In today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants to be more productive. Fortunately, there is an ever-increasing number of tools, many of them available online and across multiple devices, that promise to help us achieve our goals. The challenge then becomes how to know not just which tools will live up to their promise but which tools are right for our business. Choosing the best productivity tools depends on a number of factors,… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Record 80 million Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving holiday Americans are expected to set a new record for Thanksgiving travel, with nearly 80 million to hit the roads, catch flights and board cruises over the holiday period, travel group AAA said on Monday. US business owners sound off… Read more
As a small business owner, you’re likely always looking for ways to achieve more. Maybe you made a New Year’s resolution about it. You might have resolved to make more money, find more clients, or grow your business. It’s fantastic to have an idea of what you want to do, but how will you know whether or not you’re successful? That’s where SMART goals come in. SMART goals help you… Read more
Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. Financial goals are something that every single business should possess regardless of its market, model or size. Let’s explore how you can set and track financial goals… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Wholesale prices edge up 0.2% in October, meeting expectations amid moderating inflation Wholesale inflation increased by only 0.2% in October, exactly as Wall Street had forecasted, new figures from the Producer Price Index indicate, the Federal Reserve’s measure of inflation at the wholesale level. It reflects the prices producers… Read more
A solid sales strategy will help you consistently grow your business. It will give you a framework for generating more leads, closing more deals, and ultimately increasing your revenue. From nurturing existing accounts to thought leadership and effective pricing discussions, here are some actionable steps for a winning sales strategy. Nurture existing accounts: Schedule regular check-ins with current customers to maintain relationships. Use social media to engage with customers through… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. A snapshot of business growth by county and industry New County Business Patterns visualization shows where most business activity occurs in the United States and U.S. Island Areas. Explore a new interactive data visualization that uses the latest data released from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 County Business Patterns (CBP). Trump’s victory:… Read more
In the wake of the pandemic, many small business owners have become increasingly concerned about fraud. According to SAP Concur, a staggering 85% of businesses surveyed expect the risk of fraud to continue even after the pandemic. Making matters worse, many fraudulent acts originate from within businesses themselves. Below you will find some essential internal controls that you can implement to safeguard your business and mitigate the risk of financial… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The magnificent seven monitor Track the U.S. technology stocks that dominate the market. They’re Wall Street’s big guns. Stocks with so much swagger that they earned a nickname conjured from Hollywood’s golden age. US crypto industry expects friendlier Washington The cryptocurrency industry has spent years clashing with Democratic President… Read more
Procrastination can be a formidable foe for small business owners. With endless responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into the trap of putting off important tasks for later. But fear not! Here are some practical solutions that can help you slay procrastination once and for all. 1. Eat the frog first Ever heard of the saying “Eat the frog first”? It’s a productivity hack inspired by Mark Twain’s advice to tackle… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. IRS unveils new federal income tax brackets for 2025 The IRS on Oct. 22 unveiled the new federal income tax brackets for 2025. Every bracket was changed, including the top one. Large private companies strengthen communities across America Research shows how large private companies create millions of jobs and support… Read more
In the hustle and bustle of managing a small business, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful tools at your disposal—active listening. While it might sound simple, mastering the art of active listening can transform your workplace, enhance relationships, and significantly impact your business’s success. What is active listening? Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves fully understanding, interpreting, and responding to the conversation. Heather R.… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Will the US economy keep up the pace in the fourth quarter? Economic momentum is projected to slow in the fourth quarter, but economists expect consumers will provide enough power to fuel growth through the year’s end. Boeing workers to vote next week on a new proposal that could… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Boeing says it’s cutting 10% of its workforce, or about 17,000 employees Boeing on Friday said it’s cutting 10% of its workforce, or about 17,000 employees. In a memo on Friday, CEO Kelly Ortberg announced the layoffs, writing that the aerospace giant must make “tough decisions” to stay competitive. AAA reports… Read more
In a crowded marketplace, standing out can be a real challenge. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the testimonial—a genuine account of your customers’ positive experiences with your business. These success stories not only build trust and credibility but also can significantly boost your sales and brand reputation. If you’re a small business owner looking to harness the power of testimonials, this guide is for you.… Read more
For small businesses in today’s competitive market, outsourcing can offer a range of advantages. Not only does it reduce costs and free up valuable time for owners to focus on growing their business, but it also provides access to skills and expertise that may be unavailable in-house. By working with external professionals or firms who work in certain areas, small businesses have the opportunity to streamline operations, increase productivity and… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Disaster assistance for those affected by Hurricane Helene The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by natural disasters. This financial aid is designed to help with repairs and rebuilding efforts, and to cover the loss… Read more
Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most critical responsibilities is maintaining accurate records of your business transactions. From saving receipts to processing employee payroll, every money-related detail should be documented. It’s not just about keeping things tidy; it’s about understanding the financial health of your business and meeting all your tax obligations. Don’t underestimate the basics Some… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Low weekly US jobless claims, robust corporate profits highlight economy’s resilience The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits dropped to a four-month low last week, suggesting that the labor market remained fairly healthy. The upbeat outlook on the economy was underscored by other data on Thursday… Read more
When things are hectic, most small business owners wish they could find a way to get more than 24 hours into a day. Often, your ‘to-do’ list can get so long that you feel you never get to put as much attention into every task as you would like. It can also mean more time in the office or dealing with work issues after-hours – cutting into your free time… Read more