoid and address discrepancies between the two.

3. Keep lead time in mind when calculating when and how much to reorder.

Different suppliers have varying order-to-delivery lead times. Lead time is the number of days/weeks/months from when an order is placed to when the item reaches your warehouse.

If a particular vendor has a long lead time, make sure that you take this into consideration when replenishing your inventory. Keep in mind that it’s important to negotiate for a shorter lead time. Do this in order to minimize the amount of inventory you need to keep in your warehouse.

If you are a manufacturer, there is also the production lead time to add to the equation. This is simply the number of days it takes to produce your item in your factory (or third-party manufacturer).

4. Set a minimum inventory level to know when it’s time to reorder.

You need to reorder your items when they reach the minimum inventory level so that you do not run out of inventory.

When determining your minimum inventory level, it should not be some magic number that you just pulled out of a hat. Rather, it should be based on your projected sales quantity for a certain number of days. It definitely should not be less than your supplier and production lead time combined.

An illustration might help. If you sell 300 pieces of your product every 30 days, that means your average daily sales is 10 pieces per day. Assuming your supplier lead time is 15 days, then your minimum stock level should be at least 150 pieces (10 pieces x 15 days).

If you are a manufacturer and it takes 5 days to produce your finished product, then you have to add 50 pieces (10 pieces x 5 days), for a total of 200 pieces minimum stock level.

5. Include market trends and projected brand performance into your equation.

Take note of your industry’s outlook and factor in expected growth and decline in your ordering and inventory management.

Are you going to launch a marketing campaign and you’re bullish about your brand’s increased sales? Make sure that your inventory level is enough to meet the spike in demand.

6. Know your warehouse’s capacity and partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) company, if needed.

As your business grows, you will need to order more stocks of your products or raw materials. However if your warehouse capacity is limited, the lack of space might be a challenge for you.

If investing in additional warehouse or personnel is not yet feasible for your company, a fantastic practical option is working with a third party logistics (3PL) company. These companies offer order fulfillment services that can help you save time, energy, and money.

Inventory Management Formula

This is a proven ordering formula. It can work for any kind of business, with some minor tweaks based on your SKU types and industry.

  • Total Days = The number of days you want to keep in inventory + supplier and production lead time + buffer days for a possible increase in offtake or unexpected delays.
  • Order Quantity = (Average sales per day x total days) – inventory on hand.

Keep in mind that the above formula does not take into account the following:

  • Customer order to delivery lead time.
  • Shelf life of SKU’s or raw materials.
  • Minimum order quantity (MOQ).
  • Bulk discounts from suppliers.
  • Box, pallet, and finished products sizes and weight.

Bottom Line

When you run out of inventory, you disappoint your customers and give your competitors the chance to snatch them from you.

Keep in mind that some upset clients will never come back to do business with your company ever again. As a result, make it your goal to have a healthy inventory level at all times.

The post How to Make Sure You Never Run Out of Inventory appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
49594
Why Small Business Owners Need Business Consultants Now More than Ever https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2017/01/why-smbs-need-business-consultants-now-more-than-ever.html/ Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:14:38 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=49329 Interestingly enough, some small business think that they can still dominate their industry with the business strategies they learned from their Grampa Ned way back in the early-80’s, while on his beat-up rocking chair. They are in for a rude awakening. With how competitive and fast-paced the business world has become, business owners are bound […]

The post Why Small Business Owners Need Business Consultants Now More than Ever appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Interestingly enough, some small business think that they can still dominate their industry with the business strategies they learned from their Grampa Ned way back in the early-80’s, while on his beat-up rocking chair.

They are in for a rude awakening.

With how competitive and fast-paced the business world has become, business owners are bound to experience bitter defeat if they don’t learn new strategies and methodologies that can give them an obvious advantage over their competitors.

What’s the most effective way to learn new business strategies and concepts, you might want to ask?

Well, that’s where business consultants come in.

Let’s talk about why small business need business consultants right now more than ever.

1. Learn new techniques and mindsets.

Business can learn a lot from what Sam Ovens has to say about entrepreneurship, “Entrepreneurship and success is more of a battle in your own mind than it is in anything else.” When business have consultants who can share these kinds of insights and ideas with them, they are bound to be equipped with the right mindsets that would help them achieve insurmountable success.

Also, when business owners hire consultants that are worth their salt, they’d be able to learn the tricks of the trade that other successful businesses in their industry are using. Also invest in tools to automate your processes. Hospitals are getting access to aces charting where they can store patient information and also keep it secure.

Considering how important having the right mindset and business strategy is to success, it pays for entrepreneurs to invest in hiring an experienced consultant to jumpstart their business’ growth. 

2. Get connected with like-minded people.

Business consultants are often well connected in the industry that they’re in. That’s just how they are because of the nature of their work. They often deal with business owners, managers, or people with influence that can often make a positive impact to a business startup should they decide to help. This is a great chance for small business to take part in the growing niche of influencer marketing to grow your brand and audience reach.

At this point, I need you to imagine how much value you would get if your business consultant would introduce you to their contacts. Perhaps to someone who would do well as your client or your supplier. Or perhaps to someone who can help improve your business process.

That’s just a glimpse of how much business consultants can help small business. With this kind of benefit, a business can easily look like an established brand when they are seen together with influencers or industry leaders.

3. Have better clarity.

Clarity is power. The more clarity a business owner has, the more laser focused his actions are towards reaching his goals. That means, no unnecessary turns to the left or to the right that can cause the business owner to be distracted in what he has set out to do.

With how the internet has opened truckloads of opportunities and solutions to the business owners, getting pulled in by the shiny object syndrome has become a common challenge that they have to contend with — they have no clarity.

However, when they have business consultants who can call them out for their lack of clarity, they are immediately pulled back to the road that they ought to be traveling.

When you think about the amount of money, time, and resources that get wasted when someone gets pulled in by the shiny object syndrome, you’ll have a better appreciation of how crucial a business consultant’s role is to a business.

4. Have an accountability partner.

Taking a small business from the startup phase to a level of overwhelming success requires hard work (tons of it), focus, perseverance, careful planning, motivation, and everything else in between. All of which are exceedingly hard to sustain if you’ll go at it alone.

However, if you have an accountability partner to push you and speak life to you in situations where you are just about ready to call it quits, your chances of succeeding drastically improves.

The good thing about making your business consultant your accountability partner is the fact that he is well equipped with motivation strategies/techniques and the psychology behind how people’s minds work.

Here’s the thing, while a business owner can certainly choose his best friend as his accountability partner, there is a good chance that his best friend will fail miserably at his task.

Why, you might want to ask?

Simple. That’s because his best friend isn’t trained in the psychology of motivating people (among other things). Sure. His best friend might be genuinely concerned about the business owner (which is also important in and of itself), however, being genuinely concerned alone just isn’t going to cut it when a person’s goal is to achieve significant levels of success. You’re going to need help — a professional one at that.

And so the question becomes: If you want your business to succeed, are you going to need professional help? Or is it enough for you to receive genuine concern from one of your family members?

At this point, I hope you answered the former.

5. Business consultants can optimize your business process.

Because the consultants come from a neutral place when observing a business process, they can see how the business operates from a different perspective. When you couple that with their years of experience in the industry, they can determine (and point out) the unnecessary steps that a small business makes in their business operation.

Once these unnecessary steps have been pointed out to the business owners, they can then get rid of it increasing the efficiency of their business workflow.

What’s next?

Are you currently working with a business consultant? If you answered with a “yes,” can you share how your working relationship with him/her have been so far? What are some of the best practices that you can share when it comes to dealing with business consultants?

The post Why Small Business Owners Need Business Consultants Now More than Ever appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
49329
6 Short-Term Goals for Long-Term Success https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2015/01/six-short-term-goals-for-long-term-success.html/ Tue, 20 Jan 2015 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/?p=42381 Small businesses can create big success if they consistently set short-term, attainable goals. Whether your business is looking to expand into a new market, acquire new leads or make key new hires, these short-term goals will help you sustain momentum over the long term. 1. Make sales and marketing a priority. Clearly, sales and marketing […]

The post 6 Short-Term Goals for Long-Term Success appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
Small businesses can create big success if they consistently set short-term, attainable goals. Whether your business is looking to expand into a new market, acquire new leads or make key new hires, these short-term goals will help you sustain momentum over the long term.

1. Make sales and marketing a priority.

Clearly, sales and marketing are key to success, but many small business owners don’t have expertise in these areas. Evaluate a few of the free or inexpensive cloud-based applications that can help you optimize for search engines and improve PPC campaign results, increase lead generation or make it easy to launch and maintain marketing campaigns. If you’re looking for a company that has a wide range of technology services like DevOps & Cloud infrastructure, check out devsdata.com for premium software development services. By getting a help of job insights in sales and marketing activities, you can increase market awareness about your product and allow your team to dedicate more time to improving it.

2. Listen to your customers.

Small businesses need to keep up their needs, with the changing needs of their customers in order to keep an edge on the competition. Ensure that there is a way for customers to voice their feedback and for you to show that you’re listening. Create a forum that allows the people actually using your product to share their experiences. This way, you can monitor customers’ satisfaction, provide great customer service and make adjustments and improvements as necessary. Doing so will build your brand and reputation as a customer-centric company.

3. Simplify day-to-day activities and automate workflows to improve productivity.

Try out a customer relationship management (CRM) or project management solution to help you spend less time on administrative tasks, like inputting customer details and organizing call notes, and more time ensuring that each customer has a positive experience while interacting with your product. For example, Yep Roc, a North Carolina-based music label, prepares for the annual SXSW music festival with the help of its project management tool. Organizers can manage performer contracts, vendors and catering contacts, ensuring that all tasks are completed in time for the show and the audience has the best experience possible.

4. Build and nurture customer relationships.

It’s not impossible to create a personalized experience for each customer. There are simple ways your team can build meaningful customer relationships. Employees who can recall customer details, such as recent purchases, can create conversations around your product. Ensure that your team has access to all necessary customer information so they can easily build high-quality relationships and grow a loyal customer base.

5. Collaborate with your team to brainstorm new ideas.

Whether your team members are in the same office or scattered across the globe, consistent collaboration will increase efficiency and productivity and strengthen the team’s bond. Set time aside each week or month to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of by giving different training or special session arranged for them with the help of job insights, improve your product and create new opportunities.

6. Attract and retain talented employees.

In order to attract and retain high-caliber employees, offer flexible work arrangements. Instead of driving your staff to work an 80-or 90-hour week, respect employees and look after their well-being with balanced work-life schedules. Working hard is important, but taking time to relax and recharge batteries is just as important. Allow yourself and your team to take breaks and de-stress. You’d be surprised what a time-out can do for your mental sharpness and creativity. Also, celebrating the team’s success is key to keeping employees motivated. Bring the team together for a total-office cheers to acknowledge the contribution of the entire team. Or, take a break from the day and go out to lunch together to celebrate wins.

Building a successful business takes time, and it shouldn’t be a sprint. Conquering each of these tasks will allow business owners to reach short-term goals while working toward their long-term objectives. Start today, be consistent and, ultimately, you’ll get where you want to go.

The post 6 Short-Term Goals for Long-Term Success appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

]]>
42381